Chapter 8: Loneliness & Family

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At Central Station

"Caesar, what is this place?"

"It's our new home since we can't yet steadily inherit the Circle without having our parents found out, so It's time for a time skip!"

"Oh, that's nice..."

"Y'know you'll have to speak more like a human and not a robot otherwise people will laugh at you"

"I don't wanna speak like that if it means we'll have to live Ilinois"

"...I don't want to leave but It's the only way to move on..."

"Can we visit them at least..."

"You didn't even know them that well!"

"But they're important to you so to me they are too"

*chuckles*

"You're going to me cry anyway, I got the usual stuff, 50k and the fake passports, so your name from now is..."

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"..." as Thess who is revealed to be reminiscing something is about to cry.

*quietly cries*

"Wow, you must've been like best friends with Mr.Hubbs or something if you're crying about him, but I don't give a s*** so explain in a non-Thess way how you have the child of the Hydra?"

*Whisper*

"...I'm sorry Mr.Hubbs, I should've saved you why didn't I tell everyone..."

Thess's Flashback

Thess's mind wandered back to the day when he and Caesar had moved to this city from another town. They were both eager for a fresh start, leaving behind their troubled pasts. Mr. Hubbs had been their neighbour, a kind and elderly man who quickly became a father figure to them.

Thess remembered how Mr. Hubbs would tell them stories, lend them books, and always had a warm smile on his face. He had been there to guide them, offering advice and support whenever they needed it. Thess felt immense guilt weighing on his heart as he realized that he hadn't been there for Mr. Hubbs during his final moments.

Tears streamed down Thess's face as he replayed the memories in his mind. The guilt gnawed at him, knowing that he could have done something to prevent Mr. Hubb's death if only he had been aware of it.

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Linus POV:

As Linus emerged from Aria's cave, his face covered in dirt and his clothes tattered, he couldn't help but roll his eyes at the dramatic turn his life had taken. Sarcasm dripped from his voice as he muttered to himself.

"Oh, fantastic! Just what I needed—a life-altering encounter with a snake woman in a cave. Because that's totally normal!"

Brushing off the dirt from his clothes, Linus made his way to his family home. He was greeted by his younger brother Jacob, a seven-year-old bundle of energy, and his twin sister Rosy, who always seemed to have a mischievous glint in her eye.

"Hey, big brother! Where have you been? Did you find a secret treasure or fight off monsters?" Jacob asked, his eyes wide with excitement.

Linus smirked and ruffled Jacob's hair. "Oh, you have no idea, little man. I battled dragons, swam with mermaids, and saved the world. Just a typical day in the life of an ordinary teenager."

Rosy chimed in, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Of course, Linus. We all know you're the hero of the universe. Just don't forget to take out the trash while you're at it."

Linus couldn't help but chuckle at his sister's witty remark. As he made his way into the house, he found his mother, Emily, going about her daily chores. Her tired eyes lit up with joy as she saw her son.

"Linus! You're back. I've missed you. How was your adventure?"

He shrugged nonchalantly. "Oh, you know, the usual. Almost got eaten by a giant spider, but I managed to scare it away with my incredible dance moves. No big deal."

Emily laughed, a sound that warmed Linus's heart. "You always know how to bring laughter into our lives, my dear."

Linus's gaze shifted around the room, taking in the familiar surroundings. He realized that despite the absurdity of his recent experiences, his family provided him with a sense of stability and peace. A newfound determination welled up inside him.

"Mom, Jacob, Rosy, I want you all to know something. Life can be strange and unpredictable, but as long as we have each other, we'll be okay. I'll do everything I can to protect this peace we have and keep our family safe. We may not have our father with us, but we have each other, and that's what matters."

His family exchanged glances, a mixture of surprise and admiration on their faces. Emily's eyes shimmered with tears as she embraced her son.

"Oh, Linus, you've grown into such a remarkable young man. And you've got a sense of poetry too, just like your Grandfather."

Linus smiled, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. As he looked at his family, he knew that no matter what strange adventures awaited him, his home and the love they shared would always be his anchor.

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Justus's Apartment

..........

In the quiet solitude of his apartment, Justus found solace in talking to his imaginary family. As he sat in his worn-out armchair, he addressed the empty space with a mix of nostalgia and denial.

"Hey, August, you won't believe the incredible things I've accomplished today. I closed a big business deal and made a ton of money. September, you should see the luxurious life I'm living. I've got a penthouse apartment and the fanciest cars you can imagine."

He paused, imagining their proud smiles and approving nods. In his mind, his family was still alive, thriving in their respective months, blissfully unaware of the harsh reality that had stolen them away. Justus refused to speak of that fateful day, a shootout in Harlem that shattered his world and left him with only memories.

"October, my dear, I'm taking care of everything, just like you taught me. The bills are paid, and I've managed to save up for our dream vacation. November, you'd be amazed at how well I'm managing without you. I've become so independent, handling everything on my own."

His voice carried a bittersweet tone, a mix of longing and a desperate need to hold on to the illusion he had crafted. He couldn't bear the thought of accepting their absence, as it would shatter his carefully constructed view of life.

"December, my love, I'm surrounded by friends and success. They admire me for my strength and resilience. They don't need to know the truth, do they? They don't need to know that you're no longer here."

Justus closed his eyes, taking a moment to imagine their laughter, their voices filling the room. It was his way of finding comfort, of feeling their presence in the emptiness that surrounded him.

Every day, he would carry on these one-sided conversations, updating his family on his supposed achievements, and refusing to acknowledge the gaping hole their absence had left in his heart. It was a coping mechanism, a delicate balance between denial and preserving his sense of purpose.

As the daylight faded, casting shadows across the room, Justus whispered one final goodbye to his imaginary family, each named after a random month.

"Goodnight, my beloved ones. Rest well, knowing that I'm thriving and making you proud. I'll continue to carry you in my heart, forever and always."

In the silence that followed, Justus retreated into his world of illusion, finding solace in the company of his departed loved ones, even if it was just a figment of his imagination.