Back to foster care (Tag Billy and Hope)

[call_me_snake]

Takes place two days after this and the day after this.

Snake hobbled to the garage wrestling one handed with the lock and keys. He’d promised Hope he would take her to see Billy. Nothing would stop him, even being shot. Plissken pulled out Billy’s bike first and pushed it up the ramp into the Humvee then went back for Hope’s bike. Hers was heavier and he had to struggle to push it inside. The task completed Snake sat on the bumper relaxing. The pain was coming in pulses through the left side of his body, from the leg, to his shoulder and finally into the back of his eye where it felt like a power drill grinding into his skull.

He had already maxed out on his daily dose of painkillers and turned to a few sips from his flask to help dull the pain or at least relax him some. After a few more minutes Plissken pulled down the ramp and closed up the back waiting for Hope to come out. It wasn’t long until she showed up with her back pack and got in.

As much as Snake hated to admit it, his daughter had to help him into the humvee. He clutched the wheel with a death grip but managed to smile at his daughter in the seat beside him. She knew he was in pain, everyone knew he was in pain but it was old habit to hide that weakness as much as possible. Push on through they always said in the military and Plissken still took that to heart.

The drive into the city was fairly uneventful though Plissken was anxious the whole way. He knew the cops were still looking for him. Luckily the foster home was in the suburbs. The cops still believed Snake was a full time city dweller. That had advantages he had never dreamed of.

Snake pulled into the lot and dreaded leaving his guns outside. Looking over at Hope bounding from the passenger side removed his hesitation. It took him some time to slowly walk to the front of the building. He refused to limp and in order to accomplish that through the pain he had to take his time. Snake pulled his coat off and hung it in the reception area before checking in. It was more difficult this time due to the news but he managed. He filled out Hope’s papers and soon presented her with a visitor’s badge. Snake was glad it was the woman out front. The guy who worked in the place creeped him out, no one should be that happy.

“He’s back in the TV room.” Snake motioned down the hall. He had a pretty good sense of the layout. He waited for Hope then headed for the room where he was told Billy was.

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

Snake looked between Billy and Hope dashing away.

Stay here. I'll be right back.

Snake pushed himself to his feet and moved remarkably fast for being in so much pain. He took off running after her.

Hope!

[sinful-girl.livejournal.com]

She stopped and looked back at Snake, "I just hurt people Daddy. Times for me to stop. Time for me to get big and make it better for people." She looked around a little lost, "Love me right?"

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

Snake caught up to her and frowned before kneeling down next to her. He put his arm around her and smiled. I'll always love you babydoll but maybe before we start acting rash we should talk this out hmm?

[sinful-girl.livejournal.com]

She shook her head, "Lena don't play no more, Billy hates me, Solan stays way from me, no point being here no more."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

Billy doesn't hate you and Solan still doesn't know what to make of having a family. Snake looked right into her eyes. I can think of plenty of reasons for you to be here.

[sinful-girl.livejournal.com]

Hope shook her head, "I just hurt people. I'm not posed to."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

Snake smiled. You've brought me more hope for the future and my life then you can imagine babydoll. You are something I never imagined I would have in my life.

[sinful-girl.livejournal.com]

"Still be here, just like Aggie, just big." She looked down towards Billy's room. "Wish he could feel how much leaving him behind hurts."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

Then don't. Snake pulled her a little closer so he could whisper. You are Hope. He is in there hoping Hope will wait for him. If you don't want to leave him then don't find the hope for both of you. I'll do whatever I can to help you, you know that but you have to make the choice to stay or to walk away.

[sinful-girl.livejournal.com]

She shook her head, "He'll get more tached and when I change it will hurt more. Better now than before he really really likes me."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

Snake looked down at his wedding ring thinking about his talk with Billy. I think it might be too late to worry about that babydoll.

[sinful-girl.livejournal.com]

"Daddy, will happen this year, me growing up, I knows it. Better now than later."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

Then what? Just because you grow up, that isn't going to change Billy's heart or yours.

Snake took a deep breath as her words finally sunk in. Snake visibly saddened.

If you two really love each other and this isn't some kiddie crush, no amount of distance or time will change those feelings.

[sinful-girl.livejournal.com]

"Wont be able to tell for about ten to fifteen years."

She looked down, tears running once more down her cheeks, "I have to grown up fast, today, tomorrow, month, all got to happen, all will hurt Billy. Best now before we spend too much time together."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

Snake brushed the tears off of her cheeks. Hope, our families our friends. I don't think simply pushing this away is going to help. Why don't we just go talk..hmmm? A little while longer isn't going to hurt anything and maybe we can come up with something.

Snake gave her a quick peck on the nose and his best smile.

[sinful-girl.livejournal.com]

"I'm so tired of people hurting cause of me."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

Then it's time we figure out a way to stop it, right?

[sinful-girl.livejournal.com]

"Can't. I have to get big, no matter what."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

Then we figure out something else.

[sinful-girl.livejournal.com]

She nodded slowly "OK."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

Come on. Let's go talk to Billy and see if we can't straighten this out? Snake stood and offered Hope his hand.

[sinful-girl.livejournal.com]

She sniffled and nodded, "Put your arm back in it's bandage."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

We'll do it when we get in the other room because I'll need help. Snake smiled still holding his hand out to her.

[sinful-girl.livejournal.com]

Hope stuck her hands into her pockets and began to walk with him.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

Snake felt his heart sink when she walked past. He didn't move, just watched her walk. He felt so utterly alone at that moment.