FIC (Reprise) : Werewolf continues

[crabby-monkey.livejournal.com]

Ryan boldly goes where no man has gone before - right into Drew's sweatpants.

**

…If You’re Not Crazy

“Okay Drew, spill it. Why are you and Brad acting so weird lately?” Ryan lowered himself slowly onto one of the overstuffed chairs by Drew’s desk. He definitely wanted to get to the bottom of things before taping resumed.

Drew was being uncharacteristically nervous – he wasn’t being coy, but something was definitely wrong. He watched as Drew began pacing… and frowned as the door was suddenly locked.

“Look, you’re gonna think I’m out of my tree on this one. But I think you agree that Brad has been acting really hinky lately.”

Ryan nodded, unsure if a reply was necessary.

“I did some checking. Every time he’s gone weird… there’s a pattern to it.”

“And?” He managed to make that one syllable word last eight seconds – longer than when he made Drew apologize for calling him a goofy-looking tall freak on national television.

“Every time he’s gotten weird it’s been the same time, every month.” Drew put his head into his hands and mumbled, “It’s been happening at full moons and Brad thinks he’s a werewolf.”

“Excuse me?”

“Isaidhethinkshe’sawerewolf.”

“Say that again slower.” (I have to be hearing things…)

Drew took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “I… said… Brad… thinks… he’s… a… werewolf.”

(Shit. Okay, I wasn’t hearing things.) Ryan’s mouth opened, but the look on Drew’s face made him snap his jaws shut again. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”

“Yeah.”

“He thinks he’s a werewolf.” (I don’t know who’s crazier – him for saying it or me for believing it.) “Uh…”

“Look, I’m not saying that he * IS * one! Hell, I know they don’t exist in real life! But he really truly honest to God thinks he’s a werewolf – and something… some THING seems to be taking over each month during the full moon.” Drew stood up and started pacing nervously. “And whatever IT is, hallucination, obsession, some bizarre kind of sickness… it’s getting stronger. And something has to be done before it gets so strong that he snaps completely and kills someone!” Just the thought of how Brad reacted to the mention of little kids on a playground was enough to make him shudder.

(KILL someone?) Ryan gulped once, as he finally understood how serious things had become. “So what do you propose we do, and how can I help?” (It’s still crazy, but it adds up: all the books… keeping Brad away from certain people and keeping a tight leash any time he has to be out in public…) He noticed the hesitation. “Shit, you weren’t going to try doing anything all by yourself, were you? No offense Drew, but you are a long way from fighting trim – and Brad doesn’t seem to be afraid of you. What if he snaps and tries to come after you? Without a backup you wouldn’t stand a chance!”

“That’s what I’ve been working on.” Drew sat down on the edge of his desk and scrubbed a hand over his eyes. I’ve got a place that I’ve been fixing up. He’s gonna be tied down – chained down really. I’ve got to hit him when he’s at his most suggestible, and that means at the full moon. Ryan, I really appreciate the offer to help…”

Again he sucked in one cheek the way Colin did. “But you have Pat and the kids to worry about. I’d never be able to look them in the eyes if anything happened to you.”

“But…”

“Look, Brad may be scared of you right now, but what if * IT * decides to challenge you for the top position? And if he is changing into something animalistic when he blacks out he’ll sure as hell be able to smell you even if you’re hiding somewhere!”

(Wait a minute! Smell! His nose may be more sensitive, but what if Ryan used my shampoo, my soap and deodorant… and wore a pair of my sweats? He could stay hidden until I need him – without Brad knowing he was there! It just might work!)

“Drew? You just got this weird look on your face…”