This is the moment we are let in on the universe

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“You can say you were worried about me Barko. In fact I’m flattered you—“

“Jesus christ, just fucking take this and shut the fuck up already!”

Hank doesn’t want to shut the fuck up. In fact he’s thinking 10 more different things to say to fluster Gary further. It’s way too fucking easy to do and—

“Wait. What is this?” Hank whispers, all mirth gone from his voice and soon anymore words are gone too, effectively giving Gary what he wants. Hank shutting the fuck up.

But of course, pleasing the fake blond is never easy. “Wh-what? Did you go fucking blind too?” Gary stutters out, that familiar edge coming out of him, but Hank can only focus on the picture in his hands.

Hank knows he should say something. Gary is never good when people don’t fall for his bait, but how can he when he’s holding a photo of—

“I swear to god if you go silent again. It’s just a goddamn photo of you and your best fucking friends. The muskaqueers or whatever you assholes call yourselves.”

It’s the Musketeers, you dick. Hank wants to say, but he doesn’t. After all, in his hand is a photo of him and the Musketeers. Pete has Hank in a sort of chokehold and his fellow brother in arms, Ray, is ruffling Hank’s hair. Art was no help back then and instead laughed at Hank’s plight so he was left alone to deal with his friends and get them off him.

They’re all smiling brightly. A shine in their eyes.

“…I took it at the party. You guys were being noisy ass shit and— uh—“ Gary’s rambling knocks Hank back into his senses as he continues talking, “I had my camera and—“

“Yeah, well it’s a good fucking photo. Man…” Hank interrupts him causing both of them to fall silent. Words somehow gone been two fuckers who have too much shit too say, yet the air remains thick. “Thank you, Gary.” Hank finally says, looking up at Gary who turns his head away immediately, cheeks flushed red.

“Yeah, well— Never say I didn’t do nothing for ya’.” Gary pauses, “But you’re welcome...” It’ s quick and rushed out and Gary looks like he wants to leave, but even so, Hank can’t help but feel as if we can still hear the laughter just by looking at this photo. As if somehow Barkovitch has managed to capture the joy of him and his best-fucking-friends in one photo.