The Handmaid’s Tale AU...
He’d been told what to expect, but the sight of a plane filled with small children and Marthas was still a shock. It shouldn’t have been possible, but here it was right in front of him. Freddie’s eyes scanned the crowd, instantly seeking out Veronica, Robert and Michael- he couldn’t see them, but it was a big plane...
They were all staring at him, so Freddie shook himself out his shock and forced himself to speak.
“My name’s Freddie Hutton,” he said, looking around at them all. “I’m here to help.” They all looked exhausted, shocked; they looked like they expected something bad to happen.
But then a little hand gently tugged on his, and Freddie looked down into the wide, curious eyes of a little Omega girl, dressed all in white, perhaps ten years old at most. “Excuse me,” she said quietly. “Is this the place where I can wear what I want?”
“It is, darling,” Freddie said. He helped her to her feet and did his best to smile at the watching crowd. “Come on; let’s get you off this plane.”
Silently, they all stood and followed him out. As soon as they descended the stairs, the volunteers all rushed forward with blankets, cups of warm drinks and notepads, preparing to list names, dynamics and ages. Freddie kept looking for Veronica and her sons, and he watched Deacy who was looking increasingly desperate.Â
And then Freddie saw a familiar face, totally unexpected. A Beta man, draped in dull green.
“Joe!” Freddie called, hurrying back through the crowd. Joe spotted him and his eyes widened.
“Ofnorman?” Joe asked. Freddie flinched and Joe immediately looked apologetic.
“Freddie,” Freddie corrected quietly. “Freddie Hutton.” He held his hand out. Smiling, tears in his eyes, Joe took it and held on tight.Â
“Joe Fanelli,” he said, voice trembling. “It’s- it’s good to meet you properly.”
Freddie wasn’t sure which one of them initiated the hug; he just knew they were suddenly clinging together, and Joe was crying.Â
“You’re okay,” Freddie said. “You’re out; you’re safe now.”