#burtry

 Burt walked through the halls of the space station, he felt a little nervous, but that was okay. He knew Henry. He knew that even if Henry rejected him he would let him down gently at least, so it wouldn't be too bad. He just had to find him, and tell him how he felt. Burt recited his confession in his head, trying to figure out the best phrasing to go with. 

Eventually he found Henry in the conference room of the station, he was sitting at the large round table by himself. He appeared to be marking important places on the world map. Henry noticed Burt's presence and waved at him, smiling. Then he rested his hands on the table, pausing whatever work he was doing. "Hi Henry uh… can I… talk to you for a bit?" Henry nodded and gestured towards the chair across from him at the table. Burt quietly moved to his seat, still uneasy at the thought of confessing his feelings for Henry. But he wanted to take that chance. "Henry. There's something I want to tell you. It's um, a little personal." Henry nodded. "Okay uh.." Burt trailed off a bit, then cleared his throat and continued. "Henry I… I'm not good at these things but I just wanted to tell you that I-" Burt froze slightly, he wanted to continue but he wasn't sure how. What was he supposed to say? His hands fidgeted. Burt thought about his previous conversation with Sven.

 "There's no better confession than an earnest one."

Burt took a deep breath.

"I just want to say that I really like spending time with you and I appreciate you." Burt decided to be a little bold, he reached out in front of him and gently held Henry's hand. He avoided eye contact as his cheeks turned pink, then continued to speak. "I feel so… safe around you. You're so fun and gentle. I like spending time with you. I love it when you visit me during work. I love your determination, you're always up to something and you're so motivated. You make me feel happy whenever you're around. I feel like I can trust you Henry, I just want to say that I… I love you. I really love you."

Burt avoided looking Henry in the eyes. "I'd really like to get to know you more in a… romantic setting? If you uh, you want to try that too."

 Burt began to pull his hand away, fearing he had made Henry uncomfortable. Before Burt could fully break the contact between the two of them however, Henry's grip on Burt's hand tightened. Burt jolted in surprise, then looked Henry in the eyes. Henry was smiling at him…

Henry gave a nod and thumbs up and let go of Burt's hand so he could sign more clearly. "I had no idea you felt that way. Though maybe I should have." The both of them chuckled. "So… What do you say Henry? Wanna go on a date sometime?" Burt asked, having a bit more confidence. Henry gave Burt a nod. "What do you want to do for our date?" Henry asked. 

"I uh… shit. I didn't think this far ahead." Burt admitted, slightly embarrassed. Henry chuckled. "How about a movie in the station theater?" He signed, figuring it was a good place to start. "Uh, yeah! That sounds good." Burt agreed, still a little bit flustered. "What time works best for you?"  "7 okay with you?" Henry asked. "Yeah! Sounds good Henry." Burt replied sheepishly. Henry beamed "Great! I will see you then!" Then he took off, some other Toppat was yelling for him. Honestly Burt was grateful that someone interrupted their conversation, because that meant no one would see the excitement and panic taking over him. For once it was hard for him to keep his signature blank face. 

Burt pulled out his phone and texted Sven.

"I did it."

…

Burt wished he could focus on the movie, he really did. But he was too tense. He knew he shouldn't be, but he couldn't help it. His nerves were getting the better of him. Henry, on the other hand, appeared totally relaxed. Burt wondered how Henry felt about all of this. Burt's grip on the armrests was tight, a failed attempt to help himself relax. It was kind of ironic, if you'd ask Burt a year ago how he felt around Henry, he probably wouldn't have said much. He would've reacted the same way he did with every other boss he's had, complete indifference. But now, he felt like a teenager in a romcom, practically having a heart attack over the smallest ounce of romance. Burt's wrists started to ache from the constant tension in his body. Why was he freaking out!? He was on a date with Henry! This is what he wanted! 

Burt jolted when he felt a sudden but gentle touch on his hand. He realized Henry was caressing Burt's hand with his thumb. Henry entwined their fingers together, he gave Burt a sympathetic look before leaning closer to him. "Hey Burt." Henry's forever raspy voice whispered into Burt's non-existent ear. "You alright?" Burt was glad the theater was mostly dark, that meant Henry couldn't see how red his face was for once. "Yeah, I'm fine." Burt whispered back quickly. "You sure? You seem tense. Why don't we head out and get some dinner instead?" Henry whispered caringly. Burt felt bad that he was ruining the moment, but maybe some food would do him some good. "You know what? Sure. Let's do that… Thank you, Henry." Henry nodded, and the two left, doing their best not to bump into anyone else in the theater. 

…

The two men sat across from each other at a small table, next to them was a large window that gave them a perfect view of Earth and the vast sea of stars that surrounded it. They began eating a nice dinner. Burt felt much more relaxed in this environment, though he wasn't sure why. 

Looking at Henry in this moment, awestruck with the stars and smiling slightly with every bite he took. Burt noticed that whenever Henry ate the food on the Toppat station, he closed his eyes and savored the flavor. Like it was his own little slice of paradise. Through the subtlety of Henry's movements and facial expressions, Burt could see how much Henry just… genuinely enjoyed this. It was yet another thing Burt liked about Henry. 

Henry waved to get Burt's attention. "Yeah Henry? What's up?" Henry raised his hands, tilting his head to the side as he signed. "Are you feeling better?" Burt smiled and nodded. "Much. Thank you for this, I'm sorry for making you leave the movie with me. I didn't mean to spoil the fun." Burt apologized, feeling a bit guilty. Henry waved dismissively. "Don't worry about it. I prefer this anyway. It feels…" Henry pauses for a moment, seeming to think what to sign next. "... Natural." Burt let out a breath of relief. Glad he was on the same page. "I like just eating and talking with you, Henry." Burt rubbed the back of his head, slightly nervous still. "I… I'm not really accustomed to this sort of thing. Dating, you know? I rarely ever feel this way about someone. I'm glad that I feel this way, but I'm still adjusting, I guess." Burt admitted, once again pouring his heart out to Henry. Henry nodded, seeming to sympathize with Burt's problems. 

"Well, I still appreciate you coming to dinner with me, it's nice spending time with you." Henry signed to Burt with a smile. "You're great company and I like having you around." Henry reached across the table, gently gripping Burt's hand. Burt smiled back. "Thanks, Henry. I… I enjoy spending time with you too." This was nice, just having a calm moment between the two of them. After all the craziness that transpired, it was a relief to have this night. The two of them paused for a bit, seeming to run out of things to say. Henry gently lifted Burt's hand, and leaned forward to get closer, closing his eyes. Henry gave it a kiss, Burt's face turned pink at the action, he could feel Henry's lips on his knuckles. Henry's eyes fluttered open, locking with Burt's. "Let's make sure to do this again, yeah?" Henry said out loud, as gently as his scratch voice would allow. "Y-Yeah." Burt agreed with a flustered tone. 

"His Translator" Teaser

*Based on the Toppat Recruits ending and my "Addicted" comic. One more thing, this will have angst, and some sensitive content, blood and whatnot. Enjoy the oneshot!*

        Burt walked to Henry's room. He saw Henry storm by, clearly bothered by something. He entered the residential area, feeling nervous, (even if he didn't always express it on his face). His stomach was in knots as he reached the door to Henry's headquarters. 'Please don't be doing it again Henry. You do deserve better.' He thought. The metal door opened, revealing Henry, who was sitting on the edge of his bed, his back turned towards Burt. 

      "Ssss!" Henry hissed in pain, sharply sucking air through his teeth. 'Shit.' Burt thought. Henry was doing it again. Burt walked around to be in front of Henry, who didn't respond to the new presence in his room. Henry held his lit cigarette in between two of his fingers, he was pressing the hot, ashy cigarette bud into the exposed skin on his other hand. Blood oozed from the burning flesh. Burt grabbed the first aid kit hanging on the wall, then sat on the bed next to Henry.  Burt took the cigarette from Henry, dropping it on the floor and putting it out with the bottom of his shoe. He'd pick it up later. "If you keep doing that you're gonna run out of skin to burn." Burt commented, gently grasping the burning, bleeding, hand. Henry said nothing, but made no attempt to pull his hand away. This had become a routine of theirs, Burt finding Henry burning himself and patching him up. It was thanks to this routine that Henry had the first aid kit at all. Burt had put it there in hopes to silently encourage Henry to take better care of himself. 

      Henry took his hat off and rested his head on Burt's shoulder, letting him clean and bandage his hand. "I know…" he mumbled into Burt's shoulder, almost inaudibly. "What happened this time?" Burt asked, his voice monotone like usual. Henry stayed quiet. "Just one of those days again, huh?" Henry's silence continued. Burt finished wrapping the bandages on Henry's hand but continued to hold it. Neither of them were really good with emotional talk, so they mostly expressed care through action. Whether it was laying next to each other on a late night, giving small kisses on the cheek or just holding hands, they knew they both cared. Burt gave Henry a kiss on the forehead. "Don't wanna talk about it, eh?" Henry shook his head, burying his face into Burt's shoulder. Burt wrapped his arm around Henry, then he leaned back onto the bed, bringing Henry down with him. Henry made no effort to pull away. "You really need to stop doing that. You deserve better than that." Burt said, entwining their fingers while Henry moved to lay on his side. Burt's grip on Henry's hand was gentle, as to not hurt the already injured flesh under the bandages. "... Why do you even bother with all this? You and I both know I'm gonna do it again." Henry asked. His tone sounded hopeless, and disappointed. "At this point, helping me is just… it's-... It's just pointless." Henry sighed, his spiral of negativity overcoming him. Henry hugged himself (rather, half-hugged himself since Burt was still holding one of his hands). "Why bother with me?" Henry asked weakly, his eyes starting to burn with tears. No. Do not start crying damn it! Haven't you bothered Burt enough? Stop it! Henry thought to himself. Henry dug his nails into his skin hoping in vain that it would distract himself. Burt's eyes widened. He grabbed Henry's other hand to stop him from hurting himself even more. 

      "Henry. Listen to me. You are not a bother, you are the love of my life. If I have to come in here and do this every day I'll do it. If doing this helps you, even if just a little bit, then I'm going to keep doing it. I know I don't always express it, but I hate seeing you do this to yourself. Please Blues, let me help you. You are worth it. Even on your worst days." Burt pleaded, looking Henry in the eyes. That's when Henry broke. Burt let go of Henry's hands and wrapped his arms around him. Henry buried his face into Burt's chest, now full on sobbing. Burt rubbed circles on Henry's back, and kissed the top of his head. "It hurts Burt..." Henry's voice cracked as he continued to cry. Burt's hold on Henry tightened. "Is there anything I can do to make it hurt less?" Burt asked. "Just… keep  holding me… please." Henry quietly begged. "Will do." Burt knew Henry needed more than hugs to get through this, but it was a start. "Henry, I think you should see a counselor. I'm sure therapy will help you. Please at least consider it." Burt asked. Henry sniffed, trying to steady his breathing and voice. "... Okay… I'll think about it." 

...

     Henry and Burt continued to cuddle. Henry's crying subsided, his sorrow replaced by exhaustion. He struggled to keep his eyes open, and Burt noticed this. Burt kissed the top of Henry's head. "I love you, blues. Sleep well." Burt said quietly. "I love you too, gemstone."

     Henry and Burt walked to the brig together. When the brig's metal door opened, the first thing they saw was Reginald angrily talking to a prisoner through one of the cell windows and Sven standing awkwardly behind him. "I didn't want to believe it when I was told you were here. Yet we meet again." Reginald stated in an aggravated tone. Henry and Burt couldn't see who he was talking to. Sven noticed the two of them and immediately spoke up, interrupting Reginald. "Ah! Chief! You're here! This is the guy claiming to know you." Reginald, upon hearing this, moved back from the window, allowing Henry to see the prisoner. Burt stood next to him, ready to Translate his sign. 

     "Hey son, how have you been?" Terrence Suave. Henry knew that voice anywhere, even though he hadn't heard it in a while. Henry waved awkwardly. " 'Son'? " Reginald repeated under his breath. Burt shrugged it off, it was a little surprising, but it kinda made sense. Terrence glanced at Burt, "Who's your friend, Henry?" He asked. "I'm Burt, I'm the head of communications. I'm also Henry's translator since I know sign language." He replied bluntly. "Oh, well that's convenient. I don't know sign language." Terrence commented. Burt raised an eyebrow. "You have a son who's a selective mute and you never learned sign language?" Burt questioned. "Eh. Never got around to it, ya know? Besides, we had writing materials that he could use." Terrence replied, dismissing Burt. "Anyway, enough of that. Henry my boy! We haven't talked in a while, how's it feel being the leader of the Toppats?" 

Henry remained silent, he didn't even lift his hands to sign. He just stared at his father, it was awkward, to say the least. It was hard to read his emotions at that moment. Was he mad? Or just surprised? "Right, good talk. Listen kiddo, could ya tell these hooligans to let me out? It's getting pretty boring in this little prison cell." Terrence's tone didn't sound quite like a request as much as it did a command. Henry eventually raised his hands to sign. Burt's eyes followed Henry's hand movements before relaying the message. "He's asking why you're here." Burt told Terrence, who just shrugged and said "I guess the Toppats didn't like me getting in the way of their heist and they brought me here." 

"Even when you're not a part of the clan you still manage to cause us trouble." Reginald voiced, annoyance clear in his tone. "Oh shut up Reggie, I'm trying to talk to my son. This doesn't concern you." Terrence snapped. "Well, considering the fact that Henry's the chief now, a far better one than you ever were, I think it is my business. Unless HE says otherwise." Reginald replied sharply. Henry quickly signed. "He says you can stay." Burt stated. "Thank you" Reginald replied. Terrence rolled his eyes, then spoke again. "Seriously though Henry, I haven't heard from you in such a long time. You ignoring me or something? Haha" 

"Yes." Henry replied. His voice laced with its usual hoarseness. Silence.

 "Wow son. Your voice is uh…" Terrence trailed off, Henry gave him a glare. It was the kind of look that said "you know what you've done". It was stern, angry. It was kinda weird to see Henry like that, at least in Burt's opinion. Terrence on the other hand had a look of guilt. He sighed, then spoke up again. "I know… I'm sorry, Henry." Burt, Reginald, and Sven exchanged looks, each one indicating an awkward "I don't know what's happening either" feeling. 

"Still mad, huh Henry?" Terrence asked. Henry signed, Burt translating it as he went along. "He's saying: Of course I am! Who wouldn't be? My voice is practically ruined thanks to your carelessness. I can't talk for long periods of time anymore. Not to mention, you couldn't even be bothered to learn sign language for my sake. I'll never sound the same again thanks to this!" Henry gestured to the scar on his neck before continuing (with Burt's help). "Was it really that hard to care? To just try and take precautions?" Another pause. Terrence eventually replied. "I never meant to hurt you, I hope you know that." 

Henry signed, his translator helping him once again. "I know, but did you ever take the steps to make sure you wouldn't?" Terrence's head hung in shame. "Not as much as I should have." 

Silence. Awkward, tense, silence. Burt looked up at Henry's face. He looked so… hurt. Burt put his arm around Henry, after all, that was something his boss usually did to comfort others, maybe he'd appreciate it. "Boss?" Burt asked, trying to elicit a response from Henry. Henry spoke up, despite his hurting throat. He just wanted to be done with this. "I… think we're done here." He turned to Reginald and Sven. "Send him to Earth." Henry started walking towards the brig's exit door Burt following behind him, ready to leave. "Son wait!" Terrence yelled, Henry paused but didn't turn around. "You know I love you, right? I know I'm not a very responsible person, but I love you, kiddo. Just, remember that. Okay?" Henry took a deep breath and replied: "I love you too. But I can't count on you." He then walked out. 

...

      Henry speed walked to his office with Burt right behind him. The two of them entered Henry's office and closed the doors. Henry returned to using sign.

 'Sorry you had to be involved in that.' 

"It's fine boss, I'm… I'm happy to help." Burt tried to give a friendly smile, but it ended up being more awkward than anything else. "So, uh, how are you feeling? After… all that." Burt asked, he really wished he was better at comforting people. 'I'm ok. Just aggravated.' Upon seeing that, Burt realized something. "Wait. Boss, didn't you tell me that your larynx was damaged from a surgical operation gone wrong? What did you mean back there when you said his carelessness nearly ruined your voice?" Burt questioned, something was definitely missing in that story. 'Both are true. I just didn't tell you the full story. The only other person I've told the full story to is Ellie.' Henry replied. Burt's curiosity definitely peaked there. "I've got time. If you wanna talk about it." Burt inquired, pulling up a chair. Henry thought about it for a moment. Burt was a good listener when he wanted to be, and if he didn't want to listen he wouldn't have offered in the first place. Yeah, he trusted Burt.

    'When I was 12 my dad took me out to our backyard for shooting practice, and at some point he was standing next to me and twirling his revolver on his finger. The safety wasn't on and he accidentally shot me. He took me to the hospital and they managed to remove the bullet but they accidentally damaged my larynx. He didn't mean to hurt me. I know he didn't, but there were several times when I nearly died because he didn't take precautions. I guess I don't have the right to complain though. I'm pretty reckless too. Maybe it's wrong of me to hold a grudge, since I'm not much better, but it still hurts.' Burt felt a little pang in his heart. Sure Henry was reckless, but he was a good boss. He had clear goals and dedication, he didn't just go into things blindly. Even Reginald freaking Copperbottom said he was a good leader. Burt wanted Henry to remember that. He held Henry's hand, catching his attention. "Boss, you're totally justified in being upset. What happened to you has affected you for your whole life since then. You counted on him to be responsible, and he wasn't. And sure, you're reckless, you have plenty of scars to prove it, but you have purpose. You know what you want and you do whatever you can to achieve it. You care about us, and trust me, the Toppats appreciate it. I appreciate it. I mean, that's why your spine was replaced, right? You helped us, we helped you. I'm pretty sure if the clan thought you were as bad of a leader as Terrence Suave was, you wouldn't still be the chief. Plus… I like having you as a boss. I think you're pretty great." Burt's cheeks turned a bit pink as he finished talking. He wasn't emotional with many people, but he was willing to be sincere with Henry. Henry was sincere with him, vulnerable around him, he trusted him, and Burt liked being there for Henry. There was this pleasant, warm feeling Burt got when Henry was around him. He wasn't 100% sure what it was exactly. Platonic? Romantic? He didn't know, but regardless of what the specifics were, he knew that he cared. For once, he cared. 

      Henry hugged Burt, which certainly did not make the blush on Burt's face any less prominent. Eventually Henry pulled away. "Feeling any better?" Burt asked. Henry smiled and gave a thumbs up. "Ok good." Burt replied. There was a slight pause.

 'Want to go get some muffins?' Henry signed, Burt chuckled. "Sounds good, Boss."

     Boss fell down a cliff? Does he even have a chance to survive that? Burt thought after being filled in on the story. He could only imagine how painful that was for Henry. Burt sat alongside Reginald, RHM, and Ellie as they waited outside the medical ward. It had been several hours, and they still hadn't heard anything about his condition yet. 

They waited, anticipating how bad the damage was until finally a doctor emerged with an explanation. Ellie immediately asked "Is Henry okay? Can we see him?" "You may. Come with me, I will explain his condition." They all awkwardly shuffled into the room to see Henry. To everyone's relief, he was alive, although he had clearly seen better days.

"The chief has sustained a number of injuries, so I'll start with the lesser ones then move up to the more severe ones, alright?" 

Everyone nodded.

"To start off, he's heavily bruised, that will heal with time. He has some gashes that we have stitched up, he will recover from those as well. He has a concussion that we will be monitoring, and finally… "

 The doctor took a deep breath before she walked to her desk to pick up a small stack of papers, presenting them to the group. Upon closer inspection, it was clear they were x-rays. 

"As you can see on these x-ray photos, his spine had broken. We couldn't fix it, so we had to.. Replace it using cybernetics. Much like we did with you, Right. So, overall, Henry Stickmin will make a full recovery. He's lucky you brought him here when you did, he probably wouldn't have made it if you brought him in any later."

 Holy sh*t. We could've lost him just like that? Burt thought, he looked at Henry. His bruised, beaten face. Clearly some of those marks weren't from the fall. Who would go so far against one man? Burt's heart sank slightly. He thought about the scars Henry showed him. Looks like you'll be adding some scars to that list boss. Burt inquired internally. 

If this had happened a year ago, Burt wouldn't have cared that much, but he was getting to know Henry. He cared what happened to him. He wanted to talk to him. He wanted to see him. He just wanted to spend time with Henry and get to know him more. Burt's train of thought was interrupted by Ellie's voice. 

 "Poor Henry… I hope he'll adjust well to his metal spine..." Ellie's voice was laced with a mix of pity and awkwardness.

"We should find a way to thank him for his help!" Reginald remarked, RHM hummed in agreement. 

"Maybe we should start by giving him a "get well soon" cake." Ellie suggested. 

Burt paid her little mind as he walked to the side of Henry's bed, observing the unconscious man. It felt weird seeing him like this, his usually silly and welcoming demeanor was absent. He just looked so tired and hurt. Then suddenly, he began to stir, a groan of pain escaping his throat. Burt's eyes widened slightly, a bit of excitement bubbling in his chest. Henry blinked his eyes open. "Hey boss, good to see you're awake. How are you feeling?" Burt asked quietly, he was sure to keep his tone gentle not wanting to overwhelm the pained man. Henry remained quiet as he made eye contact with Burt through half closed eyes. Ellie and the others turned towards Henry's direction after hearing Burt speak. Ellie walked to Henry's other side, eager to talk to him. "I'd give you a hug if your body wasn't riddled with injuries." Ellie semi jokingly declared. "Henry! Goodness, you have us quite a scare!" Reginald remarked, a mix of excitement and nerves in his voice. " 'Ello Henry. 'Ow are you feeling?" Right's voice interjected, a serious tone prominent in his words. Henry drowsly looked around, he seemed to notice they were there but he wasn't responding. He seemed out of it like he could see them but their words weren't getting through to him. It made sense, he did have a concussion after all, not to mention he also just had surgery.  Burt decided to try another approach, sign language. Burt slowly waved his hand in front of Henry's face, gaining his attention. Burt signed slowly, keeping the messages simple as to not overwhelm Henry. 'How are you?' Burt asked, not sure if Henry could really understand him at the moment. To his surprise, Henry signed back. Albeit slowly, 'Hurts' Henry replied. 'I bet it did' Burt commented.

 "What's he saying?" Ellie asked. "He's just saying he's in pain. I'll translate as we talk so you guys can follow." Burt replied. 

 'We were worried about you' Burt mentioned, speaking out loud while he and Henry conversed in sign. 'Can't feel inside back' Henry signed. "They had to remove your spine." Henry immediately had a look of panic, quickly signing 'They stole my bones!?' "Your spine was broken, they gave you a new one." Burt said in attempts to calm Henry, realizing that Henry was probably still slightly loopy from pain meds. "Boss, calm down. They gave you a new spine. You will be fine."

'So they didn't steal my skeleton?' 

"No boss, they didn't steal your skeleton."

'Ok good. I like my skeleton.' 

Burt and the others chuckled. 

"Skeletons are good to have." Burt replied, deciding to humor Henry a bit.

The group continued to spend time with Henry until he fell asleep again. 

The group finally left to let Henry rest, parting ways. Ellie took charge while Henry recovered. Reginald and Right decided to enjoy being reunited without interruption, and Burt went to get some work done. They would all visit Henry again the next day, hopefully by then he'd be less loopy.

       Burt's eyes fluttered open as he was brought out of sleep. He was always a light sleeper, small sounds or movement woke him easily. Burt sighed, staring at the ceiling. The room was silent until...

"Sss!" The sound of someone's sharp intake of breath through their teeth caught Burt's attention. He sat up and looked at Henry, assuming the sound came from him. Henry was clutching the blankets so tightly his knuckles turned pale. His body was really tense, yet he was still sleeping. It was then it dawned on Burt.. Henry was having a nightmare. Burt wondered what Henry could be dreaming about that would evoke this kind of response. Burt observed Henry for a few more seconds before he decided to wake him up. 

     He reached out, gently placing his hand on Henry's back ( he made sure not to touch his spine ), before calling out to him. "Boss… Hey… wake up… Boss!" Burt whisper-yelled, while gently shaking Henry. Henry violently jolted awake, gasping as he did so. His spastic movement startled Burt. Henry sat up, looking around the room frantically before he moved his hands up to his chest. It was as if he was checking to see if he was intact. "Boss?" Henry's head snapped towards Burt's direction. Henry's expression was filled with panic as they made eye contact. "... Burt…?" Henry asked, his voice quiet and raspy. "Yeah boss, it's me." Henry let out a breath of relief. Henry laid back down, avoiding eye contact. He just stared off into space, as if he were contemplating what just happened. “You alright boss?” Burt asked, his voice laced with care. 

      "... Nightmare." Henry whispered, his breathing uneven. He sounded scared. Burt laid down next to Henry, resting his hand on Henry's back. "Do you want to talk about it?" Burt asked, not sure how else to help. Henry remained quiet for a bit, before he nodded. "Don't tell anyone…" 

"I won't boss, don't worry." 

        Henry nodded again; sitting up a second time, Burt did the same. Henry decided to sign, as it was more comfortable for him. 

'I was at the wall, and I called Reginald and the other Toppats for help. So I went to the cafeteria and launched myself towards the airship. I couldn't make the jump, but just before I fell, Reginald caught me. I was relieved, I thought he saved me… but he didn't. He betrayed me, he threw me into the ocean… it was cold… and dark.' 

"What happened next?" 

'I saw a woman, she saved me, gave me cybernetic enhancements, like Right's. I used them to get to the Toppats…' Henry paused, his hands trembled before he continued. 'I killed Right, and Reginald, I crashed the airship. Then I woke up.'

Burt looked up at Henry's face… was he crying? Sure enough, as if on cue, a few tears slid down his cheeks.

"Boss?"

Henry buried his face in his hands. Sobs shook Henry's body. "I don't know what scares me more, the idea of being betrayed, or the idea of me bringing so many people down with me." Henry continued to cry. Burt's heart hurt at the sight, but it was the next thing Henry said that really made his heart throb.

"I care about the Toppats. I-I don't want to hurt any of you. I love you guys." 

Burt wasn't the most emotionally intelligent person out there, but he wanted to help. He had to.

"Boss, you haven't hurt us."

"I hurt Right." Henry replied weakly.

Burt paused; that was true, but there was surely more to it than that. "I'm pretty sure that if you didn't, he would've killed you. This is Right we're talking about."

"Still feel bad… I went so far…" Henry's voice continued to be hoarse and broken.

Burt was at a loss for words. He wasn't used to seeing Henry like this. This was Henry Stickmin; the man who broke out of prison, stole the Tunisian Diamond, Overthrew the previous Toppat leaders, escaped the Wall, and saved the Toppats from the government. Yet the idea of betrayal and harming the Toppat Clan brought him to tears. Burt had to say he admired Henry's deeply rooted dedication to the clan. Sh*t. How was he supposed to comfort him? Burt sat there, contemplating the best course of action before deciding to do what Henry would do to comfort someone else; give him a hug. Burt wrapped his arms around Henry. He wasn’t usually this affectionate, he simply wasn’t accustomed to it, but Henry needed this. Henry returned the hug, as Burt expected he would. Eventually Henry’s cries eased a bit, reduced to occasional sniffles and sobs.

“... Thank you…”