17

It took a couple hours for the crew to be officially cleared and allowed to pass through quarantine, leaving the ship with their things in tow. Curly honestly had to take a moment to just remind himself how to walk again as he followed after the others.

Mars had been one thing, but this? Earth? Home? None of this felt real.

The sun felt warmer on his skin, the air felt crisper in his lungs, and the ground felt solid and steady beneath his feet. It was nostalgic in a sense, too good to be true, but as he lifted his bag to rest more comfortably over his good shoulder, he knew for a fact it was real. He looked up and there was every beautiful hint of imperfection. The brightness that made him squint, the way he shivered as the breeze chilled past, the way his feet scuffled against dirt and stone and concrete.

The sky was blue. He couldn't see the stars, he couldn't see the other planets, but he could see the clouds and sun and a flock of birds flying past as another shuttle took off.

It wasn't the daze of a dream. It was the steady high of being alive.

He smiled, running a hand through his hair as he looked to the few other people not from his crew walking about. Most were either on their last shifts, or they were working for the port itself rather than Pony Express. Curly could certainly tell how much of a ghost town the place had become since he was last there (would that be just a year? Or should he count the some five-ish months as a burnt sorta corpse? Fucking hell, his sense of time was never going to recover from that, was it?)

Maybe the port would transfer to more commercial work rather than dealing with private investors? Hell, who knew, it was certainly an end of an era. Pony Express might've been a shitshow, but there had been something special about being some of the last physically manned transport ships.

Curly tsked, picking up the pace as they entered into the port building, the blond keeping close to the others as more people could be seen about. Christ, crowds on earth certainly liked to pack together when compared with the more spaced out groupings on Mars. Yeah, he did not miss this part, yeeesh.

They had almost gotten outside without interruption when he almost had a heart attack as someone called out Daisuke's name. Curly's head snapped over to spot whoever the hell had just shouted, tensing a moment.

A finely-dressed man with dark hair, a clean face, and a pair of square-framed glasses stood up from where he'd been sat on a near bench.

From the corner of his eye, Curly could see Daisuke snap to attention, eyes widening before a smile brightened over his face. "DA!"

The man, who the blond now recognized as Daisuke's father, gave a matching smile as his eyes crinkled.

Daisuke was off like a shot, dropping his bags as he practically lunged for his dad, wrapping his arms around the older with a choked kind of laugh. Curly was surprised the man didn't fall with the force of the hug, though the man certainly stumbled.

Curly watched the two simply cling to one another, feeling his throat tighten a bit. He gave a light chuckle as he looked away, eyeing the nearest window, out towards the parking lot. He spoke up with a strained smile, "I don't know bout ya'll, but I'm gonna have a hell of a time remembering where in the world I parked."

Swansea snorted, patting him on the shoulder. "Good luck with that."

~

Daisuke didn't know if he was laughing or crying right now, but he really did not care. His da was like, actually here! And— and it wasn't just him on a screen or a video call but like actually here! Real and safe and just!!!! HE COULD HUG HIM!!!!!

Okay, so like, he might be crying, juuuuuust a little bit! But he was too happy to care, excitedly pulling out of their tight hug to grab his da's hand, "Oh! Oh you gotta meet the crew, like, for real now!"

His da chuckled, just letting himself be pulled over where the rest of the crew was talking about whatever it was they were talking about. Daisuke spoke up brightly, "GUYS! Say hi to my da!"

Curly looked over with a polite, nervous dip of the head while Anya gave a wave. Swansea stepped forward and stuck out a hand with a grunt, "So you're the one that's dealt with this brat for so many years, huh?"

Daisuke pouted, "Hey—"

"That'd be me," his da chuckled, his eyes briefly glancing to Swansea's 'fish fear me and women want me' hat before looking back to the boss' face. "I know it's been a time since we spoke, you're Swansea, correct?"

"Mmmhm. Myung?"

His da smiled, "That would indeed be me."

"Pleasure. You got a good boy."

Daisuke knew for a fact he was blushing at that, "Whuh— hey! Don't embarrass me—"

"Oh, for sure, he's a good kid. I… I'm proud to have him." His da looked over and gave him a watery smile, Daisuke feeling the tears beginning to fall all over again. Before either of the two men could react, he dragged them both into a hug, unable to keep back his sobbing.

~

Anya hummed softly, nudging Curly with a grin, "He's not letting them out of that hug for awhile, I bet."

Curly snorted, nodding, "Oh, for sure, ha! I don't blame him… Christ, it feels weird to be back, ya know what I mean?"

The woman glanced at him, seeing the way his arms unconciously came up to hug himself as his brow furrowed. Anya leaned in so their shoulders were touching, "It is, isn't it… how you doing?"

"Honestly?" Curly chuckled with a shrug, "I ain't too sure… just kinda wish I could see my mum sooner rather than later."

"She couldn't drive here because of her eye surgery, was it?"

"Mmhm. Cataracts in the one eye were getting bloody difficult for her."

"I can imagine," Anya's own mother couldn't make it out due to a delayed flight, but at least she knew she was still coming as soon as possible. "You know when you'll be able to go out and see her?"

He shook his head before grimacing. "I… I don't even remember her address," he admitted, giving a weak laugh as he glanced at her, "That's, that's kind of terrifying, ain't it? I feel like I've forgotten a lot of things because of all…" He made an awkward hand motion as he looked away again.

Anya had an idea what he was implying, nodding as she adjusted her glasses. She opened her mouth to say something else when Myung spoke up. It appeared the man had escaped Daisuke's hug at last. "Forgive me, ah, I've neglected to give a proper hello over here."

The captain straightened up as he slipped away, and it was so strange to see him flip that switch into that faux professional act of his again. Anya wondered if he was even aware he was doing it. "Aha, no worries at all, mate!" Curly shook the man's hand with a small smile, "Captain Curly, pleasure to meet you in the flesh, sir."

The blond flashed a grin towards Anya as she stepped up to give a polite hand shake as well. "I suppose Daisuke's told you all about are lovely nurse, Anya, yeah?"

Myung gave a chuckle with a dip of the head, "Ah yes, yes, we even managed to speak a few times over call, I recall! Delighted to meet you proper."

"Nice to meet you offically," she said with a smile.

~

Swansea glanced up to a near clock with a frown, the rest of the crew chatting on with Myung, though he could certainly tell for a fact Curly in particular was eyeing the exit more and more. Damn kid was easy to read when you paid attention, and with the way he was fiddling with his keys? Oh, for certain the man was thinking of bolting.

Though that would certainly ruin some things if he managed to weasel his way out before…

He huffed, speaking up, "My circus should be pulling up soon, hows'bout we move this chatter-fest out there, hm?"

There was little objection, Daisuke practically bouncing over to walk in stride with him. "Is your family bringing your dog???"

Swansea chuckled, ruffling the kid's hair, "Yeah, yeah—" The dumbass cheered, "—you get to meet my dog."

"EPIC!" Daisuke shoved the door open eagerly, Myung trying to call his son back so he could grab his bags before sighing and picking them up himself.

Swansea smirked over as he held the door open, "I suppose he don't get that energy of his from you?"

Myung sighed as he slipped outside, "His mother is to blame for it, even if she claims she is not."

"Mhm— OI, CURLY!" The man in question froze up from where he was trying to dart across the street, blinking over like a deer caught in the headlights. "Now wait a second, you running off just like that, really, kid?"

Curly furrowed his brow, rubbing the back of his neck. "Ah— um, I, well, I figured you lot would, uh, you know, wanna head home'n'get settled—"

"Uh-huh." The man gave a dismissive snort, "Get your ass back over here, boy."

The younger rolled his eyes, walking back over with a grumble.

~

Curly chewed on his lip as he observed Anya and Myung talk casually, Daisuke practically draped over his father's shoulder as he happily looked from one to the other.

Swansea grunted as he sat down nearby, the man having just made a call to his family to see what was taking them. The blond wasn't really sure why the technician wanted him to stick about, he'd meet his family before in passing, but well.

It was kind of nice that he was wanted around. He'd never really been one to get invited places, always the guy folk knew well enough to be friendly with, but never the one people would actually call a friend.

Curly had told himself for ages that he was fine with that, he had had Jimmy, afterall, but Christ. Who had he been kidding? Rubbing a hand down his face, he thought about leaving again, just to pause as Swansea spoke up, "About fucking time."

He glanced over, seeing a minivan easing over towards the curb, looking away to his luggage now. Alright, he could do this, a little bit of small talk and then it would be acceptable for him to head home, right?

He really did have things to deal with, but he also didn't want to seem like he was trying to avoid the crew, but also—

The man jumped a bit as he was nudged in the side, blinking over to see Swansea giving him a look. Curly gave a sheepish smile, "Aha, sorry— I zoned out again, what was—"

His words came to a halt as he looked over to the curb again, heart skipping a beat as he saw a familiar figure walking over with the rest of Swansea's family.

Surely he was seeing things right? She said she wouldn't be able to make it—

"Curly!" He stumbled to his feet, eyes widening at her voice.

His mouth went startling dry. "M-Mum?"

She smiled at him, "Well, don't just stand there, luv, come give your mother a hug."

Tears pricked at his eyes as he walked over, hand trembling as he reached out before flinching back. He covered his mouth with a hand, having to actively swallow back a sob. Oh god— oh god she was right there, she was r-right there, right infront of him, and— and he didn't know what to say! He—

Her hand came to gently cup his face, Curly feeling the tears fall at that careful touch. His eyelids fluttered as he leaned into the contact, her other hand coming to wipe away his tears. "Aw, sweetheart," she whispered and it made him feel as broken as he was, "…you look so tired."

The man gave a watery laugh as he took a hold of one of her hands and pressed a kiss to the back of it, holding onto her tightly as his breathing hitched. He was afraid to speak, as though doing so would shatter this very moment.

His mother seemed to know this, easing an arm around him as he began to tremble. "Oh… baby…" Curly swallowed thickly before burying his face into her shoulder. He tried to speak, he only managed a sob.

She carded a hand through his hair and he couldn't be strong anymore. He cried harder, hands coming to clutch tightly to her as she began to rub a soothing hand along his back, ugly sobs forcing their way up as he crumbled against her.

She didn't say a word about it. Merely holding and rocking him as he bawled his bloody damned eyes out, sobbing like he hadn't sobbed in so fucking long. And for that moment, he felt like just a kid again.

Nothing but a kid who needed a hug from his mum to make all the bad things go away.

Curly didn't dare let go.

~

Swansea gave a satisfied nod to himself as he saw Curly finally hug his mother, the mechanic looking away so he could press a kiss to his wife's cheek. Carroll leaned against him with a hum, one hand moving to play with a stray bit of hair poking out from his hat.

He waved her off with a grumble, "Would you stop that, woman? I'm no canary needing a preening."

Carroll smirked, moving to steal his hat all together so she could look it over, "I can't believe you were actually wearing this."

He scoffed, "I can do what I want, leave me be."

She gave him a roll of the eyes, pulling him to her so she could kiss him on the lips and cheek, "Oh hush, you sour old ass."

He gave a chuckle, humming as he moved to ease his arms around her, "I thought that's whatcha liked about me, mi amor."

She smiled, raising her brows at him, "Well, the money wasn't too shabby either, cariño."

Swansea gave a bark of laughter, "Goddamnnit woman, come here." He pulled her in for another kiss, running a hand through her graying curls before just lazily settling his forehead against hers. He hummed, "Noticed Willie couldn't make it, she gonna come by the house later or what?"

"If her work allows it, though she said she'd might call in." She leaned away to begin messing with his hair, tucking Swansea's hat under an arm.

"Why wontcha leave my damn hair alone," he said, not making a single move to stop her. She huffed, muttering under her breath a moment. "Amor? You know my hearing isn't the best."

"Shush." She squinted at his hair before seeming content, smiling pleasantly, "There we go."

He hummed, moving to loop an arm about her before looking for where the hell Robin had gone off to. He snorted, not shocked to see the kid over by Daisuke, Anya, and Myung. More notable was how his fucking intern had his face buried into his old mutt's fur as Robin spoke with Anya and Daisuke's father.

He looked over to see how Curly and his mother (Diane if he was remembering correctly?) were still clutching tightly to one another. He figured to bother the two about joining him and the family for dinner later when they'd collected themselves.

For now, him and his wife headed on over to join the others, Swansea letting go of Carroll to scoop Robin up in a hug despite how his back protested. His daughter yelped in surprise before laughing as she was set back down, moving to give him a hug in turn.

~

Daisuke decided today was the best day ever, hugging Swansea's dog (HIS NAME WAS SPACE CADET AAAAAAA) as the pupper contently stood there, tail wagging and occasional hitting him in the shoulder. "Swansea, dude."

The man grunted, looking over at him from where he'd been talking to Diana, Curly lingering close by so he could hold his mom's hand.

"I'm like, I'm going to steal your dog."

"And how's your father feel bout that, hm?"

Daisuke pouted, hugging Space Cadet closer, "Cmonnnnnnnnn. Lemme steal your dog just for a bit, Swansea!"

The bossman was unmoved and he could see his own da beginning to chuckle, eyes crinkling as he looked away with a fond shake of the head.

He sighed dramatically, looking the border collie in the face, "I love you, Space Cadet. I'd kill for you."

The dog opened his mouth with a lazy pant, moving to lick Daisuke on the nose.

~

Curly felt odd, most everyone in the house gathered about a pull-out table as Swansea and his wife bickered on-and-off, placing dish after dish on the table.

While he hated to admit it, it was probably a good thing that Daisuke and his father had opted out. Daisuke's mother, Alene, had a small party set up at their own home afterall. Though with how his damned phone was blowing up with texts from the guy, he figured he didn't have much to worry about losing touch anytime soon.

Still, Curly didn't know how in the world they would have squeezed in more people, the blond tucked close to his mother while Anya was sat nearby besides Swansea's two daughters.

Willie, Swansea younger if he was remembering correctly, had apparently made a fast friendship with the nurse, the two women talking animatedly with one another. Robin, the other daughter, seemed more content to share snide remarks with her father, Swansea occasionally ruffling her hair as he passed.

It felt… warm. Yeah. That's the only way Curly could describe it. Warm. Comfortable and safe. He tucked his face into his mother's shoulder, sighing softly as she reached up a hand to brush her fingers through his hair.

He smiled, cherishing every second.