(December 26, 2019)

He was used to it. He had lost the ability to hear, but it was normal to him.

Because he was deaf, he had to read lips. He had never told anyone that he was deaf, except one person. They help him understand the people whose mouths are covered (mainly Xisuma).

How the other Hermit's have not noticed yet, he had no idea. But he didn't care. He didn't need everyone worrying for him. He liked how things were, simple. He was used to it.

...

Ren walked through Hermitville, looking at the houses and other random builds that popped up. He was peacefully strolling until he felt a hand on his wrist. He spun around in surprise, looking into Scar's confused eyes.

"Ren, I've been calling your name for ages! Did you not hear me?" He said.

"I must have been day dreaming. I probably zoned out, forgive me." Ren replied, frowning. Scar frowned back, and shook his head.

"Ah, it doesn't matter. It's all good. Have you slept well recently?" Scar asked, tilting his head. Ren nodded a few times, shifting his weight to his other foot.

"Yes, Scar, I'm fine. You don't have to worry about me." Scar looked like he did not believe Ren at all, but went with it anyway..

"Alright... anyway, I was wondering if you have seen Doc. I need to speak with him for a second." Ren shook his head at Scar's question. Scar looked disappointed.

"Alright. I've been looking for a few hours. Okay then, I'll see you around!" He waved, launching off the ground with a firework. Ren's communicator vibrated in his pocket. He pulled it out and read the message. Xisuma wanted to talk to a few of the Hermits. Ren flew towards Xisuma's base, looking at who was there already. Doc, Scar, Cub, Iskall, and False were there.

"Good, Ren's here. Come have a seat, because we were going to start without you." Doc smirked, scooting over. Ren sat next to him, unamused. Xisuma started talking, and Doc began tapping Ren's leg. It was a quick code that helped Ren understand Xisuma when he was talking.

...

"Hey, Ren, can I talk with you for a second?" Doc tapped. Ren nodded, standing up. Xisuma led Ren into a side room, closing the door behind him. Ren froze. Doc wasn't there with him. He wouldn't be able to know what X was saying. After a few moments, X looked expectantly at Ren. Ren started to pale.

"I'm- uh, sorry, I can't understand you-" Xisuma visibly sighed, looking at Ren with pity. He took out his communicator and quickly typed. Ren's communicator vibrated.

"Ren, how long have you been deaf?" Xisuma had DMed him. Ren froze, breath hitching.

"I... uh, don't know what you mean." Ren said out loud, cringing at his stutter. Xisuma frowned from under his helmet.

"Ren." He typed. Ren sighed. He knew Xisuma wouldn't stop until he got an answer.

"Before I joined. I was young, I don't remember." He replied, slumping against the wall. Xisuma sat in a chair, observing Ren.

"It's been so long I forgot what I sounded like." A brief expression of surprise flashed on Xisuma's face, but quickly disappeared.

"Why didn't you tell anyone?" The message came through. Ren started at it for a moment, unmoving. Why didn't he mention it? Well, that was an easy answer.

"Because I didn't want to. I don't want anyone worrying about me. I'm used to it, Xisuma. But I did tell Doc." Ren added at the end. Xisuma looked guilty. He was looking downwards and had a crestfallen expression on his face. Ren furrowed his eyebrows.

"Don't pity or feel bad for me, Xisuma. It's fine, I learned to cope with it. Doc helps me understand you when you have your helmet on... it's fine."

"Oh, okay then. I assume you don't want me to say anything?" Xisuma crossed his arms and squeezed his legs together. Ren nodded.

"We'll talk about this later, I guess." Xisuma typed.

"Okay." Ren pulled the door open. As he left, he had a feeling Xisuma had said something.

(I know it was short and rushed, i lost inspiration in the middle of it. It also was just an idea i wanted to write about.)