In League — Escape
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Summary: August decides to escape run away before he meets the end of Wyatt's generosity. Beta read by @alittlewhump!
CW: Late-19th century, explicit language, failed escape, indentured servitude/classism, power dynamics, carewhumper/sympathetic whumper.
August always fell asleep in the wingback chair. He’d watch the fire die down to a glow of embers, fingers carding the fringe at the edge of the blanket, the sound of Wyatt’s pencil scratching on steadily behind him. Yet every morning he awoke tucked into the bed, Wyatt gone in the early hours of dawn. Perhaps he should have been more unsettled by the fact that Wyatt could move him so gently as not to rouse him but instead, he was only left with a hollow, wanting feeling in his throat.
Today was no exception but instead of pulling the bedcovers up and trying to fall back asleep, he threw them off. The room was still shadowed though the sky outside was lightening. The rest of the house wouldn’t be up for hours, some would have only just found their beds a short while ago, but Wyatt was usually back before the sun rose properly. August had to be quick.
He knew exactly what he was reaching for and didn’t need to light the lamp. A pair of trousers which had a hole in the knee, folded at the bottom of the wardrobe. A jacket hanging at the end for so long it had dust on the shoulders. The ends of the sleeves were worn and frayed, much too short on him let alone Wyatt. He hoped they wouldn’t be missed.
August certainly wouldn’t. He didn’t have a place or a purpose here and there was no safety in that. Only a matter of time before Wyatt didn’t come home one night and the boys needed to blow off a little steam. It could just as easily be Wyatt, for all his experiences had taught him. He couldn’t stand the idea of being passed on either, sold to the highest bidder with the lowest morals, to another Keats. Making his own way seemed equally bleak. People took one look at him and could tell he was from the workhouse. Imagined him the illiterate son of thieves or debtors, good only for indenture, not even to be trusted with his own life.
His eyes threatened tears as he stood at the window. In the very spot where Wyatt had comforted him that first night. He had relived that moment countless times, recalling the words Wyatt had spoken, the promises he’d made, until they became smooth and rehearsed, befitting of a dream. Not meant for someone like him. Hazier still were the days that had followed, when he’d succumbed to a fever. The only sharp points in his memory those of pain.
In the week or so since, he’d almost exclusively kept to Wyatt’s room. The one time he’d ventured downstairs had gone poorly, to say the least. He still had a fading black eye and bruises as souvenirs. Wyatt had been patient with him in his fear and distrust but August couldn’t burden him any longer than he already had—or worse, meet the end of his generosity. The other boys certainly wouldn’t mourn his departure. Loyalty was clearly strong among the group and would eventually win out over the fleeting pity behind Wyatt’s kindness. It was only a matter of time.
For a panicked moment, he thought the window latch wouldn’t open in his shaking fingers. He couldn’t risk going out the front door, not knowing who might have fallen asleep in the sitting room or if the housekeeper, Midge, had already arrived. The metal was cold, hints of rust along the seams and screws, like it had been left open in the rain one too many times. Finally, with a bit of lifting and shaking, it released. He took a breath of relief scented by the freshly fallen snow covering the ground outside. Not the best footing for disappearing but he’d manage. He was easily familiar with not having a choice.
The air rushed around him for a heartbeat before his feet met the ground. A shorter fall than it had looked and an unpaved landing, thankfully. He stumbled backwards to keep his balance, bare feet stinging in the cold snow. It had seemed too much of a risk to steal a pair of shoes from downstairs, not knowing whose he might be taking. He slipped down the alley, ducking out of view as he passed the first-floor windows before turning onto the street.
Of course, the neighborhood wasn’t one he recognised. He’d never left Knights’ territory while serving Keats but that meant he had a better chance of not getting caught by his men. He knew just enough of the borders to understand himself to be south and east. If he kept in those directions, he might stay safe. The rest, he would figure out with time.
At this hour, the streets were nearly empty and the few that were out didn’t lend him a second glance. August could have been any other paper boy or lamplighter running by. He hoped his feet would numb soon. He hadn’t even taken stockings, knowing that they’d swiftly tear on the cobblestones without shoes. The cold air burned his lungs but he pushed himself, wanting to get farther away before he slowed. He peered down every alley he passed, looking for one for narrow or covered enough to put an end to his footprints.
A flock of pigeons burst from some scraggly bushes as he ran past, taking his attention with them. The percussive beating of their wings faded as they rose toward the pale morning sky. He didn’t see a man round the corner into his path. He ran straight into him and fell back, ineffectively casting his hands out backwards to catch himself. A pain shot up his left wrist and the heels of his palms stung as they scraped on the cobblestones.
“Sir, I beg your pardon,” he said, feet slipping as he tried to get them back under himself. “Please, forgive my carelessness.” He risked a glance up, hoping the man would accept his excuses and go on his way. “I—”
It was Wyatt. Standing over him, a bemused smile on his lips. “You what?”
He suddenly felt even colder. “Sir—sir, I—” He tried to swallow around the knot building in his throat. He couldn’t imagine what consequences he might face now. Wyatt bent down, reaching for him and he flinched back. “Please,” he whispered.
“August, lad.” Wyatt let his hand fall, softening his voice. “I still mean to keep that promise. I’ll not hurt you.”
He nodded, sniffling.
“Look at the state of you.” Wyatt reached for his shoulder and he made certain not to flinch again. “You’re shivering—though I gather not only from cold—and your poor feet are already bleeding. How far did you think you were going to get like this?”
In his stolen clothes no less. August dropped his chin. “I’m sorry, sir.”
“You need only have asked.” Wyatt lifted his face, hand warm on his cheek. “I’m not trying to keep you, I’m trying to keep you safe. You’re not a prisoner, August.”
Unthinking and stupid, that’s what he was. “No, of course not, sir. Please, I—”
“Enough about that. It’s all right.” Wyatt caught his gaze and held it. His blue eyes were always clear whenever August looked into them, no matter the circumstances. But there was a sharpness to their clarity, ice rather than water. Wyatt wasn’t the sort of man to be clouded by doubt or yielding in his will. August shivered.
“Come along, let’s get you home and sorted, hm?” Wyatt helped him to his feet. “At the very least a pair of shoes before you go on your way.”
It seemed ridiculous that he should be offered aid after pulling such a stunt but he didn’t want to look a gift horse in the mouth. “Thank you, sir.”
“You know you don’t have to do that.”
“I do, sir,” he said, looking down at his skinned hands to hide his face.
“And yet…” Wyatt sighed longsufferingly but when August looked up he winked. “Now, don’t make the mistake of thinking I’ll let you walk back on those feet.”
August took a step back but Wyatt kept hold of his elbow. “Sir, really—”
“You’ll have to pick one or the other, August. You can’t call me sir in an unnecessary display of deference and respect while contradicting me in the very same breath.”
He flushed. “Of course not, sir.”
Wyatt smirked, sweeping him off his feet. “I’d have chosen the free lift, too.”
August tried to mirror the smile but he couldn’t shake the dread of wondering where exactly he would be standing when Wyatt set him down.
To be continued...
@whumpy-writings , @writer-reader-24 , @deluxewhump , @no-whump-on-main , @maracujatangerine , @whumptakesthecake-deactivated20 , @painsandconfusion , @wolfeyedwitch , @briars7 , @gala1981 , @redwingedwhump , @whumpflash , @peachy-panic , @hold-him-down , @poeticagony , @annablogsposts , @fleur-alise , @melancholy-in-the-morning
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Phantom, the newest addition to the Justice League, pulls Wonder Woman aside.
He has...a strange request.
He's nervous, flustered, fading in and out of the visible spectrum. It's clear that what he's about to ask of her is important to him, and even though she has an uncomfortable voice in the back of her head telling her this young hero is about to ask her out, she resolves to listen before she jumps to conclusions.
She's glad she did.
"Can...can you put a grave for me in Themyscira? I know it's just for women, but it's the safest place I can think of for it! I just...I don't have a grave, and Clockwork says it's starting to stunt my growth as a Ghost, and I have too many enemies on American soil, so. It's okay if you say no, though, I'll figure something out, it's fine."
Diana lets him ramble to the end, already knowing what her answer is going to be.
"We would be honored to host your grave, Phantom. Do you have any remains I can take home? Do you require a funeral service?"
Phantom looks...he looks beyond grateful. Close to tears.
"No, no remains. A symbolic grave is fine, it just. It has to have my real name on it, my mortal one." He says, looking hesitant. "Please don't reach out to my family, Wonder Woman. They don't know."
With that, he hands over a small slip of paper, torn from a notebook and clearly folded one too many times.
She takes it as though he were entrusting her with the rarest diamond in the world. She wants to, but she does not ask how they could not notice the death of someone so very bright.
Instead she nods, tucking the paper away.
Phantom will get a grand grave, one worthy of a friend to the Crown of Themyscira. She will ensure it.
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I wonder if you look both ways (When you cross my mind) pt. 4
part 1 part 2 pt. 3
this one i am excited for, i hope you guys like it...
🐝・゚ ・゚·:。・゚゚・✦ʚɞ
February 1991, Chicago
Robin has a particular hatred for winter rain. It’s cold, damp and makes everything grey. She doesn't mind the rain in the summer—where it makes everything smell fresh and makes all the greens look bright.
Winter rain, though? Belongs in a circle of hell.
Admittedly, it's more than the way the downpour chills her to the bone. It's always a bad omen, a sign of what's to come. Most people find her paranoid, except Steve. He always nods his head in understanding; Robin can't tell if it's because he just understands her or because the winter rain makes his bones ache.
Robin shakes the water out of her hair as she walks up the steps to her apartment with Steve and Eddie. The bad feeling in her stomach doesn't ease up, creeping further and further up her throat until she worries she might choke on it. She takes her time going up the six flights of stairs, taking deep breaths, convincing herself that everything is fine and it's all in her head.
By the time she makes it to the door, Robin feels lighter.
Pushing through the doorway, Robin lets a small smile rest on her lips as her eyes look around to see who's home.
Her eyes land on Steve, head in his hands, shoulders shaking.
It's then she notices Steve is home, but Eddie isn't.
Steve lifts his head, tears in his eyes. "He's gone, Robs. Eddie left."
The rain could eat shit. Fuck.
🐝・゚ ・゚·:。・゚゚・✦ʚɞ
June 1996, Chicago
Robin waits until Steve leaves and a few minutes extra before making her way into the living room.
She knows the bastard is still here; Robin saw it coming from a mile away.
Trudging towards the couch in Steve's boxers and what she is sure is her ex-girlfriend's t-shirt, Robin smacks Eddie upside the head.
Hard.
"Ow! What the fuck, Buckley?" Eddie squirms, rubbing his head with a pout.
"Oh, shut it, Munson. You know that a slap is the least of your worries. You better believe something on you will be broken by the time you leave again." Robin huffs, her face going red.
Eddie sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Will you at least come talk to me before you cause me more bodily harm?" He pats the spot on the couch next to him like it isn't Robin's fucking couch.
Robin begrudgingly decides he's right and plops down next to him with a glare. "Trust me, Munson. We will be doing plenty of talking. And by we, I mean me."
"Don't you want to hear my sid—Ow! Birdie, for the love of god, stop hitting me." Eddie rubs his arm.
"No."
"No you won't hear me out, or no you won't stop hitting me?"
Robin levels him with a look so vicious that she is almost certain if he holds eye contact any longer, he will be set on fire.
Eddie's shoulder's slump, "Right."
Robin huffs through her nose, trying to fight back a smile. She will not crack around this idiot, even if torturing him brings her a special kind of joy. "Munson, unless the reason was 'if you didn't leave, Steve was going to die,' then you don't have a good reason."
A small smile makes its way onto Eddie's face, and Robin lightly slaps his knee. "Why are you smiling? You don't get to smile right now."
Eddie deosn't even flinch, "Nothing, it's just you specified Steve dying, and not the two of you or anyone else. Like Steve dying would be the issue. It's nice to see some things never change."
"You see that's where you're wrong, Munson." Robin gets really close in his face, "We've only gotten worse."
Eddie's smile is a full-blown grin now. Robin can't help but be a little charmed.
If Robin is honest with herself, and Steve encourages her to do so more often, she really misses Eddie. Despite her being angry at him, she's happy to have him here to be angry at. But once she's over that, she will be kicking him the fuck out of their apartment.
Something twisted lands in Robin's stomach as she makes her way back into her spot on the couch. Eddie doesn't get it that he left them. He left not just Steve but Robin, too. They were best friends, and suddenly, he's gone.
And on top of that, Robin had to watch Steve crumble, and it just isn't something she thinks she can ever get over.
For years, Robin watched Steve pick himself up over and over again. Resilient, brave, and sometimes a little stupid. That's her Steve. But after Eddie left, she was worried that this time he wouldn't get back up.
She can't go through that again.
Unfortunately though, Robin fears she might need Eddie's fucking help with something.
These boys will be the death of her.
"No more smiling, Munson. This is serious." Robin clears her throat.
"Right." His grin slips off his face. "You were saying you wanted to do the talking?"
Robin looks to the doorway, nervous. As if Steve is going to walk through any moment, despite not leaving all that long ago. She just knows how dates with Drew go. Sometimes Steve will come home early, frustrated and quiet, closed off in ways she hasn't seen in a long time. Other times he won't come home for days, Drew deciding he needed some alone time with Steve.
Robin isn't sure which she hates more.
She shakes her head, knowing she is being unreasonable—not on the hating Drew part (which is really what it is, down to its core) but on Steve coming back early. No matter what happens between Steve and Drew, Robin knows he is dreading coming back to this apartment with Eddie in it or, even worse, with Eddie gone.
"You're going to help me."
Eddie's eyebrows furrow, and Robin almost expects him to question it, to demand answers. Instead, he surprises her. "Okay, what do you need?"
Robin takes a deep breath, "We need to get Steve out of a bad relationship."
Worry falls over Eddie's face, "Is he okay? What happened? Is she hurting him?"
Ah. Robin forgot about that part. Eddie doesn't exactly know about Steve's sexuality. It isn't like the man isn't out—Steve has been out to their friends for years now—but it feels wrong to tell Eddie without consulting Steve yet.
She is going to have to work around it.
"Steve's...fine." Robin doesn't reall know actually. Lately, it's been like pulling teeth trying to get him to talk about Drew. She fucking hates that man. "He's unhappy, though. This person isn't good for him, and I think me saying it isn't enough."
Eddie rubs a hand down his face, "And how am I supposed to help that? Steve doesn't exactly want me around." His arms gesture towards the room in a dramatically flair.
Oh, this silly, silly man, Robin thinks. Unfortunately, he's exactly what Robin needs—more specifically, what Steve needs.
"True."
"Okay, hurtful."
Robin waves him off, "I'm not going to lie to you, Munson. We are both pissed at you. But I am worried about Steve. And I care more about him than I am angry at you. Despite all the shit you did, he cares about you. Because this is Steve. He cares a whole lot and gives a whole bunch without expecting anything. And he deserves better. And I think—no, I know, if he has two of his oldest friends showing him that, maybe he'll listen."
Robin fails to mention that regardless of how this plan goes, she will have her revenge on Eddie, to, ya know, even the score.
Eddie huffs through his nose, "Okay. Of course, I'll help. Besides, I was already planning on sticking around. I don't want to run away, not this time."
"Good." Robin lets a small smile slip onto her face, "Besides, you're a terrible athlete. Don't know why you insist on trying."
A dry laugh escapes Eddie, "Wow, thanks, Bridie. Missed you too."
Robin pushes him playfully. "If you're gonna stick around, maybe I'll hear you out, Eddie. But not now. Not yet. Don't know if this going to be long term; consider this a temporary truce."
Robin expects him to whine and contest it, but instead, Eddie looks delighted. "You called me Eddie."
Robin groans, "Don't ruin it."
Eddie grabs her hand, their rings clanking against each other, and gives it a squeeze. "Sorry, no take backs."
Robin says nothing, but squeezes back.
🐝・゚ ・゚·:。・゚゚・✦ʚɞ
i don't get to write her pov very often, but it is so fun. next update we will finally get a peak into Eddie's whole deal. Tag list is closed, but you can put notifs on the first part, I always put the link on the there.
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