#the best of the boss quietly playing while my siblings slept

[evien-stark]

✧I Need You✧ Chapter 72

Forty-eight hours came. And forty-eight hours went. The beginning of which you and Tony came to a mutually unmutual silent agreement that you were going to keep away from him. Something devastating was happening to you. Something you had no idea how to handle. Your powers were very clearly going haywire. And you just didn’t know how to fix it. 

It made sense. In an annoying way. Because your powers were emotion based- except for that thing you and Tony had. That deeper connection. And except for that one time you got so desperate you found a way to make Clint nearly end his own life- but those were separate special occasions. And what you were dealing with now was an inability to control yourself. You were leaking out from every pore. Feelings. Feeling too much. Too many. All terrible. And so you were infecting other people, because you couldn’t control yourself. And you couldn’t run the risk of hurting Tony more than he already was. So you stayed out of the office, focusing more on what you could do from home- and trying not to focus too hard on this Mandarin stuff. 

Then at the end of of those forty-eight hours, JARVIS alerted you that Colonel James Rhodes had landed in Washington, and was attending his promotion ceremony. He’d done such a good job as of late, that the powers that be had lifted him up. And at this little ceremony, which you and Tony were obviously, pointedly not invited to, the military also unveiled that with his promotion he would be commanding the new and improved Iron Patriot. 

After Rhodey’s ceremony was over, he called you while he was in flight, and asked to meet somewhere lowkey. Somewhere very down low. He suggested iHOP. Tony suggested Apple-Bees. To which you told them both you’d never be caught dead in either of those establishments- 

“That’s the point.” Rhodey had told you. And so your little group decided to split the difference and meet at a TGIFridays. 

Rhodey was there ahead of you. And you and Tony had decided not to lay into him about not being invited to one of his biggest career accomplishments in a little while. You’d also agreed not to talk about Iron Patriot unless he brought it up. Or the Mandarin. Or the bombings. 

But then, you were all a bunch of liars, weren’t you? 

“Iron Patriot, huh?” You asked first, taking a loud pointed sip of your soda. 

Rhodey just sighed, putting a hand to his face. “See- this is why-”

“Why what?” Tony sat back, arms crossing. “We weren’t important enough to be invited to your knighting?”

“I was doing you guys a favor!” Gesturing loudly at the two of you, truly believing himself as he spoke. “You have no idea how many times President Ellis asked about you. And I know you don’t wanna talk to him.” Almost accepting this truth, you and Tony shared a look between one another. And then Rhodey quietly sped through saying, “Also my bosses didn’t want you around to usurp the moment.” 

“Ah!” “See!” 

The both of you pointing fingers at him. You further ruined it, “Come on, Rhodey. Iron Patriot? Really? And that color job…” 

“It wasn’t my decision! It tested well with focus groups. And you hated War Machine, remember?” 

“She did.” Tony, nodding in agreement. Trying to play for both teams. 

You made a face at both of them. “So what I hated it. You think palette swapping the armor and giving you a fancy new name is going to fix anything? Everyone’s talking about it, Rhode. And not in a good way.” 

Rhodey sighed, very deeply so, head lolling back. “You think I don’t know that? You think I’m unaware I’m being made fun of on all the network stations?” 

Tony, taking a loud slurp of his drink, reached over to pat Rhodey hard on the back. “Welcome to the club, pal. If you didn’t want that, we should’ve been first on the list to talk to. I mean- PR was her job, back in the day. Military liaison. You forget about that already?” 

“How could I?” 

You scoffed. “PR is still my job, thank you.” It practically made up half of everything you did. “And I’ll remind you that that suit is still intellectual property of Stark Industries, and by tweaking its image you’re in direct violation of-” 

Rhodey threw his hands up. “Oh. Here we go.” 

“You got her started, don’t look at me.” 

But you all looked at each other. And now with the pleasantries and ribbing out of the way, light smiles and little laughs graced each of you. Reaching out you gave Rhodey a little squeeze at his shoulder. “Congrats on the promotion.” While you might not have agreed still with Iron Patriot, Rhodey was doing his best. And you were absolutely just relieved to have him here, considering… 

Considering for a hot second there you thought he might have been taken from your lives completely. That was the risk he ran, sure. That was really the risk you all ran now with the lives you led. But the thought was terribly devastating. If that had happened, you probably would have fallen in line with Tony’s footsteps, and done whatever necessary to take that man out. You still weren’t sure you shouldn’t be involved, even if you didn’t really want to-

And Tony was feeling much the same way. Slurping down the rest of his drink before leaning in after the small chatter had completely finished to say, “So. Really. Tell me about this Mandarin guy. What’s really going on?” 

It was inevitable that the conversation would end up here. And now that it was out there, there was no taking it back. Even if you asked him to. ...and you kind of wanted to know, too. Not that you wanted to deal with more of Ellis. You waited quietly until Rhodey decided to answer. 

“It’s classified information.” But when the two of you gave him a long look he sighed. “Alright. Look… there’s been nine bombings total.”

Your lips pressed together, still trying to figure out if you should be walking this line. “That’s six more since the last time we heard about them.” 

Rhodey set his hands together on the table. “Yeah, well the public only knows about three- here’s the thing. Nobody can ID a device. There’s no bomb casings. No trace.” 

Saying this already set Tony up for trouble. Evidenced by his sliding in closer, immediately after hearing that. “You know we can help. All you gotta do is ask- I got a ton of new tech, I got a prehensile- I got a...I got a new bomb disposal. Catches explosions mid-air-” He was stuck. Talking quickly. Trying to say anything that would get this to click.

Because much like you, he was over focusing. Running himself ragged. And it was Rhodey that finally took a good look at him- then you- and then asked, “When’s the last time either of you have gotten a good night’s sleep?” 

“Why are you picking on me?” Asked with a hand to your chest. What had you done? It was Tony who was going off the rails. What gave Rhodey an idea that- 

“You look like hell. And don’t think I don’t know about the little highway incident.” 

At this you really were shocked. “It’s an incident now? I just had an anxiety spike- a terrorist took over national television, I think I’m entitled-  and who even told you about that?” Now overly defending yourself. Which only proved your guilt all the more. 

Luckily, Tony came to both your rescue. “Einstein slept three hours a year, look what he accomplished.” Though this really was not the most sturdy defense. But since you had none yourself… 

Rhodey sighed yet again. “I’m just… I’m concerned, alright? I’m concerned about you both. My base was the one that got bombed yet you two look like you walked out of a warzone- ...hell, are still in one right now. What’s really going on? Is this still about New-”

Tony spoke over him quickly. “You’re gonna come at me like that?” Hackles raised, clearly. Not wanting to even hear those two words paired together. ...had it really gotten that bad? 

You felt a small shift. He was uncomfortable. His mind was racing. Panic was starting to find its way to a simmer inside him. Reaching out you laid a hand to his arm. He couldn’t go off right now. It would no doubt have too much pull on you- and if you exploded again- “Tony…” Calm. Gentle. As kind as you could make the shape of his name. 

Falling in line, Rhodey looked at him. “Look. I’m not trying to be a dick-...tator...” 

His sudden stop and pointed look at the side of the table drew both your gazes the same way. You had visitors. Children visitors. There was no telling how long they’d been standing there. You hoped not too long. This was precisely the reason you should have met at the house. A dark crappy restaurant had been a good idea, but the fact was- 

Well. Tony had parked the suit outside, while you’d opted to arrive in a car with Happy. That was a discussion for another time. The same one you kept putting off and off and off… It was like he couldn’t get along without it. And, right now, like he’d wanted to be caught here. 

The little boy and girl held up their little pieces of art, no doubt worked on diligently with restaurant crayons. Siblings, perhaps? 

“Hi there.” You greeted them with about as much warmth as you could muster. Now was no time to lose it. Not in front of children. 

The girl, just a couple years older, smiled bright at you. “Do you mind signing my drawing?” 

You took hold of it carefully, taking a look. It was a picture of the Iron Lady, blasting down a row of angry squiggle monsters. “Of course not. What’s your name?” 

“Erin!” 

“Sure thing, Erin.” 

The little boy waiting patiently thrust his own drawing up Tony’s way. “What about mine?” 

“Sure. You know, I loved you in a Christmas Story, by the way.” You really wished he wouldn’t sass the children, but luckily nobody seemed to have heard him. “What’s your name?” 

“Anthony.” 

At this Tony huffed, shaking his head with a small grin. “Of course it is. Great name.” 

With you and Tony sufficiently distracted putting signatures on paper for your adoring fans, Rhodey leaned a little closer and lowered his voice. “Listen, the Pentagon is scared. After what happened in New York... aliens, come on. They need to look strong. Stopping the Mandarin is priority, but it’s not…” 

“Superhero business. I got it.” Tony’s head was still ducked, really focused on his signature. But you felt the spike in anxiety once those two words were uttered. 

You, on the other hand, were slightly ruffled. “Well I don’t. If we’re not getting involved- which, by the way, I don’t want to- but then why is Ellis blowing up our phones?” 

Rhodey shook his head. “He’s just as scared, and maybe thinks he should be able to rely on you guys- but, that’s a discussion for a different time. That’s a whole other fight.” 

Tony’s tone was suddenly very curt. “I said I got it. I understand. I-...” 

You handed Erin her drawing back, but then reached out as you felt Tony’s resolve waver. As you felt him dip underneath a new wave. “Tony…” 

He pressed the crayon down on the paper, snapping it in half. Rhodey’s hand was on his other shoulder. “You okay?” 

Tony put a hand to his face. “I broke the crayon.” 

Rhodey soothed his hand over Tony’s shoulder. “Take it easy, Tones.” 

You rubbed his back, but already you were finding it hard to breathe. He was overwhelming you so suddenly. “Honey, you’re okay-” Trying to will that thought into existence for him. 

Erin looked up. “Are you alright, Mr. Stark?” 

You hoped against hope that he was going to pull out of this and be okay. But he was spiraling- and he startled you as he sprung up to his feet, suddenly unable to catch his breath. “I gotta- I gotta-” And then bolted, shoving restaurant patrons out of the way as he ran. In his wake he left you gasping for air as you felt yourself drowning in the wake of his panic. 

People were looking. Watching. Everyone was acutely aware Tony Stark had just pushed children aside and ran from a restaurant. You had to claw, had to grab tight of your better instinctual sense to protect him and his image. Because the rest of you had started disappearing so far beneath his waves you’d grabbed onto the table to keep yourself afloat. 

“Rhode-” 

“Go.” 

Knowing he would clean up here, freeing you to launch yourself out of your seat- steady yourself- because everything was fine. Tony Stark was fine- you tried to will the thought into existence so everyone with their phones out recording you wouldn’t make tomorrow’s headline. The last thing you needed. Once you found your feet, you calmly walked from the restaurant. 

Just barely outside, people were gathered around the Iron Man suit, which was kneeling on the ground. Inside you felt the tremble of his continued panicking and it smacked you so hard you wheezed an inhale, pressing a hand over your heart where you felt it start beating double time. 

As soon as you found your voice- “Move, please. Move.” And when people continued to stand around and stare at the spectacle he’d become- the much more interesting focal point- wondering about him, already starting rumors about him, speaking unkindly about him- 

You let anger take you instead. And after that you swept your hands up and then out in a motion just so. Literally clearing them out as you dropped into the dark space and saw each one of their nearby profiles. Every person standing too close to him, you poked with a little bit urgent need. 

Don’t you all have something to take care of? 

Walking around each unconscious being, a little tap tap on the shoulder. A little injection of worry. Thinking: 

Did I leave the curling iron on? I need  to make a phone call. The kids are waiting in the car- 

Didn’t matter. You just wanted them away from him. And once the zombified quick shuffle of feet came on and the two of you were left alone, you knelt down to him, trying to catch your breath. Feeling all too light headed. 

But you focused for him. “Tony.” Trying to level out your tone. Struggling. “Talk to me.” 

You expected the helmet to slide back. To see his face. To hear his actual voice. But instead you heard that slightly mechanical pang as it was broadcast out to you. “I gotta go.” 

Then with almost no thought at all he stood, practically knocking you back, and took off.

Just like that. 

Leaving you half sitting on the pavement, staring up at the sky. Watching him disappear. 

At that exact moment, almost every part of you wanted to give in. To lie down on the sidewalk and just… 

“Hey.” Looking over your shoulder, your saw Rhodey’s hand extended out. To help you. Weakly with your last bit of strength and resolve, you put yours in his and let him lift you. “What the hell was that?” And then, when you took too long to answer, he waved a hand in front of your face. Called your name once. Then set his hands on both your shoulders and turned you to actually look at him. “You okay?” Asking with every sense that you absolutely were not. 

A buzz took over your ear, and LUNA spoke, “Ms. Potts on the line for you.” 

Probably not good. Probably alerting you to the fact that videos of Tony’s meltdown were circulating already. Gaining buzz. Wanting to know what to do next. Weakly to Rhodey, “I’m fine- sorry, one second-” And then turning your head to the side, you tried to prep for more bad news. “Put Pepper on.” 

Pep’s voice started in in a flurry. “Hey, your five o’clock is here early. Which is bad because I kinda wanted to talk to you about this meeting before you went in- I know you’re probably busy, but can you come to the office?” 

A meeting. Trite. Trivial. So small in comparison to the fact that you were pretty sure your life was falling apart. Had been for a while now. And you had no way to stop it. 

That black hole almost swallowed you up, as you stared blankly into the distance. The feel of something on your face drew your attention back. Eyes picking up focus, you realized Rhodey had a handkerchief at your noise, and a gentle hand to the back of your head as he tilted you a little. “You’re bleeding.” 

“I am?” Hadn’t something like this happened recently, too? You took the cloth from him, wiping at your nose. “I’m sorry- about that-” 

“Don’t be sorry. Just be honest with me. You two are not doing so hot, huh?” Your frown as he said this, crossing his arms, probably told the whole story. “I have people you can talk to- and you seem like you need to talk to someone- I’m trying not to be overbearing here, but I think-” 

A shot passed through your ears. Something painful. Terrible. You just started nodding at him as you cut him off. “Yeah- no, I appreciate it. I do. Just. Send them over. I’ll look into it. I have to go- I have to… Pepper needs me and then I have to see what Tony’s doing- it’s date night-” Talking over him. Silencing him. 

When he really understood, he stopped trying and just shook his head. “Yeah. Look. I’m gonna be in town for a while. So just… I’m not far, alright? You want me to check in on him?” 

Waving over, you got Happy’s attention, who’d just been sitting in the car watching something on his tablet. After he started the car again and pulled up to the curb you offered Rhodey a terrible weak smile. “If he’ll let you. That would be nice. Thank you.” 

“Yeah. No problem.” His tone was quiet. A little defeated. 

Weren’t you all? 

#Tony Stark #Tony Stark x Reader #INY Chapter Seventy Two

[obviouslyelementary]

Disney

The Connor siblings belong to @thebunnyartist check them out! they are really cool!

This is just a little fanfic about my headcanon on how the boys would like their Disney movies hahaha. Disney is the best.

--------

Obviously that Hank would show Connor and his brothers the movies from Disney.

Everyone deserved to watch it, everyone should watch it, Disney was great. Specially the classics.

God, he remembered the times when he went to the cinema with his family to watch Tarzan. The little mermaid. Hercules. All classics now.

He was really old.

But in any case, he decided to gather all of them for a family weekend, telling Fowler they would only come back on Monday, and rented a few of his favorite Disney movies so he could watch with the boys.

He bought popcorn, snacks, soda, juice, blue blood and all of those things, all that they needed for a good family time together.

"Okay boys. Here is the deal" he told them as they came back from their respective works that Friday afternoon. "I called your bosses and told them that this weekend, you four are free to spend some time with me"

"Okay" the four of them answered together, each one in their own way, but still, their coordination creeped Hank out sometimes.

"So, I rented some movies I used to watch when I was a kid, like you-"

"We are not-"

"-And we are going to watch them" Hank said, firmly, and the four androids looked at the each other, with Connor and Colton smiling and Conan and Colin shrugging. "I bought snacks, drinks, and rented the movies, because I am nostalgic as fuck and I love animated movies"

"We are not going to watch... Shrek again right?" Connor asked, furrowing his eyebrows a bit out of what Hank could only guess was disgust, making the man raise his hand, pointing to him.

"Don't you dare do that expression when talking about the best movie ever made" he said firmly, and Connor immediately relaxed his facial muscles, looking down ashamed. "That's right. Shrek deserves respect. But no. It's not that. It's the real classics"

"Like Disney?" Colton asked, eyes wide and shining. Hank hummed, smiling at him. He really liked that kid.

"yes. Like Disney. Now go get comfortable, get off those uniforms and join your dad in the living room. We don't have all day long"

"We have an entire weekend" Conan said, and Hank waved him off.

"Go!"

 They began with what seemed to be Colton's favorites: the classic princesses. Snow White, Cinderella, The Sleeping Beauty, and then some other classics, like Bambi and Robin Hood.

He seemed to like those the best.

Somehow, Colton knew all the songs (only after a long time Hank realized they could just look up the lyrics in their big brains), and sang them out loud to his heart's content. He even pulled Connor for a dance eventually, singing as they swayed around the living room, almost destroying all furniture and stepping on Sumo.

Eventually, by the fourth movie, Colin poked Hank on the arm and nodded towards Conan, and all of them turned to the youngest android, only to find him deeply asleep.

(he would never admit it later, that the animations Hank was so found of made him go in sleep mode, but Hank couldn't care less. He was adorable when he slept, and that was a rare occurrence)

Then, they kept going. Hank decided to focus the next segment on animal movies, so they watched 101 dalmatians, The Fox and the Hound, Aristocats, Mogli, the Lady and the Tramp. Those movies seemed to call Colin's attention the most, his eyes fixated on every scene, his hand 'accidentally' holding onto hank's blanket when something tense was happening.

But they were all surprised when they heard a sob coming from the quietest android as Colin hid behind his hands when the old woman left the fox in the forest in Fox and the Hound. Honestly, Hank himself didn't remember how upsetting that movie was, but he never knew it would make any of them so upset.

Specially Colin.

"S-she left hi-him!" Colin sobbed as they froze the movie, all androids and Hank looking worriedly at the middle brother. "Wh-why?!"

"She had to. He was an wild animal, she couldn't keep him inside forever" Conan said, as warmly as he could, which wasn't much, and only caused Colin to groan and hit him in the chest.

"Fuck that!" he said loudly, before hitting his own lap and wiping his eyes. "I want him happy!"

"Watch the end of the movie kid" hank chuckled, tilting his head. Colin frowned, eyes still teary.

"Will he be happy?"

"Yes"

Colin huffed and wiped his eyes some more before unfreezing the movie and curling up against himself, hugging his legs like a petulant child.

Gladly, the movie actually ended with the fox being happy with his girlfriend fox, which was a relief because Hank had totally bluffed. God, he needed to watch those movies again.

They moved on to the ones Hank had actually watched in the cinema. Hercules, Little mermaid, Lion King, Tarzan, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Pocahontas.

Those were Connor's favorites. He really liked the ideas behind them, and made constant comments on it. He talked about costumes about the different places that they showed like China and Africa, he talked about the myths about mermaids, and about beasts and monsters and genies.

He was really into the whole fun.

At least, until they watched Tarzan, and his eyes widened at a certain song, something clicking inside his head.

"relate"

Hank furrowed his eyebrows and turned his face towards Connor while the others did the same.

"What?"

"Isn't that the expression? Relate? Relatable?" connor asked, looking back at Hank and making him chuckle.

"you mean you relate to the movie?"

"To the song, Hank" Connor explained, looking back at the TV. "Strangers like me. That was what I felt when I first met Markus. When I first saw all of those deviants."

"Oh. That's sweet" Hank said, smiling fondly, and Connor frowned, looking at him.

"it is intelligent, a really profound song Hank. It is not 'sweet'"

"I think he means you are sweet" Colton suggested, and Connor hummed, smiling a bit.

"Oh thanks" he mumbled, grabbing his pillow and hugging it as he looked back at the television.

But not before he leaned closer to hank and laid his head against his leg, while quietly mouthing the song to himself.

At last, they reached the movies from the 2000s. Since the android creator was born in 2002, he guessed they would know enough about those movies, and gladly, he wouldn't have to show many more from beyond 2020.

They didn’t even have that time anyway. It was already Sunday, after lunch.

He began with the ones he despised the least. Because yes, after he grew up, the movies began to suck. So they watched Atlantis, Brother Bear, The Emperors new Groove, Treasure Planet, Lilo and Stitch, Big Hero Six and some others. They finished it off with Coco, one of Hank's favorites. That movie was really good.

The only one he actually liked from the 2010s.

And, as he was guessing, those should be Conan's favorites. At least, he hadn't shown any particular interest in any of them, so he hoped he would like at least one to do something else other than raise an eyebrow or sleep.

But then again, maybe animations weren’t for him. And if that was the case, Hank needed to find out what was.

In any case, as the new movies played, Conan watched them attentively. Perhaps a bit more than the rest, seeming to really be analyzing them. However, unlike the other three, he remained quiet until the last one finished.

Hank couldn't really stand the silence, turning to Conan and humming.

"So. Conan. Did you like any?"

"yeah, you said nothing throughout the entire weekend" Colton asked, frowning curiously, and both Connor and Colin looked over at him, waiting.

Conan was still staring at the Tv, and his focused glance slowly turned to a frown.

"They were all... bad" he said, coldly, but clearly trying to say it in a way that wouldn’t hurt anyone.

"Conan!" Colton whined. "They are beautiful!"

"I enjoyed them quite a lot" Connor admitted.

"I wish they weren't so sad" Colin mumbled, crossing his arms.

"They are obnoxious, predictable, the voice acting could be better with the lip-syncing, the animations were reused many times throughout many movies, simply overlaid with different characters. The songs were weak, catchy and designed to be sung by children, there were morals to every single one of them and most of them ended up in the same complex. There were barely no morally grey characters, leaving the entire art as something very black and white and boring" Conan said, coldly, clearly irritated, and all others widened their eyes at his complains. "I'm sorry Hank. I did not enjoy it"

"... kid, you are the best" Hank chuckled, and Conan looked at him surprised. "Next time, we will find something you will like. Don't worry" he tapped his shoulder and shook his head, standing up. "Time to sleep boys"

"Already?" Colton complained, and Hank smiled at him.

"you four don't have to sleep" he chuckled, rolling his eyes. "Goodnight"

"Night!"

"Goodnight Hank"

"Sleep well!"

"Until tomorrow"

The silence remained for a while, as Hank changed. But as he laid down on the bed, the discussions began.

"I can't believe you didn't like Mulan"

"She was just crossdressing, Colton"

"Colin, you have no feelings"

"Do you think I should try it one day?"

"try what Connor?"

"crossdressing"

"... yeah!"

"Colton, be silent. Father is sleeping"

"Conan, you know he doesn’t sleep so quick"

"Does not mean you can be loud"

"Can we watch Lion King again?"

"Colin... why do you want to watch that?"

"I... like the songs"

"Fine with me"

"I agree"

"..."

"Conan?"

"... fine"

"Yay!"

Less then five minutes later, Hank could hear the opening song through his wall, and smiled lightly to himself.

He had the best kids.

#siblings au #my fanfic #thebunnyartist #thebunnyartist au #dbh #Detroit become human #hank #connor #conan #colin #colton #connor 60 #rk900 #oc

[megsblackfirewrites]

This Farce Ends Now: Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Everyone sided with Mary. He wasn’t surprised; she was the ‘abused party’ in this situation, or so she made herself out to be. He knew she was crying to whoever would listen about how her cheating husband kicked her out of her house and away from her kids. Funny how she only gave a shit about their kids when it was convenient.

He didn’t expect any sympathy from his neighbours, but it still stung when he spotted Damien in the grocery store and only got a cold glower when he tried to say ‘hi’. He didn’t bother trying to greet anyone after that, just giving a curt nod if they glanced his way. His kids weren’t treated any differently; he would have raised hell if they were; but they knew that something was up. He’d had to go break up a fight on his front lawn because Christie and Christian had ganged up on Ernest and managed to wrestle the fourteen year old to the ground. Hugo tried to apologize, but the twins proudly said that they beat him up and that they were fine.

Joseph had apologized to Hugo, and, shockingly, the exhausted teacher had just smiled and said that he wasn’t surprised. “Kids have a hard time adjusting to divorces,” he said. “If you need anything, don’t hesitate to come talk. I...I have your back, Joseph. Whatever you did, you’re still a good dad.”

He had been shocked and he had been a few seconds from pulling Hugo into a tight hug and crying into his shoulder. It was the first bit of kindness that had been shown to him since word got around that he’d kicked Mary out. Instead, he’d thanked Hugo and ushered his twins inside.

Brian wandered over a few days later while he was trimming the hedges under his windows and offered to lend a hand. Joseph was grateful for the assistance and asked him to handle the giant tree in the front yard since its branches were getting dangerously droopy towards the house. Matt popped over a few times to keep an eye on his kids when they wanted to play kickball in the street. He didn’t say anything, but just knowing that he was still looking out for Joseph’s kids was nice.

He didn’t see much of the other dads on the cul-de-sac and he saw even less of Robert and Mary. He was fine with that, even if the thought of Robert made his gut twist with guilt. He shouldn’t have said what he had, but he wanted Robert to hurt. He’d wanted that man, the man he’d started to fall in love with, the man he had been ready to run away with the kids with, to hurt like he did when Robert stabbed him in the back.

Mary hadn’t known about him and Robert. Hadn’t had a clue. Because they didn’t do anything at first. They’d get a drink, Joseph would have a sympathetic ear to bitch to about Mary’s habits, and then they’d go their separate ways for the night. Then...that night on the yacht. Joseph had too much to drink; he really had a weak alcohol tolerance and shouldn’t have taken shots of whiskey; and...and then they had sex. And it was the most amazing thing he’d felt in a lifetime. He got addicted; to Robert’s mouth, his hands, those big thighs pushing his out as Robert filled him again and again, and that voice whispering sweet things in his ear. They’d started making plans to get away, to take the kids for a ride down the coast and send Mary the divorce papers after they’d landed...somewhere. Robert kept saying Florida but Joseph knew he would never make it that far before he turned around and returned to Maple Bay. That was home and Robert begrudgingly agreed.

Then, Joseph got home one night after a Youth Mixer and Mary confronted him. He had been ready to admit that he had been seeing Robert, but the pictures she threw at him were not their neighbour. They were strangers, men he’d never seen before, but she snarled that Robert told her all about it. Told her all about his cheating and his sexual appetite, how he let all these men sodomize him over and over again.

“A filthy bottom bitch” is what she had called him before she smiled so sweetly. That was when he had grown to fear her. He knew the power she had over him in that instant.

“They’d never let an adulterer like you have children,” she said. “They’d never let your buggered ass anywhere near them. You sexual deviant; what judge would give children to a monster like you?”

He’d wanted to throw up. He’d wanted to cry. She would get his children, his darling babies would be awarded to her because he was gay. They’d never give him the children. They would be left in her neglectful hands. She didn’t even remember her children’s name most days because she was so drunk!

So he’d sank to his knees and begged for her forgiveness. He’d forsaken his sexuality on the spot, promising her that he’d never do it again and that he’d be unwavering in his loyalty to her. She’d accepted it, all with that sweet smile and knowing look in her eyes.

When he went to Robert the next day, the man was smiling and asking when they were leaving. Joseph’s heart had broken into a thousand pieces as he said that they were over and that he was going to work on his marriage with Mary. Robert had lashed out, furious with him. He’d started calling him names, sneering about what a terrible person he was and how he couldn’t be trusted.

“And lying to Mary about all the men I’ve slept with is worthy of trust?” Joseph had whispered, tears burning his eyes. “You are such a self-centered prick, Robert Small. Good day.”

And he had stayed in that loveless relationship for almost two more years before he found his courage again. Now, he had no support system around him. It would be easy to give in and let the world tear him apart. But he wasn’t a coward and he wasn’t weak; he would stand up before all of those that wished to tear him down and spit in their eyes.

He went to the church on one of his days off, ignoring the glares he received from the other ministers. He hadn’t lost his position and his boss had even whispered that he didn’t believe a word Mary had said about him.

“You’re a good man,” he had smiled. “Mary...could learn to be as kind as you.”

He would be lying if it didn’t make him feel good to hear. Yes, he knew that what he had done with Robert had been wrong; he never should have slept with anyone other than his wife; but that was one mistake in a grand ocean of sins that any human could commit. And to say that his love for Robert made him worse than Mary who continually flirted with other men in the hopes of getting booze was cruel. They were both in the wrong and it was best that they went their separate ways.

He knelt down in the pews to pray, bowing his head as one of the ministers wandered up and down the aisle. They ignored him, letting him pray quietly.

“Our Father who art in Heaven,” he murmured to himself. “I have often asked You if this is the proper path for me. I have always assumed that You intended me to be a devout husband, father, and minister. I now begin to have doubts. All my life I have been told to stand in Your light and follow what thousands before me have done; I see the error in that logic now. I was never meant to be a husband; not the traditional way. Mary was not a good match for me and I allowed myself to be fooled into believing it. I have endured pain beyond what most will experience in their life at the hands of their lover. When I thought I had escape, you snatched it away from me and subjected me to more pain. I thought I had done something wrong, but I know that is not true. My adultery was a sin, but the love we shared was not. No longer will I allow such shallow beliefs to hold me back. You, who are most holy and powerful, cannot stop me from loving another man. If the Devil only offers love to the tempted, he is not the cruel master and deceiver. I will hold to Your teachings only where the benefit of others is concerned. Beyond that, I will walk my own path now. I have seen the true colours of Your face and it is more cruel and unloving than anything I have ever seen. I am no longer Your lamb; I am Your wolf.”

He rose smoothly to his feet and headed for the back offices. He left his letter of resignation on his boss’ desk, along with his rosary, and swept out of the church. He would no longer allow their poison to hurt him; he would teach the love and forgiveness of a much kinder God than what his father had taught him. He would help others not make the same mistakes he had. If he could save even one lost lamb from being led to the slaughterhouse and show them the strength in being a wolf instead, it would be worth it.

“Dad, can we get a dog?” Christian grinned as Crish knocked his bowl of dry cereal to the floor.

“Why do we need a dog?” Joseph smirked as he went to get the hand-vac.

“They could eat the food we drop!” Christie grinned. Chris nodded enthusiastically.

“Or, you could just stop throwing your vegetables on the ground,” Joseph offered as he cleaned the Cheerios off of the ground.

“Please?” Chris asked. “We can go for later walks if we have a dog!”

“You sure?” Joseph smirked as he put the hand-vac on the table and leaned forward. “Dogs are a lot of work. You have to feed them and water them and take them for walks and clean up their poop. It’s not something to take lightly.”

“We’ll take care of it!” Christian promised. “Please?”

“Ernest got a dog!” Christie added.

Ah, yes, Duchess Contessa. The oversized lapdog that knew how to open doors. Oh, how his kids loved that massive puppy. Everyone loved that dog. She was sweet if not a little hyper.

“We are not getting a Mastiff,” he said sternly. “Small to medium, that’s it.”

“So we can have a dog?!” his kids squealed.

“Dog!” Crish clapped his hands eagerly.

“Yes, we can get a dog,” Joseph smiled. “From the animal shelter.”

The kids cheered, grinning widely at him before hurrying to finish their breakfast and get ready for school. Chris herded his siblings out the front door at a quarter after eight, shouting that he loved Joseph over his shoulder. He watched as his kids raced down the sidewalk to the bus stop, smiling as Christie and Christian hung off of Daisy’s arms as they waited for the bus.

He puttered around the house chasing after Crish until there was a knock at the front door. He opened the door as he swung Crish over his shoulder, keeping his toddler from escaping into the world. He blinked at Craig in surprise before he smiled.

“Oh! Hello, Craig,” he said. “How’s life been treating you?”

“Good, good,” Craig coughed and shifted nervously. “Um, hey, I was wondering, since I know you’re not working today, if you wanted to come for a jog with me? Or a walk; walking is good too.”

“I...sure!” Joseph smiled. “Let me get Crish’s stroller.”

He closed the door and set Crish down on his feet. It took a few minutes of rummaging through the closet to find the elusive baby stroller, but Crish was excited when he saw it. They stepped outside and Craig smiled as Crish climbed into the unfolded stroller and let Joseph buckle him in. River ‘gooed’ from her usual place on Craig’s chest, waving her little arms in greeting. Joseph gave her a quick tickle under the chin before they started walking down the street.

“Sorry I haven’t been around much, bro,” Craig said after a few minutes of silence. “I’ve just...I thought you’d want some space, you know?”

“Yes,” Joseph nodded. “I do appreciate the time to think, but I have been...lonely. I’m not used to being avoided.”

Craig gave him a sad smile. “Sorry, again, bro,” he said. “I should have talked to you first. I mean, Robert’s been spitting mad about you and Mary splitting up, but honestly? That’s the best thing you did for your kids.” His face fell and he stuffed his hands in his pockets. “It’s not easy, I know. You feel like a terrible parent for giving your kids a broken family, but it’s for the best. Better to give them a broken family than have them grow up seeing their parents mentally and emotionally destroy each other.”

“Thank you for understanding,” Joseph smiled. “I...forget sometimes that you and Hugo know what I’m going through. I’m so used to being a pillar of the community that...well, this is new to me.”

“We got your back, bro,” Craig grinned at him. “Maybe we could become jogging buddies!”

“Craig, I haven’t gone jogging in years,” Joseph grimaced. “I’m not fond of it. However, if you want to do a gym run, let me know; I love those weight machines. They work wonders when you have to wrangle kids all day. And haul ropes.”

“Joe...you have a fully automated yacht,” Craig frowned. “You don’t have any ropes to haul.”

Joseph side-eyed Craig. “What, you think that yacht is the only boat I own?” he asked. “My friend, the yacht is just the one I host parties on.”

Craig stared at him before grinning widely. “Dude!”

Joseph nodded as they continued on. They walked a few blocks, catching up with one another. They stopped in at the Coffee Spoon and Matt greeted them warmly. Joseph and him talked for a few minutes about the latest Christian rock band to hit the music scene before Matt gave both of them a sampler size of his latest confectionary creation; some sort of funfetti loaf that smelled strangely like strawberries.

They walked back towards the cul-de-sac, laughing like they hadn’t spent a month apart from each other. They paused as the spotted a familiar figure heading towards them at a mad run. Joseph handed the stroller off to Craig and caught Damien before he collapsed. The man was in tears, his mascara and foundation running down his face.

“I, I can’t find him!” Damien sobbed against Joseph’s chest. “Please...please!”

“Ssh, Damien,” Joseph soothed. “Take a few deep breaths, okay? That’s it. Now, what’s wrong?”

“It, it’s Lucien,” Damien whimpered as he wiped at his eyes. “I can’t find him anywhere! We had a fight last night, one of the worst we’ve ever had and he stormed off. I thought he went to his friend’s house, but their mother said she hadn’t seen Lucien for a couple of days. He’s not in his usual haunts and...I’m so scared! This isn’t like him! He always calls me to let me know where he’s gone!”

“It’s going to be okay, Damien,” Joseph soothed. “Craig, can you babysit Crish for a little while?”

“No problem, bro,” Craig smiled before he gave Damien a big hug. “Hey, we’re going to find Lucien,” he added. “And he’s going to be fine. Damien’s a smart kid. He’s probably just holed up at a different friend’s house being a moody little teenager.”

“Yah,” Damien smiled as Craig pulled away. “Thank you, Craig.”

Craig nodded before he started jogging for his house, pushing Crish’s stroller ahead of him. Joseph waited for him to get a fair distance away before he looked at Damien.

“What was the fight over? It might help find him,” he said.

“You,” Damien sighed and slumped. “I...he wanted to go see you and I’ve been telling him to leave you alone. He’s still young; I didn’t want him saying something insensitive.”

“Insensitive?” Joseph arched an eyebrow.

“I have been...less than civil towards you since you separated from Mary,” Damien admitted. “I have let my fondness for Mary overshadow the situation. No matter what she says about your extra-marital affairs, they pale in comparison to her drinking problem. I am the last person that should be judging you on removing a poisonous person from your children’s lives.”

Joseph smiled and hugged Damien tightly. “It’s okay, Damien,” he said. “I don’t hold it against you. But, right now, we need to find our favourite punk escapee. Have you called Hugo to see if he’s in class?”

“I did,” Damien nodded. “He wasn’t at school and they have written consent from me to not be there today.”

“So he forged your signature,” Joseph snorted in amusement.

“He is very good at it,” Damien pouted.

“Okay, so that rules out him being a good little punk,” Joseph said. “He’s not at his other friends’ houses?”

“I’ve called around; no one’s seen him since last night,” Damien said.

“You’re going to slap me, but let’s check the church,” Joseph said. “If he wanted to speak to me last night, he might have gone there thinking I was in.”

“Maybe,” Damien frowned. “But...didn’t you quit?”

“I did,” Joseph smiled. “But does Lucien know that?”

“A fair point,” Damien nodded before he hurried back towards his house. “We’ll take my car.”

“It is closer,” Joseph agreed as he trotted at Damien’s heels.

They climbed into the car and headed towards Joseph’s old church. There was no sign of Lucien, but Joseph headed inside to see if he had stopped in. Damien looked a little uncomfortable, but Joseph made it clear that he was welcome, bowing at the waist like a gentleman to make Damien laugh and relax.

“Oh, Joseph; how are you?” one of the ministers spotted him and waved. “I haven’t seen you in a while. Weren’t even at service last week. Are you well?”

“I am,” Joseph reassured. “Have you seen Lucien Bloodmarch around? Yeh high,” he held his hand up around the center of his chest, “white blond hair, lots of piercings?”

“I did see him,” she nodded. “He went down towards your office but he beat a mad retreat after Gunther started shouting at him.”

“Why would he…?” Joseph started to ask before he groaned. “Nevermind. He saw the tattoo, didn’t he?”

“Well, he did say the kid was a devil worshipper so...probably?” the minister frowned. “Is everything alright?”

“I’m just looking for my son,” Damien shook his head. “I’m worried.”

“You have Joseph helping you look for him; he’s a real scent-hound,” the minister smiled. “I think he headed towards the marina when he left, if that helps.”

“Probably heading for the yacht,” Joseph nodded. “Thanks, Helena.”

Helena waved as they left the church and headed back for the car. Damien’s foot was heavier than usual as they headed for the marina; he almost blew a stop light but managed to stop at the last second with a very uncharacteristic swear and hiss.

They made it to the boat launch in one piece and hurried towards Joseph’s yacht. Joseph could see someone moving around below deck and smiled. He motioned for Damien to stay put before climbing onboard and heading for the door to the lower levels.

“Lucien?” he called as he pushed the door open. “Hey, you there, kiddo?”

“Joseph!” Lucien looked up with a watery smile from where he was collapsed on his bed. “I’ve been looking for you!”

“And your father has been looking for you,” Joseph said as he closed the door behind him and made his way over to sit beside Lucien. “He’s very worried.”

Lucien looked at his feet. “He didn’t want me seeing you,” he said. “Said that...I’d just make things worse.”

“Not the best wording, perhaps, but Damien was worried that you would say something to offend me,” Joseph soothed. “A young mouth and brain don’t always think at the same pace.”

“I miss you,” Lucien murmured. “I miss listening to your stories. You...you aren’t like a lot of other councillors that I’ve had to see. You listen and you get what we’re going through. And I miss your cook-outs.”

“Well, the twins’ birthday is coming up soon if you want to help with that,” he smiled. “I need someone to man the bouncy castle so soaking wet kids don’t try to jump on it.”

Lucien smiled at him and shifted closer to drop his head on Joseph’s shoulder. “You’re the best, Joseph,” he said.

“Thank you for thinking so,” Joseph smiled as he hugged Lucien close. “You ready to face your father?”

“Yah,” Lucien took a deep breath and got to his feet. “Was he mad?”

“No; he was worried and scared,” Joseph said as he got to his feet. “Where did you spend the night?”

“Robert’s couch,” Lucien said. “They were out until two in the morning and they didn’t even seem to see me when they got home. It’s...unnerving.”

Joseph frowned, but nodded. “Make sure to tell Damien that, okay? Just so he doesn’t think you slept in a gutter or something.”

Lucien nodded and followed Joseph back onto the deck. Damien hurried aboard as soon as he saw Lucien, hugging him to his chest and kissing over his forehead. He apologized profusely, crying again and making Lucien break down into tears as well. Joseph herded them off the deck and back to the car, letting the two of them talk in the backseat as he drove them home.

Damien saw him off with a kiss on the cheek and the promise to help him set up anything he needed for the twins’ birthday. Joseph thanked him, winking at Lucien when he told him to stay out of trouble, and went to retrieve his baby from Craig.

#DDADDS #Joseph Christiansen #past roseph