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Entry tags:
cross the roofs
Who: Otto Octavius ![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
doctopoda
What: June catch-all
When: June, pre-Kaijuu
Where: Excelsior
Content Warnings: none
i. excelsior, day, out and about
ii. excelsior, night, guild housing
iii. wildcard
doctopoda What: June catch-all
When: June, pre-Kaijuu
Where: Excelsior
Content Warnings: none
i. excelsior, day, out and about
[Now that he's gainfully employed, Otto's starting to fall into something more like a normal routine.
You may see him out getting coffee at what's become his regular place, or doing some shopping. It's getting easier; the longer he's lived here, the more people in his neighborhood have gotten used to the sight of him.
Ever since the incident at Balthier's shop, though, things have gotten a little weird. There's been outcry against metas. He knew it existed out there, but he's only lived in Central City and here, where such things are less common; this is the first real anti-meta sentiment he's seen in person. He even passes a few little protest groups outside of the Guild buildings, his own home and the others near it. Yet somehow, he himself is excluded: he's a product of science, not natural-born, not magic.
A ridiculous distinction. Otto knows as well as anyone just how dangerous a rogue scientist can be.
Mostly, he does his best to ignore praise and protest alike. If he sees anyone nearby who seems upset by the crowd - or, god forbid, anyone who's getting yelled at by them - he'll go over to them, actuators curving protectively, though not too close.]
Come on. They're just looking for attention - don't give them the satisfaction.
You may see him out getting coffee at what's become his regular place, or doing some shopping. It's getting easier; the longer he's lived here, the more people in his neighborhood have gotten used to the sight of him.
Ever since the incident at Balthier's shop, though, things have gotten a little weird. There's been outcry against metas. He knew it existed out there, but he's only lived in Central City and here, where such things are less common; this is the first real anti-meta sentiment he's seen in person. He even passes a few little protest groups outside of the Guild buildings, his own home and the others near it. Yet somehow, he himself is excluded: he's a product of science, not natural-born, not magic.
A ridiculous distinction. Otto knows as well as anyone just how dangerous a rogue scientist can be.
Mostly, he does his best to ignore praise and protest alike. If he sees anyone nearby who seems upset by the crowd - or, god forbid, anyone who's getting yelled at by them - he'll go over to them, actuators curving protectively, though not too close.]
Come on. They're just looking for attention - don't give them the satisfaction.
ii. excelsior, night, guild housing
[Peter staying with Otto has been rather nice, actually - at least in Otto's mind. He spends most of his days at work, and Peter's often out on his own business at other times, so they don't see too much of one another. But when they do, it's nice to have a bit of friendly conversation. The place has felt empty since Norman left.
Even so, there's still evenings when he's left to his own devices, or nights that drag on as sleep eludes him. So there's also nights when a tentacled shape can be seen swiftly crawling its way up to the roof of one of the Guild-owned apartment buildings.
Once up there, he leans against the perimeter wall, lights a cigarette, and smokes it while looking out over the city. It's an awful habit, he knows; he went some thirty years without it. But then - as with so many things - but then there was the accident. He quit once. He can kick it again. Just...later, maybe.]
Even so, there's still evenings when he's left to his own devices, or nights that drag on as sleep eludes him. So there's also nights when a tentacled shape can be seen swiftly crawling its way up to the roof of one of the Guild-owned apartment buildings.
Once up there, he leans against the perimeter wall, lights a cigarette, and smokes it while looking out over the city. It's an awful habit, he knows; he went some thirty years without it. But then - as with so many things - but then there was the accident. He quit once. He can kick it again. Just...later, maybe.]
iii. wildcard
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for Peter
Honestly? A little weird!
Come morning, though, he's decided: it doesn't need to be awkward. Maybe this isn't where either of them thought they'd end up, but they should make the best of it. This can be fine!
The apartment is a little bit sparse. It's functional. There's a worktable in the main living area, neat piles of papers and a toolbox sitting on it; there's a small dining table with stools, and a particularly deep couch. Otto just doesn't seem to have put a ton of effort into personal touches or decorations. It makes a large place seem larger, a tad emptier.
In a lot of ways, though, that's not a bad thing for a guy with a lot of extra limbs. Otto is in the kitchen right now, scrambling eggs while an actuator makes coffee and two more handle the dishes. They're not usually all so active when he's just out in public, but in here he's got the room and the freedom - or, at least, he did? Hopefully Peter isn't wigged out by them.]
Good morning. You want some eggs?
[The room's pretty dim, the only light right now being what indirect sunlight filters in through the large windows on the other side of the apartment. That's why Otto's got his glasses off, for once; he glances at Peter with his actual human eyes!]
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Peter is, of course, fully dressed when he comes out into the living room, but his hair is still a bit of a mess. He doesn't sleep well, and he doesn't sleep for very long at a time. He has nightmares, but he's not someone who makes a lot of noise in his sleep so at least he can keep that to himself or whatever.
He's only slightly wigged out by the actuators as a thing, but that's a side-effect of having them nearly crush him to death once! It's not personal! But he's also fascinated by them, by the whole thing, their apparent independence, their construction, all of it. As a nerd who likes to build things, how can he not be?
He hasn't really seen them do their thing all separate like that, though, so he stares for a moment. Whoops, rude? He catches himself.
He also hasn't seen Otto's whole face. The glasses don't change his appearance entirely, but they do have an effect. ]
Eggs? Uh…yeah. Yeah, thanks! Sorry, for a second I thought you were another guy with a lot of robot arms. No glasses. Kinda threw me.
[ Unfortunately his sense of humour is not better than any other Peter Parker's sense of humour. ]
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Oh, is it too dark? You can turn a light on if you want. I'm sorry, I'm not used to anyone else here.
[He waves a hand idly, while the actuator on coffee duty turns carefully to set a mug down near Peter. Otto's not directing their every motion right at the moment - he isn't that good at multitasking - but a quick thought is enough to ensure that they don't make any quick movements towards the boy. He remembers nearly crushing him to death, too.]
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I know where the light switches are! I mean, mostly. It's not too dark.
[ He can feel the very faintest tug on his senses for a second as the actuator gives him a mug. Hm, okay, so on some level he still perceives them as possible threat. Good to know? It's not a trust issue; he wouldn't be here at all if he didn't trust Otto and his robot arms. But that sense does what it does. ]
Sorry, this is maybe too personal but...how long have you had the extra limbs thing going on? You seem, like, really well-versed at what they're all doing. The extra legs I had in the suit took some getting used to, but that was a lot of AI involvement and these aren't exactly like that.
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[There's a slight bit of hesitation there. But if there's anyone who deserves answers on that front, it's Peter. They almost killed him, and he's the one who repaired them. He's really the only person in this world who knows anything about their systems outside of Otto himself.
(It occurs to him that's probably an oversight. If something were to happen, Peter shouldn't bear responsibility for fixing it again. He just isn't sure who else he trusts that far.)]
The...accident only happened a few months before I arrived in your world. But I'd worked with them extensively before that - testing, calibration, practice sessions.
[He takes the eggs off the stove, accepts a plate from an actuator, and serves up some eggs for Peter before taking his own portion.]
I will say, it's different now. There wasn't such a connection, before.
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It was an accident that made them go haywire like that?
[ Well, that seems easy enough to avoid happening again, RIGHT???
He takes the eggs. He continues the conversation, careful not to talk with his mouth full because his aunt definitely drilled that into him. Manners were important to her, so they continue to be important to him. ]
If…you're cool with it, I'd love to have more time to look at the specs for them. I mean, I've never seen anything like them. They're cool! You know, now that they're...better.
[ Nice save, Peter. ]
Man, I bet Mr. Stark would have loved to see them, actually.
[ He didn't really mean to say that part out loud, but that's just his MO. WHOOPS, anyways... ]
Sorry, I don't mean to be weird. You know, I'm really appreciative that you let me stay here. Those chickens were gonna drive me nuts.
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[His tone's even, if a bit dull. He can talk about it. This part is the easy bit, really.
Otto serves his own eggs and stands by the counter to eat. The work done, two of the actuators move to the floor to help support him. The other two hover idly around his shoulders, mostly watching Peter.]
Of course you can see the specs! I've recreated them here, in case they were needed - I have copies.
[He doesn't want to rely on Peter the same way again; that's too much weight to put on the boy. But he's still the one who fixed the chip. It does make Otto feel a little easier, for him to know more about the actuators and their inner workings. Of course another flare like the last is vanishingly unlikely, but it doesn't take that much to damage a little chip, not really.]
It's no trouble, truly. I'm glad to be of help. [The least he could do. But he's trying not to drag the conversation down like that immediately - Otto just arches an eyebrow.] You know, when I went out to get you, I wasn't expecting it to be an actual operating farm. How on earth did you end up out there?
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But the specs! Well, even if he's not worried about the actuators going kind of off the rails again, he can't help but be interested. ]
Well if you ever need maintenance or something, knowing exactly how they work would be helpful.
[ He probably doesn't need to know; he can just sort of ask them? But that seems weird, for one, and for two, he is interested in just building things. He wants to know the design more than just feel it out.
He laughs a little at the question, trying not to do it around his eggs. Manners, right? ]
Oh, um. My friend, Bart, that's where he decided to live for some inexplicable reason. I mean, no, that's not fair, no shade or anything. But why anyone would live on a farm when the Guild would let you live somewhere, y'know, not on a farm? That's a mystery to me.
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I can't help you there.
[He lets the comment about maintenance pass. Peter's...probably thinking along similar lines to him. Just in case. A wise thing to do, but it does bring a certain pall over a conversation.
He takes a bite of his own eggs, chews thoughtfully and swallows before going on.]
Speaking of the Guild - they shouldn't bother you while you're here. They're very hands-off landlords. I haven't seen any of their people since I moved in, unless I go to them first.
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[ WELL that's probably fine right? Haha, right?
Peter, being a teenage boy, can inhale food on the best of days. Being a teenage boy with a metabolism faster than any normal person's makes that worse. He's doing his best not to go too fast, but it is what it is. ]
They probably don't wanna spy too much unless they have to. They don't seem very micro-managey, I guess. But that's good to know! I'd like to not, you know, have to dash out a window every time there's a knock at the door.
[ Shit, that sounds maybe rude? ]
Oh, I mean. Don't get me wrong. I really am grateful that you let me stay here!
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[Can't tell you why Wally moved to a farm! No worries, he's got the actuators well in hand. Or claw, as it may be.]
No, no, I understand. But it should be alright. I wouldn't have offered if I thought you'd be in danger here.
[Which might sound slightly cold, but...well, he'd have tried to help some other way, is all. He won't be the reason something bad happens to Peter again, even something minor.]
June, post-Kaiju, dinner in Excelsior
Having footage of himself flinging fire at the apparration of his father followed by the anti-meta sentiment in Excelsior had hit him hard. He's being a lot more careful. And if all he has are illusions, well, he'll wring them dry for what they're worth.
None of that makes it to his tone or face. He embraces Otto before sitting down. Ivalician custom, but, also it's welcome to just have friendly touch. He misses Fran terribly. ]
Otto, good to see you. I'm sorry it wasn't sooner.
[ Not an apology so much as genuine longing for a quiet, pleasant evening with company he cared for. ]
You holding up alright?
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Frankly, Otto doesn't understand the distinction. Mad scientists are just as likely to cause problems as anybody else. In his experience, they might be more so. Anyway, having seen how these people behave, he doesn't much care to have their acceptance. It's lent a little more hostility to his refusal to pose for pictures, or give quotes to journalists. How dare they try to make him some kind of celebrity while spitting on his friends?
Here, he's made no effort to disguise himself. He never does. He's simply too conspicuous. But the actuators are extended a little past their usual length, a pair of them draping over the fencing behind him and making no effort to hide how they watch the people passing by. It looks unapproachable, and it absolutely is! He's seen the news too; he knows that Balthier's been outed as a meta, and he'll be damned if anyone acts like an ass towards him while Otto's here.
(He can't see the illusion as it drapes over him, being inside it. He'll probably chill a little when he realizes.)]
Not at all! We've all been busy. [He accepts the embrace with a bit of surprise, but no reluctance. For him, too, it's been...god, he isn't sure anyone's really touched him at all since Norman vanished.] I'm just fine. About as normal as I might ever get, now that all that giant monster business is over.
[It's true enough. The kaijuu thing was a lot, but not too personally traumatic, which is about the best you can ask for. He does look far, far better than he did at their last meeting. He's got new glasses, a pair with lenses tinted a pale pink in the fading evening light, and he might've actually slept recently.]
And yourself? I hope no one's been giving you any trouble.
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Balthier would agree though. He's seen plenty of dangerous people with little technically in the way of meta-like abilities. But lately he wishes his were a little stronger. Alas. ]
Here's to hoping Excelsior is quiet for a little while. I'm not sure I'm going in next time there's a world-ending problem. I've had enough of that the last six months, I think.
[ He settles in, waving a waiter over for water and drinks, because he's an aristocrat with pretty table manners and that's comforting right now. And he's entirely forgotten he agreed to let Otto pay. ]
I don't want to bore you with my woes, but it has been an overall terrible month. I am asking the Scions to please let the next one be quieter. I think, though, the worst of it is past. [ Please let it be past. Otto doesn't seem like a social media person, at least, so he probably doesn't have to answer more weird questions about Loki and Tommy making his relationship drama extremely public. ]
I am extremely happy to see a friendly face and enjoy conversation and a good meal.
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Please, I don't mind. But we don't have to discuss it, if you'd rather not.
[He doesn't hesitate to order himself a drink - he hasn't forgotten he's paying, and he doesn't intend to let Balthier step in later. Flo's on check-grabbing duty, when the time comes. He'll wait for the water to leave again before going on.]
My month hasn't been terrible. I do keep having to chase protestors away from my apartment building. [Which is annoying and upsetting in concept, but not actually that hard to do.] Oh - I don't know if you heard, but Peter Parker is staying with me now.
[He remembers those two know each other! Though he doesn't know how often they might speak - or if Balthier knows about Spider-Man, even.]
aksfdg actuators grabbing the check
Oh, thank the gods. I have been trying to get him to live with me but I think I may be a bit too...everything for his tastes. [ Said with a genuine laugh. ] He got sick of my 'fancy food' and tried to introduce me to ... Cheetos? Why are those a food?
[ Balthier does, in fact, know Peter is Spider-Man, was the first person who found out actually, and if he finds out Otto knows, will happily tell that story. He had no idea what it meant and Peter had been absolutely distraught.
Actually, part of his month was...co-piloting a mecha with Peter and seeing the boy's worst memories. And before that, Peter had swung him around Excelsior and helped him murder his father. Again. All while making it clear to Balthier just how much stronger and better equipped Peter is for this world than Balthier.
It really has been a month. ]
How is he doing? Things with the kaijuu situation -- weren't entirely kind to him.
a long blade shoots out and skewers the check
Really? He was staying at a farm out in Kansas, when I picked him up - said he was sick of the chickens.
[Hopefully this can be a good middle ground. Otto's nowhere near Balthier's level of refinement, but he certainly doesn't keep a barnyard.
At Balthier's question, he does sober. Though he was on the ground for the kaijuu incident as well, he'd largely been running tech support. Peter was doing that with him when it started, but they'd parted ways once the robots were up and running. Otto only saw him again after it was all said and done.]
He's doing better now. Didn't say a lot about what happened out there, but I can imagine. That boy's been through far too much already.
[And those are just the things that Otto's aware of. From the roughly 48 hours he spent in that universe. There was probably a lot of other stuff before that!]
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That boy. Who would have both our hides for calling us a boy. A proper adult, he insists.
[ He's certainly been through more than most adults. But his heart -- and the way he's afraid to let others help -- are so youthful. ]
I think with two people like us hanging over him, he'll be alright. He's opening up more. [ Balthier's tone gets softer too; anything to make Peter's transition to adulthood easier than his own. ] And I think being back in the city is good for him. He needs friends, distractions.
Scions, look at me. Adopting strays and going domestic. Truly this world has been a change on me. [ He's...really not complaining though. ]
no subject
You're taking to it well. I can't say I used to run around offering teenagers spare beds, but...
[Oh, well. He can tell stories about Peter Parker independent of Spider-Man, even if only a few.]
You know, I knew a version of him in my universe? It feels like ages ago now. He was a little older than this one, maybe twenty. I'd hoped to take him on as an intern, he was an absolutely brilliant young man.
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Forgive me if it's prying, but have you met another version of yourself? I'm not sure how I'd react to that. [ He doesn't like the idea of different versions of himself, as much as he's more rooted that it doesn't matter, because he's this one.
Their drinks arrive, and he raises a glass. ] To good company in strange places.
I wanted to thank you, by the way, for being so understanding and forgiving given the whole fear cauldron situation. [ Strange had not been, and Balthier suspected he had the right of things. That only made him appreciate Otto's grace more. ]
no subject
[Otto understands the multiverse well enough to know this doesn't really reflect on him. The possibilities are infinite; logically, there's Ottos out there who have been and done things he can't even conceive of. Still...he can't say that it doesn't bother him, knowing that every one he actually knows about was some sort of monster.
The arrival of the drinks distracts him, at least. He clinks his glass against Balthier's.]
Cheers.
[And then Balthier's apologizing again. Thanking him, really, but Otto feels an apology somewhere in there. He shakes his head.]
Really, it's completely alright. God knows I've made my share of mistakes. [Ones that doubtless caused at least as much general harm and chaos. But somebody still helped him anyway.] We all need a little grace from time to time.
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[ He sighs heavily. He hadn't meant to talk about any of that, but clearly some part of him is still stuck on it.
Still, he softens at Otto's gracious deflection, even if he wishes the man would take it. ]
You'll forgive me if I'm slow to assume grace and warmth from someone who is [ Uh, father like would be weird, Balthier ] older than me and had fair reason to be upset. My father was -- not the gentlest person, and I fear his patterns are the baseline for me when dealing with others.
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[Otto's brow furrows. That certainly does color what he already knows: about Balthier having to kill an apparition of the man last month.]
It didn't do exactly that to me. But the cauldron did have a way of...changing your thinking, didn't it...?
[He didn't become an alternate self, but only by virtue of having already been that person.
His instinct is to deflect again, change the subject. Otto doesn't much like to think on these things. But it seems like Balthier has something on his mind, too. This time he lets it lie.]
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I'd never experienced anything like it. It...altered my memories, made me doubt parts of myself ever existed. Prevented me from seeing entire objects until I got loose -- until David got me loose. [ That part, at least, he wouldn't change. The closeness they'd managed to spin through some truly awful days. ] You've been feeling alright? Since we got you out?
[ He can't say he hasn't worried now and then for Otto. He won't stay on dark things too long, but that's one thing he's meant to ask. ]
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[The words are soothing, with a bit of a smile. Otto hates being worried about like that, quite frankly. Hates that Balthier has seen and heard enough to worry about him in the first place.
But it's true, for the most part. He's never...quite what he used to be, anymore, but he's found some sort of equilibrium. He's okay for now.]
And you? You're feeling better now, too?
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