[CLOSED] Welcome to the family?

[robintohood]

Who: Jason Todd robintohood, Sleeper solo_sleeper, Dylan Brock codicies, and Ripley Arkwright exasperation
What: Jason visits the Brocks' home for an important talk in light of a recent development
When: April 3rd
Where: Central City, the Brocks' penthouse
Content Warnings: N/A

[Shortly after Jason and Sleeper talked about their relationship, a meeting was arranged. Jason and Sleeper both know they can't go any further unless they get approval from certain people. Or rather, one person was especially important to consider.

Jason can see how important Sleeper and Dylan are to each other. In light of Eddie Brock and Venom's leaving, Jason also doesn't want to worsen Dylan's anxiety about losing more family. Jason wants Dylan's blessing of course but if the teenager says no, then Jason won't fight it. He has no intention of hurting a good family relationship.

So now here was Jason dressed casually in worn jeans, a green shirt, and a brown leather jacket and standing before the door to one of the nicest penthouses in Central City. Though he's known and been friends with Dylan for months now, Jason finds himself a little nervous. The man's never had to ask for a family's blessing for a relationship before, much less a platonic one involving an alien who can literally bond with him. But better to work this out sooner than later.

Jason takes a deep breath, slowly exhales, and then rings the doorbell]

Comments

(closed to Sleeper and Dylan, before Jason arrives)

[codicies]

Dylan's in his room, changing into something... a little more presentable. Something that wasn't pajama pants and a stained tee shirt. Apparently Jason was coming over to talk about something important, though Dylan couldn't imagine what. It didn't sound bad, at least — at least he hoped it wasn't bad.

The door's open a crack, allowing Sleeper easy access without having to flatten themselves and seep under the door.

[definecat]

Sleeper doesn't need their connection to the hive or their senses to feel Dylan's anxiety. It's easy enough to understand, and they aren't exactly calm, either. This is not going to be an easy conversation for any of them. Especially given some of the way that other world worked.

But knowing what to say is hard, so they settle for rubbing against Dylan's legs before hopping on the bed to watch the wardrobe-related chaos.

[codicies]

Dylan smiles down at Sleeper when he feels them rub against his legs, smoothing out his (comparatively nicer than the stained one) tee over his jeans.

"You're quiet," he comments, looking over to Sleeper on the bed. "I mean, you're always pretty sneaky, but... I dunno. It's different somehow."

[definecat]

"Maybe I'm not sure what to say. Because I was talking with Jason, and, well, we realized we needed to talk with you, too."

And because it was going to be hard to prove to their brother than just because they might be with someone else as a partner, that their bond as siblings didn't mean any less.

"Nothing bad, just...complicated."

[exasperation]

[ huh. who could that be? they don't get a lot of visitors. which suits ripley fine as a partial recluse, though he doesn't mind them for the family's sake. he rubs his eyes and goes to open the door.

to find a heavily muscled teen. hm. not what he expected. ]

Are you . . . at the right place?

[robintohood]

[Jason looks back at Ripley surprised. He's... not who he expected to answer the door]

I think so. This is the Brocks' place, right?

[Jason's only met Ripley once last summer when he was stuck at Little Love. He paid Ripley to help him teleport back to Central City. The transaction went fine. It's just that Jason hadn't expected to meet him again in this way]

[exasperation]

[ there's a sliver of pain ripley can't quite hide, but it's gone quickly enough. ]

It is.

Who're you asking for?

[robintohood]

[Jason pretends he doesn't notice that sliver as he answers]

Sleeper and Dylan. They're expecting me.

[exasperation]

[ that's . . . unusual. they don't usually entertain people. ]

Uh, okay. Come in then.

[robintohood]

Thanks.

[He walks in]

I'm Jason by the way.

[He realizes they never did get a formal introduction last time]

[exasperation]

Right. It's Ripley. Which you probably already, uh, know.

[robintohood]

Yeah. Thanks again for your help last summer. I needed the lift.

[exasperation]

It's fine. All part of the job. And stuff.

[robintohood]

Naturally. How do you know the Brocks?

[exasperation]

I knew Eddie. We were. Going out. For a while.

[robintohood]

[Ah. That would explain a lot. Jason also feels a twinge of awkwardness given his reason for coming over]

Ah. I'm sorry he and Venom left.

[exasperation]

It's fine, it's just things are a bit touch and go.

So. Uh. Why are you here? If you don't mind me asking.

[robintohood]

Sleeper and I want to talk to Dylan about something. We thought it was best we talk to him face-to-face here where he's more comfortable.

[codicies]

[ Hey, speak of the devil! Dylan enters right as his name is said, looking a little rushed. ]

Sorry, thanks for getting that, Ripley. You've met Jason before, right?

[exasperation]

Once, a while back.

[ but it's a relief to see dylan does know him. ]

[robintohood]

Yeah. Just got caught by surprise. Sleeper's around too?

[definecat]

[Sleeper pads in, looking as casual as they can, greeting everyone with an easy brush against their legs.]

Be kind of hard to have a family chat without the family.

[codicies]

[ Dylan glances at Sleeper and smiles. ]

Exactly. [ He looks back to Jason. ] So what's this about? Something good, I hope?

Though if you're looking for an investor or something... I'm not actually old enough to touch the Stock Market Money yet.

[exasperation]

[ ripley doesn't like the sound of that. ]

This better not be about money.

[robintohood]

It's not. I'm not interested in that. It's about me and Sleeper. We wanted to talk to you first before we do anything.