metalogs | [CLOSED] Welcome to the family?

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[CLOSED] Welcome to the family?

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]

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Bodyguards?

[ his voice goes a little high pitched. ]

What kind of work does he do?

[Jason starts to head to the living room and feels a wince of guilt at the mention of what he and Sleeper did to Dylan. It's not one of the better aspects of those other lives they had]

We were rich but also paranoid about safety.

[Jason waves his hand as though to wave off the topic]

We're not gonna do that in our actual lives. It's about something else that happened while we were in that bubble. Sleeper and I realized there's something we want to do together.

Jason runs a bar. I sometimes help out with security, or just enjoy the library.

[Better to get that out in the open, because the other bits were not very pretty, and Ripley was nervous enough.]

And the bodyguards...yeah, that was not the best decision in that life. You don't need that kind of protection, even if we want you to be safe.

[ Dylan's moving through the apartment as he speaks now, guiding the conversation to a cozy sitting area with a window that overlooks Central City. ]

Yeah. That life was... weird.

[ He settles into a soft leather loveseat. ]

So, what did you want to talk to me about?

[ ripley hangs back for now, curious. he doesn't have much to add here. ]

[Jason sits in another seat, separate from the sofa before getting right to the point]

Sleeper and I had been thinking about being bonded. It won't be like how Eddie and Venom are though. It'll just be part of the time. We still like being independent.

[Sleeper has to consider where to sit, and decides to stay with Dylan for the moment, curling up into a loaf next to one of his legs.]

It's just, there's something about being close to someone. I don't know if will ever be a permanent thing, but...I enjoy spending time with Jason. But I don't want you to feel left behind, either.

[ Dylan's eyes go wide, and he feels anxiety pool in his gut.

Sleeper wants to bond with Jason. The way Dad and Venom were — are — bonded. That's... a good thing, right? Sleeper deserves to be happy.

And... they took the time to bring him into the conversation. And it won't be full-time. Sleeper doesn't want to leave him alone.

Why does he feel so anxious? ]

That's... that's amazing. I'm happy for you.

I wish dad and Venom were here to be a part of this conversation, too.

[ ripley glances at dylan. definitely didn't seem all that enthusiastic. after a beat, he directs his attention at sleeper and dylan. ]

Do you think this is something he would have approved of? Just, you know. Checking.

[Dylan's response confirms to Jason how necessary this conversation is versus just bonding with Sleeper already. The last thing he wants to do is upset Dylan]

I don't know him or Venom like the way you guys do. Whatever you say about this idea, I'll respect it. I'll back off if that's what you want.

I think they would have done more than approved. I think they would have celebrated. I mean... you remember how hard Venom was pushing for Eddie to find someone who makes him happy, right?

[ He glances at Ripley with a smile, then looks back to Jason. ]

And when I — [ no, no, he's not bringing up his crush on Hunter here. Not in front of Jason. ] — When I was talking with him about some other stuff, I could tell how much he really believed in finding — [ love? somehow, he can't bring himself to say that. ] — finding someone to cherish. Someone whose life you can improve, while they improve yours, too.

And I know how much time you two spend together already.

That's why I wish they were here. I think they'd want to be part of this moment. But with them gone, I guess it's on me to say congratulations.

Your father is a hopeless romantic, and that's a good thing. Hope is never wasted. But I want to know how you really feel, not just what you think you should feel for us.

[Sleeper headbutts Dylan's hand in reassurance, knowing physical contact helps, but then looks at Ripley.]

You have a say, too, as part of this household.

[ ripley looks startled. for a moment, he had been caught up in his own memories and it was hard to shake off. but he does, clearing his throat. ]

I mean, this is new territory. For me. As long as you're, uh, safe about it? It's fine.

[Jason looks back at Dylan and Ripley]

Are you both sure about this? We know this is a big step for us to take.

[ Dylan turns his head, gazing out at the sprawling city below. ]

I... I mean, a few months ago, I thought everything was almost perfect. I wouldn't have changed anything. But... things change anyway, whether you want them to or not.

[ He turns away from the window, back to Sleeper. ]

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little anxious. But I can't ask Sleeper to put their own life on hold because I'm anxious.

[ He looks to Jason ]

And... out of anyone, I'm glad it's you. I know you're trustworthy. I know you'll take care of them.

And maybe I can look forward to getting an extra sibling out of the deal.

[ He says that last part a little facetiously, he's just kidding haha UNLESS...?

Dylan might look a little hopeful. ]

Not planning on any niblings for you, at least. I would prefer not to spawn without reason.

[Still, they won't argue with maybe in-law jokes.]

You know you'll always be my favorite sibling.

[ Dylan laughs. ]

Not a very high bar, but I'll take it.

Then I guess, it's, uh, settled.

[ he hopes it works out. ]

[Jason lightly huffs]

Well, this wouldn't be my first time being in a family of my choice.

This one has no intention of leaving you for dead.

[ Dylan balks at that. ]

Leaving him for what now?

[ SOMEONE DIDN'T HEAR THAT STORY YET. ]

Are you... I mean I guess you're okay now, looking at you, but...

Let's not do depressing backstories before bed.

[ because no one will sleep and that will suck. ]

Yeah, we'll save that for later.

[He's certainly not in a rush to get into that story]

Is there anything you wanna ask me or Sleeper?

[He's addressing both Dylan and Ripley]

It's my first time doing anything like this so I'm not sure how to go about it.

Edited 2023-04-09 14:54 (UTC)

[ Dylan looks thoughtful for a moment, then looks to Sleeper with a worried expression. ]

Are you... going to move in with him?

Edited 2023-04-10 21:07 (UTC)

Not on a permanent basis.

[Sleeper wants this very clear. They won't add themself to the list of people who have given up on Dylan Brock for any reason.]

And I'll always make sure you know how to reach me.

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exasperation - 2023-04-11 01:55 (UTC) - Expand

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robintohood - 2023-04-11 02:11 (UTC) - Expand

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