#but anyway yes yes Yes i do believe it would affect Wally's ability | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

iwritethat · 4 years

Text

Wally West: One

A/N: This was a detour from what I was doing. Oops.

Warnings: None

>>>>——————————>

"M'gann?"

"Yes."

"The cute alien chic?" You thought of the girl, clarifying it was indeed the correct one.

"Yes."

"And you're sure this one is the one because you said that 3 girls ago."

"Yes... I mean no, I don’t know - look can you please help me (Y/n)." Wally playfully pleaded with you like he’d done on multiple occaisions prior to this and you could only shrug in defeat.

"Sure but my conditions remain the same."

"I know, no bragging, pizza on me, you pick the film for the next 3 weeks."

"And?" You mockingly coaxed, knowing how much the next particular demand pained him which was evident in his deadpan but reluctant tone.

"And no mocking your dates."

"Good."

The following day you’d stategically accompanied Kid Flash on a visit to Mount Justice, the sight of you two together was no surprise to Robin, Aqualad nor Speedy though the remainder were intrigued by the mysterious stranger so Wally proudly made introductions.

"Hey M'gann, Conner, this is (Y/n)."

"Ah, this is who you love so much to talk about!" The Martian beamed grasping your hands as you shot a glare to a flustered Wally, the guy sheepishly running a hand through his strands.

"Is this your... girlfriend?" Superboy casually inquired after thinking of the correct terminology, yet again leaving you to wonder what your friend has been saying about you in your absence - also considering the implication this’d have on your scheme.

"No! Definitely not! I'm totally single, just because I've told you about (Y/n) doesn't mean we're dating. We're not dating by the way." Wally briskly recovered, blush fading as he emphasised his point specifically for the sake of M'gann.

"Nice to meet you both. Ah Kaldur!" You lit up once seeing the Atlantean, immediately embracing his form just as he did to you in hopes of catching up with him.

"It's been a while (Y/n), you look well."

"(Y/n) is here? Looking as lovely as ever, surprised you're still hanging with Wally though, you're way out of his league." Robin proudly joked as he walked toward you, genuinely happy to see you again and a girl called Artemis agreed with him despite only recently learning your name - supposedly teasing Wally was a commodity amount the Team.

"I'm here for training, Canary said she'd activated the sparring platform so I wanted to test it." With a content shrug you set your plan in motion, gesturing over to the designated area as indication.

Now you were very well trained, the team knew that so it wasn't a surprise when every single member landed with a 'FAIL' until Wally challenged your winning streak. You went two rounds, the first you played to his strengths allowing him to take you down with his speed and received the only 'PASS' of the day. M'gann cheered, flying over with questions and compliments whilst you comfortably sat up and proudly watched Wally bask in the desired attention. Meanwhile got to your feet, brushing yourself only to be met with a smirking Robin beside your figure.

"I know what you're doing and you are good at it, but I don't think it's gonna work."

"Does it ever work with Wally? He's never met a girl he's really caught deep feelings for but I'm only in it for the free food he's promised me." Came your knowing reply, softly smirking at Robin who seemed to disagree but accepted your justification nonetheless.

"There is one y'know..."

"Hey (Y/n) ready to get your ass whooped by the best there is? Fastest kid alive babe." The speedster smugly gained your deadly gaze, his boasting violating the agreement you’d struck less than 24 hours ago and thus not giving you a chance for Robin to elaborate like you’d wished.

This time you would not allow him a victory, like the others you took him out with a mischievous smile and then crouched over his waist whilst he leaned up on his elbows to meet you.

"No. Bragging." You raised a brow, tilting his chin towards you as you punctuated each word as a reminder before heading out. Although your plan had still succeeded to a degree, you walked backwards finding the Martian kneeling down to your friend inquiring about his condition as you winked at him - Wally seemingly impressed with your antics, as he usually was whenever he roped you into these scenarios.

You retained your attentive skills, even talking him up to M'gann but it became painfully obvious that her romantic affections were reserved for a certain clone which left you disappointed albeit pleased for her. Now, you had to break the news to Wally - you'd considered such measures while sitting against the wall in one of the Mountains many hallways bouncing a ball off of the other side as a form of contemplation.

Soon enough your felt a familiar comforting presence beside you, catching the ball and initiating a harmless game between the two of you.

"What's on your mind?" Wally knew you incredibly well, narrowing down I even the smallest quirks and he'd use that to his advantage.

"Nothing, but I'm afraid you might have to give up on M'gann."

"I know. Supes right?" He didn't seemed phased by your sympathetic disclosure, which surprised you slightly due to how long he’d spent gushing over the girl.

"Yeah, sorry West."

"It's alright. Thanks for trying, I'll still get you that pizza."

"But I didn't...?" His response was unexpected, leaving you somewhat speechless but he soon continued with conversation before you could finish, no evidence of heartbreak to be seen.

"That Dan guy you went out with? (Y/n) c'mon you're stunning, and he didn't even offer to pay the full check at the coffee shop. You deserve so much better, his flirting game was awful too." Wally reminisced on the details you’d cruelly given knowing he wouldn’t able to comment due to you deal, although such a thing was now void and you’d regretted that decision. Yet part of you enjoyed his mocking support.

"So I get the pizza but have to suffer your judgements for not getting you a date? I'm sure you have something to say about Jackson too." You threw your head back with an exaggerated sigh, Wally laughing as he replied.

"Don't get me started..."

How unaffected Wally seemed about the let down still puzzled you, although you believed something else must've attained his focus - not that you had any indication of what it was as you sat flicking through the channels.

"So... there's another girl." There it is.

"Dude, are you kidding me? Give yourself a month at least."

"No this one is the one, I know it." His tone was oddly confident compared to his usual dilemmas regarding that topic which automatically gained your full attention.

"Uh Huh. And when did you meet her? Love at first sight or whatever?"

"I've known her longer than a few days give me some credit here. But it wasn't at first sight, I didn't even notice it was happening or rather happened..." Wally's point was certainly more realistic in comparison and he was being truthful - again, maybe this peculiar circumstance held promise.

"You know my terms an-" You simply shrugged, assuming he wanted your assistance once more which dulled your growing investment slightly.

"No, not for this one."

"Hot damn, this woman must be special. Tell me everything!" That decision shocked you and it was evident in your tone, you excitedly encouraged him to indulge your lowkey interrogation since he never turned down your assistance.

"Yes she definitely is, but I don't know what to do for her y'know?"

"Romantic restaurant? Roses? Tell her over a romantic dinner." You listed things instantly, barely stopping for a breather.

"Would you want all that though?" Wally considered your ideas, furrowing his brows before he asked his question even if his posture radiated nervousness despite the confident facade he’d attempted to convey.

"Hah, no way! Honestly I'd love a chill night in, order a take out, put on a good series and just enjoy each other's company. I mean roses are nice too but I want to know my date likes me enough to relax and be themselves - you can't really do that in a fancy restaurant. Anyway, you should probably find out what this girl likes first." You simply smiled, giving him an honest opinion and advice for you felt he'd finally found someone more than just a crush to him.

"I guess..."

It was silent for a moment until familiar words echoed in your mind 'There is one y'know...' and instantly you stood up with your realisation.

"I know who it is!"

"What?! How?!" Wally snapped to with concern evident in his expression like a deer in headlights, unbeknownst to you why that was but he too halted in his tracks.

"Dick told me, I don't believe it Wally - it's great!" Now you had Artemis in your head, they'd hated one another at first so it certainly made sense that he'd grown to like her. They'd also kissed at New Years Eve or so you'd heard.

"Robin told you I liked you?! Are you kidding? He only knows because I thought he had a crush on you." That answer caught you off guard, practically disintegrating your ability to form a coherent sentence or even think straight due to the abruptness of it.

"Wait me? I didn't, um, I can't, since when? All the times I've been helping you with girls I... I..."

"Wait you didn't know? Okay stay there, I'm doing this again!" Wally held his hands out in defence, soon disappearing leaving you standing alone with your thoughts. A dangerous thing really.

Did you even have feelings for him? Quite possibly, that would explain why you occasionally compared dates to him and why you were always so willing to help him find his happiness but surely you wouldn't have suppressed them? It was so confusing.

Within a minute he appeared before you, a single red rose in hand and sheepish smile.

"I'm late I know that but there's no pressure for you. This is not how I expected you to find out, I aimed to flirt with you and only you before making a move so it wasn't thrown on you so suddenly but here we are. Guess I'm not great with girls without you."

With a mischievous grin, you pulled him close by his red hoodie and gently met his lips with your own and you couldn't deny how right it felt - an action you’d hope would quell the warring emotions. You pulled apart, his arms wrapped around your waist and yours on his shoulders.

"You're actually quite adequate, I'm just as surprised as you are."

"Oh you're hilarious." He matched your witty sarcasm, but still you find his happiness intoxicating.

"Can we, um could we take things slow? I know that's ironic to ask the fastest kid alive but please."

"I'd slow down for you, I want to take my time in every moment I get so it won't be a problem (Y/n). I promise." Despite the trace of concern in your voice, Wally was reassuring and sincere with his words so you both felt comfortable in whatever situation you'd crafted.

"So, I assume you won't be mocking my dates anymore."

"I think every date you'll have from now on is gonna be too great for me judge. Ah too bad, I know how much you loved me doing that." The speedster playfully responded with a knowingly satisfied smirk to which you threw him an 'are you serious?' expression.

Later, as you both sat comfortably on Wallys' bed eating pizza whilst a film played in the background, you received simultaneous texts from none other than Dick Grayson - his smugness translated even in a message.

[Dickiebird: Told you so.]

#wally west #wally west x reader #wally west imagine #kid flash #kid flash x reader #kid flash imagine #dc #dc imagine

253 notes · View notes

imagineyoungjustice · 5 years

Text

1.5k Followers Milestone Drabbles 10/10

A drabble where the team goes to the Kent Farm in Smallville to help Conner with his chores? -Anonymous

Sorry my dumb ass passed out after dinner again. I did say it would be posted late. I will apologize for how short it is though, the edits I made were really harsh in the name of decent flow. Anyways this is set within a year or so after the end of season 1. -Terra

NOTE: Sentences in complete bold font are meant to be interpreted as being said through a mind ink. I’m not really sure if I’ll keep this format for mind link stuff but for now I’m just trying out different things until I find something that works. Feel free to let me know what you guys think about it though if you want me to change it or not.

Tags: @ljblve @loverbug1123 @aworldwideapart @wallywestie

Want to be added to our tag list? Send us and ask!

�� M’gann wiped at the sweat accumulating on her brow, sighing under the sweltering heat of the sun bearing down from high overhead. She could feel the heat radiating through the small Kansas farm like a suffocating blanket had been draped over the land. She turned her gaze from the field below at the rest of the team, the heat rising from the ground making them look wavy and distorted.

This had all initially been her idea -coming to the Kent’s farm that is. Conner had started to build a better relationship with Superman ever since they had liberated the League from Vandal Savage’s control, something she was very supportive about, knowing how much it meant to her boyfriend. Part of that relationship, was Conner getting to learn and experience where his “brother” had grown up, with more than a dash of Mr. and Mrs. Kent wishing to meet their “other son.” She had giggled when she heard that part, much to Conner’s chagrin. He didn’t understand how they could already be so trusting and caring about someone they didn’t even know yet. M’gann had just said that how could they not trust someone who shared DNA with someone they considered their son? He had grown quiet after that and it wasn’t until after he left for Kansas that she realized she had said the wrong thing. She was getting better at reading him, at reading other people and knowing what words they needed to hear in order to help comfort them when they needed it, but clearly, she still needed some work. Still, M’gann felt terrible, and so she had resigned herself to pay him a visit after he had called her with a small complaint about the amount of work that went into maintaining a farm. She knew that he wasn’t actually all that bothered by the work, but another helping hand would surely go a long way.

She had gone to Kaldur initially -he was the leader of the team after all- with her plan to surprise Conner during his stay in Smallville. He had ended up really liking her idea and asked if she believed it wouldn’t be too much of an intrusion if the whole team went. Kaldur had believed that the work he read about being done on a surface farm would be a great way for the team to become closer, and further improve their ability to work together and work efficiently. She agreed, and between the two of them, it wasn’t long before they were able to convince the rest of the team to set aside a weekend to surprise their Kryptonian teammate.

M’gann knew her breath was becoming more labored as the hours ticked by, but she wasn’t quite ready to admit to defeat just yet. Her physiology, along with her Atlantean companion’s, didn’t quite get along with extreme heat all that well. When they began in the early rays of the morning, the air was still cool, the dew soaking through her shoes as she trudged through the grass. But as the sun climbed higher, so did the heat index, until it was the hellscape she and Kaldur were currently suffering through. In truth, she wasn’t quite sure why she offered to help work the fields –oh wait no she did. A glance to her left, at the shirtless, toned body working the plow along the field, the sweat glistening off Conner’s chest. Yeah, she definitely remembered why she chose the field job now. After all, she was still a teenager.

Kaldur and Raquel were also in the field with her and Conner. The boys were doing most of the harder, more demanding physical labor of ploughing the new field while the girls were checking the current crops for damages with Mr. Kent, having already helped repair the fences earlier that morning. M’gann’s previous experience in Qurac had proved to be rather useful in speeding up the process. Kaldur had already gone through and watered the fields, and all M’gann had left to do was use her powers to spread the seeds when the new field was ready. In the meantime, both her and Raquel were listening as Mr. Kent continued to educate them on the kinds of things they needed to be on the lookout for, and what to do if they found it. Sure it wasn’t the most labor-intensive thing that she could be doing, but constantly standing up and crouching down for hours on end in the heat was taking its toll on her body, and a look over her shoulder to Raquel showed the other girl was felling the heat as well.

She almost wished she had taken up the offer with Zatanna and Artemis to help out Mrs. Kent with the garden and other chores for the house. At least then she would have been in the flow of the air conditioning for the better part of the day. However, she didn’t envy Wally and Dick’s job of taking care of the animals in the barn. She had caught a whiff of that when Conner was showing them around last night and she was more than content to not have to go into that in this kind of heat for as long as she could help it.

She was broken out of her thoughts by Mr. Kent placing a hand on her shoulder. “You kids look like you’re ready to fall over in this heat.” His voice was laced with concern, his gaze going between the two girls and Kaldur who looked worse than M’gann felt which made sense, since he was doing the most demanding of the physical labor.”

“Martian and Atlantean physiology tend to be a little more susceptible to heat than others.” M’gann found herself wiping at her forehead again.

He seemed to ponder her answer for a moment and gave a decisive nod of his head. “You know what? You kids have been working hard for most of the day now, I think Ma and I can handle things from here. Why don’t you kids go back to the house and cool off?” M’gann gave an appreciative nod and went to go let Conner and Kaldur know while Raquel went off to gather the other two from the barn. The relief she felt the moment she set foot into the shade of the porch was nearly indescribable. Immediately she felt the temperature difference around her skin. Artemis and Zatanna appeared just as the others were approaching the porch as well, setting up a box fan to blow on the group and placing a tray with glasses of ice-cold lemonade on the table in the middle of the chairs they had arranged.

“And here I thought the summer heat in Happy Harbor was the worst of it.” Kaldur had groaned as he relaxed under the shade of the porch, pressing the cold glass to his heated skin. M’gann found herself doing the same.

Conner just snorted. “Yeah I thought the same thing until a few days ago, and I’m the invulnerable one.”

“Hey Wally, what happened to your arms?” Raquel was glancing to her right at Wally, who had a series of angry, red scratches covering the surface of his exposed arms. Said speedster groaned while Dick burst out laughing.

Dick couldn’t hold back his grin “Kid Brains over here tried to look for eggs under a rooster.” Even M’gann couldn’t stop the snort that made itself known as she heard the reason.

“Dude! Not cool!” He elbowed the younger male in the side, only causing Dick to start laughing again. “Besides I’m a genius in chemistry I could care less about being a genius in what animals lay eggs.”

“It’s a good thing we’re mammals then.” That earned a snicker from most of their teammates. M’gann just gave a polite laugh. She wasn’t quite versed on human innuendos so while she had a vague idea of what Dick was making a joke about, she still didn’t know enough to fully understand the joke. Earthing culture was still something she was getting used to.

M’gann are you sure you’re okay? She turned her gaze to Conner at the sound of his voice in her head. He had his usual stoic expression everywhere but his eyes, which gazed at her with genuine concern.

I’m okay Conner, I promise. I already feel a lot better just by sitting down.

He gave a sigh of relief. Okay, I trust your judgment. I was just worried because I know how heat affects you.

Her heart fluttered at the concern he was showing her. I’m a lot less fragile than you think but… thank you. I promise that I’ll let you know if it ever gets to be too much, okay?

The corner of his lip turned upwards in a smirk. Okay.

The two of them left it like that for a while, listening to their friends’ conversations and occasionally joining in themselves. She was almost startled when she heard Conner in her mind again.

Hey M’gann?

She turned her gaze to him. Yes Conner?

I’m really glad that you came -well everyone else to but- you know what I mean. And I’d uh…

She placed her hand on his. Take your time.

I’d really like it if we do this again sometime. He glanced around at their teammates, as Wally was again getting teased about his mishap with the rooster. But maybe next time it should be just the two of us.

She stifled a laugh. I’d like that very much.

18 notes · View notes

fireandseaweed · 6 years

Text

Take A Chance On Me || Bran, Percy and Wally

Bran receives an offer from Percy and Wally.

Stalking his way through the night, Percy made sure that Wally was with him as they stalked along the shore towards the bright lights of the casino. The war that was currently raging away just two miles away didn’t seem to bother New Rome’s richest as they all approached the casino. Percy could see the lights from across the lake and as they got closer he could see the finest dressed guests moving their way around the garden outside. “I can’t believe that I am wearing a tux!” he exclaimed as they got nearer, “I know that we’ve got to try and be silent about the fact that we’re Greeks, but there is a war going on and unless the Romans have been getting their supplies through another way, I can’t imagine how they justify this lavishness.” He swallowed and felt for Riptide in his pocket. “Not to mention the curses,” anger flashed in him at the injustice and he did his best to get over it with a deep sigh, “come on. Let’s get going. The sooner this is done the better.”

Wally peered his head over a small hill as they made their way towards the casino. To hear that some assistance might come out of this place was like catching a curveball. He shrugged and pushed his hair back, although the gel was doing its job of keeping it in place. Since they’d be heading to a more regal affair, Wally shaved and tried to make himself look presentable. “It’s how some of them are, they don’t even care enough for their own. Besides, there are tons of wealthy families in New Rome, right? They probably all pooled their money together or something to keep this place operating.” As they came closer to the entrance, Wally stopped Percy. “Alright, stand back. Now remember, this will only last for a couple hours, so if we split up, find me before then.” Wally’s magic was usually as bright as the day and as obvious as a guy with two heads, but he could contain the firework effect of it all if he tried. Warping Percy to look a different way wasn’t hard at all and was a nice change of pace from trying to stop all these curses. Illusions and transformation were his fortee, so in mere seconds, Percy Jackson no longer looked like himself, though Wally could see through the spell he worked. It was like someone was holding up a transparent picture of the real Percy infront of his disguised face. “Okay, you’re good. Now, let’s go in.”

There was something… not magical, but highly enjoyable about the casino to Bran. Sure, the war raging in New Rome had affected many people, but the elite of the elite still found their way here to drink and to gamble and to squander their money. It was entertaining to see rich senators slurring their speech, to watch with barely-concealed glee as this Roman or that Roman went into a full-blown panic as they lost at one of the tables. He could sense the tug of madness at their minds when they ruined themselves in roulette; or broke the bank at blackjack. Sitting at the bar, facing towards the floor of the casino with a large glass of his family’s own wine in his hand, he smirked slightly as a man nearby blew through several thousand in a loss on a poker hand. Closing his eyes for a second, he gloried in feeling the desperation the man was feeling, skirting dangerously close to madness. As a son of Bacchus, he could manipulate and feel madness. Reaching out with his abilities, he placed the mad thought of wagering even more to try and break even on the next hand in the man’s head, and gave a somewhat sadistic giggle as he watched the man start feverishly counting the chips he was left with before taking a slow drink of his wine in order to hide his smile from anyone who might be looking at the Maecenas patrician as he gloried in this one man’s despair at a game of poker.

As Wally quite literally worked his magic, Percy didn’t feel any different. He wouldn’t have even believed that anything had changed, but he caught his reflection in the light of the lake and even he could see the differences. “Woah,” he admitted out loud with a surprised raise of his eyebrows, “you’re really getting good at this magic shit hermano.” He smirked through his whisper to Wally and double checked on Riptide on the inside pocket of his tuxedo jacket before setting out through the front door of the casino. He spotted senators and even a few members of the Legion, but none of them seemed to realise it was him. So at least everything here was going to plan, for now if nothing else. Pausing momentarily, he reached up to stroke his beard before stopping himself. The visage he wore was clean shaven. “Do you know what you’re looking for?” he asked Wally curiously, glancing left and right trying to work out exactly what it was that they were here for.

“Thanks, Jackson.” Wally beamed at the other lad. Indeed, Wally had gotten better with his magic since the war had begun. He’d used the new battle-torn turf they were in to advance his powers through rougher practices with the elements and powers that be. As they walked into the casino, Wally was a bit overcome. He had never seen a casino before - well, he had seen them in movies, but they seemed different in person. Maybe it was because they were all demigods here, but Wally could feel the power in this place. Everyone was dressed to the nines, and because of their attire, the smiles, the eating and drinking, you’d never guess there was a war going on outside. “Look at all these asshats,” he commented quietly. “Yeah. Brandon Maecenas. He’s a son of Bacchus. His family owns a vineyard that was blessed by his dad. Gives ya’ a bit of an idea of who we’re dealing with. I met him at one of the parties Jason had before the war. Doesn’t like Greek’s at all. But, rumor is that his family has some really strong ties to some artifacts. Getting one would really help us with the ritual.” Heading to the bar, Wally inclined to the bartender, asking if anyone had seen the man. “Brandon Maecenas, he’s been known to frequent places like this. Tall, looks kind of like a bull?”

Bran was part of the way through considering whether to make the poker-playing gambler snap then and there when he heard his name being mentioned at the bar. Turning slowly on his stool, he took in the sight of the two men - one he didn’t recognize, and one he did. He’d met the one with the mis-matched eyes somewhere… It’d come to him in time, he was sure. “A Bull?” He asked dryly, eyebrows rising slightly as he drained his glass of wine, placing it down on the bar and snapping his fingers to demand a refill from the bartender. “We’ve met.” He stated simply, eyeing the one who had asked about him. “Warrington or Walsworth or something, yes?” He asked, pointing at Wally as the bartender dutifully refilled Bran’s glass. “Something with a W, anyway.” He picked up his glass of wine once more, taking another drink - and pointedly not ordering any for the pair of them. He had a nagging suspicion he had met Heterochromia over there in something less-than-acceptable circumstances, which immediately made Bran guarded towards the two newcomers.

For once Percy had a line ready. He was about to explain to the bartender that they were friends with Bran and that they had a gift for him. Something that would get them off the hook of suspicion. And yet before he could say anything someone was talking to Wally and it didn’t take him very long to work out that this was their target. It was awkward if he was perfectly honest, Wally hadn’t exactly insulted Bran, but there was room for offence. A nagging feeling that this might not go as well as he would’ve liked started to tug at him, he patted the inside of his jacket to ensure that Riptide was there, though he knew that it would be. Somewhat comforted by the backstory that he was beginning to concoct in his head. “Is this Bran?” he asked, leaning forwards and smiling brightly at Bran, “Duke Chadinson,” he said stretching a hand out for Bran to take, “nice to meet you.”

Wally tried to look confident, which was getting easier now that he had protected himself against so many attackers and even killed one. He was able to keep his back straight and take a few steps over to Bran without faltering, definitely a change from a few months ago. He looked to Percy as he introduced himself to Bran, his smile changing to something more humorous. “Bran Maecenas? We have met before, at a party months and months ago. Wally Robinson.” He didn’t put his hand out, thinking Bran might remember who he was and not only not shake his hand, but immediately call security. “Thought I might buy you a drink, offer a proposal to ya, if you’d be interested?” Thankfully their tuxes masked their forearms, helping to hide the fact that unlike everyone else here, even Percy, Wally had no SPQR tattoo. “Might we take a seat somewhere more private?”

Before Bran had the chance to process much of what was being said to him about where he had met ‘Wally’ (that didn’t seem right, did it?) the other man was introducing himself as ‘Duke Chadinson,’ a ludicrous name that made Bran just stare at him and his extended hand in very clear judgement for a long moment. “You are either the worst person I’ve ever met when it comes to making fake names, or you have a very unfortunate mortal parent.” He said a little jeeringly to the man he was, as of yet, unaware was Percy Jackson before turning his gaze back to Wally. “I can pay for my own drinks,” He said a little stiffly - the memory of the party coming back to him now his memory had been jogged about it. “Tell me, how is Jason these days?” He asked with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes, subtly warning the two of them that he knew precisely who - or what, rather - they were. “You have five minutes,” He said flatly as he stood from his stool, brushing past them both before finishing the sentence quietly so that only ‘Duke’ and Wally would hear, “Graecus,” and led the way across the casino floor to a back reception room, shutting the door behind the three of them.

Following Bran through the casino, Percy considered giving up the act but thought better of it. “I actually changed my own name, I used to be called William Hernandez, not exactly the most exciting name. Not quite like Duke Chadinson.” Smirking through his drinking, he swallowed a mouthful of beer before raising an eyebrow and shrugging. “Jason’s doing as well as could be expected, all things considered of course,” he paused for a moment before stepping into a private room with Bran and Wally. “You’re not blind, you might be stupid but only time will tell,” he shrugged for a moment, “so you know that there is a number of curses affecting both Romans and Greeks. We’ve found a way to stop the curse, but we require certain components that we don’t have access to.” Pausing for another second he let that sink in. “We can’t keep things going for too much longer, we don’t think you can either.”

Wally sighed, giving Percy a quick look. Was that really the best name he could manage? Wally pursed his lips and held back the urge to slap the backside of Percy’s head. Espionage was not his thing. “Jason’s alive, which can’t be said for all of us,” Wally added, walking to the room with the other two men. Wally wasn’t sure if it part of who Bran was, but just looking at him made the blonde feel uneasy. It was like looking at a known murderer, which now Wally had to wonder, did this guy kill any Greeks? “You’re family I heard has a lot of highly priced jewelry, some magical, some not. Some of these items might help me,” he paused, “might help us all in ending this curse. We know that the Romans can’t be doing well, not based on what we’ve seen. So, I need to get into your house, see what you have that I can use, then we’ll be gone. I imagine that if the Roman’s haven’t fixed this by now, they can’t. So . . . that’s our proposal. You help us, we can end the curse.”

“Yes, I suppose doing as well as can be expected in the current circumstances is the best he can hope for as a traitor to the Legion and to Rome.” Bran said smoothly as he eyed the two now that they were alone in the small side room. Raising his wine to his lips, he took a slow sip as he considered both of them and their proposals. Eyeing ‘Duke’ for a few moments, he turned his gaze to Wally. “Your friend has quite the mouth.” He stated dryly. “It would be quite unfortunate if his propensity to running it would keep us from arriving at a deal.” He let the threat hang there for a few moments. “Rome is an eternal culture and society, Graecus.” He sneered at ‘Duke’ in response to the comment about the Romans being unable to keep things going. “My own family has held high rank and privilege in the Empire since the days of Caesar Augustus. You would do well to remember which civilization fell, and which endured.” He drained his glass of wine, and turned his attention fully to Wally and his proposal. “Well, Washington,” He said, deliberately getting the Greek’s name wrong, “What is in it for me if I lend you assistance? I am a Centurion of the Legion - consorting with a Graecus could earn me a charge of treason, no better than those so-called Praetors who await trial.” He examined the wine glass for a long moment. “Would it not just be better to let the affected… endure? Surely whatever caused this curse had its purpose.” He knew very well what had caused the curse - had been involved in unleashing it, and now stood here discussing ending it with fugitives from justice, terrorists, and Greeks.

Percy’s stomach boiled at Bran’s comments, but he had dealt with bullies before and he was more than certain that he would have to again. He wasn’t about to get riled up by some floppy haired puta who thought that they were still living in ancient times. “Yes well antiquated and inefficient institutions often have to be torn down by a popular revolution, I suppose it can’t be too much longer before it happens here. But for the moment we’ll have to keep with the oppressive drudgery, what is it that they say, when in Rome right?” he shrugged gently and sighed gently at the bravado of Bran. Every other bully acted like they had nothing to be afraid of too. “Was this before or after one of your Emperors appointed his horse to be his successor?” He gave Bran an amused smile before sighing. “You may not have to like us, in fact I’m certain you don’t. That’s fine. I couldn’t give a shit. What I do care about is the literal thousands of Greeks and Romans alike that are suffering through this.” A brainwave came to him and he reached into his pocket and flicked his phone onto record the rest of their conversation. “Many of the victims of the curse are suffering from things that will eventually kill them, we’re looking for a way to solve this.” He paused for a moment, he hadn’t come utterly unprepared. “We’re willing to pay you for your contribution of course,” he paused and smiled sweetly at Bran, “but I always thought that helping the Roman people was the duty of a Centurion, wouldn’t you say Bran?”

Wally kept exchanging glances between the two other men at the table. As both Percy and Bran talked, he worried that their deal might be slipping. It seemed like the son of Poseidon and son of Bacchus were trying to have a dick matching contest. “You must have people you care about, Bran. Have none of them been affected?” He looked sincere in his empathy and he hoped that got across to Bran. “I think we’re all okay with fighting each other fair and square, but this curse is going to destroy everything if left to continue. You may be doing fine now, but it won’t stay that way. And let’s be honest, if we had nothing that you need or want, you’d have already gotten the guards.” He nodded at Percy. “We can pay something worth your while.” He leaned back and put his hands on the table, cupped together. “Help us now, then you and I can tustle later on the battlefield.”

Bran fixed ‘Duke’ with a pointed look at his comment about popular revolutions and drudgery. Sneering slightly at the man, he shifted to lean back slightly to regard him suspiciously. “Who are you?” He asked simply. “I remember now – Watson over there is a Son of Hecate. A witch.” He nodded his head towards Wally. “You’re far too bold to be any run of the mill Demigod. Which means he is using his magic to hide your identity.” He challenged the man who had identified himself as ‘Duke.’ He missed the man’s hand vanishing into his pocket to start recording the conversation. “I care about the Romans. Of course I care about the Romans. You Greeks could be stacked like cordwood on the side of the road for all I care.” He gave a dismissive sniff, scrutinizing the pair of them as he was offered payment for his assistance. His gaze drifted between the pair of them. “I could just be humoring both of you before killing you both myself.” He pointed out to Wally, before giving a genuine, deep laugh at the mention of a payment worth his while. “I don’t need money, you stupid Greeks.” He smirked at the pair of them. “I want something a little more… tangible than gold.” He folded his arms across his chest. “I want prisoners – noted Greeks or traitors who have taken up arms with you – surrendered into my custody to be conveyed to the Senate for trial.” He was improvising on the spot – but if he secured the capture of traitors like Jason Grace and other Romans who had taken up arms alongside the Greeks, the Cult would emerge ahead in the calculus, even if their curse had backfired.

It was an accident really. The laugh. But this situation was so absurd that Percy couldn’t help himself. It started out as a giggle, and it wasn’t long before he had to take a chair and sit in it as his body was wracked with hysterical laughter. It was almost a full minute before he was able to compose himself enough to speak. Wiping tears away from his eyes, Percy looked up at Bran and smiled amused. “That was a no if it wasn’t clear. We won’t be trading human lives just so that you can get another feather in your cap, the irony of course being that you’re putting your own people in even further jeopardy just so that you can advance your own career. I shudder to think what the senate would think of that.” He looked up at Bran for a moment before shrugging and standing. “Who I am is of little consequence as we will be leaving now, it is obvious you’re not willing to attempt to help your own people and I’ve got other options to explore.” He looked at Bran for a moment more before standing from the chair he’d sat in a moment ago. “As for attempting to kill us, Wally is the most talented battle magician I’ve seen in almost five years, I’m feeling pretty safe thanks.” He shrugged gently and looked at Bran, waiting for him to make the final offer. Maybe there wouldn’t be one at all. If that was the case then they’d think of something else.

Wally didn’t know whether to join in with Percy’s laughter, or . . . well, he didn’t really know how to react. Wally did smile though, because Percy wasn’t backing down at all, and he loved that. Hearing Percy compliment him in such a way really strengthened the demigod on the inside. He felt more powerful just by the other man saying it. “Look, Bran, giving ourselves up to you isn’t really an option.” He said it so smugly, which may have been a mistake, considering they needed Bran’s help. “Not to threaten you, but Duke is right. It wouldn’t take a lot of energy for me to turn half the people in here into guinea pigs. I for one wouldn’t mind becoming Circe 2.0 and turning this place into my own island. As quick as you can do whatever you can, I’m sure I’m just as fast.” He took a pause but held his hand up to let Bran know he wasn’t done. “You want a win here, I get that. It wouldn’t be much of a bargain if you didn’t get that. But your win is seeing everyone you care about be restored to their health. Your win is New Rome being able to fight at a hundred-percent again. You have a chance here to really be a savior and help us remove these curses.” He took on a more sympathetic look, trying to show all his emotion in his eyes. “Come on, how much longer can we all hold out? Help us help you.”

Bran’s eyes narrowed a little as the one who had been pushing his patience the entire conversation started laughing at his demand. His eyes narrowing slightly as he stared at the other man while he took a chair and wiped tears of laughter from his eyes while laughing hysterically, he folded his arms tightly over his chest, fixing the man with a pointed stare as he was told the answer to his demand was ‘no.’ “I feel like demanding the capture of traitors and rebels is hardly putting my own career before the people.” Bran shot back pointedly as the man stood up once again. Chewing his lower lip slightly, he shifted his gaze to Wally as the witch spoke – eyes narrowing a little more at the smug tone the witch was using. Still chewing at his lower lip, he drummed his fingers against his biceps in thought as Wally spoke. “Stop the raids targeting Roman Citizens, and I’ll help.” He said simply. “Restrict yourselves to operations against the Legion. The citizens of New Rome don’t need to be caught in the middle of all of this.”

Raising an eyebrow, Percy shrugged gently at Bran’s reply before speaking in turn. “If your motive were to assist your people then perhaps I would agree with you, however it seems apparent from your attitude that your motivation is not to assist your people but to further your own career.” He paused for a moment, it was hardly as if they were hurting the Roman Citizens, they never harmed anyone and they didn’t take prisoners. They simply had attempted to cut off their supplies. “Agreed,” he said without hesitation knowing that they were unlikely to fight the war in the same way if and when it were to restart from the semi break that it had taken during the duration of the curses, “we will stop the raids on Roman Citizens and focus on military operations as soon as we receive what we want.” He would keep the recording, blackmailing him later may be something that they were forced to do.”

“See,” Wally said between them, “that wasn’t so difficult, was it.” He stayed seated for a moment longer, laying both hands flat out on the table. “To get this over with, I’d like to go to your place tonight. I imagine you have a showcase of all your prized items?” He then stood up and fixed the collar around his neck. “If you have any doubts that we’ll only be there for the items we need, try and stuff those feelings down. We don’t wanna be in your home anymore than you want us there.”

Bran sneered slightly at ‘Duke.’ “You know nothing about my motivations, Graecus.” He snapped slightly before nodding his head lightly as he agreed to the demand. Shifting his gaze to Wally as he spoke again, Bran gave a slight huff. “Just because you don’t think of it as much doesn’t mean it is truly a little thing.” He pointed out as Wally stood. “You will not be alone with any of my artifacts. Either I or my security will be with you at all times in my home, and you will promptly return whatever you use.” He said flatly.

Percy raised an eyebrow and bobbed his head in agreement with Bran’s demands. He was tired of the dick measuring contest and he didn’t want to over stay their welcome. “We shall meet you at your estate,” he said before withdrawing from the room. He and Wally didn’t speak as they began the trek from the casino to the estate they had agreed to meet at. As they waited outside of the gates, a guard informed them that they would be received shortly. “This is going better than I’d hoped,” he admitted still disguised, “for a moment there I thought that he wouldn’t bend.” -

Wally nodded at Bran, pulling his hands back into his lap. “I would not expect it any other way, Bran.” Both he and Percy stood up and started to walk out. He looked over to the demigod and smiled a little. “We’re not done yet, Perce, but yeah . . . it’s not going bad at all. This guy doesn’t seem happy about it all though, look out for any tricks or traps.” As they were let into the manor, Wally was amazed. At first he’d been impressed by the outside of the place, but the inside was far more stunning. “Gods, this place is beautiful.” He stared in awe, eyes taking long gazes from the floor to the ceiling. “Alright,” he pointed to a few of the guards. “Let’s follow them.”

Bran watched the pair of them leave the room at the casino, glaring pointedly after the two Greeks before getting in touch with security at his estate, and informing them of the impending arrival. If the two visitors did anything beyond their welcome - if they made to go anywhere but the display rooms of artifacts, if they made to touch anything beyond what Wally (whom he called Warburton to his security) said they needed to lift the curse, they were both to be detained. Heaving a heavy sigh, he returned to the bar - switching to whisky now as he took a heavy drink before stepping back into the side room to contact the Cult to inform them what he had done - and to offer a defense for his actions: it would save the Romans affected by the curse, and it had given him some insight into the Greeks.

#take a chance on me #f&gwar #f&gevent #f&gwriting #para #p: bran #p: wally #chatzy #chatzy para

4 notes · View notes