Summary: Jump City had been peaceful for the past two years. Slade was out of commission after a grueling fight, super-villains were far and few, and the crime rate was low. So the Titans had pursed their hobbies. Beast Boy volunteered at a wildlife museum for children and enjoyed the work. The 19-year-old had nothing to fear…until Slade reappeared. (One-sided Slade x Beast Boy)
Trapped Chapter 9
After Christmas, the mansion was flooded with stuff that he seriously hoped wasn't stolen. From games that wouldn't be released in the U.S.A for months to arts and crafts activities, he was nearly drowning in the sheer amount. His once empty storage room was soon stuffed and he struggled to organize the items for maximum space.
Even odder, Grant refused to explain why he had given so many gifts to them. Beast Boy had pestered and prodded, going so far as to poke the man's stoic face after their nightly routine but nothing had worked. His curiosity was driving him crazy but Grant wouldn't give him answers.
So he played with the girls and played with his toys and one day while helping the girls connect the dots to draw a cat in one of their coloring books, he had said. "I wish I could take you to the park. It's such a beautiful day and if Papa weren't such a stinker then we could have a snowball fight."
At the time he thought nothing of the statement, but one week later Grant announced he'd be allowed outside provided he was in disguise and under constant supervision. It was incredible to run outside and play in the snow and it was so bizarre too cause buff men and muscled woman were scattered throughout the park and the gazes were hot against his skin but he was too ecstatic to care.
All the while, he found himself becoming more and more attached to Grant. The man may have had him on a tight leash, but it was becoming looser and looser. The closer he felt to his captor, the longer the leash became. And it was getting to the point where he couldn't bring himself to care that he was starting to like Grant as a friend. A friend with a sexual relationship, but still. And a friend who happened to be his husband, but–anyway.
Though he was steadily becoming attached to the man, there was one thing he couldn't stand about the man: (other than the whole training the girls to be his evil sidekicks thing but that was a given) Grant had drilled a mantra into the children's heads.
Never cry.
And Beast Boy hated what those simple words did to the girls. Every time one of them was physically or emotionally hurt, they held back the tears. Doing so only served to bottle up the pain now that would then be released in an explosion later. They needed to get the crying out of their systems but Grant would threaten longer training sessions if they cried because "crying is a sign of weakness. To do so, especially in front of an enemy, is to admit defeat."
Needless to say, Beast Boy was not happy with the man when he found that out recently. After he had picked up the girls one day, Angie had burst into tears and held her breath till she turned blue to keep herself from sobbing. When asked what happened, she told him some punk classmate of hers was bullying her.
He told Grant about the issue but the man dismissed him, saying that she needed to overcome the challenge on her own and handle the brat's hurtful words on her own. To grow stronger, she had to learn to take care of herself. Beast Boy hated that mentality. That asking for help made someone weak when that wasn't the case. It took strength to let go of pointless pride and ask for help. So he had pestered the man, set on proving that Angie needed comfort and support if someone was hurting her.
When his words didn't work, he had even made a point to antagonize the jerk that he was later punished for but in his mind, it was worth it. He still had some sort of power while under his husband's control. He still had the ability to fight for someone, no matter how small and no matter how simply.
Other than being an awful teacher, Grant was becoming more and more of a decent human being. He was still a controlling jerk but as more time passed, Beast Boy was given more privileges. Finally, he was allowed outside without a horde of guards watching him. Instead, he just required one chaperone to accompany him.
He was allowed to sit in the car and take the girls to school with Ryder, even going so far as to walk them to the doors on his own. He could go grocery shopping with a supervisor, visit the park, and even chaperone fieldtrips with the school. (his bodyguard would tag along under the guise of helping with the trip)
But in the beginning of July during summer school, ("never enough schooling," Grant had once said) one fieldtrip had him holding his breath.
A fieldtrip to visit the Titans.
Roseville Town, the place where the mansion was built, was located within commuting distance to Jump City. All they had to do was take a few buses and they'd arrive at the beach surrounding the ocean by the Tower, where the Titans would be waiting to accompany them on a boat to the Tower. There, they would then give a speech. It was simple but many adults were needed to ensure the children would not wander away. And he had been asked to attend.
He just had to convince Grant to let him or, at the very least, let the girls visit their heroes.
"Grant?" He called as he passed the man's office and entered the living room.
He was decked in disguise already because he had to pick up the girls soon. Since it was summertime again, (had he really been trapped for a year or so?) he had to ditch the thick scarf for a button-down shirt with a high and closed collar. The shirt had long sleeves to cover his arms and he wore gloves over make up caked hands just in case. He also wore jeans that covered his ankles, and kept the newsboy cap with ear flaps on his head to always cover his ears. He was ready to pick up the girls.
But before he did, he planned to try a tactic on his husband to see if he could convince the man to let the girls see their heroes. But to do so, he had to find him. Recently, every other Friday or two, his husband would take the day off to relax at home during the day. It was both a blessing and a curse because it meant he had company, but it also meant Grant hogged the TV so he couldn't play any video games.
"Grant, where–"
"Over here, love." He focused on the source of the sound and took a moment to realize that he hadn't heard the television over the sound of his own thoughts.
Grant sat on the couch, facing the screen, and Beast Boy neared. Hesitating just a moment before willing himself into action, he placed gloved palms atop broad shoulders.
"Dear," he cooed, massaging the crook of muscle. "You've been so tense lately…want a massage?"
Grant hummed. "I'm listening."
Beast Boy trailed the movements down to Grant's bare biceps. He flexed his wrist to tighten the grip before loosening in a rhythmic pattern. He leaned forwards.
"Hey," he murmured into the ear. "I was thinking a full on massage. Mind laying down so I can rub those battle-hardened back muscles of yours?"
The man shot him a glance but shrugged and stretched out onto his stomach. Beast Boy swung himself over the back of the couch, clad in pants, and straddled the man's thighs. He set to working out the kinks in the man's back.
Beast Boy recited the script he wrote, keeping his voice steady and low just like he practiced. "Did you know you're quite the looker? Got so many muscles and scars I'm surprised women aren't lurking outside the door to throw themselves at you."
He brushed a hand through short blond hair. "And your do! It's so soft I'm sure anyone who's anyone loves its style. In fact, it's a shame you wear that mask so often. Your enemies would be jealous if they knew how attractive you are. Why, they might even fall for you and–"
Grant twisted his neck, eying him with a raised brow as he cut in. "While I appreciate any flattery from you, love, I know you're just performing lines. I'd say well done but we both know deceitfulness doesn't suit you."
He stilled. Damnit. "Caught me."
The young man continued the massage and his husband closed his eyes. Beast Boy was silent as he thought. After a beat, he decided to just go ahead and opt for honesty.
"Um…" he hesitated until Grant grunted and he sighed. "Grant…You're not gonna like this"
The man opened an eye, prompting him to continue. "The school plans to go on a fieldtrip to Titans Tower but the girls–"
"No."
"I didn't even fin–"
"And the answer is no. They are not to be around their influence and you are not to see them."
He kneaded the tensed muscle harder as he protested, voice growing in volume. "But the Titans are their heroes. Even if I can't go then can't they at–"
Grant's own tone raised. "Garfield, I said no."
The muscles were practically a brick wall and Beast Boy worked his frustration out on the broad back. He simmered in agitation, practically clawing in a mimicry of massage.
"Why can't they go?" He pressed, unable to let it drop. "The school will think it's odd that they can't."
"I told you," Grant barked back. "They should not be near their influence."
"Influence?" He snapped and switched from kneading to fast but small punches. Like an angry drumroll. "You're one to talk! They shouldn't be around your–"
The man sat up, sending him toppling. His head smacked against the armrest and he gasped as Grant whipped around and caged him against the cushions by slamming hands next to his shoulders and straddling his waist. Pinned by the man so much more powerful than him, he submitted.
"I'm sorry." He turned his cheek and averted his eyes. "I didn't mean…Well," he amended. "I did, but…It's just that you hurt the girls with all that training and that dumb never cry saying of yours, that I thought…"
"Thought what?" Grant sat back on his haunches, calmed by the admission.
He shifted. "It's dumb…" When his husband continued to stare, expectant, he reluctantly continued. "I dunno. Yeah, I miss them. A lot. But even if I can't go, it'd be a great opportunity for the girls. They'd be meeting their heroes and…I dunno. I thought they'd have fun."
Silence descended until Grant stood. "Lay down. On your stomach."
Beast Boy blinked but obeyed. He stretched out just as the man had done before, cheek resting on the back of his hands, and his husband straddled his thighs. The fat part of palms dug into his back, hard then soft and he relaxed beneath the rhythm.
They were quiet for a moment, no sound except for their breathing and Beast Boy's quiet murmurs of "Hmm, ohhhh, right there."
Eventually, Grant spoke. "Tell me about the children."
Beast Boy's brows furrowed. "What's there to know?"
"Everything. Their skills, interests, strengths…"
"Better not be for evil," he muttered before clearing his throat. "Well…"
So he rambled about the lil dudes. From what they used to like to what they now love. Their favorite TV shows and characters. Their favorite games or stories, and how they were good at creating stories of their own. He took any thought that popped into mind and ran with it until he was out of comments and then changed the topic.
"…and despite being two years apart, they are really close. Anything they do, they do together."
Grant remained quiet throughout the entire monologue. If it weren't for the occasional grunt here and there, he would've assumed the man had fallen asleep. While massaging him. Somehow. An alarm beeped in Beast Boy's back pocket and his husband slid off him.
"Time to pick up the girls." He explained and got off the couch.
"I'll drive you." Grant walked out of the room.
Beast Boy froze, watching the back disappear around the doorway. "W–what?"
He rushed after, following the sound of footsteps through a hallway and to the garage entrance where Grant was sliding on his shoes. He stammered out confused protests but Grant dismissed them, saying he had already notified the chauffeur.
"But you never pick up the girls! Beast Boy kneeled and fumbled with his own footwear before gasping. "And I promised we'd take them to the park today!"
"The sooner we leave, the sooner we get there."
"But–" he tied the laces. "But you–"
"I'll be waiting in the car. Hurry or we'll be late." The man left, striding down the garage stairs.
Beast Boy spluttered as his mind whirred. "Becca's T-Rex!"
He rushed to the girls' bedroom. If Grant was coming, then the girls were going to need all the comfort they could get. Who knew what the dude had planned for them? So he scanned the room and grabbed the green stuffed animal before checking Angie's bed and grabbing a green pteranodon plushy. With one arm full, his eyes roved.
An idea popped into his mind. "My guitar!"
He ran to his storage room and pulled the guitar out of its case, hastily attached the strap, and slung it over his back so it hung on a shoulder. Music tended to cheer the girls up, so if the stuffed animals didn't work then singing silly songs might.
Now packed and ready to go, he hustled to the garage and clambered into the back seat. Grant was waiting in the driver's seat and, after checking if he was ready, drove out of the building. Beast Boy's heart hammered in the silence, mind whirling with questions because why was the dude picking up the girls with him when he never had in the past? Why? Why now? Why why why?
The van cruised to a stop and Beast Boy would've left the stuff in the back seat since he assumed Grant would wait in the vehicle, but when the man shot him a pointed look and stepped out of the driver's side, his eyes widened. The trunk popped open and he took the hint and put the things behind the seats and under a cover board thing so they wouldn't be seen.
He bit his lip as he pressed a button on the trunk and it whirred shut. "You're coming inside?"
Grant just lifted a brow.
"Right, okay…" he exhaled. "Just checking."
His husband looped an arm around his waist and tugged him into his side. Deciding to appease the man, he leaned into the hold and they walked up the steps. Once they entered the lobby of Roseville Elementary, though, he pulled away with a concerned expression.
Sitting in the chairs situated beside the receptionist's Ms. Coleman's desk were a scowling Angie, a bored Becca and, standing beside them was Angie's teacher, Ms. Rockwheeler. When the girls locked sight on Grant, Angie paled and Becca looked fast at her sister. Something was up.
The atmosphere turned to ice as the two women realized it was Grant Wilson who had arrived rather than just Beast Boy. The typing stopped. Becca stopped swinging her legs. Angie steadily turning a lighter and lighter unhealthy shade of white, a stark contrast to her black hair. Eyes stared. The young man glanced up at his husband and worried his lip. He knew Grant was politically well known and owned the school, but why would Ms. Rockwheeler and Ms. Coleman be afraid of Grant? Were they worried they'd lose their jobs if they didn't meet his expectations?
Ms. Rockwheeler shook herself and stepped forwards. "Mr. Wilson, it's a surprise to see you, and," her tone warmed. "Garfield, welcome as well."
Beast Boy returned the greeting and, after a hesitant glance at his husband, strode to the girls and knelt. He combed gloved fingers through their hair.
"Sorry I'm late, Ms. Rockwheeler." He met her gaze then refocused on the girls. "I hope you all weren't gonna melt into boogers while I was taking my sweet time."
The tension lightened as Becca laughed and flopped onto the seat next to her. Even Angie cracked a smile. He chuckled and stood.
"Ah, Garfield and Mr. Wilson." Angie's teacher prompted him to pause. Dread churned in his stomach. "Could I have a word with you two in my office?"
"Certainly." Grant approached and everyone stiffened.
"Uh, lil dudes?" They looked at him. "You mind waiting out here with Ms. Coleman? We'll be quick, okay?"
They chorused unhappy agreements while the adults left the lobby and soon entered the woman's office. The teacher sat behind her desk and gestured for the men to sit in the waiting chairs.
"I wasn't expecting you, Mr. Wilson, but I'm glad you are here because an issue happened today that both of you should know."
Beast Boy leaned forwards, brows furrowed. "What happened? Is Angie okay? She didn't look hurt, but–"
Grant's voice made him halt. "Garfield."
Ms. Rockwheeler hesitated in face of the tense silence. Still, she folded her hands atop the desk and inhaled. "Angelina is alright but the boy she roundhouse kicked is not."
He flinched. "She did what?" He shot a glare at his husband and scowled as he, well-versed in Grant's subtle changes in expression, realized the jerk was smiling.
Grant's empty tone of "how unfortunate," made his blood boil.
Beast Boy gritted his teeth. "I'll talk to her, but do you know why she hurt the kid?"
Ms. Rockwheeler sighed. "That's another issue. The boy she kicked is the leader of her routine bullies. They're good kids but have family trouble at home."
Beast Boy whiplashed into protective father mode. "Angie mentioned she had bullies. Tommy and his group, right? What did they do to hurt her? And are they hurting others too?
"The situation is being handled, Gar–"
A monotone interrupted. "Who are they."
Beast Boy froze, mind whirring before realization clicked. "Don't you dare–"
"What are their names?" Grant pushed, intimidation rolling off him in waves.
The young man stood, grabbed the homicidal maniac by the arm, and hauled him out of the chair. "One moment, please." He told the teacher and dragged Grant into the hallway.
He shut the office door and snarled. "These are children, Grant! Not even 8 years old yet! Don't you dare hunt down their families, kill their parents, and make the poor kids watch. The situation is under control. So let the school handle this. And," he lowered his voice to a growl. "Angie was probably defending herself when she kicked the kid. Don't think you'll make a killer out of her. Not even for a second."
Grant watched him, expression neutral. "I own this school. I have every right to know who is a threat to my apprentice."
Beast Boy shook his hands in a violent choking motion and screamed through gritted teeth. "Not apprentice."
Grant's expression didn't change but he could tell the man was bored. He forced himself to take deep breaths.
"Alright, look." He clenched his fists. "These are children, okay? So please, please don't hurt them for acting like the kids they are, okay?"
The man continued to stare him down but Beast Boy's anger flared and he met blue eyes with blazing green. "All I ask," he spat. "Is for you to not hurt people. Is that too difficult for you to manage? Is it?"
When the jerk kept his expression uninterested, the younger man deflated. The anger drained out of him and he felt empty.
"Please?" He slumped his shoulders. "Please, just…at least for–" He turned away. "Never mind. I can't stop you but please think about it."
Beast Boy opened the office door and Grant followed him inside. They returned to their seats and Beast Boy exhaled.
"Sorry about that. So the school's working on the issue. I'll talk to Angie. Is the kid she hurt okay?"
Ms. Rockwheeler nodded. "Yes. Bruised, but overall okay."
He sighed, relieved. "That's…that's good. And the parents?"
"They…want to sue."
Grant snorted. "Send my regards and they'll change their mind."
Beast Boy eyed the man. What did he mean by that? Ms. Rockwheeler seemed to understand though because she frowned.
"Mr. Wilson…are you suggesting the school expel the child that your daughter was physically violent towards?"
"He's a harasser, isn't he? And need I remind you who funds and owns this school?"
The younger man frowned. Way to throw his weight around, but at least he wasn't threatening murder.
"Expulsion is kinda harsh." He pitched in. "At least give the kid a second chance and both Angie and the group of bullies should apologize?"
Grant grunted, unhappy.
Ms. Rockwheeler smiled, expression strained as her eyes darted from the stone-cold man to the worried one. "That's a great idea, Garfield. That's all I wanted to discuss with you two. I'm sure the girls are getting impatient by now."
He returned the expression and followed his husband out of the office. He bid the teacher farewell and returned to the lobby. His daughters watched Grant warily as they approached but relaxed when they spotted him right behind the taller man. Angie hopped off the seat, prompting Becca to follow, and walked to Beast Boy's side, posture tense but calm. For now.
He side-eyed Grant. The man watched their daughters with an alarming amount of attention. Usually the man didn't give them a second glance unless he had to. So why the sudden interest? His skin crawled with foreboding but he crouched to be level with the girls.
"Angelina," he said, stern. "You and I need to talk about what happened today, understand?"
She peered around him, studying Grant, before shrinking. She fidgeted and avoided her daddy's serious face.
He frowned. "Angel–"
"I understand." She mumbled.
His expression softened. "Thank you. Now we've got a park to get to…" he bit his lip and looked up at his husband. "Right?" When the man only grunted, he sighed. Another busted balloon, it seemed. "Come on, girls, let's go."
Standing, he took their little hands into his own. The three of them bid the receptionist farewell and the typing resumed as four pairs of footsteps tapped against the tiles. The group left the building and entered the car. Beast Boy slid to the middle seat and he hefted Becca across his lap to sit on his right while Angie sat to his left and shut the door.
The engine purred as Grant cruised away from the curb. Other than the constant humming, no one spoke. Till he took the plunge.
He combed gloved fingers through his older daughter's hair, voice soft. "Angie…"
"He ruined my turtle!" She exploded and it was then he noticed her hand was stuffed into the pocket of her dress pants.
He coaxed her to show him the damage and she pulled her fist into view. She uncurled her fingers and he softened. Green paper was torn to shreds. What was once the first turtle he had ever given her had been turned to waste. Gloved palms rubbed her back in soothing circular motions.
She sucked in air. "It was show and tell today so I brought my favorite thing but then during recess he came up and took it from me! And–and then he went and ruined it. And laughed."
When she stopped breathing he melted and gathered her into his arms, murmuring against her hair. "Oh, Angie."
"I said I was gonna tell on him but he said that no one would believe me cause I'm a liar. He said I lied about you having green skin and then he said that if you were green then you were a freak and that meant that I was a freak too and if I was a freak then that meant I don't deserve to have a daddy like you because he didn't get to have a good daddy and–"
She burst into tears, stifling sobs as she bit her lip hard. His heart ached as he murmured soothing nonsense, just letting his tone calm her, before switching into words he hoped she'd remember.
"I'm right here. Breathe, I've got you…" he held her tighter as a hiccup escaped and moved to block her view of Grant. "My baby girl I am not going to leave you or your sister. You do deserve me and…and you're not a freak. You're my beautiful princess and I'm king Bumperbutt and you're gonna totally rule at Maria Party. You and Becca can tag-team and win all you want, how's that sound?"
Her sobs evened into sniffles. "G–good, but, Daddy…?"
"Yeah?"
"What if Tommy was right? My family left me behind. They left both me and Becca. What if I really don't–"
"Angie," he soothed. "Angie, I promised to always be there for you and I will. I'm not leaving you or your sister. He ruined your turtle but you and I can make an even better one. Together." He turned to Becca who was reaching for her sister. "And Becca can help too, right?"
She chirped a "yeah!" before he gathered the two of them into his arms and into a tight hug. Becca latched onto her sister, holding her close, and Angie's sniffles faded. Thinking fast, an idea popped into his mind and he mimicked a soft roar as he noogied their heads. They giggled and protested, soon teaming together to knock off his hat and ruffle his own hair.
"Noooo!" He wailed in pretend despair. "Not my do!"
His daughters laughed as he flopped on top of Angie, bracing his weight on an arm so he didn't suffocate her but kept her squished. He plopped an arm over his eyes and bemoaned his hairdo while Angie smacked little hands against his back and complained.
"We're here."
All jokes terminated as Grant's voice sliced through their laughter. They straightened and he righted the hat on his head. They were tense until Beast Boy looked out the tinted window. He tilted his head.
"The park? But I thought–"
Grant met his gaze through the rearview mirror. "I might change my mind."
The younger man jolted into action. "C'mon lil dudes! We're at the park, it's time to play!"
The girls busted out of the car and rushed to the grass, searching for the perfect spot. Beast Boy hung back as Grant exited the car and opened the trunk. After he had grabbed the plushies and wore his guitar, he fidgeted in place and met blue eyes.
"Th–thank you…" he managed, thinking of the various things that Grant could've done to be the bad guy but didn't. "I just…thank you."
He threaded fingers through blond hair and pulled Grant down to press a chaste kiss against the man's lips. Blushing, he pulled away and fled after their daughters.
~oOo~
Notes:
Thanks for reading and feel free to leave a review or send a PM to say what cha think! (I lurv feedback...also, things gonna get crazy soon for poor BB, so. Heh heh)
