Disclaimers and Useless/Useful Stuff to Know:
Don't own any of these characters. Never will. Wish I did. Major spoilers for "Countdown to Infinite Crisis". Good idea to read the comic first. Also, spoilers for the Question six-issue miniseries.
Warning: The Pool is Contaminated
by Alba Aulbath
It would be ridiculous to say 'it was the same every night since then'; it was different, slightly different every time. Just enough difference, every time.
Just... enough.
Clawing, reaching, scraping, nudging his way-
"You know about him. And I need to know."
There was a screen. An eye. OMAC Project. The D.E.O. There was S.T.A.R. Labs. Information. Information. Files. Every person.
Necessary.
The eye, a dark eye, a red eye, the eye on a man. An eye, overhead.
The eye.
"I need to know where he is. I'm sure you understand."
Superman. Clark Kent. Batman. Bruce Wayne. The Flash. Wally West. The Atom. Ray Palmer. Elongated Man. Ralph Dibny. Blue Beetle. Ted Kord. Booster Gold. Michael J. Carter.
The Question. Charles "Vic Sage" Szasz.
His mind, mind being torn-
Screams.
Nose bleeding.
"I wanted to bring you in a long time ago, I just couldn't find a way-"
He couldn't let it happen-
He could. He should.
Somehow, his eyes were opened, after so much pain.
"Join me or die time, is that it?" the bug snarled.
"That's it exactly," the Lord said.
"Rot in hell, Max."
There was a surge of emotion.
He blocked that out. A bug, nothing but a bug.
A clear shot.
Screams, scream, screaming-
"It's time to save the world from itself," the Lord said.
A clear shot. A clear shot.
Scream.
His nose bled, and he told himself no, no, no, it wasn't meant to be done. A friend, a friend, don't-
A clear shot.
Gray matter and blood was everywhere.
Vic opened his eyes, his chest tight and incapable of breathing right; all sharp gasps and close to hyperventilating. The same and different, just enough, since his mind had been invaded. Just enough. Just enough.
Ted. Could not lose Ted.
It bothered him, to dream of his death, knowing what happened.
It hurt more that it was in the point of view of his killer.
It was 2:07 AM, and Vic Sage did not sleep for the rest of the night.
Early morning, and it was cold as the few days before. Late September had not been kind to Booster Gold; three days after the sniffles, and it was a full-blown cold for him. While both Blue Beetle and the Question were doing well to take care of him, he was a bit irritated for being stuck in bed. Being cooped up in the house wasn't his style - not like Ted's current trend. Plus, neither he or Beetle felt comfortable when the Question was out on the streets alone anymore.
The first time he came home alone, he'd pleaded for Booster to kill him.
The second time, a detective had been tailing him.
Seven o' four AM, and Booster Gold had woken up, nose stuffed and red, and grumbling. Unable to get back to sleep, he had taken his blanket and grumped his way down the stairs to claim the couch.
Much to his surprise, he found the Question sitting on the sofa, hunched over as he eyed tiredly at the television. He looked like a hunchback, the way his jacket had wrinkled around him, staring at the screen for some form of sanctuary. The television, naturally, though it was Booster's impression that the Human Enigma was barely giving it any attention. There was something bothering him.
"Couldn't sleep?" Booster asked as he sat down at the other end of the couch, sniffing.
"Nnn." Vic turned his head, looking to his companion. "No..." he admitted quietly. "Bad dream. Bad."
"Ugh, I dunno what's worse. My cold, or a nightmare."
"Who knows," the Question mused. "Who knows..."
Booster ignored the screen, looking to the tired man sitting next to him. "What was it about?"
"...Something terrible. Don't understand it. Don't wanna talk about it." The Question sighed. Lifting a bare hand, he placed it to Booster's forehead. "Still warm. Here, nap. Or try. Will make herbal tea."
Booster Gold made a face. "Gross. Can't you make anything else?"
"Yes. But it's good for you." Vic stood up. "Will bring water to help."
"Ugh, okay..." Booster flopped over on the couch, pulling the blanket closer to himself.
"...Michael. The dream. Don't tell Ted." Vic frowned faintly. "No need to worry. Enough, with what's happened."
Booster hesitated; Beetle should know, but he agreed with the sentiment that the Question was putting out there.
So, he nodded a little to him and closed his eyes, waiting for the horrific taste of herbal tea and water to wash it down with.
Later into the morning, closer to eleven o' clock AM, Ted had decided to get out of bed. It wasn't so much that he was a late sleeper, but more the fact that he had to consider rising away from the mattress, just thinking about spending his day inside the house with a lunatic and a slack. Honestly, he cared about them - but it didn't change the fact that they were what they were and they were bound to drive him up the wall and effect his heart condition.
Which, honestly, he was surprised hadn't acted up since he came back to life. Whatever.
Either way, he wasn't particularly looking forward to dealing with the day. Vic was insane and was apparently slowly going crazier over the span of time - two weeks! Two weeks they were in this house, and the Question was crazier! Somehow, it seemed like his sanity level was going down ever since they got rid of Psychopomp. After all, breaking windows and nailing dead animals to the neighbor's doors weren't signs of a competent, level-headed man.
Ted appreciated him, he really did. He appreciated Vic and all of his help in all of his ways, but this was just... not normal.
Normal. He missed that so very much.
Eventually, he pulled himself out of bed, and walked downstairs. Not surprisingly, he found Booster occupying the couch, curled up under a blanket sniffling in his sleep. Blue Beetle felt for his friend, but at least he was sleeping.
The Question hadn't been; Ted could at least tell that much. Maybe that was why he was so nutty - lack of sleep.
"Morning," Vic mumbled to the brunet as he stepped into the kitchen; the Question was seated at the table, nursing a mug of coffee - black - and a bowl of mashed potatoes.
Ted decided not to ask about his choice for a breakfast. "Mornin'. How's Booster?"
"Sick. Hates the tea. Better lately. Glad." Vic stuck a spoonful of potatoes into his mouth.
"How about you?"
The Question hesitated. "...Fine," he mumbled.
"Uh-huh." Blue Beetle grabbed a box of Cheerios. "Except, you know, aside from looking tired. Like, for all the week and everything."
"Nn."
Setting down the box, Ted scowled. "Vic, I know you hardly sleep in general, but. I mean, you look worse than usual. What's going on?"
"Nothing of consequence," Vic muttered. "You have enough concerns. As does Michael. None of us sleep well. None of us. Maybe a little more easily lately - but still. Enough to worry. Enough concerns."
"Can you blame me for being a little worried?"
"No. But... there are better things to worry about."
Frowning, Beetle turned to face him. "Hey, what gives you the right to worry about us, but we can't do the same?"
"Lots of reasons. Sufficient enough." The Question set down his spoon. "You. No one listened to you, died because of a presumed companion, followed me and talked to me, came back, have powers, angry at world, angry at assumed friends, stuck here - enough stress."
"'Assumed' friends?" Ted did not like that description. "They are my friends - I mean, yeah, I'm pissed at them. But they're still my friends, Vic."
In response, Vic frowned a little. "What do friends do, Ted?"
"That's easy enough - they trust each other-"
"Do you trust them?" Vic eyed at him.
Ted sighed, irritated. "Yes, of course I do."
"They don't trust you, though." The Hub City vigilante stood up from his breakfast. "They ignored you when they shouldn't have. They didn't come, when you needed them. They set aside Michael after they knew part of the truth. They shoved you here after they knew everything. They don't trust you."
"Trust isn't the issue! They're looking out for us after what's happened-"
"Who listened to you?" Vic asked sharply. "Out of everyone, who listened to you? Death, pre-death - who listened, Ted?"
"I..." Ted growled a little. "Booster, Diana, and... you. Maybe Barb. I haven't had a chance to talk to her yet..."
The Question frowned. "Out of all the Gods of this planet, three - possibly a meager four - have listened. You trust them - but do they trust you?"
"They're my friends," Ted told him stubbornly. "They are. What happened... I don't blame them for it. They thought I was on a wild goose chase, 'cuz it's happened before. And..." His argument wasn't sounding very strong. Yes, he was angry with the League and everyone else - but they were his friends. They were all dear to him, every single one of them.
Did they feel the same?
"Hm," Vic mused.
The Question's attitude was also grating his nerves. Most of the time, on all accounts, he'd been very accurate. Very honest - crazy, but honest. Honest, and ... right. It drove Ted up the wall. "How does it feel?" Blue Beetle muttered angrily. "How does it feel to be right, all the damned time?"
"...Horrible," Vic admitted quietly.
The doorbell then rang.
The pair paused, then slowly turned their heads to the front door. While Vic frowned slowly, Ted glanced to him, worried. "Should we...?"
"Would be suspicious if we didn't. Get your glasses, answer the door. I'll be busy." The Question turned around and immediately went for the stairs, disappearing into one of the rooms.
Ted glanced towards the front door with some hesitation; who was it? Hopefully... not anyone after them. The thought of it made his hands spark with electricity, then winced as he tried to calm himself. Center, center - right.
Taking his glasses from the counter, he placed them on as he approached the front door, giving brief notice to Booster as he mumbled, waking up from the doorbell.
Opening the door cautiously, Ted peered at an unfamiliar man waiting at the paved steps. "Uh... hello...?"
"Peter Parker?" The man lifted his head, then offered his hand. "Inspector Nick Bounty. Met your friend, Mattie, few days ago."
"Oh." Ted frowned. Now what? "Well, how can I, uh... help?"
"Was hoping to ask you guys a few questions," Nick responded. "Can I step inside?"
"Well..." Ted glanced over his shoulder hesitantly, which was in time to spot the Question coming down the stairs - stick in hand and sunglasses on.
"Go ahead and let him inside. Is Scott awake?" Vic did well not to turn to face anyone in particular, keeping up his act well enough.
"I'll go check." The brunet turned around sharply towards the living room to check on Booster - although, admittedly, he didn't feel very confident in leaving the Human Enigma to deal with the detective.
On the sofa, Booster cracked open an eye tiredly. "What's goin' on...?"
"It's absolutely wonderful. You see, we have a cop over for company," Ted responded.
This caused Booster to sit up abruptly. "Ahwhuh...!"
"Mm-hmm. Remind me to thoroughly thank Vic for this lovely event."
"I somehow suspect a pool of sarcasm oozing from you - but it could just be me," Booster mumbled, reaching for another tissue.
Ted gave him a very, very plain smile. "What would give you that idea? I'm just completely thrilled. Can't you tell how excited I am?"
"Okay, you're workin' overtime on grinding into how annoyed you are; what's a cop doing here?"
"For questioning." Ted sighed. "I'm going to make sure that ... you know, Vic won't do something crazy. Like maybe try to shove the guy into the microwave, then bury him."
Scratching the back of his neck, the inventor stood up and approached the kitchen where both Vic and the inspector were seated; however, neither one spoke to one another. The Question kept his head facing just slightly away from Nick, listening more than seeing for his act. Once Ted was inside, Nick lifted his head and gestured towards the brunet, "If you'd take a seat, Mr. Parker; where's your friend, Scott?"
"He's ill and I would prefer him to rest instead of partaking in this," Vic responded, his voice much more stiff than usual.
"Hm." Nick shrugged.
Sitting down beside the Question, Blue Beetle scowled. "So, what's going on now?"
"A series of events have caused me to follow up. While I know it seems improbable... well, lemme just get to the point, eh?" Nick took out a pad of paper and a pen. "Mr. Parker, your friend and roommate - Mr. Matt Murdock - was seen about one week ago, outside and nailing a dead squirrel to your neighbor's door after he made some remarks about your garden out front. He was seen during early evening then jumping through your own window, and then allegedly used a chainsaw to cut out another neighbor's window."
Ted tensed; the first two were true, but the third he had no idea about - though it certainly sounded like something the Question would do. Plus, it explained how they got a replacement window so quickly. He turned and stared at Vic, who made no reaction.
"Look, I'm not really sure how you can even consider blaming him; he's blind. He can't do any of those things," Ted commented, though he knew he was lying. Utterly lying. Vic was capable, and he knew Vic had done those things.
And hell, he was going to give him a piece of his mind about that stolen window.
"I know, I know. I've checked for legal documentation; blind at age seventeen and all. Still, I find it funny that almost all of your neighbors in the surrounding area have actually reported in about his actions, in spite of his blindness." Nick smirked, tilting his head. "Comments, Mr. Murdock?"
"I believe that they're overreacting, as most people tend to these days. We're unfamiliar people with them, and the unfamiliar can be disconcerting. I don't doubt someone has done these things to them - however, I'm completely incapable. Unless you have any actual proof, Mr. Bounty, of my personal involvement... I would appreciate you don't come back here. Warrants aside, as I have no control over that." A brow was lifted under Vic's sunglasses. "You should be concerned, rightfully so - but I had nothing to do with these events."
Nick eyed at him, then grinned. "Of course. Must've been wastin' my time. 'Scuse me, gentlemen; I'll inform th' force we're barking up the wrong tree. Good day." The inspector stood up, pocketing his pad of paper. "I'll show myself out." He turned, stepping out of the kitchen.
Once Ted felt comfortable enough that Nick was out of earshot, he hissed at Vic, "You're insane, you dumbass! You stole a window!"
"Had to replace the one I broke," the Question murmured.
"With a chainsaw! A chainsaw!"
"It was lodged in pretty well - had to use something to get it out-"
"That's besides the point!" Ted slammed his hand against the table; said hand broke through the wooden table, causing pieces to fall to the floor.
There was a pause of silence, then the inventor growled and put his fingers into his hair, muttering to himself.
Vic turned his head to peer at Ted. "It's of no concern."
"It was illegal!"
"So's vigilantism. Tell it to a Dark Knight or a Man of Steel."
"They don't steal windows!"
"They have a hard time listening," Vic muttered coldly.
Ted held up a finger, pointing it at him. "I'm not circling around to that argument again, and it's totally off subject anyway. Vic - for God's sake, could you at least try to act like a sane human being! We're trying to be inconspicuous, and within two weeks, you've attracted the attention of a detective!"
"Did what had to be done." The Question was frowning, arms folded.
It was to the point where Ted really wanted to tear out his own hair, then maybe Vic's - but he paid attention to the dark-haired man's expression. It was vague, but it was there. It dawned onto Ted.
Vic really honestly thought what he did made sense - logical and absolute sense. In his own little Questionable head, he did things that seemed to make sense only to him. It was in that case, he really was literally nuts. The Question was, of course, smart and sharp in his own right and was usually correct - but he was definitely a little crazy for believing he did things he really thought he had to do. Which included dead animals, window smashing, and window stealing.
"You." Ted pointed at him. "You, when we're not being chased down by a government faction, you are getting therapy. Lots and lots of therapy."
"Hnn." Vic didn't appear particularly amused.
"You need it," Ted told him drily. "As a matter of fact, after living with you for however long this is going to be, I'm gonna need it too."
While laying on the couch, Booster hadn't really listened out for the conversation. Besides the fact that they were all the way in the kitchen, he was exhausted and wasn't up to stressing out about it; after all, Ted was doing plenty of that for the rest of them.
He wanted to sleep, but his cold wasn't giving him a particularly good time.
"Mr. Scott Summers?"
Booster peeked open an eye. "Buh...?" He stared up at a man that was about six feet tall, a bit lanky, but wearing a bit of a traditional detective's outfit, something pulled right out of film noir.
"Inspector Nick Bounty," the man responded. "Mr. Summers, I have some questions for you. How well do you know your friend, Mr. Matt Murdock?"
"Well...?" Booster sat up a little. "Enough. I mean... he's my friend, so..."
"Is he blind?"
"N- yeah?" Booster winced. He almost messed that up; he hadn't really worried about the identity thing before - and being disorientated wasn't helping.
Nick was, evidently, smirking. "How long have you three been living here?"
"Two weeks, I guess..."
"Nice place. How did you guys get it? I don't really see any of you stepping out for work."
"I..." Booster frowned. How was he supposed to answer that?
"What was your previous work, Mr. Summers?"
Booster could only stare blankly at him as his mind sluggishly, through a fever - minor, but regardless - to come up with something, anything-
"Is Mr. Murdock keeping either you or Parker here against your will?"
"No," Booster told him sharply. He could definitely be honest about that.
"Oh." Nick paused. "Oh."
"Uh...?"
"Well, it's just..." Nick cleared his throat, loosening his tie. "To each their own, they always say."
It dawned to Booster, and he grumbled mentally about the deja vu. "We're not gay!"
"You know what they also say-"
"Don't say it," Booster muttered.
"-denial's not just a river in Egypt-"
"Can you go away yet?" Booster pleaded.
"You were leaving, Mr. Bounty?" Vic called out sharply as he approached from the kitchen, brows knitted tightly in a scowl. The sunglasses did nothing to prevent that his glare was completely evident towards Nick.
The inspector stood upright, glancing in the Question's direction. Then shrugged. "Figured I was, Mr. Murdock. We'll talk again later."
"Only if you happen to return with a warrant," Vic growled at him. "Good-bye, Mr. Bounty."
There was a pause as the Question waited for Nick to leave. After the door shut tightly, Vic approached swiftly and began to lock up the door. "What did he say to you, Michael?" he asked quietly as he set the locks.
"He was asking stuff like... previous work and, um, if you were keeping Ted and me here. Against our wills."
"Wasn't my idea," Vic murmured. "All this..."
"Yeah, I know," Booster told him. "Look, how much do we really have to worry about this guy?"
"If he's smart... we worry."
"If Vic doesn't stop being crazy and stupid, anyone could figure out something was suspicious," Ted remarked, stepping into the living room, taking off his glasses and setting them aside. "How you holding up, Booster?"
"Figure it's better than dealing with third degree burns, but I still wish it was better," Booster Gold responded in complete honesty.
There was a pause of consideration on Vic's part, then he began to undo the locks on the door. Sighing, Ted dared to glance up towards him, asking, "What are you doing?"
"Walk."
"You're not going to go chasing down that Nick guy are you?" Ted narrowed his eyes. "Don't nail shrunken heads on his door or something. Vic, the last thing we need-"
The Question scoffed faintly. "He won't be back here. Not unless he has a legal documentation stating he can - won't bother. Just need a walk. Need to think, is all. Won't follow him. No point." Opening the door, he slipped out and shut it behind him.
Letting out a sigh, Ted rubbed the bridge of his nose. "I hope he has his keys with him this time."
It was two weeks in, living in the house. Two weeks in, and it was still getting colder, Vic noticed.
Two weeks.
Somehow, it felt like two years.
The Question had found himself on another walk, attempting to clear his head of all matters. Nick Bounty didn't concern him too much; he mostly thought on the dreams - nightmares that had been plaguing him since Psychopomp had attempted to take over his body. There was something... wrong with it. None of the dreams had anything to do with himself or Psychopomp.
It was Maxwell Lord and Ted. From what he could tell...
He couldn't understand it, but he couldn't discuss it either.
There were some things that Vic was still capable of fearing and agonizing over; the rare, capable few. Seeing Blue Beetle getting shot every night in his mind was one of those things.
Sighing, he continued his walk towards his usual path.
Vic was wearing his contacts for the "blind eye" effect, a pair of sunglasses, and was using a stick for the proper "blind man" role. He still had yet to fully teach himself brail, but he was getting better at it.
He could still See and see.
Stopping at the top of the steps he had gotten used to following, he frowned to himself. He was being followed.
"Mr. Bounty," Vic muttered distastefully.
"Heya, Matty." The inspector climbed up, standing beside the Question. "Neighbors have some real interesting stories about you and your roomies. Real interesting."
"So I've heard from you previously..." Vic raised a brow behind his sunglasses. "As I'm sure you already know, I'd be completely incapable of doing things like you've listed. I'm perceptive in my own way about where things are in the house - not outside it." A blatant lie. He was good at those.
"Unless you've got yourself a look-a-like, witnesses say it was you."
"Witnesses don't like me, and I don't like them. For all you know, they could be lying to get me out of their little neighborhood," Vic remarked.
"For all I know, they aren't lying."
The Question frowned.
"I also know that neighbors hear a lot of things breaking in the house. Having arguments with the roomies?" Nick peered at him. "And that short one - Peter, right? He's always inside the house. Never comes out."
Vic pressed his thumb against the hilt of his stick, stiffening.
"I'll be blunt, Mr. Murdock. You three are awfully suspicious. You suddenly move in, strange stories coming in. People are freaked, and maybe for good reason. Come down for some questioning, or I'll definitely get myself a warrant."
"You only have claims based on the words of annoying citizens in your city. You have nothing-"
"You come down with me, Mr. Murdock," Nick told him slowly. "Or I can go pester your two pals. Drag 'em down, ask 'em what's going on. They probably wouldn't last too long, you know. But I'm willing to bet that Scott guy will go first with how nervous he was-"
The inspector found himself five inches above the ground than normal, as the Question had grabbed him by the throat, lifting him in the air without any apparent effort. In a low, off-kilter voice, Vic hissed at him, "Do not go near them. Do not touch them. Or you will see Hell. You will be in Hell. You will wish you were in Hell." Throwing him aside against the steel railing, Vic glowered behind the sunglasses.
Coughing for air for a few seconds, Nick appeared a bit fazed before he grinned. "See that? Right there... that's motivation to go investigating. You aren't really blind, are you? I'll bet I could find some other real interesting things about you guys. I should drag down your buddies and see what they know about you. There's probably some dirt on you, isn't there? Maybe on them, too."
The anger that had twisted onto Vic's face was incapable of describing in any form of words, any language in existence. The Question had dropped the stick, literally snarling at the cop. Full of nothing but grace, he twisted around, the heel of his shoe striking Nick in the skull. Vic turned, arms around and fingers curled, his coat flapping around him and making him look like a furious devil. Grabbing Nick by the face, he threw him down the cement stairs, not lamenting at each crack he heard. Vic followed him down, slamming his foot onto an arm he knew was broken. With the back of his foot, he grinded his weight into the wound.
The Question growled at him. "You dream of coming near them. And you'll have such nightmares. You think of approaching either one of them, and you. Your life will come to a disturbing. End. Stay away... or you'll stay away for good."
Without another word, Vic turned sharply and began his trek home, leaving behind a very beaten Nick Bounty.
But the inspector felt only confidence.
Late into the afternoon, Vic returned. Shutting the door behind himself and locking the door, he turned to find Ted waiting, arms folded. Taking off his sunglasses, he narrowed his eyes faintly in the inventor's direction, silently asking what it was.
"Got a call about an hour ago," Ted told him. "Police department. Apparently, Nick Bounty claims that Matt Murdock beat the crap out of him. Not that it's possible, because you're blind, right? Plus you said you weren't going to follow him."
"I didn't," Vic responded. That part was true; he didn't follow Nick.
"But you attacked him." Ted narrowed his eyes.
"Deserved a good fright."
"Yeah, well! Thanks a whole lot, Vic - the P.D. want our asses down at the station for further questioning, pronto!" The brunet threw his hands up into the air. "Look, I can accept that you think you're doing a snap up job protecting us. Well, actually, no I can't because lately you've been kind of slacking on the COMMON SENSE part of your brain!"
"He threatened you and Michael," the Question hissed. "Won't accept that."
"Every time someone threatens us, you're going to flip out?"
"Yes," he said fiercely. "When can I make light of someone threatening you or Michael? Never. Being arrogant - lost too much. Can't play that game."
"Vic-"
"Will not lose you again. Neither will Michael."
Ted grumbled something obscene to himself, index finger rubbing his temple. "Vic... Look, there's no way you can possibly fix it by scaring off everyone and beating the shit out of them. This isn't Hub City - it can't work like that. I know it makes sense in your head, but it doesn't here. Can you, at least, try really really hard to act like a normal person on their level while they question us? Don't make me get onto my knees and beg - I am seriously at the end of my rope here."
The Question was frowning sharply, hands clenched; he had assumed he'd done the right thing. The inspector deserved more than what was delivered...
He hadn't overreacted. Vic convinced himself of that. He hadn't. He just couldn't risk anyone harming Ted or worse-
It was, admittedly, his nightmares disturbing him, making him really fear the possibility of witnessing him dying. Or Michael, even. But he couldn't announce that.
"I... will do my best," Vic muttered quietly.
Letting out a heavily relieved sigh, Ted nodded. "Thank you - jeezum. Okay. They're coming down soon to pick us up after I tell 'em you're home now. ...Look, Vic. I know you're just trying to protect us... but you're overdoing it. Way overdoing it. You don't want to lose us - great, fantastic. I know, you're our friend, too. We don't want to lose you either. Just... tone it down. You're like a crazy older brother I should have locked up in the basement."
"Hnnn."
"I didn't mean that."
"I know."
Shaking his head, the inventor pointed towards the living room. "Go and make sure Booster's up? I gotta go call them." Turning around, Ted walked for the kitchen.
Stepping towards the living room, the Question was not very surprised to find that Booster Gold was still lying down on the couch, blanket over his head. Vic pulled the blanket down, peering at him. Grumbling, Booster attempt to reclaim the blanket, but it was out of reach. Opening his eyes, he pouted blatantly.
"Have to go," Vic told him. "All three of us. Ted, did he tell you?"
"Uh-huh. You beat up that Nick guy?"
A faint scowl reached Vic's brow. "Rather not speak much of it. Threatened you and Ted. Didn't want him to make good on a threat."
"Look, um..." Booster sat up, frowning. "I know Ted's really upset, but... well, I guess if it was me he was talking to and he said what he told you... I might've done the same. Maybe worse. Guess it depends. I haven't exactly been too well known for having a cool head."
Vic nodded. "Understand..."
"I'm serious. I really would have... When you and Ted came back when we were in Edge City? I swear, I was going to kill Max. Well, uh... so were you, but... the point still stands. Okay? We both want to protect him, really bad."
"Not just him," Vic mused quietly. He glanced at Booster in silence, then held out his hand. "Must go, all three of us. Ready?"
"No, but we gotta go anyway. And by the way, you gotta get out of the habit of saying something really nice, then pretending you didn't," Booster remarked, taking the Question's hand and helping himself up.
"Hrm."
Ted moved out of the kitchen, sighing and placing on his glasses. "They'll be out front in a minute."
"Lookin' forward to it," Booster muttered. "So, they're just gonna ask questions, right?"
"Right." Ted turned to Vic. "And I swear, you behave, or-"
"Will. Already said so. ...Promise. Will not jeopardize anything," he responded.
The police car had arrived, and the three - all with reluctance - left the house. The ride had been silent as they were taken. The Question appeared very calm and this did not particularly shock Ted; Blue Beetle was gritting his teeth and wishing he was calm; Booster Gold was twiddling his thumbs and doing well to avoid nervously humming a random catchy tune.
While the Question had taken his stick, he still kept a hand to Booster's shoulder, following him, acting well on his role. In silence, the trio followed the cops, brought to a room set for their questioning. In a corner, standing, was Nick Bounty; an eye was swollen almost closed, bruises on his face, and an arm was in both a cast and sling. It was impractical, considering Nick should have been in an hospital - though, Ted supposed the inspector was all too eager to witness the session.
Some would call the determination admirable. Ted called it annoyingly stubborn and obsessive - it reminded him faintly of a certain Dark Knight in that regard.
"Matt Murdock, Peter Parker, and Scott Summers," one of the uniformed men spoke, seated at the table. "Inspector Nick Bounty has claims that Mr. Murdock is responsible for his current injuries. You were at the park earlier this afternoon, Mr. Murdock?"
"Yes, I was," Vic replied, voice utterly peaceful and calm. It wasn't a tone either Ted or Booster were used to.
"Did you talk to Inspector Bounty?"
Vic nodded. "Yes. He approached me with more questions and interpretations of my alleged actions."
"Were you responsible for Inspector Bounty's injuries?"
"Sir." Vic smiled wryly. "As you can see - since I can't - I'm incapable. Matt Murdock is as blind as they come." He reached up to his sunglasses, blinking his seemingly sightless eyes; wearing contacts had a perfect effect of being blind. "Therefore, Matt Murdock did not inflict injuries to Inspector Bounty."
"Oh please," Nick growled. "You can't be blind! You-"
"Inspector," the officer said sharply. "You're bearing as a victim right now. Not as your position in this force. Mr. Murdock, you're completely blind, yes?"
"I don't suppose you need to check my pupils," Vic responded drily. "Inspector Bounty knows that I have legal documentations stating that, yes, I am blind. I have been since high school."
"So, can you read this document for me in brail?" The officer handed Vic a simple piece of paper with the appropriate bumps of brail on it for him.
"Of course."
Ted almost winced. That was a blatant lie; Vic hadn't finished memorizing it yet, and he knew that.
Still, Vic ran his fingers over it, then smirked faintly. "The Ugly Duckling?"
"That would be it." The officer took the sheet of paper back. "Thank you, Mr. Murdock. Mr. Parker, where and when did you meet Matthew Murdock?"
"Uh, well..." Ted hesitated. He was a bit disorientated; Vic's performance was completely well acted, more than he had expected, especially when he had recognized the brail somehow. "It was, uh... ...Well, it was over ten years ago. We met in Chicago at an event in the square. Been friends since." Truthful enough.
"He was blind then, correct?"
"Yeah."
"What was the event you two were handling?"
"It was, uh..." Ted frowned. "Um... eh-heh, you know, I don't really remember..."
"You don't?"
"It was awhile ago, to be fair," Vic remarked. "It was something of a costume party. Peter was taking some pictures."
"Hmm." The officer turned to the third man. "And, Mr. Summers..." There was a pause from the policeman as he noticed that Booster had bowed his head and was, apparently, sleeping.
Vic tilted his head. "What is it?" he asked, feigning innocence.
"He's asleep," Ted muttered to him, smirking a little, not sounding very surprised.
"Oh, well. Scott's caught himself a cold, officer. I wasn't sure if it was appropriate to take him along, but I know you wanted to see all three of us. Are we done soon?"
The officer sighed and waved his hand. "You know, there isn't even really a case here. Derril, why don't you take these three home? We've got nothin'. Nick, I want a word with you."
"Look, he was the one who-" Nick began sharply.
"Damn it, Bounty, the man's blind as a bat! You want me to believe that-"
"Come on, let's get you guys home," Inspector Derril sighed, shaking his head.
Standing up, Ted shook Booster's shoulder. "Psst, hey! C'mon."
"...ugh, don't wanna wash G'nort again, J'onny..." Booster mumbled against his arm. "...wet fur, so groooossss..."
"Scott, we have to go now. You can sleep at home." The tone of voice was utterly unlike the Question to the point of surprising Booster Gold; he lifted his head sharply, staring at him. However, Vic simply held out his hand in front of himself. "Peter, help me?"
Glancing hesitantly towards Booster, who was drowsily standing up and sniffling, Ted nodded to the Question. "Sure thing. You awake enough there, 'Scott'?" He wasn't sure how Vic made their names sound so... natural. Frankly, just the way Vic was acting so perfectly... normal was weird.
"I am now," Booster muttered, glancing towards the Question, who innocently didn't seem to know any better.
Ted bet otherwise.
The inventor took Vic's hand, leading him out from the police station with Booster behind them, leaving the room as Nick Bounty and the officer continued to scream at each other.
It was continuing on to late at night once they returned home. Ted still found himself in faint shock at Vic's capability of being so... so damned normal. So, he had taken a moment to sit down and try to wrap his head around it. And maybe read a good book. The Question had nothing to say, apparently, and had disappeared almost immediately the moment they returned home.
The inventor turned around and flopped back into one of the chairs set up in the living room; Booster had occupied the couch once again as his 'sick spot', with two blankets covering him and ducking himself under a few pillows. Ted smiled wryly; he felt bad for his friend, stuffed nose and all, especially since no one was willing to baby him.
"I want chocolate milk," Booster whined.
"Sugar's bad for you when you're sick, especially when it's in milk, Booster." Ted picked up another book he'd been reading from the table it was on. "What about that herbal tea stuff Question got?"
Booster suddenly looked a whole lot paler. "I swear he's trying to kill me- I mean... ugh, sorry, Ted..."
Lifting his hand and waving it, Ted assured, "Death kinda loses its meaning after everyone dies and comes back a few dozen times."
Not that it hadn't bothered him to think about it; it did, but he didn't really want to concern Booster with it. The fact of the matter was, Ted wasn't even comfortable being alive again. It made him feel... strange. Not really normal. Not that being Blue Beetle was even remotely normal by any means, but dying, coming back with powers and everything... it bothered him.
Ted didn't want to be dead again, but he didn't feel comfortable with how he was recently, either. It was getting better overtime, but... regardless.
"What was it like?" Booster wondered hesitantly. "I mean, ya know... big bright light or anything...?"
"I don't know how to describe it," Ted admitted. "...Lonely, I guess."
"Had to be, if the only guy who could hear you was kinda nutty."
The Question's sanity was always in... well, question. Ted had worked with him before and thought he was a little nuts back then, even. Now? He had some form of respect for him. It was difficult to describe; Question was definitely off his rocker, but he had best intentions and knew what he was doing, even if the way he did things wasn't always the best way. Whatever Booster thought of him, Ted was at least positive that he didn't dislike Question.
He was just kind of crazy and that could occasionally creep a guy out.
It had dawned on Ted, though. "So, where is our nutjob roomie?"
Booster shrugged and pulled the blankets over his head, mumbling, "Chocolate milk, Mommy."
"No chocolate or milk for you." Ted shook his book at the unfortunate Booster Gold and stood up. "I'll be right back."
And he went exploring for the Question.
It was still cold outside, more so with the chilling rain pouring down. At the front of the house they were continuing to stay and literally hide away inside, there had been once a garden. The plants were slowly dying due to the cold. Ted and Booster hadn't paid the plants much heed - not that the Question expected them to - so he had decided to do it himself.
Not that he had much of a green thumb, but he had to do it.
Because no one else would.
That was his answer to everything, it seemed. Why did he care at all about Hub City? Because no one else would. Why did he attempt to undo the corruption and take down the very scum of the streets? Because no one else would.
Why had he, of all people, had listened to Blue Beetle when he died?
Because no one else would.
There was more to it, to every question and an answer - but it was so easy to generalize.
The rain poured onto his back, shoulders, neck, head - everything. He was soaked to the bone and then some. The Question's hands were bright red from the cold as he pulled away weeds and cared for what hadn't been loved. They had ignored what seemed so little to them because they were tired and weary of the JLA, Checkmate, and everything that existed outside of their new home.
Home. Had it been home?
Had the Question ever had a home? Hub City was a place he attempted to guard and guide, but it had never been home to him. It had been gritty, it was rotting, it was the dark side of the planet.
The city cried to him everyday, pleading.
He could See its fall from life.
The Question never had a home. Was this home?
There'd been apartments, houses with Tot, the Catholic orphanage, college campus - nothing he was attached to.
Then there had been this. He cared. He genuinely cared, but.
He wondered. It was a good question.
The rain gradually developed to sleet, and from sleet to unforgiving cold snow that was biting at his hands and threatening to freeze them.
The garden, he told himself. If no one would care for it, he had to. Because no one else cared for it.
But was that how it was? Did the Question do his deeds, simply because no one else would? Did he actually care for anything?
Yes, he told himself fiercely. Yes.
There were reasons why he had gotten involved. It was partly due to Tot, may he rest in peace. It was all due to Ted, whose soul could not rest, not for the trials that would be ahead of them.
It had been, he owed Ted. Blue Beetle remembered finally, but the Question still owed him.
Maybe he owed the garden, too.
Owed him, owed him, owed him.
A celebration of life.
Life. Life and death. Death. Celebrate life.
Question tried desperately to help the garden, for its inevitable death and rebirth.
"Question?"
The detective turned his head up, finding himself being covered with an umbrella held by Ted, who was giving him quite a look, typically when the Question said or did something that the inventor found strange or distasteful.
"What the hell are you doing?" Ted peered at him.
"Garden. Life. I..." Question couldn't explain himself properly.
Ted knelt down, then stared at his hands. "JEEZ - how long have you been out here? You've gotta be freezing your ass off. C'mon, before you get a cold, too. I'm not gonna baby you and Booster, y'know." He grabbed onto the Question's wrist, yanking him inside of the house and slamming the door shut.
The Question felt some confusion. But there was also a conclusion.
Home was wherever he needed to be. He was needed here, he was sure of it.
Even if he owed someone.
"...Thank you." Question then glanced away, as if he had said nothing.
"Yeah, okay, now shut up and change into some dry clothes." Ted shoved him towards the stairs. "Is it ANY wonder I developed a heart condition!"
Perhaps this was home indeed.
Notes:
I'm sorry this took so long. I weep, andI hope it's okay.