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 8
Oddly enough, Grant had gone so far as to buy a private school and then send the girls there. Beast Boy couldn't figure out why he'd done that, but he was just happy that the kiddos were finally able to meet kids their own age. Though it was lonely in the house without them and helping them dress in their uniforms every morning hurt, he was just glad they were off to a great start. It seemed they'd even already made a few friends despite joining late in the semester. Other than training the girls how to use martial arts, Grant was being a decent human being and the house was peaceful.
But it was half a month later and at the start of winter, with the snow falling fast as he read aloud to the girls on the couch, that Beast Boy encountered another problem.
"No, Ms. Rockwheeler," Grant intoned from another room, voice audible over Beast Boy's own. "Angie and her sister will not be attending the Holiday Festival next week. Family matters, you understand."
He paused, folding the corner of the page. "Sorry, lil dudes, I gotta talk to Papa for a bit, okay? Wait here."
The girls whined, Angie protesting that he should use a bookmark and not ruin the pages, but otherwise let him leave. He grasped a fistful of his dress and lifted the hem as he hustled to the hallway.
"Grant?" He called just as the man bid someone farewell. "What Holiday Festival?"
"Just a waste of time." The man dismissed. "Don't worry about it."
"Was it something for school?" He pressed. "Why can't the girls go?"
Grant flattened a bored stare at him. "Family events aren't necessary for their education."
He perked. "Family events?"
"Yes," Grant brushed a hand through green hair as he walked past.
Beast Boy followed after as the older man entered the living room. "Why can't they go?"
"They need a chaperone." Grant moved the game controllers out of the massage chair and sat down. The girls watched the exchange with wide, curious eyes from their spot on the couch.
Beast Boy sat on the armrest as the man clicked the chair on. "Why can't you go?"
"There's no need."
As an idea popped into his mind, he turned to the girls. "Lil dudes, Papa and I have something important to talk about. Can you two go to your room?"
They nodded and hopped off the couch, forgetting the children's book, and wandered out of the living room. The news clicked on and Beast Boy returned focus onto the older man.
"Well," he began, hesitant. "...can I go?"
"No." Grant answered and his jawline tightened subtly.
Beast Boy exhaled. "C'mon, please? Whatever it is will probably be good for them! Don't you want them at least a little bit happy?"
"They're fine the way they are."
"We have to show them we care and support them somehow. I made a promise to Angie to be there for her and Becca!"
Grant actually rolled his eyes. "Childish beliefs do not suit them. Lay down."
Sighing, he let himself slide into the man's lap so his head rested atop the other armrest. The criminal combed bare fingers through the younger man's hair and massaged his scalp. Beast Boy tried again.
"I can't break my vow to her–I'd be a liar if I did."
"Deceitfulness doesn't suit you." Grant agreed. "But you know you're not allowed outside."
Beast Boy exhaled and shifted as the rhythmic stroking soothed him. "And that sucks but I haven't been out of this house in months. Can I please go? Pretty please?"
The news played in the background. He ignored it for the most part as a woman yammered on about strange weather phenomenon, but when a familiar voice came on, he twisted his neck to watch.
"These aren't natural storms. They're man-made. Whether it's an unknown person with powers or if it's from a machine, the Titans will find the source and stop it. People will get hurt if the storms continue."
Beast Boy's eyes softened as the camera switched from Nightwing to Cyborg. They looked good. Tired. But good. Alive. And that's what counted.
"…good, Nightwing." Grant murmured. "But not good enough."
Beast Boy's ears twitched as the fingers stilled. "What's not good enough?"
Grant was silent but the massage resumed. Beast Boy half-thought the man had decided to ignore the question when a smug tone made his skin crawl.
"Even if Nightwing succeeds, the Titans won't be prepared for the war. My soldiers are strong and skilled–I trained them myself–and have powers the Titans have never encountered. I'll win this time and no one can stop me."
Beast Boy's heart sank and he tried to pull away, to sit upright and leave, but the fingers tightened on his hair and he instinctively stilled. He tried to fight against the submission but Grant was stronger than him in every way. His struggles would only tire him out.
But the Titans were his friends. His family. He had to try even if it only ended in pain. For his family, he would try. He curled his fingers against the man's thigh, gathering a fistful of fabric.
"The Titans are my family." He said to a scowling face and winced. Despite the bleak outcome, he had to fight on. "Don't hurt them."
"We've gone over this, pet." Grant pried open his fist to hold his hand and squeeze. "You don't need them. And you're safe here."
"No, Grant." He yanked his hand out of the hold and tore the fingers from his hair. He got to his feet. "I do need them. I care about them and they care about me and it hurts to be alone all the time."
His face crumbled as he took in the unreadable expression. "It's almost as if you want me to hurt so much. Makes me wonder why I even…"
"What, Garfield." Grant stood, looming over him. "Why you what?"
Beast Boy turned away, lips sealed, and would've left had Grant not knocked his feet from under him and sent him toppling into a bridal-style hold. The young man wriggled, protesting, but his captor just carried him into their bedroom, set him loose, and clicked the lock.
"Wait," Beast Boy backpedaled until his knees hit the mattress and he tumbled. "Wait, it's not even–"
Grant climbed on top of him, kissing exposed green skin and the younger man connected the occasional word or two. He managed to make out "handjob" before the man spoke more clearly.
"With the Titans gone, I'll give the world to you." A hand pushed up the skirt of his dress.
"I don't want the world, I want my family." Beast Boy protested as heat pooled in his stomach and he arched into the familiar touch.
Lips smothered his own and his heart hammered against his rib cage. "Then I'll give you them. You'll have everything you've ever wanted."
"What?" He struggled to think as a palm rubbed his member and he moaned. "What do you–ohhhhh."
Teeth nipped the spot just below his ear and on his jaw line and he purred. Hands continued to roam his skin, finding the zipper in the back of the dress and pulling down. The fabric slid along heated flesh and he pulled his arms free of the sleeves. Giving into the comfort of familiarity, Beast Boy wrapped his arms around Grant's shoulders as the man removed the rest of the dress and feminine underwear.
He hummed, content as Grant resumed massaging his muscle and stroking his sensitive skin. Wow was the dude good with his hands. His lover had him mewling in seconds as he squirmed, blushing in the hold as the man dived onto his cock and sucked.
"I can't–I'm gonna–" Beast Boy moaned as he released and Grant swallowed his cum, licking his lips afterwards.
"Delicious as usual." Grant purred, crawling up to the panting younger man.
Beast Boy's eyes remained glazed as Grant kissed him and his nose scrunched at the taste of himself but otherwise didn't struggle. Contentment rolled off him in waves as his partner held him close.
"…Love, I will provide for you. I will protect you and cherish you like no one else. Anything you desire, I will give to you."
Beast Boy's heartrate wouldn't slow as he shifted, cuddling closer and relishing in a warm body against his own. He hummed, not really paying attention to the words but just the soothing tone they were spoken with.
"…even if it means…"
The words faded and Beast Boy's ears twitched in acknowledgement. "Mmmhmmm." His eyes drooped and sleep tugged at his awareness.
A soft snort and lips pressed against his temple. "I'll cook dinner tonight, love. Rest for now. I'll wake you when it's time."
Beast Boy drifted to sleep.
~oOo~
After Beast Boy and the girls had cleared the table and Grant sent the girls to their room, the older man had pulled the him aside.
"What is it?" Beast Boy soaped the dish in his hands. "Why can't the girls help me clean up tonight?"
"I've done some thinking," Grant leaned against the fridge. "And I will allow you and the girls to go to the Holiday Festival, if you are in disguise."
Beast Boy froze. The tap continued to run. His chest continued to rise and fall. But it felt like time had stopped.
"Did I hear that right?" Wide green eyes met blue, too afraid to hope.
"However," The tone hardened into steel and Beast Boy shuddered. There was the catch. "If you dare try to escape then I will murder one of the children and force you and the other child to watch."
Now he knew he wasn't breathing. His heart lodged in his throat and he struggled to speak as the porcelain plate slipped out of his hands and clacked in the sink. His eyes instinctually glanced at the sound. Not broken. Good. Wouldn't be good to make Grant mad.
"Garfield."
He worked his jaw but only a squeak came out. Was Grant serious? Would he really kill Angie or Becca just to punish him? Ice clawed his spine and he bit his lip hard enough to draw blood. He was just starting to believe Grant wasn't a completely horrible person, but now…?
"Garfield."
"I…" he managed, scared senseless and forcing himself to nod. "I… I swear I won't leave?"
"Good." Grant pulled out his phone from the breast pocket of his button-down shirt. "I'll arrange for Clarisse to dress you properly. The event takes place next Saturday."
Air rushed back into his lungs. Beast Boy searched the man's face but saw no trace of lies. Rigidly, he returned to cleaning the dishes with wide eyes and a lump in his throat, bottom lip stinging. The news was a double-edged sword.
He would finally be allowed outside.
But escape was too dangerous. He'd stay in line and keep the girls safe. Or at least as safe as they could be with the martial arts training that Grant forced on them. Beast Boy even had to help patch them up a time or two when the jerk had overdone the teaching.
His captor approached, wrapping arms loosely around his waist while he cleaned. "Remember what I said." Grant murmured. "If you obey, I'll let them live."
Dread pooled in his stomach. Why did he feel as if Grant was talking about someone other than the girls? Had he said something to Grant before his nap? He couldn't remember anything beyond the heat and pleasure.
He choked out. "I understand."
~oOo~
A week and a dolling up session later, Beast Boy was ready to go to the Holiday Festival with Angie and Becca. Though his stomach churned with nervousness–he hadn't seen people, real people, in so long! – the excitement won out. He bit his lip and fidgeted in place as he checked himself over in the mirror.
A newsboy cap with ear flaps covered his pointed ears and white make-up completely covered his face, neck, and hands. Given that it was winter, he wore a scarf to hide the metal collar and a button-down dress shirt with long sleeves to hide his arms and bracelets. For the first time in half a year, he was allowed to wear pants and gloves. The hem covered the anklets and the gloves covered his make-up caked hands, but it felt so nice to have the comfort of clothing that really covered him for once.
Reassured, Beast Boy rushed out of the bathroom and called for the girls. "We don't wanna be late, lil dudes!"
"Daddy!" Becca returned, voice muffled. "It hasn't even started yet!"
Beast Boy grinned and shouted. "Then we'll just be early!"
Grant curved around a corner, a slight smile on his lips. "Stop shouting, Garfield. Ryder will be here to take you three soon."
He couldn't help himself and launched at the man, hugging him tight with an excited laugh. "This is gonna be so cool!"
Lips curved upwards against his forehead as Grant pressed his mouth to the younger man's head. "You're welcome, love."
Warmth shot up his spine as fingers slipped beneath the hat to brush his hair and scratch his ear. He purred, too delighted to care about the threat hanging over his head. He was finally going outside! He was finally going to see people in the flesh! Not just on a screen but in person, with tangible bodies, and voices, and he could say something and they'd hear him! They'd respond and react and he could tell jokes and see what they think and oh no what if they didn't like his jokes?
He bit his lip and fidgeted, eyes darting about the room. Should he back out? What if no one would like him? Would it be better to stay? It'd be safer, no one would judge him if he slipped up. Should he still go? What if no one smiled at him? Should he stay home?
"Love, what's wrong?"
Beast Boy pulled away and wrung his hands. "I…I don't know. I haven't seen real people in so long. What if I mess up? What if I say something dumb and they think I'm dumb and what if they think my jokes are dumb and what if I just look like an idiot and–"
Lips shut him up and he relaxed. Grant pulled away. "You're not dumb, Garfield. You are a treasure. I'm certain they will enjoy your humor."
He offered a shaky smile. "O…okay. If you say so…"
"I know so." Grant tightened the hold until a muffled vibration made Beast Boy's ears twitch. "Ryder will pick you up at the end of the event but if you want to come home earlier than just call him. I have work to do but if you need me then just call."
"Okay," Beast Boy tried to psych himself up for the challenge. "Okay. I got this."
He patted his jacket pocket and, reassured that the phone he had been given for his birthday was still there, tried to relax. He inhaled and puffed out an exhale.
"You'll be fine, love." Grant let him go. "Ryder's waiting."
Green eyes met blue and Beast Boy brightened at the sight of the smile. He hurried to the front door and opened the door adjacent to the entrance and scanned the stairs.
"C'mon girlios!" He shouted and small feet pattered fast, sending adrenaline and giddiness up his spine. "Hurry up or I'll leave without cha!"
"No!" Becca replied, frantic. "We're coming!"
They curved around a corner and leaped. He rushed forwards and caught them, toppling to the floor with a laugh. The girls were decked in plain casual clothes rather than their dressy uniforms. Blank but vibrant white colored t-shirts and jeans. Grant watched from the corner they came from, phone to his ear, and Beast Boy shot him a grin before waving farewell and they trotted down the basement steps.
It was time for a family event.
~oOo~
Ryder bid them farewell as they clambered out of the car. Cold wind blew and a light layer of fresh snow covered the ground but that didn't deter the girls' excitement. They bounced in front of him as they led him up the stairs to the school. Though Angie was more subdued in her black jacket and neat ponytail, even she was excited with wide eyes. Becca practically vibrated with energy and her black hair flounced around her cheeks every time she turned to look at him.
He glanced at the decorative banner slung across the stone arch over the entrance. Roseville Elementary. Welcome to the Holiday Festival.
A woman dressed in casual clothes and winter wear stood by the pair of front doors and waved at them. She was pretty and middle-aged, with light brown hair loose around narrow shoulders. He bit his lip, anxiety creeping along his spine as he returned the wave.
"Ms. Morris!" Becca bounded up the remaining steps. "Ms. Morris!"
The lady laughed and returned the child's hug. "Hello Rebecca, so good to see you! And your sister as well. You're Angie, aren't you?"
Becca chirped an agreement before twisting out of the hug to wave at her daddy. Beast Boy hustled to follow. "Daddy this is Ms. Morris!"
"So you must be Mr. Wilson." The woman outstretched a hand. "It's wonderful to meet you. I'm your daughter's teacher. She talks a lot about you, you know."
Beast Boy blushed and accepted the shake, hoping the woman didn't notice how much his hands shook within the gloves. Or if she did then maybe she'd just attribute it to the cold.
"She does?" He offered a nervous laugh. "Hopefully only good things, right lil dude?"
The girl puffed her cheeks and braced little fists on her hip bones. "Nope! Only bad things!"
He feigned a gasp and placed a hand to his chest. "Becca, you wound me!"
The teacher brightened with a laugh. "I see where she gets her humor from. Well I'll let you three enjoy the event, now. Have a great time!"
Beast Boy glowed. The melodic laughter sang in his veins and energy thrummed in time with his heartbeat. Someone had laughed at his joke. Someone had laughed. He burst into giddy laughter and gathered the startled woman into a delighted hug.
"Oh, my!" Ms. Morris grinned against his shoulder. "As affectionate as your daughter, I see Mr. Wilson!"
"You don't need to call me Mr. Wilson." He pulled away with a grin and had to shake the image of Grant's face. Grant was Wilson, he was– "Just call me Bea–I mean," he hastened to correct. "Garfield. Just call me Garfield."
"Garfield, it is!" The woman patted his shoulder. "Have fun you three!"
"C'mon girls!" He pushed open the door. "Let's play!"
They entered the school and his eyes shot wide. The lobby was huge. With a chandelier hanging from the stone ceiling and glossy tiles decorating the floor, the place was filled with life as people bustled in and out of the main room. A vacant wooden desk was situated by the wall and standing next to it was a woman speaking with an elderly man.
She was taller than the man and wore a blue blouse with black dress pants. Blonde hair was tied up in a neat bun.
"Ms. Coleman!" Becca greeted, rushing towards the pair.
Angie rushed after her sibling and Beast Boy weaved between the moving crowds of people. He panted when he caught up to them. Wow was he out of shape if that winded him.
"Ah, Rebecca and Angelina." The woman greeted, polite but detached in a way, as if she were constantly concerned about something. "You both look well and…" she focused on Beast Boy. "And you are…?"
"Be–Garfield." He straightened and extended a hand. "I know I don't look it, but I'm their dad."
"You do look young." She agreed but accepted the shake. "The girls have told me stories about you. Apparently you have a great reading voice."
Becca grinned. "Yeah! He once melted into boogers cause the wicked witch did!"
He offered an embarrassed smile until the woman chuckled. "Your children are a delight to be around. Enjoy the festival."
With the farewell, he grasped small shoulders and turned the girls away from Ms. Coleman to let her return to her previous conversation. "So who was she?"
Angie pointed at the wooden desk. "She's always at that desk every day and types on a computer. She's really nice but kinda weird."
He 'oh'ed. "So like a receptionist?"
She shrugged before gasping. "Daddy, daddy, follow me!"
She grabbed his wrist and zoomed through the crowds, nearly running people over in the process, and he struggled to keep up. Dude, if he couldn't even keep up with a seven-year-old then just how out of shape was he? Still, he apologized to the people they bulldozed past and glanced behind him to ensure Becca tagged along. Neither was winded. Dude.
"Ms. Rockwheeler!" Angie waved her free hand. "Ms. Rockwheeler!"
They approached a middle-aged woman with red hair tied in a loose ponytail that curled against her neck. She shifted at the call, turning from the couple she spoke with to focus on the group barreling towards her. He features lifted from a polite smile to raised brows and a growing grin.
"Angelina, here you are!" She spread her arms and Angie leaped into the hug. They pulled away and the woman turned focus onto her sister. "And I see that you're Becca, and," she frowned. "Mr. Wilson?"
Beast Boy rubbed the back of his head with a nervous smile. "Yes and no."
Her expression cleared. "I see. So it was your husband I spoke with on the phone last week, then?"
He nodded. "Yeah, but calling me Mr. Wilson feels weird. Just call me B–uh–Garfield, I mean."
"Very well Mr. Garfield–"
He flushed. "Just Garfield works."
She paused for a moment, as if considering, before smiling. "Alright. Garfield, it is." Her brows lifted. "Oh yes, then if you are their father then I assume that you're the same father who made Angelina's origami turtle and who loves Maria Party?"
"I did and I do." He smiled and brushed fingers through his kiddos' hair. "You guys sure talk about me a lot, don't cha?"
Becca bounced, giggling, and Angie smiled with a mischievous glimmer in her eyes. Angie looked positively evil when she said. "Yeah, and Ms. Rockwheeler knows how much of a stinker you are!"
He fumbled for a response. "Just because I lose every now and then–"
"All the time!" Becca pitched in. "You always lose against us."
"Because you tag-team and–"
Angie covered her ears and sang. "Da na, na, na, na, na, na, na–"
Beast Boy burst into a grin and swept her into the air. "Batman!"
Ms. Rockwheeler laughed, the couple beside her laughing along and Beast Boy joined in, thrilled. He hadn't felt so energetic in a long time so to finally feel so light and free was like…like…like breathing for the first time.
The night continued, filled with laughter and jokes and crazy shenanigans. The girls showed him around their massive school, regaling him with tales of what classes they had and in what rooms. Every room was occupied with groups of people, ranging from people engaging in crafts to playing games to eating food and to simply socializing.
He soaked in the atmosphere and noise. Holiday music would play from the speakers fastened to the top corners of the walls, projecting background noise to every room. He rushed around the building, girls in tow, with the need to explore and meet people and just feel free.
Too soon the festival wound to a close and his phone buzzed in his jacket pocket. He glanced at the device and tried not to pout as he read it was time to leave. Time to go back to being locked up in his prison. His one night of freedom was over, but at least he had made it count.
Once he told the girls they had to leave, they groaned and protested. They wanted to stay just a little while longer, please? Please please please? But they couldn't stay because the event was over and they had to say goodbye for now. So they tracked down the girls' teachers and bid them farewell with words and hugs.
He glanced over his kiddos', ensuring they had all their stuff. They were tuckered out and glitter coated their shirts and pants from the crafts. Their little hands held bags of goodies earned from winning games and their cheeks were painted with images of green animals and snowflakes. Ryder texted once more and so they left the building and walked into falling snow.
They made their way to the car and entered the back. Ryder greeted them once they entered, politely asking how it went.
"Amazing." He answered, tugging the tired girls closer for warmth as they shed their jackets. "It was…amazing."
Ryder didn't respond as he drove them back to the mansion, but he didn't need to. The silence was comfortable and almost welcome after the exhausting hustle of the day. They returned home and Grant greeted them in the garage.
"Hey," Beast Boy hugged the subtly startled man and whispered. "Thank you so much."
Grant returned the embrace, squeezing slightly. "Of course."
He slept well that night.
~oOo~
Notes:
Thanks for reading and feel free to tell me what cha think!