This one’s for @animatedartist commissioned by @im-schrodingers-gay so i hope you’re all in the mood for some gay robots. Rated E for Everyone, i don’t think i even used a swear in this.
In a world full of wonders and horrors, one thing that has long eluded Core is a sense of self sufficiency. In his military service, he’d leaned heavily on his brother; since welcoming Adro into his home, he has relied heavily on the body guard for that same support. The world frightens him, little as he likes to admit it, but it is, he believes, important to face one’s fears whenever and however one can.
Love, of course, gives one great strength.
There are many things Core loves about Jack, and one of those things is how sweet he is in a surprise.
Jack, of course, is uniformly sweet, so far as Core is concerned. Jack is gentleman, and kind and giving and good, and these are qualities the world sorely needs these days. Core loves him fiercely and protectively, though there is, thankfully, little he need defend the other bot from.
Watching him get over the shock of seeing Core behind the wheel of the car, rather than Adro, makes Core laugh himself. His own fear has kept him from many things since his last memory wipe, and Jack has never mentioned disliking the need for Adro to accompany them on any outing that necessitated the use of a car, Core had felt for some time that it would be nice to be able to travel just the two of them.
“Well, get in, dear, there’s no fun to be had idling on the curb,” He says finally, and laughs when Jack shakes his head and at least tugs open the passenger door, sliding in.
They make pleasant, idle conversation as Core steers them onto the freeway, and at some point, Jacks broader hand finds Core’s on the wheel. When Core reflexively shifts his grip so he can spread his fingers, Jack’s fingers thread through, loosely linked around the steering wheel. After another moment of that, Core carefully insinuates the back of his hand against Jack’s palm, so he can lift his hand and link their fingers properly without affecting his steering.
“If a cop sees us, we’ll be pulled over,” Jack says, and there’s a little laugh to his tone, Core can hear it well enough, but there’s concern too. He tightens his grip just a little, just enough to hear the metal of their entwined fingers creak softly. “I just don’t want you to get in trouble.”
Core smiles pleasantly, glancing at Jack and then focusing back on the road. It’s a pleasant day in mid-May, warm and sunny and free, and there is very little traffic at this hour. Core plays air-headed and impulsive often, but he is a calculating machine in many ways, and he knew how to mitigate his own nerves.
He does not release Jack’s hand, and he does not slow the vehicle down. They’re going at a perfectly reasonable speed, just nosing the limit, and if humans can drive with only one hand on the wheel, than he most certainly can manage as well. “I believe there is a saying about risks worth taking,” he says finally. “Several, in fact -- humans do love to think of themselves as thrill seekers. Some even are.”
Jack chuckles, and lets the topic drop, running his thumb soothingly against the tactile nodes on the side of Core’s hand. And it feels good, both the touch and the moment as a whole, to be driving, to be out in the middle of the day, free from expectations and work and stresses, listening to the purr of the engine and the thrum of the tires on the road. It feels good to be alone with the first person to love him simply for being him, not through the obligation of brotherhood or the bond of service.
Jack had been kind to him on sight, from the very first night they’d met, not knowing who Core was, unaware of his money or station or history. He’d been generous and kind, and the privilege of spending time with a man so wholeheartedly good is not lost on Core. He may have had his mem.dat whipped since Marilyn had first taught him the value of good company, but he’d never forgotten her lessons.
He was lucky to have Jack, and they were lucky to have this day, time spent to just be themselves, racing together into the burgeoning day.
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*crashes in your inbox 5 million years later* i realize it's been eons but if you write a drabble about Core and Jack or just Core or just Hearse or basically any of those robutt babies, it'd be rad.
This directly follows the last fic I wrote about these two.
“So...” Jack drawls, watching Core swing his feet, perched on the edge of a tall stool in a bot friendly soda shop. “Your brother.”
Core looks up at him, smiling beatifically.
The movie had been nice, though nothing Jack was going to commit to long term memory. Mostly it had been an excuse to spend time with Core, alone and out of their respective homes, and really, that has been great. They’d cuddled in the theater, and held hands on the walk from there to this place. It was a nice night, really only marred by one little thing.
“Yes, I’m so, so glad you finally got to meet him, Jack. He’s quite shy, but I love him dearly. It would be wonderful if you two were to become closer.”
Jack can’t help but smile at that. “He’s very protective of you, isn’t he?”
If nothing else, Jack respected that. Core was certainly not helpless, as Hearse had pointed out, but he deserved to have someone looking out for him, since he was set on seeing the best in everyone.
“Oh yes,” Core looked down again, and Jack thought there might have been a glimmer of embarrassment. So maybe he does know what Hearse was talking to Jack about while he was changing. “You see, Hearse and I... he’s my little brother, did I ever tell you that?”
The way he looks back up at Jack is so intent, beseeching understanding, and all Jack can do is shake his head.
“Well, he is. Several years my junior, and for a long time I looked after him. I was -- oh, I was fiercely protective of him, you see, and when we were conscripted for the war effort... well, I suppose I risked a great deal to keep him out of harm’s way. You see, I can’t quite remember what all I may or may not have done, because whatever it was, I decided I couldn’t bare it. I had my memory wiped after the war.
“Hearse didn’t. He remembers everything, I suppose. And he insists that, now that he’s his own man, it’s his duty to look out for me now. Thaddeus is his last living human relative, and he spends a great deal of time taking care of him. He’s very kind and warm and sweet, when he knows you. But he tends to be... guarded with new people. He’d rather assume they’re scoundrels than be caught off guard later. I love him deeply, Jack. and I do hope one day you will too.”
He lowers his head again, fingers twisting the stem of his class. Jack reaches across the table and rests his hand over Core’s, smiling when he looks up.
“Hey, I get it. He’s important to you. You’re important to me, too. So Hearse and I have that in common already, right? I’m sure we can build off that.”
The full wattage of Core’s smile threatens to force Jack’s system offline, but he reels himself in, pleased just to have made Core happy.
When he dances, the movement is beautiful, the sound, haunting. There is no crash and clamor of loose metal or clumsy joints; he is far better built than that. But as his plates slide one over the other, there is a hiss, as of a knife sliding sharply over a wet-stone. It is beautiful, as so many of Marilyn's creations are, and yet eerie as well.
-- excerpt from the journal of Paul Carlton, 1896.
((Have a picture of a naked dancing Core that I will never ink because it's too complicated.))
Characters: Jack, Core Douport, Hearse Wake (mentions Thaddeus and Adro)
Rating: G
Summary: Jack finds himself in the uncomfortable position of accidentally meeting Core's brother.
The idea for this fic has been rolling around in my head for months. Lets see if I can manage it. Jack is probably out of character, and for that I'm very sorry Em.
---
The plan in his head had all been very simple.
Showing up on a whim, as a surprise; it was supposed to be a romantic gesture. He'd been afraid of Core having other plans, but the lithe machine had pressed again and again that he would always avail himself if Jack wanted to spend time together.
So he'd finally gotten the nerve. Shown up with nary a text nor phone call. "I thought you might like to catch that new movie that opened on Friday," he would say, and Core would smile and pull him into an embrace and off they'd go to the movies.
He hadn't expected to find another vehicle in his usual spot... but the nature of the vehicle put any indignation out of his mind, curiosity even surpassed by a thrill of fear. A hearse, old and grim but still sleek in its black and chrome, lurking in the drive beside Core's home.
Taking the steps two at a time he'd climbed the porch, and it had taken some measure of control to keep his knock from turning into a slamming fist.
He hoped for Core himself to open the door, but expected Adro -- either one would be able to explain away the hearse in words that would rid Jack of the dire thoughts roiling in his processor. Perhaps a new eccentric acquisition on Core's part...
Instead the door is pulled partway open by a slim young human, dressed in dark clothes, who frowned and jerked back from the door, pushing it closed again as if shocked by Jack's presence on the porch.
"Stranger," he heard the human shout, and then, retreating into the house, "Not Adro."
"Did you get a name," another strange voice asked. "It's important to ask names, Thaddeus, even here."
"Nope. He scared me."
A laugh, drawing nearer, before the door is pulled open again.
Another automaton stands there, tall and painfully thin with a face plate so severe it negates the comic wildness of his wig. So stern is that face that Jack at first doesn't realize that this is the source of that laughter.
"Yes," the grim-faced bot drawn, cheerful enough. "Might I help you?"
"C-core," Jack stammers, struck slow by the course of events thus far. "I'm here to see Core."
"Oh," returns the copper bot, drawing back and seeming to somehow become a little taller. "And why would that be?"
"Uh."
Well he doesn't know it but we have a date, except I'm really getting worried you're in there packing up his body so could you just move and let me in
No, that doesn't sound right, but before Jack can come up with a suitable reply there comes a familiar cheer, and the gaunt 'bot is pushed aside by Core himself.
There's not a lot of time for relief before he is caught up in a hug, catching his smaller partner around the waist as Core latches his arms about his shoulders. "I wasn't expecting you, darling," he beams when at last he lets go. "What a wonderful time to visit! I can at long last actually introduce you to my brother. He knows all about you, as I'm afraid I can't help but brag, but as he's so terribly private I'm afraid I haven't mentioned him much."
With a light kiss on the cheek, Core steps back, grabbing Jack by the elbow and tugging him bodily inside. "Jack, this is my brother, Hearse. Hearse, I'm very happy for you to meet my lovely Jack."
Hearse stares at Jack -- and yes, he must be able to adjust his height because he's definitely taller now, tall enough to look down at Jack. The lights in his optics seem to brighten and collect, giving the impression that he's narrowing his eyes on Jack, but after a moment he offers one very slender hand. As Jack takes it and gives it a firm shake, he says, "Hearse Wake. A pleasure, I'm quite certain."
"Uh, Jack. Jackson, but everyone... calls me Jack."
"I'm sure they do. Dear brother, should I take this as sign to leave?"
If Core can hear the frostiness in his brother's voice, he gives no sign. "Oh, no, not unless you need to go. Jack, was something the matter? Tell me you just came for a visit."
There is the vaguest hint of a pout to Core's words, but it's more play than anything if Jack's any judge. "Well, I was hoping you'd... you had mentioned a movie, I thought maybe we could go..."
"Oh, that would be -- ah but I can't just leave my brother and his nephew--"
"Of course you can," Hearse says graciously. "After all, you've told me again and again how very little the two of you see each other. I should hate to add to that."
Jack's not entirely certain, but he almost feels as if the words are aimed at him in something like an accusation. Core doesn't seem to notice however, fretting for a moment before Hearse gives him a nudge to the shoulder.
"Go change, dear brother. I shall linger to keep your... companion company and see you off, and then Thadeus and I really must get back to the parlor anyway."
Core wavers for a moment before turning back toward the interior. "Alright, but promise me you'll both come back soon. I'm quite enjoying drawing Thaddeus out of himself."
"Yes, we'll be sure to call ahead," Hearse returns, "after all, we'd not want to put you on the spot."
Again, Jack almost feels like the words were spoken more for his benefit than Core's but then Hearse is rounding on him and he forgets to be offended. There is something terribly threatening about this grim copper machine, but Jack doesn't give in to the urge to take a step back. He stares back evenly as the taller machine looks him over.
"So," the other says at long last. "You're his new man, I see."
Yes, there is definitely disapproval in those words, but it's all for Jack. He feels himself begin to bristle before Hearse goes on and catches him off guard again.
"He's quite fond of you, you know. Thinks the world of you. It's good to finally see you for myself."
"I," Jack starts, loses his bearings, and then pressed on, "he mentioned you a few times, but I thought you were, uh, that you didn't..."
"Get out much?" The taller machine laughs, his eyes brightening though the sound doesn't seem very friendly. "Yes, well. I am quite busy with my work."
"Oh," is all Jack can think to say, and then, "Your line of work is very time consuming, I take it."
"Quite. People are always dying you know."
Jack stares for a moment, only just putting two and two together between the words and the hearse out front when Hearse steps just slightly closer.
"I run a funeral parlor, you know," he says, making a vague gesture with those spidery hands. "Mostly we tend to humans, but a few bots come through now and then. I know a good deal about dismantling broken 'bots, putting them to rest."
All the sudden the mortician is very close, his hands at Jack's collar. Very neatly, very precisely, he's rearranging how the fabric of Jack's shirt lays, and speaking in quick, quiet tones.
"I don't go in for subtle threats and passing hints, do you," he asks. "I should hope not; I find them to be rather boorish, so I hope you don't mind my being direct."
"I --"
"Shut up, dear fellow, please. Shut up. I'm threatening you, it doesn't do to interrupt." A hint of a smile passes over the undertaker's face, but it's cold, and his eyes are bright with malice. "My brother is by no means delicate, and I know he could unmake you if he wanted. If you hurt him."
"I wouldn't--"
"Quiet, I said," this time his voice is snappish, cold, but still quiet. "Now. He could hurt you, if you gave him reason... but I know my sweet brother, and he is so very in love with you. If you raised a hand to him, he might fight back, but never to do you damage. But if you hurt him -- physically, or just enough to see him shed just one oily tear... well, you can trust me, my friend, I will find out. And you will find that I am far, far less accommodating than my darling brother. Is my meaning quite clear?"
Jack finds himself in a whirlwind of confused emotion, anxiety and no small bit of offense chiefly identifiable. He can't quite fetch a response, and Hearse seems to smile again, stepping back.
"I take your voluminous silence as a affirmative," he says, folding his long arms behind his back just as Core comes bouncing back into the room.
"All ready," the smaller silver bot chirps, glowing happily and smiling between the two of them. Looking at him, it's clear to see he's surrounded by his two favourite people in the whole world. Jack still isn't sure how he should feel, but he takes Core's hand and allows himself to be led out the door, hearing Core chatter with Hearse but not processing the words.
Finally they part in the wide drive. and Core draws Hearse into a long hug.
"I'm so glad you've finally gotten to meet," he sighs, beaming. "I really have wanted to introduce you for some time now."
"Oh yes," Hearse says. "Jack and I have had a most informative discussion regarding you. I think it was rather pleasant, as such things go."
"Yeah," Jack says stiffly, looking at the mortician for a moment. He thinks he understands the other 'bot's motives, and in the end they're altruistic enough. He'd likely do the same, positions in the reverse. "It was nice to meet you, Hearse."
"And you, Jack. Perhaps soon we'll all spend some time together. But for now my nephew and I must be off, and you've a movie to see. Have a wonderful evening."
And with that, the copper machine folded into the cab of his namesake vehicle, started the engine, and drove around the curved drive, disappearing onto the road.
"I do hope you liked him," Core said at last as the turned toward Jack's car. "Tell me you liked him, I would love to see you two become friends. He has so few of those, you know."
"Uh," Jack said eloquently. Well, we definitely agree on wanting you to be happy so... "Yeah. He's interesting."
((Core used to make Hearse play dress up with him. The results were comical enough that somewhere in the Douport Manor there are several photographs of the stern-faced bot in some of Marilyn's most decadent gowns. He was never comfortable in dresses the way Core is, but he was always a good sport with his brother's fun.))
