[ It was certainly a change, that was for sure, but he enjoyed it. There was something nice about the dynamic they'd all grown into since leaving Malice. ]
Are you sure about that? Monarch seems to think she'll distract me, and I don't want him getting pissed if I brought her over. [ Removing the cigarette a moment, he added. ] I don't know, it just didn't seem like I was allowed? I don't know if that's the right word, but it fits.
Before this last trip to Trenton, I hadn't seen her since the start of the Morpho mess. [ So, at least a few months. ]
Like I've never distracted him? [a raised brow] And you live here too. You may not have put a bunch of money into it, but its also your home. You can bring guests.
[a pause, and then she frowns at him, shoving him gently]
That's like, totally different! You're his wife. [ Gary's little awkward smile was becoming a bright one again.] Thanks, Sheila! I feel better having asked you. If he gets mad, you'll have my back, right?
[ Look, he had to ask. ]
Hey! [ He called back when she shoved him, as if she could hurt him. ] I totally tried! She was out of the country, and in prison again, I have the post cards upstairs! I would never do that, you know me better than that.
[ To be fair, on the cocoon around all the other henches before 24's death, he absolutely might have. But even that might was a stretch. ] And it's Garrett Thomas [ He corrected, not that he ever used his full first name, ever.] Where did you even get Ashlyn?
If he gets mad he's sleeping on the couch. And I'm his wife, but I'm his friend too. [he'd better not forget it
Sheila sighs because these MEN...these men of hers are so...so much. they're a lot-- she loves them, but oh, they irritate her] You could have written her a letter then!
Garret Thomas, I knew that. I think Ashlyn would have been cute, though.
Ouch, yeah maybe don't do that to him on my account.
[ Granted, he really wanted Monarch to like Harley. It was the first time he was flutter patted with someone who wasn't taken and seemed to return his feelings. Boy's first real love.
He looked over again at her with almost light offense.]
I tried that too! I can prove it too, I have the return to sender letters upstairs, I haven't tossed them yet. Felt wrong too. But most of her post cards had no return address, and no one told me until we spoke last that her apartment building was blown up.
[ Another drag from the cigarette as he shook his head amused. ]
You wanted me to be even more picked on as a kid, didn't you? [ A teasing tone. ] Garrett was bad enough, and only my mom calls me that, and only when I've seriously fucked up.
[ That's how he knew he was in deep trouble as a kid.]
Gotham's something else for sure. Did you really think I would ghost someone, dude?
[ Gary didn't sound offended, he had a feeling she didn't really think he'd do that to anyone, much less someone he liked in any capacity.
Looking over to her, he shook his head, still amused. ]
It's terrible, but I'll tell her that when I call next. And you SO know I was terrified every time it happened. I tried to go out my bedroom window once when I heard her yell my full name... I didn't quite fit. [ That was all he figured he needed to say.]
No, but I know you can be a bit hesitant sometimes. And right now you have the internet or Malcolm for advice...
[she lets that linger because. well, you know]
I think moms are just like that too-- even sneaking out. That's why you either make a tape recording of your voice that'll answer-- or sneak out another way.
I can, but she knows where we live, and we've been friends for a long time. I'd never ghost a friend. Even more, a girlfriend.
[ Not wanting her to think he'd take the worst advices, he decided to admit what he hadn't shared yet. He knew Harley was way too hot and cool for him, but he planned to be happy while it lasted. ]
Also, I so totally haven't told him anything about it since he got upset last time.
[ He nodded, and scratched the back of his head. ] Ehh... Mom always opened the door even before I disappeared. She always knew when I was up to no good. We're cool now though, just can't live together. You get that, right?
[ Ashing off the side of the porch again. He wasn't naive, and Gary and Paul had gotten a few things approved by the Monarch by easing him into the idea. This was just different, but the same concept. ]
They SO do. [ Sheila always knows too, but he wasn't about to say it. ] Kind of the same, I keep going back just to remember I don't really belong anymore. This is where I belong, you know? Either way, I so appreciate your help, Sheila. I'll get the clock later, but maybe go talk to Billy first to see if he's even willing.
[smiling, though it's wistful, she puts a gentle hand on his shoulder] You don't have to thank me...it's just. It's just right-- even though we do a shitton of wrong. You'll always have a place with us.
Billy will for sure appreciate a heads-up this time.
[ That hand got a smile back her way. This was where he truly belonged. If this whole thing with Harley worked out, he wanted to make sure they all got along. ] I like to think of it as for all the bad we do, we have got to have some good.
[ He nodded, a smile offered her way.] I'll go visit soon, not today it's too late. But, soon. SHould we head back in?
I think we're doing alright, though. Things get hectic, but it's not been too bad lately.
[ He crushed out the remaining cheery from his cigarette against the sole of his boot, tossing it off into the yard. It would be fine, he'd handle it tomorrow.
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Are you sure about that? Monarch seems to think she'll distract me, and I don't want him getting pissed if I brought her over. [ Removing the cigarette a moment, he added. ] I don't know, it just didn't seem like I was allowed? I don't know if that's the right word, but it fits.
Before this last trip to Trenton, I hadn't seen her since the start of the Morpho mess. [ So, at least a few months. ]
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[a pause, and then she frowns at him, shoving him gently]
Gary Ashlyn Fischer! I hope you texted that girl.
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[ Look, he had to ask. ]
Hey! [ He called back when she shoved him, as if she could hurt him. ] I totally tried! She was out of the country, and in prison again, I have the post cards upstairs! I would never do that, you know me better than that.
[ To be fair, on the cocoon around all the other henches before 24's death, he absolutely might have. But even that might was a stretch. ] And it's Garrett Thomas [ He corrected, not that he ever used his full first name, ever.] Where did you even get Ashlyn?
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Sheila sighs because these MEN...these men of hers are so...so much. they're a lot-- she loves them, but oh, they irritate her] You could have written her a letter then!
Garret Thomas, I knew that. I think Ashlyn would have been cute, though.
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[ Granted, he really wanted Monarch to like Harley. It was the first time he was flutter patted with someone who wasn't taken and seemed to return his feelings. Boy's first real love.
He looked over again at her with almost light offense.]
I tried that too! I can prove it too, I have the return to sender letters upstairs, I haven't tossed them yet. Felt wrong too. But most of her post cards had no return address, and no one told me until we spoke last that her apartment building was blown up.
[ Another drag from the cigarette as he shook his head amused. ]
You wanted me to be even more picked on as a kid, didn't you? [ A teasing tone. ] Garrett was bad enough, and only my mom calls me that, and only when I've seriously fucked up.
[ That's how he knew he was in deep trouble as a kid.]
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[Sheila tries not to sigh-- this is like every other weird romance? relationship? friendship not exactly platonic? in this line of work.]
Garrett is rather cute, your mom has good taste. I bet you feel real fear, true Godly fear when she calls you that.
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Gotham's something else for sure. Did you really think I would ghost someone, dude?
[ Gary didn't sound offended, he had a feeling she didn't really think he'd do that to anyone, much less someone he liked in any capacity.
Looking over to her, he shook his head, still amused. ]
It's terrible, but I'll tell her that when I call next. And you SO know I was terrified every time it happened. I tried to go out my bedroom window once when I heard her yell my full name... I didn't quite fit. [ That was all he figured he needed to say.]
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[she lets that linger because. well, you know]
I think moms are just like that too-- even sneaking out. That's why you either make a tape recording of your voice that'll answer-- or sneak out another way.
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[ Not wanting her to think he'd take the worst advices, he decided to admit what he hadn't shared yet. He knew Harley was way too hot and cool for him, but he planned to be happy while it lasted. ]
Also, I so totally haven't told him anything about it since he got upset last time.
[ He nodded, and scratched the back of his head. ] Ehh... Mom always opened the door even before I disappeared. She always knew when I was up to no good. We're cool now though, just can't live together. You get that, right?
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[she knows he isn't completely naive! just...not experienced. not to say she knows everything either.]
Moms are like that too, I think. They always know. Mmm, I get it. I moved out pretty early when I was young because we just couldn't deal with it.
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[ Ashing off the side of the porch again. He wasn't naive, and Gary and Paul had gotten a few things approved by the Monarch by easing him into the idea. This was just different, but the same concept. ]
They SO do. [ Sheila always knows too, but he wasn't about to say it. ] Kind of the same, I keep going back just to remember I don't really belong anymore. This is where I belong, you know? Either way, I so appreciate your help, Sheila. I'll get the clock later, but maybe go talk to Billy first to see if he's even willing.
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Billy will for sure appreciate a heads-up this time.
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[ He nodded, a smile offered her way.] I'll go visit soon, not today it's too late. But, soon. SHould we head back in?
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[the Guild, their team.
Sheila shrugs]
Yeah, let's.
[stretching]
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[ He crushed out the remaining cheery from his cigarette against the sole of his boot, tossing it off into the yard. It would be fine, he'd handle it tomorrow.
Pulling the door open to wait for her.]
I'll let you know what happens with Billy.
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[passing through the door, she nods]
Thanks. I know you'll get him on your side.
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[ He learned his lesson with that forever ago. That was a jinx if ever there was one.]
If you think I can, then I know I can.
[ Following on inside, hearing the Monarch calling for her. ]
Have a good night, Sheila.
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[and off she goes to her gentleman love]