Chapter Text
Todd was being dragged out of the therapist’s office with a gentle hand, Dirk’s grip loose but secure on his hand as he guided him. Todd gave a small smile, shaking his head as Dirk opened his mouth.
I'm okay.
And Todd could be. He was coping much better than he had been a few weeks ago. He could do this. They could find Adrien, and stop whatever was happening. Everything would be alright.
“So, we shouldn’t drink with Sara anymore.” Dirk said, his words just a little slurred.
“Fuck, you’re a lightweight. You had two drinks.” Todd felt absolutely fine, and after a moment of hesitation, wrapped his arms around Dirk’s chest. “Why am I dating you again?”
“It’s the accent. Everyone loves a British accent.” Dirk laughed, trying to turn to see Todd. “And the height. Not too tall, but certainly not a hobbit.”
“Well you know what you should do?” Todd turned him around, reaching up to touch their noses together. “I think, you should totally dress like a Rowdy for a day.”
“Gods no.” Dirk said, laughing. “I can’t imagine a reality where I ever did that. Can you imagine? Skinny jeans, T-shirts, flannels. No.”
“Ah, but that is a hot image, I'll be honest.”
“Oh.” Dirk smirked down at him. “Well then by all means. Throw out my beautiful, stylish clothes and replace it with grunge punk.”
“Excuse me, The Rowdy Three are dirty punk.” Todd tapped Dirk’s nose with his finger. “And besides. I think you look cute. Sex is boring anyway.”
“That’s what I’ve been saying!” Dirk said, smiling.
“Fuck, you're adorable.” Todd threw his head back, laughing. “I think we should watch The Great Mouse Detective, whatever that movie is. When we get home.”
“Oh you know you love it.” Dirk said, carefully walking backwards with Todd still holding him. “I know you watch it when I’m not there. I found it in the player last week!”
Todd rolled his eyes. Fine, maybe he did enjoy the movie, but he wasn't going to admit that.
“Come on. Let's get coffee.”
“Tea. And pastries! And lunch! And-”
“Hey guys!” A voice called down the sidewalk to their right. “Just the people we were looking for.”
Ethan was dragging Friedkin behind him as they walked up, both of them still looking a little odd in normal, everyday clothes.
“Just get done talking to Sara?” Ethan asked.
“Yeah.” Todd gave a small smile. It was always unnerving to see Friedkin; you could never tell who it was until he spoke. “Hey guys.”
“Babe. No. They have cotton candy!” Fridkin whined, gesturing over to the sweet shop to the right.
Yeah. Definitely not Friedverse.
“Something tells me they will still have cotton candy in five minutes.” Ethan said, rolling his eyes. “Anyway, we were just at the Agency. Farah’s been working on the case a bit today.”
“Oh no no. Hold on.” Todd shared at glance with Dirk, raising an eyebrow. “Since when are you two dating? Isn't Hugo in love with the universe?”
“Yeah. Well, we’re working around it. They aren’t, the worst.” Ethan said shrugging. “And like the last month or so. Have you guys seriously not noticed?”
“We've been busy, dude.” Todd gave a pointed look to his own shoulder, where the bite mark was from Adrien. “You're in a polycule with the universe. Your life used to be normal.”
“How? I used to work for a secret government organization that captured and experimented on psy- holistic persons. How is that even a little normal?”
“Compared to this?”
“You can say psychic, I’m not going to burst into flames.” Dirk snorted. “Though, I would avoid the green one.”
“See, I can’t tell if you’re kidding.” Ethan said, frowning a bit.
“Fine, don’t avoid the green one.” Dirk said, raising his hands as he smiled.
“Does that count as the green one?” Todd pointed over to Friedkin, who had somehow gotten his hands on a collection of ring pops from the shop.
“We may never know, Todd. I’m not psychic.” Dirk snorted.
“Well. Are you guys oh… oh fuck where is Bart.” Todd spun in a circle, fully expecting them to jump out with a shard of glass.
“Back at the office. They said they wanted to watch Farah think.” Ethan nodded, shrugging. “I said call if they decide to leave.”
“Well at least we know they won't kill Farah.” Todd breathed a sigh of relief. Bart downright respected Farah in their own strange way.
“Maybe it’s the grey one.” Dirk was mumbling to himself as he frowned over at the candy shop and then snatched one of the ring pops from Friedkin’s hands. “Sorry, I need this, want to check something later.”
“Dirk, you're so weird. I love you.” Todd shook his head, laughing.
“Love you too!” Dirk smiled before glancing up at Ethan. “So, Farah’s working on the case?”
“Yeah, she said she’s made some progress but wants you to look over some lists that she has, see if you get any feelings, ya’ know?” Ethan nodded. “She also said something about setting up a meeting at that company you guys were looking into. They have a large corporate headquarters here in Seattle, thought you could go looking for some needles.”
“Oh yeah. That weird one with the name.” Todd nodded. Dirk kept going on about it. “Well, needles in haystacks is what we collect.”
“Ouroboros International. Yes, it should be, something. I’m sure.” Dirk nodded. “Though I doubt Hela or Jormungandr are just going to have signs pointing the right way. Knowing Loki, it will probably be rather difficult.”
“Loki. What an ass.” Todd huffed. “He always hits on you.”
“He’s a flirt.” Dirk said, waving his hand. “Besides, I like you, why would I need a god?”
“Right, well, glad to deliver the message. We’re gonna go raid the candy store again.” Ethan said, smiling. “Nice to see you, and we’ll probably see you later.”
“Bye!” Todd waved at them as Ethan took Friedkin's hand.
“They’re rather predictable.” Dirk leaned down to whisper into Todd’s ear as they started back to the office. “I should have put money on them dating.”
“I had no clue!” Todd whispered back, slightly incredulous. How did I have no clue!?
“I don’t know Todd. Did you miss all the absurd little things Ethan has been doing for Friedkin recently? Or that he started smelling like mistletoe about three weeks back? I just assumed he was up to shady shit, but I suppose it was more horizontal tango than CIA business.” Dirk snorted.
“Dirk!” Todd gave a light hit to Dirk’s arm.
“I am not wrong!” Dirk laughed turning backwards to continue walking and looking at Todd. “We would never know if he dunked himself in mistletoe after his walk of no shame! I am merely using those deductive reasoning skills you all complain I don’t have.”
“Nope. No. Nope. Not having this conversation.” Todd started to walk faster, a smile on his face.
Dirk was such an idiot.
How charming.
“Oh but I thought I was supposed to look for clues, find evidence, make hypotheses, form conclusions!” Dirk said, following after him. “I’ve been practicing!”
“Why can't you do that when we need it!? Like the last case! The balloon, the ninjas! You didn't try then!” Todd calling in a false accusatory tone.
“Oh Farah had the ninjas handled. And well, the balloons weren’t even the important bit! The diamonds were! No matter. The point still stands, I should have put money down. I could have been rich. Rich!” Dirk said, smiling at him.
“Okay well when you find a gazillionare, hit me up.”
“I’m sure they’re out there. Just waiting to buy us nice things like candy, and food, oh! And a house! That would be lovely.” Dirk smiled, grabbing Todd’s hand and swinging it lightly as they walked. “With a yard, and a garden, and room enough for- um, I mean, you know, if such a person existed.”
“Room for what?” Todd started to slow his pace.
“Oh, just well, you know, room. For. Rooms.” Dirk said, a concerned look on his face. “It’s so far away though. I mean, we haven’t even talked about marriage it’s far too early to talk about, um, more cats.”
“Cats.” Todd knew one thing for sure; Dirk wasn't talking about cats. “Well. I think taking the, cats, sledding would be fun.”
“They would love that. The, cats. Because they’re cats. And they like that.” Dirk said, nodding. “And I mean, you’re great with, cats, and I just want you to be able to have, cats.”
“You're also great with cats.” Todd nodded solemnly. “And, I mean. We can get cats, without being married. If, we also could, because, sounds, nice. Marriage. And cats.”
“Yeah.” Dirk smiled. “Marriage, and cats, and a house, and a garden, and- and I know that’s a lot for a walk to work talk but. I’d like to, one day, co-own some cats, with you.”
“I would also.”
“Brilliant! Great. I guess, we can, look into, cats, later, after all of, this. If you want. With me. I guess. Great!” Dirk said, smiling down at him. “So I was thinking a maine coon.”
“Wait were you talking about actual cats?”
“Of course, Todd. What did you think I was talking about?” Dirk smirked, looking down at him.
“I. Um. I.” Todd felt his ears go red, and he started to go quiet. “Nothing. Never mind. It's fine.”
“I’m joking, darling. I know what you meant.” Dirk said, wrapping his arms around Todd.
“I just. I didn't use to be a, marriage, type of person.” Was Todd actually talking about this right now. “But then I died. Then you died. And. I can't, I need you. No I. I just. Man. I want you, okay?”
“I want you too.” Dirk smiled, leaning in close. “And maybe, one day, we could get some cats. Maybe a few kids too. But until then, I am more than happy just the two of us.”
“Okay but like. With our luck. Our ‘kid' is going to be fucking insane.”
“I wouldn’t have them be anything less.” Dirk snorted. “They’ll have you as a father. You’re the craziest person I know.”
“Yeah. Well. My dad was an asshole, so I'm not keen on being a parent.” Todd mumbled, a cloud forming in his chest. “Mom was fine. Just dad. I still haven't punched him in the face. Think I could get the Rowdies to?”
“I’m sure they would love to.” Dirk smiled. “And you’ll make a great parent one day.”
“You're lucky I can cook.”
“Yes, I’ve been told that is important.” Dirk said as he nodded and pulled Todd down the sidewalk once more. “But I was serious about the maine coon.”
“Hear me out.” Todd said, putting his hands up as they rounded the corner to the agency. “Space cat.”
“That is tempting.” Dirk nodded. “But maine coons are great! And the Norse goddesses I know swear by them.”
“I trust Norse Gods as far as I can throw them. And I have no upper body strength.”
“Not yet! Maine coons get to be very heavy. As do children if I understand correctly.” Dirk smiled, holding the door open for Todd.
“Whatever.” Todd shook his head. “Farah! We're-”
“You're late.” Came Farah’s voice.
Todd turned to the right, where Farah looked sleep deprived in front of a giant board. On the board were familiar names like Fenrir, and Thor, and Loki. But there were also new ones, like Sleipnir and Valí.
“My fault. I distracted him with talks of cats.” Dirk smiled as he glanced over to the board. “And Ethan and Friedkin are finally together.”
"No shit, Sherlock.” Farah rolled her eyes. “Guess who finally translated old Norse documents?”
"Martin.” Dirk said, matter of factly.
“Well actually Cross, but I helped.” Farah rolled her eyes, a smile blooming on her face.
“That is very impressive, Farah! What have you found?” Dirk asked, hopping onto the desk and glancing at the board.
“Siblings. Or, which siblings we need to look out for.”
“Hela and Jormungandr. Death and the snake.” Dirk nodded.
"Yeah.” Farah nodded, making eye contact with Todd and making a shush gesture. “Except there's more than two."
“Really? Loki never mentioned more than just the three.” Dirk shrugged. “So what do the other awful children do?”
“Well that's the thing. Not many people know. But thankfully Thor gave me some old stuff from a few decades ago.” Farah held up a stack of papers. “Sleipnir sounds kind of boring. Thor seems to think so. He’s a horse. With, eight legs.”
“That doesn’t sound terribly boring.”
“He's a teacher.”
“That’s more boring. Who else?” Dirk asked.
“Uh, Narfi. Or Nalí. He's some sort of fire whatever? Thor seems to think he's a dick.” Farah tipped her head.
That tracks. Todd nodded.
“So, a boring teacher and a hot head.” Dirk said. “Do either of them interact with Adrien regularly?”
“They don't leave Asgard. Thor wrote that they’re busy raising their brother.”
“Another one? How much did Loki get around?” Dirk sighed.
“His name is Valí.” Farah said, flipping through some papers. “Thor says he's a snow god. Pretty young too, like 300. Which is maybe 12. And really sweet, apparently.”
“I beg your pardon?” Todd raised an eyebrow. No sibling of Adrien’s could be sweet.
“That is incredibly young for a god. Especially Norse.” Dirk said, frowning.
“Yeah.” Farah sighed. “He doesn't get out much. Thor sent some pictures of the whole family together, but it's from like 200 years ago-”
“Oh! Let me see!” Dirk hopped off the desk and snatched the photos from Farah. Todd gave a deep sigh, but jumped up to follow.
It really was of the whole family.
Todd’s eyes fell on Adrien’s face first, his smile sending chills down Todd’s spine. But eventually his eyes wandered, and he relaxed. There was a man with blonde hair; and an atrocious fashion sense. Then there was a woman, as tall as Adrien, with death in her eyes. And a man who definitely looked like a boring high school teacher, standing next to another man dressed in all red and oranges. And Loki, of course, with his usual cocky smile.
And then there was the kid. He looked maybe three years old, hugging tightly to the blonde man’s neck. He didn't look happy though, more like he was clinging to the man for safety.
“The blonde and the boy look nothing like the others. Are they even Loki’s?” Dirk frowned, pointing at the photo.
“No one knows who Vali’s mom is. And Jormungandr, is a shapeshifter. Farah tapped a paper in front of her.
“Of course he is. Well, then it doesn’t matter that we have this photo of him.” Dirk sighed.
“Yeah. But it's something. We're dealing with the end of the world.” Todd closed his eyes for a moment. “This can't get any worse.”
“Aren’t we not supposed to say that?” Dirk asked glancing over. “Like now we have to knock on a clover, right?”
“Oh Dirk.” Todd gave a small smile. “Come on. I want a nap.”
“Alright, darling. Farah, thank you for the excellent work.” Dirk smiled, handing the papers back. “We’ll be back at the apartment. Please don’t need us."
“You know you're the one with the name on the plaque.” Farah glared at him.
“Yes, and when you have a haystack that needs poking, I will be there!” Dirk smiled, wrapping his arms around Todd.
“Whatever.” Farah gave a small smile as Dirk pulled Todd out the door. “Don't forget to come to work tomorrow!”
“If the universe says so!” Dirk called back, laughing as he pulled Todd back out onto the sidewalk.
Todd rested his head on Dirk’s shoulder, taking a deep breath.
“Nightmares tonight?” Todd wondered aloud. Would he, could he have one night without a nightmare?
“I’ll fight them off for you.” Dirk said, smiling down at him.
I love you, Todd thought at him.
I love you, too. Dirk’s grip tightened a little, as the walked. Always.
Always.
At least whatever happened, he still had Dirk.