Chapter Text
The Redemption of Invincible by fetrakal42
I’m a fan of Invincible and thought I’d spin this!
Story Legend:
Bold and Underlined- Locations and Timestamps
Italics- Thoughts
Normal Text- Actions
Chapter I: The Sting of Betrayal
Part I: The Aftermath
Grayson Household
Mark groaned as he woke up out of bed. Rubbing at his eyes…He stared out the window. As he closed his eyes…he could hear Nolan’s words ring in his head. “We have a duty to Viltrum.” “Where do you think you'll be in a thousand years? “Everything and everyone around you will die! You'll be left with nothing!” He heard a knock on the door.
“Mark! Is everything alright? I'm getting worried.”
Mark rubbed at his eyes. “I'm fine, Mom!”
Debbie's sarcasm could be heard through the door, “Sure you are.”
She knocked again, her voice softly and comforting. It almost sounded like she was going to break down in tears. “I'm sorry. That was callous of me. Please let me come in, sweetie. I'm worried sick.”
He eyed the door and grunted. Part of him wanted to tell his mother to screw off and leave him alone. The other part was asking him to show sympathy. He shook his head. I can't turn her away. She's all I got left. “The doors' open!”
Debbie then opened the door, smiling. “Thanks, sweetie. I appreciate you opening the door.” She sat beside her son, putting a hand on his shoulder. The room was quiet for a moment as neither knew what to say. Debbie took in a deep breath and steeled herself.
Come on, Debbie. Get a hold of yourself. You're the adult in this situation. Your son needs you to be strong. He's just a kid going through God knows what right now. Imagine what Nolan did to him. What he made him see. She then looked away as her eyes narrowed. Damn you, Nolan. You fucking bastard. I'm never forgiving you for what you've done to us.
She then breathed in and rested his head on her shoulder. “Talk to me, sweetie. What's going on in that head of yours?”
Mark, unable to hold the tears in, just sighed. “You wouldn't understand.”
Debbie chuckled and faintly smiled.
She then kissed him on the cheek, turning his face towards hers. “Mark…I may not have superpowers, but I was married to your father for twenty years. I promise you I can handle whatever you have to say.”
Mark sighed as he shook his head. “The things Dad did…what he said about you….I got so angry…and tried to stop him but was too weak.”
Debbie wrapped an arm around his shoulder. “Hey. It wasn't your fault.”
Mark turned to her with tears in his eyes, “But all those people…”
Debbie narrowed her eyes at him. “Their blood is on your father's hands. You hear me? Not yours.”
She kissed him on the cheek and caressed his cheek, smiling. “You did all you could, Mark. I know you did. I saw you out there trying to stop him with all your might. You have nothing to be ashamed of.”
Mark turned to her, “I loved him, Mom. He was my hero. He was everything I thought I wanted to be.”
Debbie then brought her son into her embrace and sighed. “ I loved him too, Mark. I loved him, too.” The mother and son then held onto each other.
Reginald Vel Johnson High School
Sometime later
Mark kept his hands in his pockets as he kept walking.
People were staring his way.
He hated it and kept the hood over his head. Just leave me alone.
“Mark!” Suddenly..a certain redhead ran up and hugged him.
He spoke…his voice weak as he forced a smile. “Hey, Eve.”
Eve blinked and grabbed him by the arm. “Come on. Let’s go somewhere private to talk.”
Rooftop, Reginald Vel Johnson High School
Mark and Eve were sitting on the roof.
She turned to him and smiled, blushing, “For the record, I'm relieved to see you're alright.”
She then reached forward and took his hand, squeezing it.
He turned to her and blinked as she leaned in, her dazzling green eyes enchanting him momentarily. He turned away from her and sighed, “I failed the city. I failed the people I swore to protect.”
Eve turned to him as she put a hand on his back. “That's not true, Mark. You did everything you could to stop him.”
He turned to her with a glare. “How do you know?”
Eve blinked and closed her eyes, taking a deep breath to calm herself.
She cupped his face in her hands and smiled, “Because I was there at the headquarters. I watched as you gave your all. We all did. You have nothing to be ashamed of.”
He looked her in the eyes with an accusatory look. “You trust me?”
Eve smiled warmly, “Of course. Is that supposed to be a trick question?”
She then smiled, “You’ve been there for me, Mark. You consoled me when Rex cheated on me, and you’ve been a hell of a friend.”
She then blinked as her face turned red, “I…I..I…”
She then closed her eyes.
Do I tell him? Do I say to him that I love him?
She then put her hands to her heart.
It’s the truth but now is not the time. He is in a vulnerable place right now. He needs time. Fuck. I still need time.
She then hugged him tightly as tears ran down her face. “Look. I understand you’re conflicted, but please...promise me.”
Mark blinked.
Her heartfelt plea reached and breached the walls around his heart.
He then hugged her tightly. “W-What is it?”
She sighed, “Promise me that I won’t lose you. I’m here, okay? Whatever the hell is going on in your head right now…don’t push me away. You’re important to me. You got that?”
Mark blinked as his heart accelerated.
He then sighed, “Yeah. You got it.”
She smiled with relief in her tone. “Good. Thank you.” She then took his hand. “Come on. Let’s get you home.”
Mark then glanced at her in wonderment. His face turned red, and his heart kept beating fast. “R-Right.”
Grayson Household
Sometime later,
Debbie narrowed her eyebrows as she went through her call log.
“Mark. Where the hell are you?”
She was about to call him when she heard the air rip.
She looked up and saw Mark and Eve flying down.
“Mark! Oh, thank God! I was worried sick!”
She then hugged Mark tightly as tears filled her eyes.
She then held him at arm's length. “What the hell happened? You’re late!”
Mark sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “I’m sorry…I…”
Eve looked between them and eyed Mark with sympathy. “Wait, Ms. Grayson.” She frowned, “It’s my fault. I..I was worried about him and asked to talk with him.” She then rubbed the back of her head nervously.
Debbie blinked at her with anger in her tone as she balled her fists. “And you are?”
Eve put up her hands. “My name is Eve. I’m a friend. I just wanted to look after him.”
Debbie’s eyes narrowed at her, “Really? Cause if you are lying…I will hurt you. He’s all I got left.”
Eve nodded with fear in her eyes.
I can’t blame her for being wary. Poor woman. Mark is all she has left, and my heart is breaking for her.
Mark put his hands up, speaking in a pleading tone, “Mom! Stop! She’s cool! She’s…”
He then met Eve’s eyes and nodded, turning back to her. “She’s my friend! Please just calm down!”
Debbie glared at him, but her eyes softened.
She then hugged him, “Oh, sweetie! I’m…I’m sorry for losing my temper! It’s just that since your father ran off…I’ve been a fucking wreck! I loved him! I loved him with all my heart! “
Mark then held her close as she cried on his shoulder, rubbing her back. “It’s okay. It’s okay. No harm done.”
He then turned to Eve pleadingly, “Right, Eve?”
Eve gave him a grateful smile. It caused his heart to skip a beat. “Of course, Mark. We’re all good.”
\Debbie then turned to Eve and smiled warmly, hugging her tightly. “Thank you for bringing him home, Eve! Please feel free to come by our house anytime! Any friend of Mark’s is a friend of our family!”
Eve smiled as she hugged her back, “Thank you, Ms. Grayson. You are very gracious. I will take you up on that offer.”
Eve then turned to Mark and caressed his face with a hand frowning. “Are you going to be alright tonight? I can stay if you need me to.”
Mark smiled faintly, “I appreciate it, Eve. I just need rest. I’ll be fine. See you at school tomorrow?”
Eve blinked but smiled, “You can count on that.” \
She then turned to wave at Debbie. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Grayson.”
Debbie shook her head and smiled. “Please just call me Debbie. My husband is dead to me.”
Eve blinked, frowned, but smiled, “Of course Debbie.”
She then gave Mark one final look and brushed her hair behind her hair as she got serious, speaking in a sweet yet demanding tone, “I’m serious, Mark. You better call me.”
Mark chuckled nervously, “I will.”
She faintly smiled, “Good. You better.”
She then flew off.
Mark just blinked after her. She’s beautiful, kind, fierce and generous. She’s…really something. It’s like I’m seeing you in a new light. He was interrupted in his thoughts when Debbie elbowed him in the side, chuckling. “Heh. You’ve got some charm to attract a beauty like that. She’s pretty, and she has a good heart. Make your move soon, Mark. A diamond like that doesn’t show up every day.”
Mark turned to her, embarrassed and red-faced, “She’s not my girlfriend, Mom!”
Debbie rolled her eyes, smiling, “Sure. It’s not like she took time out of her day to sit with you, talk for three hours, and even make sure you got home safe. I knew plenty of girlfriends back in high school who just did that for every guy they met.”
She kissed her son on the cheek and smiled, “I’m happy for you, Mark. You deserve something. After all, you sacrificed a lot fighting your father.”
Mark blinked as he turned red, stuttering, “H-How am I even going to….”
Debbie put a hand on his chest, smiling. “Just listen to your heart, sweetie. It will guide you.” She smiled, put a hand on his shoulder, and walked off. “Now, come on. Your dinner is already cold.”
Mark blinked after her and nodded. “Be right there.” He then stared out at Eve, flying across the sky/ He blinked. Eve.
More coming soon!
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Chapter 2: Chapter II: Meeting the Guardians
Summary:
Mark gets sent on his first mission back with the Guardians of the Globe, and things get crazy.
Chapter Text
Chapter I: The Sting of Betrayal
Part II: Meeting the New Guardians
New Guardians HQ
Over the next couple of weeks
Mark flew down in the new suit he had made for himself. It was more of a blue suit with black accents.
The old one reminded him too much of his time with his father for his liking. He then hit his communicator. “Hey, Mom. Just checking in. Everything okay?”
Debbie’s cheerful tone came over, “I’m good, sweetie. Are you at the Guardians’ new base?”
Mark nodded, “I am. Cecil asked me to check in with the rest of the team.”
“Okay. Good. Go slow if you need to, okay? There’s no need to put everything on your shoulders. Let the veteran heroes tell you what you need to know. Don’t get reckless. You promise me.”
Mark closed his eyes and nodded, “I promise.” “Okay, good. I love you, Mark. Please be careful out there and...come home to me. You’re all I have left. I need you alive. You got me?”
Mark nodded, I’ve got you. I’ll be home soon. I love you.” “I love you too, Mark. Bye.”
Mark nodded, “Bye.” He then ended the call and pushed through the doors. He saw the others were there waiting for him.
Eve rushed over to hug him. “Mark! You made it! I was worried!”
Rex turned to the two of them and glared. I mean, I know that I was a cheating asshole, but seriously…she chose Mark over me! What the actual fuck, man? It isn’t fair,”
Mark chuckled as he hugged her, “Sorry to make you worry, Eve... I had to make a grocery run for Mom before I could stop by..”
Eve nodded as she crossed her arms, pouting, “Mark…why didn’t you tell me you guys needed groceries? You know, I would have stopped by.”
Mark smiled as he put his hands on her shoulders, “Eve. Come on now. You’ve been doing enough lately. Your powers are handy, but Mom and I would feel terrible if we kept asking you to stop by.”
Eve sighed as she glared. Her glare softened as she averted his gaze, turning red. “Fair enough, just…” She caressed his face with a hand and stared longingly into his eyes.
The others stared at her.
Kate blinked. Wow. Huh. Mark. Well, he isn’t that bad-looking, and he is pretty strong. I can understand the attraction.
Monster Girl blinked but smiled. Mark seems like an okay guy. He’s cute, too. Granted, I wouldn’t want him to catch a charge, but he seems chill.
Eve sighed, “I just want you to know I’m here for you, okay? You don’t have to do this on your own. Lean on me if you need to.”
Mark caressed her face and smiled, “You got it.” Her green eyes widened as she faintly smiled, “Okay. I’ll take that. I’ll get off my soapbox now.”. Mark…please know that I’m here for you. Whatever you need.
Mark then turned to Cecil, “So why am I here, Cecil.”
Cecil crossed his arms and sighed, “I wanted to give you some time off to deal with things, but now I need an answer.”
Mark tensed up but nodded, “On what?” Cecil took a breath as his eyes grew serious. “Are you coming back into the fold? I hate to push you on this, but the Guardians are as short-staffed as it is. We need all the help we can get. I need your word that we can trust you to defend Earth.”
Mark narrowed his eyes at Cecil and then stared at everyone. “So basically…Earth or Viltrum?”
Cecil nodded, “That’s about it.”
Mark closed his eyes and sighed as he met Cecil’s eyes. “I choose Earth.” His eyes narrowed as he crossed his arms. “I watched my father destroy the city. I watched as he used my body to murder the innocent people on that train.” He closed his eyes, “When I try to fall asleep at night…I hear their screams and remember their faces.”
Everyone just looked on, unsure of what to say.
Eve, in particular, looked sympathetic. Mark… She reached out and put an arm around his shoulder to comfort him, leaning on it.
He then sighed and put an arm around her. He then faced Cecil and spoke with anger in his tone. “My father betrayed the Guardians. He betrayed the people on this planet. He betrayed my mother. He betrayed me. I intend to pay him back tenfold.”
Mark growled, “So my answer is yes! I’m in! Tell me where I need to be, and I’ll be there!”
Everyone blinked.
Eve looked up at him. She could understand his anger, but it scared her. That fight with his father changed him. I have to make sure he doesn’t lose his humanity. We need him, and I need him. I can’t lose him.
Rex blinked. This wasn’t the Mark he had met at first. Back then, Mark had been anxious and uneasy about being a hero and joining the team. Mark had seemed like such a wimp back then.
Now..the Mark that stood before him was strong and confident but also frightening. “It sounds like this is a personal vendetta for you, man.”
Mark turned to him with a glare that sent a shiver up his spine, “You have an issue with that, Rex?”
Rex shook his head as he nervously chuckled with his hands up, “Not at all, man! Not at all! Happy to have you!”
Monster Girl smiled. “What he said. Welcome to the team, Mark! You're okay in my book!”
Robot just nodded, “Indeed! Having a Viltrumite on our team will be of great benefit!” Dupli-Kate smiled, “Welcome, Mark!”
The Immortal then walked over to Mark with a stern look.
Mark crossed his arms at him, “Hello Immortal. It’s good to see you again. Can I help you with something?”
The air grew quiet.
The Immortal spoke with venom under his breath, “One wrong move, and I’ll kill you.”
Cecil shouted, “Immortal!” Atom Eve glared as she used her powers to create a barrier between the Immortal and the Invincible. “Hey! Back off!”
Mark glared back. The old him would have probably been intimidated by the man. But the combination of his trauma, as well as his new drive to fight, kicked in. Mark then kicked the man in the groin. The Immortal fell to his knees in pain. Mark then took the man’s hand and bent it back hard. The Immortal screamed in pain. Everyone blinked.
Mark spoke, the anger inherent in his tone, “Let me make something very clear to you, asshole. I’m done playing nice. You have a vendetta against my father. Fine. That’s your business. I got a bone to pick with him, too.” He then growled as he bent the hand back further.
The Immortal screamed further. “Let go!”
“But try to fuck with me, and I won’t hesitate to remind you whose son I am. You get me?”
The Immortal grunted, “Alright! Alright! Just let go already!”
Mark then let go of her hand. He then sighed as he glanced at Cecil. “Sorry about that.”
Cecil just crossed his arms, “Quite all right. Nice to see you have a backbone.”
Suddenly, the alarm went off. Cecil turned to the screen. “What the hell is going on?”
The analyst’s panicked voice came over the comm, “It’s the Flaxans, sir! They’ve returned to invade the planet!”
Cecil grunted with a balled fist. “Put on the screens!”
Everyone stared at the screen in shock. The Flaxans were invading the planet, causing destruction and killing anyone they could find.
Rex cursed, “Son of a bitch! They’re back!”
Dupli-Kate nodded, “Yes! What are we going to do? They almost had us the last time!”
Cecil crossed his arms, “Well…I wouldn’t say we’re completely outgunned. I’ve asked the R&D Department to construct suits for our GDA soldiers. Theoretically…they should be able to make them a match for the Flaxan soldiers. At least that’s what the eggheads down at R&D tell me.” Cecil turned his gaze on Mark, “You ready to go?”
Mark nodded, “I was born ready.” Atom Eve’s eyes narrowed, “I’m ready as well. Let’s kick these bastards off our planet!”
Downtown Chicago
The downtown area of Chicago was a wreck due to the Thraxan invasion. Chaos reigned, and destruction was everywhere.
Twenty armored GDA personnel carriers came to a stop. Soldiers kitted in black and blue armor and weapons in hand rushed out into the streets.
Invincible flew, though. He looked around. The Thraxans were indeed making a mess of the place.
Atom Eve flew next to him, “God! What a mess!”
The Immortal grunted under his breath, “Bastards!”
Dupli-Kate nodded, “Indeed! What do we do?” Rex Splode nodded, “We need a plan!”
Mark turned to him and nodded, “Indeed. And I happen to have one.”
Everyone turned to him with a curious look. He then turned to The Immoral, “Immortal... If you can keep from trying to rip my head off…You, me, Rex Splode, and Monster Girl go in heavy and start wrecking their shit.”
The Immortal turned to him, grunted, and nodded, “I believe we can do that.”
Monster Girl nodded with a smirk, “Sounds like a plan, Invincible.”
Mark then turned to Eve and said, “Eve…I need you and Dupli-Kate to save as many civilians as you can. Fight if you have to, but make that a priority.”
Eve glared, “Mark, I can fight too!”
Mark nodded warmly, cupping her face, “Easy there. I know you can. I’ve seen you fight, remember? But think about it…you can conjure up anything your mind desires.” He then glanced at Dupli-Kate, “Dupli-Kate can copy herself worldwide. Surely, you two can see my strategy here.”
Dupli-Kate blinked but smirked. He’s more intelligent than I thought. Attractive too. Maybe if Eve won’t make her move…I will. I like a capable man. She then put her hand on her hip. “He has a point there, Eve. Don’t worry. We’ll probably still get our pound of flesh. We should play to our strengths.”
Atom Eve turned to her and sighed in frustration. “You’re right.”
The robot turned to Invincible and said, “I’ll use my drones to help you guys keep the Thraxans busy.”
Invincible smiled at Robot, “Let’s do this!”
He was about to fly in when Eve stopped him with a hand.
“Mark, wait! Before we do this…I need you to know something!”
Mark blinked but nodded. Then he turned to Rex Splode, Monster Girl, and The Immortal and said, “Go! I’ll catch up!”
They all nodded with him and flew off
. Kate blinked. Oh shit. She’s going to say it now? Well…considering our chances…I can’t say I blame her. We might all meet our end. Good luck, Eve. You and Mark deserve to be happy together. She smiled at Eve, “I’ll see you out there!”
Eve smiled sweetly, “Yeah! I’ll be there in a minute!”
Dupli-Kate then ran off, multiplying as she did so.
Mark then looked Eve in the eyes and smiled, “Okay. What’s up?”
Eve bit her lip but took in a deep breath. Come on, Eve. You can do this. She then met Mark’s eyes, “This is terrible timing, but the fact remains that we may die fighting these bastards…so I need to come clean.”
Mark blinked at her, confused, “Okay.”
He chuckled, “Just tell me, Eve. I promise you I can take it.”
Eve looked in and sighed. She took in another deep breath to calm herself. “Fair enough.”
She then grabbed his face and then kissed him on the lips. It took Mark entirely off guard. She’s kissing me!
Eve deepened the kiss and then pulled away. “I love you, Mark. Like really love you.” She then averted his gaze, “When I saw you barely clinging to life in the hospital…I was horrified. When I saw what your father was doing to you….I felt my heart stop.” Tears came down her eyes. “I thought I’d lost you for good. I visited you constantly while you were recovering. I cried and prayed for a miracle.” She then sighed, “Amber and I spoke during all that time. She came by to see how you were doing. She said you two weren’t seeing each other anymore.” She smiled at Mark, “We… get along a little better now.”
Mark blinked, “I see.”
She smiled, “Anyway…I told myself that if you came back…I’d just come out with it.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled, “So…there you go. I’m in love with you…and if you’re willing…I’d like for us to try.”
Mark blinked. What the hell? Talk about a curveball! I always suspected something was between us, but she was with Rex…so I always respected that. He then took in a deep breath. Eve caressed his face with a sympathetic look, “You don’t have to give me an answer right now. I just…”
He raised a hand.
She stopped in her tracks. He’s going to say something. This is going differently than expected.
Mark then looked her in the eyes, mustering all his courage, “You understand it’s not going to be easy, right? My father’s people are probably going to put a bounty on my head, and the bad guys aren’t going to leave us alone out of courtesy. I’m trying to do better than my father, but I’m not the same guy you knew before our battle. I’m different now. You’re going to have to try to bear with me as I try to figure shit out. Are you okay with that?”
Eve smirked as she laughed, wrapping her arms around his neck. “I can work with that.” She then kissed him again as she ran her hands through his hair. He ran his hands through hers as he kissed her back.
Finally, the two broke the kiss. Eve smirked playfully, “Mmm. I’ve been wanting to kiss you like that for months.”
Mark smirked. “So have I.” She smiled as she took his hands into hers. “I’ll be close by. Be careful, okay?” Mark smirked. “You got it.”
She giggled, “Okay. Come on. I’ve got lives to save.”
Sometime later
Much to their relief, the new Guardians of the Globe found their battle against the Flaxan army difficult but manageable.
Adding the GDA soldiers and Robot's drones helped to even the odds .
Mark shoved his fist through a Flaxan’s chest and tossed him aside. He then ripped out the spine of another and threw it at another. He then went through twenty others in a fierce battle of brawn. Huh. Who knew superhero work was so cathartic for my anger? Sweet. He then flew through a Flaxan tank, ripping a hole through it as it burst into flames.
Eve and Dupli-Kate were busy saving who they could. Eve caught a family of four in a pink construct shaped like a baseball glove and kept it at her work.
Dupli-Kate and her clones were helping as many clones as she could.
Monster Girl was in her beast form, brawling with many Thraxan soldiers, ripping them apart.
Rex Splode was using his handmade explosives to blow others to smithereens.
The lead Flaxan commander growled, screaming in his alien language. Soon, the soldiers and tanks began to retreat into the portal they came from.
Rex Splode grinned, “Oh hell yeah! They’re retreating!”
The Immortal grunted as he flexed his shoulder, “It’s about damn time!”
Monster Girl quickly transformed into her human form and fell to her knees, panting heavily. “Damn right. I’m hurting bad!”
Robot then jumped down and put a hand on her shoulder. “It’s alright! We’ve won the day!”
The Flaxan commander growled. He hated surrendering. It was dishonorable, but he and his forces got nowhere. He quickly abandoned his tank and tried to make a run for it. Atom Eve caught him in her grasp. “Not so fast!”
The man thrashed and roared as he tried to escape, cursing her in some alien tongue.
Atom Eve glared at him, “You come into our home…and kill our people…and then think you can get away with it! ” She then turned to Mark, “Mark. What do you want to do with this prick? I’d say kill him!”
Mark flew down and came face to face with the Flaxan commander. The man’s spit was getting into his face. “I can think of only one thing.”
He then grabbed the man’s head and, with little effort, ripped it off his body.
The remaining Flaxan soldiers gasped in shock as they stared at Mark and the rest of the Guardians.
Mark tossed the head to the side and dropped the body. He then glared at the men. “Tell your people this, you genocidal bastards! We are the Guardians of the Globe! And this is our home! If you ever come back…I’ll finish what my father started a year ago!” He then grabbed a huge piece of rock with one hand and juggled it, “Now leave...before I decide to lay waste to your entire civilization!”
The remaining troops all nodded and quickly hurried into the portal.
It then closed.
Mark dropped the large rock and let out a sigh of relief.
Those that were hiding came out of their hiding places and began cheering. “Guardians of the Globe! Guardians of the Globe!”
Mark then flew down to the ground. His suit was ripped all to hell, and he had a black eye, but Chicago was safe. That was all that mattered. He grunted in pain as he tried to sit down.
Atom Eve quickly ran over to him and hugged him. “It’s okay, baby. I’ve got you. I’ve got you. What’s hurting?”
He grunted, “Everything,”
She nodded with a comforting smile as she kissed him on the cheek. “It’s okay. I’ll take you home and patch you up.”
Cecil’s voice came over the communicator. Hell of a job, Mark. Your mother would be proud. I know I am. We’re damn lucky your father never convinced you to switch sides. You’re the real deal now.
Mark stopped to catch his breath. Happy to serve, sir!
Cecil’s voice came over again. Take a couple of days off. You all have earned a rest. The GDA will handle the cleanup.
Mark nodded. Thank you, sir!
The Immortal put a hand on Mark’s shoulder. Mark expected a glare, but the older man chuckled, “Well…color me impressed. Maybe you can be trusted. Be seeing you Invincible.” He then flew off.
Robot also gave Invincible a nod, “You have the qualities of a leader, Invincible. This is most impressive. Be seeing you.” He then flew off.
Dupli-Kate removed her clones and touched Invincible’s shoulder, smirking at him. “You’re a hell of a guy, Mark. I’ll be seeing you around.”
Rex Splode then walked over.
Eve glared at him as she charged up a hand. “Rex…if you try it…”
Rex put his hands up. “Easy Eve. Easy. After what he did out there…I’m not in the mood to end up in the hospital.”
Eve just nodded, keeping her arm protectively around Mark.
Rex then met Mark’s gaze.
Mark eyed him suspiciously.
Rex then extended a hand, “Look, Mark. I had you figured out wrong. I thought you were a kiss ass and a coward.”
Mark tightened a fist, “Rex…”
Rex put his hands up, “But…I see I was wrong. You may be half-Viltrumite….but you’ve proven you stand with humanity. I don’t think we could have handled this without your leadership skills. So, thanks, man. Think we can bury the hatchet? I don’t want to be on your bad side.”
Mark blinked but nodded, “I don’t either. We have to work together, after all.” He then shook the man’s hand.
“Alright, but I’ve still got an eye on you, Rex. Remember that.”
Rex chuckled nervously, “Hard to forget.” He then turned to Eve and shivered, “So…Eve…we good?”
Eve glared, “Don’t think it’ll be that easy, Rex. I’m still pissed at you.”
Rex nodded, “Fair enough. Fair enough.” He then began walking off, “Be seeing you two.”
Mark took in a breath. “I need a shower and some dinner badly.”
Eve smiled at him as she brought him in for a kiss. “Let me fly us home, and I’ll make you and your mom something. Deal?”
He smirked as he kissed her back, “Deal.”
She then encased him in a ball construct and flew up.
Invincible just stared down at the ground.
Well, this just got interesting. Eve and I are together now, and I’m now an official Guardian of the Globe. If only my father were here… He then shut out the thought. No. The hell with that bastard. If I see him next time…I’m killing him.
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More coming soon!
Chapter 3: Chapter III: A Return to Normalcy
Summary:
Mark can take a breather while training for the next threat. He gathers his bearings and meets Eve's parents for the first time. He's adjusting to the new normal.
Chapter Text
Chapter III: A Return to Normalcy
Grayson Household
Five months later
Mark blinked as he woke up. Eve smiled as she caressed his face with a hand, “Morning. How do you feel?” He blinked as his face turned red. “Like yesterday never happened…” She laughed, “Told you I'd take care of you.” He smiled back. She then rested her head on his chest. He then closed his eyes, “It's hard to believe you're really ⁰here.” Eve giggled, “Why?” Mark looked down at her. “I don't know. Maybe it's because I didn't expect all of this to happen.”
She then looked up at him confused, “What do you mean, Mark? What's wrong?” Mark blinked at her, nervously smiling, “You know what? Forget I said anything. I don’t want to ruin the mood.” He then looked away, Eve shook her head, “Oh no. We’re not about to start with that.” She then grabbed his face and looked him in the eyes. “Talk to me, babe. Tell me what's going on. Let's not start hiding things from each other.”
Mark blinked and sighed, “You're right. I'm so…” She placed a hand over his mouth. She smiled, “Just cut the bullshit and tell me, Mark.” Mark nodded, “I thought you weren't interested at first.” She blinked. “What gave you that idea?” He sighed, “Well….There was Rex and then you started dating William afterwards, so….” Eve nodded, “Ah. I can see how you came to that conclusion.” She sighed and pinned him to the bed.
He blinked. Eve then leaned and kissed him. “I'm going to be honest. I only dated William because I feared you were out of my league.” Mark blinked, “Eve…I…don't know what to say.” She smirked, “Bet you weren't expecting that, were you?” She sighed and rested her head on his chest. “I was even going to tell you the night you and Amber first hooked up, but that didn't go as planned either.” She smiled, “Let me be clear on this, Mark. I love you. I want to be with you.”
She chuckled, “I wouldn’t be in your bed otherwise.” Mark held her close, “Thanks. I love you, too.” The two then held onto each other, smiling. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, “Mark! Can I come in!?” Mark’s eyes widened as he shot up in bed. “Shit!” Eve just laughed and hugged him from behind, kissing him on the cheek, “Easy, babe. It’s not like we’re naked for anything. Take a deep breath and relax. She then called out, “We’re in here, Debbie! He’s okay!” Debbie then opened the door. She blinked as her eyes widened, “Oh…” Mark blinked, “Uh...hi, Mom.” Debbie’s expression changed from one of shock to one of smugness. She chuckled, “It’s about time, you two. I need grandchildren.” Mark growled as his face turned red, “Mom!”
Eve just laughed, “We’re working on that, Debbie! Don’t worry!” Debbie smirked at her, “You better!” She then closed the door. Eve giggled as Mark turned red, “Well…that went better than expected!” She laughed and kissed him again, “Well…considering your father is persona non grata…I guess that means I have your family’s approval! Things are looking up!” She then sighed, “Speaking of my parents…I probably need to call them. Can we meet in the living room and walk to school?” He nodded with a smile, “Fine by me, babe.” She smiled and kissed him, “Okay. Give me a few minutes.” She then walked out of the room. Mark leaned back in the bed and sighed. Well…my life just got interesting.
Mark let out a deep breath as her put on his backpack. Why am I so anxious all of a sudden? It isn't like much has changed after all. Sure…Eve and I are dating now but it shouldn't change things between us much. He then closed his eyes as his father's words came across his mind again. You will have nothing! Suddenly…the screams came back. They were like a chorus of wails. Mark grunted as he rested a hand over one eye. Suddenly…He felt two hands on his shoulders. Debbie's voice came through the noise. “Mark…sweetie…talk to me…What's wrong?” Mark blinked and met her gaze. He then sighed as he rubbed at his eyes. “It's nothing.” Debbie glared, “The hell it isn't.”
She grabbed her son's face, “You know me, Mark. I'm not letting you leave until you fess up. Cut the bullshit and tell me.” Mark sighed as he warily met her gaze, “I close my eyes and I see all those poor innocents. The train…the carnage…the deaths…It's all my fault.” He tightened a fist. “I wasn't good enough.” Debbie sighed as she caressed his face with a hand. “That's not true, sweetheart.” Mark turned to her and sighed with a guilty look in his eyes. “Really? Tell that to their loved ones.”
Debbie's brow furrowed but she just sighed. Calm down, Debbie! He's just hurt! Like you are! You've got to hold it together…for his sake at least! She then gave Mark a quick kiss on the cheek and smiled. “You listen to me! You were a hero out there, you hear me? You did the best you could! You were presented with a hard decision. You could've decided to listen to your father.” Her eyes narrowed. “If that had happened ....I would be dead. So would Eve. The two of us….everyone in this city…we owe you our lives.” Mark nodded as he hugged her. “I know. I know.”
Debbie tightened the hug and smiled. “Know this. I am the proudest mother in the world. And I will always have your back, sweetheart. Never forget you may be a Viltrumite but you are also human. Earth is as much your home as it is mine. Nobody has the right to take that from you. You're my son, and as far as I'm concerned…You're a hero. Anybody who says something different will have to take it up with me! You understand me?” Mark closed his eyes and sighed. “Yeah. Thanks. Love you.” She smiled, “Love you too, sweetheart. Keep your head up. Call if you need me okay?”
Mark kissed her on the forehead and nodded with a faint smile. “Sure.” He then headed towards the door as Eve walked into the room. Debbie turned to her. “Eve…can I borrow you for a minute?” Eve smiled, “Sure.” She then kissed Mark on the cheek. “Wait for me, babe?” Mark slightly smiled. “Yeah.” He then walked out. Debbie then turned to her and smiled. “I owe you an apology. I was unsure about you when you two started dating.” Eve blinked but nodded with crossed arms. “I can't say I blame you for that.” She averted her gaze and then sighed.
“Omni Man….Mark's father…your late husband.” She growled. “We all loved and trusted him. Some of us on the Teen Team wanted to be him.” She sighed as she shook her head. “We all suffered for his actions, but you two suffered the most out of anyone.” Debbie went quiet as she glared. Starting to gather herself, she sighed with closed eyes. “I was married to that monster for twenty years. I thought he was a good man.” Tears ran down her face as she pressed a hand against her face. “Sorry…I just…” Eve shook her head as she hugged her. “It’s okay, Debbie.”
Debbie hugged her back, “I’ve been trying to stay strong for Mark, but I don’t know what to do. He’s already been through so much. I don’t want to add pressure on him.” Eve tightened the hug. “I think Mark would understand, though. He cares about you deeply.”
Mark sighed as he eyed his mother with sympathy. “She’s right, Mom.” Debbie turned to Mark and blinked. “Mark.” She then rushed into her son’s arms and hugged him, tears streaming down her face. Mark just sighed as he held her tight. “It’s okay, Mom. We’ll get through this. I promise you.” Debbie nodded as she sighed.
Mark turned to Eve and smiled. “Thanks for the help, Eve.” Eve just warmly smiled. “Sure.”
Reginald Vel Johnson High School
Later on that day
William waved to Mark as he walked over. “Yo, Mark! It’s good to see you, man!” He then stopped in his tracks. “Eve?” Eve turned to him and averted his gaze as she spoke nervously. “Oh…hey William.” William began to laugh nervously. “Eh heh…” Damn. How do I explain things to Mark? This is so friggin’ awkward. Mark raised a hand and smiled. “Easy, Will. No need for the suspense. Eve told me you two have already dated. We’re cool.”
William let out a sigh of relief. “Oh...well, good. Good to hear, man.” William then glanced at Eve. “So..we good?” Eve gave him a nervous look. “Well…You were nowhere near as much of an asshole as Rex…so yeah. We’re good.” Suddenly…Amber ran up to the three of them. “Mark?” Mark turned to her and felt a lump in his throat. He then cleared his throat as he averted her gaze.
The blonde smiled. “It’s good to see you again. I’ve been so worried since you fought your dad.” Mark smiled as he nodded. “I’m fine. Just needed a break from classes, is all.” Amber smiled. “Good to hear.” She then smiled at William. “William.” He smiled back. “Amber.” Eve forced a smile. Granted, the two of them had had time to talk, but she was still wary of her. “Amber.” Amber smiled broadly. “Eve. It's good to see you!”
Eve smiled nervously. “You too.” Luckily…William intervened before it got awkward. “Alright, Mark! Eve! Let’s get to class before Mr. Schumacher counts us absent.” Eve turned to him and nodded. “Good plan, William.”
She then took Mark’s arm in hers and started to walk forward, avoiding Amber entirely. Amber just smiled warmly at her and turned to Mark. “Take care, Mark! I’m here if you two need anything!” Mark smiled, “Yeah! Same to you!”
Eve then shot him a glare as she whispered under her breath. “Hey. Come on already.” He turned to her with a confused look. Wait. Didn’t she say they bonded while I was in the hospital? It sure doesn’t sound like it. “Of course, Eve. Sorry.”
Council Chambers, Viltrum
Grand Regent Thragg growled as he took in the news. “What do you mean Nolan failed to subjugate Earth?” Anissa shivered as she kneeled before the Viltrumite Emperor. “I-I mean what I mean, Grand Regent Thragg. Our scouts report that Earth hasn’t been subjugated as of late. His son.” Emperor Argall narrowed his eyes at her. “What happened?” She shook her head. “According to the reports…he just abandoned his post. He fought with a Viltrumite hybrid who was trying to stop him.” Thragg nodded as he shook his head. “He has a son?” Anissa met his gaze. “Yes. His son. Mark Grayson. He’s half-human and half-Viltrumite. The people of Earth call him Invincible.”
She sneered as her eyes narrowed. “They call him their savior.” Grand Regent Thragg gripped the sides of his opulent throne so hard that cracks formed. He then stared at the Council sitting across from him. “Our new missions are clear! One! Find Nolan and bring him in for execution! Two! Find this damned half-breed and make him conform to our orders! He will not dishonor the Viltrumite blood flowing in his veins! He will fall in line!” He then stood up, his robe flowing down his back, and saluted with a fist over his heart. “For Viltrum! For the Empire!” They stood and saluted back. “For Viltrum! For the Empire!” He then sat back down and glared at Anissa. “Anissa, your new mission is to attempt to convince Mark Grayson to join us as an agent of Viltrum.
I will have some of our soldiers and Conquest on standby just in case he doesn’t come quietly, but I only wish to use them if Nolan’s son cannot be reasoned with. We are stretched with manpower as it is.” He growled. “Failure will not be tolerated. Are we clear?” Anissa nodded as she bowed again on one knee. “Yes, Grand Regent! Consider it done!” She then walked off without a word.” He then turned to the Council. “Also…I want Viltrum Intelligence to track down Nolan’s location immediately! Treason will not be tolerated! Am I clear?” They stood and saluted again. “Yes, Grand Regent!” He then sat down on his throne and grumbled to himself.
Earth
A couple of days later
Mark sighed as he kept sparring with the bag. One punch. One side kick. One spin kick. William blinked at him. “Y'know….I'm glad to see you taking up martial arts, but I still don't see the need for all this. You're a freakin’ Viltrumite man. You could crush my hand with one flex of yours, as well as crush my skull into red mist and bone. Seems a bit overpowered.” Mark landed one last punch and glanced at him, breathing heavily, wiping sweat from his brow, “Just because I'm a Viltrumite doesn't mean I can get lazy, William. Viltrumites are ruthless conquerors who eliminate everything in their path. If I'm going to be a Guardian of the Globe….I've got to keep up my strength.”
Eve just chuckled as she walked towards the two. “I mean. I'm not complaining. The view is quite nice from where I am.” Mark and William both turned to her and nodded. She frowned slightly, “Still though….You’ve been training pretty hard, babe. Don’t you think you’re overdoing it a little bit?” Mark closed his eyes as he tried to sit down.
He felt the twinge in his arm and grunted, “Agh! Damn it!” Eve sighed as she placed a hand on his arm, materializing a bandage. William nodded, “I’ll go bring you two something to drink.” Eve turned to him and smiled. “Thanks, William.” William gave her a smile and a nod, then left. This left both Eve and Mark in the room. He sighed as he glanced her way., “Much as I hate saying this…You have a point.” She let out a sigh of relief. Finally broke through to him. Thank God. I’ve been worried sick. She then smiled, “Talk to me, Mark. What’s going on?”
Mark glanced over at her and then at the floor, grunting, “I just feel pressured to put all this on my shoulders. It isn’t that I don’t trust the others, but they aren’t Viltrumites.” He then glanced ahead as he stared at an old family photo. “My father laid waste to the entire Thraxan civilization all by himself. When he was on our side…I could at least rest easy knowing I’d have time to prepare for the worst.” He then sighed. “Now, though…now he’s out there doing God knows what, and it feels like I’m the only thing standing between the Viltrum Empire and Earth.” He then rested his face in his hands. Eve nodded as she rubbed his back, “You’re not alone, babe. You’ve got me remember?” She then kissed him on the cheek.
Mark closed his eyes, “What if I become a monster like him?” Eve turned his face to meet hers with a warm yet serious look, “That’s not going to happen.” He glared, “How can you be so sure?” Eve half-smirked before kissing him again. “Because I’m not going to let that happen, babe.” She sighed and looked him in the eyes, “Trust me…if you ever turn to the other side…If you ever turn into a world-conquering d-bag.” She glared as her eyes got intense. “I’ll stand in your way ready to beat the crap out of you until you come to your senses.”
Mark blinked, “Anybody ever tell you that you’re intense and scary sometimes?” Eve smirked as she hugged him, “I am…but it is only because I’m real and I don’t bullshit when it comes to the people I care about.” She sighed, melting into him, “And…you are on the top of that list, Mark Grayson.” He smiled as he put his arms around her. Suddenly her phone rang, “Ah. Damn it. Who the hell is calling at a time like this?” “Yes. Oh…”
Eve suddenly growled, “Yes, Dad? I told you I was checking up on Mark today. What? Yes. The one who fought Omni-Man. He’s his son.” A pause. “You want to meet him? Well…I’ll see what I can do. Is that all? Okay…bye.”
Mark blinked at her, “Uh..everything okay?” Eve then gave him a pensive look, “So…this is kind of moving fast, but…Are you okay with meeting my parents?” Mark blinked. “Uh..sure. I’d be happy to, but why don’t you sound enthusiastic about it?” Eve glanced at him, sighing, “It's a complicated situation. Better you see for yourself.”
The Wilkins’ Home
Sometime later
Eve put the car in park. Leaning against the car seat, she ran a hand on her forehead.”We’re here.” He turned and took her hand in his. “We don’t have to do this, you know. I could honestly give a damn what they think.” She turned to him and sighed, faintly smiling, “I appreciate it, Mark. Really. It means a lot to have your support.” She sighed, “But I need you to see what I deal with daily.” He nodded, kissing her on the cheek. “Then let’s go.”
Eve rang the doorbell. A woman’s cheerful voice answered. Elizabeth “Betsy” Wilkins stood at the door. She rushed to hug Eve. “Samantha!” Eve sighed as she nervously hugged him back. “Hey, Mom.” Mark turned to Eve, “Samantha?” She turned to him, whispering only so he could hear. “Samantha’s my first name. Eve is just a nickname.” He nodded. Elizabeth then turned to Mark and pulled him into a hug. “And Mark is it? So good to see you finally! Eve talks about you so much!”
Mark blinked and returned the hug. “Thanks, Mrs. Wilkins.” Eve smiled. So far, so good. Elizabeth turned to him, smiling. “Please just call me Elizabeth. No need for formalities.” Suddenly, a loud voice broke the silence. “Betsy! We have company over?
” Betsy called out, “Yes, dear! Mark is here!” The footsteps quickened as a pale-skinned man walked over. Mark got a good look at him. He was balding, with brown hair, and wore a white dress-up shirt, complete with slacks and dress shoes. The man’s gut hung over his belt. He then crossed his arms and nodded, looking Mark up and down. “Well, well…Mark Grayson. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Mark decided to go for diplomatic. “It’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Wilkins.” The man nodded, his expression unreadable. “Are you in any way friends with that Rex guy?” Eve stiffened as her hand found Mark’s again, squeezing it tightly. She leaned in to whisper, “My father…Adam Wilkins. Keep your cool. He’s an asshole. Whatever you do…Don’t let him get to you. If he tries to start something…promise you’ll let me handle it, okay?”
Mark turned to her and whispered back, “Hey. I was raised with table manners. No need to worry so much.” Eve smirked. I’m glad he seems so sure of himself. Takes a lot of worrying off my plate—just another reason why I love him. She kissed him gently on the lips. “Thanks, babe.” Betsy then put her hands together. “Well, come on! No need to dawdle! Let’s eat!” Eve leaned into Mark, smiling at her parents . He smiled as well.”
Dinner was quiet. Betsy then turned to Mark. “So what do you do for work, Mark?” Mark swallowed a bit of food and shrugged, “I’m still in high school…and I’m a Guardian of the Globe.” Adam nodded, “Like Samantha, then?” Eve blinked as her eyes narrowed. “Dad…” Mark eyed her and took her hand underneath the table. She met his gaze, giving a small smile. Adam nodded, “For the record…I appreciate you standing against your father when you did. That can’t have been easy.”
Mark studied him as he sighed, “Thank you. It wasn’t.” Betsy sighed, “So…um, besides your father…do you have any other family, Mark?” He nodded. My mom. Debbie Grayson. She’s pretty much all I have left.” His hand trembled. Eve took notice of this and took his hand in hers, squeezing him. He turned to her. She met his gaze and smiled sweetly.” Eve then turned to her parents. “His mom is great…and really sweet.”
Adam nodded tensely, “Any relation to Rex?” Eve blinked and sighed with a facepalm. Adam went on, “Well, you have to admit this is suspicious, Samantha. That boy could protect you. And he’s one of us. Human. I admire Mark’s resolve, but he is part Viltrumite through his father. Do you believe he can do the same?”
Mark grunted as his grip around his fork tightened. The anger made itself known. “Mr. Wilkins…” Eve quickly put a hand on his shoulder. “ Breathe. Just breathe, babe. Let me handle this.” He met her gaze and nodded. Eve sighed as she met her father’s glare with a severe glare of her own green eyes. “Let me make this perfectly clear. Rex was a prick. I trusted him…I loved him. And he cheated on me with someone I considered a dear friend.”
She then kissed Mark on the cheek, catching him off guard. His face flushed red. “I don’t give a damn about Mark being an alien! He’s been here! Present! I’d trust him with both my heart and my life! He doesn’t demand things of me, and he’s loyal!”
Betsy sighed, “We’re talking about your future here, Samantha. You need a man who can provide stability and a guiding hand.” Eve put her arm around Mark and glared, “No! What I need is a man who isn’t afraid to let me fight at his side! A man who shows me the same love and respect that I want to show him! A man who accepts me as an equal!” She leaned into Mark, “Mark is there for me. I’m not breaking up with him, so you two better get used to seeing him around.”
Adam started to yell again, but went silent. Betsy said nothing.
Mark turned to her with widened eyes. She met his eyes and smirked, leaning in, “I told you I had it handled.” Dinner went silent for the next hour or two.
Sometime later
Mark was busy helping with the dishes when Adam walked in. “Mark ignored the man and kept busy trying to keep his temper. Adam crossed his arms, grunted, and walked upstairs. Suddenly, Mark felt Eve’s arms wrap around him as she kissed his cheek. “Thanks for letting me handle things back there, babe. I know that wasn’t easy for you.” Mark sighed, speaking in a whisper, “Your father was this close to getting his jaw broken. I still think he made me out like a punk.”
She squeezed herself around him as she leaned into him, speaking softly, “I know, but you don’t always have to use violence to solve problems. Sometimes words can be of assistance.”
She kissed his cheek, “Remember what your mother said. You may be half-Viltrumite, but you are also part human through her. It’s the choices you make.” He nodded and put an arm around her, “And the people you make them with.” She laughed, “Exactly.” She then turned to her mother. “So…dishes are washed. Anything else, Mom?” Betsy sighed and smiled weakly, “No…but thank you, Samantha.”
She then smiled at Mark and caressed his face with a hand. He blinked. Eve blinked as well. “For what it’s worth, Mark…I know you are different. I don’t hold what your father did against you. It’s just…Adam can be so controlling. He’s scared, you know?” She then turned to Eve. “You’re becoming your own woman now, and he’s losing control, so he acts out. He cares…he’s just complicated. He never wanted you to go out there being a superhero.”
Eve nodded warmly, but her eyes were as sharp as steel. “Well then, it is about time he got with the program because I’m not changing my mind. People need me.” Elizabeth nodded. “I know, sweetie.” Eve sighed as she closed her eyes, “Look. When he’s ready to talk…I’ll come and listen. Until then…I’m not coming home for a while. I’m sorry, but I’m not putting up with this anymore.”
Elizabeth nodded, “I understand, dear. I’ll try to convince him. Just take care of yourself.” The mother and daughter hugged.
Eve then took Mark’s hand. “Come on, babe. Let’s get out of here.” He nodded, “Sure.” The two flew off into the sky. Elizabeth just sighed as a tear rolled down her cheek.
Sometime later, as they near the Grayson Household
Mark turned to Eve. The two of them were hand in hand, flying. “So…where are you going to stay?” Eve chuckled, “Funny you ask.” She stopped and kissed him fiercely, running her hands through his hair before pulling away. She batted her eyes flirtatiously at him, “You..um..think your mom would let me stay at your place for a bit?” Mark blinked, a bit taken aback, “My place?” She rolled her eyes, smiling at him, “Well…It’s not like I’m going to ask Rex. I don’t need much.”
She then leaned forward, whispering in his ear, “I’ll admit…I can be a bit of a messy roommate, but I promise to make it worthwhile. I’m willing to be flexible…give you something in return… so long as you respect my boundaries.” Mark tried to control his heartbeat. Damn. Tempting. But I can’t do that to her.
After everything with Rex...I can’t just use her like that. I’m not my father. Eve blinked as she grabbed his arms. “Mark? Everything okay?” He then took a breath. “No need for that. I’ll talk with Mom. No strings attached.” She blinked, “You sure, babe? I don’t mind. I see the way you look at me. I love and trust you. It’s not like this is a fling for me.” She tilted her head as she frowned, “Do you not like what you see?”
He forced himself to meet her gaze, catching his breath. “No, that’s not it.” She let out a sigh of relief and cupped his face in her hands, “Okay. Then tell me what the issue is.” Mark sighed and met her gaze, speaking with conviction, “Number one…if I did something like that…I’d be just like my father. Using you like he used my mother.” Venom escaped from his throat. “I refuse to become him even if the temptation is there.”
She blinked as she smiled, “Second reason?” He met her gaze, “Rex used and hurt you. You’re too precious for me to ever take advantage of you…even if I have your consent.” He grabbed her by the shoulders, “I love you, Eve. The only way this thing will work between us is to treat each other like equals. My father treated my mother like a pet, a toy to be discarded. I see what that did to her..how that has affected her.”
He then kissed her deeply and pulled away. “I’m not about to make the same mistake with you. I’m not Rex.” Eve blinked then smirked, “Mmm. That is the sexiest thing you’ve said all day. Come here, you.” She then kissed him, pulled away, and smirked. “Well, okay then, Invincible. Let’s go home.”
Grayson Household
Debbie tapped her toes, waiting. Soon, Eve and Mark flew down. Debbie raised an eyebrow, “You two are late. Care to explain?” Mark stiffened. Even though he was stronger than her, faster than her, and could kill her with a single punch…Debbie Grayson intimidated him to his core. “Well, Mom…” he began. Eve cuddled his arm, “We had dinner with my parents. Things got out of hand, unfortunately.”
Debbie glared at Mark. “This true, Mark?” Mark nodded sheepishly and kept eye contact with her. “Yes…Mom.” Eve giggled. He has the power to conquer the planet, and he’s scared of his mommy. So adorable!
Debbie sighed, “Okay. I guess I can accept that…for now.” She then walked up and kissed her son’s cheek, pulling him into a hug. “Oh my baby boy…next time…call if you are coming in late, okay? I worry.”
Mark hugged her back. “I will. Sorry, Mom.” She smiled through tears. “It’s okay, sweetie. Water under the bridge,” Eve smiled as she cleared her throat, “Um…Debbie. I have a favor to ask.” Debbie broke the hug and turned to her, “Yes, Eve?” Eve nervously smiled at her while playing nervously with her hands. Her green eyes darted back and forth. “I…um.. fought with my parents. They disagree with me having powers and being a superhero. I... don't have anywhere to stay. I was…um…I hope I can stay with you guys for a while…if that’s okay.”
Debbie focused her gaze on her, crossing her arms. “That’s a big ask, Eve.” Eve nodded, smiling nervously, “I…can cook, clean, whatever is needed. I’ll earn my keep. It’s just my dad yells at me. My mom lets him do it. I can’t take it anymore.” Tears fell from her cheeks.
\Mark put an arm around her. She leaned in and started sobbing. Debbie sighed. As frustrating as this may make our situation here at home…I can’t just let Eve suffer like this. She’s a good kid. She’s been good to Mark and helpful to me. Debbie sighed, “Okay. You can stay. We have one spare bedroom. But I have three rules.”
Eve brightened up, “Name them.” Debbie sighed, “One…no sex in the house…at least when I’m not around. I have to work. I won’t be able to sleep otherwise,” Mark turned red and groaned, “Mom..trust me. We’re not doing any of that.”
Debbie smirked, “Mark…I was a teenager once. You don’t have to pretend with me. I just ask that you use protection.” Mark turned red. Eve put an arm around him, giggling, “Deal.” Debbie nodded, “Two...you help out around here. You’re going to earn your keep.”
Eve smiled, “Of course, Debbie.” Debbie smirked, “Last one.” She glared at Mark, “Don’t get her pregnant. I want to be a grandma, but when you are ready to move out. I’m struggling as it is. The last thing I need is one more mouth to feed around here.”
Samantha burst out laughing. “Ahahaha!” Mark just blushed and went silent. “We’re…not…doing that.” Debbie smiled as she patted his cheek, “Good. That’s my good boy. Come on. I’ll warm up dinner.”
Eve then teased him as they followed, whispering in his ear, “The great and powerful Invincible…brought to heel by his mother.” He glared at her, turning, “S-Shut up!” Eve smirked and kissed his cheek, “Nope. I’m going to enjoy turning you beet red. It suits you.”
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More coming soon!
Draconic on Chapter 1 Fri 14 Mar 2025 03:42AM UTC
Last Edited Fri 14 Mar 2025 03:43AM UTC
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