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Samhein

He felt a bit guilty for leaving Mouse on her own tonight, on Halloween, but she hadn't seemed interested in going out and she had seemed intrigued by the new picture books he'd found for her. Among the titles had been the companions to her 'If You Give a Mouse a Cookie' book- "If You Give a Pig a Pancake' and 'If You Give a Moose a Muffin'. Otto had made her promise not to leave while he was gone and left, heading to a place that had once been his home.

He'd made the journey back to his old apartment once before tonight, at last Halloween. Somehow, the night seemed more appropriate for a visit than the anniversary of Rosie's death. Now he looked around the ruined rooms, still torn apart inside. The living quarters were mostly untouched, though dust had settled and some damp had gotten in. The lab, though, was a complete mess, twisted metal wreckage strewn everywhere. Otto avoided that area and instead settled at the old table, head in his hands. The actuators curled around him, for once silent. They knew he was missing Rosie.

By the gods, she loved Samhein. It was by far The Puck's favorite night of the year. The air was electric with energy from the Other Realms. It was like rare wine in her blood. Of course, there was plenty of wine flowing there too, but that was beside the point.

The Seelie Court had done its March, and though Robin wasn't sure why she was doing it, she was back in New York City. She hadn't been back since leaving the warehouse, but she told herself that she was merely taking advantage of the time difference to make the night last longer. Robin was not going to swing by Hell's Kitchen, no matter how strong the temptation. She told herself that the pair of mortals were just fine, and besides, the night was only so young, and she had a few new clubs to try.

Then his scent hit her nose, causing her to stumble over herself on a rooftop. Skidding to a stop, she sniffed, even though she knew it was his. Only Otto Octavius had that strange scent, that mixture of flesh and metal. For a moment she paused, debating what to do. Robin wasn't sure why Otto would have this far from the warehouse. He didn't have Mouse with him, from the smell of it. Could something have happened to the child?

Finally, The Puck's curiosity got the better of her. She sighed, and headed in the direction of the scent. She would just pop in on him, make sure everything was alright, and be on her way. Simple as that.

Her search ended at a burned out building. With a frown, she slid up the balcony, still invisible from sight. She stared at the man, sitting forlorn at the table. The living quarters spoke of two people living there. There was the faint scent of a woman mixed with Otto's. And something else in the air as well. Robin felt her skin prickle, then slid into sight.

"Everything alright?" she asked softly.

He jerked upright, actuators squawking and preparing for defense against an intruder. When they recognized Robin, however, they relaxed. Robin may or may not be welcome, but they had come to the consensus that she would probably not try to hurt them. Surely anyone who was as nice to Mouse as she wasn't a threat. Apart, of course, from the whole 'make them disappear' thing'.

Otto blinked at her- it was fairly dark in the apartment, and he'd taken his goggles off. "Robin," he said, "I didn't expect to see you-" He almost said 'again' but changed it at the last moment. "Here."

Robin shrugged. "Was passing by. Caught your scent. Wanted to make sure everything was alright. You're not usually this far from the warehouse." She looked around. "How's Mouse?"

He shrugged a little. "She's fine," he replied. "She's back at the warehouse. I got her some new books, so she shouldn't be inclined to wander off. I hope not, anyway."

He was happy to see her, he decided. He did like her. It just felt odd, having her here where he and Rosie used to live.

Robin nodded. "Good. And I'm sure she won't go anywhere if you told her not to. That girl is more devoted to you than a puppy."

She tried not to appear too awkward in this space—the place he had lived, and thrived, with a wife and a career. And the place where his wife had died, from the feel of it. There was a stirring in the air that was growing harder to ignore, from the Other Side. The veil was thinnest tonight, after all. All sorts of things could get through.

Robin stepped closer to him. "So...you used to live here, yeah?" She gave him a weak smile. "Not a bad place."

He nodded. "Rosie and I," he said quietly. He indicated the lab area with his chin. "I had a lab in there. I'd rather you stay out of it, if it's all the same." He really didn't want anyone else in the place where Rosie had died. It was still too painful, even after a year and a half.

"Sure. No problem." She closed her eyes for a moment, feeling the spirit that was stirring brush across her mind. Rosie knew they were there...and Robin got the feeling she'd like to talk to her husband. For someone as scientifically minded as Otto--and thereby not sensitive to the supernatural world--that probably wouldn't happen without a little help.

"You...would you like to talk to her?" Robin asked hesitantly. "See her again? Cause...it's Samhein tonight. If you wanted to..."

"What?" He looked at her in confusion, actuators managing to convey the same emotion as they coiled around their host. "What are you talking about? Rosie's dead."

The dead were dead- they couldn't come back. If this was some kind of faerie trick, it wasn't a nice one.

Though on the off chance it was a genuine offer, that Robin could somehow facilitate a meeting with Rosie... Otto had long derided the mediums that claimed to be able to contact dead people for loved ones, seeing them as simple charlatans and cons. But Robin had magic- maybe... But her magic was illusion, wasn't it?

Wouldn't he be able to tell if the Rosie she showed him was false?

Robin smiled softly at him. "Dead, but not gone." She came to the other side of the table--avoiding the chair that gave off the strongest sense of the dead woman, but leaning on the other. "Death is...complicated. I can't claim to know everything that lies beyond this world...but there are other realms. Other states of being. On Samhein, the veil between these worlds is thinnest. Things bleed through. If you want to see her, I can help her through. Give her that extra boost."

She had energy to burn tonight, after all. It wouldn't be that difficult. And at the rate she was feeling Rosie, the woman would probably materialize on her own. The question was, would Otto be open enough to see her if she did?

Her explanation made sense. She hadn't lied to him yet, at least, not that he knew of. Was it possible? He would give anything to see Rosie again, to tell her he was sorry.

Would she want to see him? He was halfway to being a monster- he wasn't the Otto she knew. But if he could just talk to her, just once...

Slowly, he nodded.

Robin let out something of a sigh of relief. Good. Anything to relieve this pressure she was feeling of a spirit trying to break through. "Right then." She stepped back from the table, and closed her eyes.

She flickered out of existence for a moment, moving into Shadow, the in-between that existed between the Realms. Rosie was there, she could feel her. Letting the spirit latch on to her physical form, Robin formed a bridge for the spirit between the physical plane that she was still connected to and the spirit realm where she existed.

A moment later, Robin reappeared before Otto, eyes still closed. She opened them briefly, and smiled softly at the form materializing off to Otto's side. "I'll give you two some privacy," she said, stepping back. She settled on the floor against the wall, close to the corner.

Rosie emerged onto the physical plane. She smiled as she saw her husband. "Hello Otto," she said quietly. Around her, the apartment shifted and blurred, the worn belongings looking as they had before the accident.

His breath caught in his throat as he stared at her. God, that was her. That was Rosie. His Rosie. He'd never told Robin what she looked like, and yet here she was, exactly as he remembered her, in her favorite black shirt and gold wrap. Even the furnishings around her changed, to match how they'd been before that horrible day.

"Rosie?" he asked softly, hardly daring to believe it. The actuators drew back behind him, almost shyly. They'd never met Rosie directly, having not gained sentience until after her death. They didn't know what she would think of them.

The spirit smiled. "Yes, Otto, it's me." She reached to stroke his face, but her hand stopped a few inches from his skin. She looked sad for a moment, but then a green shimmer sparkled over her image. When it faded, she felt...solid. At least, solid enough to do what she wanted.

"Thank you, Robin," she called to the faerie. Then she reached forward and cupped Otto's face. "Hello."
He shivered and closed his eyes at the touch, covering her hand with his. It felt slightly cool, as if she'd just washed them in cold water. And her scent- that perfume... he knew that scent better than any. Sandalwood- her favorite. That scent wouldn't be copied in a hoax.

Flo chirped and peeked over his shoulder, getting her first good look at her 'mother'. Her sensors showed that there wasn't a flesh-and-blood person standing there, rather a figure of some coalesced, unfamiliar energy.

"Oh Rosie," Otto whispered, opening his eyes to look at her. "Rosie, I'm so sorry. What happened to you was my fault. If I'd just shut it down... I'm so sorry..." His throat ached, it was so tight.

"Oh Otto," Rosie said. "I know you're sorry." She leaned over a little, brushing back a bit of his hair in a familiar gesture. "What happened wasn't your fault. I don't hold you responsible. I never did."

She smiled, and kissed him. It was definitely her- he knew her kisses better than anything, and the way she brushed back his hair.

"One sees things differently from this side," she said, sliding into her chair, taking his hand. "What was meant to happen happened. You need to start coming to terms with that."

Otto gripped her hand, afraid that she might dissolve into nothingness. She might not blame him, but that didn't change the fact that if he hadn't been so sure of himself, so arrogant, so certain he could control the forces he was playing with, she might yet still be alive.

"How-" Otto swallowed hard and started again. "How could I have been meant to lose you?" In what kind of cruel world was that meant to happen? He and Rosie had been practically inseparable since day one, since that time when he'd tripped and stumbled into her on the steps of their college.

Rosie smiled softly at him. "I don't know everything, love. But it is possible that maybe...maybe there's something more for you." She squeezed his hand. "I died, Otto. I never wanted you to die with me."

Something more? What else could be in store for him? He'd failed miserably at the greatest work of his life- multiple times now- and gotten his wife, his Rosie, killed. How else would Fate like to screw him over before he finally managed to die? Come to think of it, that was another thing he'd managed to fail at. He should have died in the accident that had claimed her, and failing that, should have died in the river after bringing his second reactor down on his own head.

"I had nothing without you, Rosie," he replied. "I loved you so much- still do..." Even as he said them, the words sounded almost... flat. Pale. Like... excuses. She was right- if he'd thought about it, he knew she wouldn't have wanted him to shut himself away entirely. But it had hurt so much to lose her...

One by one, the actuators peeked out from behind Otto, regarding Rosie with a sort of worried awe. They knew they weren't supposed to be like this- they were meant to be tools, not self-aware appendages fused to Otto's flesh. What could she think of them?

Rosie smiled at the curious actuators, extending a hand to them. "I know that, Otto," she said. "And I believe that you always will love me. But your heart has room for so much more. More than grief. More than a lost love. You still have so much life to live, dearest. The only way I could ever be mad at you is if you let yourself become a Prufrock."

She gripped his hand tightly, afraid of letting him go. She felt the energy around her waver for a moment, and glanced in Robin's direction. "Not going to be able to keep this up forever, kiddies," the faerie said, her voice slightly husky. It took a lot of energy, holding open Shadow so that Rosie could stay here, and making her solid to boot. Not to mention guarding the gateway so that nothing else could come through.

The actuators gently nosed at Rosie's hand, chittering softly. She didn't seem to be afraid of them, or think they were somehow wrong. It was nice.

Otto nodded slowly at her words, nearly panicking as the solidity of it seemed to flicker. Robin was tiring- they didn't have much time. "Alright, Rosie. I'll... try." He rose and went around the table to her, hugging her tightly and placing one final kiss on her lips. "I love you." Trembling, he gave her a weak smile and pulled away- he didn't think he could stand to feel her fade if Robin lost her hold on things.

Rosie stood, and pulled Otto in for a last kiss of her own. She rested her forehead against his for a brief moment, clasping his hands. "Just...stay open, love. You always said that keeping an open mind was the only way to change things."

She released him, and looked back at Robin. A green Glamour was surrounding the faerie, her skin glowing with it slightly. Rosie could feel the pull of her resting place. She was finished here. They both had closure now, and she felt...peaceful.

Turning back to Otto, she smiled, and raised a hand in farewell. "I love you, Otto," she said softly. She felt her solidity fade, and gave Robin a nod that she was ready. The faerie blinked out of existence again, as Rosie faded. Robin escorted Rosie to Shadow, feeling her move on the rest of the way. Then she returned to the physical plane.

Robin came out close to Otto, placing a light hand on his arm. "It's alright," she said softly. "She's at peace. She'll be waiting for you."

Otto's head was bowed, his eyes closed, actuators drawn in close. No tears came, however, like he had almost expected. He felt the pang of her loss again, though it wasn't so unbearable. The emotional wound would still be there, but maybe now it could begin to heal properly.

Eyes still closed, Otto covered Robin's hand on his arm with his own. "Thank you," he whispered. "Thank you."

Robin gripped his hand, enough to let him know she was there. "You're most welcome, Otto Octavius," she said softly. It was nice, to be able to bring some closure to him. Perhaps now, he could find a way to go on living. Become a man again. He deserved it.

She gave him a moment, then patted his arm lightly. "Come on," she said, stepping back. "You look like you could use a drink. And I know plenty of good bars and pubs around here. What do you say?"

Otto opened his eyes and looked down at her, hesitating slightly. Yes, it was Halloween, but the actuators were too distinctive to risk being seen with. They didn't move like anything else that could be replicated in costume form. Robin could make them disappear, but they hated that, and what about getting around? His leg would have him in torment before they went half a block.

"Yes," he said slowly. He would like a Scotch right about now. "But... is there any way you can hide the actuators without actually making them disappear completely? They don't care for what you did the last time."

Robin nodded slowly. "Yeah, I think I could manage that. Would probably be easier anyway. And if I take you to Ninth Circle, we can let them come out once we're inside. It's a peri bar--humans don't frequent it. No one inside is going to be reporting you to the police."

"Alright," Otto said. The actuators clicked disapprovingly, but fell silent as he held up a hand. It was a reasonable compromise, and if she did just make them invisible or- or whatever- they'd still be there. And she'd said they could go somewhere they didn't need to hide.

He patted Flo's claw. "Do it, please. What's a peri bar?"

Robin grinned. "You'll see. I hope you're not allergic to feathers."

With that, she held up her hands, green Glamour sparkling off of them. She tossed it in Otto's direction, and what emerged was similar to what she had created that first night. A normal man, for the most part.

"Just try to keep them close to you," she advised. "Shall we?"

This was definitely an improvement over the last time. Last time they hadn't been expecting it, and Robin had made them completely vanish, to the point where Otto couldn't even feel them. This time, the actuators faded from sight alone, taking a bit of their weight with them. He could still sense the metal appendages, however, and they could sense him.

better not great better Flo muttered.

much better her twin corrected.

"Yes," Otto said in response to the faerie's question. Allergic to feathers? Why would she ask that? "We shall." He hesitated a moment, considering, flicked a slightly self-conscious glance at the spot where Rosie had been, then gave a mental shrug and offered Robin his arm.

Robin blinked, a little surprised, then laughed and took his arm. Why not. She led him out of the building, and down a few blocks to the Ninth Circle. Most humans shied away from the area in general, their subconscious picking up the threat of predators everywhere. Robin paid it no attention--for all that she looked like a normal human, she certainly wasn't one.

There were few patrons in the Ninth Circle tonight. Most supernatural creatures who could reasonably pass for human took advantage of Samhein to feast. Any oddities were written off as costumes, until it was too late for the dinner. Robin took Otto over to the bar and smiled at Ishiah.

"Hiya, Ish," she said. "Slow night?"

The peri glowered at her, his wings flickering into view briefly before disappearing. She knew full well that his hand was near his sword under the bar. "Puck," he said shortly. "You know better, bringing a human in here."

Robin just smiled. "He's a friend. I wanted to show him a good time." Then she lowered the Glamour that was hiding the actuators. "And he's not exactly helpless."

She had taken in the few patrons as they had walked in. A few wolves, a succibus, and a vodynoi. None of whom were a real threat to her or Otto.

Ishiah sighed, and grabbed the wine he kept for her kind. "You're as bad as your cousin, I think," he said. "You exist solely to torment me."

Robin wagged a finger at him. "Now, Ishiah...we both know that I look far better with feathers in my hair than he does. Though, I imagine you enjoy his company more." She looked over at Otto, gave it a thought, and added, "a Scotch for my friend, I think." She looked back to him, a questioning look in her eyes. "That alright? You seem like a Scotch man."

Otto was only half-listening to the discussion, knowing the actuators' audio recorders would pick it up and let him go over it later if he wanted. He and they scanned the room curiously. Had this been any other establishment in the city, he would have suspected all the oddities to be merely costume, makeup, and artifice. At a place Robin took him too, however... The group of rather lupine-looking people seemed a little too well-made-up for that fur to be anything but real. And that woman at the end of the bar...he swallowed hard at the sight of her.

He nodded in response to Robin's question. "A Scotch would be very good, thank you." He kept his tone very polite, not wanting to irritate the man behind the bar. If he was hiding wings, what else might he be hiding?

Robin nodded to Ishiah, and poured a glass of her wine. The succubus was slithering up behind them, eyes on Otto. Robin turned to fix her with a glare. Her eyes flashed bright green for a moment, and the pointed ears flattened against her head. Robin hissed at her, letting just enough of her Glamour drop to reveal longer than human teeth and elongated fingers, ending in claws. The message was quite clear.

The succubus backed off, in her wiggling, almost slithering motion. She hissed back, the pointed snake's tongue sliding out between her teeth, but it was just for show. Robin's Glamour quickly returned to normal, and she spun back around to the bar with an almost predatory smile.

Ishiah brought over Otto's Scotch with a sigh. "Just don't start killing any of my patrons, would you? I get enough of that from my staff."

The faerie's smile turned more innocent as she sipped her wine. "As long as they don't bother us, I won't feel the need to kill anyone."

woah what was that what the hell was that

"That's a very good question," Otto said, swallowing a little to ease his suddenly-dry mouth. What had just happened? His gaze had been drawn towards the pretty woman until he'd turned back around- Larry had kept an eye on her as she came over to them, and then- there were tongues and teeth and hissing and what the hell had Robin just done to herself?

He looked over at her, a puzzled expression on his face as he swapped his goggles for a pair of slightly more discreet sunglasses drawn from a coat pocket. It was dim enough in here that he felt safe with the exchange.

Robin smiled at him. "Nice shades. We should be left alone now. Just had to show them who was boss." This statement earned a few growls from the wolves in the back, but she just turned and snarled at them. "Oh shut it."

They were only half-breeds, caught somewhere between human and wolf. All of the silly breeding experiments the wolves did were insane, to Robin's mind. Ishiah looked heavenwards and said something in ancient Persian. Robin raised an eyebrow at him. "It was not intentional. I can't help it if they're sensitive."

The peri shook his head and moved a little further down the bar, probably to avoid any bloodshed should someone be stupid enough to rush The Puck. Robin just smiled at Otto, propping up her head on her hand. "So. What do you think?"

"I think I managed to stumble upon the acquaintance of someone very influential in paranormal circles," Otto said quietly. He wasn't certain if that spooked him or not. However, if he had to go dabbling in the weird stuff, he supposed it was good that his guide had some clout. Flo hissed at the group of- those could not possibly be real werewolves, could they?- throwing in a few metal-on-metal scraping noises for good measure. She didn't want anyone getting the idea they were completely dependent on Robin to watch their back.

He sipped at his Scotch, pleased to find it very good. "I think I am impressed."

Robin looked pleased with herself, and with his answer. "Good," she said, taking another drink of wine. She heard Ishiah mutter something about pucks and their egos, but she ignored him for now. The wine was bringing a bit of color back to her cheeks, and made her feel a little better to boot. She was always wired on Samhein, but what she'd done with Rosie had taken a lot of energy.

Robin dropped her eyes a little. "I'm sorry I couldn't give you more time earlier," she said softly. Granted, part of that was that Rosie had done what she needed to do, and was ready to move back, but still. She felt a little responsible.

He petted the nearest actuator- it was Mo, nuzzling at his hand- and took another sip of his Scotch. "It was more than I could ever have expected," he told her. "I never thought I would get a chance to speak to her again. What you did... I don't think you know how much that means to me." He smiled sadly at the faerie across from him. "I never got the chance to tell her good-bye. It all happened so fast. Thank you, Robin."

Robin nodded, squirming a little. "You're welcome. And you know...you will see her again, someday. She'll be waiting for you, I'm sure." She wasn't an expert on how the Other Side worked, but she knew a few things.

"Besides...she needed it too. To say goodbye. Gave you both closure. My good deed for the decade." She shrugged and downed the rest of her glass, and poured more wine immediately.

Best not to overdo the thanks. She seemed to be a little awkward about receiving them. Actually, the look on her face rather reminded him of how he had felt the first time Mouse had hugged him.

He smiled at her, and nodded. "I thought your good deed for the decade was helping Mouse," he pointed out.

Robin waved it off. "So I'm wracking up a few extras. Never know when I might hit a devious streak. Helps to be prepared." She winked at him over her wineglass. "Gotta keep a balance when it comes to this sort of thing."

He chuckled dryly at that. "A little karmic account balancing, is it?" he asked. "I suppose that's a good idea. As you say, you never know. Unless you can read the future. Can faeries read the future?"

Not that he had any interest in knowing what his future held. He really didn't. His recent past hadn't been all that fantastic, and in all likelihood that pattern would continue. Otto would just as soon not know for certain. That way, he could be pleasantly surprised if things turned out well.

Robin shook her head. "We have a few Oracles somewhere in another Realm that keep contact with Oberon if anything starts to shift out of place. But that's mostly for big huge alterations to the universal balance. Things that could create true chaos. There are some human seers though. They're rare, and they can't change the big things, but they exist."

She sipped her wine thoughtfully. "I actually wouldn't be surprised if Mouse develops some degree of the Sight. I have a feeling she's in tune with the universe. It would certainly explain how she's survived so long. Knowing just where to go, what to take, who to avoid. A lot of that a child so young would not have mastered."

The actuators looked at one another. Future-seeing could be explained easily enough, as a subconscious organization and interpretation of data in accordance with past patterns. Even they could predict, to a limited extent. For example, they had been very good at predicting where Spiderman would try to hit them.

"What do I do if she does develop it?" Otto asked. "Will she be alright?"

Robin nodded. "Oh yes. And it wouldn't be for several more years yet. More than likely, it'll just be little things for her, like it is now. Vibes, I think mortals call them. Getting a good vibe about one thing, bad vibe about something else. That sort of thing. She'll be fine."

It was actually a handy trick for mortals to have. It helped them accept the crap the universe threw on them, and helped them to maneuver ways around things. Win-win.

"Oh, I see." A very useful trick- like Parker's spider-sense, or whatever he called it. Anything to help figure out what to do and when. Life was complicated enough. Any advantage was a good one.

He sipped his drink, studying her for a long moment. That thing she'd done to warn off that woman with the snake tongue... what had that been? Whatever it was, it had been unnerving to glimpse out of the corner of eye and camera, and he wanted a better look.

"May I ask you something?"

Robin sat down her own glass, perfectly composed under his scrutinizing gaze. Pucks did love to be admired, after all. She was no difference.

"Of course," she said, flashing him a perfect smile. No hobgoblin teeth this time, just shiny white little human teeth. Her lord did like for her to look her best, after all.

He reached out and tapped the back of her hand with a finger. It felt human to him, but she'd already demonstrated just how good she was with illusions.

"That's not what you really look like," he said calmly. "Is it?" Otto allowed no fear or accusation to show in his face or voice, merely simple curiosity, the image of a scientist who'd found an oddity.

Robin froze, and pulled back a little, letting both of her hands cup her wine glass. "Suppose it depends on your interpretation," she said slowly. "Is this my most basic form? No. But it is the one I wear most often, as it is more pleasing to my master. And I was born a human, so to some extent...it could be said it's closer to my true form. I don't know. Depends on how you see me. A human turned faerie, or just a hobgoblin."

Not that it mattered to her. She certainly didn't see herself as human. She just liked humans, that was all. They were fun to play with.

He continued to study her, Flo cocking her 'head' in perfect imitation of her host. Was there a way to see past the illusion? Or was it not an illusion, rather an actual shapechange? At length, he nodded, in understanding of her explanation.

"I'd like to see it sometime," he said, still in that calm voice. "If I may." Sadly, he'd only gotten the briefest impression of claws and teeth and long pointed ears when she'd sent the other creature away. For some reason, that half-glimpsed shape was more unsettling than a proper look, an almost ominous shadow in the corner of his eye. He couldn't say why it unnerved him so, beyond that he didn't like things in the corner of his eye; he would much rather look at them straight-on.

Robin gave him a long, weighted look. "We'll see," she said evenly, picking up her glass again. Her hobgoblin form was not something that she let out lightly. It tended to just make things more difficult, unless there was an actual fight to be had.

The scientist nodded and picked up his glass, idly swirling the liquid inside. "Fair enough," he told her. "I was just curious. I'm a scientist- it's something of an occupational hazard." He might not be able to publish, or do legitimate research, or really much of anything, but damnit, he was still a scientist. He'd earned that 'Doctor' in front of his name a dozen times over.

Robin nodded. "I understand," she said. "Have quite the curious streak myself. It's just that...for one thing, a hobgoblin in not a nice thing to look at. For another, shifting into that...it makes things more tempting. Things I don't normally do. It's just a little bit harder to keep it restrained when I'm in that form. This…this is better."

It helped to change, sometimes, like in battle. But by and large, she hated being in hobgoblin form. It made her feel vicious and ugly all at the same time. Oberon usually had to keep a strong presence in her head when she was like that, to keep her from doing something stupid.

"I can understand the second," he said, turning his head to glare at the actuators. Mo had the decency to look at least vaguely apologetic. The number of times they had encouraged him to act against certain pesky little things like morals, particularly right after the accident. Yes, he had an idea of what it was like. Even as desperate and grief-stricken as he'd been, he'd never would have stooped to bank robbery and kidnapping to get what he needed if they hadn't nudged him. Not a perfect comparison, but at least a basis for one.

"As for the first, I'm afraid I'm one of those people who is more unnerved by a glimpse out of the corner of the eye than a good long direct look. With this many eyes-" he gestured at the actuators- "I don't like it when something manages to sneak up on me. But your reasons are perfectly valid. I'll live. If what I did see was any indication, this shape is far easier on the eyes than your other." He casually sipped at his Scotch, one eyebrow slightly raised in an invitation to share the joke.

Robin smirked, slightly surprised by his attitude, given his reaction to her kiss. "You have no idea. But perhaps one of these days, I'll give you one." She smiled coyly, adjusting her position to sit up a little straighter, and do her form a bit more justice. Perhaps that visit to Rosie really had opened his mind a bit. Not that she was going to risk pushing anything.

Flo looked disapprovingly at him at the proto-flirtation. Otto, for his part, ignored the actuator. Rosie was right- he shouldn't lock himself away. Granted, that did not mean he was going to fling himself at the first pretty girl to walk by. But he saw no harm in opening up to Robin a little. She was quite fascinating, after all. And pretty. Quite pretty. Apparently she knew it, shifting slightly so that her curves were arranged to a bit better advantage.

And it was nice talking to her.

"Perhaps one of these days," he agreed. "I think... I'd like that."

Robin smiled, and leaned forward, brushing her lips against his cheek in a light kiss. "Come on," she said, pulling back. "It's getting late. Better get you home. Lots of nasties roaming about tonight--wouldn't do to leave the little one alone too long."

He hadn't been expecting her to kiss him this time any more than he had the last time- but now he didn't jerk away. He let her, smiling a bit shyly as he did and ignoring Flo's muttered we are going to have words.

She slid off of the stool, and headed for the door. Ishiah cleared his throat loudly. She turned and smirked at him. At his look, she rolled her eyes, and tossed a couple of gold coins onto the bar.

Ishiah picked them up, studying them. "These better not turn to mice once you're gone, Goodfellow," he said sternly. Robin just smiled.

"Ish, you I do that to you?" she answered sweetly.

"Would you do that to him?" he asked as they left the Ninth Circle. "Give him coins that would turn to mice?"

Robin smiled. "Without a second thought. But then, Ishiah and I go back. He's well familiar with tricksters. He probably expects it."

The night was drawing to a close, and she could feel the veil beginning to thicken. She wrapped her arms around herself, though she wasn't cold, as they walked. She had hidden the actuators again as they left, in case Otto just wanted to walk home. But she knew that might be difficult for him, so she added a bit of pain relief into the Glamour, and waited to follow his lead.

"What do you think? Up and over, or you want to just walk?" she asked.

Dark as it was, Otto hadn't bothered to put his goggles back on. The sunglasses would serve well enough against artificial lights. He looked up at the nearest building, trying to mentally gauge how far they were from the warehouse and whether or not his leg would stand for the hike back. It wasn't hurting as much as it could have been—though he suspected Robin had something to do with that.

"I think we can walk for a bit," he said. "Are you cold?"

Robin shook her head. "Nope. The weather doesn't really affect me like it does humans. It takes pretty extreme temperatures for me to feel hot or cold."

They moved through the streets, watching the party goers starting to trickle home. It was still early enough that some were still out having fun. There were hoots and hollers and squirts of silly string from the drunk and mischievous of the humans. Robin smiled and shook her head. Children. They were quite amusing though.

They walked in silence for several blocks, watching the most determined of the celebrants make their final rounds. Otto could only watch them with a sort of detached curiosity. Halloween had never been a favorite holiday of his. He'd once dressed up as Einstein, back in grade school, and that attempt at fitting in with children his age had blown up spectacularly in his face. So had his glasses when the bullies cornered him.

"Will you be coming by again?" he asked his companion. "I know Mouse would like to see you. I think she misses you."

Robin shrugged, shoving her hands in her pockets. "Sure. I'd like to see her too. I'll have to head back to Court in the morning, but I can pop by tonight. Come back when I can." Now that the March was over, things would be a little calmer. "Shouldn't be long."

Speaking of Mouse...Robin blinked out of existence for barely a moment, back so fast that Otto's eyes didn't have time to register she'd gone anywhere. No reason Mouse shouldn't have a bit of a Halloween treat.

where'd she go wait what The actuators gave a little squawk of confusion as she flickered out, then back in.

"You know, I don't think I'm going to ask what that was," he said, tucking his hands into his pockets.

Robin smiled. "Just grabbed a little treat for Mouse. The actuators saw me?" Interesting, that. They could detect what the human eye couldn't. That could mean that technology would become a problem for her kind--or at least for those who ventured into the cities.

Otto nodded. "They can see all sorts of things humans can't," he told her. "Fast movement in particular catches their attention. Never could figure out why. I don't recall programming them to notice things like that. But it's saved my life a few times, so I don't really question it."

as well you shouldn't you don't know everything

"Ah," Robin nodded. "Well, suppose that's a good thing."

They continued on, mostly in silence. But it was an easy, companionable silence. It wasn't often that Robin slowed down enough to just enjoy time with someone, but she found she rather liked it with Otto.

It wasn't often a person could find someone to be silent with. A conversational partner, that was easy. But someone you didn't have to talk to every moment... that was something different. Otto had only ever found two other people like that- Rosie and his friend Curt Connors. Now Robin had made the list.

The warehouse appeared as it always did, dark and rundown. That was more due to artifice these days rather than actual disrepair. Otto had spent a great deal of time shoring up the place in attempts to both block out the inevitable drafts and block the light from within at night. A building with lights on garnered attention if it was thought to be abandoned.

"Mouse?" he called softly as he and Robin went inside. "You still awake?"

Mouse was a very light sleeper. She had planned to stay awake until Otto got home, but it had started getting colder at night, and once she had snuggled under her blanket, she had drifted off. But she sat up quickly at the sound of Otto's voice.

"Yeah," she whispered, wrapping her blanket around her shoulders and tucking her feet under her. She could just barely make out the silhouette of a woman behind Otto--Robin was back, she realized.

Otto smiled and went to the little girl's side. "Just checking," he said, reaching over to brush some hair out of her eyes. It was getting long- should they try and do something about that? If he and Rosie had had children of their own, he might have a clue. "Robin wanted to stop by."

Mouse smiled at Otto, and looked over at Robin. The faerie woman smiled, coming over and sitting on a crate next to her bed. She spun a witch's hat out of thin air, and plopped it on Mouse's head. Then she made a smaller one for Tonto.

Robin reached into her pocket, and pulled out the foil covered chocolate witch she'd picked up for the girl. "Happy Halloween," she said, tossing the bar onto Mouse's bed.
Mouse studied it for a moment, then gave her a hesitant smile. Otto didn't seem upset, and he had brought Robin here. They must all be friends again.

Otto gave her a slight nod of encouragement. Things were okay between him and Robin now, so Mouse had no need to be worried. He rather thought the little witch's hat for the bear was a nice touch.

Harry curled over to inspect the hats, nudging them a little. really don't like when she does that breaking laws of physics

fun Mo interjected. He chirped and nuzzled Robin's hand to ask for a petting.

"Yes, happy Halloween, Mouse," Otto said, reaching over to straighten the hat on her head. "And you too, Robin."

Mouse smiled a little wider, settling Tonto in her lap and letting his hat tilt a little on his head. She had had no desire to go trick or treating, but the candy was nice. And she wouldn't have minded getting dressed up, if she could have found something. Especially something with a squishy skirt. She had always wanted something that spun when she did.

Robin nodded to Otto, and pulled out a second chocolate witch for him. She winked at him as she handed it over.

Otto took the second chocolate witch with a laugh and a nod. "Thank you," he said. The candy went into a pocket for later consumption. Briefly, he wondered what it might have been like to take Mouse out for trick-or-treating. He supposed that if they did it right, he and the actuators could have passed themselves off as a very good imitation of, well, themselves. But no, the cops weren't that stupid, and while loads of people dressed up as superheroes for Halloween, he'd never seen any dressing up as supervillains.

Overall, Otto was rather pleased with how this evening had turned out.

Mouse smiled at the exchange. She pulled the blanket in tighter, so that she was covering Tonto too. It was getting chilly out.

She yawned widely, covering it with a blanket covered hand. Pulling the chocolate into her lap, she broke off a piece and tasted it. It was pretty good.

Robin smiled, and jumped off the crate. "Should probably let you go back to sleep," she said, rubbing the girl's back.

Otto set Mouse's chocolate bar aside and gently ruffled her hair. "Come on," he said fondly, "Back to bed."

He got the girl re-settled and accompanied Robin to the main entrance. The gesture was more habitual politeness than anything else, since she could simply vanish and didn't have to bother with doors if she didn't want to.

"Thank you," he told her, taking one of her hands in his. "Thank you for everything."

Robin smiled softly at him. "You're most welcome, Otto," she answered. She squeezed his hand, then leaned up and kissed his cheek.

He didn't let her hand go when she pulled away. Rosie's words about moving on, having a life to live, about there being something more, all rang in his mind. Could she have perhaps known more than she was saying? That would be like her, if she thought he had something he needed to work out.

Oh, to hell with it all. If this didn't work out, it didn't work out, and he could extricate himself before it got too painful. If it did, well, it would only prove that Rosie was a very smart woman.

you're not going to oh no you're not you did

Ignoring the voices in his head, Otto leaned forward and almost shyly kissed Robin in return, catching her lips.

The kiss was unexpected, but Robin reciprocated. She reminded herself not to get too into it, as Otto was on shaky new ground. But she did let it deepen a little before pulling back.

She smiled at him, and patted his chest. "I should go," she said softly. "But I'll see you in a day or two, yeah?"

"Yeah," he said, a little breathlessly. He'd forgotten how first kisses could feel. "Yeah. See you soon."

She vanished, leaving him standing there.

Otto's got a crush Otto's got a crush

"Shut up, Mo."

Description
Samhein

He felt a bit guilty for leaving Mouse on her own tonight, on Halloween, but she hadn't seemed interested in going out and she had seemed intrigued by the new picture books he'd found for her. Among the titles had been the companions to her 'If You Give a Mouse a Cookie' book- "If You Give a Pig a Pancake' and 'If You Give a Moose a Muffin'. Otto had made her promise not to leave while he was gone and left, heading to a place that had once been his home.

He'd made the journey back to his old apartment once before tonight, at last Halloween. Somehow, the night seemed more appropriate for a visit than the anniversary of Rosie's death. Now he looked around the ruined rooms, still torn apart inside. The living quarters were mostly untouched, though dust had settled and some damp had gotten in. The lab, though, was a complete mess, twisted metal wreckage strewn everywhere. Otto avoided that area and instead settled at the old table, head in his hands. The actuators curled around him, for once silent. They knew he was missing Rosie.

By the gods, she loved Samhein. It was by far The Puck's favorite night of the year. The air was electric with energy from the Other Realms. It was like rare wine in her blood. Of course, there was plenty of wine flowing there too, but that was beside the point.

The Seelie Court had done its March, and though Robin wasn't sure why she was doing it, she was back in New York City. She hadn't been back since leaving the warehouse, but she told herself that she was merely taking advantage of the time difference to make the night last longer. Robin was not going to swing by Hell's Kitchen, no matter how strong the temptation. She told herself that the pair of mortals were just fine, and besides, the night was only so young, and she had a few new clubs to try.

Then his scent hit her nose, causing her to stumble over herself on a rooftop. Skidding to a stop, she sniffed, even though she knew it was his. Only Otto Octavius had that strange scent, that mixture of flesh and metal. For a moment she paused, debating what to do. Robin wasn't sure why Otto would have this far from the warehouse. He didn't have Mouse with him, from the smell of it. Could something have happened to the child?

Finally, The Puck's curiosity got the better of her. She sighed, and headed in the direction of the scent. She would just pop in on him, make sure everything was alright, and be on her way. Simple as that.

Her search ended at a burned out building. With a frown, she slid up the balcony, still invisible from sight. She stared at the man, sitting forlorn at the table. The living quarters spoke of two people living there. There was the faint scent of a woman mixed with Otto's. And something else in the air as well. Robin felt her skin prickle, then slid into sight.

"Everything alright?" she asked softly.

He jerked upright, actuators squawking and preparing for defense against an intruder. When they recognized Robin, however, they relaxed. Robin may or may not be welcome, but they had come to the consensus that she would probably not try to hurt them. Surely anyone who was as nice to Mouse as she wasn't a threat. Apart, of course, from the whole 'make them disappear' thing'.

Otto blinked at her- it was fairly dark in the apartment, and he'd taken his goggles off. "Robin," he said, "I didn't expect to see you-" He almost said 'again' but changed it at the last moment. "Here."

Robin shrugged. "Was passing by. Caught your scent. Wanted to make sure everything was alright. You're not usually this far from the warehouse." She looked around. "How's Mouse?"

He shrugged a little. "She's fine," he replied. "She's back at the warehouse. I got her some new books, so she shouldn't be inclined to wander off. I hope not, anyway."

He was happy to see her, he decided. He did like her. It just felt odd, having her here where he and Rosie used to live.

Robin nodded. "Good. And I'm sure she won't go anywhere if you told her not to. That girl is more devoted to you than a puppy."

She tried not to appear too awkward in this space—the place he had lived, and thrived, with a wife and a career. And the place where his wife had died, from the feel of it. There was a stirring in the air that was growing harder to ignore, from the Other Side. The veil was thinnest tonight, after all. All sorts of things could get through.

Robin stepped closer to him. "So...you used to live here, yeah?" She gave him a weak smile. "Not a bad place."

He nodded. "Rosie and I," he said quietly. He indicated the lab area with his chin. "I had a lab in there. I'd rather you stay out of it, if it's all the same." He really didn't want anyone else in the place where Rosie had died. It was still too painful, even after a year and a half.

"Sure. No problem." She closed her eyes for a moment, feeling the spirit that was stirring brush across her mind. Rosie knew they were there...and Robin got the feeling she'd like to talk to her husband. For someone as scientifically minded as Otto--and thereby not sensitive to the supernatural world--that probably wouldn't happen without a little help.

"You...would you like to talk to her?" Robin asked hesitantly. "See her again? Cause...it's Samhein tonight. If you wanted to..."

"What?" He looked at her in confusion, actuators managing to convey the same emotion as they coiled around their host. "What are you talking about? Rosie's dead."

The dead were dead- they couldn't come back. If this was some kind of faerie trick, it wasn't a nice one.

Though on the off chance it was a genuine offer, that Robin could somehow facilitate a meeting with Rosie... Otto had long derided the mediums that claimed to be able to contact dead people for loved ones, seeing them as simple charlatans and cons. But Robin had magic- maybe... But her magic was illusion, wasn't it?

Wouldn't he be able to tell if the Rosie she showed him was false?

Robin smiled softly at him. "Dead, but not gone." She came to the other side of the table--avoiding the chair that gave off the strongest sense of the dead woman, but leaning on the other. "Death is...complicated. I can't claim to know everything that lies beyond this world...but there are other realms. Other states of being. On Samhein, the veil between these worlds is thinnest. Things bleed through. If you want to see her, I can help her through. Give her that extra boost."

She had energy to burn tonight, after all. It wouldn't be that difficult. And at the rate she was feeling Rosie, the woman would probably materialize on her own. The question was, would Otto be open enough to see her if she did?

Her explanation made sense. She hadn't lied to him yet, at least, not that he knew of. Was it possible? He would give anything to see Rosie again, to tell her he was sorry.

Would she want to see him? He was halfway to being a monster- he wasn't the Otto she knew. But if he could just talk to her, just once...

Slowly, he nodded.

Robin let out something of a sigh of relief. Good. Anything to relieve this pressure she was feeling of a spirit trying to break through. "Right then." She stepped back from the table, and closed her eyes.

She flickered out of existence for a moment, moving into Shadow, the in-between that existed between the Realms. Rosie was there, she could feel her. Letting the spirit latch on to her physical form, Robin formed a bridge for the spirit between the physical plane that she was still connected to and the spirit realm where she existed.

A moment later, Robin reappeared before Otto, eyes still closed. She opened them briefly, and smiled softly at the form materializing off to Otto's side. "I'll give you two some privacy," she said, stepping back. She settled on the floor against the wall, close to the corner.

Rosie emerged onto the physical plane. She smiled as she saw her husband. "Hello Otto," she said quietly. Around her, the apartment shifted and blurred, the worn belongings looking as they had before the accident.

His breath caught in his throat as he stared at her. God, that was her. That was Rosie. His Rosie. He'd never told Robin what she looked like, and yet here she was, exactly as he remembered her, in her favorite black shirt and gold wrap. Even the furnishings around her changed, to match how they'd been before that horrible day.

"Rosie?" he asked softly, hardly daring to believe it. The actuators drew back behind him, almost shyly. They'd never met Rosie directly, having not gained sentience until after her death. They didn't know what she would think of them.

The spirit smiled. "Yes, Otto, it's me." She reached to stroke his face, but her hand stopped a few inches from his skin. She looked sad for a moment, but then a green shimmer sparkled over her image. When it faded, she felt...solid. At least, solid enough to do what she wanted.

"Thank you, Robin," she called to the faerie. Then she reached forward and cupped Otto's face. "Hello."
He shivered and closed his eyes at the touch, covering her hand with his. It felt slightly cool, as if she'd just washed them in cold water. And her scent- that perfume... he knew that scent better than any. Sandalwood- her favorite. That scent wouldn't be copied in a hoax.

Flo chirped and peeked over his shoulder, getting her first good look at her 'mother'. Her sensors showed that there wasn't a flesh-and-blood person standing there, rather a figure of some coalesced, unfamiliar energy.

"Oh Rosie," Otto whispered, opening his eyes to look at her. "Rosie, I'm so sorry. What happened to you was my fault. If I'd just shut it down... I'm so sorry..." His throat ached, it was so tight.

"Oh Otto," Rosie said. "I know you're sorry." She leaned over a little, brushing back a bit of his hair in a familiar gesture. "What happened wasn't your fault. I don't hold you responsible. I never did."

She smiled, and kissed him. It was definitely her- he knew her kisses better than anything, and the way she brushed back his hair.

"One sees things differently from this side," she said, sliding into her chair, taking his hand. "What was meant to happen happened. You need to start coming to terms with that."

Otto gripped her hand, afraid that she might dissolve into nothingness. She might not blame him, but that didn't change the fact that if he hadn't been so sure of himself, so arrogant, so certain he could control the forces he was playing with, she might yet still be alive.

"How-" Otto swallowed hard and started again. "How could I have been meant to lose you?" In what kind of cruel world was that meant to happen? He and Rosie had been practically inseparable since day one, since that time when he'd tripped and stumbled into her on the steps of their college.

Rosie smiled softly at him. "I don't know everything, love. But it is possible that maybe...maybe there's something more for you." She squeezed his hand. "I died, Otto. I never wanted you to die with me."

Something more? What else could be in store for him? He'd failed miserably at the greatest work of his life- multiple times now- and gotten his wife, his Rosie, killed. How else would Fate like to screw him over before he finally managed to die? Come to think of it, that was another thing he'd managed to fail at. He should have died in the accident that had claimed her, and failing that, should have died in the river after bringing his second reactor down on his own head.

"I had nothing without you, Rosie," he replied. "I loved you so much- still do..." Even as he said them, the words sounded almost... flat. Pale. Like... excuses. She was right- if he'd thought about it, he knew she wouldn't have wanted him to shut himself away entirely. But it had hurt so much to lose her...

One by one, the actuators peeked out from behind Otto, regarding Rosie with a sort of worried awe. They knew they weren't supposed to be like this- they were meant to be tools, not self-aware appendages fused to Otto's flesh. What could she think of them?

Rosie smiled at the curious actuators, extending a hand to them. "I know that, Otto," she said. "And I believe that you always will love me. But your heart has room for so much more. More than grief. More than a lost love. You still have so much life to live, dearest. The only way I could ever be mad at you is if you let yourself become a Prufrock."

She gripped his hand tightly, afraid of letting him go. She felt the energy around her waver for a moment, and glanced in Robin's direction. "Not going to be able to keep this up forever, kiddies," the faerie said, her voice slightly husky. It took a lot of energy, holding open Shadow so that Rosie could stay here, and making her solid to boot. Not to mention guarding the gateway so that nothing else could come through.

The actuators gently nosed at Rosie's hand, chittering softly. She didn't seem to be afraid of them, or think they were somehow wrong. It was nice.

Otto nodded slowly at her words, nearly panicking as the solidity of it seemed to flicker. Robin was tiring- they didn't have much time. "Alright, Rosie. I'll... try." He rose and went around the table to her, hugging her tightly and placing one final kiss on her lips. "I love you." Trembling, he gave her a weak smile and pulled away- he didn't think he could stand to feel her fade if Robin lost her hold on things.

Rosie stood, and pulled Otto in for a last kiss of her own. She rested her forehead against his for a brief moment, clasping his hands. "Just...stay open, love. You always said that keeping an open mind was the only way to change things."

She released him, and looked back at Robin. A green Glamour was surrounding the faerie, her skin glowing with it slightly. Rosie could feel the pull of her resting place. She was finished here. They both had closure now, and she felt...peaceful.

Turning back to Otto, she smiled, and raised a hand in farewell. "I love you, Otto," she said softly. She felt her solidity fade, and gave Robin a nod that she was ready. The faerie blinked out of existence again, as Rosie faded. Robin escorted Rosie to Shadow, feeling her move on the rest of the way. Then she returned to the physical plane.

Robin came out close to Otto, placing a light hand on his arm. "It's alright," she said softly. "She's at peace. She'll be waiting for you."

Otto's head was bowed, his eyes closed, actuators drawn in close. No tears came, however, like he had almost expected. He felt the pang of her loss again, though it wasn't so unbearable. The emotional wound would still be there, but maybe now it could begin to heal properly.

Eyes still closed, Otto covered Robin's hand on his arm with his own. "Thank you," he whispered. "Thank you."

Robin gripped his hand, enough to let him know she was there. "You're most welcome, Otto Octavius," she said softly. It was nice, to be able to bring some closure to him. Perhaps now, he could find a way to go on living. Become a man again. He deserved it.

She gave him a moment, then patted his arm lightly. "Come on," she said, stepping back. "You look like you could use a drink. And I know plenty of good bars and pubs around here. What do you say?"

Otto opened his eyes and looked down at her, hesitating slightly. Yes, it was Halloween, but the actuators were too distinctive to risk being seen with. They didn't move like anything else that could be replicated in costume form. Robin could make them disappear, but they hated that, and what about getting around? His leg would have him in torment before they went half a block.

"Yes," he said slowly. He would like a Scotch right about now. "But... is there any way you can hide the actuators without actually making them disappear completely? They don't care for what you did the last time."

Robin nodded slowly. "Yeah, I think I could manage that. Would probably be easier anyway. And if I take you to Ninth Circle, we can let them come out once we're inside. It's a peri bar--humans don't frequent it. No one inside is going to be reporting you to the police."

"Alright," Otto said. The actuators clicked disapprovingly, but fell silent as he held up a hand. It was a reasonable compromise, and if she did just make them invisible or- or whatever- they'd still be there. And she'd said they could go somewhere they didn't need to hide.

He patted Flo's claw. "Do it, please. What's a peri bar?"

Robin grinned. "You'll see. I hope you're not allergic to feathers."

With that, she held up her hands, green Glamour sparkling off of them. She tossed it in Otto's direction, and what emerged was similar to what she had created that first night. A normal man, for the most part.

"Just try to keep them close to you," she advised. "Shall we?"

This was definitely an improvement over the last time. Last time they hadn't been expecting it, and Robin had made them completely vanish, to the point where Otto couldn't even feel them. This time, the actuators faded from sight alone, taking a bit of their weight with them. He could still sense the metal appendages, however, and they could sense him.

better not great better Flo muttered.

much better her twin corrected.

"Yes," Otto said in response to the faerie's question. Allergic to feathers? Why would she ask that? "We shall." He hesitated a moment, considering, flicked a slightly self-conscious glance at the spot where Rosie had been, then gave a mental shrug and offered Robin his arm.

Robin blinked, a little surprised, then laughed and took his arm. Why not. She led him out of the building, and down a few blocks to the Ninth Circle. Most humans shied away from the area in general, their subconscious picking up the threat of predators everywhere. Robin paid it no attention--for all that she looked like a normal human, she certainly wasn't one.

There were few patrons in the Ninth Circle tonight. Most supernatural creatures who could reasonably pass for human took advantage of Samhein to feast. Any oddities were written off as costumes, until it was too late for the dinner. Robin took Otto over to the bar and smiled at Ishiah.

"Hiya, Ish," she said. "Slow night?"

The peri glowered at her, his wings flickering into view briefly before disappearing. She knew full well that his hand was near his sword under the bar. "Puck," he said shortly. "You know better, bringing a human in here."

Robin just smiled. "He's a friend. I wanted to show him a good time." Then she lowered the Glamour that was hiding the actuators. "And he's not exactly helpless."

She had taken in the few patrons as they had walked in. A few wolves, a succibus, and a vodynoi. None of whom were a real threat to her or Otto.

Ishiah sighed, and grabbed the wine he kept for her kind. "You're as bad as your cousin, I think," he said. "You exist solely to torment me."

Robin wagged a finger at him. "Now, Ishiah...we both know that I look far better with feathers in my hair than he does. Though, I imagine you enjoy his company more." She looked over at Otto, gave it a thought, and added, "a Scotch for my friend, I think." She looked back to him, a questioning look in her eyes. "That alright? You seem like a Scotch man."

Otto was only half-listening to the discussion, knowing the actuators' audio recorders would pick it up and let him go over it later if he wanted. He and they scanned the room curiously. Had this been any other establishment in the city, he would have suspected all the oddities to be merely costume, makeup, and artifice. At a place Robin took him too, however... The group of rather lupine-looking people seemed a little too well-made-up for that fur to be anything but real. And that woman at the end of the bar...he swallowed hard at the sight of her.

He nodded in response to Robin's question. "A Scotch would be very good, thank you." He kept his tone very polite, not wanting to irritate the man behind the bar. If he was hiding wings, what else might he be hiding?

Robin nodded to Ishiah, and poured a glass of her wine. The succubus was slithering up behind them, eyes on Otto. Robin turned to fix her with a glare. Her eyes flashed bright green for a moment, and the pointed ears flattened against her head. Robin hissed at her, letting just enough of her Glamour drop to reveal longer than human teeth and elongated fingers, ending in claws. The message was quite clear.

The succubus backed off, in her wiggling, almost slithering motion. She hissed back, the pointed snake's tongue sliding out between her teeth, but it was just for show. Robin's Glamour quickly returned to normal, and she spun back around to the bar with an almost predatory smile.

Ishiah brought over Otto's Scotch with a sigh. "Just don't start killing any of my patrons, would you? I get enough of that from my staff."

The faerie's smile turned more innocent as she sipped her wine. "As long as they don't bother us, I won't feel the need to kill anyone."

woah what was that what the hell was that

"That's a very good question," Otto said, swallowing a little to ease his suddenly-dry mouth. What had just happened? His gaze had been drawn towards the pretty woman until he'd turned back around- Larry had kept an eye on her as she came over to them, and then- there were tongues and teeth and hissing and what the hell had Robin just done to herself?

He looked over at her, a puzzled expression on his face as he swapped his goggles for a pair of slightly more discreet sunglasses drawn from a coat pocket. It was dim enough in here that he felt safe with the exchange.

Robin smiled at him. "Nice shades. We should be left alone now. Just had to show them who was boss." This statement earned a few growls from the wolves in the back, but she just turned and snarled at them. "Oh shut it."

They were only half-breeds, caught somewhere between human and wolf. All of the silly breeding experiments the wolves did were insane, to Robin's mind. Ishiah looked heavenwards and said something in ancient Persian. Robin raised an eyebrow at him. "It was not intentional. I can't help it if they're sensitive."

The peri shook his head and moved a little further down the bar, probably to avoid any bloodshed should someone be stupid enough to rush The Puck. Robin just smiled at Otto, propping up her head on her hand. "So. What do you think?"

"I think I managed to stumble upon the acquaintance of someone very influential in paranormal circles," Otto said quietly. He wasn't certain if that spooked him or not. However, if he had to go dabbling in the weird stuff, he supposed it was good that his guide had some clout. Flo hissed at the group of- those could not possibly be real werewolves, could they?- throwing in a few metal-on-metal scraping noises for good measure. She didn't want anyone getting the idea they were completely dependent on Robin to watch their back.

He sipped at his Scotch, pleased to find it very good. "I think I am impressed."

Robin looked pleased with herself, and with his answer. "Good," she said, taking another drink of wine. She heard Ishiah mutter something about pucks and their egos, but she ignored him for now. The wine was bringing a bit of color back to her cheeks, and made her feel a little better to boot. She was always wired on Samhein, but what she'd done with Rosie had taken a lot of energy.

Robin dropped her eyes a little. "I'm sorry I couldn't give you more time earlier," she said softly. Granted, part of that was that Rosie had done what she needed to do, and was ready to move back, but still. She felt a little responsible.

He petted the nearest actuator- it was Mo, nuzzling at his hand- and took another sip of his Scotch. "It was more than I could ever have expected," he told her. "I never thought I would get a chance to speak to her again. What you did... I don't think you know how much that means to me." He smiled sadly at the faerie across from him. "I never got the chance to tell her good-bye. It all happened so fast. Thank you, Robin."

Robin nodded, squirming a little. "You're welcome. And you know...you will see her again, someday. She'll be waiting for you, I'm sure." She wasn't an expert on how the Other Side worked, but she knew a few things.

"Besides...she needed it too. To say goodbye. Gave you both closure. My good deed for the decade." She shrugged and downed the rest of her glass, and poured more wine immediately.

Best not to overdo the thanks. She seemed to be a little awkward about receiving them. Actually, the look on her face rather reminded him of how he had felt the first time Mouse had hugged him.

He smiled at her, and nodded. "I thought your good deed for the decade was helping Mouse," he pointed out.

Robin waved it off. "So I'm wracking up a few extras. Never know when I might hit a devious streak. Helps to be prepared." She winked at him over her wineglass. "Gotta keep a balance when it comes to this sort of thing."

He chuckled dryly at that. "A little karmic account balancing, is it?" he asked. "I suppose that's a good idea. As you say, you never know. Unless you can read the future. Can faeries read the future?"

Not that he had any interest in knowing what his future held. He really didn't. His recent past hadn't been all that fantastic, and in all likelihood that pattern would continue. Otto would just as soon not know for certain. That way, he could be pleasantly surprised if things turned out well.

Robin shook her head. "We have a few Oracles somewhere in another Realm that keep contact with Oberon if anything starts to shift out of place. But that's mostly for big huge alterations to the universal balance. Things that could create true chaos. There are some human seers though. They're rare, and they can't change the big things, but they exist."

She sipped her wine thoughtfully. "I actually wouldn't be surprised if Mouse develops some degree of the Sight. I have a feeling she's in tune with the universe. It would certainly explain how she's survived so long. Knowing just where to go, what to take, who to avoid. A lot of that a child so young would not have mastered."

The actuators looked at one another. Future-seeing could be explained easily enough, as a subconscious organization and interpretation of data in accordance with past patterns. Even they could predict, to a limited extent. For example, they had been very good at predicting where Spiderman would try to hit them.

"What do I do if she does develop it?" Otto asked. "Will she be alright?"

Robin nodded. "Oh yes. And it wouldn't be for several more years yet. More than likely, it'll just be little things for her, like it is now. Vibes, I think mortals call them. Getting a good vibe about one thing, bad vibe about something else. That sort of thing. She'll be fine."

It was actually a handy trick for mortals to have. It helped them accept the crap the universe threw on them, and helped them to maneuver ways around things. Win-win.

"Oh, I see." A very useful trick- like Parker's spider-sense, or whatever he called it. Anything to help figure out what to do and when. Life was complicated enough. Any advantage was a good one.

He sipped his drink, studying her for a long moment. That thing she'd done to warn off that woman with the snake tongue... what had that been? Whatever it was, it had been unnerving to glimpse out of the corner of eye and camera, and he wanted a better look.

"May I ask you something?"

Robin sat down her own glass, perfectly composed under his scrutinizing gaze. Pucks did love to be admired, after all. She was no difference.

"Of course," she said, flashing him a perfect smile. No hobgoblin teeth this time, just shiny white little human teeth. Her lord did like for her to look her best, after all.

He reached out and tapped the back of her hand with a finger. It felt human to him, but she'd already demonstrated just how good she was with illusions.

"That's not what you really look like," he said calmly. "Is it?" Otto allowed no fear or accusation to show in his face or voice, merely simple curiosity, the image of a scientist who'd found an oddity.

Robin froze, and pulled back a little, letting both of her hands cup her wine glass. "Suppose it depends on your interpretation," she said slowly. "Is this my most basic form? No. But it is the one I wear most often, as it is more pleasing to my master. And I was born a human, so to some extent...it could be said it's closer to my true form. I don't know. Depends on how you see me. A human turned faerie, or just a hobgoblin."

Not that it mattered to her. She certainly didn't see herself as human. She just liked humans, that was all. They were fun to play with.

He continued to study her, Flo cocking her 'head' in perfect imitation of her host. Was there a way to see past the illusion? Or was it not an illusion, rather an actual shapechange? At length, he nodded, in understanding of her explanation.

"I'd like to see it sometime," he said, still in that calm voice. "If I may." Sadly, he'd only gotten the briefest impression of claws and teeth and long pointed ears when she'd sent the other creature away. For some reason, that half-glimpsed shape was more unsettling than a proper look, an almost ominous shadow in the corner of his eye. He couldn't say why it unnerved him so, beyond that he didn't like things in the corner of his eye; he would much rather look at them straight-on.

Robin gave him a long, weighted look. "We'll see," she said evenly, picking up her glass again. Her hobgoblin form was not something that she let out lightly. It tended to just make things more difficult, unless there was an actual fight to be had.

The scientist nodded and picked up his glass, idly swirling the liquid inside. "Fair enough," he told her. "I was just curious. I'm a scientist- it's something of an occupational hazard." He might not be able to publish, or do legitimate research, or really much of anything, but damnit, he was still a scientist. He'd earned that 'Doctor' in front of his name a dozen times over.

Robin nodded. "I understand," she said. "Have quite the curious streak myself. It's just that...for one thing, a hobgoblin in not a nice thing to look at. For another, shifting into that...it makes things more tempting. Things I don't normally do. It's just a little bit harder to keep it restrained when I'm in that form. This…this is better."

It helped to change, sometimes, like in battle. But by and large, she hated being in hobgoblin form. It made her feel vicious and ugly all at the same time. Oberon usually had to keep a strong presence in her head when she was like that, to keep her from doing something stupid.

"I can understand the second," he said, turning his head to glare at the actuators. Mo had the decency to look at least vaguely apologetic. The number of times they had encouraged him to act against certain pesky little things like morals, particularly right after the accident. Yes, he had an idea of what it was like. Even as desperate and grief-stricken as he'd been, he'd never would have stooped to bank robbery and kidnapping to get what he needed if they hadn't nudged him. Not a perfect comparison, but at least a basis for one.

"As for the first, I'm afraid I'm one of those people who is more unnerved by a glimpse out of the corner of the eye than a good long direct look. With this many eyes-" he gestured at the actuators- "I don't like it when something manages to sneak up on me. But your reasons are perfectly valid. I'll live. If what I did see was any indication, this shape is far easier on the eyes than your other." He casually sipped at his Scotch, one eyebrow slightly raised in an invitation to share the joke.

Robin smirked, slightly surprised by his attitude, given his reaction to her kiss. "You have no idea. But perhaps one of these days, I'll give you one." She smiled coyly, adjusting her position to sit up a little straighter, and do her form a bit more justice. Perhaps that visit to Rosie really had opened his mind a bit. Not that she was going to risk pushing anything.

Flo looked disapprovingly at him at the proto-flirtation. Otto, for his part, ignored the actuator. Rosie was right- he shouldn't lock himself away. Granted, that did not mean he was going to fling himself at the first pretty girl to walk by. But he saw no harm in opening up to Robin a little. She was quite fascinating, after all. And pretty. Quite pretty. Apparently she knew it, shifting slightly so that her curves were arranged to a bit better advantage.

And it was nice talking to her.

"Perhaps one of these days," he agreed. "I think... I'd like that."

Robin smiled, and leaned forward, brushing her lips against his cheek in a light kiss. "Come on," she said, pulling back. "It's getting late. Better get you home. Lots of nasties roaming about tonight--wouldn't do to leave the little one alone too long."

He hadn't been expecting her to kiss him this time any more than he had the last time- but now he didn't jerk away. He let her, smiling a bit shyly as he did and ignoring Flo's muttered we are going to have words.

She slid off of the stool, and headed for the door. Ishiah cleared his throat loudly. She turned and smirked at him. At his look, she rolled her eyes, and tossed a couple of gold coins onto the bar.

Ishiah picked them up, studying them. "These better not turn to mice once you're gone, Goodfellow," he said sternly. Robin just smiled.

"Ish, you I do that to you?" she answered sweetly.

"Would you do that to him?" he asked as they left the Ninth Circle. "Give him coins that would turn to mice?"

Robin smiled. "Without a second thought. But then, Ishiah and I go back. He's well familiar with tricksters. He probably expects it."

The night was drawing to a close, and she could feel the veil beginning to thicken. She wrapped her arms around herself, though she wasn't cold, as they walked. She had hidden the actuators again as they left, in case Otto just wanted to walk home. But she knew that might be difficult for him, so she added a bit of pain relief into the Glamour, and waited to follow his lead.

"What do you think? Up and over, or you want to just walk?" she asked.

Dark as it was, Otto hadn't bothered to put his goggles back on. The sunglasses would serve well enough against artificial lights. He looked up at the nearest building, trying to mentally gauge how far they were from the warehouse and whether or not his leg would stand for the hike back. It wasn't hurting as much as it could have been—though he suspected Robin had something to do with that.

"I think we can walk for a bit," he said. "Are you cold?"

Robin shook her head. "Nope. The weather doesn't really affect me like it does humans. It takes pretty extreme temperatures for me to feel hot or cold."

They moved through the streets, watching the party goers starting to trickle home. It was still early enough that some were still out having fun. There were hoots and hollers and squirts of silly string from the drunk and mischievous of the humans. Robin smiled and shook her head. Children. They were quite amusing though.

They walked in silence for several blocks, watching the most determined of the celebrants make their final rounds. Otto could only watch them with a sort of detached curiosity. Halloween had never been a favorite holiday of his. He'd once dressed up as Einstein, back in grade school, and that attempt at fitting in with children his age had blown up spectacularly in his face. So had his glasses when the bullies cornered him.

"Will you be coming by again?" he asked his companion. "I know Mouse would like to see you. I think she misses you."

Robin shrugged, shoving her hands in her pockets. "Sure. I'd like to see her too. I'll have to head back to Court in the morning, but I can pop by tonight. Come back when I can." Now that the March was over, things would be a little calmer. "Shouldn't be long."

Speaking of Mouse...Robin blinked out of existence for barely a moment, back so fast that Otto's eyes didn't have time to register she'd gone anywhere. No reason Mouse shouldn't have a bit of a Halloween treat.

where'd she go wait what The actuators gave a little squawk of confusion as she flickered out, then back in.

"You know, I don't think I'm going to ask what that was," he said, tucking his hands into his pockets.

Robin smiled. "Just grabbed a little treat for Mouse. The actuators saw me?" Interesting, that. They could detect what the human eye couldn't. That could mean that technology would become a problem for her kind--or at least for those who ventured into the cities.

Otto nodded. "They can see all sorts of things humans can't," he told her. "Fast movement in particular catches their attention. Never could figure out why. I don't recall programming them to notice things like that. But it's saved my life a few times, so I don't really question it."

as well you shouldn't you don't know everything

"Ah," Robin nodded. "Well, suppose that's a good thing."

They continued on, mostly in silence. But it was an easy, companionable silence. It wasn't often that Robin slowed down enough to just enjoy time with someone, but she found she rather liked it with Otto.

It wasn't often a person could find someone to be silent with. A conversational partner, that was easy. But someone you didn't have to talk to every moment... that was something different. Otto had only ever found two other people like that- Rosie and his friend Curt Connors. Now Robin had made the list.

The warehouse appeared as it always did, dark and rundown. That was more due to artifice these days rather than actual disrepair. Otto had spent a great deal of time shoring up the place in attempts to both block out the inevitable drafts and block the light from within at night. A building with lights on garnered attention if it was thought to be abandoned.

"Mouse?" he called softly as he and Robin went inside. "You still awake?"

Mouse was a very light sleeper. She had planned to stay awake until Otto got home, but it had started getting colder at night, and once she had snuggled under her blanket, she had drifted off. But she sat up quickly at the sound of Otto's voice.

"Yeah," she whispered, wrapping her blanket around her shoulders and tucking her feet under her. She could just barely make out the silhouette of a woman behind Otto--Robin was back, she realized.

Otto smiled and went to the little girl's side. "Just checking," he said, reaching over to brush some hair out of her eyes. It was getting long- should they try and do something about that? If he and Rosie had had children of their own, he might have a clue. "Robin wanted to stop by."

Mouse smiled at Otto, and looked over at Robin. The faerie woman smiled, coming over and sitting on a crate next to her bed. She spun a witch's hat out of thin air, and plopped it on Mouse's head. Then she made a smaller one for Tonto.

Robin reached into her pocket, and pulled out the foil covered chocolate witch she'd picked up for the girl. "Happy Halloween," she said, tossing the bar onto Mouse's bed.
Mouse studied it for a moment, then gave her a hesitant smile. Otto didn't seem upset, and he had brought Robin here. They must all be friends again.

Otto gave her a slight nod of encouragement. Things were okay between him and Robin now, so Mouse had no need to be worried. He rather thought the little witch's hat for the bear was a nice touch.

Harry curled over to inspect the hats, nudging them a little. really don't like when she does that breaking laws of physics

fun Mo interjected. He chirped and nuzzled Robin's hand to ask for a petting.

"Yes, happy Halloween, Mouse," Otto said, reaching over to straighten the hat on her head. "And you too, Robin."

Mouse smiled a little wider, settling Tonto in her lap and letting his hat tilt a little on his head. She had had no desire to go trick or treating, but the candy was nice. And she wouldn't have minded getting dressed up, if she could have found something. Especially something with a squishy skirt. She had always wanted something that spun when she did.

Robin nodded to Otto, and pulled out a second chocolate witch for him. She winked at him as she handed it over.

Otto took the second chocolate witch with a laugh and a nod. "Thank you," he said. The candy went into a pocket for later consumption. Briefly, he wondered what it might have been like to take Mouse out for trick-or-treating. He supposed that if they did it right, he and the actuators could have passed themselves off as a very good imitation of, well, themselves. But no, the cops weren't that stupid, and while loads of people dressed up as superheroes for Halloween, he'd never seen any dressing up as supervillains.

Overall, Otto was rather pleased with how this evening had turned out.

Mouse smiled at the exchange. She pulled the blanket in tighter, so that she was covering Tonto too. It was getting chilly out.

She yawned widely, covering it with a blanket covered hand. Pulling the chocolate into her lap, she broke off a piece and tasted it. It was pretty good.

Robin smiled, and jumped off the crate. "Should probably let you go back to sleep," she said, rubbing the girl's back.

Otto set Mouse's chocolate bar aside and gently ruffled her hair. "Come on," he said fondly, "Back to bed."

He got the girl re-settled and accompanied Robin to the main entrance. The gesture was more habitual politeness than anything else, since she could simply vanish and didn't have to bother with doors if she didn't want to.

"Thank you," he told her, taking one of her hands in his. "Thank you for everything."

Robin smiled softly at him. "You're most welcome, Otto," she answered. She squeezed his hand, then leaned up and kissed his cheek.

He didn't let her hand go when she pulled away. Rosie's words about moving on, having a life to live, about there being something more, all rang in his mind. Could she have perhaps known more than she was saying? That would be like her, if she thought he had something he needed to work out.

Oh, to hell with it all. If this didn't work out, it didn't work out, and he could extricate himself before it got too painful. If it did, well, it would only prove that Rosie was a very smart woman.

you're not going to oh no you're not you did

Ignoring the voices in his head, Otto leaned forward and almost shyly kissed Robin in return, catching her lips.

The kiss was unexpected, but Robin reciprocated. She reminded herself not to get too into it, as Otto was on shaky new ground. But she did let it deepen a little before pulling back.

She smiled at him, and patted his chest. "I should go," she said softly. "But I'll see you in a day or two, yeah?"

"Yeah," he said, a little breathlessly. He'd forgotten how first kisses could feel. "Yeah. See you soon."

She vanished, leaving him standing there.

Otto's got a crush Otto's got a crush

"Shut up, Mo."