Much to his surprise, however, Dan didn’t put up any resistance, instead leaning into him, grabbing handfuls of Elliot’s shirt as though his life depended on it. Elliot’s hands cradled Dan’s face, pulling him closer, as though even the smallest distance between them was too much to bear.
“Jesus.” Danny wheezed, backing away and looking at the now disappeared twins before turning back to Elliot, “I said sell it, not convince Satan to buy his own timeshare in hell.”
Elliot’s head was blank, but not too blank for a stupid quip, “That good, huh?”
Danny’s face flushed bright red, “No. I mean. No. Shut up.”
Danny began to storm off down the sidewalk.
“What?” Elliot whined, “Too tired to run from your gay thoughts? You gotta briskly walk away and hope for the best?”
“Shut up.” Danny huffed, avoiding eye contact as Elliot easily kept his pace.
“I’m just kidding!” Elliot said, clearly proud of how flustered he had gotten Danny, “Who the hell were those pricks?”
“I don’t want to talk about it.” Danny said flatly, his face finally becoming a normal shade again.
Elliot went to press it, but was interrupted by the sound of screeching metal.
~
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Danny groaned, watching in frustration as some man in a large robotic...toad tore through the city streets.
“Man, they just keep getting less creative with this shit.” Elliot said flatly, gaping at the poorly made machinery, “Robot frog? What’s next, Robotoad?”
“That one actually doesn’t sound so bad!” Danny yelled over the people screaming as he grabbed Elliot’s hand, pulling them towards an alleyway, “Cover me.”
“What do you mean, cover you?!” Elliot panicked, “I don’t have any powers! I can’t be your sidekick!”
“What?” Danny asked incredulously, “No, stupid. Make sure no one follows us here. Secret identity and all.”
“Oh yeah.” Danny said blankly, I could be a sidekick, asshole. It’s rude to look all shocked.
Elliot made sure no one watched as Danny pulled his magic bracelet, his outfit changing.
Danny hopped out, throwing his change of clothes at Elliot, “Get out of here in case it gets rough.”
“He’s a robot frog, how “rough” could it get?” Elliot asked sarcastically, making a mental note to ask Danny how that bracelet worked later.
A car flew into the air, answering Elliot’s question.
Danny shot him a look before dashing out into the madness.
Elliot wanted to listen to Danny, really, he did, but the need to stay and watch was much stronger than the need to obey his new friend’s wishes.
Oddly enough, it seemed like they may actually be friends now.
As he watched Danny toss the robot moron into the air without so much as lifting a finger, it struck Elliot as slightly amusing that the worst part of these altercations seemed to be the civilians down below. Watching the obvious pains that Danny took not to hurt any civilians seemed to be the hardest part for him.
Didn’t stop him from punching me, Elliot thought in amusement as he lightly touched his jaw. It hadn’t actually bruised that badly, but it was becoming apparent that without the magic part of his powers, Danny was actually...well, not strong.
Elliot didn’t want to use the word “weak” to describe Daniel Chae.
There was nothing weak about him.
From his vantage point, which was gaping like a moron on the sidewalk while people ran by, Elliot noticed a second robot...thing making it’s way towards Danny, who had the other one cornered. Elliot tried yelling, but with the frenzy around them it seemed like a lost cause.
His heart sank, He doesn’t see the other one.
Elliot looked around for somewhere to set Danny’s clothes, opting for beside a fire hydrant, before trying to push his way through the crowd.
“D-” Elliot stopped himself, “MERLIN!”
Calling him that felt awkward, but Elliot rolled with it, yelling as he pushed his way past screaming idiots and even bigger idiots standing there with cell phones, recording the ordeal.
He made his way to the clearing as the other robot got closer behind Danny.
Not the best at thinking on his feet, Elliot opted for the only thing he could think of, hopping closer as he pulled off his shoe.
“Hey, Franklin!” He yelled, tossing the boat shoe unceremoniously at the back of robot-frog’s head, “Pick on...someone...your own size.”
The man and machine turned, facing Elliot. A part of him was shocked to see an actual person inside of it, despite knowing that their had to be one. The other part of him kicked himself for not making an Alien reference.
Danny looked over at him, shock evident in his face.
“Behind you!” Elliot yelled, throwing his other shoe in a desperate attempt to keep the guy staring at him murderously through a ski mask distracted.
Danny dodged a hit from the one behind him while the other one picked Elliot up effortlessly.
“You’ve got to be all kinds of stupid, kid.” The man sneered, tightening the machine's grip on Elliot.
“And you must be various shades of illiterate,” Elliot smirked, “But on the record; yes. I am very stupid.”
Elliot attempted to kick his way out of the grip, but that only made it tighter.
“Hey boss,” the guy yelled to the other robot, “Is this thing important?”
“We only got orders for the Asian!” The other one responded, his accent thick but incapable of tracing. “Toss, 'em!”
Before Elliot could say anything, he was tossed into the nearest building.
~
Elliot awoke to a sharp pain ringing through his ears.
“Oh thank god!” He heard someone exclaim breathlessly, his confusion keeping him from placing the voice.
Bits and pieces of memory creeped their way back into Elliot’s mind as he slowly opened his eyes, blinking against the harshness of the lights above him.
Christmas lights?
Danny’s face popped up above him, “Are you okay? Can you hear me? Jesus fuck healing magic is not my strong suit please don’t be dead I don’t want you to die you’re too heavy to get rid of-”
“Shh,” Elliot hissed, wincing as he tried to sit up, “Stop talking.”
Danny sighed, although Elliot couldn’t tell if it was from relief or he just hoped it was.
A sharp pain ripped through his side and he yelped, “Shit.”
“Hang on,” Danny said gently, “I’ll probably have better luck now that you’re awake.”
“With what?” Elliot croaked, almost completely melting as a warm feeling suddenly replaced the pain that was just in his side.
Danny chuckled, “With that. Good.” he breathed a loud sigh of relief, “It’s working better now.”
Elliot relaxed into whatever was happening, the sharp pains dissipating as it became easier to breathe. He took a moment to drink in the feeling, and surroundings, and gentle scent of lavender, just barely there but enough that it was notable.
He came to the conclusion that this was Danny’s room, as it should have been obvious from the sheer amount of unrecognizable band posters, Christmas lights tacked to the walls, and an inordinate amount of pillows.
“How do you feel? Danny asked, caution heavy in his voice.
Elliot sat up, stretching his back, “Much bet-”
Danny smacked him in the back of the head.
“Ouch!” Elliot yelled.
“What in the actual hell is wrong with you?” Danny frowned, “Are you fucking stupid?”
Elliot took a pause before responding, “...Yes?”
Danny groaned, “Jesus, you could have died! If you’re feeling better let’s just...take you home.”
“What was I supposed to do?” Elliot said, “That thing was coming at you!”
“I could have handled myself, idiot! You’re not exactly equipped for combat!”
“So? I helped, didn’t I?” Elliot was growing frustrated, “I panicked, and it seemed like the right thing to do?”
Danny paused, hopping off from where he had been sitting, “It’s just weird. You’re weird.”
Elliot’s eyes narrowed, “What the hell does that mean?”
“Well,” Danny frowned, “One minute you’re blackmailing me and the next you attack robots with your ugly shoes and...I don’t know man. I want to congratulate you on growing a moral compass today, but like...don’t be fucking stupid about it!”
“I didn’t just grow it today, okay? It’s been a weird couple of days for me.” Elliot slowly eased himself off the bed, expecting it to hurt but much to his surprise, he felt fine.
Better than fine.
Elliot cleared his throat, “Am I fine to walk home, doc?”
Danny shrugged, “I mean, yeah. But I had another idea that you might be into, I don’t know. Clearly, you’re dedicated to this whole wild card shtick.”
“What did you have in mind?” Elliot said, rolling his eyes.
He had a point, because even Elliot didn’t know what Elliot’s deal was anymore.
Danny walked over to his window, sliding it open with all of the grace of a newborn baby giraffe, “It’s not private jet, but if you’re willing to risk a little...uh...awkwardness, it’s worth it.”
Elliot felt his eyebrow raise, “Are you going to princess carry me?”
Danny’s face was bright red, “Uh...no. Unless that’s easier I guess? I don’t know man, don’t make it weird.”
Elliot chuckled, “It’s fine. No princess carry it is.”
“So uh…” Danny flustered, “Just...uhm...grab my waist I guess?”
Elliot walked over, facing Danny as he slid his arms around his waist, “Don’t make it weird, Danny boy.”
“Do you want to walk home, asshole?” Danny groaned, grabbing onto Elliot’s arms and pushing him off, “I gotta get airborne first, stupid.”
“All this name calling, you may as well pull my pigtails.” Elliot grinned, watching another shade of red darken Danny’s face.
Danny lifted into the air, pushing out of the window before extending a hand to Elliot, “Now you can hop aboard.”
Elliot snickered.
“T-That’s not what I meant.” Danny flushed, “Just come on.”
Elliot took his hand and Danny pulled him close, launching the two of them into the air.
Danny would have been lying if he said he didn’t enjoy Elliot’s terrified shrieking, “Make it weird, and I drop you.”
Elliot clung tighter, “M-my lips are sealed!”
Oh thank god, Danny thought with amusement.
It wasn’t a long trip, but it was enough that Elliot remembered he wasn’t fond of heights. At least, he definitely wasn’t now.
As the city passed beneath them, Elliot could only hear the roar of the air around them, whirring of city noises, and his heartbeat- which was definitely only loud because he was terrified of heights.
Danny slowly landed them onto the fire escape just outside of Elliot’s window.
“You remembered which one was mine? I’m impressed.” Elliot said, hoping the slight wheeze to his voice was unnoticeable as he unwrapped himself from Danny and re-wrapped himself onto the railing of the fire escape.
“Hard to believe you’re the same guy who almost died throwing boat shoes at robots.” Danny said flatly, “You alright there, big guy?”
No, I have to pee and I want to cry, “Yeah, of course.”, Elliot choked.
Danny laughed, “Right. Well, this was more fun than it needed to be. When do you need me again, almighty blackmailer?”
Elliot blinked, “Uh...what?”
“You didn’t get a suit or whatever.” Danny shrugged, “And you still wanted to...you know...interview me.”
“You say that like you actually want to hang out with me.” Elliot said as he pathetically climbed into his bedroom window, I really need to work out.
Danny shrugged, “You’re not the worst person I know.”
“So I’ve seen.” Elliot quipped, ashamed of his breathing from just climbing into the window.
“And you saved my life.” Danny added, oddly rushed, “I mean, you can’t be all that bad.”
There was an odd lull in conversation before Danny sighed, “I guess I’ll be off then?”
Elliot kicked himself, “Hypothetically,” he spat, hurriedly, “if I had deleted those videos, hypothetically, would you still..uh...let me interview you?”
You idiot! Of course he’s going to say no! Say goodbye to your career you stupid-
“Hypothetically?” Danny asked with a smirk.
Elliot groaned.
“Yeah, I guess.” Danny said nonchalantly, “We’re friends now...I think.”
“Making out in public will do that.” Elliot said in an attempt to fluster Danny so he wouldn’t notice Elliot himself was rather flustered.
“Right. So...uh...did you? Hypothetically, I mean...” Danny asked, his expression unreadable.
“Hypothetically I might have last night? You know....Hypothetically.” Elliot winced at how awkward he sounded.
Goodbye Starlight City, goodbye career aspirations. I hope you’re happy. Threw it all away for a cute face, your mother would be so proud. You’re just like your father. Dumbass.
“Well, you have my sincerest thanks...hypothetically.” Danny grinned, “So uh...text me when you’re ready to try and get a suit again?”
Elliot blinked back, “Uh...sure.”
“Although, hypothetically, you owe it to me to get the hot dog shirt.” Danny smiled.
Elliot’s mouth felt dry, “If I get that stupid shirt can we stop using the word hypothetically?”
“You started it!” Danny crossed his arms, causing him to float, “But sure.”
“Thank god.” Elliot mumbled.
Danny waved awkwardly, “Well, let me know if you need anything I guess.”
“Yeah. Sure. Okay.” Elliot muttered out all at once, several words sounding like one.
“Goodnight, weirdo." Danny went to head off but paused, "By the way, Franklin is a turtle. Not a frog."
"Fuck you." Elliot leaned forward, watching Danny disappear into the night before flopping backwards, letting confusion wash over him.
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