Negative Man

“Well, alright.” Jim replied, still concerned but there was no reason for him to dig any further into this man’s medical history. When he said that he thought of him as his son, his mind went to Dick. When the young Grayson’s parents died, he’d been a young officer. It was his first case on the job and that kid had been in his life since. Jim checked in on him pretty often while he was living with Bruce Wayne. When he started dating his daughter, it was more of a reason for him to feel like the boy was apart of his family. “I understand what that’s like. I’m sure he’s fine, but I’ll have my officers looking for him. Can I get your number and your full name? I’ll call you if we find him.” 

.

Larry didn’t really enjoy talking about his condition anymore then the next person he was sure but he held the most noticeable issues being wrapped from head to toe daily and needing a lead lined room if he wanted to be free of them. He cared for Garfield a lot, there were moments he found himself thinking of him as his son even if their little family was something patched together due to the sickness of some man he had found himself people to love that loved him back. “Yeah, I’m sure he is, he is quite the amazing kid, very resilient and can handle anything. Thank you. I really appreciate it, my name is Larry Trainor, as for my number i can write it down for you” He mused, writing his name and number down to give to the others happily. “I also wrote down Rita’s name she is like his mother and in case you can’t get me I’ll be staying with her.”

-

Peter looked up at his mother before glancing up at Larry. “If somebody pushes me, Mama says, push them back,” he revealed. “But I don’t do that.” He didn’t think his father would like it very much if he did. Peter gave a little gasp of excitement as Larry revealed that he’d probably met Jim, his little face lighting up. “Yeah, that’s him!” he said eagerly. “That’s my daddy. He helps people all the time.” Peter’s tone was boastful as he spoke about his dad, a bright smile wreathing his little face. He giggled. “T’ank you, I hope so.” Babs couldn’t help the little sigh that left her lips. She really wouldn’t mind it if Peter decided to become something else. “I own the Sirens Club,” she explained. “And she runs a happy house,” Peter interjected, which made her laugh. “Half-way house.” Peter looked up at Larry. “You’re a pilot?” he said. “Like in the sky n’stuff?”

.

Larry looked at the other letting out a soft chuckle at Peter's words he was a very sweet kid “I have to say pushing other kids isn’t always the answer but sometimes it's okay to stand up for yourself as well. Within reason” He mused looking at the other nodding his head “He was very helpful. I felt a little bad when I found out he was technically off duty, but I’m very grateful for it.” He mused glad the kid seemed so proud of his father. Part of him missed that with his own sons but now he’d started a new family. “Just don’t forget about looking out for your mother, after all you have plenty of time before police academy” He mused taking in his mothers sigh no mother wanted their kid to enter in a field that could end in them getting hurt. “That’s amazing. I've definitely seen the outside of the club when I came into the city. Wow you run a half-way house that’s amazing, I’m sure in this city its very needed.” He mused before nodding his head “Yeah, like up in the sky and everything, I was part military and was pilot who managed rocket ships actually.”  

With Niles gone (and as much as she wanted to say ‘good riddens’ she also missed the man dearly) Larry became the person Rita had known longest in her very very long life. He was her partner and he always would. There was no one who knew her better, there was no one who knew him better, despite her own vanity she did pay attention (sometimes). “I would never Larry,” She responded with her tone loud and dramatic as per usual. “I wouldn’t sell you for decent fabric and labels, I’d sell you for the very best.” Despite the joke Rita was unable to waste even a moment before she added. “That was a joke Larry. I would never sell anyone for anything, especially not you.” She smiled at him with affection and fondness. “You, Larry Trainor, are priceless.” There would be no amount of money worth living a life without him in it as well. “That is where you and I differ, I would have been happy if he stayed young forever. He’d never have to see the harsh realities of life, I’d protect him from them and he’d be able to be happy.” But she spoke only of fantasy, the true world had no such shield for him no matter how much she wished differently. “You make it sound like your plants are a punishment Larry, I find them quite lovely in my opinion. I even have a plant in my home as well, now that you’re here you could help.” Help, take all the plant responsibilities, tomato tomato. “I wouldn’t say outgoing.” She didn’t have enough nerve to be out in the world truly just yet, she’d stumbled onto them by accident or perhaps even fate if one believed in such a thing. “There is my friend Miss Barbara Kean. She is wonderful. Very fun to drink wine with, she even owns her own establishment. There’s a curfew for men, but I’m sure she’ll make an exception for you. It’s not like you could even show skin, I don’t know who better an exception could be made for.” Rita explained. “There is also a lovely young man I met named Jeremiah. I’ve been teaching him the correct way to put on makeup, he is learning quite well.” She grinned proudly as she spoke of it. “He stops by from time to time, so hopefully you’ll meet him soon. He’s splendid, and so is Barbara, and so are you.”

.

Much of Larry’s life was controlled by the chief part of him who often felt it was like a punishment for who he was and how hard he tried to hide it. Rita was his first real friend, someone who knew who he was and what he was and didn’t care one bit. With Rita he found peace, understanding and love in a way he was desperate for. He couldn’t imagine a world without her in it, which led him to follow her to Gotham, things seemed empty in that mansion with her away in the city. “Aah forgive me my fashion hasn’t changed since the sixties you’d be lucky to get me out of this turtleneck” he teased her before turning serious when she mentioned the joke “Yes I know Rita just as I would never sell you short, and you're the priceless one here I’m just the healthy backup” He teased her for a moment before wrapping an arm around her for a moment knowing that she longed for that. “It's part of growing up, to learn and fail on his own, we will always be there for him regardless of any mistakes or time past and he knows that. Look at all he’s accomplished since leaving there, I’ve seen you looking through the scrapbook I’ve made of his journey.” He mused knowing that they had loads of love to give and that loving Garfield was something they’d do forever. He felt himself chuckle at the name “So I may have met her and her darling son, plus her ex, I do love Peter, he is such a bright kid, makes me miss….mine…” He paused knowing that Rita would know without him even speaking of it. “A male curfew huh? I suppose I’d go if you wanted to, given my inability to drink or eat in public anyhow.” He chuckled before smiling “A boy named Jeremiah who wears makeup? He sounds rather interesting. I'll look forward to meeting him when he pops around.”  

-

Jeannette gave a little shrug as he spoke. “It was many years ago,” she said. “And I do not need your pity. It is what it is, as they like to say now.” She looked at him for a moment, her lips twitching. “What happens when your nose itches?” she asked, trying not to laugh, though a few giggles escaped anyway. “Or when your eyes water?” She wrinkled her nose. “What happens when you sneeze?”

.

Larry looked at the other for a moment he didn’t feel pity about how much he hated those looks himself but he wasn’t sure if he should even point out that it wasn’t pity he felt. “Its not pity, no one should go through such pain.” he replied leaving it at that before looking at her in truth he hardly felt anything but safety with his bandages. Without them people would die and that wasn’t something he’d ever want to happen. “I’m usually pretty fine, I’ve sneezed before without much issue.”

Sometimes Rita wondered what would have become of her if she’d been as brave as Garfield. Then, she remembered her first venture outside the manor in over 50 years where she brutalized a town so horribly they made a play casting her as the main villain. So no, she wasn’t that brave. Gotham though, it was different then any other place. If Rita ever lost herself to her own emotions she would be stopped. Hopefully non lethally but if need be so she’d understand. She couldn’t stand the idea of squashing more people or ruining everything simply because she lacked control. “That’s a trick question,” She declared, her hand moving with her voice to match her words. “I love both you and my wardrobe. Also it should be noted I am never a mess.” She pointed her finger at him thoroughly as she said this but smiled as well, she couldn’t help it (she’d missed him so much). “Oh shush, it’s the opposite of compliments that explodes me remember.” As much as she tried to make a joke of it her smile dampened at her own mention of it. “Yes… and here we are. The same.” It was always a looming sorrow, never growing out of her problems. Yet it never hurt like this before, the sight of Garfield aging while they remained the same being far worse then anything Rita had felt before. “Yes, that’d be quite wonderful.” She declared, bringing forth her grin and not offering to take any of the suitcases from Larry. “Oh! And I’ve made some friends.” At least she had some good news to share. 

.

Larry found no matter what he’d always had Rita, things seemed to always change with time but not her she stayed the same as him. It was strange to think of how long they’d really been here on Earth living their lives so different yet similar. “Trick question huh, well we both know you’d sell me for some decent fabric and designer label.” He teased her knowing how much she enjoyed her fashion. He even went as far as to get her things for her birthday and Christmas just to see the joy fill her eyes. “Oh see you’ve been gone far too long I’ve almost completely forgotten.” He joked before moving to take her hand “Hey, it's a good thing he is growing up, I would never want him to stay a kid forever. Plus You’ll always have me no matter what so lose the sorrow or I’ll have to return to tend my plants.” He mused looking around he’d always be there for Rita no matter what they’d formed a deep bond over the years and he’d always find himself within her company. “Made friends? You are turning into quite the outgoing person in my absence. What are these friends of yours like?”

-

Peter nodded as Larry spoke, his little hand still safely held in Barbara’s own. “Yeah, s’okay to fall down sometimes,” he said. “Everybody falls down. But you gotta get up.” He paused, thinking on it. “But also, don’t push people down. Das not nice.” He giggled at Larry’s question, his face lighting up. “Yeah!” he said brightly. “My daddy is commiss…” He stopped again, trying to untangle the big word. He’d been working on it. “Comm-ission-er,” he said carefully. “N’Dick is one of my best friends. In the whole world!” He kept a hold of his mother’s hand even when he spread his arms out to indicate the world. “He’s a cop too. I’m gonna be a cop someday.” Babs gave a little shrug. “No, you didn’t,” she said. “The perks of owning a club, I work late and my days are free.” And mostly empty, if Peter had a playdate or was at school, but anyway. Peter giggled and shrugged. “Yeah, but it counts! How else you make friends?”

.

Larry had to admit Peter was beyond adorable, the kid was kind and excited about meeting someone new and telling him things. It made him long for his son, and the time he’d missed but he quickly pushed that thought away with no sense in bringing down the mood. “That is very correct, pushing is rude.” He replied before turning his eyes between the mother and son as they both spoke “Oh? I actually might’ve met him then, he offered me assistance in finding my friend. Your daddy was very kind to me. I’m sure you’ll make a very good cop, you sound very fair and kind from what I’ve heard so far” He replied nodding his head at Babs as she spoke of her job he was glad not to be a bother. “It does still count and back in my day, we usually made friends through school and work. I met my best friend when I was working my way up to be a pilot, he even became my crew chief.”

-

Jeannette snorted softly, arching an eyebrow. “Ah, yes, it was quite enjoyable,” she said dryly. “I am not sure what my favorite part was. Perhaps it was the years of servitude to a monster, or when they struck off my head.” She shrugged. “I suppose it is better than drinking alone, why not?” She paused, a curiosity coming to her. “Can you smell through those?” she said. “It would be rather cruel to bring you to a cafe so you could smell the coffee and the pastries. I am not a mon–” She paused, grinning. “Well, actually, I am a monster, but you know what I mean.”

.

Larry looked at the other listening to her speak he’d seen plenty of horrible things there was no denying that. “I can actually relate to being in service to a monster for years so I’m sorry that  happened to you.” He replied honestly the Chief was the reason he even had this thing within him and he couldn’t leave the house without these bandages there wasn’t much love lost there. “I can smell, and I enjoy cooking for my family I just can’t partake in anything,” he replied looking at her with a nod of the head he understood what she meant.

“Should I be concerned?” Jim asked, raising a brow at the other man. What was he hiding behind those bandages that would endanger everyone? And why would he say that in front of a cop. “A green teenager.” It was Gotham after all. He cleared his throat. “Is he your kid? Or under your protection?” 

.

Larry knew plenty of people worried but he had a good handle on keeping his bandages tight and keeping people safe “Nothing to be concerned about, just no medic can help my issue is all.” He replied before nodding his head “Yeah I helped raise him, so I think of him as my son, I know Gotham was hit pretty hard...I’m worried he might have been affected.”

-

Peter beamed up at him and nodded. “Yeah, sometimes I fall down,” he said, with a little shrug. “Like when I’m playing n’stuff, you know. An’ I have a cat. His name is Badge. Sometimes he scratches me.” His eyes widened as though he was concerned Larry would get the wrong idea. “On accident. He’s a nice kitty.” Babs put a protective hand on her son’s little shoulder. Peter trusted everyone, because he was an innocent child, but she was far more cynical. She had probably been far more cynical when she was his age. “Thank you,” she said. “I know he is.” She paused. “I’m Barbara,” she said. “This is Peter.” Peter flashed Larry another smile. “See, now we’re not stwangers anymore!”

.

Larry couldn’t help but smile yet none saw it given his wrappings but this boy was rather kind unlike many in this world he hoped he never lost that innocence. “That’s understandable after all it's good you have fun while playing. Don’t worry I used to have a cat, I know all about the accidental scratches. Is your cat named after a police Badge?” He questioned curiously before nodding his head at the mother. “It's nice to meet you both, I’m sorry if I’ve disturbed your day it wasn’t my intention” He replied honestly before chuckling “True we aren’t, but you know that’s more of a loophole than anything.”

Losing Garfield had been difficult, to say the very least. She knew it was going to happen long before it actually did, and Rita let him go with grace. At least, the first day. There were many times she thought back to that day and regretted it, wished she would have fought for him to stay, wished she had been more selfish. Then, she hated herself just a bit, for being so utterly selfish when Gar deserved more. “Oh Larry and here I thought I couldn’t love you even more.” She gleamed with happiness and excitement. “And my shoes too I’m hoping?” She asked, knowing she was pushing her luck. “Yes you are and you should say it more.” She teased him. “Oh I’d hardly call it a celebration, it had been awful Larry. Just awful. I’m glad you missed it.” She smiled fondly at the mention of Garfield. “He isn’t a teenager anymore Larry, he’s all grown up.” There was nostalgia and grief in her voice, as well as pride. 

.

Larry found that he was glad they’d been able to give Garfield a life outside of the Mansion but that didn’t mean they didn’t miss his presence by any means; it was like their joy had been taken away for a while until they could find it together within their family. He chuckled, shaking his head “do you love me? Or just the fact I know what a mess you’d be without your wardrobe?” he lightly teased her, it had been good to see her again he felt like he was with his family once again. “I brought a few, not the lot, after all, it's not like we are hoping to move here” He explained handing over the bag before laughing “Should I really? I’m not quite sure your ego could take more of my compliments Rita, can’t have that exploding.” He joked before nodding his head, sighing, he missed the little boy he was but he was damn proud of the young man he’d grown up to be. “Hopefully wishes, I still remember the little kid Chef brought home, he is all grown up now isn’t he?” He mused the longing clear in his voice before he turned to look at her “We should probably get our stuff to your place less we cause too much commotion.”

If he was older then this current time period then he must be eons older then Nora was. At least the age she would be born in this reality. Shit, a tiny her was probably already running around. The thought gave her a shudder, the last thing she wanted to do was run into herself or her parents. That was what she came here to avoid after all. “Well there’s a first for everything,” She said, perking right back up. “Oh yeah, for sure, that whole airplane-y thing you got going on, a scarf adds perfectly to it.” She shrugged her shoulders. “Don’t sound so ashamed, did you choose to be mummified? If so, sure, feel shame. If not, just remind yourself to be angry at whoever did it to you.” 

.

Larry found that he had rather stuck in what he wore over the years given he tried much to hide his bandages so he didn’t have to look at them everyday. But lately, he’d started living his life again even with how difficult it tended to be he still tried to get out of his shell more with the help from Rita and their little family. “Well, I’m glad I give off the airplane-y vibe seeing how that was my job before my accident.” He mused replying to her he still loved the idea of flying even if he couldn’t right in this moment. “Not my choice by any means, so I suppose you are right I shouldn’t feel ashamed but at times it's hard to break bad habits.”

-

Jeannette wrinkled her nose. “Well, my dear, simply because it is vintage does not make it fashionable,” she said. “Believe me, the past certainly is not all it is cracked up to me. I have been around for much of it.” She shrugged. “I will try it,” she said, and paused, looking over at him. “I assume you cannot…?” She gestured toward her own mouth, in regard to the bandages stretching across Larry’s lips. 

.

Larry sighed he didn’t really care much for appearance anymore when one went through life looking the way he did. He could only imagine the woman’s horror if she saw what lay under the bandages. “Special powers that allowed you to face the sands of time and still keep your youth should’ve taken that adventure instead of mine.” he replied back not one to really hold back when he talked before nodding his head “No I can’t, the most I could offer you is company while you enjoy your coffee.”

Barbara had been walking down the street, with Peter holding her hand, and it was the little boy’s attention that had led to Larry’s response. “Are you hurted?” Peter asked, his brow furrowing in concern as he looked up at Larry. “I have unicorn bandaids. D’you need one?” He paused, considering. “Well, Mama has dem. She carries dem fo’ me.” Babs huffed a little, drawing Peter closer out of instinct. “Darling, don’t bother him,” she said softly, though her eyes were trained on Larry, mistrusting. “You don’t know him.” 

.

Larry looked at the sweet as he spoke, he couldn't help but smile even though he knew his mother was completely right about talking to strangers. He missed when his boys were this young, no matter what he loved his family “You have unicorn Band-Aids huh? That’s very thoughtful but these bandages do the word for me save your unicorns” He mused before turning his attention to the mother once again “He didn’t bother me, but your mother is right you shouldn’t talk to strangers, My name is Larry Trainor, you have a very kind son if you don’t mind me stating.”

“Vintage, ah what a fun word.” Especially when you had time travel at your disposal. If his outfit was vintage in this time period she couldn’t imagine how old it would be considered in her own. His did look a bit worn out though, his following words only confirmed it. “Why not try something new then?” Nora prompted. “Or at least mix up the look a little, maybe a scarf?” Her brow quirked, interest keened in an instant. “Not offhand but I’m sure I could find one if you gave me time.” Not that she would, it was a bit too much out of the way for a stranger. Though Nora felt the need to mention she was capable though. “Well you’re doing a fantastic job, I don’t see an ounce of skin.” She congratulated. “Completely mummified.” 

.

“It’s the most fitting one I think” Larry replied, looking at the other he found that he enjoyed his outfit and hardly ever varied from his turtleneck and long coat. This was all he was able to have during his time that made him feel somewhat comfortable in his skin so to speak. “I don’t know, never really had the thought of changing it up, to be honest.” He replied before shrugging “A scarf you think would add to my aesthetic then?” He teased before nodding his head with a slight sigh “Yep Mummified is the perfect way to describe me…”

“Yeah, I am.” Jim replied. “Can I ask why not?” He questioned. Maybe it was the detective in him, but he tended to want answers when he was posed questions. He was nearing the end of his shift, so he knew that he should say no. He should call for another officer to come and help him but- “Sure, I’d love to help. Who are you looking for? Can I get a name and description?” 

.

Larry looked up at the other “It’s not something that can be medically fixed, these bandages are for everyone’s protection.” he replied shrugging his shoulders probably better if he didn’t mention why he needed to keep them on. “I’m looking for Garfield Logan? He is a rather green teenager I’m sort of hoping that is the norm around here but I could be wrong it’s been a while since I’ve been to Gotham..”

-

Jeannette looked over at him, arching an eyebrow. “As truly tragic as…” She waved her hand in his direction. “…this entire aesthetic is, I was not particularly concerned. I was quite happy to ignore your homage to consignment stores.” She shrugged her shoulders delicately, giving him another look. The coat really was terrible. “I was merely going to ask you if you had any idea where on earth you can get a decent cup of coffee around here.”

.

“Sorry to be an insult to the eyes, and it’s vintage, not consignment there is a difference I might add” Larry looked around where they were standing. It wasn't as if he was one who really left the house for coffee seeing how he never ate. “There is one there at the end of the corner from what I can see here I don’t know if they are any good” he replied beside pulling out his phone to check the reviews “people online say they are good, might be worth the try.”