Starlight

“That’s something you do for a living?” Steph gaped at him, eyes wide. Most of their outfits came from Bruce’s mysterious tech. None had been made with the idea of fashion in mind, although there were elements to both the Robin and Batgirl suits that made each of them meaningful in their own right. “I dunno. It’s not really up to me. I’m not the, uh… original.” Not the original Batgirl or the original Robin.

“Pretty much, and thanks to my power set it was kind of a no brainer to do this sort of thing.” Lark said as his fingers kept working on the fabric he was trying to create. “Why not just ask if you could use the name? The worst thing they could say is no, and then you could just look for a brand new name that speaks to you. Of course we’d have to work on a color scheme design, and make sure you look good while making it optimal and safe for you.” he finally said turning around with a smile. “I know a lot about people wanting to live up to legacies and names, my boyfriend is technically mutant jesus.”

Since the inception of the Fantastic Four many years earlier, Reed had always made their suits himself. He’d had to. There was no other way to achieve functional uniforms that he’d found, outside of the Unstable Molecules he used to create them. It was the only way he’d found to adapt clothing to each of them - Sue’s invisibility, Johnny’s flame, Ben’s unique physicality, and his own near limitless malleability. The team wasn’t back together, though, not yet, and he had so many other things to focus on. It gave him both a great deal of time and what felt like none at all, so when he caught wind of a mutant in District X with a very unique ability, he’d reached out. The worst case scenario was that the suits didn’t work and he created his own again. It wouldn’t be the end of the world. There was really nothing to lose. More than that, he was also just curious. 

He triggered the door to open from his lab and met Lark as he came inside. The building was still being finished, but the laboratory had been constructed first. He could sleep somewhere else, if necessary, but he needed somewhere to work. 

“I’m always keeping an eye out for anyone or anything that can do something differently. Maybe even better.” He offered a smile and reached for the packages, stretching his arms just a little beyond what would’ve been natural for a regular human to achieve. “Maybe I’ll learn something.” 

Lark was struck in a state of awe, his eyes bouncing to the many things laid about the room, as his heart beat against his rib cage. His face was stone cold, not betraying all that he truly felt inside as he was taught to mask even the faintest glimmer of anything as a child. Clearing his throat, he couldn’t truly mask it all as a faint blush brushed his cheeks in pinks and reds. Lark was still surprised that his work had reached far past that of just the need of the x-men and their numerous teams. Far past the needs of students with special mutations that required his undivided attention. “Better might be an overstatement, I don’t really have the access to a lot of technology most would need to create works of art.”

“Are you seriously asking me to play with your puppy? Because uh - duh - you don’t even have to ask.” Steph was already cooing and kneeling down on the floor. Motioning to the puppy, she grinned up at Lark. “Mochi? That’s adorable. And you’re lucky, because free things happen to be my favorite things.” And if a chance existed for something as simple as playing with a puppy, then she was down.

“Yup, I am. Good, because I seriously need to think about what the hell I’m going to do when he start getting bigger.” Lark smiled, before looking at his ball of fluff. “Anything you want, I specialize in making suits for supers, and I might be able to create self repairing fibers without the need to use nano technology. So um, you could ask for a custom design and or one of the prototypes to this.”

“Hey there, I know you just walked into my shop and this is probably gonna be really weird to ask, but could you play with my puppy while I finish my latest project?” Lark said to the girl as he waved with his puppy’s hand at her. “His name is mochi, he’s trained, but he’s very hyper, and if you do this I’ll let you have whatever you want for free. Cause if I get this done, well I might just become the number 1 hero costumer in the world...or y’know, the tri-state area.”

“Me? Selfish? Did I say that? I mean it though. I never had someone to worry about me before. I was alone most of my life.”  Nathan states with a grin, looking over at Lark with that comment. He was lucky to have Redd and Slim for a while but they eventually had to leave. He was sad at first but life moved on. It had to, right? Nathan might not have ever been in a relationship before but likes that they’re slowly becoming more with each day. It all happened sort of randomly, didn’t it? The way he walked into his workspace for a new suit to be made and took a chance on that random date. Sometimes the best things come out of spontaneous actions. Nathan is too anxious to go train, using his telekinesis to grab his sword off the wall where it was mounted. The three foot long blade resting on his back now. “When was the last time you train ed?”” Nathan is already heading down the hall after they kiss, too eager to get his hands on a danger room season.  “I usually do these with my dad but it’ll be fun to do one with someone else. Especially to see how well we work together in a time of crisis, don’t you think?” He extends a hand out for Lark to hold on the walk to the danger room if he wishes.

“You might’ve mentioned it here and there, can’t quite remember.” Lark smiled listening to Nate talk about how he’s been alone most of his life, mirroring his own upbringing. “Promise me that you won’t go up and leave me alone then. I’ve been alone most of my life too, but if you’re there it won’t feel like that anymore.” Admitting that took a lot out of the mutant, feeling as if his inner self was screaming at him for confessing such vulnerability. But it felt so good to do so at the moment, just as it did when his fingertips were being tickled by Nathan’s soft curls. Lark didn’t really expect much out of the date he got on a whim, but now he really couldn’t see his days without this man. “Probably a few months so I will be quite rusty, not that I won’t be able to pull my own weight.” It was hard to knock out all the training and forget all those years back when he was a kid. So he thought his body might remember the feeling, remember the way he was trained to be nothing more than a weapon at one point in his life. He’d become that weapon again if it meant he could protect Nathan out there when the world was in chaos and darkness tried to encroach on their lives. For him. Nathan was precious to him and all these little moments they shared were now treasures stored away in his memory that he could always call back to when he needed a moment of levity or light. As he takes hold of Nate’s hand, he pulls himself closer to the man, smiling giddy as he wonders if this was going to become more. “My powers are useful for my line of work but in the field, they’re pretty deadly.”

“So I’m tasked with preparing a new line for this big fashion brand. Don’t know how they ever heard of me but they want to see what I can make so they can put use it. I needed models for this and well...I couldn’t really ask my boyfriend for this so I went with someone whom I heard would love to do this. Plus you get to keep whatever I make, so it’s not a bad deal.” Lark mused smiling over at Zach. “So what do you say? Will you let me make you one of a kind clothes for no cost at all other than your time?”

Lark had always been used to people asking him for his specially custom made attire in district X. Usually his orders were for the student residents of the school, making them clothing and suits for whatever the case was for their particular circumstance regarding their powers. Never did he charge them for any requests, it wouldn’t feel right to ask for compensation for something those kids had no control over. So the side business of being a tailor worked just fine, and some high profile name that required suits always paid handsomely, even if sometimes it felt awkward to take money from people who saved the world. Usually he made the newer suits for the X-men, his latest iteration making sure the suits could adapt to any sort of terrain and situation the team found themselves in. All of that was expected, but what he never thought would happen was someone as renowned as Reed Richards asking for his handwork. Given the prestige of the Fantastic Four, he knew he couldn’t spend too little time on this request and make it some of his best work yet.

“Mr, Richards. It’s Lark Herondale, I’ve got the items you requested with all of the specifications in your notes.” Lark called out in front of his door, wanting to hand deliver the packages, cause a conversation with Reed Richards might open many doors for him. Doors that could help him create a better life for mutant, meta, and inhuman kind. “Um, I know it’s odd of me to ask but why did you choose me for this? I know you’ve always been the mastermind behind your team’s suits.”

“It’s nice having someone to worry about me. I don’t care if that’s selfish.” Nathan knows that this worry is very real for Lark but deep down the affection behind it makes him smile. He seems to do a lot of that around Lark. He’ll always go out to save the world but there’s more to his life beyond being a savior. He’s more than just Cable. Sometimes he doesn’t know what to do with that but today? It makes him happy. Lark is something to keep close so that’s what he’s decide to do. They kiss for a brief moment, leaning into it until their lips part. “I’d never say no to some time in the danger room. You really want to train with me? Lets go!” The boy is already leaping up onto his feet … wasting no time.

“Still, it’s funny how quickly you became so important to me. I feel like you’re going to be quite selfish when it comes to me,” Lark teased, and truly he couldn’t really be mad at Nathan for that since he could tell he himself was becoming particularly selfish when it came to Nate’s time. The young mutant’s past keeps him from going out and attempting to save the world like his would be lover, but sometimes he wishes he could just go out there with him, no matter what the danger if Nathan was there he wouldn’t fret. He likes the way Nate makes him feel, he likes the way life gets a little more complicated when the man is around, but it’s still just as sweet, if not better. “Good, because I haven’t really trained in a bit and I might need to stretch my muscles. Don’t go any easy on me, because I’m still extremely powerful, at least that’s what I remember people telling me I was.” With a giggle, he went up with the man and pulled him into another kiss. “Off we are then, love.”

“You might have to keep worrying. I’ve never been the type of man to stay away from a crisis.” Nathan always jumped right into action rather than running away from it. Maybe that has something to do with being raised as a messiah and having something expected of him. He doesn’t like making his loved ones worry. Especially Lark since they’ve started seeing each other recently. He’s content to lay here while the other’s singers pass through his hair. Brunette and white strands of hair a mess. “You were totally worried but it’s okay to feel that way, you know?” He looks up at Lark with a smile finally. “I’m glad I came back too. I should be home for a while unless an emergency comes along.” Nathan will focus on danger room sessions as usual until another mission becomes available.

“Count your blessings then, cause I wouldn’t stay up for just anybody to come back.” Lark said admitting that his worry for Nathan was real, even if he could never stop the man from springing into action. “You sound like you’re happy that I was worried,” he pointed out, noting the little smile on Nathan’s face. Getting used to seeing that smile wouldn’t be so bad he guessed, especially since this guy was keen on helping the world. Lark remembered when he used to be like that, but now he didn’t know what kept him from following after Nate and helping out. “Here’s what you get for coming back,” Lark mused as he pulled Nate up slightly, bringing their lips together. “Now, how’s about you take me with you to the danger room, and put it on the same settings you usually train.”

“So, am I going to have to worry about you coming back to me every time there’s a crisis or should I have faith that you’ll be okay?” Lark asked while his fingers absentmindedly passed through Nate’s hair over and over. Having the man rest his head on his lap, smiling down as he simply enjoyed his time with the guy he’s been getting to know. “Not saying that I was worried or anything, but I can admit that I did get really happy when you came back.”

It’s not his priority to be adorable but Nathan is at least going to try putting in a decent effort when it comes to Lark. He lingered in his own space for a moment, sitting on the edge of his bed after tying the laces on his combat boots. He never had to worry about appearances before it was strictly about wearing what was appropriate for the battle ahead or what would help him blend in with society. Looking fashionable to impress had never been top of the list but maybe now is a good chance to change all of that thinking. Nathan for once would be spontaneous and agree on going out so why not put in a little effort? He doesn’t wear jeans often but it felt nice to have a reason to dress so casual. Despite the confidence carried by Cable, there’s some nerves too. He doesn’t really know what it’s like to be on a date but maybe it’s just about enjoying your time with the other person. Which is what Nathan gathered from the different movies he has seen since being stuck in this time period. The knock on the door brings him back to reality though so he’s standing up on his feet to head over and greet Lark. He smiles when the door opens, leaning against the doorway while looking at the other man. “I’m ready. You look amazing.” He compliments, smooth as he always happens to be, not sure where this part of his personality came from.

Lark for lack of a better word was nervous, his confident facade quickly broke down the second Nate left his space and he was now doused with the realization that he was going out on a date with a guy who was way out of his league. Usually he could keep his nerves under check, somethat that he’d been working on every since he was a child, he’d been jumpy at times, loud noises usually causing him to react and be on alert, but as he grew he learned to contain these jittery fears that lingered inside him from the trauma of his past. Lark now tried to focus solely on the positives for once, he was going out with Nathan, and he was him and Mochi to look as best as the posibly could, putting mochi in a little puppy shirt that looked like a tux to protect him from the cold. This will be his first dating experience, and he’s still unsure on why he jumped the gun so quickly when it came to Nathan. Yes the guy was more than cute, but Lark was amazed at himself at how eager he truly was to spend time with this man. As he stands at the door, he blushes before shaking his head at the guy. “Well, thank you for making my nerves about looking good go away so fast,” he mused. “So, I guess this mean you’re ready so let’s head out. By the way...you also look really amazing.”

“Well, isn’t that just life? Or perhaps the burden of choice.” A burden he rarely had to deal with thankfully. All he was required to do was follow Hydra’s will and all would be well. Sadly, his presence in this city saw him attempting to do the opposite and use RJ to save himself from garnering too much unwanted attention from heroes he had no desire to be on the wrong side of. “My. I consider myself truly lucky to have avoided such an unpleasant fate. One of the boons for growing up in a more rural environment I suppose.” A lie. His ‘rural upbringing’ had only saw him become the prime sacrifice in waiting for the place cult-like religion. Still, he’d escaped from that place and found a new home, now he was doing all he could to ensure he kept it and kept himself as safe as possible. “Sounds like a most useful talent, Lark. I’m more weary with my secrets, call it the businessman in me.” he added with a small smile, “Sadly, I do not think the opportunity will come for me. Perhaps when I am a little older and more settled.”

“Whatever makes you say that? I happen to have a heart of pure stone.” Again, the smile on his face was more unreadable than anything else, though he was counting on the other to see it as of a joke. Sadly, there was more than a grain of truth in his words, Hydra so rarely allowed for any kind of sentimentality. “Sounds like you and your beau are still in the early stages, where any excuse to kiss is welcomed. The myth is actually of Nordic descent, involving our understanding of the god Loki. Given there’s a figure to put with that identity now, I do wonder if there was ever any truth to the legend all at.” He rose languidly to his feet and picked up his satchel, “Very well. Lead on then new friend and let’s see where the afternoon takes us.”  

“Guess that could be both.” Lark chuckled before thinking about how his life had taken a turn for the better. His dreams were still plagued by the nightmares of his past, that restless fog that he would succumb to, as it would transport him back to when he was just a child. “Hey, I’m happy you were one of the few lucky ones then. I don’t really envy anybody, I’m just happy somebody gets the chance to have a happy life, y’know. There’s too much animosity in the world as it is, and I don’t plan on making more of it.” Lark shrugged as Mochi padded his way onto his lap were he was quickly nestled. “It’s good to have secrets, in fact it’s quite human actually, so I don’t really worry. If someone has something to hide, it’s for a reason, and I’m nobody to start prying on their business. Hopefully you’ll get it soon though, older or not, I hope it happens for you.” he mused. 

It doesn’t really strike him as something to make him seen as an adorable type of person. The word never really one that is used to describe him of all people … and Nathan has learned to live with this fact. He didn’t have time to think about such titles anyway but now that his life has slowed down slightly, maybe Nathan could afford to have it dwell on his mind at least a little bit. He doesn’t think cute has anything to do with having power or knowing how to use a particular skill. Maybe he just needs to loosen up but old ways of thinking will always linger around. He started tossing his other clothes into his bag and the torn up suit. It’s nice having a new one that wouldn’t need to be stitched up and might actually be more durable than what he used to wear. Nathan never really thought of himself as an artist. Sure, he knew what would work best for himself but doesn’t know if that would translate to other people. He thinks other Mutants should pick what they want for a color scheme for themselves. “More projects? I’m not really … a clothing designer, Lark.” There’s confusion setting in but shrugs it off. “I feel like you need to really know a person to begin thinking about what they’d like to wear and I’d hate to get that wrong.” His own way of expressions his concerns but Nathan also doesn’t really have the time for such a large undertaking. He already has a lot to do on his agenda. Nathan tilts his head and looks around and uses his telekinesis to bring a pen and paper into the air and scribbling which room he lived in. He had a private room, no roommate. He rips the paper and lets the pen fall back onto the desk. “This is where to find me. Come meet me outside my door in … twenty-five minutes?” He says with a smirk before he tosses the large bag over his shoulder. “I’m looking forward to this date of ours. I’ve never been on one so it’s going to be quite an experience.” He winks once more before heading out back down the hall. It doesn’t take him long to navigate the hallways to reach his bedroom, tossing the bag on his bed and starting to take his new suit off. It’s hung up to be displayed nicely and he started looking through his closet for something nicer to wear. What do you even wear on a date? He has no idea and it’s too late to google it. He settles on a pair of jeans but the next dilemma had to be what shirt? Nathan decided on a black sweater and sat on the edge of his bed to put his combat boots back on. He thinks dressing casual is a safe bet.

Lark had probably never met another man he found as adorable as Nathan, so oblivious of mundane things and that aura of being somewhere in between a teenager and an old man that he couldn’t really hide. It was a clusterfuck of confusion, and he found it to be the most adorable thing especially when it was packed with that smile. Lark knew he needed to get back to his project and work on the garments for the mutant children who needed a specially designed suit made for them. So that their powers wouldn’t destroy their regular clothes or so that they could maintain their physical form, there were a lot of cases that he had tackled and triumphed over, and all had been rewarding to accomplish. “It’s not the designing part that I’m worried or need a lot of help in, but you’ve got a good eye, and I’d like to work with you on a few things that I’ve been tinkering with. It’s not really about designing clothes for everyday wear, more like something specially tailored for mutant with physical mutations, that’s what I want your assitance on. Two heads are better than one.” he shrugged. Before he could get another word in, Nate had already scribbled his room number, and told him to meet here in 25. Easy. Lark smiled as he took Mochi and gave him a bath, before showering himself, changing into something casual but looked as if he cleaned up really well. Putting on a little sweater on Mochi, he headed out and knocked on the man’s door. “So I’m here, ready for our date?”

[ @stringthvories liked for a starter! ]

Kent finished bandaging up the young man who had ended up on his front stoop with a badly bleeding forearm, a cigarette between his lips as he did so. He looked absolutely ancient in that moment, like a man way out of time with his black bag of medical supplies and the lightly unbuttoned dress shirt that had clearly been under a suit jacket for most of the day. And, despite being a doctor, he had never been able to give up his favorite vice of cigarettes. 

“Now, I do hope you’ll be careful for the next few days,” he said. “Try not to twist or strain your arm too much. You could open the wound back up.” He pressed a hand over the edge of the bandage to finish securing it before lifting a hand to his lips and taking the cigarette out of his mouth. 

Lark smiled as the man finished bandaging the mutant he had brought along who got hurt due to misuse of his powers. “Now, go back to the district, I’m sure there’s a hot meal at the institute waiting for you.” he offered the other as he smiled. “Thanks for that, didn’t think there would be anybody close enough to help but you surely saved the day. I could’ve used my powers to stitch it up, but it wouldn’t have been as safe or sanitary as your work,” he explained before offering the man more of his thanks. “I’m Lark, resident tailor, pleasure.”

“I do believe it is an almost unobtainable goal in this current world but I do try my best.” he said with a nod, after all, the benchmark of a true assassin would be to avoid detection before, during and after the job. He blinked slowly, “My, my. That is quite the interesting childhood I gather. You are a most open fellow with a stranger you happened to meet on a park bench. You would be smart to make sure you aren’t talking to some villain in disguise.” he chuckled. Kid didn’t consider himself a villain, not really, he was just a cog in a much larger machine who desired to make the world a more controlled place. “I have always found myself more attracted to larger breeds of dog, as a younger man I desired one I could cuddle at night and then ride into battle the next day.” he smiled slightly the expression rather unreadable.

“I’ve never really had time for a pet. Too busy keeping my business afloat.” It wasn’t like Hydra offered pet-care for those sent out on missions. “Perhaps it is true what some people say; that the dog chooses the owner and not vice versa.” Again, he was hardly experienced in it, but he’d heard many others in his time use the same metaphor when discussing weapons of choice. “Most plants happen to have a myth surrounding them, old folk tails and the like. I am quite partial to the story of mistletoe myself. Do you know those little berries and leaves are actually quite poisonous. As is so often the case in beautiful plants.” Kid blinked slowly, again his expression friendly but unreadable, “I suppose I could be persuaded into a meal, though I am not in the habit of accepting gifts for no reason.” There was always a catch after all.    

“Seems like a thing you can only wish for and hope to achieve but it’s hard, cause you can never fully please everybody.” Lark shrugged, knowing that not everybody was going to like you for whatever reason, and it was best to just live your life the best you could. “Not one that is uncommon for mutants actually. You’ll find a lot of mutant children were nothing more than experiments or things to be weaponized for some secret goverment branch or something. Got nothing to hide actually, I’m just Lark now, the past is just the past. I figure I would know if someone was truly a villain at heart, let’s just say I got something of a hidden power when it comes to people.” Lark teased before scratching behind Mochi’s ears. “Ride into battle next day,” he couldn’t help but laugh at that. “Now that is truly something more people should aspire to I guess, riding your trusted companion into battle. Hmm, why don’t you get a dog then? There’s plenty of shelters around that have dogs of all sizes ready for adoption. Might want to check it out.” 

Kid chuckled softly, “I cannot claim to have any such lofty goals myself, I am simply trying my best to move through this world and not make too many big ripples where I step.” Or at least, none that people could detect; hence his reluctance to fulfil his orders in this city. “Well, you are most kind, and indeed complimentary. I would be remiss if I did not return your gesture.” he smiled slightly, “Though I do believe your pup is perhaps the cutest of us here. Much like yourself and I, I suspect he too shall grow up into a bigger fella pretty soon. Though I doubt he’ll be any less attached to your person; dogs are faithful in that respect.” The disembodied hand continued to lavish the puppy with attention, scratching and massaging his head as Kid continued, “I do enjoy it. And yes, I find plants most interesting things to work with, so elegant in their designs. Now,” his brow rose, “That is a talent. Sadly, I have no need of such a suit myself, I do my best to stay away from conflict in general. Mighty important though; a warrior must be dressed for battle after all.”    

“That’s pretty cool though, not ruffle any feathers and just live peacefully. Pretty sweet goal if you ask me actually.” Lark had no idea who this guy was but he seemed more than decent from what he could tell at first glance. Sure he was attractive and his accent was cute, but he didn’t really care about those things when Nathan had already wormed his way into his heart. This one he wanted to get to know though, maybe find out what kind of person he was deeper down. Wouldn’t hurt to make more friends. “Kindness is something I learned growing up, my childhood was a pretty weird one actually. Not many can relate I guess, but let’s just say I was less of a child and more of a science experiment.” he smiled. “Mochi definitely likes the attention though, but he won’t get that big though, he’s like small-medium, or at least his breed is.” he mused. “He’s been sweet and attached to me ever since he was a baby, and well I’ve had him since he was born actually, I know the owner of his mom, and she wanted me to have one of the babies, mochi sorta picked me since he was a bit restless until he was placed in my lap.” he said, retelling the story of how he got his pup. “My favorite plant is the hyacinth I just find it so beautiful, and the myth behind the flower tragically beautiful as well. Hmm, no suit I see. How’s about I treat you to a meal or give some sort of gift, makes sense to start off a friendship with your best foot forward. I used to be a warrior when I was younger, but I was just too good at it, but I didn’t get to be a kid, so I’m just trying to live my life without creating many ripples.”