InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "I...LOVE...mother...!!"

Markus (jericholeader) wrote in somerealityrpg,
@ 2019-12-13 01:01:00

Entry tags:

active: morgan stark, inactive: markus

Who: Markus and Morgan
Where: Lafayette Square for this
When: 12th Dec
What: Markus and Morgan explore New Orleans
Status: In progress
Warnings: TBD (mush and language?)

Since they'd arrived in New Orleans Markus and Morgan had been talking about going to explore the city, but their schedules hadn't allowed it until today. Getting the kids at school ready for the Christmas break and doing the many projects involved surrounding the season had meant there was a lot to do. Particularly in Markus's art class, which was engulfed in glitter and Christmas cards. He understood a little about the holiday, but the whole build up had him mildly bemused, despite his enthusiasm for his work.

It was going to a busy few days and so he decided when he saw the Luna Fete advertised, he would make time to take Morgan along. It was an augmented reality light display and the mixture of technology and art was entirely Markus' thing and he hoped his girlfriend would enjoy it too.

He'd waited in the hallway for Morgan to join him, knowing that even the short journey to Lafayette would be better on Moriarty than on foot. When Markus saw her he stood up straighter and smiled in welcome. "I've missed you," he said as he closed the distance and kissed her. "I have no idea what to expect from tonight, but I know I'll enjoy it all the more with you along," he told her softly.

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maguna
2019-12-13 01:57 am UTC (link)

Morgan loved the holidays. They encompassed everything she valued. Even back home, winter and all the festivities surrounding it had been her favorite time of year. This Christmas would be different, though, and it was one she'd been looking forward to ever since arriving in Goodland. Her family was whole and all together here, and there was also Markus. She wondered if he ever celebrated with Carl. Morgan knew his life in the Detriot of his time hadn't resembled the one he had now at all, but she still made a mental note to ask how the holidays worked there as she made her way down the hall.

"I've missed you too," she said with a bright smile before returning his kiss. Morgan always missed him when they weren't together, but their schedules had gotten so hectic since her birthday. It felt like the longest period they had gone without seeing one another. She felt like Markus was always with her thanks to the ring- that she never took off- but it wasn't the same as spending actual time with him. And tonight, she had worn the necklace as well.

"I have no idea either, but isn't that the kind of thing we live for? Surprises?" She teased, before slipping her hand into his. Morgan was excited to explore the city with him.

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jericholeader
2019-12-13 02:52 am UTC (link)

He loved that Morgan always wore the ring he'd bought her, which in his heart he felt was a promise of a future they would work towards. One together, forever, Markus thought with a smile as he saw the necklace in place too. He kissed her neck softly, just to show her that he'd noticed she was wearing it.

"We won't let it be so long again," he said meeting her eyes with a gentle smile. "I didn't realise children got so hyper about this time of year," Markus said with a small laugh, "you wouldn't believe some of the classes I've taught lately. Total chaos. I think I now understand why teachers enjoy the holidays so very much," he told Morgan. "That and hanging out with family," he said with a wiggle of his eyebrows. "Speaking of, how's our new kitty?" he asked curiously. "Have you managed to litter train her yet?" he teased.

Morgan was entirely correct, surprises were everything and even if this show wasn't good they'd find something to do that was. "I haven't been to an art show since I lived with Carl," he said with a crooked smile that spoke of the conflict he felt at the situation. "It seems so long ago," he said lacing his fingers with Morgan's as he headed out of the building towards Moriarty. "If it's really bad we can make fun of it and find some fun on Bourbon Street," he said with a grin, knowing that as long as he was with Morgan he was happy to explore anywhere.

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maguna
2019-12-13 03:20 am UTC (link)

The kiss to her neck caused goosebumps to scatter across her skin, and she turned her head so their lips could meet again. Morgan was reasonably sure he would never know just what his gifts had meant to her. She viewed the ring as a promise as well, and for a moment, she thought of the Christmas present she wanted to give him. If everything went according to plan, maybe he would know what they meant to her.

"I hope not," Morgan replied softly, but then couldn't help but grin when he spoke of his students. "Something happens to those of us who celebrate this time of year. Their excitement can't be helped, though I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall, watching you try to manage the chaos." She laughed at the wiggle of his eyebrows. "But you teachers have the patience of saints, you deserve your holiday breaks, and your time with family." Another laugh escaped her at his inquiry about Dingy. "She's perfect, and part of that perfection includes not having to litter train."

The conflict he was feeling wasn't lost on her, and she squeezed his hand. "I think he would be proud of you, you know- and happy for the life you're building for yourself." Morgan wished desperately she could have met the man that impacted her boyfriend's life so greatly.

"Sounds like a plan to me." Morgan couldn't help but smile at the thought of them trying to find fun on Bourbon Street, but she knew that they could make their own fun anywhere as long as they were together. Letting go of his hand, she reached for her helmet and slid onto the bike with practiced ease.

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jericholeader
2019-12-13 04:06 am UTC (link)

Markus would make sure they didn't go as long again, because when he was beside Morgan he felt ten feet tall and as though he could move mountains. This new life he was creating would mean very little without her by his side and he couldn't get complacent about spending time with her. "To start with I put it down to all the sugar," Markus said of his students, "but then I realised they probably hadn't begun eating much of it and so it had to have another cause," but he was interested to hear Morgan's interpretation. "So, what is it? Some kind of group hysteria?" he asked, genuinely curious to understand it. "Hey, you can come and be a fly on the wall anytime you choose," he said giving her a quick peck on the cheek and smiling, "I could use the extra pair of hands," he joked. "See, now I understand why you love me and Dingy both," Markus answered with a laugh, "I'm glad you love us. We're both lucky to have you."

He gave a nod of agreement, knowing that Morgan was right. Carl would love that he'd carved out this strange life of his. "Carl always wanted me to be free and here I am," Markus said with a nod. "It does make me wonder if I abandoned the people back at home - Carl included - but here I'm anonymous and I get to have the life I want rather than the life I've fought for." He kissed Morgan's nose, "I think he would have loved you too. He always did like the smart ones," he said with a grin.

The smile Morgan gave him brightened up his heart and he suspected no matter what the light show had in store they might have to check out Bourbon Street out, just to see her smile some more. Markus slid into his seat and started the bike, loving the feel of his girl behind him. "One day we're going to have to switch this up," he told her, "you should drive too," Markus said with a smile back at her as he pulled out of the lot and headed for Lafayette Square.

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maguna
2019-12-13 04:34 am UTC (link)

Morgan laughed, but she knew he was curious and would try to answer any questions he had. "That's certainly one way to view it. It means a lot of different things to the people who celebrate. Traditionally, at its core, it's a religious holiday, and many still view it as such. For me? Christmas is more of a feeling than a thing. I know that sounds a little ridiculous, but I guess that's the best way for me to describe it? It's about spending more time with your family and making others happy. It's about being selfless and giving to others." She wasn't sure if she was explaining it well, but she was trying. Her eyes lit up at the notion of visiting his classes, though. "Soooo, I can pop in one day and be your TA? Wouldn't the Morgan distractions hinder your work," she teased, then pressed a kiss to his cheek. "I'm the lucky one to have you both."

Morgan listened intently, as she always did when he spoke of his life in Detroit. She was glad he agreed with her and believed that Carl would be proud of him. "I don't think you abandoned them. That would imply that you chose to come here. None of us made that choice, and we can't be faulted for building the lives we want here. Her nose scrunched at the kiss to it, and she smiled softly. "From what you told me, I think I would have loved him too. I wish I could have met him."

Her arms instinctively wrapped around his waist as the bike roared to life. "One day," she mused with a smile and a squeeze of her arms. "Although I do rather enjoy being your passenger." Resting her head against his back contently, she watched the sites New Orleans zoom passed them. She was sure she would never tire of riding through whatever city they found themselves in with him. It was still sometimes hard to believe that they had made this dream into a reality.

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jericholeader
2019-12-13 05:35 am UTC (link)

He was always grateful for Morgan's patience, particularly when explaining human customs he wasn't familiar with. Markus cocked his head to one side and listened, starting to understand the behaviour of his students as he understood the festival. "It doesn't sound ridiculous," he said with a shake of his head. He'd learned to value feelings over the last six months and knew they couldn't always be pinned down in reason. "I think I understand," though he would no doubt ruminate on what he'd learned and have more questions for her. "Will we get to spend time together?" he asked softly, "because you're my family. You, Connor and Alice," he said looking at his feet for a moment. "I'd like to learn about Christmas from you first hand."

Markus frowned but gave a small nod. "I know I didn't choose to come here, but wanting to stay too much does sometimes feel like a betrayal of them," he said knowing Morgan would understand. Neither of them wanted to leave here, they'd built something beautiful in this world and it spread far beyond the two of them. He smiled when she talked about Carl and said, "I can introduce you to him, in a manner of speaking." Markus had videos and images of his art stored to his memory banks and could play her those moments so she could learn more about his mentor. "I'd like you to know him more."

If Morgan didn't want to ride up front he wouldn't force her, but they were a partnership and Markus wanted her to feel the power he did in Moriarty. "I like you holding me too," he said with a low chuckle, loving the feeling of her moulded against him. "I didn't know cities could look this old," Markus said with breathless fascination as they passed through the town. "It really is like another world." He steered them through the tiny streets until they came to the open square and he parked up and killed the engine. "This part seems more modern," the mix of old and new would take some getting used to.

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maguna
2019-12-13 11:48 pm UTC (link)

Morgan was glad he seemed to understand, and that she didn't entirely make a mess of trying to explain the holiday to him. She knew he would have more questions later, and that was completely okay. The girl ould try to answer them all, and if she couldn't? They could research and discover the answers together. When he looked down at his feet, she stepped closer to cup his cheek and tilt her head down to meet his eyes. "Of course we will," she replied softly. "I wouldn't dream of letting this Christmas pass by without being with you."

Morgan gave Markus a nod of his own. "I understand." Of course, she understood. There wasn't a single molecule in her body that ever wanted to leave Goodland, and at times she felt the guilt creep up on her, because of the family she had back home. She tried to hold onto what Sam said when she first arrived, that the theory was that no one back home realized they were gone. It was that theory that she kept replaying in her head whenever her old friend guilt came to play. "I would very much like for you to introduce us, it would mean a lot to me to know him more."

"Well, that's very good, because I don't intend on ever letting go," she mused with another squeeze of her arms. This city was absolutely beautiful. The new mixed in with the old was quite a thing to behold. "It is. That a completely different world. It's a little breathtaking." Slipping off of Moriarty, she discarded her helmet and shook her hair out around her shoulders, before taking in the view of the square. "Definitely more modern."

Waiting for him to get settled, she tilted her head curiously. "My turn to ask a question," she said with a smile and held out her hand for him to take it. "What were holidays like in your Detroit? Did humans celebrate anything?"

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jericholeader
2019-12-14 01:29 am UTC (link)

It brought a shy smile to his face to hear that she was going to make time for her over the holiday season. "It'll be my first Christmas," he said meeting her eyes. "If you weren't around it wouldn't feel right," though Markus wasn't entirely sure what the feeling should be, he knew it had to include Morgan.

Markus didn't want to leave either, but he was glad she understood there was an element of conflict that came with the feeling. He would always wonder what had happened to the other deviants, but he would have hope things worked out for them without him. He gave a smile when Morgan agreed to his suggestion. "The next time we have a night at home, I'll introduce the two of you," he told her and though he knew it would be a one-way conversation it would allow his girlfriend to understand what had made him the man he was.

"Letting go would be really bad," Markus joked, "especially without your suit. So hold on a little tighter," he told her with a teasing grin. "It really is," he replied to Morgan's comment and a thought struck him as he stashed his helmet, "do you think we'll ever get to see Europe? I mean, this is old, but some of those places are old!" he said with wide eyes. "Imagine touching something that's been in the same place for a thousand or more years, it would be quite something," Markus said struck with the idea.

He looked down curiously, raising his eyebrows as Morgan spoke, happily slipping his hand into hers as he waited for the question. Markus frowned. "Yes, they celebrated," he replied thinking back to his observations of his home town. "I didn't see much of them because Carl was ill, he preferred to work rather than go to parties, unless it was for a gallery opening." And where Carl went Markus went too, so the family element she'd spoken of had only brushed their world rather than taken it over. "I'm sure other households did far more," he said with a smile her way. "Like yours."

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maguna
2019-12-14 02:25 am UTC (link)

"Your first," she asked- her tone remaining soft. Morgan knew then that she wanted to make it special for him. She loved that she got to be a part of so many of his 'firsts' and the fact that her favorite holiday was a part of that? It made her ridiculously happy, but also a little sad that he hadn't ever had a Christmas before. Morgan hoped he wouldn't be too disappointed that his gift wasn't something he could unwrap. "I wouldn't feel right without you either," she confessed.

"I'm looking forward to it. Carl played such a big part in making you into the man you are, and I know I won't be able to thank him personally for that, but it will be wonderful to meet him through your eyes."

Morgan grinned and held on tighter. "Like this," she asked- kissing the back of his neck and then having a brilliant idea. "Oh! But with my suit? I could stand on the back of Moriarty while you drive us around the city." And then she was thinking about Europe and how amazing it would be to see it with him. "I think anything is possible in this crazy new world we live in- including putting our hands-on Europe's landmarks."

She listened carefully, nodding as he spoke of Carl's illness and his preference to work. Morgan wondered if Carl would have admired her work ethic. "I was just curious since you spoke of it being your first Christmas, I had a thought that perhaps it wasn't celebrated in your world."

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jericholeader
2019-12-15 01:23 am UTC (link)

"My first as a free-entity," he answered with a small smile. "So, yes, my first Christmas. It will certainly be interesting to participate," and having Morgan close by would make it all the more special. He was glad she felt the same.

Markus looked at his hands and smiled, "he really did," he said softly, giving Morgan's hand a tender squeeze. "It'll be nice to share some of those memories with you," he told her. There were so few really positive memories from back in Detroit, but there were a select few he would happily share with her.

"Oh yes, just like that," he answered with a laugh as she kissed him, sending tingles through every one of his neurons. "You keep coming up with ideas like that and I'll be making you come up with a suit for me too," Markus teased. The idea of Morgan standing behind him like a stunt-performer was pretty amazing and knowing she'd come to know harm meant he had zero objections to her trying it out. "Let's hope we get to see more of the world, then?" he said with a broad grin, knowing whatever came their way would be an amazing adventure.

"Humans celebrate Christmas in my world," Markus replied with appropriate emphasis on the humans. "It was winter when I left Detroit, so perhaps if I'd stayed longer I would have celebrated it this year with my friends, but I get to spend it with you instead," and he had no complaints as he wrapped his arm around Morgan's shoulders and pulled her close. "Most things in my world were exclusive to humans, which is why I love it here so much," and loved being loved for being himself.

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maguna
2019-12-15 01:53 am UTC (link)

"You know it's dangerous to give me ideas like that," she teased- resting her chin on his shoulder. "Now, you may come home to find a suit waiting for you." Morgan was already thinking of all the stunts she could try on the back of the bike, though, and was reasonably sure she would be trying each and every one of them in the very near future. "I'm not opposed to hoping for that." The good parts of Goodland outweighed all of the bad, and some of those good things were the scenery changes. And, the thought of exploring them with Markus excited her.

Morgan nodded and frowned ever so slightly. She couldn't put into words how much she hated the way Androids were treated in his world. Yes, knowing that he and others were a part of changing that made her proud of him, but a rebellion shouldn't have been needed in the first place. At the same time, Markus was the person he was today because of it. The frown vanished from her face and was replaced with a smile when he pulled her close, and she wrapped her arm around his waist. "I'm glad you were brought somewhere that affords you the freedom you deserve." Even if things had been different? Even if they hadn't have grown close, or fallen for one another? Morgan would have been happy for him to lead a life like the one he fought for back home.

"Look at that," she said- slowing her pace as the light projections in the square caught her eye.

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jericholeader
2019-12-15 02:36 am UTC (link)

Markus shot her a smirk and said, "I like your ideas. All of them." He quite liked the idea of the whole suit-thing and the chuckle that rumbled through his chest told Morgan as much. "At least you wouldn't have to program the AI," he told her happily. This whole world, all of it, was theirs to approach as they chose to, even when the Entity threw a cog in the wheels it seemed they came back better for it. "So, long country lanes and ancient monuments are on the wishlist now?"

He knew Morgan struggled with his past, but what mattered to Markus now was his future. He gave her a loving squeeze as she settled into his arms and said softly, "so am I." Everything he'd ever hoped or wanted was here, along with a few things he hadn't believed possible. "I think I got a whole lot more than I deserve," he said gently kissing the top of her head and smiling.

The sound of her voice took him from his ruminations and he looked up at the lights. "That's... incredible," Markus said with joy in his heart as the buildings began to wave and flicker around them. "It's like the whole square is one huge gallery," he said as the world around them shifted and changed with the lights.

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maguna
2019-12-15 02:55 am UTC (link)

"I'm sure you'll eventually protest to one or two of my ideas." Probably more than just a couple. As much as Morgan was prone to overthinking, she also tended to jump into dangerous situations. She didn't imagine Markus liking any of those ideas too much. "Not having to program the AI certainly would speed things along," laughing she shook her head. "Damn you for giving me this idea. You know it's happening now, right?" She sighed happily at the thought of their long country roads. "Yes. All of the things. We'll start a never-ending list."

Her smile grew at the kiss to her head, and she reached up to her shoulder to lace her fingers with his. "We both did," she said softly.

Morgan looked on at the shifting buildings with wide eyes. "It's beautiful," she said- a little awestruck. "So, I guess we won't be making fun of this sucking, huh?" She hadn't expected it to be so immersive, and it was hard to decide what to look at first.

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jericholeader
2019-12-15 03:52 am UTC (link)

Markus cocked his head and thought for a moment and shook his head, "nope, I doubt it. You have awesome ideas and if you think you can scare me off now, you've not been paying attention!" He smiled as Morgan started to run the whole suit-idea through her mind and for a moment he wondered what he might have started. "Hey, it would seem you're not the only one with the awesome ideas?" he shot back with a laugh. "Just make sure they don't match too much. It would be like those older couples with matching sweat-suits," he said with a laugh.

"What else would you put on the never-ending list?" he asked as he cuddled her tightly. Wanting to know all her dreams and hopes too. It seemed as though his 'firsts' had taken president over Morgan's desires, even though they were sharing the moments together. "I want to know what you want most in the world," Markus asked with a long look into her eyes.

"Yeah..." Markus watched as the lights danced around them, "...it's definitely not sucking yet. Perhaps if there were a black-out?" he suggested with a sheepish look at Morgan. "Come on," he said leading her to the centre of the square and pulling off his jacket and laying it down on the ground. He didn't care if the people around were looking at him, he slipped down onto the ground and lay back, holding his arms wide for Morgan to join him. "I want to see what it looks like from here," he said in breathless excitement.

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maguna
2019-12-15 04:45 am UTC (link)

Morgan didn't want to scare him off, but a tiny little voice in the back of her head was worried she might, so hearing him say it? Even in jest? Made that little voice calm down- at least for tonight. "Oh the horror of those matching sweat-suits," she said with a laugh. "We should definitely avoid those."

Morgan looked up into his eyes, a little taken aback by his question. "I could be incredibly cheesy, and say that I already got what I wanted most in the world," she said pointedly- knowing that Markus would realize she was talking about him. "But, I had no idea I wanted you until you walked through the doors of that cafe." Laying her head on his shoulder, she thought for a moment before speaking again. "I want to attend Columbia. It was my college of choice back home, and it's almost serendipitous that Goodland happens to be New York City. I know that being Tony Stark's daughter means I don't have to put in the groundwork if I don't want to. I could easily do great things with Stark Industries without it, but I want to earn it."

"I want to create things that help people, and I want to have the education to back it up. People see me here for me. At home, it was harder. I felt like a novelty of sorts. All the outside world saw when they looked at me was Tony's daughter, and you know how proud I am to be his, but it was impossible to make genuine non-familial connections. They either wanted to have an 'in' with the man who saved the world, or they thought I would have everything handed to me on a silver platter. I'm not sure which was worse. It's yet another reason I never want to go back." Shaking her head, she pushed those thoughts aside. Morgan hadn't meant to go so far left with this. It wasn't something she had shared with anyone before, but Markus was her safe place. "But yes. I want to help people with my science. That's what I want most in the world. On a few superficial silly- maybe a few unattainable- notes? I want to dance in the rain, I want to go to Wonderland, I want to jump out of an airplane with just a parachute, I want to go to Italy, I want to make my parents proud, and I want to spend forever with you." Her nose scrunched up at the last part. "Not too much to ask, right?"

Morgan watched him curiously as he removed his jacket and couldn't help the bright smile that spread across her face when he held his arms out to her. His excitement was infectious, and she loved him all the more for it. "Another brilliant idea." Slipping down into his arms, she rested her head against his chest. "Beyond brilliant," she gasped as her eyes found the lights above them.

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