Taming Otto

Second Chances

As you help Otto clean the table after dinner, you notice a single flower, sat in front of a pillar across from the boarded up window. You feel a knot in your stomach, afraid to ask what you worry you already know. After placing some of the dishes into the sink, your full attention now rests on the flower. Your mind blurs, racing, deep in thought.

Otto senses your pondering and turns to see you looking at it. "It's a zinnia" he says to you. He stops cleaning and studies the rose with you, recalling his time with her.

You quickly look back at him, afraid you offended him in some way, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-"

"No it's okay y/n. Don't ever apologize for curiosity." he interrupts. "Zinnia's represent the thoughts of those who have left us. It reminds me that while she's gone, she still looking out for me, somewhere." He turns his attention to you, now holding back a flood of emotions. "What's on your mind sweetheart? They tell me you're wrestling with something inside" He wraps his arm around your shoulders and pulls you into his side.

You sigh, overcome with emotion. You look up at him, sheepishly saying, "It's just- I wonder sir.. Am I even worthy of all this? Am I worthy of being yours?" You begin to tear up. You don't want to replace her. That was his wife, his love, and you aren't sure if you deserve to be that for him.

"Oh my sweet y/n," he sits back down at the table, patting the chair next to him. You sit back down and he continues, "I ask myself daily if I'm worthy of you. I've made mistakes, I've hurt people... I was a monster. If I were to hurt you, I just.. I don't know what I would do." He let's go of you, hanging his head in shame.

You bring his head back up, looking deep into his eyes. "You are not a monster Otto. That wasn't you, that isn't you." You lean in close, "Listen to me, I know I'll never be her, but I will show you that you are worthy Otto. You deserve to be happy, truly happy." You give him a comforting smile.

Otto looks at you lovingly. I finally see now.. why I feel so strongly for y/n...

"You know.. It's quite strange y/n. When I look into your eyes, I see her. Her wisdom, her humor, her passion and her.." he hesitates, "her love. It's almost like she sent you to me. I loved Rosie, she was my one. In some ways I doubt if I'm ready to move on but then I see you..."  he holds back tears. "When I see you, all my doubts melt away. You are like a breath of fresh air, the feeling of collapsing into a warm bed at the end of a bad day. When you walk into a room, everything goes dark around you, it's as if we are the only two people on Earth. You make me feel like I have a second chance at life. I am not afraid to move on anymore... I'm sorry I know it sounds crazy, saying all of this so suddenly" he sniffles.

You place your hands on his cheeks, holding his head in your hands. You wipe away the tears that have fallen down to his chin. Tears begin to swell in your eyes, clouding your sight.

"It's not crazy. When I look at you, nothing else in this screwed up world matters. Any worries, stress, or sadness fades when I'm with you. I see a whole new man. When I look at you I see a man ready to live as he so deserved all those years. When I'm with you, it's like nothing can hurt me, nothing can bring me down. I will be here for you, through thick and thin. We are in this together now. No one is perfect, even you the brilliant Dr. Octavius. But, I see past all of that. I don't see the man you were 5 years ago. I see a new Otto. I know Rosie is proud of you sir." You let go of him and hold his hand and you wipe away your tears.

The tears he was holding back finally fall, soaking his cheeks. You panic thinking you've brought back too many painful memories. Sh*t! I shouldn't have said that last part.

"Otto I'm sorry I- Did I say something wrong? Oh god, I'm so sorry." Seeing him cry, drags you into a spiral of concern. You had never seen him this emotional.

"I just never thought... I'd be happy like this again" He sniffles, "You are truly a blessing y/n. It is a privilege to have you here."

"Sir the privilege is all mine truly. You might have just saved my life, in a way, this weekend."

You both sit and gaze at each other. Your eyes locked and hearts intertwined. You can tell Otto wants to say something but he's hesitating.

"What is it, sir?" you ask, trying to coax it out of him.

His arms click encouragingly. He holds your hands and takes a deep breath, building up courage.

"I... I love you, y/n" he says sheepishly, concerned that he was to quick to declare his love.

"Oh Otto.. I love you too" you begin to tear up, overcome with happiness.