Taming Otto

Reconciliation

Otto finishes cleaning up from his dramatic exit from the studio. He lays an old tarp over the window.  He steps back, chuckling at his sloppy repair. Good enough I guess. I'll board it up again when y/n is awake.

He hears a knock at the door and checks to make sure that the knocking didn't wake you up. He opens the door slowly, further avoiding any noises that could wake you. Standing on the other side, your uncle.

"Thank you for coming." greets Otto.

"Thank you for calling. Where is she? How is she?" Your uncle asks frantically, charging into the studio.

"She's asleep in my room, fell asleep after she had a shower. She's doing as well as can be expected. Her back took most of the damage. I've yet to assess the full damage to her head but it doesn't appear to be anything needing immediate medical attention. She doesn't appear concussed either, by some miracle." Otto explains.

You wake up and hear your uncle's voice. You panic and hurry out of the bedroom and into the main room, where you see your uncle and Otto talking. They turn to look at you as you collapse in pain from rushing out of bed. You uncle goes to rush to your side but one of Otto's arms catch you and gently help you back up before your uncle can even reach you.

"Thank you, sir." you say, cautiously, trying to gauge how to treat Otto.

"Y/n! Are you okay?" your uncle asks, now at your side, holding you steady.

"Yeah I'm fine, just got up too quickly I guess"

Now standing between your uncle and Otto, you glance back and forth, trying to make sense of what you are seeing.

"Uncle what are you doing here?!" You quickly realize it's even stranger that you are with Otto. "Listen, Dr. Octavius- he found me and- he helped me umm-" you desperately try to explain, your breathing growing faster and faster.

"I called him y/n" Otto boldly states.

"You what?!" your attention now fully on him. "Why would you do that?! You had no right to! He's my uncle! I should've been the one to call when I wanted to if I wanted to! What is the matter with you?!" you yell and snap at him.

"Whoa y/n calm down! I come in peace. Otto called and told me everything." he explains.

You look at Otto, "Everything?!" you say gritting your teeth.

"Y/n! Listen to me! He told me x/n attacked you outside the building during your morning run. He heard you call for help, came down to see what was wrong, saw the fight and pulled x/n off of you and proceeded to chase him off. He told me he brought you here so he could keep an eye on you and so you could wash off and get some rest. Alright?" your uncle explains, trying to calm you down.

You let out a sigh of relief, oh thank god

"He also told me you're moving into or have moved into one of the old apartments?"

Sh*t... Dammit Otto!

"Uncle I- I was afraid you were going to cut me off. Our last conversation didn't exactly go well."

"I know.. I'm sorry y/n. I was only being harsh because I was afraid of.." he hesitates, "Afraid that Otto wasn't being truthful in his claims of change, no offense Otto."

"None taken." Otto nods crossing his arms, slightly offended, but understanding his reservations.

"I'm sorry uncle.. I should have called.. I was just so afraid of what you would think" you say, fiddling with the seam of your shirt anxiously.

"And that's why I'm here."

Uh oh..

Your uncle turns to Otto, "I wanted to thank you. If you hadn't been there, I don't know what would've happened. You saved my niece's life and I am eternally grateful." he reaches out to shake Otto's hand. With a slight smile, Otto uncrosses his arms and returns the favor. "You're a better man than I, Otto. The fact that you called me, despite everything, tells me all I need to know. You really have changed, it's good to have you back."

"It's good to be back" Otto says, releasing your uncle's hand. But am I really back? I feel as though only parts of me returned.

Your uncle now looks at you. "Y/n I want you to stay here, in the building. I want you close to Otto in case anything happens. I trust that he will keep you safe."

You are stunned to silence. What the f*ck is happening right now? Did I die in my sleep or something and this is a cruel afterlife party?

"If that's okay with you guys?" he asks.

"That's quite alright with me" Otto confirms. "Y/n?"

You snap back into reality, "Yes sorry, yes that works for me" you agree, still unsure of how you got to this point.

"Then it's settled. Otto I will pay you by the month if that's okay"

"Oh, there's no need, really. The apartments have been for rent for years and the lack of offers hasn't affected me terribly."

"Please, allow me to at least pay for utilities, please. It's the least I can do" he insists.

"If you insist" Otto says, backing down.

"Great! Now, y/n you do intend to report the attack right?"

You sigh, "Yes uncle, I just haven't had the chance seeing as it just happened and I've been a bit busy dealing with that" you say snarkily.

"Hey! What did I say about the attitude?!"

"I'm sorry, I'm just still in a lot of pain. You're right." you walk up and hug your uncle. "Thank you"

"I'm your uncle, it's my responsibility to make sure you are safe and I failed you. Don't thank me, thank him" he motions to Otto.

"She has, all morning" Otto interrupts in a joking tone.

"Good, maybe there's hope for your manners after all" your uncle jabs.

"Ha ha yes very funny" you poke at him sarcastically.

"I must go now, Otto thank you again, truly." He then turns to you, "Y/n, please let me know when you call the police. If you need a lawyer or anything else, I know some people."

"Yes uncle, I will."

"Take good care of her Otto," your uncle requests as he leaves. His face drops and his tone chances as he looks back at the two of you, muttering sadly, "Better you than me it seems."

As the door shuts you sit back, falling into the couch, overwhelmed.