Chapter Text
A year. A year and then there's no more dealing with going from home to home, case worker to case worker, hospital to hospital... Finally, he can leave the horrible cycle he's been stuck in. That is, if he ever leaves this stupid hallway.
"Ugh…" Raymond has been staring up at the ceiling for who knows how long, utterly bored. His phone died within the first five minutes of waiting. Which was totally great. Fiddling with his hand wrappings did little to keep him distracted. Only managing to keep his hands busy while his mind remained free. Hence the ceiling inspection. On the upside, this place doesn't have cracks in its ceiling. Already an improvement from the last office.
It takes every ounce of Raymond's self-control not to break something or just straight up leave. Instead he heaves out a sigh before straightening up in his chair. His newest case worker – Ms. Light something – sure was taking her sweet time. Raymond's been here for what? An hour? If he wasn't in a hallway where anyone could show up, he might've fiddled with his prosthetics. Stupid things have been acting up after an encounter with a stone hero two days ago.
To his immense relief he hears heels clicking against the floor as a woman speed walks down the halls towards him. “I’m so sorry, the meeting ran a little long. Let me just unlock this and we can get started.” The door swishes open after some jingling of keys and jiggling of a handle. She beckons him inside with a wide smile. Her white cloud like form in a simple suit and hair in a high ponytail. He can feel the waves of positive energy radiating from her. Literally. She was actually radiating a soft glow. Leaving no doubt that she's a hero. Yuck. Raymond flashes a charming smile as he gets up out of the chair with only a sight wobble, going to need to recheck the calibration again. Entering her office without a misstep – take that trashy prosthetics.
He sits in the much nicer and plushier chair than the one outside, directly across from her desk. She goes behind her desk in a smooth motion and starts to click at something on her computer. “One moment. Let me pull up your case file.” Raymond takes the opportunity to look over her desk. There were a few personal effects, nothing super interesting. The thick stack of paperwork caught his eye. It looked awfully familiar.
His attention snaps back to the case worker as she begins to speak, her voice full of pep and cheer. "Raymond! It's so nice to finally meet you. Sorry again about the wait. I'm your new case worker, Cenci Lightstorm. All your paperwork that your old case worker Mr. Glendale transferred over without a hitch." She pats the stack of papers he had been eyeing. Yup. He thought it looked familiar. "Now. I know you don't have much longer in our system, but let's make this last year a good one, okay?" Still smiling.
“Of course Ms. Lightstorm. I’m sure it will be with you as my case worker.” Flashing a winning smile as he winks and pulls out a rose. Offering it to Ms. Lightstorm who starts glowing a soft yellow as she takes it. Hook, line, and sinker.
She puts it in her pencil holder after she admires it for a moment. “Thank you Raymond. It’s lovely.” Letting a soft laugh escape. “Such a gentleman, it should be easy to find another foster home for you.”
If that’s what she wants to think, he won’t disagree with her. Even if his records say the exact opposite. “I certainly hope so. Since you mentioned it. How long do you think it will be until I can leave the temporary home I’m staying at? I hate to impose for long with how crowded it is.”
“I’m not sure. We do have to go over a few thing but. I do have a few interviews lined up for today.” That’s fast, which suits him just fine. “It’s a bit rushed but, it’ll get you out of that temp home faster, yeah? I made sure that none of them were like your last…" At this the cheer finally seems to dim as she clears her throat. "…house."
He totally believes her. Not. Raymond was put in a house full of alcohol abusing occupants the last time he heard that from a caseworker. He doesn't want to dwell on that former household. Actually, Raymond doesn't want to think about any of his former ‘homes'. Ever. A dismissive wave of his hand accompanies his light tone of voice, "Let's not dwell on the past. When are we starting?"
Four interviews. Four fabulously fucking awful interviews. Raymond hates interviews with a passion. Surprising given that he’s such a smooth talker, but past experiences have sullied the experience. They were just a hassle that Raymond would rather do without.
Case in point, the first interview. A lovely couple who didn’t know that his legs stopped at his knee. Prosthetics are common now-a-days but, since he doesn't want to talk about how he lost them since the incident isn't in his files. For reasons (Arson and a baseball bat to the servers to be more precise). It makes for a sketchy situation. That plus his negative three power level didn't exactly do him any favors. No amount of charm could change their minds from the image they created in their heads of him. Which was just stereotyping at that point. Rude.
The second interview was one of the annoying ones. Heroes thinking that they could change a kid from being a villain. He’s seen it before. Thankfully his record and obvious distaste for wanting to change the perfection that is himself got them to leave. Too much effort to waste on a kid who will ditch them in a year. At this point Raymond could feel the beginnings of a headache form. Ms. Lightstorm's perpetual cheer wasn't helping. At all. Why she even bothered interviewing with heroes is beyond him. With her performance thus far, he bet she might last a month at most.
The third interview wasn't anything special. Nothing clicked, despite the woman being a villain. She was more into the destroying the world kind of thing than he was. Since he lived on it and all. So no fostering opportunity there. The bright side was that there was only one more of these things to go through and he was at the finish line.
Raymond knew this wasn't going to end well the moment he laid eyes on the villainous couple. The man gave him a once over, eyes narrowing in displeasure. Not a great start. They take their seats and the questions start after a very brief introduction. They ask the usual ones, and Raymond wonders if maybe he misinterpreted the look as the conversation remains polite.
As soon as he thinks that he’s in the clear, the questions start to take a turn. Asking if he was dating anyone. If he ever sees himself settling down with an evil girl. Why he puts so much effort into his hair and why he bothers wearing make-up if he enjoys sports. Surely it would just be a hindrance. And why be so preoccupied with flowers? Roses aren’t exactly manly or fit the sports gimmick. Do you even play them or just watch? Judging by looks alone I’m sure that you’re paying more attention to the players than the actual game.
The interview gets cut short not long after that. Ms. Lightstorm emitting a harsh red glow as she very politely asks them to leave her office. Interrupting what surely would’ve been another judging inquiry. Standing up and opening the door as she gestures for them to leave. Waiting until they’re out of earshot before talking to him.
"Well. Today didn't go so well, but don't worry! I'll be able to set up some more later this week.” Her smile fake and barely containing her anger. “Do you mind waiting here for a moment? I need to make sure security shows them out.” The ‘and make them never want to come back’ heavily implied in her tone.
"Of course. Take your time." He flashes her a smile. Just wanting to leave, he had stopped answering halfway through the questions since it was clear they didn’t care about his answers. Hating that he had to just sit there and take it. She gives him a more genuine smile and a quick thanks as she leaves. Promising to be right back.
Then Raymond is finally, blissfully alone.
His eyes slide closed and he heaves out a heavy sigh. Tired, so damn tired. If only he could live by himself… Then this whole sham wouldn’t be needed. But his record wasn’t the best and his ‘special circumstances’ kept him stuck in the system longer than the others. Not that it really matters at this point. There’s no reason to bother with interviews, Raymond will either be shipped off to another temp home or get paired with another dead end home.
There’s only one more year. He needs to hold out until then. Keep the goal in mind. Everything will be fi-
"I am Jethro!"
"What the f-" Raymond snaps his mouth shut when he whips around and sees a kid standing in the doorway. The kid – Jethro apparently – was wearing a bulky coat that was long enough to cover his hands, a scarf, and were those Heelys? He stares for a moment longer. Yep. Those are Heelys. Every piece of clothing is a various shade of blue. Even his hair.
"I am Jethro." Robot voice, neat. Raymond raises an eyebrow as the kid ambles up to him. While he’s certain that the kid shouldn’t be here, he’s even more certain that if he turns out to be a problem Raymond can toss him out with ease. The kid stops next to the right side of his chair and stares up at him. “I am Jethro.” So verbose. And his facial expressions didn’t give him any hints to what he was trying to convey. He may as well be a brick wall with how expressive he is.
"Hey there Jethro." He flashes the kid a smile, keeping his posture open and loose. Buying himself some time to deduce what Jethro wants. Kid seems focused on his face. No, his hair since his eyes drift over to the side. "Like my hair?" Jethro’s eyes light up, eager nodding. He couldn't help it if his smile softened a bit, it’s just adorable.
”You can touch the green part if you want. Just be careful.” Jethro excitedly looks up at him, the scarf lowering so his grin is revealed. Even though he’s sitting, Raymond has to lean down so the boy can comfortably reach. There's a careful touch on the shaved lime green part of his hair. Small fingers tracing the sharp borders between the green and black. Jethro takes his hand away after a bit, looking starstruck as Raymond straightens up in his chair again.
”Soft yeah?” Eager nodding.
There’s a curious poke at the bandages on the hand closest to Jethro. “I’m fine.” Flexing his fingers. “It’s a fashion thing. And it also helps keep the bones in place if I punch someone.” Time to change the topic. “I’m partial to green. Obviously. But I must say that I’m digging the blue.”
Jethro lights up, waving his hands around as he says, "I am Jethro!" Instantly getting distracted by the compliment. Raymond watches as Jethro shows off his scarf and blue hair. Amusement bubbling up as Jethro shows off his wheels. Kids. So excitable and so much easier to deal with than adults. Exclaiming the same phrase as Jethro proceeds to skate around Raymond's chair. Or he tries to. The rug instantly foils that plan and he ends up face-planting.
Or that’s what would’ve happened if Raymond didn’t have amazing reflexes. Hooking a few fingers in the blue collar, tugging him upright easily with a small chuckle. "How about you show me your moves later?" Jethro pouts and he can't have that. An upset child and a villain next to him isn’t a good look. Hm, the kid does have a voice box so he doesn’t mind showing off his own ‘upgrades’.
“I don't have anything as cool as your wheels, but..." Raymond pulls his jeans up enough to show a bit of metal, drawing Jethro's attention with ease. "They aren't the best, but I make them look good.” Smirking. “Then again I can make anything look good.”
Not super comfortable with someone inspecting them, even if it’s a child. “Don’t touch.” Jethro retracts his hand at the warning. Points to him for not snapping at the boy.
Somebody clears their throat.
Raymond turns in his chair, instantly looking over the newcomer. Who clearly doesn’t go outside much with that skin tone or exercise with how pudgy he is. The eye is cool though, not sure what’s the deal with the chicken(?) arm. “Oh, I hope you haven’t been waiting long. Ms. Lightstorm should be back soon if you have business with her.” Getting up to walk a bit closer to the smaller man, flashinga smile.
”No. I’m here to retrieve my son Jethro.” A pointed look at the boy who is half hiding behind Raymond. Tone scolding now, “Who ran off while I was speaking to a worker.”
Raymond shoots Jethro a look before returning his attention to the man. “He’s been here with me. A perfect angel.” Giving said angel a pat on the head and nudging him towards his father.
Jethro pouts a little but goes, clinging to his father’s sleeve. The man’s face softening for a moment. Suddenly looking back up at Raymond. “Ah. How rude of me I almost forgot to introduce myself. I’m Lord Boxman, CEO of Boxmore.” A hand is extended for Raymond to shake.
”Raymond. It’s a pleasure to meet you Lord Boxman.” Giving a short, but firm handshake and making sure to add a couple sparkles in for good measure as he does.
He watches Boxman’s eyes wander down his frame before doing a small double take. Voice laced with interest, "Is that a prosthetic?"
That makes his tense up instantaneously. Drat, he forgot to roll his jeans back down. Automatically smoothing down the pant leg to hide it. Boxman’s prosthetics were leagues better than his own. Self-conscious doesn't even begin to cover what he's feeling.
Giving a slightly strained smile. "Ah. Yes. You have a good eye Lord Boxman.” Time to cut this meeting short. Clapping his hands together, “Well I'm sure you need to be on your way. I’m sure Ms. Lightstorm wouldn’t like it if there were strangers in her office and she should be back any minute now.” Easily pushing the two out of the door. “I’m remiss to cut our meeting so short but these things can’t be helped. Goodbye." Raymond nearly slams the door shut in his eagerness to get rid of them.
He sighs, shoulders slumping in exhaustion. Waiting to hear the footsteps leave before sitting back down. Ready to act like nothing happened when Lightstorm comes back. It’s not as if he’ll ever see them again. Out of sight out of mind.
Life can go fuck itself.
It had been a few days since then, nothing of note happening during that time. Ms. Lightstorm was as happy as ever, if not more so when he confirmed that he would come meet with her. Raymond thought this would be a quick chat about his current status. So why the hell was Lord Boxman here?
Who, in Raymond's internet search, has a power level of negative ten, and Boxmore is apparently the number one manufacturer of robot henchmen for villains. Whose kid he called – who is also a villain – an angel. So this meeting doesn’t bode well for him.
"Raymond, come in. Take a seat! I heard that you've already met Lord Boxman." Why is she so happy about this? He can’t believe he was tricked by this airhead. Raymond stops lingering in the doorway and takes his seat, discreetly side-eyeing the villain sitting next to him. He nods confirming her statement. She brightly continues, lighting up. "Great! Since you two already met how about we just dive into things?"
How about no?
"Raymond."
Never mind. This is happening, suck it up and bear with it. "Yes, Lord Boxman?" Smile and make eye contact. It's an interview. Don’t show any weakness to the enemy.
"I told you before that I run Boxmore. It’s a company that supplies villains with robot henchmen. Our home is connected to the factory. If you end up living with us, you will need to be careful in the factory.” Raymond nods as Boxman continues. “Jethro, who you’ve already met, isn’t my only child. I also have Ernesto who helps me with the business side of my company, Darrel who...is Darrel, and Shannon who’s daddy’s princess. Darrel and Shannon are both around your age, which should be nice." Boxman seemed at ease, which helped and also didn’t help with Raymond's nerves. It either means Boxman has something up his sleeve and everything is going according to plan or that Boxman just likes to boast about his children. Maybe both.
"It sounds like a lively household.” Raymond wasn't too concerned with the large household, he's been in plenty of those. He’s more concerned about minimizing any damage he’s caused. “But before we go any further. I would like to apologize for how our last meeting ended. It was rather rude of me, to, you know…" He can't help fidgeting with his wrapping around his hands he apologizes. Needing to keep his hands occupied.
Lord Boxman waves it off. Something Raymond isn’t sure of it being a good or bad sign. "It's fine. Now I hear you have an interest in sports…"
An hour later and interview finally ends. It was...not bad. Raymond swerving around any topics he didn’t want to talk about and being able to boast about his athletic ability was nice. They talked about villainy, a bit more about Boxman's business, how living arrangements worked with a factory attached to the home, and a few other things. Ms. Lightstorm barely had to do any talking to help steer the conversation.
The next bit was a whirlwind for Raymond. Boxman apparently deciding that he would foster Raymond and already started talking logistics with Lightstorm. Not that Raymond was complaining. The faster he was out the better in his opinion. There were so many papers it made his head spin.
Soon enough everything they could do today was finished. Boxman just had to pass a quick house inspection and a few more things needed to be signed before Raymond could officially move in. It was very suspicious. Things like this never go so smoothly or at all well for him. There has to be a catch. If Boxman knew about that...
No point stressing over it. He’s been in worse situations before. If Boxman turns out to be a problem, Raymond could deal with him. For now, he had to play the game and get packed for the move that was to happen in a few days time.