hawk_shot | for @theodorelasso

Kate's barely been able to sleep these last few days. It's a huge milestone, after all. It's been months since she and Ted started dating and, even with a werewolf in the mix, the prospect of meeting his son has been both the most surreal concept and the thing Kate has feared screwing up the most. It's just strange, being aware that they are into something serious and that would make her ~~a step-mom~~ part of this kid's family. Is she ready? Geez, according to her own mother it's surprising Kate can even look after a dog.

Remembering how Ted introduced himself to Lucky, Kate decides to bring a little something that hopefully will excite Henry even if he turns out to hate her guts. It's certainly more than just a steak. Getting out of her Uber, Kate's got her arm wrapped with Lucky's leash as she makes room to pull out the box they somehow managed to fit along in the back of the car.

"Ted? Can you give me a hand?" She calls out the second she sees her boyfriend step out of the house to come greet her.

The basketball hoop is not terribly heavy, but when a retriever is super excited to mee his own step-dad? Yeah, it becomes a bit of a challenge.

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Posted by

hawk_shot

That finally earns him a smile from his son, his cheeks full as he chews away. In a way, he looks like a happy little chipmunk. "Jake said that his great, great, great, great, grandfather was related to Lincoln," he comments distractedly after swallowing.

Michelle waves a hand, dismissive. "He's exaggerating."

But Henry continues. "And to celebrate he is taking me to see the Foo Fighters." A band Henry has never brough up before but that he sounds quite excited about now.

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theodorelasso

"Wooow," Ted answers, and only barely manages to avoid sounding like he's in pain. (Definitely not hiding it well enough that the two other adults in the room don't pick up on it though.) "That's quite a celebration."

Every now and then he has to remind himself that Dr Jacob has Henry's best interests at heart, and that, like he was trying to tell Kate, he's not going to replace Ted. It sure ain't easy.

But of course he wants Henry to see the Foo Fighters. That sounds like an awesome time. He's having trouble asking more questions about that specific subject though.

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hawk_shot

Even though she's well aware that Ted won't talk ill about Henry's step-dad, she can tell how deep the blow is. And even though she can tell that Henry likes this Jacob, Kate instantly feels like he's a total dick.

Straight to the dipshit bag with Jack you go, Jake. The perfect example of everything she doesn't aspire to be, whatever happens with - Well, between her and Ted and this family she suddenly feels like she's stepping in. Like a co-star or something.

"Do you like musicals?" She suddenly interrupts. "Your dad's introduced me to a lot of them." She looks up at Ted. "We've got tickets for the Rogers avant premiere."

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theodorelasso

Ted hasn't told Kate much about Dr Jacob, not wanting to dwell on all of that. He hasn't told her that much about Michelle either, though obviously various things have come up over the months. He has told her that he did used to see someone about the whole wolf business, but definitely not that that's the same person his ex-wife is now together with.

Henry nods when he's asked about musicals, though he doesn't present any examples. He does however light up at the mention of the Avengers musical, turning to Ted as well. "Can I come?"

"Oh, well, it's after you head home, buddy," Ted says apologetically. "But sure, next time you're up here, we can definitely manage that."

"Is Hawkeye gonna be there?" Henry asks, this time turning to Kate, since she seems to be the Hawkeye expert.

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hawk_shot

A little worried that she's put herself on the spot, Kate looks over at Ted and then at his kid, excited and expecting an answer. "I think - I think the Avengers were invited, yeah." God, it's something she's super busy about. "If Hawkeye is there you get I'm gonna ask him for like a million selfies and his autograph. We could try and get one for you too, if that's cool?"

As Kate meets Ted's gaze, almost checking if he's alright with that, she is hit by a certain realizaton.

"You think I could take my bow with me?" Because honestly, what could be more perfect than getting her bow signed by Hawkeye himself?! "I could - I could pretend is a fashion accesory! Maybe - Maybe even turn it into a purse?" She gestured vaguely, pretending she was holding an imaginary across her chest.

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theodorelasso

Ted nods when she checks with him whether getting Henry an autograph would be okay - though then his face quickly turns more doubtful as she asks about her bow. "Pretty sure that's technically a weapon. Even without arrows, you'll probably have to leave that in the coat check," he points out with amused fondness.

He doesn't even think about what Michelle might think of Kate's slight fangirling. Ted just finds it endearing and lovely. Henry's on the same wavelength and definitely doesn't seem to mind, simultaneously excited about a possible autograph, and sad he won't get to meet Hawkeye himself.

Posted by

hawk_shot

"Yeah, well, that makes no sense," Kate is quick to argue. "Yeah, I can detach the string but it still is a weapon, big deal." But then, pulling the fork off her plate, she sucks on its end before holding the fork up. "Well, in that case this is a deadly weapon too."

Looking from Kate to his father, Henry seemed a little reluctant but held up his own fork.

Kate was firm in that way that she is when she's totally sucked into a conversation, clearly firm about making her point. "I can promise you I could use this and make it a weapon as deadly as my bow," she pointed out.

Michelle coughed discreetly.

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theodorelasso

"Yeah, no, except for the fact that none of us condone violence," Ted reminds her, giving her a look and then pointedly looking at the back of Henry's head, inclining his head a little. "Besides, I think it has less to do with that, and more to do with stuff like the theater's insurance, and the ushers working there trying to interpret the rules as best they can, y'know."

It's not that he disagrees with her. She has a valid point. But that doesn't mean they would allow it. Nor that they should discuss it in this way in front of a pre-teen boy.

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hawk_shot

Narrowing her eyes as she struggles to see what Ted is trying to hint at, Kate's head starts tilting slightly to the side in the same way that Lucky does when there's a noise he finds out of the ordinary. But then realization hits her, her jaw dropping while her eyes widen. Quickly, she lowers her fork and puts it back on her plate.

"Right! I mean-- Obviously, yeah. Using any sorts of weapons is super unsafe . Unless..." She trails off, aware that something doesn't sound right, "Unless you're like at the shooting range or somewhere appropiate. Or an Avenger," she nods to herself. "So- So not for regular and untrained people and definitely not at a theater."

Shit, though. Maybe she can just carry a part of her bow in her purse?

Michelle's phone buzzes and, even though she is watching the discussion play out carefully, she picks it up, aware that Jake must be texting her. "Right. I should probably get going."

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theodorelasso

Ted gives an amused huff. Smooth, she is not. But honestly, it's nothing worse than Beard's said in front of Henry on occasion. And Henry's old enough to think for himself, and has lived thus far in a very anti-weapon (and particularly anti-gun) household. There is a chance he might find bows very cool, but he's not gonna start attacking people with it.

He looks over at Michelle when she looks at her phone. "Right, yeah. Uh, I assume except for the early visit, the schedule's the same. You'll come pick Henry up on Sunday?" he asks, getting to his feet. He's gonna walk Michelle to the door, just in case she has something else to say, or in case he himself thinks of something to say.

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hawk_shot

Rushing one last bite of her cake (because really, it's hard to get enough of Ted's baking), Michelle puts down her plate and starts gathering her belogings. She beckons Henry to get up, "C'mon, kiddo." Soon enough she is pulling Henry into one of those hugs not that unlike the ones Ted claims whenever his son has to go back home.

"It was nice to meet you, Kate," she offers with a polite smile that doesn't lack real warmth, her arms still around her boy as she rocks him in a way their son will soon start considering embarrassing.

Soon, she and Ted are heading towards the door. "I'm sorry about before, Ted," michelle brings up on their way. She wants nothing but to keep thigs friendly with Ted, not just because they're co-parenting, but because she does still care about him in certain ways. They are, no matter how things work out, still a family.

Even if she doesn't agree with some of his choices.

Posted by

theodorelasso

"Hey, it's alright," Ted says, once they're away from the other two and he can hear Henry asking Kate more stuff about her bow and whether she can do stunts like Hawkeye can.

"You were a bit bamboozled, I get it," he says softly, standing at the door while they talk quietly. "Look, I know it looks weird. People give us guff all the time, it's not like I'm blind. And I know there's some extra challenges her and I have to face." He pauses and sighs. "But she's something real special, Michelle. And I promise, whatever else happens, I'm always gonna put Henry first. So just... have some faith in me, alright?"

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hawk_shot

Unsure as she might still feel about things, Michelle is well aware that there's little she can do but accept the situation. It's something they've both had to face during and even after their marriage. And it's something she will always be thankful about, how considerate Ted had been even after they were done. Upset as she might feel, she is well aware that she has to loosen her foot.

And so she simply nods, agreeing with Ted, even though 'bamboozled' seems like a very light way to put things into words.

"I know," she says softly. "You're a great dad, Ted." Is he really aware of everything that could go wrong? Of how a family day out will look more like he's taking out both a daughter and son instead of his girlfriend and his kid? It makes her stomach turn, but she doesn't say it outloud. She owes him as much.

"Just... Be very careful, Ted. For her sake too," Michelle states as they make it to the doorway.

With a little hesitation and an awkward, quiet chuckle, she holds her arms out.

Posted by

theodorelasso

One difference between them is that Ted has spent an awful lot of time learning not to care what most people think of him. Their assumptions, their underestimation of him, it's not a reflection of him or his relationship, it's a reflection of them. And that doesn't mean it won't bother him - especially if it might have consequences for Henry, or for himself, or for Kate. It just means that other people's perceptions alone isn't a legitimate reason to avoid something that makes his life, on the whole, so much better.

"I will," he promises. And he is. He's really trying to maneuver this as best he can, and trying to help Kate do the same.

He smiles as she holds her arms out, and he leans in to give her a brief but firm hug. He doesn't linger, but it's a good reminder that they're both on the same side in this.

"Have a good time, alright? Be safe," he says, opening the door for her.

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hawk_shot

She thanks him quietly, pulling back about the same time as he does, glad to be reminded that they're still a team of sorts, uncomfortable as she can be about certain things or not. "I'll call Henry tomorrow," she tells him. The usual thing, just checking on their little man and how he's doing.

With a last nod and a wave, Michelle leaves, not looking back.

By the time Ted comes back to the living room Kate's picking up the empty plates, ready to take the cake back to the kitchen.

"I used to go rock climbing," she tells him. "Then I started kick boxing and then I took archery classes, yeah." She looks back over her shoulder, Lucky taking the chance to try and sneak a quick bite and take some of the leftovers in the stack of plates she's holding. "I was there during the Battle of New York, actually. We saw it all from our window."

An understatement, really.

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theodorelasso

"Alright, I know I'll probably become unpopular if I say this, but I think that's enough Avengers talk," Ted says as he walks in on this particular conversation, clapping his hands together.

If Kate has reached the Battle of New York, there is a very real chance Henry's follow-up questions might lead to discussions Ted really doesn't want to have today. He was just a toddler at the time, and most of the consequences of that didn't reach Kansas as much as it did other place, but it was a pretty scary time to be a fresh parent, and it definitely changed some things in general. Henry's grown up where all this is commonplace, while Ted still considers it kind of insane.

"So, Henry," Ted says, focusing on him as he drops down on the couch next to him. "I don't really have anything planned for us tonight, but do you have any requests?"

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hawk_shot

The smile Kate offers him is a little sheepish, one that silently hopes that she's not already messed things up. At least Ted's his usual chill self, not acting like some suddenly overprotective dad ready to kick her out after she proves to be a bad influence to his kid.

"Don't wanna run out of Avengers stories anyway, huh?" She shrugs as Henry complains, even if the boy still seems in good spirits as his dad takes the spot by his side. Leaving the stack of dishes on a corner of the coffee table, she takes the chance to give her dog a good ruffle and some pettings, wondering if she should stick to the plan and excuse herself too.

"Hmmm..!" Throwing his head back as he pretends to think, Henry points out his one favorite activity to do with his dad. That is, now that most their time spent together is usually online. "Videogames and a movie?"

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theodorelasso

"That sounds absolutely perfect," Ted agrees. A chill day in, maybe order some pizza. Time to catch up without too many activities and stuff happening to distract them.

"And don't worry, we're gonna hang out some more with Kate soon, and you two can nerd out about superheroes. Maybe she'll even let you try one of her bows, huh?" he says, gently elbowing Henry and giving Kate a smile. "Just remember, only with training and only at the shooting range, right?"

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hawk_shot

"I'm sure Beard would be happy to have you at the range too." Kate offers, aware that Beard has been looking forward to see Ted's boy too. "We'll try with safe equipment too, it'll be fine. Bet you'll do great."

Henry's excitment is obvious, the way he lits up quickly reminding Kate of Ted's own enthusiasm. It's a little surreal, really. First, because she still has to pinch herself just to be reminded that this is happening. That this is actually Ted's son and it's crazy how she does notice little hints of him on his kid. Then what's even crazier: she's met Henry and his ex and the world hasn't come to an end.

With Ted having practically answered one of her questions, Kate reaches out to grab her phone, already gathering her belonginfgs. "You should go get a basketball too," she hints at, reminding Ted of the hoop still wainting to be put up.

Posted by

theodorelasso

That's actually a real comfort, knowing Beard will be there too. He doesn't think Kate will do anything risky, but she probably underestimates how much trouble a 12-year-old can get into. Even a good kid like Henry, who gets into less shenanigans than Ted did at his age. Beard, for all his unpredictability in a social setting, is very clear on rules and safety, and knows both how to communicate and enforce it.

"Riiight," he answers, reminded of the hoop. Maybe he can get Henry's help in setting it up.

"Alright, big guy, how about you take your suitcase upstairs and unpack, huh? And I don't mean all over the floor, I mean in actual drawers," he says, getting to his feet and shooing Henry off. The kid grabs it and starts hurrying, already heading up the stairs before he remembers to yell "Bye, Kate!"

Ted chuckles to himself and goes to follow Kate to the door to see her off. "That wasn't so bad, huh?" he says with a warm smile.

And as much as his heart is warmed by seeing them interact, and he was looking forward to hanging out with her this evening... He really can't wait to get some quality time alone with Henry. That, and he does need to have a talk with him about Kate, before Ted can feel comfortable even holding hands with her around him.

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hawk_shot

"Bye, Henry!" She calls out, only then remembering to add: "It was - It was nice to meet you!" Was it too much? Oh, God, she doesn't want to try too hard. It'd be so weird to become one of those people who tries too hard.

With her jacket on and her things packed, she puts the leash back on Lucky and lets Ted walk them both out, glad that he sent off Henry to get him distracted. It grants them both a much needed moment of privacy. Enough for her to drop this 'chill' mask and put a hand on her chest as she practically drops back, leaning against the wall.

"Oh, my God!" She says in a hushed voice not that unlike how they had talked back in the kitchen. "Not so bad? I thought I was having a heart attack when I saw them arrive early. You should have seen your face!"

And yet, Ted's not wrong. Nervously laughing at the memory, it's clear she agrees that it all turned out way better than they could have anticipated.

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theodorelasso

"...Not sure he caught that second part," Ted comments, mostly to himself, looking in the direction of the stairs. At least if you try too hard, sometimes the kid will just fail to notice anyway?

"My face?" he answers with a soft laugh. "Yours was pretty impressive too, by the way."

He looks towards the stairs again, just to check, before he chances giving Kate a brief but extremely happy kiss.

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hawk_shot

"You were panicking hardcore," Kate insists, even though she is well aware that Ted had to talk her down from the way she was losing it herself back in the kitchen.

Surprised by the sudden kiss, as she is still unsure of what's the line of what's appropiate around Henry or not, she reaches out but doesn't quite manage to cup his face. Her palms linger at the side of his neck as she kisses him back, his lips leaving already.

"I'm so happy for you, baby." It's kind of a shame that she's gonna miss him tonight, but so worth knowing he is enjoying extra time with his kid.

There's so much she wants to ask, specially about those moments when he sneaked up with his ex. It has nothing to do with jealousy and way more about feedback. "Sorry I got carried away with the Avengers talk. I didn't know--" What else to talk about. "And it worked so well."

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theodorelasso

Ted shrugs and smiles at her insistence, more or less admitting as much. They both were, for a minute there.

When she apologizes for the Avengers talk, he reaches out and squeezes her arm reassuringly. "You don't have to impress him. Just talk to him like a person. Ask him about his hobbies and his interests," Ted tells her. "As long as you don't talk about stuff that's inappropriate, kids like being treated like human beings."

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hawk_shot

As much as they both panicked over the surprise, Kate's glad she's not the only one caught completely by surprise by that early arrival. "Thanks for like, sort of guiding me through it." It had meant the world, how he had calmed her in the kitchen.

Reaching up, she puts her hand on his as he touches her arm. "I feel so stupid. Like my brain stopped functioning and I don't know how to talk, you know?" Was it really that bad? Maybe not. But she's a bit of an overachiever, something that shows in the ammount of trophies she collected and even her grades, chill as she pretends to be.

It's hard to focus on anything but her mistakes sometimes.

"I'll text you goodnight."