Needing A Father (Ask That Guy)

[Indigo Lantern Jim Black]

(ooc: March 20th. Afternoon. Jim/Ask That Guy thread. I wish I'd done a thread like this sooner but here it goes. Present is a solar surfer Insano and the others recreated to surprise Jim.)

Jim was very happy and excited. His cast had come off this morning. Thanks to magic and the scientific abilities of Dr. Insano and the others his arm had healed quicker than it normally would have. He had been surprised by the concern he got from everyone especially Ask That Guy. Jim had always felt nervous around him. I mean they had only adopted him with the others to make sure they weren't taken off into foster system. But Ask That Guy had been there. He'd even complimented his cooking although everyone had done that. He didn't know what to make of him.

His birth father had abandoned him and he'd even started to look up to John Silver before he'd betrayed them. They'd made up and John Silver had made amends But the betrayal still hurt. Ask That Guy hadn't done that to him. He'd made sure he was safe and didn't even force him to be around Mechakara. He wasn't sure how he felt about Black Lantern Spoony yet. He was sure his adopted parents knew about it but neither had said anything. And then he'd gotten a note from Dark Nella telling him to meet his father out here in the woods for a surprise. So here he was. Jim paused looking around not seeing signs of anything until he bumped into a huge crate that was sitting in the middle of the forest.

"What's this?" asked Jim.

Puzzled he looked at it curious to what was inside it. He saw his name on it. He read it curious.

To Jim,

We know you miss your home and your mother so we thought we'd bring a bit of home to you. We got Smith, Insano, and the others to help us with this project. WE hope you enjoy it. And we love you very much son.

Dark Nella & Ask That Guy."

Jim was now in tears as he looked at the gift. He'd never really had a constant father figure in his life but he now had one. And part of him had been afraid to get too close to him. What if Ask That Guy abandoned him like his father had done? Or betrayed him like Silver? He didn't want to go through that again. But now he was making efforts and giving him gifts. Maybe his adopted father really did care. He paused looking at the gift wondering if she could open it or wait for his new father. He paused a smile coming to his face as he realized he'd just referred to him as father. Jim nodded deciding to wait for Ask That Guy to get there.

His mind drifted to his siblings. Pinocchio was still a donkey. Mano was a monkey and Ronno was now human. It was so bizarre but his new found family needed him just as much as needed them. He often wondered if he'd ever get home but his mother wasn't alone. She had Captain Amelia, Dr. Dopplar, and the others to help her if she needed it. And he'd now had a new life and a new family here. He wasn't sure if he wanted to go back and lose his new brothers and new parents. Even Dark Nella was growing on him. Having a second mother was kind of nice and he'd seen how both of them were good with the other children. They'd even apologized for they'd treated Mano in the beginning having come to view him as their son as well. A surprising turn around. And a very happy and blended family. One he was proud to be a part of. He paused looking up hearing some rustling in the bushes as he guessed his father was coming. At least he hoped it was him.

Ask Thatguy

[Ask Thatguy]

Ask Thatguy wanted to personally spend time with Jim. Like Jim, ATG at first didn't know what to make of both Mano and Jim since they were much older than the other children. Yet through time, as he loved the younger children, he realized that Mano and Jim meant a lot as well. How they handled themselves and their lives was their business sure but he felt a need to love and protect them. He realized his sins against Mano and stopped treating him like a slave and both Dark Nella and he agreed to stop having him as a slave period. Mano would no longer be a slave but their son. Jim however was never originally a slave, but he too needed a father. So with his transformation with Mano, Jim came along.

So he convinced the scientists and a few others to make the solar surfer, remembering Jim mentioning how much he liked using it. He WAS aware of BLS' relationship with Jim but he accepted it and actually was very pleased. He trusted BLS and the lantern really did love Jim. That was what the leader wanted. For his children to be loved by others. He would tell Jim about his approval later. Right now, he needed to come towards the boy. He saw how touched Jim was by the gift and rustled immediately out of the bushes.

"I am very glad you're happy, Jim. Open it! I'm sure you'll love it!" ATG insisted happily "You've been a very good brother to the younger children and have been a good young man in general. You deserve this, son"

[Indigo Lantern Jim Black]

Jim grinned turning to Ask That Guy and hugging him.

"Thank you. I forgot what it was like to have a father. I wish my other father had been more like you." said Jim.

He let go of him and then grinned as Ask That Guy complimented how a good brother he was and that he was a good yougn man in general. He felt like his father was proud of him and that felt great. He knew both of his mothers were proud of him but he'd never saw or heard from his other father since that day he left. He could be dead for all he knew and sometimes growing up he'd wished he had. He was pulled back to the present as he smiled at his new father.

"Thank you dad." said Jim.

He froze realizing it was the first time he'd called him dad out loud. He'd felt this way for awhile but he hadn't said anything. He turned to the gift and opened it revealing a brand new solar sailor.

"You guys made me a solar sailor? This is incredible!" said Jim.

He hugged Ask That Guy again wiping away fresh tears. It had been a long time since he'd gotten a birthday present this special. He knew his mother wasn't very rich so they'd lived within their means and he mostly got books for birthday presents. He'd only saved enough of Flint's treasure to rebuild the Benbow. But now his new father had gotten the others to build this for him. He let go of his dad again and glanced at the solar sailor. It had some new features like cloaking devices so he could be invisible and he wouldn't be picked up by any radar so he wouldn't be viewed as a threat.

"I can't wait to try it out. But I can do that later. I would like to spend some more time with you if that's okay. You've been so busy lately and I want to get to know you better dad. If that's okay." said Jim.

Ask Thatguy

[Ask Thatguy]

Ask thatguy grinned as Jim said he wished his real father was like him. The older man then was hugged by the man when first seeing him and it made the leader feel really good. He was glad to have older sons, Jim and mano, and felt Jim deserved a bit of a special reward for his hard work and dedication to the team and family. He then beamed when called "Dad" for the first time by Jim. Ask Thatguy patted his back "You're more than welcome, son" And he meant it.

He was excited to see Jim's reaction to the surfer. Ask Thatguy's eye softened at the tearful joy Jim had and hugged back when the teen hugged him again out of pure joy. "You earned it. I know how much you liked your solar surfer and thought you wanted and needed it here" He then beamed as Jim said he would try it later. For now, jim was more focused on getting to know more about his adoptive father. Ask Thatguy replied "It is perfectly okay. I want to know you more too. Like how you have been and have you been befriending more people?"

[Indigo Lantern Jim Black]

Jim grinned at him.

"I still can't believe you did this for me. I built the one I had at home. I saved money for years and I know Mom took extra clients in around my birthday to get me things like this. I wish I could let her know I'm ok." said Jim.

He nodded.

"I'll have to ask about all the new adjustments to it. I wouldn't want to break something or turn something off by accident." said Jim.

He paused seeing a button on it. He pressed it curious as it shrunk to toy size. Jim was shocked and grinned. He picked it up and placed it in his pocket.

"You guys think of everything." said Jim.

He smiled again as Ask That Guy said he wanted to know more about him.

"Well aside from the family and my boyfriend not much. I did befriend the serpent Kaa. I like him and want him to be treated with respect. I get the feeling he wasn't always treated right back in his home. After all he's a hypnotist and that's very useful. And he's my friend so I want him to be happy." said Jim.

Ask Thatguy

[Ask Thatguy]

"We just saw how hard you keep this family together, Jim. Again, you deserve this" ATG repeated, choosing not to comment on the fact Jim missed his birth mother. He reminded himself to find a way to contact or bring his mother here.

"Not to worry. I'm sure Dr. Insano will assist you in learning about the minor things. But it should work similarly to the one you had before. Plus a special little thing" ATG replied patiently. He smiled, glad that one of his older sons was so happy. He then chuckled "Well that's the special little thing for you. It's easy to figure out"

ATG nodded and replied approvingly "Well that is good. As long as Kaa and your boyfriend treat you with respect, that is all I care about. But if anything goes wrong you must be sure to tell me. I'm not saying this as a leader, I'm saying this as your father" He held the boy's shoulder, smiling but there was a look in his eye that suggested protection "I'm sure they are both being good to you but this is only a reminder. I'm just looking out for you"

"Yes. He was Shere Khan's pawn and was afraid of the tiger. I do have a feeling the snake has some tragic things to hide. But he's your friend, not mine. I cannot do anything except be the leader of this army" ATG rubbed his face before looking to Jim "You must know, my boy, that leading a bunch of people is hard work"

[Indigo Lantern Jim Black]

Jim looked confused.

"I didn't do that much. I'm just the big brother. You guys are the parents. You didn't have to adopt anyone especially the older kids like me or Mano. But you did. That means a lot to all of us. Especially me." said Jim.

Jim nodded.

"I'll figure things out. Thank you again." said Jim.

Jim nodded.

"They will. You haven't given Black Lantern Spoony the shovel talk or something have you?" asked Jim.

He didn't want to get his boyfriend in trouble. And he knew how protective his new family could be. He smiled as Jim held his shoulder.

"I know you are." said Jim.

He sighed.

"So he was treated badly in his home. I wish I could help him but I won't push." said Jim.

He looked at his father in sympathy.

"Don't forget you have Dark Nella and Dr. Insano. And the rest of us. Maybe you could increase the leaders in the army. Appoint generals or something. The army's only going to get bigger and we don't know when the war will end." said Jim.

Ask Thatguy

[Ask Thatguy]

"Well your mother and I have so much work to do, so you helping and spending time with the children also helps. You bring the kids together along with Mano" He didn't look to mano as a son at first but as time went on, he grew much fonder and softer with Mano. Since Dark Nella became his fiance, Ask Thatguy became more or less a family man and changed his ways completely with Mano, thanks to his own thoughts and Nella's support on it. Jim was different though and was on the man's fond spot since the beginning. He nodded as Jim thanked him again for the gift.

"No no no, just the simple little 'don't hurt my son' talk. But I didn't threaten him or anything" Well, unless you count saying BLS would be burned to a crisp as a threat, in that case Ask thatguy definitely threatened him. He then nodded about Kaa "I suppose so. Or at least was when it came to Shere Khan" He shrugged then sighed softly as Jim reminded him of his pawns and children "I know my boy, I know. It's just worrisome. I fear for Dark Nella and you kids. I do appoint higher powers but it still might not be enough"

[Indigo Lantern Jim Black]

Jim nodded.

"I'm glad I could help. I never really had such a big family before. So it's still so new to me." said Jim.

Jim glared at his father for a moment and sighed before shaking his head as he smiled again.

"Somehow I don't believe you. But as long as he's in one piece I guess that's good enough. I mean he's probably one of the strongest people I could pick. Almost impossible to kill off a dead guy after all." said Jim.

Jim sighed again.

"I see. I wish I could help him some more. But it is his decision. Maybe you could spread the word that he's my friend so people could at least be civil with him or treat him with respect. Sounds to me like that's not something he got much in his own world." said Jim.

Jim looked thoughtful for a moment about helping out.

"Maybe I could step up and help out some? I've fought in a few battles. They're likely to target me anyway because I'm your adopted son and I'm with Black Lantern Spoony. He and Chuckles are trying to train me more with my lantern training. We kind of have our own lantern corp here I guess." said Jim.

[Ask Thatguy]

"It's okay to be a bit unaware of what to do. We do have quite a few little ones here. We're in a situation to try to find new ways to protect them" Ask Thatguy nodded about the stuff with family. He was worried for their safety but what else could he do? There was little to go on, even with them being legally adopted in his name and his name alone.

"Strong, that is good. It means he can protect you even if I cannot" Ask Thatguy had to admit. He deliberately ignored Jim's suspicions, not wanting to cause drama. He did approve of the relationship, he just wanted to protect jim. He wanted to make sure Jim was safe and happy. That was what mattered. When the dicussion drifted to kaa, Ask thatguy gave a slight nod to approve of Jim's idea "Perhaps I can do that. I will certainly work on that"

He then gave a small worried frown as Jim suggested to step up and help "I don't know if I can do that. Even with you being with the lanterns, I fear for your safety as much as the young ones. Your life is just as important. I don't want you to get too hurt. I don't know Jim, I don't feel like it's right for me to approve you doing that"

[Indigo Lantern Jim Black]

Jim nodded.

"I know not everyone has the answers. So I'm glad I'm not alone so I can ask for help when I need it.." said Jim.

Jim grinned.

"I can take care of myself though but I'm always glad to know you, mom, Black Lantern Spoony and the others have my back." said Jim.

Jim smiled.

"Thank you. I know he can take care of himself. I mean with his hypnotic abilities he's definitely an asset to this army. I want him to stay and feel safe and welcome here." said Jim.

Jim sighed.

"But I want to help. We're all in danger no matter if I step up or not. They're going to target me just because I'm your son or to get revenge on Black Lantern Spoony or something. Helping out wouldn't put in any more danger. I think it'd make me safer." said Jim.

He sighed.

"But if you really feel that way I respect your decision." said Jim.

Ask Thatguy

[Ask Thatguy]

"Well of course always ask for help, Jim. We'll be able to provide the best we can" Ask thatguy calmly replied. He then nodded, patting Jim's shoulder as he explained the situation about protecting him. Ask Thatguy blushed just a tad "Well as your father now, I can't help but want to protect you. But yes, you can take care of yourself but you know you always have something to lean on"

"We all want our members to feel safe. So it is crucial for kaa to feel safe himself" Ask Thatguy then left it at that, pondering about what to do for him. Then Jim changed the subject, begging to let them have Jim help. Claiming it'd be safer for him. He sighed softly "Son, you can train but I don't know if I can let you on the battlefield. I don't know" He sighed "You may be older than your brothers but you're still young. You have life ahead of you. To risk it all for a battle? I don't think I'd be able to live with myself"

[Indigo Lantern Jim Black]

Jim nodded.

"I'll help you any way I can." said Jim.

Jim chuckled.

"I know but he's my first boyfriend. My first love. I'm worried enough about screwing it up as it is sometimes. He gave me a horse and an enchanted ring. He's serious about me. I mean I'm still scared of his best friend Mechakara because..."

He trailed off hating to think of that day. He had snuck off to fight along with Pinocchio and others. He doubted either of his parents had forgotten how close they'd come to losing him and Pinocchio that day. He knew Mechakara had been brainwashed and no one blamed him and he and most of the others were back on their side where they belonged.

"I screwed up that day unprepared. I know that now. But I've gotten myself out of trouble plenty of times before this war. Fighting off a mutinous crew, finding Treasure Planet, getting some treasure, and more. I'm not helpless and Black Lantern Spoony did give me an indigo lantern ring so I can protect myself. I'm hoping he and Chuckles could help train me." said Jim.

Jim looked at him and sighed.

"Age doesn't matter in a war. People who are younger than me go off to fight in wars all the time in this world and countless others. I can take care of myself. And I can't sit in the sidelines babysitting my brothers or trying to pretend things are normal. I was going to go to the Academy back home and learn how to fight and join the police of my world there. I got sent here and I have to help Dad. I know you want to protect me but that's a two-way street. You think I can sit there and watch you, Mom, and my boyfriend goes off and fight and come back hurt. Or worse if you don't come back at all. I have to fight to help protect my family and this army. I finally have a father. A real father. And I don't want to lose him." said Jim.

He paused pulling Ask That Guy into a hug and if anyone had seen him they'd see the fresh tears on his face. But Jim would have just denied that.

Ask Thatguy

[Ask Thatguy]

Ask Thatguy listened to his son's worries and responded calmly, patiently "You will not screw it up. If you're my son, and you are, you are a good young man and Black lantern spoony is a fool to pick anyone else over you" He then sighed "Yes. I understand your fears. Mechakara was not in the right place and was brainwashed but that doesn't stop you from feeling afraid. With time you will learn to face those fears and I do believe Mechakara will not hurt you again. Especially when I'm here" He then sighed again, almost sadly "It was a foolish mission for you and the children to go without being prepared. But it did teach us you do need to train and prepare yourselves. Also yes, having that ring will definitely help you with training by BLS"

He then listened to Jim's argument that it didn't matter about age in war. That Jim was determined to keep his new father and make sure his family was safe. After listening to his long argument about why he needed to fight, he was given a hug. He felt the wetness of Jim's tears and held him tightly. Ask Thatguy sighed, thinking hard about what Jim said. He replied, after a very long time "If you're so determined to learn to fight. Then, I suppose I have no other choice than to give you a blessing" He then pulled Jim back, giving a very firm glare "But only because you're older than your brothers. And you will not go fighting without a partner and extra armor"

[Indigo Lantern Jim Black]

Jim grinned at his father's faith in him.

"Thank you." said Jim.

He paused with a smirk.

"Guess I'm a chip off the old block. Fell for someone who has powers and wears black a lot. And I guess they both can be a tad overprotective of me." said Jim.

He remembered returning and Dark Nella nearly grounded him for the rest of eternity but had instead hugged him. She had become like a second mother to him. He did miss his other mother but he knew he'd built a new family here.

"I'm sure I'll get over it. I don't know if we'll ever be best friends but I want to at least be able to be nice to him. He's one of Black Lantern Spoony's best friends after all." said Jim.

Jim grinned.

"I guess it was a bit impulsive. We just wanted to prove we could do something. I guess we didn't really think out a good plan. But even good planning couldn't have completely solved things." said Jim.

He nodded about the training from BLS and Chuckles. He smiled as his father returned his hug.

"Thank you, father. I know this isn't easy letting me go to fight. I will make you proud and definitely not go alone. As for the armor, I'll try to find something that works with my lantern magic. Maybe Chuckles or Black Lantern Spoony can help me figure out something that won't disrupt my powers." said Jim.

Ask Thatguy