Fanfiction: Tin Man (PG)
Title: The Road Less Traveled
Pairing/Characters: 'Ambrose', 'Lavender Eyes', Ahamo, Wyatt Cain, 'Adora' Cain; 'Lavender Eyes'/Ahamo, Wyatt/'Adora'
Rating: PG
Fandom: Tin Man
Word Count: 2,143
Spoilers: Whole miniseries
Summary: Amber Rose thinks about the question Wyatt and Adair asked her.
Notes/Warnings: AU! lionille wrote The Curious Case of the Mysteriously Missing Lady-in-Waiting In Training and andrealyn wrote The Path Not Taken and the two fics together gave me the idea of writing a fic where Ambrose/Glitch is born a woman and stays one. *grin*
Beta and plot-hole-poker: umbralillium
Sounding board: unicorn_catcher
Previous Chapter(s): 1. Rocky Beginning, 2. Smoothing the Way, 3. Hidden Bumps, 4. Getting Over the Bumps, 5. Roadwork Ahead!, 6. Repairing the Road, 7. Good Road, 8. Hairpin Bend
The Road Less Traveled
9. At a Crossroads
"Wyatt and I would be greatly honored and extremely happy if you would consent to join us," Adair told Amber Rose, his voice serious and brown eyes shining with affection. "In our love, our lives, and our bed."
For his part, the Tin Man remained quiet. He'd been stunned when Adair had told him why Zero had suggested that the Royal Advisor was the one who'd attacked the warehouse manager. That had certainly surprised him because he hadn't expected the woman who'd feuded with him for years to suddenly turn around and find him attractive. But then she continued coming by with inventions for them to 'field test', which they soon determined were her form of courting gifts. At first, she only brought inventions that would benefit Wyatt, but then she started bringing things for Adair, too. Finally, one night, after Amber Rose had gone home after spending an evening with them, Adair brought up something that Wyatt had only vaguely considered...
"Wyatt, how do you feel about Amber Rose?" Adair's voice distracted him as he pulled out a set of pajamas.
Turning to his lover, who was fiddling with the buttons of his shirt, Wyatt raised an eyebrow. "I like her. She's a good friend."
"Is it just friendship you feel for her?" The taller man asked, shrugging out of his shirt.
The blond raised the other eyebrow. "Why are you even asking? I'd never cheat on you, not even with Amber Rose."
"What if it wasn't cheating?" Adair's face was momentarily hidden from view as he pulled on his pajama shirt.
Blue eyes stared as the brunette's head emerged from the neck hole of the pajama shirt. "How can it not be cheating?"
"Simple." Adair let his trousers slide to the floor and prowled over to where Wyatt stood, a predatory gleam in his brown eyes. "I approve of the relationship."
His heart pounded in his chest as his lover leaned in to kiss him, warm and deep. When the kiss ended, Wyatt took a moment to catch his breath before asking, "Why would you approve? It takes me away from you."
"Not necessarily," Adair shook his head, smirking as he peered at the shorter man through lowered eyelashes. "She's been having both of us 'field test' her inventions."
"You've been putting a lot of thought into this," Wyatt commented as his partner looped his fingers through the belt loops of his pants and gently tugged him over to the bed.
The grin that he received in reply was utterly filthy and very arousing, making it more difficult for Adair to get Wyatt out of his pants. "She's very beautiful and a truly good person. I love her as much as I love you."
"So, she wouldn't be a bit on the side for one of us, then." He tugged off the pajama shirt and tossed it into one corner of the room.
The expression on his lover's face made it quite clear that the statement had been unnecessary. "She wants both of us. I want both of you." Brown eyes met blue steadily. "What do you want?"
"You," Wyatt moaned, stretching up to kiss Adair hungrily.
Unfortunately, he only responded for a moment before gently pushing him back. "Both of us?"
"Let me think about it." He was ashamed to realize later that he'd whined the next part. "Later?"
Grinning, Adair had tumbled Wyatt onto the bed the next moment and neither had done much thinking before they'd eventually fallen asleep...
Wyatt had thought about it later and realized that Amber Rose had burrowed her way into his heart. Once he'd said as much to Adair, they'd agreed to ask her about joining them in a proper three-way relationship. Judging by the stunned expression on the Royal Advisor's face, she'd never considered that they would ask her to join them. After a moment of silence, Wyatt told her, "We don't expect a reply tonight, if you want some time to think it over."
"Thank you for that, because I must admit that you two caught me off-guard," she admitted with a shy smile, looking from one to the other.
"Of course, and that's why we're more than willing to give you time to think about it," Adair assured her with a fond smile, lightly resting his hand on hers.
She nodded and excused herself after a few moments of awkward silence. The two men turned to each other once they were alone. "Do you think she'll say yes?"
"It may take her some time to wrap her head around the idea, but I think so." Adair nodded firmly. "She's been bringing inventions not only for you, but also for me, and that both of us would use."
Wyatt shook his head in quiet amazement that his lover was so observant. "I'll trust your word on this, since I have no idea when someone's attracted to me."
"Hey, even I miss it sometimes," the brunette reminded him, slipping his arms around the blond's waist. "I had no idea Baldwin was attracted to me."
The Tin Man wrapped his arms around the warehouse manager's waist in return. "To be fair, he worked hard to hide his interest. Amber Rose didn't try that hard."
"True." Adair kissed him softly. "Did you want to go back inside?"
Wyatt shook his head. "No. I want to stay out here for a little longer."
"Good."
* * *
"Auntie Rose?" Princess Azkadellia's voice disturbed the Royal Advisor's thoughts a week later. "Is something wrong?"
She shook her head, fondly stroking the princess' long dark hair. "No, nothing's wrong, Azkadee, but thank you for asking."
"You're welcome!" Her little face seemed to light up with her smile.
Amber Rose reached into her jacket and extracted something from the inside pocket. "I have a little something for you, actually. Close your eyes and hold out your hand."
"Will I like it?" Azkadellia asked, even as she obeyed her adopted aunt's instructions.
Chuckling at her niece's eagerness, the Royal Advisor carefully placed an object in the Princess' hand. "Open your eyes and find out for yourself."
The brown eyes opened and eagerly studied the doll Amber Rose had placed in her hand. No taller than the length of the Royal Advisor's hand, it had brown hair pulled into two braids and wore a deep emerald green dress. "Oh! It's beautiful! Thank you, Auntie Rose!"
"You're welcome, Princess Azkadee." Amber Rose laughed as she returned the girl's hug, squeezing gently. Unbidden, the thought came to her that she could have children of her own; a son or daughter of her own to make toys for and hug when they thanked her.
A small hand on her cheek drew her attention back to the little girl in her arms. "Why are you crying, Auntie Rose?"
"It's nothing," she assured the princess quickly. "I just got a speck of dust in my eye." She made a point of rubbing her eyes and smiled. "See? All better."
Azkadellia didn't look convinced, but she let it drop. Instead, she got to her feet and tugged on the Royal Advisor's hand. "Come on, let's go show Mother my doll!"
"Okay, okay." Laughing, Amber Rose got to her feet in a single smooth motion and let herself be led through the gardens to the arbor, where the Queen was gently rocking Dortheagael to sleep after her afternoon feeding.
Violetta looked up with a smile as the two approached. "Hello, Amber Rose, Azkadellia."
"Mother! Look what Auntie Rose made for me!" Azkadellia released the Royal Advisor's hand to show her mother the doll. "Isn't it beautiful?"
The Princess was still too young to notice certain things, but Amber Rose certainly noticed the way the blood seemed to drain from the Queen's face when she saw the doll. She quickly rallied herself and answered, "It's very beautiful, Azkadellia. Did you remember to thank Auntie Rose for the lovely gift?"
"Yes!" Azkadellia nodded happily. "She's the bestest aunt in the world."
Smiling softly, Violetta nodded and kissed her daughter's forehead. "She is. Now--" she carefully eased Dorotheagael into Azkadellia's arms "--why don't you and your sister go play with your father for a bit?"
"Yes, Mother!" Gently cradling her sister, the Princess disappeared towards the palace.
The Royal Advisor turned to the Queen once they were alone. "Is something wrong?"
"That's exactly what the dolls in my dream looked like," Violetta told her old friend quietly. "Right down to the embroidery on the dress and the expression painted on her face."
Amber Rose sank down onto the swing beside her friend, surprised. "I had no idea. I just felt this compulsion to make the doll for Azkadee. I realized afterwards that I'd given her a green dress, but I didn't think that it might look exactly like the doll in your dream."
"It's all right." The Queen gently patted the Royal Advisor's hand. "Though I fear what this means for my dear Azkadellia."
The two women looked towards the palace, as if they could see the Princess through the very walls. "But what does it mean that the doll falls? Will she be gravely hurt or ill?"
"Those are two possible explanations." Violetta nodded, her expression serious. "Unfortunately, we cannot guess more than that."
Amber Rose nodded, too, sighing softly. I hope whatever is won't be too much for Azkadee...
"Is there something else on your mind, old friend?" The Queen's voice distracted the other woman from her thoughts.
"Hmm?" The Royal Advisor glanced at her friend. "Oh, no, there isn't anything else."
Violetta leaned close, an amused smile curving her lips. "You don't lie very well, Amber Rose."
"My apologies, Violetta," Amber Rose stood up and curtsied briefly.
The Queen patted the seat beside her on the swing. "Please sit and tell me about it."
"If you wish me to, I shall." The Royal Advisor resumed her seat and explained the proposal she had received from Wyatt and Adair, relieved to be able to talk with someone about it. She ended with, "I'm really not sure if I should accept. I would feel as if I was coming between them."
After a few moments of silence, Violetta commented, "You underestimate yourself, my friend. You are very beautiful and I suspect I'd have been tempted by you if you'd been born a man." Amber Rose blushed at that, surprised. "Still, Mr. Cain and Mr. Walker have obviously not only seen your outward beauty, but also your inward beauty. They both feel something for you and wish you to share in the love and happiness they have found together. I don't think you'd be coming between them."
Unless I was in bed between them while we were... She quickly stopped that train of thought. "There's a lot of sense in that. Thank you, Vi."
"You're welcome, Amber." The Queen watched as the Royal Advisor rose to her feet and made her way into the palace.
* * *
Wyatt and Adair were enjoying a rare day off together when they were interrupted by the sound of someone knocking on the door. Groaning in annoyance, the Tin Man climbed out of bed and pulled his pants on. He padded to the front door, ready to tell whoever it was to go away. Then he found himself staring at Amber Rose, looking nervous but determined. "Hello, Wyatt. Is this a bad time to give you and Adair my answer?"
"No, not at all." He stepped back and gestured for her to come in.
The Royal Advisor entered and shut the door behind her, taking in Wyatt's appearance. "I hope I didn't disturb you at a too inopportune moment."
"No, not really." The blond took the coat she removed and hung it on the A.C.H.A.G.R. for her. He led her into the living room and gestured for her to have a seat. "If you'll just wait here, I'll go get Adair."
She nodded, sitting down on the sofa. "I'll be waiting."
"Good." He disappeared towards the bedroom. By the time he reached it, Adair had already pulled on his pants and a shirt. "Amber Rose is here."
His lover smiled wryly as he tossed Wyatt a shirt. "I already gathered as much."
"Smart ass," he murmured, pulling the shirt on and buttoning it as he followed Adair back to the living room.
The brunette chuckled and leaned down to kiss Amber Rose's hand. "Hello, Amber Rose. This is a pleasant surprise."
"I hoped it would be," she replied as Adair sat down at the other end of the sofa from her with Wyatt perching on the arm next to him. "I don't know if Wyatt told you, but I have an answer for you both."
They exchanged glances, and then looked back at the woman. "We're listening."
"My answer is yes."
End Chapter
A/N2: For the record, if people want a visual image for Adair, picture Dr. Spencer Reid from Criminal Minds. For lots of pictures of him and the actor in other roles, go here. I have a hair fetish, so this picspam made me very happy. I especially like the season two hair. That's about how I visualize Adair's hair. Amber Rose is pretty much Alan Cumming with longer hair and boobs. I made a series of "dolls" of Amber Rose that you can find here.
Pairing/Characters: 'Ambrose', 'Lavender Eyes', Ahamo, Wyatt Cain, 'Adora' Cain; 'Lavender Eyes'/Ahamo, Wyatt/'Adora'
Rating: PG
Fandom: Tin Man
Word Count: 2,143
Spoilers: Whole miniseries
Summary: Amber Rose thinks about the question Wyatt and Adair asked her.
Notes/Warnings: AU! lionille wrote The Curious Case of the Mysteriously Missing Lady-in-Waiting In Training and andrealyn wrote The Path Not Taken and the two fics together gave me the idea of writing a fic where Ambrose/Glitch is born a woman and stays one. *grin*
Beta and plot-hole-poker: umbralillium
Sounding board: unicorn_catcher
Previous Chapter(s): 1. Rocky Beginning, 2. Smoothing the Way, 3. Hidden Bumps, 4. Getting Over the Bumps, 5. Roadwork Ahead!, 6. Repairing the Road, 7. Good Road, 8. Hairpin Bend
The Road Less Traveled
9. At a Crossroads
"Wyatt and I would be greatly honored and extremely happy if you would consent to join us," Adair told Amber Rose, his voice serious and brown eyes shining with affection. "In our love, our lives, and our bed."
For his part, the Tin Man remained quiet. He'd been stunned when Adair had told him why Zero had suggested that the Royal Advisor was the one who'd attacked the warehouse manager. That had certainly surprised him because he hadn't expected the woman who'd feuded with him for years to suddenly turn around and find him attractive. But then she continued coming by with inventions for them to 'field test', which they soon determined were her form of courting gifts. At first, she only brought inventions that would benefit Wyatt, but then she started bringing things for Adair, too. Finally, one night, after Amber Rose had gone home after spending an evening with them, Adair brought up something that Wyatt had only vaguely considered...
"Wyatt, how do you feel about Amber Rose?" Adair's voice distracted him as he pulled out a set of pajamas.
Turning to his lover, who was fiddling with the buttons of his shirt, Wyatt raised an eyebrow. "I like her. She's a good friend."
"Is it just friendship you feel for her?" The taller man asked, shrugging out of his shirt.
The blond raised the other eyebrow. "Why are you even asking? I'd never cheat on you, not even with Amber Rose."
"What if it wasn't cheating?" Adair's face was momentarily hidden from view as he pulled on his pajama shirt.
Blue eyes stared as the brunette's head emerged from the neck hole of the pajama shirt. "How can it not be cheating?"
"Simple." Adair let his trousers slide to the floor and prowled over to where Wyatt stood, a predatory gleam in his brown eyes. "I approve of the relationship."
His heart pounded in his chest as his lover leaned in to kiss him, warm and deep. When the kiss ended, Wyatt took a moment to catch his breath before asking, "Why would you approve? It takes me away from you."
"Not necessarily," Adair shook his head, smirking as he peered at the shorter man through lowered eyelashes. "She's been having both of us 'field test' her inventions."
"You've been putting a lot of thought into this," Wyatt commented as his partner looped his fingers through the belt loops of his pants and gently tugged him over to the bed.
The grin that he received in reply was utterly filthy and very arousing, making it more difficult for Adair to get Wyatt out of his pants. "She's very beautiful and a truly good person. I love her as much as I love you."
"So, she wouldn't be a bit on the side for one of us, then." He tugged off the pajama shirt and tossed it into one corner of the room.
The expression on his lover's face made it quite clear that the statement had been unnecessary. "She wants both of us. I want both of you." Brown eyes met blue steadily. "What do you want?"
"You," Wyatt moaned, stretching up to kiss Adair hungrily.
Unfortunately, he only responded for a moment before gently pushing him back. "Both of us?"
"Let me think about it." He was ashamed to realize later that he'd whined the next part. "Later?"
Grinning, Adair had tumbled Wyatt onto the bed the next moment and neither had done much thinking before they'd eventually fallen asleep...
Wyatt had thought about it later and realized that Amber Rose had burrowed her way into his heart. Once he'd said as much to Adair, they'd agreed to ask her about joining them in a proper three-way relationship. Judging by the stunned expression on the Royal Advisor's face, she'd never considered that they would ask her to join them. After a moment of silence, Wyatt told her, "We don't expect a reply tonight, if you want some time to think it over."
"Thank you for that, because I must admit that you two caught me off-guard," she admitted with a shy smile, looking from one to the other.
"Of course, and that's why we're more than willing to give you time to think about it," Adair assured her with a fond smile, lightly resting his hand on hers.
She nodded and excused herself after a few moments of awkward silence. The two men turned to each other once they were alone. "Do you think she'll say yes?"
"It may take her some time to wrap her head around the idea, but I think so." Adair nodded firmly. "She's been bringing inventions not only for you, but also for me, and that both of us would use."
Wyatt shook his head in quiet amazement that his lover was so observant. "I'll trust your word on this, since I have no idea when someone's attracted to me."
"Hey, even I miss it sometimes," the brunette reminded him, slipping his arms around the blond's waist. "I had no idea Baldwin was attracted to me."
The Tin Man wrapped his arms around the warehouse manager's waist in return. "To be fair, he worked hard to hide his interest. Amber Rose didn't try that hard."
"True." Adair kissed him softly. "Did you want to go back inside?"
Wyatt shook his head. "No. I want to stay out here for a little longer."
"Good."
* * *
"Auntie Rose?" Princess Azkadellia's voice disturbed the Royal Advisor's thoughts a week later. "Is something wrong?"
She shook her head, fondly stroking the princess' long dark hair. "No, nothing's wrong, Azkadee, but thank you for asking."
"You're welcome!" Her little face seemed to light up with her smile.
Amber Rose reached into her jacket and extracted something from the inside pocket. "I have a little something for you, actually. Close your eyes and hold out your hand."
"Will I like it?" Azkadellia asked, even as she obeyed her adopted aunt's instructions.
Chuckling at her niece's eagerness, the Royal Advisor carefully placed an object in the Princess' hand. "Open your eyes and find out for yourself."
The brown eyes opened and eagerly studied the doll Amber Rose had placed in her hand. No taller than the length of the Royal Advisor's hand, it had brown hair pulled into two braids and wore a deep emerald green dress. "Oh! It's beautiful! Thank you, Auntie Rose!"
"You're welcome, Princess Azkadee." Amber Rose laughed as she returned the girl's hug, squeezing gently. Unbidden, the thought came to her that she could have children of her own; a son or daughter of her own to make toys for and hug when they thanked her.
A small hand on her cheek drew her attention back to the little girl in her arms. "Why are you crying, Auntie Rose?"
"It's nothing," she assured the princess quickly. "I just got a speck of dust in my eye." She made a point of rubbing her eyes and smiled. "See? All better."
Azkadellia didn't look convinced, but she let it drop. Instead, she got to her feet and tugged on the Royal Advisor's hand. "Come on, let's go show Mother my doll!"
"Okay, okay." Laughing, Amber Rose got to her feet in a single smooth motion and let herself be led through the gardens to the arbor, where the Queen was gently rocking Dortheagael to sleep after her afternoon feeding.
Violetta looked up with a smile as the two approached. "Hello, Amber Rose, Azkadellia."
"Mother! Look what Auntie Rose made for me!" Azkadellia released the Royal Advisor's hand to show her mother the doll. "Isn't it beautiful?"
The Princess was still too young to notice certain things, but Amber Rose certainly noticed the way the blood seemed to drain from the Queen's face when she saw the doll. She quickly rallied herself and answered, "It's very beautiful, Azkadellia. Did you remember to thank Auntie Rose for the lovely gift?"
"Yes!" Azkadellia nodded happily. "She's the bestest aunt in the world."
Smiling softly, Violetta nodded and kissed her daughter's forehead. "She is. Now--" she carefully eased Dorotheagael into Azkadellia's arms "--why don't you and your sister go play with your father for a bit?"
"Yes, Mother!" Gently cradling her sister, the Princess disappeared towards the palace.
The Royal Advisor turned to the Queen once they were alone. "Is something wrong?"
"That's exactly what the dolls in my dream looked like," Violetta told her old friend quietly. "Right down to the embroidery on the dress and the expression painted on her face."
Amber Rose sank down onto the swing beside her friend, surprised. "I had no idea. I just felt this compulsion to make the doll for Azkadee. I realized afterwards that I'd given her a green dress, but I didn't think that it might look exactly like the doll in your dream."
"It's all right." The Queen gently patted the Royal Advisor's hand. "Though I fear what this means for my dear Azkadellia."
The two women looked towards the palace, as if they could see the Princess through the very walls. "But what does it mean that the doll falls? Will she be gravely hurt or ill?"
"Those are two possible explanations." Violetta nodded, her expression serious. "Unfortunately, we cannot guess more than that."
Amber Rose nodded, too, sighing softly. I hope whatever is won't be too much for Azkadee...
"Is there something else on your mind, old friend?" The Queen's voice distracted the other woman from her thoughts.
"Hmm?" The Royal Advisor glanced at her friend. "Oh, no, there isn't anything else."
Violetta leaned close, an amused smile curving her lips. "You don't lie very well, Amber Rose."
"My apologies, Violetta," Amber Rose stood up and curtsied briefly.
The Queen patted the seat beside her on the swing. "Please sit and tell me about it."
"If you wish me to, I shall." The Royal Advisor resumed her seat and explained the proposal she had received from Wyatt and Adair, relieved to be able to talk with someone about it. She ended with, "I'm really not sure if I should accept. I would feel as if I was coming between them."
After a few moments of silence, Violetta commented, "You underestimate yourself, my friend. You are very beautiful and I suspect I'd have been tempted by you if you'd been born a man." Amber Rose blushed at that, surprised. "Still, Mr. Cain and Mr. Walker have obviously not only seen your outward beauty, but also your inward beauty. They both feel something for you and wish you to share in the love and happiness they have found together. I don't think you'd be coming between them."
Unless I was in bed between them while we were... She quickly stopped that train of thought. "There's a lot of sense in that. Thank you, Vi."
"You're welcome, Amber." The Queen watched as the Royal Advisor rose to her feet and made her way into the palace.
* * *
Wyatt and Adair were enjoying a rare day off together when they were interrupted by the sound of someone knocking on the door. Groaning in annoyance, the Tin Man climbed out of bed and pulled his pants on. He padded to the front door, ready to tell whoever it was to go away. Then he found himself staring at Amber Rose, looking nervous but determined. "Hello, Wyatt. Is this a bad time to give you and Adair my answer?"
"No, not at all." He stepped back and gestured for her to come in.
The Royal Advisor entered and shut the door behind her, taking in Wyatt's appearance. "I hope I didn't disturb you at a too inopportune moment."
"No, not really." The blond took the coat she removed and hung it on the A.C.H.A.G.R. for her. He led her into the living room and gestured for her to have a seat. "If you'll just wait here, I'll go get Adair."
She nodded, sitting down on the sofa. "I'll be waiting."
"Good." He disappeared towards the bedroom. By the time he reached it, Adair had already pulled on his pants and a shirt. "Amber Rose is here."
His lover smiled wryly as he tossed Wyatt a shirt. "I already gathered as much."
"Smart ass," he murmured, pulling the shirt on and buttoning it as he followed Adair back to the living room.
The brunette chuckled and leaned down to kiss Amber Rose's hand. "Hello, Amber Rose. This is a pleasant surprise."
"I hoped it would be," she replied as Adair sat down at the other end of the sofa from her with Wyatt perching on the arm next to him. "I don't know if Wyatt told you, but I have an answer for you both."
They exchanged glances, and then looked back at the woman. "We're listening."
"My answer is yes."
End Chapter
A/N2: For the record, if people want a visual image for Adair, picture Dr. Spencer Reid from Criminal Minds. For lots of pictures of him and the actor in other roles, go here. I have a hair fetish, so this picspam made me very happy. I especially like the season two hair. That's about how I visualize Adair's hair. Amber Rose is pretty much Alan Cumming with longer hair and boobs. I made a series of "dolls" of Amber Rose that you can find here.