Chapter Text
Clocks tick aimlessly, floating in and out of existence with the constantly changing timelines of this universe and the next.
Clockwork wanders with them, peering into their time’s and marveling at the complexities of their paths. One such path sticks out to him now. A path that involves Clockwork himself.
He watches as Plasmius, or really Vlad, zooms off into the night after failing once again at gaining the favor of Danny’s mother Maddie. He is angry, but also incredibly lonely. Something Clockwork himself can relate to.
It’s difficult being the Master of Time across all timelines and universes. So many names, so many appearances and yet no one to truly spend his endless existence with. Years pass like seconds, seconds like years. Stuck as a passive observer, not allowed to interact or feel with the creature he must watch grow young and old over and over again.
Well, he breaks some of these rules having a bond with young Phantom and changing the course of his universe. The Observants were quite unhappy with that, but they don’t see what he sees.
People, paths, things, and events all laid out for him to view with a birds eye. He sees it all, every turn, dip, and hill across everything. They see what presently passes them, like a parade. They can only see so far back just as they can see forward. The present is clear, but the past and future are shrunk in the distance.
They could never understand the position he is in.
Which leads him to witnessing the breakdown of one Vlad Masters.
This was bound to happen.
And with that inevitability, comes Clockwork's chance. To be frank he has always kept a special eye out for Vlad. Not in a creepy fashion, more of an innocent fascination with the elder halfa. He has always drawn Clockwork’s eyes from an overall view of the timeline to Vlad’s present life. Through this consistent observation came a fondness.
No matter what he did from releasing Pariah Dark from his prison to simply lounging with his cat, Clockwork became bewitched.
Even now watching Vlad’s self destruction, Clockwork only sees perfection.
This is the moment he was waiting for. He watches as Vlad digs for his phone with the intent of finding a mate. Just as Vlad extracts his phone so does Clockwork.
A little while ago Clockwork noticed the possibility that Vlad’s feelings for Maddie would sever. As time progressed that path slowly became more and more likely.
So, in the event that path would take, Clockwork commissioned Technus to craft him a phone able to deliver messages from the Zone to the Living Realms. Also with the capability of downloading a variety of dating apps from the Living Realm since he was uncertain which one Vlad would download.
Vlad fumbles a bit, already greatly intoxicated, yet still managing to download Tinder. He crafts his profile slowly and Clockwork waits patiently for the moment he finishes to strike.
Just as he’s about to swipe on some random profile Clockwork swiftly inserts his, forcing a match instantly.
Is it manipulative to use the fact that Vlad is drunk and desperate to forge a relationship with him. Maybe, but what is worse? Vlad serial dating, hopping from person to person in an attempt at filling a hole or Clockwork, who understands the issue, coming in and being the balm to heal the hole rather than fill it.
Either way Clockwork will not change his mind, especially when Vlad accepts the match and they are both thrown into a chat room.
_
“This is another violation of the timeline that we will not stand for!” One of the Observants shierks, pupil a pin prick.
Clockwork listens unmoving, waiting for their little hissy fit to finish.
Another eye comes forward, “You are a passive observer, just like us. You cannot start a romantic relationship with someone in that blasted universe!” The observant holds it’s eyeball head in its hands, shaking it back and forth, “It’s bad enough you formed a friendship with Phantom and changed the course of his future! Now you- you want to fornicate !”
Clockwork rolls his eyes, waving his hand to display a glimpse into the future, “If I hadn’t stepped in, this would be the outcome.” He casted his gaze onto the many single eyes, “Is this something you would’ve wanted?”
The scene is horrific. Ruined buildings smoking and crumpled. Innocent people running for their lives as unknown beams of pink rain down upon them.
Death and destruction.
A barren universe.
An Observant floats forward, “You’re certain.” he scoffs, looking around at his brethren, “All this simply because he’s lonely?”
“Insanity reached through isolation can lead to catastrophes, Observant. Trust my decisions, I only have the timeline’s best interests at heart.” he persuades, hands tucked behind his back as his form shifts from a young man to an elder.
“Do as you must, but we’ll be keeping an eye on your actions.” They settle popping out of his Clocktower.
“I’d expect nothing less.”
_
Pulling out his phone, Clockwork times his messages to prevent Vlad from blowing up on his secretary. Not that he would, per se, not while he’s in such a good mood. But if he takes a second too long to think about not getting that meeting he might.
Khronos
How are you today?
He waits patiently for Vlad to dismiss Valeria with the promise of lunch.
Vlad
Wonderful now hearing from you.
Khronos
Such a flirt agapitós mou <3
He revels in the blush that creeps onto Vlad’s face. A small smile brightens his office and subsequently Clockworks tower as he focuses on it.
Perfect.
Clockwork chose Khronos, one of his many names, in order to be both honest and lie a bit about who he is. If he would’ve gone with Clockwork he knows Vlad would not take too kindly to it. He would immediately believe it to be a prank or a cruel joke set up by Danny to get back for all Vlad’s flirting with his mom.
So, he chose Khronos.
It’s somewhat fitting if one thinks on it. Greek gods are known for their entanglements with humans after all.
_
Tonight's about closure.
Tonight Jack and the rest of the Fenton family will show up at Vlad’s mansion unannounced for family game night.
Maddie will be there, giving Vlad the opportunity to come to terms with his feelings, truly seeing Maddie and how she views him.
Tonight’s the night he lets go.
Clockwork lounges back on nothing, watching through his many one way portals as the event unfolds.
A honk outside.
Pounding on the door.
A disgruntled Vlad answers the door to the booming voice of Jack Fenton.
Jazz kindly offers to persuade her dad into taking them home, but Vlad allows them to stay.
Danny stares Vlad down and-
Maddie.
Vlad’s face grows tight as he seems to really see her for the first time. The way she angles her body away from him, subconsciously tensing as if ready for a fight. How she looks at him like he’s an unruly dog. Disgusted and wary of his actions.
There.
Now he sees. That’s what he needed to truly see .
_
The Monopoly games finish out with Jazz on top as per usual. Clockwork chuckles as Danny shrieks in defeat, pretending to die as his sister buries him in her cash.
The Fenton’s pack up, as Jack invites Vlad to more game nights which he surprisingly accepts. That is a good thing, rekindling the friendship they used to have before the incident that made Vlad into a halfa.
Truly a night of closure.
They all make their way to the door, but it seems Vlad has something on his mind as he calls for a conversion with Maddie. She stands defensively waiting for whatever declaration of love he will wax for her this time, but it doesn’t come. Instead she bears witness to an apology.
Surprising. Too surprising, her eyes narrow.
Clockwork knows just what to do to help.
Khronos
Sweet dreams agapitós mou.
With that Maddie takes off after Jazz who knows something a seventeen year old shouldn’t, passing Danny who dramatically gags onto the grass.
Vlad
I’ll see you there.
_
Vlad
This past month has been a dream and I really enjoy talking with you.
Would you like to make this official and go out with me this Valentine’s day?
Khronos
I thought you’d never ask. I’d love to go out with you <3
_
Going out on a date in the Living Realms is a bit trickier than one would think. First of all, Clockwork needs time off. It’s funny, the Master of Time needs time off. One would think he could just make that happen, but it’s not that simple. And well It isn’t that hard either, he just needs to ensure the timeline will be fine if he’s gone for a few hours.
Which usually it is.
Next he needs to choose a form.
He could go as he normally is, changing ages and all, but he wants a quiet night with Vlad. No unwanted attention, so he uses a form he hasn’t used in a milenia.
Grayed, silver hair in a slightly shaggy cut, red eyes toned down to a more acceptable shade of brown, and cool, tan skin paired with his signature scar down his left eye.
As for clothing he throws on a classy black button up and black slacks.
Opening a portal into the alley right next to the restaurant, Clockwork walks in and up to the hostess stand twenty minutes early. He gets directed to a table towards the back and can’t help the way his shoulders relax at the sight of Vlad.
As he gets closer he starts to notice Vlad acting strange, biting his lip and bunching his eyebrows together with worry.
That won’t do.
He strides up to the table swiftly as Vlad’s head it down, “Vlad?” he prompts, causing him to jump slightly. Their eyes meet and Clockwork gets lost in those ocean blue eyes. He dressed more relaxed then what he normally wears on an everyday basis. He’s got on a cream turtleneck paired with black slacks. His hair is down, tucked behind his ears, but still slicked back with one strand falling into his face.
Gorgeous.
“Clockwork?” Vlad breathes before his face scrunches and what he can only assume as a lightbulb goes off in his mind, “Khronos.” He states more firmly.
Clockwork smiles, taking a seat across from his date, “Yes and yes. Either name will do.” He laughs, eyes sliding up and down the vision he’s been gifted, “You look beautiful.” he purrs, eyes relaxing on Vlad.
A pretty blush decorates Vlad’s face as he stammers, “I- I um… So do you.” He looks pleased. Clockwork likes that look, but as quickly as it came it disappears behind a mask of worry. Eyes darting, hands clenching.
Now that Vlad knows Clockwork is Khronos, his mind is going straight to this being a prank or a trick. Clockwork will not have that.
He slides his hand across the table to encase Vlad’s fisted one, “No tricks or pranks. I like you, simply as that.” he tries to soothe, hoping he didn’t mess this up. Maybe this was too soon in the relationship, it has only been a month after all.
Vlad’s face does not change, eyes avoidant, but Clockwork keeps trying, rubbing his thumb across the back of is fist.
Vlad closes his eyes and tugs his hand away from Clockwork’s leaving him a tad devastated. Perhaps he was too fast.
Just when he’s about to take his hand off the table Vlad surprises by lacing their fingers together, face illuminated by the gentle candle light.
“I like you too.” he smiles softly.
Clockwork matches him with a smile of his own, life brightening once again.
~ End ~