Work Text:
Nimona sat on the couch, flicking through the channels looking for something that wasn’t the news to watch. Sadly, almost every channel had the news nowadays, and no enjoyable content was in sight.
Ballister walked by her and stared, her head only hitting the bottom of the back of the couch, “You know that’s gonna kill your back right? Your posture will be screwed.” Nimona grumbled something to herself Ballister didn’t understand, “You’ve been sitting there for hours now, but I don’t think I’ve seen you actually watch a single thing.”
“Yeah because it’s all news channels talking about whatever random junk they think may be interesting,” Nimona rolled her eyes, “And the worst part is that it’s never interesting!”
Ballister chuckled, “You’ve got a point,” he shrugged, “I’ve gotta run into town for a while, gotta run some errands. Would you like to come with me?”
Nimona nodded her head, “Trading a boring thing for another boring thing? Sounds worth it,” she smiled.
“Perfect, get your shoes on and meet me outside.” Ballister waited for Nimona patiently outside their building, before hearing the door close. Nimona walked out, Ballister smiling at her, “We’re gonna walk, I know you like making these trips quick and easy, but I’m in a walking mood.” Nimona gave him a thumbs up, as they began to walk together, Ballister noticing how quiet she was being. “Everything ok?” he asked her nervously, “You seem off today.”
“I’ll be fine,” she shoved her hands into her pockets, “I’m just bored.”
“Maybe getting off the TV more often will make you less bored,” he suggested, but Nimona didn’t acknowledge him. Their walk continued in silence as they reached the market, “C’mon, there are only a few stops we’ve gotta make.”
They walked over to a shop, although Nimona didn’t register in her head where they were. Instead, she had caught the eye of a little girl, whom she recognized from when her and Ballister escaped their first time. She was watching her closely, as if to see if it was really her. Her mother was on a different line not paying attention. Nimona shifted into her small girl form and walked up to her, “Do you remember me?” she asked quietly, as she moved closer. The girl nodded nodded head, “I never meant to hurt you, I’m sorry you were so scared,” she put her hand out.
“You don’t look so scary anymore,” she said, Nimona feeling relief rush over her, “You’re Nimona, right? My parents talk about you a lot, they make you seem so evil.”
Nimona nodded, “I’m not as evil as they all think.”
Before she could speak her hand was grabbed by her mom, “You’re that thing, aren’t you?” The mother’s tone was one of horror, one Nimona had heard far too many times. Nimona nodded her head, remembering that not all the kingdom saw her as the hero Ballister and Ambrosius did, “What are you trying to do with my child? Are you going to eat her or something?”
Nimona didn’t say a word, as Ballister rushed over to her, “Nimona! Are you ok?” he asked her, before looking up at the mother, “Is everything ok, ma’am?” he asked, a worried look on his face.
“Sir Boldheart, I know this whole kingdom treats you like a hero now, and I can understand treating a knight chosen by the queen like that, however treating a destructive monster like a hero is a horrible idea so many people in this kingdom have decided to go with simply because someone made us question if we were wrong,” she held her child in her arms, and Nimona hid behind Ballister’s leg, “You were chosen by the queen to do something great for thing kingdom, instead you act reckless. She would be ashamed of you, but you parade about like some high and mighty force that-” she was cut off when one of the guards around the area put a hand on her shoulder.
“Ma’am, you’re causing a scene and we’d like for you to stop,” he asked her calmly. She grunted and shoved her way through the crowd to get away from them, “Sir Boldheart, I’m sorry for the issue.”
“It’s ok, sir. Thank you for the help,” he saluted him, before turning back to Nimona, picking her up. Her eyes were red and she had her arms crossed over her chest, “C’mon, let's go home.” Ballister held her child form in his arms, and not long after they left the market she turned back into her regular form, “I swear I’m gonna kill that lady for how she talked to you. You’re no monster, she’s just an idiot.”
Nimona shook her head, “I would prefer to stay at home and watch the news for eternity than go outside ever again.”
Ballister sighed, “Things will get better when people become more open minded. Most people are, but some just can’t seem to wrap their heads around the fact they can be wrong.” Nimona didn’t answer, and Ballister decided it was better to let it pass than make a big deal out of it.
When they got back to the apartment, Ballister sat down on the couch and Nimona sat next to him, “I want you to know that you’ve made my life 10 times better than anyone else could. And it really really hurts seeing people hate you still.”
“I hate people,” she sighed, leaning her head on Ballister’s arm.
“I hate them too, but that’s why we’re perfect together,” he smiled, feeling Nimona grab onto the arm.
“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” she sighed, “Are you sure things will get better?”
“I’m positive.”
His reassurance made her feel better about everything and she smiled at him, “Thank you.”
“No problem, I couldn’t do anything without my sidekick.”