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lavenoon · 2 years ago

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Dynamic Swap AU - Rival Neighbors and Work Besties

~5200 words, enjoy

Main Dynamic Swap

The work besties: so Robin in this case does not immediately go on the defense, but rather feels a sort of kinship. They too rose the ranks quickly, earning their title as star agent, while being met with scorn from other agents - and perhaps there’s (initially) just that crumb of “keep your friends close and your enemies closer” kind of motivation. So they approach Dusk and act friendly enough, because even if he turns out better than them, that’s not enough to strip them of their rank and this Robin gets to use those brain cells.

They propose a team-up, and Dusk is a little wary because the other agents really weren’t that welcoming, and this is a little too good to be true, so he doesn’t mention Dawn until it later seems awkward to bring it up. But while they aren’t really friends, as friendly as they act, in the beginning, they soon warm up to each other when they actually witness each other’s goofiness.

Robin is absolutely on board for the cheesiness of “go to sleep” bs with hostiles and doesn't try to hide it, and Dusk may tease them for their novelty gadgets but always asks for theirs first before he tries his boring ones. Robin gets him his own then, and he workshops (begrudgingly - he throws in more than enough bird jokes, too) Robin Hood themed lines with them. They enable each other and somehow it works out, and they’re absolutely terrible to look at for everyone else because they apparently can’t take anything seriously but still get shit done. They thrive.

For the neighbors, the set up stays the same - Y/N is the landlord, but because they already have a friend in Dusk they aren’t all that lonely and thus don’t try to befriend Sun as much, and Sun is maybe a little jealous of Moon but does not have a proper outlet for that. They don’t get off on the wrong foot - it’s a gradual “oh, we’re doing this, huh?” as they *also* enable each other but make each other worse.

Y/N, slightly teasing, slightly seriously mentioning the noise and Sun still opting for DIY as excuse - and Y/N joking like “didnt take you for the crafty type.” The birdhouse shows up in the garden without any asking for permission, as a passive aggressive “I'll show you who’s not the crafty type” and Y/N just adds a (store bought) feeder to actually attract birds, and when Sun says he could have built one they just shrug and say both house and feeder do their job, which to Sun comes across as “your work isn't worth the effort” while Y/N meant “it works, and I wasn't gonna ask you for more (since we don't get along)”.

Lots of passive aggressive jabs at Y/N for not being a good landlord and kind of fumbling, which does set them off a good bunch and make them shoot back with their own petty comments of how he chose to move in, and if he wants a better landlord he’s welcome to look for one. With the rent as low as it is, that’s never happening - though both sometimes leave these conversations wondering just where they went wrong, and if this is just how things are now, and why can’t they just bite their (metaphorical) tongue or ask to start over? They see each other interact with other civilians sometimes and be perfectly friendly, and it stings because then all the animosity feels personal, and they don't know how to stop.

Meanwhile Sun complains to Moon about their landlord, who decides that he better stays out of sight because oof this is already a shitshow, no need to add to that.

Robin also sometimes complains about their neighbor, mostly with exaggerated sighs and “there's just no pleasing that guy.” Only sometimes do they seem actually sad, but he tends to distract them with a race or an idea for a little prank to play (which Robin does not do, they do mention they don't wanna make things worse, and actually would like to fix things, it’s just that their neighbor doesn't seem to care or want to - but the hypotheticals make them laugh)

Stabbing: uh. chill, as far as a stabbing can go. There’s no tension between Dusk and Robin, they're not put off by his very insistent fretting, and he’s not as tsundere about his concern as in canon. Actually it’s Moon who proposes the idea of a gift basket when Sun is worrying over how he should handle their landlord getting appendicitis - he’s researched, and it sounds really painful, and even dangerous if left unchecked and they just said they'd stay at the hospital for a while and what if there's complications -

Moon is just having the “non judgemental but very aware gaze face on all levels except physical. Says hey, he’s gonna get Robin a gift basket, and if Sun is so busy being a mother hen (“I’m not! That’s a totally normal amount of concern to have!”) he can grab one for the landlord, too. Maybe a more generic one, something a bit more low-key. Sun still adds a little personalized card and writes how “the house is in good hands” and he means well but Y/N is cranky and was stabbed and kinda assumes the worst, and comes back to work to grumble about how their tenant got all cocky while they were incapacitated.

Sick Day: Moon is definitely still fretting up a storm, and pestering River about at least telling him that Robin is fine. River is so so tired fr. Sun meanwhile hears Y/N cough n all, and glares daggers at the canned soups he got but has been (ironically) too chicken to deliver.

He catches them once taking out the trash - rushing outside himself (but not letting it show), and just kind of tells them to drop the bags, he’ll do it - they should be inside and resting, sick as they are, they aren't doing themself any favors like this. They kinda snap back how suddenly he cares, but they’re not an invalid and can take care of their trash themself.

They argue for a bit, as they usually do, before Y/N’s phone pings and they just. immediately soften and laugh at whatever message they got. Sun near flinches - that’s what he could have had, if they didn't hate him. If he hadn't messed things up. He softens too, but mostly because he just deflates. Mumbles how really, he’ll take care of that, and it’s the least he could do.

The wording kind of catches Y/N off guard, and they eye him warily for a bit before they sigh and admit that fine, maybe they will go inside and take a nap. They mumble a low “thanks” as they pass him, and later wake up to a few cans of soup in front of their door, though neither of them mentions it again. Dusk gets to hear about Robins flu, and this is the timeline where he finally gets to make an unholy amount of bird flu jokes

Overtime: Ehehe. Hah. Oh poor Sunny. Remember how Hatchling Robin wasn't even sure their neighbor likes them? (:

So Sun is definitely wearing a hole in their carpet from his pacing, and he’s very close to considering making up a fake issue to have a reason to text Y/N and make them come back home, because he is too stupid to find a more reasonable approach. Moon sighs, and tells him to “sleep” on it, and then goes to work and finds Robin buried in paperwork. Asks them what they think they’re doing, and they just whine about how they've been slacking off and gotten distracted, and they need to finish these asap.

Dusk kinda settles on their desk, half sitting half leaning, and asks them wouldn't their friends be concerned if they saw them like that?

Robin deadpans “Dude, you answered your own question by the way you barged in here” and Dusk kinda just.

stops.

Continues quieter, more serious - he’s the only one? there's really no one else? Robin just shrugs, staring at the report, and he gets really really cold. Asks if they don't even think their neighbor/ tenant would miss them - surely he can't be that bad? And they just laugh, but there's no mirth in it.

“Yeah, hah, no. He hates me, pretty sure he’s celebrating having the place to himself right now.”

Dusk still thinks of Sun, and how he’s worried despite the animosity, and tries for a bit of forced lightheartedness at the totally unrelated but similar situation.

“Eh, maybe he’s just a dumbass. I mean, he definitely is. But maybe he’s even *more* of one about being worried. Pretty sure if you leave without warning anyone would be concerned.”

“God, I wish. Would be nice.”

That still kinda stings, somehow - so he has to be a little shit to distract them from the what-ifs.

“Ignoring him, though. I don't want you to overwork yourself. Go home and rest, for me?”

And he crouches in front of their desk, hands curled around the edge, only his optics visible as he blinks in his best attempt of puppy eyes. Robin is sleep deprived and also bestie biased and absolutely loses it, “you’re lucky I like you” and he grins like the cat with the cream.

Sun is very happy he didn't have to resort to anything ill advised, and mentions he’d appreciate a heads up should it happen again, which Y/N kind of bristles about but reluctantly agrees to

Reveal scenario would be something like. idk. Y/N and Sun accidentally meet at a little market, and Sun sees them buy maybe a bandana or something, or a little trinket. Something celestial themed, and he makes a comment about it, and they just roll their eyes. Mention it's got nothing to do with him, they actually have friends, so if he’d please just move on -

And they do leave it at that, the two. But after Robin gifts Dusk said trinket and he comes back home with it on, Sun has a very very dreadful realization. Sun is freaking out because he’s been antagonizing another star agent who of course has a busy schedule and doesn't have all that much time for landlord duties, they actually have to sleep too! Knows from Moon however that apparently they don't really hate them, and would like to fix things, but just didn't know how.

Moon on the other hand… Moon kept himself a deliberate secret, and is very very worried that their friendship won't survive that reveal, plus the concern about the agency and them living together. Robin was so open with him, and still he didn't realize - and he kinda blames himself for that. They try to figure out how to tell Y/N, but of course they stall for too long.

Y/N, usually not the chattiest with other neighbors, maybe has to pick up a package or hand one out that was wrongly delivered to their address, and get talking with another neighbor. That neighbor does say that their tenants are quite nice, even though that moon animatronic is rather elusive! Record scratch, freeze frame - right, the, uh, moon animatronic. That one. When - when did they meet him?

“Oh, not really met him, really, but I saw him pull up the trash cans once or twice in the morning when I forgot to put them out. Say, why does he wear a nightcap?”

Y/N just fumbles for something not entirely impolite before scrambling for an excuse about food in the oven and having to leave. They rush back home, where Sun for plot reasons happens to be on the porch. They look at each other, startled for a moment before Sun is the one to soften and Y/N just hardens. Before Sun can say anything they start opening their door already, head low, and just mumble “You really thought I’m that stupid, huh? Congrats, you were right. Or maybe you just hate me that much.”

Sun by now is familiar with dread, but has to ask - what are they talking about?

Door open, and they just look at him, expression just so so tired and hurt, and just say “Moon.” before stepping inside and slamming the door shut. The lock clicks, and Sun’s knocks and panicked string of “no”s goes unanswered.

To Y/N, this is all their worst fears combined. Sun never even liked or respected them enough to tell them that there’s a whole other person living there, obviously that whole everything is doomed. There’s also the friendship with Dusk that is now just terrifying in its implications - does he know? Why did he never tell them that he moved in at their place, did he think it’s funny that they don't know? What about Sun - is he an agent too? Does he know they’re Robin?

They hide out at home for a day, securing a longer mission that will “give them time to think'' as they'll be out for a few days.

They return to a desperate little plea to talk in their work pigeonhole, confirming that both know about their work identity, and also the gossip about Dusk and Dawn being out of commission after being blown up.

That’s not what Robin wants, at all. They still are terrified the boys both hate them, or just toyed with them, but they push that aside as they rush home because even if they don't actually care for Robin, Robin cares for them and doesn't want them hurt

They kind of trip onto the porch just in time to see Moon pick up a couple packages left on the porch, both kinda startled and Y/N just has that deja vu to like a couple days before with Sun.

Kinda crumble right there, crying in relief but not really looking, too caught up in the adrenaline before Moon hesitantly asks if they want to come in. Y/N stares for a moment - but then just nods. It’s awkward, and they kind of want to help him carry stuff but don't know how to offer, and Moon wants to offer a tissue but his one arm is kind of occupied.

They talk just a bit - get the roughest bits out first. Moon reassures them that he didn't know until the trinket Sun recognized, and Y/N confirms they aren't actually mad, they were just scared that both of them hate them. Moon then gets to tell them that Sun felt about Y/N the same way Robin felt about their tenant - sad, mostly, and unsure how to fix things, but definitely willing. Tells them a little joke about how much of a drama king Sun was about it all, and that actually, please, would they talk to the guy? The whining really gets annoying after a while.

And Y/N laughs a little teary eyed, but hesitantly agrees - it’s a lot more awkward for the neighbors then, and they don't even talk about the reveal at first because they have to address the misunderstandings from the beginning first, and both admit they kinda got carried away and never meant for things to end up like this.

They kinda shake on a do over with the newly reattached arm before Y/N pulls him in for a hug - they squeeze and tell him “next time you wanna try again, please know you can just ask. Don’t get blown up again.” Sun startles, then laughs before he melts into the hug, and assures them that he’d rather not have a repeat of any of this except this hug.

Switch back to Moon, where the two get to talk out the lingering, smaller worries, and then also get a hug because fairs fair, and they discuss how the agency fucked up and cant tell either of them to move out now, and kind of settle for “we know each other, and we have each other, and if the agency has an issue with that, they'll be down three agents” and then. shenanigans

Reverse Dynamic Swap AU

work besties: Oh my god. Oh my god. These two istg. So Robin has the same motivation as with Dusk for approaching Dawn, who may also be wary of the unfamiliar goodwill, but is a suave bastard all in all. There’s no ankle grabbing because Robin isn’t a cocky little shit, and quickly appreciates Dawn’s flair for the dramatic that complements their own. He thinks their gadgets are charming and do their job well, and he thrives on the validation after going without it during his training period.

He’s really easy to win over and Robin does so easily, and then these two hit friendship really quickly and then just as quickly the “flirts with you but just kidding haha unless?” stage. They pet name it up and mean all of it, but never confirm anything bc. Yeah workplace relationships are really not on the table (laughs in author) so they just. don’t mention it and wave off the other’s flirting as just for the bit.

They pine a lot but also are so handsy during missions like the besties really have it so much easier in reverse au, just that this time Dawn gets the easy relationship with Robin. They just have a sort of shockwave reaction on other agents where everyone looks at them and cringes so hard they just have to keep a distance (/hj), but they definitely thrive too

petty ass neighbors: Moon is prickly. He’s lonely, he only hears from Sun how much fun his other partner is, he’s jealous, he’s an introverted nocturnal shut-in, and maybe he snaps at the nice landlord trying to talk to him when he gets the impression they overstep when they ask about the noise level. Y/N is not desperate for a friend and just. Immediately takes the hint and backs off.

It doesn’t really get much worse, but. Similarly to rival Dawn’s ankle-grabbing, Moon already set the precedent and will regret it for a long time. Y/N mostly avoids him, and when they have to deal with him, they’re short and or passive aggressive and petty, and he mirrors that because he is lonely, yes, but he tells himself he’s not that desperate, and here too both kind of leave these interactions and wonder where they went wrong. Do they just not click? Or is this salvageable? But if the latter, how would they go about this when the other party seems so absolutely against it?

Their most positive “interaction” is when Moon doesn't technically admit to DIY as excuse, but just puts up a bird feeder in the backyard that Y/N keeps refilling because they kind of like the chirping and also feel like it’s at least proof that Moon isn’t really an asshole he just apparently can't stand them

Moon wallows in self pity and also wonders if maybe he’s just bad at people and not made to have friends - and Sun can hardly comfort him, because he’s got it so easy with his crush friend. Instead Sun opts for talking smack about Y/N, trying to turn it around and make them the one unfit for people, and Moon half-heartedly takes it as comfort

Robin sometimes sighs about their prickly tenant who just seems to have decided he hates them from day one, and Dawn (forever causing problems even when things go well) just smoothly swoops in and declares “Why even worry about him, darling, when you have me?” with Robin joking along the lines of “So true, why don't you move in with me?” “Alas, the rules…” “Alas indeed.”

They’re all still idiots.

Stabbing: Similarly to main dynamic swap, there’s no tension in caring for Dawn and Robin, and his concern cranks up to 11 as a result. Robin nearly has to reassure him, and promises him to be back soon.

Moon frets, but doesn’t know how to even go about showing that concern, so Sun suggests the gift baskets - he’s getting one for Robin already (with the balloons and the flowers and Robin jokes about how the hospital staff asked if their partner sent it and they just semi-affirmatively laughed it off without explaining what kind of partner), and Moon just… Picks a small one and no card or anything, because he’s awkward, and Y/N just reads it as “ah, doing what’s polite/ adhering to social norms and that's it, he doesn't really care” (which Dawn insists his own gift basket more than made up for that, no?)

Sick Day: River is dying, because Dawn is back with his concern and trying to charm his way into getting information she refuses to give out. Someone help her please.

Moon hears Y/N, but doesn’t really dare to do anything - probably also has the canned soup, because those don't go bad and he’s a bit too unsure whether or not he’ll have the metaphorical guts to give them the food to go for something that would expire quickly. But when he hears them cough louder than before, and he checks the balcony, he finds them wrapped in a blanket sitting on theirs, watching the backyard (the feeder, to be exact, but he doesn't realize yet).

“You should be inside, it’s getting cold.”

“That’s what the blanket is for.”

“Still -”

“What do you care, anyway?”

He doesn’t really have an answer for that. Their phone pings, and they deflate under their blanket as they smile at the screen with a small sigh. Get up, and mumble something about fine, they'll go inside, balcony’s all his. There’s no birds anyway. That’s when he looks and sees the feeder is out of food, because Y/N was too sick to refill.

He makes up his mind - and while Y/N is busy being confused by their doorbell ringing to the very subtle anonymous canned soup delivery, he’s sneaking into the garden to refill the birdseed, and when Y/N goes to bed that evening they hear a few birds chirp, and wake up to even more. Neither really mentions it, though the gesture is not forgotten

Overtime: Moon’s starting to stack his anxieties now, after Y/N’s hospital visit and their flu and now their mysterious disappearance his regret at how he handled that initial noise complaint really starts to grate at him. He withdraws further and doesn't even consider contacting Y/N lest he pushes them away further, and Sun tries to reassure him that surely their absence has nothing to do with him.

Dawn meanwhile doesn't pull any metaphorical punches and point blank tells Robin that he doesn't like how reckless they are with their health and they whine how they know, but fortunately being pretty is not a free pass to not do their paperwork, as he would know best.

“Flattery will not get you out of this, darling. I don’t enjoy seeing you like this.”

“Guess with eyebags like these I stopped being pretty a while ago anyway.”

He tilts up their head, making them look at him instead of their paperwork.

“You always are, dear. But I’m sure I’m not the only one concerned with your lack of self care, and I think you should sleep in an actual bed to recover.”

Robin glances away, half frowning - and he probes again, what's on their mind? Well, first they wanted to say he is the only one, but… they don’t actually know, because their tenant actually did something nice for them the other time and they're really not sure what to make of him.

Dawn is bristling just a bit - that’s his little thief, and that tenant really has too bad of a track record to steal them away. But then he thinks of Moon, and sighs.

“Maybe he’s just not used to people, and doesn’t know how to handle things. Maybe you should go home and reassure him you haven't suddenly died, just in case. I’ll see you after you've had a full night of sleep, and if you don’t look better then I’ll be forced to take drastic measures.”

“Like?”

“Hmm, maybe I’ll have to kiss it better.”

“Well, don’t threaten me with a good time -”

“You’re delirious, darling. Go sleep, and we’ll talk.”

Moon, when he next sees Y/N at home, just relaxes on the spot and sighs a little “You’re okay.” and Y/N kind of. ducks their head and mumbles a little sorry, and how they'll let him know next time if they stay out for a couple days.

Reveal wise they get the sped up version too - Moon doesn't see Y/N get the matching trinkets, because it’s Robin who pickpockets them on the job. Maybe a little suncatcher, for the joke - or even a windchime, for the challenge. Point is, they get one for Dawn and one for themself, and when they get home they’re ready to put it up in the backyard (in a suncatcher’s case, far away enough from the feeder to not scare away the birds). Moon catches them, and recognizes the trinket, and before he can stop himself he blurts out

“You’re Robin?”

Y/N of course freezes, and turns to him with a stonewall of an expression, too caught up in the whiplash their mood just went through from happy to absolutely terrified. Moon reacts similarly - he takes a few steps back, tense and wide eyed, and starts apologizing. Suddenly a lot clicks into place, but now he might not have ruined any chance he could have still had with Y/N, but also ruined Sun’s friendship with them because of his blunder.

Y/N meanwhile glances from him to something behind him, slightly in their periphery - the match to the trinket they’re still holding, dangling in the boys’ window. A lot clicks into place for them, too.

“Moon.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to -”

“Moon. It’s okay. Let’s talk inside, before the neighbors hear.”

The walk back into Y/N’s half of the house feels somewhat like a walk to the gallows, for both of them. Moon wakes up Sun and frantically conveys as much as possible in a few seconds, which. does not go over well.

Sun is freaking out, Moon is freaking out, and while Y/N is busy shutting the door, he collapses, hands on his head as he tries to keep the sun rays in that do their best to jut out as both fight for control, driven by the urge to fix things or run or somehow be less alone, maybe all of it.

Now Y/N is freaking out too - they kneel in front of him, just hovering, watching his eyes flicker. They may not know the boys history, may not know about Eclipse, but they realize that whatever this is, it isn’t good.

“Moon, Moon, I swear you’re okay, it’s not your fault, I’m not mad.”

When that doesn’t help, they get out the big guns.

“Can you look around the room and find five things I’ve stolen on the job?”

It does reach him, but only because he feels they should know that the expert is currently screaming inside of his head, too. Not in so many words, however, as he’s still too close to a panic attack.

“Sun knows. Can tell me. Cheating.”

Sun, huh? Should have known.

“No shit, sherlock. Tell him he gotta tell you what job it’s from, and you gotta tell me, so focus on that anyway.”

And the boys do, and manage - and feel a little calmer after. Still all wound up, and Moon’s wringing his hands and Sun is quietly and mentally pacing, but Y/N manages half a smile.

“Better now?”

Just a nod in return.

“Okay. Okay, so I’m assuming you’re an agent too, and somehow I just. Missed that entirely. Because I’m an idiot.”

“Not an idiot.”

“Little bit of an idiot.”

“Not an idiot.”

Y/N makes note of the fact that even in a semiverbal state Moon insists on them not insulting themself, and earlier, keeping things fair and transparent. Their grin grows slightly exasperated, if amused.

“I’m saying this lightheartedly, and I’m not having a panic attack about it. Which I would like to address - just how badly did you think I’d react?”

Moon only ducks his head, staring at his hands.

“Moon?”

“Hate me.”

And Y/N’s heart kind of drops. They get it, they do - after all they thought the same from him, except he did things that proved that assumption wrong, and they… They didn’t really do anything.

“I don’t hate you. I thought - I used to think you hate me. I don’t, not anymore - and I’m sorry I didn’t do anything to make you realize I don’t hate you either.”

He’s looking at them then, and they smile, eyebrows turned up, half pleading.

“You feeling okay enough for some touch?”

They’re thinking of prying his hands away from each other, and maybe rubbing some soothing circles on the back of them. But when he nods, almost sharply, more mechanically than usual, he just half leans forward, arms opening in that silent request, and well, they can't really say no to that. Don't want to, either. So the soothing circles they rub on his back, full stop. He’s trembling at the start, but it subsides quickly, and then he mumbles “Still sorry.”

“And I’m still a little bit of an idiot, and we’ll just have to agree to disagree.”

His reaction is just the closest to a growl they hear from him, and they decide that the agree to disagree is on thin ice, and they better change the topic.

“Sun’s there, too?”

Another sharp nod against them, and then Moon shifts in their hold - and also switches. He needs some time to just process, too, without the pressure of being the one in control.

Sun starts withdrawing from the hug, but Y/N pulls him back in.

“You’re really not angry?”

He sounds so much smaller than they’ve ever heard him, so they squeeze him as they chuckle.

“If you give me a couple minutes to process all of this, I’ll think it’s hilarious. Why would I be mad you’re living here? Think we joked about how great that’d be multiple times before. We’ll figure it out.”

Sun is responsible for intel, looking for inconsistencies and hints to piece information together. Something nags at him.

“HQ never interfered.”

“So as long as we don't tell them anything that might force them to act, they probably won't.”

They’re on the same page - and they will figure it out. Sun embraces the hug then, pulling them closer, and just drinks in the reassurance. Moon does end up calling out of work that night, and they spent the time talking things out, but things are looking up for all of them now

#post let luce #dcamv #accidentally undercover #au alt timeline #au dynamic swap #ik i used dynamic swap au in post but i just realized that maybe au dynamic swap is better #but im also too lazy to change it in post #ill look for the alt timeline overview tomorrow to add these in #im a lil tired ngl #managed a comic (private gift) around work while chewing on a new isolated eclipse design that i hope to get to tomorrow #and then had to clean up this beast from discord formatting where i. care much less #but yes it's done and i now just wanna chill

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