Sep 18, 2015 2:12 PM: Tony Stark addresses the first class of the Champions Initiative, a program by S.H.I.E.L.D. and Stark International, urging young heroes to embrace responsibility amid post-Sokovia fears, rise above challenges, and shape a brighter future as the next Avengers.
DATE
Sep 18, 2015 2:12 PM
CLIME
wi-cloudy
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72 °
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SCENESET
AFTERNOON;Chant
rolling clouds that drifted overhead. The air carried the crisp scent of pine and freshly cut grass, mixing with the faintest trace of salt from the distant water. The Initiative Compound, just outside the Champions Training Facilities, was a sprawling expanse of state-of-the-art structures and open training fields, a place where the next generation of heroes honed their craft under the careful—sometimes critical—eyes of the world’s greatest legends.
This particular section of the campus, used by the Avengers themselves, was a mix of sleek modernity and practical functionality. The same compound had once served as a secondary HQ, a proving ground for young heroes and a strategic fallback for the world’s most elite defenders. The architecture was unmistakably Stark-designed—reinforced glass, steel, and minimalist aesthetics that somehow made everything feel both impossibly high-tech and effortlessly cool.
The training fields stretched out in the distance, dotted with reinforced structures, obstacle courses, and impact-resistant sparring zones designed to take hits from the likes of Thor and Hulk without crumbling. Further out, past the manicured lawns and stone walkways, the main facility loomed, a monolithic fusion of research labs, meeting rooms, and living quarters—all kept under the ever-watchful eye of Director Nick Fury and his ever-present S.H.I.E.L.D. operatives.
But here, just beyond the hustle of the Meet & Greet, tucked near a row of oak trees providing a little shade and privacy, was a rare quiet spot. Away from the prying eyes of Iron Man, Captain America, Black Widow, and the Wasp, away from the weight of expectations and the scrutiny of Fury’s MIBs, this was a moment to breathe.
It was here that Teddy Altman—or Chimaera, as he was known in the field—had asked Billy Kaplan, better known as Wiccan, out.
And it was here, with the distant hum of repulsors and the occasional clang of metal-on-metal from the training yards, that Billy finally had the space to think about his answer.
Chant:: Billy swallowed hard, feeling his face heat up as he looked at Teddy—really looked at him. Broad shoulders, deep chest, arms that were thicker than Billy’s thighs, golden blond hair that caught the sunlight just right, and those bright blue eyes that practically sparkled when he smiled. And that was just normal Teddy. When he’d gone full Hulkling—Chimaera—it had been overwhelming in a way Billy wasn’t sure how to process. Intimidating? A little. But also… kind of hot? Or maybe Teddy was just hot, period, no matter what shape he was in. Either way, Billy liked the way Teddy looked at him. Like he mattered. Like he was worth looking at.
And Teddy had asked him out.
The thought made his stomach do a weird little flip—a good flip—but the moment he tried to answer, all the other thoughts rushed in. This was a training facility. An actual, real chance to be an Avenger one day. What did the handbook say about dating? He had no idea. The army had rules against fraternization, right? What if S.H.I.E.L.D. had the same kind of policies? What if saying yes now messed things up before they even started?
Billy exhaled, running a hand through his hair, trying to ground himself. "I—" He hesitated, then glanced up at Teddy again, and damn it, those eyes made it so hard to say no. Or even maybe.
"I think... we should talk about it later," he finally said, voice uneven. "Like Mr. Stark said, right? Focus on the training part first. But…" He bit his lip, nerves crackling through him. "But, um, ask me again later? Because I… I liked hearing it and I want to go out with you... but I also want to be an Avenger one day to... and maybe there are rules? I don't know... I need to read the handbook... "
Billy paused and looked at Teddy. It was the kind of look that said he really wanted to share a kiss with him right now.
Chimaera:: The Avengers' complex was just that, complex. Teddy was glad that they'd been given a break, and even more glad that he'd found a slightly more quiet spot to finally get to talk to Billy.
"Hopefully this is later enough to talk," he grinned at Billy. "I mean, I'm sorry if I came on a little strong in there. I don't know what came over me. Well...that's not true. I kind of do know. I was sitting up next to Kyle, American Kid, and I could...feel...you looking our way, maybe with...interest? I couldn't tell if you were looking at him or me, though, and suddenly...it just felt very wrong to think you were looking at him that way. God, I sound like a lunatic or some kind of cave man, don't I?"
He chuckled at how absurd it all was, but went on. "So I came back to find you and talk to you. Then I turned into a cave man all over again." Another chuckle. "I'll be lucky if they don't ask me to leave by the end of the day at this rate. Still...I don't regret it. I'm glad i met you, and...I hope you'll take me up on that date.
"I know, maybe it's a terrible time. I know, maybe they plan to tell us all to become monks and sit quietly in our rooms meditating every night. And I know, they may try some rule about not starting any relationships, but I was thinking... They haven't told us that YET, so, if you accept my offer of a date we could maybe call this, right here, our first date. Then we wouldn't be starting anything, it would already be started. Are they going to tell people who are already dating that they have to break up? That'd be crazy, right? And it would probably totally help me to stop turning into a cave man every 15 minutes."
He raised an eyebrow at Billy. "I warn you now, shapeshifters can be devious..." That got Billy a flash of Teddy's 'bad boy' smile.
Chant:: Billy’s face heated instantly, and he ducked his head, hoping—praying—that Teddy couldn’t see just how red he’d gotten. His heart was doing something weird, an erratic little stutter-step that had nothing to do with nerves and everything to do with the way Teddy was looking at him. Like he mattered. Like he was wanted. Billy wasn’t used to that. Not in this way.
He tried to think of something clever to say, something that would make him seem cool and not like a flustered mess, but his brain was currently running on static. He had gadgets, contraptions, even a few gimmicks tucked away in his social toolbox, but absolutely nothing that prepared him for this—for Teddy. For his confidence, his warmth, the sheer magnetism that made Billy feel like he was caught in orbit around him.
And then, because his mouth had no interest in waiting for his brain to catch up, he blurted out, “Do you think Kyle noticed?” He winced, immediately regretting how that sounded. “I mean—I was looking at you, but I don’t want him to feel weird about it. I don’t want to come off like a creep, you know?” He finally peeked up at Teddy, biting his lip. “But, um… yeah. I like your plan. Let’s call this our first date.”
His stomach flipped just saying it. A date. With Teddy. The realization sent another wave of heat rushing up his neck, but beneath the embarrassment, excitement curled warm in his chest.
Then, just as quickly, doubt crept in. “Wait—should we, like… talk to someone about this?” He gestured vaguely around them. “I mean, we’re training here, right? This is supposed to be serious, and I don’t know what the handbook says about dating. Like, does SHIELD even have a handbook for this kind of thing? Are there rules? A guidance counselor? A mentor? Someone who tells us if we’re about to accidentally break some weird Avengers bylaws?” His voice pitched higher the more he rambled, until he finally caught himself and groaned. “Sorry. I just—this is a lot. A good lot, but still, a lot.”
He let out a breath, then looked up at Teddy again, his expression softer now. “But, um… even if we do have to check in with someone… I do want to go out with you. Just so we’re clear.”
Chimaera:: Teddy felt himself relaxing when Billy agreed to a date. It was weird, though. He'd never felt this wrapped up in someone else before. It wasn't unpleasant, just weird and unfamiliar. He probably ought to be concerned about mind control or something, but Billy didn't seem like someone who would do that...which was just what someone controlling his mind would make him believe, wasn't it? The thought made him chuckle. And besides, he'd noticed his eye lingering on shorter, dark-haired guys for the last several weeks, long before he'd met Billy. The guy would have to be some sort of mega-evil super manipulator to have planned all this out that far in advance. And Billy truly didn't seem to be that type.
He reached out and took Billy's hand. "If this is our first date, I at least get to hold your hand, right? And who knows, maybe at the end of the date, if things have gone well, you might even let me have a kiss." He knew the goofy grin he was sporting wouldn't be going away anytime soon.
"Your idea about talking to someone is a good one. I remember my mom telling me a story maybe a year ago. She's a realtor, and she told me about two agents she worked with who got in trouble because they started seeing each other without telling HR. I'm not sure why it's any of their business, but apparently there could be lawsuits or something. Anyway, she said they had to go in and fill out some paperwork, but then it was all okay. I'm guessing it could be the same here, right?" He sincerely hoped so. He really wanted to take advantage of the opportunity being part of the Avengers offered, but he also really wanted to explore this fascination he had with Billy.
"And," he stepped in a little closer, "I'm pretty sure getting to know you is worth way more than a little paperwork."
Chant:: Billy’s heart did an unsteady little flip when Teddy took his hand, warmth spreading up his arm. He couldn’t believe this was happening—Teddy Altman, broad-shouldered, strong, ridiculously handsome Teddy, had singled him out. Out of everyone. He could’ve had American Kid, or Brawn, or Iron Lad, or even Speed, but instead, he was here, grinning at Billy like he was the only one in the room. It was overwhelming in the best way.
He swallowed, his gaze flickering to Teddy’s lips for just a second before he forced himself to focus. “I mean… yeah, holding hands seems fair,” he managed, squeezing Teddy’s fingers lightly. “As for the kiss…” He hesitated, his face going warm. “I want our first kiss to be real, not just, you know, technically our first kiss.” He gave a sheepish chuckle, dropping his gaze for a moment before looking back up at Teddy. “If that makes sense?”
Billy let his eyes linger, taking in everything—Teddy’s strong arms, his confident stance, the way his blue eyes sparkled when he smiled. God, he was so stupidly attractive. And he liked Billy. How was that even possible?
His mind latched onto the safer topic of paperwork, nodding as Teddy talked about HR rules. “Yeah, I guess it makes sense. Maybe there’s someone we can ask? Like, a mentor or guidance person? I’d rather not get kicked out of here over a technicality.” He exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. “I mean, this place—this is my dream. And I like you. A lot. But I don’t want to mess things up before we even get started.”
He looked up at Teddy again, nervous but hopeful. “So… I guess we should figure this out together?” His fingers tightened around Teddy’s, reluctant to let go.
Chimaera:: Teddy smiled softly as he felt Billy's hand tighten around his. It was a tiny gesture, almost nothing, really, but it was honest and unambiguous. Billy was either a world class actor, or he didn't have multiple agendas he was trying to work while he was talking to Teddy. It was refreshing.
"That's okay," he chuckled, "I think you seem pretty special, so maybe our first kiss being special, too, kind of makes sense. And I get that being here is important. I want to be here, too. But there are other important things in life, and that's okay. You can want more than one thing at a time. And you can go after more than one thing at a time. And I think that's what I'm going to do.
"I think that when we're in classes or training or whatever it is they've got us here to do, we're in those things 100%...well, 99%...I'm still probably going to steal a glance or two at you when we've got a free moment. And when we are out of class or whatever, we're into this 100%. And 'this' doesn't just mean you and me, it means this, our lives. We can make friends and do fun stuff...though I hope we'll do a lot of that, um, together." Teddy smiled shyly at Billy. "I really like that you used that word, 'together.' It means a lot."
Chant:: Billy swallowed, feeling the warmth of Teddy’s hand wrapped around his own, solid and steady. His heart was still doing that ridiculous fluttering thing, and he was sure his face was giving him away, but he couldn’t help it. Teddy was so… distracting. Not just because he was stupidly handsome—though, let’s be real, he was so stupidly handsome—but because he was confident in a way that Billy had never really seen up close before. Teddy didn’t hesitate, didn’t second-guess himself into oblivion. He had walked right up to Billy, asked him out, and then just… kept being this charming, ridiculously self-assured person who somehow seemed to really like Billy. Like, Billy Billy. Not Billy the nerd who people only talked to when they needed math homework done, but Billy the person.
It was overwhelming, in the best way.
He squeezed Teddy’s hand lightly and ducked his head a little, trying to gather his thoughts before speaking. “Yeah, I—I’d like my first kiss to be special.” His voice came out quieter than he intended, and he cleared his throat before looking up again. “I mean, I guess I don’t just mean our first kiss. I mean, like… my first kiss. Ever. Not counting dumb truth-or-dare stuff when I was thirteen, because that doesn’t really count. I mean, it was just this one time, at lunch, and it wasn’t even, like, a real game. It was more like these two kids at my table thought it would be hilarious to dare me to kiss someone because they knew I’d freak out about it. And I did. And it was weird and awkward and just—yeah. Not exactly magical.”
Billy let out a nervous laugh, glancing away for a second before pushing through. “Not that I ever really had the chance to do that kind of thing much anyway. I was never invited to those kinds of parties where they played those games, so, uh… yeah.” He could hear himself rambling, but stopping felt impossible. “Basically, I’m just like that movie with Drew Barrymore—Never Been Kissed.” He let out another short laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. “Which I realize is a really embarrassing thing to admit, so, uh… just pretend I didn’t say that.”
He glanced back at Teddy, then quickly looked away again, suddenly feeling like he’d shared way too much. Why did I say all that? His mind was already spiraling. Why do I do this? Just say something normal, Billy. Other people know how to have conversations without making themselves sound ridiculous. Just… be cool. Act like a person who knows how to talk to other people.
Billy took a slow breath, willing himself not to overthink it too much. Teddy doesn’t seem like the kind of guy who would make fun of me for this. Right? Right. Probably. Hopefully. He forced himself to meet Teddy’s gaze again, offering a small, sheepish smile. “So, uh, yeah. First kiss. Hoping it’s special.”
Billy exhaled, trying to shove down the creeping self-consciousness threatening to take over. He wasn’t going to overanalyze every single word he just said. He wasn’t. Even if it felt like he had just thrown open his diary and let Teddy take a look inside. The good news was that Teddy hadn’t laughed at him or looked at him like he was pathetic—so far. He actually seemed to be listening, really listening, and that was… new.
Billy decided he needed to change the subject before he talked himself into the ground. “Okay, so, um,” he started, shifting his weight and giving Teddy a crooked smile, “since this is, technically, a thing—us, dating, I mean—I guess we should probably figure out if there are, like, rules about it? Like, does the Avengers Academy have an official ‘no dating your teammates’ policy? Because I really don’t want to mess this up before we even start.” He bit his lip, considering. “I mean, you’d think they’d be cool with it, given that, y’know, half of the Avengers have dated each other at some point.”
He let go of Teddy’s hand just long enough to gesture vaguely. “Maybe we should talk to someone who’d know the rules. Like a guidance counselor. Do we even have one of those? Or should we just go straight to, like… the Black Widow?”
Billy blinked as the thought came out of his mouth. He rolled with it. “I mean, she’s definitely experienced with this kind of thing, right? Femme fatale, international espionage, probably a master of seduction—” He cut himself off, suddenly realizing what he was saying. “Okay, that sounded way weirder out loud than it did in my head.” He cleared his throat, forging ahead. “But seriously, she’s got to have some insight. I think she was seeing Hawkeye for a while? Or… wait, no, he’s married, isn’t he? Or was? Or maybe not? I don’t know, he’s confusing. But still—if anyone could give us advice on how to navigate dating within a superhero team, it’s her.”
He tilted his head, thinking. “Or, y’know, we could just ask literally anyone else, because now that I’m saying it, I feel like going to the world’s most intimidating super-spy and asking for dating advice might be a terrible idea.” He gave Teddy an amused, slightly helpless look. “What do you think?”
Chimaera:: First kiss?
Wow. Teddy was reeling from that one. That was...huge. And Billy was right. It ought to be special and magical and perfect. Firsts typically totally weren't those things, but they ought to be. Anyway, it would probably turn out to be a bit awkward, they wouldn't coordinate which way their noses went, they'd click teeth, something. But it was alright. they'd laugh about it...together (that word made him smile to himself again)...and they'd just keep practicing until it WAS perfect.
"Billy, I'm...wow...I don't even know what I am. Honored? Scared? Afraid I'll screw up your first kiss? Excited I get to be there with you for it, to be the one who gives that to you? Yeah...all that. But mostly determined to make it the best kiss I can. And...it'll kind of be my first, too. Well, the first in this body and the first with someone who I like who likes me back, so I'll count it as my first-ish kiss." He grinned at his maybe, kinda boyfriend.
And then Billy turned their rom-com into a horror flick.
Teddy was pretty sure his eyes were growing wider as Billy went on about approaching the Black Widow to discuss their relationship and see if it would be sanctioned. Sanctioned? yeah, that wasn't the word he was looking for. Nobody was going to tell him who or if he was allowed to date. Registered. Yeah, that was better. Words had power; Teddy knew that. But, back to the horrifically terrifying situation Billy was discussing.
"Yeah, B, I'm gonna stop you right there," he place a finger from his free hand gently on Billy's lips. "I'm gonna vote for the 'anyone else' option. The Black Widow just basically threatened each and every one of us in there. Sure, I think it was some bad cop thing, but...I don't KNOW that. And I'm pretty sure I'd be nearly impossible to kill easily, but I also don't want to make her feel like it's a challenge, you know?
"I was thinking maybe Mr. Stark? Remember how I said shapeshifters can be devious? Well, I'm actually the only shapeshifter I know, so I'm just guessing about that, but still. I think that we ought to shop for the answer we want a little. Stark is kind of a playboy, or he has been. He'd probably be at least open to us dating. Or maybe Dr. Banner or Mr. Lang. I don't think they'd be hardcore against it. I think there are probably a few Avengers who've had love lives get thrown for a loop because of their hero status. I'd like to think they'd want to see us succeed."
He thought about it for a moment and shrugged, "but maybe I'm being judgmental. Maybe Black Widow really was just playing bad cop in there and would be totally empathetic to our situation." He groaned and rolled his eyes. "Obviously I don't have any idea what I'm talking about. You may want to rethink the whole dating me thing. I'm clearly a mess."
Chant:: Billy opened his mouth, probably to say something coherent, but then Teddy smiled at him—that easy, natural, heart-stopping kind of smile—and whatever thought he’d had completely evaporated. Wow. Focus, Kaplan. You’re supposed to be forming words, not getting lost in how unfairly cute your maybe, kinda boyfriend is.
Right. Words. Sentences.
He blinked, shaking off the Teddy-induced haze. "Okay, okay, first of all—Black Widow absolutely has leftist sympathies. She defected from a repressive regime, right? That suggests a mindset that probably leans toward personal freedom and, I don’t know, letting two guys date if they want to. I feel like she’d get it. Or at least, you know, not threaten us over it. Hopefully.” He hesitated, frowning. “I mean, she is terrifying, but in a kind of aspirational way, not a ‘make us disappear in the dead of night’ way.”
Billy exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Stark, though? Ehhh. I mean, sure, he might be cool with it, but also—what if he just… forgets we exist? Or worse, what if he notices us and decides we’re a science project? Or, I don’t know, he thinks he can mentor us in the ways of playboy billionaire bachelorhood, which—uh, no thanks.” Billy made a face. “Like, I respect the guy, obviously, but he kind of has a douchey tech-bro thing going on. I do not need dating advice from someone who probably has a backup girlfriend stored in an AI somewhere.”
He tapped his fingers against his leg, thinking. "Maybe Captain America? He seems like the kind of guy who’d have a fair take. Or Dr. Banner. Or Mr. Lang—Scott Lang does have big ‘cool dad’ energy, and I feel like that works in our favor. Actually, do we have mentors? Is there some kind of official handbook for this stuff? There’s gotta be something about fraternizing. I mean, research is our friend, right? Let’s not go in blind when we can, like, read a pamphlet first."
Billy paused, then groaned, rubbing his temples. “Wow, I sound like the world’s least cool person. ‘Read a pamphlet’? That’s what I’m contributing to this conversation? Ugh.” He looked up at Teddy again, about to say something else, but then—oh.
Oh, wow.
Teddy was looking at him with that soft, amused, fond expression, and just like that, Billy completely forgot what he was talking about. He blinked, mouth slightly open, brain short-circuiting. Was he literally getting lost in Teddy’s eyes right now? Oh god, he was.
“Uh.” He scrambled for something—anything—to get himself back on track. “What—uh, what was I saying?” He let out a breathy laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. “Right. Dating rules. We should, um, figure those out. Together.”
A little too late, Billy realized what he’d just said and immediately turned bright red. "I mean, not like a research date—wait, no, that’s exactly what I mean—but not in, like, a lame way. Just, you know, in a responsible way.”
He exhaled, defeated. “Oh my god, why am I like this?”
Chimaera:: Teddy placed a finger under Billy's chin and tilted the shorter man's face up until their eyes met. "Like what? Adorable? Fierce? Honest? Charitable? Which of those things are you wondering about? You're right. I was judging Black Widow based on the fact that she intimidated me in there. That wasn't fair of me. And I really like the fact that not only did you point that out, but you called me on it and stood up for your viewpoint without making me feel like an idiot for mine.
"Maybe she's the person to go to. If that's what you think, I'll back you on it. 100%. I do reserve the right to say 'I told you so' if she shoots me between the eyes, though." He shrugged. "Seriously, she could do that. I'd be fine. First, she'd have to have some pretty serious ammo to penetrate my skin, and second...it's that devious thing again. Teddy's first rule of shapeshifting: always hide your brain."
He chuckled again at Billy's expression. "Yep. I've actually distributed everything pretty evenly. I could replace half the characters in 'The Wizard of Oz.' I don't actually have A brain or A heart. Everything's just kinda spread out, so there's nothing critical for an opponent to go after."
He thought for a minute about the rest of what Billy had said. "They're the Avengers, right? So I guess there really isn't a BAD choice. I wouldn't mid the billionaire thing, but the rest of what you said about Mr. Stark seems valid. Cap seems like a completely nice person; Dr. Banner is crazy smart. And Mr. Lang...I get what you say about being a 'cool dad.' My dad died before I was born, so maybe that's what made me think of him. Again, I'll follow your lead here. If it comes to a fist fight, you follow me. If it comes to figuring stuff out and doing research, I think I'd be better off following you."
Chant:: Billy’s breath hitched when Teddy tilted his chin up, their eyes locking. Oh, no. That’s not fair. How was he supposed to think when Teddy did stuff like that? His brain short-circuited for a moment, just processing the way Teddy was looking at him—so sure, so steady, so... fond.
By the time he caught up to what Teddy was actually saying, Billy’s heart was doing a whole Broadway production in his chest. He hadn’t even realized he’d called Teddy out like that, at least not in a way that mattered, but hearing Teddy acknowledge it? Appreciate it? That was... new. And kind of amazing.
“I—uh,” he started, blinking a little to get back on track. Right. Words. You can do this, Kaplan. “Okay, first of all? You just casually dropping the fact that you don’t technically have a brain or a heart, that is, FYI, absolutely something I’m going to circle back on later.” Billy let out a short, breathy laugh. “Like, that’s a lot to process, Teddy! No vital organs? What even are you?”
What if you don't have a specific organ? You have a lot of very nice budges, but there is one bulge being very nice that i'm really invested in, thought Billy.
Billy realized his hand was still resting against Teddy’s and, for a second, let himself just feel it—warm, steady, real. Okay, focus. “Second, thanks. I mean, for listening. For not just brushing off my thoughts, even when they don’t match yours. That... doesn’t happen a lot for me.” He smiled, a little self-conscious but genuine. “So, yeah. Thanks.”
He let out a slow breath. “As for our, uh, research mission—I guess Cap and Dr. Banner would probably give us the most thoughtful, responsible answers, but part of me still wants to start with finding an actual rulebook. Like, there’s got to be some kind of official policy, right? If we just go around asking people, it’s kind of like—hey, please weigh in on our personal lives!—which, ugh, no thanks.” He made a face. “But if we have to ask someone, maybe a mentor? Assuming we even get one.”
Billy tilted his head, thinking. “Okay, step one: figure out if there are rules. Step two: figure out who to ask if there aren’t rules.” His lips twitched. “Step three: try not to get shot in the head by the Black Widow.”
He gave Teddy a playful nudge. “And you cannot say ‘I told you so’ if she does, because that’ll mean you were right and I don’t think my fragile ego could take that.”
Chimaera:: Teddy was on board with Billy's plan. But first, "I didn't say that I didn't have a brain or a heart, I said I don't have A brain or heart. I've got lots and lots of them, all over. It's the same with most everything. If I got shot in the head or a hole blown in my chest, it'd hurt for sure, but I'd still have a hundred other brains and heart keeping things going until I could heal.
"And I'll use a few of those brains right now. How about we ask the AI...F.R.I.D.A.Y., right? if there's a handbook or some kind of list of rules, the AI running this place ought to know about it, right? We could even try asking if it's happened before, and how it was handled. It's at least a place to start. And it should be able to direct us to whichever Avenger would handle this kind of stuff or to any counselor or mentor we might have been assigned, if that happens."
One side of his mouth lifted in a smile. Billy seemed cool, and Teddy didn't like him deprecating himself. "I know I don't know you well...yet, but I'm betting your ego is a lot stronger than you give yourself credit for. Also, if I DID say 'I told you so,' it would be because someone just shot me in the head. How about you let me have that one because...I would have just been shot in the head. I'm gonna need the awesomeness of getting to say that line to help me get over that. I'll say it, then you'll say 'Poor Teddy,' and you'll hug me and rub my back while I recover. Yeah...that sounds about right." He squeezed Billy's hand gently, enjoying the contact.
Chant:: Billy blinked, processing what Teddy just said, then his lips curled into a slow, wicked smirk. "So… when you say you’re all brain, do you literally mean all brain? Or all heart? Or…"—he waggled his eyebrows—"all dick?"
He barely held back a laugh before giving Teddy’s hand a squeeze. "I mean, scientifically, that’s fascinating, but also, I have so many follow-up questions that I’m not sure I’m ready to ask yet. Like… how does that even work? Is everything just… evenly distributed? Does that mean you can think with your—never mind, I’m spiraling."
Shaking his head, he tried to refocus. "Anyway, FRIDAY is a brilliant idea. No need to wander around guessing when we can just ask the AI. And for the record, if you get shot in the head, I will say ‘Poor Teddy’ and rub your back, but I expect an Oscar-worthy ‘I told you so’ in return. Full dramatic monologue, maybe a single, noble tear. But let’s just… not test the limits of your weird biology, okay? Pretty sure that’s not a first I’m ready for."
Chimaera:: "Yeah," Teddy chuckled, "I'm on board with the 'don't get shot in the head' plan, too. I mean, I'm pretty sure I'd be fine, but it's not really the way I want to find out I was wrong, you know? And I'm happy to answer any questions or follow-ups you've got in that scientific brain of yours, whenever you're ready."
He kept holding Billy's hand to remind himself that this someone who was just genuinely curious and, hopefully, interested in him, Teddy, not how to use his abilities. "But to answer what you apparently are ready for, I'm not ALL brain or heart. I've probably got about as much of them as you do, just...spread out. That's how it seems to me, anyway. Since all of this started, I've been way more aware of my body and what's going on inside it. I really wish I'd paid more attention in biology class. I'm more jock than scientist, but still...it is my body."
He got a sly grin on his face and raised an eyebrow, "As for my dick...you may just have to wait and see. Us doing that ought to be special, too. First times and all, right? I'll just say that it's where you'd expect, and I've only ever had one...so far. I guess all that could change though, if your scientific mind was looking to...experiment. I've grown extra eyes. You've seen my wings and stuff. I don't see any reason other stuff couldn't get altered, too." He winked and tried to get serious again.
"Okay...so we've got a plan, kind of. So how do we access this system? I maybe wasn't taking good enough notes if they went over that." He shrugged, embarrassed. "And I bet you'd come up with a way better set of questions than I would, anyway. I'd just be all 'where's the student handbook?' and 'if two of us are dating, who do we have to tell?' I bet there are much clearer was to do that."
Chant:: Billy's eyes widened slightly, his brain temporarily short-circuiting at Teddy’s not-so-subtle offer. He squeezed Teddy’s hand, biting back a nervous laugh before clearing his throat. "Okay, first of all—good to know. And second… I, uh, appreciate the clarification on your…anatomical consistency." His face was definitely heating up, but he powered through. "Because, listen, I may not have experience, but I do have common sense, and I sincerely hope you’re not secretly thinking of, like, enhancing anything below the belt. I mean, I imagine the temptation could be there—Mister Distributed Brains and All—but for the love of all things good in this world, please do not try to drive a Super Carrier up my Holland Tunnel at 90 miles an hour. If you catch my drift."
Billy laughed nervously.
Billy exhaled, rubbing his free hand over his face before giving Teddy a pointed look. "Not that I’m, you know, opposed to eventually figuring that stuff out. I hope to, actually. With you. But I like my firsts to be exciting, not, uh…medically concerning." He smirked, shaking his head before redirecting to something safer. "Anyway. Back to things we can figure out now—asking FRIDAY. I think we just have to call her name? Like, 'Hey, FRIDAY, are there rules about student relationships, or are we just winging it?' Though I do love that your big question is basically, 'Do we have to tell on ourselves?' Real rebel energy, Teddy."
He grinned, leaning in a little. "See? I knew you had it in you."
Chimaera:: Teddy's facial expression was an odd combo of smirk, embarrassment, and interest. "I can't say I haven't thought about...enhancements, but no. I haven't done it. I...want at least the first time to be with someone who wants me, not some crazy trick I can do. Does that make sense?" He'd already experienced someone he'd thought was a friend turning out to be someone who was just stringing him along to use his powers for his own benefit. He wasn't eager to repeat that mistake.
"And I'm also impressed by how quickly you made assumptions, Mr. Don't Hate On Black Widow Without All The Facts. I mean, why are you so certain it's your...tunnel that would be involved? you just see a big jock and assume?" His smile spread a bit more. He wasn't really sure how their dynamics might work out in the future, but he enjoyed keeping options open, and keeping Billy on his toes.
"As far as FRIDAY and our questions are concerned, any details aren't anybody else's business. If we need to let them know that we're dating, that seems like about as far as we ought to have to go with it. I can't imagine Black Widow or Captain America would appreciate us asking for details about their dating lives and intimate relationships, so I'm not sharing details about ours."
Chant:: Billy blinked, momentarily thrown by the unexpected turn of the conversation. Then, a slow, slightly dazed smile spread across his face as he squeezed Teddy’s hand. "Okay, first of all? You’re kind of dreamy, and it’s really unfair. Like, you’ve got the whole jock thing, the sweet and funny thing, and now you’re adding emotionally intelligent and principled? That’s a lot, Teddy." His voice softened, his usual snark giving way to something more genuine. "The fact that you’re putting so much thought into this—into us—and that you want it to be real and not just… I dunno, some party trick? That’s… really brave. You’re brave. You don’t know me that well, but you’re still willing to take a chance on this—on me—and I can’t tell you how much that means."
He let out a breath, shaking his head slightly. "And for the record? Where my tunnel is concerned, for someone like you? There are no tolls. But I am pretty sure I like truckers with a reasonable-sized rig, if you catch my drift." He shot Teddy a mischievous grin before nudging his foot lightly. "And don’t think I missed you trying to put me on the spot, Mister ‘Keeping My Options Open.’ I’ll have you know, just because you’re bigger doesn’t mean I made any assumptions. It also doesn't mean that I don't have some hopes and I'm crossing my fingers that we mesh in certain ways. I’m just practical like that. I'm a practical guy that way, I like to plan ahead. And for guys like us, it doesn't hurt to put a bit of our hopes on the table to avoid heart ache and heart break right? And hey, you’re the one who brought up enhancements, so excuse me for having follow-up questions."
His smirk softened into something more earnest. "But honestly? I kinda like that about you—how you just go for it. You’re all blushes and smirks, but at the same time, you seem like someone who knows what he wants. And… I really hope that’s me." His fingers curled around Teddy’s just a little tighter before he cleared his throat. "Okay, before I start really embarrassing myself here, we should probably get back to business. So, hey F.R.I.D.A.Y.?, are there rules about student relationships, or are we just winging it?"
Billy paused to look at Teddy and smiled.
"You have a really cute nose."
"F.R.I.D.A.Y.? F.R.I.D.A.Y.?"
Billy called out the AIs name several more times before wondering aloud "Maybe this tree we're under doesn't have wifi?"
Chimaera:: "That's the catch, Billy," Teddy smiled, enjoying their banter. "If I don't take a chance on this, how will I ever get to know you? Right?"
He leaned in to press his shoulder into Billy's. He'd always been a very tactile person, and this just felt right. "The way I see it, I can either take a chance, risk failure or success, or I can hang back and never risk anything...which is pretty much just guaranteed failure. If we try and fail, well, it sucks, but at least we know. Like you said...just being practical.
"And that means I will be here for any and all follow-up questions, and I certainly want to get to know you. Maybe I'll find out you're one of those serial killers who hangs toilet paper rolling to the back or something. Then we'd have to break up because I'd have to put you in an asylum or something. But I want to find out. Heck, maybe you'll even tempt me over to the Dark Side if that's the case. We won't know until we find out, will we?"
Teddy watched, holding onto Billy's hand, as the smaller man pulled himself together and addressed FRIDAY. Or at least he tried to. Then, he short-circuited Teddy's brain by complementing his nose of all things. It was silly and random and charming. When FRIDAY failed to respond, Teddy pulled himself together and suggested, "Maybe we could head back in? I know I saw a bunch of random generic meeting rooms scattered around. surely one of those would have a connection to the being running the whole complex, right? And we could even close the door to get a little privacy while we find out whatever we need to know."
:: Billy’s heart was hammering in his chest, but in the best possible way. Teddy was brave—braver than Billy had ever felt when it came to personal stuff like this. He was open, honest, willing to take a chance, and that made Billy want him even more. "You really are brave," he said, turning slightly to look at Teddy. "And I really, really want to date you. Like, I know we should talk more and work out some specifics, because if it won’t work, I’d rather know now than later. Less heartbreak that way. Because if I got to date you and it didn’t work out? That would feel...terminal to me."
The realization hit him all at once, and he had to close his eyes for a second before shaking it off. Then, Teddy suggested heading back in, and Billy suddenly sat bolt upright, eyes wide. "Oh fudge, do you think the break is over? How long was break supposed to be? Do you remember? Because I don’t think we’re allowed to be late—not with the kind of people in that room! Like, Stark can be late, and Thor, too, because that’s like their thing, and I think Spider-Man is late a lot too, but a lot of people, like Cap and Black Widow? They are very much on-time kind of people. Fudge fudge fudgity fudge."
He dragged a hand through his hair, glancing toward the doors in mild panic before he abruptly turned back to Teddy with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I so want to find an empty supply closet somewhere near here with you right now, you know that?" He grinned, then gave Teddy’s arms an appreciative look before smirking. "Incidentally, I don’t think it’ll be me pulling you to the dark side. With those arms, I could absolutely see you carrying me off in that general direction, with very little protest." That last part sent him into a fit of giggles before he tried to reel himself back in.
"Okay, okay, serious business," he said, though he was still grinning. "But I do have some important follow-up questions. Big spoon or little spoon? Please say big spoon. Also—massages? You like ‘em? Because they are a great excuse for me to touch your shoulders and arms, and I feel like that is relevant to both of our interests." He wiggled his eyebrows before squeezing Teddy’s hand. "Now, c’mon, let’s go find a room with a connection before we get benched for being late to our first real meeting."
As Billy turned to head back he paused and looked back at Teddy with a very stupid smile as he added in a very bad 'beavis and butthead' imitation, "huh hu huhhhh Benched." He then squeezed Teddy's hand tightly as he looked at the blonde with every fiber in his body wanting to throw himself into Teddy's arms; Fuck Teddy was hot thought Billy; Billy wondered if Teddy might need glasses.
Chimaera:: Teddy laughed as he started to follow Billy back inside. He looked around quickly, then pointed. "I think we're okay time-wise. Down that way are three...no, four of the others who were in that welcome thing. If we're late, we're not alone."
As they approached the building, he turned to far more serious matters. "And it's cliche and embarrassing, but yeah...I like being the big spoon, most of the time. Sometimes, when I've had a hard day or maybe things just feel like they haven't been going well, I might like to be the little spoon, though. I hope you're okay with that.
"And massages are awesome," he sighed. "My musculature isn't exactly textbook, but I'd love to have your hands on me. And think I'd like to get my hands on you, too. Turnabout is fair play, and all. And," his eye glinted with mischief, "a perk of dating a shapeshifter? I can increase the size of my hands and reshape them to massage you better than any other massage you've ever had. Im going to make it my mission to prove that to you."
They reached the building they'd been in, and Teddy held the door for Billy. He finally addressed the most important things going on. "This is totally going to work out, Billy. I don't know how I know that, but I do. And we are not going to find some supply closet. If you're going to be my boyfriend, you'd better get used to being treated like it. Our first date, first make out session, first...um...anything else," a bit of a blush did creep through there, "isn't going to be in some tiny, empty room surrounded by mops, buckets, and soap. You deserve way better than that for any of our firsts."
He spotted just what they needed. There were four seemingly identical, completely bland meeting rooms just down the hall to the left. As he led Billy toward the first one, he said, "Okay...I always heard stuff like 'dress for the job you want,' so I'm gonna adapt that here. How about you ask for the answer we want, like 'who do we have to inform about our dating relationship?' Don't know if it helps with an AI, but it's not asking for approval or permission, you know?" They slipped into the room, and Teddy closed the door behind them.
Chant:: Billy felt a warmth bloom in his chest at Teddy’s words, an intoxicating mixture of affection and exhilaration. It was one thing to imagine this—someone wanting him, someone choosing him—but it was another to actually hear it, spoken so easily, so certainly, like it was the most natural thing in the world.
His heart skipped at Teddy’s casual confidence, the way he declared this totally was going to work out, no doubt, no hesitation. It was a lifeline in a storm Billy hadn't even realized he was still navigating. He let himself hold onto it, let the words settle into the spaces self-doubt usually occupied.
And then there was the thing about the supply closet.
Billy’s face burned, but he laughed, ducking his head even as a delighted sort of thrill ran through him. Boyfriend. Teddy had just called him his boyfriend. Casually, easily, like it was already fact. He knew the words had been spoken out loud, that they were real, but it still felt like his brain was struggling to process them. He was going to have to replay this moment later when he could actually breathe properly.
They stepped into the meeting room, and Billy barely registered the blank, nondescript walls or the standard-issue table and chairs. His mind was still catching up with everything Teddy had said—especially the part about massages, which had sent a nervous but very interested shiver down his spine. He was certain there was no universe in existence where that wouldn’t be amazing.
But focus. Right. They were here for an actual reason. Billy took a breath, straightened his shoulders, and turned toward the room’s AI interface.
"Okay, um—F.R.I.D.A.Y.?" he began, feeling just a little ridiculous about talking to thin air. "Who do we have to—"
Before he could finish, a chime echoed through the space, followed by the unmistakable voice of F.R.I.D.A.Y. piping in over the overhead intercom.
"Attention, all new recruits. Your break has concluded. Please proceed to the main auditorium for group assignments and advisor pairings. Attendance is mandatory."
Billy exhaled sharply, half-laughing, half-sighing as he turned back to Teddy. "Well, that answers that," he murmured, already bracing himself for whatever was coming next.
Billy exhaled sharply, half-laughing, half-sighing as he turned back to Teddy. "Well, that answers that," he murmured, already bracing himself for whatever was coming next.
But before they moved, Billy took a quick glance around the room—empty, no one watching—then, before he could second-guess himself, he darted in and pressed a quick, warm kiss to the side of Teddy’s cheek.
He stepped back just as fast, grinning up at him with a goofy, slightly breathless smile. "Everything I said still stands," he promised, eyes bright with excitement and something deeper, something real.
And then, before Teddy could react, Billy spun on his heel and bolted out the door, making a beeline for the conference room, heart racing for so many reasons.
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