![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
004 - Action/Voice
[Action]
[Although Teddy didn't go on the draft, he knew plenty of friends who did. Once he was certain they were all accounted for, though some had gone through some heavy losses, he felt like he could relax a little. And with relaxation, it dawned on him that he hadn't really practiced his shifting ability in a while. Sure, there was his Hulkling form, but he knew that one. Knew it inside and out. What about others?
This is why he sits by the edge of the fountain, homework and pencil in hand, though he doesn't work so much as watch people over the top of the page. He's inconspicuous about it, as this is a hobby he's developed for some time now.
And when he's sure he's not in anyone's range of vision, he transforms, shifting into the form of the person he's got his eyes on. That's when he stops watching them and looks down at the body he's impersonating, just to study the shape, occasionally glancing up to make sure he has everything right. Even when the person's left, he still stays in that form for a few long moments before he shifts back, writing his answers in his homework once he's satisfied with the shape he's in.
Observe, learn, shift, hold. This is what he's learned over the years, though it's been a while since he's done this for selfless reasons. Just for practice, nothing more.]
[Voice]
[It's sunset and he's still outside, though he appears to be walking back home. There's just one thing on his mind, something that occurred to him while shifting.]
Anyone up for playing b-ball sometime? It's been way too long since I actually got to play against someone. Holograms just don't really cut it, you know?
[He would suggest football, but, well. When you've got the ability to possibly break someone in half with a good tackle, that probably isn't the best sport to go for.]
[Although Teddy didn't go on the draft, he knew plenty of friends who did. Once he was certain they were all accounted for, though some had gone through some heavy losses, he felt like he could relax a little. And with relaxation, it dawned on him that he hadn't really practiced his shifting ability in a while. Sure, there was his Hulkling form, but he knew that one. Knew it inside and out. What about others?
This is why he sits by the edge of the fountain, homework and pencil in hand, though he doesn't work so much as watch people over the top of the page. He's inconspicuous about it, as this is a hobby he's developed for some time now.
And when he's sure he's not in anyone's range of vision, he transforms, shifting into the form of the person he's got his eyes on. That's when he stops watching them and looks down at the body he's impersonating, just to study the shape, occasionally glancing up to make sure he has everything right. Even when the person's left, he still stays in that form for a few long moments before he shifts back, writing his answers in his homework once he's satisfied with the shape he's in.
Observe, learn, shift, hold. This is what he's learned over the years, though it's been a while since he's done this for selfless reasons. Just for practice, nothing more.]
[Voice]
[It's sunset and he's still outside, though he appears to be walking back home. There's just one thing on his mind, something that occurred to him while shifting.]
Anyone up for playing b-ball sometime? It's been way too long since I actually got to play against someone. Holograms just don't really cut it, you know?
[He would suggest football, but, well. When you've got the ability to possibly break someone in half with a good tackle, that probably isn't the best sport to go for.]
[action]
Her fingers brushed his cheek gently, questioningly. She hadn't even blinked and he had completely changed his shape. Quickly, her hand retreated to her lap and she shook her head. Trying to comprehend this. It was unlike anything she had yet experienced here.]
Is it magic?
[action]
You could call it that, sure. It's just in my blood. I'm not calling on magic or anything; it's as easy as clenching a fist, to me.
[He looks down at his hand, curled into a loose fist.]
I know it's not normal. I used to hate it because of that.
[action]
She offered a reassuring smile. Because, at the very least, she had grown used to discovering all these differences. Once the initial surprise wore off, she surprised herself with her ability to cope.]
It must be useful sometimes. When you don't want people to find you.
[action]
... Mmm.
[He can't admit it to her. How just a couple years ago, that was exactly what he used his power for. Not just to impersonate his heroes and gain the attention he desperately needed, but to hide his true form, the form he was never sure of and practically hated, the form that he thought no one wanted. Because who could ever like Teddy Altman when they could have anyone they ever wanted?
It was a dark time for him. And while finding a good use for his power, friends who enjoyed him for the true self he didn't enjoy, someone who loved him for who he was - while all of that was good, he still has one foot in that dark spot. Sometimes he falls back on it. Sometimes he wants to hide again.
It's too personal, and it's not something he wants to discuss. So he shifts back, becoming himself once more (because people like him for him now, he doesn't have to think he's a pathetic screw-up anymore) and trying to smile.]
So we were heading for the library...?
[action]
We were. [As she stood, she turned to look at him for a moment. Her lips pressed together thoughtfully before she added in,] Thank you for sharing that.
[She doubted that it was easy.]