halfnhalf | 005 - Action/Voice

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005 - Action/Voice

[Today marked a big day for Teddy Altman: He's eighteen today. If he were back in New York, he could vote in elections, own a credit/debit card of his own, and not have to groan over papers and applications that had a little note for people who were under eighteen. He's pretty much an adult now.

He still kind of feels like a young teenager who has no idea what he's doing, though, so he can't help being a little disappointed when he wakes up and doesn't suddenly feel like a man with a plan who knows everything and can do anything.

After gently being coaxed outside by Billy, Teddy decides to do all the things he usually does, seeing how Luceti is sorely lacking in ways to celebrate a milestone year like this. He wanders and chats up store owners, from the bakery to the weapon shop to Seventh Heaven to even the general store. He gets himself a large meal for lunch, as is customary for a guy like him, and orders his favorite just for today. He visits the library and reads up on whatever new comics they have, and that's where he gets lost in thought enough to open his journal and ask a question that's been on his mind since the day began.]

When someone turns eighteen, do they do anything special? It's a pretty big thing for teenagers in America; you can vote and get drafted and pretty much be considered an adult by the law. But does it mean anything in other worlds? Call me curious.

[He goes to the Battledome after that to simulate a basketball game – just to watch this time, not to participate. The 1992 East Regional Final, Duke verses Kentucky, one of the most suspenseful games in history and something that Teddy had watched on YouTube, but certainly not like this. It's no wonder that he's particularly hyped when he walks out. So much so that he takes to the sky as soon as he's outside, deciding that he'd rather take the joyride home rather than plain old walking. He's still a teenager, and he still feels pretty invincible even without that adult knowledge he was expecting, so why not?

Teddy might not feel any different, but it's still a pretty special day.]

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[Teddy chuckles lowly around his fingers, then decides to finish the cleaning the normal way, by grabbing a couple of napkins and wiping them off from there. Unsexy, but faster, and he might as well not torture Billy (and with what that reaction is doing to Teddy's imagination, it's kind of torture for him too, even if the boost of pride and confidence was worth it) any longer.]

All right, all right. Back under the bridge I go.

[And once his hands are clean, Teddy takes the gift bag, curiosity on his features. With all the fun they were having, he'd almost forgotten that that was still sitting there. Now, what could it be...]

[At first glance, it doesn't look like much; a dorky yet sentimental birthday card, some tissue paper, and then, at the bottom, there is a booklet, obviously put together by hand, but lovingly so. It's handwritten, with little cartoonish sketches on each page, and a "coupon" for something that Billy knows that Teddy would enjoy. Sort of like this. There's a series of blanks in the back, too, with a miniature Wiccan or Hulkling looking quizzical. Overall there's about thirty or forty pages.

Billy doesn't speak, giving Teddy some time to look it over, though he fidgets a bit nervously, not sure if it qualifies as a decent gift or not. It had taken a lot of work, but it doesn't exactly compare with his camera or Teddy's DS, which had been the alternative he couldn't afford yet.]

[Teddy's quiet for a moment, first reading the card while a slow smile crosses his features, and then the booklet once he finds it, flipping through the "coupons" with curious amusement at first, and then a full blown grin.

96% of the time, Teddy's always in the mood for physical affection and spending time with Billy. That 4% is reserved for when he himself is upset and doesn't want to be caught with such emotions, but otherwise, he would love to stay attached like a barnacle. Billy isn't quite as affectionate as he is, although he's much more so than he was when they first started dating. So sometimes Teddy just spends the time Billy wants to be alone by himself, and he doesn't mind, he really doesn't. Even if it's a little lonely sometimes.

But this? Hell, there's even a free pass for carrying Billy, one of Teddy's favorite things to do, and - oh, there's even a singing coupon. He won't be needing that today, since he's already got a wager to make Billy sing for him, but man, he's sure he'll be using that. And the booklet was done all by Billy's hand, the coupons and the drawings and putting it together and everything.

Yeah, some people might look at them and think Teddy's the sweet, supportive and sentimental one. But they just haven't seen this side of Billy, one that's become more and more prominent as the months have passed. This was incredibly sweet and sentimental, and definitely supportive of how Teddy feels and what he might need.

So he lets out a quiet chuckle, fond and affectionate rather than amused, and he slides out of his side of the booth to get into Billy's, where he wraps both arms around his shoulders and presses a tender kiss to his temple.]

You.

[As if the smile hadn't been telling enough, the grin is a step up, and then, finally, when Teddy comes over to sit with him, hug him, kiss him, Billy finally gets that wave of pleasure back, that feeling that hey, he did something right. Three times in one day? What kind of miracle is this? It's not like Teddy is difficult to please or anything - he could've done, like, one of the things he'd tried for today and still made the other boy happy - but it's still such a joy to get him smiling like that. He wonders if Teddy has any idea how good he looks when he smiles, really smiles. And what an honour and delight it is to be the cause of it.

He feels a blush crossing his cheeks, and he leans into the embrace, sharing that smile, his head bumping against Teddy's.]

Mm. Me. You like it?

Love it. Again.

[With their heads being so close together, Teddy ends up nuzzling his nose against Billy's hair (it smells different thanks to the gel, he notes to himself), though he takes care not to mess it up too much. He always likes these moments, when he can wrap Billy up in his arms, shut his eyes and just take in the fact that he's got the person he loves most up against him and so close to him.

Still, he does have one little concern, which he quietly brings up while stroking his fingers up and down Billy's upper arm.]

Mm, but what about when you need time alone? I don't want to just make it all about me...

[Ahaha... of course Teddy would be thinking of him, too, with a gift like that. And if this was an impulse gift, he'd be right to question it, but after long hours of brainstorming each card, drawing the pictures on them, designing the whole idea...]

...I thought about that. I had a lot of time to think about it, actually... and about us, too. That's the thing- it isn't all about you, but it isn't about me, either. We're living together now. We're a family. On our own. And you only just turned eighteen. This is huge, Tee. I don't think it hit me how huge it was until recently.

[With Tony and Pepper getting engaged, getting married soon, and with he and Teddy being so naturally domestic, taking care of each other, always finding a way to be together even when this place tries to pull them apart. Like they're fated to be this way, like what they have here is so powerful that no amount of magic or science or whatever can ruin it. It's real. It's so real, and he feels so much stronger because of it.

He shifts a little to face Teddy properly, remaining close, reaching out to take one of Teddy's hands and twining their fingers together.]

You shouldn't need some stupid cards to... I don't know, get permission to do this stuff. It should be natural. But you're so much better at it than I am. And you're so respectful of the boundaries that I set up because I'm stuck in my ways, because I'm so used to being on my own or keeping distant to protect myself or whatever screwed up reasoning I have for it. And I figure... it's okay to push those boundaries a little. Get me off my butt and give back when you need it. And this can be your way of telling me. I want this. And then eventually the idea is that you won't need the cards, I'll just... know. Like you do.

[He leans in, eyes lowered, resting his forehead against Teddy's, looking shy.]

I think we're in this for the long haul, you know? So I want to be everything you need, the way you are for me.

[For the rest of our lives.]

[One of the first thoughts that comes up after long period of having them being blown away into nothing is, "Hey, come on, those cards aren't stupid."

Literally, for months, he'd been thinking of the same thing. Not about cards or permission or whatnot, but being in this for the long haul, knowing that they came back to each other after every experiment that was thrown at them. Making one or both of them be with girls, lose memories of each other, even be in a strained, alternate relationship, and still, by the end of it all, they'd find each other again. Hearing about the engagement announcement from Pepper and seeing how happy she was didn't really help the thought of taking that extra step for Teddy. Now that he's eighteen... well. It's the first time he's felt really adult since he actually hit this age.

He touches Billy's cheek with his free hand, letting the backs of his fingers gently trail along the bone until they reach his jaw, where they rest there. Maybe - Maybe he can ask soon, when - Well, he'd rather actually be prepared for it, actually - get the stuff he needs and everything, but - Yeah. Yeah. Definitely.]

... Well, since you put it like that. Okay... I'll use these, even if you're hissing at me. For the both of us, even though I'm pretty sure you're already perfect for me. You push your boundaries a little, and - I'll do my best to push mine, too. You know how I don't like to talk about some things, and how much I close myself off. I'm always trying to protect myself, or you, even if it means... changing a little. I've been working on that... so I guess this is a good way for both of us to keep trying.

[And since he feels like he should address it, rather than sweep it under the carpet like usual - he lowers his own eyes, lips quirking up shyly.]

Just to let you know... I think we're in this for the long haul, too. I know we're still kind of young, and we're still growing up and everything, but I'd... I'd really like doing all that growing up with you beside me. Together.

[For the rest of our lives.]

[Billy closes his eyes at that, a very slight tremor passing through him, and he tilts his head, leaning forward, enough to press his lips against Teddy's. There's lots of things he could say to that, he knows - that he does not hiss, please and thank you, that Teddy doesn't need to protect himself from Billy, that he never has to change for that, that he's been working on it and he's noticed, that he really, really, really wants to grow up with Teddy by his side, always and forever, till death does them part. Lots of things.

He doesn't say them; not out loud, at least. He's always talked too much for his own good, and some of those words he's not quite ready to voice just yet. He didn't think it was possible to feel like an adult and yet feel very, very young at the same time.

So he says it all with his lips on Teddy's, with their joined hands, with the way he presses in close, the way his heart pounds in time with the one he loves.

It's enough for now. And he's never been so sure of the fact - fact - that someday, it'll be much more.]

Edited 2013-09-04 09:09 (UTC)

[It's okay if Billy isn't ready to voice those things; it took all the courage Teddy had just to say that, and he's not sure when he'll get the guts to actually be ready to ask something like that. But just to know that they're both in agreement about it, actually talked, no matter how briefly, and that the both of them expressed the same desire...

It's more than enough for now, and the kiss just seals it. Teddy shuts his eyes and leans into it, opening up to it, his hand gripping Billy's and keeping him close to himself. To think, this all started with a sentimental little gift of love coupons, and now here he is, feeling both like the adult that he ought to be and still very young, and yet looking forward to the future, whether it be here or in Manhattan. It wouldn't matter even if they were in a dimension even worse than this, a reality where Luceti really does seem like a heaven. As long as Billy is by his side, he'll treasure every moment with him, past and present and future. And Teddy does his best to show that through his kisses and his touches, the way his thumb gently strokes Billy's while his free hand cradles his neck, the way his heart naturally starts to beat in time with the love of his life.

It's a perfect moment. And it's enough to make Teddy forget where they are and what day it even is. It's just... it's perfect.]

[Billy pulls back from the kiss before it can get too intense - physically, at least, since emotionally they've pretty much hit the peak and are busily rolling down the hill together - since they're still very much in a public place, with god-knows-who watching from just behind the counter. If they were at home he'd probably be halfway into Teddy's lap by now trying to fit his tongue down the blond's throat as per usual, but... well, there'd be time for that later.

For now he just pulls Teddy into a tight, warm hug, burying his face comfortably in the crook of his neck.]

Are we sure it's your birthday and not mine? Because that was an amazing thing you gave me just now, Tee...

No, it has to still be mine... you're the one who gave it to me and all.

[Teddy smiles as if he can't control it, head lowered to let his nose brush against Billy's jawline and arms tight around him (though not too tight, never too much, Teddy has more control than that), holding him close and riding out the emotions together. Because... god, that was about as close to a proposal the two of them could get at the age and maturity level they're at now, and for one of them - who even asked and accepted, really? - to pretty much accept...

It's no wonder he can't control his smile, really.]

[Billy grins easily enough, practically melting into his embrace. Even with how tightly Teddy's holding him, he feels nothing but warmth, comfort, and safety. Yeah, he can't imagine hissing at this sort of thing, ever.

Maybe he'll be cranky about the cards at a less convenient time, but- well,every relationship has sacrifices. And he has a feeling that it wouldn't take long for him to warm up to those requests, if it gets Teddy looking this happy again.]

Speaking of which... I hate to say it, but that's all I had planned for today until we got back to the apartment. [The plans for that location don't really need any specifics.] What do you want to do next? It's still early...

[Teddy pulls back enough to look at Billy properly, though he still keeps his arms comfortably around him, and takes a moment to think. What to do next...]

Finish this chocolate bar, for one thing. [He's only half done with his slices, after all, and that Snickers-flavored kiss they shared was probably the best thing ever.] But after that... hmm. ... How about we do what you said earlier and go shoot some hoops? We've got a wager and all, if...

[He trails off - "If you want to", he was about to say. But, well... this is his day, and he should be more of a taker than a giver in their relationship sometimes... even if it feels a little weird.]

Oh my god, where do you even put it all?

[Seriously, he can barely make it through the one piece he has. Freaking wacky alien metabolism. With his free hand he sloshes the ice around in his drink, pondering Teddy's suggestion. He had initially presented the idea, so it makes sense that Teddy would take advantage of it before either of them forgot. Even if it means he'll very likely have to sing again before the end of the day.

He's not sure what Teddy was going to say before he trailed off, but he has a few ideas, and he'll just go ahead and finish with the way it ought to be.]

If that's what you want, I'm game.

... Cool.

[Teddy grins at that, leaning back from the embrace enough to pull his plate over to eat side by side with Billy. This is super nice, getting Billy to agree to doing some kind of sport with him without much of a fuss.

But first, important business. Like finishing the slices of his chocolate bar.]

Also, I have a second stomach for things like this. It's a basic fact of Kree-Skrull anatomy.

[Which is bullshit, and Teddy probably couldn't tell anyone what his own anatomy is like to save his life. But at least he can poke fun at what he is sometimes rather than bury it away like he usually does, even if he hurries up and gets to eating to avoid talking further about it.]

[Billy quirks a brow at that, giving Teddy's stomach a light prod with an elbow.]

Are you sure you're not part cow instead?

[Billy figures they don't need to hurry that much - the dome isn't going anywhere - but it's Teddy's call, so he goes back to his own piece. If he lets himself pick away at it, it'll take an hour at minimum, and from the look of things Teddy's racing Tommy's dinner-devouring records to get them over there faster.

...God that's a lot of chocolate, though.]

[Teddy quirks a brow at that. Then, he lets blotches of black coloring appear on his body - the parts visible, at least, just like in the pattern of a cow, and he holds his arms out and waves them in front of him.]

Moooo!

[Oh god. Despite how often it happens, Billy's always surprised when Teddy uses his shapeshifting for weird stuff like this. At first he snorts, hand hastily lifting to cover his mouth so he doesn't end up spitting chocolate chunks across the table, and there's a few escaped sputtering sounds until he finally manages to swallow and let himself laugh.

Ridiculous. His boyfriend is so ridiculous.]

[Teddy laughs too, his quieter, and feels that certain sense of pride in his chest any time he gets Billy to laugh like this. Once he quiets down, he looks down at his hands, spotted as they are, and purses his lips.]

Now that this secret side of me has been discovered, what should my codename be now? Cowling?

That just makes it sound like your superpower is turning into someone's cape. Batman calls you up when there's trouble and suddenly-

[He makes a gesture over his head, as if pulling on a mask, feigning a deeper voice,]

"I knew I could count on you, Cowling."

[It's a damn good thing Teddy didn't have any food in his mouth, because now it's his turn to laugh just as hard as Billy did, a hand covering his mouth as if to try to hold it back some. Billy might not be able to shapeshift, but the things he says sometimes... God, it's so good to have a significant other who can keep up with geeky talk like this, enough to get them both laughing.]

[It feels good to laugh, but more than that, it feels good to make Teddy laugh. Billy smiles quietly to himself, letting his foot nudge against Teddy as he goes back to eating his chocolate. The sooner they finish, the sooner they can go have more fun, after all.

Or. Well. The sooner he can make Teddy laugh more with his meager sports skills.]

[Teddy holds up a finger as if to say that he has something to say, but finds it hard to do so around his laughter. Once it dies down to chuckling, he takes in a breath and lets it out with a whoosh.]

I would so try doing that if I knew I could do it. But I can't flatten myself like that just yet. [He is keeping up with his shapeshifting training, though, so maybe he'll get to be Cowling someday. At least for a brief moment.

And now, to chow down on the rest of his chocolate.]

I think that's probably for the best. I'd rather not have a pancake for a boyfriend. Besides, I already have a cape that I love. Choosing between two would be kind of traumatic.

Oh. I see how it is. I'll go be someone else's Cowling, then. I'm sure there's some hero around here who needs one.

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