Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2016 14:45:48 GMT -7
Billy couldn't sleep.
It wasn't the nightmares this time. New York was on fire, at this point literally. His home, ripped away. His friends, less-so evacuated, more-so evicted from a city that needed saving. Everyone and their families have been forcefully moved by S.H.I.E.L.D operations to New Jersey, with the average and the poor living in tents that were only recently raised.
Being the more fortunate, Billy and Teddy, along with the rest of the Young Avengers, were among the ones that were able to secure at least a hotel room to stay in, perhaps a way for S.H.I.E.L.D to keep them in check. Sure, the hotel was nothing fancy, but it did include air conditioning, a bed, table with chairs and a TV - Luxuries the tents did not carry.
Billy left the bed, dragging his tired body towards one of the aforementioned chairs for a seat.
With his back to the window, he held his legs close, staring deeply at the back of Hulkling - or rather, for the past few weeks, Teddy. The Young Avengers haven't seen, or heard of the happenings in their city, for way too long. The days of 'hoping to catch a glimpse of the most respected heroes' was gone, ushering - rather explosively - a new era of uncontrollable chaos. Billy wasn't sure who to blame for the situation, having a so-called "reformed" villain running for president wasn't a sweet treat either. He needed to know what's happening, he needed to know if he could help, he needed to know where his heroes were.
A warm subtle glow tinted the window and turned the curious Billy around. An explosion from across the shore, a sight now way too common, the blast was heard seconds later.
Quick wardrobe trip later, Billy had his costume at the ready. He quietly suited up at the corner of the bed, trying his best to avoid looking back at Teddy. There has been discussion between the two regarding an escapade into New York, and for the most part, they were on the same page: Leave the big problems to the big guys. Billy agreed then and there, but the situation in the city continued to worsen, along with his insomnia from the desire to help.
"You know you look good in that."
A voice, from behind the freshly costumed Billy. He knew that familiar voice, and his shock slowly faded into a snicker. Guess Teddy wasn't in as deep a sleep as he thought.
"Sometimes I think you wear things that tight for a reason." Teddy continued, watching Billy completing his getup with the fancy-looking bracers, before pulling him back onto the bed, and into his arms. "You know what S.H.I.E.L.D is gonna do if they find out you are in New York?"
"Sure. After I'm dead, they'll perform the autopsy." Taken off guard by Teddy's pull, he blurted out this dark joke. Noticing Teddy's eyes were still closed and realizes his weariness, Billy couldn't help but feel guilty for disrupting his sleep.
"You know, you are not funny." Teddy tightened his hug, not willing to let go, and definitely not after what he just heard. To him, Billy can say some of the worst things in a given situation.
"Actually, a lot of people think I'm funny." Billy retorted, kissed Teddy's strong arms as a calming apology for the crappy joke.
"Well, go sleep with them."
"Don't tempt me."
Loosening his grip a bit, Teddy allowed Billy some room to maneuver. They soon faced each other, and Teddy witnessed Billy's burning eyes, and at that moment, he knew. "There's no way I can talk you out of it this time, is there?"
"We are lucky, Teddy. There are still people in there, people unfortunate enough to be still trapped. Our neighbors, our city. I can't stay like this any..." Before Billy could finish, Teddy shushed him with a finger on his lips.
"Save me the lecture." Teddy ordered, his face was nothing but worry. "Explain to me why I can't come with you again?"
"It's called being stealthy, Teddy. The more people I carry, the more power that shield of theirs can detect... At least that's how I think it works." Billy replied, in deep thought. S.H.I.E.L.D, true to their name, has a shield of highly advanced technology over New York to deter heroes from entering the place. Sure, teleportation could bypass the physical blockade, but there is always a chance that the shield can detect a power surge, even mystical ones. So, the less energy Billy uses, the less likely he would be detected by the shield, hypothetically speaking, anyways. "Even if they notice, you shouldn't worry your sweet face about it, I am just going to check the city out. There and back, you know."
"...Fine. There and back, promise me." Teddy nodded after a full minute of silence, persuaded by Billy's promise of a short trip, and instantly regretted the decision.
"Just to check it out. I promise!" Billy grinned at receiving Teddy's reluctant permission, rewarding him with a deep kiss. They held their warm kiss as long as they could, their lips touched and entangled, neither one of them willing to let go. Teddy was sweet enough for Billy to start questioning his decision to leave. Before Billy could change his mind, however, excitement got the better of him, and he hopped out of the bed towards the window - a nice, open space for his teleportation spell.
"IWantToGoToNewYork, IWantToGoToNewYork, IWantToGoToNewYork... IWonderWhereTheAvengersAre..." Billy began chanting -albeit a bit distracted from wondering where his heroes were - as magical aura filled the room, an energetic glow surrounded him as his feet left the floor, his whole body levitated.
"You know I can't live without you, right?" Teddy looked on, the flash of mystic energy encasing his love.
"Yeah, I know..." Billy smiled behind tears, as the teleportation spell whisked him away, along with the rest of his words.
"... Better than anyone."