Location: California Asylum for the Genetically Enhanced
Madalyne was really happy that she was able to get to visit her best friend April, she was surprised to hear that she was there though. Madalyne was allowed to enter CAGE and approached the front desk she signed herself in and was eventually led into the visitors lounge. Madalyne looked around seeing a few board games a tv and a bookshelf full of books. It kind of reminded her of a little family room as she went and sat down on the couch waiting for April to be let in.
It wasnât too long until April entered the visitorâs lounge, dressed in a white t-shirt and sweatpants, a patient identification bracelet on her left wrist with her name and other important information on it. She had her glasses on today, not feeling in the mood for contacts, and she smiled brightly as she saw Mads. It had been a few days since sheâd seen her, and it already felt like it had been weeks. âHey!â April greeted, coming up and offering Mads a hug.
Madalyne instantly smiled seeing April coming in it felt like forever since she had seen her last, and it did feel a little bit lonely having a whole entire dorm to herself for the last few days. "Hey April!" Madalyne said happily as she got up and walked over to April pulling her into a hug. "How have you been?" Madalyne asked her.
April sat down on the couch, brushing her hair back behind her ears from where it had fallen forward. âA lot better, I think,â she said, pausing for a moment. Conversations like these had been so incredibly difficult a few days ago - just admitting that she wasnât okay had been a struggle. But the doctors and the medication and the group sessions, all of those things were really helping - enough that April felt the slightest hints of a sense of peace she hadnât felt in years. âUm. I am sorry that I - that I hid all of this from you. From everyone, really. But I - I am doing a lot better now, I think. I think Iâll get to go back to school in a few days, theyâre still evaluating the treatment plan and stuff while Iâm here⊠But how are you? What have I missed?â
Madalyne reached out gently resting a hand on her friend's shoulder as she listened to her, she was glad that April was doing better than she had been. "I'm glad that you are doing a lot better." Madalyne said giving her a smile, she then shook her head slightly trying to reassure April. "And you don't have to be sorry, you know i'm always there for you whenever you need me to just talk." Madalyne said to April she couldn't imagine how hard it was to admit something was wrong with her. "I'm doing alright, and honestly not much has happened since you've been gone." She answered. "What have you been up to? Aside from all of the therapy and whatnot here?"
"Um, I mean it's - it is a lot of, like, therapy - with doctors and in group, and stuff - and then people come to visit, and I've been reading books, and playing games with people it's - it's kinda like summer camp in a way? Y'know, no phones, you're with the same group of people and are sharing weirdly intense experiences with these strangers, and you kinda figure out who your meal buddy is going to be super quick. Except for they, like, check on your room in the night to make sure that you haven't killed yourself, that sorta thing," April explained, feeling mildly awkward. She really did appreciate that Mads wanted to be there for her, but at the same time... It was hard for her to imagine being that open about everything that was going on with Mads. It was hard for her to imagine really talking about this sort of thing with most people, including family. "Have you - have you been training for the contest, then? How's that going?"
Madalyne nodded as she listened to April as she mentioned what she had been doing here and what it has been like as well to she would have felt uncomfortable with sharing personal information like this to her friends and family as well to. "Yep i've been training with the others as well as by myself for the contest since we have had a lot of free time to do that."
âOh, thatâs - thatâs good!â April said, feeling a little strange. She couldnât tell if Mads was treating her differently - or if this was how things always had been. She felt like there was some sort of disconnect between them. âUm, so, is there anything you wanted to talk about? I donât have to go to group therapy for a little whileâŠâ
Madalyne thought for a moment she still wanted to make sure that April was okay, she was happy that she was still getting the help that she needed. "We can talk about prom coming up, and what you, Leah and Sabine would be wearing?" Madalyne said. "We could go and do some dress shopping to if you want when you get out of here."
The thought of dress shopping made April feel queasy, her skin itching. She rubbed the back of her hand absentmindedly, trying to scrub the feeling away. âUh, yeah, s-sure! We can - we can go dress shopping. Or um actually I⊠I should tell you thatâŠâ she glanced down at her hands. âWe kinda⊠we kinda broke up. So, I, um - I donât know if I would be going to prom with anyone. Well, anyone in a romantic sense - Iâll probably - Iâll probably see if Danni would go with me.â
Madalyne looked at April with a surprised look as she gently reached out gently resting a hand on April's shoulder and pulling her friend into a hug. "I'm so sorry that happened." She said, she didn't know that they ended up breaking up at all, she always thought that all three of them got along really well together. "What happened if I may ask?" She asked.
April hesitated for a moment, not certain what she wanted to say - what she wanted to tell people. She didnât want people to feel pressured to take sides, or look for a victim in the situation. But even then, her reasoning behind the breakup was more complicated than what she had told Sabine and Leah - something she didnât know if she was ready to admit to anyone, even Mads. âI⊠I ended things. I wasnât - I canât - I⊠Iâm not able to be good enough for myself, so how⊠how can I be good enough to be a girlfriend for someone else?â
Madalyne listened to April while still hugging her before letting go, she had a feeling that there was something more to it but she didn't want to push her to much. "You are good enough April, take whatever time you need to. Also you can talk to me about it whenever you are ready if you want to." Madalyne said giving April a smile.
She bit her lip, struggling to communicate this correctly. "It's... It's more like I am not good to me? Like... Like I don't know how to handle my emotions when they happen, so I... so I just don't and... If I can't treat myself okay, then... Like they deserve to be treated better than the way I've been treating them. Does that make sense? Sorry, it's... It's been a lot of time to just, like, think about myself and I might be a bit in my own head about it."
Madalyne nodded slightly. "I think I understand." She said softly while gently rubbing April's shoulder. "Just focus on working on yourself and getting the help that you need. And i'm always there if you need me to as well." Madalyne offered.
April nodded. "I know - I - thanks," she glanced down at her hands. "It's weird, because I know that you're there for me - and Danni and Dori and Sabine and Leah - but... I dunno, there's some... Some part of my brain that says that isn't true - or that I'm j-just a burden - that I'm - that I'm a horrible person and no one actually wants to have me around. A-and I know that isn't right, but it... But it doesn't stop things from feeling that way. And I don't know how to - how to handle that disconnect. Like when my head says one thing, but my feelings - they're saying something else. Like if I'm not - if I'm not the person everyone expects me to be, then... then what am I, y'know, if not just a waste of space?"
"You are welcome. You are not a waste of space, or a horrible person at all April." Madalyne tried to reassure April giving her a smile. "Did Dr. Whitehall suggest anything to help?" She asked her.
"Yeah, she, um - we're working on things together, different strategies. Just - there's so much stuff that I'm... that I'm having to realize I've been, like, doing to myself and even now I feel like... I feel like there's still something there that I don't know about yet - something beyond being... beyond being bipolar. I don't - I don't know what it is but... There's something else wrong with me," April bit her lip again, her skin starting to feel clammy. So much of her time with Dr. Whitehall was April just unpacking her own psyche, she hadn't even really begun yet to even really learn how to use the tools, how to deconstruct her own thoughts to find their causes. She was still just finding repressed emotion after emotion, a dam finally broken.
Madalyne felt bad for April she wasn't sure what she could do to try and help her she looked at April she never knew that April was diagnosed as bipolar. "We can change the subject if you don't want to talk about this if you are uncomfortable about it." She said offering April her hand.
"It's... It's fine," April said, leaving Mads' hand where it was. She felt this weight gradually beginning to increase on her shoulders, a subtle downward push. Her fingers felt as cold as ice, so she tucked them beneath her legs, using her thighs to try to return some warmth to them, some sensation. "It - it was really great seeing you, Mads!" she forced herself to smile. Forced herself to keep up some semblance of cheer. "I, um, I know that you're busy and all, so I don't - I don't wanna keep you here, so... I'll see you when we get back - when I get back, I mean, to school?" Her chest felt like it was rapidly emptying itself out, hollowing.
Madalyne gave April a smile and pulled her into another hug. "It was great to see you as well, and of course i'll see you back at school." Madalyne said as she started to stand up. "And i'm always there for you if you ever need to talk or anything, and if you want me to come and visit you between now and when you get back to school let me know."
April returned the hug, the smile fading from her face. "Y-yeah! I'll - I'll let you know. Th-thanks Mads - I really - I really appreciate it."
Leah rained holy hell down on an adamantium-lined punching bag, indifferent to the world around her thanks to the thunderous roll of her playlist. Things have been a load of shit lately, between Arcade, April and fucking Vicky going to a psych ward, and her âmotherâ bending over backwards to get blood from a stone. For the last few days, She Hulk had been trying to get along with Leah and demanded to know every little thing about her. So how did you get into boxing? Howâd you and Sabine get together? Who taught you Spanish? So many little tests of boundaries that a woman as intelligent as her should have known were present. It didnât even make Leah angry, just uncomfortable. Unlike her dad, Leah actually gave more than a microscopic fuck about her mother, before she died.
And she just wanted to unwind, let her problems stop bothering her, and blow off some steam.
But today was not the day sheâd get to.
âYou have a nice right hook.â
She-Hulk stepped into view, sporting her natural green appearance, her hair tied back into a ponytail. She had on her hero suit, and in her hand was a gym bag, containing her change of clothes for when sheâd need to head into court later that day. This, however, was more important. She knew that Leah didnât have to like her - that she didnât have to care - but she wanted to do her best by this kid. âWanna spar?â she offered.
âYouâve got to be fucking kidding me.â
Leah wouldâve been lying if she said this surprised her. She had been ignoring She Hulk. A lot. And she hadnât even considered using that access card to the fancy ass mansion, either.
âWhat are you doing here?â she asked. âShouldnât you be in a courthouse or something?â
âCanât a gal want to get some exercise in without an inquisition?â She-Hulk asked, laughing slightly. âI donât have any cases until this afternoon - and even then, odds are itâll be postponed again. I thought it would be nice to get to know you more. You can tell me to fuck off and leave, thatâs fine, but if not⊠I imagine itâs not often you can spar with someone who can take one of your punches.â
That was true. Vicky was in crazy jail and Teddy was off doing who-knows-what.
âWhatever. Fine. Letâs go.â She reached into her bag at her feet and swiftly wrapped them up. She didnât need to, since her fists were pretty tough, but it prevented her from dislocating a finger just like anyone else.
She mostly went along with this so She Hulk would piss off for a while.
She-Hulk grinned, wrapping her own hands as well - in purple, of course, to match her fit. âAlright, kid. Show me what you got!â
âFine.â
Leah stepped forward, falling into a stance. She Hulk had enough reach that she couldnât lean on that too much, so Leah started circling her and pondering how this woman was going to fight. Fast, slow, maybe both, she was more experienced in terms of years.
Then she snapped forward like a bat out of hell, swinging one fist at She Hulkâs side to test the waters while keeping the other up.
She-Hulk snapped her left arm to the side, knocking Leahâs punch aside in a block. âIs that all youâve got?â she teased. She-Hulk knew there was more in Leahâs character sheet than just a cautious punch. âCâmon, kid. Put those stats to good use!â
Leah didnât react. She was a tactician, she didnât fight mindlessly. She brought her hand back around and swung it low, bringing it up high in an uppercut that meant she had to step close enough that She Hulk could elbow her.
This one, Leah got in - She-Hulk took the uppercut like a champ, stumbling backwards for only a moment. âGood, you hit⊠slightly harder than Spidey does, Iâd say,â she assessed. âHow are your reflexes?â she then asked, before bringing her hands together for a thunderous clap, the shockwave of which would hit Leah dead on.
Leah dropped all her weight onto her back foot, not answering the womanâs question. She got the feeling that She Hulk wasnât taking this seriously. Which was weird since Leah was. Her back foot became her front foot, as she steadied herself.
She swung downwards, aiming a shot at She Hulkâs kidney, or wherever the hell seven foot tall lettuce-skinned women had under their ribcage.
She-Hulk rotated her arm, blocking low this time and knocking Leah down to the ground from the sheer force. âYouâre not much of a conversationalist, are you? You should try it. Throws your opponent off their game - and encourages healthy breath work.â
Leah flung her arms upwards, and tumbled feet-over-head to control her fall. She landed on one knee, hands up and ready to fend something off. Like a damn animal that rolled over on its back as part of its defense mechanism.
âWeâre fighting. Not having a conversation, She Hulk, fighting. Whatâs the point?â
âFighting is a conversation,â She-Hulk argued. âMaybe you arenât speaking with words, but you are communicating with actions. Just like how when you chat with a friend, itâs very different than when youâre arguing with an enemy. Your energy and intentions are different, and it shows up in every move that you decide to make.â
She stepped forward, holding out a hand to Leah. âLike this, right now? Iâm trying to get to know you - Iâm not trying to hurt you.â
âThen youâre doing something wrong.â
Seeing a moment where the woman mightâve let her guard down, Leah planted a hand on the ground, and swung her other leg across the ground to strike at She Hulkâs legs in a wide arc.
She-Hulk was forced to jump back, ceding ground to avoid Leahâs attack. She laughed, seeing Leahâs comment as humorous rather than a threat. There was something to this kid, something special. But she wasnât going to press Leah, it would all be in her own time. âOh yeah?â
She rushed forward to close the distance between them again, feinting with her left before swinging with her right.
Leah blocked the punch by grabbing it out of the air with her right fist, and pulled She Hulk closer to drive her elbow straight into the womanâs face with as much force as she could manage. She Hulkâs definition of a spar didnât involve actually hurting someone, and Leah did not understand that. If people werenât getting hurt, it wasnât a real fight.
âYeah. Thatâs not how a fight fucking works.â
âThis isnât a fight, Leah - weâre sparring,â She-Hulk clarified, even as she stumbled back, her face stinging from Leahâs elbow.
âThereâs no difference, where the hellâd you learn to fight if you donât know how that works?â She asked, as if she wasnât literally seventeen and attacking a grown ass woman who was probably pushing forty.
Hearing that broke She-Hulkâs heart. Who had hurt this child? âLeah, Leah, letâs stop for a moment, okay? I want you to listen to me. Sparring and fighting are different. When you spar, your goal isnât to hurt the other person - itâs to learn and improve together. You pull your punches a bit, you donât go for the kill. When you fight, you need to know why youâre fighting - what youâre fighting for - and sometimes that is a fight to kill⊠But not every fight can be that.â
Leah lowered her fists, not completely but only somewhat. âWho said anything about killing anybody?â Asked the child who once did, in fact, try to kill a guy. âIf you canât hurt someone when you get into a fight with them, youâve got a pretty bad chance of walking away yourself. If youâre used to pulling your punches, youâre not used to taking it seriously. I donât understand what the problem is, here.â
She-Hulk bit her lip. She knew there was a lot of trauma in Leahâs character sheet, yes, but that didnât make this any easier. âLeah⊠Who taught you that?â she ventured, hoping that maybe this would be an easier angle.
Oh. Shit.
Leah leaned back, wondering for a second if She Hulk was going to swipe at her the same way sheâd just tried a moment ago. And when she didnât, Leah just scrunched up her face.
âMy dad. And before you even think about asking where he is or how to find him, dont.â Leah didnât technically lie to her that night when Arcade went villain on them, about how she was alone. It just wasnât the whole truth. âJust donât.â
She-Hulk paused for a moment, taking this information in. There was a lot of trauma here. And she didnât want to press, she didnât want to push too hard. Leah could tell her when she was ready, in her own time. And when she was ready⊠Jen would be there for her. She-Hulk raised her hands up in front of her, trying to make it clear that she was letting it go. âI wonât. But when - if youâre ready⊠But Leah⊠Did he hurt you?â
âPretty damn hard to hurt somebody like me,â she noted. It wasnât a lie, but it wasnât the truth, either. Of course he did. â...Heâs a supervillain. Use your imagination, why would you ask me that?â
âI have a pretty vivid imagination,â She-Hulk admitted. âBut⊠I would rather hear it from you. Leah⊠Iâm so sorry no one was there to help you then. But I want you to know, I will always be there for you. Whatever happened, you donât have to face it alone.â
Some part of that got under Leahâs skin. And it got under her skin badly.
âI donât fucking want you to be sorry for meâŠâ
She was getting tired of this. âYouâre not my mom, She Hulk. You think you are, but youâre just a lawyer who signed papers that donât mean anything to me. It- Letting me stay at your place was nice, but that was a temporary thing. I donât understand why you keep this up.â
The Avenger sighed, running a hand through her hair. She didnât know how to get through to Leah - how to help her begin to help herself. And she wanted to, she really did. The world was cruel and harsh, especially for a young girl with the power to break a bus with her bare hands. There hadnât been anyone there for her, no real examples to look up to - and she wanted to be there now for Leah.
âI know Iâm not your mother, Leah. And Iâm not trying to be,â She-Hulk sighed. âAll I want to do is help you, because you deserve to be safe, to be happy.â
âBut those things arenât your responsibility,â Leah argued. âTheyâre mine. Theyâve been mine, and theyâre going to stay mine. Iâm not asking you to do this.â
âA friend of mine once told me - with great power comes great responsibility,â She-Hulk quoted with a grin. âYou donât have to ask me to do this, Leah. Just like no one has to ask to be saved from a burning building, or a car crash, or an alien invasion. Iâm doing it because I can - and because I want to.â
It didnât feel right. Hearing that didnât feel close to right.
Leah didnât trust She Hulk. She was just another Avenger to her. An Avenger that went out of her way to do something the rest didnât, sure, but thatâs all she was to Leah. And in some roundabout way that really only made sense to her, but nobody else, that meant She Hulk would make things worse.
But, still, today and the days before were awful. Leah was at the end of her rope with this woman. She didnât have the patience to keep pushing back right now.
â...Okay. Sure. I guess. Is that what Iâm supposed to say here?â She asked.
Jenn chuckled slightly. âThereâs no right or wrong response, kid,â she then leaned back into a fighting stance, before adding with a wink, âbesides, Iâm sure Iâll get to say it to you at least a few more times before it sinks in.â
Even hearing that, She Hulk just accepting what amounted to indifference, it didnât make a lot of sense. It just didnât sit right with Leah, it made her throat close up.
But she bent down into a rather unusual stance for a boxer to use, and got ready to go again.
âIâll⊠Iâll try not to hurt you too badly.â It sounded like she was being cocky. She wasnât.
She-Hulk nodded, her smile shifting into a playful smirk. âSame.â
He wasn't certain what Beanie wanted to meet up about, but he was always happy to see her! It'd been a while since they'd had a chance to hangout together just the two of them. Maybe she wanted to dance! The haunted tree was a weird place to do that but hey, he'd done weirder!
Sabine had been dreading this conversation, but she knew it was necessary. She had been learning that keeping things bottled up and not addressing concerns didnât help anything. In fact, they often made the situation worse. Aprilâs mental health concerns were a catalyst of sorts and her own session with Maeve had opened her eyes somewhat.
So she texted Danni to meet up at the haunted tree. A sort of âwhere it all beganâ moment when the first cracks in their relationship started to appear.
Sabine had been waiting. When she looked up she waved over to Danni. Damn, she still cared for him. This was going to be rough.
ââeeeeey, Beanie!â Danni shouted, bouncing up to her and throwing his arms around her. âIt's been so long! Why âaven't we âung out in so long? We def shouldn't wait so long next time! I missed you. Whatâcha been up to? âowâd tâerapy go? Maeveâs real nice! She even made some coffee cups, really liked that, cause otâerwise it was kinda lifeless, ya know? Yeesh. Who wants ta suffer in a borinâ room when youâre baring your âeart and soul.â Danni chattered.
Sabine was reminded of why she loved Danni so much. He made it so hard to be upset with him, which admittedly was part of the problem. She knew from experience Danni didnât like talking about stuff that upset him, preferring to avoid it. She wondered how his own therapy session went. âHey Danni!â She smiled warmly as Danni took a picture with them and his new dragon. âTherapy went well and yes, I agree, I like Maeve. I didnât think her office was lifeless. If anything, she opened it up for whatever I wanted. Did you know thatâs her power? She can make tactile illusions. Very cool.â
Ok Sabine, time to get real.
âAnd no, Danni. No dancing. Not yet at least, though that does bring up one thing I wanted to talk about. Itâs about the conversation we had in Coulsonâs office about the new teams.â She waited, seeing if Danni had even an inkling on what she was referring to.
âSo cool! I âad ta ask âow long t'ey lasted when she wasnât around âcause t'ink of âow easy it'd be ta decorate! Christmas lights? No ladders, no mess, no storage. But looks like it reverts pretty quick, t'ough I didn't really get an exact number.â Danni realized, frowning for a second before shrugging it off.
âOh, t'e whole we're dead in anot'er version of t'e world âcause a big, bad organization murdered t'e whole t'inâ? âOnestly, I âad ta âave Percy explain t'at ta me âcause I didn't understand it. Waaaaaaay too galaxy brain for me! I t'ought they meant pruney like whe you go swimminââ for too longâ Danni mimed his brain exploding with a sheepish laugh. âOh, wait no, you said teams, not obliterated timestreams. Uh, yeah I guess? Why what's up? Did ya wanna try and change âem again or somet'inâ?â
Sabine shook her head. âNo not that part, though thatâs why I plan on going back to therapy because honestly what the entire fuck? No Danni, I am talking about how we treated Zelda. One word from Coulson on teams changing because of what happened and you booted Zelda out. I get wanting to be a team together with April and Dorian, hell itâs all you guys talk about, and it was nice to include me, Leah, and Percy, but there was no attention paid to Zelda. She was put on our team and I thought during training and the fight we were in we worked well together. It didnât seem fair to justâŠ.kick her out without a discussion or seeing if she even wanted to be on our team or not.â
âOther peopleâs feelings are valid Danni. Sometimes I think you forget that.â
Danni frowned, trying to figure out what Sabine was talking about. âBut like, doesn't Zelda just not want ta be âere? Like, she only wants ta do fashion. I coulda swore she'd mentioned âow she only does t'e contest, or even comes âere, âcause she's expected to. And like, she didn't even show up ta t'e meetinâ, she was one of t'ose little camera t'in'ies and even when I went ta âer room later ta give âer th'e friendship bracelet, I âad t'at leave it in a little baggie on t'e door âandle.â Danni giggled a little though. âYou know, you sounded a lot like Maevie. She told me ta remember my feelinâs are valid. Sorry l, t'is is super serious, gimme a moment.â
It took a few moments for his giggling to get under control. âOookay, you t'ink I'm a jerk for kickinâ Zelds out and⊠tbf, I only kept Leah and Percy âcause I'd figure y'all were gunna kick a fit if you didn't âave your significant ot'ers on a team witâ y'all considerinâ âow âard it's been ta âang out witâ âow obsessed y'all've been witâ each ot'er.â Danni curled in on himself a bit, kicking the ground as he tried to gather his thoughts. âI just wanna win. Zelds and Leah-t'ough she's just confusinâ me cause like, she said she didn't wanna do it and t'en suddenly wanted ta do it but only ta be witâ y'all, I don't really get âer-and I t'ink even Percy aren't really⊠motivated ta kick ass, Beanie. We can't âave people who don't wanna put in a 100%, right?â
Sabine felt herself grow more frustrated. âThatâs the entire point though Danni, it wasnât a conversation we had. Yes, Zelda may not want to be on the team, yes Percy and Leah may not care enough or only care because the people they are with care. But we didnât talk about it at all. You just decided for everyone. I would be totally okay if April and/or Leah were on the opposite team because I recognize enough about myself to understand that it doesnât mean I donât care about them or want them to fail.â It was true, to an extent. She wouldnât be super thrilled about it, but she wanted to win. But she also wanted to ensure that the people who wanted to be there, in whatever capacity, was there.
âAlso, real rich coming from you talking about âkicking a fitâ considering your feelings about Dorian and Percy being together.â As soon as the words left her lips, Sabine hated herself. âShit, I didnât mean that Danni! Iâm sorry!â
Danni had been thinking real hard, hard enough he could feel his brain hurt because honestly, he was having a hard time wrapping his head around what Sabine was saying but Danni thought he was doing something nice. He gave them a present, right? Danni hated doing things he didn't really want to so would-
Danni took a step back, eyes wide and mouth agape. It felt like she'd slapped him and everything in his head came to a screeching halt. âUm⊠I, umâŠâ Sabine wanted to have a serious conversation and here he was, lower lip quivering and tears prickling at the edges of his eyes. He couldn't hold it back though, and he curled himself into a ball and sobbed.
âI know! I'm the worst! I don't mean to but its- it's so hard, Beanie.â Danni wailed, words broken up between hiccups. âLike, Princess and Dee and you all got into relationships at the same time and you all started hanging out with each other and I'm just⊠alone. I get left behind while you all are off and when Dee texted me thaâat t'ey ya know, did t'e nasty, I just⊠it was just another t'inâ t'ere gunna do and leve me out of. Just like you and Princess and Leah. You're all gunna do t'at too and you all won't âave time for me anymore. And after I burned my âouse down âcause t'e âcadie nightmares, I just can't âold it back when I get upset like t'at. I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Don't be mad at me please!â Danni wrapped his arms around himself tighter, shaking.
Sabine felt intense remorse. She knew Danni didnât intend any harm, deep down. Yet, that was still the problem, wasnât it? Still, Danni falling to the floor reminded her that she wasnât innocent in this either. Danniâs words held some truth to it: when she got together with April and Leah, a lot of her other relationships fell to the wayside. She hardly posted on social media and, when she did, it usually had April and Leah in it. She had forgotten Danni. And that wasnât fair.
Still, her feelings were valid too. Sabine walked over and crouched down, putting her arms around Danni. âYou are not the worst Danni and I wonât have you talking about my best friend like that!â Sabine felt the tears come up and decided to let them flow. âPlease tell me when I upset you Danni. You are one of my best friends and I never want to hurt you, but I wonât know if you donât tell me. I know you donât mean anything by it when you didnât include Zelda and I know you are dealing with a lot when it comes to Dorian and Percy. But please, your feelings are valid and you need to let them out sometimes. I need to do a better job of that also.â
Danni clung to Sabine, calming down a little as he got physical comfort. âUhm, okay, so um, we're good? Overall, yeah?â Danni asked timidly, still sniffling. âIt just⊠it just seemed like what tâey wanted,yeah? Like when ya give someone a present, you don't talk about it, you just do it. I t'ought I was givinâ tâem a present.â Danni whined. âI'm sorry, I didn't mean ta make t'em feel like I didn't care. Tâat's why I gave t'em friendship bracelets.â
Sabine sighed inwardly. âYes, Danni, of course we are good. I know your intention was good but sometimes even our best intentions can hurt other people and a friendship bracelet wonât make it better. Thatâs why we should talk more about how we are feeling and what we need.â Sabien chuckled. âGod I sound like that therapist.â
"That's why I was laughinâ, you sound like Maevie.â Danni hiccuped sadly. âI don't know what ta do t'en. Do you t'ink t'ey're upset? Should we âave anot'er âangout session so t'ey don't feel left out?â Danni asked pitifully.
âI think we should get together with everyone, yes. Maybe speak about how we are feeling overall with each other. I think they are more upset that you are upset than for anything you may have done. But yeah, I think talking more with each other will be good, especially before the contest.â
âAâight. We can do t'at.â Danni pushed himself to his feet, still sniffling. âDo you maybe wanna hang out a little more for fun? Or do you wanna go gather everyone now?â Danni asked, not quite ready to face people after sobbing in public. He probably needed to go wash his face too - he wasn't always the prettiest cryer and he was certain he was puffy and red everywhere.
Sabine sat there a moment more, relishing in the growth that was just achieved. As much as she hated to admit it, Dr. Whitehallâs suggestion worked. Didnât mean it would work all of the time, but communication helped. âLetâs maybe sit here a bit longer and collect ourselves. I, for one, need to re-apply my eyeliner and mascara because my face is probably a mess and I cannot see people until that is fixed.â
Dorian was nervous to say the least. He checked again and again to ensure his necklace was secured and on around him, blocking out any telepathic intrusions. Including Sabine. He wanted to believe she hadn't done it. That maybe Vicky was wrong about the whole thing. But he needed to be sure now. He'd texted her telling her he wanted to talk, in private. There was a small pathway he'd asked for her to meet him at, he mostly had used it with Percy recently. Before that it was a quiet place to sit and think and hardly a single person ever came this way. So he figured it was the best place to have a conversation. Alone. Secluded. Where others couldn't hear.
Sabine was hesitant to say the least. After her conversation with Danni she wondered if he told Dorian about it and she was going to get chewed out by him for making Danni cry. She would stand her ground, of course.
She had never been to the pathway Dorian led her to. But she made her approach, cautiously. It was lonely over here. Was that intentional? Her senses were on high alert as she got closer.
â âey.â Was all he could say at first when he finally saw Sabine approach him. He looked back down on the ground, wondering how to even start this crazy conversation. His thumb rubbing against his crystal absentmindedly.
Sabine waved slightly. âHey yourself.â Was this supposed to be awkward? âSo, whatâs up? There a reason you wanted to speak over here away from everyone else? If this is so you can finally kill me, kudos I guess.â She joked, but there was a tenseness to it.
Dorian tensed when she mentioned killing. It was along that subject that he'd wanted to meet. Was she somehow able to read his surface thoughts? No. She couldn't. It was possible. âI don't kill. We botâ know t'at. But tâere is somet'inâ I don't know. Somet'inâ I'm a bit afraid to ask to knowâŠâ He said finally tucking his necklace away underneath his shirt.
Sabine hated this. What the hell was going on? âIt was a joke Dorian.â He was being awkward and that made her feel tense. âWell, go ahead then. If itâs that bad Iâd rather you ask quickly than to keep beating around the bush.â
âDidyoufuckwithArcadesmind?!â Dorians words came crashing out one after another. Not a single pause between them before he collected himself a bit. âI meanâŠis it true t'at you messed witâ Arcades mind?â He couldn't even look at her as he asked. He didn't want to taint the image that he had of Sabine in his mind with this thought. She couldn't be one of the bad ones. She just couldnt.
Sabine stared at him for a moment. What kind of question was that? âDid IâŠfuck with his mind? Thatâs what you asked?â She figured it was bad butâŠwas this bad? Didnât everyone know she helped in that way? She assumed it was common knowledge. âIf you are asking if I helped Arcade change and want to be better, then yes I âfucked with his mindâ. Why is this something you wanted to know so badly you called me out here out of nowhere?â
Dorian deflated at her answer. She didn't even see what she had done. Maybe Pops was right, maybe every telepath was bad. âI t'oughtâŠI t'ought âe saw t'e errors of âis own on âis own. You didn't give âim a choice. Not a chance to want to change did you?â
Sabine was stunned. Did heâŠdid he think she altered him? She had been thinking about it on her own, but to think someone else would judge her for it. âNow hold on. First, even if that is what I did, he killed us and was planning on continuing to do so, so letâs get off the moral high ground. Second, no I didnât change him. I went inside his mind and saw his trauma, saw what he had went through, and allowed him the chance to see what he had done and make that choice for himself. He could have easily went the other way.â Thatâs what she didâŠright? âHeâs getting help and we lived to tell the tale. But I wonât stand for being judged for something you know little about.â
Dorian was quiet for a moment. Letting Sabines words sink in. She, gave him a chance. A mental offer? Was Arcade, no, was Ed aware of it? Did he choose to take it? To reform? âI. I wasn't tryin' to judge I just want to understand. It doesn't make sense, none of it makes sense. What you did was good, it was technically fundamentally good. But, if you âadnât given âim a choice it'd be bad. But t'en if âe didn't regret ot'ers would've killed âI'm so technically it's good what you did saved a life butâŠâ Dorian pulled his legs closer to his chest. Wrapping his arms around them as he buried his face underneath it all.
âYou can't be one of t'e bad ones right? You aren't a bad telepatâ...right?â
Sabine was hurt. She felt herself tense, felt blood surge to her brain. She thought they were good. She thought they were friends. What friend assumed this about another? âIf you have to ask that, would my answer suffice?â The fact he didnât think the answer was a resounding no hurt more than the words.
Sabine felt herself growing upset, felt the burning tears forming but she held firm. âThe others wanted to kill him. I didnât. I wanted him to be better so I gave him the opportunity to do so. I saw what he went through and could see why he went that route, but I made sure there was good there too. So you tell me, am I âone of the good onesâ Dorian?â
Dorian wanted to say yes. To scream it. She had to be. She was one of the few ones that didn't want to kill him. That meant something. But yet, he worried that the same could happen to him. That she could just make him agree to say yes and pretend this never happened. Dorian gripped his necklace tight, an imprint leaving itself in his palm. âI want to believe t'at you are. I want to trust t'at you are. T'at you'd give someone t'e choice and t'at you wouldn't make it for t'em. I justâŠâ His hands shook, wavering in his conviction as he was faced with this dilemma. But he needed to see the good in people. That's what Heros do.
Dorian removed his anti-telepathy necklace, placing it on the ground a foot away from him so that it wasn't active anymore. âI need to âear you say it. You gave âim a chance.â His voice wavered as tears threatened to spill.
Sabine watched, mind boggled, as Dorian had some conscious battle going on inside his head. He was gripping his necklace. And then it hit her. It was that necklace. Dorian had told her about his sword and, now, necklace. It was there to help prevent telepaths from entering his mind.
And he brought it there. To see her.
Sabine clenched her fists. She wanted to punch something. Break something. âI gave him a choice.â She stared into his eyes, once full of care, now anger. âYou can put it back on now.â
âWhy?! Should I need it around you?! I took it off because I want to trust you. To show you t'at I'm tryinâ âere! My family âas âad not'in but rotten luck so far when it comes to mutants witâ t'e gift of t'e mind. But yet I chose to befriend you! I want to trust you! So you tell me, should I need to put it back on?â Anger now laced his words as he spoke through gritted teeth. Pain lingering behind each one. He was trying to show her he cared, how could she not see that. How was he the bad guy?
âThe fact you brought it here at all tells me you donât!â Sabine was heated now. She knew his past, respected it, understood it even. Hell, she had her own past to come to terms with. But she trusted him. Trusted their whole friend group. She wore her heart on her sleeve more often than not. âI thought we were friends Dorian. And now I know all you see me as is a threat. Was that always the case? Did we have any friendship at all or was it always âsleeping with one eye openâ with you?â
âI won't lie and say I was never wary. I was in t'e beginninâ when I just knew you as Danni's friend. But when I got to know you, I didn't t'ink twice about your powers or any t'reat. Because I saw âow good you were. You seemed. Even when Arcade changed I gave you t'e benefit of not t'inkinâ you'd ever rob someone of free will. But t'en Vicky mentioned you changed his mind and I didn't know what to t'ink. It's been eatinâ at me for days. I wanted to just forget, to tell myself I was beinâ stupid but I couldn't. I needed to âear it from you. But cominâ âere, meetinâ youâŠyes today I was worried. Today I was afraid. Because what if I was wrong? What if I trusted wrong and it got people âurt?â
SabineâŠcalmed down. Not the whole way, but some. âYou listened to Vicky over me?â That hurt too. âAnd all of that trust is, what, thrown out the window because Vicky said so? Do you honestly think Danni would be friends with me if I was that bad? Would Apr-...â Sabine bit her tongue. No, April wasnât there anymore. â Regardless, you could have asked.â
So now what were they? Was the trust forever broken now? Would he always look at her and be scared?
âI did ask. Just now. It's why I wanted to speak so privately. Because even wit' all my fear, all my doubts, I wanted to give you a space where no one could overâear or misinterpreted t'is and give you a bad name. I wanted us to be open and candid. I didn't want to fight. I justâŠI just wanted my friend back.â The final words bringing tears down Dorians cheeks as he spoke them. âI knew Vicky âad to be wrong but I was so afraid of what if she was right? What if I truly was so naive t'at as a âero I'd be a failure. Everyt'in I worked up to beinââ
âYour friend never left Dorian. You pushed her away.â Sabine also knew she couldnât fully blame him. âIt hurts you doubted me for even a second. I get your past, I do. But I would have thought I showed enough of myself to warrant trust. To warrant coming to see me without the necklace, or at the very least, not have it on you immediately.â
Sabine was mad and she felt she had a right to be. âIâm genuinely hurt. But I get it. It sucks, but I get it.â
Dorian stood up, facing Sabine as he wiped tears from his face. âI really am naive and stupid huh? I didn't meant to push you away. To âurt you. I just. I know you say you get it, and I don't doubt you do, but t'at doesn't make it right eit'er. I can't stop wearinâ my necklace. But know it isn't for you, it isn't because of you. T'ere are ot'ers out t'ere witâ far less of a kind âeart t'an you. But I don't want you to feel âurt by it.â
Sabine knew, deep down, she had similar thoughts. Her powers were a part of her, made her feel good, but it was dangerous too. âYou are a bit stupid.â A little mirth in her voice. She walked closer and put her arms around Dorian. She did understand. It still hurt, but friends hurt each other sometimes.
Twice now Dr. Whitehallâs advice seemed to work. She may just attend her next scheduled session.
Andy heard that Vicky was at C.A.G.E. At first she didnât think anything of it. Then she found out what it stood for and she found herself shaking. She closed her eyes and tried to not think about her own past with Northwood. That place had been a hellscape. They had been power suppressed with crude collars. Getting out of there had been one of the best days of her life. She had gotten free. This place was what she feared most in the world and knowing it was around caused her stomach to cramp.
It took a day, but Andy decided that she was going to talk to Victoria. Sheâd walk into that hated, horrible place and tell Victoria that her actions would not be held against her. Andy actually appreciated it. So she made her way there and asked to have a visit with Victoria.
âYouâre popular, miss van Dyne. You have another visitor.â One of the nurses said as she delivered the message to her room. Victoria chuckled in response. âClearly you donât know me very well. I wasnât expecting anyone, who dropped by?â
On her way to the visiting lounge, Victoria was truly baffled. Out of everyone on the list⊠Andy Drummond wasnât even on the list! Edward Arca was on the list, perhaps coming to apologize or gloat! Vickyâs head was all over the place as she neared the room. Did she change her mind about the events in the Framework? She wasnât feeling like Victoria needed more assurances, was she?
Shaking her head, she willed herself to focus. No sense worrying about it when the answer to the questions was sitting a few paces away. She turned the corner and stepped into the lounge. âMiss Drummond? I must say, though not unwelcome, this is a surprise. I do not mind a social visit, although I hope you donât hold it against me if I ask what brought this up?â Victoria greeted and asked, moving to sit down by the table.
Andyâs skin itched and she felt a little sluggish, a side effect of the whole place being basically one big power dampener. At least Victoria wasnât collared. She smiled as Victoria came in, joining her at the table. "Hi. I, uh, well I wanted to talk to you. I know I told you that I didnât blame you. And that is still very true. Iâve been in a position where I didnât have control over myself. Something else had control. I donât know what happened while I was away, because I went somewhere else.â Andy caught herself going off on a tangent.
"Anyway, thatâs not why Iâm here. Iâm here because even though I know you blame yourself for killing me, it got me out of the Framework. It gave me the chance to help Zari and then the rest of the group.â It also had given her the satisfaction of beating the shit out of Usagi. "We often do things that we donât consider the consequences of those actions. We just go through life doing whatever we want. Sometimes we find out the consequences quickly and they are negative. Other times, we may not even realize that there were consequences. I donât think we should live our lives completely focused on what the consequences may or may not be, itâs important, but canât be our only focus or we would get stuck in some serious decision paralysis and fatigue.â Andy paused again, realizing she was going off tangent again. "Sorry, Iâll try to get to my point. In this situation, the consequences of those actions did not negatively affect me. In fact, as far as Iâm concerned it was a net positive. I donât know what all youâve got going on, but I wanted to make it clear that I do not blame you at all for what happened. Zari doesnât blame you either. Being controlled does not put any guilt upon you for possible negative consequences of what happened.â She nodded, satisfied.
It felt like it took all of her dampened attention to follow, but Victoria managed. Smiling, she raised her hands as if wanting to slow the verbal machine gun. âThank you. You didnât have to take the trip here to tell me that again, though. I agree that what happened was a lucky occurrence. I mean, we know of at least one version of events where things didnât end up as well.â
She sighed, looking at her hands, âIâll admit, I respect you a lot for not being even a little bit bitter about it. I donât think I would have been so forgiving in your place, even if I wouldnât have perhaps acted on it. Heh. That and I donât know many others who can lay Leah out in one move. But it doesnât change the fact that I, a supercomputer with legs, got outplayed by a wouldbe villain, whom I let hide under my nose, on a team I led. Me being here has nothing to do with blaming myself, so you can put that thought to rest.â
She looked back up, her spirits lifted a little none the less. âI went here to get help growing more resilient against such interference in the future. Well, that and I have some mommy issues, apparently. Itâs something between parapsychology and coding on the spectrum, but next time, I want to be able to get us out in the first place. Then, perhaps, I may be happy with the outcome.â Given that Andy seemed to have the need to further reassure her, Vicky opted not to tell her about the whole self-shutdown attempt.
Andy smiled. She was glad that Victoria was getting help. Not just for the Arcade stuff but more things. "I think some form of parental issues are near universal. Parents, even if they arenât in our lives, seem designed to fuck us up. I lived most of my life without any clue who my mom was, and finding out was, uh, well almost apocalyptic. If and when the group found out the whole truth about Andy it would be best to be as honest as possible leading up to that. And calling meeting her mom for the first time nearly apocalyptic was the truth through and through.
"If you want, if you need, I can ask Zari to help with the code stuff? She loves to do that sort of thing.â Andy was nearly computer illiterate. She had no idea how to do more than the basic programs like Word, and even that was a bit of a nightmare and she seemed to always have a headache after. However, she liked to listen to Zari talk, so she had some idea that at least Zari could help. And since Victoria hadnât permanently killed Andy, Zari would be more willing to help. Also, if it helped prevent something like that from happening again Zari would definitely help. Though, Andy would expect just the chance to do some coding would be enough to make Zari want to do it. She wouldnât think through all of the other stuff.
Andy rubbed her arms, under her jacket they felt numb a little. Like when the limb had fallen asleep but the pins and needles hadnât started tingling just yet. "Anyway, Iâll head out soon unless you want to chat longer. Iâm glad youâre getting help. Everyone needs help sometimes.â She smiled. "When I first met Zari she was trying to do some things alone. If she had done it by herself she probably would have failed. It required help from a big group of people. I was also alone. Trying to do everything by myself. But I met Zari and a bunch of other people and we saved the world, twice. I could not have done that alone.â
âWell, my mother put a failsafe in me which is what Arcade used to control me, and unknowingly almost unleashed Ultron upon the world again, so, in the range of apocalyptic? Not that that is something I wish to be a contest.â Victoria shuddered.
She looked aside with a sheepish smile. âWeeellll⊠I donât think me and your significant other work too well. I mean, I did call upon her once in this manner, but I would hesitate to call it anything more than an alliance of convenience. She didnât take well to how I led our team, I may have blown up on her a few times for how she went about expressing her disapproval, and⊠I donât know if that is a bridge that can be rebuilt.â
âAnd besides, she may do too good of a job and make me immune even to herself. Part of why I am okay leaving that bridge burnt is that I need to know thereâs people that can bring me down if I go rogue, and having those people not be on friendly terms with me makes that decision easier for them.â she huffed. This wasnât a topic she wanted to discuss. Definitely not after whatever the thing with April was. Leave well enough alone.
âIf youâd like to talk outside of here sometime though, Iâd like that.â she smiled, âYou got to tell me where you got that jacket at least, it looks amazing. But Iâll let you off from here, Dorian mentioned that the dampeners donât feel right.â She got up, a thought entering her head. âThat said, I believe this may be the one place where I may shake your hand?â she offered her right.
Andy doubted that Zari would ever be friends with Victoria, so she wasnât worried about any bridges being mended. She smiled and shook Victoriaâs hand. "Youâre right. It is probably the safest anyone has ever been around me since I was eight.â Minus her own time at Northwood.
"Unfortunately, the jacket was a gift from Ash Drummond, sheâs who I take part of my name from. Without her I wouldnât be here. I would have frozen in Rochester, New York before meeting Zari. But she died many years ago. I believe she got it from a thrift store in upstate New York, thatâs all I could tell you.â Andyâs smile was gone as she spoke about Ash, her voice soft. When was the last time she had said her name out loud? How many years total? How many months relatively? Had it been a full year relatively even?
"As for this place, I feel slow. I feel like the world has sped up and I canât keep up. And Iâm used to a hum of electricity inside and out of me. There is none here. Itâd be like suddenly losing your hearing.â She stood up. "Iâll see you back at school.â
Seeing Andyâs face droop, Vicky didnât dig deeper into the family history and simply nodded. âI guess Iâve had practice when I was pretending to be human. It doesnât really bother me, Iâve lived like this for over two years. Well, take care. And thanks for coming by.â
It was day 8 of Victoria's stay at C.A.G.E. April was being discharged today, leaving the building feeling somewhat lonely. Even if the two of them were far from being on good terms, it was a familiar presence none the less. And while Vicky did not mind focusing on her mental health/training, the lack of contact with the outside world was a little bit unsettling. At least Leah was supposed to show up for a visit today. The android was parked outside with a sketchbook and pencils, trying her hand at drawing, having finished all of her books, wondering when the earthbender would show up.
Leah hated this place. April breaking up with her and Sabine, as valid as it was, wasn't even one of the big ones. This placed felt like a prison for people who didn't belong in prison. She'd done the usual shit, ignoring the looks of some guy who overheard her derisive comments the last time she was in here.
It made her skin crawl.
"...Hey."
Setting down the sketch of what was definitely not looking as a little dragon chasing after a dinosaur despite her intention, Victoria looked up. Her overall good spirits seemed to dampen a little when she took in the sight of her friend. "Hi there. Am I the only one in the entire country that likes being in this place? You have the same look on your face Dorian had. Like you'd rather be anywhere else. I'm coming back soon you know, I appreciate you coming by, but if you don't like it here that much..." she offered a way out, remembering Dorian was affected by the power dampeners so much that he tripped over his own feet.
"I don't need my powers or my wizard shit to get things done," Leah commented, sitting down. "Dad had a lab under our house, looked an awful lot like the sort of place you'd confine people in. That's all. And I don't really trust people who make it their life's work to "deal with" mutants or inhumans, or whatever the hell I am."
Victoria's silence was deafening. She blinked a few times, processing what Leah said. "You have a what now? You're a wizard? When did that happen? What else did I miss? First Danni's dragon hatches and now this? The world is leaving me behind." she smirked at her theatrics. "If you're sure. I take it you've had no luck figuring your powers out then? I wish I could help, but me and magic... you know. And hey, the people in this place are helping me at least. First few days were not great, I'll admit, but it wasn't their fault."
She shrugged. "Agatha gave me a bag of runes when she was telling everyone their futures. I couldn't do anything with them for ages, then about a week ago, I could make plants grow faster with them. Danni started a fire and April drowned it, I got rid of the water with a rune." She pulled them out of her pocket and sat a small pouch down. "I guess she saw what would happen if she gave me these. I dunno."
"Well, shit. If it turns out that fossil Nimue is right and all we need to get good is a fucking tragedy in our lives, I am going to be royally annoyed." Vicky groaned as she eyeballed the runes with a modicum of respect. Just because she couldn't see any magic emanating form them now didn't mean they were not dangerous - her own senses were dulled in this place. "Hmm! Speaking of prof Harkness though, I'm going to see her when we go to New Orleans. I've been wondering whether you want to tag along? I figured if anyone could tell more about the thing in your back, she would?" she offered.
"Uh... Probably? Didn't really cross my mind. She did give me these... And I never really cared about magic before. Sure, we'll see. If I get a chance, or my team doesn't fall apart between now then, I'll come with." Normally, Leah didn't like doing that sort of thing. But she needed answers.
Vicky nodded. "Speaking of, sorry again about being the first to skadoodle. I don't like giving up, but... I needed to do this. So... How'd that reshuffle go? Who's on what team?" she asked, the question having slipped her mind somehow up until now.
"I have no idea, Victoria. I'm not keeping track right now."
"You're... Quieter than usual. Is something wrong?"
"Yeah, Vick. Two people I actually give a shit about are in a fucking padded cell and one of them can't be in a relationship with me anymore. You know, the usual shit." She shrugged. "And She Hulk is obsessed with me lately, and I can't seem to get her to stop."
Vicky raised her eyebrows. "Well, I can put your mind at ease somewhat. My room isn't padded and it isn't a cell. I chose to be here, Leah. And the people here are helping me. Helping me get rid of a backdoor in my system that can be used to control me. What Ed used to control me. And people who may want to stop that can't easily reach me here. I didn't feel this safe somewhere in weeks. So if you're worried for me... No need for that. I'll be back in couple of days and better for it."
She didn't want to touch that relationship thing with a ten foot pole. What advice or comfort could she offer with her lack of experience anyway? Did she even care for someone in that way? Could she? Questions for later. It was sounding like out the two of them, the one staying at a mental health institution was more okay. "And what's wrong with having a parental figure that cares? I know you've been independent for a while, but still..." she thought for a second, "Or... Are you worried that makes she-hulk a target?"
âItâs not my problem if she makes herself a target.â Leah shook her head. âImagine dodging questions about your family for almost four years. No one even bats an eye when you conveniently say nothing about where you went for Christmas break or anything like that. And then a lawyer realizes you legally donât exist- The name I go by wasnât in a database other than the schoolâs until then. And sure, thatâs not the weirdest thing when wizards and aliens exist⊠But think about it.â
Vicky sighed. "Leah... This particular school not giving a damn about their students' well being is not something that surprises me anymore. But just because that was the norm does not make it right." she carefully placed a hand on the other girl's shoulder, "Is it really so... annoying? to have someone care about you? I can't say I can relate to your situation, but I may have lost that recently, and despite the fact I think I have every right to be mad at my mother, it still sucks. It sucks that I may no longer have somewhere safe to go that is not the school, and I want it back. I just don't know how to get it."
"It is annoying when I can't trust them not to make it worse... You're not going to run off and fight him on your own, right?" She asked. "Or try to find him. You aren't going to tell people who would know about him beforehand and then make the connection that I'm his kid. It's... I just don't want to risk that kind of thing getting out of hand."
"Well, you're allowed to set boundaries into what she can poke into, right? But you gotta tell her at least that much." Then Vicky snorted. "Dude, I've got my ass handed to me by a ginger stickman of a kid with a laptop. I can't notice what's right under my nose, I wouldn't notice your dad if he drove me here."
There was a quiet pause.
"Yeah, well, you'd think I could. But no, she's legally my parent now. And that means she can ask people for anything medical about me, or that police could drag me to her house if I just fucked off and didn't come back. And I've tried to tell her to quit acting like I'm her kid, but that wasn't good enough and-" Leah stopped herself. "...I didn't come here to bitch about my life. Sorry."
"Isn't that what friends are for? If it helps, bitch away." Victoria smiled. "As for She-Hulk being nosey, sounds like primo time to use the fact you're still a teenager to cause a scene to get what you want. It is as you say, ignoring her is not exactly stopping her from doing any of it. If you want backup, I'll come with. If I stretch my mission parameters, this could cause a severe threat to many people, so technically I should get involved."
That wouldâve been funny. But also worse.
âNo. Itâs fine, I donât need help with that. Besides, I doubt theyâd let you out for that.â
"Girl stop worrying already. I could have walked day one. Whitehall literally agreed I am no danger to myself after ten minute talk. She also said I am no danger to anyone else, now that I think about it, I don't know if I should have been offended by that." Vicky scratched her chin in thought. "Anyway, if you don't want to talk about your family drama, then listen to mine. Apparently, for one reason or other, my mother put a backdoor in my system so that admin level users can give me orders I must follow. Guess what Arcade used to take control of me? Oh the irony."
Leah stared at her without a word for several seconds. That really pissed her off.
ââŠWhat?â
"Yup." Vicky popped the P, leaning forward and resting her hands on her knees. "Sister claims it was the only way the project was even allowed to proceed to build me, and that mom never actually wanted to use it. I don't think I believe it. I know they used it at least once, and that is the instruction I knew of. Incidentally I got rid of that one. And it's why I am cooped up here for so long. I'm trying to get rid of that 'feature'. Good news is I developed a way to block new orders being given... Most of the time. I don't think I will be training in the framework ever again though. Edward made it clear it blows that weakness wide open."
Leah didn't like that. It made her want to punch something. Everywhere she was going lately, people kept acting like she was supposed to trust others to handle things and to let them in. It was annoying that people kept pushing buttons that they didn't understand, that they kept prying into things they'd make worse. But at least Leah could push back and shut them out.
There were laws saying someone her age couldn't make their own decisions. She had proven countless times that it didn't matter, because she had agency over herself. Vicky's was messed up.
"Victoria..." She looked infuriated. "Do I need to put your fucking family in their place?"
Vicky looked at Leah. "...I don't think that would solve anything. And it's not just Hope van Dyne, it's also colonel Rhodes and whoever directs S.H.I.E.L.D. these days. But, I won't lie, when they show up in New Orleans, and there's no reason to suspect at least Hope won't... Some backup might be nice. Just to stand there and look menacing. Because even if my countermeasures work - and they should, I have literally made myself selectively blind and deaf to anyone with Admin access - I think I'll still be feeling like a helpless little girl confronting them. And I think Cassandra hates it as well, albeit she initially tried to defend it. We're not mad at her. Not at the moment." the android confided.
"Yeah, well..." Leah leaned back in her chair. "I'll be there. They try something, I'll stop it."
Following suit, Vicky leaned back, looking at the sky. "Here's where I would toast to getting independent, if I had a drink." she chuckled.
April had been at CAGE for a week when she was finally allowed to go home - to go back to her boys. She was genuinely feeling a lot better, a lot more stable. Talking with Dr. Whitehall was helping a lot, as was taking her medicine and just being a lot more honest with herself. The lithium had caused her to have a slight tremor in her hands, but the doctors had told her that it was a common side effect when first starting on lithium, and to just keep a close eye on if it didnât get better or started to get worse. Her actual meds were being kept in the nurseâs office at the school, where she was about to be on a first name basis with them - and where she would have to get bloodwork done twice a week to monitor her levels.
But none of that was worrying her right now. She was finally home, back at Avengers Academy. April had thrown almost all of her things into two suitcases, told Mads she was going to be across the hall with Danni and Dori for at least a week, and then knocked on their door, her heart pumping with excitement. âHey! Itâs me! Open up please! Danni! Dori! Itâs April!â
Dorian was laying on his back in his bed as Danni finished setting things up. His phone in hand as he researched Jewish customs and traditions. Do's and Don'ts of Hanukkah. He didn't want to accidentally offend Percys family. This would be their first impression of him, and he'd already asked Percy if it was ok to wear the tiny hat they do. He hadn't realized it had a name to it. But, Percy had been so kind in trying to learn and understand Genoshian customs that he wanted to understand his Jewish ones. Dorian tilted his head back, now upside down on the edge of the bed as he stared at the pile of pillows. âMaybe anotâer two on t'e left? And t'e blankets at tâe top of t'e closet D. It âasn't moved since last we used it.â
Dorian looked back at his phone, waiting for a text, picture, anything to let him know that April would be there soon. Sure they visited her a ton, but he still missed her terribly. It wasn't the same at C.A.G.E. It was stifling and he felt like they had no real freedom to be themselves. But here, at AA, in their dorm. They could be anything and everything with each other. There was a knock on the door and Dorian scrambled off the bed in a hurry screaming as he went to open the door. âShe's âere, she's âere! D!â
April threw her arms around Danni the moment he opened the door without a second thought. It hadnât been that long since she had seen her boys - just a day, really, they had been so good about visiting her and it had honestly made such a difference - but it hit different to be here with them, to be home. Everything she had been feeling before she left - the day that theyâd taken her away - April had been contemplating ending it all. But how could she do that? How could she end it when she had the best things in the world right here? And if she were to be entirely honest with herself - not that she would ever tell a single soul this - this was part of the reason why she had broken up with her girlfriends. She just wanted to be with Danni and Dori.
âDanni!!!!!!!!!â April kissed him on the cheek.
âOkay, okay, okay. So I got all tâe blankets and pillows set up. Did ya bring your stuff ta add? I can get it all fluffed up while you pick out what weâre doinâ!â Danni offered. He opened the closet and waved at some of the empty space. âWe also made some space for ya, so we donât âave ta trip over the stuff you brought!â
April made sure to give Dorian a kiss on the cheek too, giggling as she saw the little critters chasing around after each other. They were so much cuter in person than in photographs - and they were already pretty adorable in the photos. She dragged her suitcases into the closet, with a little difficulty - the tremors in her hands werenât helping - but it was nothing she couldnât handle. Her blankets and favorite stuffed animals April added to the basis of the imminent cuddle pile. And at Danniâs mention of doing something with her hair, April paused for a moment, debating something, before settling on it. âHey Danni⊠Do you think you could do an undercut?â she asked. âAnd hmm. Movie movie movie⊠What about Legally Blonde? Dorian needs to practice his bend and snap anyways,â she teased, sticking her tongue out slightly at Dorian.
âT'ats why it was lopsided!â Dorian exclaimed as he smacked his forehead. âWe were missinâ Aprils plushies. Now it's perfect.â As they all got settled Dorian went over to the movies and began searching for April's pick. Talking to them all the while he searched. âUndercut? Why t'e big change? Not t'at I disagree, I t'ink you could rock it. Ah ha! Found it, Now to show you just âow good my bend and snap is.â
âI dunno, do you guys ever, like, look at your face in the mirror and feel like someone else is looking back?â April asked, before giggling a bit as she gently took the dragon baby. âAwww itâs okay baby girl you can bite me and I wonât tell your daddy, I promise!! Awww who is the cutest little thing??? You are!! Yes you are!!!â April then slowly took one hand off of Amelie, twirling a finger around and came in slowly to boop the dragonâs nose.
âOh yeah! T'is one time I was gettinâ ready and I got so scared as I looked in t'e mirror but it was just my jacket behind me not anot'er person. Did you check to see if t'ere was a jacket?â Dorian asked, unsure as to what this had to do with anything. But after the past weeks he was willing to talk to April about anything and listen to every word. Maybe she had a fear of jackets?
April flopped down into the cuddle pile almost immediately, positioning herself so that way Amelie could still be in contact with Danni while being held by April. She tucked her head underneath Danniâs chin, and then patted the space next to her, wanting Dorian to come and join the squish fest. She couldnât help a tiny burst of happiness in her chest as Danni called it the Kingston-Gray cuddle pile. âI donât think itâs a jacket - or like someone spying on me, although I wouldnât be surprised if, like, August somehow was. Itâs more like⊠like thereâs a mismatch in how I think I should look and how I look? I dunno. Itâs not a huge deal. An undercut would be nice too since itâs easy to hide it from my parents.â
Dorian plopped himself right next to April, patting his leg so that Amour could come join, slipping into the space between his arms. âMaybe it's like t'e ot'er day! My powers were goinâ âaywire and makinâ my âair all frizzy regardless of âow much frizz control i used. And so like I didn't look like I wanted to look and ended up changed my whole look. What a day.â He said as he began to scratch under Amour's chin. He wasn't sure how spot on he was or not, trying to wrap his head around what it was that April was saying. Maybe it was the medication? The tremors didn't go unnoticed but he'd looked up the medication on his phone and apparently that was normal.
âWhelp, if it's an undercut t'at âhelps, it's an undercut you'll get! And t'en you'll feel all set!â Danni cheered, wrapping an arm around April to pull her closer and then threw a leg over her and Dorian. âAugust⊠August⊠August⊠Oh, t'at's t'e dude who came.up and licked ya right?â Danni asked nonchalantly. He remembered t'at random guy swinging by and taking a whole, big lick of her. We'll, if fairs fairâŠ
Danni leaned over, looked at the offending spot, leaned in, and licked right over the same spot August did.
April froze for a moment - not necessarily tensing up or anything, but definitely surprised. She was used to cuddling with Danni, having him kiss her cheek - he even cut her hair for her pretty regularly. Physical closeness with him or Dorian had never really been an issue. Sheâd even changed quickly in their room before, not really minding if they saw anything. But licking her face? That was definitely something new.
And then April giggled, shaking her head a bit. âWere you jealous he licked me, Danni?â she asked, smiling. Maybe she should have been bothered by it or found it strange, but⊠It was just Danni. She didnât have anything to be afraid of with him, she didnât think he meant anything weird by it.
âGroooossss. Don't start lickinâ me now.â Dorian said with a bit of a giggle as he used his sleeve to wipe away any spit from Aprils cheek that was too close to him. âI may âave gotten cool witâ a lot of t'ings but I draw t'e line at spit.â
âWhat if itâs Percyâs spit, Dori? Is it still gross then?â April giggled. She didnât notice the way the dragon was eyeing her hair like a snack. Instead, she took Dorianâs hand with her left, trying to give it a squeeze - but the tremors were making it difficult, so she settled on just poking him with her foot. âWait Danniiiiiii will you make me coffee in the mornings now?â she then asked, doing her best to give him puppy dog eyes.
âSpit is spit. It's gross regardless who's moutâ it comes out of.â Dorian protested as he poked April back with his foot. âAnd t'ats a lie! You don't need to get up at 5 am, you just need to get good. Maybe if you woke up at a reasonable time you'd get first dibs on t'e coffeeâ He said as he stuck his tongue out.
April laughed some more, giving Danni a kiss on the cheek, before then wiggling around to do the same to Dorian. âGods I missed you both,â she said, doing her best to give a slight squeeze back. âI missed you more than I missed my phone,â she teased.
Dorian wanted to be upset at being called a machine, butâŠhe did make a mean cup of coffee. They'd taken courses on all things coffee from how it's made, roasted, to grind textures and perfect pulls. Danni was good as well but Dorian wondered if he retained as much of the information as he had. âIt's unnatural t'at you sleep so much.â He remarked before giving April a squeeze, accidentally squishing Amour who began to protest and then wriggled out from the pile and made her way over towards her own bed.
âUghâŠ. Fine,â April sighed. âI dunno, I did - I do - I did really like both of them. A lot. But, like, everything happened so quickly and - like I got the feeling they were probably doing things or wanted to do things that I just didnât feel ready for - and then with the bipolar diagnosis and school it just⊠I donât think I, like, could be the girlfriend that they would want me to be yâknow?â She paused for a moment, her face turning a bit crimson. âAnd donât judge me for this, this is going to sound so, like, uncool of me⊠But when they took me to CAGE, you two were the only people I wanted to see⊠L-like this is really fucked up and terrible of me, but I didnât think about them until later. And thatâs not fair, so⊠So I ended things. I guess I donât have to worry about coming out to my parents now, either, so yay?â
Dorian adjusted himself so that he was laying on his back now, looking up at the ceiling as he wondered if that's how he would feel if he had gotten locked up. Would he have thought of Percy? In truth he couldn't stop thinking about him, but his friends group was also incredibly impressed. Sometimes it felt difficult balancing Danni's needs and Percy's but Dorian thought he was doing fine. Hoped he was doing fine. âI meanâŠmaybe you guys just rushed into it a bit too fast? And you âave a lot goinâ on right now and t'at's fair.â It felt as though a wrench was being twisted inside his stomach, thinking about it now, about his conversation with Sabine. She must've felt so alone, to be left by April and then have him spring that on herâŠhe'd need to check up on her later.
âAt least, you're âome now and t'ey ain't takinâ you away from us again.â Danni decided determinedly. âBut âey, at least you âad fun while it lasted right? T'ats a good t'inâ! You can remember t'is fondly in our old age, t'e summer flinâ of your teenage years! We'll make silly jokes about us as dumb teens while we sit on a rooftop somewhere, eatinâ lunch toget'er while we're keepinâ everyone safe from villains. T'ough, we should probably check on Beanie. She kinda laid into my t'e ot'er day. Like, real nice like but definitely told me off. Wonder if she was feelinâ like t'at âcause t'e break up.â
April teared up a bit at Danniâs affirmation that they were family - and that this was home. She felt happier and safer with Danni and Dorian than she ever did back in DC, with her parents and her sister. If April could wave a magic wand and change anything about her life, she wouldnât have to go entire summers without seeing them - sheâd never have to go back to Washington. âY-yeah, they, um - they took it well when it happened, but, like, Sabine shared something kinda intense - like itâs not my place to say what it was - but⊠I donât know if it would be weird if I talked to her - Leah seemed really confused about everything that was happening⊠which I g-guess is my fault because I didnât tell anyone anything a-and⊠Iâm guessing it might be my fault then if Sabine was mad at you.â
She was plenty mad at me too t'oughâŠt'at was fully my doinâ. I was actually just t'inkinâ about it. âOw lonely she must've felt at t'at moment.: Dorian was going to say more, wanted to, but he didnât think it would help April. If anything she may blame herself more and have an episode. He didn't really know how this illness worked. He wanted, wanted to help. But every time he'd gone to research it his hands just froze over the keyboard. It was like the first time he took the âAm I Straightâ quiz. Afraid that because he thought Luna Snow was objectively beautiful that it meant he was into her. The answer obviously being no, he just had good taste like all gays do.
âSilly goose, Beanie wasn't mad at because of you. Beanie was grumpy âcause apparently me tellinâ people what team I wanted made âer feel like I was brushinâ off everyone but you botâ. T'ough, she was real, real focused on Zelds? T'at was a big one in the convo.â Danni said thoughtfully. ââonestly, Beanie just keeps bottlinâ stuff up and like, lockinâ âherself outta convos it seems. Like, she waited so long ta talk ta me about t'at, I can't imagine âow long she âeld on ta whatever she told you, Princess. I wish she'd like, just jump into it. Like, you're upsetti? Lemme know about t'at spaghetti now. I told Leah once why she was makinâ âherself so small and I kinda t'ink it's like txâat? I dunno why botâ of t'em do It, holdinâ themselves back and keepinâ themselves away from all us but-â Danni gasped.
April turned so quickly as Danni said that that she almost hurt her neck in the process, her eyes wide and her hair falling into her face, giving her almost a manic look. âOh my god, Danni - Iâm so sorry!! What happened? Wait, no, you donât have to answer that - but are you okay? I mean clearly youâre alive and fine and everything but like⊠What can I do?â she asked him quickly, her brain going into crisis management mode as she threw both her arms around Danni, hugging him tightly, even as her hands shook.
Dorian's eyes went wide. If he'd had a drink he would've spat it out on them. âI t'ought we weren't gonna talk about it! You said!â
âI am bad at âidinâ t'inâs, okay?! I And I told Maevy âbout it âcause I got upset and yâall know I âate âidinâ tâinâs in tâe first place so once I broke tâe seal, I told Beanie âcause she got me cryinâ so tâat was fucked, and tâen I was like I canât not tell Princess so surprised! I burned down tâe âouse after a âhorrible nightmare and tryinâ tag figure it out and tâen poof, âouse gone! But itâs chill, Pa made it all back again, but âe couldnât remake everytâinâ and tâe stuff âe did make doesnât feel like my stuff anymore. And âe did not remake all tâe stuff âe didnât know âbout, like some of tâe notes we used ta pass in class, a journal I wrote in, aaaaaaaaaaa bunch of tâosw old Polaroids I kept so tâatâs great!â Danni âurried ta explain. âTâatâs kinda tâe problem witâ tâe âallway tâe otâer day! Just kinda froze up âcause I could âear âCadie reminding me tâat none if tâis is real and I'm still in tâe Framework!â
April bit her lip, listening to Danniâs explanation⊠and how he had told Sabine first. She shifted somewhat uncomfortably, a knot twisting in her stomach. But what right did she have to feel upset about them not telling her something? Sheâd hid so much from them. âOh! Um. I can - I can see if I still have some of my journals - I think I still have my journal from our elemental class as freshmen - a-and I can see what - what Polaroids I have too. But um maybe - maybe I stay here longer than just the week? So if - so if you have that nightmare again, I can just put things out⊠if that would help?â
Dorian chuckled a bit at the thought of April putting out Danni's nightmare fires. He didn't know how to help Danni with this issue, or even why he was having it. But two thoughts crossed his mind at this solution. âWoah woah woah. As much as I'd find it funny t'at you'd turn Danni's flaminâ wet dream into a real wet one, I'd rat'er not risk my beautiful computer and gaminâ set up. Please and t'ank you.â
Danni stared real hard at April. She did a⊠thing. A thing he didn't like. âYou're only stayinâ a week? I t'ought you were movinâ in. Like we're lettinâ ya leave lol.â Danni laughed at Dorian's joke before flicking him off, holding it up while smiling lopsidedly at April. âAnd now you're gunna tell us wâat went târough t'at pretty little âead just t'en. I saw t'at sad little frowny bitey t'inâ you do. We want everyt'inâ you got, includinâ when you're sad. Gotta let it out or it's gunna blow, I should know!â
She opened her mouth, about to insist that she was fine - old habits died hard. But⊠pretending was how sheâd gotten sent to CAGE. Pretending was what had made things get so bad that she had almost committed suicide. And she knew that Danni and Dorian had been so nice about it all, not pressing her too much about it but⊠if the situations were reversed, how would she feel if they kept on hiding things? âUmâŠ. ItâsâŠâ she swallowed, trying to visualize the words in her head - that if she was just reading them off a script, it would be easier. âItâs stupid - it really is but umâŠâ she shut her eyes. Maybe that would help? â⊠I wish youâd told me before Sabine⊠A-and I think itâs - I think - sorry, this is so stupid of me, but um, itâs like - I⊠I think of you guys as my actual family but I get scared that it doesnât go both ways and that Iâm just a friend that you kinda take pity on.â She kept her eyes tightly shut, refusing to open them to see their faces, and it was taking everything in her power to not burst into tears just then.
âPrincess, I didn't even wanna tell Beanie!! I wasn't ready!!! It just slipped out, I'm sorry! I didn't mean ta âide it, I was just embarrassed and wasn't really ready ta tâink about it but t'en we got really, really emotional and stuff and all t'e stuff witâ t'e teams âad me distracted. I'm sorry, you are family!â Danni started talking fast, desperate to reassure her. âYou're already family ta us, you've basically been our sister since t'e end of freshman year! I am literally talkinâ âbout you all t'e time and I⊠Ya know, Beanie got good advice from Maevey. Cominâ in âandy again. It's okay if ya feel t'is way, but we love you so much and ya know I'm a bad liar. I just say âow I'm feelinâ pretty much immediately. I love you!â Danni immediately smothered her in kisses before winding around her tightly, during his face in her shoulder.
âI'm just kinda afraid now t'at⊠what happens if it you two I set on fire next time?â
Dorian wrapped himself on the other side of April, cocooning her into a D&D hug she couldn't escape from. âLets set a few t'in's straight right now. One. We aren't, straight t'at is. Two. Not'in you ever say or feel is stupid ok? We value everyt'inâ t'at you âave to say or feel and not'inâ will ever change t'at. Stab my âeart an âope to die. T'irdly. We. Are. Family. Well may not be blood, but I told Maeve-y as much t'at my family is asked on bonds and not blood. As far as I'm concerned I'm your brot'er.â
She couldnât help it - she couldnât stop the tears from flowing as Danni and Dorian affirmed that they were family - that they were her brothers. They werenât sad tears though - more tears of relief, of releasing that fear, at least for a little while. She opened her eyes, finding herself surrounded by them, her face covered in the remnants of Danniâs kisses. âS-sorry,â she apologized. âI didnât - I donât - I donât want to make this all about me, when youâre upset too,â she paused, biting her lip. âI love you both so much. A-and Danni, you never have to worry about burning us, o-okay? Itâs never gonna happen - I promise. Dori and I, we donât burn easy. He can go ghost and my powers cancel yours out.â
Danni fidgeted a little, nervous about what he was going to do. Sabine⊠made a good point once he'd taken the time to process what she was actually saying. The tears had really made it hard at the time but as he thought about it more, maybe it made sense that some people thought he was too much if he was always just blazing his way through peopleâs feelings. He'd spent a lot of time thinking, like enough time that his head started to hurt more than once, and he realized he may have been the tiniest, ittiest, littlest bit of a bully waaaaaay back during the carnival to⊠a few people. It wasn't ever what he meant to do, he wasn't being mean, he just wanted to give advice, but if someone had come up to him and said the same things, Danni could admit he'd probably start crying.
Wow, it's hard writing letters. Everything I've looked up said handwritten is best but like, why wouldn't I text it? You'd already have it. This is kinda silly.
Andy had been confused by the letter. A little worried at first, but when she opened and saw it was from Danni was just more confused. Had they shared more than a few words since the Carnival? She had watched a movie with Dorian, but Danni hadnât been there. She didnât think it was a trap to beat her up, not that she was terribly worried about anyone trying to beat her up. Danni probably could hurt her, but Andy didnât think she could die. The Framework had been a clear enough indication that she probably couldnât. The cost of it wasnât great so she hoped she could avoid that.
For some reason as she made her way out to the field she thought about â80âs films where the bully was always some weird over the top idiot. They got their just desserts by the end usually. With lessons learned, hopefully. She walked out to the field just before 3 pm. Hopefully he hadnât meant 3 am. But thatâd be a weird time to meet someone in a field, unless they were planning to beat them up or give them a swirly or something. Danni wasnât that kind of bully anyway. He was the kind that didnât even realize they were one. Andy remembered, as she got on the field, that his parents were her old friends from the Mutant Underground. She had never gotten super close to that group, which is why she had left without a goodbye. Now that she knew they missed her Andy did feel a bit bad about that.
âUh, hey Danni. Whatâs up?â Her mind mimicked the old movie and made her cringe at the dumb joke.
âAndy! You came!â Danni cheered, thrilled to bits. ââonestly, I wasn't certain t'at you would. Like, I know you âung out witâ Dee, but it's been traininâ tâis and drama t'at and studinâ for dragons⊠what else is t'ere ot'er t'an t'is and t'at?â Danni paused, thinking hard. After a few moments, he shrugged.
ââaven't quite gotten ta fire yet, but we're workinâ on it! But t'ats not why we're âere unless you wanna talk âbout dragons more?â Danni asked hopefully.
Andy tried to keep her face neutral. Mostly because she could feel her brows trying to furrow and a frown building on her lips. âWould like what for the future?â She was sure she had missed something. The dragon, small as it was, surprised her. The attempt to not frown was easily forgotten as a smile spread instead.
âShe's allowed?â Andy asked in a reverent whisper. âHello sweetie.â Andy held out her hand to let the little dragon sniff it. Andy would love to talk about dragons more. She also was curious why Danni had asked her out here if it wasn't to meet the little dragon. âUh, I suppose we can talk about whatever. I am curious about her. But if she's not why you asked me to meet you here I'd like to learn that.â
The smile had faded a bit from Andy's face as Danni was implying she'd be the one to kill him. But Danni plowed on and everything he was going on about culminated into an apology. She blinked surprised. That had not been what she had expected coming out here. âI appreciate your apology. And don't worry I won't kill you. I try not to kill people when I can avoid it.â Andy had killed enough people, some by accident, some on purpose. She wasn't going to say she didn't kill with that track record.
âWhat you said that first day did hurt. I didn't know how to react and was thankful for the diversions that happened so I didn't have to react. I got all of my non school stuff...before moving here. It's all old so you weren't wrong. But I like my clothes. Clothing was one of the ways I could safely express myself growing up. It was dangerous growing up.â Dr. Whitehall would be so proud. She was trying to connect and make a friend. She wasn't ready to tell him the whole truth but she had been careful to avoid lying.
Andyâs heart ached. They had made their family. Ben was alive and not a ghost, which had been weird. And they were a happy family. Andyâs eyes teared up. Would they know her? Would they be mad that she left? Or did they even care? Had she been forgotten as anything more than a hanger on who joined in the 11th hour? She hadn't been with the MU long. Maybe weeks relatively speaking. She realized she hadn't given Danni an answer. âI'm willing to try.â She may have left everyone behind to stay with Zari, but she could build something here. Even if it felt a little odd making friends with someone she remembered being an infant. Andy wiped away the tears that burned the corner of her eyes. âI will say. I haven't had a lot of friends for like seventeen years.â She smiled at her joke, even as she wondered if those from the MU thought of her as a friend.
âWell, âey! I love makinâ friends and so does t'e group! We'll get ya beinâ an expert friend in no time!â Danni rushed to reassure her. Andy getting misty eyed over friendship was certainly not in his plans but this just reminded him not to judge a book by its cover. âWe love just vibinâ witâ each ot'er. And sparrinâ witâ each ot'er âcause Princess is a great counter measure. She makes fun little icicles and I get ta work on shootinâ outta t'e sky! Beanie is t'e best choice if ya wanna more cool time, ya know, and she's a great dancer if ya wanna learn! Dee's super chaotic and really âanginâ out witâ âim is like spinninâ t'e wheel of fun! You never really know where ya gunna land! Mads is super smart and she's got all t'ese cool books, and paintin' supplies so you wanna get artsy or talk t'e talk, she's ya gal! T'en t'ere's me who is, witâ some minor flaws, still t'e best!â Danni beamed at Andy.
Danni unwanted the tail around his wrist, shushing the dragon's grumble of disapproval. âYou've been eyinâ âer t'is whole time, don't say t'at.â Danni chided, giving her a little kiss on top of her head. He gently shifted her over to Andy. âJust be careful. She's still a little âot from before we got âere. I âave ta give âer a fire bath ta keep âer âot since she can't regulate âer temperature. Apparently, dragon's breath fire on t'eir kids so I do t'e same so she feels at âome!â
âShe's not a healer.â Andy said confused. Not sure how Danni had gotten that from what she had said. She did smile at Danni talking about James and Casper. She almost laughed as she remembered the time Casper told her to punch a dude in the deck if he was pressuring her for sex.
âI've had some training prior to coming here. But I need more long term stuff. I need to prevent something from happening.â God how could she explain her mom without telling Danni whoever was. âBasically, I have an object in my possession that if someone unscrupulous took it from me could end the world. So I have to protect it. I am capable. But I need to be stronger.â
âWho is who? You say Pops and Pa. Dorian showed me photos but I don't know who you mean by the nickname.â
âT'ats so cool.â Danni whispered in awe. Andy had a world ending item just causally in her possession? He wanted to see! âOh! Pops is⊠you now, Pops. âis name is James and Pops is like, the responsible one, you know? âe runs kinda an underground clinic and âe'll see anyone, normie or hero or villian. Pa is Maxie, a really, really good magician and âe keeps our âouse together, like literally. Wit'out Pa, we'd probably âave A âouse witâ a reasonable amount of âallways. T'en there is Appa -t'ats Benji-, who is married ta Pa. Appa is always around, keeps t'e âouse tidy and âe is always willinâ ta listen, except on some days when t'e rents just tell us ta leave âim alone. âe just needs âis space alotta times. And of course, t'ere is Papa! T'ats Casper and âe's married ta Pops but really, t'ey're all kinda together and not? They called it t'e QPR but I don't really know what t'at means. But Papa is t'e most like us and âonestly, is just âere ta love âis family and âave a good time. T'ough, I wish Pops and Papa would âave more good times in places I don't walk into. I âave never wished for eye bleach more t'an whenâŠâ Danni shuddered.
âIâll try to keep it straight...â She grinned. âWell Iâll at least try to remember who is who.â She was glad members of the MU were still together. It made her wonder how the others were. So many of them were broken when Genosha fell. Did others put themselves back together? Or did they fall apart completely? She was not surprised at all that Casper was involved in good times in inappropriate places. Andy was convinced he had been on drugs back in the day. Though, in Casperâs defence when Andy first met him Casper had been suffering from extreme M-Pox.
âIâd like that.â It might be awkward as hell, Andy considered. âWell, parents are a bit of an awkward situation for me. I donât know my father, I think my mom killed him when I was little.â She shifted awkwardly, petting Amelie to cover it. âUh, I was adopted by Magento though. I havenât seen him since I started here. I really need to reach out to him.â That left her mother. âMy mother is...a long story. I donât think I want to go into it right now if you donât mind.â That had to be fair, right?
âAaaaand all warm now!â Danni cheered, letting her down to go scamper off for a moment. âI don't know why Aggie gave me a dragon, but I absolutely love âer. Somet'inâ somet'inâ fear of fire and all t'at. But yeah, you wanna come ta our next âangout? It's a little cramped in t'e dorm witâ Princess movinâ in but my forts are t'e best and we all cuddle up real close so we're all as snug as a bug in a rug!â
âYeah, I donât think April likes me all that much because of that.â Andy was sad to let the dragon go, but it was probably for the best. She doubted she provided much warmth. âIâd like that. I donât know about cuddling though.â She held up her gloved hand, wiggling her fingers as a reminder. âAnd would April be alright with that? I donât want to intrude.â
âUh⊠I would âave ta run it by âer. And don't be silly. We'll be careful, but you're gettinâ cuddled. No escape! It's cuddle pile all day in the DAD dorm!â Danni beamed and then looked very serious at her. âAre ya afraid ta touch people witâ t'is issue? Even witâ your stuff on. Do you miss like, just casual touches? Should I âave not leaned on your shoulder?!â
Andyâs body tensed. She nodded. âI hurt people. I can kill people. I have killed people just by touching them. That freshman girl helping Arcade, Ardere, was her name. It brought me back to life, and I donât regret it because I was able to save the rest of you because of it. But, Iâm scared to hurt people I like. I canât control it. But like I said Zari is immune for some reason and so I still get contact with her.â Andy probably was a bit touch starved, but if she was honest even prior to this she hadnât done a whole lot of hugging with people.
Danni nodded along. âI get t'at. When I get too overwhelmed, I just kindaâŠâ Danni waved his arms around. Fire. Just fire everywhere, ya know? I've destroyed lotta stuff âcause of it. I mean âell I scorched t'e shit outta t'e dorms t'e ot'er day âcause I was in a, yeesh, a really bad place at t'e moment. I'm always afraid t'at if t'e t'at âappens while I'm âanginâ off someone and curled up in bed with Dee and Princess t'at tâey won't make it out. T'at t'ey won't âave a chance.â Danni paused, memory wandering to one with too many nightmares in it.
âBut t'en I remember it's what âelps keep me stable, all t'e contact and t'e cuddling. I get antsy if I don't get skin ta skin contact and if it goes too long woof. You t'ink my emotions are wild now? A Danni who hasn't had physical contact witâ other people for 24 âours. e's a whole lotta crazy.â Danni laughed. âBut, it's all âbout figurinâ out t'e right technique so if ya every wanna practice hugs or cuddlesâ or somethinâ, we can spend some time talkinâ safety and limits and see what we can do ta get you t'at! T'eres nothing like a nice long cuddle session witâ t'e besties ta âelp melt away t'e stress!â
Andy bit her lip thinking. She had never had that. Even before Genosha. Ash would hug her occasionally. Before that had been Northwood and foster homes. The only family that had ever really hugged had been her first family. The one family she had considered home until Ash and Jamie. She hadnât even known she was a mutant yet. âMaybe. I did tell Dorian he could hug me if he put a blanket over me. He ended up using an oversized hoodie. So we sort of figured it out. And it felt good. Itâs sort of funny, my jacket, when Ash gave it to me it was so I could charge it with electricity and have the spikes light up. Now it feels more like armor keeping people away. Most of my physical contact was fighting, but that was all before I became an energy vampire. I was good. Like really good. People would come and fight me from all over and I didnât ever use my electricity, it was just me being fast.â Andy stopped. She had said too much. Dr. Whitehall told her to open up to people but this was getting too close to her and Danniâs shared history. She wasnât ready.
âAnyway, yeah, we can talk about it. Work out how to do it safely. If April is okay with me joining. I wonât get between you three. I know that I make her uncomfortable. I wonât say she hates me, though sometimes it feels like she might. She never said as much, but she seems offended. If that makes sense.â Andy shook her head. Eventually her and April were going to have to talk through this. If Andy was going to be friends with Danni and Dorian.
âOMG! You were a world renowned fighter? Can you teach me? I'm mostly a mid-range guy. Ya know, small blasts ta keep people off balance. I would love ta get a little bit more âand ta âand experience. I'm pretty quick on my feet but let's be real, I ain't got t'at stuff ta be a brawler. Anyt'inâ t'at âelps me move a little better will keep me in t'e fight longer!â Danni asked excitedly. âAnd Deeâs so mart, ainât âe? Maybe Iâll start carryinâ a âoodie âround just ta be able ta give ya a âug whenever I see ya! And I'll talk ta Princess for ya don't worry. She love pretty much everybody and I'm sure she'll be chill witâ ya soon enough! We'll get ya a pro at friends in no time!â
In the distance, a heavy thud sounded and the shrill distress of an irritated dragon followed. âWell, uh, shit. You got ta âold a dragon. âow do ya feel âbout savinâ one?â Danni asked, exasperated but dashing off towards the noise.
âSure Iâll teach you some stuff. And yeahhhh...That sounds dire. Letâs go.â Andy said running after him.
Percy checked his reflection in the mirror one last time, adjusting his tie. He wasnât in his school uniform today, as he wouldnât be remaining on campus. Instead, he was wearing a nice pair of slacks, a button-down shirt, and a sports coat. It was a week or so before the contest, and he wanted to take Dorian out on a date. His boyfriend had been really stressed lately, for obvious reasons, and Percy wasnât always the best when it came to emotions. But this was something he hoped would help to take Dorianâs mind off of things.
Satisfied that he looked well dressed, Percy picked up the small bouquet of flowers - red roses, a classic - and he left his dorm room, before knocking three times on Dorianâs door.
Dorian was just adding the finishing touches on his hair, making sure his bangs had the right amount of curl to them. He had on a slightly oversized olive green and black long sleeve shirt with thick horizontal stripes, black pants that were cuffed at the ankle as always, and green Hightower converse to match the color of the shirt. His sleeves had been rolled up a quarter of the way up his arm and his dorm keys hung off his front belt loop. When he heard a knock at the door he went Astral for just a moment. The startling noise catching him by surprise before he finally went over and opened the door. âHow do I look?â
Percy was fully speechless for a moment, just taking his boyfriend in. He looked completely perfect, as always. There wasnât a single thing he would change - well, maybe one thing, but the point of this date was to leave the dorm, and not stay in it. Heâd planned a full evening for them, with three different stops that he was really hoping Dorian would enjoy. The first stop he hoped would go off well - the second two Percy wasnât as concerned about. âPerfect,â Percy said honestly, his eyes lingering a bit on Dorianâs belt loop. âI got you these,â he then added, his face lightly pink as he held out the flowers.
âWell aren't you just t'e most t'oughtful time traveler!â Dorian said as he took the roses from Percy's hands and gave him a kiss on the cheek. He quickly went back into his room, placing most of the flowers into a vase that he'd just filled with a bottle of water he had in his mini fridge. One rose remained on the counter, one that he tucked into the edge of his tote bag and pinned in place so that everywhere he went people would see what his boyfriend got him today. âSo what's on t'e agenda?â
He couldnât help but beam slightly, seeing the rose pinned into place. That was good. It was one step closer to no one else ever flirting with Dorian again. Percy still hadnât completely dissuaded himself of the idea of just buying Dorian a ring now, just in case. However, it was probably a little too soon for an engagement, from what Percy had read. âItâs a surprise,â Percy smirked.
âWell t'en my dear, lead t'e way.â Dorian said, smiling from ear to ear as he hooked his arm into Percy's. A date. A real honest to god date. He was so excited he could die.
Percy pulled Dorian in a little closer to him, having become a lot more comfortable with physical contact⊠exclusively with Dorian. The thought of touching other people was still not at all something he was okay with - as much as he was aware that at some point, Dorianâs brother would likely try to force him into a cuddle pile⊠a fate Percy dreaded more than death. âWhen we get there, I do have special instructions for you. And a time limit,â he added, guiding Dorian out of Stark Hall and in the direction of the nearest mall.
âOh? A little role reversal?â Dorian joked. âBut t'at's fine. I can follow instructionsâŠas long as it's clear and not like a word problem, t'ose always confuse me and why does Johnny need a âundred apples anyways?â
Percy turned positively bright red, tugging a bit at his shirt collar from the sudden heat. He was doing his best to not let his mind slip down an all too familiar train of thought. âTheyâll be clear.â Percy promised. âAnd not a word problem. Itâs more of a⊠hands on activity.â
âI love âands on! When I was younger we used to visit museums and some of t'em âad activities to do yourself to see âow t'in's worked. One âad a dig pit as we got to find our own fossils!â
He made a brief mental note to find museums that involved hunting for fossils. Or maybe he would just wake up early one morning and bury a bunch of them around the school, maybe a few in front of the supposedly haunted tree. It didnât take too long for Dorian and Percy to walk to the mall - there was one conveniently located, just a few blocks away from campus, but still far enough you could imagine you were in a completely different part of Los Angeles. âOkay, so here is your task. I am letting you pick out clothes that I will wear on the rest of the date. As a bonus, I will also commit to wear this outfit once a month, on a day of your choosing that we do not have classes on.â
âJust one outfit? Fiiiine. T'en i guess I'm gonna âave to make it a really good one!â Dorian cheered before taking Percys hand and began pulling him towards the nearest store that he knew. It took him almost no time to familiarize himself with the layout. Most stores had a similar one which made shopping very easy. Dorian went from rack to rack, flipping through shirts and thumbing through pants, all while taking pictures of every one he liked. After a while he moved on to accessories, picking up glasses, rings, and bracelets, taking pictures of every angle before putting them back.
It was a good thing that Dorian hadnât argued for more outfits - Percy realized he definitely would have caved if his boyfriend begged him. Instead, he was yanked into a random store, fancier than ones his moms ever took him shopping at. He had considered himself as being into fashion, despite his insistence on wearing the school uniform as required, but his interest in it was nothing compared to Dorianâs. Thankfully, he had asked his moms to send him some money for new clothing earlier, so he was hoping heâd be able to afford this - if not, he would just need to ask Dorian to leave the store, establish himself an alibi, and then Percy would steal the items. âDo you need my sizes?â Percy asked, before frowning as he realized Dorian hadnât picked anything. Was this mall not a good choice? Did Dorian hate this?
âSizes?â Dorian asked as he cocked his head to the side. Now why would he need that? âThough I think I'm good, just need to combine all the photos and see what works best and then figure out exactly which one I'd like the most. And maybe which is the easiest to take off too.â He said, his smile beaming from happiness as he flicked through the photos.
Percyâs face flushed crimson. The odd comment about Dorian not needing to know what size of clothing Percy wore was immediately vanished, as his boyfriend did his best to drag Percyâs mind back into the gutter. And Percy really wanted to let his mind go there. âIf you keep talking like that, Iâm going to have to insist we go back to the dorm early,â Percy muttered, shifting his weight slightly as he tried to think about other things - to think about anything that wasnât Dorian tearing his clothes off and the activities that naturally followed.
âDown boy. We can tâink about t'at after.â Dorian said with a giggle. âSo do you want me to send these to my pa now? Or is that like a later tâing?â He asked showing Percy the photos he'd taken under an album labeled âclothesâ on his phone.
Down boy was not helping.
But thankfully, Dorian then immediately brought up his father and thinking about Dorianâs dad was helping. He was confused for a second, wondering why Dorian wanted to send photographs to his dad of clothing they were looking at - to get his opinion, maybe? - before Percy remembered the incident with his clothing at the start of school. Dorianâs dad had magically conjured up a replacement and sent it over. It then occurred to him that he couldnât remember Dorian ever really buying things - things just tended to appear in his room. He had been intending on getting the clothing himself, but now that seemed somewhat silly. â... Now is fine,â Percy said, still somewhat bewildered. âI promised I would wear them for the rest of the date. I can also pay for them - or steal them - if your father is busy.â
âPay for them? Wait, you pay for clothes?â It dawned on Dorian that others actually had to pay for things beyond just food. âWait no. I kind of want to see t'is. I've never paid for anyt'inâ aside from food. Is it a lot? Our family âas Genoshian Diaspora. Our âome island was destroyed a long time ago but money wasn't a t'ing back t'ere. You justâŠâelped ot'ers witâ your abilities and everyt'inâ else was free. SoâŠwe don't pay for anytâinââ
Percy nodded for a second - he could understand being part of a diaspora. While he was a mutant, he wasnât Genoshan - he was vaguely aware that one of his moms had visited the island. Sheâd told them it was beautiful. Percy was much more familiar with the experience of being a member of the Jewish diaspora - never really having a land to call your own, and finding the places you once called home destroyed. He made a silent vow, however, that once he could make the jump, he would take Dorian there - back to the island. âYouâve never paid for anything? Not even food?â Percy asked, surprised. âLike hypothetically, you go to a restaurant, do you just⊠text your dad? Do you not go at all? You must have seen April pay for something at some point.â
âI said anyt'in aside from food. Pa is great at a lot of t'in's but âe isn't t'e best at replicatinâ food. Just can't get t'e flavours quite right. Probably why Danni's so good at it.â Dorian corrected. âApril and I.we don't get to âang out much like t'at. âEr parents don't really let âer over to our place when school is out so not much in t'e way of shoppinâ. Some weird rivalry our rents âave wit' each ot'erâ
Percy blushed slightly in embarrassment - despite having the mutant ability to intuitively understand language, he still misheard people from time to time. He did vaguely recall some talk about Danni cooking something at the start of the school year. âWell, if you want to watch me pay for clothes, be my guest - itâs not very exciting,â Percy said, pulling out the money his moms had given him - one hundred dollars in total.
âWhoa! That's like, twenty orders of beignets! I could feast like a king witâ t'at!â Dorian exclaimed as he saw the bill. Cafe du Monde was probably his most frequented location for food, even if it was just beignets and hot chocolate.
He laughed slightly. âThis will hopefully cover one shirt and one pair of pants - although your taste seems expensive,â Percy shook his head slightly. Of course his boyfriend saw money in terms of beignets.
âWhy I've never been called such a t'inâ. And why should clothes cost money? It's a silly t'in to âave people pay for necessities or wellâŠanyt'in really. Next you'll be tellinâ me it costs to travel and view âistorical places of interest.â Dorian wasn't sure how to feel about being called expensive. Was it too much? Did he need to dial it back some?
â...Well, yes, you do. You do have to pay. You have to pay thousands of dollars to go to those places,â Percy explained awkwardly. âI know, capitalism is a curse,â he then commiserated. âTell me more about Genosha?â
Dorian giggled. The idea of paying to travel? Crazy. âWe've never paid for a single trip. Pa just opens a portal between us and where we want to go and we hop t'rough. Not even for full trips, sometimes I'm just cravinâ a French sandwich from t'is boulangerie I like and we go t'ere for lunch. T'en âit up somewhere else for dessert.â He didn't know how to talk about Genosha. All he had was stories, even Danni was too young to recall it. â I would've loved to see it for myself. I was a baby when it all got wiped. But from what I'd âeard it was a mutant paradise. No money, everyone used t'ier skills and powers to benefit ot'ers. Sceneries so beautiful t'ey felt like a whole new world. So many diverse people all toget'er for a common cause to just live true to t'emselves and be freeâŠâ
âHmm,â Percy mused for a second, trying to imagine that sort of world. It sounded lovely. He definitely had to make sure that he could take Dorian back there one day. His entire goal coming here had been to learn what he needed to know in order to be a classic hero, not one of the modern superheroes but one of the ones from myth - and then dive through the timestream as he pleased, seeing amazing sights. But now, all he really wanted was to take Dorian to his island. If it wasnât for the TVA, heâd even start planning out how to change its fate. âMaybe once I get full control over my powers, I can take you there. Let you see your home.â
Dorian felt his eyes begin to wet. He'd never considered the possibility of seeing his âhomeâ his island. He wiped the tears away quickly before he actually started to cry. He didn't want to be the kind of person who cried on a first date. It wasn't cute. âSorry. I. I'd love that. I've seen the ruins through a scry, but that's as close as I've been able to go. The final battle, the fall of GenoshaâŠit tainted the land in a weird way. They can't rebuild, at least not yet. So I can't even visit its ruins. ItsâŠit's not fair.â His throat hurt and his voice was a little more hoarse. âI can travel around the world and see all these flatscans monuments and relics all their ruins and artifacts but I can't even see my own people's homeland. IâŠsorryâŠâ Dorian cleared his throat.
Percyâs eyes widened, seeing the tears well up in Dorianâs eyes, and he immediately felt horrible. He hadnât wanted to make Dorian cry - not at all. He started to panic a bit, his mind racing as he tried to figure out what to do - what to say to make things okay. He - he wasnât good at this sort of stuff. He bit his lip, before pulling Dorian into a hug, hoping that that would help - that the physical contact would soothe him. âI shouldnât have said anything, Iâm sorry,â Percy apologized.
He reached for words, trying to find something to say, something that felt meaningful, that felt helpful. But he felt like he was at a loss - yes, he was a mutant too, but he knew that being a mutant meant something more than just a gene to Dorian. Percy did identify as a mutant, but he didnât see himself as Genoshan - he didnât claim that history the way that others did. âWeâll go there, someday. Youâll have to teach me all about it. My mothers never moved to the island, but⊠I would love to learn.â
Dorian held him tight. Kissing the top of his head. âIts fine. They're happy tears, for the most part. Just the thought of being able to see it, to experience it beyond stories. It's bittersweet.â He pulled away from the hug for a moment, eyeing the clothes they'd just purchased. âBesides, someone's got to change now doesn't he?â
That did give Percy an idea. He hoped he didnât regret this. âWhat if you picked out⊠more outfits?â he ventured. âI can go change, and you can show me what else I will be wearing on the weekend until I eventually hit a growth spurt again.â
Dorian's smile returned to him. Checking the tags of what they'd already gotten so that he knew what sizes to get. âOk!â Without another word he went off taking clothes by the arm loads off the racks. Every item he'd photographed being nestled into his arms as he went for more.
Percy smiled slightly, relief filling him as Dorianâs smile returned to him. He watched for a moment, seeing Dorian piling item of clothing upon item of clothing into his arms⊠and Percy just prayed none of them were pink. âSweetheart - we will need your dad to make these ones,â Percy called out after him. He hoped he liked the pet name. He was almost positive Dorian would, but he hadnât used one before. He figured Dorian had already forgotten how much money they had - and how it was almost already gone.
âOh. Right. Money.â To say he didn't understand the cost of an item was an understatement. He knew the value of things sure, but more in a sense of bartering. How useful something was versus a luxury. So Dorian began to place the items back, and of course within them was a few items that were different shades of pink. Really the color would go great with Percy. Whereas Dorian was more earth tones. âI'll just text my Pa and âave âim port t'em over to school so t'ey're waitinâ for us when we get back. No need to carry tâem all day.â He said as he flipped his phone open and began to send the images over
âIâll go get changed,â Percy said, giving Dorian a quick kiss on the cheek before heading into the changing rooms. It only took him a few minutes to go from one outfit to the other, and he carefully folded up his old clothes, setting them inside of the shopping bag. He glanced at himself in the mirror - the outfit wasnât something he would have chosen for himself, but he strangely didnât mind wearing it. Perhaps it was because Dorian had chosen it?
He then left the changing room and rejoined him. âWell, you have now officially taken control of my wardrobe. Did it meet your expectations?â he teased gently.
âJust one. Minor. Adjustment. There.â Dorian said as he unbuttoned a few of the top ones on the shirt, exposing a bit of Percy's chest. âButtoning it all the way up makes it look a bit stuffy. Gotta let loose a little. Did you want me to take your old clothes? I can put it in my bag that way we don't have to carry them around.â
Percyâs eyebrows furrowed. This is part of what he meant in his session with Maeve - about how Dorian confused him. âWouldnât you then just be the one carrying them around, then?â he asked, his face lightly pink from Dorian exposing a bit of his chest. His comfort level wasnât completely there yet - but this was the date plan, and he was going to stick to it. Dorian got to be his stylist. He could rebutton them later, assuming the clothing wasnât carefully removed.
Dorian chuckled. Patting his bag to show Percy it was empty. âNo? Don't be silly Perce. Why would I be- oooooh. Right. So, t'is âere is a good ol Kingston-Gray special. Enchanted bag meant for shippinâ. We âave a different one when on vacation but t'is âere is my school one. It's tied to my dorm room, anyt'inâ I put in t'ere automatically gets portaled into my dorm room on my bed.â
Percy blinked a few times. His boyfriendâs life seemed completely unreal. âDo you have any other magical artifacts on you?â he asked, still stunned by the entire ~never using money~ revelation. It was just such a completely different lifestyle. Percyâs family had to pay for everything - and Avengers salaries were not as amazing as the public was led to believe. They didnât go on trips around the world on a whim, and he definitely didnât have a magical bag to carry all of his things. For a brief moment, Percyâs world felt small.
âJust t'is?â Dorian said as his thumb ran underneath a leather thong around his neck and pulled out the necklace he had to make thanks to C.A.G.E. âUsually it's in my sword but can't âave t'at in public spaces so I convert it into a necklace when needed. Keeps telepat's from being are to enter my mind in anyway.â
Percy nodded, remembering that Dorian had told him once that his family had a history with telepaths. He could hardly blame him for being cautious. Percyâs own family had a history with robots, after all. âWell, itâs too bad you donât have a broomstick - then we could fly to our next stop,â he said with a slight smirk. He didnât want to drag Dorianâs mind down into sad places by talking about telepathy - although he had to wonder how his friendship with Sabine was influenced by that. âI was thinking we could go to the Museum of Superheroics - they have a new exhibit that opened last week.â
âDid you want me to use my flying broomstick?â Dorian asked as he reached elbow deep into his bag. Before struggling a bit and then coming up empty handed. âPsyche. I don't âave a flyinâ broom silly. We aren't t'at kind of witchy. T'ey just do midnight margaritas durinâ a full moon. Besides I'm not old enough for my broom license. You t'ink cars are âard try somet'inâ wit' no steerin' wheel or ABS.â He joked. He was sure his father could easily enchant one, but he'd definitely need flying lessons first. And a face mask for the bugs. âWhats tâe exhibit on?â
As Dorian reached into his bag, Percy genuinely expected to see a flying broomstick come on out. His shoulders relaxed slightly when one didnât appear - the more he learned about Dorian, the cooler he seemed, and sometimes, that feeling of smallness accompanied it. Percy shook his head, laughing slightly. âMidnight margaritas during a full moon?â he asked, raising an eyebrow. âThat sounds pretty witchy to me.â
He then hesitated for a moment. âThe exhibit is on the Mutant Underground - and other organizations of heroes that worked to help get mutants to safety back in the 10âs and 20âs.â
âOh that's perfect! I'd love to see âow much t'ey got right and âow much is wrong.â Dorian said with a laugh. He'd never admit it, but he was a bit of a history nerd when it came to mutantkind. The humans had some good stuff too, the Greeks, the Romans, but Dorian always suspected those tales and myths were just mutants hidden behind mysticism and religion. âYou ever meet any of t'em?â
âWho, members of the Mutant Underground?â Percy titled his head, before shifting somewhat uncomfortably. The Avengers werenât exactly known for being amazing when it came to helping out mutants. Both of his mothers were mutants, but their X-genes had been activated through SHIELD science experiments, and he wasnât sure how much they even felt connected to mutant issues. But at the end of the day, the unfortunate truth was that when mutant children were dying, the Avengers somehow were always busy elsewhere. âNo. Have you?â
âNot all of tâem. Some were estranged from our family, ot'ers much closer. I've met Veil, Sunshine and âer girlfriend Marrow, t'ere's âarry, Jack, all four of my dad's, and a few ot'ers.â Dorian counted them off on his fingers as he began to list, knowing full well he may have forgotten a few. Usually the ones that visited the least.
Percy stared at Dorian for a minute. âYour life is incredible,â he said earnestly. âYour family was part of the Mutant Underground? And Genoshan? Dorian, I thought I had the interesting family.â
âPlease it's really not all t'at. My parents are basically just mutant rights activists so it takes t'em kinda everywhere I guess. If you met my parents t'ey're total dorks and a bit embarrassing.â Dorian said rolling his eyes. Leave it to a teen to think his families lame.
âYou have met my mothers, it would only be fair,â Percy pointed out. He was rather curious - he knew at least one of Dorianâs dads was some sort of archmage, given all of the magical items and conjured clothing that surrounded him. âHave you told them about me?â
Dorians cheeks flushed pink at the question. âUgh! I can't stand t'em sometimes. T'ey teased me all break especially after I got my phone back. Everytime I texted April and she'd say sometâinâ funny t'eye'd be like âoh t'at your boyyyyyfriendâ so embarrassing â He just wanted to bury his face into a pillow. âBut yes, I told t'em about you.â
Percy grinned a bit, seeing Dorianâs face turn pink for once, rather than his own. He made a mental note to make a better effort at texting Dorian next break - he genuinely wanted to get better at it anyways, but also, if he could imagine his boyfriend being playfully teased by his family for the texts, then that was an added bonus. Percy was a terrible texter by nature, both in terms of how he texted and how often he went between replies, but he could work on it. If for nothing else than to help his boyfriend be embarrassed. However, as Dorian confirmed that he had told his family about him, a bit of nervousness hit him. âWhat did you say?â
âWell t'ey asked about your parents and I told t'em it's t'e Novikovas. I t'en mentioned âow you can't say your own last name right, t'at you're a slow text but amazinâ reader, bit of a book nerd and incredibly cute.â
Percy rolled his eyes, even as he blushed. âItâs Novikov. My parents gave me the masculine version of our surname, my momâs Russian. And I sent you plenty of sunset photos over the break!â he protested.
âAnd again you forget t'e A. Tsk tsk. I t'ought your mutant gift was language. Besides April sent me t'isâ Dorian pulled out his phone and showed the video of cats on Roombas spinning to music like a DJs turntable.
âThereâs no A! Thereâd be one if I was a girl!â Percy had a suspicion that Dorian was doing this on purpose, but he wasnât completely sure. And unfortunately, it was very easy to spin him up about this. One of these days, he was going to find a way to prove that Dorian was doing this on purpose. â... Okay, those cats are very cute, I will give you that,â he grumbled a bit, trying not to smile too much at the video. âWhat about the interesting lines I sent you from Chaucer?â
âOh Appa loved t'ose. Started askinâ me to let âim know when t'e new one came in as if it was a daily affirmation. Said it's good you're well read and t'at i need to pick up my books more.â Percy knew Dorians horrible study habits. He didn't care for it, he had good enough memory retention from class and was great at note taking. He just hated doing the reading. It should be fun not work.
âYou might like them, I can recommend you some more,â Percy offered. He knew how much his boyfriend struggled when it came to actually just sitting down to read. Admittedly, Percy hadnât been doing much reading over the past few days - every time he got settled in his room, Dorian ended up distracting him from it. He had no idea how he was going to manage in the new year, when grades and classes became real for them again. âOr I could read to you. The Iliad hits differently when read in the original ancient Greek.â
âYou are good with your tongue. I mean oral. I meanâŠugh you know what I mean.â Dorian flustered out. âSo wit'out a broom âow do you plan for us to get t'ere?â
Percy was a brighter shade of red than the Scarlet Witch. âThank you. Of course, I canât tie a cherry stem with my tongue - so there is room for improvement,â he added. âI was thinking we could take the bus - thereâs one every ten minutes, and it is a twenty minute ride to the museum. Alternatively, we could walk, itâs a little over forty minutes. Iâd offer to do a series of teleportation jumps, but I think I still need more practice, which will have to wait until later.â
âBus sounds fine to me!â Dorian remarked, trying to push the idea of âmore practiceâ out of his mind for now. They had neither the time or space for that activity until later in the day. âDidn't know Avengers took t'e bus.â
âI didnât know witches took the bus,â Percy countered. âShall we then?â he asked, offering Dorian his arm.
âYouâre infuriating. You know that, right?â Percy said, shaking his head, as he led Dorian out of the mall and to the nearest bus stop. It was early afternoon, so there was still plenty of light out, and the weather was nice - a bit chilly by Los Angeles standards, but still nice enough that waiting for the bus wasnât going to be too irritating.
âOh I'm well aware. I've been told it's one of my best qualities. I t'ink you'd agree.â Dorian said with a smirk before giving his boyfriend a kiss. He didn't know why he expected the bus to just be there already. As if Percy had somehow planned every last minute down to the T for conversation to bus times. But he didn't mind waiting. âT'oughâŠI t'ink you might like anot'er quality of me more. Non?â
Percy returned the kiss - a far cry from where he had started the year off at, where kissing another person in public would have been completely out of the question, much less holding hands with someone else. âHmm. And what quality would that be, Gray?â Percy challenged, his eyes flickering between Dorianâs eyes and his lips.
Dorian raised an eyebrow at Percy. It was almost as of his boyfriend was challenging him. Daring him to make a move. And so he did. He pressed Percy against the bus stop pole, the hands they were holding now caught between them as Dorian closed in and pressed against Percys hand. âI t'ink you can feel what I mean.â
âY-yeah,â Percy shuddered, his heart rate suddenly through the stratosphere. The bus was due to come any minute. But he loved it when Dorian was like this - there was something about Dorian taking control that just drove him crazy. Percy felt a small bit of energy building up within him - his body getting ready to make a jump - and he had to consciously smother it, as his free hand reached out and gently grabbed onto the front of Dorianâs shirt. âI can feel it.â
âOh good so we're in agreement t'enâ Dorian said cooly as be pulled away from Percy but kept their hands clasped. He gave him a smirk knowing full well he'd just riled him up only to not deliver on anything until much much later.
Percy had a death grip on Dorianâs hand. âYouâre enjoying this,â he said, trying not to sound too breathless. (Un)fortunately for them, the bus then pulled up at the station, and Percy couldnât help but appreciate the slight breeze that picked up from its arrival. He needed to find a way to cool himself off, or he wasnât going to make it the entire night. It wasnât just the museum - heâd planned for them to go to dinner, too.
âIsn't t'at t'e point of a date? For us to enjoy ourselves?â Dorian asked as if he had no idea what Percy was talking about. Teasing him further as the bus arrived. âOh I t'ink t'ats our busâ
âYes, now letâs go to the museum and see photographs of your fathers,â Percy said, before hopping onto the bus. It was free for folks under eighteen, so they didnât need to pay for transit at least. He grabbed a seat in the back of the bus, crossing his legs somewhat strategically. Hopefully knowing the pictures at the exhibit were Dorianâs dads or people his dads knew would help. He really was counting on that.
Dorian followed Percy to the back of the bus. Noting how he crossed his legs when he sat. So Dorian decided to cross over him, sitting next to him on the other side and patting his lap. âSit on my lap. We can never do it in school, sooo why not out âere?â
Percyâs eyes widened. âWeâre on the bus. Thereâs people around,â he said, completely flustered by the request.
âCouples do it all t'e time. I've always wanted to but t'e schools don't really allow for it.â Dorian said, a bit of sadness in his voice as he turned on the patented puppy eyes.
He hesitated for a moment, before glancing around. The bus wasnât too full - most people were sitting up front by the driver, with a few in the middle section. And while Percy hadnât consciously been doing this, Dr. Whitehall had pointed out that he might be looking to Dorian in order to get an understanding of acceptable social actions in situations that he found difficult to read. And he did trust Dorian⊠And he didnât want to see him sad again, not for a second time.
âFine,â Percy muttered. âJust this once.â
He got out of his seat, uncrossing his legs, and slowly sat down in Dorianâs lap.
Dorian smiled as he pulled Percy closer and began to cuddle with him. Resting his head on his shoulder as he wrapped his arms around his waist and placed both hands firmly above his crotch. âIts like I'm your seat belt. If busses âad seat belts. T'at never made sense to me.â He said now wondering why a car chock full of people didn't get belts but ones that only held 2 to 4 did.
Percy jolted a bit as Dorian secured his hands, his breathing becoming a little rapider and shallower. âItâs becauseâŠâ Percyâs voice trailed off, as he immediately forgot the explanation he had been about to launch into. He was white-knuckling his grip onto Dorianâs arms, doing his very best to just breathe through it, little swirling bits of blue energy appearing around his hands and then disappearing just as quickly. âSorry, what was the question again?â
âWhy buses don't âave seat belts but cars do. AreâŠare you ok Perce?â Dorian asked looking up at him a bit concerned. âIs it too much? Too public?â
âI-Iâm fine,â Percy protested, even as much as he was feeling completely overwhelmed - but it wasnât the public component that was the main issue, right now. He was absolutely determined to make his way through this, to give his boyfriend the perfect date. Other things could wait till later. Sitting in Dorianâs lap wasnât helping to keep his mind off of those things, though. âDistractions would help.â
âOh uh ok. Did you know San Diego âas a massive non profit zoo? T'ey âost a t'inâ t'ere called a Roar n Snore where you get to sleep at t'e zoo and do night time tours witâ night vision goggles to see t'e nocturnal ones. All while being guided witâ fun animal facts.â
âY-yes,â Percy said, closing his eyes to see if that would help, and then immediately regretting his choice. He quickly reopened them, trying to find the most unsexual thing on the bus that he could look at, before settling on one of the placards encouraging people to move their backpacks to the ground instead of wearing them while standing, in order to make more room for others. âMy moms - my moms took Diana and I once when we - when we were little,â he breathed.
âT'ats so cool! âOw did you like it?â Dorian asked just as the bus went over a speed bump, jostling them a little. He kept his hands firmly placed, making sure Percy didn't fall off of his lap however. âI âaven't done t'at one yet but it's on my to do list. Maybe I'll do it for my b-day one of t'ese years. Oh wait i guess itd be before since mine lands on t'e first day of school.â
Percy had to bite back a certain involuntary noise from escaping from him once they hit the speed bump. He wished that the museum was infinitely closer - but they still had a good five or so stops to go until theyâd be at theirs. His breathing was noticeably fast now, and incredibly shallow, as he did his best to remember the Roar n Snore - trying to recall a single animal that they had seen. âI⊠I think I liked it?â Percy questioned. âThe - the - the giraffes were my favorite back then, I think. Thatâs - thatâs what my moms told me. I was - I was four, I think.â
âGiraffes are cool. T'ey're like land Loch Ness Nessies.â Dorian remarked, trying to figure out how to calm his boyfriend down. He knew how to soothe April and Danni when they had panic attacks, but Percy? This was new territory. âUh what else what else. Distractions distractions. Uh I can eat 30 beignets in a single sittinâ!â
âThatâs⊠thatâs a lot,â Percy swallowed. He couldnât stop himself from visualizing Dorian now, covered in powdered sugar. âMaybe donât talk about food. Or anything to do with your mouth. Please.â
Not talk about his mouth? Did Percy have anxiety over his- oh. It finally clicked in Dorians mind that Percy wasn't having a panic attack, he was fighting back his hormones. Dorian faded out, leaving Percy to fall down into the seat as he slid off to the side and came back in form. There was enough space for Marvel Jesus between them so that Percy would have some space to himself. âOh. OH! Uh what do you need from me? What can I do?â
Did Dorian not actually realize what he was doing to him? Percy had assumed that this was all on purpose, a game that Dorian wanted to play. He hadnât been much of a horny person before dating Dorian - so it hadnât occurred to Percy that he was essentially just doing this to himself, and it wasnât necessarily Dorianâs doing. âWeâre going to go to the restroom at the museum,â Percy decided. Just one more stop to go. âDid you really not know what you were doing? With having me sit on your lap?â
âOutside waiting for t'e bus yeah I was just teasinâ you a bit. But sittinâ in my lap? T'at's just what couples do? I didn't realize it would turn you on so much. But we can definitely go to t'e restroom when we reach t'e museum. OrâŠâ Dorian then whispered âI could give you a telekinetic âand job.â
Percy flushed at Dorianâs offer, and he shifted his legs again, crossing them as much as was humanly possible. They were in public, on the bus. People were around. People who could see them and hear them. And Percy knew himself enough that it would be very difficult for him to keep quiet, if Dorian was doing that. But he couldnât deny that he was interested - had Dorian still been gripping him like a seat belt, he would have been able to feel how interested Percy was. âThere are people around, Dorian,â Percy protested, somewhat weakly.
âNo one would see? It's mental and discreet technically. But if you want to wait, I t'ink we âave four more stops left.â Dorian said looking at the stops.
âIâm not quiet,â Percy muttered.
âT'at's very true. So i guess it's better in a public restroom where ot'ers may be usinâ it as well and can âear.â Dorian said with a smirk and a shrug.
Percy avoided looking at his boyfriend, squirming slightly in his seat. Dorian had a point. For whatever reason, Percy had been assuming theyâd be able to find the restroom reasonably empty - but there would be other people there. And theyâd have the same volume issue, as Percy doubted that Dorian would be able to pull a gag of sorts out of his tote. âFine. Iâll wait until weâre back to campus. Just - just stop being so⊠so argh,â Percy asked, sliding down slightly in his seat.
âI didn't do anyt'inâ!â Dorian said, half laughing half throwing his hands up. âLets check t'e restrooms first, maybe it's a slow day? If not t'en we wait till after.â
âYes, you did,â Percy grumbled. âWhen you smirk⊠Or act all commanding⊠It drives me nuts, Dorian,â he complained. âItâs like I canât think straight.â
âT'at's not fair! I can't âelp t'ose t'ings! Besides you can't t'ink straight normally. You're gay. So t'at would be pretty âard I'd imagine. Maybe even. âarder t'an you are right now.â
âYouâre pretty hard, too,â Percy pointed out, rolling his eyes a bit at Dorianâs word play. âI canât imagine having me sit in your lap made that any softer.â
âBut I can compose myself.â Dorian said as he stuck out his tongue at Percy. âCan you?â He asked, his hands didn't move from where he was, but Percy would be able to feel what felt like Dorians hands running over that spot on him.
âI can,â Percy wheezed, jolting at the sudden contact, his breath catching in his throat. He crossed his arms defiantly, although at the same time, he shifted in the seat so that way his side was pressed up against Dorian - removing any space that might have been left behind for Deadpool.
Dorian rested his head on Percy's shoulder. âI can tell. T'e sounds and joltinâ around certainly show it sweetie.â He teased.
âI hate you,â Percy grumbled, even as he reached out and took Dorianâs hand.
âNo you don't.â Dorian cooed as he kissed Percys neck.
Percy couldnât completely stifle the moan that escaped from him. His eyes fluttered a bit. âYes, I do,â he insisted.
âFine then.â Dorian pouted as he sat back and and scooched to the corner of the bus, legs up on the seat and pouting.
âDorianâŠâ Percy hesitated for a moment. He thought his boyfriend was just being dramatic right now - but he also had thought Dorian was genuinely trying to rile him up earlier, and he had apparently misread that. Did Dorian actually believe that Percy hated him? Percy could never hate him. Every quality of Dorianâs that was completely insufferable only stood to make Percy like him more. Hell, he⊠Percy swallowed a bit. Was it too soon? âYou should know that I love you. And itâs our stop up ahead,â he added, pulling the yellow cord to signal to the driver that they wanted to get off at the next stop.
Dorian smiled, having it turned into a smirk as Percy spoke. âOh yeah lover boy? T'en come give me a kiss before we get off.â He challenged, dropping one leg down off the seat to give his boyfriend just enough room to climb over him to kiss him.
âYouâre doing it again,â Percy whined slightly. He wasnât about to climb, however, so as the bus started to slow down to come to a halt, Percy carefully stood up, one hand on the seat, and maneuvered himself to be standing directly in front of Dorian. He leaned down and locked his lips with his, softly at first, but then he couldnât help himself and he deepened the kiss, pushing his tongue into Dorianâs mouth.
Dorian leaned into the kiss, passionately. Holding it for a moment before he pulled back slightly and flicked Percy on his dick. âWe're gonna miss our stop you âornball. Let's go.â He said as he began to stand up, tote positioned over his front so nothing was noticeable.
Percyâs brain short-circuited for a brief second, as he temporarily forgot how to breathe. âDorian,â he moaned desperately. He barely managed to get out of his boyfriendâs way as Dorian got up, keenly aware of how he conveniently placed a tote bag - and the way that Percy didnât have a similar level of protection. He hesitated for a moment, before deciding to just pray that it wasnât too too noticeable, and suffer the consequences of his own thoughts. âCome on,â he murmured, hopping off of the bus - it deposited them right in front of the museum, where banners advertised the latest collection, showing images of famous X-Men with the words the Mutant Underground beneath their faces.
Dorian watched as Percy walked out of the bus, waiting for him outside. âYou could've just done a jump out âere and avoided people seeinâ your tent t'ere. But more soâŠdo t'ey t'ink t'e X-men are t'e same as t'e Underground? Cuz t'ey clashed a bit.â He asked as he stared at the banners in equal parts puzzlement and awe.
He paused for a moment. Dorian was completely correct. His mind was so consumed with other things that the simple solution hadnât even occurred to him. He was lucky that they had already aced their classes - it was quickly becoming apparent to him how impossible it was for him to concentrate around Dorian. âHmm. Maybe itâs a marketing strategy?â Percy suggested, before grabbing Dorianâs hand and dragging him inside as quickly as he could.
Dorian followed, walking briskly behind his boyfriend. He didn't realize he had been this excited to see the exhibit as well. That is, until it clicked as to exactly what was exciting Percy so much. Dorian sped up slightly, matching pace with Percy until he vanished, possessing his boyfriend and immediately doing what Percy failed to do in the first place. He Jumped. By the time he was done blinking they were inside the larger stall for the bathroom. No other people seemed to be inside of it right now, and as they landed into the stall Dorian began to spin Percys body. Leaving it once Percys back was to the tiled walls and materializing quickly to Kabedon Percy. Pressing him against the wall as he began to deeply make out with him.
Percy moaned into Dorianâs mouth, his hands going to his boyfriendâs waist as he tried to decrease whatever space could possibly remain between them. The rest of the world seemed to fade away as he eagerly returned Dorianâs kiss, involuntarily thrusting his hips forward into him. It was like his brain short-circuited, refusing to form a single coherent thought that wasnât Dorian, Dorian, Dorian.
Moments passed with no interruption, though chances were high that during all this Dorian may have instinctively locked the restroom door when his powers to ensure of that. Percyâs hair was a down right mess from how often Dorian had run his hands through it or used it like Ratatouille to maneuver him around. If Dorian had any inclination that Percy disliked it he would've stopped. But given how his boyfriend practically begged for it well, it was clear he liked it.
Dorian stood before a mirror, fixing his shirt and pants to make sure it all looked as good as when he had left earlier that day. The contraceptive disposed of inside the toilet and flushed away because above all Casper always said to be safe. He wanted to smack his boyfriends ass, getting one last bit in before he got dressed again but he didn't want to rile him up all over. âDidn't know t'at mutant underground was part of t'e tour.â
Percy rolled his eyes at Dorian, his face still flushed from their efforts. âItâs only for the VIPs at the museum,â he answered, staring more at his boyfriendâs reflection in the mirror than his own. His clothing wasnât too bad off - his hair, however, was a nightmare, one he feared that was beyond salvation. He did his best to run his hands through it slowly and methodically, using a tiny bit of water from the sink to try to encourage it to cooperate and look at least slightly presentable. âDorianâŠ. Would you mind helping me?â
âVIP? Very impressive penis?â Dorian joked as he moved behind his boyfriend and wrapped his arms loosely around him so he could style his hair as if it was his own in the mirror. His hands began to move, running his fineeds through his hair as small amounts of static began to shift and stick the hair into places. Using his powers in lieu of hairspray or gel. â âow do you like t'is babe?â]
It was definitely different than Percyâs usual style. For years, he had done his hair pretty much exactly the same - neatly combed, bangs swept over to one side of his face. Heâd always stuck to that same look for as long as he could remember. He had seen the same hairdresser, and when asked if he wanted something new, heâd always informed them that he liked what he had. But strangely, as he looked in the mirror at the more tousled, carefree styling Dorian had done⊠he found himself liking it. There was even a hint of curls to it - curls that he had been smothering for years with his routine. â⊠Huh. I thought I would hate it, but⊠itâs nice.â He then turned, so he was facing Dorian, his back to the bathroom counter. âMaybe I should let you style me more often.â
âYou're one door down. I could do it easily. I've âelped April witâ âer makeup before sometimes too. But usually I just possess âer and do it for âer when I do t'at.â Dorian said before gently kissing his boyfriend. âNow let's see what else t'is museum âas to offer besides a quiet space. WellâŠsomewhat quietâ He teased with a wink.
He rolled his eyes. âItâs not my fault,â Percy protested. âBut yes - letâs go see how many things they got wrong about your incredibly well connected family,â he said, taking Dorianâs hand and guiding him out of the bathroom. Luckily the museum was free for students - all that it took was showing them their Avengers Academy IDs and they were allowed to enter. The exhibit on the Mutant Underground was new and temporary, but there were other permanent exhibits here - one on the Avengers, one on the superheroes who fought in World War II, even an entire gallery dedicated to strange arcana that had been partially donated by the Sorcerer Supreme. At the posters for the Fantastic Four gallery, Percy pulled a face. He hated the Fantastic Four.
âUgh why are t'ey in âere?â Dorian said motioned to the banners of the Fantastic Four. âNot everyone can be a âero and t'ey definitely prove t'at point more t'an anyone.â He pulled Percy past the banners and towards the Mutant Underground section of the exhibit. A part of him wondered if anywhere amongst all these displays and information if they mentioned Genosha. He fell silent, his eyes scanning placards and information, absorbing it all in as he searched for something about his homeland. Something new.
It was a somewhat small exhibit, primarily comprised of photographs, the occasional television screen showing a recording, and mannequins with various costumes on display. There was an entire wall dedicated to Professor Charles Xavier, explained to be the founder of not only the X-Men, but the Mutant Underground as well - the Underground Railroad for those with the X-Gene in the 2010s and 2020s. Interviews with Storm about the challenges mutants faced each and every day played as visitors walked past, and among the costumes was the famous yellow-and-brown suit of Wolverine. There was even a recovered helmet from Magneto, one of his earlier prototypes, accompanying an explanation about how of the many threats faced by the Underground in their quest for mutant liberation, there was none greater than the Master of Magnetism himself.
Percy raised an eyebrow. âIs this just an X-Men exhibit?â
The more Dorians eyes scanned the words and heard the promoters. The more his smile faltered. Every bit of excitement that he had for this place had vanished. Almost none of what was on display was true. As a matter of fact he'd say at least nine tenths of it was just false information used to glaze and glorify the X-men once more. His hands balled into fists as all the lights and TVs within the area began to flicker and falter. Static forming around a few as railings nearby began to bend and twist in unnatural ways. âXavier? Really?! T'at bald âeaded fuck couldn't even âelp mutants witâ M-Pox! âE was too busy shakinâ âands witâ diplomats to do what really mattered! Magneto offered t'em cures! Salvation! IâŠt'isâŠâ Dorian tried to remain calm and then suddenly.
It was dark.
Emergency lights flickered on but every bit of display had been shut down. âWho was in charge of t'is exhibit?â Dorian growled. Sparks still flying around his fists.
Percy paused for a moment, taking Dorian in. Heâd never seen him angry before, not like this - not even when Arcade had tried to murder them all to jumpstart his career as a supervillain. He didnât want to see his boyfriend upset, of course, but there was something a little exhilarating about seeing Dorian like this. Percy pulled his phone out of his pocket, and quickly looked up the exhibit. âHm. The website says the exhibit was sponsored by the Janet van Dyne foundation,â he mentioned. He grimaced slightly. Janet van Dyne had also made a mutant clothing line, a (hopefully?) well-intentioned move that hadnât been well received.
His eyes then flickered over to the fire extinguisher - and the firemanâs axe encased behind glass next to it. âIf you could ensure we have an alibi, I could⊠make some edits,â Percy offered.
The Van Dynes? Seriously?! Did they have no care or want for true historical knowledge? Just slap their name on any project that would make them look good? Though to those involved in the Underground as well as their children this would be a slap in the face. Dorians eyes fixated on the helmet, a symbol they used to vilify Magneto giving no care for his reform and the building of a mutant paradise. Without thought, Dorians had stretched out and the helmet fled to him, the metal cool to the touch and doing much the same that his necklace did. If this museum didn't care about history then they didn't deserve to have a piece of it. He placed the relic inside his bag, the item instantly vanishing before he looked at Percy.
âLeave it be. I want to talk to t'e Museum manager and see about âavinâ a real exhibit put in. Donated by âeach Underground t'emselves. Photos, items, stories, a map of Genosha, t'e works!â Dorian turned on his heel and began to make his way back towards the Museums Help Desk.
At the museumâs help desk, it was staffed by an androgynous person in approximately their mid-thirties - maybe a little older, maybe a little younger. They had at least half a dozen piercings, and short, curly green hair. They wore the black uniform of the museum employees, but had acrylic nails like talons, and a name tag that said MORGAN. They raised an eyebrow at Dorianâs approach. âCan I help you?â
Percy hung back slightly - this was Dorianâs fight, yes, but he was also here to support his boyfriend if needed. He still had half a mind to grab that firemanâs axe - but he couldnât help but smirk slightly, knowing that Dorian had taken one of Magnetoâs helmets. Given his familyâs aversion to telepaths, he imagined it would be put to good use.
It was difficult to be mad at someone who looked so cool. Difficult but not impossible. âI'd like to speak to tâe manager owner person of t'is museum!â Dorian said sternly but without yelling.
âSame, girl, and he wonât return my calls,â Morgan commiserated. âBut I can give it a shot for you. Whatâs your name and whatâs your problem?â
âIâŠam a guy. And my name is Dorian Gray, son of Maximillian Gray. Member of tâe Mutant Underground! My problem is t'at sad excuse for an exhibit in t'ier! Not'inâ in t'at room is correct. Not t'e members, who ran it, anyt'in! About t'e only t'inâ t'ey did get right was t'e name!â
They raised an eyebrow. âOh, shit, Dorian? Dorian Gray? I havenât seen you since you were, like, a fetus,â they laughed. âYou should tell your dads I say hi - and when they ask you what Iâve been up to, the answer is none of their fucking business, okay?â
Percyâs eyes widened. Did Dorian know everyone?
âYouâre not wrong, though - that exhibit is a piece of shit.â
All the wind instant flew out of Dorian's sails. She was agreeing with him. And she knew him. And his father. He read the name tag finally, seeing the name âMORGANâ plastered in the museum's font. âIâŠwellâŠHiâŠâ Dorian didn't know what to do now. âI uh, âeard a lot about you. Pa said âe'd of invited you over to trips but t'at out of all t'e mutants âe knew you were t'e âardest to get a âold of. Never stayinâ in one place too long.â He said a bit more meekly now, embarrassed about his earlier outburst. âLook, my Pa, uh, Max, can fix all t'is. Put a real display witâ real facts, stories, photos, t'e whole shebang. T'at cool?â
Morgan glanced around, before leaning in closely. âYou blew up my spot, kid. Do you know how long Jinxie and I have been working on this place? They have our shit in their backrooms. Just sitting in boxes. Like our past is just a bunch of toys they can keep. Put up a new display, whatever, I donât care. But if your dad is getting involved, have him make sure the private collection goes back to the people it belongs to.â They then took a step back, before plastering on a fake smile. âYou kids like stickers?â they then asked, in their customer-service voice.
Dorian blinked. Then again. PrivateâŠcollection? They were hoarding and hiding mutant items while keeping them from their owners. âI can justâŠget it for you. I can shut down all video and phase t'rough walls. It's not âard. I can also âaul it all no issue witâ a dimensional portal. You'd just âave to meet me at school. T'at cool?â
They paused for a moment, their eyes unfocusing, before they smirked. âNice. You donât get caught. I love that for me. Sure, kid. We can do that. And no need to tell me where to meet you at your school - you already did.â
âPerce? Wanna see some real Underground stuff?â Dorian said linking arms with Percy and giving him a smirk.
Percy glanced at Morgan, before looking back at Dorian. It would technically be breaking the law. Yet as much as Percy adhered to rules, he chose which ones to abide by. And this wasnât going to be one of them. Laws, after all, were just threats made by the dominant group in power - likely the very people who would gladly see Percy and Dorian dead, for one reason or another. âIâd love to.â
âGood. I t'ink we need to see t'at exhibit again, give it a second chance.â Dorian said with a smile, taking a sticker that Morgan had offered. He walked back into the Mutant Underground Hall, the cameras still broken from his earlier outburst. As soon as no one could see them, he pulled them both into the Astral. Holding onto Percy the entire time as he guided them forward flying towards where the âprivate storageâ was.
Once they'd phased past that door, he looked around for any possible cameras. He phased his hand back in only, shutting off any system that would show who was inside before phasing them both back onto the material. âWoahâŠlook at all t'is stuffâ
There were rows upon rows of shelves, piled high with crates and boxes. Each of them were meticulously labeled, indicating who had donated the item, what it was, and where it had come from. There was an entire section labeled Genosha, the most impressive being tools and equipment used by the Marauders as they sailed the globe, bringing mutant refugees back to the island. There were even preserved bits of flora, the native plants that could no longer grow there - and samples of the soil, carefully sealed so as to not expose their contents.
One thing in particular may stand out to Dorian, however - one of the boxes was simply labeled literature, various. And within it were dozens of journals having belonged to the mutants of Genosha. One of them, banged up and dusty, yellow cover showing its age, would be written in a familiar hand.
Another area of interest would be the racks - with sealed garment bags containing what looked like the apparel from the gala - from Genoshaâs last celebration before its end.
âDo you recognize any of this?â Percy asked, a bit disturbed to see a dead rat lying on one of the shelves.
Dorian began stuffing items in his bag, starting with the Genoshian flora. He'd take care of them no problem. When he turned to look at Percy as he asked, he saw the rat on the shelf and geeked. Running over to him and picking up the dead rat. âNo way! Is t'is T'e Fred! I've âeard so much about âim! Oh we are definitely takinâ âim.â He said stuffing the rat into his bag. âSome of it is stuff of legends. T'in's I'd only âeard of in stories and seen in photos. Like t'is plant âere was made by a fae creature! Well fae mutant. Oh and t'is rebar was one of t'e Undergrounds main weapon. It's a bit bent but what do you expect?â
Percy gagged a bit as Dorian excitedly tossed a dead rat into his bag. He glanced around the room quickly, before finding a box of gloves - he grabbed two pairs and held one out to Dorian. âIf youâre going to touch dead rats, would you please wear these?â he requested. His eyes then fell on a box of photographs, one sticking out slightly. He tugged on it and got a closer look - it seemed like it was the picture of some sort of a party, with a group of folks sitting around a tableâŠ
⊠With Zari and Andy.
ââŠDid they go to Genosha?â
âDid who go?â Dorian asked as he put on some gloves and began making his way to another shelf. Grabbing everything he could, by the box full when possible.
âZari and Andy. Theyâre in this photograph of some sort of party.â
âWhat? T'at's weird no. T'ey're our age. I t'ink t'ey're parents were just big fans of the âeroes of Genosha and named t'em after t'em.â Dorian replied without even looking at the photo at first. Then, something clicked. He came bounding towards his boyfriend, snagging the picture and staring at it. â âow did I not see it. T'at night. Andy and I watched movies. I showed her my family photos and sheâŠI t'ought she was just emotional because she âad a bad âome life but did sheâŠdid she know everyone in my photos?â
Percy frowned slightly. âZari is a time traveler - she uses her watch. I thought she had only used it to cross universes really but⊠Sheâs Zari, sheâs difficult to parse at times - more so than other people.â Heâd known her since he was a child - the idea that she had gone on adventures with Dorianâs parents⊠It was strange to think about.
âSometimes? Zari is âard to parse a lot of times. But if Andy's from GenoshaâŠand was t'ere t'at night t'at t'e T'underinâ Champion vanishedâŠshe'd beâŠâ Dorian began counting on his fingers, tongue out in full concentration. âShe'd be t'irty four?! T'ats so oooold.âcolor]
Percy chuckled. âThirty four and still in high school,â he said dryly. âNo offense to her, though, but Thundering Champion? Really? Have we finally exhausted our list of names?â
âMaybe it's just a sign of t'ier times? I âave a great âero name t'ank you very much.â Dorian said with a puff of his chest. âLook no furtâer t'an Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, and âUman Torch. Even ât'e T'ing, all lame names from a bygone era of âeros. ButâŠwhy'd she travel?â He asked as he made his way towards the box labeled misc lit. Thumbing through the books until he found an old worn out yellow one that appeared more personal than the rest. Well worn, loved, and most likely a diary. Did Andy keep diaries? Dorian thought he remembered her saying as much at one point.
So he opened it, flipping through the pages as the writing looked oddly familiar to him. His smile dropping more and more as he realized this was Pops journal. Jamesâ adventures and thoughts on Genosha and the first few pages he was so alone. So very alone. Tears stained parts and smudged words. It appeared this was when all the others were on ice. Another time Xavier turned a cheek to mutant plight.
âYes, you have a lovely one,â Percy agreed, stepping up to Dorian and giving him a kiss on the cheek. He tilted his head a bit as his boyfriendâs mood suddenly went sullen, and he glanced down at the page. The writing was old and faded. âSomeone you know?â he asked softly.
âPops. Dannis dad, James. It's âis. Looks like before t'e rest of t'e Underground was unfrozen. When Pa and Pappa âad no real future of gettinâ out and Appa was still dead. âE was just soâŠlonely.â
Percyâs eyebrows furrowed slightly. He hadnât heard about this before. He put an arm around Dorianâs waist, pulling the taller boy in close. âDo you want to talk about it?â he asked, not wanting to push.
âJust uhâŠjust anot'er one of Xaviers many failures. T'ats alll. Maybe later. Let's finish up âere, I believe you mentioned anot'er stop before we inevitably meet our uhâŠsource at t'e rendez-vous?â Dorian said, his smirk coming back.
He nodded, making a mental note to never show anything relating to the X-Men to Dorian again. This date had been turning into someone of an emotional rollercoaster - and that hadnât been his intention. Percy briefly placed his head on Dorianâs shoulder, hoping that the physical touch would help. âYes, Iâm taking you out to dinner - like any proper gentleman.â
âOh? A reverse date? Usually you dine before t'e bedroom antics but âere we went and did it t'e ot'er way around. UnlessâŠyou're planninâ for a second dose you dirty dog.â Dorian teased him as he began to gather more items and shove them into his tote.
âI did try to plan the perfect date,â Percy said with a slight smirk. âHow many doses do you think you can dispense, Dorian? Just two?â he challenged.
âEveryt'in you do is perfect babe.â Dorian remarked as he grabbed the last of the items within the room. They'd have to look through it later and see what all they snagged before Morgan showed up again. âRude. I can go as much as I want to. I just didn't want to overwork your poor little âeart. It was practically ready to burst back on t'e bus.â
âIt was not,â Percy protested, his eyes narrowing a bit. He was only a few inches shorter than his boyfriend, but Percy was small for his age - and his height. âI could handle way more than youâve ever thrown at me,â he boasted.
âWell t'en. I'll âave to break out some of Pappaâs stuff t'en. Did you know t'ere a mutant Kama Sutra? So many ways to use your powers forâŠot'er t'ings. Since you can âandle it.â Dorian said as he held his hand out for Percy to take. âJump us out?â
Percy raised an eyebrow. âA mutant Kama Sutra?â he repeated. âHow would that - how would that even work? Is it organized into rough classes of powers? The things someone with telekinesis can do are very different than, say, someone with plasticity. And then you have to consider the abilities of the partner - thatâs an entirely different factor. How long is this book? Is it Genoshan?â A little twinge of nervousness then filled his stomach, as Dorian asked for him to jump them out. Heâd been practicing his jumps. They were still hit-or-miss - he would never admit it, but Dorian seemed to almost have a better grasp on them than he did. Blue energy curled around his hands, and seemed to vibrate for a moment. But each time he tried, he just couldnât focus enough - not enough to grab him and Dorian for the jump.
âAmazing break down to be âonest. It does âave an organization based on rough power structures but tâere's also a section in tâe back t'at âas power combinations as well. T'inkâŠzodiac books t'at tell you who a good match would be based on signs but it's powers instead.â Dorian noticed the blue energy begin to swirl around their hands and thenâŠnothing. He knew Percy had trouble sometimes, but he figured it was because he was too in his own head. Too focused on focusing and not enough on just letting it happen. âC'mon, try again.â Dorian said calmly, this time facing Percy and holding both hands. As soon as he began to see the blue begin to form, Dorian leaned into and pressed a deep kiss into his boyfriend. By the time he pulled back they were outside on the sidewalk.
His face was faintly pink as he stared at Dorian - the contest was just weeks away and he still didnât have this reliably under control. Yes, he hadnât had his powers as long as Dorian - he was two years his younger, and his teleportation ability hadnât even shown up first, it had been his language skills. â... What does it say about us, then?â Percy asked, trying to pretend like that hadnât just happened.
âI âaven't umâŠâaven't really looked at it yet. It's only just âappened and t'ere's so much to cover so mostly focused on what my powers did, even t'en t'ey've been growinâ all year so much more to explore. UmâŠwow boy am I âungryâ Dorian said trying to cut out of that conversation. He hadn't expected for Percy to ask him that, to ask what their sexual compatibility was. They'd have to look at the book later.
âWell, the place we are going isnât far,â Percy said, missing completely any awkwardness. He took Dorianâs hand and guided him a few blocks past the museum, where some sort of a street carnival was going on. There was live music, dancing, and food trucks from just about every part of the world - little booths selling local goods and art too, and even some games. âI didnât know what type of food youâd want the most⊠so they have just about everything here you could want.â He wasnât a huge fan of the crowds here personally, but he had planned the date to lead up to this, as he was so hopeful Dorian would love it. So he could bear a higher density of people around for a while.
Dorian enjoyed the several block walk from the museum to where they were going. The weather was perfect, just enough cloud coverage to keep the sun out of his eyes but not enough to remove the light for the day. He'd always wanted to explore and see more of California. While they did travel just about everywhere, talking a walk with you boyfriend on unknown streets was somehow very different. As they rounded the corner and the full display of their new date location was revealed to him, his eyes sparkled with wonderment.
The scene itself was not unlike the French Quarter. Live music, street art and art lined up and for sale, the vibrancy of life and beauty on display for all to see. But one thing that was different, that stood out amongst it all, was the food trucks encircling them. âWha?! I t'ought food trucks were just in movies and shows. I've never actually âad food from one. Percy!!!â Dorian said with excitement as he wrapped his arms around his boyfriend and peppered him with kisses.
He laughed slightly, his own arms settling on Dorianâs waist. A small sense of relief did wash over him, seeing how much Dorian was excited for this. âThe best food in Los Angeles is from food trucks - youâll like it,â Percy promised. âShall we?â
Dorian nodded furiously as he hooked his boyfriends hand again. âYou really know âow to plan a perfect date. âEist and all.â He said. He was practically beaming with happiness, grinning from ear to ear as he read each and every food trucks menu to figure out what the perfect bite might be.
Percy blushed slightly, even as he couldnât keep himself from grinning at the praise. âThank you. I try to set a high standard,â he said, giving Dorianâs hand a slight squeeze. âWhere did you want to start?â
Dorian tried to think, what was a good post heist starter for a multi-cultural meal? His eyes darting around until finally he said âTacos. We start with tacos.â He pulled Percy towards the food truck, placing his arms crossed against the metal shelf as he ordered. ââi! Could I get two carnitas, Two Al Pastor, and Two Cochinitas. Oh and a âorchata please?â Dorian turned to face Percy âDid you want anyt'inâ from âere?â
At first, Percy had assumed Dorian was ordering for both of them - he was, as Dorian loved reminding him, rather tiny compared to his boyfriend, so it took him a moment to realize that was just food for Dorian. âHmm. Iâll take a horchata - one pollo and one carne asada, as well, please.â
Dorian began digging into his pocket to pull out his wallet. The one thing he did know how to buy was food. Always food. Handing the worker some cash before getting back a ticket with a number to listen for while they waited. âShould we go get t'e other food started while we wait for t'is one?â
Percy nodded. The taco truck was busy - it might be a moment before their order would be ready. And if they got everything together, theyâd be able to find a place to step off to the side and eat. Heâd already been bumped and jostled a bit just in their way to get to the taco truck - and the sheer amount of people around was making him feel a little queasy, a little overwhelmed. âLetâs. Whatâs next?â Percy asked, content to let Dorian make the food choices.
âWell we got our apps, now for t'e main meal. Let's get some Shwarma! It's very important after a big ordeal. T'en maybe some Taiyaki for dessert and a side of ice cream.â Dorian said as he pointed out each truck associated with the food while he listed them out.
He chuckled slightly. âShwarma isnât too on the nose for students from the Avengers school?â he teased slightly. âHmm. So if Shwarma is critical after a big ordeal, then is the Taiyaki critical for after a heist?â Percy added.
Dorian contemplated his answer, hopping up into the air criss-cross, floating subconsciously, and gently as he thought about it. He had meant the heist was the big ordeal, but if this meant that after any future potential heists he'd get Taiyaki, well then he'd have to say yes. His feet touched ground once more before he answered. â I t'ink t'e combo Taiyaki and Ice Cream is yes. Like fries and a sundae.â
Percy marveled at him for a moment, admiring his boyfriendâs level of control. He looked so serene like this, like a demigod from an old story. Definitely a child of Hades, he decided. âPerfect,â Percy said, before taking Dorianâs hand and navigating their way through the thickening crowd towards the Shwarma truck. âWhat do you want?â
âJust the usual beef one should be fine enough. Don't want anyt'in too âeavy or i may not âave room for dessert.â Dorian replied. He hadn't noticed how Percy was looking at him, really he hardly even noticed he'd used his powers at all. It just felt more natural to him when he was deep in thought to float. Being able to move in three dimensions was a simple way to help him focus oddly enough. âWhat about you?â
âHmm, I might try the lamb one,â Percy mused. He stepped up to the little window of the truck when it was their turn in line, ordering one lamb and one beef shawarma. He paid with some of the remaining cash that he had on him, and took their ticket number, before stepping back. They probably still had a few moments until the tacos would be out. âTaiyaki?â Percy confirmed.
Dorian didn't even bother to respond. Hurrying over as he pulled Percy along with him over to the Taiyaki truck. Technically it had more than that, but all Dorian was fixated on was the fishy goodness and a matcha ice cream scoop. âT'e movies make t'is seem so much quicker. T'e lines always behind tâem not ahead.â Dorian said as bit impatiently as he got on his tip toes to see how many more people were ahead of them.
For a brief second, Percy debated whether or not they could use either his powers or Dorianâs to cut the line - Dorian could possess people to force them to leave, and Percy could make a jump to the front. But he dismissed the idea somewhat quickly. Theyâd already been pushing their luck today. And he didnât think Dorian would love the idea of forcing people to leave the line. âHmm. I read that one thing you are supposed to do for the perfect date is to ask each other questions,â he offered. âI could ask you questions while we wait? Or you could ask me.â
âOh! I uh, t'ink i âeard t'at too. âOw about you ask me somet'in t'en i ask and we keep goinâ from t'ere?â
He nodded. âWhat do you want to do when you graduate?â
âIâŠdon't know. I t'ought i did. T'at it was simple. I want to be a âero butâŠVicky said t'ats not a job. She's kinda right. T'ere isn't always a crisis or people to âelp it's not a twenty-four âour t'ing soâŠI need to t'ink about what I want to do alongside it all.â
Percy hadnât realized until just then that there was an unspoken second part to his question - that when Dorian graduated, he would be leaving. And Percy would still be at the academy for another two years. It wasnât a happy realization - one that just underscored how quickly heâd become attached to Dorian. He genuinely couldnât imagine the school without him. âYou could talk to my moms about it if youâd want - being a hero is their full time job. Although Mama probably spends more time in the lab than out in the field.â
âWell all t'e teachers at school are âeros right? Maybe i can intern? Teach a class as i wait for t'e world to need me. Keep an eye out for t'e âeros who get overlooked.â Dorian replied. He'd never considered a teaching job before, if anything he figured he'd follow along his parents footsteps and help mutants in need but, couldn't providing a safespace within school do just that? If Arcade was anything to go by, they needed more heroes at the school to watch out for the little ones.
Percy smirked a bit. âYou do have teaching experience nowâŠâ
âI do?â Dorian asked puzzled.
He tilted his head at him. âYes, you do.â
Dorian blushed, waving Percys comment away. âI can't do t'at as a TA. T'ats like, illegal and gross! Imagine if Poisson-Pas tried to teach you tâat way. Eww.â
Percy made a face, looking like he might gag. âPlease. I have no desire to imagine anything about Nemoâs sexual habits.â
âExactly! Besides, I'd be takenâŠoh would t'at be weird? I'd be datinâ a studentâŠmaybe i could intern at a different school. Like Stranges's, tâough âe was annoyed t'at i didn't go t'ere instead of âereâŠâ Dorian began mumbling to himself.
He tried to bite back a slight smile. Theyâd still be dating when Dorian graduated, then - since Percy had no intention of breaking up with him. However, there was still that bit of sadness at the idea - that Dorian would go back to New Orleans, while Percy would remain here. Maybe heâd drop out? He didnât technically need a high school diploma to go travel throughout space-time. It was illegal, but if he wasnât in this timeline anymore, would it really matter? Or he supposed he could go in the opposite direction, and try to graduate early - he could maybe shave off a year that way, but he doubted heâd be able to manage two. â... I would miss you very much,â Percy said quickly. âI believe itâs your turn to ask a question.â
âMiss me? Perce if you t'ink i wouldn't beg Dr. Strange for a sling ring so I could see you easier you âave anot'er t'inâ cominâ Gonna take a whole organization to keep me away from you, and even t'en I'd fight t'em every step i could.â Dorian replied without a chuckle before deciding on his question. âOk ok ok. If you weren't datinâ me, who do you t'ink you would find âot enough to date at school?â
He couldnât stop the smile on his face this time. Dorian would fight an entire organization just to get to him? It made Percyâs little heart swoon. As prickly as he often appeared to others, he was a bit of a hopeless romantic at heart. His mother had almost destroyed an entire universe just to save a friend - that sort of action had formed the gold standard in his mind for what to look for in the people he loved. âIf I wasnât dating youâŠâ Percy frowned, thinking through the other boys at school. There were definitely other pretty boys, but Percy wasnât just dating Dorian because he was pretty. The question also mildly felt like a trap. If Dorian hadnât specified at school, he would have just answered his celebrity crush - Daniel Craig. âI donât think I would be dating anyone, if I wasnât dating you,â he said. âBut if this is purely on how attractive they are⊠Hulkling, because then he can shift to look like you.â
Dorian opened his mouth to speak, closed it, opened it again, then closed it once more. He was speechless. Mulling the answer over in his mind as he was justâŠshocked at how smooth it was. âCheaterâ Dorian said dryly, a smile poorly hidden on his face as he said it.
Percy smirked, incredibly pleased with the way it was now Dorianâs turn to struggle to speak. How the tables had turned. âIâd like to ask you the same question, now - and you canât reuse my answer,â Percy then challenged, riding out the high of his mini victory.
Dorian crossed his arms and huffed out a bit of air. âNo fair. You stole âalf my answer. It's eit'er Billy or Teddy. I guess Tommy too if you're into a white âaired Billy. Very Magneto t'ough. But it's a bit weird since two of t'em are related to my best friend.â
Percy frowned. His stomach suddenly started feeling odd, almost twisted. He made a mental note to ensure that he was always with Dorian whenever Wiccan, Speed, or Hulkling were around - he knew that Wiccan and Hulkling were dating, as everyone in school knew, but the idea that Dorian might find them attractive was upsetting. âDanielâs related to Wiccan and Speed?â
âWhat? No. April. T'ey'reâŠcousins? I t'ink, basically âer dad is Wanda's brot'er but like not as cool as Pietro but just as douchey from what I âear. SoâŠâ Dorian shrugged. He hadn't noticed Percys uncomfortableness towards his answer. He figured everyone knew about his crush on the Scarlet Witches mystical son. But he'd long left that crush during the last summer and moved on. Now the only thing he cared about doing with Billy was crushing him at the Contest of Champions.
He nodded slightly. Heâd heard some complaints from his mother, Dominika, about Aprilâs parents. They had worked together, back in the day - and as his mother told it, Aprilâs parents had been a little too thrilled when she was fired for helping Hank Pym to create Ultron (and then Vision). âMy mother doesnât like them very much.â The line was moving - slowly, but it was moving. It was almost their turn to order, and then they likely needed to go pick up the food from the other trucks. âI know I just asked a question, so you can ask one instead if youâd like but⊠Are you feeling better about the April situation now?â
âI don't know much about âer mot'er. Pa says she got better after she âad âer kids. Or t'at maybe she just got tired and t'at made âer more tolerable. But it doesn't seem like April cares much for t'emâŠâ Dorian said as he shuffled forward. âIt's weirdâŠlike, I should've seen it, every call, every video, never âome but also never witâ âer family. I mean Danni and I spend time out and about in t'e French Quarter butâŠto say âer âome was suffocatinâ at times? I just assumed âer parents got on âer nerves. A dumb rule or somet'inâ but nowâŠafter all t'isâŠi don't knowâŠâ Dorian looked down as he spoke, watching the blades of grass blowing in the wind that wound between everyone's feet. He snapped out of it for a moment âI'm sorry, what was t'e question?â
Percy gently wrapped an arm around Dorianâs waist, studying his face, his body language, his posture intently. âI asked if you were feeling better about the situation now,â he said gently. âYou⊠Hmm. It seemed like you were potentially blaming yourself, when you told me about it after it happened.â
âI'm âer best friend. She's basically a sister to me andâŠâow could i not see t'e signs? âOw could i not blame myself? I replay conversations and calls and see t'in's i shoulda seen t'e first time. And it kills me âow naive and blind I was. I'm glad she's out, t'at she's better butâŠdid it âave to get to tâis point?â Dorian asked as he leaned his head onto Percys.
âI donât know,â Percy admitted. He wished he could have fixed this for Dorian somehow - that he could have enough control over his powers to jump back, to tell someone that Dorianâs sister needed help. Anything he could do to alleviate some of those feelings of guilt, of blame. He only knew April in passing, but she was important to Dorian - and Dorian meant the world to him. Heâd change everything that had ever hurt him if he could. âI am sure sheâs better off for having you, though. I donât think thereâs anything you could have done differently.â
Dorian sighed. He was right. Even if he'd caught it sooner would that have mattered? Would April's parents listen to him? Would she listen to her parents? He couldn't fix it, only the Lithium could do that. ButâŠcould he have done more? âYou're right.â Dorian smacked his cheeks lightly a few times to shake himself out of it. âIf you could travel to any point in time, where would you go?â
Percy hesitated for a moment. His immediate thoughts on where to go were all things for Dorian - to take him to Genosha (and potentially save the island), to try to get him back in time soon enough to help his friend. He used to have his own personal tier list of locations to travel to, but they all seemed so silly now - they were points of historical curiosity that he wanted to have confirmation on, they were famous battles from ancient myths, iconic sights that had been lost to the sands of time. âI⊠I would still want to take you to your island,â he admitted. â... I hope that isnât⊠that isnât too clingy of me.â
âToo clingy? Non, corny? Yes. But t'at also feels like a non answer. I want to know where you want to go. What places interest you, or time periods. Maybe even see Pompeii beforeâŠwell yeah. Oh oh or maybe see a Pharoah be entombed and mummified! Or see âow t'e world looked before man came along.â Dorian rambled out as more and more ideas came spewing forth.
âHmm. Very well. Thereâs a lot of debate on whether or not the Trojan War has any historical basis - I would like to go see for myself,â Percy explained. âItâs possible itâs just an amalgamation of other events - but given that we know gods do exist and move in our world⊠I would be very curious to see what is true.â
âYou just want to see Achilles ass for yourself.â
âWhat?â Percy tilted his head. âIf I did, it would be for strictly academic reasons,â he insisted.
âOH I'm suuuure. Just academically seeing the circumference of âis perfect double globes. T'at is if t'e statues are even accurate.â
âAre you jealous of Achilles?â Percy raised an eyebrow.
âNon mon amour, when my legend is told t'ey won't confuse my Achilles for just beinâ a roommate. T'ey'll know it was love, and gay.â Dorian said nudging Percy softly.
He chuckled slightly, leaning into his boyfriend. Percy debated saying something else, for a moment, but it was finally their turn at the front of the line to get the Taiyaki and ice cream. Heâd been so focused on Dorian that he truly didnât have any idea what he wanted from here. âWhat do you recommend?â he asked him.
Dorian rolled his eyes playfully before looking towards the employee. âCan we get two Original Taiyaki's please! Oh and two scoops of Matcha Ice Cream in a cup for each of us please and t'ank you.â After ordering he stepped behind Percy, letting him pay for the dessert.
Percy stepped up to the window, handing over his last bit of cash. While the other food trucks took a bit for the orders to come on out, this one was a lot faster when it came to distribution - it was only a moment or two before their order was ready. Percy stood up on his toes to be able to reach up to grab the items, carefully collecting the Taiyaki and the ice cream.
âFind us a spot and I'll grab t'e rest of our orders.â Dorian said before placing a kiss onto Percy's cheek. He made his way over towards the taco truck, going from one to another in the same order they placed the food in. He didn't have enough hands to carry it all, clearly (i mean he wasn't Ben), but he did have his telekinesis to help him out a bit. Precariously lifting the food, drinks and everything all at once as he handed the tickets to grab each order.
He nodded, quickly looking around the area - there were standing tables and whatnot, some of them right next to the stage where the music was being performed. But the minute Dorian left, it was like the crowd density had been turned up to an eleven - his hands felt clammy, and every few seconds someone was bumping into him, with only the occasional apology. His breath caught in his throat a bit, so when Percy spotted an empty-ish looking space, he made a beeline for it. There was a small neighborhood park that touched one end of the small festival space, where an old picnic table sat vacant beneath some trees. Once Percy got there, he put down the desserts and took a few breaths, the itchy feeling on his skin vanishing, as he pulled out his phone to text Dorian where he was.
Dearest Dorian,
I am at the picnic table in the park near the Taiyaki truck. Please join me when you can.
Yours, Percy.
Dorian felt his phone buzz, pulling it out and flipping it open to reveal Percy's message. There was something endearing about the way Percy texted, as if it was some time forgotten love note penned by candlelight.
I see you my love, and shall ajoin you anon. Forsooth.
Your obedient servant D.Gray.
To say it was a bit of a hassle to get through the crowd was an understatement. He'd lost sight of the food, having floated it high enough so people couldn't grab at it, but also to avoid dropping any from a collision. By the time he'd made it over towards the Picnic table, Dorian was already a bit wiped. He laid his head down on the table as the food and drinks slowly floated down. âNever. Doinâ T'at. Again. Well not soon anyways. Man carryinâ food is a lot of work.â
Percy rubbed his back gently, a bit amused to see his boyfriend actually tired out from using his powers. Heâd been beginning to think that Dorian had an unlimited fountain of energy to pull from. âMaybe eating the food will reenergize you?â Percy suggested.
âI'm sure it will. T'en i could lift mountains of food more, mountains of beignets!â He said with a triumphant huff before sitting up and grabbing his first taco.
âHow much can you lift, telekinetically?â Percy asked, curious as he took a sip of his horchata. He was vaguely aware that telekinesis was like a muscle, and the more people trained with it, the more they were able to move - certainly much more than theyâd be able to lift physically.
Dorian shrugged as he sipped at his drink. Watching an ice cube sink further down the glass. â No idea, not like I lift weights witâ it. It's weird it's like, I always could but didn't know I could? April freaks out and it's pipes burstinâ, Danni catches t'in's ablaze, but anytime I didâŠwell t'in's would go flyinâ. Whole rooms turned upside down in a flurry of items beinâ tossed by an invisible âurricane. It's why I called myself Poltergeist. Never realized it was telekinesis, just t'ought it was ghost stuff.â
âHmm. Maybe you should try⊠for scientific purposes,â he reasoned, avoiding eye contact as he took another sip. He then took one of his tacos, and took a careful bite into it, doing his best to keep anything from falling out and dripping onto his brand new clothes. Percy didnât have a great sense for what it looked like to others when he was upset - all languages sounded approximately the same to him, so he wouldnât have known if he switched the one he spoke in - and as for the jumps, he found that his body was much more likely to make them spontaneously when he was excited.
Dorian was midway through his last taco when Percy suggested he lift some weight with his mind. Did that even help? âI mean i could? You could âelp me out, be a spotter and record t'e info qe get from it all. See if t'ere's a difference after some time.â He said not thinking much of it.
âYes,â Percy answered a little too quickly. He then swallowed slightly. âErm, yes. I would definitely help record. I think we would need to do at least one session a day in order to have reliable, accurate data⊠Maybe twoâŠâ
Dorian watched as his boyfriend began to get flustered again. A smirk creeping on his lips as he came to a realization. âOut of curiosity, âow much do you weigh?â
âErm⊠About 116 pounds,â Percy said. He was pretty small for his age and height - definitely underweight for sure, and something his doctor was concerned about.
âSo 116 and 170 added togetâer isâŠ286âŠand I tâink tâere's some variables tâere for when objects are in motion soâŠlet's say I've liftedâŠ300? And t'ats witâ me doinâ ot'er physical activity so who knows what I can do when I'm not.â Dorian said with a wink.
âIâm not going to let you get to me like this so easily,â Percy bluffed. He had already been entertaining a slight fantasy of Dorian shirtless, lifting him and a variety of other weights at the same time.
âThat so?â Dorian remarked as he tried to use his telekinesis to undo Percy's belt. His powers gripped onto the buckle, shuffling it side to side before it felt flat on his lap again still buckled. Dorian groaned in annoyance before eating his Shwarma.
A small part of Percy was disappointed as Dorianâs powers failed him. But it was probably for the best - they didnât need a repeat of how turned on Dorian had gotten him earlier that day on the bus, not in such a public place. âWe can go back to school if youâre tired,â he offered, a little concerned.
âI can do t'is all day.â Dorian snipped back playfully before taking another bite. âJust, not used to usinâ it so much in a controlled manner. ItsâŠâarder t'an it looksâŠbut I'll get it!â
âVery well, Captain,â Percy said curtly. He took a bite of his own Shwarma now, skipping his usual protocol of eating all of a certain category of food first before moving on - purely as he doubted heâd have room for all of this if he did that. âHmm. Maybe then it isnât just my powers we should be practicing together. Maybe we should work on your telekinesis as well.â
Dorian raised an eyebrow at that remark. He had used it a time or two to do the telekinetic tango. After all, using all three dimensions was much more fun than just the two most were used to. âIt definitely sounds like we need to open t'at book t'en. See what all i can try and do. Expand my âorizons as it were.â
Percy had actually meant real practice - the sort that could be done in a room where others might be present. But if that was how Dorian wanted to practice⊠he wasnât about to say no. âI still have a lot of questions about that book. Is it alright if I annotate it? Do you have a spare copy?â He wasnât going to ask his moms to buy it for him - and he had used all his spending money on this date.
âMmmmm. I only âave my one copy but you can borrow it if you'd like. I'd âave to ask Pa for it but I'm sure âeach wouldn't mind portaling it over. What kinda questions do you âave?â
âHmm. Well obviously, I want to know what it says about us. I also want to see what level of generalization it has to powers - the more specific, I imagine the more content that has to be included at the risk of redundancy, but if itâs too broad, then it wonât really apply to everyone. And how niche are the powers included in it? Does it only deal with the most common mutant powers? Whatâs the threshold for being included? Does it have a mechanism for unique combinations from a single person - or is every power combination treated as one from each partner? And who wrote this? Is it largely theoretical or is this⊠practical knowledge they had?â
âI don't fully remember who wrote it. Some girl like Susie or somet'inâ? It was co-written witâ anotâer aut'or who went by Sin Sister. Which is a good name if you just write smut i guess.â Dorian replied while eating some more of his food. âWhy? You wanna see more books by t'em? Bookmark t'in's you want to try out? Use red bookmarks for t'in's you don't want to do?â
âYou can learn a lot about a book by knowing about its author - and the other way around, too,â Percy explained. âLike every person who translates something, they have some sort of an opinion, an objective, that comes through. Itâs why there are so many frankly misogynistic translations of the Odyssey, the Iliad⊠But also yes, I would be curious to see what else theyâve written.â
âWhat biases would you âave put in if you translated t'ose stories? What's your agenda?â Dorian asked as he moved onto the matcha ice cream, taking a spoonful of it.
Percy almost froze for a moment - feeling more stunned than anything else. He was so used to think about the biases of others, that he never considered - he never considered applying them to himself. He thought of his mutant power over language to be objective, to be free from that. But how could it be? Everything was still filtered through his own perception. âI⊠donât know,â he scrunched up his face, falling deeply into thought. âI think⊠I think our biases are easier for other people to notice, so⊠What would you say they are?â
Dorian thought, the small wooden spoon given to them with the ice cream now firmly pressed between his lips as he focused on the question at hand. âWell, you care about t'e journey, t'e trutâ , and t'e âeros. I've seen your annotations, what you find important or incorrect. But I t'ink sometimes you focused too much on what's messy, t'e parts t'at don't play well witâ ot'ers, t'e ones t'at can't be neatly tied in a bow or set aside and finished. You focus on t'ier biases but in a way I t'ink it also focuses on parts you can't quite cleanly resolve. If any of t'at makes sense.â
âHmm. Fascinating. Iâll need to think more on that,â Percy mused. His immediate instinct was to try to find a way to correct for that bias of his⊠but then he would only be reinforcing that. But the idea of his own translations being imperfect was a strange one, uncomfortable even. Heâd always assumed that his readings were correct, having had no real reason to think otherwise. And yet⊠he had thought his reading of Dorian was correct, when they had first met. How wrong he has been. âDorian⊠After our first meeting⊠Why did you not hate me?â
Dorian paused, all matter of eating. Why did he not hate him? What kind of a question was that? âWhy would I âate you after one meetin'?â It was a simple question, but an honest one.
âI was cruel to you.â
âYou were upset. We burned your nice jacket. Besides, everyone âas an off day. If we made assumptions about everyone off of t'e first impression, we'd never get anywhere. People need to be more flexible in âow t'ey t'inkâŠotâerwise we get people like Purifiers who only âate mutants on first look and not true content.â
For a moment, Percy sat in silence. He blinked his eyes, suddenly finding them a bit misty. He⊠he knew that he was rigid, that he was inflexible. He knew that he made quick judgments and held onto them. He hadnât wanted Arcade rehabilitated - he had wanted him killed. To hear⊠to hear those traits connected with Purifiers⊠it rattled him. He didnât know what to say, completely at a loss.
He couldnât help but wonder am I a good person?
Fuck. Was all Dorian could think as he noticed the sudden change in Percy. Did he say something? Do something? Was Purifier a trigger word? âBabe? Are you ok?â
Percyâs breath caught in his throat. Blue energy started to build up around his hands, his body getting ready to flee, as he sat there trembling, horrified.
Dorian phased through the table in order to sit next to Percy. Placing his hand over Percy's as he wrapped the other around him and pulled him in tight. âTalk to me, what's goinâ on in t'at âead of yours?â
He couldnât help it now, tears flowing despite his best efforts as Dorian embraced him. Did he deserve him? No. âThe way you said that Purifiers think⊠thatâs how I think,â he mumbled.
Dorian pressed a tight kiss against Percy's forehead before pulling him in again. âYou are not'in like t'em. Yeah you're a little judgemental at times, but you also just a kid, we all are. We âave so much time and room to grow I'm lucky I've âad t'e safety and life I âave. Lucky I âave so many experiences to broaden my t'oughts. We grew up differently, t'inkinâ differently, but t'at doesn't mean you can't learn to see t'e world a new way. I've already seen âown far you've gone, and I bet Aggie would agree you'll go so much more too.â
Percy had never felt so small before, as he sobbed into Dorianâs shoulder. He hadnât even known this fear was inside of him, the strength of this emotion taking him completely by surprise. He did remember what Agatha had said - that he would be alone, stuck under the thumb of some other person.
And that he was in love with Dorian Gray.
Sheâd been right, then.
â⊠Agatha told me that day that I was in love with you,â he said hoarsely. âAnd that I would end up alone.â
Dorian wanted to ask, but, was it too soon?
âWellâŠwas she right? Are you in love witâ me?â
âYes.â
âYes?â Say it. Say it. Dorian wanted to hear the words.
Percyâs eyes were red, as he lifted his head off of Dorianâs shoulder, confused. He had told him earlier that day. What game was this? âYes, I love you.â
Dorian's heart fluttered. Pulling Percy into a tight hug, practically knocking any air out of him. âI love you too you big dope. And you'll never be alone, t'ats one tâinâ Aggie got wrong. Cuz you cant get rid of me t'at easily. I'll âaunt you.â
He could barely breathe, feeling Dorian tightly all around him - but in a way, that was good. It felt safe. The tears had stopped - and Percy hadnât even had a moment yet to feel embarrassed that he had cried in front of his boyfriend, he hadnât cried in front of someone else in years, he was fourteen years old after all.
He loved him. He really did. He wanted to be better for him.
He thought back to all the things he had said to Agatha - how he had claimed that he wasnât a romantic - but here he was, hopelessly in love. Any future without Dorian in it just didnât seem worth living in.
âIs that a promise?â Percy sniffled.
âSo long as you live I will love you with all my âeart Percy Theo Novikova.â
âItâs⊠never mind,â Percy sighed slightly, before laying his head on Dorianâs chest. He never wanted to let go.
Dorian had given most of the items taken from the museum back to Morgan. Holding on to a few pieces he didn't think they would miss. One of them was a Polaroid picture that contained Andy and Zari within it. One taken back during the time of Genosha, before it fell. He wasn't sure how best to handle this, bouncing his foot as he sat on his gaming chair before spinning in a circle and almost falling off. Fine. He'd do it. He was going to talk to Andy. Dorian pulled out his phone and sent her a quick message.
Hey, can we talk? Privately? In your room?
He would've asked for Zari to join, but he didn't know Zari like that. And to be honest, he would've felt cornered himself if it was a two against one deal. Dorian hadn't told anyone about the photograph he'd found. Granted he had just gotten it a day ago, but even still he figured they had a reason for keeping this all such a big secret.
Andy was bad about her phone. It was buried in her backpack, which she had barely touched. But at least it was in the same room as her, and charged. She put a bookmark in the book she was ready. She was only about a hundred pages into it, but she liked The Lightning Thief. Mads had brought them back from her home after Thanksgiving break for her to borrow. There were a lot of books so it was a bit daunting.
Andy read the message. She frowned a bit wondering why he wanted to talk to her privately in her room. She went over anything that might have affected Dorian since Thanksgiving and only her conversation with Danni stood out. That didnât seem like it would upset him though. She responded back
Yeah, Iâm here, doorâs unlocked.
So she waited, picking back up the book and reading it.
Without skipping a beat Dorian snagged the photo and went Astral, flying through dorm rooms and floors until he reached Andy's. It was the quickest way to travel and also the easiest. A rush of air and cold breeze would sweep right past Andy as he entered, skirting to a stop by a wall near the empty bed before he rematerialized and plopped onto it, photo firmly tucked into his back pants pocket. âUh. âey? Glad you saw my text. It wasâŠI'd say a 45 55 shot t'at you'd actually see it? Between Zari and wellâŠnot beinâ t'e most tech savvyâŠwhich is cool it's fine.â Dorian began to rambled as his nerves started kicking in, anxious about the conversation he was going to have.
âGuess the door being unlocked or not isnât an issue with you.â She smiled, re-bookmarking the book and setting on her night stand. The room was clean. Some plants left by Mai on her side of the room, which Andy had kept caring for, were the only sign she had ever had a roommate. Sitting on the other bed was the doll that held her mother. She should have shoved her in a drawer, but she was being quiet.
âI should charge it. But at least it was in the same room as me. I hate having the ringer on, but if it wasnât Iâd never know I had a call or text. Though, it isnât like I text a lot. And basically no one calls me.â She shrugged. âSo, what do you want to talk about?â She asked.
Dorian looked at Andy, the door, then Andy again before awkwardly pointing towards it. âOh. I. Should I go out and come back in again? Kinda just zipped in and forgot all about t'e door to be âonest.â He said after giving her an apologetic smile. He hadn't even meant to chastise about the phone, but he realized now all he was doing was stalling. Trying to find the perfect words to this imperfect problem. âOkfineilljustgooutandsayit. I know.â The words shot out of him in a single breath, not letting a single word end before the other began as if slowing down would somehow make the words more painful for them both.
Andy frowned, âNo, you donât need to leave. But what do you mean you know? Know what?â A thought, but she had to be sure. Had to know what he meant. Would he be mad? Would Max and the others?
âI know you and Zari time traveled. And before you do anytâinâ I âaven't told a soul! Promise. Pinky Promise! Well okay one ot'er person knows but I didn't tell t'em t'ey were witâ me durinâ t'e revelation.â Dorian had both his arms out, palms facing Andy in an attempt to placate her. He wasn't sure how a time hidden being would react. Would she attack? Summon Zari with an ancient Asgardian horn? Shoot lighting? Throw a Pillow?! His heart was racing but he couldn't not talk to her about this.
Andy smiled, she sighed relieved. âSorry I didnât tell you when you told me about Max and Casper and Ben and James. I didnât know how to talk about it. But after going to Dr. Whitehall I just spewed it all out at her. Itâs been kind of weird. Iâm glad you havenât told anyone. I know Zari said it was okay to talk about it with Whitehall, but like there is a reason I left. I mean other than following Zari and I couldnât risk it getting out I was here. That first day, the witch, she recognized it. Max knows why. Not that Iâm here. I havenât figured out how to have that conversation with anyone from the Mutant Underground. I want to. I do. We went through a lot together in a really short period of time. I donât know if they consider me their friend. I mean I sort of think they do from the way you talked about me not knowing it was me.â She paused, taking a breath. âIâm not mad at you finding out....Are you mad at me for not telling you?â
Dorians stance relaxed, his arms dropping to the side in relief when Andy hadnât retaliated. âAre you kiddinâ me?! Of course I'm not mad. T'is whole situation is weird for you and I can understand. I mean my Pa, Appa, Pops, AND Pappa all knew you and were your friends and now you're mine? âOw does one even begin to explain t'at to someone. You went missinâ what? Seventeen years ago? When did you come back? Or well when did you come âere? I guess. Oh time stuff is âard.â Dorian said as he threw himself backwards onto Mais bed as his head began to hurt.
âYeah, see the problem. I had have a whole identity made up for me. First day you guys thought I was a freshman and I said I was a transfer student. How the hell do I say, âYeah Iâm seventeen, but I lived on Genosha?â It was a mess. We came back a bit before school started. Went to Zariâs home first. Then came here. She wanted to come here because Percy goes here and her mom was friends with a bunch of otherâs parents back in the day too. Itâs weird. I was there just after they adopted Danni. I remember him as an actual infant. How do I say that when I look like this? And will forever. I wonât age. I wonât die. Seventeen year time jump is nothing.â
âIf it âelps I'm pretty sure my parents are immortal soooo t'ey may be able to âelp you along witâ t'at bit. ButâŠmanâŠto be on Genoshian soilâŠit's a dream I'll never see.â Dorian said as he stared at the ceiling, one arm up graphing at nothing speaking wistfully. âWell Percyâs t'e ot'er one who knows and I doubt âe'll tell anyone. T'ough âe seemed less shocked t'an i was. And Aggie didn't even mention it! Rude. Is itâŠis it ok if we are still friends?â
âPercy knows sort of anyway. He and Zari and best friends. I donât know what all she told him. But he should have already at least known part. Thatâs probably why he wasnât surprised. As for Agatha I think she was respecting my privacy. I wasnât ready to talk about it. And absolutely! I want to still be friends with both you and Danni. He invited me to visit your house and that might be a good way to tell Max and everyone. Just sort of rip the bandaid off. Though I think they wouldnât want to have dinner with my mom.â She joked, remembering how Dorian had thought about having their parents all sit down for dinner together. At the time she had said Magento might be interested. She hadnât risked mentioning Selene.
Dorian rubbed the back of his neck as Andy brought up the dinner he'd mentioned what felt like ages agom âYeahâŠyour mom may need to skip t'at one. Shes a big no no in t'e âouseâold. But! If you're comfortable witâ it yeah! It'll be so fun seeinâ t'ier faces! Like when I first got my powers and scared em âalf to deatâ. And we can watch âorror movies t'ere to! Much better set up t'an what i âad âere. Oh and I'm sure t'ey can catch you up on so many t'in's! And - oh wait⊠âold on.â Dorian hopped off the bed and stood again, making his way towards Andy. âYou should âave t'is more t'an me. A reminderâŠâ He said as he pulled the photo from his back pocket and handed it to her.
âThat sounds awesome. Iâd love to.â Andy nodded smiling at the hope that she could reconnect with people who had saved her life. In so many ways. She had been so close to just getting lost in the world and it eating her up. Without them she probably would have died. She wouldnât have gone to Genosha...wouldnât have met her mother...But wouldnât have met Zari. All the negative stuff that happened was worth meeting Zari. âThank you.â She said taking the photo from Dorian. She looked at it. Odd to think they looked so young. They hadnât changed at all. This photo had only been a few months ago as far as she was concerned. Zari had a grin and Andy looked worried about something. That seemed about right. With those faces she couldnât tell when the picture had been taken. Couldnât say what day or even where on the island.
âOf course! And wellâŠit seems silly to say t'is especially since it should be a given butâŠif you ever need someone to talk to about it all, aside from ZariâŠI am âere for you. I may not understand it all, but I'll try to. Even just talkinâ could âelp out i t'ink.â Dorian said with a smile. He hesitated for a brief moment, knowing full well how it was going to feel. But much like last time, he didn't care. Dorian quickly jolted forward and wrapped his arms around Andy, hugging her. âI'm so sorry t'at i didn't see it before.â
âThank you. I appreciate it. Honestly, just knowing you know helps a lot.â She said looking up from the picture just as Dorian darted in for the hug. That was dangerous. She didnât want to hurt him. But damn it felt good to be hugged by a friend. She didnât hug back, but didnât push him away. Tears started falling. Damn she was going to have tell Dr. Whitehall all about her making friends.
Dorian pulled back from the hug, noticing the tears falling down her cheek. âOh. No no no, why do I always make you cry. Shoo tears shoo.â He said as he pulled his sleeve down to cover his hand and wipe them away. He knew skin to skin was bad, so this was a less harmful way to help.
Andy laughed a little and let Dorian wipe her tears. He was at least being safe about it. âThanks. And no, these arenât sad tears. This is...relief. Hope. I donât know.â
