Name: Harry Simmons Alias: Harry Age: 45 Gender: Male Powers: Harry is a mutant.
Soundwave Manipulation - Harry is able to bend the waves of both the sound and light spectrum. Typically using it to convert soundwaves into beams of light to aid in his musical performances.
Self Multiplication - Harry is capable of multiplying himself, making clones each one of which he names. He retains the information learned by the clones once they converge again.
Perfect Pitch
Personality Traits: Much like his style, Harry tends to be very attention grabbing. His tones are loud and drawn as if he was always on stage. A lot of this personality was derived from watching rock stars on t.v. and studying their mannerisms, way of speech, and adopting the use of the words Babe, Mate, and many more. Being a middle child he always felt the need to have to stand out in order to he noticed, he wanted to be his own person and not just another in a set.
It's of no surprise that Harry tends to hide any pain behind a smile, and wishes that no one worries about him. As much as he seeks attention, he also loves to give it. Making sure fans of his performances feel special, loved ones and family feel cared for, and that strangers know that there is someone out there who cares. His odd behavior may draw eyes but it also brings smiles onto others which in turn helps bring a smile to him.
Name: Maximillian Gray Alias: Previous names: Topaz Warlock, Warlock, Tome Age: 37 Gender: Male Powers: Max is a mutant, his X-gene having activated on his seventeenth birthday, then again after his eighteenth.
Conjuration Magic* - Max has the ability to create and conjure things from nothing. His magic having constantly had its limits pushed with every encounter he has been in, others even stating it appears as though he is bending reality to his whim.
Teleportation - Max is capable of taking himself (or with others) across distances he has seen. First time transports get waves of exhaustion that Max used tk suffer, but the more they BAMF the less the more used to it they'll feel overtime.
Summary: Max started out with his family in the quiet suburbs of his town. Closeted as a homosexual in a house that was openly hateful towards those that were different, he buried himself in his studies and books instead. It was his unfortunate luck that while studying for his Latin class, he spoke the words out loud and had mystical flames appear just as his mother had walked into his room. Panic ensued after as his parents called the local purifiers (a group Max was unaware his parents were a part of) to âget rid of' their child. With that fear settled deeply in him, he grabbed a bag and ran, living on the streets until he met another mutant named Sunshine. Their struggles together had brought them down to the Morlocks, then later the Mutant Underground where Max would stay to help in the ways he best could. He wanted to do good for mutants in hopes that it would take away from the evils his parents did. After many challenges and trials they had finally âlostâ one. Frozen in time he later woke up to find he lived on the Mutant Island of Genosha. A paradise and Utopia for all mutantkind. It was short lived however, after an attack by Selene rendered the planet uninhabitable and forced the mutants to flee. Those who died were resurrected by the Mutant Circuit, The Triumvirate of James, Casper, and Max. They moved to New Orleans, laid down some roots while Max ensured a future for his son at Xaviers while attempting to fix the institution from the inside out. Reminding them that mutants needed them more than the humans did. There was a brief stint in Limbo between Genosha and Xaviers, but Max doesn't talk about it much. Extras:
Name: Bartholomew Hammish Montgomery Macleod Alias: Barty Age: 614 Gender: Male Powers: Barty is a mutant and a witch.
Enchantment Magic - Barty is able to seduce, befuddle, and otherwise enchant the minds of others through a variety of means. Whether it be archaic magic or the new wave of waving ones hand about like a lunatic. Either way he gets his way.
Summary: The Macleod twins are relics of a time long gone, born in the throes of the Renaissance and the rise of the printing press. The twins lived a relatively sheltered life in northern Scotland. Travel was difficult in the 15th century and their coven was content with the village well south of Forres.
However with suspicion and fear of the supernatural rising out of Germany and carried on in ink, it wasnât long until the witch hunts of the mainland spread to the Kingdom of England and beyond. When they were not yet twenty summers old, Elanor Cobham found imprisonment for life for treasonable necromancy and Margery Jourdemayne was burned at the stake in a market square. Both were once well connected and well established in their communities and yet it did not save them. Fear amongst the populace was encouraged and manipulated in a twisted game by the nobility of England and they sent their inquisition north, carrying Kramerâs Malleus Maleficarum.
They thought their village safe, nestled quietly in the foothills in the shadow of their mountain. The village traded less, hunted closer to home, and year by year became less and less present in the world. Their magic flourished and the children of the village played without fear and time was meaningless.
However, there were enough stories for the inquisition to find it.
Max blinked. Trying to take in the words spoken by the young Mr. Novikov. He was very good at clothes. Right. His eyes scanned over him, noting the amount of nervousness he was exuding. It was hard enough meeting your boyfriend's father he imagined, more so when there were four of them. Max never got to have that feeling when he was younger, Ben's father wasn't one you wished to meet, and his parents had disowned him at a young age. He tried to imagine what he would want to be said to him if he were in Percy's shoes. Luckily for him, his wonderful husband had stepped in to alleviate some of the pressure of handling so many kids. Max gave Percy a gentle smile, placing a hand on his shoulders as he did so. âThere's nothing to be nervous about here kid. Please, call me Max. Mr. Gray sounds way too formal and I feel the title slew of titles I have are too much of a mouthful to repeat every time. So, Max should suffice. But if you'll excuse me I must reacquaint myself with an oldâŠfriend and speak to Ms. Van Dyne.â
Max had no idea how long Vicky would have. How sensitive she was. But Agatha had made it seem like a deal of urgency was needed. He hadn't wanted to ignore Madalyne, wracking his mind to try and recall just when she had lost Ed, would she know of him? Or was he a stranger to her? Simply a ghost tale told by her mother. He decided not to test the subject. âMs. Crane, pleasure to see you again. You're of course more than welcome here at the Kingston-Gray Estate, but I do apologize I have urgent matters to see to first. Then, a house tour so to speak.â He gave her a half bow, walking past her as his eyes fixated on the carrier that was now on the ground swirling in anger. âNow I'd recognize that flat untuned voice anywhere. It's no wonder your spell had no kick back then if you couldn't even hold the note yourself Selene.â
"Yeah, I've got her still. I am afraid to just leave her here unattended. Like I don't trust anyone to watch her. I figured if you guys were super against it I'd run her back to the room and it is okay if I do that, cause she seems uh...very pissed at the moment. I'm sorry."
Max squatted down to be at eye level, or as close to it, with the carrier. He looked up at Andy before looking back down at the carrier. âYou did well for seventeen years of containment. But I can hold onto her if you'd like, enjoy yourself for now and forget she ever existed. I know I did.â He said as he held his hand palm up before the carrier and a can of fancy feast tuna appeared in his hand before he started speaking in a baby voice. âShe's not so bad is she? She just needs a little tuna huh? Don't you, you washed up drag queen. Yes you do.â He left the can there to taunt her as he stood back up, his smile fading slightly and going into a more serious look as he watched Vicky slowly falling apart.
âThis, as a matter of fact, is what is the matter Ms. Van Dyne. A colleague of mine, Agatha Harkness, had informed me of your unique situation and relationship with magic. The surrounding lands are laced with magical enchantments. As you've no doubt noticed it yourself. That is why-â Max reached into his pocket, feeling the box once moreâŠthinking how easily he could end Selene with this, the greatest threat he's ever faced, but right now this child needed him more and Selene was well enough contained. He pulled the box out and opened it, pulling out a small necklace with a metallic pendant at its center. âI apologize in advance Ms. Van Dyne, normally we'd have a discussion about this and the choice be given, but seeing as how your speech has been renderedâŠdifficult to understand, I shall be placing this upon you and we can discuss after.â Max placed the necklace around Vicky's head and instantly her systems would begin to go back to normal. A faint aura surrounding her only visible to those who could see the magic, as if the colors in the air warped around her being but did not touch. âSo long as you wear this pendant you won't have any adverse reactions to the ambient magic. What's more it will allow you to stay at the estate without fear of dimensional issues. If you do not wish to keep this on you however, then I can make arrangements for a hotel outside the French Quarter. Though it wouldn't be ideal as we are short some chaperones it seems.â
At the very mention of it, Firestar seemed to cough. Smooth. Max looked towards Vicky and gave her a polite smile. âAs you can see things are always moving here in the French Quarter, so please try to keep the pendant on. In the meantime I must speak to Firestar, see what's to make of our other members.â With that Max breezed past everyone to speak to Firestar and see what was amiss.
M I S C E L L A N E O U S âââââââââââââââââââââââ âșCharacter Info Aliases: Go-go Birth Place: Versus Age: 18 Birthday: March 07, 2022 Gender: Female Pronouns: She/Her Sexuality: Ace Habits: Blowing Bubble Gum Hobbies: Roller Derby, Music, Fighting
âșFears Getting Rusty Going Deaf Ghosts
âșToxic Traits
âșLikes Magic Music Skating Fighting Tea Ramen
âșDislikes Drugs Silence Puzzles Sex Phantasms Smoking -
G R I M O I R E & S K I L L S âââââââââââââââ âșGrimoire Pocket Portal Pocket Weapon Go-Go Disc Musical Step Unlimited Weapons Break Time Find Familiar
âșSkills Can always blow the Perfect bubble. Fireball Fireball Fireball Fireball Fireball Fireball -
C H A R A C T E R H I S T O R Y C H A R A C T E R H I S T O R Y
Vivian Voss was at the top of her game. Earning her scores within the Versus Mainframe. She fought, and she brawled, and she derbied for hours. Nothing could defeat her mystical powers. When she wasnât off fighting and climbing the leader boards. She could be found at the sound bar listening to some records. Her life was a luxury in which she liked to revel. That is until one day she unlocked a new level. A door had appeared right out of thin air. And Vivian approached it all with due care. As she entered its threshold and left her galaxy. She had unknowingly just stepped into Strange Academy.
P L O T ( S ) & G O A L ( S ) P L O T ( S ) & G O A L ( S )
Demetri made his way back towards the Arena, Nancy alongside him as they marched onward with effort to meet up with Thanatos. It was bad enough he had to make the trek over there to get Nancy, now he had to make it back. Had he not been trying to be more polite with his boyfriend's sister, he would've turned into a cheetah or bird and closed the distance much faster. Not for urgency, but because he was lazy. âSo what kind of movie are you thinking for movie night? Action? Adventure? Sci-Fi? Comedy? Romance? The list goes on but I don't want to. So thoughts?â He asked as the pressed on, trying to make small talk to make the time go by faster.
Once they'd reached the Arena, Demi jogged over towards Zeke and smacked his ass. âLong time no see gorgeous. Sorry had to get your sis so we can iron out the movie ideas. Oh hey, Thannie! I haven't seen you since the hecatomb! Don't tell me Alexios actually did his part and found you? Huh and here I thought my words fell on deaf ears. So the doors? What's the deal? Can you summon them or something or take us to them? What should we expect?â He asked as he began to approach the god. His next words barely a whisper as he asked them. âIs Arthur ok? Doing good?â
M I S C E L L A N E O U S âââââââââââââââââââââââ âșCharacter Info Aliases: Barty Birth Place: Scotland Age: 616 Birthday: July 18, 1454 Gender: Male Pronouns: He/Him Sexuality: Yes Habits: Smoking, drinking, fucking Hobbies: Reading, drawing, smoking
âșFears Religious Leaders Burning at the Stake Supernatural Hunters Losing his brother.
âșToxic Traits
âșLikes Magic Coffee Drawing Sex Tea Smoking
âșDislikes Short lived creatures New wave Magic Polyester The Golden Mage Religion -
G R I M O I R E & S K I L L S âââââââââââââââ âșGrimoire ??? Enhancement Totem Probability Hex Binding Hex Command Suggestive Hex Location Hex Hex Subjugation Find Familiar
âșSkills ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? -
C H A R A C T E R H I S T O R Y C H A R A C T E R H I S T O R Y
The Macleod twins are relics of a time long gone, born in the throes of the Renaissance and the rise of the printing press. The twins lived a relatively sheltered life in northern Scotland. Travel was difficult in the 15th century and their coven was content with the village well south of Forres.
However with suspicion and fear of the supernatural rising out of Germany and carried on in ink, it wasnât long until the witch hunts of the mainland spread to the Kingdom of England and beyond. When they were not yet twenty summers old, Elanor Cobham found imprisonment for life for treasonable necromancy and Margery Jourdemayne was burned at the stake in a market square. Both were once well connected and well established in their communities and yet it did not save them. Fear amongst the populace was encouraged and manipulated in a twisted game by the nobility of England and they sent their inquisition north, carrying Kramerâs Malleus Maleficarum.
They thought their village safe, nestled quietly in the foothills in the shadow of their mountain. The village traded less, hunted closer to home, and year by year became less and less present in the world. Their magic flourished and the children of the village played without fear and time was meaningless.
However, there were enough stories for the inquisition to find it.
They struck at night, the comfort of a century unbothered lulling them to safety. They carried torches and pitchforks and rope and kindling. The stench of burning flesh and the screams of men, women, and children carried across the hills into the uncaring darkness. Their family was not spared this horror. Their parents fought, like the others, but their murderers came prepared and their magic found no hold. A special pendant, bearing the mark of the Inquisition of England, was pressed against their coven and their magic broke and failed and the witches found themselves powerless.
If not for the ego of the Priest of Forres, the twins would not have been so lucky as to carry the horrors of their village with them. It was the children they could not bear to see hurt and as the Priest tossed the torch upon their own parents, the twins struck. Illusion and Enhancement, hand in hand, wove the death of all. Fire springing forth, spewing from their parents' mouths, finding purchase in the flesh of friend and foe alike. According to the Inquisition, the Devil himself dragged the village to hell in his wraith and none survived.
But the truth was, the twins burned it to the ground. Entranced in their domain, the twins set an uncontrollable blaze to consume the Inquisition and fled with the few survivors they saved. Neither of them were prepared to mourn their people nor handle the grief of those still living. They travelled the Scottish countryside, incorporating a few of their broken coven into new ones each time they stumbled across them until the twins found homes for all.
Sickened by the murders they committed and terrified of the newly created Church of England, the twins escaped England to the New World with Sir Walter Raleigh and assisted in establishing Roanoke. They were withdrawn and quiet, focused on working and presenting a godly image as they worked to find a way to escape. In 1591, a young girl introduced herself to the twins as a vampire and expressed her interest in turning and controlling the settlers. The twins agreed to help in exchange for their own freedom and kept the settlers calm and controlled until she struck. They disappeared into the wilderness for another two decades and reemerged in 1608, joining the citizens of Jamestown.
Their magic ensured questions about their age disappeared on the tongue, kept them well fed and unbothered, even as plague and famine ravaged the settlement. Poor planning had left the colonists without water and poorer tempers wore the relationship with the native people thin. The twins watched without interfering, only stepping in to help with the revolution of 1676 when Nathaniel Bacon ousted Governor Berkley. However, they disappeared when Berkely returned and began hanging those involved.
The twins reappeared some short years later in Salem, Massachusetts, where they found a distant relation, a child of one of those they saved many moons ago. They lived peacefully for a decade, before the witch trials started again. The twins watched as their history repeated itself but this time, the saviors they were had long been lost as they themselves condemned their kin to the flames. It had been too easy, when suspicion fell on them, to plant the devilsâ iconography on her and invite the Salemites to find it.
During the 18th century, the twins shuffled from place to place and avoided the growing tension between England and the colonies. They would eventually find themselves in Boston, working in The Green Dragon Tavern. With the rise in tensions against the Crown, the twins once again found themselves assisting in the growth of revolution. Their magic wove privacy around the founding fathers, illusions making them unnoticeable and enchantment easing the concerns of questioning soldiers. Gossip from the RedCoats were a little louder in the tavern and lips a little looser. In the Siege of Boston towards the end of the revolution, the tavern was burned to the ground and the twins lost their home again.
They migrated west with the Louisiana purchase, settling in the melting pot New Orleans had become. When the War of 1812 was declared, the twins decided they would stay out of it and kept to their own business. Intending to stay this time, the twins put down roots. Peadrus entered the workforce as a teacher, using his illusions to age and die as necessary. Again, they decided not to intervene with major events and keep their heads down so they could finally stay in one place.
Unfortunately, a threat to their growing home appeared and the twins found themselves stepping in again. In 1815, whispers made their way to the twins that Andrew Jackson was poised to lose his final skirmish. Outnumbered and outgunned again, the British had the upper hand and were poised to strike the next day. Under the cover of darkness, Peadrus slipped the pair behind the British lines and PĂ rlan messed with Edward Pakenhamâs head. In the morning, the British assault was disorganized and messy, leaving them with 2,000 dead and wounded. Jackson went home a military genius and the twins contently settled back into their lives.
It was in the Gilded age that they joined a âcovenâ. A wealthy plantation owner found fun and mystery in the supernatural and the twins, curious to see if it drew any real bumps in the night, offered to participate. The word coven, the twins realized, was loose indeed and it became more of a gathering of debauchery and decadence. Some real powers floated in and out: a moody Asgardian goddess, a vampire, the occasional sorcerer or witch, a demon, an eldritch horror, a Moon Knight, and even a Ghost Rider once. They passed a decade in a pleasurable haze of drugs, sex, and wealth until Marcus.
Marcus was an easy sort, energetic and eager and the twins were drawn to him like a moth to a flame. The three of them became close friends and eventually, they opened up about their magic and found acceptance. Marcus joined them at their home, broke bread with them, and even helped Peadrus at the schoolhouse. Heâd blown in from the growing west coast, scars waved away as civil war injuries, and slotted himself perfectly into their lives.
Which was why, when he tried to kill them, it shattered their trust forever. Marcus was a vampire hunter, a descendant of Sir Walter Raleigh, who had discovered the truth and swore to save his people from the clutches of the Devil. The twins part had been discovered through a mix of magic and torture and Marcus was tasked with eradicating them. The resulting fight was entirely one-sided, the twinâs magic unsuited for direct engagements, but their spells managed to find purchase and they broke his mind, leaving him at a workhouse where heâd work out the rest of his miserable life in deplorable conditions.
The Twins followed the Klondike gosh rush, settling in Seattle for a while. Although they had worked odd jobs at the beginning, the twins opened their own speakeasy in 1920 as the aggressive prohibitions against alcohol were signed into law. Although their magic was used in a pinch, the pair more often sold out their competitors to the authorities (and offered a hefty discount) to ensure their business was safe and enshrined as a center of the underground community. After the end of prohibition, they stayed until the end of World War 2 and sold their bar.
The twins found themselves in Memphis, enrolled in a local high school to keep up with the world at large. It was there they met Elvis, a struggling guitarist with a unique hillbilly style and a blend of cultural music that inspired the worst in people. The twins saw the desperation for fame and fed on it, weaving magic behind his back that made the people love him. He walked out of high school signed by a record label and the twins rode his fame, and more, for an easy life. Nothing more than a charm here, a hex there, and drugs, sex, and music numbed everything else. They were⊠concerned for their stability when Elvis was drafted was unfounded, the early work they did still holding strong with the addition of records made on his leave. They lived on their golden egg, rode it plenty too, up until the early 1970s when they decided to slip out of bed one night and never return. They didnât hear of his death until 2001.
This would repeat over the next few decades, clinging to blossoming talent, building their careers for an easy life, and then abandoning and forgetting them when they moved to their next project. Rarely would the twins stick their necks out or get themselves involved in world affairs - they left no footprint, no tracks or marks, no paperwork for someone to find them. Occasionally, they would rehome a werewolf, get a vampire out of the sun, direct a baby witch to the proper herbs and books, but each time they charmed their memories, or never let them see the real them, so that what happened in New Orleans would never happen again.
Of course, whispers of a school for the magically talented reached even them. They believed it a lie, a falsehood circulated by hunters and madmen alike to capture their kind and kill or keep them. They never knew which was worse. But with the itch to settle down again growing, they found themselves back in New Orleans, the French Quarter louder and busier than ever before, and it was true.
Strange Academy, a haven for their kind, was real.
P L O T ( S ) & G O A L ( S ) P L O T ( S ) & G O A L ( S )
The twins are shaped by their drive to survive. Their choices have all ensured that, at the expense of those around them, they continue to thrive. They have seen cruelty over the centuries and they do not bother to pretend that is not the nature of man. They are always one step away from disappearing on the wind and selling everyone else down the river to do it.
In reality, they wandered to find a place that is safe, that they can relax in for the rest of their centuries, that they can be with their magic and their peace and not have to worry about the world burning it down. Nicky, in particularly, wishes for connection and friendship and family, but their transient nature leaves them with on one. He prefers to find community with other creature of their age, but those are few and far between. Strange Academy has seemed like the perfect place. For now.
Hermes watched as Mandy and her father began to speak. He caught the first sentence but then after that it was too much to follow. Too much of a blur. It showcased just how far he was from being able to fully speak them. Watching it it made him wonder how often they slowed down for him when speaking or watching him speak. Wondering if he was too slow like a speaking person with a speech impediment but instead it was his hands unable to find the right words to say. He didn't say anything though, he let them talk.
Hermes leaned against the kitchen counter watching as his cousin began to slow down her signage. It hurt a little, but he understood. âWe have food, medicine, a cat, shelter, and weaponry if needed. We should be safe for now if things get too crazy. But here's hoping that they don't.â He tried to sign faster, but his hands stumbled over the words.
Dorian had had a box sitting in his room since he had come back from break. So much had happened he had almost forgotten about it. He sat at his desk, balancing a pencils between his nose and upper lip as it swayed side to side, boredom and numbness eating away at him. Percy had his classical studies course today, one they shared but Dorian hadn't felt up to going to today. His pencil fell and rolled under the desk, when Dorian went to go grab it he saw the familiar box through an opening in his drawer. He pulled it open, revealing the rest of it and deciding now was as good a time as any, he had nothing better to do and it had been some time since he had had a chat with Poisson-Pas. So he got up, holding the small box in one hand before slipping on some shoes and making his way down towards Nemo's office.
It was eerily silent down the halls, with most students attending class save for those involved in the Arcade incident. He hadn't seen much of everyone else, actively avoiding Diana after what she'd said about him, Leah seemed too preoccupied and even then it felt weird between him, her, and Leah right now, Danni was off with Amelie and Dorian hadn't felt up for it today. It was one of those days that it just felt so easy to come up with excuses for why he hadn't seen anyone. Before he knew it he was at Nemos door. He stared at it for a while, wondering if he should go. Forget he'd even come here, or simply just ditch the parcel before the door and knock and run away. That wouldâve been easier. Dorian knocked lightly, almost hoping that Nemo wouldn't hear.
Nemo had been busy in his office, filling journals with a strange code understood by him and him alone. His penmanship was smooth and exact, the edges of the odd symbols curving, merging together into almost a cursive script. Twenty of these journals had already been filled, placed in a neat, organized pile, each clearly labeled as to its contents in that same cipher. A cup of tea had long since gone cold on his desk, and his pocket watch rested before him, open to display a faded picture - one of Ser Nemo and someone he had lost in his youth. At the knock, Nemo snapped it closed.
He rose to his feet, even as his weary old bones protested, and the air around him shimmered as he reappeared directly in front of his office door. He hadnât been expecting anyone. So it was genuine surprise on his face as he opened the door to see young Dorian Gray.
âAh! Young Master Gray - to what do I owe the pleasure?â
Dorian was just about ready to go, halfway turned around when the door opened up to reveal Nemo before him âI uh, I brought you somet'in from t'e breakâŠâ He said, though something else was clearly beginning to talk hold over Dorians mind. Or rather it had been all along, since the day April was taken away from them.
Nemo studied him for a moment, before nodding. âWould you like to join me for some tea?â he offered, stepping aside to allow Dorian to enter if he wished. âAnd perhaps we can talk about whatever is on your mind?â
âI t'ink I would, yeah.â Dorian had forgotten how much of a calming presence Nemo was to be around. Somehow able to freely talk to him about anything it felt like. He stepped in, going towards the chair he'd sat in before as he watched the cold cup of tea sitting on the desk. âNo steam.â He noted.
âAh,â Nemo nodded, staring at the cup. âI find it easy to get lost in my work,â he explained, teleporting across the room and reappearing next to his small electric kettle. âForgive an old manâs memory - is it still Cinnamon Tea with sugar and cream?â
Dorian was shocked, still for a moment as he wondered how Nemo still remembered it from last time. âYeah it is. You've got a good memory.â He said as he placed the small box onto Nemo's desk, looking at the odd writing on the pages. âI don't recognize t'e language, almost looksâŠgallifreyan.â
âHmm? Oh!â Ser Nemo titled his head for a moment, clearly torn about something. âItâs my own personal code - I developed it during my time working for the TVA. You can never be too careful about who might read your words,â he reasoned, preparing the tea for them both. It hadnât taken very long for the kettle to boil - a trick of his powers, as Nemo had jumped temporally for a brief second, allowing him to set the kettle to run before Dorian had even knocked. âYou⊠might find it legible, however, if you were to let your eyes drift.â
That seemed easy enough. Dorian was always capable of simply unfocusing his eyes in a dissociative state. Some kids could wiggle their ears, he could just unfocus his eyes. So he did, staring towards the page but not really focusing on the shapes, just allowing them to blend out of view as they mixed into one another. Almost seeing the writing before getting excited and having it snap back into the swirls it was. âAh i almost âad it! I swear!â
Ser Nemo chuckled slightly, reappearing next to Dorian. He briefly thumbed through the pile of journals, before selecting one. âHere. This one might be of use to you one day - itâs my account of⊠Well, itâs not important,â he dismissed, offering the journal to Dorian. He then reappeared next to the kettle again, and then flickered back, holding the tea. âNow⊠do you want to tell me what is going on?â
Dorian took the journal, shrugging off the ominous words that came with it as simply old man talk. Old people loved to speak cryptically, just look at Agatha. But still, he placed it in his lap so he wouldn't forget it when he left. His eyes focused on the cup of tea, a different set than the last time he was here, back when he'd broken one of Nemos tea cups on accident upon returning to his dorm. â It's justâŠâow did you notice?â
âHow did I notice what?â Nemo asked, taking a sip of his own tea.
âApril. IâŠshe's like a sister to me, a best friend, and I missed every sign. What kind of a friend misses every sign when you were able to so quickly? Not just t'e illness but what she was about to do?â Dorians eyes began to wet, his voice becoming hoarse as he choked back his tears and anger.
Ser Nemo was silent for a moment, putting his tea cup back down on its saucer. He reached into the drawer of his desk, and produced a silk tissue, one with his initials embroidered in the corner. âHere,â he offered gently, holding it out to the young boy. âThereâs no shame in tears.â
âI⊠I noticed what happened with Mx. Flynn because that is my deepest pain,â Nemo said carefully, slowly. âI lost someone close to me when I was your age - and I suppose I see its shadows wherever I look.â
âI'm not cryinâ I just-â It was then that Dorian noticed a tear fall off his cheek. How long had he been crying? Was this a trick? No. But he didn't remember, he couldn't recall when it began. He wiped the tears away with his own sleeves, rejecting not the offering of the silk but the notion at all that he even was crying. âI'm sorry t'at âappened to youâŠIt couldn't âave been easyâŠit's not easy. April didn't even finish it and I still feel itâŠâ This wasn't some villain they could simply defeat. Someone they could give a change of heart to. This was his best friend and sister fighting herself and losing.
Ser Nemo nodded. He didnât retract the tissue, still holding it out for when Dorian was ready. There was a strange look on his face - a pained, almost haunted look - as if this conversation was one of the most difficult ones he had ever had. And perhaps it was. âYou need not apologize. It happened many years ago,â Nemo said quietly. âWhat is it you feel, Dorian?â
âEmpty. Anger. Loss. Like a chunk of me was ripped out and I can't quite fit it back in âow it used to. Everyt'in's back to normal but not'in is t'e same. I feel
I feel
UselessâŠâ What was he supposed to do here? How does he help?
Slowly, carefully, Nemo took Dorianâs hands and held them. It pained him to hear him say those things - to see the echoes of his own grief in the younger man. Heâd thought he had acted quickly enough - that by making the call when he did, he would spare him this pain. He thought⊠he thought he had gotten it right, this time.
âI see,â he said, somewhat hoarsely. âIt is terrifying, seeing the ones we love suffer like that - to feel powerless to stop it. I⊠I did not handle it well, when I was your age. I tried to numb the loss. It didnât work. Have you visited your friend - have you told them how you feel?â
Dorian didn't know how to respond. To any of it. This all felt like it was too much, and all he could focus on was the last thing Nemo had said to him. It felt rude, like he was brushing off Nemos pain for his own but he wasn't. He just didn't know how to handle any of it, so he focused on the one thing he could. His eyes looking off into the middle distance of his cup. âI visited as much as t'ey allowed. ButâŠI âaven't told eit'er of t'em âow i feel. April's recoverinâ still and I want âer to focus on t'emselves and gettinâ better. Not on me. I justâŠi wish I knew âow to âelp âer. What steps to take.â
Nemo blinked rapidly, doing his best to maintain his composure. He hadnât - he hadnât prepared for this conversation. He hadnât known this would happen today. He knew, most of the time, everything he would experience - he had all the dates and times memorized, his words carefully rehearsed. But this? Speaking to Dorian Gray about suicide? He hasnât prepared for it. âHmm. I know you donât want to, Dorian, but I do think you should talk to them about this. As for other measures⊠perhaps helping them to develop a safety plan? Or simply staying by their side, and watching for any signs.â Thatâs what he wished he had done - that he had watched. It had been too late when he arrived to save his love. âPerhaps⊠perhaps you could ask them - ask them what they need.â
âT'at'sâŠactually very âelpful. Maybe I should talk to tâem. A safety plan sounds good tooâŠIâŠmaybe I'll give Doc a call, see if Maeve is able to give me pointers on âow to approach t'is delicately and what to look out forâŠtâanks Poisson-Pas.â
He nodded, forcing a tired smile. âI do try my best to be helpful.â Nemo then took another sip of his tea, trying to steady his nerves a bit. âIâm sure Dr. Whitehall will have better advice than I do. Is there anything else you wanted to talk about, Dorian?â
âOh right. I brought you somet'inâ Dorian said handing Nemo the box.
âOh! Yes. How forgetful of me,â Nemo mused, as he slowly opened up the box. Inside, there was a familiar teacup - one that had been broken at the start of term, now fixed. Dorian had mended it. He swallowed, attempting to maintain his composure, but⊠Something about the mended cup, it broke him. It wouldnât be clear to others as to why, but for Nemo, the small gesture meant the world to him. Tears began to quietly fall down his face. âAh - thank you - thank you very much,â Nemo whispered.
Dorian didn't expect this sort of reaction. He wanted to comfort him, to do something, but everything just felt so awkward. He stood there quietly for a moment, his hand scratching the back of his other hand as an incessant itch took over him. âI didn't mean to make you cry Poisson-PasâŠIâŠâ Dorian said as he awkwardly patted Nemos arm.
âNo, no - itâs - itâs not you,â Ser Nemo lied. âItâs - itâs my allergies, you see. I really ought to be better about taking my medicine for themâŠâ
âOh. Right. Allergies. Probably my cologneâŠsorry.â Dorian lied back, unsure why. He didn't wear cologne, ever.
Nemo raised an eyebrow at that, the sorrow breaking for a moment. âHmm. Yes. Your cologne is rather strong, Master Gray.â
âI'll leave, so you canâŠtake your meds. Need to make a call anywaysâŠâ
ââŠVery good. If you, erm, if you need to talk again, my door is always openâŠ. Will you promise me something, Dorian?â he paused. âLive. No matter what may happen.â
Dorian was caught off guard by the promise he was asked to make. Especially given his lineage. âYou can't get rid of me t'at easily Poisson-Pas, I don't die easy and I don't plan to eit'er. So you can count on t'at promise.â
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
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.
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
Kirah
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Lunamaria Hawke
