kukkijar | Teddy Altman ; APPOINTMENTS

[Teddy had kept his eyes away even with his chin tipped up, though he meets Billy's gaze once he's reassured. And he can see it there, too; no veiled irritation, no impatience, just concern. It doesn't really stop Teddy from feeling lousy about himself, but that is, at least, one worry settled.

He lowers his head just slightly with a sheepish little smile, though he still keeps his eyes on Billy's.]

Really? Not even a little?

[Billy smiles at that, brow quirking, and tries to urge him down again. He's still kind of worried about Teddy falling over earlier, so he wants to make sure it doesn't happen.]

Yes, really. Maybe if it was just you being overprotective and ridiculous, I'd be annoyed. But I think that crystal thing is a better target for the blame here.

Eloquent name for it, "that crystal thing". I like it.

[Finally Teddy does follow Billy's little tugs, and he allows himself to flop on the couch, head leaning back against it with a quiet groan. Stupid crystal thing. That might be the main thing at fault, but he still can't help feeling like he screwed a lot of things up, even if he was able to do damage control while possessed.]

I still acted like a jerk to everyone. God, every time I even looked at them, there was this... thought in my head that kept saying I should be seeing you, not them. It wasn't so bad at first, but then it just got worse. [He lifts his hands up to twine his fingers together and press them against his forehead.] I really need to apologize to some people.

[Billy sits down with him, though he keeps to the edge of the couch, gently rubbing a hand up and down Teddy's arm. Even if he's not really in pain anymore, he's still distressed over something that wasn't entirely his fault, and Billy understands all too well how that feels after the last experiment. Teddy had been understanding and supportive with him, and he'd more than earned the same treatment.]

Well, you can start with me and worry about the rest later. I'm sure they'll understand.

[His tone and expression are both slightly teasing, hoping to cheer Teddy up with some normalcy. But if apologizing will really make Teddy feel better, he's free to do it.]

[Teddy turns his head to peek at him from under his hands, and then his eyes glance downward, to Billy's lap.

For this whole week, he didn't even think about indulging himself. It was all about doing what Billy wanted, what he thought would be most comfortable for his boyfriend, never thinking what he himself might want.

Now, the only reason he hesitates is lingering guilt, embarrassment and shame. But it doesn't last long, and soon enough, he ends up turning to flop backwards again, this time with most of his body on the couch cushions itself, but with his head pillowed in Billy's lap.

Mm... yeah. This is good. And a good spot to really give his apology, because he really does want to give it, teasing aside. He reaches up both hands to stroke Billy's face, his cheeks and temples and forehead.]

I'm really sorry. I acted like a jerk to you, too. I was overbearing, obsessive and clingy, didn't give you any time to yourself at all... didn't let you do anything for me. I was a pretty bad boyfriend. I don't know how bad it would've gotten if you hadn't saved me... More stalking? Locking you in? I don't know... I don't want to think about it, either. I treated you badly, and I'm sorry.

[And as if to return the teasing, he lets his lips quirk up a little.] Forgive me for me being Gollum and acting like you were my One Ring?

[Billy blinks in surprise at all that, momentarily taken aback. He hadn't been particularly serious, so he hadn't been asking for much of an apology, if any. As usual, Teddy goes above and beyond expectations.

He smiles musingly in response, taking Teddy's hands in his and pulling them away from his face so he can bend down and kiss his forehead without interference. God, is it ever wonderful to have his boyfriend back.]

You've redeemed yourself, Sméagol. Though as the reality-warping teleporter in the relationship I'd have loved to see you try to lock me in.

[That smile grows a little thanks to the kiss and Billy's words, and just the fact that he is worried, but not wanting to get away, not blaming Teddy for any of it. He feels a little more forgiven, at least; he'll probably have to see his friends to really feel more at peace.

For now though, he pulls his hands away from Billy's if only to wiggle his fingers against his chest, as if trying to tickle him in a not-quite-so ticklish spot.]

Sméagol must keep the precious safe from thieving Bagginses! [While he does lower his voice and make it a bit rougher, he doesn't even try to make it sound like Gollum. Why would he want to mimic and unattractive voice like that?]

[It still makes Billy snicker a bit, squirming from those fingers and batting them away, and he's starting to feel better- less worried, the more Teddy sounds like himself. He eases himself back until he's more comfortable on the couch, Teddy's head still pillowed in his lap. He's missed their casual closeness, since the last week they'd been something of a mess of clinging and stress.]

No tickling, Stinker. But seriously, though, do you need anything? Or are you just tired?

I don't think I need anything... Just a little tired, that's all.

[Maybe some love from his boyfriend would be nice, but Teddy doesn't need to worry about that. What he worries about is later, when he'll have to talk to his friends and how they'll react. Yeah, Billy named off all those people and how important Teddy is to them, but...

He lets out a sigh, smile fading as he looks up at the ceiling again, lost in thought. It's probably because Teddy feels emotionally vulnerable that he slips even a bit of what's on his mind out.]

You know, if you said that not long ago, that whole "do you know how important you are" thing...

[He lets it hang, not wanting to continue that line. But what's left unsaid is obvious: it probably wouldn't have worked. Honestly, Teddy knows it only barely got through to him, seeing how he wanted to bitterly shrug it off with a laugh. Before he met the Young Avengers, hell, and times after it, that sort of statement wouldn't have had any impact at all.]

[Billy frowns at that, his hand returning to Teddy's hair to stroke it soothingly. He knows how bad Teddy used to be, how desperately he wanted the approval of the wrong people. And he's so proud of Teddy for breaking himself free, and for finally learning how to truly be himself, but that's still a part of Teddy's life that he didn't experience, so it's quite the mystery to him beyond what Teddy's told him.

He knows two things, though: that that Teddy is gone, and that he's ashamed of it.]

You're not that person anymore. If you were like that, none of them would even know who the real you is. But we know you now, and we love you for who you are.

[His fingers brush over Teddy's forehead, then slides down to lightly stroke his knuckles over the nearest cheek.]

That's how I knew something was wrong... because you're not like that.

[It's felt like so long since Teddy received touches like this - or, rather, received it without trying to share it or pull back from it, that it feels wonderful. He finds himself shutting his eyes, then turns his head towards Billy's touch, a content sigh escaping him. His own hand, the one closest to Billy, moves up to rest his palm against his boyfriend's stomach, feeling the way it moves to and fro with every breath he takes.

It's just as good to hear just how Billy knew that something was wrong. No matter how much Teddy tried to fight it, no matter how much he tried to show everyone else that he was okay, because he himself believed it too, Billy still saw right through it. Realized the fact that it wasn't just exhaustion, but something much deeper.]

Mm... Sometimes I think you know me better than I know myself.

[Teddy had spent years being something everyone else wanted, constantly hiding his true self, building an identity and shifting his personality and looks just so, enough that he almost forgot just who this Teddy Altman guy was.

And, when he thought he figured it out, it was revealed that everything he thought he knew was a lie.]

[That makes Billy smile, genuinely touched, even if he doesn't really agree. His free hand moves to rest comfortably on Teddy's chest, not moving or anything, just another point of contact and comfort for his boyfriend to depend on as needed.]

I wouldn't really say that. More like... I think you were hiding yourself for so long you didn't even know who the real you was. But since you didn't fake it around me - and since I didn't let you - you got to find your true self at the same time as I did.

[It had taken a while, sure, but knowing Teddy as he is now was well worth the wait. And he wouldn't want to change a thing.]

[And though Teddy would like to keep his eyes shut, soaking in the warmth and love of his boyfriend, he opens them instead to look up at Billy, a half smile on his face, and a little blush. Billy pretty much got it on the nose right there, and he loves that. Loves it when Billy just... gets it.]

And did you think my true self was the destined prince of an alien race and the destined warrior of another alien race, both of whom are at war with each other? Because I sure didn't.

[Billy quirks a brow at that, lightly ruffling Teddy's hair.]

Kind of like how my true self is apparently the soul-transmogrified twin son of a mutant, a synthezoid, and a hell-lord? Or how neither of us knew who our original parents were? A lot of unexpected things happened after we became super heroes.

Yeah...

[They both had pretty messed up backgrounds. Teddy's was revealed to him much more... violently, but even so... unexpected indeed.

With that thought, Teddy edges his hand down, then up again, this time sliding under Billy's shirt to rest his hand against his bare stomach, the gesture more intimate than sensual.]

I never expected to fall so deeply in love with someone, either.

...Come on, now you're just sucking up.

[The gesture is both loving and vaguely ticklish whether Teddy means it or not, and Billy shifts a little, fighting back a pink-cheeked smile. He doesn't mind being teased or gently flirted with - it's much, much better than the alternative when it comes to discussing parents with Teddy - but he's fully prepared to wrestle down an invalid if this devolves into actual tickling. Kaplan Pride represent...!]

Can't say I really saw it coming, either. I guess good things really do come to those who wait for it.

Edited 2013-06-12 11:40 (UTC)

Mmm... [Teddy's gaze ends up drifting down to where his hand is, covered by Billy's shirt, and it's at that moment that he's all too aware of the heat under his hand, the skin and muscle, how he's allowed to do this, how Billy breathes, how he can stroke just beside his belly button with the backs of his fingers -

And that's about when Teddy pulls his hand away and crosses it over his chest instead, glancing to the side and fighting back a blush of his own. Bad Altman, bad. Just because they haven't done anything sexual for a couple of weeks now...]

... Well, you know, compared to a lot of other couples, I'd say we didn't have to wait that long.

Edited 2013-06-12 11:53 (UTC)

[Billy notices the blush, but doesn't comment on it; it's been a kind of frustrating couple of weeks, for sure, and as much as he'd love to indulge in all kinds of things that he's missed out on since the possessions began, Teddy's in no shape to properly enjoy it. They're in for a little more waiting, much to his chagrin.]

Also true. It just gives us longer to get to know each other, right?

Mmhmm. [... Of course, that makes him think of just how long he could have with Billy, how he'd love to spend forever, how -

God, no. They're both too young, and Billy would laugh at his face. Best to just stop thinking of it.

Instead, he glances back at Billy with a little smile.]

Hey... I think I'll nap for a couple of hours. You can do whatever you want, I'll be here. [He turns his head towards Billy more, eyes half-lidding and eyebrows raising just slightly in an expression that's a little more sensual.] And maybe when I wake up...

[Billy meets his gaze for about three seconds before he has to lift a hand to cover his mouth, muffling a little laugh. He's pretty sure he knows what expression Teddy's trying to make, but with how tired he is and the angle Billy's looking at him, he kind of just looks doped up.]

Easy, tiger. Let's go one step at a time, okay?

[He grabs a couch pillow, wiggling out from beneath Teddy's head and tucking said pillow under him to give him a spot to rest it. Much as he'd love to cuddle and watch Teddy sleep for a while, he's keen to get a few things done first; it's been a while since he was able to relax at home or work on any of his own projects without Teddy lurking over his shoulder too much, and they really could use a break from each other for a little while. Not to mention he's hungry.

And there's that crystal thing to deal with... he'll need to get that off the floor before he sleeps, or the shield around it will fail and god knows where it'll end up after that.

Billy crouches down to be closer to eye level, leaning in and giving Teddy a long, lingering kiss.]

Rest up. I'll save some food for you.

[Wow Billy rude. Teddy makes a face for all of two seconds before he shuts his eyes and relaxes his features as Billy works on getting him situated. It is nice, being taken care of like this. He's missed it, and the shard made him completely oblivious to it.

Maybe he should go out after this, catch up with friends. Give Billy more time to himself.

Just as he's done thinking that, there's a kiss pressed to his lips, and he gladly returns it, one hand lifting up to brush the backs of his fingers across Billy's cheek. And when it's over, he keeps his hand there for a moment, expression tired yet fond.]

Mm. Best boyfriend. [And speaking of the shard:] Be careful around that thing, okay? I don't want to go all mortal kombat with another possession.

You make it tempting to try just so I can watch you do that.

[He's teasing though, obviously; he has no desire to get possessed again, nor do anything reckless to get anyone else possessed either. He moves his hand to cover Teddy's, holding it there in the hopes of reassuring him one last time before he pulls away.]

I promise I'll be careful. If I can't get it off the floor I'll put a box over it or something.

A box. Nice.

[Teddy pulls away as Billy does and, not wanting to keep Billy with him any longer, he turns his body so that he's on his side and facing away from him, letting out a sleepy, appreciative sound at the feeling of freedom. It feels unbelievably good to be able to let Billy go out without feeling afraid of what he's doing and wanting to fly after him, and to actually sleep peacefully.]

Now, go on. Have fun.

Edited 2013-06-13 10:27 (UTC)

[Billy can't help lingering a moment longer; it feels like it's been so long since he's seen Teddy completely relax, even if it's only been a few weeks, so the sight of it is soothing for him, as well. Even if he still has some serious work to do (the crystal, that is) he knows they're both a lot better off than they were before he arrived at home.

He takes a moment to grab a blanket and pull it over his boyfriend's body with a quiet murmur to sleep well before he wanders off to do his own thing. He's pretty sure they'll sleep well tonight.]

Teddy Altman ; APPOINTMENTS

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