analienprince

I don't think he'd have fought so hard for you, if he didn't care about you. I just-- can't believe he was sleeping around behind your back. [He's angry that Billy's hurt... and he's angry that he's hurt as well. He'd thought they'd all been trying to make this work. Cheating and lying about problems doesn't make anything work though...

He lets out a sigh, bringing up a hand to brush through Billy's hair.]

We can walk or I can fly you back.

You'd think that after everything we've gone through, dealing with this wouldn't be so. . hard. ( but it is. and it's less about what loki did and more--why he did it. the way he went about it. if there had been a little more honesty, billy wouldn't be even close to as upset as he is. this is what he gets though, isn't it? trusting the god of chaos, mischief, lies--and everything else.

a step back, and he's raising palms to shove against his eyes, taking a deep breath. )

Can we fly?

Yeah... I'm sorry, B. I wish I could make it better for you. [But he can't. He can't say he's surprised Loki lied either -- not when he's the god of them... he'd just hoped Billy wouldn't be hurt in the process.

He moves forward at the question to pick Billy up, hold him close as he shifts his form.]

Of course we can. Come on.

( arms wrapping tight around teddy's neck when he's picked up, billy presses in close, leans into teddy as best as he can. )

Next time the portal opens up--after we get Peter back--we'll go home, maybe. Get the Young Avengers back together, enjoy our apartment. . all that nice stuff.

[He turns his head to press a kiss to Billy's forehead, too uncertain to do much else, not sure how much of what Billy is saying is just because he's upset and grieving.

But it's all too fresh to prod at it, right? And he's too angry to be tactful when what he'd like to do is go punch Loki in the face -- preferably repeatedly.]

We will, B. But right now-- we've got an apartment with your brother to enjoy, right? And you know I'm with you until the end, right? No matter what happens.

I know. You're amazing, Teddy.

( his tone lacks the normal luster he talks about teddy with though; nerves frayed after the whole bit with loki himself. )

We'll figure it out.

[He honestly doesn't feel particularly amazing right now, but he flashes Billy a quick, fond smile before he takes to the air, keeping Billy close.

Right now, he wants to focus on getting them back home and safe, that's all.]

Of course we will... we always do.

I love you.

( softly, murmured into the curve of teddy's shoulder as he holds on tight. )

Thanks for sticking by me.

I love you too... I always will, you know?

[He lets out a short huff, amused.]

Who else would I want to stick with, Kaplan? I told you 'til death do us part and I meant it, wedding or not

I was really excited about it.

( quietly; there goes his mood again. )

Loki never thought it was the three of us, you know. Which just pisses me off even more. He never even--tried to communicate anything.

I had a feeling... I don't think he really wanted me in the equation, B. Maybe if I'd just-- stayed away, you could have had your wedding.

[But again, he'd hoped, at least.]

I thought he wanted to try it, try to make it work with the three of us...

You don't lie to me, or cheat on me then tell me it's because I can't appreciate your other forms.

( gripping on even tighter to teddy, thank you. )

I thought he wanted to try, too.

Of course not... I wouldn't cheat on you ever, B. [There are just... some things he believes in and not betraying Billy like that is at the top of his list.] It's not your fault though. That's a crappy excuse to use... he knew that going in.

[He gives a sadder smile as Billy holds tighter.]

I'm sorry it didn't work out... I really wanted it to. I liked seeing you happy.

( it'd be one thing if loki had talked to him first. had even given billy an inkling of what was going on, but--no. not a word. nothing until it came up accidentally. thanks a lot, loki laufeyson. )

I know it's not my fault. Thanks though. ( leaning in a little closer, lips pressing to the curve of teddy's jawline. )

'll get over it.

[He lets out a sigh at the kiss, arms tightening on Billy protectively.]

You really are amazing, you know... and you deserved better than being lied to like that. Especially over that.

Can we punch him a little.

( grumbled soft, eyes closed as he holds on. )

Maybe later.

Punching, maiming... We can do all that later.

[He turns his head to press a kiss to his forehead.]

Right now, I want to get you home and get you comfortable.

Yeah, thanks.

( he's comfortable wherever teddy is, but billy understands what he's getting at. somewhere to sit for a while. try and relax, as if that's actually going to happen. )

Definitely at least a punch. I'll have to get my stuff out of the Sanctum. .

Do you want me to go get it? He offered me a room there... I guess I need to collect anything I left.

[Because he's definitely not interested in staying anywhere near Loki at the moment. That wouldn't end well, he's pretty sure."

No, it's.

( yes, he would like that. he'd like to just leave all his problems for someone else to deal with, but this isn't just his problem, it's hurting teddy, too. )

I can get it. I'm not afraid of him.

I know you're not, but-- if you don't want to see him again, I can do that for you.

[He's a large part of what caused all of this, right? He can take the hurt if it means Billy doesn't have to deal with it.]

Unless you're sure...

Teddy. .

( soft and sweet, a hand moving away from his neck to press to a cheek, patting at it softly. )

I know you're hurt, too. And I'd never ask something like that of you. I can get your stuff while I'm there, kill two birds with one stone. Be in and out before anyone notices.

[He tilts into that touch, if only because it means Billy is still there with him, not lost in his head again, not lost to depression and bad days. He hasn't even had time to let it all properly sink in -- his head is still spinning, wondering how this could possibly happen.

But at least Billy is still responsive and that's one thing Teddy can be grateful for.]

I should go with you... I want to, B. You shouldn't have to do it alone. And besides-- I might be hurt, but I wasn't exactly the one who thought he was going to spend eternity with the guy. You were going to give up friends and family, even aging... all to be with Loki.

( billy is still here, which is a feat all of it's own. he's responding, trying his goddamn best not to shut down. it wouldn't be fair to teddy, dropping that bomb on him and then fading out into nothing. not that fair really has anything to do with being depressed--but he's trying his best here. )

Okay. We'll get everything--later, then. Now's probably not a good time, and I don't think I left anything there that I absolutely can't live without. ( except loki himself. ) I was--wondering why it was that he took his time getting that apple to me. Guess now we know, huh.

[He appreciates Billy trying, that's all. He knows for a fact that it isn't easy to do. Turning his head, he presses a kiss to Billy's head as he settles them back on the ground, just outside the apartment.]

I think that was my fault... I mean, I know I didn't make him cheat, B. But from the sounds of it, you were both well on your way to getting married and settling here forever and then I just-- showed up. He didn't want me to be part of the picture, not that close at least.

[And he'd been hopeful maybe he could get closer to Loki, that maybe he could have a place, but...] Cheating's on him, but I was the one who backed down on staying away from you.

[But how could he say no when Billy was the man he loved more than anything? When he'd have been so desperately lost... and Billy seemed to want him back? He lets out a breath.]

Not that it matters now, I guess. Even if I went home tomorrow, Loki still did something horrible to you and there's no excuse.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject