selfhelp | [Voice/Action] Forward-dated to the afternoon of the 9th

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[Voice/Action] Forward-dated to the afternoon of the 9th

[He should have seen this coming- it's like it's some kind of retaliation for what he'd done on Teddy's birthday. He still manages to be surprised when Teddy shoos him out of the apartment some time after breakfast on the 9th, barely given time to grab his coat and stuff his laptop into a bag before he's been officially banished from his own home.

...Well then. Looks like he's in the wind today. First things first: while he isn't usually the type to announce this kind of thing, thanks to having the afternoon to himself (whereas usually his birthday is filled with doting parents and obnoxious little brothers vying for attention) he's feeling indulgent enough to go for it, and he remembers something in particular...]

Okay- first of all, question for everybody. Now that I know about that whole... Valentine's Day thing that's supposed to happen every year, does anyone know how to avoid it? Or should I just lock myself in my room for a few days and hope for the best?

And second, to the X-Men? If the team training is still on for today, it's probably safe to go ahead and assume I won't make it. I'm allowed to have plans on my birthday. But happy birthday to Logan whenever he gets back- 180 is a pretty big landmark, right?

[Hopefully he won't get killed for that one, but he just couldn't help himself. Even if the accuracy of that number is questionable.

The rest of the afternoon will be spent in the following ways: goofing off in the Battle Dome with some self-indulgent hologram scenarios blatantly ripped out of Star Trek, wasting time in Seventh Heaven with excessive amounts of coffee and his laptop like a proper teenage hipster, and then, when his battery's running dry, returning to building #5 to bully Teddy into feeding the laptop's power cord under the door, at which point he'll be curled up on the floor outside his apartment playing Minecraft or something while he waits for his boyfriend to finish... whatever he's doing in there.]

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[...And as soon as they walk through, Billy feels like they just stepped through a time machine. Or a dream. He's pretty sure he's had dreams like this.

The music hits him first - a live band, at that! - and then his eyes start to wander from one feature to the next: the lights, the gorgeous decor, the shining stage floor, the collection of beautiful people dancing and dining and just enjoying themselves. He didn't recognize the place - he'd never gone to anything as obviously expensive as this - but it was as if they'd walked right into a movie about the fifties, all dance and class and elegance.

He feels like he might swoon, and he kind of looks it, too.]

Oh my god... I am so under-dressed for this...

You can always zap yourself some new threads.

[His voice comes from behind, and then he moves in closer to wrap his arms around Billy's waist and rest his chin on his shoulder, just looking at the surroundings. He'd programmed this setting once or twice to see if it worked and what it was like, and judging by Billy's reaction... it looks like he did well.

But they really aren't dressed right for this. Teddy's inconspicuous with his white button-up shirt and khakis, but it still isn't quite fitting in with the rest of the room. It's not like he could wear something like that without Billy being suspicious, anyway, but it does make Teddy side-eye him.]

I probably don't look so impressive either.

[It takes a few long moments, but Billy finally drags his eyes away from the scene to turn around and face Teddy, arms lifting to wind around his boyfriend's neck. There's a big, bright smile on his face, and he looks even more pleased than he did when he'd seen the stage. That should be hint enough of how happy he is. He honestly hadn't wanted to turn away, as if he was afraid it really was a dream, but even as he looks at Teddy, there's still a bustle of moving bodies behind him, and the smooth, bouncing jazz band is still playing, and god he has the best partner in the universe.

He doesn't have any more words to express how happy he is, so he pulls Teddy in for yet another kiss, deep and loving and god, so grateful. There's a faintly electric feel of magic flaring around them as they kiss, and when he pulls back, their clothes have indeed changed- both decked out in handsome, trim tuxedos that match their bodies and colours perfectly.

And Billy's still smiling, pulling back and smoothing the jacket of Teddy's suit, pleased at his work.]

I think you look just perfect, Teddy Altman.

[Teddy grins after the kiss, looking down at both his and Billy's suits, clearly impressed. It's been quite a while since he wore something like this, and unlike the one he wore last time, this one's actually kind of comfortable. He can thank the fact that the person who made it is someone who loves him and not some random cheap suit from a mall.

He takes Billy's hands, a smile on his face that just looks adoring. His boyfriend is so happy, and it always warms Teddy's heart to see him like that. Especially considering the stress he's had... It's so, so good to see him with such a bright, brilliant smile on his face, the same one that Teddy felt his heart skip a beat over more than a year ago, the same one that does the same to him now.]

So do you, Billy Kaplan.

[He lowers their hands, though he still doesn't let go of Billy's, and gives a quick glance to the crowd and the band, his expression turning just a tad sheepish.]

You mind taking the lead? I only know enough about stuff like this to program it in...

It would be my pleasure.

[With their hands still joined, Billy leads the way onto the dance floor, into an open spot where they won't crash into anyone else, even if the others are just AI-made. Only then does he let go, maneuvering their hands to a dancing position and starting them up with a light, peppy series of steps that Teddy shouldn't have much trouble keeping up with.

Billy's in his element now, looking confident, relaxed, and probably happier than he's been for more than a month now. After such a long series of miserable experiences with barely any breaks in between, and too many mood-killers to count, this whole experience, the whole day really, has been exactly what he needed to unwind.]

[Even though he knows these people are AI-made, there's still that feeling that always comes over him when he's within a group of people like this: nerves. It's one of the reasons he doesn't dance unless he's just with Billy. He knows that after a few minutes, he'll be over it and having fun, but these first ones? They can be terrible.

But he still follows the steps Billy makes, first a bit clumsily which results in him making a face and shaking his head briefly to focus. Yet after just a few seconds, he seems to catch on, and soon enough, he's matching Billy's light steps, now letting a smile come over his face. Teddy's pretty lucky and he knows it, being able to figure out how movement works just by watching for a little while.

Now that the movement's become easy, Teddy finally takes his gaze off their feet and to Billy's eyes instead, his smile accompanied by bright eyes now that he's starting to become more confident. He might hate the first few minutes of dancing in pubic, but afterwards, and most especially with his number one? It always turns out fun.

And it's worth it. It's utterly and entirely worth it to suffer a few minutes of uncomfortable embarrassment to give Billy this. To see him so happy and relaxed, so in his element, and to share that with him...

God. He loves this person so much.]

[They dance like that for a while, with Billy guiding them through a couple of different dances, changing the pace according to the music, helping Teddy to learn the steps and practice carefully. He's so happy to just be here and doing this with the one he loves that he doesn't give a damn that Teddy doesn't really know how to dance right off the bat. If nothing else he's a very fast learner, something he'd learned at the last dance they attended together, so he doesn't mind waiting for his boyfriend to get it. And if anyone's watching them, he doesn't seem to notice it at all. He's got eyes only for one person in this place.

Eventually the music slows, and he shifts their positions somewhat to give Teddy the lead this time, though really, this dance has no particular steps to follow; one arm goes around Teddy's neck, the other hand gripping the blond's, and he rests his head against Teddy's chest, eyes closing. He's content to take it slow and simple, turning gently with his boyfriend to the tune of a more relaxed song.]

I love you.

[His voice is quiet, but clear and happy, the smile on his lips barely visible, pressed up against the silky material of Teddy's tux.]

Thanks. Really, I- thank you. Everything's perfect...

[Slow dancing is easy. All he has to do is turn and sway a little, it's simple enough. Teddy can do things like that, and so he does it with confidence, one arm around Billy's waist and the other holding his hand. He does, at first, keep his eyes open so that they don't run into anyone, but when Billy says that...

He really can't resist shutting his eyes and nuzzling his nose into Billy's hair, taking a deep breath while gently tightening his hold around his waist. That was one of the things he wanted to hear, that everything was perfect. He wanted today especially to be wonderful for Billy, and even though he'd like to take away everything that makes him stressed... He can't exactly do that. So making his birthday absolutely special is the next best thing he can think of.]

There's still one last thing, but it can wait for a while. You deserve all of this, Billy... all of it.

[He smiles a little against his boyfriend's hair.] You know how much I love you, right?

[Billy grins, tilting his head upwards just enough to get a look at Teddy, let him see the smile properly. Teddy's always thrived by getting good feedback- physical touch, a word of encouragement, affectionate gestures that Billy's all too happy to give. It helps that Teddy makes it so easy, makes him want to show his love every way he can. And that Teddy does things like this, makes him feel like the world is magical without using any powers at all.

With experiences like this to remind him, really...]

How could I not?

[His fingers curl gently through Teddy's hair, and he presses his face a little deeper into the curve of Teddy's neck, inhaling deeply- smelling new cloth, the musk of leftover sweat from their flight, and that sweet, fresh scent that is uniquely him. Right here, right at this moment in time, there's nothing else he needs.

It really is perfect.]

[Teddy shares that grin once he sees Billy's face, and shuts his eyes again when he feels his boyfriend breathe against his neck. In turn, he slides his fingers up Billy's back, then down again, back to its original spot, and rests his cheek against the side of Billy's head.

Like this, it really is perfect. There are people around him, Teddy knows this, but it's one of those moments when he feels like they're the only ones in the room. And really, they're he only real ones here, but the sentiment is the same, and he even forgets about Luceti itself for a moment. There's only the music and the person he loves, both holding each other and swaying to the beat.

And for him, the moment doesn't end even when the song changes; it's still a little slow, but peppier, and even Teddy can recognize the song, so he gives Billy's head a nudge.]

Who gets to lead this one?

[He'd been content to rock quietly like that for hours if he were allowed - it's practically enough to lull him into the most blissful of sleep - but Teddy's voice draws him back to reality, and his hips are already swaying a bit faster in tune with the new song.

Billy pauses at the question, listening to the music for a moment, then smiles secretively and draws back, sliding his hands into the leading position, his movements answer enough as he guides their bodies into a series of more complicated steps. He knows this song well, and the dance even better, and combination has him just about ready to show off - even to a bunch of artificially created people - so he's hoping Teddy can keep up with him well. They did get some practice in with the earlier songs, though, and Teddy's ability to catch on fast is pretty much unparalleled, so he has no doubt that this'll be great even if his partner isn't perfect at dancing. He's the perfect partner, period, and Billy wouldn't choose anyone else over him.

Still- maybe some incentive would help.]

I'm fine with leading, but... think you can follow me, Altman?

[Teddy looks a bit unsure of himself at first; oh yes, he can keep up fine now that he's gotten in some practice, but Billy looks like he wants to make this more complicated than the others. He isn't sure if he can be up to par without screwing up, and he knows Billy would just smile and pull him along anyway, but -

Then Billy says that, and Teddy takes his eyes off his feet to look at him with raised eyebrows. Is he really trying to push his competitive buttons? Is he really?

Well, it works, because his own hands tighten as if preparing for a challenge while the tension in his shoulders relax, and he gives a light little smirk. If Billy wants Teddy to follow, then dammit, he will follow, and damn anyone who thinks otherwise.]

Depends. Sure you can lead without me passing you?

[Not that he'd overtake Billy's lead; he's not nearly confident enough in his own leading skills in dances like this. But banter is fun.]

You should worry about yourself, not me, or I'll be leaving you in the dust.

[Banter's totally fun. And hell yeah, he thought that might work, and Billy can't help feeling a little thrill when he sees that it did. Teddy's got his eyes up, focused on him, and that's what he wanted all along. Dancers who watch their own feet are much more likely to trip over them, after all.

And with Teddy's gaze on him, he feels sufficiently fueled to pick up the pace, twisting his body this way and that, brushing up against his boyfriend's body as they move together, twirling them gaily around the dance floor. He doesn't even notice that the crowd has parted to give them space. Maybe it's part of the program Teddy made, or maybe the computer's smart enough to know he wants them to be the center of attention, or maybe the AI itself is smart enough to get the hell out of the way of the storm that is the Kaplan/Altman couple. But either way, he doesn't see it. He sees the lights, the blur of their surroundings as they spin, and the brightness of Teddy's eyes.

One might say that it's all rather cliche, but he can't stop thinking about how damn romantic it is.]

[Later on, Teddy will be surprised that he managed to keep up quite well. He twists and turns, following the lighter steps without trouble. Perhaps it's the fact that Billy's a good leader, or that Teddy's better at dancing when he's not worried about where his feet will go next and just goes with the rhythm and the path his partner pulls him on. He touches foreheads occasionally with Billy, just to smile wide and look into his partner's eyes before he pulls back, continuing with the dance. He, too, doesn't notice the crowd parted and watching them, nor does it quite hit him that they have a lot of space to maneuver around, something that Billy takes advantage of.

He's just noticing the atmosphere, the floor blurring as they spin, and Billy's happy expression. And goddamn, it is romantic. And he knows that no matter what Billy does here, whether it's dipping him or spinning Teddy on his own or whatever he decides to lead him into, he'll follow and trust what he does. That's what dancing is all about, isn't it?]

[By the end of the dance, Billy's actually laughing, lighthearted and without care. If he were strong enough to do it he'd actually be spinning his boyfriend around and right off his feet by now, that's how happy he is. Really, it couldn't have gone better than this. He feels like he can dance till his feet fall off, and then fly on around the world even afterwards.

He's practically breathless when the song filters off quietly into something new, but it doesn't stop him from dragging Teddy into another kiss, this one longer, deeper, more passionate than any other today. He wants the kiss to convey all that he's feeling: this is perfect, and I love you, and it's everything I wanted, and best boyfriend ever.

Uncontested.]

[And once again, the rest of the world isn't even noticed by Teddy, wrapped up in the kiss as he is. He can get the gist of the emotion behind it, and he returns it, giving all of his love and all of his joy over the fact that he could give a day like this to Billy. It's absolutely perfect, and when he pulls back, he only pays attention to those brown eyes and smiles giddily for a few seconds.

That's when he notices that the music isn't quite as noticeable, because there are people clapping. And when he looks to see what all the applause is for, he realizes they're looking at them.

His grin turns more crooked as he ducks his head, a flush on his cheeks, before he lifts it up to wave a little. Oh god, they were watching the whole time, what.]

[Billy notices clapping around the same time Teddy does; he looks stunned for a long moment, then groans quietly, leaning forward and burying his face against Teddy's chest, his voice muffled.]

I think the AI's trolling us.

[Seriously? Seriously, clapping? It wasn't even that exceptional a dance...

Well, okay, it was definitely special. But they're hardly performers.]

[Teddy lets out a quiet chuckle at that, and he slides his fingers into Billy's hair. He's definitely quite flustered himself, but he can at least hide it better than Billy.]

At least it's not GLaDOS. [And now that everyone's getting back into dancing the way they're supposed to, Teddy starts to lead them away. He's not going out yet; really, it's up to Billy when they ought to leave for the last part. But he does sit at one of the tables just to let both Billy and himself take a break, and once he's sitting, he decides to take a closer look at the surroundings.]

I'm pretty sure they serve stuff here, too. If you want anything, anyway.

[Oh god, that's really nightmare-inducing. Billy shudders, but it's all in good fun, and he follows Teddy to one of the tables, plopping down and cozying up against Teddy to get a breather.]

We're still in the battle dome... wouldn't it just be digital food? Unless it's got a built-in replicator or something.

[Heee pauses, as if he hadn't really thought of that before now.]

... I don't know, it said it could. And we had popcorn on my birthday, so...

[And even if it is fake food, they can just watch for now, maybe dance later, or head out to the last part of the whole birthday surprise.]

We had popcorn because I brought the kernels for it. I tried making it from scratch but it didn't really taste like anything.

[He gives Teddy a little prod.]

Anyway, I had dinner before I came home, and then you fed me a giant piece of cake, remember? So I'm fine. If you're hungry, though, there's those vending machines outside. Want something?

... You have no idea how hungry I am right now.

[Seriously. Teddy hasn't had anything to eat since he started working on this whole project this morning, and those vending machine snacks sound really good right now. He pulls Billy a little closer to give him a kiss on the temple though, before anything else.]

If you want to stay here a little longer, then I'll be right back. Or we can move on to the next thing...

[Billy feels a little twinge of guilt at that, mixed with indecision; he feels bad about Teddy not eating, since he knows he was kept busy for Billy's sake, but the idea of leaving this beautiful place so soon is... hrngh...]

If you're that hungry, we can go if you want.

[He's trying not to sound reluctant, but he's watching the dancers around them a little wistfully, as if taking in last minute glimpses of the scene in case Teddy says yes.]

[Teddy doesn't even have to look hard to see that Billy's practically telling a bald-faced lie. Trust his boyfriend to wear his heart on his sleeve. So he chuckles, then gives Billy's shoulder another little squeeze.]

Dork. You let me out of this booth prison, and I'll get food. You stay here and enjoy this place.

...Still the best.

[His reward is a grateful smile from Billy, and a quick squeeze of his hand before he slides out to let Teddy free. As soon as the booth is empty he scoots back to take Teddy's place, returning to full-blown happy lurker mode, leaning on the table to watch the dancing continue. He'll be content to do that - and maybe one last dance after Teddy's hunger is sated, and if his boyfriend is willing - until they finally leave.]

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