too fast for you (laterhater) wrote in newalliance, @ 2012-06-15 00:36:00 |
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Entry tags: | hulkling, speed, wiccan |
Who: Billy Kaplan, Tommy Shepherd and Teddy Altman
Where: Nightclub, Downtown NYC → Altman Residence
When: June 14th, Night
What: Billy and Tommy go clubbing. Billy gets hammered. The twins kind of bond. Then, at the end of the night, Teddy gets to be the responsible boyfriend.
Rating: PG-13
Tommy was hanging out about three blocks away from the club. He hadn't meant to show up early but there was nothing to do at home and running was much easier and faster than dealing with the subway. (Even if the shoes he had on kind of sucked.) He had grabbed a gyro from one of the street vendors and was currently loitering outside a bar, watching as a few people ducked out for cigarettes and the line to get in barely moved at all.
His phone was in his pocket, set on vibrate so he wouldn't miss any other text messages filled with what should have been pretty obvious questions. Seriously, it was like Billy had never been to a club before. Who didn't know about dress codes? Tommy seriously wondered what the guy been doing for almost seventeen years.
==
For what seemed like the hundredth time, Billy stared at the little plastic card in his hand. The one that said that he wasn’t Billy Kaplan, but someone else entirely. It seemed strangely appropriate, as well as a little disconcerting. Was he someone else? Teddy didn’t think so, or at least hadn’t voiced as much the last time they talked.
He slid the card back in his wallet and checked himself in the mirror one last time. Nice shirt, nice jeans, belt, slightly mussed hair... he was about as club-ready as he was likely to get the first time out. And yes, this was the first time. How many different rules was he breaking tonight? He knew of at least three as he shut the door to his room, walked down the stairs, and flat out lied to his parents about where he was going.
It didn’t take long for him to catch up to Tommy. Hopefully he hadn’t been waiting long. But if he was anything like Bart, waiting a minute would probably seem like an eternity to him.
“So...” he said by way of greeting.
==
"Hey." Tommy nodded in Billy's direction. He shoved the list bit of gyro into his mouth, and gave Billy a once over, eyebrows raising as he did so.
"Jeans, huh?" he asked, words garbled. For Tommy's part, he was wearing dark slacks, a button down green and white shirt, and the most comfortable dress shoes (still not comfortable enough) that he owned. He finally swallowed, then licked the last bit of sauce from his fingers. "Okay. No big."
There was nothing wrong with jeans in general but the place he'd had in mind was a bit more anal than most. Oh well. There'd be a change of plans, but nothing major. "You ready?"
==
“What? Not good enough?”
Billy eyed Tommy’s outfit over, drawing an image in his mind of a similar look that he had in his closet. Then he stepped slightly out of view from the general public and began a low, barely audible chant. Small blue sparks erupted from his fingers and eyes as he concentrated, his own clothing warping and morphing until they were more in line with Tommy’s. At least he knew he could do that trick.
Stepping back out, he smirked and offered by way of explanation, “Saves on clothes shopping.” He patted himself down to make sure he still had his wallet and phone. One time, he actually had failed to create pockets, which was kind of awkward.
“Alright, lead on.”
==
Tommy let out a low whistle. That had gone much better than the time Billy had tried to magic something up in school. "Not half bad, Kaplan."
He jerked his head indicating the rough direction of the club and started walking. It was a place Tommy had been to a few times before. In fact, the place he had met Kate. Overall, he had no complaints about the type of crowd. There were a few stuck up douchebags and a handful of girls that thought their shit didn't stink, but mostly a bunch of hot chicks looking for a good time.
"You're good with the ID? With the birthdate and address and shit?"
Like they even needed IDs. If Billy could conjure up some clothes, he could probably sneak into a club. But Tommy didn't need Mia's brother dropping in any more than was absolutely necessary so it was all about doing things the hard way.
==
Billy smiled. Coming from Tommy, ‘not half bad’ was a glowing compliment. “Been practicing,” he muttered as he followed behind.
“Yeah,” he answered quickly when questioned on the ID. He’d committed the name, date, and address to memory, and had even practiced rattling it off a few times before heading out, hoping that it would seem natural when actually doing it. He looked at Tommy, who appeared to be cool and collected, and tried to look the same. It was difficult though, as his stomach was currently in knots. What if they got caught? He supposed the ID’s would just be confiscated and they’d be thrown out. And Tommy would probably never speak to him again. So don’t screw up and it won’t be an issue, he chided inwardly.
He stood behind Tommy, doing his best to avoid fidgeting with his phone, trying to follow the much more seasoned teen’s lead.
“So... you’ve been to this place before?” Small talk. Good for nerves.
==
"Yeah, a few times, and I've never had a problem," Tommy added pointedly, shooting Billy a look. "Just play it cool, you'll be fine."
The staff had never done so much as raise an eyebrow at his ID and Tommy seriously doubted Billy would have any problems, because, hello, apparent twins would be the same age. It should be smooth sailing so long as Billy's neuroses didn't flare up or his conscience suddenly asserted itself.
He got in line, trying not to look like waiting was tantamount to a death sentence. That was the bad thing about going to a place this late in the night. Lines for everything.
"You look fine. Stop fidgeting."
==
Stop fidgeting... right. Think about something distracting. Teddy. In the garden. Shirtless. Billy broke into a stupid grin at the thought. Okay, he was better now. He stood there and watched the other people in line, trying not to look nervous, and succeeding for the most part.
But then the thought occurred to him. What if someone came up and talked to him? What if a girl came up and talked to him? That was very awkward to consider. Well... he supposed he’d just have to thank her politely and say that he was already with someone. Yeah... noncommittal enough not to give anything away. But what if people knew he was gay? Stop overthinking. He just didn’t want to screw anything up. This had to be a big step for Tommy, seeing as, to Billy, the other teen thought he was about as cool as a boombox.
“What kind of music do they play?” Certainly not country, judging by the atmosphere. Not that Billy listened to country, but it was one genre he could at least rule out. And classical.
==
"Whatever." Tommy gave a little shrug. He caught himself a moment later. That probably sounded more flippant than he'd intended. "Really. Whatever. Pop. Rap. Rock. Anything four on the floor."
After waiting for what felt like forever, they finally came to the end of the line. The group in front of them was pitching a fit since one of their friends hadn't been allowed in. The guy was wearing New Balance shoes. What did they expect?
"See," Tommy said, jerking his thumb in their direction, "dress code."
He handed his ID to the bouncer who looked at it then grunted an affirmative. Tommy snagged his ID back, then stepped to one side, digging out his wallet and waiting for Billy to pass muster.
==
Billy watched the display with a small bit of sadness. That was him, to a degree. New Balance shoes in a dress shoe type world. It wasn’t like he wasn’t aware that he didn’t fit in usually. He was perfectly aware of that fact, and even if he hadn’t been aware, he was sure that there were plenty of people out there more than willing to inform him of that fact.
To his credit though, he almost looked like a pro as he fished the ID out of his wallet and handed it over, his gaze slightly bored and noncommittal. Maybe he should join drama club for his senior year? Nah. Last thing he wanted was more reasons for the seniors to pick on him. And then he realized that they wouldn’t be back. The people who had spent the better part of this last year tormenting him for whatever reason they could think of had graduated. Short of Teddy, it was probably the best thing that had happened in recent weeks.
Once allowed past with the same grunt, Billy thanked the bouncer, slid the card back into his wallet, and walked after Tommy. That hadn’t been too hard. Just stand there and wait for someone else to vet you. He suddenly didn’t know why he had been so worried.
The place inside was awe-inspiring, at least to Billy, who had never been inside a club before. He tried to not look too amazed, but some of it certainly showed on his features. He’d have to tell Teddy about this later. Or better yet, try to find a way to bring him with him. But probably not here. Probably somewhere more suited to their particular lifestyle.
“Well this is... cool,” he said, though he wasn’t exactly sure if his voice carried over the music. Well, he was in the door at least. Now what?
==
"Very." Tommy grinned.
The club was a lot better than most. It had an expansive free standing bar staffed by good number of bartenders. Most of the room was dominated by a large open dance floor which had spot lighting above, and thankfully lacked the cheesy smoke machine. Although Tommy was pretty sure he'd seen bubbles a few times.
Around the floor were tiny nooks filled with oversized chairs and too small tables. There were a few waitress weaving their way through the crowd, doing laps from the seated area to the bar.
And there was an entire upstairs.
"Come on." Tommy doubled back and slung an arm over Billy's shoulder steering him in the direction of the bar. "What are you drinking?"
==
“Uh...”
What was he drinking? He had worried more about actually getting in the door than what he was going to do afterward. He didn’t have a lot of experience with alcohol. Sure he’d snuck a few sips of the wine that his mother preferred, but he was also sure that Tommy would laugh him out of the city if he suggested wine. Beer seemed a safe choice, but there were so many types, weren’t there? Or he could get rum and coke. That was a thing, right?
He looked at Tommy, eyes conveying his confusion at how to answer the question. He didn’t want to be disappointing though. He wanted Tommy to think he was cool. Well, at least passable, because he was pretty sure Tommy thinking he was cool would never happen.
“Rum and coke?” he asked, hoping that was, in fact, a thing.
==
"Cool. First round's on me." Tommy gave a nod. He hadn't expected Billy to start right off with the hard liquor. That'd been a surprise. He gave Billy a pat on the back then started for the bar, leaving the other teen alone in the veritable sea of clubgoers.
The bar was fairly packed and Tommy deliberately choose a spot by a petite blonde in a near backless shirt. If he had to be patient, he might as well take in the sights while he was at it. He was in the middle of a conversation when the bartender returned with Billy's drink and his beer. The girl raised an eyebrow.
Tommy frowned, not really wanting to leave the conversation but also knowing that using super speed to dart through the crowd would be just a bit obvious. He also didn't want Billy sliding into a mope fest either, at least not without the aid of some alcohol. He waved a hand, hoping to get Billy's attention, and beckoned him over.
==
When Tommy walked off, Billy kind of stood there, deer in the headlights look in his eyes as he scanned over the sea of people. There were plenty of people on the dancefloor, but there were still very few places to sit. As he looked around more, he caught Tommy waving him over.
He maneuvered through the crowd as best he could, apologizing as he accidentally brushed against people. Few seemed to mind. Most probably didn’t even hear him. It look longer than expected to cover the short distance to the bar, where he finally noticed the blonde that Tommy was talking to. She was pretty, and her shirt looked good on her, even if it might be a tad revealing in the back.
He reached for his drink as if he’d done it a hundred times, even if he was nervous as all get out. Fake it until you make it. He took a sip and turned a small face, surprised at the taste of the alcohol. Still, wasn’t too bad.
Realizing that he had to look like an amateur, Billy set the drink on the counter. “A little stronger than the last one I had,” he said to nobody in particular, attempting to cover for his own inexperience.
==
"Sure," Tommy said. He had a poker face on but there was amusement in his eyes. He was more than a little thankful that Billy hadn't choked on it or spit it out.
"It's better that way!" the girl chirped. She had a wide smile and obviously wasn't on her first drink. She looked towards Billy then back to Tommy, repeated her process a few times then tilted her head. "I've never gone out with a twin before." There was a pause as what she had said registered in her brain and she covered her mouth. "Met! Oh my God. I can't believe I said that."
"Don't worry about it." Tommy was grinning now, he leaned a bit closer to the girl. The nodded slightly in Billy's direction. "Hey, do you have any friends here?"
==
The second drink of the rum and coke was more deftly handled than the first, now that Billy knew what to expect. The slight burn was actually kind of pleasant, in a way. He smiled a bit at the girl’s misstep. If she only knew...
It took some work to hear what Tommy was saying, but then he nodded Billy’s direction and Billy distinctly though he heard the word friend. Oh no. No, no, no, no, no. He was not going to be set up in a bar with Teddy at his house wondering what was going on. He looked at Tommy, who seemed to be at least a little into the girl, then at the dancefloor.
“I... I think I’m going to go check out the dance floor,” he said quickly. It seemed easier than having some slightly intoxicated girl trying to make conversation. Plus he was probably a drag on Tommy’s style at the moment anyway. Besides, he was in the club. He might as well experience it.
He set the drink down on the bar and started off before stopping. That would be rude, right? Leaving a half filled drink that someone had bought for you? Stepping back, he picked up the glass and drained it with the smallest of a cough. The sweetness of the coke definitely helped the burn of the rum. His head was already swimming a little as he set the glass on the counter.
“Have fun,” he said to Tommy with a clap on the shoulder before retreating away from any possible fix-ups to the safety of the other side of the dance floor.
==
After Billy left, Tommy sat at the bar, chatting it up. The girl's name, he'd learned, was Lauren and, as a matter of fact, she did have friends in the club. One of them was seriously hot but sadly, had a boyfriend, but her single friend was still pretty cute. A little shy, maybe, but she definitely would have been Billy's speed.
Tommy and the blonde had hit up the dance floor for a while and then he bought her some drink he'd never heard of before (which was apparently pink and came with cherries.) Then they'd gone back to talking until her friends had decided to call it a night. The shy one was most definitely against leaving her friend there and made it pretty clear Tommy was not invited to come along. Shy and the designated driver. What an awesome combination.
But, Tommy figured, he got a number and a promise to call so it was all good. He flagged down the bartender for yet another beer and took a moment to chill. The dance floor didn't seem quite as packed as when they had first arrived and since nobody caught his eye, Tommy figured he should find out where Billy had gone too (and what the guy was up to.)
He ordered another drink, then made his way through the crowd. It hadn't taken Tommy too long to locate Billy. Okay, maybe he'd cheated, just a little. He stopped just in front of him and held up the rum and Coke he'd ordered.
"Here. Refill."
==
For what it was worth, Billy had actually been enjoying himself. The first drink had been enough, with his inexperience, to alter him slightly... just enough that his normally constant mental track was muted enough that he could enjoy the music and the atmosphere.
After he had taken his leave of Tommy, Billy had milled about the club, watching the different people, looking at the lights, watching the dancing (though he didn’t dance himself). He actually even talked to a couple people that had walked up to him, nothing serious or anything, just casual conversation. All in all, he was doing pretty good for himself.
By the time Tommy found him though, he was sitting at a table upstairs near the balcony, alternating between looking at the crowd dancing below and texting Teddy. Not that he had told Teddy where he was. He was just texting about random stuff, like they did.
He looked up at Tommy and the offered drink. Yeah, he could do another... probably. He locked his phone and set it in front of him on the table before taking the drink.
“Thanks. Your friend leave?”
==
"Yeah, she had to go." Tommy shrugged, then slid into the chair opposite Billy. He took a sip of beer, then looked down at the crowd below. Huh. This was a pretty good vantage point and the music wasn't as deafening up here. One could actually have a conversation without shouting.
"You having fun?" he asked, grinning a bit before dropping his gaze to Billy's phone, "Or just been hiding and playing with that thing all night?"
==
“Both,” Billy replied with a small smile. He was having fun and he was hiding behind his phone. It just seemed a bit easier than risking a girl or two coming up to him. Not that he had to worry too much. From what he had been observing, the single guys here were more than ready to chat up the girls, so they didn’t have to be too assertive to get guys to talk to.
He took a drink of the rum and coke, once again surprised by the alcohol’s bite. Still, it was just them, and he knew that Tommy knew he had no idea what he was doing. He didn’t feel a need to try to apologize or make excuses.
But, since it was he and Tommy and not he, Tommy, and some blond girl, he asked one of the questions that had been on his mind for at least part of the evening.
“So... Teddy told me he ran into you recently. How’d that go?” Since it was a public place they had met, Billy was reasonably sure that Teddy hadn’t been too familiar. Or at least he hoped not. If he had though, that was something that Billy was pretty sure Tommy would have already brought up.
==
"It was cool?" Tommy gave a little noncommittal shrug, kind of thrown by the question. Truthfully, he'd also been a little bit distracted by Kate, Kate's sales pitch, and Kate's awesome bribe and no offense to Teddy but it was really hard to match that combination. But Teddy had seemed like an okay guy.
"He thinks you look like me," Tommy added, teasing a bit. It'd actually been the other way around but Tommy tended to think of the Freaky Friday, not twins thing as Billy looking like him rather than him looking like Billy because the second way was even weirder for him.
==
“Good,” he said after another drink. “I hadn’t exactly mentioned you, so when he mentioned that he’d met you, I imagined the worst.” Like Teddy running over and planting a big ol’ kiss on Tommy before knowing better, or trying to hold his hand or something. He hadn’t mentioned Tommy because honestly, he hadn’t thought that they’d run into each other, at least not without him present to smooth things over. Apparently their circle was a little smaller than he’d imagined.
Of course, Teddy had brought up Tommy in the context of talking about Wanda’s theory about magical reincarnation. Billy wasn’t exactly sure that he was entirely willing to broach that subject yet. Hell, that subject was part of the reason he was here tonight, trying to get away from thinking about it. But it kept on in his mind, just rolling around, whether he liked it or not.
“Thanks for this, by the way. Not just the drink. All of it.”
==
'The worst?' Like what? Ruining Billy's squeaky clean reputation? Tommy nearly rolled his eyes. However, considering where they were, Tommy was more or less doing exactly that at the moment. It was for the best, Tommy figured. All work and no play makes Billy a dull boy. Besides, Tommy didn't mind hanging out with Billy. He figured it should have been more awkward given all the confusing circumstances but it wasn't. It was... nice.
"It's cool," Tommy said. He rubbed at the back of his neck with one hand, feeling just a bit self conscious. It wasn't like he'd really done much, certainly nothing that he deserved to be thanked for. He reached over, clinking his glass against Billy's in a mock toast. "By my count, dude, you've got the next two rounds."
==
“Two? Yeah, I suppose it would be two, huh.” Billy wasn’t sure that he could go another two rounds. But at least he could get Tommy’s next two, at the very least. He apparently was a lightweight, which made sense considering he had never drank and wasn’t exactly a large guy.
He fiddled with his phone a bit before setting it back on the table and taking another drink. Yep, the alcohol was definitely getting to him. Given that this was the first time he’d ever been drunk, this marked the most drunk he’d ever been, unless you counted his cousin Elaine’s Bat Mitzvah, where he’d grabbed the wrong glass and ended up with a jolt of wine. But he’d been seven at that time, so it shouldn’t.
“A lot of people here. Is it always this crowded?”
==
Tommy glanced down at the dance floor again and gave a little shrug. "You should see it on the weekend. The line's down the block." And took forever and a day. Tommy usually opted to sneak in when it got to be that bad. Or at least he had. One day he was going to bug Mia just to see if she knew just how nosey SHIELD could get.
He leaned back in his seat, relaxed, comfortable and looked around. The tables around them were mostly full save for one that seemed to be a repository for empty drink glasses. Back in the far corner there was a couple involved in a pretty intense make out session and by the staircase there was a group of women drunk as could be, and given their veils and tiaras, were obviously part of a bachelorette party.
Tommy finished his beer then tilted his head giving Billy an appraising look. Hmm... five bucks said he hadn't.
"You ever done shots before?"
==
Billy finished most of his own drink, leaving a swallow or two left in the glass, mixed among the ice. Not only was everything fuzzy now, but he was feeling warm and just a bit numb. Riding the high of the buzz though, he grinned stupidly and shook his head.
“Nope.” He pulled his wallet out and tried to stand, his legs suddenly wobbly under him. The unexpected activity rushed alcohol further into his bloodstream, and he sat back down for a moment, adjusting to the sensation before standing again, this time successfully. He pulled a ten and a five out of his wallet and slapped the bills down in front of Tommy.
“I have to go use the bathroom. Get whatever...” And with that, he walked off, theoretically in the direction of the bathroom.
==
Tommy pocketed the money and watched for a moment just to make sure Billy wasn't going to bump into anyone or anything along the way. He was happy that find out that alcohol did, in fact, make Billy relax, because let's face it, the guy needed some help with that at times. Plus he couldn't really picture Billy as an angry drunk or the "I love you" guy. Although if that ever happened, Tommy was going to capture that shit with his phone.
He hit the bar, opting to make up both rounds with shots even if he did have to kick in some of his own money. Billy had been drinking rum all night so... He left the bar with two Scooby Snacks and two Kamikazes. The variety would be good for him.
==
Billy made his way back to the table somewhat ungracefully, his motor skills clearly affected by the alcohol. He blinked watery eyes at the shots on the table, thinking for a moment that he might actually be experiencing double vision. But then he looked and only saw one Tommy. Well, two if he counted himself. He laughed at that, which probably made him look a little like an idiot, since all of this was occurring in his head and not out loud.
He sat back down and fiddled with his phone, sliding it back and forth between his hands as he looked at Tommy.
“What are those? I mean, what kind are they?” He obviously knew they were shots.
==
Tommy raised an eyebrow at Billy's little impromptu laughter. Oh, yeah, someone wasn't going to be able to walk pretty soon. He should probably cut Billy off soon lest he end up carrying him out but it wasn't closing time just yet so there really wasn't any reason to worry about it until then.
"This," Tommy said, picking up one of the glasses and pressing it into Billy's hand, "is a kamikaze. You'll like it. And that's a Scooby snack. We'll get to that one soon."
Tommy wasn't sure that was true but he also kind of suspected Billy was kind of up for anything at this point. On reflection, he probably should have ordered a Blow Job and Red Headed Slut if only to see Billy's reaction.
==
“Kamikaze. Okay.” He held the shot glass out toward Tommy. “To the best not twin a guy could have.”
And then it was gone, down the hatch. The individual flavors burned but Billy muscled through it, if for no other reason than he was already too drunk to really notice too badly. He did make a face though as he swallowed and set the glass back on the table.
“That... wasn’t good. Too bitter.” He said with a frown. However, retaining at least enough manners to recognize that might be rude, he smiled drunkenly. “That’s okay though...”
He looked down at the people on the dance floor and then around at the people around them, all of them kind of a blur. Realizing his state, he looked at Tommy with a horrified look.
“I can’t go home... my mom would kill me!”
==
Tommy returned the toast and downed the shot. He had picked up the other one when he noticed Billy was still reeling. He was tempted to give him a reprieve but he suspected Billy'd like the other one better. Besides, tonight was about hanging out and having a good time.
He was about to say as much when Billy had his sudden realization. Tommy blinked a few times, looking more confused than anything, then rubbed at the back of his neck with his free hand. Oh yeah, parents. Right. It had slipped his mind completely. Eli, Kate and Mia didn't have a problem with it, they also hadn't been completely trashed though... He could see how Billy's mom and dad might be a just a tiny bit upset.
"Hey. Don't sweat it." He passed the shot he was holding to Billy and picked the other one up from the table. Since Billy was already screwed there wasn't any reason to let good alcohol go to waste. Hey, who knew? Maybe Billy'd hit his limit with this one and end up dashing off to the bathroom again. "We'll figure something out. Bottom's up."
==
If Billy knew better, he would have known that he’d hit his limit back on the rum and coke. He didn’t have the stamina or the tolerance yet for large amounts of alcohol in a short amount of time. Granted, that hadn’t been the reason that he wandered off in the first place, but a few more drinks and it would probably be the reason if he did it again.
“Hey Tommy!” He slurred with a stupid grin before drinking the shot. Mmm... fruity. “I can’t feel my face. Is that bad?”
His phone vibrated on the table and Billy snatched it up, almost dropping it in the process. He looked at the message and grinned stupidly before starting to type back. His brow scrunched in frustration as his fingers refused to cooperate. Finally, giving up, he set the phone back on the table, the message unsent. Well, if the garbled letters on the line could actually be called a message.
“I think I’m drunk,” he offered to Tommy, as if it wasn’t completely evident.
==
"You are very drunk," Tommy corrected. "Yep, that's it for you." No more for Billy. He was officially cut off. Once people started losing sensation here and there, they were well on their way to passing out. Tommy really didn't want to run Billy's ass home... or wherever, but he was pretty sure that was what was going to happen. And he only had himself to blame.
For Tommy's part, he was only slightly buzzed and that feeling probably wouldn't even stay for more than a half hour. Super efficient metabolisms completely sucked ass sometimes.
He smirked, leaning over the table to check out Billy's phone. Who knew? There could be an awesome candidate for 'Texts from Last Night'. Hell, he kind of felt bad for whoever Billy was texting. Well, almost.
==
The text log on Billy’s phone was still open to his recent texts to Teddy, who he had been talking to apparently most of the evening. Most of it was random, innocuous conversation. However, as the night went on, it was obvious that the alcohol was having an effect on Billy’s ability to spell. The final, unsent text, if translated, would have said something like ‘You’re handsome. I’m drunk. I want to come stay with you.’ It still sat in the window though, waiting to be sent.
“What time is it?”
==
That was a very good question. Tommy looked around but there wasn't exactly a clock in sight. It was still early since the bar was still serving, the DJ hadn't announced a last call, and the house lights were still dim. It probably wasn't even three-thirty yet.
"Hang tight a second," Tommy said, even though he was pretty sure Billy wasn't going anywhere. And even if he did wander off he wasn't going to make it very far. Tommy made his way back to the table in less than five minutes, holding yet another glass filled with clear liquid.
"It's only three," he said, setting the glass in front of Billy. "Drink up, you'll feel better."
==
“Okay.” Billy picked up the glass and took a small sip, expecting the alcoholic burn that he’d received from the last drinks. When none came, he gulped down a couple more swallows before setting the glass on the table.
“What’s in that? It takes like it’s just water.” Billy’s eyes drooped a bit from the time and the alcohol. Three am was quite late to be out, most of the time, though it had happened before a few times with training and such.
After a bit, he picked up the glass again and finished it, the ice clinking about as he set it back down on the table.
“I’m glad we did this,” he offered matter of factly in a drunken slur. “We should do this again sometime.”
==
"It is water, genius," Tommy explained, but his tone was lighter than usual, less sarcastic. He should have asked for two glasses but he hadn't expected Billy to chug the thing. Heck, when Billy had said he was cool with going to a club, Tommy hadn't expected this at all. He'd kind of expected Billy to be holding up a wall all night.
"Yeah," Tommy agreed. He slouched in his chair and studying Billy for a moment. It hadn't been the best night out he'd ever had, but this one hadn't been bad. Just different. It'd been nice to have someone to hang out who didn't end up having someplace else to be. "We should," he added, only slightly surprised that he actually meant it.
He looked away, coughing once. Not that it really mattered. Billy was plastered. "What do you wanna do about your Mom?" he asked, glad to be changing the subject.
==
“I told her I was with Teddy.” Had he? He really couldn’t remember. He knew that he didn’t tell her that he was going to do some underage drinking after sneaking into a bar.
“Maybe. I don’t really remember anymore.”
He drummed his fingers against his lips, smiling stupidly at the sensation on his fingertips. His face was still numb, so it was almost like touching someone else’s face, except on his face. At least he didn’t drive here, not that it would have been allowed anyway, given his age. He did have the fake ID though, but that seemed a much more dangerous gamble than just using it to get into clubs.
==
It was obvious Billy wasn't going to be much help. Tommy drummed his fingers on the table considering his options. He really didn't want to try to sneak Billy back into his house because that was not only risky but also bound to be an awkward conversation for the guy in the morning. There was always Tommy's place but he wasn't exactly fond of guests and the couched sucked. Then there was Kate, but Tommy was pretty sure asking for a ride at three a.m. was not the way to get on her good side. (And she had very good sides. Tommy wanted to get to know all of her sides a lot better.)
"Okay, Kaplan, who else do you know?" he muttered to himself, snatching up Billy's discarded phone. He cleared the current text and took a moment to scroll back through the conversation. Sheesh. The conversation looked like it'd been going on forever. He skimmed over them, mostly disinterested until one made him do a double take.
He blinked and looked back at Billy. He tilted his head studying him for a bit. Huh. Who would have guessed? That also probably explained Teddy's skewed sense of personal space. But most importantly, it gave Tommy an option.
He smirked and started typing out another text.
==
ding!
Teddy had been half dozing in between texts, and now it had been a while since one had been sent. He picked his phone off of his chest and blinked himself awake.
And blinked at it and read it repeatedly.
-hey fyi ur bfs drunk
“Wha-?” Not that anyone was there to hear his confusion. He checked who the text was from, navigating clumsily on the ancient nokia. Then frowned and text back.
-Billy?
-Where are u?
==
It took Billy a moment to register that Tommy had his phone. He thought Tommy had his phone at any rate. Then the message ringtone went off. Thwap! Message for you sir! He paused from looking over the balcony to look at Tommy.
“You’ve got my phone...” By this point, Billy was absolutely lit, and his stomach was growling just a bit.
“I want french fries.”
==
"You're quick, Billy," said Tommy, already tapping out another text message. He was very much prepared to play keep away if needed. It wouldn't be difficult, not even if Billy was sober. (Okay, there was always magic but whatever. That was clearly cheating.)
- billys not here right now
- hes wasted
- its tommy
- he needs a place 2 crash
- what u say?
- room at urs?
"Tacos are better," Tommy corrected. He needed to educate Billy on drunken munchies too. These were the important things in life.
==
Teddy stared at his phone, the fuzziness of sleep leaving his eyes completely.
“I’ll kill him,” he muttered. “Why...?” He flopped a hand up, let it fall on the bed again before texting back.
-Seriously?
-Why did u get him drunk?
-Yeah. I’ll be up.
He rubbed his face. Looked at the clock... Yeah. Oh well. Billy was his first concern. Oh, and his mom... No, never mind his mom. He’d deal with that. Even he understood immediately dealing with his parent would be minor compared to Billy’s.
==
“Hm... Tacos. Can’t have cheese though. Jewish thing.”
Fortunately for Billy, the two rum and cokes had been weak enough that, while he was plastered, he more than likely wasn’t going to get sick. Probably pass out though. He’d almost passed out once already, but the sound of his ringtone had knocked him back awake and caused him to reach for his phone... which was still in Tommy’s hands.
“What are you doing with my phone? Who are you talking to?”
==
"Sucks to be Jewish then." Tommy shrugged. Billy's loss. Cheese and greasy tacos were pretty much heaven when you had drinking cravings. Any diner food really. And IHOPs. IHOPS were always good.
- he did it to himself
- coo
- address?
- be there soon
"Trying to get you laid," he explained with a smirk, and dodged back from Billy's hands. He rolled his eyes at the look he received. "Trying to get you a place to stay," he repeated much more slowly. "Teddy says, 'hi' by the way."
==
Teddy text back the address. Okay, calm... Billy had been a little stressed. And he wasn’t familiar with the nuances of trying to babysit a drunk person. Maybe Tommy wasn’t either. Maybe they had one bottle and he was just too scared to go home and wasn’t all that bad. Maybe...
He pulled on a shirt and wandered downstairs to wait on the couch, pondering making coffee.
==
Billy screwed his face at the dig about getting him laid. There was nobody in his phone that he would sleep with. Except Teddy. If he hadn’t been so drunk, it might of sank in faster, but as it was, it wasn’t until the reply to Tommy’s texts that Billy realized that he was texting Teddy.
“What did you tell him?”
==
"That you can't hold your liquor and you need a place to stay," Tommy explained, matter-of-factly. It was all Billy's fault really. Two shots and two drinks wasn't that much. He stood, pocketing Billy's phone so he could text Teddy when they were outside his house, and studied Billy for a moment.
He really didn't want to spring for a cab but he also didn't want Billy to lose his cookies in transit. Decisions, decisions. Oh well. He'd just have to make it fast.
"You ready?" he asked.
==
Fifteen minutes later, Teddy cracked the door open, then all the way open.
Billy, Tommy, and tacos, sans cheese. The tacos smelled good at any rate. But yes, Billy looked... well, decidedly not sober. He held the door for Tommy. “So, again,” he said, keeping his voice low. “Why did you let him get so drunk?”
==
Tacos were nice, but Teddy was better.
Even in his drunken state, Billy smiled wide when Teddy opened the door. He let go of Tommy’s arm and walked/stumbled over to hug Teddy tightly.
“Teddy,” he whispered loudly, because it was past three in the morning. “My pants are made of magic...”
==
"He's not kidding about that," Tommy added. He didn't know what would happen to the magic pants once Billy passed out but it was Teddy's problem now. He held out the tacos for Teddy to take and passed Billy's phone back to him.
"Also," Tommy added, a bit defensively, "it's not my fault he's a lightweight. He'll be fine," he added, hoping to wave off Teddy's glower. "Just make sure he drinks plenty of water."
==
“Your pants are... wha... Wait.” Teddy suddenly had his hands full. He took the tacos and tried to balance Billy while holding a finger up for Tommy to wait. “But you...”
==
Perhaps it was the cool air, or the fact that he was on his feet, or even the smell of the tacos, but whatever it was, Billy noticed the edge to Teddy’s voice. He wasn’t sober by any stretch of the imagination, mind you. He didn’t want Tommy getting in any trouble though either.
“Teddy,” he said quietly, though it was more slurred than spoken. “Not his fault.” He stumbled a bit as he tried to stretch up to kiss the taller teen on the cheek. “I drank too much. He didn’t let me drink more.” Hugging Teddy tightly, he smiled. “I’m tired. And there’s a taco for you too.”
He looked at Tommy. “I had fun though. Thanks.”
==
Tommy shot Teddy a smug look that seemed to say, 'see, I told you so.' Okay, maybe he shouldn't have let Billy have the last shot but there was nothing he could do about that now. No big. At least he knew better for next time.
"Good," Tommy said, looking at Billy. "I'm glad." He wondered if Billy's sentiment that would hold true come tomorrow morning, but guessed it all depended on how much of a mother hen Teddy was.
"See you guys around." He gave a short wave. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do."
==
“Uh, see ya, then.” Okay, that was stupid, Teddy. And what wouldn’t Tommy do? He had a feeling that might be a shorter list than the norm.
He tossed the tacos onto the couch with a sigh and scoot the door closed with his toe. He hugged Billy firmly, partly for balance, but mostly just cause he could. “Are you sick feeling? Need water? Need to eat first?”
Okay, yes, when it came to Billy, he was a mother hen.
==
“Water. Straw. You. Bed.” Billy answered with a large yawn. It was getting upwards to past four already, and he couldn’t sleep in too late because he’d have to get home before his mother really started to worry.
==
Teddy’s worried look finally melted to a soft smile. “Fine. Let’s get you water.” And hope he didn’t have a hangover in the morning or got sick.
He helped him up the stairs, sat him on the edge of the bed and removed his shoes for him. Billy was actually quite cute when drunkenly uncoordinated. And he was relaxed. That was a change. And complaining about his finger’s inability to function enough to unbutton his shirt.
Which was more than a little awkward. Teddy was very sober and they hadn’t spent the night with each other. And he’d certainly never took the shirt off ofanyone before. He managed, but his face was just as red as Billy’s from drinking.
By the time he got Billy some water and sank into bed with him and was sleepily tangled with, he decided he couldn’t be too mad at Tommy after all. Nope. He could get very used to this.