14379/The First Meeting

The First Meeting
Date of Scene:	12 May 2022
Location:	Greenwich Village, near NYU
Synopsis:	In a move fit for a RomCom, Billy nearly gets a concussion from running into Teddy's backpack. In order to apologize, he offers to buy him some cocoa and the two hit it off.
Cast of Characters:	Hulkling, Wiccan

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Hulkling has posed:
It's a Wednesday afternoon in the park located roughly in the middle of a bunch of NYU buildings so the likelihood of seeing NYU students is pretty high. Teddy Altman is once such student, clad in jeans and a grey NYU hoodie, he had a pack slung over his back and running shoes on his feet as he makes his way over to the fountain at the center of the park and just stands there for a while, staring at it, clearly lost in his own thoughts, his expression a bit heavy with whatever it is that is weighing on his mind.

Around him, people come and go. There are a few groups of students hanging out on the grass enjoying the weather while there are a few runners making their way through, and some older folks playing chess at a couple of the chess tables.

Wiccan has posed:
Wiccan isn't an NYU students, but he has been spending more and more time around the Village, either due to the fact that there is a certain Sanctum there, or, more likely, the more creative and individual atmosphere of the area. It's also why he appreciates the Upper West Side, but this part of Manhattan feels a lot less snooty. And there's the fact that there are at least two of the city's best Hot Chocolate shops in the area. It may not be that cool out, but Spring in Manhattan still allows for hot drinks and any excuse to get some is enough for him. So, holding a large to-go cup of the hot deliciousness, Billy Kaplan is making is way through the park, near the fountain, trying to send a text.

This is why you shouldn't walk and text.

So engrossed in the swyping, Billy doesn't see the taller blonde and his backpack until he's only a few inches from smashing his face into it and he is pretty much completely inable to stop his momentum. "Augh!" is uttered first as he gets a face-full of nylon backpack...presumably with some books in them.

Thankfully, the cocoa, his precious, remains in the cup.

Hulkling has posed:
*BOOF* Someone bounces off Teddy's backpack. It's enough to startle him out of his thoughts but it's not enough to push him off balance, or even make him take a step forward. He's kind of like the immovable object. Mostly he's just super strong and kind of planted where he is. He blinks, once, and then glances over his shoulder before turning, making sure not to smack Billy in the face a second time with said backpack which would only add insult to injury.

"You okay?" he asks, both brows going up. Whatever he had been thinking about is replaced with concern for the face that just collided with the rather heavy Sociology, Psychology, and History texts.

Wiccan has posed:
Billy is the one staggering back a couple of steps, his free hand lifting to rub at his forehead and bridge of his nose. There's no blood, he's not doubled-over in pain, so there's that at least. And the cocoa is safe "Yeah," is offered as he gives his forehead before looking at the backpack that attacked him and then up at the one wearing said backpack. Brown eyes blink for a moment before he manages, "Uh, sorry. It was totally my fault. Don't Text and Walk, I guess..." Oh, that was terrible, Kaplan.

"Uh, you ok? I didn't, uhm..." right. The guy didn't move. "Sorry..."

Hulkling has posed:
Teddy studies Billy for a moment, assessing him for damage, but the nose doesn't look broken and there's no blood, so he lets out a little whoosh of breath of relief as though he'd been the one who might have injured him by just happening to be in the way. He reaches up a hand and runs it through his hair, pushing it back and letting it fall back into place again. A grin appears when Billy apologizes and he shakes his head, "No harm done. I was more afraid for your nose than anything else." He pats the pack on his back. "Pretty sure there's enough books in there to take a bullet."

When Billy asks if he's okay he nods and says, "Yeah, I'm all good. Looks like your .. coffee? Cocoa? Survived the collision, too." He sighs, smelling it. "I should get some." His stomach rumbles. "I should eat." Both of these observations made as though both were things he'd forgotten to do. "Oh, hi. I'm Teddy, by the way." He offers a hand.

Wiccan has posed:
There's another rub at the bridge of his nose, but Billy manages a little smile, "My nose seems ok. I think my forehead got the brunt of it. Bad posture for the win?" His eyes flicker to the backpack as it's patted, "Yeah, you probably do. I mean, not that I know anything about bullets..." and that is the wrong direction for the conversation.

"Cocoa," is answered, "And I'm glad it wasn't dumped all over you. It's pretty hot." Also not the right direction, Kaplan. At the mention of the other getting some cocoa, he points off in the direction of the shop, "It's just down about a block and a half on the right..." and he looks back in time to hear the mention of eating and the offered hand and name. Even as Billy reaches to return the handshake, he can't help but smirk, "You aren't from New York, are you?" Then, he introduces himself, "Billy."

Hulkling has posed:
Teddy smiles a little crookedly and asks, "Hard head?" Both brows go up and then he laughs a little bit. "I wouldn't say that I know a lot about bullets, but I do know a little bit about science and momentum. I'm not entirely sure if there are enough books in there but.. it was more just a joke." Wrong direction or not, Teddy just sort of runs with it.

There's a slight pause when Billy says that he isn't from New York. "Uh, yeah. I am. I grew up here." That's technically not a lie. Technically. "Why?" He looks at his hand quickly, maybe to check to make sure it isn't green, or has extra digits, or claws, please don't let their be claws. Nope. Looks fine. He shoves it back into his pocket anyway, just in case.

Wiccan has posed:
"Most New Yorkers aren't so nice. Or polite, especially when someone barrels into them, potentially dousing them and their books with scalding hot cocoa," Billy grins. "It's nice to meet an outlier." The hand is glanced at as it's then tucked into a pocket.

The Billy of 'old' might have stammered and probably walked away, still apologizing. But he spent time abroad, on his own, and this Billy is a little more self-assured. After a moment of looking at Teddy, he offers, "Let me buy you one of those cocoas? As part of the apology for slamming into you..."

Hulkling has posed:
"Oh," Teddy laughs, then, realizing what Billy meant. He shrugs his shoulders and says, "My mama taught me to be polite, I guess. She wasn't from New York." This is also true. "So maybe she just never picked up on how things were supposed to be done around here." And somehow he'd maintained those manners, himself. There's a little flicker of distance in those blue eyes as he talks about his mother, and then pulls himself back to the present, offering an apologetic smile.

Teddy looks a little surprised when Billy offers to buy him a cocoa for the collision. He almost turns it down on reflex, but right now, in this moment, he really doesn't relish the idea of thinking about everything that had been weighing on his shoulders only moments before. "Yeah, alright. Sure. Then we're even," he says, a little smile creeping back over his features. "Lead the way." Then he asks, "Do you go to NYU?"

Wiccan has posed:
Billy seems to accept that explanation, "My parents were insistent on good manners as well, but...it's not really the norm around here." From another native New Yorker. If he notices the distant look at the mention of his mother, Billy doesn't comment on it. He actually briefly looks to the fountain to give the other some space.

When his offer is accepted, he turns a grin back, "All right, deal. Then we're even." He'll then start to turn back towards the direction he came from, actually sipping from the cocoa in his hand, finally. "Like I said, it's just about a block and a half away." But now he has company!

The question has him shaking his head "No, I graduated from Columbia just about 2 years ago," maybe a little early? "But I'm going back there to Grad School in the Fall. Do you? Go to NYU? It's got to be finals time, right?"

Hulkling has posed:
"Well, then you know how it goes," Teddy says with a smile, giving Billy a nod. See? Perfectly normal New York anomalies, they are. He falls into step next to Billy, hands slid into his pockets as they stroll along. He's paying more attention to where they're going, now. He probably knows where the cocoa place is. He's probably been there before, but that doesn't mean he's entirely sure if he's thinking of the same one, so he's content to follow.

"Oh, wow, Columbia. Cool." Then he mentions Grad School and Teddy says, "Yeah? Nice. What'd you get your degree in? What're you going to Grad School for?" It takes his mind of things right up until Billy mentions finals. He groans just a bit and then nods, "Yeah. I'm graduating in June. Then I need to.. figure a lot of shit out." But he pushes past that and says, "Finals coming up in the next couple of weeks."

Wiccan has posed:
"Ooh, late semesters. That has to suck," Billy winces at that, sipping at the cocoa and walking at an easy 'City' pace towards the shop. There's probably a line to get in; there usually is. More time to socialize!

"Anthropology...and going back for it, just more focused. My parents aren't super-thrilled that I'm not going for a medical or law degree, but gotta stay true to myself, right?" The groan gets a chuckle, "Graduating is good though! Congratulations! I guess the whole job thing is part of the 'figuring out'? I need to do that as well..." because he doesn't want to be living at home and in Grad School.

Hulkling has posed:
Teddy gives a slight shrug of his shoulders, not really minding the late semester. "It's not so bad." He keeps up easily enough, his slightly longer stride meaning he actually strolls just a little bit slower as they make their way over toward the shop. "Very cool," he says with a nod. "You need to study what interests you and what fits what you want to do, right? Nothing wrong with law or medicine, just better that it be something that you really want if you're going to go into those fields." He smiles a little bit at the congratulations and says, "Thanks." Then he nods, "Yeah, that's part of it. Job. Place to live. Everything." And some of that weight settles back onto him.

Wiccan has posed:
"Eh, it's what my parents do...well, the medicine part. Ish. It's also sort of, I dunno, tradition that if you're a 'good kid', you go into Law or Medicine. But I'm not the traditional type," Billy smiles a little proudly, but it fades when he catches the weighted energy of the other.

Teddy is looked at for another long moment before he asks, "What are you majoring in? Maybe I know someone and can get a lesd on a job or something? Or can I help with anything?"

Hulkling has posed:
Teddy grins a little at that and says, "Yeah. I guess that's the stereotypical thing folks want their kids to go into right? Become a doctor or a lawyer and make the big bucks and be secure financially? I can understand a parent wanting that for their kid. But we all have to do whatever it is that we're .. that's our path, you know? Whatever path that is. Traditional or otherwise. I'm not .. really following tradition either."

"Sociology," Teddy says when asked what his major is. "I've been doing a lot of volunteer work at some places around town. Might see if they have openings for a counselor or something." Then he offers a wry smile and says, "Hey, I said we were even after the cocoa. But it's nice of you to offer. Thanks."

Wiccan has posed:
Billy pauses in their path and just looks at the taller Teddy, "Dude...my mom's a psychologist! I mean, maybe they can't bring you on as a counselor, but admin work? It's a job, right? I'm going to text her right now..." he pulls out his phone but looks at the cocoa in one hand and the phone in the other. After a moment's decision, he holds the cocoa out, "Can you hold this please?" Because he's not going to take 'no' as far as texting his mom is concerned. Thus the hard-headedness.

"There's 'even' and there's helping because..." he looks back up at his phone to the taller one, "Because that's just what you do." You try to help others. Back to the text.

Hulkling has posed:
Teddy looks a little surprised as Billy goes about texting his mother immediately, taking the cup that's thrust in his direction without even really thinking about it or protesting. "Oh uh, okay. Yeah, I mean.. anything's good. I'm not going to turn down a job. I'm going to need it if I'm going to hope to pay rent." He can't help but smile a little bit at Billy's explanation of the difference between being even and just doing a thing because it's what you do. "Okay," he agrees, not arguing, at least not this time. It doesn't seem like Billy would listen to him anyway. "Thanks. And it's totally okay if she doesn't have anything. I've got a lot of applications I'm putting in. I'm sure something will turn up." He doesn't sound as sure as he is trying to, but he's trying to stay positive.

Wiccan has posed:
The texting goes on for another minute or so before Billy looks back up and tucks the phone back into his pocket, "She's going to check and ask around. If anything, you can add it to where you're sending your applications, right?" So maybe he was listening, too? He'll go to retrieve his cocoa, "Thanks for holding that. Uhm. Yes, I'm sure something will turn up, but having someone at your back can't hurt, right?"

IF Billy can help, he's going to definitely try! "Are you in the dorms now? When do you have to be out?" There is, of course, a line at the shop and Billy goes to the end of the queue to wait.

Hulkling has posed:
Teddy is quiet while he watches Billy text, not interrupting the conversation that he seems to be having with his mother. When he finishes and says that she'll ask around, Teddy smiles and says, "Thanks. That's really nice of her. Make sure to tell her thank you for me. I'll take any opportunity I can send in a resume for." He hands the cocoa back to Billy when eh reaches for it. "Yeah," Teddy says, "Yeah, it can't hurt." He ducks his head. "Thank you."

He nods when Billy asks about the dorms. "Yeah, until I graduate in June. Once I graduate I have to move out so.. looking for a place. I've got a few adds to look into for roommates."

Wiccan has posed:
"None of your friends from school going in on something?" Isn't that what first apartments are? Friends from college rooming together until people start realizing they have little in common or start getting real jobs or moving in with significant others? Billy tilts his head a little but then gives a wry chuckle, "Just be careful about those roommates. I remember looking when I was in college and I swear, one of the guys who met me about a place was a legit supervillain."

The thanks is waved off, "You're welcome. Maybe it works out, maybe you decide you'd rather work at Starbucks, but why not use an 'in' if you have one?"

Hulkling has posed:
Teddy shakes his head but doesn't elaborate on it. Though then both brows go up in surprise and he says, "For real?" Supervillains do exist after all. "What do you even say? Like -- what a nice death ray collection you have -- but I'm looking for someplace a little less murdery?"

Someone standing in line ahead of them glances back at Teddy with a smirk and a shake of her head. He just offers a faintly apologetic smile and then looks back to Billy. "So far I've only met with people who were expecting way more than I think I can afford for way too little space with too many people in it." Which is probably going to be the state of things in the end, but that too is the authentic post-college experience.

"Yeah," Teddy agrees. "Better to take every possible chance presented, right?" He smiles then and says, "What about you? What sort of job are you looking for?" Not that he thinks he can help much but.. he's still interested.

Wiccan has posed:
"On, the 'less murdery' was totally a part of the conversation! No joke!" Billy admits with a grin. The gal who looks back at them gets a 'what can you do?' shrug from him before he chuckles and turns back to Teddy, "I mean, part of that is New York. The TV shows totally lie about what the affordable apartments look like here. Want me to check the listings at Columbia, too? I can send you any that don't look ridiculous?" Or maybe he's just asking for his contact info?

But then the conversation is turned back onto him and he shrugs, "I mean, worse comes to worse, I can probably do a boring admin job somewhere, but I really need something part-time. Maybe a bookstore or a part-time admin thing? I guess Starbucks is also an option, but I'm not really a morning person."

Hulkling has posed:
Teddy just shakes his head and says, "That's wild. Was that the weirdest one that you got? Or were there others?" Because now morbid curiosity has him in its grip and he wants to know all the horror stories of potential roommate finding -- not thinking about how bad a plan this is to add onto his current anxieties regarding finding a place to stay. "Um, sure. I mean, it can't hurt, right? If you see anything good, let me know." He pulls out his phone and holds it out for Billy to send himself a text or something so that he can have his number.

"Oh, book store would be great. And there's a bunch of them around town so maybe there will be one that's hiring. Guessing there's a lot of people who want to work at those, though, instead of boring admin jobs." Not that there aren't boring bookstore jobs. He grins a little and says, "I am, most of the time. I like getting up early with the sunrise sometimes. It's quiet then; peaceful."

Wiccan has posed:
"It was, thank goodness," Billy grins, "I did find a roommate who was pretty cool, but we both moved out when I graduated." And he's also going to need to be looking at some point in the near future. When he's offered the phone, his mouth twitches some, and does send himself a text...and one back to Teddy before handing it back.

"I dunno...retail can be pretty awful too. I like being up late at night...it's quiet then, too. But I don't want to be working late at night. I just need to figure out what might fit with my class schedule, too." He does look at Teddy for a long moment, as if he's trying to see...something. "Are you looking for a job with benefits? Because then you might want to go Admin or Starbucks. Or Trader Joe's. I hear they're good with that, and you get to wear hawaiian shirts."

Hulkling has posed:
"Ah, that's too bad. I have a few friends at the dorms but they've already got plans or are heading out of state so.." Teddy shrugs. It is what it is. "I hadn't really planned on needing to find a room so soon, things just kind of worked out that way. It'll all work out." He moves up a little bit as the line moves up and takes the phone back, tucking it into his pocket as they get a little closer to the cocoa shop.

"I don't mind being up late at night. I guess I've always just kind of been used to getting up early." Though when Billy stares at him he glances down at himself as though once again trying to figure out what Billy's looking for or at. Nope, still looks the same. Teddy smiles wryly and says, "Eventually yeah I'm going to need all of that stuff. I think right now a job that pays the rent is really my first priority." Then his brow knits and he looks down at himself "Hawaiian shirts? I.. don't know how I feel about Hawaiian shirts. Though.. I guess I'll wear whatever I end up having to."

Wiccan has posed:
Billy still watches him for a moment, but the mention of the Hawaiian shirts and 'wearing whatever he has to' has him flushing a little and looking back to the line for a moment. "If it doesn't...and if you need some extra time or something, let me know, ok? We have a couch." At his parents, but that doesn't need to be said. Because no one should be worried about where they are going to sleep at night.

There's another look then, "I'd be freaking out if I was in your shoes. I applaud your optimism. Really. I mean, I have faith that it'll work out for you too, but...I'd still be freaking out."

Hulkling has posed:
"What? What'd I say?" Teddy asks when he sees that flush, running back through his mind as though trying to figure out where he stuck his foot in it while he wasn't paying attention. It would not be the first time. Though then Billy distracts him with the mention of the couch. "Oh, I.. wow, that's really kind. Has anyone ever told you that maybe you're a little too kind? I could be .. crazy.. or a supervillain.. or an alien or something." Or.. maybe definitely an alien or something. He glances down at his shoes for a moment.

"Oh, that's my secret. I'm low-key freaking out all the time," he says with a little wry smile. "But like.. I just met you fifteen minutes ago. I don't want to unload all my flailing on you. Besides, you've been really, really nice and I don't want to take advantage of that, you know? But yeah, definitely freaking out. I was having a whole moment at the fountain so.. it's fortunate for me you ran into me. Saved me from my whole spiral into existential dread."

Wiccan has posed:
"Oh, I get that a lot, actually," Billy grins, "But I don't think you're a supervillain. Like I said, I met one. You don't have that aura." Is he really reading an aura? "We're all kind of crazy, right? And who cares if you're an alien." Or a mutant. Or any of that.

"Ah. You're a good actor. Got it. See, I'd just freak out and whomever sees, sees." He seems to consider the other before giving a somewhat gentler smile, "Well, if I can help save people from spirals into existential dread, I'll consider that a plus. Think I can add it to my resume?" But seriously, "You have about a month, right? We'll figure it out."

Hulkling has posed:
"That aura? What kind of aura do supervillains have?" Teddy asks as they move up a little closer to the door. His smile twists a little bit wry though when Billy mentions that they're all kind of crazy. "So you'd seriously be fine if I was like some kind of green skinned clawed creature from out of space? Just chilling on your couch?" The woman ahead of them just snorts a little to herself and pops her earbuds in, turning up her music. Kids.

"I think you could definitely add it to your resume. Percussive therapy. Very avant garde. Involves a bit of forehead bruising, but totally effective," Teddy teases lightly with a laugh. He nods, "Yeah. I've got a month." Then he pauses and says, "Yeah. We'll figure it out." That feels.. nice. Billy wasn't wrong. Having someone having your back was a huge relief, even if he's still baffling at how he went from losing everything to suddenly having someone in his corner out of the blue like that.

Wiccan has posed:
Billy actually answers seriously, "They have an aura of...well, it's dark. Chaotic. Sort of buzzing, but not in a friendly, meditative, or energetic way. More like a nest of hornets." Is he being serious? He does grin, however, at the description given, "As long as you don't rend people...or the couch to shreds, nope, don't care." He might glance at the woman ahead of them who chuckles, but then looks back to Teddy.

"Except I'm the one with the bruised forehead. I just barely jostled you! But I guess I'm enough of a distraction? Or maybe it was the lure of the artisan cocoa?"

Hulkling has posed:
"Huh," Teddy says as the aura of a supervillain is explained. Then he asks a little hesitantly, "What does mine look like?" Because now he's both curious and a little nervous exactly what Billy sees when he looks at him. "Uh, no, I haven't unintentionally destroyed any furniture.. or hurt anybody."

"Well I didn't say the forehead bruising was applicable to the patient, just part of the process," Teddy clarifies with a grin that is only a little bit apologetic. "No, it's definitely you that's distracting," Teddy says before he even thinks about what's coming out of his mouth. There's a slight flush and then he reaches to hold open the door as it's their turn to step inside.

Wiccan has posed:
Wiccan would start to try and see Teddy's aura, but he can't help but chuckle, "It's the 'unintentionally' that's the important part. We can always get you a scratching post, like for a cat?"

But then he says the words that cause him to blush as well. Too bad the woman put in the earbuds, that would have been something to overhear. Right. The door is open and it's their turn to at least go inside. "Thanks..." Right. He's still holding his cocoa cup that is now cooling. He quickly tries to finish it...maybe he'll get another? If he thinks his stomach would allow it.

Hulkling has posed:
Teddy actually laughs at the mental image of a giant scratching post in Billy's living room next to the couch. His aura is complex. On the surface there's a lot of positive emotions, amusement, happiness, that little flush of embarrassment, a hint of attraction. But there's also all those heavier things beneath weighing him down, the shadow of grief, the vibration of anxiety and that low-key freak-out going on beneath the surface, the dread, and then there's the shifting facets of.. something else.. something alien.. and all the complex feelings surrounding that. It's all there depending on how deep Billy decides to look. "Now I'm starting to feel like a stray cat," he grins.

Inside, the line still has a couple of people ahead of them, and that gives Billy time to finish his current cocoa before they actually have to step up to the counter and place their order. When they do, Teddy looks over the menu and says, "I'll have the chocolate cherry bomb with whipped cream and sprinkles. Large, please."

Wiccan has posed:
Billy isn't able to quickly read Auras like that...not like some others can. At least, not unless he's looking for a while and grounded and focused and right now, he is definitely not either of those. "Stray cats can get forever homes too, you know. Although...I mean, the chances of your first apartment being a 'forever home' is pretty slim, especially around here." But Billy is somewhat asute and he noticed that Teddy hadn't mentioned getting an apartment with any of his friends from college. Therefore, he needed a friend.

Finishing off his current cocoa, the cup is tossed just in time for them to get to the counter. The counter-help gives Billy a look of surprise at seeing him again so soon, but they'll take the order from Teddy. Billy then offerd, "Remember that I couldn't decide? I'll take a medium extra-dark chocolate with...uhm...almond milk." He'll pay for both.

Hulkling has posed:
"Sure," Teddy says, about stray cats. "I mean, I'm not expecting anything like that; that'd be kind of unrealistic. I'm just looking for something I can live and work in. I'm not really thinking further ahead than a month at a time." He rubs a little bit at the back of his head.

He shifts off to the side as Billy comes back up and then says to the cashier, "It smelled so good I made him come back and get another one with me," with a grin. Then he moves down to wait for their order to arrive. It doesn't take long before they both have hot cocoas of their own and are free to squeeze back out of the little shop again.

Wiccan has posed:
"Well, don't worry your pretty little head about the next month. Pass your finals and graduate. When's graduation?" Because if Teddy isn't going to have anyone there for him...he will now. "I mean, if job things turn up, I'll send them to you so that you can send off the application and get back to studying and stuff."

Taking the cocoa, he starts to walk out but then pauses and looks back to the one at the counter. "Hey, are you guys hiring?"

Hulkling has posed:
"Who you calling little?" Teddy teases and makes a play as though he were going to rest his elbow on Billy's head. He's not quite that much taller than him to do so, so it's just a tease. He doesn't actually do it. He apparently takes no affront to being called pretty, though. That seems to entertain him just a little bit. He nods and says, "Yeah. I'm doing okay. I'm not the world's best student but I'm pretty good and I know I'm going to graduate. I don't think any of these last classes are going to be the ones to hold me up. I just have to make sure to buckle in and get it done." His expression turns a little more serious when talking about his schoolwork. Then he nods about the job info. "Yeah, sounds great."

When Billy asks if the cocoa place is hiring, they say "Sure. Here's an application. Fill this out and bring it back." The application is handed over the counter toward Billy for him to take with him.

Wiccan has posed:
"Paper applications? Ok, thanks..." Billy will take the application as well as a business card and steps back out to hold them both out to Teddy, "Application number one. I don't know why they're still using paper, but...small business, I guess."

"Honestly, I think an undergraduate degree is the important one...it doesn't matter what your GPA was or anything like that unless you want to go to Grad School, and then, if you take the GRE's and get a high score, I bet that won't matter either. Also, if you end up applying for grad school where you went to undergrad, then I think you have an even better chance. If that's the direction you want."

Hulkling has posed:
"They probably have one online, too," Teddy suggests. "I guess some places still keep paper ones around for folks who might not have access to a computer or who might have to go to a library or something." He isn't entirely sure but he figures there's some reason for it.

Teddy lifts his hot chocolate and takes a sip then lets out a sigh of contentment. "Oh, that's good." But then Billy's talking about grad school and Teddy's shaking his head. "I couldn't go to Grad School if I wanted to. Right now I need to find a job that will pay for food and rent. Then, maybe someday I can think about more than that." He takes a deep breath and then lets it out in a puff, deciding to change the subject. "So, you got any brothers or sisters? Or is it just you and your folks?"

Wiccan has posed:
"It can be a start of your collection of applications," and it's a job. Since Teddy had said he'd take 'almost anything', Billy is going to take him at his word. He'll sip at his own cocoa and watch the other for another long moment, before offering, "Full ride scholarship. It's a thing. Also, depending on the job, they might do tuition reimbursement." Has he looked into this? Possibly. But his situation is also different. Maybe he heard about it from friends or his parents talking about it.

The question about family has him sipping at the cocoa before offering, "I was adopted. I found out a few years ago that I have a twin brother."

Hulkling has posed:
"Me too," Teddy says, "I was sort of adopted, too. I don't have a twin brother, though, that I know about anyway." He takes a sip from his coffee and then nods and says, "Oh, I already have a collection of applications that I've already been working on but yeah, I will add it to the list." Teddy isn't really in the position to turn down any opportunities and there are worse things do to be doing than making cocoa all day. But he nods about the possibilities for grad school. "Guess we'll see where I end up job-wise and what the possibilities are, maybe. I'm.. not ready to start thinking about that yet."

Wiccan has posed:
"Huh," Billy tilts his head at that little tidbit, "What are the odds? I mean, I know a lot of people are adopted, but..." interesting. "I didn't think I did until I met him about four years ago. It was weird. But kind of cool." He takes a moment before offering, "You could apply to them all, see who bites, and then decide? I mean, that sort of seems like the safest thing, right?"

There's a chuckle into his cocoa at the mention of 'not ready to start thinking about that'. "See, and I'm going to Grad School so that I don't have to think about a real job and entering Muggle life."

Hulkling has posed:
"That's the plan," Teddy says, "Apply for everything and see what happens." He grins a little. "I've already got some out. Gotta send out the next batch. I'm just going to keep on doing it until something turns up. Probably keep on doing it and just choose the best of whatever bites."

He grins over at Billy and says, "Yeah. Well, nothing wrong with that, either. Besides, I bet you're crazy smart and you'll do great at it. There's time to join the muggle world any time. May as well enjoy not having to, right?"

Wiccan has posed:
"See?" Billy grins, "You're well ahead of the game. I know it's scary, not knowing what's next, but you already got a head start. They're going to start calling and emailing for interviews and you'll be getting job offers before you know it."

He flushes again some and takes another sip of the cocoa, "Thanks...but not sure that there are a lot of jobs for people who have a masters degree in SocioAnthropology with a focus on Magic, Spiritualism, and Ritual. Kind of a niche sort of degree."

Hulkling has posed:
"Director of Magical Authenticism at the Hogwarts Theme Park in Florida," Teddy says, making up an entirely fictional position for Billy's very specialized degree. "Or you know, you could become a professor of the very thing that you have your degree." He takes another sip from his cup as they walk along. "Either way you could hide in a tower and not join the muggle world if you didn't want to."

Wiccan has posed:
Billy nearly spits out some of the cocoa at the first job suggestion. "Oh, my god..." did he grab napkins? Hopefully, because he's going to need them. "I don't think that's a thing, and all their magic is special effects and film stuff." Once he calms some from the choking, he shrugs some, "That would require a doctorate. I don't know if I want to stay in school -that- long..."

Hulkling has posed:
Teddy winces and offers Billy a spare napkin in apology for making him spit cocoa. At least he wasn't in the blast radius. Then he chuckles. "Sorry, was just the first thing that came to mind." He shakes his head just a little bit and then says, "If you're going to goin for grad school, might as well just keep on going. Think of how long you could avoid having to make any decisions if you just keep going for higher and higher degrees? Your folks wanted you to be a doctor right?"

Wiccan has posed:
Billy takes the napkin with a, "Thanks," but he laughs again at the comment about not having to make a decision while pursuing higher and higher degrees. "They did, but probably not a Professor. They don't make the big bucks unless they're tenured and...I dunno. I don't really see myself talking at a bunch of bored students. But I suppose that can be Plan C." He still seems very amused though. "If you could get a job doing anything and be anything, what would you do?"

Hulkling has posed:
"I think I'd have a house where kids who were aging out of the foster care system or who needed a place to go or just didn't have any family to look after them could go and stay, get help finding a job and getting on their feet -- someplace with counselors and job counselors and folks who could connect them to free clinics and stuff -- make it easier to get out on their own, you know?" Teddy says thoughtfully as they walk along, making a study of the sidewalk in front of him but aware enough of what is ahead of him that it's unlikely he's going to walk into anyone or anything.

Wiccan has posed:
Billy walks in silence as he listens to Teddy's ambitions. He's quiet for a long moment afterwards before he just stops. The cocoa cup is lowered and he just looks up at the taller Teddy. There's a thoughtful expression on his face before he starts, "Look, I don't know if it's your thing, and you can totally say no and my feelings won't be hurt." Much. "You want to get dinner?"

Because he just proved right then and there that he is neither crazy nor a supervillain.

Hulkling has posed:
Teddy, too, is quiet. It's something he's thought a lot about even before his mother's death. It's something that he'd been thinking about ever since he went into Sociology and considered possibly going further into social work before everything happened. And he's lost in thinking about that for a few moments until he realizes that Billy stopped two steps back and he pauses, turning around to check and see if everything's okay.

The question though, it makes him smile a little bit more and he says, "It is my thing. And yeah, I do." That grin grows a little bit as he asks, "Did you have any place in mind?"

Wiccan has posed:
Billy breaks into a big smile and lets out a breath he was apparently holding. "Yeah? Great! Uhm..." where to eat? "Well, I mean, I'm kind of full on cocoa at the moment, but if you don't mind waiting a little bit, do you like Thai? I know a great thai place not too far from here. Or...if we just want to have dessert for dinner, there's an amazing French-style cafe uptown."

Hulkling has posed:
"I think if I eat any more sugar right now I'm going to regret it," Teddy admits with a laugh. "I can wait a little bit and have Thai. I'm kind of enjoying just hanging out with you," he admits. "Do you want to walk over that way? We can probably find someplace along the way to just hang out for a little while before getting food." He then says, "And if you're not totally sick of me by the time dinner's over, maybe we can check out the cafe next time?"

Wiccan has posed:
"Fair," Billy can't really stop smiling, especially when Teddy recommends finding a place to hang out. "Yeah, that would be great...hanging out. And I'm not sick of you yet. The cafe is something...one of my favorite places in the city to get brunch or dessert." But they don't really need to be talking about food now. "Hopefully you won't be totally sick of me by the end of dinner...or before." Which is, of course the fear. It's always scary to out onesself out there.

Hulkling has posed:
"Come on, if it's the place that I'm thinking of there's like some benches where some buskers play from time to time. We can go hang out there then wander over when we get hungry," Teddy says, shifting their course slightly to head toward the Thai place, but continuing the stroll slowly since Billy needs some time to digest the cocoa and he hasn't finished his either. "Yeah?" he asks about the brunch place. "Alright well, we'll definitely have to check that out sometime." He then grins sidelong over at Billy and says, "Don't think that's possible."

Wiccan has posed:
"It might be? You may know this part of town better than me...but I can tell you every snooty wine bar and french bistro on the Upper East Side and every bagel shop and deli on the Upper West." Billy will happily change course to walk along with Teddy, "Are the buskers any good?" He's now doubly glad he got the almond milk.

"They make a killer bellini...for brunch." But hanging out and Thai and busker now. "Don't think what's possible?" he asks but then seems to figure out the answer and flushes, "Oh. Heh."

Hulkling has posed:
"I don't think I've ever been to a snooty wine bar," Teddy laughs. "I'm more of a greasy spoon diner kind of guy," he admits unabashedly. "Strawberry milkshakes and cheese fries are more my speed." Then he adds, "Not that I wouldn't try them." Just that it's not usually within his budget. "Now, bagels are amazing. Nice soft fresh ones are the best." He lifts a hand and wobbles it a bit. "Depends on who is there, really. Some of them are really good and some of them are really painful. Then there's the whole spectrum in the middle." Teddy opens his mouth to answer the question but Billy seems to get there on his own so he just grins and lets it close again.

Wiccan has posed:
"Chocolate milkshakes for me...and greasy spoon diners are the best! Especially at 2 in the morning! And the snooty wine bars are pretty much that, but they're kind of fun to go to when you're already just a little tipsy." Billy hasn't stopped grinning yet, "The best bagels are on the Upper West Side. Seriously. I'll take you there. The best lox are not far either." He then pauses, "Unless you're vegetarian. Which is fine. I mean, I'm happy to eat your lox. I mean..."

Hulkling has posed:
"I'll take your word for it," Teddy laughs a little bit, about when it is best to go to snooty wine bars. "Maybe when I find a job and a place, we can celebrate by going to a snooty wine bar." He nods in approval of chocolate milkshakes and asks, "With or without malt?" Because these are important considerations. He leads them across the street and further up the block toward the Thai place. "I'm not vegetarian," Teddy says with a shake of his head. "I like bagels with cream cheese and lox. Just no capers. Not a fan of capers."

Wiccan has posed:
"Definitely malt if they have it. The true delis and diners do." Not so much the hipster places. Billy nods, "We are totally celebrating when you find a job. And a place." So two trips to the wine bars, perhaps. He'll follow where Teddy leads, nodding as this seems to be the direction of the place he was thinking of, "I prefer tomato and cucumber but I can eat capers. And whitefish. But on bagels, depending on the kind, it's plain cream cheese or adding lox and a veggie or two. Have you had blintzes?"

Talking about food seems to at least be a conversation starter for the two to continue to get to know one another.

Hulkling has posed:
Teddy nods his head in agreement on that count. Then he smiles and says, "Great. And of course, when you find a job and a place, too. Maybe we should combine them or we're going to end up drinking a lot of wine." He laughs, fishing off the last of his cocoa and tossing the cup into a bin as they pass it before sliding his hands into his pockets again. The sound of musicians can be heard up ahead. Today it seems to be a couple of guitars and a vocalist, a young woman with a sweet, soft voice and another woman and a man each playing a guitar as she sings.

Teddy drops a couple of dollars into the open guitar case as they pass and then goes a little further in so they can continue talking, finding a bench to settle on under the pergola that provides a little shade with a few of the people-watching as people go by and the performers. "Tomato and cucumber is good," Teddy agrees but then shakes his head. "I don't think I've had a blintz. Are they like crepes?"

Wiccan has posed:
Billy will also add a couple of dollars to the buskers' collection as they find a a bench under a pergola. How perfect! "They are...kind of. Maybe a little eggier and usually filled with a sweet cheese filling and topped with fruit. The best." He'll listen to the buskers for a moment before asking, "So...what was your favorite class that you took? Did you take anything out of your major?" Changing some subjects away from food. It'll probably go back at some point. "I took a ceramics class once. I wasn't very good at it, but it was a lot of fun and really meditative." Having an enjoyment of food in common is one thing, but it generally helps to have more.

Hulkling has posed:
Teddy settles onto the bench and stretches his legs out in front of him, folding his hands over his stomach as he leans back comfortably. He listens for a few moments and then nods as Billy explains what a blintz is. "I don't think I've had one though I've seen them before," he notes. He grins a little crookedly and says, "I took a figure drawing class once. I learned that I should not be allowed to draw figures. At least none that are supposed to look even remotely human."

Wiccan has posed:
"Figure drawing is hard! Not that I've really done it myself, but it seem really hard! But did you enjoy it, at least?" Billy doesn't tend to stretch out, but he kind of sits on the bench, one leg on the seat, the other relaxed in front of him. "Have you ever done one of those Paint Night things? I think it's mostly landscapes and I heard they give you a sort of quick and dirty Bob Ross technique. If you like making art. Who says we have to be good at something in order to enjoy it?"

Hulkling has posed:
"Oh it was great fun but I'm really bad at proportions and everything looks .. really out of whack," Teddy admits with a wry grin. It's a good thing that his shapeshifting works more instinctively than that or his shapes would be truly terrifying. He shakes his head about the paint night thing and says, "Never been to one but I've heard about them." He then laughs and says, "I think I'm just more naturally inclined to sports than art. Not that I didn't enjoy it. It was fun. It's just not really where my strengths lie."

Wiccan has posed:
"But it's not always about 'inclination'. We can do things that are fun even if we're not great at it, right? And if we haven't done it before, then it takes practice to become good. Right?" Billy grins over at Teddy, "I am not good at sports. I was the geeky kid. In case that wasn't obvious. I don't mind watching sports every now and again though. What do you play?"

Hulkling has posed:
"Well, sure. I do lots of things that are fun that I'm not great at. Video games. That wordle thing.." Teddy begins to mull over the various things that he enjoys doing but wouldn't call himself particularly good at. Then he grins over at Billy and says, "Well sure. Any skill takes practice to get good at it." He then looks Billy over and says, "Nothing wrong with that. You any good at video games?" But then he's asked about sports and he says, "Oh, I've played a lot of different ones. Basketball, baseball, hockey, track, swimming.. I just like being outside and I'm pretty strong. I like the physical activity."

Wiccan has posed:
Billy can't help but laugh, "Oh, Wordle! I tried once but then decided I didn't want to obsess over it. And yes, I'm pretty good at video games, but I haven't really played any in a while. I mean, I was away, so kind of hard to get into a groove when you're moving every month or so, right? I bet a ton of new ones have come out that I am totally clueless about." When Teddy mentions all the sports he likes, his brows lift, "Wow. Did you play any of them at NYU?" At the mention of being outside, he peers some at the other, "Please don't tell me you're one of those Camping-people."

Hulkling has posed:
"I'm kind of obsessed. I do it every morning," Teddy admits a little sheepishly when Billy says that he didn't want to obsess over it. "Yeah, I'd guess it would be hard to keep up with when you're moving around." He then shrugs and says, "I just play a couple of things on my laptop." Then he laughs and nods and says, "Yeah, I played hockey over the winter. It's been fun." Though that one was played largely indoors. He grins broadly and says, "I don't mind camping but I haven't been in a while. Why? No camping for you, huh? I bet your idea of roughing it is a low-end hotel." He grins broadly, lightly teasing, not at all serious.

Wiccan has posed:
"Hey, I don't mind the occasional hike, but if I'm going to sleep in the middle of nowhere, I would at least like a bed and a bathroom with running water," Billy grins. "I did a couple of camping trips with a youth group when I was a teenager. We at least had cabins. I mean, it was miserable for other reasons." He shrugs then some and smiles, "I bet you're amazing at hockey. But...you don't seem like a stereotypical jock." For one, Teddy is talking to -him-!

Hulkling has posed:
Teddy grins a little and says, "My mother took me camping when I was younger. She taught me a bit about survival in the woods and making fires and stuff like that. I didn't mind sleeping in a tent, though I will admit I like running water." He laughs. He looks curious when Billy mentions that it was miserable and asks, "Why? Bugs?" Bugs are miserable. Then he shrugs his shoulders and smiles. "I'm alright." He doesn't seem the sort to be very boastful, in general. "Because I've got some brains and not just meat in my head?" he asks.

Wiccan has posed:
Billy shrugs, "Bugs are annoying, but I can deal. Naah, it's..." there's a little sigh, "A bunch of young teenagers thrown together in a youth group because we all go to the same Hebrew School...forced friendship doesn't generally work well when there are..." He can't help but give a wry sort of smirk, "Males trying to establish a social hierarchy. Those of us who didn't want to deal with such posturing ended up being...well, that's generally the time bullying begins, right?"

Hulkling has posed:
Teddy frowns a little bit and then nods, looking out toward the buskers as they play, "I'm sorry. That's rough. Forced situations like that suck. And peer pressure sucks, too." He then says, "I spent a lot of time in high school trying really, really hard to fit in, make people like me. Got into some trouble because I let other kids convince me to do some things that I shouldn't have done. I never bullied anybody," he says, looking over toward Billy, needing to be clear on that point. "But like, I figured out some people weren't really my friend. They just wanted whatever they wanted from me and that was it." He then says, "I know it's not the same thing. Just .. saying.. yeah.. that age sucks." Then he grins, "At least now we're out of all that and can make our own choices, at least most of the time, about who we hang around with."

Wiccan has posed:
Billy quiets and listens to Teddy talk about his own high school experience, "It was easier for me to get...overlooked in school. I was just another sort of weird, quiet, studious kid. And I was ok with that." And then he found magic. But that doesn't need to be mentioned yet. "I'm glad you never bullied anyone. That's...good to know."

He gives a little smile then, "Yeah, I think that's what college is for. I mean, sure, to maybe to focus on studies of things we like and maybe want to work at, but I think it's more for us to figure out who we want to be. High School doesn't let us do that, but college...gets us away from those tropes."

Hulkling has posed:
Teddy smiles a little awkwardly and then says, "I tried not to be the stereotypical jock. Sometimes.. it was hard not to. But I definitely tried." He then looks over toward Billy and says, "Were you really good at school? I'm alright. I get decent grades. But I'm definitely not super smart."

He nods and says, "College definitely let me spend more time figuring out what I wanted to be for myself than what I wanted to be for other people. Not .. going to lie and say that I don't worry a lot about what other people think sometimes.. but I'm trying to get better about that," Teddy says as he watches the buskers as they shift from one song into another one. "I guess we're all works in progress, right?"

Wiccan has posed:
Billy gives another shrug, "School was easy for me, like sports are easy for you. I don't know about 'super-smart', but it was mostly knowing what to study and how. But...I like studying. Why I'm still staying in school, I guess."

He listens to Teddy and is quiet for a long moment, "I think that we all care what others think, but...I think those 'others' should be the people who matter to us...and who we matter to as well. Like...I care what my parents thing of me, but...I haven't told them everything. And I care what my...mentors think of me, but they don't know me very well. Not really. They think they do, but they don't. So I think it's about that change. I mean, if we really didn't care what anyone thought, that's sort of an asshole move, you know?"

Hulkling has posed:
"Well, yeah," Teddy says, lifting a hand to rub a little bit at the back of his neck. "That's what I meant. I was worried about what the wrong people thought, or just what everybody thought, rather than the people that mattered. Not that I didn't worry about what my mom thought. I always worried about what my mom thought but she's gone now so it's just.. you know... me." He pauses as soon as it comes out of his mouth and then clears his throat.

"Anyway, yeah. So. Right people. Not wrong people. And no being an asshole," he forges onward.

Wiccan has posed:
"Oh...Oh, Teddy," Billy reaches out to place a hand on the other's arm, his expression sympathetic and concerned. "I'm so sorry. And your dad's not in the picture?" Since he only spoke about his mother, it seems to be a safe assumption. He falls quiet again for a long moment before offering quietly, "I know she'd be proud of you. May her memory be a blessing."

Hulkling has posed:
Teddy looks a little embarrassed, "Sorry. I really didn't mean to like.. drop that.. at all. It just sort of came out." But then Billy's asking about his dad and he shakes his head, "No, it was just me and my mom." He offers a bit of a smile then and says, "Thanks. I think she was. She was looking forward to graduation." But then he shakes his head and says, "Sorry. I wasn't going to bring up any heavy stuff. So.. yeah." He flounders a little, "I don't think we ever tell our parents _everything_ even if we're close to them. Sometimes they don't tell us everything, either." He smiles just a little wryly.

Wiccan has posed:
"It's ok," Billy gives a little smile, "It's a part of you and...thank you for sharing that with me, even though we just met. It's not something you should feel like you have to hide." But then again, he's never been in that position himself. Both of his adopted parents are alive and well. "She'll see it. I mean, I don't know how I feel about ghosts but I do, uhm..." this may ruin the date, "I can tell when spirits are around. Sort of. I mean, their energy. I know it's all new-agey and stuff and you don't have to believe it. But I think she's going to be there."

He tried to give a smirk, "Well, we have to keep our parents on their toes, right?"

Hulkling has posed:
Teddy looks a little bit relieved when Billy doesn't seem to mind and nods his head. "You're really easy to talk to," he admits. "And I wasn't really hiding it so much as just.." not bringing it up. He smiles a little when Billy says that she'll see it, even if it doesn't look like he's entirely as sure as Billy is about that. He pauses though and his brows raise a little as Billy goes on to explain that he can tell when spirits are around. "Yeah? Like for real? You can tell? Do they like.. talk to you? Or do you just kind of.. know that they're around? Does that get weird? Like.. can you feel them around all the time?" The flood of questions suddenly stops and he flushes slightly. "Sorry. Never met anyone who could do something like that before. That's.. kind of fascinating."

Wiccan has posed:
"So are you," Billy admits. "Easy to talk to." He then ducks his head some at the whole discussion of spirits comes up. "I mean, if I focus, I can sort of tell. There's an energy...an aura..." like he mentioned to Teddy. "I'm not a Medium or anything. I don't think I'd want to be...that must be...yeah. I wouldn't want to be hearing spirits all the time. But if I focus some," and maybe say a few words of a spell, "I can usually tell the energies. It's...uhm. It's really...a lot of people can do stuff like that, they just don't necessarily know it. Or know how to hone it more."

Maybe he's trying to backpedal or just not blurt out everything. "Have you ever gone into a room or a building and you just...feel the energy of it? Like, it's welcoming or...cold...or angry? It's sort of like that."

Hulkling has posed:
Teddy nods as he listens, studying Billy as he begins to explain about spirits. He takes all of that in and then says, "Oh well that's good, that they're just not hanging around you all the time bothering you. That seems like it'd get super frustrating really fast. Like, dude, I get you've got unfinished business but I just want to finish this movie." He grins a little bit crookedly. But then he notices Billy trying to walk it back and he says, "It's okay, you know. I don't think it's crazy. There's all kinds of people in this world who can do all kinds of things. If you can sense spirits.. that's not like.. the weirdest thing out there, you know?" He smiles a little reassuringly. "But yeah, I know what you mean about a place having a vibe."

Wiccan has posed:
"Yeah, that would be terrible. I did meet some Mediums though...it was pretty incredible." Because it's no secret that Billy was doing research. For Grad School. Right. "But yeah, that's really what it's like. Just knowing a vibe." Unless he actually maybe tries to talk to said spirit. Which...maybe he will? Might be too soon for that. "But I'm pretty sure that there's some sort of spiritual something...I don't know that I'm supposed to believe that, but I do. Energetically, at least. Our energies have to go somewhere, right?"

He then blinks and gives a little laugh, "Yeah, I so did not mean to go there on first meeting."

Hulkling has posed:
Teddy nods, giving serious agreement to the thought that it would be terrible, but then smiles again. "Why shouldn't you believe it? I mean, I think ghosts are probably real. And why wouldn't our energy go somewhere? If not like wherever it ultimately goes, it could linger around. Maybe." He's not entirely sure what he thinks about all of that but it's not been one of the many things that have been weighing on his mind lately. It's almost refreshing to think about something he's never had to worry about before.

He then grins sidelong and says, "It's cool. It's nice.. just being able to talk about whatever." His stomach then rumbles a little bit and he says, "You think you could eat? I'm starting to get a little hungry."

Wiccan has posed:
There's a smile as Teddy changes the subject to food and...talking, "Yeah. Yeah, it's nice just talking about stuff. Most people would have given me 'the look' by now, you know?" And he tries to demonstrate a 'WTF are you talking about' expression before letting it go back to a smile. "Yeah, I think I could eat. Ready, Teddy..." he pauses and tilts his head, "I don't think I know your last name. Mine's Kaplan."

Hulkling has posed:
Teddy pulls himself up from the bench and shakes his head, "Nah. You didn't blink twice about letting me crash on your couch and getting me a giant scratching post so I wouldn't claw the furniture. You think I'm going to give you that look about a couple of ghosts?" His grin is broad. Then he says, "Altman. Teddy Altman." He nods in the direction of the restaurant and says, "C'mon. Spicy Thai awaits."