Billy spent the rest of the night and the next morning reading his comic, sometimes taking breaks to do a chore around the house. He heard the buzz of the washing machine finishing and marked his place in his comic before he got up and grabbed the empty laundry bin and brought it into the wash room. He unloaded the wet clothes into it before bringing the bin outside and hanging everything on the line. They didn't have a dryer in the house so the summer air and sun would have to do.

When he went back inside he took a break from reading and flipped on the TV putting on one of his shows. Occasionally he'd flip to the local news to make sure there weren't any live action reports of super villains or criminals terrorizing the nearby city. As boring as peace was it was still nice to know that no one was becoming the victim of a robbery or a car jacking.

After watching an episode of the sitcom that he'd picked Billy heard laughter outside and got off the couch and looked out the window. He was more disappointed than horrified to see some of the jocks from school pulling the wet clothing off the line and dropping them into the dirt where the water from the fabric turned everything muddy. He sighed hating that he'd have to run the load again and grit his teeth as he went outside and faced the music.

When they saw him on the top step with the bin in his hand they snickered before going on their way and Billy was glad they didn't hang around so he could at least collect the clothing in the peace of his own misery.

As he did so another pair of hands joined in helping him. Small hands. He looked up and saw a younger boy, probably ten or eleven picking up a pair of his wet jeans. He handed them to Billy with a small shy smile and Billy accepted as he tucked the denim into the hamper.

"Thank you." He said politely and the boy looked at his feet.

"Welcome." He shrugged before bending to grab the hoodie Billy had worn the other day. "I get made fun of too."

Billy's heart broke hearing that and he mulled over what he could say to cheer the boy up. By the time they'd picked up all the laundry it hit him.

"Want to know what I do when I start feeling sad?" He asked the boy who looked up at him and shook his head up and down. "Wait here."

Billy rushed inside, dropped the laundry bin and grabbed his comic from the table. Then he made his way back outside and sat on the front step beckoning the boy over. He showed him the comic and started pointing out characters and telling the boy their backstories.

"And that's Wanda, she's the Scarlet Witch. She's my favorite." He told the boy who was now grinning as he looked at the pictures, "She has awesome powers and is one of the strongest Avengers. She's misunderstood too, she just wants to be happy but that's not easy when you're a hero."

"I hear a lot about Iron Man and Captain America on the news." The boy said.

Billy shrugged, "Iron Man is alright. Cap's pretty cool though, really down to earth -"

"What are you doing?" A sneering voice called and Billy looked up to see Kesler there glaring at him with confusion and hate. "You trying to turn that kid like you so you can finally have a friend?"

Billy didn't answer knowing it would only provoke the bully more but that didn't stop Kesler from going on.

"Isn't one fag in town enough?"

Billy felt like he'd been stabbed in battle, a direct hit to the heart. The little boy next to him scrunched his face in confusion.

"What's a fag?"

Billy took a deep breath and muttered, "Just a mean word."

.

.

"You are the wildest, most gorgeous thing I've ever seen." Noh-var said into the reflection in the window, "No one deserves you."

"Hem-hem." Av-rom cleared his throat making his fellow Kree turn.

"What?"

"A certain someone is in distress." Av-rom hinted and Noh smirked.

"A perfect opportunity." He said before rushing off to Wiccan's home. He arrived just as a little boy was leaving and he saw Kesler down the block, piecing together what must have happened. Wiccan was on the front step and about to head inside.

"William! Billy!" Noh called after him as he ran to stop him before he could disappear back into his house. He saw Wiccan stop and his shoulders tense up. Noh was no fool, he knew Wiccan was trying to dissuade his 'advances' but Noh was persistent and he also knew that if this didn't work then the alternative would be to capture the mage, and that would cause a much bigger scene. Something the Warden would not be happy with.

Billy turned looking like he already regretted the action as Noh walked over to him with his usual bright smile.

"Have you thought any more about our talk yesterday?"

"I, uh -"

"I have. And I really think you should come with me." Noh insisted, "After all, it's not like you really have a choice."

"Excuse me?" Billy asked now confused.

"Well all I mean is that it's not like you have many options here. There aren't any other men in town with your. . . preference."

Billy never really worried about that. He wasn't planning on staying in this small town forever, just until school was done and he could permanently move into some place back in the city. It would be easier for the hero work and he could meet more people.

"Can I give you a word of advice?" Noh asked before continuing without an answer, "This town is nice but. . . it might not be the place for you."

Billy didn't need Noh to tell him that, Billy knew that already. The only reason he was here was so his parents' house wouldn't get blown up as often as Xavier's mansion in upstate New York did. He was here to keep his family safe, not for his own enjoyment. Not that he could unload all that on Noh, not without revealing his secret identity anyway.

"Well moving isn't really an option for me right now Noh." Billy replied as he tried to turn back around and dive through the front door. But then Noh suddenly moved and grabbed the bottom of Billy's navy shirt making Billy stop in his tracks.

"You know. . . I've been to a lot of places. If you ever did want to leave this small town, I could go with you." Then his smile turned into a smirk, "Show you what the world really has to offer?"

Billy felt a churning in his gut at the dashing smile Noh was giving him. It wasn't that Noh was unattractive. But he just wasn't Billy's type. If Billy ever calmed the nausea in his stomach enough to go out with Noh he'd just never feel comfortable. They were just too different. Noh was loud, outgoing, popular while Billy was shy, reserved and more of a loner. The only person he'd ever connected with was his long lost twin Tommy. And Billy wanted a relationship that would be more then a fling, he wanted a deep connection, something worth pursuing.

"That's nice of you Noh, but. . . I'm not sure we'd get along on a road trip. It's a lot of time together." Billy told him honestly as he pried his shirt from the young man's grip. "I'm not sure I'd even last if it were me and Tommy. It's nice to have your own space ya'know?"

Noh laughed, "Well that's a sibling thing." Then he stepped closer and placed his hand on Billy's arm running up and down the red material of the sleeve. "This could be a more. . . romantic trip."

Billy felt that knot tie up his stomach again. And it wasn't the nervous butterflies kind of way, it was like an alarm system inside him telling him a threat was getting too close. This time, Noh seemed to notice.

"Or. . . it can be a casual thing. Either way I'm sure I can make it worth your while." Noh said as he continued moving his hand along Billy's bicep and rubbing up and down.

Billy couldn't stop himself from asking, "Do you like boys Noh?" Then he blushed and backpedaled, "It's just, uh. . . there's always girls hanging around you at school."

Noh shrugged seeming unfazed by the question, "Boys. Girls. I try everything if there's pleasure involved. Life's too short not too." His grip on Billy's arm got tighter, "Do you work out?"

"No." Billy denied wanting to maintain his image as a weak nerd, it was best for his secret identity, "School books are just, heavy."

Noh looked like he didn't believe him but nodded anyway. Billy then took a step back out of Noh's reach getting ready to bolt into the house if he had to. Noh gave another dashing seductive smile that made Billy's insides churn.

"Are you sure?" Noh asked, "You seem pretty fit." He said taking a step forward and Billy took one back his back now pressed against the door.

"Yeah, I'm sure."

"Mmmm." Noh hummed looking him up and down like he was imagining what his body looked like. "I know Kesler gets on your case about your. . . preference. But if you want to know everything a gay relationship can offer. . . I've learned a lot in my traveling."

"Noh." Billy said looking at his feet for a second just to break the tense eye contact before he looked back at him apologetically, "I'm really sorry but. . . I'd really, never go out with you. Sorry."

He turned and vanished through the door holding it shut behind him as he took deep breaths. He heard Noh let out a long breath but he couldn't tell if it was a sigh or an exhale of frustration. He really hoped Noh didn't take what he said too hard, he didn't need one more bully in this town.

.

.

Speed raced through the forest that ran along the highway with his duffle bag hanging off his back, the strap resting across his chest. He'd changed into his uniform just in case some drone or camera caught a photo of him - he didn't need his secret identity ruined. He knew most iPhones would never catch more then a blur but they weren't the cameras he was worried about. He knew Stark had a lot of fancy high tech and as much as Billy wanted to be an Avenger Tommy didn't share the dream. He liked super heroing only because he was doing it with his brother. The recognition was nice too, and the girls. But becoming an Avenger seemed so strict and Speed felt like it would spoil all the fun. So he kept his green uniform on, the thicker then spandex suit helping whenever he breezed through the trees; the fabric kept the branches from scraping harshly against his skin and his goggles kept his pretty face intact as well as his identity.

He'd left much later then he'd wanted to and the sun had already dipped below the horizon making it harder to see in front of him. He hoped his mom wouldn't get angry that he'd be late, maybe she'd be happy just to see him that the time wouldn't matter.

He only really went because struggling through a night with her was easier then her constant calling and harassing if he didn't visit. He told himself it was her way of showing she cared.

He glanced to his left and looked at the highway and wished some of the lights would penetrate the forest and make it easier for him to see. He was contemplating how bad would it be if he ran on the road instead of hidden next to it. If he moved quick enough he shouldn't cause too many accidents -

Suddenly there was a loud CRACK and a moment later a huge tree came crashing down in front of him blocking his path. He'd barely had time to turn his head to see it but thanks to his super speed he'd been able to barely dodge it by sliding along the dirt like a baseball player sliding into home plate, slowing him down enough to stop right before where the tree landed. If he wasn't as fast as Quicksilver then he'd definitely be smushed.

As he recovered and got back to his feet he brushed the dirt from his leg and noticed that behind where the tree had been it looked like there was a path trodden by feet frequently using it. But there was nothing around here, he thought. And with the highway right there no one would pull over to use this little path. The whole thing screamed creepy.

So naturally he explored the creepy path.

He wasn't an idiot though, and he did move slowly and cautiously. When nothing jumped out at him and everything looked normal he became bored. Just as he started feeling foolish and almost turned back a chilly wind cut through him making him shiver. It was the end of June so the unusually cold breeze filled him with suspicion again as he walked on. A couple dozen steps more and he started seeing white mixed in with the dirt and not long after that everything was covered in it. The leafless trees, the bushes, all of it.

Snow? He thought, but it's summer. Something definitely wasn't right. You should get back up, his smarter side told him, go back and tell Wiccan then you can go in together, watch each other's backs like always. But just as he was about to turn around again there was a low growl and looking over his shoulder he saw a scrappy looking wolf with mangy fur baring his sharp teeth at him blocking the path back.

Normal people would be afraid, but not Speed. He smirked and said aloud, "Nice try."

Then he took off down the path leaving the wolf in the dust. He heard a long howl and not long after had a whole pack chasing him. Speed laughed, very amused. But it was short lived because just as fast as he'd taken off he was falling. He tumbled and landed face first in the mix of dirt and flurries, rolling a bit from the momentum. The strap of his bag broke and some of the contents spilled across the ground as he tumbled. With snow comes ice, idiot. He scolded himself as a wolf leapt out and landed in front of him. He quickly pushed himself to his feet and was able to jump back just as the predator snapped its jaws where Speed's face had been a split second ago. He almost fell back onto his butt but caught himself as more wolves showed up. He took off again trying to spot the ice so he could avoid it this time but he still found himself slipping several times preventing him from reaching top speed. Thankfully the trees were there and he was able to grab onto them to keep himself upright, otherwise the pack would have already caught up and made him their lunch. He saw that the trees cleared up ahead so he sped up and followed the path hoping to see the highway again. Instead he stopped dead in his tracks making little divots in the dirt with his heels he stopped so suddenly.

In front of him was a tall wrought iron gate with intricate twists embellished with brass that would have towered over even the Hulk. His mouth fell open at the sight of it but he didn't have long to look, the sound of the wolves was getting closer now that he'd stopped running and he really didn't want them to catch up.

Speed ran forward through the gate and through a huge courtyard with a lavish garden covered in thick snow. Decoratively trimmed shrubbery formed swirling paths all around him and several statues were placed about.

This place wasn't something new, he realized seeing how tall some of the shrubbery was, this place had been here for a while and the snow must have been falling for weeks to accumulate this much. The sound of the wolves stopped and Speed wondered if they would come into the gardens. He didn't hear any paws padding against the ground so he knew behind him was safe. Turning his back on his would-be pursuers he found what the courtyard led to and stopped again in shock.

A castle! A huge castle stood right in front of him made of dark stone and capped with snow. It had several high towers from the center to the right half, all with pointed roofs that looked sharp like upside down icicles. The towers to the left where shorter and stockier meaning they probably held large ballrooms and dining halls. The curved windows were all dark except a couple, one that was dimly lit in the highest tower and another a few towers over. There was no sound except Speed's feet crunching in the snow as he moved forward again, almost like the grand building demanded attention and his own fascination drew him in automatically.

As he got closer the building became even eerier, the stones were dusted in snow and the space between them iced over. He was unsure if the front door would even open the ancient castle looked so snowed in, like no one had stepped in it or out of it in decades.

When he made it to the bottom of a wide expansive marble staircase that led to the front door he decided it would be better to investigate quickly since there would be less chances of him getting caught. But when he tried to run up the stairs he only moved at a light jog and paused halfway up in confusion. He tried again and made it to the door as fast as Usain Bolt, but still not at his super speed. His brows pinched together as he looked around not sure what he was looking for as questions began flying through his head. Why wasn't he faster? He'd never tired himself out so quickly before, and usually when he did overdo it he felt exhausted. Right now he felt fine, which was the bizarre part. He thought back to his sprint away from the wolves, he hadn't been running at super speed then either, but that was just from the ice – right?

What if it wasn't? A darker thought creeped into his head. What if there's something more going on here?

Even questioning everything, Speed knew going back still wasn't his best option. Because if something had happened to his super speed then he stood no chance going back out among the wolves. He tilted his head up far enough for his neck to crack and he looked up at the two dim windows and wondered if whoever did live here would help him get back through the woods so he could get home. Slim chances, he knew, so he stayed on his guard as he grabbed the front door and pushed it open.

Inside looked as dark and dreary as the outside, the cold marble of the floor, walls and ceiling only made it more unwelcoming but the design of the thick pillars and railings proved someone vastly wealthy must live there. The room was grand with a single very wide staircase that broke off and wound its way up into the higher floors of the castle. Only a small amount of furniture was in the foyer and it all had a thick layer of dust on it. The only sign of life was the fire that was roaring away in the huge fireplace. Speed hadn't realized how cold he'd gotten standing outside until the warmth of the flames made its way to him and he immediately got closer and held out his hands feeling the chill melt off him.

But he tensed back up as he heard a creek not far away and when he looked around he saw a nearby door swing shut. He wanted to call out 'hello' but decided not to as he silently followed whoever had been there.

There were more clanging sounds and high pitched dings and when he opened the door he found a dining room with another lit fireplace and a girl standing setting the table. She had blonde hair that fell just past her shoulders and wore a pair of glasses on her face with thick black frames. She was in some kind of black uniform but had a red chef coat over it. The coat fit her well and went to her upper thigh and she'd rolled up the sleeves to her elbows which revealed the black long sleeved shirt underneath still covering her arms. He stood there silently not sure what to make of the girl. She seemed normal enough but the fact that she was in such an odd environment still sparked caution in Speed.

When she noticed him there she stopped what she was doing and smiled at him. "You look famished." Was the first thing from her mouth, "Would you like anything?"

"Uhhh." He stammered, the normalcy of the question puzzling, "Who are you?"

She chuckled kindly, "I'm Cassie. Why don't you take a seat and relax?"

She pulled out a chair before turning to the table and removing the silver tops from several platters. Immediately the aroma of all the food hit his nostrils and he couldn't focus on anything but eating. It seemed like his super metabolism was still working.

There was a roast chicken, a bowl full of mashed potatoes, a platter of steaks stacked on top of each other. Another bowl had stuffed rigatoni, one platter held five steaming lobsters, and the last platter had a rack of lamb with the bones sticking out of the top and a green mint sauce drizzled over them. Speed didn't think twice before he sat down and Cassie exited another door. He could barely make out a couple of new voices bickering back in the kitchen.

"You know what the Master will do if he finds –"

"Oh Eli, have a heart."

"No, No, No. Kate I'm in charge and I say –"

"Eli, you can send him away once he's done eating." Cassie's voice intervened and Speed grabbed a roll from the table and popped pieces of it into his mouth as he walked closer to the door and eavesdropped. "I'll put a kettle on too, give him some tea for the road. That should keep him warm."

"No. No, tea!" Eli replied just before there was a loud BANG. Speed dropped the roll from his hand and froze again feeling a presence behind him. He chewed the bread in his mouth and swallowed hoping once the figure got close enough he could zip by and out the door. If he could just get outside maybe he could use the ice and snow to his advantage this time.

He heard a deep growl and suddenly an image of Hulk popped into his head as the figure came closer and Speed saw its shadow in front of him on the wall. The figure easily engulfed Speed's leaner form but he knew size wasn't everything and knew how to use his smaller build to his advantage. All talking in the kitchen had stopped and it suddenly seemed silent in the whole castle.

Speed waited, hoping the newcomer would think he was frozen with fear, that way he'd be caught off guard when Speed bolted. Please, let me have one good burst, Speed prayed, all he needed was one. When he felt breath on the back of his neck he took off, he wasn't sure if he'd gotten his powers back or if he'd just saved up enough to use it, but either way he was glad that the rest of the world seemed to run in slow motion again as his feet ran along the carpet. He turned and ran around the figure barely catching a glimpse of something green and scaly but didn't stick around to investigate. He ran past the long dining table and was just at the door to the main entrance when something sharp dug into the back of his suit at the nape of his neck and cut through the fabric before his attacker grabbed a fistful and threw Speed backwards. He rolled along the floor and tried to get up but it seemed like that had been all he'd had of his super speed and he was out once more. He brought a hand to the back of his neck and was glad that the cuts there didn't seem deep. He looked up and saw some blood staining the person's – claws? They looked like claws, nails sharp but only half an inch long with a green tint to them, aside from the fresh red blood, though again he was relieved that they weren't dripping. Speed doubted there'd be any medical help in his future.

The figure, wearing a tattered grey trench coat and pants stalked forward as Speed tried to push himself up and look a bit more intimidating instead of the heap he was.

"What's a stranger doing here?" the attacker asked, his green eyes turning to the kitchen door, but there was no response. Speed tried to use the small distraction and run again. But at a much slower pace it was easy for the large figure to grab him and shove his chest causing Speed to fly backwards into the corner. He heard something crack and hoped it was the wall and not him. Then darkness fell over him again and he wasn't sure if it was the person's shadow or if he passed out from his head hitting the marble wall.