if i think i can figure things out, is that curiosity or arrogance?

"Yeah, that might be a good idea," Billy said, shooting a look at Topher and trying to ignore the urge to hug him. Or more. Bad brain! "Just keep breathing, Topher. You'll feel better in a minute."

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Breathing. Right.

In between pants, he managed in Tony's direction, "How many -- times -- do I have to -- do this before I'm -- allowed to -- help you again?"

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"Until you're not winded anymore." That worked, right?

Tony offered him a bottle of water before stretching his arms out over his head. "This is a short run for me."

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"I know it seems mean, but this is really for your own good. Our lives aren't exactly safe," Billy said. "It would suck if something bad happened to you just because you were around us and couldn't get away fast enough."

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Topher took the water gratefully -- tingling only a little at touching Tony's hand, thank you for asking -- and drank pretty much all of it.

Okay. He could breathe almost normally now. Whew.

"But I suck at it," he complained. "Can't I get a jetpack or something?" Thanks, Pepper.

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"Billy can fly on his own and he still runs," Tony pointed out dryly. Why was he watching Topher drink? That was weird.

He turned his focus onto Billy instead. Which did not help.

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What, Billy was just taking the opportunity to wipe the sweat off of his face with the bottom of his shirt. Nothing to see here...

"What if the jetpack fails? Or it gets taken away?" he said. "In the end, being able to run away is always the safest bet."

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Topher squeaked.

What? He'd never seen Billy's stomach before. And it was... nice. Yes.

"Or I could fly with one of you guys?" he pointed out in a slightly strangled voice.

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Tony shook his head, both to clear his thoughts and in response to Topher. "And if we're not around?" he asked, voice just a little lower than normal maybe.

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"You know we'll look out for you if we can," Billy agreed, assuming Tony felt the same way. "But if we get separated..." He straightened his clothes out, feeling a little self-conscious all of a sudden.

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Topher let out a breath.

"Yeah, I guess that makes sense," he admitted begrudgingly.

A beat.

"Can I get a jet pack anyway just to be safe?"

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"No jet packs," Tony said firmly. They didn't even work well. He took that moment to take off his hoodie, tying it around his waist so that he could run without feeling overheated anymore.

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"You--" Billy started, before any coherent thoughts went away as he looked at Tony. "Um. You might get hurt."

He was totally talking to Topher, even if he couldn't get his eyes off of Tony.

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Topher was too busy staring. Like, staring a lot.

After about two minutes it occured to him that he'd been addressed.

"Uh," he said dazedly. "Sure. Yuh-huh."

He had no idea what he was saying.

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"You guys good to go?" Possibly not the best thing to say.

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Billy coughed for a moment, and then nodded, tugging his shirt down a little again. "I, uh...yeah, sure," he said weakly. Maybe he'd be less distracted while he was running?

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Topher continued to stare. He didn't budge.

"Yuh-huh," he said again, dreamily.

It was possible that he needed to be pinched or something.

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"Come on then!" Tony replied, jerking his head in the direction of the dorms. "Last one there buys breakfast!"

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Billy watched Tony for a moment, because he just couldn't look away, and then reached over to try to grab Topher's hand to get his attention which, in retrospect, might not have been the wisest idea.

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Topher's eyes went huge as he took in that unexpected contact, and for a moment he was seriously wondering if he was going to pass out.

But then he didn't. Yay!

"Why are you guys doing this to me?" he moaned as he set off at a jog.

No. He didn't mean the running.

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"It's good for you!" Tony called back with a laugh. "Get your stamina up!"

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Billy just could not process the word "stamina" today without getting more warm, and, well, if he didn't take off his hoodie now, he was going to pass out before they made it back to the dorms. He tried to keep up with Tony and tie the hoodie around his waist at the same time. "I'm not trying to do anything, I promise. Just run."

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"'Kay," Topher squeaked. He kept jogging, looking anywhere but at Billy and Tony.

That pretty much meant watching his feet. At least he probably wouldn't trip that way?

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Tony slowed enough to let the pair keep up with him, checking to make sure someone wasn't going to fall. "You'll get the hang of this in no time," he told Topher, nearly bumping into Billy as his focus drifted elsewhere for a moment.

Weird.

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