Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

For the last couple weeks, Chase had been working on creating a molecular transporter. Sort of like if a wormhole transporter and a portal fused. When you stood on the platform and put in the coordinates, it’d bring you to that place. And, hopefully, it would have less possible side effects than the wormhole transporter. 

“Hey, Chase, whatcha workin’ on?” Kaz asked, coming out of the hyperlift. When he saw Chase on the floor, wiring the computer system for the molecular transporter. “And, why do I even have to ask?” He said.

“Okay, look, I know I’m kind of obsessing over this, but I’m really close!”

“You said that nine weeks ago,” Kaz said bluntly, leaning against the wall. Chase groaned, frustrated and stood up. He pulled up his protective goggles.

“I know, but I really think I’m close!”

“Chase,” Kaz said, putting his hands on Chase’s arms, “It’s okay to give up. Or at least take a break,” He said, “You’ve been working on this for two days straight!”

“What? No, I haven’t!” Chase said defensively. 

“What day is it?” Kaz asked. 

“Uh…” Chase thought for a second. “Thursday?”

“No! It’s…” Kaz pulled out his phone, “Saturday,” He said. “When’s the last time you’ve eaten?” He asked worriedly. 

“I don’t know,” Chase said with a shrug, “But it doesn’t matter, I’m not hungry,” He said. In an act of cruel coincidences, Chase’s stomach growled. “That means nothing,” He said nervously. Kaz sighed.

“Look, I’m gonna get some pizza. I know you say you don’t like it, but I also know you do,” Kaz said, making Chase look down, ashamed of himself. “So, I’m gonna order one for us, and I’m gonna stay down here so that I know you eat it.”

“Alright,” Chase said. “Sorry, I’ve just been so sucked into this.”

“It’s alright,” Kaz said, “I just want to make sure that while you’re being all nerdy, you don’t procrastinate doing the important things, like eating and drinking water, and watching TV.” Chase smiled.

“Thanks, Kaz.”

“Of course!” He said happily. “I’m gonna run and get our pizza, and once I come back, you’re taking a break, and we’re gonna watch an episode of Titanio, because it’s the only superhero that was created out of science and I know you find that a lot less stressful to watch.” Chase smiled softly. It was nice having such a good friend. He never had that back at home.

“Thanks, Kaz,” Chase said again.

“Anything for you, man,” He said. He moved his hands off of Chase’s shoulders and held one out to Chase to do a bro hug thing. Chase did so before Kaz ran off. 

Chase smiled and sat in a chair in front of the CyberDesk before looking at the various chemicals there. He sighed, stirring the iridescent blue liquid in the beaker with a long spoon. 

This was something he did from time to time. The swirling, sparkling liquid helped him relax. Mr Davenport called it Daven-oxide, but Chase refused to call it that. He, in his head, referred to it as Azure Chloride, but he knew it was trivial. It’s not like it was a common thing. Really, it was just something Kaz threw together out of boredom. Chase scolded him about doing that for a half hour, but being honest, it proved to be very helpful.

That being said, it was annoying having to replace all the chemicals that Kaz had used, which, really, was just all the blue ones and a couple of purple ones.

Chase must’ve dozed off, because when he opened his eyes, his head was resting next to the beaker and Kaz was there with the pizza. 

“Oh, you’re awake,” Kaz said, sitting next to Chase and putting the pizza on the desk carefully. “I thought you threw that stuff away,” he said, pointing to the chemical he had made.

“I was going to, but then I ran some tests, and it seemed like it could be helpful for some things,” He admitted. Kaz nudged Chase’s.

“See, it wasn’t so bad,” He said, before picking up the remote for the main TV. Chase rolled his eyes, but his smile didn’t fade. “What episode are we on?”

“Season 1, Episode 7,” Chase said, taking a slice of pizza from the box.

When the episode started, Kaz and Chase continued eating their pizza. About halfway through, Kaz was laughing so hard that Chase feared he may choke, even when he didn’t have food in his mouth.

He put his hand on the CyberDesk trying to keep himself stable, especially on the stools they were sitting on. Chase smiled at him, staring affectionately. Kaz moved his hand off the table as he calmed down, but in the process, slid the Azure Chloride off the table and onto Chase.

“Ah, Kaz!” Chase exclaimed, feeling the liquid leak into his shirt and pants. Kaz immediately stopped laughing.

“Oh my god, Chase, I am so sorry,” He immediately apologised, taking napkins off the table and dabbing at Chase’s shirt.

“Okay, okay , I can do it myself,” Chase said, taking the napkins from Kaz and wiping up the liquid himself, although by the time he got to it, it had soaked through his shirt and clung to his body.

“Sorry, Chase, I swear, I didn’t mean to—”

“Kaz, it’s okay,” Chase said, standing back up. “I should really get back to work now, you should go back upstairs,” He said. Kaz’s shoulders fell and started packing up the leftovers of the pizza while Chase went back to the wiring of the Molecular Transporter. 

Just as Kaz was about to walk into the HyperLift, Chase was shocked. With electricity. By the unstable wires. He fell back, twitching…

“Chase?” Kaz asked, putting the pizza down on the table and rushing to his side. “Chase!”

… And passing out on the floor. 

“Shit…” Kaz muttered as he checked for Chase’s pulse. He was beyond relieved to find that his heart was still beating, although a bit slowed down. 

He put Chase down on the cleared CyberDesk and headed into his nook to gather some medical supplies.

When Chase woke up, he was staring at the ceiling. His head was on a pillow, but his shirt was off and Kaz was inspecting the scars on his torso and chest.

Wait, scars?!

“Kaz?” Chase asked tiredly. “What happened?”

“Oh, well, you got electrocuted because you didn’t put on your gloves before touching live wires,” Kaz explained, “So, you passed out. I put you up here so I could investigate any possible injuries. Your heart rate is steadily increasing, which is good, and you didn’t break anything. But you may have a mild concussion, and now you got these… marks all over your body,” He said, motioning to the pale lightning patterned scars splayed over Chase’s chest, stomach and arms.

Maybe it was the concussion, but the scars almost looked… pale blue. 

“And now that you’re awake, I can ask you some questions about how you’re feeling,” Kaz said, picking up a clipboard. “These scars, do they burn?”

“No, but they feel kinda… buzzy,” Chase said, still tiredly. Kaz nodded as he scribbled something down. Kaz held up two fingers.

“How many fingers am I holding up?” Chase rolled his eyes.

“I doubt this is a legitimate medical question.”

“Well, it’s not, but I didn’t steal one of those stupid eye-charts, so how many fingers am I holding up?” He asked. Chase smiled at his slight stress. 

“Two,” Chase responded. “Really, Kaz, I don’t feel that bad. I just have a headache. And the buzzing,” He said. Kaz sighed, combing his hair with his fingers, stopping over his scalp and tugging on the folocals lightly.

“Sorry,” He said, “I just… you getting hurt reminded me of so many heroes that I’ve cared for getting hurt. And now they’re gone.” He put his hand down onto Chase’s. Chase would’ve expected his hands to be greasy from Kaz’s hair, but they weren’t. They were warm and dry. “I… I can’t lose you too.”

“You aren’t gonna lose me that easily, Kaz,” He said with a weak smile, taking Kaz’s hand. Kaz let out a shaky breath. 

“I know,” He said.

“No, literally,” Chase said, “I’ve been electrocuted many times, but I’ve never even passed out before. Although, once I collapsed next to my brother like I had no bones,” He said with a light laugh, which made Kaz laugh too. 

“Okay, Chasey,” He said, “But I still have a right to be worried about you. And I’m gonna keep checking on you, just in case.” Chase nodded.

“Okay,” He said. “Just one request.”

“Anything,” Kaz said genuinely, sounding worried and caring. 

“Don’t tell everyone else, not even Oliver,” He said, “They’ve been upset about me working on this all the time, and if they knew I got hurt because of it, they’d never let me hyperfixate on any project again,” He said. Kaz nodded, understanding.

“Okay, but only if you agree to my terms as well,” Kaz said. Chase looked at him sceptically. “You can’t work on the Molecular Transporter for 3 weeks,” He said. “I know, that’s a ridiculous request, but knowing you’d be working around this thing that hurt you would cause me so much anxiety, and—”

“Okay,” Chase said. “I won’t work on it for three weeks.” Kaz smiled, relieved. 

“Thanks, Chase,” He said, helping Chase sit up. He wrapped his arms around him, which Chase returned immediately. “I just really care about you. I know we’ve only known each other for a while, but you’re definitely one of my best friends.”

“You just are my best friend,” Chase said with a small laugh.

“I’m proud to be,” Kaz said. 

Neither of them pulled away for a few seconds, until Chase spoke up

“This is kinda weird with my shirt off, isn’t it?” 

“Yeah, maybe a little,” Kaz said, pulling away. He was definitely blushing, but Chase didn't noticed, concerned with his own flushed face. “I’ll run and get you some new clothes so that you don’t have to go upstairs without your shirt on. I don’t think that chemicals being on you and your clothes is the best thing right now.”

“Makes sense,” Chase said. “Thanks Kaz.”

“Anything for you, man.”

Chapter Text

Chase was sitting on the couch, rubbing his temples, which still felt buzzy. He was wearing a long hoodie that went over his hands, to cover up the pale scars on his hands that wrapped up and around his fingers. His head hurt so much.

“Hey, Chase, how you feeling?” Kaz asked as he walked up to him. 

“My head still hurts.”

“I figured, and that is why, I brought you these,” He said, holding out a pill bottle and a bottle of water. “The strongest over the counter painkillers I could find,” He said with a smile. Chase took the bottles happily.

“Thanks, Kaz,” He said dopily.

“Still hurts?” Oliver asked, “How long has it been hurting, it might be a migraine. Or if you’ve fallen down recently, you could have a concussion.”

“Uh…” Kaz hesitated before running off to the kitchen.

“I’ve had a headache all day,” Chase said, “I told Kaz this morning, and I haven’t taken pain relievers yet.”

“Yep!” Kaz called from the kitchen, “That’s what happened,” He said. 

“Is that why you’re wearing a sweater?” Bree asked, “I don’t think you’ve worn a sweater since we had that sleepover where Eddie got a virus,” She said. Chase nodded, tossing a couple of painkillers in his mouth before taking a swig of water and swallowing it.

“Yeah,” He said, “I just wanna feel comfortable.” Kaz walked over and sat down next to Chase. 

“You deserve to feel comfy, Chase,” Kaz said. Chase smiled and leaned against him slightly, which Kaz matched immediately. 

“Thanks, Kaz,” He said tiredly, snuggling into Kaz’s shoulder.

“Anything for you,” Kaz said quietly, quiet enough that even Chase, with his bionic hearing and all, barely heard him. 

“You guys are weird,” Bree observed. Kaz rolled his eyes.

“Maybe you’re weird, if you haven’t cuddled with one of your best friends,” He said, jokingly snobbish.

“We never cuddled,” Oliver said. 

“Mhm,” Kaz said, not even looking up from his phone. “Hey, Chasey, we should go down to the lab,” He said, shaking Chase a bit. 

“I know,” He said, “I don’t want to though.” That got everyone’s attention.

“Chase, are you okay?” Bree asked, “Doing nerdy shit is like… your favourite thing!”

“Maybe we should take him to the doctor…” Skylar recommended. 

“No, no, Chase is fine,” Kaz said, “He just had a hard time sleeping last night.”

“Mhm,” Chase hummed, tiredly hugging Kaz closer. 

“But, we have a project to work on in the lab,” He said, “And I want to do it, because I’m kinda bored.” Chase smiled, still tired. 

“Alright,” He said, sitting back up. “Let’s go,” He said, pulling himself up off the couch. Kaz followed and joined Chase in the hyperlift. 

“You feeling okay?” Kaz asked as they walked into the lab. Chase slipped off his sweater and fanned himself with the collar of the t-shirt he was wearing underneath. 

“I’m kind of overheating,” He said, “But I can’t not wear the jacket, people would see these,” He said, motioning to his arms.

“I dunno, I think they look cool.”

“Perhaps, but people would ask where they came from,” Chase said. “Other than the overheating, and the major headache, I’m fine. Accept, I still feel buzzy.” He leaned his hand against the wall beneath the tv. Which immediately turned on. “Did you do that?” He asked, pulling his hand away.

“Nope,” Kaz said. 

“Huh. Weird. Must be a glitch or something,” He said with a shrug before sitting down. Kaz joined him. 

“I guess,” He said, not really believing him. 

“Anyway,” Chase said, putting his hands together, “Is there any way that this would go away faster?” He asked, triedly. “I hate it.”

“Painkillers are the best way to avoid the pain. I suppose you could use your age thingy, but that didn’t really pan out well,” He said. Chase sighed, agreeing. 

“I feel like I’m going to implode,” He said, separating his hands and tensing his hands. “Wait a minute,” He said. “The buzzing stopped.”

“Uh, Chase?”

“Yeah?”

“Look at your hands.”

Low and behold, between Chase’s hands were strands of electricity, glowing and zapping. Chase had just assumed that noise was part of the buzzy feeling. 

“Chase, I think you might have superpowers!” Kaz exclaimed. “Being zapped with that chemical on you must’ve done something to you, and now you have electrokinetic powers!” 

“Oh, great,” He said, putting his arms down, the electricity cracking apart and dissipating into the thin air. “Me, the most science based person in the world has magic superpowers! Woo!” He said, annoyed at his own circumstances.

“Chase, don’t you understand? This is amazing! I know you’re great with your laser bo, and your molecular kinesis, and you’re great at combat, but this could really help you!” Kaz exclaimed. Chase sighed and shook his head. “You’ll move up AJ’s list,” Kaz said, poking Chase in the arm.

“Well, it’s not as if I can get rid of them,” He said, “So I might as well use them.” Kaz smiled.

“Awesome!” He said. “This isn’t the first time I’ve had to coach someone on how to use new superpowers, but this is different, completely. She only had gamma powers, and flight. Who knows what you have!”

“I might just have the one, Kaz,” He said, although the idea of that did sadden him a bit. 

“Well, there’s only one way we can find out. We have to test out any possible superpower you might have,” He said. Chase groaned.

“Ugh,” He said. “Sorry, I’m still really tired. I just…” Chase shut his eyes tiredly “I want to be back in my capsule.”

Chase didn’t know what happened, but the next thing he knew, he had fallen, trapped between the small walls of his capsule.

“What the…” He muttered. As he tried to figure out how to stand up without opening his door, Kaz bursted through their bedroom door. He shut it behind them, and opened the door to Chase’s capsule. Chase slipped down, but caught himself and regained his composure. 

“Teleportation: Check!” Kaz said excitedly. “Now you can get to missions faster! That was one of your main concerns, wasn’t it?”

“Yeah,” Chase said with a nod.

“Sorry,” Kaz said. “We don’t have to talk about this right now. I know you’re tired. I’m just really happy for you. I know you felt isolated as the only bionic hero on the team. We can test powers some other day.”

“Thanks, Chase said tiredly.

“But, you will have to use your teleportation thing to go back down to the lab, and then walk back up here, because they’ll get suspicious.”

Chase sighed, knowing Kaz was right, and did so. He teleported back downstairs, put his jacket back on, and came back up stairs. 

“Oh, by the way, I was, uh, at the TechTown at the mall, and I found these like… super high tech noise cancelling headphones. And I thought, since you have bionic hearing, you might…” Kaz held out the headphone box nervously. “You don’t have to use them.”

“Wow, Kaz,” Chase said, taking the box. “Thanks. It does take a lot of energy to tone down my hearing, it’s really bothersome.”

“Yeah, and after yesterday, I thought maybe it’d be harder for you,” He said. He cleared his throat. “I also got ones for Skylar, so… I’m gonna go give them to her,” He said before rushing out of the room. 

Chase looked down at the box with a smile. He stepped into his capsule, put on his eye mask (bionic seeing isn’t a picnic either) and then his headphones. The new headphones that Kaz gave him. Sweet Kaz. He cared more than any of Chase’s old friends.

To be fair, his old friends were villains, but still .

Now, Chase didn’t usually have dreams. Especially not vivid ones. But this dream was unusually vivid. 

Bree and Skylar were sitting on the couch alone. Chase was viewing them from behind, standing in the kitchen. His jacket was off, and the scars on his arms were visible. Next to him was Kaz, who was making two sandwiches. 

‘I don’t like this,’ It was Chase’s voice, but it didn’t sound like it was coming out of his mouth. It was slightly echoey and he could feel that his mouth hadn’t moved. ‘It feels like spying.’

Chase looked over to Bree and Skylar, who were leaning on each other, watching a show that Chase didn’t recognise. He did recognise one of the actors as Joan Cusack, although she was wearing a powered wig for some reason.

‘I know, Chasey, but you don’t like walking around in hoodies or in long sleeves and gloves, so sneaking around is the best option.’ Kaz’s voice this time. Same way. Kaz’s lips weren’t moving either. 

‘Okay, but why do I have to be here? You could walk around freely. You could walk around with no shirt on at all and no one would say anything about marks you have on your body,’ Chase said. He seemed to instantly regret it. It was strange, it was almost like he could feel his face heating up, even in this dream.

“Hey, Bree, I have something I need to tell you,” Skylar spoke up. Her voice wasn’t like his and Kaz’s. It wasn’t as clear, it was quiet due to her voice being hushed and the distance between the boys and her.

“You can tell me anything, Skylar.” It was strange. Chase was getting deja vu. In a dream. How does that even happen? 

“You know how I tried to date Oliver and failed?”

“Yeah, because he’s a little weirdo.” Bree said, earning a nervous laugh from Skylar.

“That’s not the only reason. I’m—”

And that’s when Chase woke up. He immediately pulled off his sensory blockers, seeing that he was still in his capsule, in his room. That was so strange. It felt so real. 

With one glance at the clock on Oliver’s side table (not Kaz’s, Kaz’s was still blinking 12:00 from the last time the power went out), Chase learned that only 20 minutes had passed. It was like the dream took place in real time.

Whatever. It didn’t matter. Chase wasn’t tired anymore. He sighed, leaving his capsule in the oversized hoodie Chase had borrowed from Kaz, but leaving behind the items he used to block his senses.

He, less tired than before, walked back into the living room and sat himself next to Kaz.

“Dude, you only got like 5 minutes of sleep,” Kaz said, clearly having no sense of time.

“Kaz, it was 20 minutes,” Chase responded, making Kaz roll his eyes. As if that was so much more. “But I don’t know, I woke up and I’m not tired anymore.”

“Hm,” Kaz hummed, “Well, I’m glad,” He said, ruffling Chase’s hair. 

“When did you two become such good friends?” Bree teased, earning confused looks from both Kaz and Chase.

“Like three months ago?” Chase responded, confused.

“No, no, Chase… It was a metaphorical question,” Kaz explained, which just earned more confused looks.

“Rhetorical,” Oliver corrected, fixing the confused looks. “Anyway, have you guys ever read The Series of Unfortunate Events?” He asked excitedly.

“I was underground for 16 years,” Chase said bluntly, “The only books I was allowed to read were textbooks and my dad’s autobiography.”

“Same here,” Bree said, putting her hand up for a moment.

“I read the dreams you had based off it,” Kaz said with a shrug, “So… yes,” He said with a laugh.

“I’ve never even heard of it,” Skylar said.

“Well, it’s really good,” Oliver said, “And Netflix is making a series based on it! It came out yesterday, and it’s also pretty good.” Chase internally laughed nervously. 

“This show wouldn’t happen to have Joan Cusack in it, would it?” He asked. Oliver’s face lit up.

“Yeah, she has a guest appearance as Justice Strauss, how did you know that?” He asked. Chase sank down a bit.

“Just a lucky guess,” He said, pulling his sleeves further over his hands. “Man, that is so weird, I had a dream where Joan Cusack played a Justice of the Peace,” Chase thought. He would’ve said it out loud, but it would accumulate questions.

A small part of him feared that he had said it out loud, when Kaz immediately turned to Chase, so fast that he wasn’t sure how he hadn’t snapped his neck.

“Dude… I know I didn’t hear that out loud, because it sounded the same as when NeoCortex talked to us through our heads! Chase, I think you have telepathy!”

“Kaz, why do you look like you’re going to explode?” Oliver asked. Kaz and Chase laughed nervously together.

“Nothing,” Kaz said, “Just excited for the show you were talking about,” He said nervously, exchanging glances with Chase.

“You barely know what it’s about.”

“I know you had a dream where Violet was played by Skylar,” He said, “I don’t really know who Violet is, but you know. A dream’s a dream.”

“Yeah, Oliver, what is this show about?” Bree asked, putting her arm around Skylar.

“It’s about these three gifted kids whose parents die in a fire and they get sent to their uncle’s house, Count Olaf, who tries to kill them to get the fortune their parents left behind for them,” He said. Everyone just stared at Oliver for a moment.

“Dude,” Kaz said, “That is so depressing.”

“Yeah,” Bree said, “Sounds kinda like Chase, Adam and I,” She said, referring to their Uncle Douglas’s attempt on their lives. Well, attempts.

“It’s not that similar! I mean, one is insanely smart, one has a really good bite, and one is an inventor.”

“Two of those things describe Chase,” Kaz noted.

“And the other one explains Adam,” Bree said with a laugh.

“Well, the biting one is a baby.”

“Yep,” Bree said, “Sounds like Adam.”

“You guys aren’t orphans!” Oliver exclaimed. Chase shrugs.

“Depends on your definition.”

“Well, you guys don’t have to watch,” Oliver said, “I can just watch it with Skylar,” Oliver said with a smile that made Skylar lean further into her friend’s side.

“No,” Skylar said firmly

“Yeah, whenever we watch things based off of books you’ve read, you spoil it” Kaz said. “You’ll watch alone in our room, while us four watch it out here.” Oliver huffed.

“Like a double date?” He asked bitterly. Kaz and Chase exchanged glances for a second, both blushing. They didn’t notice, but Skylar and Bree did the same thing. “No, man, I’m not leaving Chase and Skylar alone, and you and Bre alone, it’ll get weird.”

“What?” Skylar asked through a laugh.

“I mean, you and Chase are like…” Oliver waved his hands, “And Bree and Kaz are like,” He waved his hands again, but more erratically. 

“Okay, no offence, Kaz, but he’s kinda revolting,” Bree said. Kaz let out a laugh and a nod.

“None taken, I get it, I’ve been rejected by many a woman in my time,” He said. Being honest, he would’ve been offended had it come from Chase. But he didn’t care about Bree’s opinion.

But Chase took offence. Who would say that about his Kaz? Why would they say that about his Kaz?

Kaz. Not his Kaz. Why did he keep doing that...

“And if it makes you feel better, Chase and I can watch in the lab,” Kaz offered. The buzzing feeling in Chase’s arms increased, and a bit in his chest too. Maybe it was nerves. 

“That would make me feel better,” Oliver said with a nod.

“Oliver, how many times do I have to tell you. I’m not into Chase like that,” Skylar said. Chase nodded.

“And I’m not into Skylar like that,” He agreed. “Don’t really think I ever will. No offence Skylar,” He added. Skylar shook her head.

“None taken,” She said, “I would never be into you either.”

“Why not?” Kaz asked defensively. “Chase is a great guy.”

“Uh…” Skylar started. “You know, not really into know-it-alls,” She said, earning an offended stare from Oliver.

“Anyway,” Chase said in an attempt to break the obvious tension, “Kaz, we should go… start watching, I guess,” He said. 

“I want to test out these power things more.” Chase admitted in thought, hoping it would make its way to Kaz. 

“Yeah, we should,” Kaz said, standing up, pulling Chase with him. “Good, ‘cuz I kinda want to too,” he said with a smile. Well, through a smile, kind of. Since he didn’t say it out loud. “See you guys,” Kaz said, slightly excitedly, before pulling Chase into the hyperlift.

As soon as they got down to the lab, Kaz started talking.

“Okay, so, you’ve got electric stuff going on, teleportation, and telepathy! So awesome!” Kaz exclaimed. “I wonder if you have any other powers.”

“I might,” Chase admitted. “When I was asleep I had a very vivid dream. And I had telepathy in that too. And Skylar and Bree were watching, presumably, The Series of Unfortunate Events together.”

“That sounds like precognition!” Kaz exclaimed. 

“Maybe,” Chase said, “It hasn’t happened yet, so, maybe not,” He said. He pulled off his jacket again. “But this is nice to have off.”

“It looks nice off,” Kaz said, staring at Chase’s mostly blank arms. Underneath the hoodie was one of Chase’s classic polo’s. “Not in a weird way, it’s just that your scars look really cool. Not in an insensitive way, I hope—”

“Kaz,” Chase cut him off, “You’re kind of spiralling.”

“Sorry,” Kaz answered. 

“It’s okay, dude,” Chase said, waving Kaz off. 

“Anyway, let’s get to work.

Chapter Text

“Now, superpowers are usually connected to your personality, brain chemistry, body types and the source of the superpowers,” Kaz said, picking up a yellow legal pad that Chase had lying around.

“How do you know that?”

“Well, I got fire based powers because of my fiery and unpredictable personality, while Oliver got ice and water because he’s much more chill and relaxed. The superstrength comes from his higher intelligence. The flight thing, I haven’t figured out yet. The source of the powers thing is obvious.
I mean, you got electrocuted with a blue chemical on you, therefore, your blue electricity. Or how Tecton got his powers, or Gamma Girl,” Kaz let out a nervous breath at the memory of his old friends. “Anyway, I have a few guesses as to what some of your powers could be. So far I’ve got: time travel, any kind of healing abilities, mind reading, gravity manipulation, shape shifting, flight, any kind of elemental bending, time travel, and weather manipulation. 
But, if you do have precognition, then you could also have clairvoyance, and that thing… like that spidey sense thing. They come together a lot,” Kaz said, hesitating to write on the notepad. As soon as he stopped talking, he began scribbling things down again.

“Wow, you’ve put a lot of thought into this,”Chase said, looking over Kaz’s shoulder to the notepad. There was a t-chart on it, with powers that Kaz had theorised about on the left, and on the right was the powers that they already knew Chase had. In the bottom right corner was a doodle of a guy peeking over a fence.

“Yeah, well, I couldn’t sleep while thinking about the possible powers you might have!” Kaz exclaimed. Chase thought he should be a bit salty, but he seemed very excited. “So, I figure we move down the list and then try some random ones.”

“Okay then. Do we get breaks?”

“Chase, you’re asking that to the laziest man on earth. Yes, we get breaks,” Kaz answered, getting a smile out of the bionic boy. Nay, the super-bionic boy. “Okay, first on the list is time travel,” Kaz said. “So, do the same thing you did with the teleportation thing, but with a time, instead of a place,” Kaz offered out.

Chase nodded. He shut his eyes gently and concentrated on a time. The first time that he thought about. A happy memory. Kaz watching after Chase at Mighty Med. They were alone. Kaz brought Chase a couple of comics that he thought he might like (Titanio and Tecton mostly) and was reading along with Chase. Kaz was leaning against the bed, reading over Chase’s shoulder.

Chase, having Kaz’s intelligence, read much slower than usual. But Kasz waited for him to finish each page before moving on. It was one of the happiest memories he had. He was with someone caring and understanding. And cute. 

After a moment, Chase opened his eyes again.

“Didn’t work?” Kaz asked. Chase just shook his head. “Okay, next! Healing powers,” He said. Chase just shook his head.

“I’m not gonna risk hurting either one of us to test that,” He said. Kaz nodded, understanding.

“Right, sorry,” He said. In all honesty, he was okay with that. “Okay, after that one is mind reading.”

“Didn’t I already kind of do that?” Chase asked. “I mean, I heard what you were thinking.

“Telepathy and mind reading are often mixed up,” Kaz said, “But, with mind reading, the target doesn’t know you’re listening to them. Here, let’s try it,” He said, putting down the notepad. He looked into Chase’s eyes.

Now, Chase didn’t know if it was because he didn’t know if it was because he couldn’t read minds, or if Chase was just nervous, but he didn’t hear any of Kaz’s thoughts. 

He did, however, notice how beautiful he found Kaz’s eyes. He’d never noticed before. But they made him smile. Because they were beautiful, and Chase wouldn’t mind looking into them forever.

“Why are you smiling? Did you hear my thoughts?” Kaz asked, sounding both excited and very nervous. Chase blinked back to reality.

“What?” Chase asked, “No, I didn’t.”

“Oh,” Kaz said with a silent sigh of relief. “Why were you smiling then?” He asked with a small smile. 

“Uh…” Chase hesitated, “It’s nice knowing you care about this so much. No one’s ever… Cared like this.”

“Oh,” Kaz said, “It’s nothing. I just don’t want what happened to Skylar to happen to you. Y’know, breakin’ stuff on accident,” He said with a small laugh. “Don’t want you getting in trouble.”

“Thanks, Kaz,” Chase responded. Their stare lingered for a second, maybe a little longer than it should’ve, before Kaz turned and cleared his throat.

“Anyway,” He said, “Next is gravity manipulation,” He said, crossing the mind reading ability off the list. 

“What’s the difference between gravity manipulation and flight?” Chase asked. 

“Gravity manipulation affects the things around you. While you can use it on yourself, most people don’t. It’s much harder to control than flight, but the landings can be easier depending,” He said. “Gravity manipulation usually comes with touching other things or people, but sometimes it can just be a force. Or, some people have both, but it’s easier to control with touch than the force, because the force thingy usually affects everything, while the touching one is more concentrated.” Chase just stared in awe. “What?”

“How are you sometimes more of a nerd than I am?” He asked. Kaz rolled his eyes with a smile. 

“Okay, let’s try something small,” Kaz said. He held out his pen. “Try this.” Chase nodded and held out his hand. 

He nervously touched his fingertips to the end of the pen. Kaz separated his fingers from the pen and it began floating up to the ceiling. 

“So it’s basically just molecular kinesis that I can’t control?” Chase asked bluntly. Kaz shrugged.

“I suppose,” He said. “But, you can do it with multiple things at a time,” He said. “Okay, now, try to make it stop,” Kaz said. Chase sighed, but looked up at the pen, trying to concentrate on getting it to fall. 

“It’s not working,” Chase said, looking back at Kaz.

“Here,” Kaz said, reaching for Chase’s hands. “This is how Rarer got their stuff to fall,” He said. “Separate your fingers.” Chase did so. Kaz put his hands on the back of Chase’s hands before pushing his palms together.

As the palms touched together, the pen did indeed fall. 

“Hey, it worked!” He exclaimed, pulling his hands away from Chase’s. Chase put his hands down. “Okay, now try the force thingy. Manipulating the gravity without touching anything.”

Chase nodded. He took a breath and put his hands up awkwardly. Kaz watched affectionately, seeing the nervous boy be adorable as he attempted to control his new powers. He almost didn’t notice when he started floating into the air.

“Woah, Chase! You’re doing it!” He exclaimed. Along with Kaz, the pen, the yellow legal pad, and their chairs began to lift again. 

“I am?” He asked, looking up. “I am!”

“Chase, this is awesome!” Kaz exclaimed, as his head hit the ceiling. “Ow,” He muttered, falling onto his back.

“Sorry,” Chase said, putting his hands together. The furniture and stationary fell to the floor, but Kaz slowly sank down. 

“Didn’t want to get hurt by falling, so I flew,” Kaz explained. 

“Smart,” Chase said as Kaz picked the notepad and pen off the floor. He crossed off Gravity Manipulation, and wrote it down on the other side. 

“Okay, next is shape shifting,” Kaz said. He looked back up at Chase. “We don’t have to test this on.”

“No, no, we can,” Chase said, shaking his head. 

“It should come pretty naturally,” Kaz said. Chase nodded and shut his eyes again. After a few seconds, Kaz spoke up. “Chase, you might want to open your eyes,” He said. So Chase did so.

In front of Chase was a sheep. Or at least, it appeared to be a sheep.

“What?” 

“Is that what you were concentrating on trying to be?” Kaz asked. Chase nodded. Of course he was. Whenever he thought of shapeshifters now, he thought of when Kaz was a sheep. “I think it’s a mirage. Lemme check,” He said. He waved his hands through it, making it fade away in coloured air, dissolving into the surrounding air and becoming transparent again. 

“Hm,” Chase hummed. 

“Awesome!” Kaz exclaimed. “Last time I met someone who could do mirages, they tried to trick Oliver into thinking he was dating Skylar, and then they tried to trick Horace into reviving a supervillain,” He said with a laugh, although Chase could tell it was nervous and sad. 

“Oh,” Chase remarked as Kaz striked off the Shape Shifting item, and wrote down ‘mirages’ on the right side. 

“Yeah, Chaz and Gulliver were really weird,” Kaz commented as he tossed the notepad onto the CyberDesk. “Okay, next is flight. But when Oliver and I flew for the first time, it was an accident.”

“Oh. How?”

“I dunno, we just kinda did it.,” Kaz said with a shrug. “But now, we just think about flying,” Kaz said. 

“Well, that explains your current levitation,” Chase said, looking down to the space between Kaz and the floor. 

“Ah, sorry,” Kaz said, landing himself back on the floor gently. 

After that, they continued to test. Chase had no flight, elemental bending, or weather manipulation. They couldn’t really test if Chase had clairvoyance or danger intuition alone in the lab, so they decided to wrap up the testing.

They watch an episode of The Series of Unfortunate Events before either of them said anything pertinent again. 

“Hey, Chasey, I’m kinda hungry, want a sandwich?” Kaz offered.

“Yeah, but I don’t really wanna go upstairs,” He said, “I don’t like covering my arms,” He said, slightly pouty. Kaz ran his hand along Chase’s bicep, his fingers going over the pale lightning patterned scars. 

“I get that,” He said quietly. He pulled his hand away with a smile. “Hey, you could teleport us. I mean, you need practice, don’t you?” He asked. Chase thought for a second. 

“Do you even know if I can teleport more than just me?”

“Most people can, but hey, this would be a good way to test it,” Kaz said with a smile. Chase sighed.

“I hate that you’re making more sense now that I’ve got superpowers,” He complained before yanking Kaz closer and wrapping his arm around him, making them vanish in a zap of cracking blue electricity.

Bree and Skylar were sitting closely on the couch, watching A Series of Unfortunate Events and suddenly Chase felt like he’d seen all this before.

Kaz, quietly, got out the materials for a sandwich. Skylar must’ve been very distracted for her super hearing to pick it up.

And suddenly it was happening again.

Chase was viewing them from behind, standing in the kitchen. His jacket was off, and the scars on his arms were visible. Next to him was Kaz, who was making two sandwiches. 

‘I don’t like this,’ Chase tried to tell Kaz through his mind. He didn’t know if it’d work. ‘It feels like spying.’

Chase looked over to Bree and Skylar, who were leaning on each other, watching a show that Chase now recognised as The Series of Unfortunate Events

‘I know, Chasey, but you don’t like walking around in hoodies or in long sleeves and gloves, so sneaking around is the best option.’ Kaz’s voice this time. Same way. Kaz’s lips weren’t moving either. It was working.

‘Okay, but why do I have to be here? You could walk around freely. You could walk around with no shirt on at all and no one would say anything about marks you have on your body,’ Chase said. He seemed to instantly regret it. He now knew why. The image of Kaz’s shirtless body running through his mind.

“Hey, Bree, I have something I need to tell you,” Skylar spoke up. Her voice wasn’t like his and Kaz’s. It wasn’t as clear, it was quiet due to her voice being hushed and the distance between the boys and her.

Fuck, no, Chase didn’t know how this ended. This could be a big secret and he couldn’t do anything about it.

“You can tell me anything, Skylar.” Chase was getting deja vu again.

“You know how I tried to date Oliver and failed?”

“Yeah, because he’s a little weirdo.” Bree said, earning a nervous laugh from Skylar.

“That’s not the only reason. I’m gay.”

Kaz paused for a second, but just continued making the sandwiches, while Chase and Bree looked at Skylar, slightly stunned.

“Oh,” Bree said. “I didn’t know. I had no idea.”

“Yeah, that was kinda on purpose,” Skylar said with a small laugh. “It doesn’t make you uncomfortable does it? I just feel like I needed to tel you because we’re both girls and we share a room and—”

“Woah, Skylar, slow down, okay?” Bree said with a soft smile. “It’s okay. I don’t mind.”

Kaz tapped on Chase’s arm, motioning to the two plates of sandwiches he had somehow made quietly enough that the two girls didn’t notice, or they were just too enamoured with each other to notice. 

Chase let out a quiet breath of relief before pulling Kaz close and teleporting each other back to the lab.

“I am never doing that again,” He said, pulling away from Kaz and putting his hands on the CyberDesk stressfully. 

“Sorry, I should’ve just gone up by myself and brought you one,” Kaz admitted with a small sigh, putting the two plates of food onto the desk. 

“Skylar just came out, and we were just there and she didn’t know and–”

“Chase,” Kaz said, putting his hand on his shoulder. “It’ll be okay, okay? It’s no big deal. I mean, you’re not homophobic, right?” He asked, sounding somewhat nervous. Chase couldn’t repress a small laugh.

“It’d be hypocritical if I were,” He said. Kaz narrowed his eyebrows, confused.

“What?”

“What?” Chase immediately responded.

“What does hippo-critical mean?” Kaz asked. Chase let out a silent sigh of relief. 

“Don’t worry about it,” Chase said. “I still feel bad. If Skylar were ready to tell us, she would’ve told us.” Kaz gently pet circles into Chase’s back.

“Skylar will come out when she’s ready, yes,” He said, “But her coming out to Bree is a sign that she’s starting to get comfortable with it. So it’ll probably happen soon. Don’t worry.” Chase smiled a bit.

“Thanks, Kaz. That does help a little bit. Still feels wrong though.”

“I know,” Kaz said with a small nod. But it’ll be okay.”

Chapter Text

“Hey, Chase,” Skylar said, approaching the bionic boy. Nay, super-bionic boy. “Do you have any spare time to train? It’s been a while.”

It’s been two weeks. After getting his powers and scars, he only ever trained with Kaz so he could use all of his powers. Kaz said that it’d be best to practice using them so that if/when he told the team and let himself use them, he’d have control over them. 

He was getting better, but every so often he’d shock something other than his target, frying it thoroughly. 

“Uh…” Chase hesitated. 

“Chase and I have been training,” Kaz said, “We kinda have our own routine. And it’s working out really well. But you should train with Bree or Oliver,” He said. Chase honestly thought that this was a bullshit excuse. But Skylar apparently didn’t.

“Oh, okay,” She said, “No worries.”

“How did you just get her to go away so easily?” Kaz shrugged

“I dunno. You know someone for 5 years, you gain their trust I guess.” Kaz smiled. “Or she just wanted a valid enough excuse to train with Bree.” Chase shook his head.

“Just because Skylar’s gay doesn’t mean she likes Bree.”

“Right, sorry.”

“Why are you guys being weird?” Bree asked, confused about why they were silently emoting. 

“Nothing,” Kaz immediately reacted.

“Smooth.” Chase mocked, making Kaz roll his eyes with a fond smile. 

“We’re getting better at non-verbal communication,” Chase said, “Kaz and I thought that it would be a useful skill so that our enemies wouldn’t know what we’re planning.”

“Nice improv, Smarties.” Kaz gave Chase a sly smile. 

“Thanks.” Chase reacted with a small, nervous smile. 

“It’s weird,” Oliver said. Bree nodded in agreement. 

“Very,” She said. “But, if it’ll help with missions, I guess.”

“Oh, thank god,” Kaz thought, making Chase roll his eyes like Kaz had moments earlier. 

“We’re getting pretty good at it,” Chase bragged. Kaz smiled at him.

“It’s all you, Chase,” Kaz said, “I’m just responding. You’re doing all the real work.” Chase's smile turned bashful. 

“But you’re the one who helped me figure out I could do it to begin with,” He said. 

“But you—”

“Why aren’t you having this conversation nonverbally?” Bree asked with a small laugh, although she genuinely thought it was annoying. 

“Because we… I didn't think of it,” Kaz admitted with a small laugh. “You really are great though, Chase.”

“It’s not my talent that gave me these abilities. You’re even the one who created Azure Chloride, and it was my failure to be careful that got me electrocuted. As far as I’m concerned, these skills I now possess are a mark of my recklessness.” Chase looked down at his hands, pulling his sleeves over his hands. 

“Okay, first of all, Azure Chloride? Awesome name, Chase, and I know me and Mr Davenport didn’t come up with that.” He said with a smile. But it fell, his face becoming sad and sympathetic. “And I understand why you think that. But it’s my fault. I distracted you. I’m what made you not cautious. But everything happens for a reason, and I think you’re making good use of your powers. And you’re really getting the hang of them. Don’t be so hard on yourself, Chasey."

By the end of the thought, Kaz had his hand on Chase’s hand, carefully running his hand over the scars peeking out of the sleeves onto Chase’s knuckles. 

“Thanks, Kaz,” Chase said, not realising he was speaking out loud for a split second. Oliver and Bree were staring in awe and confusion. 

“That is so weird,” Oliver said quietly. “Kaz can barely get his thoughts out when he’s speaking out loud,” He added, to which Kaz nodded admittedly. 

“Yeah,” He said. 

“Maybe that’s why it works so well,” Chase said, “It’s… like I’m hearing his thoughts directly,” He said, staring into Kaz’s eyes, who smiled. 

“Yeah, this is getting weird,” Bree said, standing up and moving to the kitchen. Kaz moved his hand back to his phone. Short chills went over Chase’s body, feeling like something bad was about to happen.

That’s when the alarms went off.

“Mission alert,” Chase said, shooting up. “Everyone, suit up,” He said before dashing off.

His head was filled with anxieties. What if he lost control of his powers. Would his gloves conceal his electricity? What if his gravity manipulation acted up, what then? Should he teleport there? It would be faster, but suspicious. 

“Shit, I am so not ready for this,” Chase thought, not even realising he was conveying it to Kaz. Just like he feared, his powers acting up. Or maybe he yearned for someone else to know his fears, specifically Kaz, one of his closest friends, if not his best. 

“It’ll be okay, Chasey,” Kaz said. “We’ll stick together. That way, at least if they go on the fritz, it’s only in front of me.” Chase shook his head despite the fact that Kaz couldn’t see. 

“No, you and Oliver always work together. I’ll send Bree and Skylar off, and be by myself.”

“What? Chase, no, who’s gonna have your back?”

“I’ll have my own back, Kaz. Don’t worry.”  

“Alright, if you insist, but the second you’re in too much danger than you can handle, talk to me, and I’ll be there ASAP”

“You got it, Kaz.”

Chase was doing alright. As he said, they did split up. His powers weren’t acting up. He could say for sure that he had danger-intuition. It was him against two people, and yet he managed to dodge every blow. He knocked the two villains out quickly, relatively for one person against two. He cuffed their hands and feet, getting ready to take them to Mighty Max when he heard it. 

“Chase, I don’t know if you can hear me, but we’re a little overwhelmed over here!”

Kaz.

Suddenly the criminals didn’t matter to him. All that mattered was Kaz’s safety. He left them there, running off into the direction of the boy hero team.

Once he finally spotted them, he saw that the villains they were facing off against were being frozen solid by a crying Oliver. Kaz was laying on the ground. 

Bree and Skylar sped in, likely having bet their rivals as well.

“What happened?” Bee asked, noticing Kaz’s body on the ground.

“Kaz was struck.”

Chapter Text

Oliver kneeled down next to his best friend’s body.

“I’ve been trying to find his pulse, but…” Chase scrambled to Kaz’s side. 

“I got this,” He said. He used his bionic eye to scan where Kaz’s veins were before putting his fingers there, hoping to feel a strong pulse.

But there wasn’t one.

“No…” He muttered, tears starting to flood his eyes. “No, no, no!” He repeated.

“I’d be able to save him with a strong electronic pulse, but we don’t have a defibrillator here, and time is running out.” Chase looked down at Kaz’s lifeless body.

He was worried about his new powers glitching, but he hadn’t even taken this into account. Something happening that made Chase feel desperately like he needed to use them, like there were no other options.

“I can fix this.”

“How? What are you gonna do, molecular kinesis his heart to beat?” Bree snapped bitterly

“No,” Chase said. He pulled his gloves off. He put his hands together and pulled them apart, creating crackling, pale blue  electricity flowing between his hands. His teammates stared at him, surprised as he took a quick, but deep breath, before putting his hands on Kaz’s chest. 

Everyone held their breath as Kaz’s body shook for a few seconds, before Chase pulled his hands off, standing up in the process. Everyone watched, but alas, nothing.

For the entire time that they stared, nothing. It might’ve been three seconds, it could’ve been five minutes. But when Kaz’s eyes hadn’t opened, Chase immediately turned to Bree and collapsed into her arms, crying. 

That was, until…

Kaz gasped air into his lungs, getting everyone’s attention.

“Kaz!” He exclaimed, getting down on his knees and hugging him close, “You’re alive…”

“Yeah, man,” Kaz said, returning the hug, “So are you…?”

“Yeah, but you weren’t,” Chase said, pulling away, but keeping his hands on Kaz’s shoulders, terrified of letting go. “Kaz, you died for a bit. That was terrifying. I thought I’d lost you.”

“You aren’t gonna get rid of me that easily, Chasey,” He returned tiredly. He glanced at Chase’s lips.

Then his hands. 

“Chase, your gloves,” He said, “What happened, I thought…”

“I couldn’t lose you, Kaz,” Chase said, “I had to…”

“Chase, you don’t have full control of your powers yet! What would you have done if you shocked everyone else, or fried me?”

“That was a chance I had to take!” Chase exclaimed, “And I wasn’t thinking about that, all I was thinking about was living the rest of my life without you, and I don’t want to live my life like that! Kaz, I love you so much.”

“You… risked everyone’s life… for me ?” Kaz asked, his voice a little strained. Everyone looked at each other, feeling as if Kaz was about to maybe yell at him.

“Yeah… I did,” Chase let out.

“Chase, that’s probably the sweetest thing anyone’s ever done for me,” Kaz said. “I-I know I probably shouldn’t think that, but I do.”

“Anything for you, Kaz,” Chase said quietly.

They didn’t know who had leaned in first, but they definitely both were when they were interrupted. 

“Are we not gonna talk about the fact that my brother can shoot electricity from his hands?!” Bree asked, exasperated. 

“And why Kaz knows about it and we don’t,” Skylar added.

“Yeah, Kaz, why didn’t you tell me?” Oliver asked, earning glares from the two girls. “Us, why didn’t you tell us?”

“Chase, when did you get more bionics?” Bree asked. Chase looked at Kaz before looking back at the rest of the team.

“We should go home first,” He said.

“Yeah, it’s kind of a long story,” Kaz added.

“And we’ll want Mr Davenport there,” Chase said, lifting himself up off the ground. He held his hand out for Kaz, who took it and helped himself up. Before falling towards Chase, who instantly supported him immediately. 

“Maybe you shouldn’t fly right now,” Oliver said.

“I could speed him home,” Bree suggested.

“No, I have an easier way,” Chase said. He looked at Kaz. “Ready?”

“Always am, Chasey,” He said with a smile. Chase put his arm around Kaz and closed his eyes. 

When they opened them, they were back in the apartment, in front of the couch. Chase and Kaz immediately fell back onto it. 

“So…” Kaz said awkwardly, staring at Chase. 

“So…?” He prompted nervously. Kaz didn’t properly respond, just looked back and forth between Chase’s lips and eyes tiredly. But before anything could happen, Bree and Skylar sped in through the door. 

“Okay, what happened?” Bree asked, her hands on her hips.

“Bree, just give us a minute,” Chase said, “We’ll want to change, call Mr Davenport. And I’m sure Oliver won’t want us to start without him.”

“Fine,” Bree said, “5 minutes, lab,” She said before running off to her room. 

“Don’t mind her,” Skylar said before going after her as well.

“Uh…” Chase trailed, looking at Kaz. “We should… go get changed out of our suits,” He said. Kaz nodded.

“Yeah. Help me there?” Chase nodded and helped Kaz up, and helped him walk to their room.

As soon as the door shut, Kaz collapsed on his bed.

Chase went into his capsule, changing from his suit to a usual flannel and jeans. By instinct, he kept his sleeves over his hands. As soon as he walked out, Kaz spoke up.

“Uh, could you… get me some of my clothes?” He asked anxiously. Chase definitely blushed, but ignored it. He went for Kaz’s dresser. 

He opened one of the middle drawers, finding Kaz’s burgundy hoodie, and then a pair of navy joggers in the next one down. 

Kaz was sitting over the edge of his bed, watching as Chase walked slowly back to him. 

“So, I can… leave the room, if you want to get changed without me, or—”

“Chase?”

“Y-Yes?” Kaz took the clothes and set them beside him.

“Will you just finally kiss me already?” He asked. 

“Anything for you, Kaz,” Chase said quietly, leaning in. 

Kaz, annoyed with how slow Chase was going, yanked on Chase’s collar and pulled him down onto his lips, and consequently his bed. Chase’s legs were around Kaz’s hips as their lips moved against each other’s. 

Kaz’s fingers ran through Chase’s hair, raking against his scalp. Chase’s hands ran over Kaz’s chest and shoulders. Both of them let small sounds escape their throat. 

Much to Chase’s honest shame, it wasn’t long before Chase’s hands gripped Kaz’s zipper. He wasn’t going to do anything, but Kaz gently led Chase’s hand down to unzip his suit. That’s when they separated, out of breath.

“That was…” Kaz started.

“Awesome?” Chase prompted, referencing what Kaz always said.

“Electric,” Kaz said quietly. He pulled himself up slightly, propping himself up on one elbow, and putting his other hand on the back of Chase’s neck. He pulled Chase down slightly, gently, kissing his neck gently. 

“Kaz, we only have 5 minute,” Chase breathed out, letting his eyes shut. 

“Hm, yeah, I’ll want to take longer than that,” Kaz said against Chase’s neck, “But I’ve wanted something like this, with you for so long,” He said. 

“Wait, wait,” Chase said hesitantly, pulling up slightly.

“What’s wrong?” Kaz asked, “Fuck, I should’ve asked—”

“No, no, it’s not that,” Chase said, “I’ve really enjoyed this so far. But I just want to make sure… this wouldn’t be a one time thing, right? Because I… I don’t think I could handle that,” He said, his voice cracking.

“Chase,” Kaz said, letting himself lie back down. “I love you,” He said. “I’m serious about this, I love you. I’ve loved you for weeks, I couldn’t imagine doing this without doing it again, and again, and again,” He said. “If that’s okay with you. I’d really like to be your boyfriend. Even if it meant going really slow, or really fast, I want to be with you, Chase. I’m serious.”

Chase sat up, and pulled himself off of Kaz, sitting next to him. Kaz followed, sitting up as well. 

“I love you too, Kaz,” He said. “So much. Probably too much, actually. I mean, I knew I loved you. But seeing you die just a little bit ago, that almost killed me. I could not stand losing you, Kaz, I love you.” Kaz smiled.

“I’m so glad,” He said. He leaned in and pressed a kiss to Chase’s lips. A different one. It was softer and shorter, but still just as passionate somehow. He pulled away after a couple seconds. “I should get changed.”

“Yeah, we only have…” Chase checked the clock in their room. “2 minutes. Hurry up.” He pressed another short kiss to Kaz’s lips before standing up. “I’m gonna go, so I’m not… tempted,” He said with a nervous laugh.

“I’d be happy to tempt you,” Kaz said with a wink, but Chase shook his head.

“Text me when you need to leave, Azzy,” He said. “I love you.” 

“I love you too,” Kaz said. As Chase began to walk off, Kaz spoke up again. “Wait, one more thing. Well, actually two things.”

“Yes, Kaz?”

“One, are we boyfriends now?” He asked, excited and jittery. 

“If that’s what you want,” Chase said, “I know I want it.”

“Yes, please,” Kaz said, still excited. “Okay, second thing. I’m not… ready to come out to anyone. Even Oliver doesn’t know I’m gay.” Chase nodded.

“Don’t worry, Azzy, I’m not ready either,” He said. He kissed Kaz’s head before finally leaving the room

He shut the door behind him and pressed his back against it with a dopey smile. He didn’t even notice when Oliver approached him.

“Hey, dude,” He said, “I need to get into our room so I can change,” He said, sounding stressed. Chase hesitated.

“Uh, Kaz is getting changed.”

“So? I’ve seen him shirtless and pantless,” He said with a shrug. “So… move.”

“Kaz would really rather be left alone right now,” He said with a small laugh, still nervous. 

“Kaz never wants to be alone.”

“Oliver, I talked to him before coming out here. He wants. To be. Alone,” Chase said firmly. Oliver groaned, but Chase got a text just then.

Kaz: Okay, I need help getting out of the room now. 

Kaz: So get your cute ass in there

Kaz: I love being able to say stuff like that now. Get used to it. Or tell me if it makes you feel uncomfortable.

“Okay, it’s good now,” He said, walking back into the shared room.

“Hey, Chasey,” Kaz said dopily before noticing Oliver, “And Oliver! Both of you. Equally important to me, equally loved by me,” He said erratically. “Hi!”

“Hey, Kaz,” Oliver said, “You feeling okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. Chase helped me around,” Kaz said with a smile. Chase looked down at his shoes, smiling bashfully. 

“Right,” Oliver said, “You know, I could’ve helped you. I have super strength.” 

“Chase has—” Kaz cut himself off. “You know what, we’ll cover it later,” He said with a light laugh. “Chasey,” He said, making grabby hands, “Come help me,” He said. Chase, still smiling like the love-struck idiot he was, walked over to his new boyfriend and escorted him out of the room. 

“You’re adorable,” Chase whispered quietly.

“Not so bad yourself, Smarties,” Kaz muttered back as they walked towards the stairs. Kaz winced as they stepped onto the first step, biting his lips together.

“Okay, you’re clearly in pain, I’m just gonna teleport us down there,” Chase said. Kaz nodded.

“Mhm, good call,” He agreed, his voice shaking.

Chase, once again, teleported them down to the lab to avoid his boyfriend being in pain. He helped Kaz into a seat and upon seeing that they were alone, pressed a happy kiss to his lips.

“I’m so happy I can finally do that,” Chase said quietly. Kaz smiled too.

“Me too, baby,” He said quietly, making Chase’s face flush. “You don’t mind—”

“Nope, no, call me whatever you want,” He said, feeling the rough but soft texture of the end of his sleeves. Kaz smiled. 

“Okay, Chasey,” He said. He kissed Chase’s nose. “Everything will be okay, Smarties. Don’t worry.”

“Thanks, Kaz.”

“And if you get nervous, just let me know. And I’ll remind you all over again.” Chase smiled at his new boyfriend.

“Thank you, Kaz,” He said, leaning his forehead against Kaz’s.

“Anything for you, Chase.”

Chapter Text

As soon as the minute hit, Chase separated himself from Kaz and sat in the chair next to him. 

Bree and Skylar came down in the hyperlift together, with Oliver following soon. As soon as they came down, Chase started setting up a call with Mr Davenport.

“Kaz, how you feeling?” Bree asked, leaning against the CyberDesk.

“Sore,” Kaz said. “I mean, my legs hurt, and my chest hurts and my head hurts, but other than that, pretty good,” He said, flashing Chase a quick smile. “And, y’know, I was a superhero doctor for like three years, I know that it’ll pass pretty soon, I just need a couple days of bed rest.”

“Sorry about the chest pain,” Chase said as the computer started dialling Mr Davenport. “That’s probably my fault.”

“It’s no problem, Chasey. It saved my life,” He said with a small laugh and smile. The TV chimed as Mr Davenport picked up.

“What’s up, guys, is everything okay?” He asked, worrisome. 

“Yes, Mr Davenport,” Chase said with a nod, “We— I just have some news, it’s no big deal,” He said. 

“Don’t sell yourself short, Chase, it’s pretty big news,” Kaz said, gently rubbing Chase’s bicep. Chase sighed.

“I know,” He said. He looked at everyone. “I have superpowers now.”

“What?” Bree asked, sounding upset.
“How?” Skylar asked, sounding genuinely curious and confused.
“No, you don’t,” Oliver said in denial. 

“What? How?!” Mr Davenport asked, his reaction delayed due to the call. 

“I have superpowers,” Chase repeated. “And as to how, do you guys remember that weird chemical that Kaz made out of boredom?” Everyone made a varied sound of confirmation, Kaz letting out a small chuckle. “Well, he spilled that on me, and then I got electrocuted,” He said, probably far too casually.

“What?” Mr Davenport asked, worried for his son’s safety. 

“Don’t worry, Mr Davenport, I checked on him, and he was alright. He merely had a mild concussion, which was solved by some rest,” Kaz said reassuringly. “And as for his superpowers, I helped him train and hone his abilities.”

“Wait a minute,” Oliver said, “You knew about this?” Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Chase didn’t want anyone to know,” Kaz said simply. “I care about him. I wasn’t gonna tell you just because we’re friends. That’s just stupid,” He said with a small laugh. Chase smiled at him happily. 

“What powers do you have?” Skylar asked. Chase nodded, thinking of the words.

“My main one is electricity,” Chase said, putting his hands together and pulling them apart to generate numerous crackling strands of electricity. He stopped as he started talking again. “But I also have gravity manipulation…” He said, touching a sticky note pad to make it float up into the air.
“Telepathy,” He said, “like this,” he said, making everyone but Mr Davenport (as he did not hear it) and Kaz (used to the feeling) wince at the new feeling, “Mirages,” He said, generating a mirage of the first thing he thought of, a sheep, “Teleportation,” He said, teleporting to the other side of the cyberdesk. “Danger intuition, which I can’t really demonstrate,” He said before teleporting back to his seat next to Kaz.

“And those are just the ones we know, there might be more, there might not be,” Kaz added, which Chase nodded to. 

“Wow,” Bree said, “This is a lot to take in.”

“Sorry for not… telling you sooner,” Chase said, although it was kind of a lie. Had it not been for Kaz’s death, he wouldn’t have told them at all, at least not right then.

“It’s alright, Chase,” Mr Davenport said, “Although I will want to head down there and run some tests.”

“I already ran numerous tests on myself, but alright,” Chase said with a nod. 

“Hey, now you can wear short sleeves!” Kaz said, patting Chase’s arm. 

“What?” Oliver asked, confused. Chase sighed and began unbuttoning his shirt. 

“You only said that so I’d do this, didn’t you?” Chase asked, making eye contact with Kaz.

“Nope, but I sure was hoping for it.”

“After I got electrocuted,” Chase said, “I got these scars like… all over my body,” He said, motioning to his arms and torso.

“Wow…”

“Okay, I’m putting this back on now,” Chase said, pulling his shirt back on. 

“Hey, at least we’ll know if Chase turns evil,” Oliver said with a small laugh. 

“Yeah, because we totally see him without a shirt long enough to see if his scars are white or light blue,” Skylar said, rolling her eyes. Kaz and Chase exchanged looks. 

“I don’t think it’ll be an issue,” Kaz said, making Chase blush, looking down at the floor. “I’m actually really happy about this.” Kaz took Chase’s hand and held up his arm. He pulled up his boyfriend’s sleeve. “These look so cool, they’re fun to see.”

“ That’s why you’re happy about this?” Bree asked, “Not the fact that you and Chase don’t have to keep this secret anymore?” Kaz shrugged.

“That was actually kinda fun,” He said. “But, because of the electricity stuff, he’s been overheating more.” Chase sighed, but nodded.

“Yeah,” He said, “There’s this buzzy feeling under my skin that gets worse the longer I don’t use my powers. And having kept it a secret, and honestly not really wanting to use them, I’d just overheat, especially since I couldn’t wear short sleeves around the house.”

“He also overheats when he uses the powers too much or when he’s particularly active,” Kaz said, “It’s made training really annoying for him. And battling. His uniform is a bad situation for him now, so he’s been training without it.”

“That’s why I’ve been training only with Kaz,” Chase explained. Kaz nodded. 

“We can alter your suit to fit your accommodations,” Mr Davenport said. Kaz smiled slyly at the idea of Chase in his uniform sans sleeves. “I’ll talk to Douglas about it.”

“Right,” Chase said, “Thanks.”

“So, now all of us have superpowers,” Bree said bitterly, “It was nice to be special while it lasted,” She said with a sad smile. 

“Aw, Bree,” Skylar said, stroking her friend’s arm, “You’re still special.” Bree let out a light laugh.

“Thanks,” She said, “But, no, I’m not,” She said, making Skylar roll her eyes. 

“Anyway, I have quite the selection of powers, so I might be able to help find more powers if he has any,” Skylar said, making Chase nod.

“Thank you, Skylar.” Oliver scoffed.

“Yeah, well— Well, I can help too! I have superpowers! A-and then these two wouldn’t be left alone together,” He said bitterly. Skylar groaned. 

“Okay, I’m done with this,” She said, “Chase, I don’t mean to distract from your big news but it’s about time I say this.” She took a breath. “I’m gay, I like women, I don’t like men, Oliver, please stop being so creepy!” 

Everyone in the room kind of froze. Oliver looked embarrassed, ashamed and stunned, as he should. Bree looked slightly relieved and happy. Donald was also stunned, not expecting that. Chase and Kaz just kind of exchanged knowing looks. 

“What?” Kaz asked exaggeratedly with a small laugh, “You like women?” He asked, “That is so… surprising!” Bree glared at him.

“How’d you find out?” Skylar asked.

“Accidental eavesdropping,” Kaz answered simply, ashamed. 

“I was there too,” Chase admitted. “We didn’t say anything though. I promise.” Kaz nodded. 

“Well, it doesn’t really matter now anyway, since I just came out,” She said. A smile grew over her face. “I’m so excited, this means I can finally put my pride flag up in my room.” She hopped up out of her seat. “Chase, come help me, your molecular kinesis will come in handy,” She said.

Chase smiled as Skylar dragged him to the HyperLift, glad that nothing had changed. Maybe the two different kinds of big news cancelled each other out. Or maybe he was just close enough with these people that it was okay. Either way, it helped. And nothing had changed.

Well, nothing but Oliver’s obsession over Skylar, hopefully. Maybe he’d finally move on. At least that’s what everyone hoped.

“So, is that all, can I get back to mentoring?” Davenport asked, slightly braggy.

“You can get back to trying ,” Bree said with a small laugh. “Oh, wait, before you do though, since Skylar came out, I should say… I’m pansexual. Skylar helped me learn that about myself,” She said, somewhat proudly. 

“What?” Davenport asked, having no idea what that meant.

“Pansexuality, it’s when you like everyone despite their gender. Like, gender has nothing to do with anything,” Kaz explained. “Like, a pan person could date a guy, a girl, or a nonbinary person, and their body and gender identity wouldn’t matter in terms of their relationship.” Everyone gave Kaz a strange look, confused as to how he suddenly was smart about something.

“Yeah, that’s right,” Bree said, “How do you know that?”

“Uh,” Kaz hesitated, “My sibling is pan,” He generated. Not a lie, he had a pan sibling, that’s how he knew about his own sexual identity. Oliver nodded.

“That’s true,” He sid, “I was at his coming out party.”

“Yeah, Oliver was at their coming out party,” Kaz said, somewhat bitterly. 

“Sorry,” Oliver said reflexively. “I was at their coming out party,” He corrected. Kaz clicked his tongue, doing finger guns at Oliver in thanks. 

“Yeah, they came out when I was 12, got kicked out. They’re a drag queen in Queens now. The irony is not lost on them,” Kaz said with a small laugh. 

“Okay,” Bree said, somewhat confused. “You can go now, Mr Davenport.”

Mr Davenport just nodded and left.

“I’m gonna go… not throw out numerous bags of Skylar’s hair,” Oliver said, walking backwards awkwardly into the HyperLift. 

“So, you know an awful lot about the LGBT community.”

“More than you, apparently,” Kaz said, again, somewhat bitterly, “Because I know it’s the LGBTQIA+ Community, and it’s been trying to change to GSRM, for Gender, Sexuality and Romantic Minorities. But yeah, I got hyperfixated on it for a while after Kris came out. I didn’t know why my parents were so… mean about it,” He said, staring down at his hands. He’d left his phone in his room. Maybe he should text Kris. 

“Ah,” Bree said, “So you’re… straight then?” Kaz let out a small, nervous laugh.

“Why, are you interested?” He asked, hoping for a negative response.

“Oh, god, no,” Bree said with a small laugh, “I dunno, I just thought maybe… I dunno, you set off my—”

“Gaydar?” Kaz prompted. Bree nodded.

“Yeah,” She said, “But you’re straight?”

“If I’m not, that’s some news to me,” Kaz lied. Bree nodded.

“Cool,” She said. “Well, I’m gonna head up. I’ll send down Chase to help you up.”

“Why don’t you just help me up?”

“He can teleport, it’s just easier for him to do it,” Bree said, clearly happy that maybe she wouldn’t be this team's school bus. “See ya!”

And with that she left. Part of Kaz felt bad. Maybe it would’ve been easier for him to come out just then, to a fellow queer person. But at the same time, he was glad to stay in the closet just a little longer. At least to his team.

But maybe he should text Kris.

Chapter Text

A week or so had passed. Kaz still hadn’t texted Kris.

Chase and Kaz found time to be alone together in their bedroom. Mostly when Oliver was out trying to find a new obsession. At least he was trying to move on, which was good. He’d thrown out all of his creepy Skylar stuff, although he did keep many limited edition action figures and comics. 

Chase and Kaz would spend time in Kaz’s bed, usually cuddling, exchanging short kisses, and reading their personal content; textbooks and comics.

On this particular day, Kaz randomly shut his comic in the middle of reading and tossed it away.

“I’m thinking of coming out,” He said, “To, uh, my sibling, Kris.” Chase marked his book.

“That’s the drag queen, right?”

“Yeah,” Kaz said, “They’re genderfluid and pan… I dunno, figured maybe I could talk to someone. But I wanted your permission, because if I came out, I’d definitely spend at least ten minutes talking about how cute you are and how much I love you,” He said. He kissed Chase’s cheek as he started speaking.

“Well, it’s your family,” Chase said as Kaz moved down to Chase’s neck “A-and as long as they don’t, like, tell the world, I suppose that would be alright— Kaz, y-you can’t leave any marks, you know this,” He said, although he was holding Kaz’s head close to his neck, humming happily at his boyfriend’s affection.

“I know,” Kaz said, “Not where anyone can see,” He said quietly, making Chase shiver. 

“A-Anyway, you can tell your sibling, i-if you want,” He stuttered, “I understand if talking to someone a-about your s-sexuality, who i-isn’t me, would be good for you,” He said, leaning his head back. 

“Mhm,” Kaz said in return, although he was only partially paying attention.

“You…” Suddenly a strange feeling spiked through Chase. Like the buzzing feeling all concentrated, shooting under Chase’s skin, telling him something was about to happen. “Kaz, stop,” He said, making Kaz immediately pull away.

“Sorry,” He immediately apologised.

“No, no, I just…” The door opened to their room, revealing Mr Davenport in the flesh. “Knew something would happen,” He finished.

“Hey, spidey-senses!” Kaz exclaimed, holding out his hand for a high five. Chase smiled at his boyfriend, and although he didn’t love high fives, slapped his boyfriend’s hand as hard as he could. 

“Although, technically, it’s called danger intuition,” Chase said. 

“Well, I am quite dangerous,” Donald said ‘boastfully,’ tugging on the collar of his jacket. Kaz and Chase exchanged looks, knowing that the only reason that Mr Davenport was considered ‘dangerous,’ in that situation, was that they were trying to avoid being caught together.

“Anyway, Bree preferred to come out to the rest of our family in person, so Adam, Leo, Tasha and Niomi are here,” He said, probably far too casually. 

“What?” Chase asked, slightly stunned.

“And, this will give you the opportunity to show off your new superpowers,” Mr Davenport said, somewhat excitedly. Chase sighed. He was kind of fed up with the whole ‘Chase has powers and that’s a big deal’ thing. 

Sure, they were cool, but it felt strange. He had powers that weren’t bionics. They had no scientific explanation to how they existed. And Kaz had told him many times that if he caught him doing experiments on himself again, he’d find some way to take away his equipment.

“Might as well, I guess,” Chase said, his voice dull and flat, which seemed to concern Kaz a little bit. 

“Awesome! Be out soon,” Mr Davenport said before running back to the living room, only partially shutting the door behind him. 

“Hey, maybe you can get Adam to stop throwing you around if you show him that you have actual power now,” Kaz said, sitting up. Chase playfully raised an eyebrow.

“What do you mean actual power?” He asked, mostly joking. 

“Well, I mean,” Kaz started, realising his mistake, “You can’t really fight back with molecular kinesis,” He tried. Chase just nodded.

“Thanks, Azzy,” He said sarcastically. 

“You got it, Chase,” Kaz said with a small laugh. He kissed Chase’s cheek before getting up off the bed. 

His leg was doing better, which was good. He could walk better now. Didn’t need Chase teleporting him around everywhere

That’s not to say they didn’t do it anyway.

Kaz held out his hands to help Chase up, which he took, but just used to teleport to the living room, not even having to get up to sit on the couch. 

“Hey, guys,” Chase said tiredly as Kaz sat down next to him.

“Chase!” Leo exclaimed, “Did you get new bionics?” Chase shook his head.

“Nope,” He said simply.

“B-But…” Leo said, holding out his hands towards the couch confusedly. 

“I’m gonna get a water, you want one?” Chase asked Kaz. Kaz shrugged.

“Nah, I’m good,” He said, even though he was actually kind of thirsty. He just didn’t really see the point when he could drink water later. 

Chase got up while Leo looked after him, confused and baffled.

“But you— How did you— Bionics—”

“Oh, yeah,” Kaz said, “Chase has superpowers now,” He said, pointing back at his secret boyfriend. 

“What?!” Leo asked. Adam, Tasha and Bree entered from the terrace. “Did you guys know that Chase had superpowers now?” Adam just laughed. 

“No he doesn’t,” He said as Chase walked out from the kitchen. Chase sighed.

“I understand that you feel the need to throw me every time you see me, but can I put my water down first?” He asked tiredly. Adam shrugged. Chase walked over to the couch and put down two water bottles. “I got you one anyway,” He said quietly to Kaz, earning a loving smile. 

“Chase, do you have superpowers?” Adam asked in slight disbelief. 

“Oh, yeah,” he said casually. 

“Well, if you have superpowers, try and fight back against this,” He said, reaching for Chase’s sides.

“Adam…” He said halfheartedly. “Maybe don’t provoke me,” He said. Adam poked at his sides, earning about 30,000 volts of electricity straight to his chest out of pure involuntary defence. “Whoops,” He said with a small laugh before taking his seat back again on the couch.

Adam had collapsed on the ground, but was still conscious. 

“Okay, I guess maybe you have superpowers,” Adam said weakly. 

“That’s not what’s important though,” Chase said, not wanting to take away the attention from his sister.

“I dunno, Chase, that seems pretty important,” Leo said, somewhat excited, somewhat panicked. 

“It’s…” Chase just trailed off, sipping on his water. 

“I think what Chase is trying to say,” Kaz started, giving Chase room to stop him. “Is that it’s not the most important news we have,” He finished. Chase nodded. Leo rolled his eyes.

“What could be—”

“I’m pansexual,” Bree blurted out. “I like everyone. I mean, I can like everyone,” She awkwardly explained. Tasha gave a soft smile. 

“Oh, honey,” She said, “You know this doesn’t change anything, right; we still love you,” She said gently. Bree nodded.

“I know,” She said, “I was just really nervous.” Adam let out a light laugh.

“Why are you makin’ a big deal out of it?” he asked, “I mean, everyone likes everyone.” This got everyone’s attention.

“What?” Bree asked. 

“I mean, like, guys like girls and guys, girls like girls and guys. It’s nothin’ new,” He said casually. Bree laughed, somewhat nervous, someone genuine.

“Adam, most people are only attracted to one gender,” She said. “Like, Mr Davenport only likes women, and Tasha only likes men,” She sampled. “Do you like guys and girls?” She asked. Adam shrugged.

“Yeah,” He said, “It’d be weird if I didn’t,” He said with a laugh, making Bree confused.

“What do you mean?” She asked.

“Oh, right, you don’t know,” Tasha remembered, “Adam has a boyfriend.” Chase choked on his water and Adam’s face lit up.

“Goin’ on four months,” He said happily, fidgeting with his phone. 

“Oh,” Bree said plainly, “Well, had I known that, I wouldn’t have been so nervous,” She said with a small laugh. 

Kaz’s eyes ran over the happy family. Tasha had her hand on Bree’s shoulder in the most comforting way she could, at least while holding a baby, and Adam was smiling widely at his sister.

“I’m gonna go call my sibling,” Kaz said quietly to Chase before hopping up and walking to their bedroom. 

He anxiously dialled his sibling’s number, not even knowing if they’d pick up. 

And they didn’t. 

‘Hey, it’s Krissy, I’m kinda busy right now, so leave a message!’

They’d apparently been working on feminising their voice, because Kaz had barely recognised it. 

“Hey, Kris! Uh… I just wanted to talk to you about some stuff. Call me back if you’re able to I-It’s nothing bad, trust me. I mean, unless you’ve changed a lot since we last talked, then maybe… Anyway, call me back.”

Chapter Text

Kaz had gotten a call from Kris later that night. They talked. It was fun. Kris might have been just a tiny little bit inebriated, but that was okay. 

Being honest, it was mostly a lot of gossiping about how much Kaz liked Chase and who their celebrity crushes were growing up, which, looking back on it, Kaz definitely had a crush on most superheroes growing up, at least at one point. 

The next morning, Kaz felt a lot better, having someone to talk to about his sexuality and boyfriend. It was really nice, honestly. 

Oliver always woke up before him, and Chase always came back to wake Kaz up. 

“Azzy, time to wake up,” Chase said, gently shaking his boyfriend’s shoulder. Kaz flipped onto his back and held his arms out. “You don’t need help getting up,” He said with a small laugh.

“Please?” Kaz pleaded. Chase rolled his eyes, but took Kaz’s hands. Which he immediately regretted when he was pulled down onto Kaz and hugged tight in his arms. “Can we just stay like this today?” He asked quietly. 

“Is everything okay?” Chase asked worriedly. 

“Everything’s great,” Kaz said, “I’m just really happy to have you,” He said. Chase cuddled into Kaz’s chest for a moment before pulling away.

“I’d say yes, but people might get weird about two guys stacked on top of each other all day,” He said, getting off of his boyfriend, earning a small laugh from his boyfriend.

“Okay, smarties,” He said, groaning tiredly as he sat up. “Le’s go,” He said, getting up off his bed. 

“Good,” He said, “It’s really nice out, so I think most of our team is out on the terrace.”

“But?”

“I’m gonna be in the lab, trying to fix the device that I fried with my powers,” Chase admitted. Kaz raised an eyebrow. “Fine, devices ,” He said, slightly frustrated. 

“Can I come?” Kaz asked, taking Chase’s hand. Chase shook his head.

“You’d just be a distraction.” Kaz rolled his eyes.

“Whatever,” He said, although it wasn’t upset at all. He kissed Chase’s cheek before leaving the room, quickly followed by Chase.

“I’m not saying I don’t want you there, I just think that it would make me less productive,” Chase said. 

“And I get that,” Kaz said, “It’s not that big a deal, I just wanted to spend some time with you, that’s all,” He said with a shrug. Chase nodded.

“I want to spend time with you too,” Chase said quietly, just loud enough that Kaz heard it. Kaz smiled, pressed a kiss to his fingers then his fingers to Chase’s cheek.

“Maybe we can hang out later tonight?” Kaz offered casually, as if it were just a normal hang out, and not definitely a date. 

“Definitely,” Chase agreed, his face lighting up.

When they arrived in the living room, they saw that all their teammates were out on the terrace, the door shut. 

“Do you wanna go get dinner or something?” Kaz asked, lowering his voice. “It doesn’t have to be like… fancy,” He added, because honestly, he’d probably do terrible in that environment, and would likely panic greatly. 

“Just the two of us?” Chase asked.

“Yeah, of course,” Kaz said with a smile. 

“Sounds perfect.”

Chapter Text

“Guys, we got a mission alert,” Chase called out onto the balcony, where his teammates had been enjoying the lovely day. 

Kaz groaned, but got up with his fellow heroes to change into their suits. It wasn’t too long before they arrived at the scene of the crime (an alleyway behind an abandoned TechTown)

“What happened to you?” Roman asked cruelly to the figure on their knees. “Long ago, you could’ve been a valuable asset to our team. And now you’re… galavanting with your once arch nemesis,” He said. 

“You’ll never get away with this,” The person said clichely. Their voice was scratchy and gruff, familiar. Oliver and Kaz exchanged looks. “I’ll save him…” He said quietly. He reached his scratched up arm in attempt to do something, but dropped his arm back down

“Sure you will,” Roman said with a laugh. That’s when he seems to notice the Elite Force. “Well, that’d be my que to leave,” He said before jumping up into a crow formation and flying off. 

“We were too late,” Kaz said remorsefully. “We could’ve saved a hero but—”

“Kaz?” The guy on the ground asked, turning over. “Oliver, Skylar, what are you guys doing here?”

Megahertz. 

“Leslie?” Kaz asked, “What are you doing here, what happened?” He asked, his doctorate instincts kicking in and kneeling down to the ground to inspect the injuries. 

“I-I was out with Tecton, a-and—”

“Tecton’s alive?” Kaz asked, tears brimming at his eyes. 

“For now,” Megahertz said, his voice bitter and afraid. “They got him. They’re gonna… I might never see him again,” He said, his voice collapsing. 

“Are we just glossing over the fact that Megahertz was just… out with Tecton?” Skylar asked sincerely. 

“I just assumed they were fighting,” Oliver said with a shrug. Megahertz shook his head.

“Tecton and I haven’t fought in years,” He said, before quickly correcting himself. “Physically,” He said. “I actually… I saved him from the destruction of Mighty Med. I wasn’t even thinking, I just heard an explosion and shielded him as well as I could. And we’ve been hiding out in my lair ever since.”

“You and Tecton are… friends now?” Skylar asked. 

“It’s not that hard to believe,” Kaz said, motioning Oliver down. 

“He was planning on going good until we found the arcturian,” Oliver added, kneeling down. 

Now, something that Kaz and Oliver did was carry some medical supplies on them, just in case someone got injured. Nothing major, but some disinfectant stuff, a stitching kit (which was just a sewing kit that Oliver had replaced the supplies of and sterilised.)

So, they had the stuff on hand to treat Megahertz’s wounds.

“Right,” Megahertz said, “And Tecton has been helping me with that. That’s why we’re in Centium City, it’s a crime capital, so we were hoping to do some good. Instead, Tecky got captured by those no-good shapeshifters.” He winced at the feeling of the alcohol swabs against his scratches. 

“Well, I’m sure we can figure out where they have him, right Chase?” Bree asked. 

Chase, completely distracted by the instinctive nursing that Kaz was doing, said nothing, and just stared. Bree hit him in the arm. 

“Chase?” She said, getting Chase’s attention. 

“Hm? What?” Chase asked.  The audio caught up to his brain. “Oh, yeah. WE know where some of their hideouts are, so there’s a possibility that we can save him before he’s killed,” He said, “Kaz, what’s Tecton’s weakness, and how easy is it to get?"

“Fairly easy, but damn expensive,” He said, tossing the small, now blood-soaked cloth away. “They just need gold.”

“For such vengeful people, I doubt that’s much of an obstacle for them,” Skylar said. Chase nodded in agreement.

“Yeah,” He said, “We need to get back to mission command. I can get the coordinates for their hideouts and send Bree there using her invisibility app,” He said. 

“I’m coming with you guys,” Megahertz immediately said, trying to pull himself off the ground. Skylar put her hand up to halt him.

“We can’t trust you,” She said, “For all we know, you could be on their side!”

“If I were on their side, do you really think I’d be all bloodied and bruised right now?” He asked bitterly. “I care about Tecton. I am going with you, whether you’re okay with it or not,” He said. Skylar groaned, but submitted. 

“Fine,” She said, “Chase, you’re bringing um to the lab, I‘m not carrying that boy on my back, and I doubt that Bree is either.”

“I could do it,” Oliver offered, standing up. Kaz laughed and shook his head.

“Oliver, do you really want to carry a bloodied Megahertz like… 8 miles? He asked, standing up. 

“I doubt Oliver could lift me anyway,” Megahertz said with a small laugh. Kaz nodded.

“No, I don’t doubt that,” He said, “Oliver and I have superpowers now.” Megahertz sighed.

“Are they just giving those to anyone now days?” He asked with a small laugh. 

“We earned them through traumatic events, just like you, just like Tecton,” Kaz stated firmly. “Anyway,” He said, walking to Chase. “You should teleport him there. We’ll meet you there.” Chase nodded, kneeling down like Kaz and Oliver had before. 

“Ready?” He asked. Megahertz shrugged, but Chase transported them out anyway.

Sure enough, Kaz, Oliver, Skylar and Bree met him there, like they’d promised. 

“Bree, I’m gonna give you the coordinates though your chip, then you—”

“Yeah, yeah, I know the drill,” She said, bracing for the strange feeling that would buzz through her neck. Chase reached his hand to his temple.

“Sent,” Chase said, putting his hand back down. Bree nodded before seeding off. “So, what magic powers do you have, Megahertz?” He asked. Megahertz looked at Kaz.

“He doesn’t read comics?” He asked, earning a head shake. “And you guys are friends?” He asked, making Chase’s eyes roll. 

“Best friends,” Kaz confirmed at the same time Oliver said:
“Eh,” Which promptly earned him a slap in the arm. 

“Megahertz has electricity based powers” Kaz explained, “A lot like you, actually,” He added. 

“You have superpowers?” Megahertz asked Chase, “I thought you were a bionic hero.

“I am,” Chase said, “But I had an incident that landed me with electro-kintec superpowers.”

“C’mon, man,” He urged, “Don’t be that superhero. Just say ‘electric,’ like the rest of us,” He said, earning a laugh from the non-bionic heroes.

“Chase is just like that,” Kaz said, ruffling his boyfriend’s hair. “He still calls my powers pyro-kinetic, and Oliver’s hydro-kinetic,” He said with a smile, which was matched by a bashful one from Chase.

“You look cute in your supersuit,” Chase told him, his eyes scanning over Kaz in his blue and black suit. 

“Thank you, baby,” Kaz said, adding a wink before turning back to Megahertz. He was going to say something before Bree sped back. 

“They’re at the abandoned subway station on 25th and Lex,” She said. Everyone nodded before heading out in their own ways; Bree, Skylar, Kaz and Oliver going up in the hyperlift, while Chase gripped Megahertz’s arm and teleported them nearby. 

“Oh, Tecton,” Roman said, “You always did think you were the most powerful, didn’t you?”

“Megahertz will come and stop you,” Tecton said. He was bound directly to the wall at his hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, ankles, knees, and waist. Sure, he had super strength, but at least this way, he had no real way to move. He couldn’t use that strength because his joints were locked in place. 

“Your nemesis?” Riker asked, “I know you think you’re friends, but he doesn’t actually care about you.” He leaned against the bars. “You know that, right?” He asked. He laughed as he clouded himself into the form of Megahertz. “Come on, baby. I never really cared. I will always be your enemy.” Tecton leaned further against the wall, shutting his eyes. 

“Stop,” He whimpered quietly. 

It was weird seeing Tecton so weak. He was usually so much stronger. Why did he look so weak over this…

“I’m not gonna stand here and watch this,” Megahertz said quietly before running into the lair. “I told you that you wouldn’t get away with this,” He said bitterly, shooting electricity at the brothers. 

Everyone else quickly ran in as well. 

“Kaz, the cell,” Chase said vaguely, but his partner seemed to understand, as he immediately shot fire at the lock and the hinges. 

“Kaz?” Tecton asked, not getting a response, as Kaz continued to work at the second hinge. 

“Hey, Megahertz, send one my way,” Oliver said happily, ready to show off his powers to one of his favourite super villains. Megahertz kicked Riker towards Oliver, who froze his face before punching the ice shards away and knocking him out. “He just got iced,” He said, earning a couple of eye rolls, including one from Riker’s brother. 

Bree and Chase took over fighting Roman when Megahertz kicked down the door to the cell. He, Oliver and Skylar rushed in and started tearing off the shackles. 

Eventually, Roman had been knocked out, and they all gathered as Megahertz ripped off the last shackle.

“I knew you’d come for me,” Tecton said, pulling Megahertz’s face into his hands.

“Of course I did,” Megahertz said quietly before Tecton pulled their faces together, pressing their lips together in what was an overall shocking experience for everyone. 

“Oh my god!” Skylar exclaimed as they pulled away. 

“Well that was… surprising,” Kaz said, his eyes blown wide open. 

“I thought you were straight,” Oliver said, confused, tilting his head. He got multiple confused and annoyed looks from both his teammates and the couple in front of him. “Wha– He’s had multiple girlfriends!”

“I’ve had multiple boyfriends, doesn’t make me straight now does itt?” Bree asked bitterly. 

“Hey, maybe we should get out of here,” Skylar suggested, looking around at the similar structure to where she’d been captured. 

“Right,” Chase agreed, scrambling over to Riker, who he cuffed into power-blocking handcuffs, ready to be sent to Mighty Max prison. 

“Chase!” Oliver alerted as roman pulled himself up and flew off.

“Wait wait, no!” Chase called, standing up and spiking lightning out of his finger tips in an attempt, and failure, of hitting Roman. “Fuck,” Chase mutterd. “Sorry, guys,” He said to his teammates.

“Hey, we got one, didn’t we?” Kaz reassured with a smile. He turned to Tecton, “We have a safe place that you can stay for a little bit.”

“Safe like Mighty Med?” Tecton asked bitterly, making Kaz flinch slightly. “Because we all know how well that turned out.”

“Low blow, dude,” Oliver said, “Low blow."

“We don’t have time for this,” Chase said, “Roman could be back any minute with reinforcements. We need to get back to mission command.” He contacted the guards to Mighty Max quickly, who took Riker off. 

Everyone went back to the apartment. Chase teleported him and Megahertz there, while Oliver and Kaz lead Tecton via flight. 

“How did you guys get superpowers?” Tecton asked as they all landed on the terrace (some more gracefully than others)

“We made indirect contact with the Arcturian space rock,” Oliver said casually with a shrug. “No big deal.”

“He wouldn’t stop fangirling for a week after finding out,” Kaz teased, earning a slap in the arm from Oliver. Kaz just laughed it off and led them into the apartment. “Chase is gonna want to meet in the lab, knowing him,” He said before opening the hyperlift. 

When they got down, everyone was already there, by no surprise. 

“We’ll try to get you guys back to Philadelphia as discreetly as possible, at least then you’ll be far from Roman and his family,” Chase said, typing something into the CyberDesk.

“Why didn’t you use your powers so that Roman couldn't get away?” Megahertz asked, slightly annoyed that the one who hurt Tecton got away.

“I still don’t have full control of my powers,” Chase admitted, “Kaz has been trying to help me, but he got his powers from something meant to do stuff like that,” He said, “So he doesn’t struggle as much.”

“We try not to let him use them in the field of battle,” Kaz said, petting circles into Chase’s back. “We’ll get Roman though. Don’t worry.” Megahertz didn’t seem to believe him for a second.

“We’d already have him if his powers worked right,” He said quietly.

“Hey, Chase,” Kaz said, a smile growing on his face. “I just got an idea.”

Chapter Text

“So, you two have the same fundamental power: Electricity,” Kaz said, setting up various punching bags in an underground room while staring down at a tablet. “And, as we learned in the Annihilator Origins Issue, powers that are fundamentally the same are usually controlled in a very similar way.” He looked up from the tablet. “Chase has explained to me what his resting state feels like.” Chase nodded.

“Like buzzing under my skin,” He said, rubbing at his forearms. 

“Does it feel like that for you?” Kaz asked, “Because if it does, that means—”

“Yeah, it does,” Megahertz said, running his hand over his wrist.

“So, I thought. Leslie, you could train our friend Chase. And in return, you guys would be allowed to stay here with us,” Kaz offered. “Since Tecton wants to help hunt down Roman and them.” Megahertz sighed.

“Of course he wants that. Always the hero, willing to put himself in danger,” He said bitterly. “He cares so much about everyone and everything, he never thinks about himself.”

“Huh,” Chase said, “That sounds so familiar,” He said, equally as bitter, looking at his own boyfriend.

“It makes sense that Kaz would be like that,” Megahertz said, “Tecton’s his favourite superhero.”

“No, I know,” Chase said, “He’s like… my best friend. I know most things about him.” Megahertz’s eyes shifted between the two boys. 

“Uh-huh,” He said in disbelief. Despite that, he didn’t say anything regarding the nature of their relationship. 

“Anyway,” Kaz said, “Will you help train Chase?” He asked, patting his boyfriend’s back.

“Of course.”

“No excessive violence,” Kaz added sternly. Megahertz rolled his eyes.

“I know, Kaz. I’m not an idiot. You want this kid to be able to fight afterwards,” Megahertz said. Chase looked at Megahertz, puzzled.

“Actually, I’m not even sure our powers would affect each other,” Chase said with a shrug. Kaz sighed and pat Chase’s shoulder.

“Well, I’m not willing to take that chance,” He said. He looked at Megahertz. “So no shooting Chase with electricity.”

“I feel like maybe you shouldn’t have to say that,“ Chase said, “Should I be worried?” Kaz shrugged.

“Eh,” He answered. “I mean, when we first met, he tried to kill me.”

“Second time we met too,” Megahertz added. It was unhelpful for Chase to hear, but Kaz and Megahertz shared a small laugh. 

“Okay, Kaz, are you sure we should have this literal supervillian here?” Chase asked in a hushed tone. Kaz gave him an incredulous look. 

“Chasey, remind me who literally created you?” He requested.

“Well, Douglas, but—”

“And who helped design our suits?”

“Douglas, but—”

“And didn’t you tell me this whole story about how he tried to kill you? Multiple times?” Chase sighed.

“Fair enough,” He said with a shrug. Kaz took Chase’s hand

“Talk to me if you have any issues though, okay?” He said, tapping the side of his head twice. Chase nodded. Kaz squeezed Chase’s hand before leaving the lab through the hyperlift. 

“So,” Megahertz started, “You two are together, right?” He asked. Chase was thrown off. That was not at all what he had expected.

“I, uh…”

“I won’t tell anyone, if it’s a secret. I mean, I’ll tell Tecton. But he probably already knows,” He said. Chase tilted his head slightly in confusion.

“Why would he know?” Megahertz shrugged

“Tecton is practically his dad. If he tells anyone, it’ll be him. Especially since now he knows he’s alive and bi. It’ll at least pass his mind.” Chase shook his head.

“Kaz would talk to me before telling anyone.”

“Yeah, probably,” Megahertz responded. He smiled. “So that’s a yes then?”

“Ugh,” Chase said, realising that he’d basically just confirmed Megahertz’s suspicions. “Yes. But don’t tell anyone, not even Tecton, okay?” Megahertz nodded.

“You got it, kid.”

“Why would Tecton… I mean, Kaz has parents.” Megahertz nodded.

“He does, yes,” He said, “But he also has 11 siblings. Do you think he gets that much one-on-one time with his parents. Plus, they probably wouldn’t like it if he came to his parents with the news that he has a boyfriend.” Chase nodded. He cleared his throat, awkwardly reaching to change the subject. 

“Training?” He said, making the air somewhat uncomfortable. Megahertz got out of his chair with a nod.

“Training.”

Chapter Text

Chase was… making progress. Not great progress, but it was progress. Megahertz was getting better at teaching too, which was good.

Kaz missed spending the time with Chase. It wasn’t a big deal. At least he had Oliver to spend time with, now that he’d officially given up on Skylar (her being a lesbian and all)

Still though, the only time he spent with Chase now was… well, it was actually pretty often, but it was never alone with him. He missed their alone time. 

Maybe they’d take up watching more Titanio if their schedules allowed it. 

He’d been mostly playing video games with Oliver, which was fine. But a big part of him missed training with Chase, even if he occasionally got shocked with so many volts of electricity that he may have twitched for five minutes.

It could’ve been worse, to be fair.

Chase missed training with Kaz too, but he had to admit that he’d been making much more progress ever since he started training with Megahertz.

He made a note to ask how Kaz and Oliver mastered their powers so fast without a mentor. 

Megahertz trained really hard when they trained, but he also usually respected Chase’s wishes if he needed to stop for the day or take a break. Most of the breaks, Chase’s mind would be occupied with asking Megahertz loads of questions about the psyche of a supervillain, and how one can change into a hero, but he never did. 

“Hey, Megahertz, can we not train today?” Chase asked when he saw his teacher come through the hyperlift. 

“Why?” He asked, confused. 

“Well, I just wanted to maybe… spend time with my– with Kaz,” He said. Megahertz crossed his arms smuggly. 

“You haven’t been spending time with him?” He asked, sounding apparently concerned. 

“We usually trained together. So we can’t find an excuse to run off without people getting suspicious,” Chase explained. “And we’re not ready to…”

“I get that,” he said, “Yeah, kid, go ahead. We don’t need to train every day anyway. Wouldn’t want you to get burnt out.”

“Can’t you get burnt out?”

“My energy comes from an array of car batteries,” Megahertz said quite bluntly. “When I sleep, I’m really just charging. Our powers aren’t that similar.”

Chase tried not to think about the fact that he kind of did recharge, just not for his superpowers, for his bionics.

Chase tried not to think about his experiences with Marcus as he anxiously walked into the hyperlift. 

Megahertz wasn’t a bad guy anymore. Megahertz wasn’t Marcus. Megahertz wasn’t going to hurt him, and he wasn’t going to hurt his team. Megahertz was going to help them. The Elite Force. 

Chase must’ve been spaced out in fighting his thoughts for a little bit because he was startled when someone spoke up.

“Hey, Chasey,” Kaz said, sounding a bit concerned. “You alright there, bud? You’ve been spaced out for like 30 seconds,” He said. Chase tried to clear his mind as he walked to where Kaz was on the couch, and sat down next to him. 

“It’s nothing,” He said. Kaz rolled his eyes, knowing that was definitely a lie. He put his arm up on the back rest, as kind of the diet version of putting his arm around Chase.

“Well, if you decide it’s not nothing, I’ll listen, okay?” He offered. Chase nodded “Good,” Kaz said with a smile. “Anyway, aren’t you supposed to be training?”

“I wanted to spend time with you,” Chase said quietly, staring down at his hands. Kaz looked around, checking for anyone else around. When he saw that no one else was around, he hugged his arm around Chase properly.

“Aw, baby,” He teased. “I want to spend time with you too,” He said. He glanced around again before pecking Chase’s cheek and pulling his arm away from Chase. Just in case. “Do you want to watch something, or play some video games, or just… hang out?” He asked, honestly slightly hoping for the third one. He missed spending time with Chase though, and anything was enough for him.

“We could just talk,” Chase offered. Kaz nodded. 

“How’s training with Megahertz been?”

“It’s fine,” Chase said, “He’s a little more hardcore than I’m used to, but he’s teaching me how to use my powers and stuff,” he said. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

“You could ask him to go easier on you,” Kaz said, “I mean, he is like a foot and a half taller than you,” He said. Chase rolled his eyes and lightly punched his boyfriend’s arm.

“That’s not the issue,” He said. Kaz moved closer to Chase, discreetly taking his hand.

“What’s wrong then?”

“How do you know that he won’t betray us? How do you know that Megahertz won’t turn on us?”

Kaz wasn’t expecting that. He was much more expecting something like Megahertz is simply more powerful and skilled, and Chase couldn’t keep up. But not this. 

Being honest, Kaz had no clue if they could trust Megahertz or not, but Tecton seemed to trust him quite a bit, which meant a lot to Kaz. After all, Tecton wasn’t just a superhero, he was also Kaz’s personal hero.

“Well, how do you know that Douglas won’t turn on us?” Kaz retorted, trying to prove a point. There was a small part of him that worried that this wouldn’t help Chase’s anxiety and would in fact increase it, having to worry out two former villains instead of just one.

After a moment of thinking, Chase spoke up.

“He’s family,” He said, “It’s easier to trust him. All we had in the basement was family, so…”

“Saying ‘all we had in the basement,’ makes it sound like you were like… in a war,” Kaz said, lightening the mood as well as he could. Chase let out a light laugh, although he was still clearly stressed and anxious. “Well, for me… Tecton is kind of the closest thing that I had to a dad. Sure, I grew up with my actual father, along with like… three older brothers. But Tecton was the only person who seemed to actually care about me and my well-being.”

“What about Horace? I thought he…”

“He was more like Connie’s dad. Skylar, I mean,” He said. “He was too, kind of. But he was more like a weird uncle.” His face morphed into something disgusted. “Does that mean Alan is my brother…” He muttered. He shook his head, getting back on track. “My point is, Tecton is like family to me. And he trusts Megahertz, so…” Chase nodded.

“Alright,” He said. There was a pause while Chase’s brain worked overtime to pump out more anxiety. “How can you trust Tecton?” He asked. “I mean, you were never that close to your family, so saying he’s like family might not mean that much for you. What if he’s also a supervillain?”

Kaz sighed, thinking about his experiences. Experion actually working for The Annihilator, Skylar becoming a supervillain, all those superheroes being turned evil by her, including Tecton. Wallace and Clyde, Bridget. 

Fuck.

Wait.

“I can prove that Tecton isn’t a supervillain,” He said, a wide smile on his face. 

“How?” Chase asked. Kaz pulled out his phone, texting Tecton.

“So, when superheroes become supervillains, they have a tell,” Kaz said vaguely. “So, I’m gonna text Tecton to come up here, so I can prove to you that he’s a superhero.”

Chase smiled at Kaz’s gesture, although a large part of him was sure that it wouldn’t change his mind, no matter what it was. 

In a matter of minutes, Tecton came up to the living room

“Whaddya need, Kaz?” He asked. Kaz waved him over.

“Here, give me your hand,” He said. Tecton, confused, slowly put his hand into Kaz’s. 

He was wearing a glove, even though he was in his civilian clothes.

“When a superhero turns into a villain, one of their defining traits turns white,” Kaz said, yanking off Tecton’s glove. The insignia on his hand wasn’t white.

But it also wasn’t his usual deep, royal blue. Instead, the insignia was a faded blue, as if it were a temporary tattoo that was rubbing off.

“Tecton?” Kaz asked worriedly, his voice creaking.

“Right,” Tecton said, taking his hand away. “So, ever since being captured by those shapeshifters, my powers have felt… subpar,” He said. Chase blinked at him.

“Subpar is a good thing,” He said.

“Alright, above par, is that a bad thing?” Tecton said, slightly exasperated.

“Well, it’s not good,” Chase said. Kaz pet Chase’s arm, silently telling him ‘you’re adorable, but stop.’

“Why didn’t you tell us?” Kaz asked. “Me and Oliver, I mean. We might not work at Mighty Med anymore, but we worked there for almost four years, we know what we’re doing.” Chase nodded.

“They saved Crossbow’s life,” He said, stopping himself from talking about the fact that what they did made absolutely no sense. 

“You couldn’t even run any tests on me, you probably don’t have any of the necessary equipment,” Tecton said. Kaz scoffed.

“Yeah, like that’s gonna stop me.”