"Running Into Trouble"
It was a typical night at the Avengers Academy’s yearly Young Heroes Gala—a night meant for young superheroes to mingle, let loose, and connect. All of the best and brightest were present: the Young Avengers, champions like Miles Morales, America Chavez, Iron Lad, and many more. The room hummed with excitement as music played, and conversations flowed freely.
But no one could predict the storm that was brewing. It started with Franklin Richards and Wiccan exchanging heated glances.
Franklin, leaning casually against the wall, watched Wiccan from across the room. Wiccan had been the subject of Franklin’s irritation lately, though the root cause was something he wasn’t even sure of. Perhaps it was jealousy, perhaps insecurity—but tonight it boiled over.
"You're such a try-hard, Billy," Franklin sneered, arms crossed. His voice loud enough to attract some attention.
Wiccan turned to face him, his eyes narrowing. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me. Always acting like you're the best just because you have some reality-warping powers. You know, you could tone it down for once."
Wiccan’s brow furrowed. "Oh, please, Franklin. If anyone here needs to tone it down, it’s you. What’s the matter? Still trying to prove you’re more than just Reed Richards' kid?"
That hit a nerve. Franklin’s eyes flared with cosmic energy, and he stepped forward. “You don’t want to go there, Billy.”
“Oh, I do. You think you’re so special, Franklin, but guess what? We’re not that different—you’re just more reckless. It's why you’re always such a mess.”
“You think you can lecture me?” Franklin’s voice grew darker, his powers manifesting as an eerie glow. “You’re not even in control of your own abilities. You're just lucky you haven’t blown up the universe yet.”
Wiccan’s hands started to glow with arcane energy, his words becoming an incantation under his breath as his anger grew. “You don’t know anything about control.”
Within moments, both were hovering in the air, eyes blazing with the power surging through their veins. The air in the room crackled, and a hush fell over the gathering as people noticed the impending clash. America Chavez was the first to step forward, ready to intervene, but someone beat her to it.
"Hey!" Hulkling’s voice boomed as he flew in between them, blocking Franklin with his bulk. He reached out a hand toward Wiccan, who hesitated.
"Teddy, move," Wiccan warned. "This isn’t—"
"It isn’t worth it," Hulkling said firmly, his gaze flicking between Franklin and his husband. “Both of you, chill.”
Franklin scoffed, but lowered himself back to the ground, his cosmic glow fading. “Whatever. I’m done with this.”
Wiccan also relented, lowering his hands. He shot Franklin a final glare. “Stay out of my way, Richards.”
As Hulkling comforted his fuming husband, Franklin’s eyes darted around the room, landing on someone unexpected—Thomas Shepherd, also known as Speed, Wiccan’s twin brother. Speed had been watching the whole thing from a corner, and the moment their eyes met, Franklin felt an idea forming.
An opportunity.
He moved toward Speed, his expression shifting to something more predatory, his cosmic arrogance giving way to a teasing smirk. Speed stood stiffly, arms crossed, trying to act uninterested.
Franklin sidled up to him. “What? You got something to say?”
Speed shot him a wary glance. “Not my problem. You guys sort your own stuff out.”
Franklin chuckled, leaning in slightly, just enough to invade Speed’s space. “You're faster than your brother, aren’t you?”
Speed blinked, confused. “Uh, yeah. That’s kinda my thing.”
Franklin’s smirk widened. “Good. Because I want to see how fast you can be.”
The words sent a jolt through Speed’s system. He could feel the heat rise in his cheeks, completely caught off guard. “What? I—uh, I’m not—”
Franklin’s voice dropped lower as he leaned in, speaking right by Speed’s ear. “Me neither. But… I’m curious.”
Speed felt a rush of panic. He could feel his heart rate spike. “Franklin, you’re insane. I’m not—”
“You can keep telling yourself that, Tommy.” Franklin’s breath was warm against Speed’s neck. “But you’re not fooling anyone.”
Before Speed could respond, the tension was shattered by Prodigy, who had walked up, oblivious to the charged atmosphere. “Hey, what’s going on over here? I saw Wiccan and Franklin almost tear the roof off…”
Franklin straightened, casting a quick glance at Prodigy. “Nothing important.”
As Franklin walked off, he subtly slipped a piece of paper into Speed’s hand. “You better be there,” he whispered, and then he was gone, leaving Speed standing in stunned silence, clutching the note.
The next day, Speed zoomed across the city, his mind in a haze from the previous night. He wasn’t sure why he’d gone to meet Franklin, but now he was paying the price. Racing through New York, with Franklin clinging to his side, was not exactly how Speed had envisioned spending his morning.
“Slow down, man!” Franklin winced, clearly in some discomfort as they zipped toward the Baxter Building.
Speed was trying to keep his pace steady, but he could feel the awkward tension between them. Franklin had a noticeable limp, and Speed’s face was flushed with embarrassment.
By the time they arrived at the entrance of the Baxter Building, Franklin was half-limping, half-being supported by Speed. Reed Richards and Sue Storm were waiting inside, curious but concerned.
“What happened?” Sue asked, eyes narrowing as she noticed the awkward way Franklin moved.
Speed stammered, his face turning a deep shade of red. “Uh… nothing, Mrs. Richards! I—I gotta go.”
Before anyone could question him further, Speed bolted out of the room at lightning speed, leaving a blur in his wake. Reed and Sue exchanged knowing glances.
Sue sighed, crossing her arms. “You think—”
“Let’s not talk about it,” Reed cut her off, turning away as if to avoid the whole situation.
As Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm entered the room, Johnny took one look at Franklin sprawled on the couch and burst out laughing.
“You and Speed, huh?” Johnny teased, winking at Franklin. “Sounds like you had quite the fun night.”
Franklin didn’t seem the least bit embarrassed, grinning lazily. “Yeah, something like that.”
Ben let out a hearty laugh. “Kid, you’re full of surprises.”
Later that day, the Young Avengers were gathered in their usual spot, catching up and planning. But something was off. Kate Bishop frowned as she tried to call Franklin again. “He’s not answering his phone. Where the hell is he?”
Iron Lad, who had just arrived, raised an eyebrow. “I saw him leave with Speed last night.”
All eyes turned to Speed, who was doing his best to look invisible, his face burning red.
Miles Morales squinted at him. “Wait… you two were definitely talking last night at the party.”
Speed immediately shook his head. “No, w-we weren’t. I swear—”
Iron Lad shrugged. “You totally were. You even left together.”
Kate blinked. “Wait, you two…?”
Cassie Lang, always one to call things as she saw them, smirked and crossed her arms. “They probably slept together.”
The room went silent. Speed’s mouth opened, but no words came out.
Wiccan’s eyes went wide, and his voice grew dark. “What?”
Hulkling quickly moved to calm him down, placing a hand on Wiccan’s shoulder. “Billy, don’t—”
But Speed could already feel the storm brewing, and he was about to be caught in the crossfire