Fic: Step Three
The press, whether by request or design, were treating the evening's events as they would any celebrity heavy red carpet. There were plenty of celebrities to warrant the attention: actors, models, authors, socialites and of course superheroes young and old. The handlers -- who answered to many names and titles and would individually object to the moniker, but collectively were, in fact, handling -- had orchestrated the evening from order to presentation and met with every one of the younger avengers individually to do it. The arrivals should build up, but ideally every moment should pop in some way. So the leaders went last, and the ones less likely to grab attention first. The more problematic were paired up and interspersed and would be watched.
Leading off was the youngest, Little Lucy Rand, who walked with her parents beside her. This served a number of purposes: the audience were reminded right off the bat the younger avengers are the literal legacy of the Avengers, but with Lucy being the only child accompanied by her parents, with one important exception, the rest of the group would not be seen as children. And then there was Lucy herself -- her exuberance set the tone.
Franklin, Val, Dani and Tallulah -- otherwise known as the younger Fantastic Four -- walked second and together and not a one wanted to be there. Luckily Lucy's excitement immediately before and the appearance of Hot It Couple Becky Ryan and Johnny Storm immediately after made their indifference, and quite possibly their appearance, irrelevant.
Mal Richards was sent out early in the line-up because she was considered to be the biggest question mark. And as expected, even their introduction sparked confusion.
"Mal Richards and Meredith Danvers."
The press corps erupted into questions, posed as much to each other as the two young women in front of them.
"Danvers?" "Richards?" "The cheerleader?" "Isn't that the engaged one?" "I thought we'd seen the Richards girl... is there another Richards girl?" "How are you related to Carol Danvers?"
"I'm her niece," said Meredith and the press gave a collective Ohhh.
"What team are you on?"
"I'm not, I'm here to support my cousins, and Mal." They smiled at each other. "They're all Champions." Half the press understood that to be a team, the other half was still catching up with the names and relations, or making up what it could mean.
"Whose niece are you?"
Mal shook her head at the question. "Oh, no, I'm from the future."
Half the press stared; the other half started scribbling furiously.
"I'm here to make sure my parents get together."
"Who are your parents?"
"I can't say too much, the health of more than one universe could depend on it."
Meredith started giggling and most of the press decided they'd prefer to assume she was joking. The handlers breathed a sigh of relief, and the two girls, both giggling now, were ushered along.
After that Dario Hill was positively boring.
"You can't miss what you've never had," he answered the inevitable questions about his absent father. The story was old, and cold, and they let it go after a few pictures of his charming smile.
Bobby and Bianca were a funny pair. Not one of the handlers could fathom why they were dating. Bobby seemed a pretty typical teenage boy despite his incredibly atypical upbringing and Bianca seemed one step removed from the Osborn and Stark money crowd. She was out of his league -- unbalanced in terms of age, outlook, and powerset. It didn't make sense and the handlers hated anything that didn't make sense. But Clint, who was a handler almost solely to make certain his sons came across in the best possible light, intervened on their behalf to say the relationship wasn't anybody's business but Bobby's and Bianca's, the end. So they walked together and fielded increasingly ridiculous questions such as, "What's your idea of a great date?"
Bianca didn't deign to answer but Bobby stammered: "We like sushi..." and smiled gamely. Bobby didn't really know why Bianca was dating him, either. No more than he knew how he ended up on the A team alongside her, and Jamie, and Ginny, and Liv. He didn't know but he'd been trained since he was a toddler to never let it show.
"Why can't all the Osborn girls be on the team?" asked Bobby as the trio came up just after them. Bianca raised an eyebrow and he had the decency to blush.
"They're very pretty," she agreed.
"You're very pretty!" Bobby rushed to say. Bianca rolled her eyes at his puppy dog expression. Still, she was smiling.
The press had the same question. "Why aren't you all on a team?"
Emily, the eldest Osborn, was the kind of troubled the press never found interesting. She was quiet, devoted to her father, and if mad -- which she most likely was -- it was the way a well to do housewife in the 50s was mad. She was odd. But she never made a scene and so she was often ignored. At the question she simply shook her head and smiled her empty, possibly overmedicated for the occasion, smile.
"My father needs me." Harry was a handful, and his longest relationship -- not counting the on-again, off-again, on-again one he had with Mary Jane Watson -- was probably with Emily.
Norma-Jean, the youngest Osborn, was the child of that on-again, off-again, on-again union and she had both her parents' charms. "My mother remembers how ragged her friend Peter was when he was a superhero in high school," she explained as she posed for the cameras. "Both my parents want me to keep all my options open and not to pursue any of ...this," she indicated the line of young superheroes on either side, "until I've completed school."
A poised response that left the door open. Publicist approved.
Cooper, the middle Osborn, was the one who was on a team, and the legacy team at that. She was neither as aloof as her older sister nor as friendly as her younger sister. She was detached but direct and did her best to hide how much she didn't like events. Asked why she made a different choice from her sisters she shrugged.
"Being a superhero beats being a barista."
Ben, who had a comfortable and teasing relationship with Cooper, much like he did with his cousin, chimed into say, "Lindy's a superhero and a barista."
Cooper nodded. "Exactly." And walked away. Lindy frowned thoughtfully after her but set it aside when Ben gave her hand a squeeze as they turned their attention to the cameras.
Ben and Lindy confounded and annoyed both the handlers and the press. Neither intended to and both felt badly in their own way. Whatever question was put forth, Ben tended to over explain, earnestly, and Lindy's most likely response was "I don't know." or no response at all. In a way, they complimented each other. But it was frustrating for everyone involved.
"What do you know?" was the annoyed question after a series of "I don't know"s met queries about her plans and preferences.
Lindy blinked.
"Her answers are more valid than your questions," said Ben.
"Why aren't you on the same team?"
"We are."
"I thought she was an..." There were too many super team names.
"Ally. But we're all Avengers."
"But she's on Falcon's team and you're with..." There were too many super hero names, too.
"Nomad," said Lindy.
"Jake," said Ben.
"Right. With your sister.
"Yes."
"Aren't you ever tired of babysitting your little sister?"
Ben raised an eyebrow. "I don't babysit my sister." Oh, and. "And I'd never get tired of her in any way."
Nate Harper or Nate Wingfoot or Nate Harper-Wingfoot, depending on his mood, was an enigma. He was uncomfortable on the carpet and only slightly more comfortable on the team. He'd always been a loner and he'd never been interested in the spotlight. Nate lived half his life in a bar and the other half on a hippie commune -- but not a reservation. His mom was proud of his heritage but he'd never felt a part of it. He didn't ask for any of this -- not the powers, not the title, not the attention -- and he'd be happy to give most of it back. He answered questions with fewer words than Lindy and moved on as soon as he could.
Anthony was good with press and with parties. He's good with people and with presentation. He's so good some of the publicity team wished he was being set up to be the star instead of his sister, who was nearly the opposite in public, or at least publicity, disposition. The only problem with Anthony was that he actually has very little interest in being a superhero at all.
"No, I have no problem taking orders from my sister. She's far more a combat strategist than I am. We are a different type of leader. I'm not a symbol the way my father is and Jamie."
Anthony's smile was calm; his eye knew just where the cameras were.
"I'm a representative. It's a subtle distinction."
And while the press tried to work out what he meant, he took Vincent's hand before raising the other to wave the way Kennedy or Obama might, with Jackie or Michelle in tow. It was part calculation; to drive that very comparison. And it was part to prove to Jamie, and Vincent, and maybe even himself, that he wasn't compromising anything to be as good at it as he was.
And Vincent is very good at playing the part of First Lady.
Jimmy walked the carpet solo in between the power couple and his costars, Trick and Ginny. It was the kind of attention a drama geek either feeds off of or runs from and even Jimmy wasn't sure which side he fell on yet. But midway through the realization that he was, actually, positioned between two couples who would overshadow anyone he chose to feed.
"Sure I love the musical, hope I'll see you all there. But what I really love is comedy and especially slapstick. What I want to get out of tonight is an invitation to host Saturday Night Live." He winked at the crowd and the crowd was his, if briefly. The watchers made a note.
Of everyone on the carpet, Ginny was best prepared for the event. She was born into the spotlight and lived it, in some ways, every day. She walked the carpet as if she grew up on one because, in some ways, she had.
As poised as Ginny was, Trick was playful. As shy as Ginny still was, Trick was delightful. On paper they were just as odd a couple as his brother and Bianca but in person they had a kind of glow about them.
Ginny answered every question with a thoughtful answer. And Trick answered every question with a quip or conundrum that made her giggle. The press pressed for controversy but he praised his parents for his unconventional upbringing and shrugged at the idea of being overshadowed.
"Does it bother you your brother's on Jamie's team, and Ginny's, instead of you?"
"Nah. We're all one big team anyway. And I see plenty of those two outside of heroing."
Trick winked. Ginny giggled.
The Wonder Twins were nearly as experienced as Ginny and far more excited to appear. They were, like their parents, model/actor/superheroes and while they tended to be better known for their dates than their projects, they were still better known than even some of the "superstars" of the younger Avengers. But because they were better known for their dates than their projects they were walking together, as they had when they were child stars. Of a sort.
Where Jamie and Anthony were pretty dissimilar, Edward and Winona were alike. They posed, preened, answered questions finishing each other's sentences and were like one very genial if generic starlet in two very pretty if generic bodies.
"I have a film in production--"
"--it's a horror flick, really creepy--"
"--she visited the set and freaked out."
"And he's working on a pilot--"
"--a supernatural superhero drama--"
"'The Revengers'. It's kind of a true story--"
"--wink-wink. And she's going to guest on 'Glee'."
"Maaaaybe."
"You will."
"I'm in talks."
"She will. You should hear this girl sing. Not just in the shower."
"Oh you!"
Tony Rhodes was a gentleman. His father was an officer and his mother was a goddess, or at least an alien royal, if a minor one. And still he was probably the most unassuming of them all.
"I've one more year at MIT after this one. And then I hope to work for Stark."
And he was well-named.
Jake was the first of the last group, the leaders, and Amelia was at his side as if she belonged there. The two were the only couple the handlers felt had to walk together. They wanted to sell the package and set Jake and Amelia up to be the It Couple of their generation. No one asked Jake or Amelia what they wanted but everyone lined up to judge.
"There's no date, we're not getting married right away."
"Why wait?"
"We're young." Amelia shrugged a shoulder. "We're focusing on learning and training and growing."
"Then why not wait to get engaged?"
Amelia paused. "We know what we want."
"Each other?"
"That's right."
"What are your plans after graduation?"
Amelia took a breath. "I've been accepted to Maryland, but I'm still considering all my options."
"I'll be joining the military," answered Jake.
"Are you concerned about a long distance relationship?"
Amelia was still. "No," said Jake into the quiet. "What Amelia and I have is stronger than anything." She looked over at him with bright eyes.
"If that's true, then why--"
Amelia's eyes flashed as she turned back to the crowd and snapped. "I am sorry we won't schedule our relationship to fit your approved timeline but does anyone have a relevant question?"
Buoyed by the possibility of drama finally, the response was quick. "Do you have any comments about the cheerleading council's decision?"
Amelia dropped her gaze down, away from the lights, but answered in a clear voice. "I'm thankful for it. Everyone who wants to be a cheerleader should have the opportunity to compete."
"Why didn't you sign your name to the protest?"
Amelia fell quiet again but Jake couldn't answer that question for her. Not that she wanted him to. She turned her eyes up and answered with the same earnestness her brother had, and her father had. "Well, I had some political concerns but the truth is… I was in shock. It all happened so quickly… I was personally attacked for something I just happen to be. My parents did a good job of sheltering me from any of that. I was unprepared and … I’ve been competing for six years. I’m good and my squad is great and now no matter what happens in April it will be all about Captain America and Spider-Man. Like tonight." Her smile was small and crooked, but genuine. "That’s just not the story I wanted to tell."
No questions answered her, only flash bulbs. She stepped closer to Jake but sudden shyness was only more endearing and if anything the attention intensified. He put an arm protectively around her shoulders and started to walk from the crowd.
"Jake!" Someone remembered the actual topic of the evening. "How does it feel to be leading the Champions?"
Jake stood straight, still holding on to Amelia. "I'm looking forward to working with my team mates. I have worked with some before, but it is a good, strong group overall and I know we will do great things together." They held their smiles as more cameras flashed and finally turned away.
Steve Wilson, positioned in between Jake, Captain America's son, and Jamie, Captain America's daughter, was just as All-American.
"I've got a full scholarship to play for Florida State." He raised a hand to wave. "Go Gators!"
Steve was charming and had a way of looking at a girl like she was the only one who mattered and so he had many admirers and plenty of dates.
"No, nobody special right now -- no girlfriend anyway -- but this here is Miss Jenna Keck and she is surely somebody special."
Jenna grinned. "I'm just so so honored to be here. And be a part of this. And everything."
"Miss Keck, you're a rival at cheer championships?"
"Yeah, yeah, yes. And it is just so so important for the best teams to compete and like all together. It's not a win if you don't beat the best right?"
"Is that how you play, Steve?"
"Well, my philosophy is make every play like it's gonna win the game. Don't hold anything back. So yeah, in that spirit, I think we compliment each other."
"So the first date is going well?"
"Oh, this isn't a date!" Jenna giggled. "Jamie invited me. I guess she saw what I said in the article and like, appreciated it…" She looked over to Jamie waiting in the wings and waved with some nervous ferocity. Jamie grinned back and gave her -- and Steve -- two thumbs up.
"It's… such an honor," said Jenna again.
"I'm sure. And what do you have to say about the Allies, Steve?"
"It's a good team with good people. Expect great things." He winked at the crowd. "Go Allies!"
Jamie was the superstar of the evening and the handlers wanted her to go it alone or with her father. To which Jamie had predictably said they can shove it, "I'm not de-gaying myself."
Kate rolled her eyes. "It has nothing to do with that, we are simply positioning you as the leader."
Jamie rolled her eyes right back. "It doesn't matter, it'll seem that way. Aren't you a PR person? Shouldn't you know these things?"
Jamie crossed her arms and glared in defiance. Kate wanted a raise for dealing with obnoxious teens.
"If I had my way Jakelia would be the only younger gen couple to walk together." She tapped her fingers. "Maybe Anthony and Vincent. They should be more popular." Jamie pursed her lips. "This should be about the teams and individuals not who's dating who. That is how you author your own PR." She leaned back and tapped again. "But I don't care a whit what you do. I think you and Thor Girl should go separately, one after another, and end the whole shebang with you waiting for your girlfriend to go in, that would be a nice finale for the carpet photo op." She shrugged. "But it's up to you."
Jamie hated the idea of giving in and hated Kate's smug nonchalance even more. But on consideration it made sense and she agreed. "As long as we go in together."
And so she walked by her father's side. America's Sweetheart, pun intended.
Jamie's remarks were vaguely inspirational and very optimistic without making too many promises. It was a speech both Anthony and Kate would be proud of. And Jamie was too, for what it's worth.
She waited as her girlfriend answered every question with the same square-shouldered gravity and phrase: "I am Asgardian." When the press tired of it Liv walked over to Jamie and the two waved as they walked -- hand in hand -- through the double doors to the ball.
Leading off was the youngest, Little Lucy Rand, who walked with her parents beside her. This served a number of purposes: the audience were reminded right off the bat the younger avengers are the literal legacy of the Avengers, but with Lucy being the only child accompanied by her parents, with one important exception, the rest of the group would not be seen as children. And then there was Lucy herself -- her exuberance set the tone.
Franklin, Val, Dani and Tallulah -- otherwise known as the younger Fantastic Four -- walked second and together and not a one wanted to be there. Luckily Lucy's excitement immediately before and the appearance of Hot It Couple Becky Ryan and Johnny Storm immediately after made their indifference, and quite possibly their appearance, irrelevant.
Mal Richards was sent out early in the line-up because she was considered to be the biggest question mark. And as expected, even their introduction sparked confusion.
"Mal Richards and Meredith Danvers."
The press corps erupted into questions, posed as much to each other as the two young women in front of them.
"Danvers?" "Richards?" "The cheerleader?" "Isn't that the engaged one?" "I thought we'd seen the Richards girl... is there another Richards girl?" "How are you related to Carol Danvers?"
"I'm her niece," said Meredith and the press gave a collective Ohhh.
"What team are you on?"
"I'm not, I'm here to support my cousins, and Mal." They smiled at each other. "They're all Champions." Half the press understood that to be a team, the other half was still catching up with the names and relations, or making up what it could mean.
"Whose niece are you?"
Mal shook her head at the question. "Oh, no, I'm from the future."
Half the press stared; the other half started scribbling furiously.
"I'm here to make sure my parents get together."
"Who are your parents?"
"I can't say too much, the health of more than one universe could depend on it."
Meredith started giggling and most of the press decided they'd prefer to assume she was joking. The handlers breathed a sigh of relief, and the two girls, both giggling now, were ushered along.
After that Dario Hill was positively boring.
"You can't miss what you've never had," he answered the inevitable questions about his absent father. The story was old, and cold, and they let it go after a few pictures of his charming smile.
Bobby and Bianca were a funny pair. Not one of the handlers could fathom why they were dating. Bobby seemed a pretty typical teenage boy despite his incredibly atypical upbringing and Bianca seemed one step removed from the Osborn and Stark money crowd. She was out of his league -- unbalanced in terms of age, outlook, and powerset. It didn't make sense and the handlers hated anything that didn't make sense. But Clint, who was a handler almost solely to make certain his sons came across in the best possible light, intervened on their behalf to say the relationship wasn't anybody's business but Bobby's and Bianca's, the end. So they walked together and fielded increasingly ridiculous questions such as, "What's your idea of a great date?"
Bianca didn't deign to answer but Bobby stammered: "We like sushi..." and smiled gamely. Bobby didn't really know why Bianca was dating him, either. No more than he knew how he ended up on the A team alongside her, and Jamie, and Ginny, and Liv. He didn't know but he'd been trained since he was a toddler to never let it show.
"Why can't all the Osborn girls be on the team?" asked Bobby as the trio came up just after them. Bianca raised an eyebrow and he had the decency to blush.
"They're very pretty," she agreed.
"You're very pretty!" Bobby rushed to say. Bianca rolled her eyes at his puppy dog expression. Still, she was smiling.
The press had the same question. "Why aren't you all on a team?"
Emily, the eldest Osborn, was the kind of troubled the press never found interesting. She was quiet, devoted to her father, and if mad -- which she most likely was -- it was the way a well to do housewife in the 50s was mad. She was odd. But she never made a scene and so she was often ignored. At the question she simply shook her head and smiled her empty, possibly overmedicated for the occasion, smile.
"My father needs me." Harry was a handful, and his longest relationship -- not counting the on-again, off-again, on-again one he had with Mary Jane Watson -- was probably with Emily.
Norma-Jean, the youngest Osborn, was the child of that on-again, off-again, on-again union and she had both her parents' charms. "My mother remembers how ragged her friend Peter was when he was a superhero in high school," she explained as she posed for the cameras. "Both my parents want me to keep all my options open and not to pursue any of ...this," she indicated the line of young superheroes on either side, "until I've completed school."
A poised response that left the door open. Publicist approved.
Cooper, the middle Osborn, was the one who was on a team, and the legacy team at that. She was neither as aloof as her older sister nor as friendly as her younger sister. She was detached but direct and did her best to hide how much she didn't like events. Asked why she made a different choice from her sisters she shrugged.
"Being a superhero beats being a barista."
Ben, who had a comfortable and teasing relationship with Cooper, much like he did with his cousin, chimed into say, "Lindy's a superhero and a barista."
Cooper nodded. "Exactly." And walked away. Lindy frowned thoughtfully after her but set it aside when Ben gave her hand a squeeze as they turned their attention to the cameras.
Ben and Lindy confounded and annoyed both the handlers and the press. Neither intended to and both felt badly in their own way. Whatever question was put forth, Ben tended to over explain, earnestly, and Lindy's most likely response was "I don't know." or no response at all. In a way, they complimented each other. But it was frustrating for everyone involved.
"What do you know?" was the annoyed question after a series of "I don't know"s met queries about her plans and preferences.
Lindy blinked.
"Her answers are more valid than your questions," said Ben.
"Why aren't you on the same team?"
"We are."
"I thought she was an..." There were too many super team names.
"Ally. But we're all Avengers."
"But she's on Falcon's team and you're with..." There were too many super hero names, too.
"Nomad," said Lindy.
"Jake," said Ben.
"Right. With your sister.
"Yes."
"Aren't you ever tired of babysitting your little sister?"
Ben raised an eyebrow. "I don't babysit my sister." Oh, and. "And I'd never get tired of her in any way."
Nate Harper or Nate Wingfoot or Nate Harper-Wingfoot, depending on his mood, was an enigma. He was uncomfortable on the carpet and only slightly more comfortable on the team. He'd always been a loner and he'd never been interested in the spotlight. Nate lived half his life in a bar and the other half on a hippie commune -- but not a reservation. His mom was proud of his heritage but he'd never felt a part of it. He didn't ask for any of this -- not the powers, not the title, not the attention -- and he'd be happy to give most of it back. He answered questions with fewer words than Lindy and moved on as soon as he could.
Anthony was good with press and with parties. He's good with people and with presentation. He's so good some of the publicity team wished he was being set up to be the star instead of his sister, who was nearly the opposite in public, or at least publicity, disposition. The only problem with Anthony was that he actually has very little interest in being a superhero at all.
"No, I have no problem taking orders from my sister. She's far more a combat strategist than I am. We are a different type of leader. I'm not a symbol the way my father is and Jamie."
Anthony's smile was calm; his eye knew just where the cameras were.
"I'm a representative. It's a subtle distinction."
And while the press tried to work out what he meant, he took Vincent's hand before raising the other to wave the way Kennedy or Obama might, with Jackie or Michelle in tow. It was part calculation; to drive that very comparison. And it was part to prove to Jamie, and Vincent, and maybe even himself, that he wasn't compromising anything to be as good at it as he was.
And Vincent is very good at playing the part of First Lady.
Jimmy walked the carpet solo in between the power couple and his costars, Trick and Ginny. It was the kind of attention a drama geek either feeds off of or runs from and even Jimmy wasn't sure which side he fell on yet. But midway through the realization that he was, actually, positioned between two couples who would overshadow anyone he chose to feed.
"Sure I love the musical, hope I'll see you all there. But what I really love is comedy and especially slapstick. What I want to get out of tonight is an invitation to host Saturday Night Live." He winked at the crowd and the crowd was his, if briefly. The watchers made a note.
Of everyone on the carpet, Ginny was best prepared for the event. She was born into the spotlight and lived it, in some ways, every day. She walked the carpet as if she grew up on one because, in some ways, she had.
As poised as Ginny was, Trick was playful. As shy as Ginny still was, Trick was delightful. On paper they were just as odd a couple as his brother and Bianca but in person they had a kind of glow about them.
Ginny answered every question with a thoughtful answer. And Trick answered every question with a quip or conundrum that made her giggle. The press pressed for controversy but he praised his parents for his unconventional upbringing and shrugged at the idea of being overshadowed.
"Does it bother you your brother's on Jamie's team, and Ginny's, instead of you?"
"Nah. We're all one big team anyway. And I see plenty of those two outside of heroing."
Trick winked. Ginny giggled.
The Wonder Twins were nearly as experienced as Ginny and far more excited to appear. They were, like their parents, model/actor/superheroes and while they tended to be better known for their dates than their projects, they were still better known than even some of the "superstars" of the younger Avengers. But because they were better known for their dates than their projects they were walking together, as they had when they were child stars. Of a sort.
Where Jamie and Anthony were pretty dissimilar, Edward and Winona were alike. They posed, preened, answered questions finishing each other's sentences and were like one very genial if generic starlet in two very pretty if generic bodies.
"I have a film in production--"
"--it's a horror flick, really creepy--"
"--she visited the set and freaked out."
"And he's working on a pilot--"
"--a supernatural superhero drama--"
"'The Revengers'. It's kind of a true story--"
"--wink-wink. And she's going to guest on 'Glee'."
"Maaaaybe."
"You will."
"I'm in talks."
"She will. You should hear this girl sing. Not just in the shower."
"Oh you!"
Tony Rhodes was a gentleman. His father was an officer and his mother was a goddess, or at least an alien royal, if a minor one. And still he was probably the most unassuming of them all.
"I've one more year at MIT after this one. And then I hope to work for Stark."
And he was well-named.
Jake was the first of the last group, the leaders, and Amelia was at his side as if she belonged there. The two were the only couple the handlers felt had to walk together. They wanted to sell the package and set Jake and Amelia up to be the It Couple of their generation. No one asked Jake or Amelia what they wanted but everyone lined up to judge.
"There's no date, we're not getting married right away."
"Why wait?"
"We're young." Amelia shrugged a shoulder. "We're focusing on learning and training and growing."
"Then why not wait to get engaged?"
Amelia paused. "We know what we want."
"Each other?"
"That's right."
"What are your plans after graduation?"
Amelia took a breath. "I've been accepted to Maryland, but I'm still considering all my options."
"I'll be joining the military," answered Jake.
"Are you concerned about a long distance relationship?"
Amelia was still. "No," said Jake into the quiet. "What Amelia and I have is stronger than anything." She looked over at him with bright eyes.
"If that's true, then why--"
Amelia's eyes flashed as she turned back to the crowd and snapped. "I am sorry we won't schedule our relationship to fit your approved timeline but does anyone have a relevant question?"
Buoyed by the possibility of drama finally, the response was quick. "Do you have any comments about the cheerleading council's decision?"
Amelia dropped her gaze down, away from the lights, but answered in a clear voice. "I'm thankful for it. Everyone who wants to be a cheerleader should have the opportunity to compete."
"Why didn't you sign your name to the protest?"
Amelia fell quiet again but Jake couldn't answer that question for her. Not that she wanted him to. She turned her eyes up and answered with the same earnestness her brother had, and her father had. "Well, I had some political concerns but the truth is… I was in shock. It all happened so quickly… I was personally attacked for something I just happen to be. My parents did a good job of sheltering me from any of that. I was unprepared and … I’ve been competing for six years. I’m good and my squad is great and now no matter what happens in April it will be all about Captain America and Spider-Man. Like tonight." Her smile was small and crooked, but genuine. "That’s just not the story I wanted to tell."
No questions answered her, only flash bulbs. She stepped closer to Jake but sudden shyness was only more endearing and if anything the attention intensified. He put an arm protectively around her shoulders and started to walk from the crowd.
"Jake!" Someone remembered the actual topic of the evening. "How does it feel to be leading the Champions?"
Jake stood straight, still holding on to Amelia. "I'm looking forward to working with my team mates. I have worked with some before, but it is a good, strong group overall and I know we will do great things together." They held their smiles as more cameras flashed and finally turned away.
Steve Wilson, positioned in between Jake, Captain America's son, and Jamie, Captain America's daughter, was just as All-American.
"I've got a full scholarship to play for Florida State." He raised a hand to wave. "Go Gators!"
Steve was charming and had a way of looking at a girl like she was the only one who mattered and so he had many admirers and plenty of dates.
"No, nobody special right now -- no girlfriend anyway -- but this here is Miss Jenna Keck and she is surely somebody special."
Jenna grinned. "I'm just so so honored to be here. And be a part of this. And everything."
"Miss Keck, you're a rival at cheer championships?"
"Yeah, yeah, yes. And it is just so so important for the best teams to compete and like all together. It's not a win if you don't beat the best right?"
"Is that how you play, Steve?"
"Well, my philosophy is make every play like it's gonna win the game. Don't hold anything back. So yeah, in that spirit, I think we compliment each other."
"So the first date is going well?"
"Oh, this isn't a date!" Jenna giggled. "Jamie invited me. I guess she saw what I said in the article and like, appreciated it…" She looked over to Jamie waiting in the wings and waved with some nervous ferocity. Jamie grinned back and gave her -- and Steve -- two thumbs up.
"It's… such an honor," said Jenna again.
"I'm sure. And what do you have to say about the Allies, Steve?"
"It's a good team with good people. Expect great things." He winked at the crowd. "Go Allies!"
Jamie was the superstar of the evening and the handlers wanted her to go it alone or with her father. To which Jamie had predictably said they can shove it, "I'm not de-gaying myself."
Kate rolled her eyes. "It has nothing to do with that, we are simply positioning you as the leader."
Jamie rolled her eyes right back. "It doesn't matter, it'll seem that way. Aren't you a PR person? Shouldn't you know these things?"
Jamie crossed her arms and glared in defiance. Kate wanted a raise for dealing with obnoxious teens.
"If I had my way Jakelia would be the only younger gen couple to walk together." She tapped her fingers. "Maybe Anthony and Vincent. They should be more popular." Jamie pursed her lips. "This should be about the teams and individuals not who's dating who. That is how you author your own PR." She leaned back and tapped again. "But I don't care a whit what you do. I think you and Thor Girl should go separately, one after another, and end the whole shebang with you waiting for your girlfriend to go in, that would be a nice finale for the carpet photo op." She shrugged. "But it's up to you."
Jamie hated the idea of giving in and hated Kate's smug nonchalance even more. But on consideration it made sense and she agreed. "As long as we go in together."
And so she walked by her father's side. America's Sweetheart, pun intended.
Jamie's remarks were vaguely inspirational and very optimistic without making too many promises. It was a speech both Anthony and Kate would be proud of. And Jamie was too, for what it's worth.
She waited as her girlfriend answered every question with the same square-shouldered gravity and phrase: "I am Asgardian." When the press tired of it Liv walked over to Jamie and the two waved as they walked -- hand in hand -- through the double doors to the ball.