Chapter Text
Bob flopped onto his bed, blasting music through his headphones in an attempt at drowning out whatever argument had broken out in the common room down the hall. The New Avengers and the Fantastic Four (who were apparently from another universe) were in there trying to figure out how to stop some Doctor Doom from destroying the whole multiverse.
He really didn’t want to get in the way of their plans, seeing as he couldn’t even come along to help, so he thought it was best to just stay in his room until they sorted everything out.
He wished he could be useful to them on their missions, especially ones this important, but he was terrified of using his powers again. The last time he did, his darker side took over and he hurt a lot of people. So no being a superhero with the rest of his friends.
A few loud knocks at the door startled him into an upright position.
“Come in!” he called as he pulled his headphones off.
Bob was relieved to see it was Yelena this time and not Alexei again.
“So Bob.” She walked over and sat on the bed next to him. “It sounds like it’s going to take everything we have to stop this Doctor Doom guy. I know you hate the idea of using your powers again, but I think we’re going to need you.”
Bob shook his head vigorously. “I’m just gonna spiral again and ruin your chance at beating him. You’re better off leaving me here, Yelena. You know that.”
“So no powers. Come be moral support,” she said as she nudged his shoulder. “But if we get totally crushed by this guy, it would be good to have you there as a last resort.”
He was still scared of using his powers, but he knew she was right. With so much at stake, he should be there just in case they absolutely needed him.
He took a breath and nodded. “Alright. I’ll come.”
Yelena stood with him and smiled. “Good. They’ll be waiting for us.”
They walked out of his room and down the hall. The common room was filled with people, many of whom Bob hadn’t seen before, but there was one new person in the group who caught his eye.
He was the most handsome man Bob had ever seen. He was tall and fairly muscular, with short, dark hair, pointed ears, and wings on his ankles. Other than the jewelry and accessories he wore around his neck, ankles, and wrists, he was wearing only a pair of very small, tight shorts.
Bob had gotten so lost in the man’s eyes, he almost hadn’t noticed that everybody was staring at him until Yelena nudged him. “Oh, uh, hi, I’m Bob.”
As the group carried on with their conversation, Bob found his gazing drifting back to that man with the winged ankles. The man returned his gaze, causing Bob to quickly look to the floor.
After Bob was caught up on the plan to board a spaceship and head to another universe, everyone broke off into different groups to make preparations. To his shock, the man walked over to him.
They gazed into each other’s eyes for a few moments before the man raised his hand to Bob’s cheek. His touch was surprisingly cold and wet, but not unpleasant.
“When your friends told me about you, they described your awesome power, but failed to mention your absolute beauty. I have never seen a surface-dweller so divine in all my years on this Earth.”
Bob was speechless. His heart was pounding. He was sure his face was bright red.
“W-what’s your name?” was all he could think to say.
The man lowered his hand, grabbing one of Bob’s hands and raising it to his face. “You, my love, can call me Namor.” He place a gentle kiss on his hand before walking away, leaving Bob to stand there in complete shock, forgetting completely about the imminent destruction of the entire multiverse.