15249/Big Bellies, Billies, and Bandos

Big Bellies, Billies, and Bandos
Date of Scene:	28 June 2023
Location:	Big Belly Burger's
Synopsis:	Big Belly Burger is home to some delicious burgers, some new information, some new friends, and a surprising amount of hero talk.
Cast of Characters:	Eve Wilkins, Billy Batson, Miles Morales, Bando George

---

Eve Wilkins has posed:
Happy Harbor. The place where it all began. Well.. the place where Eve went to high school, anyway. And the rest, as they say, is history. So, she's back in town, looking not that much different from when she left a year ago, right after graduation, and sort of dropped off the face of the earth.

"Finding herself," she had said, to anyone that knew her. Not that she had been a huge deal or anything. Eve was popular in school, but only as popular as you can get when you're still kind to your friends and don't stab people in the back.

Well, Eve found herself -- right back where she started, apparently, walking into Big Belly Burgers with a JanSport backpack slung over one shoulder and the other reaching up to pull a lock of flame-red hair back behind her ear. Green eyes scan the familiar sight, and with a mixture of something like apprehension and nostalgia.

Billy Batson has posed:
Shazam got Billy's diploma. Freedom! then he transformed into Captain Thundercrack and went to Big Belly Burger. Maybe Xiomara would be there and he could apologize? Or say so long to the few friends he'd made. Maybe he was just being contrary, so many many students made it clear they did not want him around. Well they were getting their wish. But first a triple decker with cheese and bacon, fries, onion rings and a small diet soda.

The cashier says, "Geeze, where you been, we got jacked by some theme criminals and everything!"

"I heard about that... I think I was catching a falling airliner with my girlfriend at the time," he replies.

"Oh, well you ain't the Flash, you can't be everywhere all the time."

"I'm buddies with a Flash. They are amazing." He gets his order, throws some singles in the tip jar and sits down by himself.

Miles Morales has posed:
It's rude to refuse an invitation!

Especially someone who has made Miles walk on sunshine lately.

"Can we wrap this up please? I'm running a little late!" Calls Spider-Man to Condiment King, who just cackles while firing off ketchup and mustard blasters. Not even harmful, just...extremely inconvenient. "I'll destroy you yet, Spider-Man! Just you-"

A poke to the back of the neck, triggering an electrical invasion of the thoracic vertebrae - a volt hood enough to temporarily turn off the brain's communication with the rest of the body. In short, CK passes out cold on the ground, where Spider-Man webs him up. "Good talk man! I'll catch you next time I'm down here. PEACE!" Spidey throws up the deuce and he's slinging away from the crime scene.

He changes on the way.

He's tugging the hem of his shirt down and realizes he had ketchup on his face still. "Ah, man-" and he pushes the door open to the Belly Burger with his backpack slung over his shoulder. His red, white, and black Jordan's are proudly worn on his feet and he notices Eve first.

Then Shazam.

"Duuuude you're so cool! You go viral so often my guy. I didn't know superheroes came here. Thanks for keeping an eye my guy."

Then towards Eve, giving her a smile. "Hey." He winks at her. "I'm looking for a cute redhead, about yay tall-" he measures her near exact height with his hand. "Pretty eyes, pretty funny. You seen her?" He's teasing, surely. "How's it going Eve?"

Bando George has posed:
    Now and adult! Now a GRADUATE. Bando doesn't really live near Happy Harbor, it was always a bit of a hike from Queens, but the openness to mutants like himself made it an excellent school for him. Never the straight A student, but he did reasonably. But all that isn't important, because NOW! Now he can be a full time superhero. He's not sure how to make a living doing that. But it's okay. He'll figure it out. As for today, he's got to make a trip to his stomping grounds. He went to this Big Belly so often. He even saved this Big Belly from a group of nautical themed supervillains once. They know him pretty well.

    "Bando! the fry cook calls out as his trademark *fwump* pops him into the building without warning.

    "Hey Mike!" he calls out, pointing into the back. "Can I get a-"
    "-#1 with extra mayo and dressing for the fries." The cook answer. "You got it!"

    Bando takes in a deep breath, and looks around. Eve he recognized as much as anyone else might recognize someone they saw in the halls but never really talked to. Bando was always known as exceedingly friendly and extroverted by many. Though sometimes he is a little too extra in his personality. Billy he knows a little. Time to get re-acquainted! "Shazam my man!" he doesn't wait to be welcomed into the circle, instead he just walks up. He nods to Miles. "Bando. Bando George," he says to introduce himself, and then nods to Eve. "Hi," he says, since he already gave his name once, it might be weird to say it again. "I'm Bando." Well, there he goes, saying it again like a weirdo.

Eve Wilkins has posed:
Eve pauses when she sees Shazam at the counter ordering. Because, frankly, why didn't she think of that?! Why go around as "Eve" when she could go around as "Eve?!" Well.. "Atom Eve," which actually wasn't much of a secret identity, but it's a psychology thing...

Anyway, she wasn't doing that anymore! That's why she wasn't in costume. She gave up the superhero thing, and she didn't want the responsibility of being accused of being 'too busy' to save the store. No sense getting all bent out of shape about it now.

So, she wasn't /planning/ to say anything. Because, let's face it, when you walk around in costume you get ALL the people saying ALL the things to you ALL the time, and you're just trying to sit in peace and enjoy your burger and then...

YEP. JUST LIKE THAT.

All at once, the quiet(ish) burger place turns into a small frenzy of activity as Eve, standing in the middle (evaluating options of available seating), turns back towards the sound of Mile's voice. At first she had that kind of awkward, out of place smile on her lips, but as soon as he finished calling over to Shazam and flashed a smile at her, something... changed. She relaxed, and as he went through the process of greeting her, she laughed warmly, stepping up to meet him and give him a hug. Apparently ice cream had gone well.

"Hey, Nerd. Just taking a break from studying for a little while. Best burgers around, and I thought you might be hungry, too." Hoped, more like, if the little smile was any indication.

But then she's turning towards Bando and giving a little wave. There's a glint of familiarity -- that "Don't I know you?" -- look in her eyes, but it's pretty easy to tell that she just assumes where from. "I'm Eve," she says. "Long time no see. I think we used to.." Hands come up, index fingers passing each other. "At school, I think."

And lastly, but not leastly, there's Shazam. And everyone ELSE was greeting him, so she just offers him a little wave, too. Notably, the whole time, she's sort of.. next to Miles. Not intimately close or anything, but she obviously knows him the best.

Billy Batson has posed:
Shazam beckons towards the empty seats. He knows Bando from a few meetings, Eve in passing. Hello, pretty redhead and teenage boy. this being pre-Sunny of course. He smiles at Miles. "Ah going viral can go different ways. Like with the Benjamin Franklin Bridge thing, or being known as the Philly Fiasco. People seem to remember that a lot, longer than 'Winter Carnival Massacre Averted! Demons Routed! I'm guessing you're a fan though. Hello, Bando. Hello... Eve? I think I caught you name in passing from Billy Batson. How are you?"

He turns to Bando, "In our game... pay no attention to the press, good or bad. If that's why you do it...you're in the wrong occupation. This is a calling. There's a lot of people without powers doing the same stuff everyday without recognition."

Miles Morales has posed:
Miles is not there yet to hear Eve's (former or otherwise) secret ID of Atom Eve. Instead, he's gladly embracing her in a big hug that takes her off of her feet and he laughs at the contact, setting her down gently and flashing her a brilliant smile. Apparently the ice cream had gone /quite/ well.

Miles has no issues being called 'nerd'. It's the new cool! "All for it. You down for math tutoring later?" He asks her with a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. "And I'm /starving/. I think I could eat the whole store. Oo, they don't have garlic burgers here do they?" He stays in close proximity to Eve, turning to look at Shazam as he explains his viral history.

"Dang, man. Well, I'm gonna look at the bright side. You're just doing your best and it's more than enough man." He smiles wide. "I am! Superheroes are a big thing for me. Y'all inspirational!"

He turns to Bando. "Sup my guy. Miles Morales, que pasa? Also dude, the name alone, could be a Bond Villain. Wish my name rolled off the tongue like that." He offers Bando a fist bump.

Bando George has posed:
    Bando smiles an beaming appreciation at Miles when he compliments his name. "Yeah, thanks. You got the double initial thing going though, that's pretty good." He glances over at Eve at her indication he's familiar. "Yeah I think we did. I recognize you. I'd see you when I was going into Ms. Croft's history class." Wow that sounded creeper. "I mean, just that's when I remember seein' you," he tries to cover. Maybe he should stop.

    "I never got much attention yet myself. I mean, I work with Ghost Spider and a few of the other Spiders. Oh and I have done stuff with Ms. Marvel, haven't talked to her lately. Not really 'save the world' level, but if you see someone needing help, and you can help, you should help. God didn't give me powers just to sit around on my keister doing party tricks, right? Everything's got a purpose. Whether you got some title as superhero, or you're just the guy right there when somebody needs help to their day."

Eve Wilkins has posed:
"Billy's cool," comes Eve's reply to Shazam with that reserved smile you give to strangers you're being introduced to at parties you're not absolutely sure you want to be at. She didn't /know/ Billy, but he wasn't a bully or anything, so he was cool in her book. "I'm okay." Terse, but not unfriendly. Uncomfortable, maybe.

Then her attention is back on Miles -- smile warmer, just like before -- and her eyebrows lift hopefully. "Really? That would be /amazing/. Because that.. um.. tutoring thing? Yeah. It didn't really work out." She doesn't exactly sound heartbroken, but it definitely wasn't her that ended it, either, if body language is to be believed. That smile lingers, though. "You know, I think they do, though. They've got just about everything. They can probably make one for you if it's not on the menu."

Then they're back to superhero talk. Eve's gaze shifts back to Bando and she nods. "I liked Ms. Croft," she says, brightening a little. And thennnnn it's back to superhero talk again.

So, Eve looks over at Miles and touches his arm. "I'll go get you a garlic burger. Fries and a milkshake?" She lifts her eyebrows, smiling, but she lingers only long enough for the answer before she's excusing herself from a conversation that seems to be something akin to fireworks around people that were sensitive to loud noises. She wasn't hiding under the bathroom sink or anything, but she was more than happy for the excuse of ordering food to get a little distance.

Billy Batson has posed:
Shazam rubs his eyes. "The guy who gifted me these powers, I won't say blessed said he was basically tired and it was a probably a mistake. But he was tired so screw it. Then he left off with, "You don't have a scrap of wisdom in your brain." This is despite the fact the 'S' in... my name stands for Solomon's Wisdom. I was never the wise one. Mt sibs, Thunderbolt and Pantheon have me beat there. I'm good with lightning. But even then Techno Shazam is a technopath. He can talk to machines. I can about manage charging a cell phone without melting it. I'm the all around Shazam... which is good. And I'm coming by my wisdom the old fashioned way -experience. Meanwhile Solomon lets me speak any language on Earth. He actually shows me stuff, like I made an awesome pot roast for a hero dinner we held. Turns out lightning is great for a finishing sear. Aaand I kinda channel the full power of Zeus at times, I can whip up a a storm to stop fires and even purge people of evil magic."

He leans over to Miles and says, "I think she likes you man. My girlfriend bakes me muffins. The arm touching.She seems really sweet. I'm going to stop with the hero talk though.So what do you think the Mets' chances are this year?" He is living in Queens after all. Of course stepdad did say he HAD to cheer for the Phillys -even against the Mets, and especially the damned Yankees, Braves and Diamondbacks.

Miles Morales has posed:
"I got called M&M in school a lot. Do you have a weird middle name at least to like, disrupt the cool into a weird cool sand which or is your name just all cool?" Miles asks of Bando BECAUSE ITS IMPORTANT!! "Spiders? Man, they're cool. Always wanted to see Ghost Spider and Spider-Man team up, but I'm always /taking a test/ when it happens. It's like missing the Super Bowl because you gotta finish homework." Miles sighs, dejected that other people know cooler people.

"But man I really agree. If you can help? You should!"

Eve's admission that her last math tutor didn't really work out makes Miles's whole face light up. "Of course! I'd love to teach you what I can or help round out what you're unsure of. We can figure out a time and place?" Miles asks, though he does clear his throat. "Sorry the other guy didn't really work out." Miles remarks softly. "You think so? Man, that'd be awesome. Garlic burgers are AMAZING and thinking about it is making my mouth water." His stomach audibly growls. "Caaase in point." He looks sheepish.

Eve touches his arm and offers to grab it for him, which earns a big smile. "Yes please, fries and all. I can pay for it if you want?" He's not going to stop her from buying if she wants to, but he wants her to have the option! "Thanks, Eve." He really means that, his hand lifting to touch hers briefly before she moves off, watching her leave for a time before he returns his attention to Shazam.

"Wooaahh. Theyrr your siblings?!" Miles asks with wonder in his eyes. "But...Hey, on the wisdom thing? I wouldn't worry about it. There's no such thing as mistakes, just strange circumstances. I think wisdom is earned, you know?" When the bigger guy leans over to him, Miles seems to smile nervously. "I uh...asked her on a date and it went /really/ well. I like her too and I think I could be her boyfriend? But I think she's uncomfortable with the hero talk too..." Miles gulps. "Think I have a good shot?"

Mets! Great topic change. "Hey, I think they got a good shot. Competition is THICK this year though."

Bando George has posed:
    Bando shrugs. "I dunno, I mean, my name's actually Brandon," he says. "Sister used to call me Bando when she was a baby and it kinda stuck. Not the coolest nickname origin, right?" He looks like he's really eager to keep the superhero topic going, but when Shazam suggests that they nix it, he purses his lips. His eyes follow Eve getting up, and glances between Miles and her for a moment. Yeah he'll follow suit. "I'll root for the Mets because I'm in Queens now. I'm really a Rangers fan, but unless they both get a penant I don't have to worry about choosing anyway. You know the day that happens though, I'm gonna be the least popular guy in the city."

Eve Wilkins has posed:
"That's actually kind of adorable and /really/ sweet," Eve tells Bando, smiling.

And then.. /But man I really agree. If you can help? You should!/

Great. Miles, too. Eve couldn't get away from this conversation fast enough.

"I've got it. You got ice cream last time." Because it's the twenty-first century, and girls were allowed to buy hamburgers for guys they liked. Eve does look back over her shoulder once she's headed towards the counter, though, calling back brightly, "You're welcome!"

Oh-Emm-God! Spiders. Ms Marvel. Solomon's Wisdom. Lightning. Technopath. It was like a relentless onslaught of everything she was trying to get away from. What did she expect moving back to the city, though? She should have stayed in Africa.

The nudge-nudge about her is missed -- both the aside to Miles and the fact that they noticed how uncomfortable the conversation was making her. Or, at least it seemed to be missed. She's already up at the counter placing the order for a regular cheeseburger, all the way, and a garlic burger.. fries.. milkshakes.

Billy Batson has posed:
Shazam says, "They have a good pitching lineup, or they would if they stopped getting hurt. Alonso is great at the bat but... they suck at running bases and the bullpen needs work. They're only number four. The Phillies got it going on at number three. I root for both teams... but I hope they don't butt heads. My dad is a maniac about it. he still drives with the younger kids to Philadelphia to catch games... and get cheesesteaks and egg cremes done the right way."

"That's a cool way to get a nickname, Bando. I have a little sister too. When I was brought in to be fostered she was the first to give me a huge hug. I'd move the planet for her... that's a figure of speech... I think. Well I wouldn't unless there was a good reason. But I'd probably be helping Superman and the Jay-Ell do it.""

Miles Morales has posed:
"I just like baseball. My Dad's from Brooklyn, so he has particular feelings about it. But I think I'll be pretty happy as long as it's a good game." Miles remarks to Shazam with a big smile. "Man...cheesesteaks sound /so good/."

His stomach growls again. EVERYTHING sounds good right about now.

"I mean, it still sounds really sweet. I'm an only child, so I wouldn't really know. But hey, sometimes our siblings give us the best version of ourselves, you know? Does that make sense?" More than a few people took up a cape or mask because of a loved one.

He turns his eyes to Eve and he flashes her a big smile. He's on cloud nine and has been for a minute now. It's only when he realizes he's staring he peels his eyes away from her and refocuses on the pair of gents in front of him.

"Kinda wish I had a younger sibling. And..woah. Move a planet? You can do that?"

Bando George has posed:
    "I like bein' a big brother," Bando admits. "And I'd love to help Superman with something," he adds, unable to prevent himself from sliding back to the superhero conversation. They were supposed to stay away from that! Sorry Eve.

    "Anyway," he says. "It's good to have family to count on. So many people I know got bad family stuff, I really appreciate having my family. They are pretty good. Even if they do want me to have a more normal career," he observes.

Eve Wilkins has posed:
Eve seems /much/ more comfortable standing in line, waiting for the food, than she is standing there.. where they are STILL TALKING ABOUT MOVING PLANETS. It's like they couldn't help themselves. SEE?! This is what it does to you. It rots your brain. It takes over your whole personality -- your whole LIFE. Suddenly, even when you just want to have a cheeseburger with friends, it has to be a FREAKING SUPER CHEESEB.....

Then Eve's phone rings and she plucks it out of her bag, pulling it up to her ear.

Miles is watching her, even if the others aren't. She seems happy at first, greeting whomever it was on the other end, but then her expression falls to worry.. and then even more worry. She shifts her weight from one foot to the other, suddenly impatient. Her eyes lift up to where the boys are, and her eyes meet Miles's directly from across the room.

Apology.

She doesn't even have to say anything. It's written all over her face. Her gaze shifts to the table, then back to him. She wanted to stay. Even if she was going to have to suffer through Superman this and Batman that and Spider-Man the other thing.. at least she'd get a chance to..

As the dangerously clingy thought sends off alarm bells in her own mind, Eve turns away suddenly and looks back into the kitchen. A few seconds later, a couple of bags and a couple of shakes are being handed over. Eve hangs up the phone, tucks it back into the pocket of her backpack, and carries those bags (and shakes) back over to the table, handing one of each over to Miles.

"I've gotta go." She sounds just as dejected as her face looked. "I'm sorry."

She does smile, though, and looks to the other two. "It was really nice meeting you both. I hope you both stay safe." That part is, at least, sincere. "Maybe I'll see you around?"

Then her attention is back on Miles, and she leans down to place a quick kiss on his cheek. "I'll call you later about study time. I really am sorry." And she meant it.

But she's also not hanging around for a prolonged goodbye. She's out the door at a trot and rounding the corner of the building.

And /just/ when she gets out of sight.. maybe there's the faintest flash of pink outside. Maybe. Or it was a trick of the light. Or the LEDs on the sign are going out. Or it was a solar flare.

Who knows.

Billy Batson has posed:
Shazam shakes his head. "No I don't think so... heaviest thing I've lifted is the Statue of Liberty. My point is I don't think I could do it. I mean, I dunno. Theoretically you could change the orbit eventually. but how long could it take? A year? A million years. A Shazam has stuff to do. And it would be a bad idea. Change the climate and everything. Cause earthquakes. It'd be a mess. Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should. But hey, let me show you one of my minor stupid tricks." Shazam grabs the ketchup bottle. He gives the bottle a couple thwaps and pours the ketchup on his sleeve. Shazam grabs some napkins and wipes the condiment up. It doesn't leave a trace on the material. "I can't get dirty, it's like 'The Last Action Hero!" He pauses to answer his phone pulling it from his belt. "Uhunh. Okay, I'm on it. No I'm closer. But you ow m one. Well guys, it's been real fun but I gotta fly -family needs me." He gets up with a wave and blurs out the door. Darla needs a lift to dance class.

Miles Morales has posed:
Shazam is announcing his exit and Miles smiles at him. "Take care man. Good advice too!" He watches his 'magic trick' and his eyes go wide. "Man, what kind of detergent are you using?" And suddenly he's bolting! "Take care of yourself!"

But Eve has him worried. He doesn't have to ask to know she's gotta scram. He gets a shake and a bag of food from her when she comes back and he smiles. "Hey thanks! Everything alright?" She quickly explains the situation that she has to go and she's sorry. "It's okay, Eve-" And he feels her lips press against his cheek and his dark complexion is quite a bit rosier at the contact! "Y-Yeah, Please do..." He looks at Eve like a lovestruck puppy and watches as she leaves. Only when she does does ge raise his arms over his head and go 'Yes!'

He got kissed! Great news.

"I'll check on her and make sure she's ok...I'm worried about her..."

But right now he's gotta eat or he's no use to anyone.

"What /is/ your profession? You seem to know Shazam really good so I assume you're a hero?"

Bando George has posed:
    Bando watches the blur as Shazam excuses himself, and then as Eve follows the same pattern, plus a kiss. He arches his brow while she can't see and gives an approving nod. "Nice," he congratulates.

    "I mean, yeah, I hope I didn't just run her off," he says. "All the superhero talk seems to not be her thing. I don't really got a profession. Finished high school, and wanna do full time hero work. Just, that doesn't pay really well. Or...anything. I always wonder how the big guys like Superman and Batman and X-men manage to get all these high tech toys. Do they take them from the bad guys? How do they pay for their homes and stuff? I know Tony Stark is a billionare and all. Is being independently wealthy a requirement for being a superhero?" he asks. "Not sure. I do heroing," he says, turning it into a verb. "I'm not one like Shazam, I don't actually know him at all, I just keep track of a lot of what he does and some of the others. I just try not to go all fanboy on them when I see them." He shrugs. "What about you, what do you do?"

Miles Morales has posed:
"Thanks man."

Because THAT was nice. Miles sighs happily, things are just going *good* lately. WAY too good. At some point his Spider-luck has to kick in right?

Then his gaze is on Bando.

"I think they all either share or just make their own. I feel like...like so many of them are super-geniuses or mega-billionaires or...I don't know, extremely resourceful? I think all a hero needs is courage to put the costume on."

"...I went too fanboy didn't I?" He asks Bando with concern in his eyes. "Oh, I'm just a college student looking to spend a summer doing some cross-training at Metropolis U for extra credits." Miles suggests.

Then his phone buzzes.

"And that's my cue. It was good meeting you!" His phone reads 'Rio Morales' and he picks up the phones. "Hey Mo-" There's some kind of loud person on the other line. "Ehh...Well, you see, I was uh..."

And Miles grabs the remainder of his meal and heads out.