driftfleet | (no subject)

Entry tags:

(no subject)

Who: Erik, Charles, Hank and Raven
Broadcast: nah
Action: the Blameless. warning for injury treatment, probably.
When: June 7th, shortly after this

[This is the second time in the span of seven days that Erik has had to pilot a shuttle while his vision isn't a hundred percent. It's almost a pattern, he thinks blearily to himself. Different causes, though. As the shuttle docks with the Blameless, he can't help but blow out a breath.

First step done. Now to get out.]

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I don't know what to ask, Charles. I don't know anything, and that's the problem. I'm walking in blind and trying to find the right words and it really doesn't work like that.

[ But she's quick to tsk him, to lean up and try and urge him to keep still even if she likes the attention. It's been a long time, after all, a very long time, but she relishes it. She relishes being with Charles and she basks in the comfort of her brother, especially now that she can take care of him; a gentle role reversal that makes all of this slightly easier to bear. ]

I'm still afraid. I spent so many years chasing down what happened to people I loved and it was all that mattered. Finding the truth about Azazel and Angel, knowing what happened to Sean, every single one of them... That's what I had to do. Now I don't have anything to do and it's driving me crazy.

[ Her head rests against him, and her eyes close tight, so tight it could hurt, enough to force her body into shifting scales over and over and over. ]

I miss them, Charles, and I missed you and Hank, but I'm trying. I wish it was faster, but... I don't know how to do that.

[ He exhales softly. ] Neither do I.

[ There was just so much. He could transfer it to her, using his powers but he recoils from that possibility. There was just so much brutality. Charles never had as many wounds as Erik. Everything that stuck with him was internal. Allies who turned on him, killed him, killed his family. His family who couldn't handle him, handle what he was. And all that while, he had to navigate the past with Erik, trying to decide whether it was worth being together.

It was. It always was. ]

I can try talking about it, little by little. [ He breathes out. His chest hurt. ] It shouldn't be too hard.

There are things I need to tell you, too.

[ Things that she's talked to Hank about, put herself on the line, and she moves, shifting her head up and resting, eyes closed. This is a moment, she thinks, one of those moments that can change everything, and she welcomes it because she's afraid not to. She's afraid of what it might mean for her not to accept it. ]

We can't do it now. You've got broken ribs and your mind is a mess, Charles. We need to wait until you're better.

[ Still, a little shock can't hurt and, so - ]

I could tell you about me and Azazel instead.

[ Does this bomb has to be dropped now? Though, Charles is vaguely aware of it and processes it quietly. ]

I think I might have a . . . vague idea about that.

Everyone has a vague idea about that.

[ Raven shakes her head, pursing her lips before she speaks. ]

Hank's already made sure I'm aware of... Things.

In my defense, Kurt looks a little too much like . . . him. I didn't make any other connection until he told me.

[ But . . . that's interesting. ] I'm sorry.

There are some things I don't want to remember. They hurt too much.

[ The idea of Kurt - that is one thing she would gladly forget, to give up on false hope. ]

You don't have to apologise.

[ He can understand that. He exhales softly. ]

I should anyway.

You haven't done anything wrong.

[ Not lately, anyway. ]

I'm sorry you lost someone, Raven.

[ That's all. Though Charles has always been flagrant in his apologies, always ready with one in case he's overstepped himself. His feelings remain strong. ]

Oh.

[ She's been alone for so long that things like people being sorry for her losses and her pain feels... Different, and strange. She blinks it back and shakes her head, leaning up to give Charles the softest of kisses against his skin. ]

Thank you.

[ Carefully, unsure. ] Should I not have . . . ? I didn't mean to overstep or take it upon myself.

Charles. I -

[ She shakes her head, reaching to touch his hand, not pushing incase she knocks a bruise. ]

Ten years. It's been almost ten years since I was around anyone I care about. I'm used to being alone, so... I'm relearning things as well. You're fine.

[ He smiles faintly, rubbing her fingers lightly. ]

All right.

I'll tell you if you do something wrong. I already have, haven't I?

I'm counting on it.

And you can do the same for me.

[ Slowly, she tilts herself up, her eyes darting over Charles before she breathes out. ]

How're you feeling?

Sore, mostly. It's . . . difficult to breathe at times, but the painkillers have helped.

[ It's strange, having wounds that last. ]

Hank will brace you when he's done with Erik. Is there anything else I can do?

[ If she could lend her healing then she would, really. ]

[ He closes his eyes. The fatigue was slowly coming back. ]

Look after Erik and Hank for me. I think Hank is more . . . unsettled than he's letting on.

I know that. Don't worry - I've already told him it's part of the girlfriend agreement that I can make him rest.

[ She does lean close, though, so her voice can be soften. ]

I'll take care of him, Charles. Erik too.