driftfleet | (no subject)

[ At least he's feeling more like himself for having to resist the urge to roll his eyes? He grudgingly, though awkwardly moves a pillow under his leg to prop it up. ]

No. I was in the meditation room and then nothing.

[ He'll take that as a good sign as he critically examines Winter's leg with a wince. A real doctor needed to take a look at this. ]

I think a splint could help for now, but you need a doctor, Winter. I can have Hank come by and give you a proper diagnosis.

[ Winter's response made sense. The Winter soldier wasn't really a person, it was . . . a device, tied up in programming and protocols. ]

Then you clearly weren't the person who hurt me.

I'll see one when everyone else is healed properly.

[ Aka: that's not likely to happen anytime soon.

As nice as it would be to say he's not the Winter Soldier, they're one in the same. No one can really have one without the other. Whether anyone wants to admit it or not, carving out that piece of him wouldn't miraculously make things better. As easy as that would make things.. ]

I heard a voice..Before it happened.

[ Charles gives him a flat look. ]

As someone who has lost the use of his legs, I suggest you rethink that decision. Making yourself suffer isn't going to do anything, much less invoke the kind of divine justice you're looking for.

[ He pauses, pulling away briefly. ]

Yes. That would be me. I tried to bring your consciousness to the forefront of your mind. I'm afraid I didn't have much luck.

Sorry. [ He really didn't mean to make light of the situation, but he tends to go the self-depreciating route most times. ]

No, not you. A woman.

[ Though Charles saying that makes a little sense. ]

[ He nods curtly, accepting that. ]

A woman? [ Charles purses his lips. ] It might have been the Atroma. Wasn't one of them a woman?

Her voice sounded like Diamond. I'm pretty sure..

[ Really, how sure can he be when he can't even trust his own head not to flip out? ]

[ His lip curls in distaste. ]

That was my take on it as well.

I don't know how she knew. [ He shakes his head. ]

I know they're in our head, but-- how did she know what to look for?

[ He sighs, placing his hands on his lap. ]

The protocols are still there, Winter. I can remove them at a later date. When you're ready.

I know they are. [ ... ]

Is there a way you can block it? Even temporarily?

[ He nods. ]

I can do that.

What would that entail?

[ Does he lose his memories again? How deep does Charles have to go? What's going to come up when it's lifted? Winter isn't too keen on someone being inside his head, but he can't be left unchecked. ]

I should be able to retire the protocols . . . permanently. Nothing else should happen to you.

The sooner, the better.

[ Whenever Charles is feeling up to it. His own physical health doesn't really matter so long as it's taken care of. Better to do it when he's down an arm. ]

Are you sure about this? You . . . made it clear that you didn't want anyone in your head.

It's not about me, anymore.

[ Softly. ]

It's your mind. That makes it about you.

Not if I'm a liability that could end up killing someone.

[ He sighs. ]

Many of us are liabilities, even without protocols. The Atroma has clearly shown that. It still has to be a decision for you or I won't do it.

I don't want a repeat of what happened. I don't want to hurt anyone else.

[ And really, what could Charles say to that? Wordlessly, he wheels his chair closer, placing his hands over Winter's face quietly. ]

Close your eyes. This might take a while.

[ Warily, he closes his eyes. He's not sure what to expect and tries to relax. ]

Alright..

[ Charles breathes in and takes the plunge.

There's less frenzy, less need to work against the time limit. Charles pulls up the mission protocols. Compliance. Action. Order.

Time to rest, Charles says as he retires them. They fade. Completed. Done. Burying them would do no good, it would only ensure them rising up to the surface again.

A completed order can't be reactivated.

Finally, he pulls out, breathing heavily. ]

[ When he hears Charles' attention shifting, he opens his eyes. He doesn't feel any different, but it's almost like there's a weight off his shoulders. There's still plenty there weighing him down, but the idea of not having to worry about his protocols being triggered again?

It's a relief, and he's more grateful than he can say. ]

Thank you, Charles.

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