driftfleet | (no subject)

I love you too.

[ He kisses her shoulder as he takes in a shuddering breath, his emotions slowly ebbing away. ]

I know.

[ For now, Raven just holds on, refusing to let go. She presses closer into Charles' arms and leans into him, pressing a kiss to the side of his head as her eyes close. ]

Thank you for telling me about the other place.

It's . . . not as hard as it used to be. I've left that part of my life long behind me.

It might not be hard to talk about, but I bet it was hard telling me.

[ Because she's not just any old person, is she? ]

A little. I think it mostly has to do with the fact that we just don't talk about it.

[ He knows it's the same for Erik and Hank. ]

Well. You've talked about it with me, now, and... One day Hank and I will talk too. He said that when I was ready he'd tell me.

[ But she knows better than to give into that; she'll wait until she's sure he's ready. ]

Hank had an easier time, I think, than Erik and myself. Which isn't saying much but . . . I was always grateful he didn't bear the scars we did.

Though he probably bears his own, unique to himself.

An easier time dying and being tortured. It doesn't really sound like a vacation.

[ Raven pauses, shifting a little and turning her head away. ]

I know I won't ever understand, but at least I'll know what not to say.

[ He shakes his head, wistful. ]

No. But there is good with the bad. Erik and I found our resolution there. And Hank made friends there as well.

I don't think your resolution is the only thing you and Erik found there.

[ Hey, look, she can tease as well. ]

Maybe that's what we'll talk about first. His friends.

It'll make for an easier start.

Easier, but not perfect.

[ Raven huffs a little noise, moving and cuddling against Charles' side. ]

I can't just go 'tell me how everything sucked', really, can I.

[ He runs a thumb over her neck. ]

You probably could. It would make a decent ice-breaker. But honestly, you could say anything and Hank would still tell you. Like I said, it's not that we can't talk about it. We're just predisposed to ignore it.

[ It's gentle, and comfortable, and Raven smiles as she relaxes under his touch. ]

Maybe it'll be something we can talk about once we're done with the future conversation. There's no point doing everything at once when just one of them is going to be enough to stress us out.

[ Charles nods, acknowledging that. ]

One step at a time.

[ Her nose wrinkles a little. ]

Relationships are hard.

[ Charles can't help it. He laughs, pressing a fond kiss to her forehead, bright and sharp, like the appearance of a star on the horizon. ]

They are, indeed.

[ Leaning into him, she nudges his side gently, trying to act as though she definitely isn't pouting. ]

Don't laugh at me!

I'm sorry, it's just - the way you said that.

Well it's true! They are hard!

Of course, but surely you knew that.

With my wealth of knowledge and thousands of good relationships?

[ That is a sobering thought. His smile doesn't leave, but it softens at the edges. Erik and Charles' relationship had been . . . tumultuous at best. They had died for each other as much as they have hurt each other. Even though it looks perfect on the outside at times . . . they both knew better. ]

Knowledge rarely helps. Experience doesn't either. I think the best thing you need when you go into a relationship is the desire to make it work.

Well, I definitely have that.

[ She had always wanted it with Hank, even when they were young and silly, and now she wants to make this work for both of them - because they're happy, and they're in love, and they want to be with each other. It's not exactly easy, but they're doing it.

Settling down against Charles again, she wraps her arms around him. ]

It's better than when we first met. We've grown up since then.

[ He nods quietly. He rubs her arms, fingers gliding over scales and skin without a care. Charles has always been tactile in nature, an easy way to display affection. Most of those gestures have been strangled by his new way of life and pitfalls. ]

We all have.