driftfleet | (no subject)

That sounds like forever.

[ Still, at least she's here, cuddled up to Charles, and she makes a soft noise. ]

But it won't be, not with how we're ageing.

[ It doesn't, not to Charles but he's had the hindsight of patience. And ten years to show for it. ]

What do you mean?

[ Raven raises her eyebrow. ]

Do I look like I'm ten years older than I was?

[ Patiently. ]

You said "we". I'm quite sure I'm ageing.

If you take away the beard and cut your hair, Charles, you really haven't aged much at all.

[ He amends. ]

It may be a little slower, but no less true.

You still look good for your age.

[ She shifts, rubbing at her own skin absently. ]

And I haven't changed, not even a little.

Edited 2016-07-20 21:04 (UTC)

Does that bother you?

That you've changed and I haven't? It might have, if we hadn't met Hank. I knew this was coming.

Hank mentioned it to me. But I think knowing that it's coming doesn't always make it easier to bear.

It just means I'll look younger for longer. It's not that big of a deal.

[ Charles isn't so sure, but it's not his place to make it into a "big deal". ]

I suppose not. It's a matter of perspective.

[ Raven doesn't really want to think about how her genetic structure might mean 'looking younger' is code for 'living longer', because it leaves a tight, painful feeling in her chest that she desperately needs to shrug off. Instead, she leans on Charles, smiling. ]

I'd let you have some to look at, but Hank called dibs, I think.

I don't doubt that.

I'm surprised he was the first to ask.

[ She turns her head to look up at him. ]

You could've had a look if you wanted, you know. I'd have given you my blood first.

[ He brushes her hair, threading his fingers in her hair. ]

As fascinating as you are, my dear, it is never been the source of my delight.

[ Something soft settles in her, then, and she grins, practically smothering herself against his side. ]

I knew you missed the cudlding.

[ He chuckles, soft. ]

Am I that obvious?

You've always been obvious to me, Charles.

[ And she's soft, now, smiling as she leans against him, practically curling around him like a very happy cat. ]

Now you can have them any time you like.

We both can.

I hoe you know I'm going to crash all your dates now. I have permission for cuddles.

Our dates are incredibly boring, I'm afraid. You might just doze off from the sheer tedium of them.

[ Though Charles cherishes his little dates with Erik, tiny in retrospect, but so important, like the unfurling of a flower. It's not meant to be declarations of love and affection, but the simple moment in time, crystallized. ]

I'm sure they're perfect for you, then.

[ Just like hers are with Hank. It's just being able to be together that means something, she thinks; the fact that they can spend time together, just the two of them. Maybe it's the same for Charles and Erik. ]

We've both tired of looking for something perfect. It's ours, it's not broken . . . it's enough.

There's no such thing as perfect anyway.

[ Shifting, Raven tilts her head to look at him before she breathes out. ]

... I'm glad you're together - that you're happy. I know it was strange for me, at first, but... I really am happy for you, Charles.