[Closed]

[exothermia]

Who: Erik, Charles and Raven
Broadcast: N/A
Action: a birthday on the Iskaulit
When: November 3rd

It was some time in the early morning, between fits of sleep, that Erik realised he was fifty-three. He had known it was coming for days, in the back of his mind, but it strikes him suddenly when he wakes from another unremembered dream and knows it must be nearly morning. The knowledge sinks into him like a stone, having broken the surface just as suddenly. It doesn't take long for the grief and loneliness to seize his heart again, always waiting for a moment to strike. He curls up under his blanket in the dark and wills himself to be silent, unseen.

His last birthday had been a happier affair. They were never grand or exuberant, but he didn't need or want them to be. Having a family to celebrate with was gift enough to Erik's mind. He vividly remembers the paper party hats Nina had made for the three of them to wear, the breakfast Magda had served up before he had to go to work. It was shocking to think he'd almost become used to it, after those initial few years where he hadn't been the most receptive to Magda's insistence that they do something. Even just a dinner.

Now he was to have his birthday in outer space, far from Earth and where his family lay beneath it. It was hardly worth acknowledging... just like all the years before they'd entered his life. His broken heart begs to differ, though, so he has to give it its due.

After a while, he wipes his face and gets up. Charles wants to spend time with him today, so he sets about having an early shower and shave (down to faint stubble, at the least). Another couple of hours listening to the terrible music the communicators have on offer, in the company of his fluff slug, was enough to settle his turbulent feelings into something manageable.

By the time Charles knocks on his door and they head to the Iskaulit, he's put himself back together.

Comments

[athru]

You'd think. [ Shaking her head, she just settles close to him, content to be an anchor even if he doesn't really want her. ] I don't know how we survived.

[exothermia]

It takes more than poor cooking skills to end people like you.

[athru]

You're right. We're quite hardy.

[exothermia]

Mmm. [He falls quiet for a moment, surveying the spread Charles has provided. Besides the cake, he had brought drinks and snacks too. It would be an understatement to say Erik doesn't think he's worth this kind of effort, but he's not about to say so.]

Do you want some of this?

[athru]

Not hungry?

[ But Raven doesn't push more than that, just reaches to let herself have a drink, still half-draped over Erik. ]

Thank you, Erik.

[exothermia]

[He shakes his head; he shouldn't be thanked for this. None of the effort was his.]

I'll have some, it's just... meant for more than one person.

[athru]

[ Raven just gives him a look before she smiles. ]

So. I have a question for you.

[exothermia]

What is it?

[His tone is even, but given the occasion, he's wary of what the question might be.]

[athru]

What do you want to do with me for the next few hours?

[exothermia]

[An innocuous question, and yet... he lets out a huff, looking away to pull the cake tray closer.]

I don't know. [That's honest. He hadn't anticipated doing anything, with anyone.]

[athru]

[ Raven doesn't let up, shaking her head. ]

I don't think it's a good idea to spar on a birthday, so we'll have to think of something else.

[exothermia]

I don't spar anymore. [So it wouldn't have been an ideal offer to begin with.]

I'm honestly all right just spending the time here.

[athru]

I don't either. I feel old.

[ She's nowhere close, but, heck. Mystique had left her all these weapons she can't use. ]

Then let's spend some time together, you and me.

[exothermia]

[He snorts weakly. Mystique, old.]

All right. It's been a while.