Genosha, Day One

[just_a_phase]

Getting to Genosha--at least, if you want to be as discrete as possible and not announce to all the island that you're X-Men--involves more flight transfers than Kitty wants to think about at this point. More than once she drowsily woke up to find her head on Piotr's shoulder.

He didn't say anything about it, so she didn't either.

But after the second time, she found she'd also wake up with a faint smile.

They're finally here, though, finally through customs and security, and they can just...be. Be the two of them. Be lost in the crowd.

It's a little scary, and a little neat, and a lot needed.

Her head's on Piotr's shoulder--well, upper arm--again as they walk by the shoreline, and for once...

Kitty Pryde has nothing to say.

And she thinks that's okay.

Comments

[just_a_phase]

He laughs again, though this time it's rather more shortly. "I may not have been the father I wished to be, but I have some idea of who Kitty is. She is stubborn and will do exactly what she wishes all the time, in everything."

Carmen just watches Piotr now.

"That will bring even more attention to her. Someone, eventually, will try to use her, if they see her." It's a gamble, but if the boy does really care for her, maybe--maybe this will be enough to get Kitty away. "You put her at risk, metal man. Do not ask her that question, if you love her. Be cruel to keep her safe and walk away."

[konocc]

"What you ask -" He shakes his head, but there's a small smile upon his lips. "She would find me, tackle me, call me jerk, and I would be back here with the same commentary." He raises to his full height, intending to leave. "Some things, Mr. Pryde, are just meant to be."

[just_a_phase]

That gives him his answer.

Either the boy doesn't love his kitten, or he needs the same treatment that Kitty does.

Either way, this will be the best thing for Kitty. And--because it would make her happy--he hopes that Piotr does just need the same treatment. That the love is there, that this is the cure. Piotr's not who he'd choose for Kitty, but she chose him for herself, so he hopes a broken heart, on top of the rest, won't need to be healed.

He hopes she can be spared being treated for that much.

"Remember that, Mr. Rasputin, ever day of your life," Carmen says, and says it tiredly, body now obviously slumped in the chair.

In a handful of seconds, he looks as if he's grown much, much older.

[konocc]

To that, he offers a crisp nod. "I will do better than merely remember, sir. I will honor and treasure it."

It is not what he wanted ideally, but it is better than he feared it could have been. Perhaps the man needs time.

"Thank you for your time. I wish you well."

[just_a_phase]

Carmen basically ignores the boy--young man, whichever--as he leaves.

It's not until a good fifteen minutes have passed that he lets himself close his eyes.

"I wish you had chosen otherwise." It's whispered to sounds of the waves rolling, the faint creeks of the dock itself when strong waves hit it. To the sky above him and water beneath him. To this yacht, his exceedingly temporary home that he realizes--yet again--is empty of any life but his own.

So, really, to no one at all.