(no subject)

[la_belle_rogue]

[She's been mostly out since she was brought back to the Barge. She's had moments of fitfulness, which were caused by pain and vivid nightmares. But now the worst, as they say, was over. She was fully awake at last, but she wasn't getting out of the infirmary any time soon.]

Comments

[wecanavenge]

[He shrugs lightly, treating the whole thing lightly without being dismissive. It's how he's dealt with trauma for decades.] I didn't say he had to be conscious for it.

[But she has a point, and if he's sick, it's not really worth it. So he crosses his legs and offers her a small smile.]

How are you feeling?

[la_belle_rogue]

[That got a wider, amused smile out of her. She was perfectly fine with acting like this was no big deal.]

A little run down, but Ah've been worse.

[That's probably not as comforting as she intended it to be.]

[wecanavenge]

[...No, not really. He arches his eyebrows at that.]

So healing up must be a walk in the park for you. [Seriously, how does anyone survive in your universe.]

[la_belle_rogue]

[Don't ask her. She's just glad she does.]

Ya'd think with how often Ah've had ta do it.

[Which is to say, she'll get bored of it fast, get restless, and then get up before she should. Like she always does.]

How 'bout you? Feelin' all right? [Let's talk about you for a while, Erik.]

[wecanavenge]

Less tired, [he admits with a little smile, because he really had been utterly exhausted with the effort. He puts on a good face; it's easy to, in light of her injuries.]

Still a little surprised, frankly.

[la_belle_rogue]

[Oh this is so much better. Talking about him and something positive. Focus off herself and off the port.]

It's always like that when ya find a new level ta what yer powers can do. It was pretty impressive.

[wecanavenge]

[His smile turns sly, and he leans on one elbow, cocking his head to the side.]

I was referring to that kiss.

[la_belle_rogue]

[Oh, now her smile is practically beaming. It kind of hurts to do it actually, but she can't help it. She had wanted to do it in the moment, and she wasn't regretting it now.]

Oh really? Why so surprised? The Hero's suppose ta get the girl, isn't he?

[wecanavenge]

[He barks out a laugh at that, can't help it, and shakes his head.] I'm not a hero.

[la_belle_rogue]

[She's not laughing. She actually sobers a little bit, but the mood is still pleasant.]

Ya did a fine impression there for me then.

[wecanavenge]

Apparently I do excellent impressions. [But he smiles, just a little, and inclines his head; there's no point in arguing it.]

I just wish he'd thought to brag earlier.

[la_belle_rogue]

[You just had to go back to that, huh Erik? Her smile fades and she shrugs a shoulder.]

He knew what he was doin', Erik. We have our old grudge, but in the end, Ah was just bait. He wanted ta make sure the incentive was enough ta get a response.

[She glances away, because she doesn't want him to see that she's more than just angry, she's terrified.]

Thanks for fryin' the bastard.

[wecanavenge]

[He's only good as a distraction when things are very bad - though he does feel some chagrin as her smile fades. It doesn't take a telepath to guess that she'd be afraid: he had his old grudge, too, and he'd been terrified to meet Shaw again face to face.]

He won't hurt you again.

[la_belle_rogue]

Ya shouldn't make promises ya can't keep, darlin'. But Ah appreciate the gesture.

[There was a pretty damn near certainty that she and Creed would tangle again. Especially, if she had anything to say about it.]

[wecanavenge]

[He shrugs lightly, purses his lips.] I intend to keep this one. Not only for your sake.

[When he'd first met Jean, he'd been afraid she would be the one who'd grow up and kill Charles; now he'd tear through mountains to protect her.

Or avenge her.]

[la_belle_rogue]

Erik, honey, unless ya plan on shacklin' yerself to ever person he hurts, there's no way ya can protect everyone. He can't really die, and he can't be locked down permanently. Besides, [She sighs heavily.] he's supposed ta be here for a second chance.

[wecanavenge]

[He just arches his eyebrows at her.] And you really think he deserves one? [Because Erik has already decided he doesn't. He's never bought into the company line.]

[la_belle_rogue]

[Her knee-jerk response would be to say no. But she doesn't go with it. She thinks for a moment before responding, a little quietly.]

Ya can't demand people change if they don't wanna. Anyone would resist that. But when a person realizes who they've been isn't who they wanna be, they should get that chance ta change. So, yes, if he actually wanted it, Ah do think he'd deserve it.

[wecanavenge]

You're more forgiving than I am. [There's a similarity between worlds, too: Erik Lensherr doesn't forgive easily, for any reason.] But I doubt he wants it.

[la_belle_rogue]

Ah can forgive, because Ah've been on the other side of the line, and wanted another chance. [It doesn't mean she'll be forgetting any time soon.] But no, Ah don't think he wants it either.