Charles Francis Xavier (
groovy_mutation) wrote in
towerofanimus2012-01-09 03:17 am
So much to offer, yet nothing to give.
Characters: Charles Xavier and whomever.
Setting: Floor number twenty-five.
Format: Paragraph format, but anything is fine.
Summary: Charles laying in the meadow with his feelings. Manly tears and angst abound.
Warnings: None. G for tears?
Everything had piled up.
After finding himself needing to be rescued all the time, or not being able to help, at least not anyway that made a difference. Instead usually hurting those he tried to help... Charles was tired. He was tired and worn and he couldn't keep up the visage of being okay anymore.
Having woken up in the tower after the nightmare of all those monsters. People fighting and him not being able to do anything, just be a liability, people probably died, and everyone so close together in such pain, and the anger and the fright and everything had gotten to him, beaten down on his mind and he'd been able to do nothing but curl fingers tight in his hair and hold his head. If he'd died during it, Charles couldn't remember, didn't want to remember. But after waking up from that and feeling numb, not wanting to move or do much of anything, he figured that it would be worse for him not to get up, he'd done enough of not getting up before he'd been brought to the tower as it was.
So he'd checked to see who was in the tower, a light scan with his mind, Erik was here, Molly, others who's minds he'd touched briefly before, new minds. Minds he couldn't quite touch, but that was fine. He just wanted a basic idea as it was. Happy that he still knew people here, yet not, he decided to take a look around, see if anything had changed, if things were 'normal'. And in doing so found one of the new floors.
It was beautiful really, flowers that never seemed to end, a lovely meadow. Wheeling through it in his wheelchair he'll come to a stop eventually, peering around and inhale deeply. Eyes closing he'll let his breath out, just needing a moment, before he'll work himself out of his chair and awkwardly manage to get himself laying on his back, next to said chair, looking up from the flood of flowers around him. It's there, alone, with only his thoughts and the sea of flowers that he'll feel tears stain his cheeks, sliding down slowly. Fingers touch gingerly at the wetness and Charles will scoff at himself, before letting his hand fall beside him.
No matter how hard he tried to not let everything get to him, to be strong and help people and just do what he thought was right.
He just felt so useless.
Setting: Floor number twenty-five.
Format: Paragraph format, but anything is fine.
Summary: Charles laying in the meadow with his feelings. Manly tears and angst abound.
Warnings: None. G for tears?
Everything had piled up.
After finding himself needing to be rescued all the time, or not being able to help, at least not anyway that made a difference. Instead usually hurting those he tried to help... Charles was tired. He was tired and worn and he couldn't keep up the visage of being okay anymore.
Having woken up in the tower after the nightmare of all those monsters. People fighting and him not being able to do anything, just be a liability, people probably died, and everyone so close together in such pain, and the anger and the fright and everything had gotten to him, beaten down on his mind and he'd been able to do nothing but curl fingers tight in his hair and hold his head. If he'd died during it, Charles couldn't remember, didn't want to remember. But after waking up from that and feeling numb, not wanting to move or do much of anything, he figured that it would be worse for him not to get up, he'd done enough of not getting up before he'd been brought to the tower as it was.
So he'd checked to see who was in the tower, a light scan with his mind, Erik was here, Molly, others who's minds he'd touched briefly before, new minds. Minds he couldn't quite touch, but that was fine. He just wanted a basic idea as it was. Happy that he still knew people here, yet not, he decided to take a look around, see if anything had changed, if things were 'normal'. And in doing so found one of the new floors.
It was beautiful really, flowers that never seemed to end, a lovely meadow. Wheeling through it in his wheelchair he'll come to a stop eventually, peering around and inhale deeply. Eyes closing he'll let his breath out, just needing a moment, before he'll work himself out of his chair and awkwardly manage to get himself laying on his back, next to said chair, looking up from the flood of flowers around him. It's there, alone, with only his thoughts and the sea of flowers that he'll feel tears stain his cheeks, sliding down slowly. Fingers touch gingerly at the wetness and Charles will scoff at himself, before letting his hand fall beside him.
No matter how hard he tried to not let everything get to him, to be strong and help people and just do what he thought was right.
He just felt so useless.

no subject
Of course, the excitement of the new floors helped. She'd stopped only briefly at each, almost yielding to the curiosity of the apparently missing floor but putting that on hold for the time being. And so for now she made her way to the top, stopping and gazing a little in awe at the meadow before her. Not having seen anything like this before, she was definitely intrigued by the different flowers and greenery around her.
It was because of this that she didn't immediately notice that she wasn't there alone. Her first clue was the wheelchair; the Tavros she'd met before hadn't used one so it couldn't be his and there was a part of Aradia which hoped it might turn out to be "her" Tavros. And so she advanced, her curiosity only growing greater as she noticed the unknown human lying in the grass.
"Are you all right?"
Perhaps, she considered, he had fallen out of his chair and had gotten stuck. And, well, she could hardly pass him by if there was a chance she might be able to help.
no subject
Wiping at a wet face he'll give a forced smile up at the curious woman. She wasn't human, that much he could easily tell, but that seemed common place here, it was actually rather nice to be honest. The diversity.
"Ah, yes, quite alright. Just thinking too much, I must have let things get to me." He'll try to reassure her, hope she won't ask questions. He never really talks to anyone about things, not these sorts of things. Bottled up, for the most part, it was easier that way.
"I didn't disturb you did I?" He'll push himself up a little, on his elbows, hating how clammy his face feels, how red his eyes must be from crying.
no subject
Still, it was clear something was amiss. To be expected, after the weeks they'd had, but Aradia wouldn't pry. That wasn't in her nature, curious as she could be about other matters.
"Yes...things have been a little crazy lately. At least the constant fighting seems to have stopped for now."
At his question, she shakes her head. "If anything I should be asking you that question. You were here first, after all."
no subject
Erik spoke casually, moving to stand at Charles's head, looking down at him. His face was impassive--but for a moment, a flicker of concern it, before smoothing out into nothing. He had been wandering, looking for Charles.
Despite all that had transpired, he truly hadn't had any time to discuss the situation between them at length. There was always something going on; a battle to be fought, a nightmare to be overcome.
It ran Erik raggid, and he couldn't pretend that he was handling it well. Experimentation...torture. Games. Puppets on strings. It was what he had sworn his life would never become again.
And yet here he was, suffering under it, once more.
But Erik pushed that out of his mind for now, instead focusing on Charles, and his tears.
no subject
Here he was, laying here feeling miserable for himself and Erik was the one who had any right to feel terrible, or upset. But Charles just felt bad for himself because he couldn't do anything. The feeling is heavy and a slight sense of guilt might brush against Erik's own mind, without Charles meaning to. Quick to push himself up, one arm holding himself up, the other comes up, wiping at his face with his sleeve, trying to get rid of tears, face blotchy and red from crying.
"You've done nothing." Charles tries to sound collected, but his voice is a bit out of sorts from his weeping. He hates how it cracks ever so slightly, and he'll clear his throat.
"It's noting, I'm sorry you had to see me like this." Stupid, stupid Charles. He should have known better as it was, all crying had ever got him was in trouble anyway. Or ignored. At least growing up anyway. Raven had been the only real one to be there when he cried, but as he grew up he grew out of relying on her to be a shoulder to cry on. He should be the strong one as it was.
Yet here he felt anything but.
no subject
"Stop pitying yourself, Charles. I am not sure what you feel guilty about, but wallowing in self-loathing and doubt isn't going to get us anywhere."
His tone had an edge to it, a lack of patience. He didn't truly understand where this was coming from. While Xavier was no longer able to walk (and who's fault was that, hm? Not the telepath's, exactly. But someone else entire), he still had his abilities. That wasn't crippled, except by this tower, just as Erik's had been, with time.
But despite his harsh words, Erik moved to kneel down next to his friend, a hand moving out to squeeze his shoulder, running a thumb along a tight muscle, looking into his bright blue eyes.
"Are you going to tell me what's wrong, or am I going to have to continue to make harsh comments that might be very off base." A flicker of a smile then. Come now, Charles. He's trying.
no subject
Strong Charles. Strong. You can't let this get to you, Erik clearly has no desire to see you like this. Or this is what Charles tells himself. The hand on his shoulder doesn't get the warmest of receptions as he'll tug his shoulder away from it, before feeling that probably wasn't the best thing to do. Shoulders sagging he'll look a bit defeated and look at Erik, sullen in appearance, as much as he tried not to be.
"It is nothing to worry yourself about, Erik. But thank you for the concern just the same." And he'll try to move the conversation away from himself, talking about it won't make it better, and besides it will only make him wallow in his own self pity more. Another small sniff and he'll look away, eyes focusing on a flower his fingers brush against.
"What can I do for you, my friend? You clearly didn't come here to find me to watch me cry like a little boy."
no subject
"Thankfully... I do hope we get some reprieve from anything unpleasant for some time now. It would be nice to hear from our caretakers as well." Dax and co had been very quiet since the weird nightmare/dream reality thing had happened. He couldn't be sure if that boded well for them or not.
"No, no you are quite fine, my dear. There is plenty of room in here for both of us."
no subject
Then he saw the man in the wheeled chair laying himself down on the ground. Vivi approached shyly and noticed the tear-stained cheeks, biting his lip before asking hesitantly, "Mister...? Are you alright?"
no subject
"Oh yes? I don't think I've spoken to them...was the boy one of them? I do hope he is all right now."
As he mentioned there being enough room for them both she offers a ready smile. "Yes, I don't think I've been anywhere with rooms quite as expansive as these. Or as differing from each other. But this is a nice floor, as far as I can tell."
no subject
But he had already been home and that was not very nice at all, so he didn't know what he wanted anymore. Piccolo ran through the meadow in front of him and stopped when he saw the man. Romeo recognized him straight away, "Mister Charles!" He ran over and saw the man was crying.
"What's wrong mister Charles?" Even though he was feeling sad himself Romeo knew he had to help the man who had been so nice to him!
no subject
As she makes her way to the staircase from deeper in the grass, she's somewhat puzzled to see what appears to be an abandoned wheelchair. As she comes closer to investigate, of course, eventually the grass parts enough that she can see Charles laying on the ground.
She's instantly sheepish, and maybe a tiny bit concerned.] Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt, [she apologizes.] It's just so beautiful out here.
[Seeing as Willow doesn't know the first thing about him, she doesn't want to just presume to jump right into, and why are you so obviously upset, and you have a wheelchair, huh. Some more tact than that is probably called for. And also dignity.]
no subject
Fine.
Fine.
Taking a deep breath, Erik set his jaw, the muscle there flexing as he was silent for a few moments, looking out into the distance, instead of Charles's face. He didn't move to stand; he wasn't giving up just yet. But another sound rejection like that, and Erik would see it as a sign to simply stop trying.
Finally, he looked back down at his friend seriously. "I came to make sure you were all right. Which you're clearly not. I'm--" He paused for a moment, then breathed out. "I shouldn't have snapped at you. But both of us feel useless here. It isn't just you."
no subject
He does note the staring, but figures it's from his current state of looking miserable. Or the fact he can't move his legs, they're laying a bit awkwardly as it is... he should fix them.
"I could get to really favor this one floor, if it really is as nice as it seems." No monsters or terrible things waiting to pounce and ruin the beauty of it all.
"I admittedly didn't look to see if there were any other new floors, this one caught my attention completely."
no subject
Or perhaps Charles was really just in a right mood and should stop over thinking and not open his mouth until he was sure he wouldn't put his foot so far down his throat he might choke himself. And ruin anything between him and Erik.
"Believe me, I know this. I know it very well, which is why I don't want you to feel like you have to humor me and talk about this." Erik probably felt much the same, all the frustration and pent up emotions, but he wasn't here sobbing like some heart broken maiden, now was he?
But even then, part of Charles wanted to point out that Erik could still do so much more than him. Erik could still help people if things happened, even if his powers were stripped from him. Charles was nothing without his powers. Just a cripple in a wheelchair, a liability. But then he didn't want to go about guilting Erik over that, he didn't blame Erik for it, but it was difficult not to let it get to him at times.
"And don't apologize over snapping, you're right. It won't change anything or help if I sit here and wallow in my own self pity."
no subject
She moves to sit in the grass beside him, figuring it's probably a little less awkward that way for both of them. "Yes...it's a little like the fourth floor that way. It seems a nice place to spend some time."
And she sure hopes there are no monsters because she's sort-of thinking that this would be a very nice place to bring Sollux at some point.
"There are a few more. Another food place, and a room filled with art. The one below this is empty, though...well, it looked empty to me when I passed."
no subject
If Charles wanted touch, he'd have to reach for it himself, this time.
"No, but I could have used some tact. Something I sorely lack most days." A smile given, a light chuckle.
Erik felt awkward; would this be the way all their associations went from now on, after that one night? Unsure, hesitant. It wasn't in Erik's nature to be like this, but this was also territory he hadn't broached, ever.
no subject
Charles wished he had a handkerchief on him, sadly he did not. So he'll try his best to discreetly wipe at his face with his sleeve.
"Just needed a moment to myself, I'm sorry if I disturbed you?" He'll clear his throat, and try to will eyes to dry up.
no subject
He'll recognize Romeo and try to buck up for him, but the question has Charles giving a weak laugh.
"Many things, but I think we're all having a rough time here, Romeo." The bruises and cuts do not go unnoticed, and after wiping at his eyes again, he'll motion to Romeo's face.
"Are you alright?"
no subject
Lucky for Charles that Vivi had brought a few paper towels for bundling the flowers in. Rummaging through his pockets, the boy found one and held it out to the man, head tilted one way. "Are you hurt, mister?
no subject
But this Tower was bigger and scarier than even Luini had been, Romeo could not imagine anyone not being scared and upset at it. Even mean people like the Highblood.
He nodded at the question, "I'm alright mister Charles, I got a bit hurt when the monsters were here but they don't hurt too much."
I am so sorry for taking so long to get to this ;-;
Part of him is actually pleased for the distraction from crying.]
No, no it's quite alright.
[He also appreciates that she isn't asking him what's wrong, if he's alright, if he needs help. He doesn't know if he could answer those questions right now. Wiping at his face, Charles will nod in agreement with her.]
It is lovely. Strange for this place, really.
no subject
"I've tried to make contact since but with no luck." He'll listen to her description of the other new floors, brow quirking.
"An empty floor? That... seems like a waste." Even with how odd some of the other floors were, why an empty one?
no subject
But still, Charles feels like opening up after closing himself up would be too much. He didn't want to break down in front of Erik, but he wanted to move closer, to drag himself close enough so he could lean against him. Erik's warmth, just sit there and try to forget everything that had happened to the both of them, if only for a little while.
Though after shunning Erik's touch before he has to wonder if the other would let him get close like that. Sniffing a little, Charles will look at his friend, before awkwardly moving himself a little closer, legs angled oddly as he leans against him.
And he hates himself as he feels tears threaten to well up again, he didn't want Erik to have to deal with him blubbering and sobbing like a child. So he'll turn his face to bury it against Erik's arm, inhaling sharply and letting out a shaky breath as he clutched at him. Not speaking, he was sure saying anything would ruin any attempt to not cry.
no subject
Still too skinny, atrophied. But the mind is what mattered most; and that wasn't injured...psychologically a bit, perhaps--but still whole.
"It's okay, Charles."
He wrapped an arm around a waist, squeezing.
"You aren't alone."
no subject
"It's not alright, Erik." Damp cheeks are stained with a few tears again as they slide down, Charles not caring to try and stop them now.
"Nothing here is alright, no matter how much I try to trick myself otherwise. No matter how I act or what I say, or what I try to convey to everyone else, it's not--" A shudder of breath and tears and he'll just hug Erik's neck. He's thankful for Erik putting up with him, for staying with him right now when he could have walked away.
"I'm so sorry." For many things, things they haven't really discussed since they happened. For right now. He's sorry and yet he feels that it isn't enough to say that, but all he can do right now is cling to Erik as if his life depends on it and sobs quietly into his shoulder. Something he hoped to never do again, he didn't want to be weak like this, he wanted to be strong for his friend, Erik had so much more to deal with here than he did. This whole place was a nightmare for him and yet here he was crying to the one man who he should be consoling.
no subject
"...what would the great Magneto be without his Professor?"
We have each other.
It's small, and solves nothing. But Erik, who had nothing for so long, clings to that. Because while he had been through nightmares like this before--it had always been alone.
But this time? He wasn't. And neither was Charles. It mattered.
no worries!! it's all fine <3
She has enough sense of social tact to go along with the totally innocuous topic, too. That was why she'd brought it up in the first place-- to give him a chance to pull himself together with minimal embarrassment.] I was pretty suspicious at first, but I spent the last couple hours in that direction, [she nods toward the nearest windows,] and nothing happened at all.
After the forest of dead voices, it's a big relief. Meditating just isn't the same unless it's nature-y.
Look at how late I am does it dazzle you
He stopped at the flowery field, only because he noticed the wheelchair of that roommate he hadn't seen in awhile. The guy probably avoided him for the most part, which he was fine with. Regardless, he walked over to Charles and leaned his arm on the back of the chair, looking at the mutant. Charles certainly seemed different than the guy he was when they first met though. And it's not like Ankh had anything better to do.
"What's your problem?"
no subject
Which, given some of the trolls she knows, isn't so unusual for her.
"Well, it's not like I spent much time looking at it. Perhaps there's something in there that I missed. Something that only appears at certain times, perhaps. All I know is that there wasn't anything about it that made me want to stop and explore."
Which, really, was what she looked for when it came to new rooms.
no subject
Erik would be better off, Charles will think. But then he can her Erik, his thought and he knows that's not quiet true. While there was truth to it, Charles knew that it hurt Erik to leave him, to hurt him, and that both of them would do things different if given the chance. Maybe only slightly, but enough of a difference to perhaps end up together in their conflict, not like this.
It is more than I could ask for... I am lucky you would have me again, my friend.
So very lucky.
But there is that lingering thought in his mind of what would happen if they did ever actually leave the tower. If they were able to go home. Would it be like his nightmare realm? Part of him feared it would tear them apart once again.
no subject
That after all that's happened, Charles didn't hate him. There were still ideological gaps, chasms that may never be crossed. But emotionally...they had mended the fence. And that was no small thing.
Nosing into the other's hair, he pulled back, hand resting against Charles' neck, a thumb brushing over cheek. "...feel better?"
no subject
"... a little." A small nod accompanies his words, and he'll lean his head ever so into the touch of Erik's hand, looking up at him. He doesn't think, just does as he'll tug himself up, fingers curled in Erik's shirt and kisses him. Charles needed it, it had been some time since they'd shared the intimate gesture. Since they'd had a moment or second to think of sharing a moment like this.
Not that they had really had any real moments beyond that first time they'd really kissed. After that things had been awkward more than anything. The kiss lingers, but it's soft, and he'll break it to allow a small smile.
"Perhaps a little better than I thought."
no subject
Giving a smile back, he quirked an eyebrow. "Well I hope you don't kiss everyone who makes you feel better." A chuckle, and he slides a hand up through the other's hair.
"Because I'm horrible at sharing." A tease he feels comfortable making, in light of everything. Erik leaned down to kiss Charles again, deepening it slow and easy.
no subject
He hardly wishes to sleep now, but it lulls him into a hazy warm state of mind.
"Mm... no, I cannot say I do." Murmured, before Erik claims his lips in another kiss. This was nice, better than what he'd imagined would happen when Erik showed up here with him. A pleasant distraction from his pity party and negative train of thought.
no subject
Breaking the kiss, he leaned back against he chair, staring up at the ceiling of the room, fingers still stroking through Charles's hair.
"I wouldn't mind spending the rest of the day like this."
no subject
"... could we?" A selfish idea, staying away here all day, not caring at all what happened else where in the tower.
no subject
Finding an exit wasn't proving to be very fruitful.
no subject
But he didn't want to think about that. He just wanted to have one day where it was just him and Erik. Nothing else. Just this one day of complete selfishness.
Charles won't bother to say anything, just curl fingers in Erik's shirt to tug himself up a bit to kiss Erik again. Greedy and selfish, that was Charles Xavier today. He wouldn't deny it.
no subject
no subject
His own tongue chases Erik's into the mutant's mouth, tilting his head to better get an angle to delve his tongue inside, a soft pleased noise escaping him. It was easy to focus on this, to forget everything was happening around them, a small escape, and he would take it gladly.
When he needs a bit of air, lungs complaining he'll pull back just enough to breath.
"My friend, has anyone ever told you you're quite the kisser?"
no subject
"Are you comfortable?" Erik couldn't imagine that having to sustain his position with his upper arms could be that comfortable.
no subject
"I will be fine like this." Which meant no, but really he didn't mind it. He was with Erik and they were for the time being, having a very good day. A moment in time where nothing else mattered and he didn't wish to ruin it.
no subject
"Better?"
no subject
"Much." And he'll be momentarily distracted by a flower that seems to have snuck between them, sticking out from the ground. Fingers touch at petals and he'll seem to ponder on plucking it, before doing so. He'll bring it up and poke Erik on the nose with it.
He's feeling rather silly in mood now. Thanks to the other mutant.
no subject
"I didn't know you were a teenage girl."
no subject
"Though I cannot say if that color does anything for me." Charles reaches up to touch at the flower in his hair.
no subject
That they would find a way out, and it would be over. Things wouldn't change. The rift would continue, just as it always had.
no subject
Fingers clutch in Erik's shirt as he tilts his head up into the kiss, needy. He would be fine staying like this as long as the other mutant would allow.
This could be considered quite romantic after all. Laying in a field of flowers with the man he loved, kissing. Straight out of some silly romance novel.