A Reunion

[367]

What's Up?

It's been a month since Professor Charles Xavier fell into an enigmatic coma, leaving his institute and his protégés to continue on without him.

It's been three days since the mark that had appeared on Xavier also appeared on his first eight students, the original X-Men. While none of them have followed their mentor's lead into oblivion, word of this strange shared circumstance reached them all quickly and they've agreed to gather and discuss the situation.

For better or worse, it seems that they're in this together.

It's dark, cold, and snowing outside when they gather in one of the mansion's parlors, a large room with double doors (which they close behind them) and a lit fireplace. The flames inside crackle and dismiss the worst of the night's chill as they arrive one by one, taking positions on two couches and three chairs scattered around a low table. The antique furniture and built-in bookshelves make the space reminiscent of Charles Xavier's office and the man's presence seems to hang over the gathering.

...But at least the bar cart is well-stocked.

Volunteer Slots

Scott Summers had the foresight to prepare a snack for the group before they met up. Or maybe they just needed a distraction. Regardless, they arrive armed with enough deviled eggs for everyone!

During the discussion, Kitty Pryde says something about themselves or their life that is just...not true. They don't know why they said it or where the thought even came from. How strange.

Near the end of the discussion, Kurt Wagner's mark begins to glow, bright enough to be visible through or around anything that might be obscuring it. One by one, the others' marks follow suit, ending with Emma Frost. The glow of their mark persist for several long moments after the others go dull and seems to pulse within their skin...before they suddenly collapse back with a gasp and fall unconscious.

When Emma wakes, only minutes later, their friends are around them and they recall nothing but a blinding light.

ARRIVALS ⮾ DURING THE TALK ⮾ AFTER THE TALK ⮾ OOC

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ARRIVALS: Emma & Kurt

[blauerdamon kurt wagner ⚔️ nightcrawler]

Kurt obliges and takes a seat next to her, legs pulled up onto the couch as his tail curls around himself like a cat in front of the fireplace. "It's nostalgic, ja? Like when we were all kids. We saw each other every day for years."

He sighs and takes a sip of his drink. "I have missed this. I—" just wish the circumstances were different, "appreciate that you all came. Hopefully the weather doesn't delay your very important luggage."

ARRIVALS: Emma & Kurt

[frost_queen Emma Frost ♕ White Queen]

Emma sips at her own drink as Kurt settles in next to her, humming softly at his words. "It is nostalgic. This feels more like home than anywhere else to me, still."

Though her thoughts rest very lightly against his, the concerns wind their way up to the surface enough that she feels them.

"Even without this horrendous mark I'd be here - Charles needs our help. And I will be very mad if my luggage is late." She's quiet for a moment before adding, "Are you doing alright, liebchen?"

ARRIVALS: Emma & Kurt

[blauerdamon kurt wagner ⚔️ nightcrawler]

That moment of silence is almost suffocating. Kurt wants to vanish to the roof and let the snow settle on his fur so he can focus on blissful nothing. But this is his responsibility. Letting people ask him how he's doing is his responsibility. Even if he wants to run from it.

"You know me, Emma," he says, smiling at her, "I'm very good at bouncing back. So If I'm not doing alright one day, I will be the next."

ARRIVALS: Emma & Kurt

[frost_queen Emma Frost ♕ White Queen]

"Stop." She sees it there, the discomfort and the duty. Emma has no interest in making Kurt's life any harder.

"I know you'll always be fine, but you don't have to be. Let's talk about something else though, hm? I can make you emotionally vulnerable later." She takes another drink, slow and thoughtful, before offering him another smile. "I did enjoy my little pick up outside. You really are too indulgent."

ARRIVALS: Emma & Kurt

[blauerdamon kurt wagner ⚔️ nightcrawler]

Kurt exhales, letting at least a bit of tension to drop from his shoulders. His tail adjusts so that as it mindlessly taps on the couch, it also brushes against Emma's leg. A small signal of appreciation, even with threats of emotional vulnerability and all.

"Was I supposed to let you break your ankle walking through that terrible weather?" The change in subject does seem to get Kurt to perk up as he grins at Emma, all fangs. "What sort of gentleman would that make me?"

ARRIVALS: Emma & Kurt

[frost_queen Emma Frost ♕ White Queen]

The physical touch from Kurt is met with a mental touch from Emma, a gentle, reassuring brush of her own. That interaction can now be pushed to the side.

She laughs quietly. "Kitty would say you should have, but she's not a gentleman. Sometimes a girl just needs a little help from a hero." As though she generally accepts any actual assistance.

ARRIVALS: Emma & Kurt

[blauerdamon kurt wagner ⚔️ nightcrawler]

"How lucky that you have so many of their numbers," he observes, flashing a fanged grin. He recognizes Emma's presence in his head, like someone running their fingers through his hair. "You and Kitty just like to antagonize one another."

ARRIVALS: Emma & Kurt

[frost_queen Emma Frost ♕ White Queen]

"It's important to have a selection for different tasks."

Emma smiles, her eyes momentarily going to seek out the other girl. Her gaze lingers out in the room afterwards, flitting from person to person. "I love to antagonize you all. It's a very important part of my job."

ARRIVALS: Emma & Kurt

[blauerdamon kurt wagner ⚔️ nightcrawler]

Kurt's pupilless eyes follow her gaze while he maintains a soft grin. "You've gotten soft with age," he teases. "I can't remember the last time you said something truly mean."

ARRIVALS: Emma & Kurt

[frost_queen Emma Frost ♕ White Queen]

Emma's nose wrinkles at Kurt's assessment, which she finds somewhat incorrect. Mostly. "Soft towards all of you, maybe, but you haven't seen me in board meetings. And I won't baby the children."

She sighs, as though this pains her. "You really all have done a number on me, though."

ARRIVALS: Emma & Kurt

[blauerdamon kurt wagner ⚔️ nightcrawler]

Kurt laughs quietly, brimming with amusement but determined to keep it quiet and easily overlooked for Emma's sake. His tail taps more frequently as he takes another sip of his drink. "The damage is irreparable, I fear."