Broken, battered and bruise: Not a good start to the weekend
“Thanks” The words were honest, heartfelt and radiant with gratitude. They were mutants, the twins opened portals, it’s what they did, sometimes people took that for granted and more often then not they showed little manner in expressing their regards for what effort the twins put into opening a gateway. “I don’t know how Id have managed if you hadn’t come along. I owe you both big time” What could either twins possibly say to that? Both the words and the fact that it was obvious that Michael really wouldn’t have made it far at all by the looks of him made the pink hued due stare at each other and then watch as the other boy fought his way into the portal.
Next step was Ben and then the twins, they didn’t rush in right away, making sure the guys had enough time to emerge on the other side and gather themselves and move away from the portal’s entrance. As always they held each other’s hands that little firmer as the moment came to cross over, they’d always end up on the other side.. but they didn’t want to risk anything, they had to emerge together, it wouldn’t bode well for one to be without the other, and even Porter could admit that.
On the other side they all joined together again, the portal swallowing itself and vanishing behind the twins as they appeared and stepped out of it. Pearl eyes glanced around the area and both were slow in releasing their hands.
"Pah, look at this, waiting at least ten seconds and no one offering us food or drink, what a lousy facility." Porter folded his arms, not really knowing what to do or say and so resorting to what he knew best, though his sister mumbled a comment which may have been requesting Porter to remain a little quieter and less seemingly obnoxious, though Porter just smirked content enough with the situation. At least until Talia walked in from Hank’s office, having left reports for him to look over she was returning to finish stocking new medicines and removing any ones which may have expired.
It was more the sound of the clip board being dropped on one of the benches that caught Porter’s attention then anything else, Talia standing there with her blue lips parted slightly in amazement at the sight of Michael beaten and battered… and Ben didn’t look so well either. They looked terrible!! And her silence expression almost oozed ‘my god’ loud enough that words were redundant at a moment like this. A hand motioned hastily towards one of the beds closer to them, a silent demand for them to sit and let her see what happened to them as she collected the first aid kit.
"Boy.. she looks pretty pissed. Remember, you asked us to bring you here, what ever she does to you now, you brought it onto yourselves." Porter’s comment didn’t fall on deaf ears, and Talia hesitated briefly with the med kit in her hands as she frowned at him, it wasn’t like she was going to add to their injuries for lord sake. Sure she wasn’t best pleased… but they shouldn’t have expected her to sing and praise their arrival if they turn up like that! "Shh Porter.. or Arisa will be peeved you acted like this with her niece." Of all people Porter’s twin sister knew the right buttons to push and that comment definitely silenced Porter for the moment, who blinked in surprise and got briefly lost in thought of how exactly Arisa would be so upset over a few small comments…But she hadn’t been the same since Arlen showed up, and Porter blamed the fish man for changing her… he hardly had a chance to see her in the dinning hall anymore, and usually they had managed to find each other to eat together, bagging half the school despite them wanting to fit in and both feeling so left out.
Re: Broken, battered and bruise: Not a good start to the wee
Ben’s eyes had narrowed as the pink portal had come into existence… how could something rend time and space safely? Was it just and acceleration where they passed through solid matter so fast that there molecules slid through it? No matter what his situation it seemed that he could just not keep his scientific mind quiet. He would really love to examine the actual geophysical effects of this power… but then again he did not yet fully understand his own abilities so he should probably leave the powers of others alone.
"After you ladies."
The sentence was mocking but not hurtful, Ben knew he had screwed up and come off worse for wear so it was only fair that someone should tease him about it. And besides Porter was more than saving their bacon and for that Ben would put up with anything. It seemed that Michael was equally unphased by the mocking words as this was probably his dream ability.
“Thanks, I don’t know how Id have managed if you hadn’t come along. I owe you both big time”
Ben let Michael get past him before moving forward towards the portal. He offered a quick nod and a flash of a smile as thanks and stepped into the portal. He tried to take in as much of the experience as possible but in the end all he felt when stepping out into med bay was slightly ill. As he stepped slightly to the left of the portal it appeared to him that the med bay was empty, which was in a way a relief. He was not one for big entrances and appearing out of a pink rift in time and space seemed pretty grandiose to him. And he was also hoping to keep their “incident” somewhat quiet.
"Pah, look at this, waiting at least ten seconds and no one offering us food or drink, what a lousy facility."
Although Ben had no doubt that Porter’s outbursts could usually be considered annoying he was finding them reasonably humorous. There was just enough wit and timing to them to take the sarcastic edge off them and make them funny. Ben would not have liked to find himself sat next to the pink mutant during a class as he would probably not be able to keep a straight face. It showed him once again that for every idiotic bully out there were ten good people worth knowing and that sometimes not all bad things come out of an unpleasant situation.
Ben turned as something was dropped and found himself staring at the one thing he had been dreading. Talia was staring directly at them with a look of pure shock on her face. He had known this would happen but he still felt the need to flinch when it did. Some part of him almost wished they had been met by the doctor… almost. Trying to explain their state would have been entertaining to say the least and also almost impossible.
He let Michael precede him to the bed that Talia had indicated, as he was in no hurry to be questioned. For he already predicted that no answer he would give would make her any less disapproving of them having landed themselves in this state.
"Boy.. she looks pretty pissed. Remember, you asked us to bring you here, what ever she does to you now, you brought it onto yourselves."
Ben shot Porter a despairing glance one that “said I’d rather be anywhere but here right now”. He was starting to realise that although he found Talia attractive, he did not feel as if he was a good match for her. As all he seemed to be doing every time he came near her was feeling guilty either of his thoughts or his actions… It was not a healthy thing to start a relationship on. But he did like coming down and seeing her, so he would keep doing it… slyly.
He sat down on the end of the bed and cradled his ribs as they protested at the change in position. His head swam with the different moods and thoughts that he had been through so far today… and the day was not over yet. The thought of having to deal with anything else was nearly enough to make him groan, but at least he could not even pretend that his life was dull right now.
Re: Broken, battered and bruise: Not a good start to the wee
He still couldn’t believe they had got there so quickly. One minute they had been in the rest rooms and now… well now help was only a few steps away. "Pah, look at this, waiting at least ten seconds and no one offering us food or drink, what a lousy facility." Michael managed the ghost of a smile at the pink mutants comment reminding himself to say a proper thank you to his two saviours later. Once he felt up to it. Which he certainly didn’t at the moment.
Something fell, the sound, dragging Michael’s attention away from the effort of putting one foot in front of the other. Talia was standing there looking at them in concern and horror. The young Scot could feel himself blush as she took in his injuries disapproval growing in her eyes as she did so. Michael hadn’t been looking forward to trying to talk his way out of this situation with Dr McCoy but at least he would have given it his best shot.. With Talia however he knew that they stood no chance. Even without the outward signs of conflict he had no doubt that the telepath would pick up on the inner turmoil he and Ben were going through Even if neither she nor they wanted it that way.
But there was no helping that, not now. All they could do was throw themselves on her mercy and hope for the best. And so far things weren’t looking good. "Boy.. she looks pretty pissed. Porter said echoing Michaels own thoughts. No its worse than that he corrected himself She looks disappointed and who can blame her.” Remember, you asked us to bring you here, what ever she does to you now, you brought it onto yourselves."I have to make sure she knows this wasn’t Bens fault Michael thought suddenly. I don’t want her thinking he’ d have got involved in something like this if it hadnt been to save me. That wouldn’t be fair Not with him liking her and everything.
He realised once again just what a predicament he had put his team mate in jeopardising not only his place on the team but also perhaps any chance he had with the telepath. It made him feel even worse than he already did, something he hadn’t thought possible. He could barely meet Talia’s eyes as he made his way towards the bed she indicated each step taking its toll on his reserves of strength and endurance. He couldn’t hold back a thankful sigh that was almost a moan as he finally lowered himself on to it waiting for Ben to take up his place beside him.
Glancing down he noticed with dismay the boot print on jeans, far to clear to be mistaken for anything else but what it was. There was no time now to brush it off, not with Talia approaching with the med kit. Not that he would have had the courage even to try. The idea of anyone touching his leg made him feel sick all over again despite the morphine coursing through his veins. But he knew it would have to be done. Things were going to get worse before they got better and although he would do his best he suspected that was going to become all to obvious in the next couple of minutes.
Re: Broken, battered and bruise: Not a good start to the wee
Obviously they were apprehensive, Talia didn’t need telepathy to see that. Her golden eyes peered over the two, then towards the twins, Porter didn’t seem to know the full story by the way he was only just noticing the boot print stamped on the blonde boys leg. Porter eyed his sister for a brief moment to see if she too had noticed it. The long spry tail swayed displeased behind Talia as she hovered in front of Michael, if Ben and the others weren’t here, she may have addressed him out loud, but for now Talia felt inclined to stay silent.
The way her eyes stared at his leg, then lifted almost sympathetically to the astral mutants bright eyes, dulled over by the morphine and pain, she knew he had taken a needle by the look in his eyes, it had to be serious for him to use one, but before she could do anything she needed to see the damage properly. Her hand gently passed over his knees, not touching but hovering in a way that signalled she wanted him to draw attention to her gesture. He needed to remove his trousers, but first thing was some privacy.
Two steps were involved with that, first was a look at the twins that all too clearly stated they could leave, and Porter didn’t much hesitate as he threw his sibling another glance after Talia’s gesture for them to leave. With them leaving the second step came into fruition, the German born mutant signalling for Ben to step back and take a seat for himself over on the adjacent bed for a moment while she drew the curtains about the Scottish boy.
A side glance drifted towards Ben’s shadowy outline, restraining her attempts of speaking though she felt awkward and contained, too tired to make much effort with her telepathy for the moment, the week had been a trying one, though she had been uplifted by some of the events at her surprise birthday party, most of the time was crammed with work upon work and sprinkled with worry and stress. But right now all that mattered was seeing what she could do for Michael, and with a small breath, she motioned for Michael to let her see his leg, and carefully readied to help him with the trousers.
Re: Broken, battered and bruise: Not a good start to the wee
Eliza realised that she really had no right to stay here. Sure she and Porter had helped the two boys to get here but that did not give them the right to pry into what had happened. But her curiosity kept her there a little longer and she knew for a fact that Darren was bursting to know the full story about the scrap these two had gotten themselves into so she was there when the boot print of the boys leg. Who would be so heartless as to do that to someone on crutches? She felt a mixture of anger and disgust at the fact that there were students in this school that felt that it was ok to do this kind of thing.
She met her brother’s gaze and she knew that he was thinking the same things she was. Then they both looked back at Michael as Talia gently passed her hand over the injured knee. Then came the glance that Eliza had been waiting for the one that said plainly that they had outstayed their welcome. So as she met Darren’s eyes once more, she turned to leave knowing that she had helped the right people.
Ben was grateful that Talia did not say anything to them as they sat on the bed. He really did not feel up to explaining what had happened, not that it was not clear to see. He flinched as the nurse discovered the boot print on his friend’s leg. It had been that unforgivable act of violence that had caused him to lose his temper and act in a completely illogical way. But seeing the pain his friend was in now he would not go back and change anything he had done in that fight… except maybe the fact that he had not been so humiliated by Mike.
Ben caught sight of the glance that Talia shot the two that had helped them here and although he wanted to thank them he also knew that they needed to leave. As it would be a painful enough situation to deal with without the stares of strangers. Ben decided that he would go and seek the two out after Talia had seen to him and Michael and tell them how grateful he was.
As the twins left Talia also indicated that he should take a seat on his own bed and leave her to help Michael in peace. He did not protest and gave his friend some privacy; he smiled a small smile at Michael as he left. Then his friend was hidden from sight behind the curtain and he was left alone it the suddenly stark environment that was med lab.
He seriously hoped that the machines here could help fix his face somewhat and that they could help Michael with the pain. He was worried what his parents would think if he and Michael turned up bruised and battered on their front door the next day. For he was supposed to be living in a specialised medical institution and he feared that they might pull him out of the school if they saw him in this state and as far as he was concerned he still had so much to learn from the people here. He was not ready to leave.
Re: Broken, battered and bruise: Not a good start to the wee
Everyone was being kind. And discrete Not asking any of the awkward questions that were no doubt crowding into their minds. But then again maybe the answers were already to obvious. Lets face it you didn’t need to be a mind reader to work out what had happened You only had to look at Ben’s and his own rapidly bruising face to get the picture. Still for once he was grateful for the silence. Even Talias. And to be honest she didn’t need words, either spoken aloud or echoing in his head, to tell him what was coming next. She was going to want to have a look at the damage. There was no way of getting round that. Even if he himself wasn’t sure he wanted to find out how bad it was.
He hated looking at his legs at the best of times, each twisting scar reminding him of past pain, promising more to come. Though they were doing more than just promising at the moment They were delivering with a vengeance. Trying to think logically though he doubted that anything was broken. Or in this case rebroken!
Alex had kicked him in the side, another source of agony that spread from the fading scar left by Connor's claws. What is it about bullies that they always seem to know where it will hurt the most. Michael asked himself bitterly Or is it just my lousy luck? His leg however had been stamped on. Painful, that went without saying. Dangerous too given the amount of reconstructive surgery that had been done on it But not the sharp movement that could have sent the bones jangling into pieces. What it had done to the metal rods that more or less held the shattered whole together though he didn’t even want to imagine But he was going to find out.
The helpful strangers were leaving. Normally Michael would have wanted to stop them, to reiterate his thanks but now all he wanted was to get this over with as soon as possible. Talia drew the screens around him shutting Ben on the other side, his last look of encouragement designed to bolster his injured team mates faltering moral. Michael appreciated the gesture even if he wasn’t at all sure of its effectiveness. Still he was relieved that Ben wouldn’t see just how badly damaged his legs actually were.
He had tried to play down that whole side of things though it wasn’t easy with one leg stiff and unyielding and the obvious discomfort he was in all the time. But still on the whole he had managed pretty well. He was sure for example that none of his team mates had noticed the limited movement he had in his so called ‘good’ leg. That was a secret he intended to keep to himself for as long as possible and having Ben see the scars that traced their way across it certainly wasn’t the way to go about doing that.
Talia was waiting now for him to remove his trousers, never a situation any teenage boy felt comfortable with but one which Michael had to admit he had had a lot of practice with. And not a good way. In any case dropping them wasn’t as big a problem as holding them up was. Though the Institute had done their best to find clothes that fitted him they still hung wide on his undernourished frame, even a week of decent cooking not having done much as yet to put the weight back on his bones.
With a resigned sigh Michael untied the rather ridiculous piece of rope he was using in lieu of a belt and standing up let them fall unceremoniously round his ankles. Ok Talia he said unhappily sitting down on the edge oof the bed again . Tell me if it looks as bad as it feels.
Re: Broken, battered and bruise: Not a good start to the wee
Golden eyes turned to peer over threw the curtain towards where Ben was sitting, her tail swayed gently, flicking at the tip and then winding down and getting somewhat limp behind her, save for the tip which curled up slightly in a careful poise. Once again Michael seemed hurt and injured and once again it appeared to be from the hands of others who had no right to lay their wrath upon the boy, who wasn’t that much younger then Talia herself.
Ok Talia The Scottish voice called her name and Talia looked back at the thin boy, who had the structure to be a well toned lad had he the meat and fitness to keep up his health. It was never nice to see anyone suffer… but when special people were the ones who were dealt the hardest blow, sometimes Talia couldn’t bare to think of it… maybe their misery was what made them special… but the German born mutant couldn’t shake the feeling of how fun a life someone like Michael may have had if it hadn’t been for fates cruel games. The way his frame was built, Talia could almost picture him out on the sport teams, instead of frail and his legs twisted and stiff, his was strong, sure footed… muscles wrapped taught about his arms, legs, his chest broad and his eyes so bright and full of pride. Maybe in another world he would be a prized catch, girls squabble over his attention, maybe he’d still be like how he was now… maybe he’d be a little more arrogant with all the attention and achievement…there was no way of really telling, but he’d have been so happy. Talia was so sure of it.
Tell me if it looks as bad as it feels. A blink, and it was gone. No athletic star, no muscle clad stud… just an undernourished shell that was only starting to see hope on his horizons. Talia’s eyes seemed glued on his face, her mind shaking the images from her thoughts and trying to focus on the reality of the situation, no matter how terrible it was. A small curve touched the edges of her lip, a tired smile that was there entirely for show, but held with a wavering strength as Talia’s eyes drifted their gaze lower to his lap. The soft light blue fabric of his boxers had an elastic band which hugged his waist, yet there wasn’t a lot of meat to fill it out.
Carefully her eyes landed on the spot where Michael had been kicked, it was so cruel a thought that someone could have done something like that to the blue eyed Scot that it made even the placid temper girl’s blood start to boil. Wasn’t the most pleasant of sights, it wasn’t the best defence she took either, closing her eyes for a moment, her face tilting up and her bright eyes opening again as her long thick lashes parted.
A small smile curved her lips, which remained pursed together so not to show the canine fangs which adorned her jaw. Focus returned to his knee, her hands made no effort to touch it at the moment, but they hovered close, her face drawing closer to examine the injury. A sigh rolled from her lips as she straightened up. Her furred hands lifted, ready to examine more of his injuries, if he had any more, what if he didn’t? A fraction of a hesitation threatened to keep her voice quiet, yet with a small breath and a softer tone then usual, she addressed him. "Michael, iz zere any more injuries? Und perhaps you can tell me vhat happened?"
Re: Broken, battered and bruise: Not a good start to the wee
Talia smiled sympathetically and she looked at the injury, bending down until she was embarrassingly close to his aching leg but at least for now she didn’t touch and for that he was grateful. He felt slightly better now he was seated, the prospect of passing out or throwing up again receding as the morphine took hold of the pain and tried to kick its butt. Much as Alex had kicked his, but with less success he feared.
Michael risked a glance at his leg, the bruising now clearly standing out against his pale skin. Dark and getting darker interspersed with the pink lines of old scars. Hey look! My own personal tartan Michael thought with a sudden urge to giggle that had nothing to do with humour and everything to do with the shock that was beginning to settle in.
Talia was straightening up now sympathy clear in her eyes and in her seldom heard voice. . "Michael, iz zere any more injuries? Und perhaps you can tell me vhat happened?" .“I don’t know why she never talks.?" Riley had said and he had replied She talks to me.” Now he almost wished she didn’t for that sign of trust made it all the more difficult to lie to her. And yet he didn’t know what else he could do. Tell the truth and shame the devil? Hope that she would keep their secret from Dr McCoy? Involve her in the whole squalid incident just as he had Ben.?
Was it really that cold in the med lab? He didn’t think so yet suddenly he was freezing, goose bumps beginning to form on his bare legs, his body beginning to shiver slightly in the aftermath of the attack. In lieu of an answer he unbuttoned his shirt slowly, his shaking fingers now betraying him as he lifted the underlying tee shirt to expose the damage on his left side. There’s this as well he said quietly showing her where Alex’s kick had caught him in the tender flesh beneath the ribcage, its impact centred on the fading scar left by Connors claws and the subsequent intervention.
It was enough to divert her attention but not for long The unanswered question still hung in the air between them refusing to go away just because he wanted it to until finally it could be avoided no longer. And as for what happened…… I fell he said finally raising his voice slightly so that Ben would be sure to hear whatever sad story he managed to cobble together, both of them knowing that Talia wouldn’t be fooled for a moment. Still he strove for some kind of convoluted truth, unable to offer her outright lies even if the picture he painted was far from accurate. After all he had fallen hadn’t he? He just didn’t say that it was because someone had taken his crutches and pushed him around.
Stairs aren’t what I do best. Another fact dropped in to the conversation, falsely implying something without actually stating it. I’ve already come a cropper a couple of times in the past. Truth!. Anyway Ben was coming past and he tried to help me out. Except he sort of got dragged down with me. And that was certainly what had happened no matter which way you looked at it. Though if he hadn’t come by things could have been a whole lot worse. he told her sincerely hoping this would be enough That she would let the story pass. No matter what her powers or his injuries told her to the contrary.
Re: Broken, battered and bruise: Not a good start to the wee
As Ben sat quietly on the bed waiting for Talia to finish seeing to Michael he felt the exhaustion that came after the adrenaline rush that had carried him this far. And as he closed his eyes he became aware of the dull mind numbing headache that had originated from the wound by his left eye. He knew that Talia was going to have to put stitches through it and he was trying to steal himself for it. But as far as he was concerned he would much rather go at it again with Mike than have to have a needle come anywhere near his face.
The silence of the med bay was broken by Talia’s quiet heavily accented voice. "Michael, iz zere any more injuries? Und perhaps you can tell me vhat happened?"
There it was the question both he and Michael had been dreading. And he felt his stomach clench as he waited to see whether or not Michael was going to answer and if he did what he would say. Ben figured that their best lie would be to say that they had been in the danger room but he also knew that the mark on Michael’s leg looked very much like the boot print it was. There was a silence before Michael spoke through which Ben found himself almost holding his breath with anxiety.
“And as for what happened…… I fell”
Well that much was clear for anyone to see and Ben knew that Michael was speaking up for his benefit as well. So that their stories would make sense and even though Talia would not believe them she might not argue. “Stairs aren’t what I do best. I’ve already come a cropper a couple of times in the past. Anyway Ben was coming past and he tried to help me out. Except he sort of got dragged down with me. Though if he hadn’t come by things could have been a whole lot worse.”
Well there it was, this was going to be their story for better or for worst. And although it is not the one Ben would have gone with he figured that with a bit of careful thought he may be able to make it almost believable. And he may even be able to explain the boot print as well. so as he waited for the nurse to finish patching Michael up his mind set to work to adding all the necessary detail to their fictional fall.
Re: Broken, battered and bruise: Not a good start to the wee
Trembling fingers lifted the fabric of Michael’s shirt, it like from her nightmares really, the ones where she’d curl up in her bed back home in Germany and fear the thought of leaving the house, where outside was full of cruel people and malicious acts. As a nurse Talia was being forced to bare witness the truths her mother had tried to qualm with assurance, no one could calm her now, no one could tell her that people weren’t as cruel as she feared them to be. Telepathy didn’t always help, too much cluttered fogged the mind but not physical evidence, not scars and bruises and broken bones and torn flesh, god she hope that no bones were indeed broken, not in this case… Michael had enough to deal with as it was. Mine Gut… Her thoughts withdrew a little, shielding herself from prying now that she was determined to know what had gone on… a fight, that much she knew… a fight, some faces, the image of a foot bearing done upon Michael’s leg, she almost flinched from the sight of it, as if half expecting it to hit her, to hurt her, but that wouldn’t do, not here, not now… she had to focus on the here and now and not let their whispers distract her.
"There’s this as well" As well… as if the injury to he leg wasn’t enough, oooh, she fumed inwardly, how dare anyone act like this within the school, how dare they bring the violence that haunted them outside into this haven!! If someone could hurt Michael like this, they could hurt anyone! They had no mercy! No heart, no nothing, they should be tossed from the school for causing such damage to an already obviously wounded student. Threw to the wolves who hunted them, thrown to the monster they seemed so eagerly wishing to be like.
"And as for what happened…… I fell" Fell.. pah. Sharp golden eyes seemed to rise but the calm was forced, getting angry wasn’t going to help anyone, not just yet, a slow breath was released and quietly drawn in again. An anxious jerk of her tail flicked from side to side for a brief agitated moment until it settled tensely in place low to the ground by her ankles.
"Stairs aren’t what I do best." So that’s how they’d play this, what ever for? Talia tried hard not to frown or glare or look as if she was ready to interrupt him with a sharp word… there had to be a reason, but why? It didn’t make sense, how could he not talk, how could he not want to have whoever did this severely punished? "I’ve already come a cropper a couple of times in the past." Talia almost had to physically restrain herself from sighing, why did they bother? Surely they’ve know of her psychic abilities… the fact she speaks into the minds of people is a pretty big hint. So unless Michael was completely daft he was definitely covering it up and not caring how easy it was for Talia to just waltz into his mind and take what she needed to know. Granted, it wasn’t always just that easy but still.. "Anyway Ben was coming past and he tried to help me out. Except he sort of got dragged down with me." What made some people think like this? What drove them to lie, the reasons, which seemed so simple to her, caused concern and a need for quick cover-ups in others… she had to be missing something. "Though if he hadn’t come by things could have been a whole lot worse." It seemed Michael owed Ben a thank you for this intervention, and perhaps she would thank him too… if he didn’t make her feel so awkward she’d have no hesitation on the matter.
A hand motioned, signalling for him to lay back, to relax, rest off the injuries that the bed was going to need time to tend to, she felt deflated now, weak almost. Unjust and unfair, both what had happened to him and what he was asking her to do, she couldn’t ignore it… she couldn’t, how could they think she could? Did he just not want to talk about it now? Did he think he was in trouble? He seemed worried, defensive… but his back was up against the wall and he probably should just calm and relax as best as possible before she even attempted to get into any of the sordid details he had encountered.
Another motion for him to stay, to sit back, to let the bed to its work, There’s nothing more she can really do when another student sat waiting with an open gash on his face, so close to his eye… The kit she held in her hands was drawn close, another motion made half heartedly as she tried to show she was going to go off and see to Ben, her body turning as the arrow shaped tip of her tail seemed to weave it’s way to the edge of the curtain and tug it aside, holding the fabric in a pinch with the edges of the lower points that now curled closely together, the very tip of the tail slightly curved as well to aid the hold as she flicked it aside. As the white dressed nurse emerged her tail rather sharply flicked the curtain closed again behind her, sunshine pearls focusing intensely on the face of the other boy. She wasn’t sure if she was angry or not but for now she’d do what she was here to do, and that was heal their bodies, but if they thought she’d play dumb to this sort of attack, then it was something she’d have to make absolutely clear she was absolutely unwilling to let this atrocity slide.
Near feline grace was seen as she moved carefully towards Ben, placing the container down, hesitating on opening the lid though keeping her eyes firmly downcast on it, as if scanning the contents within before even opening it to see with her eyes. Undoubtedly Ben would have his own words he’d wish to pass on, his own tales and carefully spun fiction, yet there was also another anxiety in him, tension, worried thoughts, fear? She couldn’t see what they feared or worried about… she didn’t understand guys in general, but this was getting out of control. Why can’t they all come with some little help guide book that explained the procedures to understand when certain symptoms began to show.. like obvious lying and worried tension over something that was hardly their fault in the first place.
Re: Broken, battered and bruise: Not a good start to the wee
The moment Ben had been dreading so much finally arrived as the curtain around Michael’s bed was pulled across to let the nurse through. She closed it again behind her in order to give Michael his privacy and her large eyes then turned to him. He almost physically flinched from that gaze… he knew that he could not hide from her mind and wondered why he was even trying to. It was because… his mind drew a blank he just could not seem to think when she was looking at him like that. He felt like a child caught red handed with his hand in the cookie jar.
He had studied Talia enough to know that she was less than impressed by this whole thing and that only added to his embarrassment. He knew he had done the right thing, even though in his eyes fighting was never right. And he felt ashamed at having lost control so badly… not that that had helped him any, Mike had still pummelled him into the ground. His side hurt and he felt sick as he watched her examine the content of her medical box. He knew what was going to come out of it and that he was going to have to muster any courage he had left to face her and a needle.
He had always had an uncontrollable fear of needles and it was taking all his will power now to just sit still and not tremble. He wanted to just run and let the wound heal itself but he had to face his parent the next day and he couldn’t do so looking like this. So he tried to steal himself for the task at hand but he knew that he couldn’t keep the fear out of his eyes and thoughts. The story he had so carefully prepared was gone washed away by the need to simply concentrate. It was embarrassing this fear of his and he knew that it was more than simple fear; it was a full blown phobia for this was no normal reaction to a few stitches.
He did not know what to do with himself, his embarrassment from the attack and that from his fear where threatening to overwhelm him. But he would not break down in front of Talia, not if he could help it. He looked down at her as she selected her implements and cringed as the pain in his side increased because of his panicked breathing. He knew she must be feeling his fear, for it was oozing out of him so clearly that anyone could have seen it. He took a struggling breath and focused his eyes on the curtain that hid Michael from view. If his friend could cope with all the hardships he had been through, then surely he could deal with a few stitches couldn’t he?
Re: Broken, battered and bruise: Not a good start to the wee
It seemed, for whatever reasons, Ben and Michael had little motivation to fess up to what had gone wrong, despite the pain and hurt they suffered from it… Talia wondered if she could pester Porter into talking, but knew even if he did know something he’d stubbornly deny anything, even if he hated these two. Ellie however… but she most likely would have hang back to talk about it if there was something she felt she could contribute, not that Talia knew them well but from what she had seen and heard it felt more likely.
How did Hank survive this? One year and it seemed a lifetime to her, and she hadn’t even been a nurse for the whole year she’d lived here, it just felt like forever, it felt as if she had seen the same thing over and over again, as if her defences were gradually worn away with every day that past. Though Dr McCoy seemed different now, changed… more then what he was, a man as well as a doctor, which felt strange in comparison to the fact he had only ever been a doctor, he was there without fail, doing his work and sleeping only when he felt he had accomplished as much as humanly possible… if not more. Now he didn’t do that, he pushed himself, true, he always would, that was who Hank was, yet there was another part of his life now, and though Talia never pried she could see it clearly still. There was a reason to leave his work, a reason to walk away, a reason to sleep in just that moment longer.
There was a niggling sense as Talia studied the needle, making sure that there were no air bubbles within it, a strange sense that stirred inside her as she looked at it, something that was not her own yet there and hard to ignore. Was it… fear? Anxiety definitely, sometimes the faintest of emotions were too hard to read clearly, like studying blurry writing in the middle of the night with tired eyes. It was always worrying for her when she tried to focus or tune into whatever she felt, sometimes the information she gained in return of her efforts were too much, too clear and too precise for her.
Cautious eyes peered towards Ben, grateful in the sense that, as long as her head didn’t turn towards him he’d have a near impossible time figuring out where she was staring, sometimes having no iris or pupil was helpful, though she was aware it unnerved a great many people. There were times and moments were one could read a person’s mind without having to be a telepath… and staring over at Ben discreetly she could more then clearly see how disturbed he was. Ben wasn’t even looking in her direction any more, he was averting his gaze and his mind as best he could possibly manage, gentle hands lowered the needle to her gaze as Talia turned to face him, his pain as clear as his fear and her mind torn between which actions to take with him. A tail curled behind her, the tip lifting to her hand and gently taking the needle from her fingers, her legs already starting to move towards him as she pondered how to calm him down, the needle held behind her back and allowing her hands to be free while she approached him.
"It vould be easier if you laid down." Talia asked as she grew beside him, her telepathic speech the best Ben could get since she wasn’t ready to say anything to him. She was shy enough to actually hesitate even speaking telepathically to him. He made her feel awkward, she wasn’t entirely sure why, the way he felt or acted about her didn’t help, that was for sure.
Re: Broken, battered and bruise: Not a good start to the wee
Ben knew that Talia could clearly see how fearful he was of the prospect of having an injections and stitches, and he tried harder to put on a brave face. He was grateful to her for being so gentle; she had not touched him yet but her movements were slow and steady in order to help calm him. He felt a bit like an animal that was being gentled by a handler that knew that any sudden movements would cause it to run. She had even made sure to keep the needle out of sight as she approached him, which helped ease the tension a bit.
"It vould be easier if you laid down."
Ben smiled at her hesitantly as he moved to comply with her request, he was not sure if the smile had been to reassure her or simply himself but it helped him somewhat. Then he moved his legs up unto the bed and slowly lowered himself down until he was lying flat. As he did this the panic returned as he now felt committed to having the wound stitched. His rational side told him that in order for the wound to heal properly and leave as small a scar as possible this was the only solution but another part of him simply wanted to disinfect it and leave it to heal naturally. But then what would his parents think if they saw him come home bruised? No this really was the only way… so he took deep calming breathes and dug his fingers into the side of the bed and waited for Talia to get it over and done with.
OOC: Sorry for the shortness of this post but I’m a bit clueless as to what else to add. Angie do you just want to stitch him up then we can have them go back to the dorms in a few rounds time?
Re: Broken, battered and bruise: Not a good start to the wee
Even when all was done and over with, Talia insisted the boys remained resting, her stitch work with Ben was perfectly done though he seemed more grateful it was over with then the handy work of it all. The nurse was awfully quiet… well.. that was typical of Talia but even by her standards, by Michael especially as he was aware of her impeccable bed side manners and how she would try and keep patients minds off their situation with idle chit chat. If McCoy did the same thing intentionally or not, Talia had watched him as he talked, and she had noted the way his patients seemed to ease their mind off the problem at hand and get stuck into other things. Perhaps the other things weren’t so pleasant either, but at least it was off whatever was occurring between the doctor and the patient. And it helped, and Talia started using the same tactic in the last few months and had also noticed the differences.
The alien machines helped kick start their healing process and Talia wanted them to get as much use from the machines as possible considering the weekend plans that were dawning upon them all. Yet at the same time it didn’t look as if they wanted to stay for the night either, which she’d prefer… perhaps she could sway their ideas, the thought of their sleeping arrangements would help push aside the thoughts of what brought them here in the first place… at least Talia was hoping for that effect. Her form hovered away from her station and towards the two, lingering between the ends beds.
"I vould like the two of you to consider staying a few hours… if not ze night." Talia addressed both, her golden orbs only able to be noticed as looking between them by the slight turn of her face. "Und I’d like you two to consider discussing vhat really happened…" There was a pause as an air of defiant thoughts could be felt by the telepath, even if all they were doing was attempting to assure her of their… half truths. "If… you feel you need time, zhen perhaps after the weekend, upon your return, once ze families have all left. Do not make me keep zis from Dr McCoy longer then mid next veek." Her head lowered slightly, her telepathic voice regaining it’s insecurity that was attempted to be flooded out with authority, but it was failing her now. "He vill not forgive me so easily finding out I have withheld such things from him, yet I vill believe you have your reasons, and vill attempt to respect them by giving you a few days to approach McCoy." If Hank seems them here, she didn’t doubt he’d be on their case as to why they were all battered, but still… there was time till he returned to active duty in the med lab, that still gave the boys some recovery time before they were forced to leave for secrecy sake.
Re: Broken, battered and bruise: Not a good start to the wee
He had thought she knew him better than that. Ahh, but then could he really ask her to have that much faith in bim, when it must have been obvious to her that her had lied? How he had hated doing that. Though he had had no choice! Yet somewhere, perhaps unreasonably, along the line he had hoped that she would have known why. Or at least have trusted him as he trusted her.
Still …given the circumstances…. would he have done any different? The answer was clear…… though his emotions weren’t. In any other circumstances his choice would have been straight forward. Even now it wasn’t fear that held him back… at least not fear of the bullies. How many times in the past had he stood up to them, giving them the chance to back off, accepting inevitably the worst they had to offer , and then, doing what every other pupil had dreamed of doing but had never dared to do. Speaking out! Telling the only ones who could do something to help what had happened. Even if they didn’t always act on it!
McCoy would though. That much was certain. He would drop down on Alex and his gang like divine retribution. And that in the end was the problem. There was no way Michael could ask him to judge the others without also judging him and Ben. Ok the bullies had been attacking him, hurting him in ways that no one could accept. But was that enough to condone the use of powers? By those who were judged worthy to be in a team? It was such a responsibility, such an honour. Should someone like that have been pulled into some squalid brawl? His heart said yes…… but his heart had already led him astray. Making him believe that Riley had been playing some kind of joke on him! Getting himself placed on probation.
Everything he knew told him he had a case to argue. Correction! Almost everything. Nothing was sure now, not what he thought about himself, or the very world he moved in. A world where fairies were team mates and vampires taught you how to fence. And in the end where the only really important thing was being a part of all that. Michael hadn’t been at the institute for very long but it had been long enough for him to realise that the students were separated into two categories. Those who knew what was really going on and those who didn’t!
Michael had made the transition despite all the odds that fate had thrown against him. Could he really take a step backwards if they asked him too? Or was that a door that only opened one way! With fouling up leading directly to expulsion! That wasn’t something he could even begin to deal with. To be all alone on another continent with no means of identification and no way of accessing the drugs he needed to keep the pain at bay! Stupid! Selfish! When there was so much more at stake here than his petty life! And yet , oh god, he needed the Institute so badly.
Yet not enough to ask Talia to put her integrity one the line! Yes he at least would stay a few hours. He needed that much healing if he was going to be able to face Scott’s parents, never mind impose himself on Ben for the weekend. But as for the rest "If… you feel you need time, zhen perhaps after the weekend, upon your return, once ze families have all left. Do not make me keep zis from Dr McCoy longer then mid next veek." She was willing to go out on a limb for them and that just wasn’t acceptable Especially when she continued "He vill not forgive me so easily finding out I have withheld such things from him, Yet I vill believe you have your reasons, and vill attempt to respect them by giving you a few days to approach McCoy.”
“No!” The exclamation had escaped him rather rudely but he hastened to explain “Please don’t. Don’t hide this if it means you will get into trouble. That would never be what I want. “ How could he do this? Walk the path between two friends? Except to say that Ben had chosen to get involved whereas Talia…….. They had brought this whole mess to her door and then lied about it. Knowing that she would catch them out! * I should never have come* Michael thought desperately. *I should have stayed puking my guts out in some sordid bathroom rather than drag her into all this.*But pain had never made that a valid option had it? At least not for him!
And so he sighed and drew a breath and said “Do whatever you have to. Tell Dr McCoy we were here and that….. “He smiled wearily “you didn’t believe a word we said. That’s Ok. It’s not your problem Just point me in his direction if you must And Ill take it from there.”
Re: Broken, battered and bruise: Not a good start to the wee
Ben rolled back into a sitting position both embarrassed and relieved that it was over.
He smiled at Talia but did not dare touch the small row of stitches on his face… It hadn’t been as bad as he had feared but still it had been far from pleasant. And even though Talia had done the whole procedure as quickly and neatly as possible he was pretty sure that the underside of the med lab bed would bear small nail marks where he had gripped it.
"I vould like the two of you to consider staying a few hours… if not ze night."
Ben was once again relieved that Talia had been there to help them for he could not imagine what he would have said to explain this to his parents. But if the nurse was willing to let them spend some time on the healing machines, it was possible that they might just be well enough for any visible signs of the fight to have erased themselves. And maybe if he was really lucky, she would take the stitches out again.
The Darklight mutant had never used the Shiar healing beds before but he had seen their effects on others and it was most impressive. This made him decide that after he came back from his weekend away he would look into how they worked. Though maybe he should ask May’s help with that, as he had never really been all that good with mechanics and he had noted after running into her in the science lab that it seemed to be something she was more than proficient at.
"Und I’d like you two to consider discussing vhat really happened… If… you feel you need time, zhen perhaps after the weekend, upon your return, once ze families have all left. Do not make me keep zis from Dr McCoy longer then mid next veek. He vill not forgive me so easily finding out I have withheld such things from him, yet I vill believe you have your reasons, and vill attempt to respect them by giving you a few days to approach McCoy."
At this statement Ben was at once amazed and appalled. He was touched that Talia would withhold information from one of the people she respected most for their sake and horrified that he had ever considered putting her in this position. Of course there was no easy way out of this situation, for if they told her and then the doctor the truth there would be consequences. They had used their powers on others and that would not easily be forgiven. But then again they were both old enough to take responsibility for their actions and they would have to face up sooner or later…
“No! Please don’t. Don’t hide this if it means you will get into trouble. That would never be what I want.”
Ben turned to regard Michael; he was as always taken aback by how righteous his friend really was. It did not seem to matter to the scot what consequences he might face as long as his friends did not get into trouble. Ben was starting to realise that his newest friend had a sense of justice so strong that it seemed unstoppable. But this time Ben agreed with him, this was their mess and they would deal with it. Besides Ben would never really forgive himself for getting Talia into trouble not after she had made it clear she was willing to risk her place in med lab to help them.
“Do whatever you have to. Tell Dr McCoy we were here and that… you didn’t believe a word we said. That’s Ok. It’s not your problem Just point me in his direction if you must and Ill take it from there.”
Ben nodded his agreement to that statement and smiled at the nurse. And then he suddenly found himself amazingly tired as if someone had taken all of his energy from him. He figured that it was probably that the adrenaline had finally worn of and that the battering he had taken was now taking its toll. Which made him decide that they were definitely going to stay here a while longer even if it meant facing the doctor. Anything to make them feel better and insure that his parents did not become suspicious of the so called “specialised medical centre” they had sent him to.
“All right Talia hook us up, we’ll stay for a few hours. Or else my parents will be to full of questions I don’t want to answer.”
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