Generally, unless it was required by the rules surrounding the team dormitories, Racheal was nowhere to be seen. It was more than a dislike, an uncomfortable settling around her team ‘mates’. It was shame as well; quietness had come over the feral more than usual. And sightings of her had been fewer and farther between than just a few days ago. It was a stupid incident. Something so tiny to others who couldn’t understand. Some would ignore it. But the Exiles weren’t exactly normal. Even if a single comment hadn’t been raised, Racheal knew instinctively that that one show of weakness could be used against her. She avoided the fights, sneaking silently off when once she’d have at least listened, rowed with Max. And it wasn’t that her temper had settled, for the anger could still be seen in her, but at the same time a deep fear which had so accidentally been uncovered.

Perhaps the only one who could come close to understanding was Frost. But at least she had an excuse, for wasn’t her power, her life, the opposite to that of the element which invoked so much fear in Feral’s heart? Fire… Yes, fire could be frightening, but Racheal’s fear was a true phobia. Something which haunted her in her nightmares. So when she’d not been able to control that fear during one training session, considering her company was it any surprise that those around her had noticed? And she wouldn’t talk about it. Even with the dark haired mutant’s shame, she was proud, feline. Any attempt to talk to her about it was snubbed, with a ‘I’m going out’. She was always going out, silently training. In fact, of late, it was the only thing supporting her need to leave. She wanted to run, she didn’t want to admit to her fears, nor face the normally less than forgiving Exiles. But for now she had to. She had to tolerate it.

It was the only reason she was around today. She’d spent most of the morning reading or training, as first thing the weather was too cold to spend too much time outdoors. And now, after an early breakfast, hunger had struck, so she’d retreated silently back to the shared common area. Of course, it was between classes, so others were there too, wandering around, grabbing a quick lunch or jus relaxing as Frost seemed to be. Eyes low she moved to the kitchen, quietly finding something even her inapt cooking skills could manage, throwing a sandwich together quickly. She was about to quietly work her way through to her small room, to eat in peace, when Max made his entrance. At once she was on guard, alert as if ready to defend herself from any attack. Not that they came regularly, or that he was the only one to start it, but since the training island there had been a tension between them, and more than once it had erupted into a fight, even if it was only a brief exchange of heated words. But this time there didn’t seem to even be a pause between his startling entrance and the slamming of his room door. Which lead to some curiosity. No snide remarks, glances, to anyone. She winced visibly as something heavy fell, eyes fixed now on Max’s door. He’d been, off his usual, for a little while now, not so quick to start a fight. And although there had been some concern, on a level that he was human, was a team mate. Despite his sometimes arrogant attitude he could suffer.

Flinching as she heard the smashing, she stood there, at a loss. Considering how badly the Exiles were known for their team spirit and general friendliness, the chances of someone going and seeing what was wrong, because, from the outbursts and general destructive sounds, there obviously was something wrong, were low. If it had been anyone but Max, she’d have gone herself. In fact, there was only one thing stopping her from helping Max herself, and that was pure common sense. They clashed, and their mutual dislike for each other was clear. Racheal herself wasn’t sure why. Yes, they disagreed on various issues, but they agreed on some as well and that seemed just as infuriating. The pure simple fact seemed to be they just didn’t, couldn’t get on. So her going, offering support, a person to talk to when the wrong thing from either of them could result in injuries to the other. No, it was like trying to put oil on a fire to put it out. It could be done with the best intentions, but only spelled disaster from ignorance.

But that didn’t meant she could leave the metaphoric fire burning away. Just because she was the oil didn’t mean she couldn’t give the water a nudge. She looked around slowly from where she stood, as if hesitant to leave that spot in case something happened and she had to step in. It was then she spotted Garnet. At which point her mind when into overdrive. At one point, she’d have been the obvious, immediate choice, but lately things seemed awkward between the two. At the same time, she had to weigh her as a possible choice against the other Exiles. And whilst there were those who she wouldn’t have said would be a ‘god awful’ choice, at the same time perhaps, despite it all, Garnet would be the best to get through to him.

Her eyes were fixed on their fiery leader, an involuntary shiver running down her spine which she mentally tried to shake off. Her eyes lowered for an instant, as if loosing any courage to speak, to make her suggestion. But hadn’t it been a shyness, a feeling that it wasn’t her place that had caused so much trouble on the training island, all though noone else seemed to think so? Twice she’d screwed up there, and if she fell silent now, would that do any better? Silently she took a deep breath, quietly gathering her courage, which wasn’t lacking as such, it just had to come over her quiet nature, stepping towards Garnet slowly.

”Garnet..” She started slowly, once more feeling the urge to stop, but forcing herself to continue. ”Someone should speak to Max…” She’d gotten the feeling that, if generally left to their own devices, as a whole the Exiles would just make all attempts to ignore the outburst. After all, the Exiles weren’t really a team. Just a bunch of individuals who might work together to get the job done if it meant they could leave quicker. ”I would but, I really don’t think that would work out If the stone mutant’s room wasn’t already ripped to pieces, it probably would be if she tried to speak to him. Everyone was aware of the tension between them, so she was pretty sure that Circe would work out what she meant. Lips parted slightly as if to continue, but she didn’t know what to say, just looking back over her shoulder at Max’s door, concern written on her face. She’d vowed to herself to protect the Exiles regardless. And that included Max, though she found herself slightly surprised that she felt quite that degree of concern. Perhaps she was getting soft.

For everyone comes the time when they have to take over responsibility. It stands to argue whether there is also a time when they can get rid of it again.