it's no fun being right.

“You might’ve mentioned it here and there, can’t quite remember.” Lark smiled listening to Nate talk about how he’s been alone most of his life, mirroring his own upbringing. “Promise me that you won’t go up and leave me alone then. I’ve been alone most of my life too, but if you’re there it won’t feel like that anymore.” Admitting that took a lot out of the mutant, feeling as if his inner self was screaming at him for confessing such vulnerability. But it felt so good to do so at the moment, just as it did when his fingertips were being tickled by Nathan’s soft curls. Lark didn’t really expect much out of the date he got on a whim, but now he really couldn’t see his days without this man. “Probably a few months so I will be quite rusty, not that I won’t be able to pull my own weight.” It was hard to knock out all the training and forget all those years back when he was a kid. So he thought his body might remember the feeling, remember the way he was trained to be nothing more than a weapon at one point in his life. He’d become that weapon again if it meant he could protect Nathan out there when the world was in chaos and darkness tried to encroach on their lives. For him. Nathan was precious to him and all these little moments they shared were now treasures stored away in his memory that he could always call back to when he needed a moment of levity or light. As he takes hold of Nate’s hand, he pulls himself closer to the man, smiling giddy as he wonders if this was going to become more. “My powers are useful for my line of work but in the field, they’re pretty deadly.”

//

[ OPEN STARTER! ]

Water droplets were pulled from the air to nourish and bring back to life a section of garden plants that were overwhelmingly droopy - and maybe even a little crispy. They looked horrible and no one in the neighborhood seemed to do anything about it for a week now; she wouldn’t have intervened seeing as it wasn’t part of the District, but the flowers looked parched and pleading for something, so she had to oblige.

With most of the terror of Star City gone, Elysia felt comfortable enough to use her abilities outside of the wall. Though there was always someone to exploit her, she felt confident enough to defend herself.

Nathan feels strange leaving the district but he boundaries never stopped him even when the terror was around. He has always been different than other people so wandering through dangerous parts of the city doesn’t scare him. It didn’t growing up and doesn’t now. He’s smart enough to know that those ideals don’t just go away even with Nova gone. It feels good to walk around this part of Star City. He even had his cybernetic arm out today and not hiding it under a sweater or one of his many jackets. He wore fingerless gloves though, a habit.

“Still, it’s funny how quickly you became so important to me. I feel like you’re going to be quite selfish when it comes to me,” Lark teased, and truly he couldn’t really be mad at Nathan for that since he could tell he himself was becoming particularly selfish when it came to Nate’s time. The young mutant’s past keeps him from going out and attempting to save the world like his would be lover, but sometimes he wishes he could just go out there with him, no matter what the danger if Nathan was there he wouldn’t fret. He likes the way Nate makes him feel, he likes the way life gets a little more complicated when the man is around, but it’s still just as sweet, if not better. “Good, because I haven’t really trained in a bit and I might need to stretch my muscles. Don’t go any easy on me, because I’m still extremely powerful, at least that’s what I remember people telling me I was.” With a giggle, he went up with the man and pulled him into another kiss. “Off we are then, love.”

//

“Me? Selfish? Did I say that? I mean it though. I never had someone to worry about me before. I was alone most of my life.”  Nathan states with a grin, looking over at Lark with that comment. He was lucky to have Redd and Slim for a while but they eventually had to leave. He was sad at first but life moved on. It had to, right? Nathan might not have ever been in a relationship before but likes that they’re slowly becoming more with each day. It all happened sort of randomly, didn’t it? The way he walked into his workspace for a new suit to be made and took a chance on that random date. Sometimes the best things come out of spontaneous actions. Nathan is too anxious to go train, using his telekinesis to grab his sword off the wall where it was mounted. The three foot long blade resting on his back now. “When was the last time you train ed?”” Nathan is already heading down the hall after they kiss, too eager to get his hands on a danger room season.  “I usually do these with my dad but it’ll be fun to do one with someone else. Especially to see how well we work together in a time of crisis, don’t you think?” He extends a hand out for Lark to hold on the walk to the danger room if he wishes.

“Count your blessings then, cause I wouldn’t stay up for just anybody to come back.” Lark said admitting that his worry for Nathan was real, even if he could never stop the man from springing into action. “You sound like you’re happy that I was worried,” he pointed out, noting the little smile on Nathan’s face. Getting used to seeing that smile wouldn’t be so bad he guessed, especially since this guy was keen on helping the world. Lark remembered when he used to be like that, but now he didn’t know what kept him from following after Nate and helping out. “Here’s what you get for coming back,” Lark mused as he pulled Nate up slightly, bringing their lips together. “Now, how’s about you take me with you to the danger room, and put it on the same settings you usually train.”

//

“It’s nice having someone to worry about me. I don’t care if that’s selfish.” Nathan knows that this worry is very real for Lark but deep down the affection behind it makes him smile. He seems to do a lot of that around Lark. He’ll always go out to save the world but there’s more to his life beyond being a savior. He’s more than just Cable. Sometimes he doesn’t know what to do with that but today? It makes him happy. Lark is something to keep close so that’s what he’s decide to do. They kiss for a brief moment, leaning into it until their lips part. “I’d never say no to some time in the danger room. You really want to train with me? Lets go!” The boy is already leaping up onto his feet . . . wasting no time.

@kidcable​

“So, am I going to have to worry about you coming back to me every time there’s a crisis or should I have faith that you’ll be okay?” Lark asked while his fingers absentmindedly passed through Nate’s hair over and over. Having the man rest his head on his lap, smiling down as he simply enjoyed his time with the guy he’s been getting to know. “Not saying that I was worried or anything, but I can admit that I did get really happy when you came back.”

//

“You might have to keep worrying. I’ve never been the type of man to stay away from a crisis.” Nathan always jumped right into action rather than running away from it. Maybe that has something to do with being raised as a messiah and having something expected of him. He doesn’t like making his loved ones worry. Especially Lark since they’ve started seeing each other recently. He’s content to lay here while the other’s singers pass through his hair. Brunette and white strands of air a mess. “You were totally worried but it’s okay to feel that way, you know?” He looks up at Lark with a smile finally. “I’m glad I came back too. I should be home for a while unless an emergency comes along.” Nathan will focus on danger room sessions as usual until another mission becomes available.

“That’s annoying cause that’s when I first started my hero career, if you can even call it that,” Sam sighed, a chuckle soon came after before looking over the other. “Thanks, I got it when I became one with the magics of this cool other world. Lost that magic, but got it back again after a while. Not something I advertise cause apparently otherworldly magic is a no-no. Mint chocolate chip? I see you’re a man of culture.”

//

“Magic, huh?” Nathan doesn’t know much about how it feels like to wield such abilities but everyone has their own area of expertise.  His own might not be magic but at least knows what it’s like to wield something. Some humans mistake his telekinetic abilities for magic with that pink glow coming off his hands. If they never encountered either ability though then Nathan can’t expect someone to know the difference. “Who told you that it was a no-no? I’m pretty sure movies ALSO tell people that time travel is also a no-no and yet I’ve done it plenty of times.” He smiles at the promise of ice cream though. It wasn’t a treat that Cable could enjoy growing up so now he’s going to embrace it. “I only like the best. Maybe we can both get mint chocolate chip ice cream since we’re both men of culture.”

“M’gonna need people to stop calling me kid Nova just cause Richard is the other Nova. I’m like Thirty, at least call me just Nova or Nova Knight.” Sam complained still hounded by the fact that some still viewed him as that bright eyed spunky kid who donned his father’s nova helmet and became a hero. “Anyway, how’s your day going so far, you doing alright? Depending on the answer you give me I might just have to treat you to ice cream and dinner for taking the time to listen to me.”

//

“It might just be difficult for them to stop seeing you as a kid if that’s when they met you.” Nathan points out, looking over at the man with a raised eyebrow. He can relate on some level although his situation is the reverse problem. People expect him to be more like his older counterpart but that’s never what they get.  He’s on a different path and likes being his own person at the end of the day. “Nova Knight is a cool name.” Nathan says finally with a smile to his face. “Can we go get ice cream anyway? I could go for a few scoops of mint chocolate chip.”

Unknowingly, Kurt left his image inducer while taking his casual stroll through District X. His gaze peered over at the sight of the young man in the distance. The shift in his steps took caution in his attempts to keep the other from being disturbed. The efforts proved meaningless when a twig snapped underneath one of his shoes. 

With the other’s eyes open, he cleared his throat, hand brushing through his black locks.

“Not really,” he chuckled. “I was trying to be careful not to disturb you. My sincerest apologies.”

Even when there isn’t anything for Nathan to worry about he’s still on edge. He’s always aware of his surroundings and anyone who comes close. Maybe he’s just used to not knowing what people’s intensions are . . . and on the other hand? He’s inherited the awareness of his mother and the hyper-vigilance of his father.

“You didn’t disturb me . . . that isn’t the word I’d use. I was just curious about who was near.” The teenage Mutant smiles though and shits his position so his feet can land on the ground.  

When:  Present Day Where: Star City - SCPD With: Nathan @kidcable​

Foggy had been working like a dog the past few days, the undoing of the hero ban (while something he agreed with) had left all justice avenues of the country scrambling to sort out what was and wasn’t any longer enforceable and prosecutable. For once, Foggy and Jim had put aside any and all snark… or at least he had, Jim didn’t tend to snark much, and focused on just trying to get ducks in a row. And that was before they even considered thinking about opening communication channels with heroes in the city. 

‘Mr. Nelson, a young man’s here to see you, Nr. Nathan Summers.’

Foggy made a face of confusion at his secretary then quickly ran a hand through his hair, oh yea, the young guy from District X with an interest in law. He had said the guy was free to visit him. And besides, he could use a break from this madness. “Thanks Becky, could you send him in please?“

Moments later Nathan was led inside and Foggy smiled at the younger man, “Hey, s’been a while. Did you survive that madness okay?” It had effected so many people. 

//

Everything is different now and Nathan can’t quite imagine how chaotic everything must be with the undoing of the hero ban. He decided that there was no better time to start getting into law. He has always had an interest in the subject and the idea of trying to get into law school someday in the future makes him feel excited for learning something new. He remembers Foggy giving him the contact information and decided to visit. He journeyed out of District X to visit the SCPD. He wore a long sleeved shirt and a pair of gloves since Nathan isn’t in the mood to have anyone staring at him today when they catch sight of his robotic arm.

Once given the okay to step into Foggy’s office, Nathan makes his way down the hallway. He hopes that this isn’t bad timing.  He doesn’t know how busy the police department is right now but Cable figured that he would have been turned away and told to return another day.

“Hello, Mr. Nelson.” Nathan waves while closing the door behind him. “I survived. I was helping my fellow telekinetics shield the city actually . . .”

.

Scott was finding it more difficult all the time to focus on the task Evan had put him there for. His thoughts strayed, or perhaps it was…something else. Maybe it wasn’t as mind at all, but something more confusing. His heart was somewhere that wasn’t really his, but it felt like his. It was growing more difficult to look at Nathan and see him as Scott Summers’ son when he was beginning to feel like his own. Evan hadn’t told him it could be that way.

He’d attempted to be quiet, but it wasn’t as if Nathan was an easy one to sneak up on. He had the hyper-vigilance of his father and all the awareness of his mother, after all. “Don’t let me interrupt.” 

Time seemed so slip away from Nathan while he began mediating. He might have been here for several hours so that’s reason enough for shifting his position so his feet are back on the ground. The familiar glow disappearing while looking at his father. “I don’t mind if you interrupt. I think I’ve been in here for two hours? I could use a break.” He flashes a smile while gazing up at Scott with his hands on his hips. This is perfect since the boy hasn’t gotten the chance to have some one-on-one time since recent events in the city.

[ @kidcable ]

It was only right to check up on the members of his team, even if he hadn’t taken point at first. He’d been the one to step up though when it looked grim and had Nathan to thank for the added effort, so Julian took it upon himself to seek out the younger mutant. He went with his prosthesis this time, opting to dust them off after their prolonged lack of use. The metal fingers clacked together as the hand and forearm pieces floated beside him, a vibrant lime green aura surrounded him.

He’d found Nathan, busy as a bee, and knocked on the surface next to him to get his attention. “You got a ‘sec?” Julian asked when he’d gotten his moment.

There was a small group of them tasked with shielding the city from the blast with their telekinesis. Nathan kept telling himself that he could handle this but it helped having Julian and Quentin at his side if needed. He lended his own power to contribute to the effort when things started getting grim because it was about working together. Nathan is an omega level telekinetic after all . . . it had been easy to reach out further to back up Hellion.

By the time the program had reached its end, the Danger Room was filled with their ‘fallen’ enemies, all of which dematerialized as soon as Scott ordered the reset. A glance at the digital clock showed that more time had passed than he expected, and he hadn’t even noticed. He’d forgotten entirely about everything else - what Evan had sent him there for, finding Flash, searching for the equipment. It had felt like he was already doing what he was supposed to be doing. The realization that he wasn’t, that he was just going through the motions of the real Scott’s life because he ‘had’ to was…what was the feeling he had even called? Disappointment? 

He allowed himself only a few seconds for it, disturbing as it was, before turning toward Nathan. “You did a great job. Next time we’ll cut down on the time. Go get cleaned up,” he nodded toward the door of the Danger Room. He needed to get his own head back on straight. 

When the program ended, Nathan felt proud while looking around at the fallen enemies. They soon dematerialized and they were left standing in the empty room again. He spun his sword around, something surprisingly light for something of it’s size. The boy slides the blade onto the harness on his back to free his hands. He doesn’t need the Light of Galador right now. He really wanted to celebrate . . . but nothing would compare to that compliment given to him from his father.

You did a great job.

“Why do you think I’m here?” Quentin asked before they parted ways. Would he have bothered to make the trip if it had happened somewhere he didn’t personally live at that exact moment? Doubtful. Not impossible, but doubtful. He certainly wasn’t doing it for the sake the the flatscans in Star City. Well, except for one, but he’d taken care of MJ already. 

–

The next time he saw Nathan was after the bomb. Julian had moved in toward the second bridge that Bobby had created and Quentin was trying to hold himself together as his head was racked with pain. It would pass, but he was irritating incapacitated for at least a few minutes. He’d contained the explosion to such a small area, as much as he could in the practically non-existent time he’d had to make the call. Usually he wasn’t one to second guess himself. What he did, he did, and tended to believe it had been right, but right then he was missing much of that surety. 

“I’ve got it. Just-” he waved Nathan away, “follow Hellion. That makes me want to throw up to say.” 

When the bomb went off Nathan tried to keep his composure . . . needing to stay focused on everything that his telekinesis is wrapped around to shield it from the explosion. He’s taken back to a very different time, barren lands and witnessing families struggling to survive off what little possessions they have in a post-apocalyptic world. This scenario is very different from those memories but the feeling is all the same. He worries but at least the city is still standing. This could have had a much more tragic ending . . . but it doesn’t mean it’s easy pushing away his experiences now that they’ve forced their way out of his little box.

With Nathan being who he was, a member of the X-Men and the leader’s son to boot, it granted him a certain level of trust by default. It wasn’t that people couldn’t (and didn’t) skirt those kinds of standards, or that Bucky put all his stock into that alone, as he certainly didn’t, but so far he’d had no reason to register him as any kind of threat on a personal level. He was, by all accounts, a kid the same age as RJ who’d been through and seen as much if not more. Likely more. Bucky was familiar with that particular kind of set up and the very particular set of needs that usually accompanied it, even if he rarely felt adept enough to do much about them. He did try. He was willing. “Yeah? Well you’re in luck. I’ve got the whole day.” 

For the time being, he also did have an actual purpose for showing up. “I wondered if you might do me a favor. Or, well, wondered if you could. But we can walk and talk. I haven’t been to the District in a long time. There’s more here than I remember.” Not that he’d ever hung around to really look, or for leisure. 

Children shouldn’t have to grow up in the kind of conditions that Nathan has been in but sometimes you don’t get to really decide otherwise. He knows how necessary sending him into the future was at the time. It was the only way to guarantee his safety.  Cable was also a toddler, which meant not having a say in his fate. All he could do is wonder where his parents were and eventually settle into the post-apocalyptic landscape. Nathan likes to use his experiences to help other children in this era from ever suffering. He wants to leave a better world for the next generation but knows how difficult making a change will be . . . having seen how the impact of hatred for Mutants extended two thousand years from now. This isn’t about that though, smiling as he’s far too focused on getting to spend more time with Bucky. “I must be extra lucky today! I’ll make sure your day with me will be interesting.” He wants them to be friends . . . allies . . . and closer.

@tlkntc @kidcable @alphonsetalbot

“I call shotgun. I’m taking the bridge. If that thing falls we’re screwed, and you know what they say...if you want something done right...” Quentin didn’t finish the thought, and instead began to summon a bright pink ball of energy that quickly expanded like a bubble. It encompassed him first, but once he was in place he’d expand it.

Quentin had taken on leadership roles before, but it had always been to prove a point and absolutely never because he gave a damn about being in charge of anything. He knew what he was doing, and if other people didn’t listen then that was their problem. He’d always gleefully said ‘I told you so’ any time the opportunity presented itself. So, then, if Hellion and Cable wanted to get extra noble about it and screw up the plan then it was on them. He’d only come on board because he didn’t feel like finding a new condo, and he’d have to if the current one got blown up. “I guess it’s time we all hold telekinetic hands and save these ungrateful asses.”

It didn’t take long for Nathan to notice Quentin taking charge and giving himself the leadership role. He doesn’t mind, the situation they’re dealing with far more important than trying to debate who should be giving orders. The three of them are all powerful telekinetics, so there wasn’t anyone better for the role in providing shielding. The shields need to hold, the only thing that would protect the citizens from the blast. He knows the role they need to play . . . working with Quentin and Hellion to get the job done right.