Electric Lady

“Yeah, yeah…” Isaac nodded, managing a small and appreciative smile. “You’re right, I know. I want to get better at this, I do. I don’t want to hurt anyone.” It was a rarity that he sounded so vulnerable, but he had to get better with his powers and he knew it.

“If it makes you feel any better, you can’t hurt me any with your powers while we practice. I’d just absorb the electricity.” Lu assured him, trying to work at building his confidence in the matter. “How about to start, you tell me what you can do.” She starts. “Like what is the extent of your control over your electricity.” 

“Put some brown sauce on them and you won’t know the difference.” Lu’s laughter is infectious, and he, too, laughed. To say that John could relate to that feeling was an understatement; even if a part of him was always… waiting. Waiting. Waiting for his innumerable enemies or those he hadn’t even considered wanting to take a shot at him.

But, it was nice to have a chance to relax. To breathe. And to have a little bit of a laugh with someone he cared for… That wasn’t too bad, now. “Why not?” He teased further as mischief curled into his tone. “I’m the one making ‘em, luv.”

Lu scrunched up her nose at the mention of ‘brown sauce’. “What on earth is ‘Brown Sauce’?” She asked, her voice full of skepticism. That was honestly one of the best parts of dating two people who weren’t from America. Both John and Bran always managed to keep her on her toes with their native slang and mentions of various other things from their respective countries. 

John turned away in an attempt to keep Lu from noticing the slight twinge of red on his cheeks, but said nothing about the slight hitch in his breath at her praise. ”Oh fuck off,” John scoffed. His tone held no real bite, however. A pleased rumble trickled at the feel of her lips on his neck. If he could expect more of that from a hug, John could certainly become more used to the idea.

The Scouser already began to miss her touch when she moved away from him, already missed her arms around, her lips touching his neck. Her jab at his horrid attempts to cook brought him back out of his thoughts. ”Cheeky bird. I’ve eaten tons of me sandies just fine, thank you very much.” They were burnt all to hell and back, of course, but Lu didn’t need to know that particular piece of information, did she?

“In that case…” A shit eating grin that was far closer to a smirk parted his lips as he nudged her leg closest to him before he flipped what bacon was still cooking away in the skillet, “I’m eating whichever one comes out better.”

“I’m sure you have, but I’d be willing to bet they were burned beyond belief.” She laughed. It was nice, being able to share this nice domestic moment with him. There were so many chaotic things in her life it was nice to have a normal relationship with people she cared very much for. 

Isaac sneered, but he knew she was right. He barely has any more control of his power than when it first manifested, that’s a problem and he knew it. “The unpredictability of it, how it could hurt people.” Not a total lie, just omitting some of the truth. That he is terrified of hurting or killing someone on accident like he did his mother.

As Lu listened, she could see it on his face that this was more than just a hypothetical ‘it could hurt someone.’ “Trust me Kid, I get it.” She said, trying to reassure him. Given the nature of gang activity, Lu had definitely had her share of moments where she had used her powers to do some things she wasn’t proud of. Though she wasn’t quite sure she wanted to tell him that, at least not now. 

“It can be scary, the instability of it all, but if you don’t get a handle on them it’ll only get worse. You owe it to yourself and those close to you to get it together.” Lu looked him right in the eyes as she spoke, giving him a knowing, sympathetic look. “Great power great responsibility and all that. I’m sure you’ve heard it all before.” She gave him a slight smile, trying to lighten up the mood a bit. 

“I do practice, I just hate it.” He snarked back, though was it true? No, not really. Lu most of likely knew that, he was afraid of his own power. “They try, doesn’t really work though.” Ororo has tried, Logan has too. Isaac just refuses to get better, he doesn’t want to have to use his power.

“You’re a fuckin’ lie and you know it.” She rolled her eyes. Part of her wondered if she should be more easy on him, but at the same time she felt some kind of way that he had all these people available to help him figure out his powers when she had to do that all on her own. “What is it, really?” Her voice softened up. “Like what’s so bad about it? The electricity?” Lu asked. Maybe if she got to the bottom of why he didn’t like using his powers, maybe she could begin to understand how to help him get better with them. 

“COOL.” Blayze says with a grin that only gets wider. “I believe it. Don’t worry your secret is safe with me! I wouldn’t want to ruin his spooky image he has going on, but I do agree with you.” He tilts his head after that tough. “I don’t think it’s strange, it seems normal? You guys seem happy which is RAD. I’m glad to meet you then.”

“Good, he’d throw a fit if he knew I said that.” Lu smiled at the boy, glad that he was so easy to get along with. When Lu had first heard that John’s kids were lurking around town, she was this slight fear that she wouldn’t get along with them, and while Blayze was the only one she’d met so far she was glad it was going well.  

Isaac let the electricity flow through his hands, but he kept his arms so far out ahead of him. It was clear he was still terrified of his own powers, despite what he claimed. He looked over at Lu with a tentative look. 

“I still hate this, you know.”

@organizedlightninglu

“Maybe if you spent some time actually practicing and getting better, maybe you’d hate it less.” Lu snarked as she watched him. “Honestly I thought the X-Nerds would have helped you out by now.” She said mostly to herself.

“Well it isn’t my business really, is it? So, my dad is dating both you and that Bran guy?” Blayze asks as he puts it together, truthfully not minding at all long as his father was happy. Besides his partners seemed nice, and that was good enough for him.

“Yeah, he is.” She laughed. It was probably the first time she had heard it said out loud. Even between the trio, they hadn’t explicitly said they were dating, they just all knew. “I don’t know if that strikes you as strange but, it works I promise. Don’t tell him I said it but your Dad’s a big ol’ sap.” Lu laughed some more thinking about the damage she could possibly be doing by sharing this with him. 

“I mean if you told anyone I wouldn’t mind.” Lu laughed taking a sip of her drink. “I’m sure John wouldn’t mind.” While she didn’t have many people to tell about her relationship, it wasn’t something that was really a secret. 

“Only ‘cause you haven’t seen me get truly mean yet, love.” John pointed out, loudly, and ignored her teasing with a snort. “’Oh bless you, me kind queen! givin’ her fool some kindness that he doesn’t deserve!’ Is that better?” He runs his thumbs across hers in an act meant to translate his mock annoyance, and leaned a little more weight into the hug, soft smile and all cracking his expression.

John forgets, often sometimes, that he needs such a thing. That he’s not above (or perhaps more accurately, below) such little comforts or kindnesses as simple as a pair of arms around him.

“Good; I bloody intend to.”

“See that’s the kind of reaction i was looking for!” She praised. “I knew you had it in you, such a good boy you are.” Doing her best to reach, Lu stood on the tips of her toes to kiss him on the cheek, but could only reach his neck given the position they were in. 

Finally she released him and moved to lean against the counter. “Okay that's enough sappy, soft shit.” She gestured to the stove. “Go on, I’m really interested in seeing you do this successfully.” An all too easy stab at his general lack of cooking skills. “Maybe make me one while you’re at it.” Realizing what she was asking of him, Lu couldn’t resist. “Make me a sandwich, babe.” 

Oh, she’s absolutely teasing, edging a finer line than she knows. As always her powers impress him deeply, and he watches for a moment as the screens flicker to light, before his gaze trails to her ass. Moment of silent admiration before he moves towards the fridge, grabbing a bottle of water, making as much noise as possible. Drains half of it in one go, before he closes the door near silently, moving back towards her, quiet as the night outside.

Presses himself against her back once he’s close enough, placing the water bottle on the desk, his hands on her hips. His own pressed against that rapid ass, placing a few soft, barely-there kisses to her neck. “How’s it lookin? Gettin’ what ye need?” He asks in a murmur, letting his lips brush against her skin. Quiet, to match the mood of the room, though his hands are anything but still, gripping her hips, running down her thighs.

If it weren’t for the fact that Bran was there with her, the silence of the room would be near unnerving. She was glad someone was there with her to keep her from getting too deep into her own mind. Even still, the bright green logo of the Spotify app on her desk top called to her as she worked. 

Her fingers danced across the keys as she got past the various levels of encryption, before finally getting to the files she needed- some old financial reports apparently. It was stuff way over her head, but she knew enough to know the level of importance it held. Selecting the files needed, she quickly sent them off across the secure server she had set up for her group. Now all that awaited was a confirmation from Volkner that everything looked okay. 

“I’m the rudest fucker in this town, I’ll have you know.” The grin that curls his lip is somewhat friendly as he shifted his weight onto the other foot. He enjoyed feeling her against him, despite the ease of which he claimed otherwise. “I dunno what else you were expectin’ when you hugged me, luv. You know I’m not the huggin’ type.”

“I was in the process of makin’ meself a bacon sandie, but now that you’re here…” He tossed his head to the side at the fridge. “Might be some kind of left overs in there.”

“I dunno, you seem like a big ol’ softie to me.” Lu teased casually. “I was expecting you to hug back? Or at least show a little gratitude from a random act of kindness from your queen.” She continued. 

“For the last time, I have my powers under control. I don’t need help from my dad, and I don’t need help from you either.” Isaac snapped, just before a bolt of electricity burst out of his hand and just barely missed Lu. “I…still have it under control.”

@organizedlightninglu

Lu had just barely caught news about there being another electrokinetic in town and naturally just wanted to seek him out and swap power use tips with him. But of course he was young and of course that ever present desire to look out for young mutants had to come knocking.  She just barely missed that stray bolt of electricity, not that it would have done much damage. “Right Sure You’ve got things under control.” She mocked. “Because that is exactly what control looks like.” She gave a quick gesture to the bolt that nearly missed her. 

She’s a down right tease, pressin herself against his back like tha’, and if Bran had any less self control, he’d be stuck with a mot’s crossbar about now. Luckily for them both –and all public decency laws– he’s got far more control of himself than other men his age. Calling him baby softens something in him, some call back to the few other people in his life able to get away calling him so. Almost all of which are dead, now.

Parking along the street, so clearly in the open and pointing to where they’ll be, it doesn’t settle in his stomach well. Pushes on his nerves as nails on a chalkboard would. Trusts Lu’s lead, despite years of training warning against it, pushes them down as he lowers his kickstand. Helmet on the seat, and he follows her into the shop, ducking through the door.

Quick walk around the shop, glancing around, silent movements. Securing them both, making sure no bugs are around, any spyware that wasn’t meant to be there. And, of course, he was watching her, but security was the last thing on his mind when it came to Lu, here and now.

No, Bran was thinking of ways to distract her.

Lu didn’t bother with the lights in the front of the store, beelining straight for the back of the house after locking the doors back behind Bran. She squinted as the harsh lights of the work area flickered on, her eyes struggling to adjust from the dark cover of night. The computer set up seemed to flash to life on its own, Lu’s powers taking control of it without needing her touch. For a moment she glanced to Bran, who she figured was scanning the store instinctively. “There are some drinks in the mini fridge further back.” She said to him. “Figured you might be a little thirsty.” Lu teased as she pulled the harddrive out of her bag, preparing it for hook-up to her systems. 

@organizedlightninglu​

Vivienne couldn’t be sure when she’d lost Teddy in the crowd of the party. Any attempt to call his name had been swallowed up by the music, her voice to quiet from the building panic flooding her system. Perhaps that was why Ruin had taken it upon itself to reach out and tap someone within arm’s reach, retracting back into the redhead before it could be spotted. 

In crowded spaces like this, Lu usually never paid much attention to the various taps and brushes she felt, but something about this contact seemed deliberate. When she turned around she met eyes with the panic stricken redhead and figured that was who had called for her attention. “You good?” She shouted over the music, leaning in to ensure the woman heard her. 

@organizedlightninglu !

“You know far as parties go dis ain’t so bad.” Remy says as he looks up from his drink to the other. He had been to countless gatherings, some more dangerous than this one, but he was having fun of course. He even dressed up to get into the mood. It reminds him of New Orleans a little, but he finishes what was in his cup before putting it aside. 

“I have to agree.” Lu smiled. It had been a while since she had attended a party purely for leisure.  She hadn’t even planned on staying out for long, but after the minor effort she put into her costume, she had to show it off. “So what are you supposed to be?” 

smellslikesilkcuts‌:

John had enjoyed the time out with Selene and Leila as it was a nice distraction from the events earlier that week… But he couldn’t stop wondering how Bran was doing, in the back of his mind. Call the Scouser paranoid, but after Rosacarnis and the children they sired together did quite a number on the people closest to him, and even those that vaguely knew John about a decade or so ago… Well, he had good reasons to get check in on them from time to time, he told himself. Especially when he didn’t know what Maria was up to these days. It wasn’t like he missed Bran already, or cared about him more than a regular mate does, or anything. John needed to say something about that, and Selene and Leila too… but not today.

He’d relocated in the bedroom, determined to just do it and get it over with. He’s a grown arse man, you daft git. He’s fine. John’s around three quarters through with his precautions when he heard Lu give a shout from the living room. “You don’t have to bloody yell; I’m right here, sweetheart.” John lifted his gaze to give her a hardly annoyed look before he refocused on making a protection circle. While she’s there, though… “There’s also a perfectly good door you could use that leads to me flat from the hallway, you know.” John reminded her gently, despite knowing that his suggestion would go unheeded. At this rate, he’d need to put down a bloody doormat at the window she preferred to enter in and exit out of.

John didn’t rise from his crouched position as he continued painting the rest of a circle, “What brings you through me window tonight?” @organizedlightninglu; @streakofemercld

Getting back to his hotel, bleeding and bruised along his ribs, was a right mess. The U-Bahn had been crowded, people heading home or out for shopping, and Bran had been jostled and elbowed in his sore bits more than he’d expected. His jaw ached from gritting his teeth against the pain, but even not back in his hotel room, he can’t take anything for it. Needs to clean it first, stitch it up, get it properly bandaged. What a feckin’ headache.

Shirt off as he gets the door latched behind him, and into the bathroom for a glass of clean, hot water. Supplies lined up on the desk, pushed up closer to the bed, and the bruising on his left side is already starting to swell up. Thankfully, his raven is untouched, though half of it is swollen up. Easier to hide the bruising under the swirls of black and purple ink.

His right side is… messier.

Rust red smeared across the skin, and drips disappear into the waistband of his pants. Hissing as he uses a wet rag to wipe it up, rough material dragging along and inside the bullet’s path. Soap and water come next, and by now the first cup is a pale pink, and there’s still fresher blood spilling out. Fuck him, and he needs to thread his suture needle too.

Trying desperately not to think of John now, how the mage’s calloused hands would feel, calming and warm against Bran’s skin. How his blood had looked on his hands, vividly scarlet. { @organizedlightninglu @smellslikesilkcuts }

Following the sound of John’s voice into the bedroom, Lu was pleased to see that he was already in the middle of some sort of magic doing. “John we have this conversation every time I come over.” She rolled her eyes. “If I used the normal door, I’d have to get past the exit door downstairs and pick the lock on your door. Frankly, coming through the window is much easier.” 

Lu watched him for a moment, interested in the work he was doing, in the work he was about to do, in the work that she was going to request him to do. She turned Bran’s old phone in her hands, something she had held on to from when they had first met. It was long since unusable, the battery long dead and the memory wiped, but it was one of the only things of his that was nondescript enough for her to hand off to John to use. “I have a favour to ask...” She said quietly. 

With John, there was rarely a moment where she lacked confidence, even in some of her softer moments with him, her voice rarely gave way to those softer emotions. But now? Here about to ask this ridiculous request of him? Her words were unsteady, much like her feelings toward both men. 

Quickly she tried to shake her nerves, part of her wishes she had raided John’s kitchen for some liquid courage. “Since it seems you’re in a magic practicing mood,” She gestured to the preparation the mage was doing. “I was wondering if you could uh, do your magic thing for me?”