#speshulmarvel

-One text. One text, sixteen missed calls and two voicemails, all from Scarlett. It was their last hearing and she missed it. The text had popped up on his lock screen around noon that day, and all it was, was a single sentence.- [Scarlett 12:04 PM] Something came up and I can't make it today.

M: -He stares at his phone while Grayson plays at the park, completely oblivious to the dirty looks being shot his way by more attentive parents- Where the fuck are you, Scar? -Something is wrong. Very wrong. Scarlett may be a walking melted ice cream sundae level mess of a human being but she would NEVER just give up fighting for her kids. Never. He doesn’t even know who to talk to, it’s been so long since he last saw her and even then he hadn’t been around long enough to know who she hung out with. He dials the only person he can think of who WOULD know. Maggie.-

-The phone rings. And rings. And rings, but there's no answer from Maggie. Should he try again, the phone will go straight to voicemail as if it has died, or been turned off. Those two voicemails still sit in his inbox, as Grayson runs and climbs on the playground, oblivious to everything.-

M: -The new voicemail icons seem to enlarge the longer he stares at them, taunting him. He doesn’t want to open them or hear her voice. He doesn’t want to hear what she has to say. He doesn’t want to hear if she apologizes or begs for mercy. And yet, he wants to hear all of it as desperately as he wants to breath. With a resigned sigh he presses the button and holds the phone to his ear with a shaking hand-

-The first voicemail starts with a chaotic cacophony of sounds, almost as if the phone had been dropped.- "Shit." -Scar's voice hisses. There's more muffled fumbling as the voicemail goes on and then after a moment of her heavy breathing, she sniffles and stifles a sob.- "It's me. It's Scarlett." -There's a pause.- "I'm so sorry it's such short notice." -Her voice is strained.- "I can't be there. I just can't. There's something I have to take care of, but please, give Grayson a hug and kiss for me." -And as abruptly as it starts, the voicemail ends.-

M: -Well that answered exactly zero of his questions. In fact, it really only creates even more of them.- What the fuck? What had you so freaked out, Scar? -He opens the next voicemail with less hesitation this time-

-This time the voicemail starts with her taking a deep breath. Her voice is a bit more level, but it's still laden with emotion when she speaks.- "It's me again." -There's a long pause.- "I just want to say sorry again. Not just for missing our hearing, but for everything. For all those years I was so oblivious to you and how you felt for me. I'm sorry for leaving without telling you where I was going. You are-- were my best friend. If I was going to tell anyone I was running away from home, it should have been you. I'm sorry for continuing to be an oblivious idiot and not realizing what you meant to me until it was too late." -There's another deep breath, but her voice breaks nevertheless.- "And I'm so sorry for fucking things up beyond repair. You deserved so much better than this. Grayson deserved better than this too. Please, please just hold him for me and tell him that his mommy loves him. I love him, and I love--" -The message had stretched on just a little too long, cutting her off. There wasn't another though. That was all he was left with.-

M: -He holds the phone to his ear long past the end of the voicemail, whispering quiet pleas for there to be more. For her to tell him something, anything that will help him find her. He’s instantly flooded with regret for the way he’s acted since their fight. He suddenly wants nothing more than to make things right. He wants to apologize in return for hers. Was that even an apology or a suicide note or both? Where IS she? What was she going to say? WHY WOULDNT MAGGIE ANSWER HER GODDAMN PHONE?! He finally lets his phone drop into his lap and stares at it. There’s no one else. She’s gone. His mind is rolling desperately through plans to find her and rejecting them all one by one in turn. He has no options. All the strength in the universe and he has never been so powerless.-

G: -The toddler comes bounding up to his father, a worried crease in his little brow. Taking him by the hand, he gives him a gentle tug.- "Dad, dad, what's wrong?"

M: -That does it. The fragile glass threads holding his composure together shatter as soon as he sees the little boy’s earnest face staring up at him. He sweeps the toddler into his arms and hugs him to his chest, violent, uncontrollable sobs shaking his massive shoulders.-

G: -Confused, he squirms in his father's arms, trying to make sense of the sudden emotional outburst. Patting his shoulder.- "Don't be sad, daddy." -he chirps sympathetically.- "It's okay."

Marv: -It’s a fine spring day in Connecticut. The snow has finally melted off after a series of nearly catastrophic snowstorms threatened to smother the east coast. It’s only 65 degrees outside but everyone is in shorts and T-shirt’s and joyously engaged in outdoors activities while they soak up some much missed and much deserved sunshine. The atmosphere of the whole neighborhood is charged to the brim with infectious energy. Outside the front gate of a little farmhouse style rambler and tall, broad shouldered figure grins to himself as he trots jauntily up the walk. He can’t help but feel that gleeful energy soaking into his bones, despite the nervous pit that’s opened in the bottom of his stomach.- What do I do? Should I knock? This is my house too I guess, but... -He bites the inside of his cheek and looks around, as though someone might appear who can answer his anxious questions, but he’s alone.-

S: -Coffee in hand, diaper bag on her shoulder and a prayer that her migraine won't make her head explode, in her heart, she stands at the front door waiting for her son to come down the stairs. Going to the park was the last thing she wanted to do today, but she had to carry on as usual for Grayson. Ever since Loki had meddled with her memories though, it made that particular task a little harder.- "Come on baby! Let's go!" -She called impatiently. Hearing his little shoes finally clomping down the stairs, she breathed a sigh and opened the door. Her heart stopped. Staring him right in the face, Scarlett wasn't sure if who she was seeing was real or not. It couldn't be... Tears springing to her eyes from behind her sunglasses, her voice trembled.- "Cory?"

M: -He’s as stunned as she is and somewhere in the more socially awkward recesses of his mind he’s wondering if there’s an equation for calculating the odds of her opening the door at the exact moment he’s reached it- “S-Scar!” -This is not how he pictured this going. It was so much more romantic and The Notebook and so much less awkward and high school reunion.- “Uh.... I’m back!” -He opens his arms with a flourish, his signature huge cheesy grin plastered on his face with just a hint of uncertainty behind it-

S: -Standing frozen, her mind and her heart take off on a race, one of them sure to overwhelm her. This can't be real. Hesitantly, she reaches out to touch his face, almost sure he's some apparition that will disappear, but he feels as real as ever beneath her finger tips. Gasping, she withdraws her hand as if his touch was like static electricity.- "Mama, who's that?" -She barely registers what Grayson says before she throws herself at Marv, wrapping her arms around him as tightly as she can manage.-

M: Oof! -He stands frozen for a split second, not sure what to do. It’s been so long, and his mind is doing such strange, unexpected things. She feels so familiar, every soft curve of her cheek, her waist, her hip... And yet she feels like a stranger. But he knows it’s his Scar, no matter what distance may have been between them and he finally relaxes and wraps her tight in an embrace he’s longed for and dreamed of for a very long time-

S: -Even with her heart fluttering wildly in her chest, her mind pulls ahead, throwing questions at her faster than she keep up with. Out of all that, however, it's a statement that finally pushes its way to the surface.- "I thought I wasn't ever going to see you again."

M: -That stings. It hurts worse than if she had hit him or called him names or screamed in his face. It’s one thing for her to be angry. It’s another thing entirely for her to lose faith in him.- “You’re seeing me now. I’ll always come back Scar. Always!” -He rubs her back, desperate to reassure her-

S: -Before she can angry, or upset, or fly into a frenzied panic, Grayson starts tugging at her pants.- "Mom! Mom, mom, mom!! Who's that guy!" -He demands, attempting to shake her leg, but only succeeds in jerking himself around instead. Unable to help herself, she lets out a short laugh and breaks their embrace to kneel beside her son.- "Grayson sweetie, that's your daddy. Daddy's home."

M: -He crouches down at eye level with the child and smiles, because he’s not sure what else to do. Last time he saw this kid he was barely able to stay awake for longer than a few hours.- Hey buddy. You’ve gotten so big! -He holds out a giant, ham sized hand- High five?

G: -The lanky, little toddler stares at him with big, curious, brown eyes. There's no way he's turning down a high five though. With a shy, little smile, he goes for the high five and nearly misses.- S: -Really, she thought that if their reunion ever did happen she might be able to hold things together a little better. It might be the migraine, or the immense feeling of dread over bringing him up to speed on the last 2 and a half years, or even relief for how safe she feels having him around again, but she can't contain her emotions. Pressing a trembling hand to her mouth, she begins to sob.-

M: -his grin at his son immediately goes dead serious and he stands again, gathering the crumpling figure of his partner into his arms- Hey, hey.... -he opens his mouth to ask what’s wrong, then immediately stops himself. That would be a stupid question. Of course he knows what’s wrong.- I’m sorry. I’m so sorry... I shouldn’t have stayed for so long...

S: "I missed you so much!" -She cries, burying her face in his shoulder. She probably looks like a crazy person, out her bawling her eyes out on the deck, but that's the least of her worries.- G: -He pauses to stare at the adults for a minute before dashing into the house. After a moment he comes running back out with a toy robot in hand.- "Hey look! I got a vorebot!"

M: Whoa! A vorebot huh!? -He examines the robot like it’s the single coolest thing he’s ever seen then turns to Scar with a sparkle in his eye- Vore? What are you teaching our son?! I didn’t know you were into that sort of thing... -He nudges her playfully, desperate to cheer her up-

S: -Taking off her sunglasses, she scrubs the tears from her eyes and laughs- "You've got Loki to thank for that particular addition to his vocabulary." -Ugh, Loki. She doesn't want to think about her right now.- G: -Thrilled that Marv is interested in his robot, he scampers off to find more things to show off.-

M: Oh. Loki. Of course. Because who else would it be? -His tone is bone dry- Certainly not one of our other twisted, kink infested deity friends with weird fetish hobbies.

S: "Oh, you don't know the half of it." -She groans, taking on a rather dark expression for a moment. That's a subject for another time though. Sliding her fingers between his, she gives his hand a squeeze.- "Grayson and I were gonna go to the park, but we could stay here, if you like, and catch up."

M: -A giddy schoolboy zing goes through him at her touch. It’s like she just told him she finally returned his feelings all over again.- We can catch up at the park. I’d hate to disappoint the little guy right when I’ve just gotten back.

G: -He comes thundering back out with an armful of stuffed animals and holds them out toward Marv.- "Look! I have bears! And lizards!" S: -Sliding her sunglasses back on, she gives Grayson's hair an affectionate ruffle.- "Hey little man, go put those away. Daddy's coming to the park with us." G: -First he gives a disappointed pout, but then his face scrunches up in confusion.- "Daddy's at the stars though." -He says haltingly, trying to piece this together in his head.-

M: -He crouches down to eye level again and ruffles the boys hair- Yes, that’s right buddy! I WAS up in the stars. But I’m home now! How cool is that! -He looks up into Scars eyes- and I’m here to stay.

G: -His brow crinkles in thought for a moment more before he shrugs it off and runs back inside to put away his toys.- S: "It'll sink in soon enough." -She says watching him go, a lopsided grin on her face.- "I um, I'd take him to the planetarium and we'd try to guess where you were whenever he'd ask about you."

M: -He laughs and stands, running a hand through his hair- I wasn’t anywhere you’d be able to see in a planetarium but we won’t tell him that, huh?

S: "You have to tell me all about it." -She says, sounding as eager as she can manage through the pounding in her skull.- "I want to know every last, little detail." G: "Let's gooooooo!" -He shouts, running back outside, past the two of them and toward the front gate.- "Let's go to the slide!!!"

M: -He hesitates, then clears his throat- Sure, yeah. There’s time for that later. Let’s just be a family for now. Things out there... -He swings his arm vaguely in the direction of the sky- They’re complicated. I don’t want complicated right now. I just want you and Grayson.

S: -If only he knew how complicated things were here... Not to say that the universe wasn't as big of a mess, or possibly more, but he probably wasn't going to be thrilled about some of the things that had happened since he left.- "I can do that." -She says with a nod, locking the house up behind them and making her way toward Grayson before he gets too impatient and tries leaving without them.- "We could all do with some 'normal' around here."

M: -He wraps an arm gently around her shoulders and glances at her face to make sure the gesture is well received. He feels like he’s in high school again, waiting nervously to make the move into his first kiss.- Normal, yes. But mostly I could just do with more of you. -He gently tugs her closer and nuzzles her ear and cheek with his nose- God you smell so good... Just like I remember...

S: -Unable to contain herself, she snorts and giggles, shrinking into her shoulders as they make their way down the sidewalk.- "Thanks?" -The odd compliment doesn't keep her from snaking an arm around his waist however.- "How long has it been exactly since you've talked to a woman?"

M: Oh, you’d like to know, wouldn’t you? -He teases her, tugging at a piece of her hair playfully. Then, with a tone of deep regret,- It... It’s been a while.

S: -Shit...- "Really? No cute alien babes ever had the pleasure of watching you try to flirt?"

M: -He flashes her a face like he just sucked deeply in a lemon slice- “I’ll have you know it is a pleasure. One so rare and exclusive, only one woman in the entire universe is beautiful enough to deserve it.” -he pulls her to a brief stop and turns so they’re face to face- “Scarlet, how could I ever flirt with anyone else, regardless of how blue their skin is or how cute their cat ears are, when I know that I have this to come home to?” -He cups the side of her face in his palm and rubs his thumb along her cheek- “I waited so many years to be allowed to love you. I was desperate, and I longed so deeply for you it was painful, all the while never sure if there was even the remotest possibility you could feel the same.  Compared to that, waiting faithfully for two years was so easy.”

S: -SHIT, SHIT SHIT. Her stomach flip flops violently, adding a sudden bout of nausea to her nearly-debilitating migraine. There wasn't any hiding what she had done. She had even tried, but the marks Jonathan left behind were stubborn. Maggie's best salves couldn't make those fade. Now all she could think about were ways to avoid him seeing the scars. Everything else she could at least avoid by simply not telling him...- "Oh Cory..." -She rests her forehead on his shoulder, unsure of what to say to that sincere outpouring of love.- "I love you." G: "HEY! Come on!!"

M: -He quickly kisses the top of her head and chuckles- “I love you too. You can show me how much later. I think the masses are growing impatient.” -He waggles his eyebrows at her-

S: "Right, right." -She chuckles, her heart sinking straight through her and down onto the sidewalk. Of course he's going to want to sleep with her tonight. Why wouldn't he? Swallowing the lump in her throat, she carries on, hoping that for now she can just enjoy the time she has left with him and Grayson. Because once he figures out what happened...-

M: -He notes her lack of enthusiasm and concern flashes across his face- “Is something wrong? Scar, we don’t have to... You know. If it’s too soon, it’s okay. I can spend another night will trusty ol Helga.” -He gives her a lopsided grin and waves his hand-

S: -She's got an out for now! She's got to take it.- "It's just... My migraines. They've been really bad lately." -And it's the truth.- "I've had this one for almost two weeks now, so I'm not really feeling up to it."

M: -The concern immediately turns to alarm- “Two weeks?! That’s way too long! Have you seen a doctor?! Did they do a CAT scan? Are you on medication? How often do you get headaches? Does Maggie know? Did she do her magic thingy? What did she say? Why are you out here?! Why aren’t you lying down?” -He blurts each question before it’s even fully formed in his mind, hot panic sweeping over him. Of course he would come home only to find his partner dying of brain cancer. His life up until now has been a fucking Nicholas Sparks novel already, why would this be any different?- “You can go home Scar. Rest. I can handle Grayson.” -Probably-

S: -She shakes her head, wishing she hadn't immediately afterward.- "No, no it's fine." -She insists.- "My powers have always given me migraines, it's no big deal. Plus, look, we're almost to the park." -She gestures toward the playground just ahead.- "I can suck it up and spend time with my boys."

M: -He’s not convinced, but he knows better than to treat her like a fragile flower- “Okay...”

S: "I'll be fine. I promise." -It's a lie that she seals with a kiss. As they walk into the park, Grayson takes off for the slide and she's anxious to find a bench to watch him from.- "Look, I'll even take it easy if it makes you feel better."

M: “It would...” -He replies hesitantly, watching her from the corner of his eye. It’s always such a fine line to walk. He doesn’t want to control her. But he’s worried about her.-

G: -From the top of the slide, he jumps up and down wildly, flapping his arms to get their attention.- "Mom! Watch me!" S: -Claiming one of the few open benches left, she gives him a wave.- "I'm watching sweetie!" -Raising her own voice makes her wince.- "You know, I'm really excited to watch you two get to know each other. He reminds me so much of you."

M: “I’m excited too. I’ve thought of nothing but you and him all this time.” -His voice cracks ever so slightly- “I’ve missed so much already.”

S: "I know it's not the same thing but, I did chronicle everything. I've got at least a terabyte's worth of videos, photos and hell, I even took up scrapbooking" -She snorts, watching Grayson go zooming down the slide and then circle back around for another go.- "We could look through those when we get home, if you want."

M: -He grins at her teasingly- Wow Scar, how domestic of you. -He says with a smile and covers her hand with his- “I would love that, but why don’t you take a nap first? I’ll have the real thing here. I can wait to look at pictures.”

S: "Hmm, you really know the way to a girl's heart." -She purrs, leaning against him.- "Offering to watch our hyperactive son so I can sleep? You're a dream come true."

M: Whoa, whoa, whoa, nobody said anything about hyperactive! I want to renegotiate!

S: "Nope, it's too late. You sealed your fate the moment you offered~" -She sings, doing a tiny victory dance.-

M: -He sighs deeply- Crap. Get all that energy out now, Grayson! Run your little heart out!

G: -Letting out a joyous shriek, he does just that. He's a little ball of energy, bouncing all over the playground with delight, showing off to his dad every chance he gets.- S: -All the while, Scar's content to sit quietly and watch. Well, mostly content. She's still got a million worries nagging at the back of her mind, despite her best efforts to just ignore them and live in the moment. Subconsciously she gradually begins squeezing Marv's hand tighter and tighter.-

M: -Eventually it’s enough that even he is beginning to feel uncomfortable and he winces- “Uhh... Scar? Ow?” -Shit maybe she is angry at him after all.- “Is there... Something you need to get out...?” -He’s sick at the thought of her being mad, but the sooner they deal with it, the better.-

S: "What?" - Glancing down she realizes she's got a white-knuckle grip on his hand. With a small yelp, she releases his hand and pins both her hands between her knees.- "Oh! Oh, sorry, it's just the migraine. I'm so sorry Cory, I didn't realize..."

M: -He gives her a very skeptical look- “Are you sure...?”

S: -Looking at him from over the frame of her sunglasses, she raises her brows.- "I'm sure."

M: Okay. -He relaxes, trying to shove away his own anxieties and paranoias born of past trauma-

-After their trip to the park, Scar manages to keep her cool as best as she can. Her migraine dulls to a mild headache even, and she's able to focus on making dinner, and pulling out photo albums, and scrapbooks and Grayson's baby book. Grayson had his own show and tell too, dragging out all his toys and costumes, showing them off as fast as he could possibly manage. With all the excitement, Scar half expected him to be up all night but when 10:30 finally rolled around, he passed out on Marv's lap.- S: -Heaving a sigh, she looks over the two of them, a soft smile on her face.- "I think it's safe to say you're best friends now."

M: -He grins at her, full of all kinds of warm, fuzzy, deeply ignorant bliss- “Well we did spend your nap discussing the intricate plot points of Paw Patrol Season 3. Grayson feels that the mayor should be fired for incompetence and I’m inclined to agree.”

S: -Laughing, she can't ignore the lovestruck pitter pat of her heart. Which only makes the deep pit of anxiety in her stomach even worse.- "You know, I think you're both right. If you're relying on a child and his pack of puppies to be your town's first responders for everything, you're probably doing something wrong." -Reluctantly leaving the comfort of her nest of cushions, she gently works off one of Grayson's shoes.- "A Spiderman costume totally counts as jammies, right?"

M: -He examines the sleeping toddler and shrugs- Looks comfy to me. Honestly, I’m a little jealous. Wish I had a pair of my own. -He winks at her-

S: "You've still got your old spandex, don't you?" -She pokes his ribs playfully, and slips off Grayson's other shoe.- "Those would make some pretty rockin' PJs."

M: -He slides his hand over her thigh and rubs his fingers over her hip and lower back- “I think you just like the perfectly defined outline of my crotch, you saucy girl...” -He purrs, winking at her suggestively-

S: -Feeling her face grow warm with a blush, she wouldn't be surprised if she were cartoonishly glowing red by now.- "Shh, not in front of little ears." -She hisses, standing and motioning for the stairs.- "C'mon, let's get him in bed."

M: -He carefully adjusts Grayson so he’s nestled in his arms and follows Scar upstairs, whispering- “He sleeps like you. Like a rock.”

S: "One my better qualities he inherited." -She snorts quietly, opening the door to his room. It's very obvious that the boy loves stars, because they are plastered all over his room, some even glowing in the dark.-

M: -Oh. Oh no. That’s a knot in his throat for sure. He can feel his man card slipping out of his wallet already- “He...” -His throat creaks and he clears it, swallowing hard- “He really loves space, huh?”

S: "Space, robots, superheroes... It's like it's in his DNA or something." -She whispers with a wry grin. Pulling back the covers, she plants a kiss on the sleeping boy's head and makes her way for the door. It would be a good opportunity to let Marv tuck in Grayson, and quickly throw her pajama pants on while he wasn't looking.-

M: -He slides the blankets up and lovingly brushes his hand over Grayson’s hair- “All the stars in the universe could never be as bright as you buddy...” -He whispers and kisses the boy on the forehead before tip toeing out and quietly closing the door behind him-

S: -The second she gets to the bedroom, she shucks off her pants and throws them aside, scrambling to grab her worn, old pajama pants. A good girlfriend would be 'freshening up' and slipping into some slinky negligée at this point. A good girlfriend also wouldn't have lost faith in the love of her life after a year of waiting, and sleep with her former baby-daddy, but here she was. Practically jumping into the grungy, flannel pants, she nearly topples over and knocks into the dresser.-

M: -He opens the door to the bedroom, looking concerned- “Whoa. Hey. Are you ok?”

S: -Freezing, partway through tying off the drawstring of her pants, she gives him a sheepish smile.- "Yeah, just being clumsy as usual."

M: -He smiles affectionately and saunters up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist in a tight hug- “I think you mean beautiful, as usual.” -It’s a terrible line. He knows it’s a terrible line. He chooses to say it anyway.-

S: -Heart still pounding, she can hardly breathe when he hugs her. It's a volatile cocktail of adrenaline, anxiety and feeling like a lovestruck idiot all at once.- "Pssh, you're just saying that."

M: “I would never disrespect such a lady as yourself with frivolous tawdriness I don’t believe. Of course I mean it.” -He breathes into the crook of her neck and presses his lips gently against her skin-

S: "Oh I'm no lady." -She laughs hoarsely, hugging his arms against her waist. When he kisses her, she feels a small surge of electricity run up her spine. Oh no. She didn't think this through at all. How was she going to keep her hands off of him?-

M: -He growls low and predatory in her ear- “And I am no gentleman...”

S: -Squirming in his grasp, she hums a laugh.- "Hmm could've fooled me."

M: “Oh? Is that a challenge I hear?” -He tips his head from side to side like a big dumb puppy- “I think it is.” -He lifts her easily into the air and gently tosses her onto the bed, advancing toward her with his hands outstretched-

S: -Shrieking, she clamps a hand over her mouth, hoping that she didn't wake up Grayson. She can't help the giggle fit that follows though, as she scrambles backward against the pillows, knocking into the headboard.- "Nooo, no, no, no! I don't think so mister."

M: You don’t, but I do! -He advances forward with a wicked grin and begins tickling her-

S: -Kicking, and writhing, she laughs as he tickles her sides. Desperate to launch a counterattack, she sneaks in and tickles where ever she can find an opening.- "Cornelius Cyrus O'Connor!" -She tries to reprimand him between giggles and gasps for air.- "Stoooop!" -Whining, her attempts to fight back weaken.-

M: I am immune to your feeble counterattack, human woman! -He laughs maniacally before collapsing into the bed next to her and gazing lovingly into her eyes- You’re the only person who can call me Cornelius and make it sound like a decent name, you know that?

S: -Catching her breath, she meets his eyes briefly before averting her gaze. A small smile still pulls at the corners of her mouth, but she still has that knot in her stomach.- "It's a good name. I've always thought that. Maybe that's why."

M: -He laughs and leans up on one elbow, watching her, soaking it all in- It’s a terrible name and you know it.

S: "No way! Cornelius was the name of the fairy prince in Thumbelina, and he was totally badass!" -She insists, her eyes meeting his again. Pausing a moment, she scrunches her face and giggles.- "That's... That's probably not helping my case, is it?"

M: -flatly- He wore tights. TIGHT tights!

S: -She raises a brow at him, trying not to laugh.- "Says the guy that's worn spandex costumes on multiple occasions."

M: Okay look. There is a difference. Spandex is... is... It’s just different!

S: -Gently poking the tip of his nose she gives him a lopsided smile.- "Not really. Trust me, I've seen enough guys in tights and spandex. It all still outlines everything a little too much."

M: Or maybe... No enough...? -He wiggles his eyebrows at her-

S: -She snorts and playfully jabs his ribs.- "Dork." -Letting out a slow exhale, she takes his hand and gives it a slight squeeze.- "It's late..."

M: -He’s struck through with a stab of disappointment but he fights not to let it show on his face- It is, and you need your rest. -He kisses her on the forehead and lays back down, squirming to get comfortable-

S: -She returns his kiss, but plants it squarely on his lips.- "Thanks for understanding." -She murmurs before shimmying under the covers. Turning her wrist, the tell-tale red wisps of her magic dance through the air and turn off the bedroom light.- "I'm so happy you're back."

M: Yeah, me too. I missed not having to get out of bed to turn off the lights.

S: "They didn't have voice command lights in space?" -She gasps.- "What even was the point of going?"

M: I mean, yeah... -His pout is audibly in his voice as he complains boyishly- But they don’t make cool red lights!

S: -Punctuating another fit of giggles with a snort, she drapes her arm over his waist.- "I love you."

M: -He rests his forehead against hers and rubs his fingertips lightly over her arm- I love you too, Scar.

S: -Settling deeper into her pillows, she traces his outline as her eyes adjust to the dark. There's something so comforting about having his broad figure next to her, but as she drifts closer to sleep, she's left vulnerable to her anxieties again. She's too exhausted to toss and turn, wrestling her thoughts. Instead she's left paralyzed, unable to defend herself from vicious self-loathing. Eventually she succumbs to sleep, but her troubles don't end there. In her dreams she's plagued by a recurring nightmare that's played out for her over and over again for the last several weeks. Everything seems so real and visceral, it almost feels like some awful memory she never knew she had. She's helpless to fight against the horrors inflicted upon her, but in the waking world... That's another story. As 3AM rolls by, the silence that fell over the house is broken. It's small at first. Books and picture frames on the nightstand seem to spring to life, clattering and trembling across the wood surface. Sparks and tendrils of red light begin to jump and dance around her head and before long the whole room begins to shake. Faster and brighter, the light begins to writhe and flash as Scar begins to stir. Unaware of the chaos erupting all around the room, she's trapped in her nightmare, thrashing and crying out in her unconscious state.- "No! Please stop! No! No, no, no!" -She begins to shriek, breaking out in cold sweat.-

M: -He’s awake the instant the slightest noise starts, and instantly paralyzed with fear. The great, strong Cornelius O’Connor-who will fearlessly leap into any battle despite to odds-is terrified of ghosts. He’s never even seen a malicious ghost let alone had to fight one, but he is still afraid. After all... All the strength in the world won’t do a thing when your opponent is incorporeal. It’s not until the sparks begin to flash that he understands what’s happening, and draws a loud, ragged breath, fighting to calm his racing heart so that he can help his lover.- Scar! SCAR! Wake up! -He shakes her softly, then harder- Scarlett! It’s just a dream, wake up!

S: -The moment he touches her, the room begins to rumble even louder as everything that isn't nailed down begins to vibrate with chaotic energy. There's a loud pop as glass from a picture frame just bursts, sending out a spray of broken glass and red light across the floor. Then another, and another. She's upright now, her eyes open and glowing with radiant white light, but her mind is still stuck in the dreamscape. Struggling against him, she shakes her head furiously.- "No, please stop!" -She begs, her voice raw, tears streaming down her face.- "Make it stop! I can't, I can't!"

M: SCARLETT!! -He glances worriedly at the door, then back at Scar, then at the door again. Who knew how far her magic was affecting things. He had to choose between helping her and making sure Grayson was okay- Okay Scar... It’s going to be okay... -He smooths her hair and speaks soothingly in the deepest voice he can muster, trying to gently lower her back into bed- You’re going to wake the boy...

S: -The rumbling begins to dull, but she's still fighting against him, the white light just as bright in her eyes. Pushing against his chest, red light begins to surround her hands, energy welling up around them.- "Atros, please!"

M: -He reels backward, as if stung by a poisonous wasp- Atros? What the fuck does that two bit piece of soggy Irish soda bread have to do with anything...?! -he mutters harshly, staring intently at Scar-

S: -She doesn't answer. Rather the chaotic energy in her hands releases against Marv, hitting him squarely in the chest like a concussive blast.-

M: -He has no time to brace himself and he’s sent flying across the room where he slams into the wall with a bang. He slides to the floor with a groan, struggling to catch his breath-

S: -As he hits the wall, the white glow leaves her eyes and suddenly she's awake, trying to take in all the aftermath of the chaos she's wrought. Chest heaving as she gasps for air, she scrambles to get out of bed, stumbling onto the shards of broken glass scattered across the floor. Yelping, she crumples to the floor, awkwardly trying to avoid landing on the rest of the debris.- "Cory! Oh my god, Cory!"

M: It’s -he gasps, finally beginning to recover his breath- It’s okay. I’m okay. It takes more than that to rattle a Kree. Even a half breed. -He gives her weak, lopsided grin but it slowly fades into an expression that is much more solemn- Scarlett... What the actual fuck was that?

S: "I-I don't know." -she groans through clenched teeth. Curled in on herself, she painstakingly adjusts herself to examine her feet, all cut up and bleeding. Plucking out a few, tiny pieces of glass, she whimpers. "These nightmares -- I've never done this before."

M: -Quietly- You mentioned Atros.

S: -Biting back another cry as she plucks out another shard, she nods and blinks back tears.- "I've been having nightmares." -she replies, voice trembling.- "They all started after I got my memories back. Loki took me to his place and--" -She only now realizes she still hasn't told him about all that drama.- "It's a long story."

M: -Confused, he gives her an odd look- Your memories? What happened to your memories? What does Loki have to do with any of this? You went to HIS PLACE??

S: -As soon as her feet are free of glass, she hesitantly hovers a hand over them, and her powers spark to life, weaving the broken skin back together without any problems.- "Like I said... It's a long story." -She sighs, scrubbing away tears with the heel of her hand. Cautiously, she gets to her feet and makes her way over to Marv and offers him her hand.-

M: -He takes it, to make her feel better, but mostly lifts himself off the floor, then glanced at the wall behind him and winces- We’re going to have to get that fixed... -he turns back to Scar- We should check on Grayson. And then I think I deserve an explanation.

S: -Nodding, she runs a hand through her hair. Maybe this time she'd just hire a contractor to fix the wall... Making the trip down the hall to Grayson's room, she opens the door a crack to find the toddler sitting up, bleary eyed, in bed. - G: "Mom, I want water." -He yawns, seemingly unfazed by what happened just down the hall moments ago.- S: "Shh, I'll get you some water." -She assures him softly.- "Then it's time to go back to sleep."

M: -He peeks around the door and waves at the toddler, amazed he’s not more rattled- He really does take after you. -he remarks, following Scar to the kitchen-

S: -Huffing, she shakes her head and manages a smile.- "Not a bad thing in this case, I guess." -Grabbing Grayson's cup from the cupboard, she fills it up, still unable to look Marv in the eyes.- "I'm sorry... I was hoping to stave off all the drama at least another day. Guess my subconscious had other ideas." -Tightening the lid of the cup, she hands it off to him and shuts off the water.-

M: I mean... a little warning would have been nice. -he starts towards Grayson’s room-

S: -Lowering her voice as they approach, she balls her hands into fists.- "Trust me, if I had known I was going to go all poltergeist, I would have said something." -Opening the door to Grayson's room, she breathes a sigh, relieved to see that the boy was already almost back to sleep.-

M: here you go buddy. Night night. -he hands the cup off and exits the room- Any idea why you did?

S: "It might have something to do with my powers backfiring on me a couple weeks ago." -She murmurs, heading right back for the kitchen. She's got a bottle of cheap wine around here somewhere.- "Which also probably has something to do with that year they were out of commission..."

M: Whoa whoa whoa, backup. Your powers backfired?

S: -She grimaces a little, pausing as she reaches for the wine glasses in the cupboard.- "Yeah... After Loki tried helping me remember some things. Took a hex bolt right to the temple and was out for a good several minutes."

M: You... Or Loki? -Her answer will determine exactly how gleeful he will be about the situation-

S: "Me." -She says, filling her glass a little too full.- "Do you want some?"

M: -awww- Yes. Please. -He holds out his glass eagerly-

S: -Pouring him a glass just as full as hers, she carries the bottle over into the living room and sets it on the coffee table, fully intending to finish it off right there.- "So should I start at the beginning? Or should I work my way backward?"

M: The beginning. Please.

S: -Sighing, she takes a seat on the sofa and tucks her knees to her chest.- "Well... I guess everything started just a little over a year ago. I'd hit a bit of a low point." -She takes a sip of her wine, almost as if to emphasize how low of a point it was, without really going into detail.- "I started fantasizing what my life would have been like if I had never been born with powers and--" -With her hand, she makes a small explosion gesture beside her head.- "Poof! My chaos magic did its thing and wiped every memory I had of my powers, and then it was like I never had them. I couldn't even use them."

M: -While the memory loss is alarming, he’s more concerned about the low point. She tried to very neatly gloss over it, but he knows her better than that.- Oh my God... Scar, why did you... What lead to that? -He has a feeling he knows the answer and it puts a thick constriction around his heart-

S: -Frowning, she stares into her glass. She was hoping we wouldn't ask about that. There was a particular event that was the catalyst, that she didn't want him ever finding out about it. There were other things she could tell him though, she supposed.- "I dunno... Missing you, missing the team, missing my girls." -That last one wasn't ever going to stop hurting.- "They started kindergarten this year." -She interjects with a small, bittersweet smile.-

M: -He reaches over and takes her hand, clearly overcome with emotion- Scar... I... -He struggles for words- I am SO sorry... I feel like this is my fault. I never should have stayed away. I should have just stayed altogether.

S: -Giving his hand a gentle squeeze in return, she shakes her head.- "No, you had to go, and it's not your fault." -She insists- "And losing my memories, my powers? It wasn't so bad. I could actually focus on bettering myself and being a good mother. It wasn't the most ideal way to go about doing things, but when have I ever done things the easy way?"

M: Hah. If that ain’t the damn truth. Did... -He swallows hard and fiddles with the bottom rim of his still full wine glass- Did you forget about me... too? -Selfishly, he hopes she didn’t. He can’t bear the thought that she had. What if she had forgotten him and met someone else? She could have carried on a whole other relationship, never knowing that somewhere millions of miles away he was thinking of her every second. And he would never know that all that time she had stopped loving him. It’s too painful to even think about and he pushes the thought aside as it builds a hard lump of ice in his stomach-

S: “I forgot pieces of you.” -She says quietly.- “I forgot our time at the tower together. I forgot why you left...” -That was perhaps the most disorienting part of it all. She couldn’t remember falling in love with him as she did. He was her childhood friend and she never remembered how, or why they came together and had a son. At best, she thought that it had just been a mistake.-

M: -The words are like an arrow through his heart, but he gulps the pain back and rubs her hand between his. Her comfort is more important right now.- Is that all...? You said that was the start.

S: -Swallowing a big gulp of wine, she shakes her head.- "No, there's more. Wanna know how I got everything back?"

M: Yyyyeeees-? Wait. -He hesitates and downs his own glad in one swallow- Ok. Now. Yes.

S: -She breathes a small laugh through her nose and sets her emptied glass on the coffee table.- "So by some weird coincidence-- which in hindsight, I'm beginning to think maybe wasn't a coincidence-- I ran into Loki outside the old Stark tower while I was out in Manhattan for my birthday. She seemed pretty discouraged that I didn't remember her, so she tried using magic to go digging through my head. Next thing I know I feel like my head's been split open and everything comes flooding back."

M: -He holds up his hands- Wait, wait, wait. Back up. Loki’s a she now? I mean, I knew he could do that, I just thought it was... temporary. -He thinks about Loki as a woman for a long, long time- I’m going to need more of this. -He grabs the wine and swigs straight from the bottle, bypassing the cup altogether-

S: “Oh it gets better!” -She says with mock enthusiasm.- “It’s because Loki’s pregnant. Give you three guesses who daddy is.” -She deadpans the next bit, obviously perturbed by it all.-

M: PREGNANT?! -A look of abject horror and revulsion crosses his face- Don’t tell me it’s one of his doubles.

S: “That would’ve been preferable. Guess again.”

M: -He looks confused- A...zu...ra...? -Obviously that’s not possible. Azura is a female and can’t shapeshift.- Kasady? -That wouldn’t be preferable to a man essentially impregnating himself though. In fact, he can’t imagine anything that would be...- Crane? -He’s just throwing out the names of random males now-

S: -Letting out a snort with each progressively worse guess— and even feeling her heart momentarily stop when he mentions Crane— she’s not sure whether she should laugh or cry.- “Nope, you’re getting colder.”

M: I’m confused. I give up. -He is beyond confused. He’s utterly baffled.-

S: -Every hint of mirth leaves her eyes as she shifts uncomfortably. Part of her still couldn’t believe it, but all the evidence was there. Somehow.- “Atros. Loki is pregnant with Atros’ baby. Apparently they’re living together now too.”

M: -He starts to laugh until he sees the look on her face- You can’t be serious. Atros Atros? The guy I had to fight because he was obsessed with you and wouldn’t leave you alone? The tall glass of poisoned Guinness with a sense of style my grandfather would have thought was out of date? He and Loki are...? They’re having a BABY?!

S: -She nods, tucking her hands between her knees.- "I thought it was bad enough that he was a demon, but now he's somehow tricked Loki into birthing his demon spawn." -Furrowing her brow, she stares into her lap. At least she's still holding out hope that Atros tricked her, but after talking at length with Maggie, that didn't seem like the case here.- "But yeah... things haven't been great these last few weeks."

“There has to be something wrong with me!” She was already three-quarters of the way through high school and she had yet to have a steady boyfriend or even a guy that would go on a second date with her. Sure she had been to a school dance or two, but she hadn’t had that perfect moment like Molly Ringwald in Sixteen Candles, or even a moment like Julia Stiles in 10 things I hate about you. Being a mutant probably had something to do with it.

“There’s nothing wrong with you Scarlett.” Cory insisted, perching himself on the wall beside her. “Any guy in this school would be lucky to have a girl like you.”

“Yeah right.” she pouted. “I haven’t even had a first kiss yet!” 

“Well… Neither have I.” he mumbled, shifting to sit on his hands.

Letting out a little sigh, she leaned her head on his shoulder. It was a shame really. Cory was her best friend and he was in the same boat as she was. She couldn’t understand why though. He was such a sweetheart. He was always there for her when she needed him, and he always knew just what to say. 

“Hold on a sec…” she said, bolding upright again. “Let’s just do it!”

“D-do what?!”

“Let’s just get our first kiss out of the way!” she said, a broad grin on her face. “Everybody says they’re super awkward anyway, and we won’t have to feel like we’re missing out.”

“I um– I– Really?” he stammered, “You want to do this?”

“Absolutely.”

She missed the hard swallow and his attempt to dry his sweaty palms on his jeans. She always missed those little signs. Totally oblivious to what this was doing for him, she leaned in and planted one on him. 

It wasn’t the longest kiss ever, but it wasn’t particularly short either. Pulling away, she managed to ignore the small flutter in her stomach.