[ He makes a sound of agreement as he rejoins her in the kitchen. Whenever they were ready, Erik would listen. And he knows Wanda would as well. The children had the entire community to support them now, but he knew it would still take some time. ]
I'll be patient with them.
[ He knows he's not exactly the most approachable. But he remembers what it was like to be that young; so he'll try his best to set them at ease. ]
I do. I spoke it to them when we arrived to bring them back to Genosha. [ It hadn't helped much then, they could understand him, but were too frightened to do much talking.] They were willing to extend me enough trust after I'd shown them I was a mutant, but it's been slow progress, as you know.
[ It was after they'd been on the island for a few days that he'd been told they knew some English as well. Most here spoke it, but there were people from all over. ]
[Good. He seems like a man with some languages under his belt.]
English is my second language. Sokovian is my first. I learned English from my parents, and we would watch American television shows and movies to practice.
[She smiles at the memory. They could only speak English those nights, and she'd learned more than she realized, so enraptured with what was on the screen.]
Maybe these two would like that, down the road. But tonight I want to see how well reading goes. They'll get their coloring supplies regardless.
[Wanda wants this to be fun for them, not a punishment. As long as they try, she'll be pleased. As she finishes and plates another sandwich, she lifts a brow in Erik's direction.]
English, French. German? I bet you speak more than that.
[ He comments with a smile. It's nice that they both have in common the fact that English isn't their first language. From what little she had told him of her childhood, he's glad to hear there are happy memories as well. Sometimes it could be hard to remember them amid the harsher ones. ]
We'll start with reading. [ He agrees with a nod. ] Though I'm sure they would be delighted to watch television instead.
[ As with most children, he assumes.
He pauses when she asks him what other languages he speaks. It's an answer that usually brings about more questions, but from what he's known of her so far, she isn't the type to pry, so he gives a non detailed answer. Assuming the children would be arriving shortly, it's unlikely she'd ask for an explanation on why he's fluent in six languages. ]
[His answer does add more questions to her list, but she knows now isn't the time. It's something that can wait. Instead, she breathes out a laugh, wiping her hands on a towel.]
Wow. Impressive. Maybe you'll have to teach me at least one, so I can keep up.
[Whether she's sincere or only joking is left to be seen, as there's a knock at the front door. Wanda takes a breath before putting up a pleasant smile. As comfortable as she was with her boys, she knows these children are not them. They need more than just someone to mother them.]
Here, Erik. [She touches his arm, giving a slight push towards the kitchen table.] Sit. I'll bring them in.
[ He gives her a look of silent gratitude that she doesn't press beyond that. And the offer stands - whether she's joking or serious; he had a knack for picking up languages, so if ever she wanted to add another to her list; he could help teach her.
At her urging he takes a seat at the kitchen table, thinking it was a smart suggestion to make. One he probably wouldn't have thought of. Someone seated is much less intimidating, especially to children; than someone looming over them.
Erik feels some hesitation in interacting with them, given the few times prior had been under such stressful circumstances. But he's hoping to develop a better repore. He wants them to feel welcome here, and unafraid.
So he waits, listening to the quiet sounds of them stepping into the home and Wanda's voice in the entry. ]
[If they knew the extent of her crimes, Wanda doubts anyone would allow her near the children on the island. But it's made her feel--useful, in a deeper way than constructing buildings. And she feels a spark of genuine happiness when she opens the door to see Kira and Nic, the younger boy peering up at her from behind his sister.
Hungry? Drifts in Wanda's voice from the hall. Her smile widens when they both nod with enthusiasm. Always hungry after a lifetime of not enough, she's sure. I made sandwiches. But I have a surprise for you in the kitchen, too. Come on.
She hopes it's enough warning for Erik. The three step into the kitchen a moment later, Wanda in the rear. Both youths look shocked to see Erik simply sitting there, Nico so startled he actually jumps back and bumps into Wanda, who sets a light hand to his shoulder. Kira, mouth open, looks to Wanda for some sort of explanation.]
It's okay. He doesn't bite. He wanted to read and draw with us.
[ Erik feels a deep pang in his chest at the sight of them - their fear and hesitation when they see him at the table is something he's prepared himself for, but apparently not well enough. Having been a frightened child once himself, he never wants to be the cause of that. He wishes he could erase that fear, so that they wouldn't have to experience it even for a moment. They've already been through enough.
But that's why he's here, he reminds himself; to hopefully help show them they don't have to be afraid. Erik's internal tug of war isn't something noticeable on his expression, though Wanda can perhaps guess at it. He offers both children a warm smile and his voice is gentler than it usually sounds as he greets them. ]
Hello Kira; Nic. I really enjoyed the picture you drew for me. Would it be alright if I joined you?
[ Kira meets his eyes directly for a moment, where as Nic's gaze stays fixed on the floor, his hand grasped tightly in his sister's. She looks like she's thinking about it, then eventually gives a small nod; to which Erik's smile broadens. ]
[It may not be written on his face, but Wanda knows enough about him to know the reaction of the children stings. She did warn him not to take it to heart, after all.]
Sit, sit.
[Wanda ushers the two to the table, deciding to sit them across from Erik and herself rather than splitting them apart. Kira gives Nico a tug and he hurriedly claims the seat directly across from Wanda, leaving Kira to be across from Erik. The short straw, apparently. The two sit upright, big, pale eyes flitting back and forth between Erik and Wanda as she brings over the plates.
Cups for water soon follow--but these move through the air of their own accord, setting themselves down on the table before a wave of Wanda's hand has them filled with water.
It makes Kira and Nico smile, albeit briefly. Finally, Wanda sits. As she picks up her sandwich, she says to Erik,]
Speak to them in French. I won't feel left out.
[Better they have a chance for easier conversation. Well, at least maybe from Kira. Nico looks almost too nervous to eat his meal, though he does quietly pick up a half of sandwich, watching his sister for any cues.]
[ Have you always liked to draw? Erik asks the question to the both of them, Nic looks toward his sister who takes a bite of her sandwich and doesn't say anything right away, she's looking around the room as she chews; like she's thinking of how to answer. Eventually she gives her brother a little nudge at gestures toward his plate, urging him to eat. Which he does without hesitation.
He meant what he said, Erik's patient and just waits until they're comfortable to answer, or not answer. After a moment Kira's pale eyes flick toward Erik as she gives a small shake of her head. ]
Je n'ai jamais rien eu pour dessiner avant.
[ Never had anything to draw with before. Erik nods his understanding. ]
Tu dessine tres bien.
[ You draw very well, he compliments them both in a genuine tone, then glances toward Wanda before adding the following - ] Elle a eu la gentillesse de faire un cadre, j'ai la photo sur ma bibliothèque.
[ She was kind enough to make a frame, I have the picture on my bookshelf. This gets Nic to finally look up at him, but only for the briefest of moments; his eyes dart away immediately but there is a brief smile on his face. Kira, who is watching her brother rather than Erik; catches it and smiles in response to her brother's reaction; then they both go back to eating. They may not know what to make of the man seated across from them, but the from their reaction it's clear they are happy to hear he liked their drawings enough to put in a frame and keep. ]
I was just complimenting them on their drawing, letting them know you made a frame for it.
[The tone tells her more than the words. Erik has been gentle with her, but there's something softer and sweeter in his voice when he's talking to the children. And they seem receptive, in their own way. She hides her smile behind her cup as she washes down the few bites of food she's taken.
When Erik speaks to her in English, she laughs softly. The frame is--nothing, really. Effortless. He's putting in more work, opening himself up in this way, and the kids are, too. They're trying to trust.]
Well, hopefully I get my very own drawing one day to frame.
[She looks at Nic, who was preoccupied eating and looks openly confused--until Kira translates Wanda's meaning. There's a slight delay before he nods quickly.]
[ Erik smiles in response to Nic's answer. He lets them be for the moment so they can eat in peace, while he and Wanda eat as well. It's hard not to feel a swell of emotion within at the sight before him. He's simultaneously reminded of his own child, as well as being a young boy with his family - the simple innocence of it all; before things went so wrong.
It only furthers his resolve to ensure a place like this can remain a safe haven for children like these two. His gaze travels to Wanda occasionally and wonders what is going through her head as they all sit together eating. Is it a painful reminder, or is it healing to be around them? He hopes it's mostly the latter. She seems at ease around them, a natural; Erik doesn't doubt for a second that she must have been a wonderful mother to her boys.
After they've finished their sandwiches, Kira looks in the direction of the living space and remarks on the missing coffee table. Up against the wall where Erik moved it, it's out of view from where she's sitting. ]
She's asking if you made it disappear. [ Erik translates with a grin as he takes a drink of water, hiding his amusement at the very non mutant manner in which the table was dealt with. ]
[It's impossible to not think of her boys, but the differences help. These two are physically older than Billy and Tommy. Younger, perhaps, when it comes to reading and writing and education, but she knows they'll fix that in time. They're much more reserved than her loud, ever-busy boys.
All she knows is that she doesn't want to frighten them.
She catches Erik's gaze at one point and gives him a reassuring smile. He's doing well.
As Wanda starts to gather the empty plates, she catches what's going on and laughs softly.]
I used muscle to move it. [She jokingly brings up her arm to flex, absolutely no muscle visible beneath the soft knit of her cardigan. Wanda makes a show of looking at her bicep and frowning, and Kira snickers. As Wanda steps behind her chair she looks wary, but when all that happens is that Wanda reaches down to readjust her mess of pale hair on her small shoulders, she looks only mildly baffled rather than alarmed.]
Let's go. Kira, you can pick a book from the shelf. Erik and I will be there in a minute.
[Which does make her light up, and she hurriedly rattles off Wanda's instruction to her brother before hopping off her chair. Nic murmurs a soft thank you for the meal before scrambling to keep up with his sister.]
[ Erik chuckles along with Kira, watching both the children with fondness as they react to Wanda's teasing flex. The way Kira responds to Wanda straightening her hair has him slightly concerned, though not entirely surprised. With skin like theirs, they have armor against the world; but given how Kira reacted to that casual show of affection, he doubts they have experienced much of it.
Erik rises from his chair and steps up to the counter, bringing the remaining plates and glasses with him. He glances toward the living room where both children are eagerly looking over Wanda's selection of books. ]
At this rate you'll have picked up conversational French in no time. [ He comments with a grin. ]
Kira understands a fair amount of English, Nic I'm not so sure. But given she's unlikely to let him out of her sight, I think it won't be too difficult for them to converse with the other children. When they're ready. [ He adds, since that could take time.
Since their arrival they had mostly kept to themselves and didn't socialize with others their age, for all that the other children were welcoming to them. The island's population wasn't massive at this point, and those without visible mutations were more common than those like Kira and Nic. He would do his best to ensure they could eventually come to view their mutation for what it was - a gift, nothing to hide. ]
I don't think so. [Wanda says, pulling a face. She takes the plates and cups he's gathered and puts them in the sink. Magic can take care of them later.] I have no idea what you're all saying.
[Her eyes drift to the sliver of the den she can see, where Kira hands Nico a book to look at. She's specifically stocked that shelf with easy children's books, the words printed large and easy to sound out. Naturally, Nico is drawn to the full page illustrations, small fingers passing over the glossy pictures.]
You're doing well with them.
[She's not sure if he needs the verbal reassurance, but she offers it regardless. He's a natural, and she realizes he had years to be a parent. Not days, like her. Of course he knows how to handle children even if he worries it's been lost.]
[ He appreciates the verbal reassurance, and his gratitude is evident in his expression. He hadn't known what to expect when it came to interacting with the two siblings. Initially he'd been convinced they were afraid of him, and it wasn't until receiving the drawing that he'd started to think otherwise.
It's been a long time since Erik was a parent, and it's reassuring to realize that part of him hasn't been buried along with his family as he'd once adamantly insisted. ]
So are you. [ Doing well with them. ] They've really taken to you. I've never seen them so comfortable before.
[ They were still a bit jumpy and wary in certain moments, but it was a vast improvement from where they started. And he could tell they liked being here, in her home. They felt safe.
Erik heads into the den to join them, taking a seat on the floor with his back against the sofa. There's enough space for the four of them to spread out wherever. Which is a good thing, since Kira already has several books surrounding her, as if she can't decide but doesn't want to put any of them back just yet. ]
Do you have a favorite? [ He asks her in English this time; testing the waters. If she appeared confused he'd translate; but she understands, and shyly points to one with a white cat on the cover. ]
[Wanda likes hearing that he can tell they're at ease. Maybe not entirely, but enough to not worry about Wanda or Erik suddenly changing their tune. It's important for Erik to see that this can be a community that looks out for one another, she thinks. It's not all on him, but he can be involved in these quieter moments, too.
Following after Erik and sitting a few feet away, closer to Kira, Wanda peers down at her selection.]
So, this one first. [She smiles, touching the book with the cat on it.] And the others later. You can take some back with you, too.
[Kira looks surprised, but then happy, when she realizes Wanda means it.]
[ It's a wonderful thing to see Kira smiling. Erik hadn't seen either of them smile before today, and it gives him a great sense of hope as well as purpose when it comes to the future of this community; of what can be provided for Kira and Nic as well as others.
Kira settles in with the book open on her lap, her finger held up to the page as she follows the words and begins to read. Nic stands peering over her shoulder initially, but eventually he shifts in close to his sister; his gaze alternating between looking down at the illustrations, up toward his sister's face, and every so often peeking over at Erik and Wanda. Erik offers him a smile; and though he doesn't return it quite yet, he seems a little less anxious than when he first arrived at the house.
Erik remains silent while she reads. Some words she skips over; and it's only when she seems stuck on sounding something out that Erik offers his help with the word in question. He's patient and encouraging as he translates it in French first, then back to English. When she gets the word and sentence in full, she looks over at Wanda; seeking her feedback. ]
[While Wanda is certain some mental poking around could get her through the language barrier, she's not keen on intruding on the children's minds. They need to learn to talk to everyone else, too. So, she's grateful Erik can communicate with them. It'll be an invaluable bridge.
Nic will need more help, she can tell, but hopefully once his sister is more up to speed she can encourage him, too.]
Very good, Kira. You're a smart girl. [Wanda doesn't think she can be too heavy with the praise. Who knows when these children last received any, if ever? The girl smiles before turning the page and repeating the process, sometimes looking to Erik or Wanda for help, finding that neither makes her feel bad for not knowing the sounds the letters should make when combined just so.
It takes time and patience and some encouragement, but they do reach the end of the book, and Wanda congratulates Kira with a high-five: a thing that takes her a moment to register, but she does, tapping Wanda's hand lightly. Wanda offers one to Nic, who merely observed, but he's still too shy to initiate contact like that. Wanda merely gives him a smile before lowering her hand. Soon.]
That was great. Worth a reward, right Erik?
[She did say they were going to get more coloring tools, but she can't help but draw it out when they look at her with those big doe eyes.]
[ He can't recall the last time he's smiled quite so often in one day. Certain things bring it out of him more than most; and witnessing the children happily reading and being open to learning is one of them. The fact that Kira didn't shy away from the high five was also a great sign of how comfortable she was getting around Wanda. ]
Très bien. [ He says sincerely. ] You read very well Kira. [ He is as generous with his praise as much as Wanda had been, and for the same reasons. No telling how little they'd received of it; and if his experience with Nina was any indication, encouragement and praise help quite a bit when learning new skills. ]
Absolutely worth a reward.
[ He smiles as he watches them eagerly gazing at Wanda, awaiting their well earned prize. Even Nic has a faint grin on his face, glancing around the room with subtle excitement. ]
[She covers her own eyes with her hands, so the children know what she means if the words weren't enough. Lowering to see that they've both obeyed the request, Nic wiggling a little with excitement, she points to the coffee table Erik had moved. A shimmer of red, and into existence appears two sets of paint, pads of paper, and brushes and cups of water to go with.
Messy? Likely, but Wanda clearly doesn't mind. They should be allowed to make a mess.]
There. Look.
[And it's worth it, for the chorus of gasps. Nic looks to his sister before crawling over to the table to look, picking up a paint brush with such reverence that it makes Wanda's chest constrict. She has to swallow down the emotion before scooting over to open some of the paint for them, encouraging them to dig in.]
[ Erik watches their delight at receiving the the paint and brushes with a wide smile; one that gradually dims as he's transported back to a time when he'd witnessed the same innocent joy on his own child's face; whenever she would play outside and interact with the animals in the forest surrounding their home. The moments when she was happiest and most carefree.
With Kira and Nic, it was the same joy; but compounded by the fact that they'd likely never had an opportunity to paint before, to play with color and textures and make a mess. It tugs at his heart in a way he can't easily shake. But he manages to pull himself back to the present, and it's raw on his expression only for a moment. When he glances at Wanda, he thinks he sees something similar pass over her as well; but then the focus is shifted toward helping them with the paints.
He stands and goes to the table. Both siblings are eagerly dipping their brushes into the water and the paint, smattering color everywhere - some of it gets on the paper, some gets on the table. Kira lets out a hesitant giggle initially, one that draws out a similar sound from Nic. ]
It's alright. [ Erik reassures with a chuckle. ] Nothing that can't be cleaned up later.
[ Once they understand that, they both happily set their focus on swirling the paint around the blank pages, creating shapes and patterns. What Nic is painting resembles the same colors and shapes of the interior of Wanda's home. Erik looks over at her to see if she notices as well. ]
[It's so messy, but it just makes Wanda smile to see them be children. Kira's is the messier more--abstract, perhaps, art. Nic's is clearly more still life, Wanda able to pick up the colors of her home on the page. It's sweet. She smiles up at Erik as she rises to her feet.]
Are you having fun?
[He is. She can tell. Wanda goes to sit on the couch to give the kids their space to paint and talk to one another in hushed whispers, sometimes glancing at Erik or Wanda, but mostly focused on the paint.]
[ He answers honestly, glancing down at the progress of Kira's painting starting to look like something that might be flowers. Blues and greens. Fleurs? he asks her, to which she nods her head but doesn't look up, deep in concentration as she goes. He grins and goes to join Wanda on the couch to let them paint. ]
It's wonderful to see them like this.
[ He comments in a tone that's meant to only be heard between himself and Wanda. ]
Your coffee table may never be the same, however.
[ Just teasing of course, he knows she can use her ability to make it whatever she wants. ]
[It's wonderful to see them all like this. She hadn't expected to be so moved by the change in Erik, but she is. It only makes her more confident in her decision to stay. It's for moments like these.]
It's better when it looks used. [Scratches, dings, paint. She doesn't want a home that feels like a show room. Wanda looks over just in time to see Nic wipe his scaly cheek, green paint transferring from the back of his hand to his face. It makes Wanda chuckle to herself--her table isn't going to be the only thing that needs a good wipe down when they're done.]
They're beautiful, aren't they?
[Different from herself and Erik in that they have no hope of blending in on their own.]
[ He doesn't hesitate to answer. He's spent most of his life fighting on behalf of his fellow mutants - for their protection, so they could have a place in the world, and rights like the rest of the population. External mutations like those that Kira and Nic had were just as special and beautiful to him as any other ability. But he knew the risk and difficulty involved when it came to being around others. ]
I've known mutants before that had unique appearances, not unlike them. They each dealt with it in their own ways, but life among humans was never a simple thing.
[ Raven, Hank, Azazel, Kurt. Many others. ]
It can be different for them here. Even if they chose to leave someday, I hope they can learn here that they are special, appreciated for who they are.
[ Not to be feared. That was his hope, at least. And she was helping these two to learn that, just by letting them be children, by encouraging them. ]
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I'll be patient with them.
[ He knows he's not exactly the most approachable. But he remembers what it was like to be that young; so he'll try his best to set them at ease. ]
I do. I spoke it to them when we arrived to bring them back to Genosha. [ It hadn't helped much then, they could understand him, but were too frightened to do much talking.] They were willing to extend me enough trust after I'd shown them I was a mutant, but it's been slow progress, as you know.
[ It was after they'd been on the island for a few days that he'd been told they knew some English as well. Most here spoke it, but there were people from all over. ]
How are you with languages?
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English is my second language. Sokovian is my first. I learned English from my parents, and we would watch American television shows and movies to practice.
[She smiles at the memory. They could only speak English those nights, and she'd learned more than she realized, so enraptured with what was on the screen.]
Maybe these two would like that, down the road. But tonight I want to see how well reading goes. They'll get their coloring supplies regardless.
[Wanda wants this to be fun for them, not a punishment. As long as they try, she'll be pleased. As she finishes and plates another sandwich, she lifts a brow in Erik's direction.]
English, French. German? I bet you speak more than that.
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[ He comments with a smile. It's nice that they both have in common the fact that English isn't their first language. From what little she had told him of her childhood, he's glad to hear there are happy memories as well. Sometimes it could be hard to remember them amid the harsher ones. ]
We'll start with reading. [ He agrees with a nod. ] Though I'm sure they would be delighted to watch television instead.
[ As with most children, he assumes.
He pauses when she asks him what other languages he speaks. It's an answer that usually brings about more questions, but from what he's known of her so far, she isn't the type to pry, so he gives a non detailed answer. Assuming the children would be arriving shortly, it's unlikely she'd ask for an explanation on why he's fluent in six languages. ]
Yes, German. And Spanish, Hebrew, and Polish.
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Wow. Impressive. Maybe you'll have to teach me at least one, so I can keep up.
[Whether she's sincere or only joking is left to be seen, as there's a knock at the front door. Wanda takes a breath before putting up a pleasant smile. As comfortable as she was with her boys, she knows these children are not them. They need more than just someone to mother them.]
Here, Erik. [She touches his arm, giving a slight push towards the kitchen table.] Sit. I'll bring them in.
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[ He gives her a look of silent gratitude that she doesn't press beyond that. And the offer stands - whether she's joking or serious; he had a knack for picking up languages, so if ever she wanted to add another to her list; he could help teach her.
At her urging he takes a seat at the kitchen table, thinking it was a smart suggestion to make. One he probably wouldn't have thought of. Someone seated is much less intimidating, especially to children; than someone looming over them.
Erik feels some hesitation in interacting with them, given the few times prior had been under such stressful circumstances. But he's hoping to develop a better repore. He wants them to feel welcome here, and unafraid.
So he waits, listening to the quiet sounds of them stepping into the home and Wanda's voice in the entry. ]
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Hungry? Drifts in Wanda's voice from the hall. Her smile widens when they both nod with enthusiasm. Always hungry after a lifetime of not enough, she's sure. I made sandwiches. But I have a surprise for you in the kitchen, too. Come on.
She hopes it's enough warning for Erik. The three step into the kitchen a moment later, Wanda in the rear. Both youths look shocked to see Erik simply sitting there, Nico so startled he actually jumps back and bumps into Wanda, who sets a light hand to his shoulder. Kira, mouth open, looks to Wanda for some sort of explanation.]
It's okay. He doesn't bite. He wanted to read and draw with us.
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But that's why he's here, he reminds himself; to hopefully help show them they don't have to be afraid. Erik's internal tug of war isn't something noticeable on his expression, though Wanda can perhaps guess at it. He offers both children a warm smile and his voice is gentler than it usually sounds as he greets them. ]
Hello Kira; Nic. I really enjoyed the picture you drew for me. Would it be alright if I joined you?
[ Kira meets his eyes directly for a moment, where as Nic's gaze stays fixed on the floor, his hand grasped tightly in his sister's. She looks like she's thinking about it, then eventually gives a small nod; to which Erik's smile broadens. ]
Thank you.
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Sit, sit.
[Wanda ushers the two to the table, deciding to sit them across from Erik and herself rather than splitting them apart. Kira gives Nico a tug and he hurriedly claims the seat directly across from Wanda, leaving Kira to be across from Erik. The short straw, apparently. The two sit upright, big, pale eyes flitting back and forth between Erik and Wanda as she brings over the plates.
Cups for water soon follow--but these move through the air of their own accord, setting themselves down on the table before a wave of Wanda's hand has them filled with water.
It makes Kira and Nico smile, albeit briefly. Finally, Wanda sits. As she picks up her sandwich, she says to Erik,]
Speak to them in French. I won't feel left out.
[Better they have a chance for easier conversation. Well, at least maybe from Kira. Nico looks almost too nervous to eat his meal, though he does quietly pick up a half of sandwich, watching his sister for any cues.]
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[ Have you always liked to draw? Erik asks the question to the both of them, Nic looks toward his sister who takes a bite of her sandwich and doesn't say anything right away, she's looking around the room as she chews; like she's thinking of how to answer. Eventually she gives her brother a little nudge at gestures toward his plate, urging him to eat. Which he does without hesitation.
He meant what he said, Erik's patient and just waits until they're comfortable to answer, or not answer. After a moment Kira's pale eyes flick toward Erik as she gives a small shake of her head. ]
Je n'ai jamais rien eu pour dessiner avant.
[ Never had anything to draw with before. Erik nods his understanding. ]
Tu dessine tres bien.
[ You draw very well, he compliments them both in a genuine tone, then glances toward Wanda before adding the following - ] Elle a eu la gentillesse de faire un cadre, j'ai la photo sur ma bibliothèque.
[ She was kind enough to make a frame, I have the picture on my bookshelf. This gets Nic to finally look up at him, but only for the briefest of moments; his eyes dart away immediately but there is a brief smile on his face. Kira, who is watching her brother rather than Erik; catches it and smiles in response to her brother's reaction; then they both go back to eating. They may not know what to make of the man seated across from them, but the from their reaction it's clear they are happy to hear he liked their drawings enough to put in a frame and keep. ]
I was just complimenting them on their drawing, letting them know you made a frame for it.
[ Erik gives the brief summary to Wanda. ]
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When Erik speaks to her in English, she laughs softly. The frame is--nothing, really. Effortless. He's putting in more work, opening himself up in this way, and the kids are, too. They're trying to trust.]
Well, hopefully I get my very own drawing one day to frame.
[She looks at Nic, who was preoccupied eating and looks openly confused--until Kira translates Wanda's meaning. There's a slight delay before he nods quickly.]
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It only furthers his resolve to ensure a place like this can remain a safe haven for children like these two. His gaze travels to Wanda occasionally and wonders what is going through her head as they all sit together eating. Is it a painful reminder, or is it healing to be around them? He hopes it's mostly the latter. She seems at ease around them, a natural; Erik doesn't doubt for a second that she must have been a wonderful mother to her boys.
After they've finished their sandwiches, Kira looks in the direction of the living space and remarks on the missing coffee table. Up against the wall where Erik moved it, it's out of view from where she's sitting. ]
She's asking if you made it disappear. [ Erik translates with a grin as he takes a drink of water, hiding his amusement at the very non mutant manner in which the table was dealt with. ]
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All she knows is that she doesn't want to frighten them.
She catches Erik's gaze at one point and gives him a reassuring smile. He's doing well.
As Wanda starts to gather the empty plates, she catches what's going on and laughs softly.]
I used muscle to move it. [She jokingly brings up her arm to flex, absolutely no muscle visible beneath the soft knit of her cardigan. Wanda makes a show of looking at her bicep and frowning, and Kira snickers. As Wanda steps behind her chair she looks wary, but when all that happens is that Wanda reaches down to readjust her mess of pale hair on her small shoulders, she looks only mildly baffled rather than alarmed.]
Let's go. Kira, you can pick a book from the shelf. Erik and I will be there in a minute.
[Which does make her light up, and she hurriedly rattles off Wanda's instruction to her brother before hopping off her chair. Nic murmurs a soft thank you for the meal before scrambling to keep up with his sister.]
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Erik rises from his chair and steps up to the counter, bringing the remaining plates and glasses with him. He glances toward the living room where both children are eagerly looking over Wanda's selection of books. ]
At this rate you'll have picked up conversational French in no time. [ He comments with a grin. ]
Kira understands a fair amount of English, Nic I'm not so sure. But given she's unlikely to let him out of her sight, I think it won't be too difficult for them to converse with the other children. When they're ready. [ He adds, since that could take time.
Since their arrival they had mostly kept to themselves and didn't socialize with others their age, for all that the other children were welcoming to them. The island's population wasn't massive at this point, and those without visible mutations were more common than those like Kira and Nic. He would do his best to ensure they could eventually come to view their mutation for what it was - a gift, nothing to hide. ]
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[Her eyes drift to the sliver of the den she can see, where Kira hands Nico a book to look at. She's specifically stocked that shelf with easy children's books, the words printed large and easy to sound out. Naturally, Nico is drawn to the full page illustrations, small fingers passing over the glossy pictures.]
You're doing well with them.
[She's not sure if he needs the verbal reassurance, but she offers it regardless. He's a natural, and she realizes he had years to be a parent. Not days, like her. Of course he knows how to handle children even if he worries it's been lost.]
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It's been a long time since Erik was a parent, and it's reassuring to realize that part of him hasn't been buried along with his family as he'd once adamantly insisted. ]
So are you. [ Doing well with them. ] They've really taken to you. I've never seen them so comfortable before.
[ They were still a bit jumpy and wary in certain moments, but it was a vast improvement from where they started. And he could tell they liked being here, in her home. They felt safe.
Erik heads into the den to join them, taking a seat on the floor with his back against the sofa. There's enough space for the four of them to spread out wherever. Which is a good thing, since Kira already has several books surrounding her, as if she can't decide but doesn't want to put any of them back just yet. ]
Do you have a favorite? [ He asks her in English this time; testing the waters. If she appeared confused he'd translate; but she understands, and shyly points to one with a white cat on the cover. ]
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Following after Erik and sitting a few feet away, closer to Kira, Wanda peers down at her selection.]
So, this one first. [She smiles, touching the book with the cat on it.] And the others later. You can take some back with you, too.
[Kira looks surprised, but then happy, when she realizes Wanda means it.]
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Kira settles in with the book open on her lap, her finger held up to the page as she follows the words and begins to read. Nic stands peering over her shoulder initially, but eventually he shifts in close to his sister; his gaze alternating between looking down at the illustrations, up toward his sister's face, and every so often peeking over at Erik and Wanda. Erik offers him a smile; and though he doesn't return it quite yet, he seems a little less anxious than when he first arrived at the house.
Erik remains silent while she reads. Some words she skips over; and it's only when she seems stuck on sounding something out that Erik offers his help with the word in question. He's patient and encouraging as he translates it in French first, then back to English. When she gets the word and sentence in full, she looks over at Wanda; seeking her feedback. ]
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Nic will need more help, she can tell, but hopefully once his sister is more up to speed she can encourage him, too.]
Very good, Kira. You're a smart girl. [Wanda doesn't think she can be too heavy with the praise. Who knows when these children last received any, if ever? The girl smiles before turning the page and repeating the process, sometimes looking to Erik or Wanda for help, finding that neither makes her feel bad for not knowing the sounds the letters should make when combined just so.
It takes time and patience and some encouragement, but they do reach the end of the book, and Wanda congratulates Kira with a high-five: a thing that takes her a moment to register, but she does, tapping Wanda's hand lightly. Wanda offers one to Nic, who merely observed, but he's still too shy to initiate contact like that. Wanda merely gives him a smile before lowering her hand. Soon.]
That was great. Worth a reward, right Erik?
[She did say they were going to get more coloring tools, but she can't help but draw it out when they look at her with those big doe eyes.]
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Très bien. [ He says sincerely. ] You read very well Kira. [ He is as generous with his praise as much as Wanda had been, and for the same reasons. No telling how little they'd received of it; and if his experience with Nina was any indication, encouragement and praise help quite a bit when learning new skills. ]
Absolutely worth a reward.
[ He smiles as he watches them eagerly gazing at Wanda, awaiting their well earned prize. Even Nic has a faint grin on his face, glancing around the room with subtle excitement. ]
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[She covers her own eyes with her hands, so the children know what she means if the words weren't enough. Lowering to see that they've both obeyed the request, Nic wiggling a little with excitement, she points to the coffee table Erik had moved. A shimmer of red, and into existence appears two sets of paint, pads of paper, and brushes and cups of water to go with.
Messy? Likely, but Wanda clearly doesn't mind. They should be allowed to make a mess.]
There. Look.
[And it's worth it, for the chorus of gasps. Nic looks to his sister before crawling over to the table to look, picking up a paint brush with such reverence that it makes Wanda's chest constrict. She has to swallow down the emotion before scooting over to open some of the paint for them, encouraging them to dig in.]
Go on. Have fun.
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With Kira and Nic, it was the same joy; but compounded by the fact that they'd likely never had an opportunity to paint before, to play with color and textures and make a mess. It tugs at his heart in a way he can't easily shake. But he manages to pull himself back to the present, and it's raw on his expression only for a moment. When he glances at Wanda, he thinks he sees something similar pass over her as well; but then the focus is shifted toward helping them with the paints.
He stands and goes to the table. Both siblings are eagerly dipping their brushes into the water and the paint, smattering color everywhere - some of it gets on the paper, some gets on the table. Kira lets out a hesitant giggle initially, one that draws out a similar sound from Nic. ]
It's alright. [ Erik reassures with a chuckle. ] Nothing that can't be cleaned up later.
[ Once they understand that, they both happily set their focus on swirling the paint around the blank pages, creating shapes and patterns. What Nic is painting resembles the same colors and shapes of the interior of Wanda's home. Erik looks over at her to see if she notices as well. ]
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Are you having fun?
[He is. She can tell. Wanda goes to sit on the couch to give the kids their space to paint and talk to one another in hushed whispers, sometimes glancing at Erik or Wanda, but mostly focused on the paint.]
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[ He answers honestly, glancing down at the progress of Kira's painting starting to look like something that might be flowers. Blues and greens. Fleurs? he asks her, to which she nods her head but doesn't look up, deep in concentration as she goes. He grins and goes to join Wanda on the couch to let them paint. ]
It's wonderful to see them like this.
[ He comments in a tone that's meant to only be heard between himself and Wanda. ]
Your coffee table may never be the same, however.
[ Just teasing of course, he knows she can use her ability to make it whatever she wants. ]
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It's better when it looks used. [Scratches, dings, paint. She doesn't want a home that feels like a show room. Wanda looks over just in time to see Nic wipe his scaly cheek, green paint transferring from the back of his hand to his face. It makes Wanda chuckle to herself--her table isn't going to be the only thing that needs a good wipe down when they're done.]
They're beautiful, aren't they?
[Different from herself and Erik in that they have no hope of blending in on their own.]
So unique, even among us.
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[ He doesn't hesitate to answer. He's spent most of his life fighting on behalf of his fellow mutants - for their protection, so they could have a place in the world, and rights like the rest of the population. External mutations like those that Kira and Nic had were just as special and beautiful to him as any other ability. But he knew the risk and difficulty involved when it came to being around others. ]
I've known mutants before that had unique appearances, not unlike them. They each dealt with it in their own ways, but life among humans was never a simple thing.
[ Raven, Hank, Azazel, Kurt. Many others. ]
It can be different for them here. Even if they chose to leave someday, I hope they can learn here that they are special, appreciated for who they are.
[ Not to be feared. That was his hope, at least. And she was helping these two to learn that, just by letting them be children, by encouraging them. ]
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