[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. ]
[The immediate response isn't a surprise, but has her giving him another smile nevertheless. Life for her had never been easy because of her abilities, and if no one knew about them, she blended in for the most part. And she can't imagine being so young and vulnerable to criticism while looking so very much different from the majority of the population.]
I can't imagine why anyone would want to leave.
[She could, of course. There's not much here yet. There's a whole world to explore. But she's mainly saying it so he knows--she has no desire to leave.]
[ He could think of reasons why someone might want to leave; for all that it rarely happened. This was an island, set apart from the rest of the world. To some that could be a haven, to others it could be too isolating. For Erik, it's where he's meant to be; and he's happy to hear her express her desire to stay. ]
Most of us here have seen enough of what the world has to offer, for better or worse. [ Which was more or less an explanation for why most residents weren't just visiting, they'd made it their home as a choice. ] Those two are still young, they might decide to go back when they're older. Search for any remaining family. Seek justice for how they were treated. Whatever they decide, I will help them.
[ Both siblings are still happily painting, every so often exchanging bits of conversation in hushed tones. Mostly in French, though Erik hears a few English words uttered by Kira - translating for her brother the names for each color. ]
Justice and vengeance are easily confused. I just hope they remain as sweet as they are now.
[Though she's sure they've already seen and experienced too much.]
They could disguise themselves, if they want to venture out into the world without drawing attention. I could do it for them. But they shouldn't have to.
[Just as she never liked when Vision needed to appear human to avoid causing a scene. It's not fair.]
[ He nods in agreement, both words were linked together closely in his mind; and he'd spent much of his life occupied with one or the other enough to recognize the difference. But when you were hurting, it wasn't so easy to discern. He'd be a guide for them as best as he could, if and when that day came. ]
They are very sweet. I think giving them a space to grow up where they are allowed to be who they are will help.
[ It wouldn't erase the harm they'd been dealt in their past, but it would hopefully make a difference. He bristles slightly at the suggestion of a disguise. It's not directed at her, but a reaction of frustration that it should even be a thing to consider. ]
While that might prove useful in certain situations, I agree - they shouldn't have to.
[ He believed it adamantly. No mutant should have to hide. ]
It's strange how often appearances can divide people. Have you ever wanted to disguise yourself?
[ He asks curiously. Neither of their mutations were visible, but they were both not entirely anonymous figures; at least he could guess at that from the pieces she'd told him of herself. ]
I've needed to do it. But this is the extent of it.
[She twirls a lock of copper hair around her finger. She did tell him she's a brunette, after all, but back then the change in hair color was enough to throw people off her trail when she was in various countries beyond the United States.]
I guess this color grew on me. Before then, it was more like... I wanted to be someone else. Not just disguise.
[Her eyes settle on the children for a few moments, pleased with how much they seem to be absorbed in their painting. They're safe, their bellies are full, and they're relatively happy. It's all that matters. She looks back to Erik.]
I don't think I need to ask if you've wanted to disguise yourself. Or be someone else.
[ He huffs a quiet laugh at her accurate assement. ]
Even when it might have made my life easier, I would not choose to be anything different.
[ He took pride in all aspects of who he was, almost as an act of defiance against a world that wanted him to feel otherwise, for being both mutant as well as Jewish. But after what he'd been through the past few years, he could also understand why not everyone took such a uncompromising stance on it as he did. ]
Are you content as you are now? [ He shifts his focus from the children to glance over at her. ] Not counting the change in hair color, of course. The red suits you.
[ He offers a slight smile. The copper color was fitting, given the reddish glow of her power. ]
I like that about you. [The confidence. Shamelessness, because he is right--there's no shame in being who he is.] That's why you're the best leader for this place.
[She's followed a few different sort of leaders. All left her feeling conflicted, in a way, either because of the past or because of her inexperience. Not that it matters very much now. Even if she were home, Tony and Steve are gone.
They'd both be horrified by her now, anyway. Disappointed.
She'd hate for Erik to feel that way about her.]
... in this moment, I'm content as I am now. [Ask her again when she's alone, left with her thoughts.] I want to believe all the suffering has been for something.
[Maybe for the strength and wisdom to make a difference here. Or at least with these two kids.]
[ Sometimes suffering was just suffering. Erik didn't assign purpose where it didn't necessarily fit, but in Wanda's case he could see a direct positive impact from her presence here when it came to these two children. An impact he's not sure would have happened had it just been himself. They were opening up to her, building trust, gradually starting to heal. ]
I don't know all that you've been through, or what you've suffered... But I can tell you that your influence on these two children has an impact. A lasting one, that they will remember. Kindness can shape someone's path as much as pain. You and I know pain, but they don't have to; not in the same way.
[ They'd have different challenges, but they wouldn't suffer pain here, and they weren't alone anymore. ]
You've made a difference in their lives.
[ He said sincerely, glancing over to them and back to Wanda. ]
[She says with a smile, touched by his constant faith in her, even if they haven't known one another long. It goes both ways, she supposes.
And though their dynamic is different, it's impossible not to look at the siblings and see herself and Pietro, or Billy and Tommy, depending on the moment and the weight in her heart. Knowing she's brought them some happiness would be enough.]
I think it's safe to say you've made a difference in my life, then.
I'm just speaking the truth of what I've observed.
[ Erik smiles back at her warmly, happy that it seems like they're making progress when it comes to her accepting the kind words he's offering. He wouldn't say it just to say it, he means it. And he's equally as touched by her statement that follows. He takes a moment before answering. ]
I'm very glad to hear that.
[ He reaches out to give her shoulder a brief squeeze, then Kira's shuffling over shyly with her paper in hand. She looks at the floor, then up to Wanda; not saying anything initially, then she holds out the painting for her to take. For you she says quietly, in English.
It's an abstract rendition of Wanda's living room - the exact same colors of the walls, sofa, bookshelf and other furniture; complete with tiny splotches of color that resemble herself and Nic - the blue-ish green tone of their iridescent scales. She's looking at Wanda with some trepidation over whether or not she'll like it, while Erik offers an encouraging smile. ]
[Wanda's surprised to be approached so soon--just as she's surprised to get her own piece of artwork right after giving the kids their new paints. It's messy, the page still wet in spots and Kira's managed to get paint on her collar and elbow, somehow.]
For me? [It's with a genuine smile that Wanda takes the painting, sitting forward and resting it on her lap so that Erik can look, too.] It's perfect. Is this your first time painting?
[Kira nods, teeth pressed into her bottom lip as she tries not to smile too broadly at Wanda's pleased reaction. It's harder to maintain when Wanda continues,]
I love it. Thank you, Kira.
[Wanda glances at Erik with the same warm smile. In moments like these, she can't be anything but content with what she is.]
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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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I can't imagine why anyone would want to leave.
[She could, of course. There's not much here yet. There's a whole world to explore. But she's mainly saying it so he knows--she has no desire to leave.]
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Most of us here have seen enough of what the world has to offer, for better or worse. [ Which was more or less an explanation for why most residents weren't just visiting, they'd made it their home as a choice. ] Those two are still young, they might decide to go back when they're older. Search for any remaining family. Seek justice for how they were treated. Whatever they decide, I will help them.
[ Both siblings are still happily painting, every so often exchanging bits of conversation in hushed tones. Mostly in French, though Erik hears a few English words uttered by Kira - translating for her brother the names for each color. ]
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[Though she's sure they've already seen and experienced too much.]
They could disguise themselves, if they want to venture out into the world without drawing attention. I could do it for them. But they shouldn't have to.
[Just as she never liked when Vision needed to appear human to avoid causing a scene. It's not fair.]
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They are very sweet. I think giving them a space to grow up where they are allowed to be who they are will help.
[ It wouldn't erase the harm they'd been dealt in their past, but it would hopefully make a difference. He bristles slightly at the suggestion of a disguise. It's not directed at her, but a reaction of frustration that it should even be a thing to consider. ]
While that might prove useful in certain situations, I agree - they shouldn't have to.
[ He believed it adamantly. No mutant should have to hide. ]
It's strange how often appearances can divide people. Have you ever wanted to disguise yourself?
[ He asks curiously. Neither of their mutations were visible, but they were both not entirely anonymous figures; at least he could guess at that from the pieces she'd told him of herself. ]
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[She twirls a lock of copper hair around her finger. She did tell him she's a brunette, after all, but back then the change in hair color was enough to throw people off her trail when she was in various countries beyond the United States.]
I guess this color grew on me. Before then, it was more like... I wanted to be someone else. Not just disguise.
[Her eyes settle on the children for a few moments, pleased with how much they seem to be absorbed in their painting. They're safe, their bellies are full, and they're relatively happy. It's all that matters. She looks back to Erik.]
I don't think I need to ask if you've wanted to disguise yourself. Or be someone else.
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Even when it might have made my life easier, I would not choose to be anything different.
[ He took pride in all aspects of who he was, almost as an act of defiance against a world that wanted him to feel otherwise, for being both mutant as well as Jewish. But after what he'd been through the past few years, he could also understand why not everyone took such a uncompromising stance on it as he did. ]
Are you content as you are now? [ He shifts his focus from the children to glance over at her. ] Not counting the change in hair color, of course. The red suits you.
[ He offers a slight smile. The copper color was fitting, given the reddish glow of her power. ]
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[She's followed a few different sort of leaders. All left her feeling conflicted, in a way, either because of the past or because of her inexperience. Not that it matters very much now. Even if she were home, Tony and Steve are gone.
They'd both be horrified by her now, anyway. Disappointed.
She'd hate for Erik to feel that way about her.]
... in this moment, I'm content as I am now. [Ask her again when she's alone, left with her thoughts.] I want to believe all the suffering has been for something.
[Maybe for the strength and wisdom to make a difference here. Or at least with these two kids.]
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[ Sometimes suffering was just suffering. Erik didn't assign purpose where it didn't necessarily fit, but in Wanda's case he could see a direct positive impact from her presence here when it came to these two children. An impact he's not sure would have happened had it just been himself. They were opening up to her, building trust, gradually starting to heal. ]
I don't know all that you've been through, or what you've suffered... But I can tell you that your influence on these two children has an impact. A lasting one, that they will remember. Kindness can shape someone's path as much as pain. You and I know pain, but they don't have to; not in the same way.
[ They'd have different challenges, but they wouldn't suffer pain here, and they weren't alone anymore. ]
You've made a difference in their lives.
[ He said sincerely, glancing over to them and back to Wanda. ]
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[She says with a smile, touched by his constant faith in her, even if they haven't known one another long. It goes both ways, she supposes.
And though their dynamic is different, it's impossible not to look at the siblings and see herself and Pietro, or Billy and Tommy, depending on the moment and the weight in her heart. Knowing she's brought them some happiness would be enough.]
I think it's safe to say you've made a difference in my life, then.
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[ Erik smiles back at her warmly, happy that it seems like they're making progress when it comes to her accepting the kind words he's offering. He wouldn't say it just to say it, he means it. And he's equally as touched by her statement that follows. He takes a moment before answering. ]
I'm very glad to hear that.
[ He reaches out to give her shoulder a brief squeeze, then Kira's shuffling over shyly with her paper in hand. She looks at the floor, then up to Wanda; not saying anything initially, then she holds out the painting for her to take. For you she says quietly, in English.
It's an abstract rendition of Wanda's living room - the exact same colors of the walls, sofa, bookshelf and other furniture; complete with tiny splotches of color that resemble herself and Nic - the blue-ish green tone of their iridescent scales. She's looking at Wanda with some trepidation over whether or not she'll like it, while Erik offers an encouraging smile. ]
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For me? [It's with a genuine smile that Wanda takes the painting, sitting forward and resting it on her lap so that Erik can look, too.] It's perfect. Is this your first time painting?
[Kira nods, teeth pressed into her bottom lip as she tries not to smile too broadly at Wanda's pleased reaction. It's harder to maintain when Wanda continues,]
I love it. Thank you, Kira.
[Wanda glances at Erik with the same warm smile. In moments like these, she can't be anything but content with what she is.]
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