Re: Shadowcat / Cosmo
Mikhail's eyes narrowed at her inquiry, the Russian hadn't understood the reference. No matter, he'd use the google machine later. The most important piece of the puzzle was that Katherine had agreed to his terms. "We have an accord." Mikhail grinned, then gave her petite hand a squeeze.
The classroom faded away in an instant and Mikhail lived up to his end of the arrangement. Hopefully, Katherine had not expected a secluded beach or tucked away resort somewhere in the tropics. Because she was standing in the middle of Tokyo International Airport. Or at least off to the side in one of the terminals. Mikhail wore an expression of a man who had just reinvented the wheel but was sure Shadowcat would not be as amused. "Come, we walk." Mikhail pointed to a relatively empty gate, where Mount Fuji was clearly visible in the distance.
"I've been everywhere." The Russian had begun when they neared the windows. "Every continent, country, ocean... I've even been to space." He pointed as if she'd forgotten what direction that was in. "But eventually, it becomes routine. But this place feels alive. Did you know more people pass through here than any other airport in the world? Well, except Atlanta." And who wanted to go to Atlanta? He didn't. "When I come here sometimes it is just to watch. Sometimes it is to talk. Sometimes, I just get a burger and relax." Mikhail pointed toward the rather excellent cluster of restaurants at the end of the terminal.
"The great thing is nobody expects to see you again. You can have a wonderful conversation with someone then never feel obligated to talk to them again, because this is just a stop in everyone's larger journey. Does it make it any less significant? No. We aren't here for long Katherine, we're all just passing through each other's lives. One conversation with a stranger in this airport can affect countless people." Mikhail eyed Katherine, prepared for her inevitable rebuttal.