Nathan Summers (alter_nate_ive) wrote in valarlogs, @ 2013-06-30 15:29:00 |
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Entry tags: | !complete, !trigger warning, anya corazon (spider-girl), nathan summers (cable) |
God, Cora... I...
Who: Nate and Cora
Where: Graymalkin
What: After the rescues and healings and things like that, Nate finds Cora and they talk.
When: After the previous Greymalkin logs, 06/25.
Warnings/Rating: PG-13 for references to temporary deaths, and violence, and relationships, and aging up and more.
Status complete
It was later, when things had quieted down, that Nathan found Cora, and he pulled her close as he staggered into the kitchen. “God, Cora... I...” And he just held her, clutching her close as he tried not to completely come apart.
This last few days had sucked.
Cora had already had a small meltdown, or nearly so, when Emma had come to the galley to scavenge for food and water, looking just this side of the walking dead. She’d pulled herself together, and helped Emma bring food to the others, and then retreated to the galley again to wait. Even now that the danger seemed past, it was hard to keep the tears from her eyes.
“I was so scared.”
Nate nodded. “Me too, Cora. Me too.” He took great gulps of air, here, with just her before him, and snuggled her close, letting those tears come. “They killed my mom, killed her stone cold dead, and Magius and Faiza brought her and the baby back. Sometimes, I hate this world we live in.” He kissed her hair, holding her tight. In her arms seemed the only safe place in the universe right now, the only right place.
Cora swallowed hard, her jaw clenched in determination as she held her friend. She would get stronger, train harder, study more diligently so that she could protect the people that she loved. She’d learn how to protect herself so she could be there to help pick up the pieces when everything fell apart.
“They’re safe now,” she murmured, praying that it was true. “You’re safe. That’s what matters.”
He hugged her tight. “I know. We got them all back and they are healed, but this one will leave scars.” He kissed her hair and hugged her tight. “For all my power, I couldn’t protect them. I feel silly.” He breathed a long breath, relaxing some in her arms. “I know it’s stupid, and that I can’t predict everything. I just... sometimes wish I could.” He hugged her tighter.
“And now, I’m even older. Like somehow, in the middle of this my brain and body decided to make life even more complicated, you know?”
He would train, he would learn Graymalkin more. He would work on it and make it better and himself too.
“You’re not silly,” she said, her fingers tightening a little as she ran them through his hair, gently directing him to look her in the eyes. “They prepared for your powers. It’s not your fault. That’s why you have all of us.” She drew him close again and kissed him on the forehead. “I’m not going anywhere. It doesn’t matter if you’re eighteen or twenty-eight, I can still date you in two years. If you still want me by then.”
Nate smiled softly. “I’d wait all eternity for you, Cora.” Looking in her eyes, he smiled softly. “I’ve liked other woman and loved before, but I know where I belong now, and it’s with you, now and forever.” He nodded and gently brushed his lips across hers, just lightly, before hugging her again.
Cora’s heart leaped at that softest of kisses, and she hugged him, burying her face in the curve of his neck and shoulder. “I love you.” It was only an impulsive whisper, but she meant it with all of her heart.
He sighed into her words and nodded. “I love you too, Cora. I’ve known for a few weeks. Ever since after I got shot.” Being in his hospital bed, being offered sex, and realizing... he wasn’t interested in sex with anyone save one woman, because she made him aroused in ways far beyond his body? That had done it.
Cora nodded. It felt to her as if she had loved Nate from the moment she first laid eyes on him--and maybe she had, in some way--but that love was starting to grow, and take shape in new and exciting ways. Ways that they could explore, not only as friends; but someday, when the time was right, as a man and a woman.
But first...
“You should eat something, before you pass out, and I have to play Princess Charming to your Sleeping Beauty,” she said, touching his cheek. It didn’t matter to her that he looked like a giant stray puppy in need of several baths and a few months worth of decent meals. He was so handsome. “Unless that’s the only way I get to kiss you again.”
Nate laughed and blushed, too, smiling softly. “Eating and drinking is good. As long as you’ll stay with me? We can call your parents and make sure they know you are okay. But, Cora... you can kiss me anytime and anywhere you want. I’m yours. And that is a fact.”
He nodded, sure of it, and sure of his liking of those hands and lips of hers.
“I guess I should give them an update, now that there’s news to tell,” she said, nodding. She’d made sure Harry and Elaine knew where she’d be before Neena beamed her up, but she had promised to call when she knew anything. “I’m not going anywhere. I just...don’t want to get you in trouble for kissing me if somebody walks in.”
“I understand. Definitely a good idea. And just so you know? Apartment A2 is marked off as yours up here, if you ever need someplace to just be.” He handed her a special golden comlink. “This will allow you to come up here, with Professor’s help, anytime.”
He liked her having a place to stay in his, well, his new home. Sometimes home.
“You can also ask Professor to call your parent’s home with it, and it can connect to their home line or their cellphones.” He nodded.
Cora smiled, holding the comm in her hand for a moment, as if he’d just handed her the key to his heart. “Thank you.” She leaned over and kissed Nate’s cheek. “You should eat while I call and let them know you’re okay. I’ll be right here the whole time.”
“Will do.” He kissed her cheek in return, then moved to the food and settled down. This was the best way, he thought, to end this day, and he definitely was glad of it.
~fin~