1963-10-16 - Grounds for Hot Chocolate
Summary: Piotr and Kitty play catch up.
Related: None
Theme Song: None
piotr kitty 


There's work to be done on into the twilight hours. It's been pointed out that the Institute has a groundskeeper but sometimes it feels impossible that one shouldn't get up and work the whole day until dark comes. It's how Piotr manages with, well, everything. He works. Sleeves rolled up, dirt ground into his hands and his knees, boots muddy — this is therapeutic.

Evening finds him repairing a lamp out at the back of the gazebo. It's only recently that there's electricity out here and it feels oddly indulgent. Also, there's a bat or pigeon or something that's particularly offended by this one lamp. The bulb has been out three times this month and now the wiring is gnawed. Piotr has the power off in favor of a kerosene camping light while he works.

<Maybe the Professor can speak to the wildlife,> Piotr mutters in Russian. <And convince them to accept progress before our little friend shorts out the entire Institute.>

*

The flashlight that flickers in the distance announce Kitty's coming far before she slides up to where the large Russian works. The big black coat tugged over her, and the thermos tucked under her arm, are silent reminders that the weather has turned. She silently sets the metal thermos down, and pours a small mug of hot chocolate for Piotr before passing it over. She shoots him a flicker of a smile — apologetic, and maybe, even somewhat guilty — as she assumes a seat on one of the gazebo benches.

Her hazel eyes remain trained on Piotr's and the smile breaks when her gaze does. Her chin drops to her chest. Her Russian remains poor, but having spent the better part of an hour rehearsing in a mirror, she manages, <Sorry owed to you, I have.> The grammar is all wrong, but the message is the same, and followed by a sharp nod.

*

Piotr accepts the hot chocolate solemnly, then joins her on the bench, cup almost hidden in one hand. <Katya, why?> He puts his free hand on her knee, ducks his head to look at her face. "What did you do wrong?" He's smiling, a little, but only because he's pleased that she went to all that trouble to apologize in Russian — and because her grammar is so atrocious. She could probably flush his sketchbook down the toilet and he'd think it was adorable if she apologized like that.

*

If at all possible, Kitty's features soften at the question. The hand on her knee wins a smaller, nearly sheepish smile, and her eyes train on the ground in front of her. The faint flush that forms along the apples of her cheeks signals that flutter of anxiety that tugs over her heart and mind.

Instinctively, her hand trails over the one on her knee. And for a few beats, she can't help but admire how tiny she feels when in Piotr's company. She forces her gaze upwards. "Just," her eyes flit downwards, "things." Her eyebrows lift. "I'm me." There's a pause and she raises her hand in a stop motion: "I don't apologize for that. I wouldn't try or aim to be anyone else. You know that. You know I'm — " her lips hitch up on one side " — excitable. I get riled up. I care a lot about stuff." Her throat clears. "You, however, don't deserve the left over grumpiness that follows the excitability. So." She repeats the ridiculousness, <Sorry owed to you, I have.> She nods. It's true.

*

"I like you, Katya. It is fortunate for me that, because you are you, if you were actually angry at me, I would know. I am sure of that, because you would tell me." Piotr lifts his hand to smooth Kitty's hair, just above her ear. "So when you are 'grumpy', as you say, it is not so hard to take. It is mostly hard because I cannot make it better. But, I know I cannot fix everything and you would not want me to try. It is nice to know that you notice but you should not feel too badly about it."

Piotr pauses to take a sip of hot chocolate. "Maybe you can feel a tiny bit badly if it means you come visit me and bring me hot chocolate, though," he offers. "If you like."

*

Kitty sidles closer to Piotr, allowing herself to snuggle in a bit to keep herself a stitch warmer amongst the crisp fall air. "I still feel badly enough," she replies softly. But the reply meets a cheeky grin at the last. "You just want the hot chocolate, not even the company~" she virtually sings. "I thought you'd cold. It's chilly tonight. And lately," Her eyes turn up to the sky. "But it is always beautiful out here."

*

"I would give up hot chocolate for the rest of my life in exchange for the company." Piotr slides his arm around Kitty and tucks her partway into the flannel shirt he's wearing over his T-shirt. He offers her the hot chocolate as if to prove his point. "I do not get cold so easily, remember. I am used to Russian winters, but I miss you when you are not here and that is much worse. I would rather be cold. I would jump in Lake Baikal if it would get your attention, you know that."

*

Kitty's fingers curl around the metallic cup of hot chocolate. The corners of her its draw upwards and she easily leans into him underneath the flannel shirt. Her eyes lid lightly and she takes a long, deep breath, just drinking in the moment as she does so. "You had my attention well before you wanted it," humour and just a touch of self-deprecation echo in the words. "And it didn't take a Lake or a cold night." She cants her head to look up at him and takes a sip of the hot chocolate before offering it back to him. "You didn't really miss me, did you?" her eyes glimmer with unspoken playfulness.

*

"Yes." Piotr chuckles softly at her. "At least a little. Would it be fair to say that things are not the same when you are not here, and not in a better way?" He takes the cup back from her and drinks.

"But you have things to do, so do them you should. I would just like to see an end to this terribleness that has caused you pain and whatever helps that is what is right. And after…" Piotr shrugs, then exhales. "Then after, perhaps, we will see about being even happier. Anything to that end can only be good, no matter what it looks like. Even if it takes you other places. Yes?"

*

"And what about you?" Kitty asks quietly. "What would make you happier?" Her eyes train on the horizon and she manages a small smile. "I'm not sure I belong here anymore, you know." Her jaw tightens and she swallows hard. "I left for reasons. I mean," her head leans against him, "yes. I had to do something about Dad with the Yakuza. But it was more than that. I have a degree. I have science things at my disposal. I understand technology. It was… time." Her lips twitch. "And after? I had to protest. I had to do something about what was going on in the South. I couldn't help it."

*

"I can tell that is how you feel." Piotr ducks his head to press a kiss to her hair. "And I do not think you are wrong. You are bigger than this place, Katya. More. You should not stay in a place too small for you."

Piotr doesn't sound upset about that at all. If anything, he sounds as though he's proud of her.

"I do not think much about what would make me happy," Piotr says, after a little thought. "That is not a habit that made life on the collective easier. I am still barely certain that this is my life some days. All I want is a way to do the right thing, a place to work, things to learn, a little time to make art. Is that … childish? Simple? That is not the right word, but it is close."

*

"Is it that easy to see?" Kitty continues to lean into him. "I like the school. I mean, this place was a respite for a long time. Mom never really understood or accepted me as a mutant. Even now." Her cheeks flush a pale pink. "But. The professor, this place. It was good for me." She sighs softly. "But may we grow beyond places eventually."

The talk of collectivism prompts another flicker of a smile. She cants her head upwards and presses a soft kiss to his cheek. She swallows around the growing lump in her throat. "There's nothing wrong with wanting things simple or straightforward. I just… don't think things often are." Her eyes lid lightly. "Doesn't mean that it's not okay to want that. Or to desire it. I don't think it's childish. I… think it's amazing to want things direct." Her lips quirk. "Piotr Nikolaievitch Rasputin, I love you." Pause. "You know that, right?"

*

Piotr manages not to choke on the last of the hot chocolate in the cup — barely — then he laughs a little. "You have not happened to hit your head recently, have you?" he askes cautiously, in spite of his smile. He leans forward as though he's checking to make sure Kitty's eyes are focused.

*

Kitty smirks at the question. She turns her head and silently tries to focus on his eyes. The smirk reflects in her eyes as her grin grows. "No. No head injuries." Her cheeks redden substantially. "Just… love." She shoots him a dimpled grin.

*

"Ah, good. I was not looking forward to explaining it away twice because I was starting to suspect as much. And I like your brain the way it is." Piotr leans in to kiss her on the forehead, first. "I love you as well, Katya. I hope you already figured that out." He bumps her nose with his, gently. "I will try harder if it does not show enough."

*

The grin subdues, and fondness reflects in Kitty's eyes at the words. Her eyes lid lightly and she breathes rather than speaks, "I know." Her gaze softens. "Everyday." Her face feels hot with blush. Her head cants to the side. "You're the single most patient man I've ever met."

*

"That is because I'm Russian." Piotr lets the full accent come through, laughing. "If Russians were not patient, we would all be mad by now. Besides." He sets the cup aside and holds out his hand as an illustration, clenches it in a fist. He can bend steel even without changing form. "I think it comes with what I am. Can you imagine if I was not patient, how terrible I could be? I would never want to be that man. And if it means your life is a little better, then I am more grateful for it. It is not a chore. It simply is."

*

"I don't think all Russians can be as patient as you," Kitty's eyebrows lift. "Besides, I know your sister," she replies with a laugh. "Yana is a good many things. Patient isn't one of them." Fondness reflects in her tone. The smile softens and she nods, "You're right. I'm not sure I'd want to know you without that patience. It really is a big piece of who you are. Also," her eyes roll, "I'm not sure you could handle me. So there is that." She turns beet red. "You make my life more than a little better. You make it much better. Everyday."

*

Piotr leans in to give her a quick kiss, laughing. "I like handling you," he says, with a great deal of humor. "And I like it when you blush, Katya, it is like the sun coming out — if your cheeks are all pink like this then nothing can be too terrible. The only thing better is when you laugh."

*

The kiss is easily reciprocated. But the thoughts warrant a small chuckle. Kitty shakes her head lightly, "Only because I hide nothing. Ever." Her eyes roll. "Sometimes I think that I basically have a projector on my thoughts. I mean, really." She chuckles again. "Everyone knows what I"m thinking basically all of the time. They can see it! Especially if they know me well!"
"

*

"It is a good thing, too. Can you imagine getting through to me if you were subtle?" Piotr laughs at that. "I think we would be in an old age home for mutants in our little rocking chairs and even then some nice nurse would have to shout it down my hearing aid. I think Ms. Pryde has a crush on you! Seventy years wasted! Terrible." He winks at Kitty. "And I can always tell when I look good, you are better than a mirror."

*

Kitty's hands scrub her face to erase the dopey expression that has taken over each of her features. She rubs her eyes and fights the laugh. "I can't imagine that would be very good for either of us! Oh man, at that age, if my relatives are an y indication, I'm going to be trying to set everyone up with everyone else."

She playfully scrunches her nose at the last, and can feel the heat in her face. "Just don't let Keith tell you anything about how much I want to stare at your bare chest. Please. he makes so much fun of me." Because she's so easy to tease. Her throat clears.

*

"If he tells me anything of the sort, I promise to ignore it. It will be as though he said nothing at all." Piotr puts his hand over his heart dramatically. "I believe that is the sort of thing you should be telling me yourself, though, Katya. I'm certain honesty is good for a relationship." Speaking of teasing her.

*

If she was drinking hot chocolate, Kitty would probably spit it out. Instead, she manages a toothy grin, "Pffft! You already know! I'm pretty sure!" Her eyebrows draw together sharply. "You said yourself you can tell when you look good just because of me. Darned expressive face!" Her tongue clucks and her eyes roll dramatically.

*

"But the details escape me." Piotr gives her a mournful look. "I will have to guess as to how to make you happy, and that could prove disastrous. Still. I will try to guess which piece of clothing should come off when you are staring at me." He gets the arm around her into position so he can tickle Kitty's ribs on the far side. He does have great reach.

*

If at all possible, Kitty's face turns seen more crimson, such that her ears turn red. "I'm not sure whether — what do you mean — I mean not that I would — not that I wouldn't — " Kitty stammers. Evidently her brain is melting. " — Did you just say that?!" she doesn't even try to conceal the laughter that emits from her lips at the touch. "I have a distinct feeling that more than resent company would be staring at you if any clothing came off — "

*

Piotr snuggles Kitty close instead of tickling her, laughing. "I did say that. Was it so terrible? If we can't laugh about those things, we are going to have a very boring life, Katya. I would never make jokes like that with someone who was not you, but you are you and you love me, so I think I can." He offers her another kiss. "Besides, you know that when you are in the room, I never notice anyone else. People can look, but I belong to you."

*

The kiss is quickly return. "Really?" she asks quietly. "And not because I'm loud and just take up all the space?" Pause. "Because that is a thing. And I'm well aware that I'm not quiet. Or silent. About… anything." She cringes. She quiets a moment and then offers, "If I left this place, would… would you still see me? I know this is one of those places you feel super comfortable. Like, being here it's easy to just be who we are. And I'm lucky. It's not like people see me and think I'm different at all. Despite being Jewish. And a mutant. Not that I'm quiet about either of those things."

*

"Katya." Piotr is very serious all of a sudden. He takes Kitty's chin in his hand, traces the line of her jaw with his thumb. "I would come with you, Katya, if you wanted. But I will always want to see you. Wherever you go, I will find a way to get there. I promise, as long as you want me to come. So do not make any choices thinking I might not. You should think of yourself and I will not be far from you. Understand?"

*

It's impossible for Kitty to hide her thoughts on the matter. The notion of having Piotr come with her draws an easy smile. "I would want that. Wherever it is. Whatever," her eyes seek his, "it is. I feel at home when you're there…" She swallows hard. "And…" her teeth toy at her bottom lip "…that goes for you too, you know. If something strikes your fancy, I'm with you. In your corner."

*

Piotr kisses her on the forehead. "I know. You always are. Even when you're grumpy. I trust you, Katya. I know you're on my side. Our side." He gives her a little smile. "If we're both on the same side together, that makes it ours, right? I want us to be our own team, no matter what else we do. Yes?"

*

If at all possible, Kitty turns even more sparkly. There's a small nod of agreement. "Yes. Our team." The grin grows. "Always in your corner, my friend." And then after a pause, she adds, "I don't know about this," she lifts her hand ambivalently, "business around weaponizing mutants. But, I know I want to figure out the solution with you." Her jaw tightens. "What they did, what it felt like…" she frowns. "I'm not impartial. It was awful. I'm going to need reminders. Frequent ones. It'd be easy to lose myself in it."

*

"If you need an anchor, I am a good one. It is hard to move me, one way or another, if I am determined," Piotr says firmly. "I will not lose you to this thing. I have known men where I grew up who went to war and came back with no mark on them but a piece missing nonetheless. An injury to the conscience, not just the body. That is what I do not want for you, Katya. Your body will heal, and your heart, and even the places that were wounded in your mind. But a thing you do to yourself, with your own choices? From what I have seen, it is harder to undo. You fight for all of us, I will fight for you. I promise."

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