1964-01-22 - Laundry Day
Summary: Domestic life is in abundance as a Mother convinces her Son to do her laundry.
Related: None
Theme Song: None
raven nightcrawler 


While this may be one of the nicer places Kurt has lived in (which is certainly saying something), laundry still needs to be taken to a laundromat. While he doesn't have very much, what he has was placed in a laundry bag to be brought up the street to the closest laundromat. Luckily, the machines don't cost all that much so he's able to handle this load. This time.

He could teleport there, but he didn't want to freak anyone out who might already be there so he has to go by foot. Kurt steps out of the apartment he's been staying in, closing and locking the door behind him, laundry bag over one shoulder as he starts to make his way down the hallway.

*

Just because you're bad, doesn't mean that you can't eat. Keeping up a safehouse full of mutants and people of varying states of power means that the food and drink supply often runs dry. While there are missions to be had, and often done, many retire to the safehouse for a good meal and conversation which Raven provides for half of that. So tasks and things needed to be done behind the scenes. Such as a delivery of beer and whiskey. Then there's the hands on method of stocking the fridge which Raven takes up herself. She's lived a long time, aside from being a killer she did retain the skills in the kitchen that goes a long way. Thank Mom Xavier for that.

So it's no wonder that she's upon the stairs, climbing up them, the blue woman taking her time with each step until she stops upon the same floor as her son. For the moment, she thinks to keep walking, lost in her own thoughts which clouds her vision and puts her in machine mode, until her head shakes ever so briefly and a few blinks of her yellow eyes were given. "Kurt?" She says, at least to make sure that she wasn't going mad.. not like earlier. "Is that you?"

*

Nightcrawler was focused on just making his way down the stairs, but he looks up and about as his name is called. His own head tilts and he breaks out into a sharp-toothed grin, "Raven! What are you doing here?" He hitches his laundry bag over one shoulder and reaches out to help take her groceries. Nevermind he was on his way down, he doesn't seem to mind going back inside to help her out. "Are you visiting? I brought some cookies to your place in Mutant Town. Did you get them?"

He doesn't need to ask where she's been or what she's up to. He just seems very happy to see her!

*

Wow! That.. was quite a reaction. No one has ever reacted to her in that way quite some time, which took her aback for a slight moment. "I.. I live here.." She stammers out, one bag ushered forward as he reaches out to take it, the other still hung onto as she curls her lips into a frown. She wasn't visiting, she truly lives here, in a safehouse frequented by many who could actually kill her. The mention of the cookies actually warmed her heart, and if she could blush a true color, she would. "Yes. I enjoyed them very, very much."

She begins to move, drawing herself up the stairs as she leans upon the bannister, using that for support now as she attempts to keep her focus. "And so did the others. You cannot bring sweet treats around everyone without them nearly going to war over it's deliciousness."

*

"Here? You do? -I- live here!" Kurt seems absolutely delighted. "Which flat? When did you move? Do you no longer live in Mutant Town?" He steps backwards to give her room to lead the way to her own apartment. "Good, I am glad you enjoyed them," and then there's a pause and a blink of his own yellow eyes. "Others? Do you live with others now?"

He seems to be quite out of the loop.

*

Gosh, he was so cute. As cute as an adult could be. She doesn't answer his questions right away, only stopping at certain points to glance around to make sure that no ears were attuned to their conversation, the top of the entire tenement reached in which she moves to the first door to push it open. For anyone who dares to walk into that place without 'being' apart of that crew? Would either be met with a fist of an Angry God or bullets from whomever resided within.

"Sixth floor, as you can see." She states, shaking her head. "I haven't moved, I still retain my private domicile in mutant town. But this is where everyone comes to gather." She gestures around, mostly towards the kitchen where the food could be set upon the counter top. "The others? They're the Brotherhood of Mutants. We.. are the Brotherhood of Mutants. Unsure if you read the news or not." There was a little smile given, a little hint of pride. But she was sure that Kurt wouldn't approve. "Nevermind that, I assumed you to live in Mutant Town, I did not know that you stay all the way in Hell's Kitchen."

*

Nightcrawler shakes his head, "Nein, I do not. Should I?" read the news, that is. He looks about as he follows her into the apartment, "The Brotherhood?" Maybe it's easier to be clueless than deal with the mess that the city is. "I thought about going to Mutant Town, but I do not have a job," there's a little sigh there, "So I cannot afford to live there. I have been staying with Herr Nick…" has he talked about him to her yet? "He was one of the Soldiers who rescued me back in Germany." When he was much, much younger.

"It is where he live und he is away alot so I make sure that the flat is good." Or something. He tries to at least keep it clean in thanks for staying there for free. "How long have you been here? I wish I knew, I could have visited! You should come to dinner!"

*

"No! No no no. We're just friends who look out for each other and Mutant Town when we're able. Like charity." She covers almost easily, moving behind him once more to close the door behind him to lock. "Kurt, if you need money, all you have to do is ask." She states now, pulling her coat off with a toss of it upon the hook, the scarf soon unwound from her neck. "I can secure you a place within the Town easy enough. And it'll be paid for, you won't have to worry about a thing. Even food will be something that you'd only think of, and it'd appear. Given.. I'm not currently away. But you'll forever be taken care of. Just say the word."

But as she listens to his story about Nick, reaching for a bag from his arms to take to the kitchen, placing it upon the counter top as she unloads with a hint of a smile. "Ah.. I cannot remember when I came here.." Which was alarming. She looks around the room, a look vacant, near afraid.. but she shakes her head. "I .. I don't remember. But I am here. This is home." She smiles a little. "I can! I can come, yes. Have you met your other uncle?" She asks. "Cain. He is mine and Charles' adopted bro.." She pauses then. "We're all orphans. Adopted. Fami.." She shakes her head, then quietly begins to fold the brown bags. "Dinner is nice."

*

Nightcrawler hands over the groceries and hitches his bag up on his shoulder again. He watches as she speaks, making the offer of the place in Mutant town before he gives that smile of his, "Nein, but thank you. That is very kind of you to offer, but…I have money for food from Herr Nick, und I do not need much of anything else." Or if he does, he figures things out. It all seems to work out, somehow. "I do not mind staying with Herr Nick…und I like being here. The kids in the neighborhood look out for me und I look out for them." She never saw them in the summer. He's the neighborhood babysitter.

His smile fades as her expression changes, "You cannot remember? You are not here against your will, are you?" And this place is 'home'? Well, it -is- what you make of it. His smile returns when she agrees to come to dinner, "You tell me when und I will make something for us!" When she mentions another uncle, he tilts his head, "Nein, I have only met Herr Xavier. He is very kind und invited me to speak to some of his students. I have not been there yet."

*

There wasn't a look of disappointment, what did she expect? She gave him up upon his birth, she had no right to push herself in like she wanted. Or perhaps needed. "The offer will remain upon the table. Whether you stay here or no. Whatever you need, just ask." She finally looks up, her hands working at sorting the food so that she could put it in proper places, a slight shoulder lifting in a shrug. "But I suppose having you close is a blessing in disguise. Despite the outward look of this place, it is rather safe."

There was a smile there, perhaps she could learn something from him. Raven herself was good with children, but obviously not with her own. But the question of her memory comes up, and she shakes her head completely. "No, I can't remember." She admits. "It may have been a few months, it may have been a year.. I am unsure." Time travels odd with her, ever since she came from the hellmouth, she never really has been the same. "I'm not here against my will, this I know. I come and go, I sleep here. The lease is in my aliased name. I am well, I promise you."

His happiness gets a grin from her, and with a turn she begins to put away the food. "We all grew up together, Cain, Charles and I. Cain's father married Charles' mother. And I was adopted by the couple after my stay with them." Her hand waves. "For legality sakes. I was not myself, obviously." She chuckles at that. "So many memories run together but.. how is he? How was he? Is he alright?"

*

"Danke, that is very kind of you. I will let you know if Ineed it," but he now knows he has options. It's helpful. Although now he might need to start paying more attention to the news. There's that little tickle of concern in the back of his mind. "Ja, it is safe. There are many families who live in this neighborhood. I know that Herr Nick does everything he can to make sure they are safe und I do as well." It might be a little hint there. Not a threat but his mother has warned him away from her before.

"I think I would know if you have been here for a year. Even I have not been here a year…und I knew most of the people in the building." Until recently. The comment about time has him looking a bit concerned and it's something he may have to mention to Xavier.

Speaking of, "He was fine when I met with him. It was a few months ago, but he was fine. Have you not talked to him since then? Is he not your brother?"

*

There was an idle wonder if Kurt knew who else was in this building. Raven did not keep tabs on all of it's inhabitants, but she did know about Alias Investigations upon the second floor and the people that the woman employ. Curious bunch! But his words were noted. Especially if this was a Nick that she was thinking of, they were truly noted. And Raven was truly considering moving the base of operations upon that alone.

Silencer needs to do some footwork. Just who was Kurt living with..

She does wave that notion away of how long she's been here, for once he speaks of the Professor, she leans upon the counter top in the middle of the food, watching him carefully. "I have not talked to him since our last meeting, no." The meeting went bad. So bad that she couldn't bear the thought of seeing him again, but she still worried. "He is my brother.." She says quietly. "..by law and other things. But him being that does not require me to see that fool on the daily! I have shit to do." Her hand smacks upon the counter, the change of mood nearly shocking.. from concern to clear anger.. it was odd. "But tell me. Where have you been other than here? What lights your life now a days?" She smiles, then turns away, opening the cabinents to search for space. "I need good news, or a good story."

*

Nightcrawler blinks in surprise at the sudden mood change and makes a not to maybe talk to Xavier about her. It's not really his business to get involved, but seeing as she's his mother and he's her brother. Maybe it's necessary to get involved? "I think maybe he misses you," is offered quietly as he looks to the laundry bag over his shoulder. He should probably get that in the wash at some point as he has limited outfits and most are currently in need of said washing.

"I have no real stories, I am afraid. I help with the kids here und I volunteer when I can. Some days I am at the Church helping there, und some days I stay home." He shrugs a little, "Most nights I break into a Gymnasium so I can practice…" that's his only real story and he has a newer 'angelic symbol' to represent that transgression.

*

Her hand remains upon the cabinent door, growing slack near the elbow, her fingers slackening just a touch as she lowers her head. "I.. I miss him too.." She says quietly, her other hand reaching up to pinch at the bridge of her nose, her eyes squeezing shut as her skin begins to ripple. It was an involuntary change, one that has her eyes snapping open to look at her pale skin, her fingers grasping her now blonde hair as she lets out a huff of a sigh. At least it was a form that she was used to. At least this is how she would be if she were never a mutant at all.

But she hides her confusion at the change, turning with a slight smile and a tilt of her head. Her now blue eyes seem to shine with a hint of warmth, and a touch sorrow as she begins to gather the food. "A quiet life is a good life, Kurt. Consider it all a good thing." But she does happen to look towards the bag and frowns. "Laundry day?" She looks around, then reaches into her pocket for some money. "If you don't mind? I.. do need a bit of help around here. I rarely have time to wash my own clothes.. busy busy busy. Too little time.."

*

The change in form causes another blink before Kurt looks to his own hands briefly. If he could do that, imagine the sort of life he might be able to lead! Not that he doesn't like what he looks like, but things might be a little easier. "Why did you choose the yellow hair und blue eyes?" is asked, seemingly innocently.

When she mentions a quiet life being a good life, his smile returns, "Oh, I do not know about that. I miss my time with the Circus…meeting so many new people und making them happy. But I can help others here, so it is close." Except there are no performances. He does miss performing.

Yellow eyes look at the money that's held out, "You…want me to do your laundry? I can take it with mine, I do not need to be paid for it. Or…you want me to help around the place here?" Money is good, but she's his mother! He isn't sure he could take her money, especially now that she knows he's struggling a little financially.

*

"I.." She looks down at herself. "..there was a time when I actually found a mutant who had the ability to nullify our gives." She smiles a little, then gestures at herself. "This is me." That is all that she could really explain on the matter, though his questions do bring about a little hint of shame. Her hand lowers briefly, resting upon the counter top as she gives a slight nod. "Perhaps one day, you could put on a show for the kids? When the snow breaks." There was a suggestion there, and she'd give him an anonymous donation that she's sure he'd give to the church..

But as he finally gets it, a little smile crawls upon her face. She rounds the corner, her head nodding ever so gently as she moves into the hallway to grip the own bag that was held there. Sure, she could make her own clothes, but there were still some pieces she like to be wrapped up in that wasn't of her own creation. "If you're adding it with yours, you'll need more for the dryer." She says, offering up the bag, stuffing the money inside so that he'd possibly be forced to take it. "But here?" She looks around hesitantly.. there is at least one person she wouldn't want Kurt around, and he moves like the wind and is unable to stay around. "Yes. If you wish. I can pay you for your troubles. And.. the people here? They're sometimes troubled. They're a little different than what you'd see at Charles' school. But they will be kind to you."

*

Before she changed? Kurt knows that not all mutants were born looking different. In fact, most seem to have manifested, as he did with his teleporting. But most had a time in their life when they were 'normal'. He's one of the lucky ones. There is a shake of his head at the mention of a show for the kids, "Nein, I do not think it would be a good idea. They might try to copy some of my…acrobatics und that could be dangerous." It's why he breaks into the gymnasium after it closes. He actually leaves a little money when he can for facility use.

As Raven gets her own laundry bag and stuffs the money into the top of it, he sighs, "All right. I will help with your laundry." He just didn't want to be paid for it. As far as helping around her place, it -would- be something to do, but something is going on. He might not know what it is yet, but she's acting strange. "I do not want to….what is the word? Eindringen…"

*

Then is when she laughs, her head shaking ever so briefly. "Honey, damned if you do, damned if you don't. I'm sure that someone is out there already inspired by your performance, and are throwing old mattresses out the window so that they could flip on them." She waves her hand, the bag soon free of them as she gestures towards the door. She wasn't exactly putting him out.. but.. there was something she had to do. If only she could remember what it was..

"Eindringen.." She says slowly. "Intrude, you mean. Just come when I'm around and you'll be fine."

*

"Intrude," Kurt repeats, trying to add that word to his vocabulary. There's a little nod and he takes her laundry bag as well, "I do not think so? I have not performed in America before. If they are, then they are back in Europe…" and he doesn't have to be held accountable. There's a wide grin then, however, showing his bright, sharp teeth. "How will I know that you are around?" is asked as he moves to the door.

*

That was a very good question. Her eyes look towards him, and then towards the door. "You'll know I'm around when the door is locked." Considering who he is, he would understand. But with that said, there was a moment of hesitation, her hands lifting in attempts to hug, though drop again as she lifts upon the tips of her boots and lowers yet again. "I.." She looks off towards the side, her gaze soon falling to the floor as she turns swiftly and departs down the hall, closing the bathroom door behind her with a slight slam.

*

Nightcrawler would have been more than happy to hug! He's a hugger! But when Raven steps back away, there's a little disappointment…but he understands. They may not be quite there yet. Now that he's been inside, he can bypass the door, but at that instruction, he won't. However, she can be sure that he will be checking the door at least once a day to see if she's home.

The invitation to help is, at least, a start. But now it's time to go to the laundromat.

Her laundry may come back smelling faintly of Brimstone.

*

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