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It's been an eye-opening few weeks, that's for certain. While Kurt often helps with the interior and organization at this particular Catholic Church in Hell's Kitchen, he's often found perched among the gargoyles on some of the higher spires when he wants some time for introspection. It's an amazing view of the city and there are very few who might be able to find him there, much less think to look for him there.
Tonight is one of those nights where he wanted to be somewhere other than inside the apartment. He's dressed as he usually is, in jeans and a button-down bowling-style shirt, his tail wrapped around one of the gargoyles for stability as he crouches on one of the ledges between two of the stone creatures. His elbows rest on his knees and his chin rests on his knuckles as he watches the lights of the city and just muses on the most recent events. Every now and then, his thumb brushes up against the small, gold cross he wears around his neck, as if for some sort of comfort.
*
There is the soft rustle of grit and gravel as the sound of boots landing on the rooftop behind Kurt, accompanied by the gentle breeze of air as it is displaced behind the teleporter.
"Kurt?" comes a familiar voice, but one that seem to be questioning as if he is isn't sure he is addressing the correct person.
Warren Worthington II stands behind Kurt about 4 feet away, perched on the little landing that the gargoyle protrudes from. He is wearing dark clothing consisting of jeans, boots and a black turtleneck. Sprouting from his shoulders are wings with a 16' wingspan. made of some techno-organic material that is collapsing in on itself with the sound of metal scraping against metal…and he is blue. "It's Warren."
*
And one of the few who has met him up here before has found him! There's a brief tensing at the sound of boots on the rooftop, but the familiar voice calling his name gets him to relax. "Warren, Mein Freund!" is given in greeting even as he stands and turns to face the winged mutant with a smile.
One of Kurt's many 'advantages' is that he has excellent darkvision. Colors may be a bit washed out, but lack of light doesn't bother him. It's what causes his smile to fade and his expression to grow concerned upon seeing his friend. "Mein Gott…what happened? Your feathers…" he hops down from the ledge and approaches the other, his eyes fixed on the metallic wings.
*
Warren rolls a shoulder into a shrug even as the wings continue to disappear into his back. "I wish I knew. I went on a business trip to Europe a few months ago, and the next thing I knew I woke up in Xavier's. I've been told that I was kidnapped and experimented on. Someone I knew saw me at the facility and managed to do something to get me released."
There is something about the way he says that last word that conveys it wasn't just as simple as walking out the door.
""From there, I apparently made my way back to Xavier's, and was intercepted by Scarlett. Apparently I was, uh, au natural…and covered in gore. It wasn't mine."
*
Nightcrawler winces and steps closer, offering a three-fingered pat to the other man's arm, "I am sorry. It is not that these wings are not nice…" ooh, they fold into his back? That's interesting…and convenient, but…"The white ones were very beautiful." Because he looked like an angel. There is another offer of a pat at the mention of experimentation, "Maybe it is good that you do not remember." He speaks as if he knows of such things. "Und now you are back. If you wish to talk, please know that I am always here." Can he see that the other is blue? Maybe…maybe not…
*
"They are horrifying, Kurt." Warren says about the wings on his back. "They aren't mine. They don't even feel like they are a part of me anymore." Warren's eyes that were once a brilliant blue now flash a glowing red. "They took MY wings and gave me those…things. Sometimes, I don't even think I control them, Kurt."
Warren grits his teeth and lets out a slow breath, calming himself down as he takes a few meditative breaths. "They are weapons. They are bladed, and they shoot out blades. Blades covered in a substance I don't even know how is created or what it does. They…I've…killed people. I know I have. I have flashes of memories about my escape.
*
"You -can- control them," Kurt offers gently, staying by his friend's side, even though there may be a threat from those metallic wings. "It may just take time. Like when you first had your wings. Were you born with them or did they grow?" He knows some mutants are like him and some developed as they became teenagers. "You did not know how to control them then, ja? So this is like that. But I -know- you can control them." Especially if they're weapons.
At the mention of killing people, Kurt sobers even more. "Were they the ones holding you?" Not that they deserved death.
*
Warren nods quietly. "Far as I know, yes. I just have bits and pieces of memories. Wings slashing, blood flying. It was either during my escape, or it was…" he shudders, wrapping his arms around his chest and holding himself tightly, "…it was them putting me to 'field testing'. I'd like to think it was the former. God, I hope it was."
*
Nightcrawler steps a little to the side so that he's in front of Warren as the other holds himself. "I am glad you are telling me this," Golden eyes look into now-red ones. "Because this is not something you can keep inside of you. You -must- talk to someone about it und if it is me, I am honored und I will do what I can to help." He gives a sad little sigh, "It will not go away fast, I am afraid. The fear und the feeling that you are not who you remember. I still have the nightmares about it und it was almost twenty years ago for me." Granted, he didn't kill anyone, but he also didn't escape; he had to be rescued. "Your life will be different now, so do not expect it to be what it was. But…you can still -have- a life."
*
Warren says, "Can I, Kurt? Can I? I am the head of a major international business. Worthington Industries has been my family's company for over a century, and one look at me now and the board is going to do whatever they can to force the blue freak out and take control." He grits his teeth and then looks up to the demon looking mutant and his face softens slightly, a slight wince showing on his face for a moment. "Sorry. I didn't mean…" He sighs."
*
Nightcrawler holds up a hand to stop the apologies. "It is ok. I understand." Not everyone grew up like him. Not everyone has had time to get used to their own uniqueness. His hand is lowered and he continues to look at the taller man, "You have choices. You can use makeup to cover your face und hands for when you have the meetings." Maybe a certain blue demon tried that at one point himself. "You can do the meetings over the telephone. Because you are like this now does not mean you can run the company. If it is -your- company, then…who are they to tell you to leave? You tell -them- to go!"
*
Warren sighs, and nods once. "Yeah. I've already thought about the makeup idea. I have a friend who is tinkering with a device that uses the same principle as one of those new fangled steam cabinets, instead it would be a full body makeup sprayer which would do everything but my face. I guess I am just going to have to get used to wearing makeup for now until I find other options." He shrugs another shoulder, "So…enough about me. What about you? Why haven't I seen you at Xavier's yet?"
*
There is actually a laugh, "Mein Freund, you have been through something very big. I do not mind talking about you und seeing if I can help. Wear the makeup only when you must. Or be two people. One of you is the old Warren, when you must be, but the other is this Warren now." The questions do get a lifted eyebrow though, "Because I am not a child to be going to school und I do not need to be told how to be who I am. I have spoken to Charles some time ago, but…" there's a little sigh then, "I have not seen him in months. He must be very busy."
*
Warren shakes his head, "It's not /just/ a school, Kurt. It is, well…a family. I am sure Charles must have mentioned that to you? But yes, he is a very busy man. I haven't even had a chance to see him yet." Warren shakes his head, "Bust, just so you know, there is a reason my subconscious chose that place to run to when I was in need. Because it is a family, and there is trust there. Still, I can't force anything on you, and Charles wouldn't either. It is your choice."
*
That's now how it was pitched to him…not really even by Charles himself. Kurt watches Warren as he talks about the place, "He said that he would like me to come and speak to the younger students about not hiding who they are." So a guest. Not a family. "Charles is my uncle. Did you know that? My mother is his sister." Does he know she was sort of adopted? Maybe, but should that matter.
*
Warren cocks his head to the side, "I didn't know that, no. I don't know much about Charles' family to be honest, he doesn't speak much about the family line." He shrugs, "I won't lie, it is a school, but it teaches more than just math and history. It allows us to be who we are, without prejudice. I'm not a student, and I haven't been for years, but I still go there when I need. My original class, well, most of them are still there in some aspect or another." He shrugs, "I'd suggest reaching out to your uncle. Write him a letter and I'll even deliver it for you. I think you might like it there, even just for a visit."
*
"I did not go to school," Kurt points out, "Und I do not know that I would want to go now. I have learned from life und I do not think that I am poor for it." He can still read and write and do basic arithmatic…everything one needs, right? As for writing to Charles about visiting, well, it's a thought. "Maybe I will." He'll have to think about that. "You know that if you need me, Warren, even if it is to talk or just…to be there to listen, I would like to help." He even points out one of the tenement buildings, "I live in that one. Flat number 402. Or you can find me here. The Church has welcomed me und if you needed, they would welcome you too. I know this."
*
Warren nods. "Alright, Kurt. Think about it. I'll be back in a couple of days at the latest. Maybe by then you will have a note for me to hand over to Charles or not. We will see." Warren takes a step back and there is a wrenching metal sound as the wings unfold and spring out from Warren's back. "I'll talk to Charles as well, maybe he has something he will want me to relay to you. I'll see you later."
With that, Warren starts to float up into the air as the wings propel him skyward, "Take care."
*
Nightcrawler lifts a hand, "You too mein Freund. Thank you for letting me know that you are well…" or, well enough. "Let me know what I can do to help!" is called off as he watches the Angel fly off.