Kurt and Ororo | Friday afternoon

[x-storm.livejournal.com]

Ororo seeks out Kurt, who is feeling a bit better than he was earlier in the week. Though he's her XO, he's her friend first, and she reminds him of this.

There was always a fine line, Ororo thought, stepping off the path around the lake and heading across the lawn, between being there for a friend and forcing one's presence on someone who only wanted to be left alone. Unfortunately, she had plenty of experience in both positions, and she knew it wasn't an easy situation. When in doubt, however, it could never hurt to let those you care about know it.

She only hoped that Kurt was where she thought he was, and amenable to talking at least a little. Though she could have easily requested him in her office or caught him after training, the wide-open grounds and blue skies seemed more suited for a chat between friends.

The trees had always offered better opportunities for training than most of the gym equipment, being less predictable, so Kurt was often to be found in the woods when the weather allowed. He was out there now, using one of the sturdier trees and his tail as a kind of makeshift trapeze.

The higher branches whispered as a breeze ruffled them, and a moment later Ororo appeared underneath, a smile on her face. "Kurt? I hope I am not interrupting anything..."

He peered down through the tree, then pulled himself up onto the nearest branch, smiling back down at her. "Not at all."

"It is a lovely day, is it not? I could not spend a minute more in my office with the sun beckoning like it was."

"It would be a shame to waste it", he agreed. "Would you like to join me, or should I come down?"

"I will be right up." The leaves on the tree rustled again as Ororo called up a wind to lift her to the branch where Kurt was sitting, and she settled next to him a moment later, her smile as warm as the sunlight beaming through the branches. "How are you, Kurt?"

He was perfectly well aware she would have been informed of his recent troubles, so he gave her the true answer rather than the diplomatic one. "A little better than I was, earlier in the week."

"Good," she said with a nod, her expression growing a bit more serious. "I am glad. There is nothing wrong with feeling bad, only in letting it persist too long."

Kurt nodded back, half-smiling. "I know that well enough. And I do my best." Which occasionally meant burying things, but he was going to work at that too.

"I know you do." Slipping an arm over Kurt's shoulders, 'Ro gave him a hug. "As I said, there is nothing wrong with seeking solitude to think... which is why you are welcome to shoo me away if I am not welcome here."

"I have had enough of solitude for now, I think", he said quietly, looking up at the sky and leaning into the hug a little. "And perhaps it is time to try different ways."

"We are always looking for new ways to accomplish our goals... and if you find a way to banish self-doubt, please, share it. There are many people here that would benefit from that knowledge, I think."

Kurt smiled slightly, turning back to look at her. "Everyone could, sometimes. I have been seeking a sure way for a long time... and I will share it should I find it."

"And I will be the first in line to hear it," she assured him with a smile.

"How have you been, lately?"

"I have been well enough," Ororo replied, pursing her lips. "Luckily the workload has lightened somewhat now that summer is here, and nothing has torn down the mansion or threatened the general safety of the world so far." She reached over with her free hand, rapping her knuckles lightly against the tree trunk. Jean had taught her that expression, and though it still seemed strange to her it had seeped into her vocabularly, apparently.

He nodded. "It has been good not to have to go on too many missions, the straightforward ones aside."

"Yes, I agree. A little stability is just what we need right now."

"Long may it last." He crossed himself, automatically.

"Kurt, if you like, you know you are entitled to vacations, too," 'Ro said, glancing over at him. "Now that Scott has finally taken one, I do not see why you could not, if you desired."

"...it probably is time I made another visit home", he admitted after a moment. The thought of going anywhere else didn't seem to occur to him.

"Whenever you like. Well, hopefully you could wait until Scott returns," she joked. "But after that, of course."

"Of course, I will stay until then. I will tell Margali to expect me before too long, though." He smiled.

"Excellent." 'Ro nodded decisively, giving his shoulders another squeeze. "Is there anything else on your mind, Kurt? You know I am always here to listen if you like."

He considered this, not willing to brush it off, but... it was difficult, after a lifetime's not-talking, to just begin. "There are... many things. But it is not easy for me", he eventually answered carefully.

"I understand. And perhaps I am not the best one to talk to. But you are my friend, Kurt, and I care for you. Anything you would like to talk about, I would be honored to listen to."

"It is not that you are not a good person to talk to", he told her hastily. "It is just... I am not so very used to talking at all. But perhaps the time for silence is done, along with solitude. Haller thinks so."

"It is certainly good advice."

Kurt nodded. "And I will try to follow it. When I know where to start."

"That is always the hardest part," 'Ro said knowingly. "I am sure you will discover the right place soon enough."

He smiled. "I hope so. And I will remember that you would listen, when I do."

"Good." 'Ro smiled back at him, rocking her feet gently back and forth as they hung from the branch.