Charles and Moira

[x-mactaggart.livejournal.com]

Moira wakes up with a head and heart full of pain. But thank God for old friends--even those whom one normally threatens to push into a lake.



Moira groaned and rolled over, clutching her head tightly. After the link had been cut, after Askani jumped, she didn't really remember much. She remembered Charles' voice, though, in her head--she opened her eyes to see her old friend by her bed. Maddie must have pulled her in here after everything. "'urts," she managed, grimacing. Not as much as before, he must have fixed something.

"I don't doubt it," Charles said wearily. He looked worn, a tired old man, but he managed a smile. "You may be pleased to know, however, that the only remaining damage to your psyche is that caused by decades of toxic coffee."

"Ye lot are all against me," she muttered, trying to focus on him. "'Tis gone, Charles, completely, an' it 'urts." It felt like glass shards were in her head and she tried not to touch them. Like trying not to pick at a scab over a deep wound. "I dinnae know if 'e's alive..." She closed her eyes tightly.

"I know it feels that way now," Charles replied, patting her hand. "But links can be re-established. Try not to think about the places that hurt, as difficult as that may be--as Madelyn might say, it will heal more quickly if you don't poke it."

"Tryin' nay ta," she admitted. She sat up, slowly, and held her head in her hands. "I'm scared." It was not something Moira MacTaggart easily, or often admitted. It was incredibly hard for her to say it and it felt like she'd been saying it too often all day.

"So am I," Charles admitted. "More often than anyone would believe, I suspect." He eased his chair into a position where he could more comfortably put an arm around Moira's shoulders. "I promise you, Moira, I won't rest until we've found him." Charles smiled wryly. "Hypocritical of me as that may be, considering my lecture to him on the subject."

She shifted slightly so she could put her head on his should and drew in a shuddering breath. "I know an' I'm verra grateful. Truthfully, wha' are our chances?" She swallowed. "I know 'tis goin' ta be 'ard but ye think we 'ave a chance at gettin' 'im back?"

"Ms. Cooper has given me her personal assurance, and that of the President, that all available resources are working on the problem. Between the government, Domino, and Pete, I believe both sides of the proverbial street are well covered. I think finding him is only a matter of time." Charles sighed. "The more time, however, the greater the potential damage to Nathan, and I have no way to gauge that until he is back with us."

Moira winced but nodded and forced the tears back. "I know. Th' fact tha' they broke th' link isnae a good sign." She shivered. "They were laughin', it came across th' link. I've known they were evil bastards but this takes th' cake. I'm stron', Charles, but I dinnae know 'ow ta fight this." There was still residual fear from the actual kidnapping that she was trying to ignore.

"By waiting, and hoping, and not giving in to fear and despair while those with the necessary skills and abilities fight in their way." Charles rocked her gently. "When Nathan comes back to us, he will need you whole and yourself, not driven mad from looking for something at which you can strike back. And while he is gone, I could use the company, or I may drive _myself_ mad."

A sob escaped and she nodded, holding onto Charles for dear life. "Nay sure 'ow could company I'll be," Moira managed, voice muffled into his shoulder. "But I'll try. I 'ate nay bein' stron' but every time I try, I jus' break down again. God, this cannae be good for me ulcer..."

"Shh, shh . . ." Charles smoothed her hair. "Moira, under these circumstances, merely being able to hold a lucid conversation is evidence of far greater strength than most can claim." Wryly, he added "And thinking of your ulcer? I am humbled in your presence."

She really couldn't help a snort of laughter. "Everyone keeps mentionin' it, I doubt I could forget about it." Moira sighed. "Times like this I regret--" A pause so she could gather her thoughts. "I dinnae regret bein' 'uman, jus' tha' I feel so damned useless in these situations."

"Oh, I understand that perfectly." Charles gestured to his motionless legs, and the chair beneath them. "I still remember a time when I would have been out there searching myself. I remember it quite well."

A sigh escaped. "We all do wha' we can," she murmured, hugging him tighter.

"That we do," Charles agreed. "Our time will come later, that's all."