Different

Chapter 15

"Up, up, easy now, very good." Charles helps me stand up again. "That was better than last time, I'll give you points for that. Look." He points to the middle dummy, which I hit square in the chest just as intended. "The problem is you're being blown back, you're holding back too much energy, you need to find that balance." He observes. "We'll get to that next time," He pats my shoulders. "Go rest, get some water." He advises, and I step out of the bunker, up the stairs, and to the kitchen, retrieving a cup from the shelf and filling it up.

"Hey," I nod to Erik when he steps in.

"Long day?" He notices me catching my breath. "You looked a little rattled."

"Electrocuted," I explain. "Takes a lot out of you." I down the cup.

"I know."

"Yeah, sorry about that."

He watches me down the second cup. "Have you tried something stronger?" He turns to a cabinet, pulls a bottle of scotch, and pours two glasses. I take one from him and try a sip, feeling the familiar soft burn on my lips and its warmth travelling down my throat.

"Just like my aunt used to make." I tease. "We didn't have a lot, but we always had a bottle around, especially during winter." I admit, sitting down after taking another sip, feeling a little more at ease.

"Did you hit the target this time?" He sits next to me.

"Mhm," I nod. "My problem is I keep knocking myself back."

"What do you think of?"

"Charles suggested home. He suggested that might calm me in those moments of panic. Something about finding the balance between the two."

"Hm," He takes a sip. "I don't think that's enough. And I think you're thinking too much of holding back - you don't want to lash out and hurt others, and that anxiety builds up underneath and comes out. That's why you have difficulty controlling your powers."

"So what do you think of?"

"I haven't found that balance," He admits. "But for you...going off of what Charles is suggesting - what's home for you? It's more than a place." He suggests. "Think on it." He stands and leaves.

. . .

"You truly believe I'll fly this time?" Sean stares at the bottom of the satellite dish from the platform on top of it.

"Unreservedly."

"I trust you," He points to Charles.

"I'm touched."'

"I don't trust him." He points to Hank without taking his eyes from the ground far below.

"Say nothing."

"You'll catch me right?" Sean looks at me.

"Yep."

He looks back down at the ground, my assurance doesn't seem to comfort him.

"I'm gonna die!"

"Alright," Charles puts a hand on his shoulder. "Look, we're not gonna make you do anything you don't feel comfortable with, alrig-?"

"Here let me help." Erik interrupts, shoving Sean off the platform.

"Erik!" Charles cries out in panic as we watch Sean scream as he plummets to the earth. "Ils-" He starts, but Sean spreads his arms to extend his wings and screeches, his voice hits just the right angle and pitch to carry him upwards. He arches up high above the dish, and drops back down, using his voice to carry himself across the dish.

"What?" Erik registers Charles' look. "You know you were thinking the same."