Note(s): Popped up into my head, and have always found Shatterstar an interesting character. And don't know if his relationship with certain Xmen has ever really been addressed (how well they connect), so along with another moment in his life, their connection will play a part as well here, so if know his history know who these two are; since I won't exactly give their names. And this will be a one shot. And definitely a break from Rachel, Kathleen and the rest. Hope you enjoy.
"So that's it?!" Looking to the side, "what do you want me to say?! I love you. But I also would never let myself be tied down completely. It's not who I am, nor who I have ever been. Besides, I have seen through them and our other friend's, monogamy is merely an illusion. And I thought you loved and cared about me the way I am?!" "I do, Star. But I…"
"I see. It has to be on your terms. I may still find a lot of this planet's customs foreign. However, I also have come to know that, that isn't love. Maybe it is better, it hasn't lasted between us. I never thought you would throw such a cruel blow; you know I have been suppress enough in my life. You were my friend before and thought you always would be; what a way to twist the knife, Julio." "If that is really how you feel then I guess there isn't anymore to be said" the brown-haired man turns and begins walking away. "Julio! Ric?!"
The wind whips his coat and hair that he is beginning to let grow again. Reminiscent of an Xman reaching his shoulders as the day begins to creep closer to an end. The elder male standing behind him, watching in silence waiting for him to make a move. "I see. How is he?" "..." "I will be there as soon as possible; I am trusting you to keep an eye on him. And thank you for calling me." "…" "Yes, we need to start doing better." The younger male moves in a way that lets him know he is very aware of his presence. The two continue to stand in silence, taking the comfort and bond they have in stride with every ease possible due to the still evident bridge between them. Yet in no way is it uncomfortable.
Remaining silent, she keeps her eyes on the two men that mean everything to her. One a sign of the past, the other the present and future. Each equally precious, for entirely different reasons; even after all this time. Laying her hand on her former Xman, "what happened exactly?" Seeing her former paramour begin to open his mouth, the younger turns to them. The hurt and tears hidden well enough. But not enough to fight a woman and mother's intuition nor a father's as well.
Still remaining silent, he watches as she holds her arms out. As the younger man takes the invitation, encasing him in her embrace. She runs her hand through his hair as he keeps his head by her shoulder. "I am glad. After all this time and all the walls, you were forced to put up, that you are letting us have this; when we have really truly been able to before. And we may not be together anymore, but your dad and I will always have been there for you. We always will even if this is the first time you are allowing it.
I can still remember the day you were born. Even if it had been repressed for so long, I will never blame you for your choice. It was the right one given the circumstances. If I could have just held you longer, given you a life every child deserves. But now, all we can do is move forward. And even if your choice led to distance between us, surely you must know your dad and I are proud of you. And nothing you have ever done nor ever will truly turn us away from you."
He closes in on himself at this, the tremble spring forth from all the repression he has become accustomed to. "If you need to cry, there is no shame in that my son. Not after everything, no sentient being is devoid of emotion, not completely. It doesn't make you weak or any less of a being. Acknowledging this is actually a strength, so if you must don't hold back. Your mom is right. We would never hold anything against you."
Looking up, two lone tears make their way down his face. As she lays her forehead against his, both closing their eyes. But not before, the other man cups the back of his head from the side, laying his face against the side of the boy's face. Wrapping an arm around her in the process, the three embracing this fleeting moment, letting the cracks between them dissipate. The love between them more than enough to placate the bridges, just as the yellow, orange and red from the sun's horizon fade.
The spectrum above cascades throughout the sky. The patriarch sitting by her side as the younger's head is in her lap; as she remains focus on her objective. "I am also glad we are having this moment as well. You would have seen this too much, you might have become bored of it at this point."
The hand closes over her fist as he remains still otherwise; "Mother, I could never get tired of this.
This display is born out of love and an attempt to comfort me. You are right as noble as my decision was, I still robbed us of this. Allowing myself to know love…" His gaze never leaving hers. Their companion looking to the colors continuing to grace the abyss, giving them as much as privacy as possible. "It still stands, my son. We love you, we always will.
And it will come in many forms, if whatever he said hurt you. You will find it in you to forgive him. He is your friend after all still?! It doesn't mean that you have to jump back into things with him. And if you do, we will accept and support you and him. Though on principle alone, we won't totally forgive him for hurting you if he had."
Slightly shaking his head, "no. I am the one who broke it off. But he did throw my past in my face. I called him out on it, before he left. I said his name but he just ignored me. You are right that I have finally let someone in. But will I grow old and alone, surrounded by people yet so alone?!" The light tap on his head from the closed fist pierces his musing.
"As long as we are able and have us, you will never be alone, not truly. Your mom and I are making up for the lost time, let us." Closing his eyes, relishing their love and comfort once more. "I am no different despite my upbringing, every child hopes and wishes their parent's relationship lasts." Moving her position, a bit but never relinquishing her hold on him, "what happened between the two of us had nothing to do with you.
If anyone is really to take the blame, it is I. While his memories were still lost, it definitely didn't change his feelings for me. But I couldn't deal with how he attracted women without meaning to; nor the change in his personality. Otherwise, we would still be together. But it doesn't mean we don't care about and value each other still. It's just different now. And whoever we pick now, we want the other to be happy."
"She's right. Enough of this morosity, let us enjoy this. Tomorrow is another day after all. Though if you wish to speak more, we will hear whatever you have to say." A twinkle reaches his eye as he stares at his patriarch. The semblance of a smirk evident, "if you really wish to know, Father..." The tale of his amorous exploits begins and reaching the end of his most recent one.
"And what will you do now, Shatterstar?!" Cupping his face, 'my baby.' His father's hand on his head, slightly ruffling his hair. "Travel and rediscover myself. I have been uncertain of a lot things, including mine and Rictor's relationship. And I will forgive him for his choice of words, I just need time. And walking this solitary journey has never failed me before, I am more than ready for the sacrifice now."
Moving forward before she can actually contemplate things; she embraces him as he holds her to him. One arm wrapping around her as he looks to his father. "You still aren't completely getting it are you?! As long as we are here, you will never be alone, not really." The wonder and hope grace his eyes as the elder nods his head. A soft smile appears. "Thank you, Mom, Dad."