A Bond Must Bring Reassurance
Everything was moving so fast- too fast. First you’re there, and here, and all over the place and the world without so much as a say so. With your father and mother both working diplomatic sides of the government on behalf of mutant kind, it was hard to ever settle for longer than a few months before a new assignment, or business venture, or something was tugging you up from under the few friends you’d manage to make and pushing you back onto the road again. You did understand why, really, and it was amazing to see so much of the world from the day you were born, but it was becoming harder and harder to leave each time. As an only child, you felt so alone sometimes that it was hard to keep smiling, keep saying ‘everything is fine’ in the back of your head late at night. It wasn’t fair.
You okay?
Your arm tickles lightly with a pricking sensation and you glance at the front of the car, your mother and father deep in what seemed like an important conversation, before you tugged the arm of your sweater up and peered down at the two words freshly painted on your skin just under the permanent name. A tiny smile bloomed across your ruby red lips and you rolled your sleeve up after a moment, using your index finger to write out a statement under the question, the emptiness in your chest filling up somewhat. Your Bonded is always there the moment your emotions get the best of you, which had been happening for the both of you lately. You had never met him, but the closer you’d gotten over the years made it easier to fall in love with him than you had thought. With you always a hundreds of thousands miles away and counting and him dealing with the fact that his father is- well- not merely a mutant, but one of the most evil people on the planet, there was almost never a right time or opportunity to see each other because he didn’t want to put you at risk and you respected that enough not to throw a fit.
Better now. I feel like I’m going to explode… Are you okay?
Peter had been quiet over the bond lately, which is rare when he would usually write out paragraphs so fast that you had to start from your wrist and read down your arm to get all of it, always full of horrible jokes, puns, and how frustrated he was with his life. It didn’t bother you too much that he was a mutant, in fact, you found him so fascinating, and the more he revealed about himself, the more you found yourself wanting to meet him, even if for a moment. He’d recently transferred to some Academy led by Professor Xavier- so maybe he was just busy becoming acquainted with the other students. But knowing Peter, he was most likely getting into even more trouble because sometimes he just couldn’t be serious. He had admitted to never truly being dedicated to anything for very long because he didn’t have to be. But you happened to be one of the few solid things in his life that he would protect at all costs.
The tiny prick at your arm alerts you to a new message as your father makes a sharp left turn and sighs.You look up for a moment and see that your parents have stopped talking. That had been happening a lot more, too. Your mother crossed her arms and peered out her window with a sullen expression. You glance back down at your arm and read instead of letting the worry muddle your senses. You had the tendency to jump to the worst scenario and that was currently an imaginary divorce- having to go between your mother and father- the right time never coming for the moment you could meet your Bonded-
Did something happen? Because like- if you wanted… I could find you… I’d totally skip this stupid class and find you and take you to the Eiffel Tower or something romantic on that level unless you’d rather go somewhere closer to you because that works too and I know you love those little macaroons and we could pick some up and sit on the tower and just be together and- sorry, I’m rambling again.
You nibbled lightly at your lower lip as you read each line, almost able to picture his voice speaking to you as you feel a tiny brush of sensation against the bond tethering your souls together. Peter didn’t often apologize, especially over his fast paced mind, and you could sense high strung nerves and tension from along the bond. You sent soothing emotions to try and calm him down as you brushed over your smooth skin, more worried about him now instead of your own anxiety. But the offer didn’t sound awful, in fact, you needed to get away from the turmoil swirling under your skin at knowing that your parents, True Bonds, didn’t seem to be getting along. It frightened you that even though they were meant to be together, their laughter had turned to grim expressions and forced smiles whenever you were in the vicinity. It was scary, being left out in the dark when they could very well decide to split, one of them taking you away to only God knows where. You couldn’t picture a world without the both of them constantly around you.
You sighed softly, shoulders hunching as the words slowly vanished from your flesh. You take a few minutes to yourself simply staring at your arm before more words start to form.
I’m sorry- was that too much? We don’t- I didn’t mean-
You could practically feel his worry wash over you, his nerves shaking through your pores and making you smile unconsciously. He could be goofy, immature, fun, happy, almost always excited that feeling his nerves was new. You quickly wrote out a message just under his, ending it with a heart.
I want to see you, I always want to see you, silly boy. I’ll be in San Fran in 2 hours. Could you come get me then? Is that too early or too late?
You weren’t too sure about the time zone difference or if it would really matter considering Peter’s mutant capabilities, but you didn’t want him missing class just for you (even though yes, yes you did). His answer is instantaneous, big and bold, and you giggle softly at the happiness that courses through you from him.
IT’S PERFECT. I’LL BE THERE.
“Jillian, you can’t be serious. We don’t have the time for you to go back when we have this conference in Dubai coming up, you know that. Why would you agree to those stipulations?” Your father barks at your mother as you busied yourself with unpacking a box of glassware from Japan. Everything had grown tense the moment you stepped into the brand new house, and your parents had started being hostile towards one another the moment the boxes were dropped into the living room.
“Look, if your conference had stuck to their original meeting date, we wouldn’t even be having this discussion. I have to go back and finish the translations or else the acquisition of OsCorp can’t continue. That’s a big company I’m dealing with. I wish you could be more understanding, Richard.”
“And I wish-”
“I’m going to my room if anyone cares.” You spoke loud enough to cut off the impending argument, ignoring their surprised stares as you set the plates back in the box and turned to stalk upstairs. You trekked to your new room, empty of emotion, memories, clothes, the only thing there being a king sized bed. You shut your door behind you and locked it, not wanting to be bribed with clothing or cars or any of the materialistic nonsense your family thought would get back in your good graces. Pressing your forehead against the door, your eyes slid shut and you sighed, a dark cloud quietly rumbling over your head. The only thing drawing you away from your melancholy mood is the prick at your arm. You sniffle softly and blink back tears as you look down at your arm.
Be there in 2 minutes. Dress warm.
Quickly reaching up to scrub at your face, you write back a short message with your address before shuffling over to suitcases, sinking down on your knees and unzipping one. Shuffling through it, you pull out your cashmere sweater and tug it over your shirt, tugging out a plush, pink scarf and matching gloves just in case. Standing up, you curl the scarf around your neck and turn around just as you felt a gust of wind enter through your open window. Wait- when had it even been open?
“Sorry, took 3 minutes, not 2.” The voice catches you off guard completely and makes you let out the loudest squeak, turning your head left and right as you turn your body and see Peter, snow littering his clothes and a cute, crooked smile on his lips. He’s tall, much taller than you, and pale like the snow draped along his clothing, all save for the color in his cheeks. A beanie hides most of his hair, but you can see locks of silver peeking out to say hello. Your mouth forms a small circle, unconsciously, as your eyes take in all of his form. You’d never thought of what your Bonded might look like, short, tall, thin, thick, white, black, honduran. It had never really mattered so much to you, but you were taken aback because your Bonded, Peter, is absolutely breathtaking. And he’s staring and stepping closer and God, your hair was probably a mess and there are bags under your eyes and wow the feel of his arms as they slowly, carefully, wrap around you is worth every little ache and pain and tears in the fucking universe. You duck your head and bury it in his chest, can hear the skipping of his heartbeat and the slight trembling of his hands as he squeezes you close. In fact, his entire body is subtly vibrating. Shyly, you curl your arms around his torso to hug him back, and you can feel everything, his thoughts are moving a mile a minute, he can’t help his shaking because he’s so nervous that you don’t like him now that you’ve finally seen him, that maybe this was a mistake and he’s a mistake and no, no, no. You shake your head and press closer.
“I’m- you’re- I’m so happy you’re here, Peter. Silly boy, you’re perfect.” And maybe he can feel it, too. Maybe he can feel your heartbeat racing, feel how much this moment has lifted you higher than you’ve ever been. If you could stay in this moment with him forever, you’d do it. He’s warm despite the snow, lean and big enough to cover you up, and he smells like earth, wind, and bubblegum. He shudders from the nickname and gives you a squeeze before drawing away. You have to fight the impulse to crowd right back into his space to breathe in his smell, your bond tingling all over. You bite at your lower lip, (e/c) orbs crinkling up at the corners.
“I must’ve done something good to get a Bonded like you. You smell like lavender. You must have a thing for lavender.” It was shocking, how close you had been to the real thing when you imagined the sound of his voice. It was extremely quick paced, and you realize he probably can’t help it and doesn’t notice anymore. It’s so endearing, so very like him. You laugh at his comment about lavender, because he’s right.
“I happen to like lavender a bit more than other smells.” You admit, voice soft. Peter can’t stop staring, and he can’t even help it. You’re so pretty and it’s like there are diamonds encrusted in your skin because you’re shining, glistening to him, so vibrant that he feels like you can keep glowing even in a thunderstorm. “And you smell like bubblegum?” He visibly cringes and reaches up to tug his beanie off, scratching at the back of his head.
“That’s why I took the extra minute. I took a detour to get some gum in Canada. It tastes better.” He shrugs and you shake your head. Your boy is a silly one. A cute one. Just what you needed. “But now I’m here to take you anywhere you want to go. I can tell you were about to cry before… and I hated not being able to find you sooner because I never want you to cry. Because then I might cry too and then we’ll both-”
“Peter-” You stop him from going into full babble mode and laugh, reaching out your hand and turning it palm up. “No one is going to do any crying. And didn’t you offer the Eiffel Tower and macaroons? Because I like the sound of that.” He takes your hand in less than a second, fingers intertwining tightly, and he pulls you close before lifting you up in his arms.
“Your wish is my command. Hold your breath and hold on tight.” He only gives you a minute to breathe in before everything becomes a blur, flurry, mix and mess of motion and the swooshing of wind. Before you know it, the blurriness fades and you’re clutching onto Peter for dear life. Snow swarms down to attack your clothing and you realize why he requested for you to wear warm clothes. Paris is wet and slick with snow and slush everywhere, people silently stalking by and bundled up tourists taking pictures of the Tour Eiffel. You gasp the moment you realize you’re actually there in France in real time. The tower is more massive than anything you could’ve imagined, and it literally towers over every building and other contraptions. Because it’s night time, thousands of sparkling lights dazzle up and down the huge expanse of the tower, making it light up and shimmer internally.
“Wow…” You breathe out as Peter carefully sets you down on your wobbly feet.
“It’s beautiful,” He murmurs, staring straight at you and the awed expression he had managed to place there. He wanted to see all of your faces and expressions, all of your moods, how you were angry, happy, sad, inspired, everything.
“I had to come first and see what the weather was like just to be on the safe side. And we can get the best macaroons in the world, and hot chocolate because yes. I don’t want you catching a cold.” You laugh at the sentiment, but nod in understanding. He was being the most considerate person you could imagine. For a second, he seemed to blur before he was back, his hands full with two steaming cups and two small boxes of macaroons.
“Gimme a sec to put them on the tower? Then it’s our turn.” You nod and he’s gone before your chin even tips down. Would you ever be able to get used to his intense speed? He’s back before you can think of the answer, hoisting you up in his arms before you breathe in like you remembered, blurring right to the very top of the tower. He sets you down carefully, eyes watching over you as he helps to sit you on one of the straight ledges, the vast world of Paris lighting up like the fourth of July on repeat. You drink in the sight as Peter easily sits down beside you, your head easing onto his shoulder with your steaming cup beside you.
“This is… all real, isn’t it?” You murmur, sounding as breathless as you feel. It’s lovely and huge and you’re so small and this is just- it’s crazy, insane, but wonderful and beautiful all at the same time. It doesn’t matter that your parents have no idea that you’ve gone across the world with the Bonded they have no idea you have. It doesn’t matter that their arguing hurts you and makes you feel useless at home. The only thing on your mind is this city of lights and the warmth in you chest caused by the silver haired boy sitting beside you.
“I came here once, by myself when I was 13. I wanted to see how paintings at the Louvre I could rearrange before anyone actually noticed. The count was 310 but that’s not really so important anymore. I never thought I’d bother coming back but then I thought about how much you loved living here a couple years back and I could tell it’d make you happy to be here.” You snuggle closer, your gloved hand sneaking across his lap to find his naked hand. You still feel shy just under the surface, but all of his efforts just to cheer you up are making you feel more comfortable and so, so happy. You could honestly say you hadn’t felt this happy in a long time.
“Thank you. Thank you for all of this, Peter. It’s more than enough and more than perfect. And want to know the best part about this?” You ask with a smile in your voice, peering up at him and waiting for his eyes to meet yours.
“Free macaroons?” He offers with a teasing smile.
“No, silly boy. You. Meeting you. Being here with you and being able to finally see you and touch you. I’ve wanted that for months.” He coughs and tries to turn his head to cover up the blush splotching his cheeks.
“I-I did too. I was just… I don’t know. Nervous. Incredibly nervous. And I didn’t want to disappoint you. That’s all I seem to be doing for most people these days.” You huff beside him and shake your head.
“I don’t ever want to hear you say again. You could never disappoint me, no matter what. You saved me, everyone, the world. You protected everyone and I am so grateful to have your name on my skin. I wear it proudly. I’m not ashamed of it or of you. If I weren’t so happy, I’d be mad at you.” You grumble out towards the end as Peter lightly knocks his head against yours.
“Sorry, sorry, I gotta work better on not being such a basketcase.” He admits, gazing out at the city in motion.
“Nah, I just need you to smile more, but don’t get rid of all of your basketcase qualities. I am starting to like the fast talking.” You hope your light tone puts him at ease and it seems to work before the silver haired male quickly presses a kiss to your forehead before you even realize his lips had been there.
“H-Hey. Fast talking, not fast kissing.” The words leave your mouth before you realize the connotation at all.
“Oh?” You quickly learn that Peter likes to tease you hell and back. Above the boisterous streets, he kept pressing quick kisses all over your face, barely grazing your lips just to make you blush.
“P-Peter.” You whine at him, lips unconsciously puckering up for the kiss you’d been waiting for for a long time. He can tell that you’d admitted defeat and as punishment, Peter grips at your hand and lowers his head enough to connect his lips to yours, giving you the opportunity to pull away at any time. But why would you want to? His lips are cold from the weather, but soft and smooth. He kisses you like he’s trying to savor the moment, the fact that this is the first kiss among many, and he just wants to enjoy how close you are. And you slip into a daze as his lips move against yours and he pecks at your lower lip adoringly, making everything inside of you strum along your bond.
You could worry about your parents later, about their issues and fights, but right now, with Peter at your side, you’d never felt so reassured of your existence, of the fact that you matter so much to someone. It was a heady feeling, a good feeling.
And maybe, even if everything was moving so fast in your life, he could take you anywhere you wanted go at any pace you wanted.