Chapter 3
Tony wakes up a little while later and he can hear several light steps of little feet and he opens his eyes rubbing them a little. He can't see anyone but he knows that there are other people in the room.
“Hello?” Tony asks trying to reach for a piece of metal or something he can use to defend himself.
“Hi,” a voice says and a blue head pokes itself above the foot of the bed.
“Hi. I'm Tony, and you are?” Tony asks and wow the guy has a tail. That's so cool.
“Kurt, I'm not technically allowed in here yet, but Doc lets me sometimes,” Kurt says.
“I’m Tony. I won't tell. I'm bored in here I could use someone to talk to,” Tony says.
“Like a friend?” Kurt asks.
“Y...yeah,” Tony says with a smile.
“I'd be happy to be your friend Tony,” Kurt says with a smile.
“What do you do for fun around here?” Tony asks.
“The kids sometimes play games and sports but I don't really get to join in. My appearance is...unique, and it weirds the newer and, or younger students out. The older ones are pretty cool though. But movies and parks are difficult for me, obviously,” Kurt says, and Tony immediately starts working through ways to help Kurt with this. Blueprints unfurl in his head and he starts planning things.
“Well I like the way you look,” Tony says with a smile. Kurt returns the smile and then slips under the bed as a whirling noise can be heard and a man in a wheelchair comes into the room.
“I apologize for leaving you on your own, but I thought you might like a cup of tea,” the man says with a slightly familiar voice.
“I'm sorry I don't…”
“I am Charles,” he says.
“Oh...you're the one that found me. Thanks... I...mean...uh,” Tony says.
“It's okay I know what you are trying to say,” Charles says and taps the side of his head, “telepath, and on that note, Kurt, it's past your bedtime. You don't want to fall asleep in algebra again do you?”
“No Professor,” Kurt says sheepishly and crawls out from under the bed. He goes to leave and says, “I'll come visit after classes tomorrow. It was nice to meet you Tony,” and then he leaves.
“I think Kurt would very much appreciate any of the ideas running around in your head. You should ask him about them tomorrow. I'm sure Erik would be happy with help you with the metal work,” Charles says.
“Can you not read my mind?” Tony asks not wanting to be rude but also not liking the fact that he can't use his public mask here.
“I apologize. You actually project quite loudly. Especially when you're excited. If you like I can teach you how to make your thoughts more difficult to read. Although that projection was how I was able to find you,” Charles says and hands Tony the cup of tea and adjusts the blankets around his body.
“How?”
“Erik and I were eating dinner and then I was suddenly knocked off my feet by overwhelming grief and sadness. Erik calls me a bloodhound. When I sense someone in need of help I follow the trail,” Charles says.
“So you followed my thoughts to me,” Tony says as Charles fluffs her pillow.
“Precisely. So, you want to stay here for a while?” Charles says and Tony glares.
“Erik told me. He's so excited to have another kid in the house. He's already begun looking at paints for your room,” Charles says with a fond smile.
“Not a kid. I'm eighteen,” Tony says with a frown.
“Tony, anyone who looks at you, takes the time to look through the masks you wear, can tell that you need people to watch and care for you. You don't need to be alone,” Charles says straightening somethings on the side of the bed.
“I have people...I have Rhodey, Aunt Peggy, and Obie,” Tony says and then thinks about it.
“What is it Tony?” Charles asks.
“Rhodey's off at basic training. I don't want to distract him. Aunt Peggy has been distant since the accident. She's dealing with her own grief. I can't add to it. A...and Obie...he only things about what I can build for SI, for him. But that's still caring about me indirectly,” Tony says.
“Tony, you need someone to help you with this grief you're feeling,” Charles says.
“I don't need a shrink,” Tony grumbles.
“Why?”
“Because I'm not weak!” Tony shouts.
“I never said you were. Why does needing help make you weak?” Charles asks.
“Because, Stark men are made of iron!” Tony shouts tears streaming down his face. Charles immediately pulls him close to him and Tony jerks in his arms a few times before fisting his hands in Charles’ cardigan and sobs hard.
“I hate him! I hate him! He's the reason I no longer have a mom and it sucks and I hate him and I hate me!” Tony says sobbing into Charles.
There's a hand on his back rubbing it soothingly.
“I tried so hard to be everything he wanted me to be. All I wanted was for him to love me. Why didn't he love me?” Tony sobs.
“There are some people who are just incapable of love, there are others who, afraid of being hurt, hide behind a wall of indifference or hatred. You deserve love Tony. Just as everyone does. Let us help you, let us be your family,” Charles says.
“You don't understand! You can't understand!” Tony sobs.
“I can and do Tony. Not because I'm a telepath, but because I know what that sort of treatment of a child can do,” Charles says and stokes his fingers through Tony's hair.
Tony startled when a second set of arms wrap around both of them but then he recognizes the metallic scent that clings to Erik and relaxes.
“I am not going to let anyone hurt either of you ever again,” Erik says softly and Tony falls asleep wrapped in their arms tightly.