12635/Cure By Chocolate

Cure By Chocolate
Date of Scene:	11 January 2021
Location:	Rec Room - Xavier's School
Synopsis:	Chocolate cures all, and heals more. Feelings about current events are aired, with surprising results.
Cast of Characters:	Nightingale, Ted Gammage

---

Nightingale has posed:
     Chocolate. It was perhaps one of the planet's great contributions to the universe. It was a panacea that could cure many an ill. It was also being used quite liberally by one healer-in-training, the scent of it permeating the air as she curls up on the sofa. Shannon's in her two-piece pink satin PJ's, with floofy Old English Sheepdog slippers on. She's got a bowl with a warm brownie, topped by chocolate ice cream, and a good, (un)healthy dose of chocolate syrup on top of that.

     Cure by chocolate.

Ted Gammage has posed:
It's been a long trip. Flight to Louisiana, drive from the airport. It had been a pretty good holidays, though he had to sneak home so no one knew the mutant was in town. But now he's back. Ted's unloaded his suitcases before he stepped out to talk to someone, found out he has missed quite a lot. All that said, he pokes his head into the doorway, then slowly steps in. "Ah...Shan.." he says, watching her with slightly wide eyes as she doesn't have her wings. "Ah jus' heard. How....how y'holdin' up?"

Nightingale has posed:
     Much like a little kid, Shannon's got chocolate on her upper lip, and has been caught with the spoon in her mouth. Giving Ted something of a sheepish smile, she takes care of the nibble in progress, setting her bowl aside and getting up for a hug. "It's taking some getting used to, but I'm hopeful something can be done. Megan caught heck, too." Pause. "So did Logan."

Ted Gammage has posed:
Ted winces a bit at the thought of the others getting it too. "Logan must be super mad," he notes. He sits right beside her and slips an arm over her shoulder. "You don't have to hide it from me. If you want to talk t'me, ah'll listen. Y'know that." He gives a hopefully helpful smile, "Not sure if yer puttin' up a brave face, but... if y'need t' vent or...whatever."

Nightingale has posed:
     "Gotta find a way to keep moving forward. Otherwise, how many more will get hurt instead?" At that, Shannon's voice does dip in tone, quavering just the tiniest bit. Leaning into the hug, she just stays there several long moments, composing herself. "Thing is though, this sucks, but I was still the lucky one. Megan came out of it with just minor injuries. Logan, though... he got hit with a Cure dart. I don't even want to think what that's going to do to him. And I can't help either of them, any more than the docs are already doing."

Ted Gammage has posed:
"Who...who did this?" Ted asks. "Ah heard someone came shootin' up th' place with it but...who? Why? How?" He sighs, "Man, all that metal..ah bet it's doin' a number on 'im. Hadn't even thought 'bout that." His nose wrinkles, and he just stays close in case she needs that warm presence. "Hate ah was gone, maybe ah could'a...helped 'r somethin'."

Nightingale has posed:
     Shannon just shakes her head. "It got real crazy. I'm not sure how much is known pretty generally, so probably the best ones to ask are Mr. Summers and Miss Grey. Honestly? I'm kind of surprised they asked me along on this one."

     Resting her head on Ted's shoulder for a few moments, she's quiet, as if thinking things through. "Megan got hit first. Mr. Summers gave the order to get her clear, so I did. I almost made it to a nearby rooftop before I got hit. Managed to glide in before my wings disappeared entirely. I feel bad for him and Miss Grey, too. Command has got to suck that way."

Ted Gammage has posed:
"Ah guess," Ted says "Ah'm pretty sure he ain't envying y'all. Though... ah bet he probably would like t' see the world without th' red lenses." He relaxes, best he can, letting out a light breath, "Still wish ah could'a done somethin'. Heck, they might not coulda hurt me at all," he notes with a frown of thought. "Jus' so bad, did this without consent."

Nightingale has posed:
     "Some gifts have a trade-off that way," Shannon muses. "Mine is healing, but it's at a cost to myself. His is with the energy from his eyes, but he'll always see things in shades of red. That... god, that has got to suck."

     With a bit of effort, she does manage to smile, tilting her head to peer up at Ted for a moment. "We've got some seriously brilliant minds here at the school, though. If there's a solution, I'm sure it'll be found."

Ted Gammage has posed:
"Yeah," He says, then pauses, "Are y'gonna?" he asks. "Ah mean, no one'd give you fits about takin' the tests you wanted to now," he notes. "If it'd been me, ah'm not sure what ah'd do." He lets out a light breath, its a heavy thought. He wouldn't have to worry about crushing folk.

Nightingale has posed:
     "Let 'em give me fits. Someone's got to stick up for mutants the right way, and if that's how I can do it, then I will. When the fix for this is found, I'm gonna take it, and then I'm gonna go for that EMT exam." Despite the softness of Shannon's voice, there is a note of steel that creeps into each word, iron determination that will be difficult to shake. "This might be what I'd be like if I'd never manifested. But Someone Up There saw fit to bless me with a little extra, so I'm gonna fight to get that back."

Ted Gammage has posed:
Ted nods in response and smiles, "That's whut ah figured," he says. "Ah jus' wondered. Know it'd be temptin' to some of us," he says, having a few ideas who would be down for it. He leans in for a moment and nods, "Do they got any idea how long it might be?" he wonders, tilting his head and watches her.

Nightingale has posed:
     Shannon just shakes her head, and shrugs lightly. Her back tenses as if to move wings that are no longer there, then relaxes somewhat. "I don't know," she replies. "This just happened yesterday. I think everyone's still reeling from it all. Not just me. But Megan, Logan, miss Grey, Mr. Summers, Mr. Worthington, Illyana... it got real messy real fast." She can't help smiling a little bit. "Have to admit, I'm kind of proud of all of us, working together. It got us all home alive, even if some of us got dinged up a little."

Ted Gammage has posed:
"A little," Ted says with a light chuckle. "Yeh." He is quiet a moment, "Yer very optimistic. Ah like that about ya. Yer takin' it well. Ah think ah'd just fall apart. M'not really very strong in that way," he admits. "Big changes ah don't do well. Even this place ah was...forced into it ah guess."

Nightingale has posed:
     "Or I could be faking it till I make it," Shannon replies, cracking a small smile. "If a healer's not optimistic, what's that going to do to reassure the people they're trying to help?"

     As she listens to Ted, her smile fades, brows furrowing with concern. "You mean, you don't want to be here?" The gentle ambient sounds of the mansion at night take the place of silence as words fail, the healer in training just looking up with worry.

Ted Gammage has posed:
"Ah mean I wouldn't've come at th' time except ah was a danger to m'family by bein' home," Ted explains. "Ah like it here now, jus' at the time...eh. Change is hard fer me." He shrugs those big shoulders and leans back again. "Its kinda home now. At least for th' time bein'."

Nightingale has posed:
     "Sort of like I was afraid I'd be a danger to my family by staying. People are funny that way." Shannon relaxes somewhat as Ted continues on, smiling lightly. "Change is hard. I know someday most of us will probably move on from here, just... guess I'm not looking forward to that. Especially the people I let myself become close to." Her hug tightens just a little bit, and she sighs softly. "I'm glad you like it here now."

Ted Gammage has posed:
"Yeh, ah'm just poor with change," Ted says. "Like...really really bad," he says. He then shakes his head, "Anyways, ah guess what I mean is ah'm just a little worried 'bout ya when I heard what happened. Y'seem to be takin' it well, but if yer not, y'dont have to put up a good front for me. Ah'm here to listen an' occasionally offer d umb advice that prolly shouldn't be followed." He gives his best goofy grin, leaning in close from the hug.

Nightingale has posed:
     "Sometimes, it feels okay. Sometimes it's not, and I just have to kind of fake it till I make it. Even when I want to throw pillows around, punch something and just scream 'WHY'. But that's not going to do anyone any good, and might make others feel bad. I mean... I can only imagine how Mr. Summers is feeling right about now, even though he got us all home alive."

     Leaning into the hug a bit more, she allows herself a little sigh, and smiles somewhat. "Dumb advice? Like what?"

Ted Gammage has posed:
He wrinkles his nose a little after a moment, then says, "Never liked that phrase," Ted says. "Fake it till y'make it. Be genuine. Don't fake what yer feeling. Those are important, even if they seem wrong." As for the advice he shrugs and smiles, "Ah, maybe punch ah pillow or somethin'. Though ah tried that once and that pillow doesn't exist anymore."

Nightingale has posed:
     "It's so mixed up that I'm not quite sure what to feel. Proud that they trusted me enough to ask me to help out. Proud of how everyone worked together, and we all came home because of it. Proud of how we're all sticking together now while we're figuring this thing out. Scared and worried for Megan and Logan. Angry at the bigots who turned what should have been a choice for those who are hurting, into a weapon. A lot of different things, and they're all mixed up."

     Looking up at Ted, she almost giggles, her lips quirking upwards into a wry half-smile. "Poor pillow. But you still manage hugs just fine."

Ted Gammage has posed:
"All valid feelin's," He replies with a nod. "Jus' remember to let yourself actually feel um," he says. "Keeps th' hate from flowin' through you. Then you go all dark side and eventually get kinda wrinkly." The last is said with a sage nod and an expression thats his best put on sincere one. "No one wants that." He then smiles, a little easier and meets her gaze, "Mmm, pillow had it comin'," he notes. "It was kinda racist."

Nightingale has posed:
     Now that does catch Shannon off-guard, both eyebrows shooting halfway up her forehead at once. A short whuff of laughter escapes her, and she reaches up to tap Ted's nose lightly. "Sheesh. How could a pillow possibly be racist?"

Ted Gammage has posed:
"It was very racist," he explains "Always wore a pillowcase." His nose wrinkles a little bit as its tapped and then he chuckles a little bit. He thinks for a few moments, watching her a little bit, then just scoots close and slides an arm around her gently.

Nightingale has posed:
     "Maybe the pillow was just being modest," Shannon points out. "What good would it do to have a pillow without apparel?" Her nose wrinkles and she blushes even as she says it, but actually bursts out giggling. There's no protest as he slides his arm around her, burrowing into the hug.

Ted Gammage has posed:
"No no, it was definitely bad. It was full of feathers and hate," He says, continuing the line of jokes as long as she keeps being amused by it. He watches her blush and chuckles softly himself, then just leans forward a bit. "I do believe your cheeks turned red there. Are you feeling ok? Perhaps feverish?" he muses.

Nightingale has posed:
     "Definitely okay," Shannon replies, smiling, even as the blush remains. "Poor pillow was all dressed up for you and you punched it." She shifts and turns a little bit, as she was oft accustomed to do when the wings were present. Her brows furrow a little bit, and she tries to laugh. "Almost as much as flying, I think I miss the hugs with wings the most."

Ted Gammage has posed:
"They did add a certain something," Ted notes with a smile, "But yer still beautiful wit'out um," He says. "Jus' in ah less feathery way. And y'don't gotta worry 'bout molting like before," he notes. "That's bout all the silver linin's ah can come up with," he adds, keeping his gaze on her.

Nightingale has posed:
     Shannon blushes a bit more, burrowing her face in against him. "Maybe the molting was a pain but it was nature. And I could always turn the molted feathers into cat toys, or something else." Looking back up at Ted again, she smiles. "I know it's all going to work out okay. THe waiting sucks, though. At least I can still study for the state EMT exam. Wings or no wings, nobody's keeping me from that."

Ted Gammage has posed:
"Ah, y'got that, ah'm sure." He notes. He kind of puffs up as she burrows in against him, giving a little smile. "Oh, that was ah' business opportunity ah didn't think of. Shannon's Cat Toy's." He lets out a low chuckle, "Ah think I said somethin' about quills last time we talked about that." He glances down just in time to see her peer up at him. He meets her gaze a few moments, briefly feeling warm. He thinks for just a few moments and leans over to give her a little kiss right on the forehead.

Nightingale has posed:
     Shannon holds perfectly still for just that moment, her smile widening. She becomes very relaxed in that hug, quiet and serene as a little kitten being held. "Penny for your thoughts, Ted?"

Ted Gammage has posed:
"Mm," Ted says. "Jus that ah like bein' here with ya." He smiles, "It's...nice," he says after a few moments. He lets a hand play over her shoulder a few times. "Do ah look like ah have some great weight on m'brain?"

Nightingale has posed:
     "It's nice being here with you, too," Shannon replies, letting out a sigh of contentment and smiling. She doesn't seem to mind it as his hand works over her shoulder a little bit. If anything, she rolls that shoulder back and forth a few times, smiling. "How'd you know that was aching? Usually get it right there and the back of my neck when I've been playing piano too long."

Ted Gammage has posed:
Honestly, he just didn't know what to do with his hand at that point. "Oh, jus' had a hunch," he makes up and gently lets the hand press and rub against her shoulder. "Figure y'jus had a bit ah trauma, probably all stressed out in th' shoulders." And he does give them a rub. It's honestly not as strong as one might imagine with him, probably still being overly cautious with his own power-based issues.

Nightingale has posed:
     Cautious or not, the shoulder rub seems to do the trick, rendering Shannon relaxed as a ragdoll kitten right there. One might half-expect to hear a purr as well, but the only sound is a contented sigh. "I'm trying not to stress out," she murmurs. "Just... something like this makes me remember, 'You go down swinging because the world needs to see that somebody's gonna stand up to those abusing power.' Guess I've just got to figure out how to deal with all the messed-up feelings in the meantime."

Ted Gammage has posed:
He continues a few moments more, gently kneading here and there before once more resting his arm around her. "If it helps, the stress is completely understandable. And you did the right thing helping, even if it cost ah toll. But...ah think its somethin y'can handle. As for th' feelin's," he says "That's what yer friends are for. Help de-kink all th' messed up feelin's, an maybe make ya feel better in the process."

Nightingale has posed:
     "Guess it's not much, but I can still cook nice things for the ones who need it the most," Shannon murmurs, in no way inclined to move away from the strength and warmth of that hug. "I mean, Dr. McCoy's working his tail off and sometimes forgets to eat. He's not gonna help himself or us that way. And comfort food could probably do a world of good for Megan, and Logan, too. Guess I'll have some questions on that for Dr. McCoy at some point, especially if that's the only real way to help I have to fall back on for now."

Ted Gammage has posed:
"Never underestimate th' power of food," Ted says. "Or chocolate," he notes the items she was eating when he arrived. "But yeh, ah bet he's workin' himself ragged. Ah'm not up on who's who in th' genetics community though, so s'possible other folks are lookin' at it too," he offers. "You'll prolly be back to wingin' it soon enough." He pauses, then says "Oh, pillows. Y'could have a pillow made from yer own feathers." Its a random throwback to a few moments ago. He apparently only just thought of that idea.

Nightingale has posed:
     "I'd have to be stress molting on top of seasonal molting for that to happen," Shannon replies, rolling her eyes and chuckling softly. "And when that happens, it actually renders me flightless for a few days. But... yeah, you know, I'm surprised the Professor himself isn't stepping in on this one, right along with Dr. McCoy." A light little sigh escapes her, and she reaches for the bowl of Cure By Chocolate. But it's not for herself. Oh, no. She holds it up for Ted, smiling. "Want some?"

Ted Gammage has posed:
"Ah'm sure there's ah reason for that," Ted says, though he's clearly not certain what that reason is. He does accept the sweet treat, holding it for just a few moments as he ponders that. "An ah don't think ah'd want you stressin' out to make the pillow. But, at least we know it wouldn't be evil if it came from you, right? Wouldn't have t'punch that one."

Nightingale has posed:
     "I could always make dreamcatchers during molting season," Shannon adds, chuckling softly. "No stress, no fuss, no muss. And maybe just a little harder to punch." She smiles some more, letting Ted enjoy the chocolate treat, allowing herself to enjoy the moment in silence for a little bit. "You're right. Never underestimate the power of good cooking. And it beats stressing out feeling like there's nothing I can do."

Ted Gammage has posed:
And he does give her the silence. He chews on the food, listening, retreating briefly into his own thoughts for a few moments. After she speaks, he makes a soft, affirming sound and then draws her in again, if she allows, letting her rest her head against his chest. "Never feel you can do nothing," he says. "Y'got talent that went well beyond yer powers."

Nightingale has posed:
     Shannon can't help blushing again, that hint of a smile returning. "Thank you," she murmurs, letting out a sigh of contentment and resting her head against his chest. "You've got gifts, too, not just your powers. Look what you're doing here. You're listening, you're healing, you're caring without a second thought. Those are wonderful gifts."

Ted Gammage has posed:
"Healin'? Dunno bout that, but yeah, ah care. I worry for folk too," he admits after a moment. His hand now absently strokes her hair as he thinks. "S'easy to get bogged down in ever'thing y'know? Good t'have a few moments of quiet with folks y'love right?"

Nightingale has posed:
     "It is," Shannon concedes, her smile widening by degrees. "I guess this is what everyone's always been trying to tell me about balance. I love the crazy times and being in the middle of things, and helping everyone... but you're right, it's good to take times of quiet with the ones you love, too."

Ted Gammage has posed:
"Those can be the best times too." His eyes half close in a lazy, contented expression as he just relaxes, warmly embracing for a few long moments and just letting the quiet draw out before glancing at her. He smiles again and after a moment angles his head down to meet her gaze for a few seconds and then gently leans in to kiss her, apparently caught up in the snuggly, quiet moment.

Nightingale has posed:
     Perhaps a snuggly, quiet moment was just what the doctor ordered. Pale glacier blue eyes meet bright sky blue ones, Shannon's eyes half-lidded as she tilts her face up towards him. It's a brief, sweet, tender moment, as he kisses her. But it's one that leaves her with an expression of peace, and a smile. She's content to rest her forehead against his for the moment, chocolate and stress all but forgotten.