11-25-2013, 07:40 AM
Watching Claire's reaction was...enthralling. It wasn't sexual - at least, not entirely. They said pictures were worth a thousand words, and his parents had taught him that body language was worth a million.
To learn how others survived, reacted and coped with their abilities was something he had great interest in. She was surprised at his flame. It could have been that she hadn't seen it used in that way or she was not strong enough -although a simple ball of fire took very little -, but he doubted it. Most likely, she had a barrier preventing her from accessing the power at will. Strange, if she was taught. But how then did she avoid the 'Sickness'? Could he be wrong? Was it something he had no knowledge of?
It didn't matter, at the present time. Perhaps he could help break the barrier, but it would be much easier if she had the help of another woman.
When she produced the Memory, all thoughts of the power faded and a surge of affection, empathy, anger and understanding flooded through him. She was like him. Dead, forgotten, cursed.
He no longer felt the melancholy self-pity. He had started to drink because of it, but it had developed into a hardened bitterness, helplessness and frustration. Claire's revelation spurred his resolve and confirmed his convictions.
Her later offer he would have laughed at. Not because she was a woman, but because of the reversal of his own proposition. However, the taste the blood in his throat and his eroding control could no longer be ignored.
Bracing himself, he released the power. It hit him like a blow to the stomach and he hunched over, grimacing in pain before straightening himself with supreme effort. He doubted he could walk too far without the power unaided, but he knew the dangers of retaining it were far more than the temporary indignity. Besides, it would be by no means unpleasant.
With a playful grin underlined with weariness he held his arm out in a parody of outdated courtesy. However, she would notice his weakness immediately. "That would probably be a good idea."
He had not told Michael - only Marco and Oborev knew - but he had his own...home... once again. It was hardly permanent, but it was nearby, and it suited his purposes. Besides, going back to Michael's would be problematic. He could not tell the man yet, as much as he wished to. His other conspirators would not be able to handle him.
Turning to Claire with a more serious expression he said "Now, instead of me talking at you, perhaps you have some questions? I will answer the best I can."
To learn how others survived, reacted and coped with their abilities was something he had great interest in. She was surprised at his flame. It could have been that she hadn't seen it used in that way or she was not strong enough -although a simple ball of fire took very little -, but he doubted it. Most likely, she had a barrier preventing her from accessing the power at will. Strange, if she was taught. But how then did she avoid the 'Sickness'? Could he be wrong? Was it something he had no knowledge of?
It didn't matter, at the present time. Perhaps he could help break the barrier, but it would be much easier if she had the help of another woman.
When she produced the Memory, all thoughts of the power faded and a surge of affection, empathy, anger and understanding flooded through him. She was like him. Dead, forgotten, cursed.
He no longer felt the melancholy self-pity. He had started to drink because of it, but it had developed into a hardened bitterness, helplessness and frustration. Claire's revelation spurred his resolve and confirmed his convictions.
Her later offer he would have laughed at. Not because she was a woman, but because of the reversal of his own proposition. However, the taste the blood in his throat and his eroding control could no longer be ignored.
Bracing himself, he released the power. It hit him like a blow to the stomach and he hunched over, grimacing in pain before straightening himself with supreme effort. He doubted he could walk too far without the power unaided, but he knew the dangers of retaining it were far more than the temporary indignity. Besides, it would be by no means unpleasant.
With a playful grin underlined with weariness he held his arm out in a parody of outdated courtesy. However, she would notice his weakness immediately. "That would probably be a good idea."
He had not told Michael - only Marco and Oborev knew - but he had his own...home... once again. It was hardly permanent, but it was nearby, and it suited his purposes. Besides, going back to Michael's would be problematic. He could not tell the man yet, as much as he wished to. His other conspirators would not be able to handle him.
Turning to Claire with a more serious expression he said "Now, instead of me talking at you, perhaps you have some questions? I will answer the best I can."