We Live Forever

Chapter 2: The Calm Before The Storm

Crimson's POV:

Hank set the tool down carefully. We both turned and saw Warren standing frozen in the doorway. His hands were shaking and his eyes looked glossy. 

"Warren it's not what it looks like..."

"Really?! Cause from where I'm standing it looks like you fucking lied to me!"

"Warren-"

"You told me you were okay! But you- you're not! None of this is okay!"

"Warren that's enough."

"I-"

"I said that's enough. Your mother didn't want to worry you, we can't afford to make mistakes out there. You know that."

"We have to tell Charles. You can't keep going out on missions and getting yourself hurt like this!"

"No."

"Mom, you can't be serious?"

"I'll be fine, I know my limits."

"Clearly you don't, but fine go get yourself killed."

"Warren-"

"He's right you know."

"Don't push it, Hank."

"The team is bound to find out anyway, it's only a matter of time."

Lunch Time

I took my seat in the teacher's lounge mentally thanking Charles for not scheduling me to monitor lunch today. I looked up from my lunch and saw Charles staring me down from across the room. Surely he doesn't already know?

'So when were you going to tell me?'

'Shit. Goddamn it Warren!'

'Your son thinks very loudly...'

'You're gonna tell everyone aren't you?'

'Only if you don't.'

'Fine.'

Across the room, Charles smirked and finally broke eye contact. 

That Night After Training

Everyone was starting to grab their things and head up to bed. Charles shoot me a glance and I knew it was now or never. 

"Uh- hey guys can you hang back for a second?"

Everyone looked confused and exhausted, but they stayed. 

"My powers stopped working a few nights ago..."

Hank gave me a sympathetic smile and gently took my hand in his. Charles merely nodded. Warren still looked upset. Everyone else have a wide variety of expressions and reactions. 

"You went on a mission with no powers?" Peter questioned.

"Are you okay?" Kurt asked.

"Are you reckless or just stupid? You put us all in danger!" Scott exclaimed.

"What do you mean they stopped working?" Alex asked.

Everybody has something to say, except for Erik. He stood frozen and emotionless. 

"What does this mean for the team?" Jean asked Charles.

"You're benched from all missions, effective immediately. You'll still train with us, but no missions," Charles announced. 

"Charles-"

"Effective immediately."

Everyone left the room. Some like Scott looked pissed off. Others seemed worried or confused. Poor Warren even looked a little scared. Erik still looked stoic, like he hadn't processed it yet.