If Yesterday Was Tomorrow [ X-Men ]

Chapter Twenty

 "Hell, Victor, did you really have to provoke him?" Emma asked, shaking her head.

The young man just smiled.

"You're lucky I had a doctor on hand," continued Emma. "Anyway. I'm happy to see you."

"Me too," Victor said slowly.

Victor had woken up the next day, body covered by bandages. To his surprise, Magneto had only managed to scratch him before Azazel teleported him away. A few wounds had to be stitched up, but the worst was simply his dislocated shoulder upon being thrown at the wall. The doctor had placed it back in the right spot.

Now, Victor had his left arm in a sling for a few days, till the pain of moving his arm was bearable. He could move around; he just had to make sure not to over exercise himself for a few weeks to let the wounds scattered around his body to heal. He was lucky that he healed quicker than most people.

"Let me show you the new Hellfire Club," said Emma with a gracious smile. She was as beautiful as always, blonde hair flawlessly falling down her back. She was wearing a white tuxedo that didn't reduce her femininity. She almost matched with Victor, who had dark grey pants and a simple white shirt on him.

Victor shook his head. He didn't feel going out in public. Their apartments were situated in a hidden portion of the building, where they could hide and live peacefully while controlling the Hellfire Club and sometimes making public appearances, inviting who they needed to see inside their private lounge.

"Oh... Maybe later?" Emma asked, visibly disappointed.

"Sorry, Emma," said Victor, "I'm sure you did a great job. I'm just... tired."

"Alright. At least, let me get you something to drink."

Victor couldn't refuse and accepted with a smile. Emma went over to the bar. She took a glass glass from the shelves while the young man sat down on the couch.

"Any news from Angel?" he asked with a scarily neutral voice. He'd thought he'd be more affected by her disappearance. But no. He was just tired of losing people around him. They evaporated like puddles of water during a hot summer day never to reappear again.

"No." Emma didn't look at him and filled the glass with clear water.

Victor didn't continue. So she really had evaporated from the surface of the Earth. Deep within him, Victor hoped that she was safe and not dead like he thought.

"There you go."

"Thank you."

Victor took the glass. It was cold in his hand. Emma sat down on the couch in front of him. She elegantly crossed her legs and leaned her cheeks on her hand.

"Are you truly okay, Victor?" she asked slowly.

The young man smiled.

"Where's Azazel?"

Emma sighed.

"Away. He left this morning. He promised to be back by evening," she quickly added as she saw the look on Victor's face.

So Azazel had left. He'd gotten him out of the estate, only to disappear again. Leaving Victor behind.

"Did he tell you why?" he asked with a neutral voice.

"No. He said he had something to take care of."

Ha, classic Azazel. Keeping his worries inside, unaware that it only makes us worry more.

Emma leaned forward. Victor took a sip of water, feeling strangely comfortable under her gaze. The liquid stung the back of his throat. Perhaps Emma hadn't only put water in it. Perhaps he was too exhausted. Who knew?