𝕊𝕋𝕆ℝ𝕀𝔼𝕊 𝔽ℝ𝕆𝕄 𝔸 𝕎𝕆ℝ𝔻 ～ 𝘑𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘔𝘤𝘈𝘷𝘰𝘺

22 - [CX] Librate

L I B R A T E
verb [lahy-breyt]

To remain poised or balanced.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~

"How is he doing?" You asked Hank who sighed as he worked on the chemical mixture inside a glass beaker.

"As good as when he received the dose," Hank removed his protective goggles and looked up to you, "[y/n] he's... I don't think this is going to work like we thought."

"We have to keep trying-"

"He's lost hope [y/n], his legs... they aren't cooperating," Hank continued and you rubbed your forehead, "The serum works on me to control my mutation but it won't help get the Professor's legs back to how they were..."

"Let me see him, I'll try to make him feel better," You told and he nodded his head. You walked towards Charles' bedroom and took a breath before knocking on the door.

"Y-Yes?" He called out from the other side and you opened the door, peeking inside to see if he was alright.

"Hi Chuck, what's going on?" You asked, putting some cheer into your time of voice, "Need some help?"

"I'm alright [y/n], really."

You raised a brow and sighed, "You haven't moved a bit since I left you around two hours ago. Charles let me-"

"I'm FINE!" He yelled and you gulped. You clenched your fists then your jaw and glared at him. His anger wasn't going to stop you from helping him.

You stormed towards him then put your hand out. "Give me your hand," You demanded.

"No but-"

"I said give me your hand, Charles!" You shouted and he sucked in a sharp breath.

Once you had a hold on his hand, you pulled him up with a tug which made him cling onto your shoulders and clothes for balance. You laughed at him and he raised a brow with a chuckle.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, I... have to treat you like a toddler now," You commented and he kissed your cheek.

"I'm sorry I yelled at you, I didn't know what came over-"

"Enough of that Charles, you can make it up to me later in the evening," You licked your lips and paused. You noticed his eyes dilate and you thought to tease him, "By learning how to walk today."

You slung his arm around your shoulder while you wrapped yours around his waist. He leaned towards you, you struggled to stay up on your feet because of his weight.

"Okay Charles, now you need to concentrate only on moving your legs," You instructed, "I will hold you up, don't worry about falling."

Charles grabbed the ends of the bed frame tightly to support his weight and slid one of his legs forward a little bit. You smiled widely at the progress.

"Charles, you're doing it!" You cheered on and he groaned as he moved the next leg forward, "Look you're walking Chuck! I'm so proud-"

THUMP!

His leg froze, causing him to trip and fall in front. You stumbled and you fell on top of him after he pulled you down. You hit your forehead on his and you both groaned in unison.

"Well you've made progress," You said as you stared at his eyes, "You'll... do this Charles, I know you will."

He sighed and quickly kissed you on lips before you got off of him. You stood up then pulled him with much effort.

"One more time Charles, come on," You mumbled and he took in a deep breath. He clenched his fists and with a new determination, started stepping forward one small step at a time.

*****

You led him into the sitting room and helped him to a couch to sit at. He smiled softly and rested his head back on the cushion. Hank stepped inside the room and walked over to the Professor.

"So Charles, I think you earn a drink! You've done so well and I'm so proud of you," You said and ran a hand through his hair, "I'll get some a bottle of Scotch."

You kissed his cheek then stood up and headed to the kitchen. You walked towards the refrigerator then took out the bottle and gathered three glasses. You were about to walk out but you decided to gather some snacks as well.

"So Professor, it's all good?" Hank questioned and Charles smiled.

"I hope so, she's... she's supporting me and I can't help but feel motivated," He said then looked up to the ceiling, "It's a miracle that I can use my legs again, thank you."

Hank smiled, "No need to thank me Professor. As long as it helps you."

The Professor frowned a little then fidgeted with his hands. "I want to make the two of you happy, I don't want to waste this opportunity," Charles explained and Hank looked to him with sympathy.

CLING!

"H-Hey guys I got some... stuff for you," You walked slowly towards the two boys with a pile of things in your arms. Glasses and bowls shook and threatened to fall over.

Charles watched you with horror, moving to the edge of his seat. "I got some cookies and chips and-WOAH!"

THUMP!

You shut your eyes to avoid seeing the crashed fragments of glass on the floor but no sound of it shattering followed.

You opened an eye a little bit and gasped with shock. "H-Here, it would have broken," Charles commented and you furrowed your eyebrows.

You glanced to the couch then to him as he stood up. "Y-Y-You... Charles you just walked here, you ran!" You exclaimed, "Hank he just-"

"Yeah I saw, Charles you did it!" He cheered on and you ran a hand through your hair after placing the food items on the table.

"Charles how did you do that?" You questioned and he chuckled.

"I didn't... want the glasses to break so I... saved them?" He explained and you kissed him on the lips, almost making him fall.

"I love you, I'm so proud of you," You whispered and he hugged you tightly. He almost stumbled and you caught on to him quickly, pulling him closer to you.

"Can I have a drink now?" He grinned a little, "I think I've earned it."