Subject: [OTL]: [mixed Marvel] Childhoods Missed (PG) Date: Sun, 14 Mar 1999 17:01:45 -0800 (PST) From: Diamonde Reply-To: outsidethelines@Mailing-List.net To: outsidethelines@Mailing-List.net None of these people belong to me, I'm probably terrible misusing them anyway. No money is being made, but if you want to send me some, go ahead. Lord knows I need it. Oh yeah, and this is probably a few years in the future or somethin'. Okay, it doesn't fit ANYWHERE, but I ignored my irritating contunuity-demon and wrote it anyway. So there. CHILDHOODS MISSED There was an important meeting going on somewhere, but that didn't matter. Luna was playing. The game was new and quite complex, but she liked it. She picked up the ivory horse, thought for a moment, then put it back where it was. No, the king wanted him there. Frowning, she looked down at the arrangement. "Can I move my priest over here?" "Bishop," her opponent corrected. "I've seen him." Luna examined the chess piece critically. "It doesn't look like him." "Not that kind of bishop." "Well, can he go there anyway?" "Yes, but if you put him there then I will be able to take him with my queen." "Won't I be able to take her with my castle when she does, then?" "Rook. And no, you can not move him because he is all that stands between my bishop and your king. If you moved him I could take your king, so that's not allowed." "Right." Luna chewed a piece of hair for a moment, every feature of her small face reflecting her concentration. The man on the other side of the board restrained a smile. "Don't chew your hair, Luna. You'll get split ends." "I don't believe that. I never SEE any split ends, it's just one of those things that adults tell you. Like if you make faces and the wind changes it'll stay like that, or sitting too close to the TV makes you stupid." She looked across evaluatingly. "That's not true, is it?" "No. The wind has no effect on your face whatsoever, even if pulling faces is not very ladylike." "So?" "Just thought I'd mention it. And if sitting too close to the television made you stupid, Henry McCoy would barely be able to get his shoes on the right feet." Luna smiled. "I knew it. What about getting your feet wet will make you catch a cold?" "Colds are caused by viruses, which do not attack through wet feet as far as I know." "How about brussel sprouts? Are they really good for you?" "Yes, but they taste horrible. I wouldn't eat them if I were you. Ask for broccoli instead. It doesn't taste like much at all, and it's rather nice with gravy." "Will oatmeal make me grow up big and strong?" "It's good for you, but it won't make you taller. You get that from your parents." Luna looked at the undeniably big and strong family member. "Cool," she grinned. "Will the bogeyman really get me if I embarrass dad in front of my grandfather?" There was a moment of silence, then a most predatory grin flowed across his face. "No. I'd do that as often as possible." Luna looked at him reproachfully. "The OTHER grandfather." "Damn." "That's a naughty word." "So? One more question, then you have to make your move." Luna picked up the bishop and tapped it against her lower lip thoughtfully. "Do babies really happen because mommies and daddies love each other very much and have a special hug?" She watched carefully, but the fair skin didn't reveal the faintest hint of a blush. "That's a simplification, because the truth is more embarrassing. Would you like me to tell you what really happens?" "No. Just tell me a good question to ask daddy. He's funny when he's embarrassed." "Ask him… if you came out of your mother's stomach, how he put you in there." He smirked at the thought. Just because you were old didn't mean you couldn't be petty. "Okay." She put the bishop down on the spot she'd originally asked about. "Your turn." "Are you sure you want to do that?" Luna nodded firmly. He sighed and took the bishop with his queen. "I did warn you." "I know." Luna picked up her knight and settled in a short distance from the black queen. "There." He examined the fork in surprise. He'd never expected a move like that from a little girl, he hadn't even been watching for it. There was also no way out, he was going to lose his queen or a very important rook. "That's very good. You are an extremely intelligent little girl. Come here," he held out his arms invitingly. Luna happily scampered around the board into a warm cuddle. "You proud of me, grandfather?" Magneto rested his cheek on her hair. "Very proud, Luna. Very proud." "I wish I could tell daddy about it." She sighed. "Why can't I tell him that you come here when he's busy? Aunt Wanda that when an adult tells you to keep something a secret it's usually because they're doing something wrong." "That is a very good rule, Luna. Remember it. In a way, I am doing something wrong. I am seeing you when your parents do not want me to. I would love to be able to visit you without sneaking around, but I can't. So I do something wrong and come here anyway. You are my only grandchild, Luna. I missed seeing your father's childhood, I don't want to miss yours as well." "That's okay." Luna squeezed the broad chest as hard as her small arms could manage. "I understand." EPILOGUE "Poppa?" "Yes, Luna?" "If I came out of mommy's tummy, how did you put me in there?" There was a moment of heavy silence, then a voice which was never quite identified piped up. "Very very quickly."