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[ He's faced down armies of Fallen and Hive. He's fought Ahamkara. He's never hesitated at the appearance of any potential challenge. Yet this is a situation so unexpected, he actually freezes, the door still open behind him and snow blowing in.

What is Wanda doing in my cabin?

Followed by: ...wait this isn't my cabin.

Followed by: ...oh no.

Well, at least his face is warm now. Very warm. Definitely blushing. Thank goodness for helmets.

Do something. Do something. How long as he been standing here and staring at her? Unknown, but too long. Way too long.

He abruptly turns around, ready to march back out the door and into the white-out. ]

Sorry! Sorry. Got lost. Wrong cabin.

[ Titania, you told me this was the right one! Her answer of, Oops, my mistake, does not sound contrite in the least. ]

Edited 2021-02-15 00:58 (UTC)

[Wanda had been of the firm opinion when this had all been explained to her that she didn't want or need any new powers. She has more than enough already, thank you very much. But right now invisibility would be super great followed by Vision's phasing ability so she could just sink through the floor and disappear in her embarrassment.

As it is, she is not lowering the blanket until she is fully finished changing for bed, so she's left directing her clothes around. This isn't terribly awkward at all, nope...]

You're already here, you might as well wait it out until you can see where you're going.

[And so he doesn't barge in on and scare the crap out of anyone else, geez. Unfortunately for Wanda, this is not an uncommon occurrence, and if she can still look some of her teammates in the eyes, their friendship will survive this.]

[ The worst part is, she's right. If he's this lost already, going back out into the blizzard is probably not a good idea. But staying put means really wading into awkwardness.

Well. He's no coward. And he's also letting all of the warm air out of the cabin while he hesitates. Which is also incredibly rude.

He reaches out and closes the door. Though he stays facing it. ]

That's... kind of you. But unnecessary. I'm... sorry I walked in uninvited.

[ Outside of the embarassment, that's the worst part. He's a bluff, shouty, loud person. But he respects other peoples' privacy. Normally. Argh. ]

[Wanda just sighs while she hurries to get her clothes on as quickly as she can. This is hard when you only have one free hand, okay.

Drily:] You are not the first and I don't think you will be the last.

Take off your boots so you don't track snow everywhere? I'll fix the fire in a minute.

[ That doesn't make it okay. In all seriousness, as if this is somehow a positive, he offers: ] I saw nothing you need to be ashamed of.

[ Just. Let him die. Right here. Strike him dead before he opens his mouth again.

He looks down at his boots. Which are indeed dripping snow and water on the floor. He really does not want to take his armor off. Any of it.

And this is also Wanda's cabin and he's messing up her floor. Her request is not unreasonable. He just... doesn't want to.

It's just the boots, Titania notes helpfully. And your feet will warm up faster without them.

Reluctantly, he bends to unfasten his boots and steps backwards out of them. Still facing the door. His legs and feet are still covered by the flexible undersuiting anyway. ]

[The shadows of clothes moving between the bed and behind the blanket-curtain freeze. It was awkward before, but now he's gone and made it super weird!

It's a very good thing that there are no other telepaths around for her to disturb with all of this internal screaming. If the world was kind she'd just spontaneously sink through the floor and into another weird world where no one knows her. Or just stop existing altogether, because that would definitely be better than death by fatal embarrassment.

She does pull herself together with a vengeance and eventually there's a soft fwump as the blanket gets tossed unceremoniously onto her bed. Wanda says nothing at all and doesn't even look at his back as she makes a beeline for the fireplace.

She kneels in front of it, closes her eyes, and takes a few deep breaths to center herself. The absolute last thing she needs is to accidentally burn down her cabin in the middle of a blizzard. She needs a good minute before she's in the right headspace, but between her fire powers and telekinesis the fire is soon once again crackling merrily. And only then does she find her voice again.]

Sit. You must be freezing.

[ Shaxx just keeps facing the door and wishing he was anywhere else while Wanda finishes getting changed. He also starts to shiver, which is its own, much more minor embarassment.

...that was the wrong thing to say, wasn't it, he says to Titania.

Very. Maybe you should try not talking for a while.

He turns his head toward Wanda when she starts the fire, however, feeling the movement of energies. ] Good to see you've found a use for the new power. [ Oh, right. He was going to try not talking. Too late. And it is good, considering how displeased she'd been with the whole situation.

He comes over to the fire when invited, his steps very quiet without the boots, and sits in the warmth it casts. The shivering doesn't go away immediately, but it's warm enough it will pass soon, he hopes.

The rest of you would warm up faster if you took off the rest of your armor, too, Titania points out. You know I can warn you if something is coming.

He ignores her. Instead he says to Wanda, his voice wavering a little as he tries to keep his teeth from chattering: ] Thank you.

Edited 2021-02-15 05:36 (UTC)

[Wanda flinches a little in continued embarrassment, her cheeks still flushed but very much not from the heat of the fire. She could handle this, if he hadn't made it weird by stopping just short of saying he'd liked what he'd seen, but he has and she's not really sure what to do now. This may be the only time she's grateful for the helmet - she can't struggle to look him in the eye if she can't see his face.

But because she can't really look up at Shaxx now, her gaze settles more on his hands, where she can she that he's still shivering. And she can hear it in his voice. She sighs.]

You know, sitting here in cold armor is not good for you. I can help you warm up, but not through it. Not safely. [And then she's scrambling to her feet to go retrieve something by hand, because 1) they both need a good distraction from the earlier awkwardness and 2) there's no distraction like fussing over someone else.] No one else is sleeping here, you can use these extra blankets.

[ It's impossible to tell which makes his thoughts lock up worse--her telling him to take off his armor (she sounds so much like Titania in that moment) or I can help you warm up.

No, it is an absolute certainty she doesn't mean it like that; he is actually somewhat ashamed that's where his mind went, however briefly. He owes it to her to maintain his focus. He also owes it to her to not require any such care. He looks down at his hands and curls his fingers tightly, trying to hide the worst of the shivering. ] I'll be fine. [ Frustratingly to him, he can even tell he doesn't sound fine because his normal bluff tone is seriously interrupted by his body shaking. It's something to endure; he hadn't realized how cold he'd gotten out in the storm, and it's always worse when the body starts warming back up. ] But thank you.

[ Blankets. Yes. That's a good idea. A trickle of cold water from melting snow works its way down his back.

Titania circles around him once, muttering ghostly imprecations, and then goes to flit around Wanda as she grabs the blankets. The ghost whispers, quietly enough that only Wanda can hear her but with undeniable exasperation packed into the quiet words: ] He's an idiot.

Edited 2021-02-15 21:18 (UTC)

[Behind his back, Wanda rolls her eyes and gathers up some of the blankets from the other bed anyway. Uh-huh. Just fine. That's why his voice totally isn't shaking right now.

She shares a Look with Titania and shrugs:] I'm used to this.

[Because all of the Avengers are like this in their own way, even her. But Wanda is remarkably stubborn, stubborn enough to beat an Infinity Stone twice, and there's no lying to a telepath.]

You're going to catch a cold and then what will you do? I can heal injuries, not sickness.

[ It's a good argument. Though can Guardians even get sick? He hasn't in almost as long as he can remember. But things are different here. Everything is different here. This isn't his small room back in the Tower, where he knows he's as safe as he can possibly be, either. What he intends to do is politely decline; what he actually says, the words cut with chattering teeth, is: ] It's not safe.

[...ah. Well, there's room to debate or soothe an actual reason at least, instead of just talking to a wall. Wanda's eyes go oddly unfocused as she scans the surrounding area - there are plenty of people grumpy about the weather, or their overall situation, but no actual threats.

Still, it's odd to hear Mr. 'You'll-Have-To-Try-Harder-Than-That-To-Hurt-Me' being worried about someone or something barging in.]

I don't sense anyone who would want to hurt us. And this storm will keep anyone else away. [She shrugs.] And if it doesn't, I'll throw them out. You know I can.

[Or death by hairbrush is still an option. Whatever works. Gentler:] And you won't be able to fight at all if you get sick.

That's not... [ It's not what he meant to say, even if it was what he means. But he doesn't know how to explain it either. I can't protect you or anyone else here effectively if I disarm. I can be surprised if I don't have radar. I've lost too many people this way. Nothing feels right... He can't bring himself to say any of those things, which feel like weak excuses for a feeling he doesn't understand and doesn't care to deal with right now--or any time.

Because does he trust Wanda or not? (Does he trust anyone as much as he trusts himself for this?)

Shaxx... Titania says, as Wanda lands her final verbal strike. ]

Right.

[ It's not giving up; it's a strategic retreat. He gets to his feet with a clumsiness that's very much not characteristic of him, though it's impossible to be graceful while shaking that hard and there's nothing he can do to control it. He manages to strip his gloves off, at which point he runs into the issue that he's shivering too hard to get his chest plate unfastened. ]

[She's glad he's seeing sense, and clearly just in time. Wanda sets the blankets aside and rushes forward, holding her hands out for his. As a Ruby, she naturally gives off a gentle aura of warmth. She channels a little extra power into that now to increase the intensity of it, with a focus on her hands. They're much smaller than his, but hopefully her power can compensate.]

Here, [she says gently.] Let me help.

[ He can tell this place is far from the Light; it's been a long time since he felt this physically weak. He takes her hands, which feel searingly warm to his chilled skin, but he refuses to flinch.

He lets his head hang for a moment, eyes shut. This is humiliating. ] I'm sorry. [ I should be helping you. ] I can't--can you deal with the fastenings? Titania can show you.

[Wanda frowns - Shaxx is not a subtle person and neither are his emotions. She can feel shame, embarrassment, and discomfort rolling off him in waves, and it makes something in her ache for him. She has a feeling he'd have something to say about it if their positions were reversed and she was feeling this way.

~~but no, she will not extend herself the same sympathy she'd have for anyone else in her position, nope, why do you ask~~]

It's all right. I don't mind.

[She gives his hands a brief squeeze with a burst of warmth before releasing him so she can start working on his armor. She starts with the place she'd last seen him fumbling, but beyond it's twin on the other side, Titania's going to have to help her out.]

[ All Shaxx really can do is stand there stoically where she gets his armor undone; Titania flits around and points Wanda toward where the catches and locks are so she can lift away the chest and shoulder plates. The armor itself is both frigid to the touch and far lighter than it appears to be; materials science has advanced a lot over the years.

Shaxx squeezes his eyes tightly shut for a moment, and then pulls his helmet off. Without the sound dampening and filtration, his teeth chattering are clearly audible.

The undersuit's holding in the cold as well, Titania advises him.

I think I've embarassed us both enough already, he thinks grimly.

Do you want me to ask her? Titania asks sweetly.

Shaxx bares his teeth at Titania, even as he can't help but clutch his arms against his chest, still holding tightly onto his helmet with one hand. He stutters out: ] My Ghost thinks I need to strip off the under armor.

[ It's part warning, part request that Wanda tell Titania to hush on this account. ]

Edited 2021-02-16 00:27 (UTC)

[For Wanda, this does help with the earlier awkwardness; this is also something she is used to helping her teammates with, even if Shaxx's armor is something completely foreign to her. It's very light, but even Wanda can tell it wasn't designed for this weather. Halfway through, she has to take a few seconds to rub her hands together to warm her fingers up again.]

And you don't have any dry clothes to change into...what about halfway? You can use these blankets?

[Ah--there's an obvious solution, isn't there? Wanda retrieves the folded blankets from the floor and hugs them to her chest, closing her eyes as she concentrates. She doesn't want to accidentally set them on fire, after all! But since they don't have any heated blankets and Wanda doesn't exactly want to hug anything cold and wet, it'll have to do.]

Here. This should help you warm up.

[ He laughs, if a little unsteadily. ] I don't have any other clothes. [ Why would he need anything else? This is a ridiculous situation that should not be repeated. ] It can go halfway.

[ The under armor is much easier to unfasten since the armor itself is off; that, he can handle himself, by giving it a sharp pull at each of the shoulders. He peels it from his arms and chest and does have to silently admit that the air is warmer against his skin than the armor was.

He shakily takes the blanket from Wanda and wraps it around his shoulders. The change in temperature is borderline painful; he inhales sharply and closes his eyes, then clutches the blanket more tightly. ] Thank you.

[Wanda gives him a look that's somewhere between concern and horror.] Have you been sleeping in this the entire time we've been here?

[Is he that worried about someone barging in and trying to...stab him? Or something? This is definitely not the way to handle it, but that line of inquiry is going to have to wait. Wanda's hovering, hands mere inches from his shoulder, as soon as it looks like there's even a chance he might be in pain.]

Are you all right? Is it too warm?

What else would I sleep in? [ There isn't a trace of sarcasm in the question. It's as if it hasn't ever occurred to him that he could sleep in something other than his armor.

He quickly offers her a smile. Her face looks subtly different not on his HUD, he can't help but notice. Not at all bad, just... different. He resists the urge to squint. That shouldn't feel like such a surprise since he has seen her without the mediation of his helmet before, but neither of them had been at their best in those moments. ] No. No... this is good. Thank you. You're very kind.

Edited (wanted to add a little more) 2021-02-17 02:09 (UTC)

A regular shirt and sleep pants?

[Wanda is definitely giving him a Look at this point. He can't be serious, right? But that didn't sound like a joke.

...would she know if he was joking?

She makes another face and sits, patting the floor next to her.]

Right, walls definitely don't wear pajamas or anything comfortable. My mistake. I won't tell anyone about your blanket cape.

[She's teasing - but it's masking real concern. He'd fought her about resting and gone straight for his armor after they'd been rescued from almost dying in the crater. And he doesn't have any other clothes? He can drag her Avengers-supplied outfit all he wants but at least she has warm clothing for this occasion.

She's getting the distinct impression that if he's going to get any other clothes, it's going to have to be because someone else bought them for him.]

[ ...that's probably not an unreasonable answer, from Wanda. Other people no doubt sleep in the sort of thing she's got on, now. He certainly doesn't expect other Guardians to sleep in their armor if they're in a safe place.

He just... does. It's not from a feeling or superiority or paranoia. The habit of centuries is difficult to break, perhaps.

Shaxx sits next to her, obliquely relieved that she's made it into a joke. It's not a topic worth talking about or even thinking about; he'd rather just enjoy her company. ]

Of course not. Walls don't sleep. But if they did, their armor would be very comfortable.

[ Hopefully that's the reassurance she needs. Because his armor is very comfortable. After this long, it feels more like his skin than his actual skin.

At the mention of the 'blanket cape' he actually shoots her a sly--or as sly as he gets--grin. ] Shh. I'm pretending I'm a Hunter.

Edited 2021-02-17 17:41 (UTC)

[Wanda has a vague, ridiculous mental image of knitted armor, even though she knows that's not what he means - it would certainly be more comfortable than his actual armor.

~~New quest step: Acquire Shaxx-sized comfy clothing. Possibly apply Sad Witch Eyes until he accepts it.~~]

Not a witch hunter, I hope. Should I be scared?

[She's teasing, obviously.]

[ Though she doesn't strike him as a witch, since the only witches he knows of are the Techeuns. But he's actually enjoying being teased, so nitpicking about terms can wait. He's a Titan, not a Warlock. ]

I wouldn't dare unless I was really up for a challenge. I've seen what you can do now. [ Shaxx laughs, leaning enough to lightly bump her shoulder with his. ] Maybe once I've warmed up.

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I am sorry he's like this

a+ icon choice tho

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