“I do believe that.” A simple response, though he wasn’t surprised how she reacted. Given their long and sordid history, even in his own feelings, this was a difficult thing that the two, three, of them needed to work through. Communication is the best thing for that. “I already spoke to Illyana, my little Snowflake was very forthcoming.” The mutant did find it in himself to chuckle. He reached out with large hands, tilting his former lover’s chin up to allow them to meet eyes.
“I have had time to process, Katya, I’m not angry. Confused, perhaps, but never angry.” He couldn’t be angry with her, and he couldn’t be angry with his sister. “There was something else though…and it’s something that I can’t-” Piotr found himself choking on his own throat.
Katherine Pryde was a mutant, a friend, that he’d known for so many years that it only made sense that she’d be one of the first people he’d tell. Only Illyana learned before. And given how ANOTHER one of Kitty’s exes recently came out of the closet, he feared that she may blame herself. “I uh…”
Of course he believes her. Of course he isn’t angry. That’s so aggravatingly just like the Piotr Rasputin she knows and loves – and it makes her feel that much worse, to have done what she has to someone so compassionate and undeserving. Getting with her ex’s sister has to be one of the worst betrayals – not to mention, a terrible romantic comedy trope – and yet he’s taking it all in stride.
Reluctantly, she lets him guide her chin up, and looks into those stupidly understanding blue eyes. “I hope not too forthcoming…” she murmurs, barely able to get the words out with her insides twisting and knotting like they are. At least, she thinks, Illyana has already spoken to him. She’ll have to debrief with her later, so they can whine together over just how annoying her big brother is – and so she can insist that the two of them can’t whine about her.
She’s struggling with what to say next, whether she should apologise more or attempt to lighten the mood, when his expressions turns suddenly forlorn, his words sticking in his throat. Her throat clenches -- fear that she might be losing him after all. What if he’s decided to leave again, that he can’t be around her and Illyana anymore? That it hurts too much? It’s not like she hasn’t done the same, but she can’t lose him. Apprehensively, she covers his big hand with her own. “What is it, Piotr? You know you can tell me anything. Besides,” she adds, forcing a smile, “It’s not like I can get mad at you, now.”