stormkeeper_lovedoris

Title: Distraction (209 word ficlet)

Summary: An explanation for Azazel's defeat in battle by the X-men at the end of the movie

Beta Testing: Thank you to Shar for beta testing

Word count: 209

Rating: PG

Pairing: Azazel/Riptide

Distraction

“Tell me what happened during the battle, Emma. You weren’t there but you can tap into the minds of Azazel, Angel, and everyone else who was there. Show me their memories of the fight so I can determine which areas each member of the Brotherhood needs to improve.”

“Very well, Magneto. Is there anyone you’d like me to start with?”

“Yes. It seems to me that Azazel was too easily defeated, especially considering that those X-men were younger and far less experienced in battle than he. What happened?”

A pause as Emma replays images in her mind, pulling them almost effortlessly from Azazel’s memory. Azazel doesn’t even know that she’s in there.

“He was distracted by what happened to Riptide. Azazel saw it out of the corner of his eye when Havoc slammed him against the submarine.”

Emma is being euphemistic by saying that Azazel was “distracted” by Riptide’s misfortune. She doesn’t share with Magneto the cold fear that had surged through Azazel’s body, the sharp ache in his gut when he heard Riptide’s body slam against the siding.

“He gets distracted by the misfortunes of his teammates?”

“Not usually, but with Riptide, yes. They are lovers.”

Magneto’s eyes momentarily widen and then resume their flinty stillness. “I see.”

THE END