Title
Chapter/Sub Title

Rating: PG
Category: AU
Pairing(s): Nathan/Charles.
Warnings: None
Summary: Life starts anew for Charles.
Notes: For tod_hollykim. Happy Birthday! Also a cheer-up fic for those of us upset by that f//guitar riff//ing preview.

He couldn’t open his eyes. He didn’t know why. He just knew the world was dark, and he was in pain, though it was dulled by heavy drugs. He tried to look around, to determine where he was, but he was far too confused...

Oh, and he couldn’t see. Right.

His chest hurt, and he felt as if he had a wet towel stuffed into his lungs. He was on his back. He didn’t like being on his back. Where was he? Charles reached up one trembling hand, trying to determine where he was, and what was happening in his world. Everything was so confusing….

Someone gently helped him onto his side. Charles’ shaking hand touched something warm, and solid. He drew his hand down over it, eventually realizing it was a body. Charles tried to raise his head, but it was difficult. He felt like a newborn kitten. Everything was so strange, and he was so weak….

“Put your head down,” said a voice like a low quiet growl.

Charles mused in a vague sort of way that if he was a kitten, then mama must be a tiger. He craned his neck, his thoughts scrambled by injury and medication, trying to determine where he was, what was going on, and if he was safe. Something nuzzled his face softly.

“We’re a little fucked up, huh?”

Oh more than a little, that was for sure. There was some sort of tentacle coming out of his arm, and he panicked, trying to get away from it, but the tiger drew him close and nuzzled him, calming him.

“Hey,” it chastised softly. “Don’t pull that out. You need that.”

The hell he did, since when did he need a tentacle?

The tiger seemed amused. “Stop that ya silly shit,” it growled gently. “Calm down. There we go. Little confused, huh? Yeah the doctor said you might be. You got a pretty good head injury. You’re okay, Charles. I’ve got you.” The voice began to sing softly; “No one’s going to hurt you. Not while I’m around….”

Charles was trembling, confused, frightened. His hand reached up and touched a face, blindly exploring it, and felt sharp white teeth carefully nip his fingers. He tried to remember what happened. It was no good. Nothing came to mind. He managed to get on his side and settled against the broad chest, burying his face against the warmth, seeking comfort and safety. He bit onto the t-shirt and held it, subconsciously seeking reassurance after so much physical and emotional trauma. The tiger chuckled, and kissed his brow.

“Must feel a bit like waking up and seeing the world for the first time. Kinda like… being new born. Maybe you are. You uh… you died on us a couple times, Charlie. Now I’m your boss and uh… I’m telling you not to do that again. Okay? If you die one more time I’m firing your ass.”

Charles closed his eyes, feeling unconsciousness coming for him. A strong hand slid over his bandaged head, and warm lips kissed his nose.

“Happy Birthday, Mr. Offdensen.”