13 - Video

[burnmythoughts]

[Jean's broadcasting, again. She's still in costume, stationed in front of the infirmary.]

I'm sure everyone knows who took over the ship, by now.

I'm not going to say you shouldn't be angry. I'm angry. [And it shows, for a moment; in the heat of her eyes, the curl of her mouth. Then it's gone.] I'm not going to tell anyone not to scream at her.

But I'm going to tell you that killing her won't do a damn thing. Death doesn't - it doesn't solve anything. [Her voice is tight, now, with the slightest tremor.] Death is horror and pain and losing yourself in the dark and no one has the right.

[A deep, calming breath.]

My point is - she's an inmate now. And if we say that's not enough. If we say she doesn't deserve a chance at redemption. If we say that, just because this time we were the victims?

Then we're all just hypocrites.

Comments

Spam

[theonlyresponse]

[Er.

Sort of awkwardly stands there and thinks about patting her shoulder.

And then hugs back, gently.]

Spam

[burnmythoughts]

[Jean's actually surprised, when he hugs her back. She thought he might step away.

But this is - it feels comfortable and safe, and she gives him a tight squeeze before pulling back.]

I knew you could do it.

Spam

[theonlyresponse]

Hm. [Nope still can't process being believed in, even when he knows her faith and Alex's is what helped the most. Sometimes you just needed people outside the situation to take a look at it and decide what to do.] How are you doing?

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[burnmythoughts]

[Jean rolls her eyes a little.] I swear, both of you. [She'll have to congratulate Alex, too, whether he likes it or not.]

I'm - like I said, okay. Things could have been a lot worse. [If she'd ended up in Zero - she can't entirely repress the shudder.]

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[theonlyresponse]

It's fixed now, at least.

[A beat.] Thank you, again. If you hadn't said -- what you did. I wouldn't be here.

Spam

[burnmythoughts]

Yeah. [There's a lot of relief in the word - and a bit of guilt, too.

Her eyes go wide.]

I - really? That's...wow. Um.

Spam

[theonlyresponse]

[Hi this is Bruce in all his awkwardturtle glory.] Yes.

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[burnmythoughts]

[It's okay, Jean is a turtle whisperer.

A slow, warm smile spreads across her face.]

That's - really amazing. I'm honoured.

Spam

[theonlyresponse]

[Still awkward and fidgets slightly.] Would you like tea? I have a kitchen now.

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[burnmythoughts]

[Jean nods, stepping closer.] I'd love some.

Spam

[theonlyresponse]

Kettle's on. [He gestures to the table.] Sit down.

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[burnmythoughts]

[Jean does, head turning this way and that as she takes everything in.]

It's nice.

Spam

[theonlyresponse]

[He sits down opposite, still a little bewildered he even has a kitchen and a shower now.] It was where I lived. Before the cave.

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[burnmythoughts]

[Jean smiles again, nodding. That...definitely sounds better.]

It reminds me of home.

...Well, um, school.

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[theonlyresponse]

Alex mentioned it.

[Tea's done, and he pours some out for her.]

My butler makes better, but this will have to do.

Spam go us

[burnmythoughts]

Yeah, theirs is - it's familiar, in some ways.

[Jean's eyes widen with her grin.]

You have a butler?

hush we are the best

[theonlyresponse]

[The change isn't extremely obvious, but he does become more subdued.]

Had.

[burnmythoughts]

[Her expression sobers, and she lowers her teacup.]

I'm sorry.

[theonlyresponse]

He's not dead. [The correction is quick.] He left. For good reasons.

[burnmythoughts]

[A quiet sigh of relief, and she smiles.]

Good. Then - you can see him again.

[theonlyresponse]

I hope so.

[He takes a sip, considering his word choice.

Hope. Not something he's always had. Or thought he had, right now.]

[burnmythoughts]

[Jean takes a sip, too, considering.]

If he left...I think it's because he didn't recognise you anymore. He thought he'd lost you.

I think he'd be happy to have you back.

[theonlyresponse]

[He puts down his cup.] Even if I've changed?

[While he's definitely not That Person anymore, well, he still isn't the one he was before he lost Jason.]

[burnmythoughts]

Everyone changes. It doesn't have to be good or bad, it's just...just life. [She'll never be the girl she was before she lost Annie, before she joined the X-Men, before the Vanquish.]

I think he'll get that.

[theonlyresponse]

I hope so.

['Hope'. Not something he ever envisioned himself having. But with Alfred, and the Dick that was at home? He had to hope. If not for forgiveness, then at least... understanding.]