Among the Strong
Jul. 18th, 2024 09:07 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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marysuevirusTitle: Among the Strong
Chapter Twenty Three: Disclosure
Fandom: the Marvel universe
Rating: 18 and up
Warnings: graphic violence, language, sex, dark themes, anything else i can toss in.
Disclaimer: the recognizable characters and places contained herein are the property of Marvel. i'm merely borrowing for the sake of entertainment. no money is being made from this venture. Haley belongs todazzledfirestar Morgan belongs toginevra Roxxy belongs tonanaeanaven Jehnna belongs to silverfox_chan and Dare belongs to me. the concept and title of The Mary Sue Virus are used with permission from dazzledfirestar .
Author's Notes: this is almost entirely Daz's fault. okay. so it really isn't. its actually almost 100% my fault. Daz just did a whole lot of encouraging. this fic is going to be kind of dark, so please keep that in mind while reading.
Among the Strong - the index
Xavier's office was crowded to the gills. Too many people jammed into too small a space. Ororo had one of the chairs, her face solemn and concerned. Her hands rested in her lap, fingers twined together. A stately pose befitting a woman who was as close to a goddess as he'd ever met. Logan was to her left, leaning against the ceiling-to-floor bookcase, arms crossed over his chest. His expression was much the same as it always was, suggesting that he was either angry, cranky, or pissed. Possibly all three. It was just surprising he wasn't abusing the end of a stogie with his teeth.
Remy stood somewhere between Logan and the chair Ororo occupied. He looked calm and at ease, but it was a show. Any other time, it wouldn't be. But given the purpose for the meeting, that calm was definitely all show. There was a faint touch of tension in his shoulders. And the way his fingers tapped against his pockets suggested he had cards in both of them. A safety measure. He was no doubt all twisted up inside. Probably with worry about how this was all going to play out. With worry for Dare and their baby. And with worry for what Sinister was going to do. And they wouldn't even talk about the guilt.
Warren stood in front of the door, the only place where he was able to stretch his wings if the need arose. He didn't think for a moment that it wouldn't. They'd been back less than a day and everyone was twitchy. Anxious. Worried. Nervous. Riddled with guilt. Whatever it was that Xavier hoped to accomplish here today was likely not going to happen. Chances were good this would turn into some kind of fight.
His gaze moved again, this time finding Sam. He had positioned himself near the corner of Xavier's desk and the expression on his face said that he would rather be anywhere else than in the man's office. It was likely everyone else felt the same. He knew he did.
The other chair in the office was occupied by Henry. He looked tired and just a little ruffled. Yesterday had been a bad one, with all eight of them returning almost at once and the girls coming back ready to give birth at anytime. Add in his worry over Roxxy, who had apparently nearly died as a result of Purple Team's fight with the horsemen, and then the added concern when Dare had slipped out of the medlab without attracting any attention along with the fact that it had been far too hard and had taken far too long to find her, and Henry probably needed a week of sleep.
As for himself, Scott stood behind Henry, arms crossed in a position that mirrored Logan's and his jaw set in what everyone knew was his 'pissed as hell' look. He was running on a few bare hours of sleep because his mind hadn't wanted to shut up at all. If it hadn't been playing back the argument with Jean and just how absurd it had been, it had been caught up in thoughts on why Sinister hadn't kept the girls in order to take possession of the babies as soon as they were born. And when it hadn't been occupied with that absolute bullshit, it had reminded him in vivid detail of the look on Haley's face. The one of quiet, bitter acceptance. Like she'd expected him, had been waiting for him, to leave her.
Damn Jean and her timing. He was willing to bet she'd arrived just then on purpose. It wasn't like she'd ever been shy about invading his private thoughts before. Last night wouldn't have been any different. The moment she'd realized he was back at the mansion, she'd probably gone digging. And she likely hadn't liked what she'd found. He wasn't sure what was going on in that head of hers, but he knew there was something happening up there. Something he wasn't going to like very much. If only he'd had a minute more with Haley, he was sure she wouldn't have looked so lost and defeated when he'd excused himself.
The sound of Charles clearing his throat brought Scott from his thoughts. The professor, as was usual, sat behind his desk with hands together in front of him. His gaze was moving over the room slowly, as if ensuring he had everyone's attention. It was more likely he was trying to pick up stray thoughts here and there. If he got any, Scott was sure he didn't like what he found. "I want to thank you all for coming on such short notice. I'm certain that this has not been the easiest of times for you."
No one said anything, but Scott was willing to bet they were all thinking the same thing and it wasn't very nice. Charles gave what sounded like a soft sigh of reluctance, but Scott wasn't in a very charitable mood. He was fairly positive that there was no reluctance involved. "I'm sure you all know why I've called you together. I wanted to discuss what happened while you were held by Mr. Sinister."
There was a snort from somewhere on Scott's left and he couldn't be sure just who it was that had made it. "I think you're missing some of the people who were held by Mr. Sinister," Scott said, his voice even and quiet. Charles looked at him a moment or two before letting go another one of those sighs.
"I felt it in poor taste to ask the members of Purple Team to sit through the horror of their trauma once more. Especially given that most of them are in a delicate state at the moment."
It was a bullshit excuse. Scott knew it the moment it passed Xavier's lips. Apparently the others felt the same, because he heard the rustle of feathers as Warren's wings shifted. A curse muttered softly in French. But it was Sam's voice that filled the air, stained it with disbelief and confusion and a heaping helping of anger. "And none of us suffered any trauma while we were there? Is it because we're men and Purple Team is all women? Is this some sort of misogynistic bullshit?"
"Purple Team is more than capable of handling a conversation like this. Even in their delicate states," Warren added. "I recall it was a member of Purple Team who faced down an alien intent on taking out the whole planet. By herself. And she made it possible for us to destroy it. That same member was in a delicate state when she took on Doom, her team backing her up, because you refused to listen to her."
"And dere de time another member of Purple Team took on Doom. Even though you want her sidelined. From what I hear, she damn near killed Doom. And while dere was no baby, she was in no condition to battle Doom."
"I think you misunderstood my motives then, Gambit," Xavier said.
"And now? Are we misunderstanding them now?" Scott asked. He let the edge of anger touch his words, bringing Xavier's gaze his way. There was a flash of something in his eyes, but Scott couldn't be sure what he was seeing. "You're intentionally leaving the four members of Purple Team who were also being held by Sinister from this meeting. Its disrespectful. And, quite frankly, you've been disrespectful to Purple Team for some time."
"I told you, Scott. They need time to..."
"Yes. They need time. Sam, Warren, Remy, and I also need time. But you called us here. You didn't call them. You've never fully accepted them as a real team. Not even when you saw them very clearly take my team down. They managed successfully take my visor from me. They've done everything you've ever asked of them, and more, and still you treat them like a powder puff football team. Its insulting to their abilities and its unfair," Scott told him.
"Slim's right, Chuck. The five of them are more than capable of holding their own. Hell, Dare brought down Doom's castle on her own. But you don't wanna see them as anything but a PR stunt. Do ya?" Logan shifted positions, his posture edging toward aggressive. Scott didn't think he'd attempt anything, but he was making it clear he was as tired of the bullshit as it seemed everyone else was.
"You picked Purple Team to take on a mutant-hating cult. Because you felt their youth would work in their favor. Because you felt their gender would work in their favor. I didn't see you offering up sympathies when they returned from a mission I remember telling you, specifically, should be given to one of the more experienced teams. Someone nearly shot Stone. All of them watched people die needlessly. And Dare, new mother that she was, dealt with a zealot who was more than willing to sacrifice a baby. A baby girl. Its absolutely amazing that she didn't lose it and simply destroy everything in her path."
Scott paused to gauge the professor's reaction. Xavier didn't bother to look too upset with that. Almost as if he didn't think it was the big deal Scott was making of it. Which only brought Scott's anger up another ten notches.
"They did one hell of a job, by the way. No unnecessary destruction or loss of life. They tried really damn hard to save as many of the cultists as they could when it became apparent that people were going to die." This time, there was awe and admiration wound through Scott's anger. "But that's not what you care about, is it? You care about the image of your X-Men."
"Yes. They are my X-Men and I--"
This time, Scott stepped forward. Just one step. And he made sure that single step telegraphed every ounce of anger and disappointment he felt. "They're my X-Men, Charles. I'm the one who doles out missions and issues orders. Sometimes, the orders come from you. More often than not, they're my orders. And I'm the one who worries myself sick when one of my X-Men is taken. When one of them is injured. When anything happens to them. I don't seem to recall you shedding any tears when Sabretooth gutted Dare and left her for dead. And I don't seem to recall you ever trying to help her over the massive amount of trauma she's suffered."
"I understand that you're upset, Scott. And you are allowed to be. But this is neither the time, nor the place, to launch into such attacks. The issue at hand is--"
"The issue at hand, Charles, is the invalidation of Purple Team by their omission from this meeting," Ororo's voice, calm and serene as ever, cut across the tension in the air. It was filled with sadness and disappointment. All eyes turned to the woman. There was some mild surprise on the faces of several there because it was odd to hear Ororo speak up against anything Xavier did. "Yes, they have all suffered trauma from their dealings with Sinister. This includes Roxxy, who very nearly died as a result of doing what it was you asked of her. Each of them is hurt and confused and needs a friendly face to ease their fears. And yet, you ignore them. You ignore all of the good they have done for people. Mutants and humans alike. And you ignore all of the good they have done for you."
Xavier had no reply to Ororo's words. He stared at her, as if lost for words. Or as if he didn't feel he needed to say anything. Scott was willing to be it was both. "You have been flooded with requests from mutants around the world to come to your school. Enrollment has never been higher. Because every time Purple Team goes out on a mission, the world sees a group of young women who are confident in themselves and who are willing to help anyone in need. Logan is correct. You see those young women as good public relations for you. You barely see them as thinking, feeling individuals. I never in all my days thought I would see you stoop so low as you have with Purple Team. For the first time since you found me on the streets in Egypt, I feel shame. I am ashamed of you, Charles, and I am ashamed to call myself an X-Man."
Henry shifted in his seat, his large body leaning toward Ororo's chair intently. "Now, Ororo. You shouldn't feel shame for being an X-Man. Think of all the people you've helped. Think of all the people the X-Men have helped. You have done wonderful, miraculous things as an X-Man. As have all those who have followed in our footsteps." Henry's gaze landed on each of them in turn, ending with Scott before turning his attention back on the only woman in the room. "Each of us here has lived up to an ideal in our time as X-Men. And we have all helped those who needed our help. No matter who they were. Without question and without hesitation. There is no need to be ashamed of all that we have accomplished."
"Henry's right," Scott nodded his head. Though he was staring straight at Storm, his words were meant for everyone. "The X-Men have accomplished too many things and done too much good for you to be ashamed of your time here."
With that statement, he let his gaze wander around the room so that it took in his colleagues and friends. Then he let it come to rest on Xavier where he sat behind his desk. "You started something amazing and wonderful here, Professor. The idea of mutants coming together to help mankind, to show people that they have nothing to fear, was a good one. But it apparently only applies to the teams you handpick. Purple Team doesn't fall into that category. Do they?"
"You know I always had the best interest of my students at heart, Scott. Their safety and well-being are always first and foremost in my mind." Xavier sounded so sincere. And maybe he was. But that didn't excuse the way he'd treated the members of Purple Team.
"Until your shit gets thrown into the mix, right?" Logan's voice was a low growl and it drew everyone's attention his way. The man wasn't looking at the room. He was looking at a picture, his face touched by bitterness. Turning that picture around so that everyone in the room could see it dealt and almost physical blow to Scott.
He remembered when it had been taken. Not long before the incident. The image had been captured outside, sunshine making the green of the trees in the background bright and vivid. He was laughing, as were his companions in the picture. Warren was to his left, head thrown back as he let go a belly laugh. Scott was almost bent at the waist, his arms wrapped around his stomach because he'd been laughing so much and so hard that the muscles there hurt. And, tucked between him and Angel, stood Harper. Mischief sparkled in his eyes and tugged the corners of his lips up into an unrepentant grin. Scott could even remember what Harper had said that day. A quick comment about Haley had led to a discussion about just how fucked the villains would be when she started taking them on. The mental image of Haley pounding on Doom, his power armor dented and deformed, and Doom begging her to stop, had been the thing to bring their laughter to the surface.
Silence settled across the room and pricked the skin like thorns. There was a tightness in Scott's chest as bitter self-recrimination and choking guilt rose up to strangle him. There wasn't a soul in the room who didn't remember the day that Juggernaut had slammed through the school and ended Harper's life.
"I don't recall you being overly concerned about Haley's well-being in the aftermath of Harper's death," Warren said. His voice told everyone he, too, was remembering that day and the senselessness of it all. "It was her friends who made sure she wasn't alone while she grieved. It was her dedication to preserving Harper's memory and ensuring his sacrifice wasn't empty that got her through. And, if I recall, you strung her along. She achieved everything out of her own will and desire. Her own hard work. You didn't really want her to lead a team. Did you?"
"I think we've gotten away from the reason I called you here," Xavier said, voice calm and patient. But the rigid way he held himself told everyone that he was far from those things.
"You called us here to talk about Sinister," Scott replied steadily. "And we reminded you that this discussion wouldn't be complete without Purple Team present. Because Sinister did worse to them than he did to us."
"Scott, I realize that you are offended on their behalf and that sentiment is very noble of you. However, I really am concerned about their best interests..."
"I call bullshit," Sam interjected. Xavier turned to look at the man in question. There was a faint hint of anger simmering his expression. Looked like he was getting tired of being brow beaten. Looked like that old saying was right. The truth hurt.
"I agree with Sam. I find it difficult to believe you have their best interests at heart. Because I recall you dismissing Haley's feelings about the apparently deaths of the Fantastic Four. And I recall you never did apologize to her for that. Its never been about their best interests. Its always been about how you look."
"I'm not going to hold any of this against you, Scott. Its quite obvious that you are more than upset by recent events and you're not thinking rationally. But I would remind you," Xavier paused and glanced around the room. "I would remind all of you that I put the health of my X-Men first and foremost."
Scott gave an ugly laugh at that. "You're really going to sit here and hand us that line? When at least three of the people in this room know that you ordered Remy to keep Dare in a hospital bed after Doom's agents grabbed Haley from the mutant rights conference in Paris. You didn't seem interested in anything she had to say about it. Even though Dare witnessed Haley being taken out of the ballroom before the explosion that destroyed everyone else there. Which is why I didn't try and talk her down when she called me to tell me what she had planned. Even though I knew she was injured and that it was highly likely that Doom would kill her."
That bombshell was met with a few gasps and some grumbling. Scott could feel all of them staring at him as if they'd never seen him before. Maybe they hadn't. He doubted they knew how many times he'd gone to bat for Purple Team. It was probably time they knew. "Just like I have been stepping between them and your ego for years on end, Charles. Haley Stone is a born leader. She and her team work in perfect harmony and they get results. Maybe not in the ways that matter to you, but they get results. And I have always been there to be their shield when you wanted to take them down a peg. Remember how you reacted when they went out to stop that firebug on Christmas Eve all those years ago? Remember how I had to be the voice of reason despite being upset with them myself?"
Scott stared at Xavier for several moments, waiting to see if he actually said anything in his defense. When he didn't, it brought a bitter smile to Scott's face. "You've tried time and again to interfere with Purple Team and their missions. And I've had to stop you from doing so time and again. You should be thankful that none of them are here."
"Dey unleash hell," Remy replied quietly. There might have been a touch of glee in his voice. Scott wasn't really surprised to find out that LeBeau was that sadistic.
"I really hope you ain't been doing that kind of thing with my team. I can't imagine what kind of reaction they'd have to that kind of knowledge." Sam's voice was laden with disgust. Xavier looked at Sam with what almost looked like relief in his eyes. As if he felt that the topic was one of safety.
"Of course not, Sam. I respect your team and your leadership."
The words fell from Xavier's mouth without thought and left the room staring in silence. Scott felt his blood pressure raise up a few more points. It had been rising steadily over the course of this meeting. He could only imagine how the others felt about what was happening here. "You sayin' ya don't respect Haley and her team? Ya sayin' she and her team ain't worthy of your respect? Her leadership ain't worthy of your respect?" Logan asked. There was more growl in his voice than ever and the way his hands fisted suggested he was fighting the urge to unsheathe his claws.
Xavier blinked at them, as if only just realizing the error he'd made. He opened his mouth to speak, only to fall silent when another voice stopped him.
"I suggest you think very carefully about the next words to pass your lips, Charles." Henry, who so very rarely allowed some of his beastly appearance to slide into his voice, made sure that there was a growl to his words so that everyone knew he was very upset and very serious.
"I think this meeting is over," Scott said. He let his disgust coat his words. Chances were good, if it went any longer, it would devolve into violence and he wasn't entirely certain he wouldn't be the one to start it. "I know everyone has somewhere else to be right now."
"Maybe we revisit this conversation later, hmm? When de girls here, too," Remy suggested.
Xavier had nothing to say to that. So, one by one, they filled out of the room. Scott was the last to go, his gaze lingering on Xavier to remind him that he was on notice now. Then he left the room, pulling the door behind him. Now to figure out how he was going to fix the mess his life had become.
~*~
So much chaos and confusion. Her world, which had been so neat and ordered only a few short weeks ago, was now so messed up that she wasn't sure she could untangle the knots the Fates had worked into it. Fickle bitches, the Fates. Always sticking their noses where they didn't belong. She heaved a sigh and shook her head. There was nothing for it but to start untangling the knots and weave them back into the tapestry that she'd been so carefully constructing for... well, forever.
She needed to check on her girls. And they were her girls, no matter what they or anyone else thought. Not that anyone had asked or cared. She knew that this latest trial had become something of a mess for all of them. A mess she couldn't really do anything about. She could try to help nudge them in the right direction, but they would ultimately have to clean it up for themselves. And that was the problem, wasn't it? Some of them looked as if they'd have an easier time of it than others. If only she could fix it all for them. Tell them the things they needed to know. But she couldn't. Not yet. It wasn't time.
Muttering a curse to herself, she let herself simply drift. One moment, she was in the cupola, staring out at the grounds. The next moment, she was standing next to the desk where the first of her girls sat. Her head was down on arms crossed over the surface and it was obvious she was sleeping. Not her bed, where she should be resting. But her desk. Roxxy wasn't yet fully recovered from her brush with death and her refusal to rest no doubt rubbed Henry the wrong way.
Her color was still slightly off, though it was likely most people wouldn't notice. But Faye could tell. Some of the rich color that was normally there, that spoke to full health, was still missing. Just a little. And there was still a hint of fatigue lingering under her eyes.
Faye wished that she'd been able to help Roxxy. But she'd been stuck in limbo, waiting for Morgan to reappear in the world. She still didn't know how Sinister had managed to cut her off from her double. If she ever found out, there would be hell to pay. The man had no idea what kind of havoc his actions had brought to life. She didn't think he'd like it very much if the two of them met. She still had a trick or two up her sleeve that not even Morgan knew about.
Faye hadn't been there very long when the door to the lab opened and Henry entered. Faye watched him as he paused in the doorway, his gaze locked on Roxxy's bent head. And she saw the fear that filled his eyes. She could smell it very faintly on the air. He allowed himself a moment of worry, then he shook it off and closed the door before crossing to the desk and gently laying a hand on Roxxy's shoulder. "Wake up, Rosemary. You'll end up with a stiff neck if you continue to sleep as you are," he said, voice gentle.
The young woman lifted her head and offered Henry a sleepy smile. "Sorry. I didn't mean to drift off."
"There is no need to apologize. I just wish you would finish the healing process. After all, I nearly lost you." There was maybe a touch of a guilt trip in his voice. Roxxy offered him a smile and shook her head.
"You aren't rid of me that easily. And you really need to work on your disappointed mom voice. That barely hit on the radar." Her words were filled with good-natured teasing. Henry didn't smile. Faye did. She enjoyed the way the two of them fit together. Roxxy had always come across as the more serious of her team, the more studious. There was a playful side to her that one didn't normally see. Not until they saw her with Henry. He brought that playfulness out in her. And she did the same with him. He was less circumspect about his playfulness, engaging in it with those he was closest to. But he took it to new heights were Roxxy was concerned.
The look in his eyes saw Roxxy's smile falling. She brought both hands up to cup his face, her expression far more serious. "I wish you wouldn't worry so much, Henry. I'm fine. I feel so much better than I did just a few days ago. And that's all thanks to you. You, on the other hand, look like you're going to fall over if you don't sleep soon. Did you get any sleep last night at all?"
"I got some. Hardly enough," he admitted quietly.
"Dare?" Roxxy asked.
"And Haley," Henry supplied. Roxxy nodded. Faye was certain she'd noticed the change in Haley's demeanor after both Johnny and Scott had left the infirmary.
"I know. I know you're worried as both their friend and their doctor. But they have to work it out between themselves, Henry. We can't do anything to help. No matter how much we want to. No matter how strong the desire to do so is." Roxxy stroked a hand down the side of his face until it rested against his chest. Then she leaned in and pressed her head to his chest, right over his heart. "What we can do is be there for them when they need us. And kick anyone's ass who hurts them."
That brought a chuckle up his throat. "As blood thirsty as ever, my dear," he commented.
"Just how you love me," she responded. She lifted her head to look at him. "I have an absolutely amazing idea. Why don't you and I go to bed? Together."
Faye watched Henry cock his head to the side. Just a little. To give the appearance that he was giving her suggestion consideration. Then he offered her a broad, warm smile. "That is the best idea I've heard all day, my dear."
The two of them turned and left the lab without another word.
Faye faded again, this time appearing on the grounds behind the mansion. She could see, in the distance, two blonde heads as they moved slowly around toward the lake. She suspected that their slow pace was in deference to Jehnna's advanced pregnancy. Faye drifted closer so that she could hear the conversation between the two of them. "It feels so weird to be outside again," Jehnna said, her gaze shifting form side to side.
"I know. We spent so long in that room. Or the lab. Or the gym," Sam agreed. His gaze was focused solely on Jehnna. There was a soft, radiant look on her face and there was wonder in her eyes. Her free hand was settled on her belly, rubbing it in slow, rhythmic circles. A soft breeze tugged playfully at the ends of her hair and ruffled Sam's as it blew by them. "Its beautiful out here. Its warm and sunny and the grass and trees are bright green."
"And we're together," Jehnna said. She sounded a touch shy about it all. Faye wondered how she was dealing with the idea that she'd been forced to have sex with Sam and how that affected her relationship with Warren. The girl looked happy with Sam. And he seemed to be over the moon for her.
"Yes. We're together. Best day I've had in a year," Sam said, his voice filled with his love for her.
"I was looking for you earlier. Where were you?" she asked casually, her gaze focused on a pair of ducks gliding across the lake's still surface.
"A meeting," he replied. "Nothing important." Jehnna seemed to take him at his word and didn't press further. Faye considered the pair. Jehnna was the most idealistic of her girls, more willing to see the good in everything and everyone around her. Sam had that same air to him, though there was just enough pessimism to keep him grounded. Faye thought they made a good couple. And as long as he continued to make Jehnna happy, Faye would have no issue with him.
Warren had always been good to her. Fate figured he would continue to be good to her, even after all that had happened. That was the way Warren was. Much as Faye hated to admit it, Sinister holding Jehnna captive might have done the girl some good. Faye had always worried that she would be forever stuck in the mindset of one love for one person. It was good to see her learning that there were more loves than simply one. More soul mates. More of everything.
"Do you think Sinister is going to come for our baby?" Jehnna asked softly.
Sam was silent a moment. When he finally broke the silence, he started with a sigh. "I don't know, Jehnna. But I promise you. I'm going to fight him if he does. Right along side of you."
Jehnna nodded, not saying anything. Sam pulled her into his arms and hugged her close, lending her his strength. She sank into his hold as best as she was able. And when she lifted her lips to his for more reassurance, Faye left and gave them their privacy.
Her next stop was the medlab. Morgan had been ordered to remain there until Henry released her. Faye had agreed with it and had intentionally kept her distance so that Morgan couldn't try to pop out when Henry wasn't looking. She was sitting up in bed, staring at the small bassinet positioned next to her. Warren was at her side, his hand in hers as he, too, stared at their infant daughter.
Kayla slept peacefully, oblivious to her parents' anxious stares. And they were anxious, even if they didn't really show it. Faye understood that they were trying to come up with reasons as to why Sinister hadn't kept Morgan and the others so he could harvest the babies he'd forced them to produce. She also knew they were cautiously hopeful that he would leave their child alone.
Faye was sure Morgan knew, deep inside, that Sinister would do no such thing. She also knew that Morgan and Warren, like Sam and Jehnna, would fight tooth and nail to prevent him from doing exactly that. When the time came, Faye would be at their sides, helping them.
She studied Morgan for a few moments. The woman had been her host for a long time. Faye had been with her through the many highs and lows of her life. She'd been there when Morgan had discovered sex and she'd been there when Morgan had discovered love. There was so much of it in her. Love for her friends. Love for her partners. Love for her children. And it had all started years ago. With a new friend.
It had been through Morgan that Faye had found her girls. All of them. They didn't know that, of course. She didn't think any of them realized who Faye was. What she was. But that would come. In time. She had to finish collecting her girls. She'd been trying to do so for a long time. It had been hard, though, because she hadn't been able to find a way. But now... Now, she was sure she knew the best way to bring her plan to fruition. And it needed to happen. The sooner, the better. Because they were going to need her and the things she had to offer them. Faye could see that big, terrible things were on the horizon..They were going to need her and their chosen partners to battle what was to come.
If they could ever resolve their issues.
She didn't think Morgan would have problems doing so. Nor did she think Warren would. She was almost certain that Jehnna would be much more agreeable to things than she once might have been. But the others who had been taken by Sinister? They had so much further to go before they would be ready for the big, terrible things. They needed to resolve their problems now. Before they ran out of time. They needed to do so because otherwise, Faye wouldn't be able to help protect them.
They weren't strong enough. Yet.
She'd get them there. But they needed to get their shit together before she could do so.
Faye smiled at Morgan and Warren smiling at their baby. This hadn't been something she'd seen. This thing with Sinister and how it had twisted the lines, how it had shifted the course. But it had been a blessing in disguise. There was more for her to work with now. More for her to bring to the fight. The more, the better.
With a thought, Faye slid away again. This time, she came into being on the front steps of the school. Haley was off to her right, not far from where she stood. On the ground before the redhead was her husband. The expression he wore was easy to read. Hurt lingered and mixed with anger. His eyes burned brightly with the combination of those emotions. His shoulders were tight and stiff and it was plain to see he was fighting the urge to curl his hands into fists.
Haley stood at the top of the steps, staring down at her husband with what could only be a look of regret and defeat. There were no tears on her cheeks and her stance was deceptively loose. But Faye knew her well enough to know that Haley was on the very verge of crying. Her hands rested on her belly, as if offering comfort to her unborn child. Or taking comfort from it. "Johnny, I--"
"Just tell me the truth, Haley. Do you love him?" The question was sharp and cutting, without an ounce of remorse.
Faye watched as Haley swallowed. The woman's shoulders squared, her spine straightening until she stood tall. "I do, Johnny. I'm sorry. I didn't mean for it to happen. It just did. I'm so sorry."
Johnny's jaw clenched on his anger and his eyes slid away. He was silent for a few moments, obviously processing what Haley had said to him. After a minute or more, Johnny's gaze found Haley's once again. "I see." Those two words came out short and terse. Haley visibly flinched from the anger in them. "Then I guess there's no reason for me to be here, is there? I'll bring the kids by to see you tomorrow. I'm sure they'll be happy."
Haley said nothing as Johnny called his flames into being, then took to the skies without another word. When she was sure she was alone, she slowly levered herself into a sitting position. And she allowed herself to cry. Silent tears rolled down her cheeks as she stared off into the distance. Faye wasn't sure if she saw anything or if she was looking inward at something no one else could see.
Seeing Haley brought low like this made Faye want to hug her close and tell her things would be okay. But that wasn't anything she could or would do. The other woman would no doubt feel Faye was saying what she felt Haley needed to hear. It was hard to simply stand there and watch the normally tall and proud leader of Purple Team slowly fall apart. To watch her diminish without anything physically changing. And she hated to see it happen.
It pained Faye that she couldn't spare her girls this latest trial. The pain that came with it. The insecurity and the uncertainty. If Faye could have her way, none of her girls would have ever faced the hardships they'd faced. Then again, those hardships had shaped her girls into the strong and powerful women they were. To erase their suffering would erase their accomplishments. Even knowing this, it was so hard not to take Haley in her arms and tell her how it would all work out in the end.
Minutes passed in silence as Haley cried out her misery. As she purged as much of her sorrow as she could. And then, when she felt she'd wallowed long enough, she watched Haley slowly pull herself back together. It was a gradual thing, Haley taking hold of her life one thread at a time, until the tears had dried and the look of hopelessness had left her eyes. With the grace of a queen, Haley rose to her feet and held her head high, She turned and made her way back inside the school. To the casual observer, she was Haley Stone. The untouchable leader of Purple Team.
But Faye knew better. She could see the broken heart hidden behind Haley's determination. No doubt she'd turned her attention to someone else. Someone who needed help as badly as she did. Haley was folding her troubles away and packing them up so that she could focus on helping someone else. And Faye was sure she knew where Haley was going to focus her energies.
A thought saw her fade from the steps. And a thought saw her reappearing in the control booth high above the Danger Room floor.
There was where she found the last of her girls. The very first of her girls. Solidifying into a corporeal form, Faye flipped a switch. The monitor before her came to life to show her the lone figure standing in the middle of the empty room. No program ran. It was just that room. And poor, lost Dare.
Alasdare. The one who had started it all. The one who had put Faye on this path. A path that had taken her years upon years to walk. A path that, in a short time, would come to an end. The world didn't know what it was in store for. The girls didn't know, either. Had this thing with Sinister not happened, Faye would have put their feet on the path to their destinies already. As it was, she would have to do so sooner rather than later. But she was going to have to find a way to bring Haley and Alasdare back from the edge upon which they teetered.
Her fingers expertly manipulated the knobs and switches until one of the cameras showed her a decent view of Dare's face. Tears trickled down her cheeks, but Dare didn't seem to notice. Her gaze was unfocused, no doubt turned inward. Faye could well imagine what was going on inside her head.
She wanted to go to Dare and hug her. Wanted to tell her it would be all right. But she couldn't. She wouldn't. Dare would have to learn on her own that the people she surrounded herself with loved her. Not for what she gave them and not for who they thought her to be. They loved her for who she was. Unconditionally. Without end. Dare would have to learn that she could trust herself. That she could love herself. That she was valued and valuable.
She'd been trying, for so long now, to show Dare that she was loved and cared for. That she had worth and value. That there was nothing wrong with her. Still, her girl fought her at every turn. Wasn't she exhausted? Didn't fighting herself and her friends and her loved ones leave her exhausted all the time?
There was no warning. One moment, Dare was staring blankly into the distance. The next, the entire Danger Room was awash in flames. And Dare, who had always worn her powers, gave nothing away. Her hair continued to lay against her back and shoulders. Her expression was blank, devoid of emotion. Her hands were at her side, curled loosely and limply in a natural position. The flames roared high, demanding she set them free. Faye could see it in the way they raced across the ceiling and obscured almost every corner of the room. And then all she could see were the flames.
Faye frowned. It wasn't supposed to be like this. She wasn't ready for this. But something had started the process early. The barrier was thinning. Faye needed to act soon. Before it disappeared completely.
Chapter Twenty Three: Disclosure
Fandom: the Marvel universe
Rating: 18 and up
Warnings: graphic violence, language, sex, dark themes, anything else i can toss in.
Disclaimer: the recognizable characters and places contained herein are the property of Marvel. i'm merely borrowing for the sake of entertainment. no money is being made from this venture. Haley belongs to
dazzledfirestar Morgan belongs toginevra Roxxy belongs tonanaeanaven Jehnna belongs to silverfox_chan and Dare belongs to me. the concept and title of The Mary Sue Virus are used with permission from dazzledfirestar . Author's Notes: this is almost entirely Daz's fault. okay. so it really isn't. its actually almost 100% my fault. Daz just did a whole lot of encouraging. this fic is going to be kind of dark, so please keep that in mind while reading.
Among the Strong - the index
Xavier's office was crowded to the gills. Too many people jammed into too small a space. Ororo had one of the chairs, her face solemn and concerned. Her hands rested in her lap, fingers twined together. A stately pose befitting a woman who was as close to a goddess as he'd ever met. Logan was to her left, leaning against the ceiling-to-floor bookcase, arms crossed over his chest. His expression was much the same as it always was, suggesting that he was either angry, cranky, or pissed. Possibly all three. It was just surprising he wasn't abusing the end of a stogie with his teeth.
Remy stood somewhere between Logan and the chair Ororo occupied. He looked calm and at ease, but it was a show. Any other time, it wouldn't be. But given the purpose for the meeting, that calm was definitely all show. There was a faint touch of tension in his shoulders. And the way his fingers tapped against his pockets suggested he had cards in both of them. A safety measure. He was no doubt all twisted up inside. Probably with worry about how this was all going to play out. With worry for Dare and their baby. And with worry for what Sinister was going to do. And they wouldn't even talk about the guilt.
Warren stood in front of the door, the only place where he was able to stretch his wings if the need arose. He didn't think for a moment that it wouldn't. They'd been back less than a day and everyone was twitchy. Anxious. Worried. Nervous. Riddled with guilt. Whatever it was that Xavier hoped to accomplish here today was likely not going to happen. Chances were good this would turn into some kind of fight.
His gaze moved again, this time finding Sam. He had positioned himself near the corner of Xavier's desk and the expression on his face said that he would rather be anywhere else than in the man's office. It was likely everyone else felt the same. He knew he did.
The other chair in the office was occupied by Henry. He looked tired and just a little ruffled. Yesterday had been a bad one, with all eight of them returning almost at once and the girls coming back ready to give birth at anytime. Add in his worry over Roxxy, who had apparently nearly died as a result of Purple Team's fight with the horsemen, and then the added concern when Dare had slipped out of the medlab without attracting any attention along with the fact that it had been far too hard and had taken far too long to find her, and Henry probably needed a week of sleep.
As for himself, Scott stood behind Henry, arms crossed in a position that mirrored Logan's and his jaw set in what everyone knew was his 'pissed as hell' look. He was running on a few bare hours of sleep because his mind hadn't wanted to shut up at all. If it hadn't been playing back the argument with Jean and just how absurd it had been, it had been caught up in thoughts on why Sinister hadn't kept the girls in order to take possession of the babies as soon as they were born. And when it hadn't been occupied with that absolute bullshit, it had reminded him in vivid detail of the look on Haley's face. The one of quiet, bitter acceptance. Like she'd expected him, had been waiting for him, to leave her.
Damn Jean and her timing. He was willing to bet she'd arrived just then on purpose. It wasn't like she'd ever been shy about invading his private thoughts before. Last night wouldn't have been any different. The moment she'd realized he was back at the mansion, she'd probably gone digging. And she likely hadn't liked what she'd found. He wasn't sure what was going on in that head of hers, but he knew there was something happening up there. Something he wasn't going to like very much. If only he'd had a minute more with Haley, he was sure she wouldn't have looked so lost and defeated when he'd excused himself.
The sound of Charles clearing his throat brought Scott from his thoughts. The professor, as was usual, sat behind his desk with hands together in front of him. His gaze was moving over the room slowly, as if ensuring he had everyone's attention. It was more likely he was trying to pick up stray thoughts here and there. If he got any, Scott was sure he didn't like what he found. "I want to thank you all for coming on such short notice. I'm certain that this has not been the easiest of times for you."
No one said anything, but Scott was willing to bet they were all thinking the same thing and it wasn't very nice. Charles gave what sounded like a soft sigh of reluctance, but Scott wasn't in a very charitable mood. He was fairly positive that there was no reluctance involved. "I'm sure you all know why I've called you together. I wanted to discuss what happened while you were held by Mr. Sinister."
There was a snort from somewhere on Scott's left and he couldn't be sure just who it was that had made it. "I think you're missing some of the people who were held by Mr. Sinister," Scott said, his voice even and quiet. Charles looked at him a moment or two before letting go another one of those sighs.
"I felt it in poor taste to ask the members of Purple Team to sit through the horror of their trauma once more. Especially given that most of them are in a delicate state at the moment."
It was a bullshit excuse. Scott knew it the moment it passed Xavier's lips. Apparently the others felt the same, because he heard the rustle of feathers as Warren's wings shifted. A curse muttered softly in French. But it was Sam's voice that filled the air, stained it with disbelief and confusion and a heaping helping of anger. "And none of us suffered any trauma while we were there? Is it because we're men and Purple Team is all women? Is this some sort of misogynistic bullshit?"
"Purple Team is more than capable of handling a conversation like this. Even in their delicate states," Warren added. "I recall it was a member of Purple Team who faced down an alien intent on taking out the whole planet. By herself. And she made it possible for us to destroy it. That same member was in a delicate state when she took on Doom, her team backing her up, because you refused to listen to her."
"And dere de time another member of Purple Team took on Doom. Even though you want her sidelined. From what I hear, she damn near killed Doom. And while dere was no baby, she was in no condition to battle Doom."
"I think you misunderstood my motives then, Gambit," Xavier said.
"And now? Are we misunderstanding them now?" Scott asked. He let the edge of anger touch his words, bringing Xavier's gaze his way. There was a flash of something in his eyes, but Scott couldn't be sure what he was seeing. "You're intentionally leaving the four members of Purple Team who were also being held by Sinister from this meeting. Its disrespectful. And, quite frankly, you've been disrespectful to Purple Team for some time."
"I told you, Scott. They need time to..."
"Yes. They need time. Sam, Warren, Remy, and I also need time. But you called us here. You didn't call them. You've never fully accepted them as a real team. Not even when you saw them very clearly take my team down. They managed successfully take my visor from me. They've done everything you've ever asked of them, and more, and still you treat them like a powder puff football team. Its insulting to their abilities and its unfair," Scott told him.
"Slim's right, Chuck. The five of them are more than capable of holding their own. Hell, Dare brought down Doom's castle on her own. But you don't wanna see them as anything but a PR stunt. Do ya?" Logan shifted positions, his posture edging toward aggressive. Scott didn't think he'd attempt anything, but he was making it clear he was as tired of the bullshit as it seemed everyone else was.
"You picked Purple Team to take on a mutant-hating cult. Because you felt their youth would work in their favor. Because you felt their gender would work in their favor. I didn't see you offering up sympathies when they returned from a mission I remember telling you, specifically, should be given to one of the more experienced teams. Someone nearly shot Stone. All of them watched people die needlessly. And Dare, new mother that she was, dealt with a zealot who was more than willing to sacrifice a baby. A baby girl. Its absolutely amazing that she didn't lose it and simply destroy everything in her path."
Scott paused to gauge the professor's reaction. Xavier didn't bother to look too upset with that. Almost as if he didn't think it was the big deal Scott was making of it. Which only brought Scott's anger up another ten notches.
"They did one hell of a job, by the way. No unnecessary destruction or loss of life. They tried really damn hard to save as many of the cultists as they could when it became apparent that people were going to die." This time, there was awe and admiration wound through Scott's anger. "But that's not what you care about, is it? You care about the image of your X-Men."
"Yes. They are my X-Men and I--"
This time, Scott stepped forward. Just one step. And he made sure that single step telegraphed every ounce of anger and disappointment he felt. "They're my X-Men, Charles. I'm the one who doles out missions and issues orders. Sometimes, the orders come from you. More often than not, they're my orders. And I'm the one who worries myself sick when one of my X-Men is taken. When one of them is injured. When anything happens to them. I don't seem to recall you shedding any tears when Sabretooth gutted Dare and left her for dead. And I don't seem to recall you ever trying to help her over the massive amount of trauma she's suffered."
"I understand that you're upset, Scott. And you are allowed to be. But this is neither the time, nor the place, to launch into such attacks. The issue at hand is--"
"The issue at hand, Charles, is the invalidation of Purple Team by their omission from this meeting," Ororo's voice, calm and serene as ever, cut across the tension in the air. It was filled with sadness and disappointment. All eyes turned to the woman. There was some mild surprise on the faces of several there because it was odd to hear Ororo speak up against anything Xavier did. "Yes, they have all suffered trauma from their dealings with Sinister. This includes Roxxy, who very nearly died as a result of doing what it was you asked of her. Each of them is hurt and confused and needs a friendly face to ease their fears. And yet, you ignore them. You ignore all of the good they have done for people. Mutants and humans alike. And you ignore all of the good they have done for you."
Xavier had no reply to Ororo's words. He stared at her, as if lost for words. Or as if he didn't feel he needed to say anything. Scott was willing to be it was both. "You have been flooded with requests from mutants around the world to come to your school. Enrollment has never been higher. Because every time Purple Team goes out on a mission, the world sees a group of young women who are confident in themselves and who are willing to help anyone in need. Logan is correct. You see those young women as good public relations for you. You barely see them as thinking, feeling individuals. I never in all my days thought I would see you stoop so low as you have with Purple Team. For the first time since you found me on the streets in Egypt, I feel shame. I am ashamed of you, Charles, and I am ashamed to call myself an X-Man."
Henry shifted in his seat, his large body leaning toward Ororo's chair intently. "Now, Ororo. You shouldn't feel shame for being an X-Man. Think of all the people you've helped. Think of all the people the X-Men have helped. You have done wonderful, miraculous things as an X-Man. As have all those who have followed in our footsteps." Henry's gaze landed on each of them in turn, ending with Scott before turning his attention back on the only woman in the room. "Each of us here has lived up to an ideal in our time as X-Men. And we have all helped those who needed our help. No matter who they were. Without question and without hesitation. There is no need to be ashamed of all that we have accomplished."
"Henry's right," Scott nodded his head. Though he was staring straight at Storm, his words were meant for everyone. "The X-Men have accomplished too many things and done too much good for you to be ashamed of your time here."
With that statement, he let his gaze wander around the room so that it took in his colleagues and friends. Then he let it come to rest on Xavier where he sat behind his desk. "You started something amazing and wonderful here, Professor. The idea of mutants coming together to help mankind, to show people that they have nothing to fear, was a good one. But it apparently only applies to the teams you handpick. Purple Team doesn't fall into that category. Do they?"
"You know I always had the best interest of my students at heart, Scott. Their safety and well-being are always first and foremost in my mind." Xavier sounded so sincere. And maybe he was. But that didn't excuse the way he'd treated the members of Purple Team.
"Until your shit gets thrown into the mix, right?" Logan's voice was a low growl and it drew everyone's attention his way. The man wasn't looking at the room. He was looking at a picture, his face touched by bitterness. Turning that picture around so that everyone in the room could see it dealt and almost physical blow to Scott.
He remembered when it had been taken. Not long before the incident. The image had been captured outside, sunshine making the green of the trees in the background bright and vivid. He was laughing, as were his companions in the picture. Warren was to his left, head thrown back as he let go a belly laugh. Scott was almost bent at the waist, his arms wrapped around his stomach because he'd been laughing so much and so hard that the muscles there hurt. And, tucked between him and Angel, stood Harper. Mischief sparkled in his eyes and tugged the corners of his lips up into an unrepentant grin. Scott could even remember what Harper had said that day. A quick comment about Haley had led to a discussion about just how fucked the villains would be when she started taking them on. The mental image of Haley pounding on Doom, his power armor dented and deformed, and Doom begging her to stop, had been the thing to bring their laughter to the surface.
Silence settled across the room and pricked the skin like thorns. There was a tightness in Scott's chest as bitter self-recrimination and choking guilt rose up to strangle him. There wasn't a soul in the room who didn't remember the day that Juggernaut had slammed through the school and ended Harper's life.
"I don't recall you being overly concerned about Haley's well-being in the aftermath of Harper's death," Warren said. His voice told everyone he, too, was remembering that day and the senselessness of it all. "It was her friends who made sure she wasn't alone while she grieved. It was her dedication to preserving Harper's memory and ensuring his sacrifice wasn't empty that got her through. And, if I recall, you strung her along. She achieved everything out of her own will and desire. Her own hard work. You didn't really want her to lead a team. Did you?"
"I think we've gotten away from the reason I called you here," Xavier said, voice calm and patient. But the rigid way he held himself told everyone that he was far from those things.
"You called us here to talk about Sinister," Scott replied steadily. "And we reminded you that this discussion wouldn't be complete without Purple Team present. Because Sinister did worse to them than he did to us."
"Scott, I realize that you are offended on their behalf and that sentiment is very noble of you. However, I really am concerned about their best interests..."
"I call bullshit," Sam interjected. Xavier turned to look at the man in question. There was a faint hint of anger simmering his expression. Looked like he was getting tired of being brow beaten. Looked like that old saying was right. The truth hurt.
"I agree with Sam. I find it difficult to believe you have their best interests at heart. Because I recall you dismissing Haley's feelings about the apparently deaths of the Fantastic Four. And I recall you never did apologize to her for that. Its never been about their best interests. Its always been about how you look."
"I'm not going to hold any of this against you, Scott. Its quite obvious that you are more than upset by recent events and you're not thinking rationally. But I would remind you," Xavier paused and glanced around the room. "I would remind all of you that I put the health of my X-Men first and foremost."
Scott gave an ugly laugh at that. "You're really going to sit here and hand us that line? When at least three of the people in this room know that you ordered Remy to keep Dare in a hospital bed after Doom's agents grabbed Haley from the mutant rights conference in Paris. You didn't seem interested in anything she had to say about it. Even though Dare witnessed Haley being taken out of the ballroom before the explosion that destroyed everyone else there. Which is why I didn't try and talk her down when she called me to tell me what she had planned. Even though I knew she was injured and that it was highly likely that Doom would kill her."
That bombshell was met with a few gasps and some grumbling. Scott could feel all of them staring at him as if they'd never seen him before. Maybe they hadn't. He doubted they knew how many times he'd gone to bat for Purple Team. It was probably time they knew. "Just like I have been stepping between them and your ego for years on end, Charles. Haley Stone is a born leader. She and her team work in perfect harmony and they get results. Maybe not in the ways that matter to you, but they get results. And I have always been there to be their shield when you wanted to take them down a peg. Remember how you reacted when they went out to stop that firebug on Christmas Eve all those years ago? Remember how I had to be the voice of reason despite being upset with them myself?"
Scott stared at Xavier for several moments, waiting to see if he actually said anything in his defense. When he didn't, it brought a bitter smile to Scott's face. "You've tried time and again to interfere with Purple Team and their missions. And I've had to stop you from doing so time and again. You should be thankful that none of them are here."
"Dey unleash hell," Remy replied quietly. There might have been a touch of glee in his voice. Scott wasn't really surprised to find out that LeBeau was that sadistic.
"I really hope you ain't been doing that kind of thing with my team. I can't imagine what kind of reaction they'd have to that kind of knowledge." Sam's voice was laden with disgust. Xavier looked at Sam with what almost looked like relief in his eyes. As if he felt that the topic was one of safety.
"Of course not, Sam. I respect your team and your leadership."
The words fell from Xavier's mouth without thought and left the room staring in silence. Scott felt his blood pressure raise up a few more points. It had been rising steadily over the course of this meeting. He could only imagine how the others felt about what was happening here. "You sayin' ya don't respect Haley and her team? Ya sayin' she and her team ain't worthy of your respect? Her leadership ain't worthy of your respect?" Logan asked. There was more growl in his voice than ever and the way his hands fisted suggested he was fighting the urge to unsheathe his claws.
Xavier blinked at them, as if only just realizing the error he'd made. He opened his mouth to speak, only to fall silent when another voice stopped him.
"I suggest you think very carefully about the next words to pass your lips, Charles." Henry, who so very rarely allowed some of his beastly appearance to slide into his voice, made sure that there was a growl to his words so that everyone knew he was very upset and very serious.
"I think this meeting is over," Scott said. He let his disgust coat his words. Chances were good, if it went any longer, it would devolve into violence and he wasn't entirely certain he wouldn't be the one to start it. "I know everyone has somewhere else to be right now."
"Maybe we revisit this conversation later, hmm? When de girls here, too," Remy suggested.
Xavier had nothing to say to that. So, one by one, they filled out of the room. Scott was the last to go, his gaze lingering on Xavier to remind him that he was on notice now. Then he left the room, pulling the door behind him. Now to figure out how he was going to fix the mess his life had become.
~*~
So much chaos and confusion. Her world, which had been so neat and ordered only a few short weeks ago, was now so messed up that she wasn't sure she could untangle the knots the Fates had worked into it. Fickle bitches, the Fates. Always sticking their noses where they didn't belong. She heaved a sigh and shook her head. There was nothing for it but to start untangling the knots and weave them back into the tapestry that she'd been so carefully constructing for... well, forever.
She needed to check on her girls. And they were her girls, no matter what they or anyone else thought. Not that anyone had asked or cared. She knew that this latest trial had become something of a mess for all of them. A mess she couldn't really do anything about. She could try to help nudge them in the right direction, but they would ultimately have to clean it up for themselves. And that was the problem, wasn't it? Some of them looked as if they'd have an easier time of it than others. If only she could fix it all for them. Tell them the things they needed to know. But she couldn't. Not yet. It wasn't time.
Muttering a curse to herself, she let herself simply drift. One moment, she was in the cupola, staring out at the grounds. The next moment, she was standing next to the desk where the first of her girls sat. Her head was down on arms crossed over the surface and it was obvious she was sleeping. Not her bed, where she should be resting. But her desk. Roxxy wasn't yet fully recovered from her brush with death and her refusal to rest no doubt rubbed Henry the wrong way.
Her color was still slightly off, though it was likely most people wouldn't notice. But Faye could tell. Some of the rich color that was normally there, that spoke to full health, was still missing. Just a little. And there was still a hint of fatigue lingering under her eyes.
Faye wished that she'd been able to help Roxxy. But she'd been stuck in limbo, waiting for Morgan to reappear in the world. She still didn't know how Sinister had managed to cut her off from her double. If she ever found out, there would be hell to pay. The man had no idea what kind of havoc his actions had brought to life. She didn't think he'd like it very much if the two of them met. She still had a trick or two up her sleeve that not even Morgan knew about.
Faye hadn't been there very long when the door to the lab opened and Henry entered. Faye watched him as he paused in the doorway, his gaze locked on Roxxy's bent head. And she saw the fear that filled his eyes. She could smell it very faintly on the air. He allowed himself a moment of worry, then he shook it off and closed the door before crossing to the desk and gently laying a hand on Roxxy's shoulder. "Wake up, Rosemary. You'll end up with a stiff neck if you continue to sleep as you are," he said, voice gentle.
The young woman lifted her head and offered Henry a sleepy smile. "Sorry. I didn't mean to drift off."
"There is no need to apologize. I just wish you would finish the healing process. After all, I nearly lost you." There was maybe a touch of a guilt trip in his voice. Roxxy offered him a smile and shook her head.
"You aren't rid of me that easily. And you really need to work on your disappointed mom voice. That barely hit on the radar." Her words were filled with good-natured teasing. Henry didn't smile. Faye did. She enjoyed the way the two of them fit together. Roxxy had always come across as the more serious of her team, the more studious. There was a playful side to her that one didn't normally see. Not until they saw her with Henry. He brought that playfulness out in her. And she did the same with him. He was less circumspect about his playfulness, engaging in it with those he was closest to. But he took it to new heights were Roxxy was concerned.
The look in his eyes saw Roxxy's smile falling. She brought both hands up to cup his face, her expression far more serious. "I wish you wouldn't worry so much, Henry. I'm fine. I feel so much better than I did just a few days ago. And that's all thanks to you. You, on the other hand, look like you're going to fall over if you don't sleep soon. Did you get any sleep last night at all?"
"I got some. Hardly enough," he admitted quietly.
"Dare?" Roxxy asked.
"And Haley," Henry supplied. Roxxy nodded. Faye was certain she'd noticed the change in Haley's demeanor after both Johnny and Scott had left the infirmary.
"I know. I know you're worried as both their friend and their doctor. But they have to work it out between themselves, Henry. We can't do anything to help. No matter how much we want to. No matter how strong the desire to do so is." Roxxy stroked a hand down the side of his face until it rested against his chest. Then she leaned in and pressed her head to his chest, right over his heart. "What we can do is be there for them when they need us. And kick anyone's ass who hurts them."
That brought a chuckle up his throat. "As blood thirsty as ever, my dear," he commented.
"Just how you love me," she responded. She lifted her head to look at him. "I have an absolutely amazing idea. Why don't you and I go to bed? Together."
Faye watched Henry cock his head to the side. Just a little. To give the appearance that he was giving her suggestion consideration. Then he offered her a broad, warm smile. "That is the best idea I've heard all day, my dear."
The two of them turned and left the lab without another word.
Faye faded again, this time appearing on the grounds behind the mansion. She could see, in the distance, two blonde heads as they moved slowly around toward the lake. She suspected that their slow pace was in deference to Jehnna's advanced pregnancy. Faye drifted closer so that she could hear the conversation between the two of them. "It feels so weird to be outside again," Jehnna said, her gaze shifting form side to side.
"I know. We spent so long in that room. Or the lab. Or the gym," Sam agreed. His gaze was focused solely on Jehnna. There was a soft, radiant look on her face and there was wonder in her eyes. Her free hand was settled on her belly, rubbing it in slow, rhythmic circles. A soft breeze tugged playfully at the ends of her hair and ruffled Sam's as it blew by them. "Its beautiful out here. Its warm and sunny and the grass and trees are bright green."
"And we're together," Jehnna said. She sounded a touch shy about it all. Faye wondered how she was dealing with the idea that she'd been forced to have sex with Sam and how that affected her relationship with Warren. The girl looked happy with Sam. And he seemed to be over the moon for her.
"Yes. We're together. Best day I've had in a year," Sam said, his voice filled with his love for her.
"I was looking for you earlier. Where were you?" she asked casually, her gaze focused on a pair of ducks gliding across the lake's still surface.
"A meeting," he replied. "Nothing important." Jehnna seemed to take him at his word and didn't press further. Faye considered the pair. Jehnna was the most idealistic of her girls, more willing to see the good in everything and everyone around her. Sam had that same air to him, though there was just enough pessimism to keep him grounded. Faye thought they made a good couple. And as long as he continued to make Jehnna happy, Faye would have no issue with him.
Warren had always been good to her. Fate figured he would continue to be good to her, even after all that had happened. That was the way Warren was. Much as Faye hated to admit it, Sinister holding Jehnna captive might have done the girl some good. Faye had always worried that she would be forever stuck in the mindset of one love for one person. It was good to see her learning that there were more loves than simply one. More soul mates. More of everything.
"Do you think Sinister is going to come for our baby?" Jehnna asked softly.
Sam was silent a moment. When he finally broke the silence, he started with a sigh. "I don't know, Jehnna. But I promise you. I'm going to fight him if he does. Right along side of you."
Jehnna nodded, not saying anything. Sam pulled her into his arms and hugged her close, lending her his strength. She sank into his hold as best as she was able. And when she lifted her lips to his for more reassurance, Faye left and gave them their privacy.
Her next stop was the medlab. Morgan had been ordered to remain there until Henry released her. Faye had agreed with it and had intentionally kept her distance so that Morgan couldn't try to pop out when Henry wasn't looking. She was sitting up in bed, staring at the small bassinet positioned next to her. Warren was at her side, his hand in hers as he, too, stared at their infant daughter.
Kayla slept peacefully, oblivious to her parents' anxious stares. And they were anxious, even if they didn't really show it. Faye understood that they were trying to come up with reasons as to why Sinister hadn't kept Morgan and the others so he could harvest the babies he'd forced them to produce. She also knew they were cautiously hopeful that he would leave their child alone.
Faye was sure Morgan knew, deep inside, that Sinister would do no such thing. She also knew that Morgan and Warren, like Sam and Jehnna, would fight tooth and nail to prevent him from doing exactly that. When the time came, Faye would be at their sides, helping them.
She studied Morgan for a few moments. The woman had been her host for a long time. Faye had been with her through the many highs and lows of her life. She'd been there when Morgan had discovered sex and she'd been there when Morgan had discovered love. There was so much of it in her. Love for her friends. Love for her partners. Love for her children. And it had all started years ago. With a new friend.
It had been through Morgan that Faye had found her girls. All of them. They didn't know that, of course. She didn't think any of them realized who Faye was. What she was. But that would come. In time. She had to finish collecting her girls. She'd been trying to do so for a long time. It had been hard, though, because she hadn't been able to find a way. But now... Now, she was sure she knew the best way to bring her plan to fruition. And it needed to happen. The sooner, the better. Because they were going to need her and the things she had to offer them. Faye could see that big, terrible things were on the horizon..They were going to need her and their chosen partners to battle what was to come.
If they could ever resolve their issues.
She didn't think Morgan would have problems doing so. Nor did she think Warren would. She was almost certain that Jehnna would be much more agreeable to things than she once might have been. But the others who had been taken by Sinister? They had so much further to go before they would be ready for the big, terrible things. They needed to resolve their problems now. Before they ran out of time. They needed to do so because otherwise, Faye wouldn't be able to help protect them.
They weren't strong enough. Yet.
She'd get them there. But they needed to get their shit together before she could do so.
Faye smiled at Morgan and Warren smiling at their baby. This hadn't been something she'd seen. This thing with Sinister and how it had twisted the lines, how it had shifted the course. But it had been a blessing in disguise. There was more for her to work with now. More for her to bring to the fight. The more, the better.
With a thought, Faye slid away again. This time, she came into being on the front steps of the school. Haley was off to her right, not far from where she stood. On the ground before the redhead was her husband. The expression he wore was easy to read. Hurt lingered and mixed with anger. His eyes burned brightly with the combination of those emotions. His shoulders were tight and stiff and it was plain to see he was fighting the urge to curl his hands into fists.
Haley stood at the top of the steps, staring down at her husband with what could only be a look of regret and defeat. There were no tears on her cheeks and her stance was deceptively loose. But Faye knew her well enough to know that Haley was on the very verge of crying. Her hands rested on her belly, as if offering comfort to her unborn child. Or taking comfort from it. "Johnny, I--"
"Just tell me the truth, Haley. Do you love him?" The question was sharp and cutting, without an ounce of remorse.
Faye watched as Haley swallowed. The woman's shoulders squared, her spine straightening until she stood tall. "I do, Johnny. I'm sorry. I didn't mean for it to happen. It just did. I'm so sorry."
Johnny's jaw clenched on his anger and his eyes slid away. He was silent for a few moments, obviously processing what Haley had said to him. After a minute or more, Johnny's gaze found Haley's once again. "I see." Those two words came out short and terse. Haley visibly flinched from the anger in them. "Then I guess there's no reason for me to be here, is there? I'll bring the kids by to see you tomorrow. I'm sure they'll be happy."
Haley said nothing as Johnny called his flames into being, then took to the skies without another word. When she was sure she was alone, she slowly levered herself into a sitting position. And she allowed herself to cry. Silent tears rolled down her cheeks as she stared off into the distance. Faye wasn't sure if she saw anything or if she was looking inward at something no one else could see.
Seeing Haley brought low like this made Faye want to hug her close and tell her things would be okay. But that wasn't anything she could or would do. The other woman would no doubt feel Faye was saying what she felt Haley needed to hear. It was hard to simply stand there and watch the normally tall and proud leader of Purple Team slowly fall apart. To watch her diminish without anything physically changing. And she hated to see it happen.
It pained Faye that she couldn't spare her girls this latest trial. The pain that came with it. The insecurity and the uncertainty. If Faye could have her way, none of her girls would have ever faced the hardships they'd faced. Then again, those hardships had shaped her girls into the strong and powerful women they were. To erase their suffering would erase their accomplishments. Even knowing this, it was so hard not to take Haley in her arms and tell her how it would all work out in the end.
Minutes passed in silence as Haley cried out her misery. As she purged as much of her sorrow as she could. And then, when she felt she'd wallowed long enough, she watched Haley slowly pull herself back together. It was a gradual thing, Haley taking hold of her life one thread at a time, until the tears had dried and the look of hopelessness had left her eyes. With the grace of a queen, Haley rose to her feet and held her head high, She turned and made her way back inside the school. To the casual observer, she was Haley Stone. The untouchable leader of Purple Team.
But Faye knew better. She could see the broken heart hidden behind Haley's determination. No doubt she'd turned her attention to someone else. Someone who needed help as badly as she did. Haley was folding her troubles away and packing them up so that she could focus on helping someone else. And Faye was sure she knew where Haley was going to focus her energies.
A thought saw her fade from the steps. And a thought saw her reappearing in the control booth high above the Danger Room floor.
There was where she found the last of her girls. The very first of her girls. Solidifying into a corporeal form, Faye flipped a switch. The monitor before her came to life to show her the lone figure standing in the middle of the empty room. No program ran. It was just that room. And poor, lost Dare.
Alasdare. The one who had started it all. The one who had put Faye on this path. A path that had taken her years upon years to walk. A path that, in a short time, would come to an end. The world didn't know what it was in store for. The girls didn't know, either. Had this thing with Sinister not happened, Faye would have put their feet on the path to their destinies already. As it was, she would have to do so sooner rather than later. But she was going to have to find a way to bring Haley and Alasdare back from the edge upon which they teetered.
Her fingers expertly manipulated the knobs and switches until one of the cameras showed her a decent view of Dare's face. Tears trickled down her cheeks, but Dare didn't seem to notice. Her gaze was unfocused, no doubt turned inward. Faye could well imagine what was going on inside her head.
She wanted to go to Dare and hug her. Wanted to tell her it would be all right. But she couldn't. She wouldn't. Dare would have to learn on her own that the people she surrounded herself with loved her. Not for what she gave them and not for who they thought her to be. They loved her for who she was. Unconditionally. Without end. Dare would have to learn that she could trust herself. That she could love herself. That she was valued and valuable.
She'd been trying, for so long now, to show Dare that she was loved and cared for. That she had worth and value. That there was nothing wrong with her. Still, her girl fought her at every turn. Wasn't she exhausted? Didn't fighting herself and her friends and her loved ones leave her exhausted all the time?
There was no warning. One moment, Dare was staring blankly into the distance. The next, the entire Danger Room was awash in flames. And Dare, who had always worn her powers, gave nothing away. Her hair continued to lay against her back and shoulders. Her expression was blank, devoid of emotion. Her hands were at her side, curled loosely and limply in a natural position. The flames roared high, demanding she set them free. Faye could see it in the way they raced across the ceiling and obscured almost every corner of the room. And then all she could see were the flames.
Faye frowned. It wasn't supposed to be like this. She wasn't ready for this. But something had started the process early. The barrier was thinning. Faye needed to act soon. Before it disappeared completely.
Tags:
- author: ladydeathfaerie,
- character: charles xavier,
- character: faye lefavre,
- character: haley stone,
- character: hank mccoy,
- character: johnny storm,
- character: logan/james howlett,
- character: ororo monroe,
- character: remy lebeau,
- character: roxxy stewart,
- character: sam guthrie,
- character: scott summers,
- universe: marvel
(no subject)
Date: 2024-07-19 03:10 am (UTC)Charles seems to have encoutered the consequences of his actions, finally. Well... not entirely but it's good to see more folks (Scott especially) speaking up for the girls. At the VERY least, Haley should have been in that room. Can't believe they got him to admit he doesn't respect the girls though. Hell of a slip there, Chuck!
I know we talked about how Harper and Scott were probably friends but is it silly that I never actually... expanded that the way I should have? I'm glad Warren was in on that and part of me wants to write this period of time. lol Also... man, maybe Harper had a little of the pre-cog going on. ;)
I love how Faye has claimed the girls and how she sees what's happening. Clearly there is more going on that nobody else knows but ooooh, it's good to know the girls have her as back-up.
I love Roxxy and Hank so much. They're just so precious and Faye's right. They compliment and bring out the best in each other. This is such a good example of that too. I hope they get to enjoy their night and some cuddle time.
Jehnna and Sam are just... they're adorable even with the rising anxiety and the awkwardness of being home. I'm glad someone is adapting and enjoying the outside again. That might do everyone some good in the near future.
I said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again. But for guys that say they'll never leave, Johnny (and Scott) are sure leaving a lot. It makes sense, of course he's hurt and he's got a lot to unpack but... ugh. Poor Haley. It's all playing out just like she figured it would and she thinks she's all alone. I have no doubt she'll focus on someone who needs it but man, do I wish that girl could deal with her own shit for once.
Having lost her powers for a year, and all the emotional and trauma baggage she's hauling around right now, I don't blame Dare one bit for heading into the Danger Room to burn off some of those feelings. Though I'm curious what exactly Faye is seeing and what exactly Dare's at risk of burning out though.
Excellent work hun. Definitely had me going from "FUCK YES!" to tears in this one. Can't wait to see how this all works out!
(no subject)
Date: 2024-07-19 12:58 pm (UTC)Xavier is finding out that his people have thoughts and feelings of their own. and he's finding out that Scott's sense of fairness is as strong as just about every other one of Scott's senses. Haley absolutely should have been there and it was a poor excuse that Xavier wants to save the girls anymore trauma. and who knows? maybe its true. but he's worried about adding trauma to them and, let's be real here. Dare is the trauma queen of the group. if she could survive Creed, Mephisto, and Sinister, she could survive a meeting meant to discuss the things Sinister did. hell, might do her good to talk about it. i have no doubt that his slip will reach their ears eventually. and when it does...
you made that headcanon more than ten years ago. more? it isn't surprising that you never considered Harper would be friends with all of them. to me, it just felt natural and right. they were all of an age, yeah? so it makes sense they would all hang out. its possible Harper had some pre-cog happening. its also just as possible that Harper knew exactly who and what his sister was and he was just going on that. you never know.
i have enjoyed the way Faye has evolved over all the fics set in this universe. and now we're seeing all of that come to fruition. i feel like her adopting all of the girls, claiming them as her own, is a natural extension after she took so much care of Dare over the years. Faye is, as always, mysterious. but she loves her girls and she'd do anything for them.
i am so in love with how Roxxy and Henry work together. how they play off one another. just how they seem to complement one another so well. their love and devotion to one another is so obvious in how they act with each other. in all the little things. its so wonderful and sweet and its just, really, perfect.
Jehnna and Sam are so sweet, it makes my teeth ache. i really do like them together. i think they pair nicely. and it made sense to me that they would be the first ones to venture outside. its got to be so overwhelming for them (and everyone) to be back in their own world. to be around so many people and allowed into all manner of open spaces. i'm sure, given time, the rest of them will re-acclimate themselves to those things they took for granted.
yeah. Johnny and Scott and Haley. that's a mess and a half. Johnny does have a lot to unpack and we both know that there are times when he isn't great with brain cells. this might be one of those times. its also a lot for Scott and he's going to need time. i know they both promised and i know Haley sees it as betrayal and just the way things go. but i have hope that they'll both get their shit together and find a way to make things work. for all of them. yes, Haley should deal with her own shit. but we both know its easier to help someone else deal with their shit than to try and deal with your own. clearer sight and all.
Dare probably figured the Danger Room was a safer bet than outside. she can't harm anything or anyone there unless someone is stupid enough to walk in on her letting loose. not that its likely to help because she sucks at emotions. but at least she can still express herself. sort of? and i'm sure we'll find out eventually what has Faye so worried. maybe we'll even get a solution to it! who knows?
i'm glad you enjoyed and i'm glad the emotions were there. i never know if i hit the notes i intend to hit until someone lets me know i did. thanks for reading!
(no subject)
Date: 2024-08-11 04:28 pm (UTC)Okay, let's do this! First off, I liked seeing everyone through Scott's eyes. I'm sure his assessments of everyone in Xavier's office were spot on. Secondly, can I just...um...second what Sam said, because gods know I was thinking the same damn thing! You tell him, Sam! I think it's long past time that someone called him out on his bullshit.
And speaking of - damn! Scott really isn't holding back is he?
Damn, Ororo just delivered the coup de grace. Henry (and Scott) made a good point though.
I'm not surprised either, to be honest. LOL
HOLY SHIT! Did he really just say that?
Well, there you go then. You know it's bad when Beast lets go like that.
All in all, I'd say there's a reckoning coming for Charles and this is just the beginning.
~*~
Ummmm.... is there something about Faye that I don't know (or have forgotten) that maybe I should know?
I loved the whole exchange between Roxxy and Henry! And Faye is right, they do compliment one another well.
(no subject)
Date: 2024-08-11 10:38 pm (UTC)not gonna lie. i am starting to enjoy writing Scott and writing from his POV. i think he got short-changed in the main fic (someone was showing her bias) and i've been trying to clear away some of the crap that left behind. i haven't heard any complaints yet from Daz, so i'm going to go with the notion that i'm getting him right. which means his assessments are pretty spot on. and have i mentioned i like Sam? because i really, really do. i like to think that he's kind of no-nonsense so of course he'd call Xavier on his bullshit.
no. Scott is not holding back. and, technically, they are his X-Men. he leads all the teams. not just his own. so...
i like to think that Ororo's words might have an affect where the other's won't because of the relationship she has with Xavier. but yes. Henry and Scott make a valuable point. just because he's being a douche doesn't mean that she should be ashamed of the things she has accomplished as an X-Man. she, along with the rest of them, have done wonderful and amazing things.
i mean, honestly. is anyone surprised about that sadistic streak of Remy's? anyone? Bueller?
yes, he very much did just say that.
and yes. shit is bad when Henry lets his temper out.
oh, there very much is a reckoning coming. Xavier is just super lucky that none of the girls were present for that meeting.
~*~
you have not missed or forgotten anything where Faye is concerned. i promise. all of this will make sense later. i swear to you that it will. just... give me some time. please. and i'll get to it.
you do know that i love Roxxy and Henry together, right? right? because i do. and writing them is just... so easy. they fit so well and they're just... they're easy.
Jehnna is ... kind of a mess? she hasn't really gotten any real, good character development over the course of the universe expanding. and i will take some of the blame for that because i feel like i didn't do enough to help her character grow. so i'm trying now. she will always been the idealistic one. she is always going to struggle, just a little bit, with the concept of more than one love and more than one soul mate. but she'll get to a point where she won't question it constantly. maybe the more thing is both of them? i honestly don't know anymore.
you're not missing anything. its new. and i will explain it. i promise.
Haley needs lots of hugs at the moment. she also needs someone to tell her that it will be okay. she just needs to have faith. easier said than done, i know. but someone needs to tell her that. and i'm sure Johnny will come around. he needs some time. a lot of shit happened in a short amount of time and he is still trying to process it all.
i don't feel like that line is particularly special. it came to me and i liked the way it flowed. (you are absolutely worthy. now stop that!)
i am trying to fix Dare! honestly, i am. but every time i think i get close, she manages to fuck shit up again. but i've done some thinking (okay, a lot of thinking) about her and i might know what the problem is and i might know how to get her on the road to learning that there's nothing wrong with her. and that her friends love her. that the people she's chosen to share her heart with actually do love her. its just... going to take some work. i'm sure she is exhausted.
all will be revealed. i swear!
thanks for reading, sweetie. i'm glad you enjoyed!
(no subject)
Date: 2024-08-12 05:57 pm (UTC)Yes. Yes, I do know.
And that's why I said I don't know why it hit me so hard, but it did. It just ... yeah. I don't know. *shrugs*