View source for 7466/And there was much drinking...

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2021/08/21
|Location=Cafeteria and Bar
|Synopsis=Rahne fixes Mystique, Clarice and Mystique try to fix Talia, and Clarice breaks Rahne.
|Cast of Characters=605,598,2338,713,2263,33
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:605|Mystique (605)}} has posed:'''<br>Mystique continued walking from the central nexus to the bar, then behind the bar to grab a bottle of the expensive&nbsp;&nbsp;vodka and a glass. What she should do is go to the training room and kill things, everything, lose every ounce of energy in her body killing fake enemies until she fell down, but what she decided to do was drink.<br><br>Walking around the bar she stops at a stool, sets the glass on the bar then opens the bottle and pours. No mixer at all, no need, you get drunk faster with just alcohol.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sitting on the bar where she left it is Clarice's Lumberjane's comic book. She had been reading an enjoying a drink not long ago. She doesn't think she's going to get much drinking done now. "I just don't get him," she complains - picking up the last of her cognac and knocking it back. "He comes charging at me at the mansion, shouting about how I have to pay for his tickets. Lorna offered to pay - and I can't have that - so I //paid// for his damn ticket. And he comes up here to throw the money back at me. What does he want?" she asks, letting out an aggrevated sigh. She uses one of her little javelins to fetch herself a bottle of scotch which, admittedly, is overkill. But she's being lazy. Snatching the bottle out of the air, she retrieves her comic, and takes a seat beside Mystique. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Whatever. I was trying to play nice. But no." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2338|Lydia Dietrich (2338)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lydia stayed behind to make sure that Remy and Rogue got to Earth okay, before heading back to the bar looking worried. She watches helplessly as Mystique just grabs a bottle of booze and a glass and goes to town. When she's settled in, Lydia moves a chair to sit right next to Mystique and she settles down into it, resting a hand on Mystique's thigh, trying to offer silent comfort. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eventually Lyida speaks up. "You can't let him get to you like that," he says to both Clarice and Mystique. "He's deliberately trying to push your buttons to get a reaction out of you. He wants you to lose control so he can be smug about how right he is."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:713|Rahne Sinclair (713)}} has posed:'''<br>Rahne sniffs the air in the central nexus. She pauses, then wanders a little. She sniffs, she moves. She's clearly tracking.<br><br>A moment later she peers into the cafeteria slash bar, frowning. Sniff.<br><br>"I missed...something," she says. Which is obvious. "Am ah missing something now?" It only makes sense if you're confused.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:605|Mystique (605)}} has posed:'''<br>Instead of drinking from the bottle, Mystique fills the glass and picks it up.<br><br>"This isn't about him," she states bluntly, almost coldly, then takes a drink from the glass. "I give no fucks about him. His shit is effecting Anna-Marie, so it stops!"<br><br>She looks over at Clarice, "It stops now. He doesn't exist, ignore what he says, nothing about him matter. I will /not/ have that worthless fuck ruin everything."<br><br>This time her drink is much larger, then the glass gets set on the bar with her hand still around it.<br><br>"All you missed Rahne, was Rogue coming to the Asteroid for the first time, ever... and Remy's mouth ruining it."<br><br>And then the anger comes out, the glass full of vodka gets picked up and thrown at the wall. Vodka sloshes out when she pulls her hand back with it and now the wall is covered in it.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rahne walks into the room - and Clarice's demeanor brightens considerably and immediately. She gives the other girl a smile, but before she can answer, her attention is back on Mystique, her expression growning more serious. "Yes ma'am," she agrees quietly. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"He won't ruin things between you and Rogue," she promises. "We won't let that happen... boss." She tries to manage a reassuring smile - and doesn't seem to notice how much vodka splattered across her new comic book. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2338|Lydia Dietrich (2338)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lydia lets out a little 'eep' in surprise as the glass goes suddenly sailing out and crashing into the wall, getting her sprayed with vodka. "Sweetie... please..." she says pleadingly, gently taking Mystiques hand into her own before she can throw something else. She's seen Mystique angry before, but never quite /this/ angry, and it's quite frightening. She tries to hide the fright from her eyes as she tries to calm down her lover. "Please calm down..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:713|Rahne Sinclair (713)}} has posed:'''<br>Rahne winces. She has never once in her life been good with confict. The idea of going to talk to Remy herself is on her mind. But right now she has to handle the current situation.<br><br>"Lydia."<br><br>She nods a little at Lydia, then walks around the bar. She smiles to Clarice. She takes the bottle of Scotch. And gets herself a glass.<br><br>"Together," she says, meeting eyes with Mystique. Little Rahne. How good could her alcohol tolerance possibly be?<br><br>She pours herself a glass, then a glass of vodka for Mystique. She's gonna do this.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:605|Mystique (605)}} has posed:'''<br>For a few minutes Mystique just stares at nothing, she doesn't shove Lydia away or stop from taking her hand. The one glass into the wall, seems to be what she needed. She could do more, so much more, but the tone in Lydia's voice pulls her right back into the here and now, and amber eyes settled on the green glowing woman.<br><br>"Sorry," she offers, half true... she's sorry she scared Lydia, not sorry she threw the glass. "I'll try to calm down."<br><br>It is then that she notices Rahne there with the vodka, and another new glass for her. One brow lifts before she picks up the glass and takes a large drink. "I'm being mellow now," she offers to the smallest mutant. "I'll punch things later when I'm so drunk I can't see them."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"She's alright, Lydia," Clarice offers quietly, and reassuringly, offering the other woman a small smile. I mean - she's not //fine// - but she's alright. She pours herself some of the scotch, though she doesn't seem as determined to knock it back - she does take a sizeable gulp though. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oof. This stuff is not where near as smooth as the cognac," she remarks. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And honestly - I've never been so //annoyed// about having my money given back to me. It's not even like I really wanted to give it to him in the first place..." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2338|Lydia Dietrich (2338)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lydia nods, squeezing Mystiques hand and offers a small smile when she sees that she had calmed down some. "Thank you," she says, and lets go. She settles back into her chair but doesn't touch any of the drinks that seem to be going around. "Just don't hurt yourself in the process." Then, trying to lighten the mood, "Or else I might have to kiss it better." <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She shakes her head at Clarice. "He's just trying to push your buttons, that's all. There's no other sense to his actions, from what I've seen."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:713|Rahne Sinclair (713)}} has posed:'''<br>Rahne drinks her own. She doesn't sip, she quaffs the entire glass. And sets it down without shaking. She can't fix anything. She can help Mystique, a little.<br><br>And she grew up thinking that whiskey was water. Still, if she isn't needed to do so...maybe she'll just...relax?<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:605|Mystique (605)}} has posed:'''<br>Mystique finally sits herself on the stool she was standing by, watching Rahne just throw back the whiskey like it was water. Both brows raise at this display, and where as she really wants to stay pissed, that was just too impressive to not comment on.<br><br>"Remind me never to challenge you to a drinking contest, Rahne, and thanks" she comments, then she looks to Lydia.<br><br>"I really am sorry. I'm pissed, I'm a giant ball of rage right now, and all of it is aimed at LeBeau when really, it's my own damn fault, so it gets turned back on myself." She takes another large drink of the vodka. She can throw it back like Rahne if she wants, she's been around the block a few times with alcohol, but drunk won't solve anything either.<br><br>"Kiss it better? That's really the best threat you got in you? You can watch me get drunk enough to stagger around, and try to punch things, it should be amusing for everyone."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It's not your fault she fell for a twat," Clarice remarks. "At least I had better taste?" she offers, tucking her chin in on Rahne's head, and wrapping one arm around the girl. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'll probably be too drunk to punch things, either. They can set us both loose on the program. But I swear, if either of your film it..." She frowns at Lydia with a mock-scowl. It would be hard to direct the same expression at Rahne at the moment, however, given her current position. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2338|Lydia Dietrich (2338)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well, you know how threatening I am," she says with a self depreciating giggle. "I'm about as threatening as a mouse." She wanders over to the bar to pour herself a glass of soda. /Somebody/ has to be sober enough to make sure everybody gets to bed intact. "I'll program the training room to have a bunch of Remys you can punch, and I'll put googly eyes on him." <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She sighs, as she returns with her drink. "Don't beat yourself up over it," she says, snaking an arm around Mystique's waist. "I know how much he angers you. It hurts me to see him wind you up like that all the time."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:713|Rahne Sinclair (713)}} has posed:'''<br>Rahne can't be upset right now. She's got Clarice's skull on top of her own and is snuggled. Also she has a nice mild buzz, which she hasn't had in a few years and missed.<br><br>"Take ye tae Scotland someday, Raven," she says. But then she doesn't reload her own glass, preferring not to dislodge her passenger.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:605|Mystique (605)}} has posed:'''<br>Slipping her arm around Lydia, Mystique leans into her for a moment and kisses her head. She was just about to get content and comfortable, and maybe make some comment that Lydia is more threatening than she thinks, but then something happens to distract her.<br><br>Rahne called her Raven, and it didn't make her gut lock up in a knot.<br><br>Keeping her body up against Lydia, she turns her head to look at Rahne, and an actual smile touches her face for a moment. Until this point she had been giving people permission to test out using her real name, Lydia of course always had permission, and Clarice had gotten that permission... but Rahne had not. Even still, it worked.<br><br>"I was all prepared to make some comment about you being threatening Lydia, then Rahne just made my fuckin night," she comments, the anger just... gone. For the first time in only god knows how long, she was Raven without hating it and it just felt right. Even what happened before couldn't ruin it now.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clarice can usually figure Mystique pretty well. But she lost the plot this time, a puzzled look crossing her features. She decides, however, that she's just going to accept it and not look this particular gift-horse in the mouth. "Well. Alright then." She lifts her head from atop Rahne's so she can give her a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks for fixing the boss for me," she remarks casually. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's now she finally notices the comic. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Aw man - it's all wet," she complains, brushing most of the vodka off it. "Can I- thanks." The bartender was just ahead of Clarice, picking up a towel and tossing it towards her so she can wipe down the book. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There. All better. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2338|Lydia Dietrich (2338)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lydia looks surprised at Raven's sudden turn of mood, and looks over at Rahne to see if there was any clue as to what she had done to affect that change. Still, she's glad to see the anger is gone, and leans into Raven, settling in for the night. "I don't know what she did," she admits, "But I'm glad she did it."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:713|Rahne Sinclair (713)}} has posed:'''<br>Rahne, for her part, is just looking like she is considering another drink. "Es m' super power," she says. And unwittingly is correct, given that being a werewolf has never defined her. Not nearly as well as 'being herself' does.<br><br>Then, freed from Clarice's clutching grasp, she proceeds to bump her head gently against Clary's shoulder. No reason.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:605|Mystique (605)}} has posed:'''<br>A soft chuckle is offered to the reactions, and Mystique takes a moment to kiss Lydia a little more soundly, even dips her. Once the green mutant is back on her seat she looks at each of the other women and says, "She used my name and I didn't get sick to my stomach at hearing it from someone who didn't have permission... means it's me again, sort of."<br><br>This time she only takes a sip from the glass. "I do need you all to leave LeBeau alone though, because I need this thing with Anna-Marie to work itself out. I can't make amends if she's avoiding me."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So. You're telling me //not// to take his tires," Clarice replies, letting out an exagerated sigh. "And not even to drop him in the Hudson? You're really cramping my style here, boss," she remarks in amusement - fondness in her tone when she uses that title, as it always is lately. "But fine. I'll leave him be. I won't even spend the money her returned to me on making an embarrassing and derrogatory billboard." She smirks with amusement on that thought. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Nah. I'll blow it on instruments for the kids. They need 'em." The nudge from Rahne is returned as she continues to sit with one arm around Rahne - and one hand on her glass of scotch, which she sips from periodically. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2263|Talia Wagner (2263)}} has posed:'''<br>TJ wanders into the bar right about then. "Whose car are we not parting out and then dropping into the Hudson?" curious tone from the blue mutant as she looks around to figuere out who all is here.<br><br>Good crowd she thinks, well good company really.<br><br>Though it seems pretty cozy right now. Dipsmooching evidently abounds, which she does try to not think about too terribly much.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2338|Lydia Dietrich (2338)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lydia lets out a little squeak of surprise as she's dipsmooched. One day she'll get used to that, but apparently not today. When Raven explains, Lydia gets a wide grin, and squeezes her main squeeze tight. "That's good! Reclaiming your identity is a powerful thing. It gets to be yours again." <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I've got my own set of problems," she says, shaking her head. "I don't need to add him to the list of them. Speaking of which, I need to talk to you about some of the magic stuff that's been happening around the area." She picks up Raven's hand and gives it a kiss, "But that's for later. I need to head out and get some work done on my novel. Just finished up the third chapter and I need to do some revisions on it. I'll come back and check on you, okay?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:713|Rahne Sinclair (713)}} has posed:'''<br>Rahne Sinclair, with an empty glass that looks as if she might have once had whiskey in it, is swaying just the tiniest bit. She's next to Clarice, she's waving a little as Lydia takes a moment for writing. She's quiet, and rather odd to see someone so List: Innocent up in the Brotherhood Bar and Cafeteria.<br><br>Perhaps the corruption has begun. Or maybe she was always a real person and not just an innocent little girl.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:605|Mystique (605)}} has posed:'''<br>Lydia get another dipsmooch before she leaves, and then Mystique swats her girlfriends butt as she walks away.<br><br>"I'll check on /you/, I know how you get when you work, lose track of things."<br><br>Now her eyes shift to Talia, and a whole new wave of emotions slam into her. It is apparently one of those nights, but she's already determined to just sip the vodka, not down it.<br><br>"Evening Talia," she finally offers, taking a small sip of the vodka. "You missed the show earlier, and be glad for it, but I'll tell you the same thing I've told everyone else... do nothing to LeBeau, leave him alone, don't even look at him."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"LeBeau does not exist. Check and check," Clarice agrees. She remains cozily tucked against Rahne, as she offers Talia a grin of greeting. "Hey TJ. How's, uhh..." She gestures towards her own guts. "Better, yeah? I mean. You're looking good." Thankfully. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Picking up the bottle of scotch again she asks Rahne, "Refill?" <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2263|Talia Wagner (2263)}} has posed:'''<br>"Ooh... Remy. Yeah he is a cad and annoying as all hell. Check check." she seems amused though. "Also never fear... I was absolutely not planning to go anywhere near him let alone look at him. Blech."<br><br>She finishes her approach tail swaying behind her, after a minor detour to snag a clean empty glass.<br><br>She points the tip of the tail at Rahne. "I was going to get you a drink I recall, looks like Clarice beat me too it." then the same tail hooks a chair and pullls it before sprawling into it. Glass set on the table. "Much better. Should be safe for drinking." eyes bottle, eyes glass.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:713|Rahne Sinclair (713)}} has posed:'''<br>Rahne sighs. "Raven, ah'm gonnae talk tae Remy. He be m' friend." That being out in the open, the reminder that she's still herself, still a bit of from both worlds, seemed important.<br><br>Then she smiles. "Nae, ah be drunk enou already. If ah'm gonnae work out tonite, should stop nae." Now. Translation from Scots.<br><br>Then she mock-bites the air at Talia's tail, grinning. "Dinnae wave tha' at me, girl. Ah can grow a tail too!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:605|Mystique (605)}} has posed:'''<br>Mystique shifts her eyes to Rahne and nods.<br><br>"You aren't part of the Brotherhood Rahne, not direclty, I can't tell you what to to do.. all I'm asking is that you don't mention me or get him worked up again. I need him to just chill the fuck out and leave me and my people alone, alright? I don't need him riled up again, I don't need shit worse between Anna-Marie and I, and he's right in the gods damned middle."<br><br>She leans against the bar now, holding her vodka in hand, then sighs. "Subject change, alright? I don't need to get that angry again. I need to just..." and a drink of the vodka.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:33|Lorna Dane (33)}} has posed:'''<br>"Well, he's not terrible to *look* at," comes an all-too-famiilar voice as Lorna approaches the group with a bemused smirk. She missed something apparently if they were on the touchy topic of Remy LeBeau again. "But I wouldn't recommend touching. Who knows where he's been. Actually, pretty sure we all know," she mumbles with a little shake of her head. Silently she joins at the bar to reach out and snag a drink for herself. "I assume everything is going all right other than talking about Remy's ass?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It'll work out, Raven," Clarice promises the other woman with a reassuring smile. "I believe it will. I mean- it really seemed like she wanted to... I don't know. She still cares a lot too, yeah?" Even with everything that had happened. She settles the bottle of scotch back on the table, so she can sip from her own glass instead - seemingly content to take her time with her drink. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Lorna. Everything's good." Indeed - Clarice seems relaxed and happy, with one arm around Rahne, and a comic book sitting on the bar in front of her. "I tried to pay him, like he asked. He came up here to return the money." She gives a shrug of her shoulders. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then she adds, "Oh, hey, and I met Cynthia's friend earlier - Pete. Seems like a nice kid. We went to get him a guitar, and milkshakes for all." <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mystique did want a change of topic - that seemed the safest one at the top of her mind. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:713|Rahne Sinclair (713)}} has posed:'''<br>Rahne raises her glass to Mystique, the proper response for a request from a friend. Salut. She is more than happy to drop the topic, but she'll be good. I mean, trust is how she jams.<br><br>Is her jam? Is jam? Jammit.<br><br>She turns, brushing her lips across Clarice's, then stands up to quickly curtsy in Lorna's direction. "Your Grace," she says, still happy to screw that title up.<br><br>"Pardon. Must go tae th' little gi...ladies room." She smiles, then ambles gently out.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:605|Mystique (605)}} has posed:'''<br>Swirling the vodka in the glass, her amber eyes watch the movement of the liquid as her mind wanders off to things she really does not want to be thinking about. Lifting the glass to her lips, Mystique finishes off what remains in the glass then stands up and moves back around behind the bar. This time the vodka gets some sprite and cherry grenadine added to it.<br><br>"Those kids need more adults around," she comments once she's sitting on the stool at the bar again. "I'd offer, but my track record sucks and I don't have time." A small sip, the mixture is perfect.<br><br>Lifting her eyes to look at Lorna she offers a nod with a quick, "Majesty. Good to see you."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2263|Talia Wagner (2263)}} has posed:'''<br>The tail is wavered out of biting range. "Sure sure promises promises Rahne." she teases back. "Also it is a nice tail."<br><br>The bottle that was set down by Clarice is snagged by the tail next and dragged closer so she can pop it back open and pour her empty glass full and then picks it up to hand it to herself for a sip. "Hey good to see you" to Lorna cheerfully friendly. Not the Your Grace tho. But she seems to not be doing it on purpose.<br><br>"Also .. I am not a good babysitter either.. for the record."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:33|Lorna Dane (33)}} has posed:'''<br>"I'm not..." Lorna begins to remark to the departing Rahne with a sigh. An eyebrow does lift to regard Clarice after though with a grin of amusement at the interaction between them. There's a clear look on her that states she maaaay have to be teasing Clarice soon, but for now she opts not to in favor of a drink. Her head tips toward Mystique in a faint nod of greeting as well. It's during that motion her hair slips away from her neck revealing a pinkish purple bruise near the collar of her shirt. "So nice to see everyone's getting along for once, then. What's the drink of the night? Bourbon again?" Not that she midned, really. "Good to see you as well, Talia," she greets in return while sinking down into a seat to join the group.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clarice's fingers linger on Rahne's arm and hand as the woman pulls away - a smile on her lips from the kiss - but she does nothing to prevent her from leaving. She does, however, call after her, "It's Your //Majesty//, Rahne!" She sounds amused, rather than put out, however. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The abduction of here bottle of scotch is also take in stride. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'll find us some 'good babysitters' somewhere. Those kids need someone who care about them. Every child deserves that. Without it...." How will they turn out? How would she have turned out? <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hey Lorna," she greets her friend and Sovereign - though her gaze goes to the bruise, her eyes narrowing in concern, before she gives the green-haired woman a questioning look. Anything she needed to worry about? <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:605|Mystique (605)}} has posed:'''<br>Mystique lifts one brow and announces for all to hear, "Nice hickey! Who gave you that Lorna?"<br><br>She takes another drink of her mixture and looks to Clarice. "It's not your job to do that Clarice, if you can help feel free, but try to remember that there's only so much time in the day, and you still have studies and obligations here. I wish there was more time and more people to help out, but you can't shoulder the whole thing yourself."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2263|Talia Wagner (2263)}} has posed:'''<br>TJ manages to not snort or spit scotch.<br><br>Somehow.<br><br>She does pause for a moment. Then takes another sip.<br><br>The amusement in her eyes is severe, her tail just slowly coiling behind her showing a lot more of the amusement then she is vocalizing really if you've picked up how to read it.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:33|Lorna Dane (33)}} has posed:'''<br>Lorna Dane raises her drink to her lips to take a sip. Just at the wrong moment. The look from Clarice has her free hand raising to tug her hair back over her shoulder a bit too late since Mystique apparently spotted it as well. Lightly she clears her throat managing, somehow, to not choke on her drink as Talia had. Instead she sets it down with a small shrug in response as she turns a cool gaze to Mystique to respond, "A Queen can have her consorts. On occasion."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...ah," is all Clarice has to say about that. "Well - join us! Get comfortable! Umm - heads up, my sister plans on telling you what she thinks the Genoshan people need from their Queen, based on her own lived experiences," she remarks without any preample. "So. ...don't want you to be too caught of guard when that happens." She gives Lorna a wry smile at this bit of news, before taking a sip from her glass again. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:605|Mystique (605)}} has posed:'''<br>Mystique leans herself more against the bar, more toward Lorna as she winks. "Yeah, a Queen can... but you, Lorna, can't... who was it? Make my night, cause honestly I need to know someone's having a good life, cause I'm not." <br><br>The takes a large drink from her glass, "I want to do severe bodily harm to Remy LeBeau, but my daughter loves him, so much that his constant insulting and disrespecting me, in my own home, is acceptable and comes between she and I. /That's/ what happened tonight, so honestly, I could use something truly distracting from the fact that I'm a horrible person, who drove my own daughter away, abandoned my son, and loath myself a great deal. Who was it?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2263|Talia Wagner (2263)}} has posed:'''<br>There is the softest of snickers from TJ.<br><br>"For the record your sis is adorbs Clarice. I want to be there when she delivers her report .. request.. not sure what you would call it."<br><br>She has no idea what might be coming.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:33|Lorna Dane (33)}} has posed:'''<br>Lorna Dane clears her throat again while she starts to turn a little pink around the ears. So much for trying to not kiss and tell. Her finger swirls around her glass rim a moment until she gets that tell tale ringing tone. It wouldn't hurt to say, she supposes. "I really shouldn't mention. It was a one time thing... just friends. I mean." Her lips purse together in a thin line before she lets out a single puff of breath. "James, if you must know. He came to see how I was doing after all the stresses of late. I don't imagine it'll be a frequent occurance, though," she adds quickly with a glance cast around the table. "He's seeing someone else after all." Though she had been told it was all right she was still not wanting to get between others.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:605|Mystique (605)}} has posed:'''<br>Well that wasn't what Mystique was expecting at all, but she grins all the same. "Well good for you, you can be another notch on his bed post." She lifts her glass to toast Lorna's hickey then takes a drink.<br><br>"I won't tell anyone, if you're worried about that, but thank you for sharing. I'll be distracted by that for a while."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You are doing alright - aren't you?" Clarice asks. She seems far more concerned about than what Lorna may have been doing with Proudstar. "I really am sorry if I added to your troubles, you know," she adds sincerely. Which is definitely not the same thing as saying she regrets her actions. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Because she doesn't. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2263|Talia Wagner (2263)}} has posed:'''<br>Okay. The whole Mystique calling out the hicky didn't make TJ choke on her scotch but for someone reason when Lorna notes that is was James though she does swallow wrong.<br><br>She sets down the glass coughing and her eyes watering a little bit now, her tail wrapping around the leg of her chair for extra stability.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:33|Lorna Dane (33)}} has posed:'''<br>"Or him on mine," Lorna offers back to Mystique with a little shrug in response. "I did try to not mention who it was, recall. I know it meant nothing, but we are both adults. And I'm aware of his proclivities. It was just... opportune I suppose." When Talia begins to cough so much she reaches out to offer a pat on the back helpfully. "Are you all right?" THen to Clarice she offers a smile. "Just tired. It's been a rather long year all around."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:605|Mystique (605)}} has posed:'''<br>Looking to Talia, "Hey, you okay?" Mystique asks, actually concerned and stepping over to pat her on the back. "You have to swallow it, not inhale it."<br><br>"Hey, so long as you're aware of all the connections involved, Lorna... doesn't really matter. It's a good time, that's what matters. Next time however, you'd be better off visiting Heaven at the Saints and Sinner's club, because at least they have to have tests done every month."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clarice gives Talia a concerned look - but Mystique and Lorna seem to be on it, so she remains in her seat. "It has been," Clarice agrees with Lorna. "It's been a very strange year. But... Things are better on Genosha. I'm working on getting some sort of... mentor program put together for the orphaned kids who were never able to find foster families - so they can have some sort of adult figure that cares about them in their lives. I'm really hoping we can find //someone// for all the kids." <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She picks up her own drink for a sip - and now it's her turn to let out a quiet cough, while the magenta of her cheeks deepens slightly. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She tries to hide this reaction behind a second sip of scotch. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2263|Talia Wagner (2263)}} has posed:'''<br>"I'm fine." TJ wheezes a little bit eyes watering. "Just.. lot of history with the Proudstars but that is not a here thing."<br><br>Deep breath and she slumps wiping her eyes with the back of her arm. "Man breathing alchohol never gets easier..."<br><br>She also is doing her best to ignore the talk about James and provlicities. Not like Mystique is talking about the James she is referencing so no need to get her fur up.<br><br>"There was a robot that ... uh Magneto built once, called it nanny... according to one of my teammates it took care of Magneto and Rogue's kid in her home timeline?"<br><br>There is a matchup.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:33|Lorna Dane (33)}} has posed:'''<br>"Ah... My apologies then," Lorna offers with a difficult to read expression. Really it was hard to know what to feel there about alternate timeline situations. "I knew I should keep quiet. I guess I'll blame the drink." Which she finally finishes off with another large swig before pushing back from her chair again. "We'll find help for all of them, or perhaps see if some might wish to attend the school. I see no reason not to offer them a choice after so many have been taken away from them. Those that can make choices anyway," she mumbles already starting to think over the issue of the children again. "I should go lay down and rest some. You ladies enjoy the rest of your evening."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:605|Mystique (605)}} has posed:'''<br>Mystique's night had been looking up, getting better and then it was her turn to spit her drink all over the place and cough a lot.<br><br>"Excuse me, WHAT did you just say?" She asks as she looks at Talia like snakes sprouted from the woman blue head, only after she's done coughing and reaching for napkins. "Erik and..." No, she did not need that mental image but it was too late. It was in her head.<br><br>"No, we are not talking about that.... we are going to pretend Talia did not just say that about my daughter, in a timeline that means nothing to us." There was no way that image would ever get out of her head, and it would be connected to vodka for the rest of her very long, long life.<br><br>"Take them out of Genosha, that's the way to go," Mystique then says, one more little cough. "Besides, I don't think Xavier's can take all of them, there's something like... forty or so?" She looks to Clarice. "Cynthia knows, right? HOw many?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clarice stares at Talia - and she starts laughing. Oh, poor Mystique. But she can't help it. Magneto and- wow. Just- what? //Wow//. She tries to get it under control, but it's a struggle. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We're talking about the kids here, Clarice. Get it together. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She's still giggling as she forces herself to knock back the last of her scotch, to try to get that under control. It helps a little. "Umm, yeah, forty or so. We brought back 45 milkshakes for the kids and staff today. But I've already told Pete he's stuck with me. I mean, since- well. I'll be seeing a lot of him anyways." She might as well make the decision to //care// about him on top of that. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"We'll figure it out. Anyways - take care, Lorna." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2263|Talia Wagner (2263)}} has posed:'''<br>Maybe TJ just innately knows how to share her multiverse of pain to deflect from her own pain. The living 'demonic' or is it Neyaphem demon of misery loves company.<br><br>She just blinks a bit innocently and carefully picks up the scotch. "No worry Lorna. I'm fine and I'm completely glad you found some happiness for however long it lasts."<br><br>"I was more just thinking we could you know.. robot nannies maybe... or well there has to be caregivers amongst the mutant population. We can't all be soldiers or fighters in a war..."<br><br>Scotch sipped.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:605|Mystique (605)}} has posed:'''<br>Talia gets stared at by Mystique, almost a glare, but not quite.<br><br>"No robot nannies," she states then looks back to her own drink. "Be safe Lorna, let me know if you need any assistance with anything not relating to your love life."<br><br>Now she looks over at Clarice, "We'll find the adults to help out with the orphanage Clarice, just have to be patient."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well. Rahne said she'd mentor one. And there's Lydia. And like I said - I'm- well. I'm trying to figure out Pete." He was an odd kid. But Cynthia understood him, so that was very helpful. She refills her glass of scotch. This would be her second- no, third drink. Because cognac. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"But yeah, no robot nannies. People. Preferably mutants, but honestly - who cares as long as it's people who care about them? It'll gets sorted out. Then we can work more on better housing - and all those other things. At least it doesn't get cold in Genosha..." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2263|Talia Wagner (2263)}} has posed:'''<br>TJ gives Mystique an innocent look, which doesn't work well with the devilish appearance.<br><br>"Yeah okay no robot nannies.. it is honestly just a recipe for some rogue AI or other disaster..."<br><br>"Better housing, health care, other things, might all be easier then solid staff to be honest.. money can solve those easier than it casn finding compassionate talent."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:605|Mystique (605)}} has posed:'''<br>Turning around to put her back against the bar again, Mystique leaves the drink sitting on the bar top and looks around the room itself. "Genosha is almost to stage two," she comments. "Most of the resources and man power from the Brotherhood is tied up in finishing Hammer Bay. Once that's done, probably another month, maybe two, the Brotherhood will be moving to tent city to start building houses, while the Genoshian manpower will be finishing the palace and Hammer Bay."<br><br>She looks over at Talia, giving her a slight glare. She's starting to figure her alternate reality granddaughter out. "Clarice, find out what we can do to hold them off for a couple more months where they are, then when we get Hammer done, we'll build them a really nice place first."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm not talking about staff, TJ. I'm talking about //family//. I had Mister Creed. Yeah? Where would I be otherwise? Without him, and without Lorna..." Clarice shakes her head. "I'd be a mess. I mean, it's only been... five, six years? But I wasn't- you wouldn't recognize me back then." She takes a sip of her drink before adding, "These kids - they've been through more or less the most traumatic experience we can imagine. They need someone who loves them, specifically, enough to get them through it. So yeah. It's a bit of a tall order." <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She shrugs her shoulders then adds, "They can manage where they are for now. But the sooner we can improve their conditions, the better. I say we put the priority on these kids, and families." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2263|Talia Wagner (2263)}} has posed:'''<br>The scotch is sipped. "I can probably help with anything needed to help bridge the gap until a better place is built at Hammer." she offers.<br><br>Honestly she forgot that much of Genosha was destroyed. Everything blurs for her most days and keeping it all straight is hard sometimes. It really blurs in the nightmares she has, not that anyone has seen those night terrors. Unless her room is bugged.<br><br>Hell if her room is bugged there is an extensive montage of her waking up in cold sweats sometimes yelling before collapsing back into tangled sheets.<br><br>"Family is important.. sorry I thought you were taking about baby sitters or staff not about families for them... I missed the beat there.. sorry. Families would be really good for them."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:605|Mystique (605)}} has posed:'''<br>"Most of the kids had homes found for them," Mystique offers to explain. "Whether it was living family members or people willing to take them in, but there there were something like forty or so that had no family at all and not enough people to take them. They live with the rest of the residence of Genosha in the tent city. We did what we could, got them some serious military building style tents, but it's still not enough."<br><br>Turning around she picks up her drink, takes a sip and bam, Magneto and Rogue in her head. Fucking Talia.<br><br>"Anyway, if you got time at some point to just go hang out with them, please do so."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well. I mean, I don't know if we can get them //real// families - like get them adopted or anything - just... mentors. Like I said, someone who genuinely cares about specifically them. Because it matters." Clarice takes another sip from her scotch and adds, "I imagine I'll be spending a reasonable amount of time there. I mean, Cynthia has friends there, so... She doesn't want to abandon them. And I don't want her to." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2263|Talia Wagner (2263)}} has posed:'''<br>"Well meant what I said about helping." she is quiet and thoughtful. She needs to do some more research and visit Genosha here probably.<br><br>"Have you widened the search to Brunswhick families and mutants as well as Genosha?" she figures they might have.<br><br>"Also.. mentors sure but never too late to hope for foster families that care right?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:605|Mystique (605)}} has posed:'''<br>Deciding that vodka was now ruined, permanently, Mystique walks behind the bar to dump the rest of her drink in the sink.<br><br>"A lot of the kids have been fostered out, and putting more kids into Bushwick is a really bad idea. That place is still unstable, and constantly under attack from Mutant haters. Gensoha is safer, even if they don't have families. Besides, to move them out of Genosha to the US requires a metric butt ton of legal paper work, just like coming from any other country to the US, and getting that paper work for Mutants... it's not going to happen Talia, no matter what."<br><br>She starts making a new drink involving rum, because rum has not been ruined for her. "I could use my persona in the New York Social Services office to get a number of fake IDs for them, but that again would be going the illegal route, and honestly they need legal and steady, a firm foundation. So in the end, better where they are."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"We'll see who will step up in the Brotherhood. And who will at Xavier's as well. The Brotherhood's going to offer a stipend - money that mentors can spend on their kid. Getting them sports gear, or a musical instrument, or whatever it is their kid needs - so they can do stuff together. And you know... even with the gruff lot we have around here, sometimes... who knows who'll step up? //Victor Creed// stepped up for me. Who would have expected that?" She watches Mystique dumping the drink - mischief and amusement sparking in her eyes at the gesture. "There's always more of the cognac. We've got like... half a case left, at least." <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Man. She'll be sad when that case is gone. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2263|Talia Wagner (2263)}} has posed:'''<br>TJ looks sobered at her drink. Her deflecting things with humor is hard the way this whole thing has gone.<br><br>Well her empty glass. She doesn't seem too intent on trying to get a fresh glass though.<br><br>Just mulling it over.<br><br>"Yeah .. that makes sense.. about bushwhick. God people suck so much...." she just sounds sad about it at this point.<br><br>She can't even point out that at least Genosha is around to be safe. That is the wrong thing to say. She keeps it on the inside. She has seen the scenaios when it is absolute no need to burden anyone with it. That isn't a funny thing like Magneto and Rogue being an item and all.<br><br>"Good idea Clarice."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:605|Mystique (605)}} has posed:'''<br>New drink in hand, rum and coke, Mystique walks back around to sit on her stool.<br><br>"Everyone needs someone," she offers, but her head was already starting to crawl back to dark places. "I'll offer up Brotherhood funds, I'll help convince people to go help, but I can't offer time." She glances over to Clarice. "You probably get why."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"We'll sort it out," Clarice says determinedly. She's smiling though - despite the grim topic. Despite the disaster of a meeting with Remy and Rogue earlier - Clarice seems almost chipper. She honestly seems to believe they'll sort it out, and she certainly doesn't intend to give up on the notion until they do. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"If you can think of anyone who'd be a good mentor - you let me know, huh? Either of you." She smiles at Mystique - while giving her a little nod. She knows why. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So. Cynthia is determined to teach me to sing, I think. And honestly - it's her bleeding ears she'll be torturing, you know? Poor kid." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2263|Talia Wagner (2263)}} has posed:'''<br>"Will do Clarice."<br><br>Good change of subject.<br><br>"You know.. I have never heard you sing." she admits thoughtfully there. "Is it really that bad.... gosh." she smiles managing it now. "We might need to triple check how good the sound dampening is in your room then..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:605|Mystique (605)}} has posed:'''<br>"All the rooms have sound dampening," Mystique comments, very glad for the change of subject.<br><br>"What makes you think you can't sing, Clarice? Just because you haven't before?" She shifts her eyes to Clarice as she talks, realizing as she does that Talia is also family, in that odd sort of out of time way. Was she holding back because of who her father was, or what is something more? Perhaps it was the knowledge that she wasn't the Raven Talia knew, or perhaps it really was just all in her head.<br><br>"So Talia, is the humor and redirection your way of escaping the emotions you don't want to deal with or just a part of your personality?" She asks these bluntly, but it's an attempt to get to know this grand-daughter, even if she's from another time. It has to be difficult for her, feeling out of place and like she doesn't belong... so Mystique will try one more either brave or perhaps utterly stupid thing, and get to know her so Talia can belong while she's here in this reality.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The sound dampening is fine," Clarice agrees. Because otherwise her //own// nightmares would have been a problem for her neighbor, as well. She takes another sip of her drink before offering with a shrug of her shoulders, "I enjoy listening to music well enough, but... I don't know that I really remember the 'tunes' like other people do? And I certainly have trouble singing along. I don't know. I just don't have any talent for music. Cynthia seems to, though, so- Well, not that I'm any judge. But she enjoys it, and I like listening to it." <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She falls silent after that, curious to hear Talia's answer to Mystique's question. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2263|Talia Wagner (2263)}} has posed:'''<br>Thank christ her drink is empty though she almost flings the glass as her muscles tense at Mystique's question.<br><br>What happened to the funny subject change.<br><br>"Uh..." she blinks a couple of times and then there is obviously a moment where it looks like she might snark or crack a joke or deflect and finally she just lets out a breath and slumps a little. "Sorry." is her response and she rubs her face. "I mean.. I do have a sense of humor and sometimes yeah .. I crack jokes because I'm a bit sarcastic." a bit. "Most of the time though I'm trying to not think of things or ... I guess I'm redirecting. I've stood on so many burned out worlds where the Sentinels wiped out everything.. or Ultron... hell I don't even know if that mistake was made here... .. or the brood.. or .. pick your poison. I've seen stars die .. the Pheonix eat worlds... no one wants to hear about that. I don't want to think about all the horrible things I've been unable to stop and just had to pick up the pieces afterwards.... to try to correct something even worse. I've had to do ..genuinely horrible things to save worlds.. so much death. I lost everything... which is probably why the kid thing .. thinking..." she takes a deep deep breath and veers its visible, too raw, and she looks at Mystique. "I .. know I redirect a lot it has to be really annoying... so I'm sorry."<br><br>She said she got pulled from her world when she was Seventeen. She looks seventeen.<br><br>Hell she hasn't aged a day since she got here.<br><br>She just shrugs abit. "I really am trying to keep my mouth shut but ...life has a lot of triggers..."<br><br>And this teenage but who knows how old she is actually mutant has a lot of PTSD.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:605|Mystique (605)}} has posed:'''<br>Mystique sets the drink down and stands herself up so she can step over to Talia. She doesn't touch her, they aren't to that point yet, but she gets closer.<br><br>"Listen, you don't have to be sorry. I totally understand that some things are just pure pain," she takes a slow breath. "We may not be the people you know, or anything like them for that matter, but we are people who care about you. You aren't alone, no matter how much you may feel like you are, Talia."<br><br>There was a quick glance to Clarice, as if confirming what she just said, but she knew the woman well enough to know she did speak for both of them. "You've said yourself that you don't think you can get out of this reality, so that makes this your home now. Once you can accept that, maybe then you can stop hiding from the past and start looking toward a future."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clarice offers a nod of confirmation to back up Mystique's words, her gaze on Talia, and her expression one of sympathy and concern - her jovial, relaxed demeanor gone in an instant. "I know I'm busy sometimes," Clarice adds, "But if I can help you in some way - you just tell me what you need, yeah?" she offers. "And maybe Mystique has the right of it. You've been here for so many months now... What sort of home do you want? Is any //thing// you're missing?" <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2263|Talia Wagner (2263)}} has posed:'''<br>TJ sucks in a deep breath and lets it out slowly. She just stares at the bulkhead there.<br><br>she is listening but her scent is full of despair and stress.<br><br>"I know.. I know this is my new home and I've really genuinely been trying to just live here and be present. I genuinely want to help and make a home.. and get new family and friends." she touches the empty scotch glass.<br><br>"I've been working on it.. all of you.. the people at Xaviers.. purpose and people so I'm not alone. I need all of that...."<br><br>She looks between Mystique and Clarice now "I don't know how to deal with the guilt though. I left them and my family." she didn't she was taken forcibly.<br><br>"So sometimes.. I well I'm feeling good here and I feel guilty."<br><br>Survivors guilt.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:605|Mystique (605)}} has posed:'''<br>This time Mystique does lay her hand lightly on Talia's shoulder.<br><br>"Of course you do," she offers in a soft, caring tone. "It's hard to be the one who made it and not even know about the others, but you can't let the 'what ifs' and 'I wonders' or even being the one who survive continue to drag you down. You have to be willing to give yourself another chance before anyone else can give you a chance. I realize, you aren't there yet, but with help and family like us, we can get you there."<br><br>She offers Talia a smile and gives her shoulder a light squeeze, then takes her hand away. She doesn't want to crowd Talia out, or make her feel trapped or that she's being forced into being comforted, but the older cobalt mutant couldn't stop herself. She had to offer a little comfort before returning to her drink.<br><br>"In the mean time Talia, if you need to deflect and joke, that's fine by me. It's not annoying, it just is."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:713|Rahne Sinclair (713)}} has posed:'''<br>That's when Rahne shows up brushing her teeth.<br><br>She has no words, the smell of toothpaste overriding almost everything, but she also is plugging her nose. She wanders out of the ladies' room, then waves to the group. Such a normal thing for someone to be doing, she switches sides as she wanders over.<br><br>"Mfaw," she says, then turns and wanders past into the back. Spitting noises come from there, and then running water.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"We get it," Clarice answers Talia quietly. "I mean - I get it. Not the same way, but that guilt that-" She lets out a sigh. "I had five years to find my family. Five years. But I thought they'd abandoned me, that they didn't want me, and so I never looked. I could have learned the truth. I could have known about Cynthia all along. Things would have been very different. Maybe I could have gotten them out?" She smiles sadly at that thought. "So... yeah. The what if's plague me too, sometimes. And- it's a struggle letting that go. But there's work to be done. Maybe I use that as a crutch..." <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;//Maybe,// Clarice? <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"But knowing there was work to do, and that I was needed, has gotten me through so many days..." She smiles sadly at Talia - an expression that changes to bemusement as Rahne comes through with her toothbrush. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"If you need more work for a time to get through things - we can find you work. I mean- I don't know. Whatever you need. And the jokes are fine." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2263|Talia Wagner (2263)}} has posed:'''<br>TJ shifts and leans into Mystique very briefly when she does the shoulder squeeze thing. It is comforting. The contact is comforting. She doesn't do more though because ironically she doesn't want to make it wierd or crowd her not-grandmother out. Irony.<br><br>"My whole world is What If's." she muses softly. "I think the thing that worries me the most is what if it was all a lie. What if we weren't saving the multiverse and our homes. What if we were just being played in a cosmic scheme. What if we did... all those things not for good causes."<br><br>Because honestly she has no way to know for sure.<br><br>Deep breath again. "I'll not worry about being annoying then... and honestly you two have been really...good. No complaints." she is sincere about that.<br><br>She can't help watch Rahne wander through though and go into the back of the bar. That is.. a bit random and puzzling.<br><br>"Am I hallucinating right now?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:605|Mystique (605)}} has posed:'''<br>Mystique follows Rahne with her eyes, one brow shooting up into her hairline.<br><br>"No, if you are then it's a shared hallucination, because I see Rahne brushing her teeth, in a bar." She glances to Talia a moment, then looks back toward Rahne. There are no words to explain her complete and total confusion over what she just saw.<br><br>"If you act in a way that you intend to be good, and try your hardest to be good, then it is good, Talia. I have to believe that, or my hopes of changing are shot before I'm even fully started."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:713|Rahne Sinclair (713)}} has posed:'''<br>She re-emerges then. Random Rahne, the girl with the magically appearing toothbrush. She has it behind her ear, the bristles -away- from her sensitive nose, and wanders out with a slight yawn.<br><br>She nudges the bartender in passing, a smile to the guy that's ...oddly sentimental, and endearing. Do they KNOW each other?<br><br>Then she's all here. "Didnae know how awful toothpaste tasted til jus' recen'ly. Gfaw." She brushes at her own tongue with her right hand. "Ah na...ne'er brushed in wolfy form. Think m' senses are all powered up."<br><br>Then she looks at them all, looking at her.<br><br>"Wot?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Honestly, there's no accounting for Rahne," Clarice remarks with fond amusement. As the red returns - she welcomes her in with one open arm, giving her an amused look. "Nothing. So that's part of the changes, huh?" she asks. "Flexibility, and increased senses? Not a bad deal - even if you might have to find a new brand of toothpaste. When you're ready, we can start learning some tumbling and things like that. Yeah?" she suggests. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She glances over at the blue furred woman beside her as she adds, "Talia could teach you, I bet." Hadn't she just offered to help keep her busy after all? <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2263|Talia Wagner (2263)}} has posed:'''<br>"Wildest thing that happened this week... this new if a bit too zen of a teacher at Xaviers pointed out I have saved like... a quadrillion lives if it wasn't for nothing... which by the way mind blowing... so I may have some pointers on training sure." okay she managed to wheel out a tiny bit of humor.<br><br>Maybe it was Rahne helping break the moment in a good way.<br><br>"Be happy to work on tumbling and sparing and any sort of thing... I've been trained by some of the best."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:605|Mystique (605)}} has posed:'''<br>Taking another drink of her new creation, Mystique glances to Rahne again. She had no idea what Clarice was talking about regarding changes, but then that wasn't her business so she'd let it go. One more large drink and she sets the glass back on the bar.<br><br>"I should go check on Lydia, make sure she remembers to you know, stop writing and actually sleep," she says as she steps back from the bar. Shifting her eyes away from Rahne to Talia, "You have my number, if you ever need a distraction or would like to spar, call me."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:713|Rahne Sinclair (713)}} has posed:'''<br>"Can do thet," Rahne says in Talia's direction. "Dr McCoay wants tae test me first, ah got tae attend tomorrow. After we can tell wot be truly changed." She nods to Clarice too, then gives Mystique a thumbs-up. Which should seem wierd, but given her attitude...well, she gets away with that kind of stuff.<br><br>You know, being nice to people. And hugging Clarice back.<br><br>"Definitely th' nose."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"A bit too zen?" The statement seems to puzzled Clarice, but she lets it go. "Well. That's more lives than I'll ever save. I think you've tallied up more saves than anyone on the planet, if that's the case. We should build monuments to your honor," she suggests - nodding to Mystique as the woman leaves and calling after her, "Night, Raven!" <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Towards Rahne she adds, "I'll come if you want? I mean - it's completely up to you." She gives the woman a reassuring squeeze, unsure if Rahne felt anxious about these changes or not. She sure wound in the same position. "...I smell alright, don't I?" she asks suddenly, and a bit uncertainly. Well - Mister Creed's never commented, so she must be fine. Right? <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2263|Talia Wagner (2263)}} has posed:'''<br>"Heightened senses has a lot of perks." she notes with a smile.<br><br>"Though .. for sure no training or activities against doctors orders unless it is an emergency woofie. None of us want you hurt." she finally nudges her empty glass towards Clarice and the bottle of whiskey.<br><br>"Very spiritual .. religious.. indian arts teacher new to the school. Very nice but wow she has no idea the worlds she just stepped into taking a job at the school."<br><br>She glances at Clarice. "I'm sure you smell fantastic." teasing.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:713|Rahne Sinclair (713)}} has posed:'''<br>Rahne has turned, her head pressed against Clarice, and is smiling. She clearly has no issue with Clarice's scent. "Up tae Dr McCoy, but ah be nae scared. Been takin' tests at th' mansion for five years. They put me through et all in m' first week." <br><br>She turns, pressing her nose to Clarice, then whispers, "Maybe shower," with a mischievous wink that she lets Talia see.<br><br>But she doesn't let go so easily, oh hells no.<br><br>"New teacher seems nice. Ah dinnae remember her name." Laxmi. It's Laxmi. Yes, I just remembered. Words are already out of my mouth, and someone will tell me and stop being embarrased. people make mistakes, Rahne.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...I don't like tests," Clarice admits. And, given her history, who could blame her? Her grip around Rahne tightens as she makes that admission. With her free hand, she picks up the bottle of scotch - refilling Talia's glass obligingly. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Spiritual and religious I'm getting used to," she adds - between Lydia and Rahne. Two different flavors of it at once. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Shower, huh?" Clarice answers with amusement. "Well maybe if you-" Wait. No. ABORT. ABORT. She picks up her glass taking a deep drink from her scotch, and then taps the Lumberjanes comic in front of her. "Umm - have either of you read this?" <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yup. Smooth topic change. Smoooooth. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2263|Talia Wagner (2263)}} has posed:'''<br>"They do like to run a lot of tests at the mansion." she says with amusement.<br><br>She manages to not snort a laugh somehow when Rahne winks, she just brings her hand to her mouth for a moment to hide her amusement. "Laxmi, LAX... I didn't recognize her right away." she doesn't elaborate as to why right now.<br><br>Okay the whole situation finally works that snort of amusement out of her there, can't help it. It is precious. "Hygeine is important.. have I mentioned I'm telepathic?"<br><br>She does glance at the comic though and furrows her brow. "No .. what is it about?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:713|Rahne Sinclair (713)}} has posed:'''<br>Rahne doesn't know Talia's powers. She doesn't know Mystique's powers. Or Lydia's, actually. She also seems to have forgotten how to speak, and is busy trying to remember breathing.<br><br>Clarice was kidding. Clarice was kidding. Clarice's scent was not kidding, and that message came through loud and clear.<br><br>"..gonna take some getting used to," Rahne manages to get out, as she gently disengages just a bit from Clarice, and she tries not to look entirely like a tomato.<br><br>Laxmi.<br><br>"Th' book's cool. Like a hundred issues in it though, so had some bad issues an some good ones."<br><br>When all else fails, fall back on nerd.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She definitely wasn't kidding. But they can talk about that... //not// in the bar. "I, ummm - yeah. It's about- well, these girls at a summer camp in the woods and weird supernatural things are happening and they're trying to figure it out. I'm not sure what 'Beware the holy kitten' means - but I'm pretty sure I read that sentence right?" It's a weird sentence! You can't blame her for being confused. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I like it so far. I'd never read a comic before - Lydia suggested it to me," Clarice explains. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2263|Talia Wagner (2263)}} has posed:'''<br>"When you're done with the collection can I borrow it?" she muses. "It sounds like the gravity falls cartoon sort of.. but all girls. Seems right up your alley."<br><br>Yeah she is teasing Clarice.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:713|Rahne Sinclair (713)}} has posed:'''<br>"Ah'm gonnae go t' my room," Rahne says, leveling a look at Talia of all people. Why? Because...she's defending Clarice? Possibly. But then she turns, looks at Clarice, and says, "...not yet."<br><br>Then she turns and -dashes- out of the room, her tail between her legs. Not literally, it's a metaphor at the moment.<br><br>It appears that the ABORT didn't happen soon enough, for the Rahne to get cold feet. Or to panic. Or get confused.<br><br>To be fair, Rahne did the same thing to Clarice once. I remember a kiss...<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"What's Gravity Falls?" Clarice asks uncertainly. But then Rahne is beating a hasty retreat from the room and, for a moment, Clarice looks absolutely stricken. "Rahne, I-" Fuck. //Damnit//. She groans, folding her arms on the counter of the bar and hiding her face in them. "I goofed that up," she complains quietly. //Damnit//. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rahne'll get over it. Won't she? She will. Right? If she got over the talk of her and Mister Creed's //hunts// - then this was nothing. ... right? <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2263|Talia Wagner (2263)}} has posed:'''<br>"Cartoon about twins in a strange town in the pacific northwest full of supernatural wierdness... excellent show. Highly recommend."<br><br>She watches Rahne go and Clarice melt down a bit. She reaches over and fuzzles Clarice's hair. "You did not.. you two are adorable and will figure it out. You make me want to do that net meme ..." she gestures with her hands pushing two invisible objects together "Now kiss"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I did. I goofed," Clarice insists. "And the kissing part - we've got figured out." Just, you know, not so much... all the rest of it. But that's fine. It's fine. She likes Rahne, so waits. "She's the one who started it!" What? By just //saying// the word 'shower'? That's hardly fair, is it? <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She sighs and pushes herself back upright as she repeats, "Gravity Falls. Well - I'll try to look it up. Maybe I'll watch it, though there's still so //much// I haven't seen yet..." It takes time to rectify that sort of thing, after all. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2263|Talia Wagner (2263)}} has posed:'''<br>"She did... you were both flirting so hard. Like I said. Adorbable. You two will be totally fine." she smiles and tilts her head "Is this like.. your first girlfriend?"<br><br>"Also yeah we need to get movie and show night back up and running.. just been so busy these days."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yeah," Clarice admits, shrugging her shoulders, and staring down at the whiskey in front of her. "Like I said - I threw myself into my work hard. It's beeen - I mean, that's what I've been doing for years, really, and it takes a while to figure out... people. How to really communicate with others and- well. To even make friends, let alone..." A girlfriend. She lets out a sigh. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I don't know how things were for your Clarice. But here... I was collared and drugged, pretty much all the time for nearly a dozen years, so..." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2263|Talia Wagner (2263)}} has posed:'''<br>"You're doing really well to be honest Clarice. The ... other Clarice I knew grew up in an apocalyptic hellscape where she was experimented on and tortured really by an evil version of Doctor McCoy and Sugarman... bad news all around."<br><br>None of this is bad news timeline wise, she is avoiding the bit about Apocalypse since he seems to be out of sight here or nonexistant.<br><br>"And we are friends and you have more... and Rahne likes you I can tell.. .so yeah I think you got this Clarice."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"By //Hank//?" Clarice asks in a shocked, disbelieving voice as she turns to stare at Talia for a moment. All the rest of it - well. Maybe not the apocalyptic hellscape part, but... "I mean, yeah. I went through something like that. They wanted to heighten my mutation. Then they trained me as an assassin. I was probably... I don't know. Seven? Eight? The first time they made me kill someone." <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She picks up her whiskey and knocks back a large gulp. "//Hank// is one of my friends. And he's so kind. I can't imagine him- doing something like the Mutate Program." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2263|Talia Wagner (2263)}} has posed:'''<br>"Called him the Dark Beast...." she sips her refilled drink. "Like I said... the worlds I've seen there was a lot of bad. The life here and work on you, doesn't sound that different though. It is probably why you seem so .. like her Clarice."<br><br>She mmms "A lot of stuff was twisted where the Clarice I knew came from. Mr. Sinister.. is probably one of the worst threats in the world... he contributed to twisting that Hank McCoy and so many other mutants in that hellscape. He would probably do it here if he could get away with it."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I don't know that much about Sinister. I know the name," Clarice admits. "I think he was the one who- who changed Hank here, as well. But he's still- Hank is such a good, kind man, it's hard to imagine him ever harming other mutants like that. It's so against his nature." <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She's silent a moment before she adds, "The name Sugarman I know, though. He was there, with the Genegineer, Dr. Moreau. They were the ones who experimented on me. Who activated my powers. So... yeah. Sounds like we do have a lot in common, your Clarice and I." <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She smirks slightly as she adds, "And I bet she's an awful singer." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2263|Talia Wagner (2263)}} has posed:'''<br>"Yeah... many things similar here.. many more things for the better." she smiles.<br><br>The bit about sugarman being here though has her thoughtful for a moment. What a monster.<br><br>"We never got to to do kareoke so I am honestly not sure... I suppose we will see how bad you are and then lean into the odds being the same." she grins.<br><br>She leans back. "God the emotional toil of drinks tonight... I should try to get sleep."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yeah, you're probably right," Clarice agrees, picking up her drink to finish it off. "I should-" Check on Rahne. No - she should probably give her some space. "I should sleep, too. Sorry, didn't mean for talk to get so dark." She gives Talia an apologetic smile. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"But seriously - if you can show Rahne some things - some self defense, that would be great. I really don't want her getting hurt like that again." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2263|Talia Wagner (2263)}} has posed:'''<br>"Absolutely can.... been training in the danger room since I was a kid and the last few years have been intense field training to put it mildly."<br><br>Talia slinks back up to her feet. "Wouldn't have laid a knife on me if I hadn't been so shocked it was John's clone.. fucking Shi'ar." she sighs.<br><br>"Night Clarice... and thanks."<br><br>She gives a tail wave as she goes to head to her room.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Fucking Shi'ar," Clarice agrees, firmly. She really hopes she didn't screw up so badly that they end up conquering the galaxy. After another sigh, and with comic in hand, she heads back to her room to send Rahne a text. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'Sorry about that. I didn't mean to say that. You're okay?' <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Phone in hand, she dozes in her bed, staring up at her ceiling. Why did she have to go and say //that//? <br> <br>
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