Thread: X-Men Evolved

She tucked the appendages away just before pushing through Hank's doors. Hiya, Doc, she greeted, trying to sound cheerful but not forced. Hank almost didn't hear her. He set his cup down and smiled at the woman, Oh, Cassie, come in. How are you this morning? She returned his smile easily, but it didn't reach her eyes. Just wanting to take a look at Deimos's chain, she answered. Oh, so you heard the news, Hank frowned. Well, it's right here, he gestured to the right of his notepad. Deimos was devastated. It's the very first gift he ever received from Holly, and Wade just snapped it without a second thought. The beast shook his head, He may not have known the significance of the necklace, a grown man shouldn't be going around and stomping on the toys of children. Your first mistake was considering Deadpool a 'grown man', Cassie shot the beast a smile before stepping over to inspect the necklace. Yes, well, Hank sipped his tea before continuing on with his notepad. No matter his inflictions he is still twice Deimos' age. Hm. Cass picked up the longest of chain and turned it over in her hands. Would it be okay if I borrowed this for the day, to try and put it back together? Well, Hank was hesitant. Deimos had given it to me watch over. I wouldn't want to let it out of my sight, lest the boy have a heart attack when he wakes up to find it impossible to put it back together because there are pieces missing. The beast sighed, If you want to fix it, I would say be my guest. I should have pliers and anything else you might need, and you can sit here and work on it. Oh! Cassie looked up at Hank, slightly surprised at his offer. Yeah, that's even better. She didn't need to tell him that she didn't feel like being alone right now. That is.... Would you mind? Hank chuckled, Not at all. I'll even be willing to listen to any wedding plans you might have thought of in the past month. She couldn't catch the pained sigh before it passed her lips. I don't want to bore you, Cassie covered. Believe it or not, I'm perfectly happy working in silence. Hank caught the little sigh, eyeing the young woman cautiously. He smiled softly at her, Just remember, that I am always all ears whenever you'd like. Thanks, Doc. The woman pulled up a chair to the side of Hank's desk and settled in. Actually, um... did you... did you always want to be a teacher? Hank rose a brow. Did I...? He smiled, again. When I was younger I more into sports. I played football, until it was exposed I was a mutant. At one point, I even went into wrestling. I always loved to learn, though. I still do. I wanted to become a genetic researcher, you see, to understand the mutation gene. When my fiddling eventually ended with this, he gestured to his appearance, my choices in life were limited. Here, though, I can continue to learn and in turn I take what I learn and share it with others. I enjoy the way my life turned out, if that's what you're asking. It wasn't, but... that's nice. Cassie focused on organizing the bits of chain into their proper pattern. If your choices weren't limited... do you think you would have done things differently? I'm sure I would have, Hank admitted. But, it's hard and impossible to say I would have been happier. I learn so much from these children, Cassie. Every year, with every new student, I learn more and more. What's better is that I learn with them. I think it's best with the way things turned out. You really love these kids, huh? Cassie mused with a somewhat sad smile. I do. Of course, Cassie chuckled. Wouldn't work at a school if you didn't, right? Well, it only makes sense, Hank snorted. I imagine all of the staff feels this way. Rogue was the one who mentioned the situation between Deimos and Wade to me, but Remy was the one who mentioned it to her. Oh, yeah, Cassie suddenly remembered. Have you seen Deimos since then? I mean, is he okay? Hank nodded, I visited him before it got too late last night. He was shaken up and...well, there's still a lot he doesn't understand. In terms of people, but I assured him that most people are nothing like Wade Wilson. Holly is concerned, Cassie said. Because Deimos is so upset. I didn't know what to tell her. It's fine not to tell her too much, Hank explained. We don't want to misinform her or overload her on details. Well, she did get some jumbled details from Deimos. But I think Kurt's talking to her later, Cassie shrugged. Hank smiled, Well, if anyone is able to calm her I'm sure it would be Kurt. Tell me about it, Cassie shook her head with a smile. Those two are like a bad movie. This morning they each thought the other was mad at them. Oh, my, Hank shook his head with a laugh. Well, Holly is a good girl, so of course she wants to show Kurt she respects him and not have him mad at her. I don't think she was raised with many negative emotions around her, so she's sensitive. Though, I'm sure with time that will pass. Nobody wants to have someone they like mad at them, Cassie sighed. Yes, well, some are more sensitive than others. Some are more willing to apologize while others are more willing to block it out. I don't know how anyone could block that out, the woman admitted. Neither do I, but they exist. Some people who think they never did any wrong, or try to understand their significan other's feelings. They may care about the person, but they can't rid themselves of their selfish tendencies . Cassie was thankful to have the necklace as an excuse not to have to look at Hank. They sound like pretty bad people, she murmured. Not bad people, Hank mused. Just...complicated and confused. And, I wish them all the best for figuring things out for themselves. She swallowed thickly, trying not to cry. This wasn't the time or place. Ever been to South Africa, Doc? Hank made a show of searching his memories before replying, Can't say that I have. Cassie nodded slowly. My sister's in South Africa. I'm thinking of using up some vacation time. Cassie, Hank rose a brow, swerving his chair to face her. Is something wrong? I thought you and your sister weren't on the best of terms. --- Kurt was getting a little frustrated. His fingers were fumbling and he dropped nearly everything dozens of times. He was about to take a break from the headache when he heard the knock at his door. Curious, the indigo man got up from his desk and opened the door. He rose a brow, Logan? Is everyzing all right? The wolverine was leaning against the doorframe, obviously irritable as he murmured, We're going out tonight. Oh, yeah, I hate her, Cassie agreed casually. But she has a nice beach house and if I waited til school was out it would be winter there, since they're in the southern hemisphere and all, she went on, purposely avoiding his question. --- Kurt's other brow rose. Ve are? He looked back at the mess of a bracelet on his desk, thinking of who it was for. He didn't really want to leave the mansion tonight, but something was clearly bothering Logan and Kurt was nothing if he wasn't there for a friend. Vell, okay. Vhen did you vant to leave? Almost hesitant, Hank pushed, So, your sister will be fine with you staying there? --- Right after dinner. Ecstatic, Cassie confirmed, not sarcastic in the least. Haven't seen her in years. --- Kurt nodded before repeating, Is... Is everyzing alright? And, she is fine with being introduced to your fianc? --- I'm peachy, Logan stated sarcastically. I'm gonna go grab the wannabe graduate and get her ass movin' in the Danger Room. The finals are close and her breaks with the squirt are getting longer. Huh? Oh, no. Cassie shook her head, still not looking at Hank. Logan's not coming. And I'm not telling my family about him either. --- J-Ja. Kurt had hoped Lucille would get to be mostly left alone today, like Cassie had said she wanted. But he knew that the more she trained the better chance she'd have to graduate. I zink she's in ze laundry room. Cassie, Hank's brows furrowed with worry, is there anything you want to talk about? Maybe I could help. --- Logan looked to Kurt incredulously, his anger diminishing a smidgen to make room for his confusion, Your taste sure has changed, Elf. Oh, no, Cassie waved his concerns away. My family has always been a mess, she assured him, specifically avoiding the issue Hank was obviously referring to. Sure, lying to them doesn't really help but it sure as hell doesn't hurt, either. --- Kurt smiled at his friend with minimal chagrin. Anyone comparing Wanda and Lucille would come to the same conclusion. Maybe I have alvays has broad taste, und you just never noticed. If I may be so bold, Hank was concerned, if there's anything bothering you, just know that nothing is really the end until you are the one who gives it up. --- Logan snorted as he started ticking off his fingers, If I put every woman you've ever been intimate with, every woman you've ever flirted with, side by side it would prove you false, bub. Cassie glanced up at the large man with a strange smile. Doc, you talk like you know things I haven't even told you. --- Kurt had to laugh, Logan was definitely right. Zis one... is different, ja. But, he smiled widely, fangs showing, she's special. You know how zat is, right? Kurt joked. Hank shrugged with his own smile, If I don't know the question, I find it suitable to guess the answer. --- Logan sighed, Right. He reached out and clapped the other's shoulder. I'll see ya later, Elf. Oh, and don't worry, I won't work her too hard. Fair enough. Cassie turned her focus back to bending the metal links of Deimos's broken necklace. When the decision isn't up to you, it doesn't really matter if you've given up or not. --- Danke, Logan, Kurt thanked the wolverine. I'm sure Hol-Lucille appreciates it too. Hank shook his head with a sly smirk, That's what many people tend to believe. It's easy to give up and think there was no other choice, but there's always more than just the one, you see. --- Logan rolled his eyes, Just call her 'Holly', Elf. It's not like you're hiding anything about you two.