[IC: Forward dated to Saturday 19 May]

[julienned]

[YEAH I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHY YOU GUYS ARE IN HERE. it's a comatose teenager hooked up to a bunch of machines.

it's really boring.] 

Comments

[mind_over_metal]

*opens his mouth to speak, pauses- then starts again*

What happened between the two of you?

[julienned]

She asked me to join her. I said no. Quelle surprise, Professor Xavier, I know you thought I'd jump onto the genocide wagon the minute someone offered me a ticket.

[mind_over_metal]

And why do you believe that?

[julienned]

'Cause you don't know me at all. None of you do. Every one of you think that I'd kill Ms Grey, and that shows how little you know me.

[mind_over_metal]

If I had ever thought that before, how could I have possibly gone on believing that after your reaction to the blood I have on my own hands? Your principles are far too strong.

[julienned]

...how do you make this about you all the time?

[mind_over_metal]

I will admit that it's very difficult to avoid the subject entirely when you seem to spend so much energy on what I, and others, think of you. But I think that it's mainly just because it's a relationship. Admittedly, not a very good one, but it's something involving more than one person. And all that I can bring to it is myself, so I'm trying my best to use what I have.

No, I don't know you. Not the way that I need to. Or the way that I want to. But what I just told you is what I believe that I do know.

[julienned]

Piece of advice, Prof. When someone is being tortured into saying yes to killing all flatscans, that is when you cut the self-pitying crap. I have more pressing things on my mind than whether a bunch of people who think my friends and I are unwanted burdens like me.

[mind_over_metal]

Things such as...?

[julienned]

Like I'll say yes to make it stop! Everyone has a point where they will!

[mind_over_metal]

*nods*

You didn't reach that point this time, but you think that you might if it happens again?

[julienned]

[he whirls on him, eyes flashing green. The bubble pulses in response]

Don't you dare judge me for it!

[mind_over_metal]

*and his expression isn't one of judgment, his voice is calm*

You're free to let the shield drop. You could do it, could have done it, at any time.

[julienned]

What, and give in? Say yes? No! If I'm going to surrender, it's going to be after I can't fight anymore, and not before!

You really don't know me, if you thought that was even an option.

[mind_over_metal]

I meant this.

*he reaches out to touch the bubble protecting him, even as it pulses with Julian's anger*

[julienned]

I don't like you. That doesn't mean I want to drive you crazy.

[mind_over_metal]

What exactly is it that you're protecting me from?

[julienned]

Every time a flatscan hurt me, at the moment that they did it.

[mind_over_metal]

All of that down here... How do you keep it from driving you mad?

[julienned]

Because I'm me. I'm more than that. I'm more than just the kid with no hands, who keeps having the universe take a dump on me. Because when I told it that I'd rather die than do what she wanted, I meant it. Because my friends are out there and I know what to do.

Does it matter?

[mind_over_metal]

Yes. It does.

[julienned]

To whom? Don't say "to me"; it's cliche and not even true.

[mind_over_metal]

To you. To your friends. To everything you consider important.

[julienned]

And that's why I won't let it drop. I'm not like that. You only know me as the problem child. I'm more than that.

[mind_over_metal]

*nods*

And what do you want- what is it that you want?