xp_logs | Nate and Jean-Paul - Fast-forwarded to early morning of the 8th

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Nate is called upon to rescue Jean-Paul from the rec room.

It was just past three in the morning when Nate's first peaceful
slumber in weeks was interrupted by the persistent, electronic
shrilling of the cell on his bedside table. The fact that the phone
was on the side of the bed currently occupied by Moira made
the question one of whether he should float the device over and answer
it, or toss it against the nearest wall.

He settled for floating. "What," he muttered into the phone, not
having been awake enough to check the caller ID. "It's very late..."

"I am aware of this. I need a rescue. Now." Jean-Paul's tone was
outwardly calm, but held a slight edge that let Nate know that he was
likely on the verge of mental flailing. "I am in the rec room."

"I didn't hear a security alert," Nathan muttered, but dragged himself
out of bed, sending a quick mental reassurance to Moira as she
stirred. Clothes, where were the clothes... "Rescue from what?"

"I am currently being held hostage by a very pointy moppet. She fell
asleep against me and I don't want to risk startling her awake."

"Oh. I see. One of those situations that could look a little bad if
someone else should come across you," Nathan said, amused now that he
was awake a little more. "Sit tight. Don't startle her. I'll be right
down."

"If anyone else would have come across me, we might have managed
something by now. But, as you said, it is very late." A pause. "Hurry
up. She snuggles in her sleep and I like this jacket."

---

"I would call it cute if it wasn't so awkward," was Nathan's murmured
comment as he paused in the doorway of the rec room, eyeing Jean-Paul
and Yvette. "Although, good call on not startling her awake. Like she
needs to develop any more of a complex about hurting people." He moved
closer soundlessly, trying to get a better look so that he could
figure out the most efficient way to levitate her without waking her
up.

Jean-Paul was in less danger than one might have suspected, given his
situation. Yvette was snuggled up against the speedster's left
shoulder, pinning him between the armrest of the couch and her small body,
but she had a blanket of dark material much like that of her body suit wrapped
around herself, covering most of Jean-Paul's arm as well. The shoulder of his
leather jacket was looking slightly distressed where Yvette's
hair tickled across it now and then, but it was still mostly intact.

"I'm not terribly fond of scars either." The underlying emotions,
however, let the telepath know that he'd pegged Jean-Paul's motivation
in one shot.

"Yeah, let's avoid those for anyone. Less trauma around here is a good
thing." Very carefully, Nathan levitated Yvette a few centimetres to
the right, making sure he didn't miss a single piece of stray hair.
"Okay. Now you can move."

Jean-Paul had slipped free almost before Nate had finished his
sentence. "Merci. I did not mean to fall asleep there."

After a moment, Nathan eased Yvette back down onto the couch, a gentle
tug on the blanket bringing up a folder of it to lie between the couch
and her hair, as well. She didn't stir throughout the process, and
Nathan tilted his head at the doorway. "Shall we let her sleep?" he
asked mildly.

Jean-Paul lead the way out. "I owe you more beer, don't I?"

"Just how did that cozy little scene come about?" Nathan asked
curiously. "And yeah, I think you owe me at least a couple for getting
out of my now non-empty bed."

A sheepish cast crept across Jean-Paul's face. "I came downstairs to
raid the fridge for a snack and heard the television on. It was
already late and I went to investigate. She could not sleep from the stress
of the last few weeks, so I sat with her for a little while. And then I woke
up about ten minutes ago and called you." At the mention of Nate's
company, Jean-Paul smiled a little. "Ah, yes. I guess I have to relinquish
my claim on your time, don't I?" The smile was slight, but there was a
good amount of satisfaction behind it.

Nathan eyed Jean-Paul, then laughed under his breath. "Oh, I'm sure
Moira will find plenty of work to do in the lab here, during the days
at least... I may have to inflict myself and my darling daughter upon
you by way of thank-you."

Confusion flitted across Jean-Paul's face. "'Thank-you'? For giving
you breathing space?"

"Sort of a sad commentary on my life these days, isn't it? But apart
from that, I just want you to meet Rachel." Nathan's smile was all too
amused. "Everyone needs a little 'small imperious redhead' in their
life. I should run a bet with Moira to see how long it takes her to
wrap you around her little finger."

"Oh, be quiet." Jean-Paul tried to scowl in Nate's direction; he had
the feeling the jig was up. "She already has you for that, I am sure.
Can't I keep my distance until she develops fashion sense or something
so we have a common ground?"

"But she already has a well-developed fashion sense. Purple and
pink are the only colors in her personal rainbow, and the frillier,
the better..."

"If I run this time, you'll just find me, won't you?"

"Oh, feel free to run," Nathan said, almost innocently. "She likes
chasing people. It's a telepathy exercise for her - I can give her a
snapshot of your mental imprint, and just watch her hunt you down like
a dog."

"You are a despicable creature and you're paying for your own
beer next time." Jean-Paul finished his sulk and sighed instead.
"Fine, yes. I will meet this small version of you who has added 'cute' to
her personal arsenal. You will have only yourself to blame for the
damages, you understand?"