Jean/Charles: Absolution

[x-jeangrey.livejournal.com]

(Backdated to July 5) After the events in Washington, D.C., Jean goes to Charles with thoughts she had been having lately.



Wisps of steam poured from the top of a teapot as Jean poured hot water into two cups and covered them with plates to steep. The table was set for a proper gathering, with a small pitcher of cream, a cup of sugar cubes, a tray of cookies, and two sandwiches.

"I'm amazed at how different something as simple as Earl Grey could be depending on what company you buy it from," Jean said. It'd been awhile since they'd spoken one on one, despite a brief check in while she was in the Box. But as the anniversary came and went, she realized just how many awful days she found herself marking unconsciously and how she really shouldn't.

"I suppose that gives someone all the more reason to shop around."

"Tea, in its own way, is as complicated as wine. Different profiles, different bouquets, different regions..." Charles smiled, closing his eyes for a moment as he inhaled the pungent steam. "Thank you, Jean. This is quite the treat."

Jean smiled. "We hadn't done this in awhile so...I figured we could restart old traditions," she said, stealing a cookie from the tray to take a nibble. She put the cookie down after a moment.

"That's not the only reason why I wanted to meet with you, though."

Charles nodded, unsurprised. "You have something on your mind," he stated gently, leaning back in his chair, his eyes on hers.

Watching the steam rise from the teapot, Jean laughed. "I always have a lot of things on my mind. But lately..." Her gaze flickered up to Charles. The look in her eyes was certain, a decision carefully turned over and over in thought.

"It's been on Parker Matthews."

"I thought you might. He's been on my mind also, given the anniversary."

Jean brushed her hair behind her ears, then traced the embossing on the silverware. "The demon pretended to be him. It knew to use my anger towards him to feed," she said softly.

"Because I'd let it fester. And...if I hadn't remembered our conversation....I....I don't know if I would've gotten through it."

"Anger is indeed a powerful emotion. Much like our powers, it has both positive and negative sides. As you found out." Charles dropped his gaze to the table. "As we all find out, at some point in our lives."

"It made me realize how much Ihadn't let go. I'd...released his mind but I hadn't forgiven him for all he'd done. Not for his sake, but for mine," Jean said, shaking her head.

"And...I think I'm ready to do that now."

Charles smiled and reached over for her hand. "I knew you would get there."

Clutching his hand, Jean let out a breath.

"I was hoping you could go with me. I was wanting to see him. To tell him myself. And...to apologize for my part of what I did to him in my anger in retaliation."

"Of course, Jean." His own grip was firm. "Anything for you, my dear."

Jean smiled. After a moment she took the saucers off the tea. "Thanks," she said, squeezing his hand. She didn't know how it would go. The man was dangerous, but having Charles there could be a safe guard. Perhaps she was hoping that Parker could be saved.

"It is not just as moral support that you need me, is it, Jean?" he said as she poured the tea. "You suffered damage from the incident with the demon. I can sense it."

The smile faded and Jean glanced away. She nodded slowly.

"It...cracked my armor. It was trying to kill me and....I...I felt something change. I can't describe it. But I knew the only way to stop the demon...was to burn it. I burned the armor in the process...." she said. She picked up the pitcher of milk, pouring it in her tea.

"And my astral self. I haven't tried to....go back to the astral plane since. I've barely been able to be around people recently. For awhile there it almost felt like being back at square one."

"Then we must rebuild it. The same as we did, when you were still my student." Charles seemed unperturbed, but there was compassion in his expression. "Just as you helped me come out of the coma when Mystique booby trapped Cerebro, just as we all will help each other, from time to time."

Jean smiled softly, his calm nature quelling the built up nervousness that she hadn't even allowed herself to acknowledge until then. "Always teaching me," she said. She squeezed his hand.

"Thank you. I...can't visit Matthews without an astral form." He was still in the coma, and no amount of psi-influence was going to get him out.

"You can piggy-back on mine, if need be." It wouldn't be the first time Charles had lent his "voice" to another to speak through. "And we can work on the repair of your own." He smiled a little. "Immediately, if you so wish."

Jean nodded, as she stirred a spoonful of sugar into her tea and took a sip.

"Absolutely, thanks," she said. If something happened she didn't want to be caught defenseless. And unfortunately that happened more often than not.

"Just like old times," she added, with another smile.