The morning light feels like a personal attack as it streams through Xavier's office windows. My entire body aches in the most satisfied way possible, a physical reminder of the night Emma and I just spent together. I shift uncomfortably in my chair, the leather squeaking beneath me, breaking the tense silence that's been hanging in the air for what feels like eternity.
Xavier sits across from us, her fingers steepled under her chin, those piercing blue eyes darting between Emma and me like she's trying to solve some complex equation. Meanwhile, Emma's got her arm wrapped around my waist so tightly you'd need a crowbar to pry us apart. Her other hand rests possessively on my thigh, thumb making little circles that are definitely not helping me focus on this impromptu meeting.
The hickeys covering both our necks tell a story that no one in this room needs explained. Emma's are artfully displayed, her white blouse unbuttoned just enough to show them off like badges of honor. Mine feel like a brand, marking me as thoroughly and completely hers.
Xavier finally breaks the silence with a deep sigh.
"I don't love it," she says, her voice measured and calm despite the storm brewing behind her eyes.
Emma's grip on my waist tightens just a fraction. "He's eighteen," she replies smoothly, like that settles everything.
"Yes..." Xavier nods slowly, her wheelchair shifting slightly as she leans forward. "But you were his therapist that I had to separate from him because of your growing obsession."
I feel Emma's body tense beside me. "Yes," she acknowledges, her British accent crisp and unapologetic, "then you threw him into X-Factor where he was almost raped by Mystique."
My stomach knots at the memory. I try not to flinch, but Emma must feel it because her fingers dig into my side just a little deeper, grounding me in the present.
Xavier's expression softens, guilt flickering across her features. "I do acknowledge that," she admits, her gaze dropping momentarily. "That was... an unfortunate oversight on my part."
Emma's eyes flash with that dangerous glint I've come to know so well.
"Search his mind all you want, Charlene," she says with a dismissive flick of her wrist. "All you'll find is enthusiastic consent."
Xavier another sighs heavily, running a hand over her bald head. "I'm not worried about you using telepathy on Jack... I just feel the power dynamics aren't great."
I've had enough of being talked about like I'm not sitting right here. "Look," I cut in, leaning forward in my chair, "I really want to explore this relationship with Emma. This is my choice."
Xavier's eyes meet mine, and what I see there makes my stomach twist, pure, undiluted pity. Like she's watching a lamb walk willingly into a slaughterhouse.
"Alright..." she says softly, her fingers drumming once on her wheelchair armrest. "But Jack, if you ever feel... like she's taking advantage of you in any way..."
"It's the opposite," Emma interrupts sharply, her hand possessively squeezing my thigh. "I'm going to make sure no one else hurts him ever again."
The intensity in her voice sends a shiver down my spine, not fear, but something deeper. Something I've craved my entire life without even knowing it.
Xavier studies us for a moment longer before nodding slowly. "Well, alright then."
An uncomfortable silence settles over the room. I can feel the unspoken tension vibrating between the two powerful women.
Emma breaks the standoff first. "What are your plans for Mystique?" Her voice is casual but there's nothing casual about the way her fingers dig into my leg, or how her body subtly shifts toward me, like she's ready to shield me from whatever answer might come.
Xavier's face tightens as she leans back in her wheelchair. "Mystique is currently being... handled. I've informed the Genoshan Council about her behavior."
"And?" Emma prompts.
"They weren't pleased," Xavier admits with a grimace, "but frankly, they have bigger issues on their hands at the moment."
I straighten up in my chair. "What do you mean?"
"The hostage situation is escalating," Xavier says, her voice taking on that grave tone she uses when shit's about to get real. "It's becoming a significant diplomatic incident."
Emma shifts beside me, her posture suddenly more alert. "How so?"
"The United States decided flexing their military muscle was the appropriate response," Xavier explains, shaking her head in obvious disapproval. "They sent aircraft carriers into Genoshan waters, apparently hoping to intimidate Magneta into releasing the French cargo ship... or at least the crew members."
"How did she respond?" Emma asks, though I can tell from her tone she already knows it wasn't good.
Xavier's lips press into a thin line. "She lifted the aircraft carriers completely out of the water, disabled all their weapons systems, and then..." she pauses, pinching the bridge of her nose, "dropped them on Madagascar."
"Holy shit," I blurt out before I can stop myself.
"Exactly," Xavier nods. "She made sure no one was killed, which is a win for someone like Magneta, but it's sent a very clear message about how seriously she's taking these territorial incursions."
Emma leans forward, her arm still firmly around my waist. "The U.S. government isn't just going to accept that kind of humiliation."
"No, they certainly won't," Xavier agrees, her expression grim. "I expect they'll respond in kind, and soon. This could easily spiral into a full-scale conflict."
"Those morons," Emma scoffs beside me. "Did they really think military posturing would work against a woman who can control metal at will? Against someone who survived a genocide?"
"We're still discussing who to send and when, but I'm thinking of dispatching some of the X-Women to try and de-escalate the situation before it gets any worse."
My heart rate picks up as the implications sink in. "We're going back to Genosha?" I ask, sitting up straighter
Xavier's blue eyes fix on me, her expression gentle but firm. "No, Jack. Just a handful of our most experienced members. Morgan will definitely go, and perhaps a couple more."
I open my mouth to argue, but Emma's hand squeezes my leg in warning. I swallow my protest, knowing this isn't the time to push.
"And what are your plans for X-Factor?" Emma asks, smoothly changing the subject while her thumb continues those maddening little circles on my thigh. "Given recent events."
Xavier's face shifts, something calculating entering her expression. "It's Magik's team, technically speaking. But clearly, with the Mystique situation..." She trails off, her fingers tapping thoughtfully on her wheelchair armrest. "The apartment I lent her is as good as compromised. Since Mystique is no longer with them, I'll offer housing here at the mansion for the remaining members."
"That seems reasonable," Emma says, her voice neutral though I can feel the tension radiating from her body.
I shift again in the seat, clearing my throat. "Will I still be working with them?"
Emma's fingers stop their circular motion on my thigh. Her icy blue eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that makes my breath catch.
"I decide who you work with and what missions you go on now, Jack," she says, her voice silky but leaving absolutely no room for debate. Her lips curve into a smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes.
A/N:Updates probably going to slow down because of Slay the Spire 2