your_talents (your_talents) wrote in marvel_nextgen,
@ 2011-06-21 17:25:00

Entry tags:

inactive - julian gallo, inactive - lisa graves, inactive - minnie

When Calling Someone A Freak, It's Important To Show Your Work
"Well Miss Graves, you're an interesting case study." Dr James Bradley, a.k.a. Dr Nemesis, commented, browsing through some data as Lisa got herself dressed again. Julian had been asked to wait outside the room they used for her exam, and once she was decent enough for anyone that might have been passing by, she opened the door to beckon him back in.

"Well that's encouraging.." She mutters in response to Bradley's analysis.

"Honestly, I was just making small-talk. I've seen much more radical and interesting genetic deviances than your personal stepping stone to reality tv stardom, oxymoron that that is, and a trendy new addiction. You're relatively pedestrian." He shrugs, tipping his hat slightly as he double-checks something. "You can come in whenever you want, corporate overlord. Your girlfriend's a tad edgy."

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	hellfireprince 2011-06-22 02:10 am UTC (link)
	Julian walks into the room, doing his best to ignore Dr. Bradley's pithy comments. He looks over to Lisa and smiles. "How are you doin' there, slugger?" Julian asks. (Reply to this)(Thread)

your_talents
2011-06-22 08:40 am UTC (link)

"Waiting for the word on that now." She nods at Bradley. In all honesty, she found his snark refreshing. That she knew how to respond to.

Nemesis waited for Julian to have a seat with Lisa, then cleared his throat. "Now, this is a rare opportunity here. Even in my circles, you don't get to say this much. This sort of pure pulp-adventure line.

Miss Graves... your gift is killing you."

Lisa blinks. "...what... what the fuck are you on about?" Her hands grip the edges of her seat until her knuckles turn whiter than usual.

Nemesis pulls out something like a pen from his pocket and flicks a switch. A holographic overlay of Lisa's body appears in midair. It is riddled with energy traces.

"Apparently you drew the genetic short straw, Miss Graves. Your powers are partially morphic in nature, but they're not 'clean'. You've been retaining a portion of each power you sample. Not enough to kickstart them again for that fresh pupil-dilating pulse-quickening high, but enough to still be familiar with how to use a particular power set.

Thing is, your perky little Emma Frost in travel size body isn't up to the job. More accurately, and as a man of mind-shatteringly advanced science, I hate to use this term, your soul isn't." He moves the device and the hologram zooms in on one particularly vivid area. "Now, if I know my genetic energy markers, and I'm pretty damn sure I do, this section here is tied to ferrokinesis, with a side of energy transfer. You must be snacking on someone with that gift fairly regularly.

You'll note that the edges of the residual deposits are fluctuating. The stronger the residual portion, the stronger the fluctuation, and they're all eroding your own personal energy signature. Honestly, it's amazing you've still got room for yourself in that little bleached head of yours."

Lisa breathes heavily, taking one of Julian's hands and fixing Nemesis with a glare. "What do I do? How do I stop it?"

In spite of his life, James Bradley takes half a step back.

"Cold turkey, my dear." He shrugs. "Based on your energy biopsy, at your current rate of power usage, you'll be dead before you reach thirty. Faster if snack on anything else high level. The effect will be something like a bunch of different cancers formed a gang, started snapping their fingers, and went marching up and down your 'soul' in a musical number."

Give up her powers? That... no, that can't happen. "But..." She's already grasping for a way out. "I... I could...

"I want you to understand this, missy. You have a choice to make right now, between rehab and hospice care."

Lisa couldn't find words, as the earth seemed to have fallen out from under her.

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hellfireprince
2011-06-23 01:25 am UTC (link)

"How confident are you in your analysis, Doctor Bradley? Your bedside manner could use a great deal of work." Julian says, a note of steel in his voice. He didn't like the way the man was talking to Lisa, as though he enjoyed telling her she could die, but he couldn't discount what he was seeing.

And Julian knows Lisa too well. She would rather die than be /normal/.

He felt the same way.

When Doctor Bradley is finished speaking, Julian takes a deep breath.

"Can I have a moment alone with Lisa, Doctor?" Julian asks.

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your_talents
2011-06-23 01:36 am UTC (link)

As soon as she can stop her knees from shaking, Lisa is going to tell this quack to go to hell.

"Mister Howard, I've been doing this for decades, without ever once feeling the need to garb myself in some ridiculous costume. I'm not a superhero. I'm a professional.

And, Miss Graves, you should understand that you're going to need continued treatment to mitigate the side effects you're already experiencing. I'm afraid they're going to persist even without you using your powers. Continuing the cancer comparison, it's going to be a bit like radiation therapy." He looks to Julian. "I should be able to have an array she can use on a daily basis assembled within a week or so. It should be fairly simple to operate, and I can have it installed here in your headquarters or at her personal residence."

He softens, however slightly, as he approaches Lisa before stepping out. "Miss Graves, as I said, I am a professional. I am going to exert every bit of my expertise to make this livable for you. All I'll ask of you is that you show an interest in living." He walks out.

As the door shuts, Lisa finally lets herself grab onto Julian and just scream into his chest, sobbing.

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

hellfireprince
2011-06-23 02:28 am UTC (link)

Julian lets her sob, saying nothing as her anguish pours forth from her. There is nothing he can say that won't sound patronizing or a like a platitude of some kind, so he strokes her hair takes a deep breath, deciding that he's not going to accept the reality before him, in a sense.

He will create his own and drag Lisa into it, thereby making it /her/ reality as well.

"I'll offer you the chance to get a second or third or tenth opinion, Lisa. I'll have that machine installed at your apartment, regardless of cost.

What I'll /not/ do is watch you self-destruct and burn yourself to a crisp in order to underline some foolish idea of 'live fast, die young and leave a good looking corpse'; the whole thing is utter nonsense. A good-looking corpse is still a corpse. Nor will I sit by and watch you shrink away into a shell of your former self because you don't know how to handle this." Julian says coolly, his tone brooking no argument.

"Doctor Bradley said one thing I agree with. You need to show an interest in living, if that is what you wish to do. Then we'll come up with a way for you to do that." Julian says, looking her in the eyes.

In his mind, he travels back to the day that Anton Howard told him that he had inoperable cancer.

Julian...I'd rather die that be less than the man I've always been, son. Living on borrowed time is no crime, boy. The crime is in living in /fear/ on borrowed time. Anton said then.

"What are you going to do, Lisa?" Julian asks.

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

your_talents
2011-06-23 08:50 am UTC (link)

She's coherent enough that she hears everything she says. Eventually, she wipes her eyes with the back of one hand fiercely. He'd taken the 'live fast' line away from her, and it had hit deep. He understood that her powers defined her, definer her life and her habits. The idea of being without them was like the idea of going blind.

This... condition, would not define her. She would not let it.

"Today, I want to stop on the way back and buy a bat and something hideous and cheap to smash. After that..." Lisa swallows down her rage and fear and uncertainty. "--we're going to figure this goddamned nightmare out, because I refuse to burn out or step down."

(Reply to this)(Parent)

	yourtruecolors 2011-06-23 02:39 am UTC (link)
	By the time Julian and Lisa arrive at Julian's place that afternoon, Minnie is waiting for them. "If it's not too intrusive, may I ask what treatments were recommended?" (Reply to this)(Thread)

your_talents
2011-06-23 08:47 am UTC (link)

"I'm dying. Other than that, I'm perfectly fine." Lisa goes to the wetbar to get herself something to drink, passing off a folder with the full details to Minnie.

"You were right about the 'residue'. It's killing me. Quack gives me until about thirty, if I keep using my powers. Longer if I don't, with the host of nifty effects I'm undergoing now no matter what; along with letting myself get zapped by some machine daily."

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	yourtruecolors 2011-06-23 02:13 pm UTC (link)
	"So...the recommended medical treatment's not very thorough." Minnie takes a breath. She doesn't want to say this. She wants to leave Lisa and Julian the option of drifting apart as their relationship runs its course. This will ruin that. But she can't allow Julian to be upset. "...May I suggest more of a home remedy, then?" she asks quietly. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

your_talents
2011-06-24 02:22 am UTC (link)

Lisa pours and downs herself some tequila, her straight liquor of choice. No salt or lime, just a straight shot, that leaves her to let out a sharp breath as it hits her.

"Sure. We can talk about it over dinner if you want. I'm planning on going out and stuffing my face with meat I can tear off skewers. Somewhere I can smash the plates would be good too." She manages a weak laugh, shaking her head at herself as she pours another shot.

She appreciates the concern, though. Really.

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	yourtruecolors 2011-06-24 02:48 am UTC (link)
	"I'd... really rather not speak of this in public," Minnie says quietly, looking to Julian. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	hellfireprince 2011-06-25 03:29 am UTC (link)
	"What, exactly, are you thinking, Minnie?" Julian asks as he looks to her. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

yourtruecolors
2011-06-25 03:38 am UTC (link)

"You may recall that an old friend of ours, whom I will not name to protect her privacy, had just a few...discolorations, leftover from the ones I'd told you about in her bad old days? After the night you first drained her, while I watched to make sure you didn't go too far? I noticed over breakfast the next morning that her energy was healing back clean. None of the old discolorations."

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	hellfireprince 2011-06-25 01:32 pm UTC (link)
	Julian thought that over. He recalled that old friend in perfect detail, and couldn't help but smile at the memories. "You're right, Minnie. That did seem to help her a bit and the subsequent feedings improved things, did they not? Are you suggesting that we try something like that?" he asks. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	yourtruecolors 2011-06-25 01:43 pm UTC (link)
	"Well, apparently, the medical recommendations aren't enough." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

your_talents
2011-06-25 01:59 pm UTC (link)

Lisa manages to follow the conversation, but the idea of Julian's powers being used for something therapeutic is news to her. The part really boggling her is what Minnie is more or less volunteering, if she's reading the context right.

She tosses a cherry in her mouth to get rid of the tequila taste, swallowing it along with the lump in her throat. She moves to stand equidistant to Julian and Minnie "You want Julian to treat me" who you don't know how to deal with "by feeding on me." A pause. "And you'd be there.

This is big" of you.

She looks between them. "I want it."

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	yourtruecolors 2011-06-25 02:17 pm UTC (link)
	It hadn't been therapy. It had been 'we're having fun and Julian is hungry.' But sometimes, side effects are bizarrely useful. "Just to help him monitor how much you can handle, yes." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

hellfireprince
2011-06-25 03:02 pm UTC (link)

Julian thinks it over, weighing the risks. He'd been underfed for quite some time, trying to maintain the facade of being a mild-mannered human; it helped the whole mutant-human co-existence image he was fostering. Feeding too deeply on Lisa might be a problem.

But if he did nothing, Lisa would die. He was surprised that Minnie was being this cordial, this giving, when it hit truly hit him: Minnie was willing to suffer anything, including helping Lisa, for his benefit.

"There are a number of ways this could go wrong. It may not even work." Julian says, feeling that he has to point this out for everyone, so that they can acknowledge that they shouldn't all get their hopes up. If it didn't, Minnie would feel she failed him. Lisa would feel defeated and Julian himself would feel helpless. Julian hadn't felt helpless since he was eighteen years old and he resolved he'd never feel such again.

"I'm willing to try this in small increments, until we know whether or not it's helping. If it is, then we'll discuss going further. If not...then we'll reconsult with Doctor Bradley and go from there.

Is everyone clear?" he asks.

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	yourtruecolors 2011-06-25 03:19 pm UTC (link)
	Minnie nods compliantly. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

your_talents
2011-06-26 11:36 pm UTC (link)

"I don't care about the risks. If there's a way for me to beat this, it's worth it." Lisa takes one of Julian's hands. "And I trust you."

A pause.

"Both of you." She looks at Minnie. She bites her bottom lip for a moment. "This thing, even outside him 'treating' me, this whole... I hate to call it a 'sharing' thing, because I think that makes it sound like something it's not, but I want it to work."

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	hellfireprince 2011-06-26 11:42 pm UTC (link)
	Julian nods. "We can begin now. For the time being, we'll all keep our clothing on." Julian says, looking from Minnie to Lisa. "I'll begin, and Minnie can track our progress." he says. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	yourtruecolors 2011-06-26 11:44 pm UTC (link)
	Minnie nods with polite appreciation to Lisa, and with, admittedly, base gratitude to Julian. She was not prepared for ...that with Lisa, just yet. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	your_talents 2011-06-27 12:15 am UTC (link)
	Lisa nods, somewhat reluctantly. She'd been looking forward to the thought of some physical intimacy with Julian after the comparative dry spell they'd hit, due to schedules and now her health. She tugs him along and sits him down, positioning herself in his lap and doing her best to relax. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	hellfireprince 2011-06-27 12:19 am UTC (link)
	When Lisa is positioned, Julian takes a deep breath and begins to inhale some of Lisa's energy, noting only now how odd it feels compared to when they first met. His eyes begin to glow the luminous white they usually glow when he's feeding and he looks to Minnie for information on how things are going. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	yourtruecolors 2011-06-27 12:50 am UTC (link)
	"You're getting some of the 'stains,'" Minnie says quietly as she watches. "Plenty to go, but you're getting some." She watches a while longer. "Just a little more, and you'll be feeding on the glaring green part." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	your_talents 2011-06-27 12:53 am UTC (link)
	Lisa tries to stay calm, even as she feels the energy start to flow. She can feel the transfer not being as smooth as it once was. There are little skips, like on an old record, here and there. It falls short of 'intense', but she's very aware of it. Her breathing hitches slightly and her fingers start to curl around the edges of Julian's clothes. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	hellfireprince 2011-06-27 01:06 am UTC (link)
	Julian continues with the collection, increasing his feeding upon Lisa. He notices the skips and starts, and wonders who else she's fed upon that could do this to her. He will, however, forbid her to feed upon the one with the green energy after this, since it seems to be what began the issues in the first place. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	yourtruecolors 2011-06-27 01:13 am UTC (link)
	"Yes, that stain is fading a little." She watches more. "That should be all for now... Julian. To play it safe. See if she heals cleanly before trying that again." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

your_talents
2011-06-27 01:15 am UTC (link)

Lisa's body jerks and she lets out a gasp as Julian hits the green energy as Minnie directed him earlier. It's very brief, but the rush from when she used it comes back to her. It is Very. Good. The hand that was on Julian's lapel slides up the back of his neck as she recovers from that... jolt. It's a strong feeding, and she's already starting to feel some of the drain.

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	hellfireprince 2011-06-27 02:02 am UTC (link)
	It takes Julian a moment to register Minnie's words, but when he does, he pulls back, ending the feeding. Right about now, he feels like he could lift a battleship without breaking a sweat. He might even try it. "That's enough for now, Lisa. We'll...continue soon." Julian says. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	yourtruecolors 2011-06-27 02:09 am UTC (link)
	She watches, Lisa gasping in his arms. How bright and beautiful and perfect he looks. "She should probably get some proper, non-diuretic drinks and some rest." Pause. "Shall I... see you tomorrow? I rescheduled everything else you had planned this afternoon and evening." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	your_talents 2011-06-27 02:20 am UTC (link)
	Lisa feels like if she were wearing a dress it would need smoothing out. She runs fingers briefly into Julian's hair and kisses him before resting her head on his shoulder. "Well.... that was different." She clears her throat. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	hellfireprince 2011-06-27 02:23 am UTC (link)
	"Yes, Minnie. Tomorrow morning, bright and early." Julian says, allowing Lisa to kiss him. "Now, now...relax, Lisa. You need to recover." Julian says. "Minnie's suggestions for drinks and rest is a good plan. Don't want you dropping from exhaustion on me." he tells her. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	yourtruecolors 2011-06-27 02:27 am UTC (link)
	"There's extra ice in the minifridge, and a fresh pitcher of lemonade, though I don't know if she likes it," Minnie says with a nod and a smile. "I hope you feel a bit better soon, Lisa," she says politely, and heads out. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	your_talents 2011-06-28 12:53 am UTC (link)
	"Lemonade's fine, thank you." Lisa works on evening out her breath. "Minnie... really, thank you. If there's anything I can do for you... just name it." Her eyes flicker between her and Julian. Within reason. She pats Julian's chest. "I'll be fine... I know when I need to rest. It just doesn't come up often." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	yourtruecolors 2011-06-28 01:52 am UTC (link)
	"There isn't anything, Lisa," Minne says as she leaves. "But that's very nice of you." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	hellfireprince 2011-06-29 12:03 am UTC (link)
	"Now, Lisa, it's time for you to relax. Tomorrow, we'll talk about how much of your schedule we're canceling to accommodate your treatment." Julian says, leading her to the couch. "Minnie, be safe please and call me the moment you get home." he says. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	your_talents 2011-06-29 02:07 am UTC (link)
	Lisa watches their parting with a polite nod, still wondering how this is all going to work itself out. (As opposed to 'if' it will work itself out.) She lets Julian move her to his couch and stretches out, undoing a button to let herself breathe more easily. "What do I tell the mad doctor if he asks about the change?" She doesn't want to blow Julian's cover. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	hellfireprince 2011-08-24 10:27 pm UTC (link)
	"Nothing. Let him wonder." Julian says. (Reply to this)(Parent)

	hellfireprince 2011-08-24 10:27 pm UTC (link)
	-(END)- (Reply to this)

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