bruisedwing

[bruisedwing]

Text: Tandy & Alma

Tandy: I do. And I don't. It changes everyday, y'know? It wasn't all bad, and I miss her for those good times.

Tandy: You can try, even if you don't know how to talk about it. If you want to, of course.

Tandy: No, that's not why at all. I think they just wanted you to be safer. And have a more stable place to live. You don't need to try harder. Why do you think Dee was angry with you?

Tandy: Because you're a sweet, creative and cool kid. You were thrown into things out of your control, and you think you have to please everyone. Which I get. I want you to have someone to vent to, who you know will be there for you.

Alma: I don't really know, I'm sorry.

Alma: I don't think I want to. You should just ask my dad and he will tell you.

Alma: I think you're wrong. The person that broke in scared me but he wasn't going to hurt me. I knew him. He hid me for a while until my daddy could escape. He killed Aunt Nadia before but only because she made him. What do you mean stable?

Alma: She was angry because I was being rebellious, and I wouldn't go to sleep, and I threw the medicine out a window so she couldn't make me, and I wouldn't eat the food she wanted me to, and when I fell asleep I talked and could have hurt them, and I was doing my schoolwork wrong, and other things too.

Alma: Even if I'm angry at you, too?

[bruisedwing]

Text: Tandy & Alma

Tandy: I'll try to. I want to protect you.

Tandy: It is. But I'm happier now. And this way, I got to meet you, which is always a plus.

Tandy: It still wasn't your fault, though. And it shows how much he cares that he didn't want you going through what Dee did. What do you mean they sent you away? Do you think you're staying with Jubilee because you did something wrong?

Tandy: I do want you. I promise, I want to protect you and take care of you because I want you to stay where you are, and be happy. I can't think of one person who wouldn't want you.

Alma: It's nice that you want to. I'm glad you're happier. Do you miss her?

Alma: Yes, but it happened.

Alma: The thing with my dad is really complicated and I don't know how to talk about it.

Alma: I was too much for them to handle. I was breaking rules even though I knew it was bad, and I was making Nadia angry, and then they moved me. I'm trying harder this time.

Alma: I don't understand why, but thank you.

[bruisedwing]

dragons, and the moon!

Dragons: What makes you feel powerful, what breathes life into you?

Honestly, I’m not sure how to answer this. There are instances where I recognize that I’m powerful on an intellectual level, but I don’t really feel that way very often. There are a lot of little things Eva does that breathe life into me, though.

The Moon: What's your favorite thing to do at night?

Cuddling with Eva and reading a book or watching a movie. Reading out loud can be very amusing with all the accents we attempt. If we ever live somewhere outside the city again, I suspect I’d enjoy stargazing quite a lot.

[bruisedwing]

Text: Tandy & Alma

Tandy: Well, whoever makes it your problem will then make it my problem, and I'll deal with them.

Tandy: I know them both, and they wouldn't want this for you.

Tandy: She didn't care about me. I was a burden to her, and I spent my whole life trying to get her love and care. Until I realized I was drained and had to get away.

Tandy: Oh, Alma, I'm so sorry. Your powers aren't in your control; it wasn't your fault. He wanted to protect you because he cared about you. And now you have Dee and Eva Jubilee and me, we all care about you and want you to feel safe. None of our love is conditional, Alma.

Tandy: I'm not lying to you, I swear. And I can and will stop them, if it comes to it. But I believe they wouldn't take you or send you anywhere.

Alma: You can't deal with everyone.

Alma: That's sad.

Alma: It wasn't my fault but I did it. He didn't want to make another Dee. He started caring about me but first he didn't want to have to make me like her. They may love me but they still sent me away because of my badness.

Alma: You can't and if you could I'd hate it because I hate being taken care of by people who don't want me I hate it.

[bruisedwing]

Text: Tandy & Alma

Tandy: Life is about disagreeing with people. If people get mad at you because you have a different opinion, then it's their problem, not yours.

Tandy: The hard way. I think Dee and Eva would agree with me about expressing your own opinion. That those people who taught you it was wrong were the wrong ones.

Tandy: Sometimes it does. It was bad.

Tandy: I don't know what happened to your parents. It couldn't have been your fault, though. Jacen took you in because he loved and cared about you, not out of pity. He's the lucky one to have you. You deserve a mom as much as anyone else.

Tandy: That won't happen. None of those things will happen, I promise. I give you my word I'd never let you be sent away again, okay?

Alma: They make it my problem

Alma: I can't know what they think because I barely see them. Eva can't agree because she's in a coma.

Alma: Why was it bad?

Alma: I killed them. Now you know. Jacen took me in because he felt conflicted about what he was doing and wanted to see if he could fix my brain. He probably cared about me but that's not why he stole me from there.

Alma: Don't lie to me, please. You can't make Jubilee keep me or Dee or Jacen take me back or keep me from getting in trouble.

[bruisedwing]

Lovely Asks

Lavender: Name something that relaxes you.

Polaroid: Post a picture that makes you feel good about yourself.

Vinyl: What is some of your favorite music?

Incense: List your three favorite scents.

Roots: How do you ground yourself or recharge?

Silk Sheets: Any ways you treat or spoil yourself?

Paintbrushes: Do you have a creative past-time?

Scars: Share something difficult you've been through.

Rainstorms: What helps you fall asleep?

Bones: Name one strength and one weakness.

Teacups: Favorite beverages?

Sealing Wax: Have you ever received a letter or written one to someone else?

Dragons: What makes you feel powerful, what breathes life into you?

Soup: Comfort food?

The Moon: What's your favorite thing to do at night?

Klosh: If you could go back to any three era's what would they be?

Lace: Your favorite things to wear?

Pocketwatch: If you could be immortal or have an extremely long life span what would you pick and why?

Honeybee: Name something positive you have done for yourself or someone else in the last two weeks.

Typewriter: If you had to come up with ten words to describe your life story so far, what would they be?

Blue Hair Dye: One thing you like about your appearance?

Felines: Something that makes you feel better after a hard day?

Poetry: If you have one, name a favorite book or poem.

[bruisedwing]

“Wow.” She knew she was overusing the word, but it was all that found its way out of her mouth. She chuckled at the picture in her head of a younger Evening covered in silver paint. Had they really managed to raise a child that wasn’t just okay with, but wanted to be a mutant? Had she gotten to a place where she was confident enough with herself that her child would want to be like her? Her child---wow. 

“Ha! Even if I remembered, I imagine most people wouldn’t believe it,” Nadia said. “Although after recent events, maybe not.” She smiled at Eva before she looked back to their daughter. “She seems like she’d be a good teacher, a good mother. Maybe a little overindulgent, but I’m certain I’ll have---and had?---more flaws than that. At least I know we probably won’t mess up too badly, right? I mean, I know the future is always changing, but...” But there she was, standing in front of her.

“Did it?” she murmured. “You probably didn’t think I would threaten you, either. I’m sure I’m rather different from the mother you know,” She held Evening and didn’t want to let go, lest she slip away too soon. Silent tears trickled from her eyes and onto Evening’s shoulder; the situation was overwhelming. “I hope I get to be the one you know, though.”

Evening smiled at her mother’s awkwardness, recognising it mirrored in herself sometimes although her other mother was the more awkward one, so it was impossible to tell which one she took after more in that regard. ”‘Momma’ was my first word, and I said it to you… which gave you gloating rights for… well, let’s just say you still bring it up sometimes.“ She glanced down to Eva again. "She’s 'mummy’ or 'mum’,” she explained, the words holding a slight Australian twang to them. “You’re 'mommy’ 'momma’ or 'mom’,” she said sounding like Nadia would had she said the words. Evening grinned and a mischievous glint came to her eye as her mother mentioned her silver veins. “Only when I paint them on to look more like you,” she tilted her head towards Eva, “originally using expensive art supplies until I got bought my own set of silver paints one Christmas.” She hummed happily as her hair was stroked, she had also inherited Eva’s love of physical contact - or had learned to appreciate it as they were definitely a family of huggers.

“Yup,” Evening replied and chuckled once again, of all the things she had shown and said to Nadia it had been the Star Wars reference that had finally convinced her.  Grinning, she waved her hand just in front of Nadia’s face and said in a subtle but commanding tone.  “You will forget everything I tell you once I leave.”  The proudest of smiles came to her young features as her mother mentioned Eva training her with her powers.  “Oh she did.  You both did.  There’s very little that can change through my being here as there’s nothing that can change in this room.  At least there wouldn’t have been had I actually come when it was empty like I planned.”  She flashed Eva’s cheeky grin.  “But I wouldn’t be her daughter if I wasn’t a little clumsy every now and then.  Right?”  Finally she felt Nadia’s arm tighten around her and instantly did the same, clinging really tight - as she always did.  She giggled softly but didn’t let go as she whispered, “this actually took you longer than I thought it would.”

[bruisedwing]

Text: Tandy & Alma

Tandy: That makes sense. Once you've done it for awhile, it's what becomes natural.

Tandy: Why shouldn't you do it? Did someone tell you that? Cause they're wrong.

Tandy: I do. I mean, I love her still, but it's complicated. We didn't have a very good relationship. What do you mean you lost your chance? Do you think it's your fault your mom isn't around?

Tandy: The goal should be to be able to express your emotions in a healthy way, and have people listen to you. Unappreciative? What bad things could happen, Alma? I don't think Eva and Nadia would take it as you not appreciating them if you weren't feeling alright.

Alma: I don't know. People like being right and they don't like being contradicted. Even if YOU don't get angry or annoyed it's a bad habit because other people do and I don't like it when they do and it can be very bad.

Alma: I don't think anyone told me that exactly, except I was warned about a few people. I learned it the hard way mostly.

Alma: Not very good doesn't mean BAD though?

Alma: Of course it's my fault. I was born this way. What do you think happened to her? And my father? I got lucky Jacen pitied me and became my dad but I don't even have him anymore so I'm not going to get my hopes up for a mom.

Alma: Bad things like not getting to do things or getting things taken away or people leaving or sending me away again.

[bruisedwing]

"'Mom', wow, that's... wow," Nadia said. "None of these, though, it seems," she commented, nodding towards the silver visible―but no longer weaponized―on her hands. She could have been hiding them, but she hoped if her future child inherited those that she would have discouraged hurting herself to hide a part of who she was. She hoped Evening's future was safe and secure enough that she never had to make the choices Nadia did. "Huh, yeah... I can see it,” Nadia  said, and stroked Evening’s hair, assuming by the way she leaned against her hand that she appreciated the contact, much like Eva did. She wondered if in Evening’s past, Nadia’s future self did the elaborate hairstyles her present self often did to help Alma manage her wild hair.

Her expression settled back into a worried frown as Evening explained what was happening to the timeline and to her memories. It cracked into a smile when she called it ‘wizard’---a Star Wars reference, of course. “You really are ours, aren’t you?” She sighed. “That must be so confusing...and I can see why visiting would be tempting. I’m concerned, I won’t lie, but I have to hope that Eva taught you well, and I won’t presume to know more about your powers than you do.” Nadia couldn’t resist any longer and wrapped her arms around Evening.

Evening stood nervously as she watched her mother look daggers at her necklace, she splayed the fingers on her free hand - ready to make a portal and get out quickly if her idea didn’t pay off but then she saw the softening expression and her mother’s smile that was part of one of her oldest and most cherished memories.  She sighed happily and tilted her head to the side to increase the contact on her Nadia’s hand.

“Hey mom,” she said with a giggle that was equal parts Eva’s and Nadia’s and nodded in agreement.  “Your nose, her unruly hair.”  She blushed, which was also a mix of both her parents’.  “Both of your powers actually,” she said proudly, “and when I have my hair up I get told I look like you more.  When it’s down and wild like this it’s…” She trailed off as her gaze fell on Eva’s motionless form.  If it wasn’t for all the machines she would look like she was sleeping peacefully.  Evening fidgeted awkwardly at the question but she had never lied to her parent’s before - never needed to, and she had no intention of starting that years before she was even born.  “It is a bit, yeah.  The timeline is screwed…”  She had to pause for a moment and then smiled as she corrected herself.  “My timeline is screwed.  Everything’s shifted because of your visit to the future, but while everyone else’s memories have instantly adapted to their new past mine keep healing themselves.  It’s so wizard, I get two sets of awesome happy childhood and growing up memories but I’m trying to piece together which ones I actually come from now.”  The cheerfulness faded from her inherited from Eva eyes a little.  “I promised I’d just observe this past, not actually visit but… I couldn’t not visit when I saw… saw her like this.”

[bruisedwing]

Text: Tandy & Alma

Tandy: Well, this way, if you type it down and choose what you want to say, you get to have more control. Only you can explain your feelings.

Tandy: Bad to be contrary...It's not bad to disagree with me. If that's what you mean?

Tandy: No, she's not. I just don't see her anymore.

Tandy: It does. But I think it's impossible to be good all the time. That isn't what we should put as a goal. And it shouldn't be seen as you being bad if you have negative feelings. Do you think if Nadia or someone else knew you felt angry at them that you'd be being bad?

Alma: I guess so. It's easier with my daddy, though

Alma: That's what I mean. It's not bad for everyone, but I shouldn't do it.

Alma: How come? Don't you want a mom? Sometimes I wish I have one but I know I lost my chance.

Alma: Then what should be the goal? Having the feelings isn't always bad, it's bad if you do things because of them or if you're being unapreshitive because then bad things will happen. Yes, that would be bad.

[bruisedwing]

Well, the girl isn’t stupid, Nadia began to think, but was distracted by her next words. She watched cautiously as the necklace was removed and offered. She lifted the charm to read but didn’t pull the chain from the girl’s hand. “Ge’catrah,” she murmured. “Evening...” She stared at the word for a moment, as if her aggressive gaze could force it to reveal more information. Then, she looked to the young mutant’s face, and her expression softened. 

“You have my nose,” she remarked quietly. While one hand held the charm, her other lifted to gently touch Evening’s face. “You look so much like her. And it looks you got some of her powers, too. Evening...” It was so bizarre to say her name, a daughter that hadn’t even been conceived yet, standing in front of her. “Isn’t it dangerous for you to be here? The timeline is already---” She stopped abruptly as a realization struck her. If she existed, that meant Eva was going to be okay, didn’t it?

Being threatened by her mother was definitely not something Evening had planned for on this particular trip and not for the first time she found herself wondering if coming here had been a good idea.  She had reasons and perfectly valid answers and explanations to all Nadia’s quries but none of them would make sense unless she revealed exactly who she was.  And somehow convinced Nadia that she wasn’t an imposter or shapeshifter.

“I’m just visiting.  Which, yes I know is a lame answer and will do nothing to aid my cause.  But… I actually know you both.”  She raised her hands slowly and non-threateningly and unclasped a necklace that was hanging around her neck.  Letting it dangle from her fingers she offered it to Nadia, hoping she would understand the significance of the single silver word which comprised the necklace: Ge’catrah - Evening in Mando’a.  “You don’t know me yet.  But you will.”

[bruisedwing]

onewiththegreenhair:

“Some” violence. See, you had it wrong from the start, but I don’t blame you. You don’t know what the Brotherhood is about because you’re not one of us. Maybe you’ve gotten used to your life with Eva that you’ve forgotten how ugly the world really is. We’re not the enemies, Nadia, but I’m glad you’ve learned how indifference can be harmful. 

I’m not going to waste our time by trying to make you understand, but I will say this, mutants wanting what they deserve isn’t the same as wanting power and I’m sorry you see it this way.

What, do you think “some” is too limiting? Because you probably underestimate what I consider ‘some’. You’re right; I’m not. I’ve avoided having convictions because the world is ugly, and it's made it easier to survive. It isn’t a noble way to live, but I don’t consider myself a particularly good person. Eva, however, is.

Why is something you seem to believe so strongly in a waste of time to discuss? Of course it isn’t the same. There’s a line between the two, and I think the attack against Eva crossed it.

[bruisedwing]

Text: Tandy & Alma

Tandy: Like, texting, like this. Or I can come over and talk in person, and you can type what you're saying.

Tandy: They aren't wrong. Feelings are never wrong. I don't think I had the kinda big rules you did.

Tandy: But my mom was the kinda person who didn't like to be bothered. And my feelings were that. I just wanted her to like and care about me, so I kept my bad feelings to myself.

Alma: Yes but how? I don't know what to say. I don't talk about this. Daddy always heard my thoughts, so I never had to talk.

Alma: I can't reply to that because it's bad to be contrary.

Alma: Was? Is she dead?

Alma: That's what I do. Is it hard to act good at someone sometimes when you feel bad about them? Like if you needed your mom to care about you but you felt angry at her, but you knew you shouldn't because she was your mom and she didn't do the thing that made you feel angry on purpose? Did that make it harder to be good?

[bruisedwing]

Yes, I’m reacting to what happened to Eva, because what happened to Eva taught me something. Generally, I’ve been indifferent towards the Brotherhood because I think mutant supremacy is inevitable, and some violence against bigots to prevent greater violence against mutants really doesn’t bother me.

I’m not blaming you---it’s my fault for not paying more attention and seeing sooner that the Brotherhood is about power, not mutants. I just don’t understand how you can be okay with participating in that.

No you’re not, you just reacting to what happened to Eva and want to take it out on someone.

Because things were fine not too long ago and I’ve not changed from then to now.

[bruisedwing]

The girl was nervous, threatened---good, Nadia thought. She observed the way the girl looked around the room for exits and objects that could be used as weapons, much how she did. Had the girl been trained to do so, or was it an instinct learned the hard way? Her own instincts warned her not to become sympathetic, lest she need to fight her. Nadia had a sad story, but it only made her a greater threat, not harmless like the girl claimed she was. Still, there was something unsettlingly familiar about her...

“Then why are you here?” Nadia asked sternly. “How do you know her, and what is your purpose?”

Evening’s initial reaction to seeing the very familiar tall blonde form before her was one of elation, but then she spotted Nadia’s expression, and the metallic veins being deployed in defence of Eva.  Evening had seen those veins used before - rarely, but she had seen them - always to defend her or someone close to them.  She had never been on the receiving end of that threatening glare that seemed so impressive when it was on your side, but having it shot at you truly was terrifying.  She gulped and tried to remain calm. Her eyes quickly darted around the room, taking stock of her surroundings and exits - a habit she had picked up from a young age but probably wouldn’t do her much good here, she would have to talk her way out.  She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, much like Eva did when she was nervous.  “Well there’s no point in lying and saying I’m meant to be here, I’m not.  So I’m busted.”  Her nerves made her tone more unemotional, just like Nadia when she was nervous.  “I assure you I mean no harm to anybody here.  I am not a threat, especially not her.”  Her head tilted ever so slightly in Eva’s direction, not wanting a more extreme move to be misinterpreted.

[bruisedwing]

Nadia’s eyes widened at the sight of the blue energy that she began to realize was a portal. Her confusion turned to protectiveness, and while the girl was doing something to the security camera, she stepped between her and Eva’s motionless form. Nadia was certain she knew all the mutants and mutates Eva did, but she’d never seen this one, which meant danger---and danger meant Nadia was ready to fight. She channeled her metallic veins, hidden under the surface of her skin, towards her hands, popping blades out of her knuckles in a fashion reminiscent of her old Danger Room teacher. Where they punctured her skin, blood leaked out before her healing quickly sealed the wounds. “Busted doing what exactly?” Nadia demanded. Would the Brotherhood send someone else to harm Eva? What purpose would that serve?

The circular portal of bright blue energy appeared first, completely out of nowhere, followed by a brunette girl who stepped into Eva’s hospital room, through the portal as if it was a perfectly normal thing to do. She raised a hand and the blue energy appeared around the security camera in the corner. Hearing movement she spun around in surprise and her eyes flew open as they fell upon another visitor in the room - there wasn’t meant to be anyone else there. “Crap! Guess I’m busted.”

[bruisedwing]

Text: Tandy & Alma

Tandy: You have nothing to be sorry for. If I were in your shoes, I would have thought the same thing.

Tandy: Feelings being confused are never fun. Sometimes it helps to talk to someone about it.

Tandy: You won't be bad. Or mess up. Your feelings are your feelings and they matter. You won't make things worse. I used to get scared about that, too, but no one wants your feelings lost in this.

Alma: Talk how?

Alma: But my feelings are wrong. I wish they would get lost. Why did you get scared? Did you have big rules like me?