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Post by Hank McCoy on Nov 2, 2003 21:20:20 GMT -4
"Whenever it happens", he put his hand over hers and looked intently in her pale blue eyes, "make sure that you're ready. You'll find out that life doesn't have a set schedule...and that's just fine if you let it be so. No one can tell you when it is or isn't right. That's something only you can decide."
He ran one of his hands over his face - smoothing the hair where someone not so furry as he might have a beard. On his other, made into a fist he rested his head slightly tilted to one side. He smiled lazily at Christine - thinking over all she had said.
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Post by Christine MacTaggart on Nov 2, 2003 21:23:41 GMT -4
"Yes, but I would rather have a stable income before I dream of having children. Besides, my mother would tan my hide if she found out I was with child and a) still a student or b) unwed. I dare say she would make it a true shotgun wedding."
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Post by Hank McCoy on Nov 2, 2003 22:02:33 GMT -4
Henry laughed, a deep and infectious laugh.
"Possibly so", he whispered - regaining his composure, "but she'd have Wolverine to contend with if so."
He chuckled and added, "There's a battle I wouldn't place any bets on." And he laughed once again.
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Post by Christine MacTaggart on Nov 2, 2003 22:04:32 GMT -4
"Altho, if I were Logan - I'd be a bit afraid of a seemingly "frail" woman who can pack a M-16 like Rambo," Christine said, amused by the mental image.
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Post by Hank McCoy on Nov 2, 2003 22:14:56 GMT -4
"Ah, but the only person Logan fears", Henry said - suddenly serious, "is himself."
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Post by Christine MacTaggart on Nov 2, 2003 22:18:53 GMT -4
Christine nodded in quiet understanding. One's greatest enemy tended to be usually one's self, at least that's what last month's fortune cookie said...
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Post by Hank McCoy on Nov 2, 2003 22:58:46 GMT -4
"I hope that my answers have been of some use.", Henry said to her - suddenly self-conscious. He was conscious of how much his guard had dropped. It suddenly made him feel very vulnerable.
He placed his hands in front of him and looked down at them.
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Post by Christine MacTaggart on Nov 2, 2003 23:00:37 GMT -4
"Very," she said quietly. "Now if I can pass this exam, I'll be one very happy young woman. I don't think the teacher likes anyone - norm or mutant."
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Post by Hank McCoy on Nov 3, 2003 0:05:40 GMT -4
"At least your teacher is even-handed. ", he offered.
Henry thought back at his words - and wondered which of the situations Christine's teacher might fit. Was the teacher mean-spirited or were they just miserable? He supposed he would never know.
He thought again about Christine's powers - how she could easily pass the test by listening to the answers in the teacher's or the other students' minds. He knew that few people would have the strength to make the choices Christine made over and over again.
"I am certain you will do fine.", he finally said to her. "All you can do is your best. I will be proud of you, in any case."
He meant it.
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Post by Christine MacTaggart on Nov 3, 2003 0:14:35 GMT -4
Christine smiled slightly. "I hope I'm worthy of that assessment, Dr.," she whispered quietly. Her gaze fell on the textbook and sighed. "Why can't they make textbooks in standard English and not this language that makes my head spin."
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Post by Hank McCoy on Nov 3, 2003 0:47:48 GMT -4
"It's sort of a rule.", he joked - amused that she would ask him that question.
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Post by Christine MacTaggart on Nov 3, 2003 1:02:30 GMT -4
"Yes, but, English is not my strongest language," she said, trying to keep the whine out of her voice. "I rather have a text book in Scottish Gaelic so I actually can read it without having to pull a translator out to read it."
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Post by Hank McCoy on Nov 3, 2003 9:07:07 GMT -4
"It just so happens", he teased her, "that one of the foremost geneticists in the world speaks Scottish Gaelic. And she's someone you know. You should speak to her about that."
"Just please leave my name out of it.", he deadpanned.
He thought for a moment.
"But perhaps there is someone here who could help you. The Professor's files list a student named Douglas Ramsey. " Henry still didn't know many of the students, so he watched her to see if she recognized the name he mentioned. "If he is still at the Institute, his particular skills may be helpful to you. Perhaps he could tutor you."
"I would help if I could, but Gaelic is not one of my stronger languages - much to the frustration of my maternal grandmother."
"Tá mo bhríste trí thine!*", he offered as if to prove his point.
*"My trousers are on fire!"
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Post by Christine MacTaggart on Nov 3, 2003 9:10:45 GMT -4
"Point well taken," she answered embarrassedly. "I'll have to speak to her and see if she can help." She bit her lower lip and then broke into laughter. "I can't believe I forgot about Doug!" She laughed and shook her head before translating what Dr McCoy said and her eyes widened. "Your *what* are on fire?" She covered her mouth with her hand and coughed behind it. "You just said your trousers were on fire."
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Post by Hank McCoy on Nov 3, 2003 9:42:27 GMT -4
"My dear, that is a very long and painful story." He gave her grin full of humor.
"In any case, I have come to believe in what my Gran used to tell me.", he sighed. "Is minic a bhris béal duine a shrón.*"
*Many a time a man's mouth broke his nose
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