[Truly, he's been meaning to check on his friends after the mission. They matter a lot to him, even if he doesn't say it out loud, and he would honestly kick his own ass if they've been dealing with a bunch of shit on their own without him trying to at least reach out. It's not that hard making sure that the other mutants aren't dead or anything, since he would notice their absence around the mansion, but that still leaves out a few others.
So, there is a mixture of both relief and worry when he sees the text from Junpei. Glad to see him texting him, but then there's some dread too, seeing that he's getting this message in the middle of the night. He tends to crash hard the first night or two after the mission, but he tries to be back to normal after that and so his friend caught him at the right time.]
[ It all works out. Even had Scott checked in sooner, Junpei would have likely left him on read. He needed the complete solitude of those few days before he could feel ready to talk to anyone again. But now that he is, it's never been more of a relief to see an indication someone's typing. Scott's up. It had been what Junpei hoped for. It all works out. ]
shit. it can get worse? i hope we can at least pick our own teams next time
i kept thinking 'maaaaan if i had scott on my team, we'd be UNSTOPPABLE' unSCOTTpable??? 💪💪😎
hate to break it to you but i feel like any mission could be worse than the last. infinite worlds means infinite shit.
i wasn't even placed in a team this time, maybe i lucked out.
[Felt kind of shit to stay behind at the base though, although when the power and lights went out... he kind of had enough of the mission then and there. He still managed to make it through, but it was rough. Feelings of just not caring gripping him even though it didn't feel right. He's glad it's gone. Yeah he puts up that front sometimes, but he never actually feels it.
Scott snorts-- a small smile pulling at his mouth when he reads Junpei's comment.]
yeah we'd be able to take anything for sure, especially bad puns. but. hey. did something happen?
[ Damn. So Scott noticed how he avoided answering the question. A part of Junpei hoped he would get away with it -- leave a stupid pun, get a laugh, spin right into some other bullshit. And maybe he still could have if he started ranting about the unfairness of Scott being benched during the mission.
But Scott had answered Junpei when he asked. It's only fair to return the favor.
Thing is Junpei doesn't know whether to answer with the truth or a lie. A lie would be easiest. Scott wouldn't worry. Wouldn't think less of him. The truth is a much harder thing to face, if only because it's vulnerable and Junpei has always, always kept his personal bullshit to himself. But maybe it would be good to take that first step toward trust. Maybe Scott would get it, being a dude around the same age. And Junpei wants to be friends with him. Not just a shoot-the-shit kinda friend. The type of friends who can rely on each other. A team!
He sighs. That decides it. And it's not like this ten minute silence he's left Scott with isn't answer enough already. Something did indeed happen. ]
yeah. you lucked out not having to go out there/deal with the shit
[ That's the easy part. There's one more heavy pause before Junpei forces himself to type: ]
but yeah some shit went down it's got me pretty fucked up, man idk maybe i'm not cut out for all this
[If he wasn't worried before, that feeling definitely takes root as he sits and waits to hear Junpei answer from the other end. While a part of him wants to just cut in the silence with his own comment, maybe guide their conversation into something more lighthearted, he still wants to know how his friend is actually doing. It feels important right now, even if it would be easier to just joke about shit. Some things shouldn't be easy, right?
Then finally, he sees the message and. Yeah. He expected something like this, doesn't make it easier to read though, knowing that Junpei went through some hard shit. A small breath leaves him, but his answer comes quickly.]
someone got hurt on your team? did you get hurt at all? talk to me dude.
and hey don't say that. even the most experienced fighters here get fucked up. i've seen it.
[ Junpei starts typing. Rethinks it and deletes. Then starts typing again. Decides to nix that as well. His thoughts are kind of a jumble and he's not even sure where to begin with it all. Finally, he settles on something simple. Scott can set the pace of whether he wants more details or not. Junpei wouldn't blame him if he didn't. ]
you ever see someone die before, scott? and like not JUST die...
i'm talking like it's a lightsaber battle and the other person's only fighting with their fists
Isn't it kind of fucked up on his end? That he really hasn't seen anyone really die in this place yet? The closest thing was his mission back in the desert months ago, but it was pretty chaotic-- the actual fight. He really didn't have time to think about what was happening before the next thing happened.
Maybe a reminder that he really has been on the sidelines for such a long time here.]
like completely and utterly massacred by someone? not really, no.
so. did someone on your team... fight darth vader?
[ It's good. It's a good thing Scott hasn't. That much is a relief. And in a way, it puts Junpei more at ease because Scott truly might understand where he's coming from. Why this is weighing on him. He couldn't talk about it with Vergil or Mizu. For them, death is as natural as breath. He couldn't talk about it with Kyoko or Nico. Kyoko because he always felt he had to act tougher than he is around her and Nico, he'd really just met. That's not the type of shit you dump on a near stranger (even if they are kinda goth). ]
nah it's more like the guy on OUR side was vader he did it to save my ass
and i got front row seats right in the splatter zone, dude
these ppl were doomed anyway i know that but still i'd wanted to save them somehow convince them to come with us something
all i did for them was something way worse
[ The next question is, perhaps, the hardest to type. Because this is the basis of all that's been haunting his mind. This is what he's been wrestling during his sleepless hours. ]
[On one hand, he is glad that Darth Vader-- his teammate saved Junpei out there, but on the other hand, it's clear that it fucked up his friend. Basically slaughtered whoever was attacking him and he doesn't know what to envision here, maybe body parts flying or something equally as grotesque, but it's not good. He sort of feels like he should at least try and think about it, understand what Junpei went through.
Scott closes his eyes, not sure what to say, honestly, but there's not way he's leaving him on read. There's a few times where he tries to type, stops, erases what he typed, before trying all over again.]
i feel the same. like. i would rather try and save their asses than have them die with their planet. besides even if they were doomed, it doesn't mean we can just go around killing them without a second thought. that's fucked up, no matter what anyone says.
no reason to go darth vader on anyone when you can just simply stop them.
[And then there's that question and...... he doesn't know. Is that what he says though? It doesn't feel good enough at this time and he wants to be better than what he's been like before.]
we can be good. like try and save as many people as possible per mission. that's good, right?
[ It's unseen, but after reading what Scott sends, Junpei smiles. His first, earnest smile since getting back to Etraya. Seemed he made a good call trusting Scott with this. Because Scott truly does get it. He doesn't poke fun at him. Doesn't tell him to man up. He's on the same page and that's nice. It's nice to have found a true friend in the midst of all this bullshit. ]
hell yeah, dude
[ And then with a little more conviction: ]
hell yeah it's good
cuz i guess when you think about it even the REBELS couldn't save everyone, right? but they did their best and that's what we can do too
i don't think OUR vader's a bad guy but i swore i'd show him there's a better way so let's do it, dude
[ He nods to himself and then opts to switch over to voice. It's undeniable that Junpei sounds tired, definitely less energetic. But he doesn't want his texts to be mistaken as anything other than sincerity -- and voice is the best option for that. ]
Let's do this team thing for real. You and me and other people who feel this same kinda way. 'cuz I'm gonna focus and do my damnedest to get stronger before the next mission. That way no one has to save me again. And it'd be great to have you there with me every step of the way. Ain't no way they're gonna bench my boy again!
[ Then, a bit louder as he talks to the emptiness of his apartment: ]
Ya hear that, Echo??
[ Who knows how omniscient Echo or whatever is, but Junpei throws it out into the universe anyway because Scott has officially unlocked Ride or Die status and he ain't scared of whatever clapback their god-like captor might have. Fortunately, he's not struck by lightning. All he gets is the continued silence of the apartment. ]
yeah, they couldn't stop them from blowing up alderaan but the important thing is to keep fighting. princess leia didn't give up and so we shouldn't either.
also vader did turn good at the very end and threw the emperor to his death. we just need to do that. although we're trying to stop the killing in the first place, don't worry i haven't forgotten.
[But oh, there's suddenly voice and Scott finds himself blinking at his communication device for a few seconds. Of course it's Junpei, but it's still surprising to hear him switch-- especially since that exhaustion in his voice is still noticeable. But there's also that unmistakable devotion, something so earnest in his voice that Scott wouldn't even think of making fun of him, not now.
Instead, he too switches to voice, and though he's not quite as energetic, there's something supporting in his tone. Calm, but dedicated as well.]
I'm with you all the way man. We'll get better and stronger and be ready for the next mission. [He really doesn't want to keep standing in the sidelines, not after hearing about this, not after figuring his own stuff with him and the other mutants.]
[ The grin is evident in his voice, although the way Junpei says it is less obnoxious teen energy and something more earnest. He's serious about all this. Coming back from that mission has changed him in a lot of ways, made him realize this isn't just some game or hero fantasy. This is real. What they're doing matters and has real stakes/consequences. It's bigger than SEES. And it's also something he can't do alone. Choosing Scott is a little like being team captain in gym class and getting to pick your teammates first. He's getting the best of the best! ]
Did you get caught up in that darkness shit when the lights went out back at base?
[ Scott seems okay now. There's nothing in his voice to indicate any kind of lingering apathy beyond the normal affect. But the thought of any of his friends falling victim to apathy syndrome is terrifying. That's the sort of shit Junpei had been glad to leave behind. ]
We'll keep each other focused. We're teammates now.
[Still encouraging, with maybe a little more serious note in his voice because this really important to the both of them. Plus, he's sure that Junpei is still dealing with all the shit that happened to him in the mission, and he remembers feeling shaken from less things. Sophie helped him, Maelle did, and... he just wants to be like that towards someone else finally. To a friend no less.
Of course talking about his own crap is still hard, but he figures that he needs to try. Junpei told him about his stuff so he should too, right?]
A bit, yeah. Already have a hard time seeing and then they made it worse, assholes. [...] It sucked though, even if a part of me didn't care about anything at the time and thought it was relieving. To stop being mad and worried about shit.
[ It had been something he worried about. Hell, it had been the reason Junpei took off on his team when he noticed the lights had gone out in the first place. He worried his friends might be there. And he was right for that worry because they were. Except it leaves this nagging swell of guilt in the pit of his stomach because he hadn't gotten to them. When he got to base, it had been chaos and when he saw Dylan succumbing to the darkness, he had to act immediately. Get him out.
But he should have gone back. Should have doubled back and made a second sweep. He should have done better. For Scott and for Sandry. Damnit. ]
Yeah. That was Apathy Syndrome. It leaves people without a care in the world and they're just as content to sit there and waste away. It's the shit me and my team are fighting against back home...what Shadows do to the people in the city. But the way it set on in that darkness was unlike anything I'd ever seen before. There was no fighting it, bro. Not until you got in the light.
[ No matter how strong anyone was, they would have succumbed. So he hopes Scott doesn't feel weak for getting hit by it. But please forgive Junpei for the concern in his voice when he asks the following: ]
But...it's gone now, right? Nothing lingering? You're back to normal?
Fuck, so something you faced back home was happening on that other planet...? At least something really similar.
[Sure, everyone has their batches of not caring, but it's brief and not really fully intended-- at least not to Scott. That complete feeling of disregard was new and unsettling, especially looking back at it now when things are calmer and they're safe here. Time now to really take in everything that fucking happened, including that night when everything went dark and he just... felt like nothing mattered, no matter what he did or how he felt.
And then being okay with it, instead of angry or anything else.
He shakes his mind from those thoughts again, because he knows he's been quiet on his end for a while.]
Yeah, back to normal. Feel as pissy and annoyed by everyone like usual. [Haha kind of joking--] Did you avoid it?
[ Junpei makes a small sound of affirmation after Scott's question, but doesn't volunteer more information. Rehashing the similarities of Apathy Syndrome and whatever the darkness did wasn't really something he wanted to get into because it was just another shitty thing to add to the onslaught of shitty things about this past mission. It's more important to make sure Scott's okay and that pause makes his heart sink with dread.
Of course, Scott pops back in with the reassurance, and Junpei dutifully lets out a laugh. A single heh. Because that's his role as bro. To laugh at the jokes. But part of him wonders if there's more. If there's something Scott might not be saying or just something further on his mind. ]
I managed alright. I got a scarf made by this girl who could enchant it with light. Really saved my ass to have that on me out there. She's something else, dude.
[ A pause. Junpei contemplates digging a little further, needling Scott to see if he might open up a bit more. But that might be something better done in person. ]
Yo, you wanna hit up that 24/7 diner near your place? I just need to hop in the shower real fast and could probably make it to the trolley in time to get there in like a half hour? I know it's late and all, so if you're tired, I get it. But we got no parents breathing down our neck, so why the fuck not get eggs and bacon at 2am?
[ He playfully stage whispers: ]
....that's the American thing, right? Eggs and bacon??
Sounds like maybe we should add her to our growing team.
[Their team of misfits or whatever, which is kind of a nice thought honestly. Yeah, there's still the X-Men and they're really important to him, but he's not... it's just complicated, honestly. They're a team, but they've been X-Men far longer than him and it's just nice to do something without there being some prior expectation. Plus he is younger than everyone else on that team.
The offer to go to the diner sounds really tempting, but honestly, the reason he finds himself agreeing is because Junpei offered it. It's clear that the other teen is still shaken up from everything and probably needs to not only get out of his place, but talk to someone. So, it really doesn't take long for him to answer.]
Dude, nothing sounds better than eggs and bacon at 2am. You're just forgetting the hashbrowns... and maybe some pancakes on the side. Let the American show you how it's done.
[ Junpei smiles when Scott is the one to make the suggestion because Junpei so would have vouched for Sandry to be part of their little group at some point anyway. ]
Yeah, man. I'll for sure ask her.
[ But it's really starting to take shape. This team of theirs. Junpei, Scott, Sandry and Maelle. He had yet to meet her, but if she comes on Scott's recommendation then she's gotta be good people! And now that this isn't just a team where Junpei was trying to be cool and show off some bullshit leadership skills he doesn't actually have, he's down to fill it with the best people they could. Give them all a fighting chance and someone to count on out there in whatever world they wind up in next.
Yeah. This is gonna be good.
It's subtle, but unmistakable how Junpei lets out a breath of relief when Scott agrees to the diner. This is his first step toward putting himself back together after the mission -- getting cleaned up, seeing a friend, socializing, and getting back to some semblance of normal. But also! It's the very first team meeting in a way, isn't it? Scott and Junpei as the co-founders. A meeting of the minds at 2am, eating until they felt sick. Actually, Junpei needed to eat something of substance. He'd barely had much of an appetite these past few days and the hunger gnaws at him more than ever now. ]
Oh, dude. That sounds like heaven. I will totally defer to your wisdom on this, my badass American bro. Steer me right! Heh. See ya in a few.
You can't go wrong with me around. Trust me, I'm all about American culture.
[He will give a crash course about all things American if needed. He did it for Kurt and he'll happily do it for Junpei-- at least the other teen knew what a mall was. So, it's not too hard at least to get him caught up with all this. Honestly though, he is having fun with it... something that's probably good for the both of them. That sense of just goofing of and feeling normal when everything around them is shit.]
See you in a few.
[And indeed, in like ten minutes or so, Scott will be waiting outside of the diner-- he at least slid on a regular shirt and some pants, though his hair is definitely not gelled like normal. This is emergency breakfast at 2am time, nothing fancy.
When he sees Junpei, he'll raise a hand in greeting with a small smile.] Hope you're ready to eat way too much-- you're not doing it right if you aren't stuffed and wanting to die at the end.
[ Junpei almost didn't make it...mostly because he almost missed the trolley and its stupidly tight schedule. But after making a mad dash, he got there just in the nick of time. Phew. Safe! And he even has time to catch his breath before it rolls up to the diner, allowing him to look cool and casual as he steps off -- energy drink in hand, hat on backwards and everything. ]
Dude, I am so fucking ready.
[ He polishes off the last of his can, tossing it into the trash bin nearby before a hand comes forward to clap against Scott's and draw him in for that standard bro hug. And then he draws back with a grin. Despite looking tired as hell, the smile manages to reach his eyes. ]
Thanks for coming out, though. Seriously. I'd probably just spend the rest of the time moping between missions if I didn't have a pal like you to have my back.
[ What a dumb and sappy thing to say, and Junpei looks off toward the door, suitably embarrassed by it. It's entirely new territory...this being open and honest with his friends thing. ]
[Bro hug!! Wow, is it embarrassing to admit that he's kind of new to this kind of thing? He'll just keep it to himself, just for his pride, no one needs to know that!! Though he can't hide the surprise that flickers across his face when Junpei becomes that just more honest and real with him. Maybe a little mushy, but he understands-- the need of wanting a friend after all the shit that's been happening.
He's just surprised to be that person of comfort. Has he ever been viewed that way before? It's always been him needing that help and support from others, but it's nice being on the other end of it for once.
So he smiles before lifting one shoulder, trying to play it off and hopefully make Junpei feel more comfortable about everything.]
It's cool man, besides, as I've mentioned, I'm pretty hungry. This is benefitting me.
[ Kyaaaa. Scott is so cool and nonchalant. But Junpei appreciates it -- the way Scott looks the other way and doesn't make fun of him for all of this. He's far too used to being the butt of people's jokes that it's pretty refreshing to not be for once. ]
Alright, then let's feast, my dude!
[ Junpei leads the way into the diner. As expected, it's a ghost town which gives them choice pick of their seats. Naturally that means Junpei goes for a corner booth. All the cool guys who meet at restaurants to conduct their cool guy business pick a corner booth!! He settles in and picks up the menu, glancing over the offerings even though he already knows what they're getting. ]
So! Our team. We're gonna have to come up with a cool name, yanno. We could just be The Rebels, but...I think we can do one better. Something original. But also something totally badass! Like.....The Etrayan Eagles!
[ He mulls over the name for a moment. ]
That sounds a little more like a baseball team, though. Doesn't really fit our vibe. Maybe....
[ Thinking, thinking, thinking. ]
The Mischieviants. We're misfits. We're mischievous. We're deviants!
[It really is dead in here, but Scott doesn't mind at all. It's better that way, less distractions, and maybe Junpei will continue to feel comfortable about all this when it's just the two of them hanging out. No worry about people judging or whatever shit, although the only other 'people' in this place are Etrayans and... okay, there's probably a few assholes that would chime in on stuff. On the whole though? Probably not.
Still, better this way.
He easily slides into the booth with him and Scott casually opens the menu, though he really doesn't pay much attention to the items offered. It's just more of that feeling normal thing, even if things are crap for them.]
A team name?
[It's not a bad idea... having an official name for their little group of teenage fighters. Or whatever. Scott leans back against his seat, actually putting some thought into what they could call themselves.]
Has to roll off the tongue, man. But something memorable too. Easy to say.
[And there's no hiding his snort hearing Junpei's suggestion.] And something that's cool, not giving the impression that we're just a group of misfits. And I guess we have to decide what we want our team to be, mostly just fighting together as a group?
[ Ouch. Critical hit. Junpei dramatically places a hand against his chest when Scott punches the point of it needing to be something cool. Thoroughly and completely rejecting Mischieviants. But Junpei's back to smiling only a moment later. ]
Fighting's cool and all, but I don't want a team that's full on assault and no defense. It's great to be a fantastic slugger, but the real MVPs can play in the field, too!
[ He lowers his menu with a slight sigh. ]
Truth is, we don't know what this place is gonna throw at us next. So we need a crew that can have each others back no matter what. Whether that's on the field or just as friends. Maybe we can make a group chat or something where we can check in on each other during missions if we get separated? Or go one step further and have our own walkies. Just in case the network goes down.
[ Junpei looks at Scott, tilting his head curiously. ]
You run any of this by Maelle yet?
[ Or is this just a team of two so far? Two Very Cool Dudes, of course. But still....that's less of a team and more of a partnership. ]
[He turns just a little more serious as they move away from the easygoing topic of naming their group. It's a big thing, it feels like, setting a definition and goal and purpose for what they want to do. It's not just playing around, not when they've been brought to this place to save the multiverse and whatever. They're sent on actual missions with real people getting hurt and worse. Even if they can't always be together on missions, it's best to still have this group too... if just to check in on each other.
Junpei reaching out to him in the middle of the night isn't something he's going to forget in the future.]
We can see if someone can make us walkies, or maybe a place here would have usable ones. But you're right, Junpei, it's not just about fighting but checking in on each other, whether it's before, during, or after each mission.
[Scott has the mutants and Maelle has her friends from the Expedition, but he wonders if Junpei has any group like that...? It's a thought that buries into his mind.]
I haven't run this by Maelle yet, but I think she'd be cool to join. But if we're both in and we both have someone in mind, that at least makes 4 of us.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
So, there is a mixture of both relief and worry when he sees the text from Junpei. Glad to see him texting him, but then there's some dread too, seeing that he's getting this message in the middle of the night. He tends to crash hard the first night or two after the mission, but he tries to be back to normal after that and so his friend caught him at the right time.]
hey
yeah i've been through worse here. how about you?
no subject
shit. it can get worse?
i hope we can at least pick our own teams next time
i kept thinking
'maaaaan if i had scott on my team, we'd be UNSTOPPABLE'
unSCOTTpable???
💪💪😎
no subject
i wasn't even placed in a team this time, maybe i lucked out.
[Felt kind of shit to stay behind at the base though, although when the power and lights went out... he kind of had enough of the mission then and there. He still managed to make it through, but it was rough. Feelings of just not caring gripping him even though it didn't feel right. He's glad it's gone. Yeah he puts up that front sometimes, but he never actually feels it.
Scott snorts-- a small smile pulling at his mouth when he reads Junpei's comment.]
yeah we'd be able to take anything for sure, especially bad puns. but. hey. did something happen?
no subject
But Scott had answered Junpei when he asked. It's only fair to return the favor.
Thing is Junpei doesn't know whether to answer with the truth or a lie. A lie would be easiest. Scott wouldn't worry. Wouldn't think less of him. The truth is a much harder thing to face, if only because it's vulnerable and Junpei has always, always kept his personal bullshit to himself. But maybe it would be good to take that first step toward trust. Maybe Scott would get it, being a dude around the same age. And Junpei wants to be friends with him. Not just a shoot-the-shit kinda friend. The type of friends who can rely on each other. A team!
He sighs. That decides it. And it's not like this ten minute silence he's left Scott with isn't answer enough already. Something did indeed happen. ]
yeah. you lucked out
not having to go out there/deal with the shit
[ That's the easy part. There's one more heavy pause before Junpei forces himself to type: ]
but yeah
some shit went down
it's got me pretty fucked up, man
idk
maybe i'm not cut out for all this
no subject
Then finally, he sees the message and. Yeah. He expected something like this, doesn't make it easier to read though, knowing that Junpei went through some hard shit. A small breath leaves him, but his answer comes quickly.]
someone got hurt on your team? did you get hurt at all? talk to me dude.
and hey don't say that. even the most experienced fighters here get fucked up. i've seen it.
no subject
you ever see someone die before, scott?
and like
not JUST die...
i'm talking like
it's a lightsaber battle
and the other person's only fighting with their fists
that kinda thing?
no subject
Isn't it kind of fucked up on his end? That he really hasn't seen anyone really die in this place yet? The closest thing was his mission back in the desert months ago, but it was pretty chaotic-- the actual fight. He really didn't have time to think about what was happening before the next thing happened.
Maybe a reminder that he really has been on the sidelines for such a long time here.]
like completely and utterly massacred by someone? not really, no.
so. did someone on your team... fight darth vader?
no subject
nah
it's more like
the guy on OUR side was vader
he did it to save my ass
and i got front row seats
right in the splatter zone, dude
these ppl were doomed anyway
i know that
but still i'd wanted to save them somehow
convince them to come with us
something
all i did for them was something way worse
[ The next question is, perhaps, the hardest to type. Because this is the basis of all that's been haunting his mind. This is what he's been wrestling during his sleepless hours. ]
are we the good guys, scott?
no subject
Scott closes his eyes, not sure what to say, honestly, but there's not way he's leaving him on read. There's a few times where he tries to type, stops, erases what he typed, before trying all over again.]
i feel the same. like. i would rather try and save their asses than have them die with their planet. besides even if they were doomed, it doesn't mean we can just go around killing them without a second thought. that's fucked up, no matter what anyone says.
no reason to go darth vader on anyone when you can just simply stop them.
[And then there's that question and...... he doesn't know. Is that what he says though? It doesn't feel good enough at this time and he wants to be better than what he's been like before.]
we can be good. like try and save as many people as possible per mission. that's good, right?
no subject
hell yeah, dude
[ And then with a little more conviction: ]
hell yeah it's good
cuz i guess
when you think about it
even the REBELS couldn't save everyone, right?
but they did their best
and that's what we can do too
i don't think OUR vader's a bad guy
but i swore i'd show him there's a better way
so let's do it, dude
[ He nods to himself and then opts to switch over to voice. It's undeniable that Junpei sounds tired, definitely less energetic. But he doesn't want his texts to be mistaken as anything other than sincerity -- and voice is the best option for that. ]
Let's do this team thing for real. You and me and other people who feel this same kinda way. 'cuz I'm gonna focus and do my damnedest to get stronger before the next mission. That way no one has to save me again. And it'd be great to have you there with me every step of the way. Ain't no way they're gonna bench my boy again!
[ Then, a bit louder as he talks to the emptiness of his apartment: ]
Ya hear that, Echo??
[ Who knows how omniscient Echo or whatever is, but Junpei throws it out into the universe anyway because Scott has officially unlocked Ride or Die status and he ain't scared of whatever clapback their god-like captor might have. Fortunately, he's not struck by lightning. All he gets is the continued silence of the apartment. ]
no subject
also vader did turn good at the very end and threw the emperor to his death. we just need to do that. although we're trying to stop the killing in the first place, don't worry i haven't forgotten.
[But oh, there's suddenly voice and Scott finds himself blinking at his communication device for a few seconds. Of course it's Junpei, but it's still surprising to hear him switch-- especially since that exhaustion in his voice is still noticeable. But there's also that unmistakable devotion, something so earnest in his voice that Scott wouldn't even think of making fun of him, not now.
Instead, he too switches to voice, and though he's not quite as energetic, there's something supporting in his tone. Calm, but dedicated as well.]
I'm with you all the way man. We'll get better and stronger and be ready for the next mission. [He really doesn't want to keep standing in the sidelines, not after hearing about this, not after figuring his own stuff with him and the other mutants.]
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[ The grin is evident in his voice, although the way Junpei says it is less obnoxious teen energy and something more earnest. He's serious about all this. Coming back from that mission has changed him in a lot of ways, made him realize this isn't just some game or hero fantasy. This is real. What they're doing matters and has real stakes/consequences. It's bigger than SEES. And it's also something he can't do alone. Choosing Scott is a little like being team captain in gym class and getting to pick your teammates first. He's getting the best of the best! ]
Did you get caught up in that darkness shit when the lights went out back at base?
[ Scott seems okay now. There's nothing in his voice to indicate any kind of lingering apathy beyond the normal affect. But the thought of any of his friends falling victim to apathy syndrome is terrifying. That's the sort of shit Junpei had been glad to leave behind. ]
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[Still encouraging, with maybe a little more serious note in his voice because this really important to the both of them. Plus, he's sure that Junpei is still dealing with all the shit that happened to him in the mission, and he remembers feeling shaken from less things. Sophie helped him, Maelle did, and... he just wants to be like that towards someone else finally. To a friend no less.
Of course talking about his own crap is still hard, but he figures that he needs to try. Junpei told him about his stuff so he should too, right?]
A bit, yeah. Already have a hard time seeing and then they made it worse, assholes. [...] It sucked though, even if a part of me didn't care about anything at the time and thought it was relieving. To stop being mad and worried about shit.
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[ It had been something he worried about. Hell, it had been the reason Junpei took off on his team when he noticed the lights had gone out in the first place. He worried his friends might be there. And he was right for that worry because they were. Except it leaves this nagging swell of guilt in the pit of his stomach because he hadn't gotten to them. When he got to base, it had been chaos and when he saw Dylan succumbing to the darkness, he had to act immediately. Get him out.
But he should have gone back. Should have doubled back and made a second sweep. He should have done better. For Scott and for Sandry. Damnit. ]
Yeah. That was Apathy Syndrome. It leaves people without a care in the world and they're just as content to sit there and waste away. It's the shit me and my team are fighting against back home...what Shadows do to the people in the city. But the way it set on in that darkness was unlike anything I'd ever seen before. There was no fighting it, bro. Not until you got in the light.
[ No matter how strong anyone was, they would have succumbed. So he hopes Scott doesn't feel weak for getting hit by it. But please forgive Junpei for the concern in his voice when he asks the following: ]
But...it's gone now, right? Nothing lingering? You're back to normal?
[ He just cares, man. ]
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[Sure, everyone has their batches of not caring, but it's brief and not really fully intended-- at least not to Scott. That complete feeling of disregard was new and unsettling, especially looking back at it now when things are calmer and they're safe here. Time now to really take in everything that fucking happened, including that night when everything went dark and he just... felt like nothing mattered, no matter what he did or how he felt.
And then being okay with it, instead of angry or anything else.
He shakes his mind from those thoughts again, because he knows he's been quiet on his end for a while.]
Yeah, back to normal. Feel as pissy and annoyed by everyone like usual. [Haha kind of joking--] Did you avoid it?
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Of course, Scott pops back in with the reassurance, and Junpei dutifully lets out a laugh. A single heh. Because that's his role as bro. To laugh at the jokes. But part of him wonders if there's more. If there's something Scott might not be saying or just something further on his mind. ]
I managed alright. I got a scarf made by this girl who could enchant it with light. Really saved my ass to have that on me out there. She's something else, dude.
[ A pause. Junpei contemplates digging a little further, needling Scott to see if he might open up a bit more. But that might be something better done in person. ]
Yo, you wanna hit up that 24/7 diner near your place? I just need to hop in the shower real fast and could probably make it to the trolley in time to get there in like a half hour? I know it's late and all, so if you're tired, I get it. But we got no parents breathing down our neck, so why the fuck not get eggs and bacon at 2am?
[ He playfully stage whispers: ]
....that's the American thing, right? Eggs and bacon??
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[Their team of misfits or whatever, which is kind of a nice thought honestly. Yeah, there's still the X-Men and they're really important to him, but he's not... it's just complicated, honestly. They're a team, but they've been X-Men far longer than him and it's just nice to do something without there being some prior expectation. Plus he is younger than everyone else on that team.
The offer to go to the diner sounds really tempting, but honestly, the reason he finds himself agreeing is because Junpei offered it. It's clear that the other teen is still shaken up from everything and probably needs to not only get out of his place, but talk to someone. So, it really doesn't take long for him to answer.]
Dude, nothing sounds better than eggs and bacon at 2am. You're just forgetting the hashbrowns... and maybe some pancakes on the side. Let the American show you how it's done.
to action??
Yeah, man. I'll for sure ask her.
[ But it's really starting to take shape. This team of theirs. Junpei, Scott, Sandry and Maelle. He had yet to meet her, but if she comes on Scott's recommendation then she's gotta be good people! And now that this isn't just a team where Junpei was trying to be cool and show off some bullshit leadership skills he doesn't actually have, he's down to fill it with the best people they could. Give them all a fighting chance and someone to count on out there in whatever world they wind up in next.
Yeah. This is gonna be good.
It's subtle, but unmistakable how Junpei lets out a breath of relief when Scott agrees to the diner. This is his first step toward putting himself back together after the mission -- getting cleaned up, seeing a friend, socializing, and getting back to some semblance of normal. But also! It's the very first team meeting in a way, isn't it? Scott and Junpei as the co-founders. A meeting of the minds at 2am, eating until they felt sick. Actually, Junpei needed to eat something of substance. He'd barely had much of an appetite these past few days and the hunger gnaws at him more than ever now. ]
Oh, dude. That sounds like heaven. I will totally defer to your wisdom on this, my badass American bro. Steer me right! Heh. See ya in a few.
action;
[He will give a crash course about all things American if needed. He did it for Kurt and he'll happily do it for Junpei-- at least the other teen knew what a mall was. So, it's not too hard at least to get him caught up with all this. Honestly though, he is having fun with it... something that's probably good for the both of them. That sense of just goofing of and feeling normal when everything around them is shit.]
See you in a few.
[And indeed, in like ten minutes or so, Scott will be waiting outside of the diner-- he at least slid on a regular shirt and some pants, though his hair is definitely not gelled like normal. This is emergency breakfast at 2am time, nothing fancy.
When he sees Junpei, he'll raise a hand in greeting with a small smile.] Hope you're ready to eat way too much-- you're not doing it right if you aren't stuffed and wanting to die at the end.
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Dude, I am so fucking ready.
[ He polishes off the last of his can, tossing it into the trash bin nearby before a hand comes forward to clap against Scott's and draw him in for that standard bro hug. And then he draws back with a grin. Despite looking tired as hell, the smile manages to reach his eyes. ]
Thanks for coming out, though. Seriously. I'd probably just spend the rest of the time moping between missions if I didn't have a pal like you to have my back.
[ What a dumb and sappy thing to say, and Junpei looks off toward the door, suitably embarrassed by it. It's entirely new territory...this being open and honest with his friends thing. ]
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He's just surprised to be that person of comfort. Has he ever been viewed that way before? It's always been him needing that help and support from others, but it's nice being on the other end of it for once.
So he smiles before lifting one shoulder, trying to play it off and hopefully make Junpei feel more comfortable about everything.]
It's cool man, besides, as I've mentioned, I'm pretty hungry. This is benefitting me.
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Alright, then let's feast, my dude!
[ Junpei leads the way into the diner. As expected, it's a ghost town which gives them choice pick of their seats. Naturally that means Junpei goes for a corner booth. All the cool guys who meet at restaurants to conduct their cool guy business pick a corner booth!! He settles in and picks up the menu, glancing over the offerings even though he already knows what they're getting. ]
So! Our team. We're gonna have to come up with a cool name, yanno. We could just be The Rebels, but...I think we can do one better. Something original. But also something totally badass! Like.....The Etrayan Eagles!
[ He mulls over the name for a moment. ]
That sounds a little more like a baseball team, though. Doesn't really fit our vibe. Maybe....
[ Thinking, thinking, thinking. ]
The Mischieviants. We're misfits. We're mischievous. We're deviants!
[ Please come up with something better, bro. ]
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Still, better this way.
He easily slides into the booth with him and Scott casually opens the menu, though he really doesn't pay much attention to the items offered. It's just more of that feeling normal thing, even if things are crap for them.]
A team name?
[It's not a bad idea... having an official name for their little group of teenage fighters. Or whatever. Scott leans back against his seat, actually putting some thought into what they could call themselves.]
Has to roll off the tongue, man. But something memorable too. Easy to say.
[And there's no hiding his snort hearing Junpei's suggestion.] And something that's cool, not giving the impression that we're just a group of misfits. And I guess we have to decide what we want our team to be, mostly just fighting together as a group?
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Fighting's cool and all, but I don't want a team that's full on assault and no defense. It's great to be a fantastic slugger, but the real MVPs can play in the field, too!
[ He lowers his menu with a slight sigh. ]
Truth is, we don't know what this place is gonna throw at us next. So we need a crew that can have each others back no matter what. Whether that's on the field or just as friends. Maybe we can make a group chat or something where we can check in on each other during missions if we get separated? Or go one step further and have our own walkies. Just in case the network goes down.
[ Junpei looks at Scott, tilting his head curiously. ]
You run any of this by Maelle yet?
[ Or is this just a team of two so far? Two Very Cool Dudes, of course. But still....that's less of a team and more of a partnership. ]
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Junpei reaching out to him in the middle of the night isn't something he's going to forget in the future.]
We can see if someone can make us walkies, or maybe a place here would have usable ones. But you're right, Junpei, it's not just about fighting but checking in on each other, whether it's before, during, or after each mission.
[Scott has the mutants and Maelle has her friends from the Expedition, but he wonders if Junpei has any group like that...? It's a thought that buries into his mind.]
I haven't run this by Maelle yet, but I think she'd be cool to join. But if we're both in and we both have someone in mind, that at least makes 4 of us.