(no subject)

[nita_callahan]

The dilemma of the high school wizard: tedious physics homework, or tedious physics wizardries?

Nita is sitting at a table, gazing undecided between her manual and her textbook.

Eventually, manual wins (lunch hours are for homework, right?). She pulls out a notebook and pen, and starts making notes in the Speech. Occasionally she refers to the manual, bringing up this diagram in 3-D or checking that conjugation.

Comments

[cutting_edgex23]

"Oh."

X accepts this with equanimity.

"Dying hurts."

[nita_callahan]

"Yeah."

She adds, softer, "At first, anyway."

[cutting_edgex23]

X just offers a one-shouldered shrug.

"I know."

[nita_callahan]

"Welcome to the club."

She leans her elbows on the table. "I'm Nita."

[cutting_edgex23]

"Club?"

X just looks at Nita for a few moments.

Then--

"I am X-23."

Beat.

"Or Laura."

[nita_callahan]

Nita blinks. "Which do you prefer?"

[cutting_edgex23]

X offers another shrug.

"I do not know."

[nita_callahan]

She opens her mouth to ask--

When you think about yourself, which name is it?

--and close it again.

"So it's okay if I call you Laura?"

[cutting_edgex23]

Nita probably does not actually want that answer.

"Yes."

Beat.

"I listen for it."

[nita_callahan]

"Okay."

That's a little uncertain, maybe a little unsettled. Names are important.

[cutting_edgex23]

X's look is abruptly twice as intent.

"You prefer X-23?"

[nita_callahan]

More than a little unsettled, now.

Wow.

"It's not that," she says, picking her words carefully. "Names, in wizardry, hold a lot of power. They -- define who you are. I don't want to call you something that mis-defines you."

[cutting_edgex23]

"Oh."

X-23 does not understand this, but--maybe she does not have to. Yet.

"X-23, then."

Beat.

"Why is that important?"

[nita_callahan]

Nita doesn't exactly relax.

"It's like . . . if you're a teenager, and I call you a child, that changes who you are, a little. And I'm Oath-bound not to change things unless I have to."

[cutting_edgex23]

"You cannot change me."

X sounds sure of that.

This may be, in some ways, because there is very little of her to change.

[nita_callahan]

Nita shakes her head, but says nothing.

[cutting_edgex23]

X is quiet, too, watching Nita.

Waiting.

[nita_callahan]

Normally, Nita would try to keep the conversation going at this point.

Right now, though, she feels like she's being measured up, and it's uncomfortable.

So after a moment, she gathers up her things and shoots X an apologetic glance. "Sorry. I need to get home."

[cutting_edgex23]

X's feelings are not hurt by this.

"Okay."

Beat.

"Do not get killed."

[nita_callahan]

She offers a quick smile.

"Do my best. You, too."

Then she's up and headed for the door.