[h1][b][i][color=MediumSpringGreen][center]James Kingston[/center][/color][/i][/b][/h1]
[center][img]https://i.postimg.cc/MKVmbk8X/image.png[/img][/center]
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[center][color=MediumSpringGreen][b]Location[/b][/color]: Outside Renegade’s apartment -> Carousel
[color=MediumSpringGreen][b]Skills[/b][/color]: N/A[/center]

James watched as the introductions continued, huffing out a laugh as Jack’s name rang out. Max drew out another laugh, Havok and him dangling in the air. If anything was the perfect symbol of the Underground and their efforts, it was Max’s powers; always a little wrong but they got there in the end. Harry was just the opposite, hurrying from the stage. There was a lot hanging over everyone right now, James knew, and a little bit of positive attention wasn’t going to fix everything but hopefully, Harry would realize he was somewhere he could actually take his time and heal. 

Andy’s declaration of her name made James think. He’d never bought into the code name business; he agreed it was necessary while out but plenty of them used the names even in private, safe settings. He understood why they found it appealing. Separating themselves from trauma and suffering and establishing an identity that gave them autonomy and control over themselves and their situation was normal and here they could officially shed the one given to them in favor of the one they’d chosen. He didn’t feel the need. Life had taken a lot away from him now―Family, friends, stability and safety―but he wouldn’t let them take away this. James was who he was and Caduceus only ever a name. He’d need to make a note of exactly what everyone said.

Though The Thundering Champion was certainly memorable. 

Casper’s wink drew him from his considerations, James’ brow quirking in response. Casper wasn’t being particularly flirty so that meant he was plotting something and James only hoped it wouldn’t end in a trip to the hospital. There was a moment of panic when Casper suddenly launched himself in the crowd but after him squealing, James only laughed and clapped as the crowd bore him around. He’d laughed more today than he had in the past few months and he could feel a little bit of the tension in him ease away. It’d take more than the Underground waking up and a moderately uncomfortable but hilarious public event to make up for everything that had happened but at least it was a start. 

And then it was time for… a gift? James was confused but accepted the meteorite with a quick thanks.He felt distinctly uncomfortable and stared at it, concern quickly bubbling up. A meteor colliding with a planet to wipe out a species was violent and destructive and with individuals so intelligent choosing this as a gift sent shivers down his spine. Somehow, James felt that what they held now was more a promise for the future than a reward for the past.