[center][img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1062135736419225646/1401665412617343028/Copy_of_Copy_of_Copy_of_Copy_of_Copy_of_Copy_of_Copy_of_Copy_of_Dark_Blue_a_20250803_163731_0000.jpg?ex=68911a24&is=688fc8a4&hm=6d54c0cd4e9fdff76b94034551464908fd97e7b57ad7d324e5b4e874626fb260&[/img][/center][center][/center][hr][center][color=A2797E][b]Location[/b][/color]: The Kingston-Gray Household
[color=A2797E][b]Skills[/b][/color]: N/A
[color=A2797E][b]Powers[/b][/color]: N/A
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Sabine stared at the milkshake offered, glancing up at Dorian. While her talk with Max settled her mind on a lot of matters, she was beyond sure that Dorian would hate her. She wasn’t super convinced Danni didn’t either, though their talk in Casper’s memory helped a bit. She took it and offered Dorian a small smile before she sipped it. It was her favorite flavor and gave her a bit more courage for the next steps.

Soon, the others in the room all had eyes on her. Normally she would have relished this moment, but given recent events she wanted nothing more than to sink into the wall and forget. But she knew she couldn’t. She wouldn’t. She owed it to everyone.

Percy had asked what happened. Their trust had been built up significantly. Hell, apart from Leah, Sabine was sure Percy was one of the only guaranteed people to not immediately hate her. And then April.

Oh, April….

The two hadn’t talked for so long. And then Sabine had to go fuck it up all over again. She didn’t even want to think about how what she did hurt April, seeing both her and Danni potentially hurt, Casper, even Vicky (to an extent). 

So she took a beat, needing a moment, before she spoke up. [color=A2797E]”During the seance, I saw Casper look terrified, something more than just seeing a vengeful spirit or whatever. I grew concerned and let my emotions take over so I used my power on him, intending to alleviate the worry. But something changed and shifted. I got stuck in a memory of him and couldn’t get out. And, though I am not completely sure on this, I think I had latent psychic energy still so when Danni and Vicky touched me they got sent in also. We managed to get out, thankfully, and nothing we did altered Casper, I made sure of that with Danni and Vicky’s help. And Max took me away somewhere to talk about it and discuss what to do going forward. I want to apologize to both Casper and James and…I don’t know. I am sure they both hate me and will want me out of here and I don’t blame them. So if that is what happens I’ll head back to the hotel and you all can enjoy the night’s events.”[/color]

Due to their shared adventure, Vicky would hear Sabine not only from her words, but her immediate thoughts.

[i][color=A2797E]”I’m a monster. Everyone here is going to hate me after this. I should run away lest I hurt anyone else.”[/color][/i]

Max sat up from his chair, turning to make his way back downstairs. The stairs didn't normally creak, or groan. But it was almost as if the house itself was protesting this conversation as much as Max had been. He didn't know how well this would go, and frankly it frightened him. He knew what it was like to have your parents hate your very being. To question and doubt you as if you were nothing more than a monster lurking in the bushes waiting to pounce. He stopped midway down the steps, took in a deep breath, and continued on. Ben wasn't in the kitchen anymore, wandering the room next door as if to give the children some semblance of privacy. Good. Sabine could use that right now. He was always good with kids, better than Max ever could hope to be. Every time he saw his husband he couldn't help but smile, making his way over to him as he wrapped an arm around his waist and pulled him close for a kiss. Whispering. [Color=aba400]”How are the kids?”[/color]

[color=silver]”They’re holding up,”[/color] Ben assessed. Leah seemed to be doing a lot better now that she had tasks - and the conversation seemed to be picking up now, as the rest of the kids had finally joined. He let the tentacles out, one of them going around Max’s waist to match his grip, another pair to gently massage his husband’s shoulders. [color=silver]”What happened, Max?”[/color] he asked softly. [color=silver]”Is James…?”[/color]

[Color=aba400]”James is…being [i]reasonable[/i]. Sabine is willing to do what she must to apologize for her actions, and it appears James is willing to allow that to happen…so long as she's dampened. But ultimately it's her choice. Although, we could stand to issue a couple other dampeners to a certain couple given what the school found. But that's a discussion for later. For now, I have to gather her so she can apologize in private without her teams watchful eye's.”[/color]

Ben grimaced, sucking in air sharply through his teeth. He was never comfortable around power dampeners. He knew that they had their uses, and there were situations that called for them, but… It reminded him too much of the Purifiers - too much of the people who had killed him and so many others. And the thought of putting one on his son, given what the school had told them about… He couldn’t hide the way his tentacles trembled at the thought. [color=silver]”If you’re putting a dampener on her, we should tell Vision. Make sure he knows she agreed to it.”[/color] 

Max was relieved that Ben hadn't suggested contacting her parent , but Vision instead. He was right of course, he always was. But from the sounds of it, had he suggested it…if they had their way…their daughter would never be allowed to remove the thing. Not like Max would've told those Flatscans anything, Vision was always going to be his next form of contact. [i]He[/i] could deal with their backwards ways and call on him if need be. He just nodded at Ben before taking a step back. [Color=aba400]”I've got to go get her. No sense in letting James and Casper stew while we talk away.”[/color] He said before planting another kiss onto his husband's cheek and making his way over towards the kitchen. Max hung out at the doorway, one hand placed onto the wooden threshold as he looked in to all the kids together. For a brief moment, he swore he could see the entire underground standing there in their place. Glimpse, Sunshine, Casper, James, and all the rest he met along the way. A new wave of heroes, their future. He cleared his throat. [Color=aba400]”Ms. Bassard? You ready?”[/color]

Sabine looked up from the others to Max. She inhaled and held it before letting it out. She nodded. [color=A2797E]”Yeah, I’m ready. I’ll see you all later, maybe.”[/color] She let Leah go, but squeezed her hand before she smiled at the others: April, Percy, Andy, Vicky, Dorian, Danni. This might be the last time she sees them before the contest. But she said she would go through with this. She needs to. If she was going to show others she wasn’t the danger they saw her as, she needed to own up to the mistakes she made.

So she stood in front of Max, head held high. [color=A2797E]”I’m ready.”[/color]

[Color=aba400]”Lets go then.”[/color] Max said as he motioned for her to move past him before making his way back upstairs alongside her. He paused at the door, placing a hand on her shoulder before whispering to her [color=aba400]”You've got this.”[/color] Before opening it.

Sabine felt something. It was a feeling she hadn’t had for a while. Not since her mother she was pretty sure. She reached for Max’s hand and held it briefly before he opened the door and she stepped through.

She saw Casper and James. She spent more time looking at Casper, hoping he wasn’t hurt either from anything she did in his memory (although she knew she didn’t mess with it) or from her…well let’s call it betrayal. She came into the room, but made sure she didn’t stand too close. Enough for them to see her fully. [color=A2797E]”Hello Mr. and Mr. Kingston-Gray. First, I want to say that I am grateful you allowed me in your home initially. I know that had to have been a hard decision. That notwithstanding, I want to apolgoize further. To you, Mr. Kingston-Gray,”[/color] she said looking at Casper, [color=A2797E]”For violating not only your mind but your trust. I truly did not intend harm, but intention doesn’t matter when harm is done. I let my emotions get the better of me and thought I knew better and that nearly hurt yourself as well as the others. I know my word means little in this moment, but I want to ensure to you that I did not mess with any of your memories or anything in your mind. Danni and Vicky can back me up, if need be. Be that as it may, I hurt you and I will do whatever I need to fix that.”

“And to you,”[/color] she said to James, [color=A2797E]”I hurt you as well. I will not make an excuse for my behavior because I messed up. I hurt someone you care for and didn’t take into account the damage even if things went perfectly. Just know that I care a lot about your children, Danni and Dorian,”[/color] she glanced back at Max, [color=A2797E]”both of them have showed me kindness and understanding, even given theirs and your history. Even after this both of them showed me empathy and that is not only a testament of themselves but of you also.”

“So, I am willing to take whatever consequence you both deem appropriate. I can go back to the hotel if that is what you feel is best. I can get myself there also if that’s needed. But, again, I am truly sorry for what I did and will work on myself so I can do better next time.”[/color]

Casper generally had a hard time holding onto anger - at least, anger that was directed at others. Making the choices he had throughout his life required a certain amount of self-loathing, a certain desire to escape himself. As the kid came back up with Max, there wasn’t any rage in him - just discomfort, an urge to jump out of his own skin, the feeling of running straight into an electric fence (something he’d done dozens of times before). But as she spoke, the discomfort in him soured. [i]Even if things went perfectly[/i]. Did the telepath understand? No. They never did understand. His father used to say similar things like that to him, as if that had any measure of comfort against his cruelty - as if locking a child inside a mausoleum was reasonable, as if anything he had ever done amounted to more than pride or scientific curiosity, never real affection or love. [color=DBA1DE]”What did you think was going to happen?”[/color] he asked, blinking slightly. [color=DBA1DE]”Did you think you were going to just… what, exactly? Make a different choice for me? Make me act in a way that would make you feel better?”[/color] His voice shook slightly. [color=DBA1DE]”What were you trying to do? And why did what you want matter more than what I would want?”[/color] 

There was another question he had, but he wanted the telepath to answer these ones, first. A familiar urge spiked within him - a way to make everything a little quieter, a little more peaceful.

Vicky would hear Sabine’s immediate thought, the one that popped up that she would hold off on, but it still showed up. [i][color=A2797E]"I expected James to lash out at me, but not Casper. He always seemed so kind. Am I really that scary? Max was wrong, perhaps I am no good to anyone."[/color][/i]

Sabine expected this, the anger and the fight. It was deserved. [color=A2797E]”I hoped to find out what seemed to scare you and..fix it. And that wasn’t right of me, because I shouldn’t take that choice from you, as you said. You had support there with everyone and I should have let that happen, but I thought I knew better. And I didn’t.”[/color] 

[color=mediumspringgreen]“You stripped him of his autonomy, but I appreciate you acknowledge that as the concern it is. Dorian's powers have the same problem and it was the first thing we taught him. Yours, and his, are unique in that it really isn't something you can defend against. If someone ran at me with a knife, I could at least try to run or fight back but so often your powers go unnoticed until it's too late. Exerting your will over another person, unless it's a genuine emergency, is unacceptable.”[/color] James stepped into the conversation, hand still firmly on Casper's shoulder and squeezing gently. As furious as he was and as badly as he wanted to remove the threat, Sabine was still just a child and clearly genuinely apologetic. He worked to relax himself and keep his voice even and soft. [color=mediumspringgreen]“I am angry. Livid, really. But more so than that, I'm disappointed. Danni and Dorian said great things about you, how much you care, and how we'd be wrong not to at least give you a chance. And they were right. I can admit that my personal issues with telepaths definitely color my view on anyone with mental abilities and some I put my concerns for my family's safety aside on their word. You might only see me once or twice in your life but your friends stuck up for you, stood up to their family for you, and you let them down.”[/color] James sighed. 

[color=mediumspringgreen]“Max vouched for you and I respect his word as much as I love my husband. I am willing to let you stay; you made a mistake and you don't deserve to be taken away from your friends. And personally, I don't think running from a problem will solve anything. Babes?”[/color] James turned the floor back to Casper, giving him the space to ask more questions. 

Casper nodded slightly. His heart rate had accelerated, and it was the firm hand on his shoulder that kept him from falling apart. The siren song of his old solution hadn’t quieted, but he could move his thoughts from it - at least for now. If the kid had gone into his mind looking for what had frightened him, then she knew. [color=DBA1DE]”What did you see?”[/color] [i]What did my son see?[/i] That was the last question he had for her. He knew he’d been violated. He deserved to know how. 

Sabine hadn’t quite expected the…calmness from James, though she knew there was an undercurrent of anger that wasn’t surfacing. Her thoughts rattled in her head. Casper was owed that answer, at least, especially as Danni had seen it too. [color=A2797E]”At first, it was you in an alleyway, lying on the ground with marks on your body. An overdose. The memory moved on from there, though, after you woke up and shifted to a diner where they seemed to know you. That’s when we managed to get out. That’s all I saw though, I promise. And, as I said, I didn’t change or shift or add anything.”[/color] Though, again, how much was her word at this moment?

It appeared she'd viewed a memory of one of Casper's many overdoses. It was hard to tell which one, or how serious it may have looked to the kids. But the diner…that was an interesting part. Even Casper had barely gotten any memories of that place until he began to sober up. Max didn't think anyone was [i]meant[i] to see that place, and he'd hate to think of the implications that may have later on down the road. But he remained silent. He'd said his piece before Sabine had come up, it was her turn now and she seemed to be doing fine. Even James, with all the anger inside of him, saw that she was just a stupid kid that fucked up. Casper…well he was always an emotional one. But given enough time and distractions this too would pass out of his mind soon enough.

James blinked at the admission. Well, shit. [color=mediumspringgreen]“I hope this goes without saying, but I expect you won't circulate what you saw and you will encourage Victoria to keep her experience to herself as well.”[/color] James wasn't concerned about Danni. He'd probably forget it by the time he woke up tomorrow, honestly.

[color=A2797E]”If it’s important I will tell her to keep quiet about it. We aren’t the closest though, but I’ll stress the importance.”[/color] She wondered though.

[color=A2797E][i]”What was so important about some diner? There’s one around every corner.”[/i][/color]

[color=DBA1DE]”If it’s important…?”[/color] Casper repeated, dumbfounded. [color=DBA1DE]”You saw one of the - one of the most vulnerable times of my life. Something I haven’t shared with my children and I [i]overshare[/i] aggressively. I….”[/color] He let out a breath. He was going to need to enact a portion of his safety plan tonight. His entire body was itching. He didn’t want to be in this conversation anymore. The more he heard, the more upset he felt. 

Max stepped forward, standing slightly before Sabine but to her side. [Color=aba400]”Casper, I don’t believe that's what Ms. Bassard had meant. It sounded to me as though she was prefacing that if it important to you both that she personally tells Ms. Van Dyne not to speak of what she saw, then she would. Even if those two aren't the closest of friends. I do not believe she had meant to make it sound as if she was downplaying a vulnerable moment in your life.”[/color] Max turned his head to look at Sabine. [Color=aba400]”Did I get that right Ms. Bassard?”[/color]

Sabine was taken aback a bit. Almost everything she said was…being used against her. She assumed James would be the one to lash out at her, to take what she said with little regard and fling it back in her face, but not Casper. She bit back a retort, knowing full well she was in no place to get angry. Casper had every right to question her. [color=A2797E]”Yes, that’s right. I didn’t mean to sound as if I didn’t value it. I just know Vicky tends to…speak about a lot of stuff on her mind, whether it’s warranted or not. But I will stress the importance of it and ensure her silence.”[/color] She was thankful to have Max there. She was sure if it was just her with James and Casper she would be a smoking husk on the floor, figuratively or not.

James took a look at the pair across from them and sighed. This really wasn't going anywhere. He pressed a kiss to the side of Casper's head. [color=mediumspringgreen] “Why don't you head to bed? I'll join you once we're done here, okay babes? I love you.”[/color] James suggested softly. 

Casper hesitated for a moment, before nodding. The knowledge that the robot might go and share this thing about his life was… not great. Couldn’t she just delete it from her memory banks or something? [color=DBA1DE]”Okay,”[/color] he mumbled, before putting a kiss on James’ forehead. [color=DBA1DE]”I love you too,”[/color] he then glanced at Max. [color=DBA1DE]”And you, bitch,”[/color] he told his other partner, before stepping from the seance room, holding his elbows with his hands as he headed down to his and James’ room. 

James watched his husband leave and waited until the door shut before turning his attention back to the pair. [color=mediumspringgreen] “We appreciate the apology, but I can't offer you a way to fix this in just a few moments. Neither my husband nor I trust you and that isn't going to change for a while, Sabine. Our children clearly don't hold that same sentiment.”[/color] James settled back into his chair, one leg crossing the other and his fingers tapped on his knee. [color=mediumspringgreen]“I know your home life is difficult. I know you have difficulty making connections with others because of the stigma around your powers. If we did everything by the book, we'd need to contact the school about tonight's incident and then they would have to reach out to your parents and it would just escalate from there. I doubt you want that to happen and I'm happy to stick my neck out to keep this between us if you'd like.”[/color] James paused for confirmation from both Sabine and Max.

Max nodded a confirmation at James, but mouthed ‘talk to Ben' so that he understood he wasn't the one who needed convincing about sweeping it all under the rug. 

Sabine breathed a sigh of relief. She hadn’t considered her parents finding out and, if they did, they would pull her from school and probably lock her up in some room that can’t be penetrated. [color=A2797E]”I don’t expect there to be an easy fix, but I am willing to take a step towards it. What would you have me do to show that?”[/color] She looked at Max, assuming he knew what to do.

[color=mediumspringgreen] “Making it up to Danni and Dorian comes first. They're the people closest to you that you let down. To that end, you'll need to actually be here to do that. After Max talked to us before you came up here, I agreed I wouldn't ask you to leave despite that being my initial reaction; however, emotions are running high. It's the night before a huge competition, coupled with the news of your coach's death, and I'm sure there's plenty of nerves running around. I can fix anything the other kids can do, but I can't fix anything you do if you accidentally slip up. With that in mind and the fact that we don't want anything to escalate beyond this room, I am going to ask that you wear a power dampener while you stay here.”[/color] James explained. [color=mediumspringgreen] “Casper needs some time to recharge and stabilize after this so we'll be out off your space to keep some pressure off you, but this has to happen.”[/color]

Sabine was grateful for that, at least. She really didn’t want to leave everyone, but would have fully if asked. To that end; however, a power dampener. She pictured some high-tech collar that could be seen from space. She had heard of them before, of course. It had been talked about before with her stepmom, but she never had to wear one. [color=A2797E]”Could I ask to see what it looks like?”[/color] She didn’t want to say no, but she also didn’t want to wear something that looked like the Red Letter A from the Scarlet Letter, if it could be helped.

Max looked towards Sabine, before taking a more casual stance and leaning up against a wall. [Color=aba400]”Well that all depends on you. I can be a bracelet or necklace, you simply have to tell me you Vision or even show me a photo of what you would like it to look like and then I'll create it. Reality to my whim remember?”[/color] He said with a bit of a smile.

Sabine nodded, glad that it wasn’t going to be something so outlandish and obvious. She could handle an extra piece of jewelry. [color=A2797E]”A ring would be nice. Something light pink to match the pajamas I brought? I am not picky on the design, I’m sure you can do something great.”[/color] Sabine caught herself getting excited and stopped. She didn’t want to appear flippant about this as it was still a serious thing. [color=A2797E]”So yeah, I’ll wear it.”[/color]

[color=mediumspringgreen] “Good. I'd hate to disappoint Danni and Dorian. Max, if you'd please make something now.”[/color] James requested. He itched to get to his husband but he wouldn't be able to settle if he didn't see it go on her. 

Max snapped his fingers, the clear sound resonating across the room as cosmic magic wrapped itself around Sabine's finger. A golden band with soft pink gems to accent it. Inscribed inside the inner ring of the band it would read [i]” We cannot change the way the world views us, but we can strive to prove them wrong.”[/i] [Color=aba400]”There we are. One dampener in pink.”[/color]

Sabine looked at it on her finger, moving her hand to see it from different angles. It looked like your typical piece of jewelry. And it was cute. And it would, hopefully, put them at ease. [color=A2797E]”Thanks Ma…umm Mr. Kingston-Gray. It looks nice.”[/color] She turned to face James now, showing him the ring. [color=A2797E]”I know it doesn’t mean much right now, but thank you for giving me the opportunity to make amends. I will do so next with Danni and Dorian.”[/color]

Max couldn't help but chuckle a little. [Color=aba400]”Im sorry im sorry. I know, serious moment. But uh, I'm Mr. Gray, he's Mr. Kingston. Separate names. Ben is a Gray and Casper is a Kingston.”[/color] 

[color=A2797E]”Oh, I heard this was the Kingston-Gray household and assumed. I figured you all were so close that it was….oh god…”[/color] A blush appeared on her cheeks, hotter than ever before. [color=A2797E]”I am so sorry for assuming! Umm, is there anything else you need of me before I put another foot in my mouth?”[/color]

[Color=aba400]”Youre fine kid. You won't be the last person to make that mistake i can tell you that much.”[/color] 

[color=mediumspringgreen]“No, Sabine. Go have fun with your friends.”[/color] James nodded at her, but turned his attention to Max. [color=mediumspringgreen]“I'm going to make sure Casper is okay, but we'll probably need to talk with Danni soon. Send him to our room when you wrap up here, please.”[/color] James asked Max and then left quickly. 

As soon as James had left the room, Max let out a sigh of relief. [Color=aba400]”You did good kid, and if it wasn't for how high alert everyone is right now downstairs id probably suggest making up some horrific story about what had happened up here to see their reactions but I don't think that'd go over too well. So instead I think we should just head to the kitchen if you're ready.”[/color] Max said before making sure Sabine was ready to face everyone downstairs.

Sabine nodded, [color=A2797E]”Yeah, I think we have all been through enough horror to last…oh until next semester,”[/color] she joked, knowing that something would inevitably happen at the school that would drag them all in. [color=A2797E]”At least I got a nice piece of jewelry out of it.”[/color]

[Color=aba400]”Well we've kept you away from your friends long enough. So we should really head –”[/color] Mid sentence Max placed his hand on Sabines shoulder and BAMF'd them both downstairs. A small black hole appearing above the kitchen countertop as cold air filled the space before the pair would appear. Max sitting on the counter with his legs crossed. [Color=aba400]” Oh hey everyone, what'd we miss? How're the shakes? And most importantly. Leah, did you find a favorite flavour yet?”[/color]

Sabine, despite being portaled a few times now, didn’t find it any easier. But, she was back in the kitchen with everyone and her nerves settled. She looked around, catching everyone’s eye and ensured she was okay. [color=A2797E]”How [i]was[/i] your first milkshake experience Leah?”[/color] Sabine asked with humor tinting her question. She was in a much better mood.

[Color=aba400]”Oh and Danni, James and Casper want to see you upstairs. Soooo skidaddle”[/color]