19 ⊗ video ⊗ in which i finally start numbering hank's posts

[bluepurrymuffin]

[The video shows a brown-haired man, early-thirties and with round-framed glasses. His style of suit, plaid slacks with a matching vest, rolled up sleeves on a yellow Oxford shirt, and a red bowtie, may have some familiarity to it. He's studying his hand with a look of almost excited curiosity.It's the hands that always take me by surprise. They've

Comments

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[incywincyhero]

Hank! You're back!

[He's grinning fit to burst, and no that is not a slight tremble in his lip what are you talking about.]

I knew you'd be back, sooner or later.

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[bluepurrymuffin]

Apparently not soon enough, if the date I'm seeing is correct then I've already missed a week of classes!

But yes, I may have lost a bit of weight in the interim... [He says it with a snicker, then moves his hand over his heart, just to be sure. After leaving it there for a beat and a breath, he pulls it off and slows and awkwardly drops it back to his side.] ...But no worse for wear, it seems.

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[incywincyhero]

I don't think anyone will hold it against you.

Man, don't -- don't scare us like that again, okay?

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[bluepurrymuffin]

I'd promise to be faster next time, but given the current state of affairs, I don't believe I can.

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[bests]

Hank! [ oh god so much watery smiling ] You're back.

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[bluepurrymuffin]

Carol! My stars and garters, when did you arrive?

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[bests]

The day you left. [ and boy did that suck ] Clint's here too. He showed up a few days after me.

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[bluepurrymuffin]

I apologize that I couldn't have greeted you more properly! Sounds as if she's been busy filling our ranks, then.

At this rate, the mansion may be crowded by the end of the week!

[origamiguardian]

[double checks his comm number to be sure it's him]

I heard what happened, Dr. McCoy. I'm glad to hear you're alright.

[bluepurrymuffin]

Well, I am now at least. Miss Mui, wasn't it? I believe you were around back when I first arrived, though you left shortly after I joined the Institute's faculty.

I apologize that I hadn't kept up when you were ported in again. How are you?

[origamiguardian]

[nods] Yes, sir. I used to work at the Institute library. Though I also knew a different Dr. McCoy before you arrived as well.

I'm fine, thank you very much. I'm sorry I couldn't help when the Institute had been attacked. I had just left for Peru.

[bluepurrymuffin]

Ah yes, my previous iteration. I've heard about him, though he wasn't quite the feline I am now! ...Well, I was last week.

But it's really nothing to blame yourself for. I'm afraid I wasn't much help, myself.

voice;

[cagesong]

So, you were dead as well?

At least it's a little reassuring.

permavid;

[bluepurrymuffin]

[there's a chuckle in his voice.] Well, there's a first time for everything, they say!

You might be surprised how relatively common the experience is in the circles I typically associate with.

permavoice;

[cagesong]

...

So you don't mind? That they die?

[bluepurrymuffin]

[He straightens his tie and takes a slightly less jovial tone.]

Well, that's not entirely accurate. It's easier to be cavalier about such a thing when my own death is the topic of discussion.

The fact of the matter is, it's perhaps a far less pleasant experience on the other end. The finality of death being struck such a blow leaves one with constant questions over what will finally happen to the ones you care about when they enter that process, because the fact of the matter is there are no promises to be made. I've seen it happen to countless friends, and it never gets any easier.

There are better chances here in the City, I suppose, and that leaves the more to hope for. My personal experience with death is quite possibly far less complicated than that of others I've known.

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[finestdetective]

Hank--is that Hank McCoy? Of Xavier's Institute?

I thought you were reported dead?

[The first time is always the hardest, right?]

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[bluepurrymuffin]

One and the same, yes! Ah, I suppose you haven't yet become familiar with some of Lachesis' more complicated tricks.

Recent arrival, I take it?

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[finestdetective]

Two days ago, yes.

[The slightest twitch of his jaw. Talking to dead people.]

I'm formerly of Gotham City's Police Force. Commissioner Gordon.

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[bluepurrymuffin]

Pleased to meet you, Commissioner. Will be be seeking a similar position with the City's own police force, then?

But, ah, yes. It can be...uncomfortable witnessing for the first time, but Lachesis, the AI within the Porter, the one mandating our stay here, she has a habit of bringing back the dead. I've always imagined it as her not being fond of her toys being broken, but this is the first time I've experienced the mending myself.

You'll have to pardon my appearance, I'm typically much...well, hairier. This is one of the side effects of the process, from what I can tell.