(Locked to Rachel)

[greyphoenix]

Jean sat at her vanity table, brushing her hair and staring at her reflection in the mirror. So much had happened in the past few days that she didn't even know where to begin. The one thing that had been praying on her mind most lately was thoughts of her daughter. Rachel. The last time she saw her

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[greyphoenix]

Jean just continues to calmly stroke her hair. Now that her initial worry has been soothed, she finds herself peaceful. Tranquil. "A thousand years..." She shakes her head softly. "Such a long time to suffer, and yet always rise from the ashes. How on earth did I ever raise such a strong, brave little girl. I'm so amazed by you, every moment..."

Jean gently cups the girls chin in her hand and raises her face until their eyes meet. In then Rachel can see such gentle acceptance and love. "You are the daughter that I always wanted. That I would give up my very life for. You are of me, but not me. I love you more then words can ever say, and always will. Until the day I die, and beyond. I never want to see you hurt, would never hurt you. You're my daughter. I accept everything you are, have done, have been through. Nothing will ever change that." She hugs her again.

"There's nothing shameful in the way you feel. In what happened. It's not your fault." Jean returns to softly stroking her hair. "We won't talk about it, if you don't wish to. But I do want you to know, that I am proud of you. You are a true hero. More so then I ever have been, or your father. You commited the ultimate sacrifice. You gave yourself up for the good of those you cared for, understanding full well what awaited you. You are my strong, brave girl. And always will be..."

[futures_of_ash]

Rachel can't see what Jean sees. She can't. She's a hero, through and through, yes, but not one that glories in it. She does it...because it's right and it needs to be done. She can't see her own strengths, only the shattered remnants left.

::Don't talk about Dad. Father. Any one okay? He never...might not...never was a dad okay?:: she closed her eyes, hiding the shadows and shards that moved in the emerald now.

No, nothing shameful. Self-loathing is closer in some areas, but not truly ashamed. On has to believe in being worthy of shame, and she's simply not. Not from her roots, not to her present. ::He's dead now. Kitty and Goldie killed him::

[greyphoenix]

Jean continues her gentle petting, offering calm and compassion. Above all, her love.

"Alright. I won't talk about him. Though you're right. He never was much of a father, or a husband. Not the one from..." She started to say your reality, but that wasn't quite right. It had become her reality as well in some twisted way. "Not the one from this reality. Though, don't judge Scott here in the same light as from there. They are very different men. But we won't talk about them. They don't matter right now."

Jean smiles softly. "I hope you're talking about Gaunt, not Scott. Emma will be quite put out if you've killed her boyfriend." Her face becomes serious once more. "I'm glad. If he's dead, he'll never be able to hurt you again. I just wish..." That I had done it. she thinks.

"You're here now. You're safe here. Please... Stay. For a little while."