Protecting

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Strange to have a meeting like this outside, but then again, Elsa found her relationship with Vera to be strange on the whole. She certainly didn't want to delve into the strangely complex feelings she had to the vivacious, pretty girl, and she definitely didn't want said complex emotions to get in the way of what needed doing. This situation was simple, at the end of the day: Vera had skills, she had talent, she had pull, and Elsa trusted her. It only made sense to make sure that someone a little rougher, a little more streetwise, ended up with Elsa.

As an adviser and fellow leader, of course. Elsa had to nearly remind herself of that. She let out another sigh and looked out across the field. A few students were taking advantage of the relatively cool weather to move around and whatnot, especially some of the pyrokinetics and cyrokinetics. Elsa looked slightly out of place compared to them, considering that she wore a jacket and designer jeans while standing near the bleachers. She didn't care: she was the Headmistress, people expected it of her.

She heard someone approaching and the breeze shifted, bringing a familiar, pleasing aroma to her. Stop thinking about how pleasant she smells. "Hello Vera, thanks for joining me today," said Elsa, not quite turning to look, trusting in her other senses. Besides, who else in their right mind would approach Elsa Bellefonte the Headmistress without being asked?

Vera M. Solway

[Vera M. Solway]

It may have taken a week or two but Vera was finally getting used to balancing her classes, study time, internship, and self training. Now that she dropped out of most sports and activities like cheer and gymnastics, she figured she would be just fine without them. If she really needed any brushing up on her acrobatics, it wouldn't be too hard for her to get some time in.

Now she found herself taking some kind of summoning from Elsa Bellefonte, herself. Which Vera didn't mind at all but it seemed as if every time the two were in the same area alone, things got either awkward, or super weird and not the type of weird that made Vera want to run away, no. She actually really enjoyed being around Elsa. It would be hard to say who was her favorite Bellefonte but Elsa and her were on a personal, attraction kind of level while Erika and Vera were more on a good friend, telekinetic sisters level. How was she physically attracted to one sister over the other? She wasn't, she found them both hot but when it comes to mentally, emotionally and personality wise... there was a mark Elsa left on Vera since the day they met.

Even so, whatever Elsa needed Vera for, she would always be there. Elsa helped get her the internship and gave her a reason to stay for college and Vera was set on helping and backing up the twins and the younger staff as much as possible.

Vera made her way to Elsa in a v-cut black tee, dark jeans and black Nike sneakers. "Hello Vera, thanks for joining me today," Of course Elsa knew it was her without having to look at her. Stopping right behind the new Headmistress she ruffled her long midnight locks, still wet from her recent shower. "Hey Els. No prob... Didn't really expect to get hit up for a meet up." She looked around only wondering what exactly she was even being called for in the first place. "What's this  about anyway." She was just curious.

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Elsa looked over at Vera, glad to see that she'd been accurate in her guess. though of course she had been: Elsa was good for a reason, after all. She saw the wet locks, which immediately made her wonder if Vera had showered. The slight wafting of some sort of scented product reached her, and Elsa's mind nearly wandered for a few moments. She snapped her focus back to attention with the words, smirking slightly.

"What, no small talk? No how are yous or anything along those lines? I'm doing quite fine, by the by," she flicked her fingers slightly before looking back across the field. Elsa took a breath, then figured that there was no reason to beat around the bush, not with Vera. Vera was one of the definite "yeses," a near constant in the equation.

"I'm putting together a council of sorts," she said, her eyes still trained away. "I want to gather people around our age, people that have earned respect or have unique talents or what not. Or influence. About six or so, including my sister and me, of course," she turned to look at Vera. "I trust you; I know you can kick ass, and I know that people look up to you. As far as I'm concerned, you're an excellent candidate. Hell," she chuckled, "I've pretty well figured that you're already going to say yes and that this is mostly a formality."

[Vera M. Solway]

"What, no small talk? No how are yous or anything along those lines? I'm doing quite fine, by the by," Oh! Right! Small talk, how could she forget?Shaking her head, she tried to snap out of her previous thoughts. "Right. Sorry." Juggling college, her internship and whatever social life she had left, Vera sort of forgot how to be a teenager for a second. "I keep forgetting to snap out of the whole uptight mode and among other stuff." Tilting her head, she rubbed her opposite arm and smiled, "How are you, really? I hope they don't have you pulling your hair out just yet." She really did care how Elsa was doing so far as Headmistress, there wasn't enough time in her day as of yet to give the telepath and her twin a visit in their office but Vera was sure to make some time soon.

The telekinetic heard her out. The details sounded well though out but it made her wonder how long Elsa had been planning this? Or had she been planning this all along? Out of everyone at the Academy, Vera was closes to those who were around their ages. They all had gone through stuff that the younger and newer kids would never understand and to be honest, she didn't have an issue with anyone unless Ellen Banks joined the ranks but that's another story.

It was good to know that the Bellefonte trusted her because Vera trusted Elsa as well. If she hadn't trusted Elsa's judgement then she would have never joined in during the SPECTRE mission. Some people may have not liked the new heads of the Academy which was fine but Vera trusted their leadership and even though it might seem meek now, she was sure experience would show how good of a leader Elsa really was. Experience always brought the best out of everyone. She nodded, showing a soft smile on her face. "I appreciate it, I really do. Never figured I'd be looked up to but I guess you'd know more than me about what people think."

She took a deep breath as her smile brightened, "I mean- How can I say no? Even though you always have me guessing, it's usually for good reasons. So yeah, count me in." Vera was also pretty sure that she'd have the twins' back no matter what. She figured it would be hard to run a school full of a mutants when there were others may have been against their new positions and she wasn't cool with that. So if they needed her for anything at all, she'd be there.

But she wondered, "Who else have you talked to about this?"

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Elsa nodded, used to the juggling act herself. Though she didn't get to be a student any more, at least, not in the strictest sense. She fully intended to start taking classes in some form or fashion before too long. Not having a degree bothered her: it felt like something she needed to do, for herself if nothing else. Therefore she couldn't help but feel a slight pang of envy as Vera spoke about that.

Thankfully, the thoughts and conversation turned more toward the matter at hand. Vera followed, and appeared to be impressed with Elsa's forethought. Getting that impression from Vera meant a lot to Elsa, made her feel warm somehow. Not that she wanted to focus on that particular sensation overmuch. Next thing you know, I'll be asking her out on a date... or maybe that's precisely what I should do. Just ask her out, get rejected, and move on like a fucking adult.

Elsa nodded as Vera spoke with something akin to wonder at her position. It was the way things were: people looked up to those that deserved it. Those very words dangled at the end of Elsa's tongue, along with other things, but she swallowed them, favoring the question asked of her instead. "A few people," she said. This was not the time to be obscure though, not considering that she'd already started things: "Trevor Paige, Elizabeth Edison, Beauregard LaRoux, Francois Laffont, and I've a few others planned," said Elsa, nodding. "Likely some people you'd expect and a few surprises."

Which was precisely Elsa's intent. She didn't want anyone on her new council who'd perfectly anticipated every other member of the group. In some way, they wouldn't be as useful if they had: Elsa didn't need a copy of herself.

[Vera M. Solway]

Having to juggle so many responsibilities and work load was not easy at all. Had it not been for Elsa, Riley a few others, and what happened with SPECTRE, Vera would've found herself on the next plane ride back home to New York after graduation. She never really felt like she felt in with the groove of Montana or with everyone else at the school and it was a lot to get used to. Her love for dance and gymnastics had been overtaken by new love of security and enforcement. So now she had no choice but having to learn how to juggle school and her internship.

Now she was looking forward to Elsa's offer. For the most part she was always looking forward to what Elsa had to bring to the table, regardless if it had to deal with the school or just personal stuff. Elsa always had Vera's attention, and interests and now with the positions that they were in, it would only continue.

She listened closely at the names Elsa threw out. It was almost common sense that Elsa would've picked them because as cliche'd as it sounded, they were all connected one way or another, or close, or all graduated at the same time. She was cool with Trevor after having to be apart of the group that saved him and a few others, she was also cool with Beau even though they rarely talked and Liz and Franck weren't friends of hers but they both seemed alright. Of course there would be a few surprises, of course. It wasn't Elsa unless she kept a few things hidden from you, enough to keep you guessing. 

She nodded, "Nice. Oh, and surprises? How Elsa of you." She smiled. Either way she was okay with it but couldn't really help but to wonder if there was something serious at hand for her wanting to get them all together for this, group. "Not to play twenty-one questions but is there something you're preparing for or..."

[Elsa Bellefonte]

"I'm an adjective now?" asked Elsa, laughing dryly and shaking her head. Somehow she couldn't even pretend to be surprised by that. Of course someone had pegged her, and of course that person would be Vera.... which is precisely why you like her. But yes, yes, Elsa certainly wanted to make sure that no one save herself expected all her choices. Well, maybe Erika, technically.

"Several things," replied Elsa, sighing. She reached up to rub at the bridge of her nose, thankful that there were at least a few people around whom she could lower her guard a little. "SPECTRE caught us off guard, Vera, and people died. They died because of orders I made based on our lack of preparation. I don't want anything like that to happen again, period. SPECTRE is going to haunt us," she laughed dryly at that, sighing and lowering her hand.

"The only major thing we have to worry about is what I hinted at during our little opening ceremony. We're going to be inviting several international students here for an event. Well, students and their staff," Elsa sighed, putting her hands in her pocket and looking out at the field. "At least one of them is going to smell blood in the water. SPECTRE, two young untested Headmistresses, and this? We're practically begging for some sort of coup to happen, and I can't shake the feeling that something is looming on the horizon." Of course, that was very Elsa of her too: always looking ahead, always worried, always bordering on paranoid. All of which only further explained why she needed others to be ready to check that very behavior.

[Vera M. Solway]

Her eyes squinted as she laughed, "Yes, yes you are. Or at least you should be." Elsa was a unique person in her own way, not to say that it was a bad thing because it wasn't but when it came to Elsa, there were specifics that could explain the girl. For example, not letting out more details than she had to, or at least not for Vera to know. Which was fine, she didn't mind being kept in the dark about a few things. Maybe it was for her own good as well. She enjoyed surprises for the most part.

As much as she wished she could forget about SPECTRE, she couldn't and Elsa bringing it back up gave her a few flashbacks she could have done without. Her hazel eyes stayed on the Bellefonte as she nodded, almost understanding until she felt the hint of blame Elsa put on herself. She let her finish before bothering to say anything, "Being un-experienced is part of the learning experience. SPECTRE would've caught us off guard no matter who was in charge." Even for a mind reader like Elsa couldn't have known what was to go down that night, let alone any other staff member who had been in their position for years. She didn't really appreciate Elsa taking the whole blame for it, she deserved more props than that.

As for the whole IMAC situation at hand, Vera hadn't really trusted the whole idea of allowing people from the other schools to gather up at their Academy. The idea of it all screamed TROUBLE, so yeah Elsa was right. Having the other mutant schools from different countries join up at one place, to compete with them put Vera's mind at high alert. So could she blame Elsa for seeming so... paranoid? Not really. "I think it's a great idea, either way. As most of your ideas usually are." She placed a hand on Elsa's shoulder reassuringly. "Doesn't mean that I won't be cautious. I'll also be signing up for IMAC, to humor it... not really for anything more." Even though she was the competitive type, Vera just wanted a taste of how good the other students really were because when it came down to it, she was really the best at what she did; whatever that was.

"As for the council thing, I'm still down. Just hope your surprises don't include anyone whose asking to get punch in the face." And by anyone, she really meant Ellen Banks or any of the students who found themselves to be higher than anyone else. Vera had a real issue with people like that but she trusted Elsa's judgement nonetheless.

[Elsa Bellefonte]

The laugh had Elsa chuckling a little. Sometimes she had to wonder what she'd done to get as much faith as she had from people. Be strong and able to handle yourself immediately came to mind, though she certainly wasn't about to say such things aloud. Besides, they had other, more important things to discuss.

Like apparently how it was perfectly alright that they'd made mistakes. Elsa remained quiet for that, her face going stony, unmoving. She simply kept staring ahead. Vera could say what she wanted; that was her prerogative. That didn't mean that Elsa wasn't going to disagree wholeheartedly.

The hand on her shoulder distracted.
Far, far more then it should.

At least they had something more pressing to discuss, IMAC, upcoming events. Finally Elsa chuckled again, turning to look at Vera, an eyebrow raised and her lips quirked. "You're not fooling anyone. You would so sign up for this competition regardless. I expect you to kick ass as well. For the school, of course,' she turned back, sighing. "I doubt there will be too many, and we can just get the face-punching out during the first meeting," another pause. "I haven't talked to Ellen yet," she smiled, "I'm making her come to me."

[Vera M. Solway]

People didn't really understand how difficult it was to be trusted and for others to have faith in you. It actually took much more than what some world leaders and media tried to feed the rest of the world. They lead everyone to believe that all you had to do was to look good, act like you had a plan when you really didn't and then everyone would flock to your feet and believe that you would be a great leader.

And that's the type of shit that got people killed when the big boys came out to play.

So for the most part, using Elsa as an adjective was better than using the word 'leader', in a sense that Vera had more faith in Elsa's name than any other type of false proclaimed adjective. As much as Vera wanted to be the type to say anything that made others feel better, that wasn't easy for her. She lost friends and family to hate crimes, being in the wrong place at the wrong time, 9/11, and most of it wasn't because of a mistake.

Vera shrugged with a smirk on her face, "Yeeaahh... You may be just be a tad bit right, a tad and you know me, I'm always planning to kick some ass." Her competitive nature wouldn't allow her to leave IMAC without a few victories, so they had nothing to worry about.

As for the 'Illuminati' that Elsa was gather, Vera almost scoffed at the mention of Ellen going to Elsa first. "You know she will. I'm pretty sure that ego of hers would make it a task, though." Vera hadn't spoken or seen Ellen after she was shot dead and brought back to life. Why? Because Ellen dying didn't change the fact that she disrespected and pretty much manipulated Vera in front of other students. She couldn't really blame Ellen for being manipulated seeing how Vera was somewhat of a gullible, sweetheart during those days. She also remembered hearing people say that Ellen had change, while others said that she didn't.

Either way, Vera didn't care enough to find out.

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Elsa smiled slightly, amused that she'd gotten Vera right and amused at what precisely had been there to get. Vera was probably one of those that Elsa thought had a decent chance of winning some of the events too. They did have a few mutants that had some talent... and quite a few of those were being assigned to the council. Though, come to think of it, they did have a few elemental manipulators that were said to be halfway decent, and Elsa had heard something about their shifters.

"Illumanti? Honestly?" said Elsa, unable to keep her self contained. Most of the people closest to her knew she'd be reading their minds fully. Strangely, the more she trusted you, the more casually she did it. Well, except when she didn't trust you at all, then she did it almost with a vengeance. "You're more than welcome to punch her in the face or do whatever: I'm sure you won't be the only one who wants to do so. she manipulated Erika, after all."

Elsa paused, turning and considering. "But she also helped me when Erika went missing, and my grandfather cared enough about her to use one of the few charges of his power left on her. Besides," she actually looked to Vera, smiling, "I can't have a council just of people I like. That would just be too suspicious."

[Vera M. Solway]

The only reason why Vera had waited to hype up the IMAC was because she wanted to see who she would consider competition and if there were any such thing as competition from the other schools around the world. And so far she would have to say she was impressed, not to mention a lot of the students seemed to have the most hateful faces when walking through their halls... it was priceless. It made Vera want to make sure that she did drag them across the floor during these competitions because who knew when they would come around again.

And who knew when SPECTRE would peek their ugly heads from around the corner.

When Elsa asked, Vera nodded and smiled. "Yeap." She let her mouth pop at the end of the word, "The Illuminati." She was only joking of course but it sounded pretty bad ass, right? Vera was sure she would come up with more interesting names to call it because her sense of humor wouldn't let her go without thinking of one each day.

Shrugging, she sighed. "Is it bad that as much as hearing Ellen's name ticking me off... I just don't think I could hit lay a hand on her again. Especially with her dying and whatever." Her brows furrowed, understanding and hearing for the first time of Elsa speaking good about Ellen. Vera didn't really belong or better yet, stay close to anyone or anything that had to do with Ellen. Her relationship with the twins was strictly on the fact that she had become good friends with the both of them. Whatever relationship their family and Ellen had, was really none of her business.

"But I guess you're right. I'd hate to be a group of carebears anyway." She glanced around before looking back at Elsa.

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Who knew how many different names their little group would end up going by. Elsa was mildly amused by it, and briefly wondered if she should come up with something official to try and enforce. She could always take suggestions from the rest; that seemed to be the most logical course of action to take. All in good time. She had to make sure they wouldn't kill each other first.

Which Vera nearly made out to be some kind of trial. "Yes, there is that," admitted Elsa, sighing. she hadn't actually talked much with Ellen since the shooting. She'd been there, helped get her grandfather into position. Yet she hadn't had a chance to actually speak with her since. there were ties to their families though, and Ellen had history with both twins, if nothing else.

"Oh God," said Elsa, wincing, "if we turn into carebears, I think I might lose it. Thankfully, I don't see that happening with Trevor or Roxana," though the idea of either as Adjective-Bear did bring a smile to Elsa's face. She sighed. "And thank you for agreeing, by the way," she actually turned to Vera now, smiling. "I was really hoping that you'd sign on."

[Vera M. Solway]

When you really thought about it, it was quite amazing how most of them had matured in the amount of time they had with each other. To think that Vera, out of all people, somewhat felt bad about Ellen despite the issues that she had with the girl, it showed a lot of change in her. Even though she couldn't really see it, the change had happen. Had they still been in their earlier years of high school then that would have been a different story.

Vera smiled, "Mhm, leave it to those two." There was no doubt about that but it would've been cute to see everyone getting along... disgustingly cute but still cute nonetheless. Vera was sure it would drive her crazy down the road if that was the case. Something about everlasting and eternal peace made her itch.

She swatted the air, "Yeah, no problem Els. I'm usually always up for the cause... no matter what it is and I trust you, you know. So I know it wont blow up in our faces." Vera shrugged, there were a small select few that Vera trusted with her time and attention. Had she figured that this would be a waste of time or something she couldn't cope with, then she would've refused the offer. "Anyway, was that all you wanted to discuss?"

[Elsa Bellefonte]

"Precisely," agreed Elsa, nodding and smiling a little. Strange how she already felt a little better after just bantering with Vera. She felt another pang, though she discounted it. Vera was here because of duty and what have you, possibly because of friendship. Though Elsa did have to smile ruefully.

"Let's hope I keep earning that trust," she said, sighing a little. She bit her lip and looked back toward the field, almost wishing she could take back the words. She really shouldn't put people on the council who could draw more raw emotions. Vera and this trust; Franck with the unease; Liz with the happiness... it was just asking for trouble.

As was that question.
Just ask her out. She'll kindly turn you down, say she doesn't think of your relationship in that way, and you'll fucking move on like a damn adult. You're the indomitable Elsa Bellefonte, remember? Now some besotted schoolgirl. You like the girl: ask her out.

"Nothing else comes to mind," replied Elsa airily, adding a shrug. "is there anything you needed to ask me?"

Thank God that Elsa was the mind reader and Vera the telepath instead of the other way around.