A talk

After the tour and a quick dinner, Jean led Ethan to his spacious room, which had its own bathroom, a cozy desk, a fridge, and a TV. "A little old-fashioned, but I think it’ll do," Jean said softly as she showed him around.

“I’ll text you your schedule—it’s pretty straightforward. We thought it might be easier for you to engage directly with the team instead of attending classes with the younger students." Ethan looked nervous and asked, “What exactly is my place here?" Jean’s expression softened as she sat on the bed. “The Professor... well, he’ll probably talk to you about recognizing the good in yourself and helping you achieve it. You might end up as a Lab assistant or in some other low role at the institute. He’ll praise you for making such a positive impact on our community. But honestly, this will be your prison—designed to keep you here so your powers aren’t used freely or exploited by groups like HYDRA or the Brotherhood." Ethan’s eyes widened in fear, and Jean gently placed her hand on his. “That’s why I want to help you—please, let me."

Ethan looked at her. “No, this is what I deserve. I don’t want to hurt anyone. Look at you—I've changed you!” he revealed, thinking the revelation would convince her that repressing his powers was best. Jean chuckled softly. “Yeah, we really need to work on your commands," she teased. Ethan looked puzzled. "I’m one of the most powerful telepaths out there. I noticed the inconsistencies in my and my Husband's behavior before and after meeting you. Guessing the rest was easy." His eyes widened in shock. "Then why aren’t you trying to kill me or something?” Jean laughed again. “Well, I can’t bring myself to care—probably because of your power. So, even though your commands were a bit clumsy, they seem to be very effective." Ethan sighed, feeling a deep sense of guilt.

“Hey," Jean said gently, "I know it’s not much coming from someone under mind control, but trust me—there are much worse ways to feel. I feel good, even great, actually." Ethan looked at her curiously. “Worse? Like what?" he asked. Jean’s voice softened to a whisper. "Like what they plan to do to you, Ethan." She continued, “I’ve been repressed before. There was a time when I struggled to control my powers. Well, I...It wasn’t entirely my fault, but that didn’t stop the looks I got. Everyone was so kind, smiling and telling me they’d help me through it, but you could see it in their eyes; their finger was on the trigger, waiting for me to give them a reason to use it. Scott was the only one who was different, the one whose eyes I could find genuine love and hope. Eventually, I got my powers under control, but I still see those looks sometimes. They never really go away—waiting for me to lose control again. That’s how they see you, Ethan. That’s why you have to fight—use your power to take control of the situation. Here, you'll never truly be free." Ethan listened quietly, absorbing her words. "Okay... I’ll think about it. We should probably rest—today’s been a lot." Jean smiled warmly and stood up. “Fair enough. Think it over, and I’ll see you in the morning," she said kindly.

Jean got to her room. Scott was already in bed, and he looked at her over a book. “Took you long enough,” he said. “Jealous?” Jean said raising an eyebrow “Only if he fucked you and I didn’t get to watch” Scott said playfully, Jean jumped to bed and got over him, taking his book from his hands and moving it to the night table, she leaned to kiss him, he reached to her back before she sighed and collapsed to the side, rolling until she found the pillow “No, sadly, it was actually a pretty heavy talk, how was yours? What did you tell Ororo and The Professor?” Jean said, propping up on her elbow, “The truth, that he is trying to repress his power and never use it again, what did you tell him?” Scott replied, Jean sighed, “The truth, how he’s going to be treated in here…Wait, you told them that? And they believe it?” she asked quickly, Scott raised an eyebrow at his Wife’s sudden tone and nodded slowly, “Yeah.., I’m pretty sure they did, why?” Jean thought for a moment “If they really believe he wants to do that, it’s the perfect moment to plan a takeov-” “Jean” Scott interrupted her “That would be extremely dangerous for him, we can’t **** him to do that” Jean looked at him for a while “He told me he would think about it, but this is the best way to keep him safe, and you know it Scott, who here will hurt him if they are all slaves to his will?” Scott sighed, “You are right, but it’s his choice, we’ll see what he says tomorrow, and we will support him on that, no matter what,” he said. Jean nodded, and he leaned to give her wife a goodnight kiss.