[open thread] so melancholy guys

[kickasstelekine.livejournal.com]

Characters: Julian, you.
Setting: Some common area; not the rec room. SHOCKING.
Content: The content of whatever happens.
Status: Open and incomplete.



[Julian is sprawled across some couch, propped up by a pillow and the armrest, a book open on his chest. Yes, Julian Keller is reading. Why? He has to, for one class or another. This one's for business and he's actually paying some attention to the words on the page, although every now and then he spaces out, looks off to the side. He's not bored or even necessarily tired anymore, just weary in a way that's starting to get under his skin.

It's quiet where he is; this is the living area most students don't frequent - it's usually occupied by the Cuckoos. Today, however, Julian's in it for the same reason he's been in it more often than the rec room all week: to avoid people. There's just something about what he's working through that makes him a bit anti-social.]

Comments

WRONG.

[forgingthings.livejournal.com]

[It irks, the thought of Ali confiding in Julian the trouble between her and Forge. Imagination spins a picture in his head of the two of them together, Julian providing comfort, holding her maybe...

Forge shakes his head to break the cycle of projection, reminds himself that he himself shared some personal intimacy with Julian's girlfriend when she was less than thrilled with him. Granted, Forge's encounter with Rogue involved a bazillion ninjas and a taser, but he can't imagine Julian being thrilled about it.

The bottom line for Forge when it comes to Ali is that she quite often never thinks, and while it's mostly endearing, sometimes that blatant disregard can be deeply hurtful. If he could narrow it down for himself, Forge would say it feels almost exploitative sometimes, and he's not sure he' okay with that. He can feel himself getting his back up, defensive at Julian's words.]

I know she wasn't. I know she is. I don't want to make her feel worse, on top of everything else she's going through of course I don't, but that doesn't mean I'm just okay with what she did.

RIGHT.

[kickasstelekine.livejournal.com]

[Julian works his jaw a little at the defensive answer, at the sudden tenseness of Forge's back. He gets it now; why Ali was upset. Forge is really holding onto this, and the worst part is Julian can't blame him completely. He knows how Ali can get, how careless. She's in her head most of the time; he loves that about her too. He's learned to accept it, but maybe Forge can't. There are somethings Forge can't fix, and there are somethings Julian can't either. He can't make the Maker forgive Ali, and the Maker can't make Ali change.]

I didn't say you should be. But she doesn't deserve this either. It's not helping either of you.

Re: RIGHT.

[forgingthings.livejournal.com]

You're right. [Thank you captain obvious. Forge sighs, shaking his head. It's good, he reminds himself, to have someone point out Ali's side of things. It helps him get some perspective.] I'm still not sure what to do about it, is all.

Re: RIGHT.

[kickasstelekine.livejournal.com]

[At this, Julian just shrugs, even though Forge can't see it. He lifts a leg to balance his foot on the table, aimlessly opens his textbook. Isn't it obvious?] Just talk to her. Don't take no for an answer. S'what I do.

Re: RIGHT.

[forgingthings.livejournal.com]

[What he does. Lovely. Nothing about this conversation is helping Forge feel less jealous of Ali's relationships with other men. He sighs, glancing at the stereo. His work here is done, and so is this conversation, he thinks. After all, his mama did teach him if you don't have anything nice to say, it's best to say nothing at all; Forge is finding himself running out of amicable things to say to Julian.]

I'll try that. [He smiles, not letting his frustrations creep into his tone, and gets up and nodding at the shorter boy.] See you around, Julian. Let me know if anyone tries those speakers while you're around?