Emma Frost

Think of it as sort of a fairy tale, a parable, your tasty and lurid celebrity story of the week. But whatever you do, whatever judgments you care to make, please understand one thing: I tried the best I could.

[hotdadcoulson]

“Thank you.” He chuckled. “Did you? I still need to get a full brief on what exactly happened. Mind filling in a few details?”

[refusetheflames-archive-blog]

“I know nothing but gossip about the Ultron situation, actually, if that’s what you’re looking for a brief on. The killer robot that attacked me was the rogue sentinel during that civil war fiasco. Long story short, I made a device that would prevent the sentinel from murdering mutants, but due to the differences in one of the teenager’s genes, the sentinel was going to fire a lethal blast at the girl anyway . . . so I stepped in the way. I got very lucky and the circumstances caused a dormant secondary mutation to activate, turning me into organic diamond, and everyone besides Steve got out in one piece. Well, one kid was in a few pieces, but he’s fine now. If you’re talking about the ‘civil war’, I might be able to help you with details, provided you aren’t intending to send any more killer robots after children, of course.”

[hotdadcoulson]

Phil nodded but then laughed. “It’s technically Director Coulson, but I don’t think that has quite the same ring to it. I guess that answers your question, doesn’t it? I’ve been out on a mission and Vice Director Romanoff has been filling in for me. Hopefully with me back we’ll have a few less killer robots.”

[refusetheflames-archive-blog]

“Ah, Director Coulson. In that case, welcome back. I would definitely appreciate less killer robots, although I did get these nifty powers out of the first killer robot attack, so it could be worse.”

[hotdadcoulson]

“Pleasure to meet you as well, Miss Frost,” he hummed politely. “You’ll be seeing me around. Someone has to whip you crazy kids into shape,” he said with a grin.

[refusetheflames-archive-blog]

Emma’s eyebrows raised in amusement. “Well, then welcome, and I wish you luck with the whippersnappers,” she added. “The ‘agent’ in your title makes me think you probably already know your way around, but if you’re considering taping cheat sheets to the inside of your eyelids, maybe not. Have you been shown around?”

[refusetheflames-archive-blog]

Rock Bottom

[warrenthethird-oldarchive]

“What you say does have a lot of merit… and appeal to me,” he admitted. She really did have a point there, and he found he actually did agree. Except for one thing. “It certainly would provide them with quite the number of resources they need, though could there be.. interference and influence from some of the members? I’m sure you know well enough many of them would have their own agendas.” 

As she kissed him, he felt surprised at first, but very quickly accepted it, and kissed her back in return; his hands coming up to gently grasp her face. As he pulled back a little, he wondered if it was mostly the alcohol. He knew the physical attraction was there, of course. But was there any more to it? He had found he enjoyed her company, and had been growing in his thinking of her as a friend. “I’ll be reminding you of that.. and maybe more,” he answered back, his voice hushed now as well. 

[refusetheflames-archive-blog]

“Of course,” Emma agreed. “Those things are always complicated, but if no effort is made, the Hellfire Club will continue to be filled with businessmen and a legislators working together to oppress mutants. Shouldn’t there be some representation? Shouldn’t we have some influence of our own, instead of being sheep to the slaughter?”

Emma smirked. “Maybe more?” She gave him a peck on the lips and moved her hands up to his hair. “You mean this?” Then her lips glided over his, more slowly to test the waters. “Or this?”

[hotdadcoulson]

“I gotta say I’m relieved. I don’t think I could keep track of a new star system. I’m already thinking about taping a cheat sheet to the back of my eyelids,” he said with a smile before sticking his hand out. “Agent Phil Coulson. And you are?”

[refusetheflames-archive-blog]

Emma chuckled. At least this guy didn’t have it out for mutants. “Emma Frost,” she said, shaking his hand politely. “Pleasure. Are you just passing through, or will I be seeing you around?” she asked.

[hotdadcoulson]

“I’ll admit. That’s a new one. Mutant? Or some kind of crazy diamond god from a planet I’ve never heard of?”

[refusetheflames-archive-blog]

Emma nodded and changed back to her default flesh-and-blood form. It wasn’t necessary now that she was no longer playing with a 200 pound purple cat. “Yes, mutant, although ‘diamond god’ does have a nice ring.”

[hotdadcoulson]

[refusetheflames-archive-blog]

“What, never seen a woman made of diamond?”

[refusetheflames-archive-blog]

Rock Bottom

[warrenthethird-oldarchive]

“Well, if we’re being honest, I’m not so sure my heart lies in that world either. I mean, sure, it’s nice, in some aspects but…” he dropped his head as he thought. Especially with his total absence from there for a while now, he had realized that maybe it really wasn’t for him. “The business, I think…is more just a means to the finances and influence and ability to help others. our kind.” This much he thought was really true. He did want to use his money to help others of their kind, in any way he could, as well as personally helping. Warren looked back up at the blonde woman across from him and smiled now, “It will still stand. I promise” 

[refusetheflames-archive-blog]

“See, that’s what I like about the Hellfire Club. Most are out for themselves, but think of what a network of mutants within the club could accomplish with that kind of money and influence. Surely you see the faults in this place. It’s no place for young mutants. They deserve so much more.”

Emma smiled, brought back from her tirade by Warren’s promise. “You promise, hmm?” She leaned forward and kissed him, not sure whether it was motivated by her feelings for him, his little speech and the realization that they were after the same things, the alcohol, the fact that she hadn’t felt desire in weeks, or maybe all of it combined. Her voice was barely above a whisper. “Then remind me tomorrow that I accepted your offer.”

[refusetheflames-archive-blog]

Rock Bottom

[warrenthethird-oldarchive]

He nodded at her words that she would be fine, and his thoughts spun. Would she really? He felt like down to the core; she was strong. And determined. And perhaps she just might be alright, provided not everybody gave up on her, and he was sure he made his decision already. and could only hope she would believe him about having a legitimate alternative to Shaw. “I know you need a safety net, but…why not put that business degree to use with me if anything?..” Of course, he didn’t know whether she would just brush this aside, but he said it anyways. Was this suggestion and line of thinking crazy and reckless considering everything else? Maybe.. but he still felt he had to at least let her know that there was another way. 

[refusetheflames-archive-blog]

“Because I’ve only truly desired three things: to teach, to help mutants, and to have control.” Of course, she could find a way to progress to those things if his offer was sincere, but the Hellfire Club seemed much more expedient and profitable. But Warren...Warren had something she knew she could never get from Sebastian, but she was too drunk to put her finger on what it was or why she felt that way. She wanted to convince herself whatever she was feeling was only from the alcohol, but she couldn’t, and she was too exhausted to even figure out what the feelings were. The only thing she felt sure of was that she probably didn’t deserve Warren, and she probably wouldn’t remember any of this in the morning. “Will that offer stand when I’m not drunk and crying on your floor?”

[xxmoved-blog]

Memory Meme

Past experiences help shape who we are currently, how we see the world. Send in a symbol and I’ll write a drabble of one of my muse’s memories. 

—

❥ - a childhood memory

♣ - a fading memory

✂ - a vivid memory

✖ - a repressed memory

✈ - an eye-opening memory

✤ - a memory that involves romance/love

☤ - a memory of death/loss

✍ - a memory of their mother

☽ - a memory of their father

♘ - a memory of their sibling(s)

✌ - a memory of a relative

↕ - a memory that may or may not have happened

♚ - a memory of something paranormal

✓ - a sexual memory

♬ - a friend/best friend memory

[sightbeyondeyes-deactivated2015]

Garden Chat with Emma

[sightbeyondeyes-deactivated2015]

Ruth nodded cautiously. “Yes, please, if you would. Yes, to see, thank you, to see I use others. Not my own, I have none, no eyes that is. So there is no way to see, thank you.”

“Not so easy, not sure, no,” Ruth shook her head after listening to Emma’s offers. “Not all is there that once was, yes. No, I could before, mostly; pardon, I was learning… then it was gone, please. He took it and I don’t know where he went.”

Just the thought of her brother scared her and cause her to tremble.

[refusetheflames-archive-blog]

“Certainly, dear,” Emma said, then lowered her defenses, not enough for Ruth to see any private thoughts, but enough for her to see through Emma’s eyes. “That’s very adaptive; good for you. How long have you had these abilities?”

“Oh, it isn’t easy---” Emma began, but was silenced by the words that followed. “Who did, darling? Who hurt you?” She felt instantly protective towards the girl. Emma knew what it was like to have her mind attacked, she knew what it was like to be sure she was going to leave with her mind in pieces. Although Emma escaped the incident unscathed---unlike her attacker, who never woke up---she understood that not everyone could do that, and despite Emma’s typical superior attitude, she couldn’t hold it against Ruth if whoever attacked her left her damaged. There were some things the mind wasn’t meant to cope with.

Emma placed her hands on Ruth’s trembling shoulders. “I’m sure we can improve it,” she said confidently. She wouldn’t say fix until she knew what exactly had happened, and she doubted Ruth would have believed her if she said it anyway. “You can learn again, I promise, even if it takes us a long time. It will get better.” Even if Emma had to put Ruth’s mind together piece by piece---or even if all she could do was help Ruth cope---she was determined to do something for her.

[sightbeyondeyes-deactivated2015]

Garden Chat with Emma

[sightbeyondeyes-deactivated2015]

“Powers?” Ruth shook her head. “No not yet, too soon, too early, yes. I just came. No one yet. But maybe soon. I hope, pardon. I want to. Too many voices. Sorry, the book you’re looking for is three shelves- oh… no, that hasn’t happened yet, never mind.”

Ruth frowned as she concentrated. The other voices are loud, no way to block them, not hear them. Then there was Emma before her. It spooked Ruth that she could not hear Emma’s thoughts or see what Emma saw as Ruth had done with so many others. While it was comforting knowing there were others like her, it was also frightening. Not seeing made her vulnerable. No eyes made her frightening, or so she thought to herself. She didn’t want a repeat of what happened with her brother. It terrified her.

“Not sure- how does one help me, sorry?” Ruth tilted her head to the side. “Too much chaos, no silence, how does one take that away? How does that work?”

[refusetheflames-archive-blog]

“Well, Ruth, I’m delighted you came here. That’s an excellent start.” Emma chuckled. “Three shelves over, I’ll have to remember that.”

Emma understood how frightening it could be to be suddenly locked out of someone’s mind or unable to use telepathy at all. “Would you like me to let my shield’s down some, darling? I thought the quiet might help, but I don’t want to distress you.”

Emma thought over her choice of words before she spoke. There were a lot of methods Emma could utilize to help Ruth, but she didn’t want to overwhelm her, especially if the girl wasn’t much used to choices, which Emma was suspecting based on her constant apologies every time she so much as asked a question, and there were a lot of things Emma didn’t yet know about Ruth. It was best to be cautious. “With guidance, practice, and a lot of effort. I can help you develop mental shields, so you can learn not to hear quite so many thoughts unless you’d like to. You may always hear some, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing, but we can find a level that works for you---put you in control of your own mind. How does that sound?”

[sightbeyondeyes-deactivated2015]

Garden Chat with Emma

[sightbeyondeyes-deactivated2015]

Ruth nodded, reaching back to tighten the knot on her blindfold. It had become a sort of safety net, one she wasn’t quite ready to relinquish. “Yes, ok Emma. Thank you.” 

“Helping?” Being here was already a help, she had a safe place she could go to at night, one where she could tune out most voices, and get sleep, actual sleep. Drawing her arms down, she rested them on her knees. 

Freedom is here, not yet there again, and never where it started. That will always be prison. All are gone, only one made it home. He made it- Stop. Don’t think about him. “Yes, there is help. Not someone but somewhere. Pardon me, not all help is through a person, yes.”

“Alone is all I know.”

[refusetheflames-archive-blog]

“You’re welcome, dear,” Emma said, mildly amused by the repetitive thanks. Better to be over polite, she supposed. “Yes, helping. Is anyone helping you learn to cope with your powers?”

When Ruth elaborated, Emma nodded. “Ah, yes, I understand that.” Sometimes being in a new, safer place could be more helpful than any advice, like how college was for Emma for a short time, and the Hellfire Club. A place she could use her powers without fear of persecution---so long as she didn’t try to read one mind in particular.

“I can understand that, too. Just remember that it doesn’t have to continue that way if you don’t want it to, alright? If you want to take your time and deal with things on your own, that’s perfectly fine. But asking for help or simply some company is fine, too.” Emma’s smile could be heard in her voice as she continued, genuinely happy for Ruth that she found her way to the institute. “You have lots of options now, Ruth.”

[sightbeyondeyes-deactivated2015]

Garden Chat with Emma

[sightbeyondeyes-deactivated2015]

Quieting the voices around so she could simply hear the sound of the one voice in front of her was proving difficult, but Ruth wouldn’t stop and until she’d mastered her abilities. Or at least could control them and not have them control her.

An image of a young woman danced in the foreground of her mind, startling Ruth for a moment. She smiled slightly. “Thank you, Emma Frost, it is nice to see you. Yes, it is overwhelming- it’s hard to shut it off. Not always loud, not ever quiet. Constant and-”

It wasn’t always constant, no. It was clear, it was good, I could think. Now I can’t, now it’s- but it does no good to dwell on it, Ruth. Move on, get better, get- you must get well, getting well means control, control means getting well. Control means not being stuck- no prison. Control. you must learn control.

“and uncontrollable.”

[refusetheflames-archive-blog]

Emma smiled. “You’re welcome, Ruth. Just ‘Emma’ is fine, though.” Emma picked up bits of her surface thoughts, and understood enough of it to realize Ruth hadn’t always struggled with control. It was cruel that she should have to fear her own powers, to feel imprisoned by them. Emma understood that all too well. Hopefully Ruth’s path to taking control of her abilities wouldn’t be quite as rough.

“Is someone helping you with it, darling?” If she was getting help from Professor Xavier, Emma wouldn’t interfere, but she certainly wasn’t going to let a young telepath slip through the cracks, either. “You don’t need to deal with this alone.”

[sightbeyondeyes-deactivated2015]

Garden Chat with Emma

[sightbeyondeyes-deactivated2015]

Ruth didn’t turn her head, but adjusted the blindfold so that it was firmly in place. “Thank you, it is good that I didn’t take- … yes, it’s fine.” 

Odd, there are no thoughts to read, no voice inside- think quietly? Another telepath, yes, that must be it. Perhaps- no. Too chaotic, help is not that- no, he will not come back to ruin again. I hope. Yes, I’ll be fine.

“No, please, I am…” I am not well, not fine… What am I? “I am Ruth. Their thoughts are always loud, never quiet. Not here, not anywhere… not even later… but that is not for now. For now, I can’t see you, who are you?”

[refusetheflames-archive-blog]

“Pleasure to meet you Ruth,” Emma said, stepping around so she wasn’t speaking rudely to the back of her head. “I’m Emma Frost. I’m a telepath, and a student here.” Although Ruth’s speech was jumbled and somewhat confusing, Emma was unintimidated. If there was a will, there was a way, so she knew she’d be able to figure it out. Emma put a thought of her appearance to the front of her mind, so that Ruth could see it if she chose to ‘look’. “It’s overwhelming sometimes, isn’t it.” It was more a statement than question; she doubted any telepath hadn’t experienced it.

[sightbeyondeyes-deactivated2015]

The crisp grass beneath her feet and the wind pulling at the ends of her hair was about the only thing providing Ruth any peace. There were many fragmented thoughts coiling through her mind; some frightening, some comforting, few neutral. But Ruth just wanted it all to stop. To end. Being under observation helped somewhat… but only to keep her from hearing more than she wanted.

Gripping her head in her hands she groaned as she tried to silence the voices. Always listening, always hearing… Once there was control, but now… since… him. No. She wouldn’t think of him, it hurt too much. 

She gripped harder on the hair on either side of her head. Scratching at her scalp. She took in a deep breath then froze, listening. 

“Yes?” She asked quietly, voice wavering slightly, to the person behind her. “Excuse me, did I take your spot?”

[refusetheflames-archive-blog]

“No, dear, you’re fine.” Emma suspected the girl was the root of her growing migraine, but she didn’t mind, especially since judging by her behavior, Emma suspected she was a telepath of some sort---or had a brain tumor, but at SHIELD, she figured the first was more likely. She could have reached out with her own mind and learned her powers directly, but that wouldn’t help the girl.

"What’s your name, dear? Can I help you?” Emma smiled reassuringly although Ruth couldn’t see. “It’s rather loud around here. There ought to be a class on teaching people to think quietly.”

[refusetheflames-archive-blog]

Rock Bottom

[warrenthethird-oldarchive]

“Are you??” he asked, leaned over slightly, but still looking at her face on. Emma, I don’t want to pressure you or anything.. but you could admit it to me you know. It is a little obvious to me now. Just– at least tell me, do you plan on returning to Shaw and the club?“” he said. He hoped this somewhat pushy move wouldn’t make her shut him out further now. as that was the opposite of what he was trying to go for, clearly. He hoped this question wouldn’t set her on the defensive again. Just thinking abut it now, whether she might go back was of definite concern to him. Not just because his own future might see him back there at some point, for reasons that were mostly his own. But also because he legitimately was more beginning to see her as a friend, and clearly Sebastian had been not too good in her past. 

[refusetheflames-archive-blog]

“I’ll be fine.” That was a little more truthful. “Do I plan on it? No. Am I leaving it open as an option? Yes. Good money, connections...maybe I won’t need that, but maybe I will.”