The X-Project

Backdated an hour after The Trial of Jean Grey - Log 5. Julian is going to India and Tandy says her goodbyes.



The leather sections of his old trainee uniform creaked slightly, just a bit too snug for him since he'd grown a bit in the past year and put a good deal of muscle on. Looking himself over in the mirror, he was astonished- he looked like an X-Man, albeit in a grey and brown uniform, rather than the standard black one. He pulled a small flash from his bag and took a long pull on it- they'd been up late the night before drinking away the pain of losing so many friends. When he left, Tandy had been asleep, he hadn't told her about the mission, leaving a note behind to explain why he had to go- she looked peaceful and Julian didn't want to interrupt good dreams. Putting the flask away, he turned to head to the blackbird.

"So you really are going?" Tandy voice came from behind him. She was still dressed in her pj's short and a shirt and in her right hand was the note he had left behind. "A note wouldn't put me at easy." She whispered, she remembered Matt. "Why?"

Julian didn't speak for a moment- there weren't really words. They stood there in silence for a moment, until, "So you don't have to." He did not look down, instead making eye contact almost defiantly.

Tandy walked up to him and put her hand on his arm. "Are you sure you want to do this?" Her voice was trembling a bit, wondering if she had walked into one of her newly formed nightmares of late.

Another beat of silence filled the room, in truth, he didn't want to do it. "Yes," he lied, hopefully convincingly. "I need to do this," he said honestly- for revenge if nothing else.

She bit her lower lip rather hard as she threw her arms around him. "Can you promise me something? Please come back? I don't know--I don't know if I can handle any more--" Her voice trailed off.

Her boyfriend wrapped his arms around her and lifted her into the air ever so slightly, holding her tightly. "I'm coming back to you," he pulled away ever so slightly to rest his forehead on hers. "I promise."

Tandy was trying not to cry but her eyes were already watering and she nodded. "You better. I'll be holding you to your promise."

With all the confidence he could muster, he gave her a cocky smile and tilted his head, "I ever let you down yet, Bow?" A firm kiss was planted on her lips which lingered for a brief eternity before he pulled away, and looked into her eyes. "I...," the intercom system called all members of the strike force to board, he sighed and quirked his lips, "It will wait." Silently, he let his hands drift down into hers, "I'll see you soon."

Tandy returned his kiss and pulled away. "Please - please be careful." She returned his cocky smile with a sad smile of her own. Giving his hands a squeeze as if wishing him luck she pulled away and crossed them in front of her, becoming full aware of how cold she had become. Julian smiled and gave her a wink before turning and disappearing out the door. "I love you." She whispered.