Backdated to the 1st

[la_belle_rogue]

Well, as ya'll heard, Sterling Archer graduated. [So very proud!] So that put me in a place of decidin'. And Ah'm gonna be headin' out here too. Gonna visit his world, actually meet his people. [Punch Malory in the face.] Then stop by and see another friend like Ah promised, then Ah'm gonna head home.

This place has been an adventure ta say the least. Met a lot of great people, on both sides of the line. Ah'd stay on but Ah think that would be me hidin' out. There's somethin' Ah gotta face back home, and Ah think Ah'm ready ta do that.

Ah may not miss the place, but Ah'll definitely miss the people. Try ta find some happiness, where ya can.

[Private to Elsa, Dillion, and Jean]

So Ah wanna recommend ta both of ya that Jean take over helpin' with yer powers. She's got as much experience in that sort of thing as Ah do. She's a great teacher too.

[A loving wink to Jean.]

She'll steer ya right.

[Private to Arthas]

Hey, so Ah don't want ta leave ya high and dry. Ah know someone that Ah think can take over where we leave off. She's good at this.

[Now the hard part.]

She's also a psychic. Jean Grey.

Comments

[routemistress]

Oh, sweetheart! Good luck. 'Ave a good trip.

...And thank you.

[private]

I'm sending you me phone number. It'll reach my answering machine from any time or location; I don't want to lose touch with you, Rogue love.

[la_belle_rogue]

Thanks, Iris. Ah'll miss ya.

[Private]

Thanks, sugah. Ah'd like that. Is there uh...anythin' ya'd like me ta take back, for Wade? Message or anythin' like that?

[private]

[routemistress]

No. 'E knows where to reach me, and if 'e can't be bothered, well.

[Nope, she's not butthurt at all.]

...well, if you could maybe let me know 'ow 'e is? I do worry.

I 'aven't given up on getting Vic back, either. I'll let you know when that 'appens.

[Not if. Iris is firm on that.]

[private]

[la_belle_rogue]

[Well that settles it. First thing she does when she gets back is hunt down Wade and kick his ass. He needs to call Iris.]

Ya got it, darlin'. Might be about a month. Gonna go spend about two weeks with Archer, get him settled back in his world. Then Ah told Dean Ah'd drop by for a while.

[Yeah...Victor.]

Look, if Creed does come back. If... If ya think it'd do him any good, call me. Ah'll come back.

[private]

[routemistress]

Oh, that'll be great! Give 'im my love as well. Tell 'im we're looking after 'im - actually, tell Sam. I know 'e's worried.

We'll get Victor back, all right. I refuse to believe we won't. You and me both saw that future version, didn't we? I'll call you the moment I see 'is ugly mug again.

Well, maybe once the death toll's up, if 'e doesn't remember me.

[private]

[la_belle_rogue]

Ah will. And do take care of this Dean, Iris.

[There's guilt, instant and obvious.]

Like Ah said, Ah'd stay on for him but Ah think Ah'd slow him down. He's got too many folks lookin' at him and wantin' him to suddenly be a person he isn't. It's not good for him.

[private]

[routemistress]

No, you're dead right, lovey. It's tricky for all of us that were close to our own Dean. 'E needs time, more than anything, and 'e'll get that 'ere without any of us interfering.

But I will keep you posted.

[private]

[la_belle_rogue]

Thanks. Also, Ah need a favor. Ah got no use for a deal. Ah didn't come here ta get paid. But Ah'd hate ta waste this kind of opportunity.

[She holds up an envelope, sealed.]

Could ya hold onto this for him, and give it ta him when he graduates? Ah don't know what happened in his world, but Ah figure once he earns his ticket out, this'd be a real useful bonus.

[punched_hitler]

Sounds like you deserve some congratulations.

It was nice to meet you, Rogue.

[Say hi to the other him for him?]

[la_belle_rogue]

Nah, the congratulations go ta Archer. He's the one that did all the work. Ah was just there ta support him.

[And that's exactly what he'd needed. Support. Genuine interest and someone who truly gave a damn.]

It's always a pleasure, Captain.

[If it comes up and isn't awkward? You bet.]

[punched_hitler]

He definitely deserves them, too. But he didn't do it alone.

[Support is an important position. And often the unsung heroes, right?]

That's good to hear.

[Hey, at least it means the other him is an okay guy, too. That's reassuring.] You take care of yourself back home - and enjoy your trip.

[surfaceshine]

[At first, he doesn't say anything; he doesn't want to. He still doesn't really want to when he finally does.

He doesn't, honestly, know why he does - and he certainly doesn't know why he means it when he says, shortly and curtly:]

Good luck.

[la_belle_rogue]

[She's surprised he does say something. But also really pleased.]

Back atcha, darlin'.

Private

[darknessb4me]

Do you trust her?

Private

[la_belle_rogue]

With mah life. Also with mah privacy and sanity. She won't cross any lines you're not comfortable with.

Private

[darknessb4me]

If you say so.

[strangehistorian]

Congratulations. And good luck at home!

[la_belle_rogue]

Thank ya, Chromie. Good luck here.

[strangehistorian]

Thanks!