Quoted By:
<span class="mu-r">“Gwen and Joyce are different people. I understand that you want to help her, but you have to consider her feelings too.”</span> you said, stepping up to stand beside Joy.
Both Stacy’s turned to regard you.
<span class="mu-b">“You’re the ‘Huntsman’, right? According to my daughter, you’ve helped her out more than a few times.”</span> George said, but it felt more like a question.
You nodded.
<span class="mu-r">“Yes, sir. I assure you that my intentions with your daughter are entirely wholesome. We’re just friends.”</span> you said, giving him a thumbs up and a wink.
George narrowed his eyes at you, while Gwen was shaking her head.
<span class="mu-b">“I should hope so. I also hope that the rumors and reports of your past associations and exploits are greatly exaggerated.”</span>
You were about to tell him that they probably weren’t, but Gwen cut in before you could get into your checkered past.
<span class="mu-g">“I’m sorry, but can we save this for later and get back on topic? This is about Joy.”</span>
George folded his arms, giving you a mistrustful look. But he said nothing more and allowed you to continue.
<span class="mu-r">“Right. Well, I think you started off on the wrong foot here. Joyce already has a support network of people she trusts. And if you want to be one of those people, then you probably shouldn’t demean the people who are.”</span> you said, gesturing at the mutants who were milling about in the area.
Joyce nodded, her resentful gaze still fixed on Gwen’s dad. Both Stacy’s took this opportunity to properly take in their surroundings. They weren’t exactly surrounded, but they could see the mutants casting suspicious glances their way. Not only that, but the plant mutants seemed to be stalking them from the shadows.
It was less that they were non-mutants, and more so that they were recognizable authority figures. A police officer and a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent. And they didn’t exactly do a good job of blending in.
At least you were a familiar face, so no one would bat an eye if you swung into their territory and started making a fool of yourself.
<span class="mu-r">“Why don’t we take this conversation somewhere else?”</span> you suggested. <span class="mu-r">“I know a good stress-free environment where we can all talk and unwind. We could take a walk down to Wagner’s Cove. It’s got a wonderful view of the lake, and it should be empty now.”</span>
<span class="mu-g">“Sure. That sounds nice.”</span> Gwen said, sounding hopeful.
Joy just shrugged, while George made a non-committal grunt. And since neither gave you an outright refusal, you decided to lead them to the cove before either one of them changed their minds.
On the way over, a few mutants tried to walk up and talk to you and Joyce. You politely let them know that you were a little busy at the moment, and sent them on their way. You felt particularly bad about shrugging off Ester, and you made a mental note to make it up to her later.
(Cont.)
