WHO: Charles Xavier and J'onn J'onzz WHAT: a meeting of minds, literally WHEN: Recentlike WARNINGS: None. STATUS: Closed and complete
J’onn was tired. Some days, he wondered at his life here, which seemed a little quiet and not… fulfilling, always. But he was working on it, making new connections, doing his best to reach out to others, and slowly, maybe, making a new life. Today, in the middle of the open market stalls, he was shopping for presents for his ‘daughters’, Kara and Alex.
His mind was wandering, and open a little more than normal, though he still felt some trepidation at making it so. The noise of the crowd around him was like static, loud static, and he winced, but kept looking and kept his mind open. He needed to practice.
He almost bumped into another and turned, speaking before seeing them, as much telepathically as out loud. “Sorry.”
***
The open market intrigued Charles. He thought he would have a look around, see what the merchants offered, maybe pick up a gift or two for Erik and Claire. At the very least, he could buy some fresh vegetables for dinner.
The last thing he expected to discover was another telepath. When he heard the apology in his mind he was absolutely charmed. Charles turned in J’onn’s direction with an astonished smile on his face.
Absolutely nothing to forgive.
***
J’onn clutched his forehead as he felt a telepathic contact for the first time in years, and he stared at the man in front of him. “I’m sorry did you…?” He tapped his head, confused. He had not actually expected to run into such a being here, and he looked as shocked as he felt.
“I--- didn’t mean to almost run you over, he spoke again, trying to regain his control.
***
Charles’ smile faded into an expression of concern. He took a step toward the other telepath, his hand reaching out but not touching. “Are you alright? And I’m fine. Fine.”
His smile returned a little as he nodded. “Yes I did. But you started it, my friend.”
***
“I… do not usually use my telepathy. It was an accident. I am… it is very hard to use, here, with humans, and it has been so long since I did so that I have no control. Human minds are different from Martian ones, and… it could easily harm you, or even wipe your memory.” Entirely, he did not complete aloud, but the thought was there to be read.
He sighed and nodded. “Using it gives me a headache, a bit.” Because of the dissonance and the lack of practice.
***
“Martian!” Now Charles was entirely charmed. Absolutely fascinating! An alien life that was also a telepath! But he obviously had to contain his enthusiasm. The gentleman seemed in pain.
“Terribly sorry, then,” he said. “We’ll speak normally. I just hadn’t run into another telepath here, and was intrigued.”
***
“Indeed. My people were a more martial and more aggressive life form, and our mental abilities are thus less civilized, especially with other races.”
J’onn nodded, appreciatively. “I will be glad to talk more with you mind to mind.” He hesitated, then spoke softly.
“Do you know much of telepathy and how it works? I fear there is no one here who knows enough to… aid me in relearning, so to speak.”
***
Martial Martians. No, Charles wouldn’t say that out loud or he might actually giggle. Instead, he focused on the request for assistance.
“I know how mine works,” he said. “Mine is a mutation. I’ve been a telepath for most of my life. I could possibly help you with technique if our abilities work similarly enough.”
***
“I would be very grateful if you could. But we must be careful. Contact with the martian mind has sometimes harmed humans, and I do not wish to harm you.” J’onn had eschewed his powers for a long time because of this. If this man could help….
“If you are willing to try, I will be willing to learn.”
***
Charles chuckled. “There is an inherent risk in any mind, but I’ll take your warning to heart.” But that warning was all the more reason for Charles to help this Martian learn control and finesse. It would be a tragedy, and Charles’ fault now that he knew, if his telepathy went out of control and injured an innocent.
***
“Thank you. I look forward, I admit, to trying this.” Hope surged in him. He had not believed he would ever have a chance to set right his mind, and yet, here, suddenly, there was a chance. Maybe, just maybe, this place would bring a benefit in this area, like it already had in showing him how to slowly let go of his fear, and his past sorrow.
He was liking this place more and more.
“How would we do this?”
***
Right here and now was not a good place or time to start, but Charles understood the excitement. However, he did have an idea.
“Well, we could start with proper introductions.” He smiled as he extended his hand. “I’m Charles Xavier, and it is a very real pleasure to meet you. Why don’t I have a look at my schedule and see when would be a good time to start?” He had to work around his teaching at the college, his tutoring and his homeschool students.
***
J’onn nodded, chuckling and met Charles’ hand with his own. “My name is J’onn J’onzz, the equivalent of your John Jones. It’s a pleasure to meet you, too, Charles.” He nodded.
“That would be good. I’m on the network, and, oh yes.” he pulled out his wallet, and a business card from it. Handing it over, Charles would see it had his name on it, and the name of a Gym, the Fight Science Gym/Combat Sports Academy, listing J’onn as an instructor.
On the back was his home phone number. “I can be reached at either the gym, or my number on the back.”
***
Charles smiled as he accepted the card. There was a small effort made on his part then he smirked at J’onn. “If you think for just a moment you’ll find that you now have my number memorized.” It had been an easy suggestion to plant in J’onn’s mind.
***
J’onn blinked, then nodded, seeing the number fully realized in his mind and concentrating, seeing the track the man used. Huhn. Okay. “Got it.”
He smiled, a little. “I have a lot to learn, to control these powers here.”
***
Charles chuckled again then held up a hand. “Do not judge yourself by my example, my friend. When I realized what my talent was I explored it thoroughly every day without hesitation. That was for well over ten years, I’m afraid.”
***
J’onn nodded. “I look forward to learning, even so, what you can teach me.” J’onn had a powerful mind, he knew, but he had no clue how to use it right.
“I suppose I should let you go on your way. Thank you, for agreeing to help me.”
***
“Yes, of course,” Charles replied with a smile. He was finding his role as a teacher rather fulfilling. When he first got his degree it was so he could do more of his research. Now, however, he thought his calling truly rested in teaching.
“Please, do not hesitate to reach out to me for any reason.”
***
“Thank you.” J’onn nodded to the man and turned to go. “I’ll remember that. “ He found himself smiling for the first time in some time. There was hope.