LAYLA.

“it wasn’t too fast. i go fast. i’m just confused about the content. you have a what now?”

“i was lucky. my husband was too. i’m sorry you weren’t.” layla’s tone was sincere. “but you got it back, didn’t you?”

“has anyone ever fact checked you on that?”

“i’m fine with answers. yours just caught me off guard. it doesn’t happen often.”

“layla.” the mutant introduced herself. “what comes out of you isn’t that bad. you should hear what some people say.”

“hey -- to each their own. i try to not judge.”

“i know a lot of things, but i didn’t want to know that.”

“you’re talking to the woman who used to be a girl who knew almost everything.”

“i know how to play gin, and that’s not it.”

She moved into the living room, scooping the kiddo and pressing a kiss to the top to his head. “Don’t make me wish you never learned to walk.” Returning to her attention to Jamie, Layla scoffed. “Required? Not in this house. You’re still going to be Jamie Madrox, the man I knew I was going to marry. Back when I knew more stuff. We’re starting to catch up.” Which was concerning. It was an edge Layla had always possessed. That and resurrection, and now Krakoa was doing even that better. “I don’t know -- what do Monet and Warren want?”

“And all I can do is some mild resurrection. Which, for the record, is way less fun with the Krakoa thing. You sound exciting.” 

“So they really just put you in a reality blender and waited to see what came out?”

“It’s a hell hole that sucks you in. I keep saying I’m going to clean when the baby is asleep and end up on Tik Tok for hours.”

“Capitalism. They take your money and keep your snacks.” Layla hummed. “This one hasn’t worked in two years. Did no one tell you?”

“Knackered.” Layla blinked in surprised. “You’re more British than Captain Britain.” 

“And as I’ve continued to tell you, I will not be the one sewing labels on.” Layla reminded him lovingly. There was a baby in the other room a crashing sound as the toddler let gravity knock him off his feet. She sighed. “You’re Dr. Madrox now. They all are, technically. Keep ‘em in line.”