STRUCKER

“Anyone ever feel like you and your family are cursed? Even if that sounds ridiculous?”

“I’m so sorry, that’s awful.” Reed paused a moment and gave her a sympathetic look. “No one should have to go through that.”

“Do you honestly believe that Lorna? We see what the Inner Circle does, we know that your missions aren’t safe. How is that safer?” Reed was getting angry but he stopped himself and undid the fists his hands had clenched into. “Well, maybe this is a distasteful thing to say, but I wish it wasn’t. All this mutation is bringing me is pain. I’ve been told it could kill me.”

“No, no, you don’t have to apologize. I’m sorry you’re also searching for an answer to your problem still. It’s.. frustrating, to say the least.”

Reed let out a laugh. “Yeah, just a bit late. To tell the truth, this almost happened when I was younger, and then I was given a treatment that was supposed to erase my X gene.” He shrugged, eyes glued to the floor and shoulders tense. “Obviously it didn’t work. But no one seems to understand that I don’t want to control it. I need it gone, like it was before.”

“I don’t think I can be helped Marcos!” Reed snapped a bit, not on purpose. As he spoke he found the ‘medication’ he had been taking and prepared another dosage. “My powers could kill me-- maybe not every mutation is meant to be controlled.”

“You would be correct. Are mutations always painful to the person who holds it? It’s been getting worse--”

“They can’t help with what I want. I want my powers gone, not just under control.”

“It’s not the first time they’ve manifested-- but I thought they had gone for good. If I don’t try to keep it contained I’ll end hurting other people, but it also causes me pain. I’m not sure it’s possible for me to.. let it loose.”

“It hasn’t. Things just keep falling apart more and more, Lauren is different now-- I’m not sure if any of us have solid legs to stand on right now.”

“I’ll be fine.” Reed answered, avoiding his son’s question. He had a dosage of the suppressant with him but he could wait later to take it-- he hoped. “It’s just been.. tougher than I thought.”

“And while I’m at it-- stay away from Lauren.” Apparently there was still some anger that Reed had to let out. “I don’t know how you and your sisters are involved in whatever has been going on with her and Andy, but I doubt your hands are clean. She stays with us.”