[ '97 verse]✨
"Do you know, Tess, I don't think there are many people I find myself able to do this with?"
It's a somewhat out of the blue observation from Hank - someone who, given his fur, struggles to be out of the blue - but it's one said with an honest affection as they stand in line for the concession stand.
(People are staring, because of course they are, but Hank's wearing his Howard the Duck t-shirt, and that seems to be convincing most of the humans that he really is just there to watch Jackie Brown and not to eat them.)
As they move a little further up the line, Hank decides to expound upon his thesis.
"It isn't that I don't find the rest of the team's company scintillating, of course, and please, pardon my double negative. But, Scott and Jean are starting to move on to another stage in their lives. Rogue and Remy are, as the younger generation say, a thing. Logan and Morph."
He gives Tess a significant look.
Another step further up the line.
Hank definitely wants an extra large sweet popcorn bucket.
"And, to speak of said younger generation - Jubilation and Roberto appear to be rather sweet on one another. Then Lucas, Ororo . . ." His eyes grow a little misty as he catches himself, and he looks away for a moment.
It's clear he still blames himself, on some level. For not being quick enough during the attack on the United Nations, for not stopping the X-Cutioner. For not being able to find a solution for the inhibitor gun. For not being able to save poor Nathan.
It feels as though all he does is give bad news, these days, and he really wishes it wasn't the case.
". . . But then, here you are. My best friend. And, to paraphrase Charles Lamb, 'Tis the privilege of friendship to talk nonsense, and to have that nonsense respected.'"
He grasps her hand as they finally reach the end of the line, a rather bored looking teenager ready to take their orders.
"I know I talk rather a lot of nonsense, Tess. But you respect my nonsense. And I think that happens to be my favourite thing about you."
He gives her a peevish grin.
"That, and the fact that you always pay for my drinks and snacks! What more could a friend wish for?"
