Giovanna M. Bennet (burnwithlight) wrote,
@ 2009-10-04 19:36:00

Giovanna got up at dawn, as usual. After the standard workout with Father and breakfast, she washed up and gathered her books. Her eyes lingered a little on her face in the mirror as she put on lip gloss. Not that how she looked mattered at all, of course. There were much more important things with which to concern themselves. Much.

Giovanna stood holding the books, let it all build up, communicated to Father where she would be, finally let herself flare up, vanish... and appear outside Andrew's door, within clear sight of the usual security measures.

She knocked politely.

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assaultnbattery
2009-10-05 04:27 am UTC (link)

Just like every morning, it takes a few moments. He unburies himself from the paper on the latest paleontological digs, sets aside his Russian studies textbook, shifts aside a couple other national trestises, and shuts off the cassette tape speaking to him in Swahili. It had been proving a frustrating one to pick up.

When suitably unburied, he heads for the door, having to take the circuitous route through his cluttered room. Other than books, scientific papers and educational tapes, he didn't have much, even still... but he has lots of those. Its the one thing his parents never object to his grandfather giving him more of.

He opens the door, his face lighting up when he sees who's outside. "Giovanna! Good morning." he says, speaking in French. "Is it that late already?"

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	burnwithlight 2009-10-05 04:46 am UTC (link)
	"Good morning!" She smiles back. "Lost track of time again?" (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	assaultnbattery 2009-10-05 04:48 am UTC (link)
	"Just like every other morning." he replies. An exaggeration, but not much of one. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	burnwithlight 2009-10-05 05:14 am UTC (link)
	Giovanna holds up the top book. "I finished the stuff on International Law you lent me. I have to admit it was fairly frustrating to follow. No wonder so many things go wrong." And someone ought to pay for that, she can't help but think. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

assaultnbattery
2009-10-05 05:22 am UTC (link)

"Well, trying to get some kind of code of conduct and expectation when you have that many different nations is difficult. We have to be perfect though... there's at least several nations who would very much like to see us make a serious misstep, or even find an unfortunate accident. And most of Magneto's longtime devotees aren't able to travel internationally, so we're it, if we're going to get any kind of backing."
He knows she's well aware of this, but he at least tries to placate her. He's always happier when she's happy.

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	burnwithlight 2009-10-05 05:37 am UTC (link)
	A stalwart nod. "No one's getting the satisfaction of seeing us make mistakes. So once we've done everything right...do you think we have an even chance of making them see reason?" (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

assaultnbattery
2009-10-05 05:43 am UTC (link)

"Yes. Most of them will never see us as anything but a threat, and will never change their minds. That's bigotry for you. But we don't need to convince everyone - if only one member of the UN security council, and a handful of delegates agree with us, then the US will never get their way internationally, and will look bad in front of the UN if they pass a discriminitory law and expect backing. We won't win the war, but we can prevent any kind of deportations, and find out where mutants might be able to expect sanctuary. We can also prevent the US from limiting international travel for mutants. Small steps... if we're perfect."

Ever the idealist.

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burnwithlight
2009-10-05 06:24 am UTC (link)

Another nod as she listens earnestly. Giovanna always admired Andrew's ability to think about these things this way. She certainly considered herself an intelligent person, but it was so hard to foresee diplomatic babysteps over the internal din of How Dare They? most of the time.

But she trusted Andrew's judgment about the possible accomplishment whether she shared it or not.

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assaultnbattery
2009-10-05 06:29 am UTC (link)

Andrew is a lot like his parents that way. Patient, used to looking for the little details and taking things one step at a time - basic geological sciences. What he's terrible at is taking care of himself. Geological sites don't have dress codes, and everyone is used to everything taking a long time. Making sure he was dressed right, on time to everything, sometimes even remembering what day it was.

Which is part of where Giovanna comes in, since she can give him advice from someone his own age, instead of sounding like a parent's nagging. The fact that he goes out of his way to make sure he's never late to a lunch or meeting with her helps.

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	burnwithlight 2009-10-05 06:42 am UTC (link)
	Indeed. Speaking of which... "Do you mind if I ask when you last ate?" (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	assaultnbattery 2009-10-05 06:49 am UTC (link)
	He ponders. "Is it Saturday or Sunday?" Which should answer the question nicely. Trying to salvage doing this yet again, he asks, "Join me for... uhm... breakfast... lunch...? What time is it?" (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	burnwithlight 2009-10-05 07:07 am UTC (link)
	"Not yet ten, and I'd like that. Let's just call it a light Sunday brunch." Yes, she said 'brunch' in French. L'Académie wasn't going to tell her how to talk. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

assaultnbattery
2009-10-05 07:13 am UTC (link)

He's never been that formal about his French. Its just another useful language, but its her native tongue, or her dad's anyway, and she gives him a chance to practice speaking with a native speaker. Plus, it seems somehow right to talk to pretty girls in French.

"Sunday, right. Ok, so the last time I ate was... uhm, do donuts, tortilla chips and diet pepsi count? Anyway, you pick the restaurant. Anywhere you want to go. I have reservations."

Occasionally its good to be the prince.

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	burnwithlight 2009-10-05 07:37 am UTC (link)
	"Only provisionally.." And she smiles. "I'll take you up on that." She named a place, nice but fairly simple. "And I'll wait right here in the hall while you change." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	assaultnbattery 2009-10-05 07:52 am UTC (link)
	He fishes through his closet for a clean shirt and slacks. It'll do. At least better than the ratty tee and jeans he's had on since last time he ate food that didn't count as provisional. Soon as he's cleaned up a bit and changed, he wanders out the door. "Alright, whenever you're ready." he says, offering his arm. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	burnwithlight 2009-10-05 08:01 am UTC (link)
	She takes it. Those aren't butterflies in her stomach. They're not. That would be Presumptuous and have the potential to Ruin Everything. Right. And off they go. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

assaultnbattery
2009-10-05 08:14 am UTC (link)

He arrives at the restaurant, finding himself almost annoyed at how quickly people hop to service, and how fast the best table in the house opens up. He understands - his grandfather is the most powerful man in the country, one of the most powerful in the world on other merits, and Andrew is the only one of his grandchildren to even sort of be drinking the kool-aid.

But it neither matches his ideals about relations between people that was always part of what was being fought for - equal rights and all that, and he doesn't want much.

Well, other than every time he sees Giovanna, who, as a result, seems to have been unofficially nominated his personal assistant. So, of course, changing that business relationship could ruin everything. Right.

"Is this the place with the really good pepper steak, or is this the one with the garlic chicken dish?"

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burnwithlight
2009-10-05 08:46 am UTC (link)

Giovanna isn't bothered by it at all. Of course, in her house, the instilled values have always been framed more as A Better Life For Our People than about equality specifically, though she recognizes that the two seem to dovetail often. But she sees no problem with Andrew's family deserving the best.

"The garlic chicken. And nice bread," she adds as she sits down.

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	assaultnbattery 2009-10-05 09:11 am UTC (link)
	On the up side, it would make dating really easy - if he ever dared. And makes these lunch engagements easy, and rather pleasant. "Right, the garlic chicken then. And bread." he agrees, passing his order on to the waitress. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	burnwithlight 2009-10-05 09:21 am UTC (link)
	Having already gotten protein in her system earlier, Giovanna opts for fruit salad. And the water comes quickly. And since ice water is a Very Good Thing, Giovanna is happy to see it. After a sip, she asks. "How are your parents feeling about everything?" (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

assaultnbattery
2009-10-05 09:26 am UTC (link)

"Kind of like usual. What was it Churchhill said about America in the war? I'm positive our friends in America will do the right thing, as soon as they've exhausted all other possibilities?" He sighs.
"I know they're trying to do the right thing. They're very supportive of the education and pursuing training as a diplomat. But they'd prefer that the job wasn't ever remotely dangerous. Or that every time something starts to come up, they figure it will wait a couple more months, then a couple more months. They're also very worried that the Marauders will come after me the second I set foot outside Genosha, or that the X-Men will try and recruit me. Talking to Mom, they don't seem entirely sure which would be worse."

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burnwithlight
2009-10-05 09:46 am UTC (link)

Giovanna nods with an almost-snicker at the apt quotation, then just listens.

"It's understandable for them to worry, even if they don't need to because of course you're going to come home," she says earnestly. She's certainly not going to come without him.

A wry look. "As for me, of all the things my parents worry about, the X-Men wanting me definitely isn't one of them."

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assaultnbattery
2009-10-05 09:50 am UTC (link)

He nods. "I understand their concerns. And I agree that it would be ideal to wait until I was at least 18, or better, 21... I think my mother would prefer 40. But if Genosha is ever going to proceed past being perceived as a terrorist power, it needs to have a place in the international community. Which begins with knowing where we might have friends and who our enemies are. And much as I'm sure it wasn't their intent, the American registration talk is providing a perfect opportunity that might not arise again."

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	burnwithlight 2009-10-05 10:07 am UTC (link)
	Giovanna listens and nods between sips of water. "We're not going to get perfect circumstances for all factors, so better to go with the best shot for the national interest." she agrees. That any other countries might actually be friendly is, well, still a bit of a leap of faith for her, but she's taking it. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

assaultnbattery
2009-10-05 10:17 am UTC (link)

He's more or less likewise inclined - but he is fairly certain that some nations would be willing to put a lot aside to establish trade with Genosha, and thus to maybe end up nowhere on Magneto's hitlist, should new problems arise. Likewise, some nations do actually have useful and favorable human rights records. He has to try, regardless.

"That's my take, obviously. And dad is coming around. He originally wanted to do it himself, but his former ties to X-Factor and their US government sponsorship put him and mom both in a very bad spot where criticizing US doctrine is concerned."

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	burnwithlight 2009-10-05 10:59 am UTC (link)
	Giovanna nodded. "I guess not having been something else first, on any side of the equation, can be a sort of advantage." And food comes. The fruit is delicious. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	assaultnbattery 2009-10-05 08:33 pm UTC (link)
	"Which is where we come in. We're Genoshan, first and foremost. They can't use my parents' history against me as long as you're there, and vice versa. Plus, of course, with you keeping an eye out for me, I'm unlikely to show up in my pajamas." he adds with a grin, starting out with the bread himself. As usual, she's right - its excellent. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	burnwithlight 2009-10-06 12:12 am UTC (link)
	She smiled back. "Definitely. And I promise I'll be careful, too." No matter who is clearly asking for what. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	assaultnbattery 2009-10-06 12:22 am UTC (link)
	"I know you will. I have faith in you. And apparently so do most of the people at the head of Genosha." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	burnwithlight 2009-10-06 12:34 am UTC (link)
	"Thanks." Giovanna's going to look at her fruit now. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	assaultnbattery 2009-10-06 12:37 am UTC (link)
	"Credit where its due. Anything you need help with to be ready for the trip? I know all the intense study isn't among your usual hobbies." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	burnwithlight 2009-10-06 05:52 am UTC (link)
	"I can't think of anything you haven't already been helping with. To be completely honest, I'm not really looking forward to the journey itself. I'm not as used to planes as you are." Father had always handled all the transportation when she was young. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	assaultnbattery 2009-10-06 06:00 am UTC (link)
	"Flying isn't bad, really. I'll pack a couple extra books for you... don't worry, not textbooks, just some light reading. We'll be there before you know it." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	burnwithlight 2009-10-06 06:18 am UTC (link)
	Another smile. "I'll take your word for it." (Reply to this)(Parent)

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