Email to Hank

[x-jeangrey.livejournal.com]

To: [Hank]
From: [Jean]
Subject: the third pretty red-head in the labs

Hank,

get off your fuzzy blue butt and go talk to Madelyn already, would you?

No, I didn't say anything to her and no, I won't tell you anything that she said, but it would be a good idea for you to STOP BEING A DOOFUS AND GO TALK TO HER.

-Jean

Comments

No!

[x-beast.livejournal.com]

To: [Jean]
From: [Hank]

I don't think the time is right, as yet, to discuss... things. Any things.

And I already talked to her, when she brought me my present. And we were interrupted, and it's probably all for the best.

And I don't want to.

You can't make me.

In conclusion, I suck.

Grrrrr

[x-jeangrey.livejournal.com]

To: [Hank]
From: [Jean]

First, no, you don't suck.

Second, I can't make you, but I can badger you.

Third, I won't, but I do think letting her know how you feel would be a Very Good Idea, although not pressuring her would also be a Good Idea.

Fourth, want a hug?

-Jean

Re: Grrrrr

[x-beast.livejournal.com]

To: [Jean]
From: [Hank]

First, yes I do. There was a perfect moment and I missed it entirely. Stupid pager.

Second, you can badger me, but I will not be budged by badgering.

Third, I'm not sure. I value our friendship a great deal, and... well. I'm afraid to get my hopes up.

Fourth, yes please. Lots of hugs. And if you have any Draughts of Courage about your person, bring those too?

-Hank

Hugs on the way

[x-jeangrey.livejournal.com]

To: [Hank]
From: [Jean]

First, fine, blame the pager. You still don't suck.

Second, one of the younger children was telling me about this song. Something about 'badger badger badger badger badger...'

Third, so TELL HER THAT. "Madelyn, I care about you a great deal and value your friendship emensley, but I would very much like to see if that friendship might be something more. Would you like to go on a date.

Fourth, hugs on the way, and you know I'd share the courage if I had any to give.

-Jean

Re: Hugs on the way

[x-beast.livejournal.com]

To: [Jean]
From: [Hank]

I just... am quite utterly terrified.

I care a lot more than I'd realized. And given my romantic history, I'm about as confident that this will all work out well as I am that the Mansion will rise up on legs tomorrow and begin a very slow migration to California. I *want* to think she could care for me, I *hope* that it's possible... but I don't really believe it. And sooner or later I'm going to blurt something out, and she will, as kindly as possible, turn me down, I just know it.

Now you're just being silly

[x-jeangrey.livejournal.com]

To: [Hank]
From: [Jean]

You are one of the nicest, sweetest, most wonderful guys I know, ok, and I am telling you that any woman with half a brain and any amount of heart could care for you, and Madelyn has lots of both. That said, if you don't tell her how you feel the Great Mansion Migration will be a certainty compared to your chances.

Unlike me, she's not a mind-reader Hank, and neither are you. You can't know how she feels and she can't know how you feel until you two TALK.

Being scared of this stuff is normal. Hell, I'm still terrified of talking to Scott about how I feel or trying to get him to tell me what's up, and we were engaged to be married before everything.

That doesn't mean you should let the fear win.

Not being silly... being scared.

[x-beast.livejournal.com]

To: [Jean]
From: [Hank]

As long as I don't say anything, I still have the hope. Once I've told her... then I might not even have that. It's one of those win all or lose all situations.

But you're right. I do have to tell her.

I just don't know how. Me, lost for words, funny I know...

She means a lot to me. I don't want to screw this up.

I know...

[x-jeangrey.livejournal.com]

To: [Hank]
From: [Jean]

You can't let the fear keep you from it, though, Hank. And you can't survive on hope alone.

Truly, I do think the only way you could actually mess this up would be to put it off for too long.

But you know I'm here for you, always, and that I have faith in you.