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Gemma listened, noting the answers. They all had a lot to talk about, or at least a lot to process. Probably things they were reluctant to name. But they all answered, and they answered truthfully, as much as she could tell. Which was a huge step in the right direction.

Gemma nodded.

"I know this is... all of this is a lot. Let's take it one at a time... see if talking together like this can add something to the discussion." She looked at Liz, who had spoken first. There was no use trying to weigh which issue was more serious or deeper than the other.

"You said you think of failure... can you tell us what that failure is?... And maybe Rex and Maya can share what that makes them think of as well."

Gemma nodded, settling down. Everyone was on the same page. Tired, and probably still carrying a lot from the battle. She had those moments too, having seen Jorge fight. She would never get used to that.

Gemma had a notepad to take notes on, but for now she set it aside.

"Alright... We will see how much structure we need, but... just to start things off. If you think of the fight, eight months ago... what is the first thing you think of?"

Gemma's phone rang, and the guidance counselor popper up from the sea of paperwork spread out on every available surfae around her office. The Mansion had lost a whole lot of its records in the last explosion, and while most of it had been saved in digital form, she liked to have some hard copies to shuffle around and make notes on. Maybe it was a generational thing. Or just how her brain worked best. She leaned up, fishing for her phone, and picked up once she located it.

"Hello Liz! Ask away."

The office door opened, and Gemma gave everyone gathered outside a friendly smile.

"Please, come on in." She opened the door wider, ushering them in. The office had been cleared up to leave space in the middle, but there was no stereotypical circle of chairs; there was the usual couch, an armchair, Gemma's own office chair, a bean bag, and some other seating options scattered around the place. "Take a seat, wherever you like. Tea, coffee, cookies over here on the table. Let me know if you'd like anything else. How are you all doing?"

They walked, Kalos clinging to her hand for dear life. Gemma was not sure if it was better to walk faster or slower for the girl's comfort, so she allowed Kalos to lead. In the meantime, she would answer all the questions she had, which was good for comfort and distraction.

>>"You can straighten it? Why?"

"Some people do." Gemma nodded "There are ways to make it straight, but it takes quite a bit of work. I don't often find the time for it. I like to have it braided more." she added. Brainds were easier to handle in her everyday life of running around the Mansion putting out fires. "You can try it if you want to. Mostly it is up to fashion..." she glanced down at the girl "... and some people having expectations about what hair should look like. But we don't really listen to those people."

>>"We can walk."

Gemma could tell Kalos was hesitant about going. She never left the Mansion much, and Mirror and Becca had been with her as she slowly learned about life in New York. As a mutant, and not a gorgon. And now, as a human. Venturing outside, even with Gemma, had to be a big step. She saw her sending a message. Good.

>>"Would it be alright if you hold my hand on the way?"

"Of course" Gemma smiled. She picked up her purse, gathered her phone and keys and put on her jacket. Then she held out a hand to Kalos. "Ready? Do you need a coat?"

Gemma had heard about what happened. The whole Mansion was reeling from it. Rumors had suddenly become reality, and everything was on high alert. Humans, mutants, even adapteds the Mansion was prepared for. But magic... that had never been a thing before. And it suddenly explained a whole lot about Gemma's experience with Ez.

She knew Mirror was going to turn up at her office eventually, once they had time for themselves, not doing the work of supporting Becca and Kalos through the process. Maybe Becca too, once she was ready to talk. But Kalos? When she saw Gemma, she usually ran the other way. Which was understandable, given her background, and her powers. She was going to need someone else to help her proc...

>>”Excuse me. Could I ask for a favor?”

Gemma blinked at the knock, and moved to open the door. She knew the voice. She was not prepared for the face.

Kalos was... strikingly different. But also still very much herself. Gemma smiled at her, trying very hard not to stare at the brown-skinned, shy child on her doorste.

"Of course." she stepped aside to let her into the office. Well. This was unexpected.

>>”I want to dye my hair. I need help. Or. A professional. Professional… help. I thought you might… know what to do…? Y’know?"

Gemma knew better than to barge in on someone processing something that had happened to them. Especially a child. And Kalos was doing the right thing on instinct, claiming ownership of her new look and new body. Gemma nodded with a smile.

"... Of course. I can take you to the salon I usually go to... would that work? They have a lot of colors to choose from. Do you have one you'd like?"