It's an acknowledgement. [Firmly, because Scott vomited on his boots so he considers this to be a balanced approach.

He shifts back just a little, jaw tightening while he thinks of how to approach this. In his mind, it's only for Scott's benefit that he's trying to gentle it instead of just saying it. Absolutely not because he feels deeply nervous.]

I've told you I'm from further along than you, right? [He gives Scott a questioning look, checking his understanding.]

I knew about you before you knew me-- from stories. Legacy. [Not just Scott, in fairness. But he's always had a particular fondness for stories about Cyclops.]

You, Jean.. You didn't die like that. Not in my world.