[ When Scott alerts him to being back in the area, Charles tries not to dilly dally on his way over, because he's afraid he'll lose his nerve. He's never been one to be cowardly, or to avoid hard conversations, which he proved when he told Scott the truth that night about him knowing about Scott's death. He could have been only the father figure who took care of him, but Charles had to be honest. This, however, is about something personal to Charles, so he's skittish about it.
After his conversation with Erik about his new bond with Scott, it seemed very necessary for them to have this conversation before it becomes another thing that Scott specifically was kept in the dark about. Logan knows because of his abilities, so it is time the secret is out. Charles is just very uncomfortable about it, and nervous, frightened even. They have finally found a beautiful place for the two of them, and they are in sync together. Fear of losing what has become so important to him is only natural.
Charles knocks on the door and takes a deep breath in, letting it out.]
[ Upon arriving back at Panorama, Scott made sure to take a quick shower first to get rid of the grease and grime that he acquired from working a long shift at the Scrapyard. It's routine for him now, basically, and even more important now that he's meeting with Charles. Only when he's finished putting on clean clothes does he actually alert Charles he's back home.
Scott's place is now a far cry from what it looked like a few months ago during his time of grief. Gone are the alcohol bottles and dust and clutter. It's now back to how it used to look, even cleaner this time, as he makes sure to fix everything that's broken whenever he can with bits and pieces he's found at the Scrapyard.
He's not sure what the Professor wantd to talk to him about, admittedly. His first hunch is it'd be some sort of gathering for the holidays, which he'd like to be involved in preparing. Other than that, it's probably a wellness check, something he's also not opposed to.
As soon as Charles knocks on his door and declares he's outside, Scott immediately opens the door for him. ]
Good to see you, Professor. [ He's instantly going to push Charles inside once he's able to. ] Do you want something to drink?
[ Charles is relieved to see the room far healthier now, and it is a good sign of Scott's own state of mind. He almost has his new chair, it will be a day or two from now, which is thrilling, so for now he doesn't mind Scott pushing him inside. He's almost free of it! He does, in fact, really want a drink, but it seems like one more thing to separate him from what he's here to do.]
Perhaps, in a moment, but I need to talk to you about something important.
[ Charles mostly needs to do it before he loses the nerve. Erik and Scott are getting along better now, and he shouldn't be so concerned. Logan still holds things against Erik, but he accepted it without question. He has to stop expecting the worst of others.]
After what we went through, I didn't want to be the person who kept deceiving you, so it is important I be honest. This is not going to be easy to hear.
[ He knows it sounds dire, and Scott may be guessing all kinds of things as to what Charles might mean, being so serious. He taps his fingers along the arm of the chair, rolling back a step and forward, a nervous gesture when he's thinking because he has to use his hands on the wheels. He lets it go and keeps his hands in his lap for now.]
Erik and I are .... [ Does this need to be so hard?] in a relationship. And considering the two of you are experiencing empathy, we thought it best to inform you.
[ Once they're properly inside, Scott makes sure that Charles is comfortable inside his (spick and span) unit. He stops himself from immediately preparing a cup of tea for the Professor when Charles made it clear their discussion takes precedence. So, Scott sits opposite the man, ready to listen to whatever his father figure will tell him.
And once it's out in the open, it's the farthest on his mind, which shows by how his eyebrows shoot up and how he straightens up a little. Huh. Okay. To be fair, it's not as farfetched as he expected?
Sure he didn't anticipate the news, but it also kind of makes sense in his head. Somehow. They're been friends for a long time. They found the X-Men together. They've had a complicated history, which they're now trying to repair. And very successfully at that, from the looks of it.
Whatever Charles has envisioned would be Scott's reaction, whether it's confusion or anger, doesn't register on his face. It's mostly a display of surprise, but also a bit of understanding. Leaning back, he crosses his arms over his chest. ]
Huh. Wish I could tell you I'm very surprised, Professor, but. [ He shrugs, half smiles. ] I really appreciate your honesty and being forthcoming, though.
[ Scott did notice how Charles seem a bit nervous about this conversation, so he tries to widen that smile a bit. ] Erik and I... Well, we're not like how we were all those months ago. I'm honestly glad I gave him a chance. He's been reliable. Provided me a safe space to vent, too. [ Destroy things, actually. But that's something he'd let Erik tell Charles the details of. ]
[ Charles has been dreading this, but it turns out that Logan's advice was good, and he shouldn't be that surprise. Scott's surprise is expected, but the fact that the immediate response isn't anger or upset feels like a blessing. Perhaps it's his overthinking that has made this bigger than he thought it would be, but there's open relief on his face when Scott reacts tamely. He feels like he can breathe easy again.]
Yes, he can be ... well. He's a complicated man, but he does care strongly about people. He's very fond of you now, if it matters. He speaks highly of you.
[ Charles knows that he was already fond of Scott before the secret about his death happened, because his first response to Scott's upset was to be upset on his behalf. So he had a hope that the two of them would bond in a positive way, and it seems that they have. He knows that Erik has put in the effort and time to try and get along with the other X-Men, despite what tension may be there. He was doing it partially for Charles, and partially because they're his people, and Erik cares about mutants.]
We fell in love with one another when we first met, and apparently, time and conflict did not change that. He promised to try and make amends, and I want to believe him.
[ Charles believes him enough to enter into a relationship with him. His head and his heart have often been at battle when it comes to Erik. The facts are against them, but his feelings have been evident from day one. Back when they first met, they held back only to focus on the job, and because they believed they had time together. Charles assumed once they finished Shaw, they had their lives ahead of them. He didn't know how viciously that would get cut short.]
We've already agreed to do our best to keep it even when you're around, due to your new connection, but it's possible you might feel what he does.
[ Scott's glad to see the relief wash over Charles' face. The last thing he wants is for Charles to be nervous about this. He understands why he would be, given his initial reaction to Erik, which was normal and justified. But he just can't stand seeing Charles look anxious about something as joyous as dating someone. Sure Erik's probably not his first pick, but. What kind of a person is he if he denies Charles of something that makes him happy, even if somehow he still hates Erik?
He would've protested if he was, but ultimately, Charles' happiness should be their priority, not his. It's just a good thing he doesn't hold the same animosity towards Erik anymore, this version at least.
And he's glad that Erik actually holds him in high regard. That's good. It's a nice step-up to their relationship. Scott continues to listen, relieved for Charles that he can be open about this now.
But something Charles says actually catches his attention, so much so that he leans forward again, lifting an eyebrow. ]
Yeah, that connection- [ Okay, this is something he didn't immediately put into consideration when he first learned Charles and Erik are dating. It's now dawning on him and undeniably making his cheeks hot. ]
-Wait, when you say I might feel what he does... You mean I'd probably develop feelings for you too, Professor? [ No fucking way. ]
[ It's a relief for certain. Charles does want to be with Erik outside of their necessary secrecy. He is reserved, so he'll never want to be overly familiar with him in public, but an occasional cheek kiss or held hand would be lovely for them. Their secret flirting has been thrilling in a way, but ultimately it's a bit empty, and not what he wanted for them. Plus, now that they know that their relationship is working, it isn't as much of a question mark as it was in the beginning.
He was the most concerned for Scott because he was so contentious with Erik in the start. Not that the others didn't have their own issues with Erik, understandably, but Charles cares a great deal about his opinion. Having him take this so well is helping him get past his own reservations.
Charles and Erik already have their own empathy bond, but that is from choice. It is slightly concerning to hear that others are having lasting impacts long past the time it wore off, but perhaps not that surprising. Whenever something is done in this world, it seems like it doesn't fully go away, just fades. Except for the mannequins who thankfully seem handled.
He laughs, surprised, and shakes his head.]
No, no. These wouldn't be feelings of your own. [ That would be disturbing, and it is not the case as far as he can tell.] But you may be able to feel Erik's feelings for me. Which are not friendly. You would have known the moment we were in the same room together.
[ Because even if he knows the feeling is not his own, and Erik's, he can still feel it. And, in turn, it kind of is his own, isn't it? Scott doesn't know the details of this link, but he trusts Charles when he says it's not going to be like that. Even through his wariness, the Professor has always shone a light when it's needed, so this somehow calms Scott down.
Enough that he cracks a small smile. ] Still, I'm happy for you Professor. You deserve to have someone you'd be happy with.
Again, you don't have to worry about me. Me and Erik are in better terms now. [ To the point that, if ever they do decide a Christmas gathering, Scott plans to give him a small gift. ]
It will be, but it sounds as if you two have no real choice about it.
[ Erik has promised to try and keep his feelings to appropriate ones when they're together, and Charles has promised to not flirt so much that changes. He's truly the problem of the two of them since he's a constant flirt, but it's for the best to protect Scott from their ridiculousness.
Charles doesn't know if he could do anything to stop it. Erik already has mental protections in place that he created, and that hasn't done anything to stop them from whatever is happening. If it upset them a great deal, he would at least try, but Erik seemed accepting of it. Perhaps he liked the idea of bonding with someone other than Charles.]
Thank you. I am quite happy about it. I've never stopped loving him.
[ The only hole in the situation is that he didn't get to talk to Raven about it, but that is impossible. As long as he manages to smooth this over with the rest, it'll be good enough for them. Charles loves Erik, truly and deeply. He can't stop the way his heart feels, and he's tired of trying to.]
I was hopeful after Erik said you two were doing better. Logan already knows, and I think Laura and Wade already guessed. Ororo and Rogue I'll have to tell eventually. It's a bit complicated with Rogue given their history, and she's been struggling in general with all of us.
[ He doesn't know if Scott is aware of that particular tension.]
[ It's nice to see Charles finally be open about this to him. No matter his personal feelings towards Erik, which he has admitted to be on the better side of things now, the Professor's happiness always takes priority.
The tension between Erik and Rogue, though, well. That can't be helped. Knowing that their own version of Magneto kidnapped her and tried to kill her is always going to be a source of contention. His own anger towards Magneto, in general, might not even compare to Rogue's own anger.
The thing is, though, he's not fully aware that Rogue's struggling with them. He has never been particularly close with her, and it's still a bit jarring seeing her all grown up like John, but with the events that happened to him personally, he wasn't able to check in on her like he wanted to. He should definitely fix that. ]
I'm sure they'll come around once you tell them. [ His brows furrow. ] Honestly, Professor, I didn't know Rogue's struggling with us. Which is my bad. [ Scott's jaw tightens a bit. ] I should've been more proactive.
I can definitely see why, though. Must've been like seeing a ghost the first time she saw me here.
[ Charles hesitates. He doesn't know how much he should tell of her story as it is personal to her. Perhaps he can move around the exact details so that she can fill that in later if she wants.]
She's from Logan's future when mutants were nearly exterminated. We thought she was dead, but she was held captive for many years. Not to put words in her mouth, but she was essentially abandoned to a bad fate.
[ That might be how she feels about it. None of them knew where she was, so it was not an intentional abandonment, but it could feel that way. He knows that she struggled with it, and she's only started to come around. She's felt disconnected, but how could she not be, after everything? And after being rescued only to be used for the cause? Charles has tried to reach out, and she's started opening up again. At least she has Logan and John now.]
I think it would be good if you were willing to speak with her. You weren't the only ghost. Most of the X-Men were dead by then.
[ So Charles doubts that is what held her back. He thinks it would be for the best if they all gently welcomed her back into the fold. Charles told her what he could about his future self's feelings and knowledge about her. Whether that healed anything in her or made it worse, he truly doesn't know, but at laest it was said. ]
She's agreed to make the food for our holiday, which I take as a good sign that she's interested in connecting again.
[ The more Scott listens on, the more Rogue's plight makes sense. At least, in his head. If that's what truly happened to her, then she has every right to feel abandoned by them. It hits a little too close to home for Scott, though, because he thinks this could've been avoided if he had just survived long enough into the future Logan and Rogue's from. Maybe if he didn't die, the team would've been so fractured.
That's another can of worms Scott isn't so inclined to open right now. It's just a shame he hasn't reached out that much, even here. After everything he had learned, everything that happened to him, everything else fell into the wayside. Checking up on his people. Making sure everyone's okay. Even now, out in the Scrapyard, Scott feels a bit detached from everyone. As if he found a bit of space he didn't know he was craving for.
So Scott understands her. But he's also not going to let her feel this way much longer. ] I'm gonna talk to her. Maybe the holiday gathering will give me an opportunity. [ Rogue volunteering to cook is a good sign, so he's hopeful in that regard. This also earns a smile from him. ]
Which you'd have to give me more details of, by the way, so I can prepare some decorations.
I think that would be good, if you can. When we found out she was alive, we went to rescue her, but the reality is it was only to use her on Logan's quest. She has some skepticism surrounding that, which I understand. It would be good for her to reconnect with all of us and feel like part of the family again.
[ Charles feels for her, he truly does. He did reassure her that he knows for a fact if older him knew she was alive and where she was, he would have immediately rescued her. It wasn't a question of whether they would, it was because they didn't know. But he can understand how her being needed at the same time as being rescued would make this feel complicated.
She's attempting to reach out now that she's reached more peace with him and Logan. Charles has hopes. But Scott was a leader. She surely looked up to him like with the other X-Men, and as she became one and grew up within the mansion. He hopes Ororo will do the same. Charles doesn't know if Scott's death led to the fracturing of the X-Men, but it probably didn't help. Their path was more about the mutant vs human problem at large. The point is they are here together now, and he wants to fix what he can.]
Right now, we have space cleared out at Ororo's temple, and I was hoping to decorate it a little bit to be festive. Rogue offered for the food, and Logan is going to get what tree is possible.
[ Charles hasn't seen any mega Christmas tree offerings around here, so it may require some finagling, but he trusts that Logan can handle it. He likes having missions.]
I never had an official mansion Christmas, I must admit. My first class was small, and we never really got kicked off the way it was later. You'd know more than I about the X-Men celebrations.
[ A nod and a silent promise are what Charles receives from Scott pertaining to Rogue. There's a lot of complicated feelings there, for sure, not helped by how they're scattered timeline-wise. Normally, if they're back home, he'd schedule a one-on-one. Walk through the halls of the school while he talks to Rogue.
But as it is, Scott's somehow at a loss where to start. How can he fix her issues when he's also in the process of fixing his own? They're all a mess right now, but it doesn't mean they have to stay this way forever. He'll talk to her. He just hopes it yields good results.
Speaking of good results, though, Scott's face slowly lights up at the mention of the things planned for the gathering. All good things. So good, in fact, that he wishes he's not too engrossed in his work at the Scrapyard and came up with some of these things. ]
Those sound like good preparations already. I can help you with the decorations. Many things at the Scrapyard can be turned into some. Been to the temple a couple of times so I'd know the lay of the land.
[ He can also tell them where certain things should go, etc. ] Do you already have a guest list?
[ Scott and Ororo always prove themselves the perfect team leader to him by their unfailing speed at trying to help. He loves that dearly about both of them. The two of them have such constant competency about everything that they do. He has faith that this celebration will go well, and maybe Scott will get that chance to speak with Rogue at some point. It would be good for her to talk to more than Charles and Logan, who both have their own reasons to feel guilty about her particular future.]
I invited the same people as the diner. All of us and Wade and Cable.
[ Technically he considers Laura and John automatically as 'all of us,' because in his eyes they are still X-Men. And all of us includes Erik. Perhaps it's the mutants he means in a general way, but Cable is one too. He's still somewhat outside of them though. He's guarded about his future, outside of telling Charles that it is yet another bad timeline. And Wade is something mutant-adjacent. It's close enough.]
Perhaps someday we'll have people here we consider family enough to make this larger, but for now, it felt better for it to be us.
[ Charles isn't against people bringing anyone they've become close to later on, or at other gatherings of the group. It's only for the time being that he feels they should really stay close to one another.]
[ That it feels better that the gathering's for them only first. It's their first Christmas in this place, only having been here for six months, so it feels appropriate they keep this a bit more private.
The mention of Cable, though, visibly piques Scott's interest. His jaw tightens a little, as if in contemplation. It takes him a few seconds to follow-up on his earlier words. ]
Did Cable ever tell you about who his parents are, Professor?
[ That honestly seems highly unlikely knowing Cable's allergy to say more than one sentence but Scott only wants to make sure they'd be on the same page here before dropping the proverbial bomb on Charles. ]
[ It didn't occur to Charles to ask that despite the fact Cable is from the future. So it was possible yes, but considering Cable's age and general coldness, he didn't go there in his mind. Now it seems obvious that he might be the child of X-Men, and that's why he knows everything about them.]
He's not very forthcoming. I wouldn't have known that he was from our world at all if Wade hadn't brought him along before.
[ Charles was glad that he did, and Cable agreed to be there, but he simply would've missed it. He knows that Wade is from theirs, from later in the timeline, and Cable did some time travel. It's one giant headache, and Charles has only recently accepted time travel as a necessary part of their story.]
I suppose with Laura here I should have guessed. Enlighten me.
[ Scott's not surprised Cable didn't tell Charles. Again, his son's penchant for not speaking more than one sentence is the one to be blamed here. Granted, this also means he'd be the one to break the news to Charles, which is probably for the best. He doesn't think he'd be able to live it down that Cable managed to beat him to it. Call it the Summers competitive gene, or just Scott's utmost respect for Charles that he doesn't want the Professor discovering something this important about Scott from someone else, even if it's his own son.
Although, he really doesn't know where to start with this. Swallowing a bit, jaws tightening a little after, Scott lets out a breath. ]
Well, it's me. Apparently, I'm his dad.
[ Nothing like ripping off the bandaid than meandering off-topic first before getting to the point. Scott has never been not straightforward, and this is no exception. He thinks Charles also deserves to know the point-blank truth. ]
And his mom? A clone of Jean, if you can believe it.
[ Charles is only slightly surprised in that the concept in general is surprising, but it makes sense now that it's Scott. He led up to this, and he must have been told by Cable. He's glad that he didn't learn about it first, like with Logan and Laura. This is far preferable!
The clone part though, that ... well that's a new one for him. Their world has its oddities, but the futures it could go to are all kinds of science fiction to him. Charles really should get used to it by now! ]
I do believe it. Insane as it is.
[ Charles can't imagine why Cable would deceive Scott about that. He could have said it was Jean only. Interesting. He smiles faintly.]
A grandfather twice over.
[ It's a joke, but also the truth. With Cable it'll be more amusing, given he's got Charles beaten by at least a decade, but that's two unexpected children for his sons. What's next? Ororo having a daughter? Now that would be lovely.]
[ Charles commenting he's a grandfather twice over earns a small, soft smile from Scott. What are the odds that both he and Logan are surprise dads? It's crazy to think about, but what isn't in this place, anyway? Here he is talking to a younger version of the Professor. That alone's already odd.
Scott's used to it by now, though. It's been more than six months (half a year!) of being in this planet. He probably adapted to the strangeness of this place better than most.
The question Charles asks makes him sigh a little. ]
It's still a lot to process, to be honest, but I'm doing fine. Just wanna get to know him a bit better, which is a little tricky since he's a man of few words. [ And older than him by two decades. How can he even father someone like that? ]
Yes, he is a bit closed off. But he wouldn't have told you his identity unless he wanted you to know.
[ Cable could have found a way out of the conversation, Charles has no doubt. Perhaps like Laura, he didn't want to admit to how much he cared about knowing his parent, but sort of gave into the impulse. Bit closed off is an understatement, he knows that, but the man has been through a great deal. From what he's told Charles, his timeline is one hell of a hard one. ]
As someone who found himself an unexpected parent, I'd say it matters that he came clean. He was reaching out, in a way. So I think he'll let you get to know him, if you press a little.
[ Charles knows from his own experience that pushing a little will be tolerated to a point, as he got to know the boundaries of Scott, Ororo, and Logan, and they all made it work. He thinks Cable might end up somewhat similar.]
He came voluntarily to our meeting, and he did mention to me he knows the X-Men, so it seems like he was reaching out, in a way.
[ Cable put himself in a position where he connected with Scott, Charles, and even met the others. That says to Charles that a part of him wants this, even if he's going to be gruff about it.]
[ Everything Charles said is true, of course. To be fair, somehow, Scott can feel Cable's reaching out but it's still a bit of a challenge actually connecting to him on some level. Not that this would actually deter him, stubborn as he is, since he had been trying his very best.
Scott just has to always mentally take note that Cable's a fifty year old man who had experienced things he's unaware of. So he's giving him space to come to him instead.
With a slowly forming smile that he hopes would reassure Charles, Scott nods. ]
You're right, Professor. I just have to always remember we're coming from two different worlds. [ Literally and figuratively. ]
I do update him of my whereabouts from time to time. Let him know what I'm doing some days. And well, he replies. [ With a thumbs up emoji. Always. ]
Yes, but I believe he wouldn't have told you if he didn't think the space between those two worlds was small.
[ No one would have questioned Cable about his heritage. Charles knew that he was a future mutant, but didn't expect him to be that connected. Maybe he should have, given the small details he was given. But if Cable wanted to put firm boundaries between them, he would have just never said it. It's touching, in a way, that he wants to take this opportunity, slow as it may be. ]
You know, I don't know his real name, only his codename. I wonder if it's Summers, and perhaps he didn't introduce himself for that reason.
[ Charles does not believe his actual name is 'Cable.' No. And if he is Scott's son, than certainly not Cable in that case. Charles might have to ask him for details, because he'd love to know more about it. In their own time. He smiles at Scott.]
This could be good for both of you. More family typically is.
[ Charles has one exception, and that is Cassandra Nova who he hopes never shows up and he never meets. He has a lot of complicated feelings around an evil twin sister from another world, but in a way, he's curious too. He's already promised to handle her himself if she shows up. This is a far better way to unexpectedly have family.]
I'd have to ask him about it when I get the chance.
[ Which, spoiler alert, he eventually did in the aforementioned get together. For now, though, Scott does believe 'Cable' is just his moniker like Cyclops to him is. He just hasn't had the opportunity of scrutinizing further, only because he's also respecting Cable's space. Which he thinks the other's also doing with regards to his own.
The compliment, though, earns a warm smile from Scott, genuine and bright. He hasn't really thought about it before, even when he and Jean skirted around the topic of settling down. They've probably talked about it once or twice during aftermaths of intimate episodes, but never seriously. So, while the compliment's appreciated, it also catches him a bit off guard. ]
Thanks for thinking, though, Professor. I do try.
[ Even if he really doesn't know where to begin most days. Then again, seated in front of him is the very man who inadvertently taught him how to be. ]
I didn't expect to be a grandfather twice over at my age, but all kinds of wonderfully bizarre things are happening here.
[ Charles was an old man at a young age though. He's hardly representative of his true age, when he's acted like a parent since he was a teenager. Now he just happens to be one for real. He returns Scott's smile, pleased to see it. This may be a bit of good news for Scott, after he's had some terrible news. It will give him something special to experience while stuck here. Something he could not have back home. ]
Alright, let's go over the plans for the holiday party. Rogue has agreed to make the food, so we'll just need to get her the ingredients, but I found a few other things that might go well.
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[ When Scott alerts him to being back in the area, Charles tries not to dilly dally on his way over, because he's afraid he'll lose his nerve. He's never been one to be cowardly, or to avoid hard conversations, which he proved when he told Scott the truth that night about him knowing about Scott's death. He could have been only the father figure who took care of him, but Charles had to be honest. This, however, is about something personal to Charles, so he's skittish about it.
After his conversation with Erik about his new bond with Scott, it seemed very necessary for them to have this conversation before it becomes another thing that Scott specifically was kept in the dark about. Logan knows because of his abilities, so it is time the secret is out. Charles is just very uncomfortable about it, and nervous, frightened even. They have finally found a beautiful place for the two of them, and they are in sync together. Fear of losing what has become so important to him is only natural.
Charles knocks on the door and takes a deep breath in, letting it out.]
It's Charles.
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Scott's place is now a far cry from what it looked like a few months ago during his time of grief. Gone are the alcohol bottles and dust and clutter. It's now back to how it used to look, even cleaner this time, as he makes sure to fix everything that's broken whenever he can with bits and pieces he's found at the Scrapyard.
He's not sure what the Professor wantd to talk to him about, admittedly. His first hunch is it'd be some sort of gathering for the holidays, which he'd like to be involved in preparing. Other than that, it's probably a wellness check, something he's also not opposed to.
As soon as Charles knocks on his door and declares he's outside, Scott immediately opens the door for him. ]
Good to see you, Professor. [ He's instantly going to push Charles inside once he's able to. ] Do you want something to drink?
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Perhaps, in a moment, but I need to talk to you about something important.
[ Charles mostly needs to do it before he loses the nerve. Erik and Scott are getting along better now, and he shouldn't be so concerned. Logan still holds things against Erik, but he accepted it without question. He has to stop expecting the worst of others.]
After what we went through, I didn't want to be the person who kept deceiving you, so it is important I be honest. This is not going to be easy to hear.
[ He knows it sounds dire, and Scott may be guessing all kinds of things as to what Charles might mean, being so serious. He taps his fingers along the arm of the chair, rolling back a step and forward, a nervous gesture when he's thinking because he has to use his hands on the wheels. He lets it go and keeps his hands in his lap for now.]
Erik and I are .... [ Does this need to be so hard?] in a relationship. And considering the two of you are experiencing empathy, we thought it best to inform you.
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And once it's out in the open, it's the farthest on his mind, which shows by how his eyebrows shoot up and how he straightens up a little. Huh. Okay. To be fair, it's not as farfetched as he expected?
Sure he didn't anticipate the news, but it also kind of makes sense in his head. Somehow. They're been friends for a long time. They found the X-Men together. They've had a complicated history, which they're now trying to repair. And very successfully at that, from the looks of it.
Whatever Charles has envisioned would be Scott's reaction, whether it's confusion or anger, doesn't register on his face. It's mostly a display of surprise, but also a bit of understanding. Leaning back, he crosses his arms over his chest. ]
Huh. Wish I could tell you I'm very surprised, Professor, but. [ He shrugs, half smiles. ] I really appreciate your honesty and being forthcoming, though.
[ Scott did notice how Charles seem a bit nervous about this conversation, so he tries to widen that smile a bit. ] Erik and I... Well, we're not like how we were all those months ago. I'm honestly glad I gave him a chance. He's been reliable. Provided me a safe space to vent, too. [ Destroy things, actually. But that's something he'd let Erik tell Charles the details of. ]
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Yes, he can be ... well. He's a complicated man, but he does care strongly about people. He's very fond of you now, if it matters. He speaks highly of you.
[ Charles knows that he was already fond of Scott before the secret about his death happened, because his first response to Scott's upset was to be upset on his behalf. So he had a hope that the two of them would bond in a positive way, and it seems that they have. He knows that Erik has put in the effort and time to try and get along with the other X-Men, despite what tension may be there. He was doing it partially for Charles, and partially because they're his people, and Erik cares about mutants.]
We fell in love with one another when we first met, and apparently, time and conflict did not change that. He promised to try and make amends, and I want to believe him.
[ Charles believes him enough to enter into a relationship with him. His head and his heart have often been at battle when it comes to Erik. The facts are against them, but his feelings have been evident from day one. Back when they first met, they held back only to focus on the job, and because they believed they had time together. Charles assumed once they finished Shaw, they had their lives ahead of them. He didn't know how viciously that would get cut short.]
We've already agreed to do our best to keep it even when you're around, due to your new connection, but it's possible you might feel what he does.
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He would've protested if he was, but ultimately, Charles' happiness should be their priority, not his. It's just a good thing he doesn't hold the same animosity towards Erik anymore, this version at least.
And he's glad that Erik actually holds him in high regard. That's good. It's a nice step-up to their relationship. Scott continues to listen, relieved for Charles that he can be open about this now.
But something Charles says actually catches his attention, so much so that he leans forward again, lifting an eyebrow. ]
Yeah, that connection- [ Okay, this is something he didn't immediately put into consideration when he first learned Charles and Erik are dating. It's now dawning on him and undeniably making his cheeks hot. ]
-Wait, when you say I might feel what he does... You mean I'd probably develop feelings for you too, Professor? [ No fucking way. ]
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He was the most concerned for Scott because he was so contentious with Erik in the start. Not that the others didn't have their own issues with Erik, understandably, but Charles cares a great deal about his opinion. Having him take this so well is helping him get past his own reservations.
Charles and Erik already have their own empathy bond, but that is from choice. It is slightly concerning to hear that others are having lasting impacts long past the time it wore off, but perhaps not that surprising. Whenever something is done in this world, it seems like it doesn't fully go away, just fades. Except for the mannequins who thankfully seem handled.
He laughs, surprised, and shakes his head.]
No, no. These wouldn't be feelings of your own. [ That would be disturbing, and it is not the case as far as he can tell.] But you may be able to feel Erik's feelings for me. Which are not friendly. You would have known the moment we were in the same room together.
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[ Because even if he knows the feeling is not his own, and Erik's, he can still feel it. And, in turn, it kind of is his own, isn't it? Scott doesn't know the details of this link, but he trusts Charles when he says it's not going to be like that. Even through his wariness, the Professor has always shone a light when it's needed, so this somehow calms Scott down.
Enough that he cracks a small smile. ] Still, I'm happy for you Professor. You deserve to have someone you'd be happy with.
Again, you don't have to worry about me. Me and Erik are in better terms now. [ To the point that, if ever they do decide a Christmas gathering, Scott plans to give him a small gift. ]
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[ Erik has promised to try and keep his feelings to appropriate ones when they're together, and Charles has promised to not flirt so much that changes. He's truly the problem of the two of them since he's a constant flirt, but it's for the best to protect Scott from their ridiculousness.
Charles doesn't know if he could do anything to stop it. Erik already has mental protections in place that he created, and that hasn't done anything to stop them from whatever is happening. If it upset them a great deal, he would at least try, but Erik seemed accepting of it. Perhaps he liked the idea of bonding with someone other than Charles.]
Thank you. I am quite happy about it. I've never stopped loving him.
[ The only hole in the situation is that he didn't get to talk to Raven about it, but that is impossible. As long as he manages to smooth this over with the rest, it'll be good enough for them. Charles loves Erik, truly and deeply. He can't stop the way his heart feels, and he's tired of trying to.]
I was hopeful after Erik said you two were doing better. Logan already knows, and I think Laura and Wade already guessed. Ororo and Rogue I'll have to tell eventually. It's a bit complicated with Rogue given their history, and she's been struggling in general with all of us.
[ He doesn't know if Scott is aware of that particular tension.]
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The tension between Erik and Rogue, though, well. That can't be helped. Knowing that their own version of Magneto kidnapped her and tried to kill her is always going to be a source of contention. His own anger towards Magneto, in general, might not even compare to Rogue's own anger.
The thing is, though, he's not fully aware that Rogue's struggling with them. He has never been particularly close with her, and it's still a bit jarring seeing her all grown up like John, but with the events that happened to him personally, he wasn't able to check in on her like he wanted to. He should definitely fix that. ]
I'm sure they'll come around once you tell them. [ His brows furrow. ] Honestly, Professor, I didn't know Rogue's struggling with us. Which is my bad. [ Scott's jaw tightens a bit. ] I should've been more proactive.
I can definitely see why, though. Must've been like seeing a ghost the first time she saw me here.
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[ Charles hesitates. He doesn't know how much he should tell of her story as it is personal to her. Perhaps he can move around the exact details so that she can fill that in later if she wants.]
She's from Logan's future when mutants were nearly exterminated. We thought she was dead, but she was held captive for many years. Not to put words in her mouth, but she was essentially abandoned to a bad fate.
[ That might be how she feels about it. None of them knew where she was, so it was not an intentional abandonment, but it could feel that way. He knows that she struggled with it, and she's only started to come around. She's felt disconnected, but how could she not be, after everything? And after being rescued only to be used for the cause? Charles has tried to reach out, and she's started opening up again. At least she has Logan and John now.]
I think it would be good if you were willing to speak with her. You weren't the only ghost. Most of the X-Men were dead by then.
[ So Charles doubts that is what held her back. He thinks it would be for the best if they all gently welcomed her back into the fold. Charles told her what he could about his future self's feelings and knowledge about her. Whether that healed anything in her or made it worse, he truly doesn't know, but at laest it was said. ]
She's agreed to make the food for our holiday, which I take as a good sign that she's interested in connecting again.
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That's another can of worms Scott isn't so inclined to open right now. It's just a shame he hasn't reached out that much, even here. After everything he had learned, everything that happened to him, everything else fell into the wayside. Checking up on his people. Making sure everyone's okay. Even now, out in the Scrapyard, Scott feels a bit detached from everyone. As if he found a bit of space he didn't know he was craving for.
So Scott understands her. But he's also not going to let her feel this way much longer. ] I'm gonna talk to her. Maybe the holiday gathering will give me an opportunity. [ Rogue volunteering to cook is a good sign, so he's hopeful in that regard. This also earns a smile from him. ]
Which you'd have to give me more details of, by the way, so I can prepare some decorations.
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[ Charles feels for her, he truly does. He did reassure her that he knows for a fact if older him knew she was alive and where she was, he would have immediately rescued her. It wasn't a question of whether they would, it was because they didn't know. But he can understand how her being needed at the same time as being rescued would make this feel complicated.
She's attempting to reach out now that she's reached more peace with him and Logan. Charles has hopes. But Scott was a leader. She surely looked up to him like with the other X-Men, and as she became one and grew up within the mansion. He hopes Ororo will do the same. Charles doesn't know if Scott's death led to the fracturing of the X-Men, but it probably didn't help. Their path was more about the mutant vs human problem at large. The point is they are here together now, and he wants to fix what he can.]
Right now, we have space cleared out at Ororo's temple, and I was hoping to decorate it a little bit to be festive. Rogue offered for the food, and Logan is going to get what tree is possible.
[ Charles hasn't seen any mega Christmas tree offerings around here, so it may require some finagling, but he trusts that Logan can handle it. He likes having missions.]
I never had an official mansion Christmas, I must admit. My first class was small, and we never really got kicked off the way it was later. You'd know more than I about the X-Men celebrations.
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But as it is, Scott's somehow at a loss where to start. How can he fix her issues when he's also in the process of fixing his own? They're all a mess right now, but it doesn't mean they have to stay this way forever. He'll talk to her. He just hopes it yields good results.
Speaking of good results, though, Scott's face slowly lights up at the mention of the things planned for the gathering. All good things. So good, in fact, that he wishes he's not too engrossed in his work at the Scrapyard and came up with some of these things. ]
Those sound like good preparations already. I can help you with the decorations. Many things at the Scrapyard can be turned into some. Been to the temple a couple of times so I'd know the lay of the land.
[ He can also tell them where certain things should go, etc. ] Do you already have a guest list?
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I invited the same people as the diner. All of us and Wade and Cable.
[ Technically he considers Laura and John automatically as 'all of us,' because in his eyes they are still X-Men. And all of us includes Erik. Perhaps it's the mutants he means in a general way, but Cable is one too. He's still somewhat outside of them though. He's guarded about his future, outside of telling Charles that it is yet another bad timeline. And Wade is something mutant-adjacent. It's close enough.]
Perhaps someday we'll have people here we consider family enough to make this larger, but for now, it felt better for it to be us.
[ Charles isn't against people bringing anyone they've become close to later on, or at other gatherings of the group. It's only for the time being that he feels they should really stay close to one another.]
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[ That it feels better that the gathering's for them only first. It's their first Christmas in this place, only having been here for six months, so it feels appropriate they keep this a bit more private.
The mention of Cable, though, visibly piques Scott's interest. His jaw tightens a little, as if in contemplation. It takes him a few seconds to follow-up on his earlier words. ]
Did Cable ever tell you about who his parents are, Professor?
[ That honestly seems highly unlikely knowing Cable's allergy to say more than one sentence but Scott only wants to make sure they'd be on the same page here before dropping the proverbial bomb on Charles. ]
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[ It didn't occur to Charles to ask that despite the fact Cable is from the future. So it was possible yes, but considering Cable's age and general coldness, he didn't go there in his mind. Now it seems obvious that he might be the child of X-Men, and that's why he knows everything about them.]
He's not very forthcoming. I wouldn't have known that he was from our world at all if Wade hadn't brought him along before.
[ Charles was glad that he did, and Cable agreed to be there, but he simply would've missed it. He knows that Wade is from theirs, from later in the timeline, and Cable did some time travel. It's one giant headache, and Charles has only recently accepted time travel as a necessary part of their story.]
I suppose with Laura here I should have guessed. Enlighten me.
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Although, he really doesn't know where to start with this. Swallowing a bit, jaws tightening a little after, Scott lets out a breath. ]
Well, it's me. Apparently, I'm his dad.
[ Nothing like ripping off the bandaid than meandering off-topic first before getting to the point. Scott has never been not straightforward, and this is no exception. He thinks Charles also deserves to know the point-blank truth. ]
And his mom? A clone of Jean, if you can believe it.
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The clone part though, that ... well that's a new one for him. Their world has its oddities, but the futures it could go to are all kinds of science fiction to him. Charles really should get used to it by now! ]
I do believe it. Insane as it is.
[ Charles can't imagine why Cable would deceive Scott about that. He could have said it was Jean only. Interesting. He smiles faintly.]
A grandfather twice over.
[ It's a joke, but also the truth. With Cable it'll be more amusing, given he's got Charles beaten by at least a decade, but that's two unexpected children for his sons. What's next? Ororo having a daughter? Now that would be lovely.]
How do you feel about that?
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Scott's used to it by now, though. It's been more than six months (half a year!) of being in this planet. He probably adapted to the strangeness of this place better than most.
The question Charles asks makes him sigh a little. ]
It's still a lot to process, to be honest, but I'm doing fine. Just wanna get to know him a bit better, which is a little tricky since he's a man of few words. [ And older than him by two decades. How can he even father someone like that? ]
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[ Cable could have found a way out of the conversation, Charles has no doubt. Perhaps like Laura, he didn't want to admit to how much he cared about knowing his parent, but sort of gave into the impulse. Bit closed off is an understatement, he knows that, but the man has been through a great deal. From what he's told Charles, his timeline is one hell of a hard one. ]
As someone who found himself an unexpected parent, I'd say it matters that he came clean. He was reaching out, in a way. So I think he'll let you get to know him, if you press a little.
[ Charles knows from his own experience that pushing a little will be tolerated to a point, as he got to know the boundaries of Scott, Ororo, and Logan, and they all made it work. He thinks Cable might end up somewhat similar.]
He came voluntarily to our meeting, and he did mention to me he knows the X-Men, so it seems like he was reaching out, in a way.
[ Cable put himself in a position where he connected with Scott, Charles, and even met the others. That says to Charles that a part of him wants this, even if he's going to be gruff about it.]
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Scott just has to always mentally take note that Cable's a fifty year old man who had experienced things he's unaware of. So he's giving him space to come to him instead.
With a slowly forming smile that he hopes would reassure Charles, Scott nods. ]
You're right, Professor. I just have to always remember we're coming from two different worlds. [ Literally and figuratively. ]
I do update him of my whereabouts from time to time. Let him know what I'm doing some days. And well, he replies. [ With a thumbs up emoji. Always. ]
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[ No one would have questioned Cable about his heritage. Charles knew that he was a future mutant, but didn't expect him to be that connected. Maybe he should have, given the small details he was given. But if Cable wanted to put firm boundaries between them, he would have just never said it. It's touching, in a way, that he wants to take this opportunity, slow as it may be. ]
You know, I don't know his real name, only his codename. I wonder if it's Summers, and perhaps he didn't introduce himself for that reason.
[ Charles does not believe his actual name is 'Cable.' No. And if he is Scott's son, than certainly not Cable in that case. Charles might have to ask him for details, because he'd love to know more about it. In their own time. He smiles at Scott.]
This could be good for both of you. More family typically is.
[ Charles has one exception, and that is Cassandra Nova who he hopes never shows up and he never meets. He has a lot of complicated feelings around an evil twin sister from another world, but in a way, he's curious too. He's already promised to handle her himself if she shows up. This is a far better way to unexpectedly have family.]
I think you would make an excellent father.
🎀 wrap soon?
[ Which, spoiler alert, he eventually did in the aforementioned get together. For now, though, Scott does believe 'Cable' is just his moniker like Cyclops to him is. He just hasn't had the opportunity of scrutinizing further, only because he's also respecting Cable's space. Which he thinks the other's also doing with regards to his own.
The compliment, though, earns a warm smile from Scott, genuine and bright. He hasn't really thought about it before, even when he and Jean skirted around the topic of settling down. They've probably talked about it once or twice during aftermaths of intimate episodes, but never seriously. So, while the compliment's appreciated, it also catches him a bit off guard. ]
Thanks for thinking, though, Professor. I do try.
[ Even if he really doesn't know where to begin most days. Then again, seated in front of him is the very man who inadvertently taught him how to be. ]
wrap!
[ Charles was an old man at a young age though. He's hardly representative of his true age, when he's acted like a parent since he was a teenager. Now he just happens to be one for real. He returns Scott's smile, pleased to see it. This may be a bit of good news for Scott, after he's had some terrible news. It will give him something special to experience while stuck here. Something he could not have back home. ]
Alright, let's go over the plans for the holiday party. Rogue has agreed to make the food, so we'll just need to get her the ingredients, but I found a few other things that might go well.