A Reunion

[367]

What's Up?

It's been a month since Professor Charles Xavier fell into an enigmatic coma, leaving his institute and his protégés to continue on without him.

It's been three days since the mark that had appeared on Xavier also appeared on his first eight students, the original X-Men. While none of them have followed their mentor's lead into oblivion, word of this strange shared circumstance reached them all quickly and they've agreed to gather and discuss the situation.

For better or worse, it seems that they're in this together.

It's dark, cold, and snowing outside when they gather in one of the mansion's parlors, a large room with double doors (which they close behind them) and a lit fireplace. The flames inside crackle and dismiss the worst of the night's chill as they arrive one by one, taking positions on two couches and three chairs scattered around a low table. The antique furniture and built-in bookshelves make the space reminiscent of Charles Xavier's office and the man's presence seems to hang over the gathering.

...But at least the bar cart is well-stocked.

Volunteer Slots

Scott Summers had the foresight to prepare a snack for the group before they met up. Or maybe they just needed a distraction. Regardless, they arrive armed with enough deviled eggs for everyone!

During the discussion, Kitty Pryde says something about themselves or their life that is just...not true. They don't know why they said it or where the thought even came from. How strange.

Near the end of the discussion, Kurt Wagner's mark begins to glow, bright enough to be visible through or around anything that might be obscuring it. One by one, the others' marks follow suit, ending with Emma Frost. The glow of their mark persist for several long moments after the others go dull and seems to pulse within their skin...before they suddenly collapse back with a gasp and fall unconscious.

When Emma wakes, only minutes later, their friends are around them and they recall nothing but a blinding light.

ARRIVALS ⮾ DURING THE TALK ⮾ AFTER THE TALK ⮾ OOC

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AFTER THE TALK: Scott & Emma

[seeingred scott summers ⊗ cyclops]

Scott exhales. He could never hate Xavier—the man who saved him, who gave him purpose, who is in many ways the only father he's ever known. As complicated as they both are, Xavier loves him, and sees him better than anyone else does. Scott is a good second-in-command, and not one to inspire others. Even he'd choose charismatic, empathetic Kurt over himself if it came down to it.

"That's different," he says aloud—his guard still up, his thought process more carefully ordered even as he makes room for Emma in his mind. He doesn't judge her for feeling this way, because it is different. They're different. But Scott knows who Emma is, and how deeply she cares for people. Everything else is irrelevant.

He doesn't want to talk about Xavier. « I'm glad you're here too. I hate to say it, but this might all fall apart without you. » He missed her. He knows he can always text or call, but it's not the same as having Emma here. Hearing her voice. Seeing her face.

AFTER THE TALK: Scott & Emma

[frost_queen Emma Frost ♕ White Queen]

Emma settles into Scott's mind where the space is made for her, a cat finding its perch. She'd never say it, but his mind, as stifled and troubled as it can often be, is one of the most comforting to her. She feels like she understands it. It is regimented. Easy to rest in.

She lets him dismiss her words about Xavier, not wanting to push too hard when it's unnecessary. Scott is struggling. They all are, in their own ways. After a long moment of drying dishes in silence she does lean into him, a soft and quick touch, before straightening. « I am incredibly important. » It's difficult to tell if she's joking or not.

« We'll figure this out. I don't have the time for Charles to be out of commission for an extended period. »

AFTER THE TALK: Scott & Emma

[seeingred scott summers ⊗ cyclops]

Scott ducks his head, hiding a smile, when Emma leans into him. « The X-Men will save the day. We always do. » Coming from anyone else, this might sound sarcastic, but Scott exudes the steady confidence that he can only ever summon for superpowered terrorists or armed zealots or bodiless psychic threats. With the eight of them together again, they have to succeed—and they'll do it before Frost International's next shareholder meeting.

The dishes disappear from the sink, and Scott passes the last fork to her. « Emma. Thank you. » Ostensibly for helping him with cleanup, but his mind lingers on that thought. It always makes him feel better, talking to Emma. He wishes he knew how to do the same for her.

AFTER THE TALK: Scott & Emma

[frost_queen Emma Frost ♕ White Queen]

« We do, » Emma agrees, the 'we' part of it natural even though she technically hasn't been a part of the team in years. She presses her hand to Scott's for a moment as she takes the offered fork, humming quietly. It's nice to simply take the quiet moment in, forget about earlier, forget about Xavier, forget about the amount of time that she's been away. All those things are irrelevant during this little bubble of comfort.

Though her eyes remain focused on her final drying task, she smiles a little. « Of course, darling. I'll always be here if you need me, for dishes or anything else. »