Cyclops and Phoenix's Hotel Room

[Siryn]

Jean spoke up quickly and said, "Magneto believes in mutant supremacy, not peaceful coexistence between us and humans. While what he said to you might have been somewhat similar, it’s definitely not the same. We don’t believe in his destructive means to accomplish his goals, nor mutant supremacy, which is why we left. But we need to stay for all the reasons Scott said."

Theresa bit her lip as she thought about what Jean said. She had tried to live in peace with the people in the village where she grew up and once they discovered she was a mutant, they turned on her, shunned her and locked her out of their homes and stores. Tom had no idea that this had happened since he was on his extended leave at that point. They didn't want to live in peace with her, a freak of nature as she had been called. That was when the housekeeper left and she was alone in the castle. But if there was a way to make peace happen without destruction....

Before she could examine Jean's words any further, Alex turned from Scott back to her and said, “We can stay for a little while longer. I want to be at that hearing. That bill effects all of us. I want to be with you when you go talk to Tom this time and I want you to be there at the hearing and when we go visit Scott and Jean.”

Scott spoke up before she could reply to Alex and said, ”You obviously understand how crucial this bill is for all of us. And it's not just us. Back in the New York, there is a school full of children who's whole future is riding on this bill. I'd like it if both of you would come to the hearing with us. But I will warn you, it may be dangerous. If Magneto thinks the bill might pass, he'll do anything to stop it. Anything includes taking out anyone he sees as interfering,"

Theresa leaned against the wall, pushed herself up with her legs and closed her eyes as Scott's words sank in. She felt like she was being pulled in three different directions. Scott, Jean and Alex all thought that Magneto was a terrorist and that he was going to resort to violence if things went badly at the hearing. Tom was her cousin, the man who raised her and someone she trusted with her very life. If he was going to be involved in this, surely he would want her beside him and Magneto. Magneto spoke such pretty words the day before and she wanted to believe him. Then there was the little girl who still resided deep within her mind that was screaming for her to run away from all the lunacy and escape back to the Keep where her stone walls would protect her once again.

Opening her eyes, she looked at Alex in determination and said, “I need ta see Tom by myself. Now. There are some things that I need answers for before we can go ta any hearing or anything.”

Looking over at Scott and Jean, she continued, “I'm sorry for making this difficult. I believe I understand what yuir saying but Tom is tha man who raised me. I need ta at least give him tha chance ta tell me tha truth. Since Magneto is already aware that yuir here, I won't be telling anyone anything they don't already know. Is there anything else I should know before I talk ta Tom? Oh, and curiosity begs the question, what sort of mutant powers do you two possess?”

[Phoenix]

< Thank you, honey, > After she spoke, Scott gave her shoulders a squeeze. < You okay? > Jean gave him a semi-smile, glad he was there with her, especially since it seemed they may truly be on their own.

< Welcome. > She sent back, slipping her arm around his waist, taking comfort in being close to him. < Not really. But as okay as I can be. > She was honest, not hiding her feelings from him. Even if she wanted to, she couldn’t. He was able to tell through their link. She would have liked to have crawled back into that king-sized bed with him and forget the world existed for the day, but that wasn’t going to happen.

“I’m not your little brother anymore, Scott. We’re not five years old anymore. We’re both adults now. I don’t need guidance from a brother I hardly know,” Alex looked at Scott before adding, “yet.” Alex didn’t seem too fond of Scott at the moment, causing Jean to frown. The two brothers hadn’t spend that much time together since being reunited, but combined from their childhood Alex knew Scott better than Theresa. People change though, but Alex’s partiality towards Theresa more so than his own brother was more than a bit disconcerting. Redirecting his attention to Theresa Alex said, “I want to be with you when you go talk to Tom this time and I want you to be there at the hearing and when we go visit Scott and Jean.”

Jean could sense a bit of Scott’s frustration as he shook his head, "You will always be my little brother Alex. And I'm not trying to tell you what to do, Alex. I am telling you the truth, all of it. Or trying to. You obviously understand how crucial this bill is for all of us. And it's not just us. Back in the New York, there is a school full of children who's whole future is riding on this bill. I'd like it if both of you would come to the hearing with us. But I will warn you, it may be dangerous. If Magneto thinks the bill might pass, he'll do anything to stop it. Anything includes taking out anyone he sees as interfering. You both need to understand what you might be getting yourself into by just attending the hearing." Jean could only hope they both did realize what this hearing could entail. There would be a clash of ideals, not to mention that anything was game if the Brotherhood and the Hellfire Club were involved. Glancing between Theresa and Alex, Scott paused before looking over to Jean.

< Somehow, I don't think either of them have the slightest idea what they're getting into, > Scott sent to her. Jean knew the implications of what he said and from his tone. The worry line above his brow crinkled more so than usual.

< I don’t think so either. > Jean agreed quietly. Theresa stood, her eyes closed before she opened them to look at Alex and replied, “I need ta see Tom by myself. Now. There are some things that I need answers for before we can go ta any hearing or anything.”

“It might be better to have someone accompany you, Theresa,” Jean said, looking at her, “Maybe not go in the room with you wherever you speak with Tom, but be outside, just in case.” They didn’t know who would walk by and what might happen. Alex being there could help out if something goes wrong. Jean knew she and Scott couldn’t go along. They were X-Men. If any of the Brotherhood saw them, they’d immediately know something was up and possibly mark Theresa as a traitor of some sort for conversing with them.

Turning to Scott and Jean Theresa apologized, “I'm sorry for making this difficult. I believe I understand what yuir saying but Tom is tha man who raised me. I need ta at least give him tha chance ta tell me tha truth. Since Magneto is already aware that yuir here, I won't be telling anyone anything they don't already know. Is there anything else I should know before I talk ta Tom? Oh, and curiosity begs the question, what sort of mutant powers do you two possess?”

Jean glanced at Scott, the second question giving her that small rush of apprehension. When others knew she was a telepath they weren’t always receptive to the idea until they knew her, and knew she didn’t go poking around where she didn’t belong.

"We’d appreciate it if you didn’t mention anything we discussed to anyone else," Jean answered her first question. She trusted her not to, and seemed like the type of person to keep her word, but with all things and people, you never knew. Casting a small smile to Scott and then to Theresa and Alex, she replied, "I’m a telepath and a telekinetic." She picked up Scott’s visor that he’d left on the table and brought it over, taking it out of the air to demonstrate her latter ability. "But I’m not one of those types who just rummages around in someone’s mind for the heck of it, so you don’t have to worry. What about you?" She and Scott knew about Alex's containment suit, but not much about Theresa.

Only Scott would be able to tell how apprehensive Jean felt about all of this; Theresa going back to Tom with the possibility of not having any back-up in case, the emotions running rampant through the hotel to match her own, the episode with her, Magneto, and Charles early that morning, the hearing, faith waning in Xavier.

Releasing a slow mental breath, she gave Scott’s waist a squeeze before saying, < Even if Tom let Theresa ‘go,’ I doubt Magneto will be so forgiving. Maybe I should ‘stay with her’ when she talks with Tom in case she needs anything. What do you think? > If Theresa let her, Jean would follow her mental signature as she was speaking to her cousin and leave a channel open to receiving any kind of call for help or whatever the pretty Irish redhead would need, regardless if Alex accompanied her or not.

[havok]

"You will always be my little brother, Alex., and I'm not trying to tell you what to do, Alex. I am telling you the truth, all of it. Or trying to. You obviously understand how crucial this bill is for all of us. And it's not just us. Back in the New York, there is a school full of children who's whole future is riding on this bill. I'd like it if both of you would come to the hearing with us. But I will warn you, it may be dangerous. If Magneto thinks the bill might pass, he'll do anything to stop it. Anything includes taking out anyone he sees as interfering. You both need to understand what you might be getting yourself into by just attending the hearing,” Scott explained. It was not like Alex couldn’t take care of himself. His abilities were quite powerful even though he wasn’t experienced in using them. His abilities were like brute strength, there was nothing he couldn’t topple over with them if necessary. He didn’t know the full extent of Theresa’s abilities but she did shatter that brick quite easily. She had finesse to her abilities. Silent but deadly. She had strength, though.

“I can take care of myself, Scott. I don’t need you looking over me like we were young,” Alex explained to him. There was no reason Alex should be treated like a little kid. He had no idea what would happen at the hearing but he would just have to prepare for anything. If Magneto was going to do something, Alex would just have to do what was necessary to protect himself, Theresa, his brother and his wife. There was no other way around it. If what cott was saying was true, he couldn’t live with himself for just ignoring the situation.

“I need ta see Tom by myself. Now. There are some things that I need answers for before we can go ta any hearing or anything,” Theresa said to him. It was going to be tough to just let Theresa go to this guy by herself. The man brought her into a terrorist organization. Alex didn’t trust anything about him but he was Theresa’s family. He had to trust her decision but he didn’t have to like it.

“Okay, but I want to be close,” Alex said agreeing to her decision. He did want to be somewhere close like last time. If anything happened, he wanted to be there if he was needed.

“It might be better to have someone accompany you, Theresa. Maybe not go in the room with you wherever you speak with Tom, but be outside, just in case,” Jean commented. Alex completely agreed but it was up to Theresa. She was definitely in the spotlight. This wasn’t how breakfast was supposed to turn out.

“I'm sorry for making this difficult. I believe I understand what yuir saying but Tom is tha man who raised me. I need ta at least give him tha chance ta tell me tha truth. Since Magneto is already aware that yuir here, I won't be telling anyone anything they don't already know. Is there anything else I should know before I talk ta Tom? Oh, and curiosity begs the question, what sort of mutant powers do you two possess?” Theresa said to his brother and his wife. It was an interesting question. He knew what Scott could do but not Jean. It should be interesting to hear.

"We’d appreciate it if you didn’t mention anything we discussed to anyone else. I’m a telepath and a telekinetic," Jean said, smiling at them. She demonstrated by lifting Scott’s visor and made it float into the air towards her. "But I’m not one of those types who just rummages around in someone’s mind for the heck of it, so you don’t have to worry. What about you?" Jean said. It was good to know that she wasn’t poking in his head but at the same time, how could he be sure? That was a dangerous power to have if someone with the wrong intentions had them. Her question was interesting, too. Alex wondered if there was something about her powers that didn’t know. He was sure that there was a lot that he didn’t know about them. Finding out more about her was something he wanted to do. Even if it took a long time, he wanted to spend that time getting to know her better.

[Cyclops]

< I don’t think so either. > Jean seemed to agree with Scott's assessment of both Alex and Theresa being in over their heads and not having a clue they were. Well, actually, Theresa seemed to be aware she might now be in over her head, but her next statement just showed how much denial she was still in about her cousin. If it wasn't so frustrating, Scott would have felt sorry for her.

“I can take care of myself, Scott. I don’t need you looking over me like we were young,” Alex broke in, only making it more obvious he had no idea how much danger was involved. Scott let it go. Alex wasn't listening to them, and was making hasty judgement call about a lot of things without thinking them through. It was a lost cause for now. He just hoped his little brother or Theresa wouldn't have to get hurt for him to realize that Scott and Jean knew what they were talking about.

“I need ta see Tom by myself. Now. There are some things that I need answers for before we can go ta any hearing or anything.”I'm sorry for making this difficult. I believe I understand what yuir saying but Tom is tha man who raised me. I need ta at least give him tha chance ta tell me tha truth." Scott was so glad Theresa couldn't see him rolling his eyes behind the ruby quarts lenses of his sunglasses. She was so naive it was almost painful to listen to her. And he understood how she felt. He and Jean were the same way about Xavier, which is why his betrayal the day before had hurt so much. It's never easy to accept someone who is like a parent to you doing that to you.

Alex insisted on being close by as Theresa spoke to her cousin. That was a good idea and Jean cautioned. “It might be better to have someone accompany you, Theresa. Maybe not go in the room with you wherever you speak with Tom, but be outside, just in case.” If Scott had his way, Jean would be tapped into Theresa's mind, with him and Alex ready to charge in just in case something unexpected happened, which as fate would have it, something inevitably did.

"Since Magneto is already aware that yuir here, I won't be telling anyone anything they don't already know. Is there anything else I should know before I talk ta Tom? Her words not only alarmed him, but Jean as well. Just because Magneto knew they were there did not mean he was not still a danger. If he thought Theresa was betraying him to work with the X-Men or a spy, he wouldn't hesitate to attack her or them.

"We’d appreciate it if you didn’t mention anything we discussed to anyone else," Jean requested, as usual right on the same page with him. Scott didn't feel that he needed to add anything at this point, there was no use in frightening or confusing her more.

"Oh, and curiosity begs the question, what sort of mutant powers do you two possess?” Theresa asked as almost an afterthought. He couldn't blame her for being curious. He knew she was a mutant, and was honestly curious about her powers as well.

"I’m a telepath and a telekinetic." Scott could feel Jean's apprehension as she levitated his visor over to her and plucked it from thin air. It was never easy for her, telling someone she was a telepath. There was always a chance people thought she was reading their minds or altering their perceptions. Even after he'd consented to the permanent mind link, Jean wouldn't even take such liberties with him without asking first. "But I’m not one of those types who just rummages around in someone’s mind for the heck of it, so you don’t have to worry. What about you?"

Scott gently took his visor from his wife and tucked it back into his pocket. "I emit concussive energy blasts from my eyes," he explained. "When our parachute caught fire during the plane accident, my powers manifested, and I managed to save us. But I suffered a head injury that prevents me from being able to control my powers. That's why I have to wear these or one of my visors at all times." He tapped the frames of his glasses. "The ruby quartz lenses block the rays. The visor is lined with it too."

He could feel Jean fretting through their link. < Even if Tom let Theresa ‘go,’ I doubt Magneto will be so forgiving. Maybe I should ‘stay with her’ when she talks with Tom in case she needs anything. What do you think? > She squeezed his waist gently.

Scott thought for a moment, then nodded. Instead of just answering Jean, he addressed everyone. "I understand why you need to see your cousin Theresa," he said quietly. "But don't mention that you've spoken to us to anyone. You need to speak to him alone if possible. It isn't your cousin we're concerned about. Magneto will not hesitate to attack you or any of us if he thinks you are spying or a traitor. If you would let her, Jean can monitor the room and if anything does go wrong, Alex and I can be waiting to back you up." He glanced over at the clock. "But it needs to be soon. We need to leave for the hearing in a little while. I know speaking to you cousin is important to you, but this bill is important to all mutants."

Cyclops let go of Jean and crossed his arms loosely over his chest. Whatever they were doing, they needed to do it soon. He'd offered a plan and normally, that would be the end of the discussion. But Theresa and Alex weren't part of the X-men and were probably not used to following orders. He's just hoped Alex would get over his 'I'm a big boy now' mentality and Theresa would give up her sense of denial about her cousin long enough to listen to his suggestion.

[Siryn]

Jean looked at her when she told Alex that she needed to see Tom and Jean said, “It might be better to have someone accompany you, Theresa. Maybe not go in the room with you wherever you speak with Tom, but be outside, just in case.” She wanted to protest, that Tom would never do anything to harm her and she honestly believed that but they were also just looking out for her. It was still odd to have so many people suddenly care about happened to you. For her entire life it had only been Tom since her father never cared.

Then Alex added his own two cents worth and said, “Okay, but I want to be close.” Theresa wasn't surprised by that. Just like his brother felt the need to protect him even after all these years, Alex wanted to protect her. Why couldn't Alex see that Scott was just trying to build the bridge that had become worn from so many years apart? It just about killed her to see them fighting after only really knowing each other a short time.

Shaking the thoughts off, Jean added, "We’d appreciate it if you didn’t mention anything we discussed to anyone else." Scott added to that with, "I understand why you need to see your cousin Theresa. But don't mention that you've spoken to us to anyone. You need to speak to him alone if possible. It isn't your cousin we're concerned about. Magneto will not hesitate to attack you or any of us if he thinks you are spying or a traitor." Well, it was nice to know they didn't think Tom would harm her. Honestly, though, she hadn't known them any longer then she had known Magneto and their words were just as convincing and pretty as his had been. But he hadn't shown any desire to let her know what was really happening. She idly wondered what he would do to her if she did confront him with her questions.

Then they both went on to explain, and demonstrate, their powers. Theresa's eyes grew wide when the visor lifted off the table on it's own and floated to Jean's hands. It was more impressive to her then the mention of the telepathy. She instinctively knew that Jean would never harm her or invade her mind with the telepathy. Besides, Theresa had led such an isolated life, she had absolutely nothing to hide from anyone at this time.

Scott's powers were more destructive, like hers and Alex's. It explained his odd looking glasses and although she never really thought about it until now, she had never seen him even take them off to rub his eyes or anything like that. Then they wanted to know about her own powers. That was one thing Theresa was proud of. She had trained diligently with Tom since the time they had emerged and she had come so far in her training with them. Even though they had distanced her from her friends in the village, they still provided her with a joy and freedom that she longed for.

Giving them both a warm smile, she was really starting to like the couple and their honesty to everything she asked, Theresa replied, “Wow, you two have amazing abilities! Scott, yuir power reminds me a lot of Alex's.” Absently, she reached over and took Alex's hand, not really paying attention to what she was doing. “As for myself, I scream,” she said with a little laugh. It was much more complicated then that but it was the easiest way to describe it at first. “Basically, I can vary my voice ta do different things. Anything from a simple scrambling of tha fluid in ones ear which can cause vertigo ta breaking through just about any substance. Honestly, I have yet ta find something I canna break with with a scream. Oh, and I can fly,” she finished that last off with a smile as it was probably her most favorite part of her powers.

Once her powers were described, Scott suggested, ”If you would let her, Jean can monitor the room and if anything does go wrong, Alex and I can be waiting to back you up. But it needs to be soon. We need to leave for the hearing in a little while. I know speaking to you cousin is important to you, but this bill is important to all mutants."

Theresa immediately sobered up. She knew this was important, even Magneto had driven that point home. And she was just stalling them but before she went anywhere she really wanted to know the truth and if Tom wasn't going to give it to her, she would just have to believe that Scott and Jean were telling it and prayed that Magneto didn't take his anger out on Tom. Nodding solemnly to Scott, she squeezed Alex's hand one last time before letting it go. Looking to Jean, she said, “Very well. I understand yuir need ta be cautious and I trust ya ta do this right. I have nothing ta hide from ya. I will go find Tom. If ya can do what I think ya can do, you'll know when I find him, won't ya? When I get him alone, ye can listen in if ya want. Although I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Tom would never hurt me, this will prove it ta ya and I can go from there.”

She really hoped that made as much sense to them as it did to her, in her own mind. Turning to Alex, she reached up with her hands on either side of his face and looked up into his blue eyes. “Don't push Scott away. Ya both need each other and he's family. Be there for him like ya want ta be there for me,” she told him quietly. Then she pushed up on her tiptoes and briefly brushed her lips against his. She wasn't sure if he was a shy person or not but she wasn't. She had no doubt that his brother and sister-in-law knew exactly what had occurred between them the night before.

Then she let him go and took a deep breath. Giving everyone a last smile, she said, “Wish me luck.” Theresa walked out the door, closing it firmly behind her and walked through the hall to the elevator.

((Exit to Hotel Hallways))

[Phoenix]

Instead of replying mentally to her Scott addressed both Theresa and Alex with the idea of Jean ‘joining’ her. "I understand why you need to see your cousin Theresa. But don't mention that you've spoken to us to anyone. You need to speak to him alone if possible. It isn't your cousin we're concerned about. Magneto will not hesitate to attack you or any of us if he thinks you are spying or a traitor.”

Jean was relieved to see the genuine smile on Theresa’s face. At least she was receptive to them and not automatically dismissing what they were saying. “Wow, you two have amazing abilities! Scott, yuir power reminds me a lot of Alex's.” Jean released a silent breath as well. Theresa didn’t seem too irked by the fact that she was a telepath either. “As for myself, I scream,” Theresa chuckled. Jean arched a brow. She screams? Instantly Jean’s curiosity got the better of her as she listened to Theresa explain. “Basically, I can vary my voice ta do different things. Anything from a simple scrambling of tha fluid in ones ear which can cause vertigo ta breaking through just about any substance. Honestly, I have yet ta find something I canna break with a scream. Oh, and I can fly,” Theresa finished with a smile, causing Jean to smile a bit. She definitely knew the bonuses of being able to fly. Besides the obvious, the two redheads had that in common as well.

Scott went on, ”If you would let her, Jean can monitor the room and if anything does go wrong, Alex and I can be waiting to back you up. But it needs to be soon. We need to leave for the hearing in a little while. I know speaking to you cousin is important to you, but this bill is important to all mutants." The hearing would be soon and the sooner this was over with, the better.

Theresa glanced at Alex before looking to Jean, “Very well. I understand yuir need ta be cautious and I trust ya ta do this right. I have nothing ta hide from ya. I will go find Tom. If ya can do what I think ya can do, you'll know when I find him, won't ya? When I get him alone, ye can listen in if ya want. Although I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Tom would never hurt me, this will prove it ta ya and I can go from there.” Indeed Jean would be able to tell when Theresa met with her cousin and her permission to ‘listen’ in showed a lot of trust from the Irish lass.

“Thank you. It means a lot that you’re willing to trust me” Jean smiled sincerely, now grazing Theresa’s mind and getting a mental lock on her. “It’s just a precaution, but it’s better to be safe, just in case.” Theresa had turned to Alex then, speaking with him about being a family with Scott and encouraging him. Jean averted her eyes as they kissed gently, giving them a little bit of privacy, not minding the display. It was nice they cared for

Theresa let go and smiled as she said, “Wish me luck,” Before walking to the door and closing it. Jean’s brows creased slightly, glancing at Alex and then Scott who now had his hands crossed.

Jean turned to her husband, “I’m linked with her now,” Jean had assumed from what Scott said earlier that both Scott and Alex planned on being close by for back up in case Theresa needed it. “She’s a few floors down.” Sending both of them the information as to Theresa’s whereabouts, Jean presumed they would be following soon after. She hoped Alex wouldn’t mind she was in his mind long enough to show him.

“Ready?” Jean decided to go with them, though she knew Scott and most likely Alex were capable of handling things. She wanted to be there, just in case. Giving Theresa a few moments she turned and walked with them to the door and the elevators, locking their door with her teke as they descended.


[ Exit Cyclops and Phoenix to be edited later wherever they end up ]

[havok]

“Wow, you two have amazing abilities! Scott, yuir power reminds me a lot of Alex's. As for myself, I scream. Basically, I can vary my voice ta do different things. Anything from a simple scrambling of tha fluid in ones ear which can cause vertigo ta breaking through just about any substance. Honestly, I have yet ta find something I canna break with with a scream. Oh, and I can fly,” Theresa explained to them. She grabbed his hand in the middle of speaking and it was welcomed with a tiny squeeze. Fly? Alex thought. There was something he didn’t know. It would be nice to see that ability of hers. That would be great to see.

"I understand why you need to see your cousin Theresa, but don't mention that you've spoken to us to anyone. You need to speak to him alone if possible. It isn't your cousin we're concerned about. Magneto will not hesitate to attack you or any of us if he thinks you are spying or a traitor. If you would let her, Jean can monitor the room and if anything does go wrong, Alex and I can be waiting to back you up but it needs to be soon. We need to leave for the hearing in a little while. I know speaking to you cousin is important to you, but this bill is important to all mutants," Scott told them. It was amusing to see his big brother handing out orders. It was obvious that he was used to it. He would just have to find out that Alex didn’t like to be given orders and instructions.

“Very well. I understand yuir need ta be cautious and I trust ya ta do this right. I have nothing ta hide from ya. I will go find Tom. If ya can do what I think ya can do, you'll know when I find him, won't ya? When I get him alone, ye can listen in if ya want. Although I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Tom would never hurt me, this will prove it ta ya and I can go from there,” Theresa replied back to him. Alex didn’t trust Tom so he was with his brother on this one. Luckily, Theresa was open minded enough to accept their plan. It wasn’t the best idea but if all of them were up for it, Alex wasn’t going to dispute it. Theresa turned to him and held his face in her hands. “Don't push Scott away. Ya both need each other and he's family. Be there for him like ya want ta be there for me,” Theresa said to him. She gently kissed him before turning her attention back to his brother and sister-in-law. “Wish me luck,” she said before turning and leaving.

Jean confirmed that she had her mind locked onto Theresa’s. As they left, Alex followed. If Theresa got into any kind of trouble, Alex wanted to be close by to stop it.

(( Havok exits to……wherever Scott and Jean went off to.))