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Post by Cyclops on Aug 15, 2005 19:24:26 GMT -5
Jean listened quietly to Scott's words, obviously considering them seriously. When she finally spoke, she agreed with him.
< I think you're onto something, Scott. I don’t like how Charles went about handling this whole situation,> she paused < Why would Charles want to conspire with the Hellfire Club and the Brotherhood of Mutants? It just doesn’t make sense. >
He was relived she didn't think he was being petty or hasty. Part of him couldn't believe he was even considering leaving the X-Men. Leaving behind the only family he'd ever known. Well, that wasn't entirely true. He had Jean, she was his family now, and maybe someday, they'd be able to have a family of their own. And Alex, but his younger brother was nearly a stranger after all these years. And Xavier was like a father to him. But what he was doing just didn't make sense and Charles wasn't offering them any insight into what was happening. And this bothered Scott more than he ever wanted to think about.
< Let’s head to this meeting and see what happens. It might not be as bad as we think. After it’s over and if things are still the same between us and Charles, we can think about going our separate ways. Though that does sound like it might be the best thing to do right now. >
Scott turned off the water and stepped out of the shower, reaching for a towel. He noticed Jean in the doorway. He could feel her frustration at the situation before she shoved the emotions down. This whole thing was hurting her as well. < Sounds like a good plan, Red, > he agreed, trying to lighten both their moods now, since it was his thoughts that had brought their spirits so low again. He dried himself off quickly, then wrapped the towel around his waist.
Stopping in front of her, Scott leaned down and brushed his lips across hers softly. < I'm going to get dressed, honey, > he told her. < And try to enjoy breakfast with my brother. I promise. > He knew she would be worried he'd let all of this interfere with their reunion. He'd do his best not to. He stepped past her and into the room.
Rummaging through his clothes, he found a white dress shirt, a tie and a pair of brown slacks. He was colorblind because of the lenses he was forced to wear, so all of his clothing had to be of colors that coordinated well. And he favored conservative clothes anyway. He had no use for fussy, ever changing popular fashion. Besides, what he was wearing was usually the last thing on his mind.
Scott dressed quickly, brushing his hair and switching from his goggles to his sunglasses. When Jean was done getting ready, they could go to breakfast. He could help being a bit nervous and paced the room as he waited for her.
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Post by Phoenix on Aug 16, 2005 0:27:31 GMT -5
Jean watched as Scott emerged from the shower. < Sounds like a good plan, Red. > Jean smiled a little, knowing he was trying to help them both feel better. He dried off quickly before walking over, and giving her a kiss which she returned. < I'm going to get dressed, honey. And try to enjoy breakfast with my brother. I promise. >
< Okay, Slim, > She smiled lightly back. < I’m going to hold you to that. > With everything happening Jean knew Scott’s mind would float back towards Charles and the impending meeting. Stepping into the bathroom Jean untied her robe as she began the shower with her teke and let it run, adjusting the temperature to a nice soothing warmth before stepping in.
Jean knew Scott was waiting for her as well as Alex, so she multitasked and used her abilities to help her take a quick shower. Drying off she wrapped one of the towels around her long hair and tucked the towel around her as she stepped into their hotel room, already knowing what she was planning to wear.
Having telekinesis was really helpful in situations like this. Jean dried her hair quickly and styled it with her abilities as she changed into a knee-length tan skirt and spring green satin blouse that brought out the color of her eyes, as well as showcased the vibrant red in her hair. As she faced the large vanity mirror and put on small gold earrings she glanced at her husband she noted his clothing and smiled. "You look very nice, Scott." Jean knew if he needed her help with identifying colors he would ask.
Jean picked up her matching tan suit jacket and slipped on her heels, applying a little bit of make up before she was ready to go. "You’re pacing." She teased lightly, picking up her purse and taking his arm as they walked to the door. She began to feel slightly nervous, partially because they might run into Charles once they left their room and because she and Scott were going to spend some time with his brother, his only blood relative. It was a moment to remember.
[[ Exit Phoenix and Cyclops to "First Floor" of the Hotel: Regency ]]
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Post by Cyclops on Aug 30, 2005 20:18:46 GMT -5
Scott stood silently in the elevator, impatiently willing the damn thing to move faster. He didn't hazard a glance at anyone but Jean and she didn't need to see his expression to know how nervous he was. He was taking a big risk, but it was for everyone's own sake. He hated lies, he hated especially lying to his brother. Especially with this bill up for vote. Now more than ever, they needed allies they could trust. And Scott couldn't help but believe he would be able to trust Alex. He was his brother after all.
He opened the door to their room, hoping everyone would ignore the rumpled bed. He pulled the discarded clothing from the chair he'd left it on and tossing it on top of his suitcase. He didn't feel like sitting, but they might want to. He waited for everyone to get settled, then pulled the visor from his pocket and set it in front of Alex. "You've seen me wear this. It's a regulator for my optic blasts. The man who runs the school designed the first one for me. Hank helped with this one. Like I said, he's a genius, he should be able to help you with your suit." It was not the most informative start, but it was one.
He took a deep breath and continued. "I always carry my visor, but I usually only wear it if I need to use my powers," he explained. "Jean and I are part of the X-Men. You've probably heard about us."
Scott turned his attention to Theresa. "And the reason for my suspicions were your mention of a 'mission' today. You're not one of our team, which means you are likely working with Magneto and the Brotherhood of Mutants, who I know are in the building, because Jean and I ran into Magneto when we were speaking with our mentor. Call it an educated guess." He took a deep breath. "Magneto is not somebody you can trust. He hates humans, and ruthlessly eliminates any 'threat' he perceives to mutantkind. And unfortunately, our mentor wants to ally with him."
There cards all on the table. Now was time to see how they took everything. His eyes stole over to Jean behind the ruby quartz lenses. < Please tell me this wasn't the stupidest thing I've ever done, honey, > he said nervously through their link.
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Post by Siryn on Aug 30, 2005 21:28:50 GMT -5
The elevator ride was killing her nerves. It took all Theresa's willpower not to push the button to her floor and hide in her room. Instead, she stood close to Alex but he was already radiating anger and she was extremely unsure of this decision. She really should just go to Tom and demand the answers from him. He had no reason to lie to her, did he?
She didn't pay any attention to Scott and Jean's room although he seemed to worry about how messy it was. She was too nervous to care. Standing against a wall near the door for easy escape purposes, Theresa crossed her arms over her chest and listened as Scott spoke first to Alex.
"You've seen me wear this. It's a regulator for my optic blasts. The man who runs the school designed the first one for me. Hank helped with this one. Like I said, he's a genius, he should be able to help you with your suit. I always carry my visor, but I usually only wear it if I need to use my powers. Jean and I are part of the X-Men. You've probably heard about us," Scott told Alex.
Theresa studied the visor, he had worn it yesterday when he had come to Alex's room. Something else caught her attention, though. What, or who, were the “X-Men”? It sounded like something out of a science fiction novel that she was lucky to get her hands on every so often from the town library. Not saying anything, she let Alex think about what Scott said when he suddenly turned his attention on her.
"And the reason for my suspicions were your mention of a 'mission' today. You're not one of our team, which means you are likely working with Magneto and the Brotherhood of Mutants, who I know are in the building, because Jean and I ran into Magneto when we were speaking with our mentor. Call it an educated guess. Magneto is not somebody you can trust. He hates humans, and ruthlessly eliminates any 'threat' he perceives to mutantkind. And unfortunately, our mentor wants to ally with him," Scott said before finally stopping for breath.
Theresa just stared at him. Magneto hated humans? He ruthlessly killed anything that stood in his way? That was certainly not the image she had of him. Granted, she had only met him a couple of days ago but he was so sweet and kind, very different then some of the members of his “brotherhood”. She remembered how that name had made her laugh since they didn't seem brotherly at all. Now, she suddenly wished she were still isolated in her Keep in Ireland.
The last few days had held more surprises then she could have ever imagined. Finding out that Tom was alive and waiting for her in Genosha. Following him on his quest to discover what that odd building was about. Meeting the “Brotherhood” and Magneto. Finding herself in yet another new country where she's practically dumped in her room with nothing to do. Theresa's chance meeting with Alex and their whirlwind affair that she was sure would be over that morning. Tom letting her out of her responsibilities. And now Scott telling her that the man she had traveled with was essentially a terrorist. She had a hard time believing that Tom would let her become involved with someone like that.
“If yuir mentor wants ta ally with him, wouldn't that mean that maybe he isn't as horrible as yuir saying? Besides, I can't imagine Tom getting me involved in something like yuir describing,” she started, only half believing herself at this point. Too many things Tom had said were raising red flags in her mind all of a sudden. “It doesn't matter anyway, Tom told me not ta get involved, that I was supposed ta use this chance ta start a new life outside tha confines of tha Keep.” The last was said mostly to herself although it was said out loud.
Theresa still wasn't sure what Scott was getting at and she was becoming more and more confused as the conversation went on. If Magneto really was the terrorist that Scott was saying, why did Tom want to team up with him. And who was to say that Scott wasn't the terrorist and was only trying to blame others? All she wanted to do at this point was walk out the door and pretend she had never met these people who had complicated her life.
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Post by Phoenix on Aug 31, 2005 19:15:40 GMT -5
Jean could feel Scott’s nervousness as they took the elevator up to their room. Everyone in the small space was nervous, though Alex didn’t seem too happy either. She could understand how he felt. Everything she and Scott had been talking about had been pretty vague up til now.
Remembering they left the bed untidy from their early morning ‘activities,’ Jean had hoped a maid had come in to clean, but unfortunately, no such luck. She didn’t think Alex or Theresa would mind though, and stood off to the side in neutral territory, near Scott as he cleared some places for them to sit. Setting his visor down in front of them, Scott spoke.
"You've seen me wear this. It's a regulator for my optic blasts. The man who runs the school designed the first one for me. Hank helped with this one. Like I said, he's a genius, he should be able to help you with your suit." It wasn’t a bad start, though Jean was sure Alex and Theresa were wondering more about what they’d spoke about downstairs.
"I always carry my visor, but I usually only wear it if I need to use my powers. Jean and I are part of the X-Men. You've probably heard about us." And there it was. Almost like that dream where you’re standing in your high school hallway naked and the bell to switch classes just rang. Maybe not as embarrassing as that dream, but the secret was out. Jean glanced at Theresa and Alex, trying to gauge their reactions as Scott went on.
"And the reason for my suspicions were your mention of a 'mission' today. You're not one of our team, which means you are likely working with Magneto and the Brotherhood of Mutants, who I know are in the building, because Jean and I ran into Magneto when we were speaking with our mentor. Call it an educated guess." Scott took another deep breath, looking at Theresa. Jean knew how difficult this was. "Magneto is not somebody you can trust. He hates humans, and ruthlessly eliminates any 'threat' he perceives to mutantkind. And unfortunately, our mentor wants to ally with him."
< Please tell me this wasn't the stupidest thing I've ever done, honey, > One of the few advantages of having to wear his shades is that no one could tell where Scott was looking unless they knew him well, like Jean did. She caught his gaze and the nervous edge in his reply.
< I don’t think it was. > Jean replied, feeling nervous herself but calming a bit. < And if we’re wrong, I’ll just have to do a little mental wax-on, wax-off. > Though she teased a little bit, Jean wasn’t looking forward to it if it came to that.
“If yuir mentor wants ta ally with him, wouldn't that mean that maybe he isn't as horrible as yuir saying? Besides, I can't imagine Tom getting me involved in something like yuir describing,” Theresa said, her statement valid. She brought up a good point. It would be difficult for Jean and Scott to explain Charles’ actions, since they weren’t sure themselves what he was doing. “It doesn't matter anyway, Tom told me not ta get involved, that I was supposed ta use this chance ta start a new life outside tha confines of tha Keep.” Theresa continued softly.
"Unfortunately we’re not sure why he is allying with Magneto," Jean cast a worried glance to Scott before continuing, "Though I can assure you Magneto’s intentions are much less than honorable. He’s responsible for numerous attempts on the lives of important officials who don’t support his cause." Jean’s green eyes focused on Theresa’s blue ones, her voice soft. "I’m not sure if your cousin Tom realizes this, but he might. It could be why he doesn’t want you to get involved." It was surprising news to hear your loved one could be involved in something like this, so Jean knew it would be hard to hear. She didn’t want to alienate Theresa, but the pretty Irish redhead had to at least entertain the thought. It was possible Scott and Jean were right.
"We’re not saying this to alarm you, but it would be something worth thinking about." Worried, Jean glanced over to Alex, then back to Theresa before sending to Scott, < I really hope this doesn’t blow up in our faces. > They’d taken a huge risk, and the next few moments were crucial.
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Post by havok on Sept 1, 2005 6:56:15 GMT -5
Everyone was silent during the elevator ride. It didn’t seem like anyone was enjoying the lack of communication either. It only aggravated Alex even more. They were alone in the elevator, there was no need to keep silent. The secrets should be let out, the sooner the better. The longer this was taking, the more aggravated Alex was becoming. The silence was mad making him want to blow a fuse but Alex tried to remain calm. His anger was plastered on his face. There was no telling what information was kept from him but he really didn’t like being the odd man out of the equation.
Once they entered the room, Scott moved some clothes out of the way before he got into saying anything. He was clearing off seats but Alex was not in the mood to be sitting and relaxing. Alex stood by the doorway, near Theresa with his arms folded across his chest. He was just not in the mood for any more games, he wanted to know what was going on.
"You've seen me wear this. It's a regulator for my optic blasts. The man who runs the school designed the first one for me. Hank helped with this one. Like I said, he's a genius, he should be able to help you with your suit," Scott said exposing the visor that Alex had already seen a couple of times. There was no new information out of that statement and Alex was getting more and more impatient. "I always carry my visor, but I usually only wear it if I need to use my powers. Jean and I are part of the X-Men. You've probably heard about us," Scott explained. Questions, Alex was coming up with in his head, was slowly being answered but it was quickly frustrating him. He has heard of the X-Men before. A group of mutants, generally listed as a rogue terrorist group. Although, Alex didn’t see or read anything about them that made them terrorists. Scott turned his attention towards Theresa to continue with his explanation. "And the reason for my suspicions were your mention of a 'mission' today. You're not one of our team, which means you are likely working with Magneto and the Brotherhood of Mutants, who I know are in the building, because Jean and I ran into Magneto when we were speaking with our mentor. Call it an educated guess. Magneto is not somebody you can trust. He hates humans, and ruthlessly eliminates any 'threat' he perceives to mutantkind. And unfortunately, our mentor wants to ally with him," Scott finished. Alex turned his attention to Theresa,, his expression was completely confused. Magneto? That was a name he recognized. The man was a terrorist, number one on the top ten most wanted list. He was known for very heinous acts towards society as a whole.
“If yuir mentor wants ta ally with him, wouldn't that mean that maybe he isn't as horrible as yuir saying? Besides, I can't imagine Tom getting me involved in something like yuir describing. It doesn't matter anyway, Tom told me not ta get involved, that I was supposed ta use this chance ta start a new life outside tha confines of tha Keep,” Theresa said bringing up a good point. If the X-Men ally themselves with Magneto, the worst terrorist known, then they were no better than him. But Alex looked passed that and focused on what else she said. So Tom brought her involved, Alex thought. Now his anger was almost to a limit where he couldn’t control it. He needed to calm down but he was not liking what he was hearing.
"Unfortunately we’re not sure why he is allying with Magneto. Though I can assure you Magneto’s intentions are much less than honorable. He’s responsible for numerous attempts on the lives of important officials who don’t support his cause. I’m not sure if your cousin Tom realizes this, but he might. It could be why he doesn’t want you to get involved," Jean told Theresa. Alex didn’t want to comment on Theresa’s involvement with the terrorist until she says more about her cousin. At this point, Alex wanted to do what he should’ve when he first met him: drop him from the balcony of his room. There was no way Theresa would have willingly joined Magneto. It just wasn’t her but then again she was keeping him from the truth. Now Alex was just confused but he had to deal with his brother and his wife. "We’re not saying this to alarm you, but it would be something worth thinking about," Jean continued.
“Maybe you should be more concerned with your alliance with a terrorist. That makes either one of you no better than him,” Alex scolded. He might be the younger brother but right now he had more sense than Scott. “So you can’t say anything to Theresa about being involved with Magneto when the both of you are as well,” Alex was raging with anger. He was speaking but he wasn’t thinking clearly enough to formulate the words correctly. He turned his attention to Theresa. “They can’t say anything to you but I can. What are you doing? Don’t you know who Magneto is?” Alex asked. He couldn’t get the anger out of his voice. “And why didn’t you tell me?”
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Post by Cyclops on Sept 1, 2005 22:44:28 GMT -5
Scott rubbed his forehead, letting out a long sigh. He listened to Theresa try to defend her cousin, realizing how naive she really was. “If yuir mentor wants ta ally with him, wouldn't that mean that maybe he isn't as horrible as yuir saying? Besides, I can't imagine Tom getting me involved in something like yuir describing,” Theresa pointed out, making Scott want to sigh again. He understood wanting to trust the man who was like a father to you, but after Xavier's betrayal of their confidence, he was leery of everyone. “It doesn't matter anyway, Tom told me not ta get involved, that I was supposed ta use this chance ta start a new life outside tha confines of tha Keep.”
Cyclops couldn't believe his ears. Magneto not as bad as he was suggesting? That was almost funny. Almost. And she thought that she could just walk away from the Brotherhood and that was it? Especially with the bill up for vote. Magneto even being here was a sign that he meant business. He doubted very much Magnus would just let Theresa walk away with no repercussions.
"Unfortunately we’re not sure why he is allying with Magneto," Jean cast a worried glance to Scott before continuing, "Though I can assure you Magneto’s intentions are much less than honorable. He’s responsible for numerous attempts on the lives of important officials who don’t support his cause. I’m not sure if your cousin Tom realizes this, but he might. It could be why he doesn’t want you to get involved. We’re not saying this to alarm you, but it would be something worth thinking about."
< I really hope this doesn’t blow up in our faces. > she added in Scott's mind. He was beginning to think it was about to, with Theresa's naivete and loyalty to her cousin blinding her.
Then Alex broke in, angry and frustrated. “Maybe you should be more concerned with your alliance with a terrorist. That makes either one of you no better than him," he snapped glaring between them. “So you can’t say anything to Theresa about being involved with Magneto when the both of you are as well.” Scott rolled his eyes, once again not believing what he was hearing. Theresa was being a Pollyanna and Alex was jumping to conclusions. What a mess. He held his temper in check while Alex turned on his girlfriend and began berating her. “They can’t say anything to you but I can. What are you doing? Don’t you know who Magneto is? And why didn’t you tell me?”
That was it, Scott was fed up. He'd suggested this talk so everyone could be on the level, not for his brother to go on a judgmental tirade. "Where do you believe you have the right to tell me and my wife who we are better than or not?" he snapped, his hands balling into fists. "You think I like the fact the only man who's ever been a father to me is allying with a man who's tried to kill me, my wife and all of my friends more than once? Jean and I walked out on him, told him we wouldn't stand for it. I only hope he listens to our advice and makes Magneto forget why he came here." His dark eyes were filled with anger behind the ruby-quartz lenses. "Instead of assuming things, why don't you actually listen to what's being said, little brother?" His eyes went to Theresa and he could truly empathize with her. "And why she didn't tell you? Obviously, she has no idea what she's gotten herself into. So don't go tearing her apart either."
< You'd think he'd outgrown tantrums after twenty years, > he grumbled to Jean through their link. He leaned back against a wall, crossing his arms over his chest, knowing his uncharacteristic fit of temper wasn't likely to make things any better.
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Post by Siryn on Sept 1, 2005 23:35:44 GMT -5
Jean decided to address her question first. "Unfortunately we’re not sure why he is allying with Magneto. Though I can assure you Magneto’s intentions are much less than honorable. He’s responsible for numerous attempts on the lives of important officials who don’t support his cause. I’m not sure if your cousin Tom realizes this, but he might. It could be why he doesn’t want you to get involved," Jean told her. She wanted to believe that Tom didn't know about this. Or that it really was just a lie on Jean's part. Somehow, she didn't think that Jean would lie about something like this. It was just a feeling.
At the thought of what she may have done, the room started to close in on her and Theresa found herself breathing just a bit irregularly. She was beginning to panic again. Jean added, "We’re not saying this to alarm you, but it would be something worth thinking about." Not alarm her? Theresa was about two seconds from running from the room and finding Tom.
Before she could move, Alex reacted. Badly. With wide eyes, Theresa watched him yell at Scott, “Maybe you should be more concerned with your alliance with a terrorist. That makes either one of you no better than him. So you can’t say anything to Theresa about being involved with Magneto when the both of you are as well.” Alex thought that Magneto was a terrorist as well? If this were true, why was she the only one who didn't know? Because you have spent yuir entire life inside a small castle in Ireland, a voice nagged her from inside.
Scott decided he'd had enough of Alex accusations and began a tirade of his own. "Where do you believe you have the right to tell me and my wife who we are better than or not? You think I like the fact the only man who's ever been a father to me is allying with a man who's tried to kill me, my wife and all of my friends more than once? Jean and I walked out on him, told him we wouldn't stand for it. I only hope he listens to our advice and makes Magneto forget why he came here. Instead of assuming things, why don't you actually listen to what's being said, little brother?" he shouted back at Alex. Theresa actually winced at the words.
Alex wasn't done, however. He turned to her, his angry eyes clashing with her wide blue ones and he shouted, “They can’t say anything to you but I can. What are you doing? Don’t you know who Magneto is? And why didn’t you tell me?”
Once again, someone else, Scott, answered for her. Was she ever going to get a chance to say anything? "And why she didn't tell you? Obviously, she has no idea what she's gotten herself into. So don't go tearing her apart either,” Scott defended her. That was very surprising.
Completely confused and unsure who to believe, Theresa slid down the wall and sank to the floor, totally stunned. Softly, not even sure anyone would pay attention to what she said, “I don't even know why I'm here, that's why I never said anything. I found out a few days ago that Tom was alive after being gone for two years. I came here ta be with him and that meant coming with the others, too. I didn't mean ta cause so many problems.”
Looking up at Alex with tears in her eyes, she added, “I left my chance ta be reunited with my cousin ta be with you. Did I make a mistake?”
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Post by Phoenix on Sept 3, 2005 7:26:08 GMT -5
Alex cut in after Jean, glaring at her and Scott. “Maybe you should be more concerned with your alliance with a terrorist. That makes either one of you no better than him. So you can’t say anything to Theresa about being involved with Magneto when the both of you are as well.” Jean frowned. No one said they were part of that allegiance. Alex was jumping the gun, making assumptions. Then he turned to Theresa, arguing with her, “They can’t say anything to you but I can. What are you doing? Don’t you know who Magneto is? And why didn’t you tell me?”
"Where do you believe you have the right to tell me and my wife who we are better than or not?" Jean could feel Scott’s frustration as he snapped at Alex. "You think I like the fact the only man who's ever been a father to me is allying with a man who's tried to kill me, my wife and all of my friends more than once? Jean and I walked out on him, told him we wouldn't stand for it. I only hope he listens to our advice and makes Magneto forget why he came here. Instead of assuming things, why don't you actually listen to what's being said, little brother?" Somehow, Jean guessed Alex wouldn’t be fond of being called ‘little brother.’ She knew it would be hard for the others to tell, but Scott then looked at Theresa as his voice lowered somewhat. "And why she didn't tell you? Obviously, she has no idea what she's gotten herself into. So don't go tearing her apart either."
< You'd think he'd outgrown tantrums after twenty years, > Scott sent to her, irritated as he backed up against the wall. Not that Jean could blame him. She wasn’t happy about this either, and Alex’s assumptions were grating. She could feel herself become annoyed and tried to calm her temper. Now was not the time to get angry, especially with what happens when her temper takes over.
< I think he’s just shocked and surprised, that’s all. No one likes to hear that their loved one could be involved in something that could hurt and devastate others. > Jean tried to be diplomatic towards the situation. But what she couldn’t understand is why Alex hadn’t given her and Scott a chance. He assumed they were aligned with a mutant terrorist, but Scott was his brother and had been totally forthright in inviting him up to their room to explain everything. You’d think that would count for something.
"Alex, Scott and I are not involved with Magneto. Like Scott said, if our mentor wants to form some sort of allegiance with him, we’re not going to have any part in it." It was difficult to admit that. That she and Scott were losing faith in the one man who had helped both of them become who they were today. Jean couldn’t get emotional at a time like this, but she swallowed hard, willing the tears not to come to her eyes.
“I don't even know why I'm here, that's why I never said anything. I found out a few days ago that Tom was alive after being gone for two years. I came here ta be with him and that meant coming with the others, too. I didn't mean ta cause so many problems.” Theresa had slid down against the wall, seeming so lost and forlorn. Jean couldn’t help but feel bad for her. And she believed what the pretty redhead was saying. Jean didn’t feel any sense of untruth or deception in her words, and here she was, finding out her cousin might not be the most upstanding of citizens after just finding him a few days before.
“I left my chance ta be reunited with my cousin ta be with you. Did I make a mistake?” Tearfully, Theresa looked up at Alex. Jean took some tissues from the table and keeping one for herself, leaned over, her features sympathetic as she handed them to Theresa. Men could be such jerks.
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Post by havok on Sept 3, 2005 9:08:09 GMT -5
"Where do you believe you have the right to tell me and my wife who we are better than or not? You think I like the fact the only man who's ever been a father to me is allying with a man who's tried to kill me, my wife and all of my friends more than once? Jean and I walked out on him, told him we wouldn't stand for it. I only hope he listens to our advice and makes Magneto forget why he came here. Instead of assuming things, why don't you actually listen to what's being said, little brother?” Scott was the first one to speak up. His anger was enough to fuel Alex’s anger even further. He needed to get some control over it. He snapped at Theresa not even meaning to. "And why she didn't tell you? Obviously, she has no idea what she's gotten herself into. So don't go tearing her apart either."
“I’ve taken care of myself for the past twenty years, don’t think you can all of a sudden be a big brother and talk down to me. I’ve known Theresa longer than you have, I know she wouldn’t willingly be involved with Magneto,” Alex didn’t say why he knew or why he snapped at her. This was a lot of information to take in at once and not to mention that this was the first he has heard about it. There was no reason why he couldn’t have been told earlier. By any one of them.
"Alex, Scott and I are not involved with Magneto. Like Scott said, if our mentor wants to form some sort of allegiance with him, we’re not going to have any part in it," Jean added in. Her voice wasn’t so aggravated like Scott’s was. Alex was more concerned over what they both were saying rather than the tone they used. If they weren’t going to be involved in it, then fine. Alex could actually respect them for not getting involved in it. Of coarse, he would have to keep an eye out on them. If Alex found out that he was working with a terrorist then he would have nothing to do with his brother or his wife.
“If you’re not a part of it then why are you two still here?” Alex’s anger slowly started to come down. He needed to think clearly to get all of their answers. The truth wass what he wanted, finally. Something was going on and he wanted to know what it was. What was his brother and wife doing in the city? What was the X-Men and a well known terrorist doing in the city? And why was Alex feeling like he wasn’t going to like the answer?
“I don't even know why I'm here, that's why I never said anything. I found out a few days ago that Tom was alive after being gone for two years. I came here ta be with him and that meant coming with the others, too. I didn't mean ta cause so many problems,” Theresa said and slumped against the wall. She was taking this badly. It wasn’t Alex intention to upset her or snap at her. With his anger starting to calm, he tried to focus on Theresa instead of what he was hearing from his brother. “I left my chance ta be reunited with my cousin ta be with you. Did I make a mistake?” Theresa asked. She had the saddest look on her face, it broke Alex’s heart. Alex walked over to her and kneeled down in front of her. Jean was already handing her some tissues.
“No, of coarse not. I think we need to go, though, away from here,” Alex said to her. He really hoped she didn’t think it was a mistake to to stay with him. It had been such a great day yesterday that today had been, so far, completely stressful. “Your cousing got you involved in this and we should leave before you get dragged back into it.”
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Post by Cyclops on Sept 3, 2005 15:29:46 GMT -5
Scott bristled as Alex's snapped back at him. “I’ve taken care of myself for the past twenty years, don’t think you can all of a sudden be a big brother and talk down to me. I’ve known Theresa longer than you have, I know she wouldn’t willingly be involved with Magneto."
He rubbed his forehead, wondering if Alex realized what he'd just said. Scott had already stated he knew Theresa wasn't aware of what she'd gotten into. And he didn't count a few hours as knowing someone long enough to know them better than he did. Jean seemed to believe what the young redhead was saying, which is why he believed her. He preferred to trust his wife's instincts and telepathy as opposed to Alex's words, which were obviously heavily tainted by his newfound feelings for Theresa.
< I think he’s just shocked and surprised, that’s all. No one likes to hear that their loved one could be involved in something that could hurt and devastate others. > Jean assure him through their link, trying to be diplomatic. He nodded grimly, glad that she was here to help him keep his head.
Jean tried again to explain to Alex that they weren't working with Magneto This time he actually seemed to listen to her. Scott could feel how sad admitting that they told Xavier that they wouldn't support him in this. Charles meant as much to her as he did to Scott and it was hard for both of them to defy him, even if it was the best for everyone.
“If you’re not a part of it then why are you two still here?” Alex demanded. Before Scott could even begin to answer, Theresa sank down the wall to the floor, tears in her blue eyes.
“I don't even know why I'm here, that's why I never said anything. I found out a few days ago that Tom was alive after being gone for two years. I came here ta be with him and that meant coming with the others, too. I didn't mean ta cause so many problems.” Her words were pretty much what Scott expected. He felt bad for her, having been in a similar position himself. No one wanted to believe there were people as vile as Magneto and finding out that the man that raised is involved with someone like him, must be incredibly hard. She looked up at Alex. “I left my chance ta be reunited with my cousin ta be with you. Did I make a mistake?”
Scott watched as Jean handed Theresa some tissues, keeping one for herself and Alex kneeled before Theresa, taking her hands. “No, of coarse not. I think we need to go, though, away from here,” Alex assured her. “Your cousin got you involved in this and we should leave before you get dragged back into it.”
Scott moved to Jean, wrapping an arm around her shoulder comfortingly. Alex wanted to know why they were still here, wanted to run. He couldn't believe how dense his brother was being. "Running away won't help Alex," he said grimly. "If this bill passes, there won't be any safe places for mutants in this country and eventually, the world." He squeezed his wife's shoulders gently. "That's why we're still here. Because somebody has to speak against the bill in Congress. And somebody has to be here to stop Magneto." He took a long breath. "And yesterday, I found my little brother. That was enough of a reason to stick around a little while itself." He looked straight at Alex behind his ruby-quartz lenses. "Are those good enough reasons?"
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Post by Siryn on Sept 3, 2005 20:55:01 GMT -5
Theresa had tuned most of the conversation out, focusing only on Alex. He was the only reason she was there and if he turned her away, she was out of there. Jean handed her a tissue and Theresa absently took it, nodding her thanks. Alex knelt down in front of her and took her hands, saying, “No, of coarse not. I think we need to go, though, away from here. Your cousin got you involved in this and we should leave before you get dragged back into it.”
She didn't say anything to him, just leaned forward into his arms. He didn't hate her and that was what mattered at that very moment. Wrapping her arms around him, she heard Scott say, "Running away won't help Alex. If this bill passes, there won't be any safe places for mutants in this country and eventually, the world. That's why we're still here. Because somebody has to speak against the bill in Congress. And somebody has to be here to stop Magneto. And yesterday, I found my little brother. That was enough of a reason to stick around a little while itself. Are those good enough reasons?"
Theresa pulled back a little bit from Alex and looked at Scott and Jean. Frowning slightly, she said, “That is similar ta what Magneto said yesterday. Very similar. Is is possible that tha goals of yuir mentor and tha man ya claim ta despise are not so far apart? I'm not trying ta start an argument here over who is a terrorist and who isn't but what ya just said is so very similar....”
Then she looked back to Alex and smiled softly. Reaching up and touching him gently on the cheek with her hand, she said, “Ya can't leave. Scott is yuir brother. You've wondered about him for twenty years, Alex. Ya need ta get ta know him. Besides, I still need ta talk ta Tom. There are some things I needed ta ask him before but even more now.”
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Post by Phoenix on Sept 5, 2005 17:36:06 GMT -5
"No, of coarse not. I think we need to go, though, away from here,” Alex leaned down to comfort Theresa. “Your cousin got you involved in this and we should leave before you get dragged back into it." So they were leaving? Jean cast a worried glance at Scott who had come over, placing his arm around her shoulder in comfort. She moved into it, blinking back the tears while he spoke.
"Running away won't help Alex. If this bill passes, there won't be any safe places for mutants in this country and eventually, the world." Jean offered him a small half-smile when he squeezed her shoulder. "That's why we're still here. Because somebody has to speak against the bill in Congress. And somebody has to be here to stop Magneto. And yesterday, I found my little brother. That was enough of a reason to stick around a little while itself." Scott turned his gaze directly on Alex. "Are those good enough reasons?"
Theresa turned her gaze over to them, a frown on her face, "That is similar ta what Magneto said yesterday. Very similar. Is is possible that tha goals of yuir mentor and tha man ya claim ta despise are not so far apart? I'm not trying ta start an argument here over who is a terrorist and who isn't but what ya just said is so very similar...."
Jean was compelled to speak up. "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," Jean looked from Theresa and Alex to Scott, drawing some strength from him. This wasn’t easy for either of them. They couldn’t speak for Charles, but Jean knew how she and Scott felt about the situation.
Theresa focused back on Alex, "Ya can't leave. Scott is yuir brother. You've wondered about him for twenty years, Alex. Ya need ta get ta know him. Besides, I still need ta talk ta Tom. There are some things I needed ta ask him before but even more now." Maybe if Theresa talked with Tom, some of this would get sorted out, but Jean didn’t trust him. Not from what she’d ‘seen’ in her mind from Scott. Still, Tom let Theresa go, but Magneto would most likely say otherwise.
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Post by havok on Sept 6, 2005 11:51:56 GMT -5
"Running away won't help Alex. That's why we're still here. Because somebody has to speak against the bill in Congress. And somebody has to be here to stop Magneto. And yesterday, I found my little brother. That was enough of a reason to stick around a little while itself. Are those good enough reasons?" Scott explained. Alex turned his attention to him. Hopefully to get a better idea on his mood through his facial expression. Scott’s tone seemed to be more controlled than his body language. But he was wrong. With his glasses on, Alex couldn’t tell from his eyes.
“That is similar ta what Magneto said yesterday. Very similar. Is is possible that tha goals of yuir mentor and tha man ya claim ta despise are not so far apart? I'm not trying ta start an argument here over who is a terrorist and who isn't but what ya just said is so very similar....” Theresa said to them. The fact that she was defending a terrorist was killing him. The only possible explanation he could come up with was that she was deceived. This wasn’t Theresa’s fault for getting involved. Alex put the full blame on Tom. There was something wrong with the stories Theresa told him about Tom and now Alex had a reason for not liking the man.
"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,” Jean replied. Alex didn’t think to ask about the difference between and the X-Men and the Brotherhood. He thought about it but the conversation never went in that direction. After hearing the explanation, Alex understood why they didn’t like Magneto. Their different goals could only be accomplished by complete opposite means. Before Alex could answer the both of them, he felt Theresa’s hand brush against him.
“Ya can't leave. Scott is yuir brother. You've wondered about him for twenty years, Alex. Ya need ta get ta know him. Besides, I still need ta talk ta Tom. There are some things I needed ta ask him before but even more now,” Theresa said capturing his attention again. Her hand gently brushed against his cheek and Alex could only smile back at her. Tom did need to be spoken to, there was no doubt about that but this time, Alex wanted to be there.
“We can stay for a little while longer. I want to be at that hearing. That bill effects all of us,”Alex explained to her. It was supposed to be a question for her approval but it didn’t come out that way. He turned his attention to his brother and his wife. “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 said to him. It took him a second to realize what he just said to his brother that he hasn’t seen in twenties years. “yet,” Alex had to add in. He turned back to Theresa. He had to wonder what their future held for them. Still wanting to have her with him, Alex didn’t know how to tell her that again. How to tell her that he still wants her to come live with him. “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,” Alex tried to explain to Theresa but it wasn’t coming out right. He knew what he wanted to say but the words just didn’t sound the right way. He just tried to stop himself from rambling and sounding like a complete idiot.
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Post by Cyclops on Sept 7, 2005 19:20:18 GMT -5
“That is similar ta what Magneto said yesterday. Very similar. Is is possible that tha goals of yuir mentor and tha man ya claim ta despise are not so far apart? I'm not trying ta start an argument here over who is a terrorist and who isn't but what ya just said is so very similar....” Theresa replied to Scott's explanation. He let out a long breath, wondering if he'd ever been so naive. He squeezed Jean's shoulders gently, knowing Alex's talk of leaving and Theresa's belief that Magneto couldn't be as bad they all thought was upsetting her. That and the hearing and Xavier's betrayal. That had to hurt her more than even him, considering she'd still be in a coma if not for the professor.
"Magneto believes in mutant supremacy, not peaceful coexistence between us and humans," Jean explained, obviously trying to get Theresa to understand that she'd been fooled. "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." Jean looked between them after she spoke.
Scott could feel how worried and frustrated she was becoming. He squeezed her shoulders again. < Thank you, honey, > he said to her. < You okay? > It was kind of a stupid question. None of them were okay, but this whole fiasco had to be hard on Jean. The high running emotions, the uncertainty, the argument with Xavier, even the surprise discovery of Alex. All of it had to be taking it's toll on his wife.
"Ya can't leave. Scott is yuir brother," Theresa protested. "You've wondered about him for twenty years, Alex. Ya need ta get ta know him. Besides, I still need ta talk ta Tom. There are some things I needed ta ask him before but even more now." Scott's eyebrows knitted together. From what he'd seen of her cousin, she was better off without him. Before he could caution Theresa that Tom may not be completely honest with her, Alex broke in.
“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 said, adding after a pause, “yet.” He turned to Theresa. “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 shook his head a bit, his arm shifting down from Jean's shoulder to her waist. He gave Alex a pointed look behind his rube quartz lenses. "You will always be my little brother Alex," he replied. "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." He looked between his brother and Theresa. "You both need to understand what you might be getting yourself into by just attending the hearing."
Scott glanced over at Jean. < Somehow, I don't think either of them have the slighest idea what they're getting into, > he told her grimly, not just talking about the hearing.
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