This is my first fan fiction and the first story I have written in quite a few years. Any and all advise is welcome. Cheers!
Chapter One
It was truly a beautiful day. The sun was shining, the temperature was warm, and the light wind blowing was just right. My chair was comfortable and the hot espresso sitting by my hand smelled perfect. There were surprisingly few people wandering around considering the weather, but those that were, were obviously enjoying themselves. It was this blissful ignorance that ruined the moment for me.
I knew this kind of peace was a good thing and that I should have been happy with the moment. But even after all this time, I still could not bring myself to fully relax. I was starting to think that I never would. But if that was the price I had to pay for keeping the innocents safely ignorant, so be it. It was because of this pondering that I did not notice his scent until he stopped next to my table. "Is this seat taken?"
"Is the answer not obvious to you?" I say as I chasten myself for not paying better attention to my surroundings.
"I will take that as a no", is all he says as he lowers himself into the other chair at the table. "So, how are you?"
"Why are your here?" I quickly bite out, automatically becoming suspicious.
"I was in the neighborhood." He says with the same nonchalant tone as the rest of his words have been spoken. Something that is completely out of character for the no nonsense leader I was used to. So, I respond with a word that I hope will get him to cut to the reason of his visit. One word. One of my father's favorites, actually. "Bullshit."
"Completely." He nods as he takes a sip of his own coffee, the sun reflecting off his red glasses and momentarily blinding me. "Actually, I had a hell of a time finding you. But I'm glad that I did, you look great."
"Thank you. Has something happened? Cerebro should have found me easily."
"No, everything is actually fine for once. I just wanted to talk to you about something."
"Something that required secrecy from the telepaths? I thought you had disbanded any illicit activities."
"I have. But that isn't what I wanted to talk to you about. The thing is... (sigh) the X-Men aren't kids anymore. But we have been doing this since we were kids. Frankly, I'm sick of it. Now that things have calmed down, there is nothing I want to do more than talk Emma into marrying me and moving to the Savage Land. But, I can't do that without a replacement."
As he finishes saying this, he stops to take off his glasses and rub the bridge of his nose. It is then that I realize that he does look both old and tired. But I do not get a chance to think more about this as he replaces his glasses and starts to speak again.
"I've actually been looking for a replacement for a few years now. But things just keep getting in the way... For a long time I kept bouncing between Jubilee and Kitty. But I never know if Jubilee is going to be up, down or sideways. And Kitty never really wanted this life anyway. But, then I started thinking about you. Between your performance with the Young X-Men and X- Force, I know you're more than capable. And the things I've heard the past year are impressive." It was during this last sentence that he slowed his speech as he noticed my expression had switched from neutral to confused.
"Laura? Are you okay?" This sudden question snapped me out of my apparent transparency and before he could say something else, I started to fire questions at him. "What about one of the younger X-Men? Or a New Mutant? Are you asking me... to... lead the X-Men?"
"Yes, that is exactly what I am asking of you." Apparently I had not been able to replace my neutral expression as well as I had thought, because instead of firing ahead with his reasoning he asked me to wait and hear him out.
"There really isn't anyone else. The few X-Men that could lead the whole damn circus are either dead, or getting just as old as I am. And none of the kids can handle that much responsibility. Just think about it."
"Why haven't you discussed this with Emma?" I am calmer now that he has mostly explained himself, but I still have questions and concerns running around my head. Mostly though, I just want to wrap up this conversation so I can get away and think.
"Heh. You know how she is. Somehow, I don't think she'll approve of me actively looking for a replacement. I wanted to have everything set before I talked to her about it." He said this with a small smile on his face. I could tell he loved her dearly by the tone he used to speak of her. But that did not mean he was a fool. After all, it was a well known fact the Emma Frost had a fierce temper. Especially when it came to her charges.
"I need time to think. When will you need an answer?"
"A few days. If don't want to take the job, I'm going to have to start looking around." He said this last part with a grimace. It was obvious that he was not looking forward to that.
"If there is nothing else you wish to say I will speak to you in several days." I started to stand as I said this to emphasize my wish to leave. He caught on to this and stood as well.
"I'll talk to you soon then. No matter what you decide, it was good to see you."
"It was good to see you as well and, I wish you and Emma…luck." He paused as I said this, a small but genuine smile filled his face. "Thank you." He nodded and turned around to walk back through the front of the cafe, likely to refill the coffee he had been steadily drinking. I turned the other direction, stepping onto the street to join the people making their way to various destinations. I needed a quiet place to think, and make a few phone calls.