Defense System

Ratings: PG, nothing graphic or explicit.. yet

Setting: Takes place after X2, but Jean did not sacrifice herself. I also bring in a couple of comic book elements to the story. Seeing how Scott/Cyclops got screwed over in X2, how could things get worse for him.

Summary: Warren's in town and pays Scott a visit.

It turned out I had to take some undergrad courses before being accepted to the Graduate program, Differential Equations and Linear Algebra, sounds fun right? I took the night classes, 6-7:30 pm Monday and Thursday for Linear Algebra and Differential Equations, 5:45-7:45 Wednesday and Friday nights. During the days, I got a job on campus in the Tutor center. I was one of the facilitators for Calculus I and II. It wasn't that bad, I don't have to wake up early everyday and I'm back home by 8, 8:30. Although, Alex is enjoying his new found college scene than me.

Like all incoming Freshmen, he got caught up in the whole "back to school" party scenes. By the time October rolled in, he had locked himself in his room trying to get back on track with his classes. I'm glad that he's focusing on his studies now. I didn't really say too much to him about him going out. I mean what could I say? Well a lot actually, but I held strong and didn't. I guess I missed being in charge and bossing people around. Not like I was "bossing" people around but you know what I mean.

I was in control. Am I in control now? I guess you could say so. Part of what makes a good leader is to make quick decisions and stand by them. I did that earlier this year when Jean broke up with me. I made the choice to leave and I did. The move was at times difficult and stressful but the worst had passed. A year ago, I couldn't believe this is where I would end up. It just shows me again how life can quickly flip on you. But it's not like this is permanent. Even though I just got here, I would move back home in 2 years, maybe less, maybe more. But I expect 2 years. I wonder if the Professor would still make me leader or what.

I have a lot of free time, I'm only taking 2 classes and they aren't that bad. After the first 2 weeks, I've managed to get a system going. So I would work out, I'd run in the morning or good to the gym in the afternoon. Although I was across the country, I could be called upon to leave at a moments notice. Warren was coming into town this tomorrow on business. I was meeting him up after my night class for dinner. I'm glad to see him. He only managed to make a quick visit to the mansion after that whole Stryker business.

The next day, I met up with Warren at the restaurant.

"Well, well if it isn't Scott Summers, college student." Warren teased, referring to how I entered the restaurant with my book bag.

We sat down and ordered our food.

"And what's been going on at the mansion?"

"I got an e-mail from Ororo yesterday, they finished installing the new security system. Complete with motion detectors, surveillance cameras, among other things."

"Other things?.. Oh my God Scott. Knowing you, there are like rocket launchers in the front lawn."

"Actually, they're in the back foyer."

"…oh God, you are serious."

"Well what can I say? I did draft up the schematics for it before I left."

"Motion detectors, cameras, I can't believe it. I remember when we were there that the Professor's telepathy was plenty of security."

"I remember that time you tried sneaking out at like 3 in the morning."

"I was 5 feet from the gate when good old Xavier came creeping inside my head."

"Oh you were so busted."

"Well, at least the gutters finally got clean because of it."

"Yeah, your wings came in very useful for that."

"Wow, I can't believe how things have changed."

"Yes, they sure have."

"I can't believe you're not there anymore. I thought you were never going to leave."

"Well, it's not like this is permanent."

"Still, that just leaves Jean there from the four of us."

"Well, there's Hank."

"Yeah, but he's rarely there anymore. It's just Jean."

"You forgot Ororo."

"And Logan?"

"…"

"You know it had to come up sometime."

"Yeah I know."

"So?"

"So.. what?"

"You know he's in charge of training the kids now."

"So?" I didn't know that. In fact, I didn't want to know and I have a pretty good feeling that Ororo and the Professor knew that. Or else they would've told me.

"So? That's all you can say."

"Hey, she left me. There's nothing I could do… I did ask her to marry me for crying out loud."

"You did? When?"

"Right after she told me she was leaving me?.. I know what you were thinking.. but I didn't ask her because she was leaving me.. I had it all planned that night.. but when I found her, she was already packing."

"God, Scott I'm sorry… well look at the bright side?"

"What's that?"

"Now you know how I feel." He said laughing., trying to bring my spirits up.

"Ha ha War. Yeah this is hilarious. You had to bring that up."

"Hey, I couldn't help myself. But Scott, seriously, you think that moving out here was a good idea. I mean what if something happens."

"Nothing has happened and if there was an emergency, they know I could always be reached."

"It'll take you what 6 hours to get back to the East Coast."

"4 and a half"

"You know what I mean. As hard as it was to see you and Jean together, I didn't move away."

"That was different."

"How was it different?"

"We were already friends before Jean came in. I actually didn't try to pursue her because of you… and as I recall, you were the first one out of the mansion."

"Alright, it was different. But have you spoken to her?"

"Nope… but I take it you have."

"Yeah of course, she is still my friend."

"And so what does she want?"

"She just wants to know how you're doing."

"Like I said, I'm fine. She could always ask you, Hank, Ororo, the Professor. If she wanted to talk to me, she could call or write."

"But you delete her e-mails. And make excuses when she calls."

"First off, she called once and I was busy and had to go. Two, her e-mails must've been caught in my spam filter. I'll make sure to change the settings."

"That's why, when you click status, it says 'DELETED.' Come on Scott, why don't you talk to her?"

"Is she hurt, sick or dying?"

"No."

"Sickness or death in her family?"

"No."

"Then I have nothing to say to her or about her. She cut me off her life. I'm just fulfilling her wishes."

"Scott, you know it's not like that."

"So I didn't imagine her taking off with Logan and leaving me. Cuz Warren, that's exactly how it happened… I don't need to talk to her, so she could try to reason with me why she left me. The point is that she did, now could we drop this."

"Okay, Scott fair enough… so how's the long lost brother?"

"We're good, he should be home by the time we get back to my place. But it's your typical haven't seen you in over a decade, let's catch up by moving in together type of thing.. you know?"

"Well at least sarcastic Scott is back."

"Charmed, I'm sure."

"At least its better than 'stick up your ass' Scott."

I gave him a cold blank stare.

"I take that back"

Author's Note: So far the tone of this hasn't been too "angst" I realized while re-reading. But I think I laid in enough ground work to really get things going. For those wondering about the title. Scott talks about the new defense system at the mansion against the outside, likewise Scott's sarcastic remarks is his defense against Warren's inquisition, either way keeps people out.