Home For The Holidays

Summary: Scott comes home for the Holidays.

"Scott!" A joyful Alex said as he welcomed his brother into his home. "I'm glad you made it."

Scott awkwardly and nervously made his way through Alex' extended relatives. There were a couple of people there and Scott sought comfort in the fact that there could've been more, one grandparent, 2 aunts, 3 uncles, and 5 cousins. The night went on with not much trouble. They were all of course curious in Scott. He was in fact Alex' biological brother and they asked their fair share of questions to Scott. Scott was able to dodge the tough questions such as the need for his glasses, which Alex' parents chimed in to say that it was a rare eye disorder.

Later that evening, an air mattress was set up for Scott to sleep in, in Alex room as the other relatives occupied the guest room and living room couch.

"I hope they didn't bother you too much." Asked Alex as the two got ready for bed.

"No, it was fine… though it did feel a lil bit like the Spanish inquisition.. hehe."

"Yeah, my relatives could be a little bit nosey."

"Don't sweat it, its fine."

"So you won't mind telling me what happened?"

"What happened with what?"

"Betsty?"

"What about her?"

"Don't play around with me, you know what I'm talking about."

"Actually I don't." Scott said trying to hide his smile.

"Ah ha I knew it.. spill.."

".."

"… well.."

"Alright fine, you want to hear you were right.. fine you were right.. she loved the tickets to the Asian Art show they had downtown… WE enjoyed it very much."

"Fast forward.. did you two.. you know.."

Scott shook his head in disapproval. "NOO.. but we manage to have our first kiss.."

"Ah ha I knew it."

"And our second and third.."

"Haha this just keeps on getting better.. no wonder I wasn't able to get a hold of you these past couple of days.. so are you two like going out now?"

"Well I think at this point, you can call us dating.. we'll see when school starts up next month."

"And all this time, I thought you smiling downstairs just to be polite."

"Alright don't rub it in… can we change topics please.. I basically told you everything."

"Fine.. anyway, are you going to be staying here for New Years?"

"Thanks but, I think I am going to head back east to Westchester."

"Are you sure? That Jean chick will be there won't she?"

"Jean Grey.. not Jean chick.. but yeah, she'll be there… when I saw her over Thanksgiving .. it was awkward but now that some time has passed I think I can handle it."

"You mean, now that you have a new girl, you can show her what she's missing out on."

Scott threw his pillow at Alex.

"You're hopeless."

The next couple of days passed by with no major incident. Alex' foster parents enjoyed Scott's gift of cologne and perfume. Alex was thrilled with Scott's gift of a new game for his Xbox, while Scott was a little unsure about his own Xbox game he received from Alex. On New Year's Eve he made his way back to Westchester. He went in through the kitchen entrance, but was surprised to see mostly everyone awake gathering breakfast.

"Scott! . .umm I mean Mr. Summers.. your just in time for breakfast." Said an exuberant Kitty.

"Scott!" Ororo exclaimed as she went up to greet him with a hug and peck on the cheek. "Hank, Warren ! Scott's here." She yelled out." Hank and Warren walked into the room with their coffee cups on hand but also walking in behind them was Jean, still in her night robe. Scott greeted the two men with a pat and the back but all eyes were awaiting to see how he would react to Jean. There was an awkward "Hi" and Scott left the kitchen immediately and went straight into his room.

As the day passed, he quickly noticed a certain three clawed person wasn't around. He wondered why he wasn't here but didn't want to ask anyone why. He was just happy to know that he didn't have to deal with the two of them together. Thankfully, the tension from the morning didn't carry itself into the afternoon and evening as both Scott and Jean remained composed around each other.

Jean was outside Scott's room as she over heard his phone conversation.

"Betsy hey.. Happy New Year to you too.. but here in New York we still have an hour left… haha it's … isn't it like 4 am there in London … yeah yeah thanks for calling and go to sleep you sound tired…. Alright I'll see you back in San Francisco. Bye."

She walked away quickly walked away and went up the stairs. Thoughts were racing in her head as to who this "Betsy" was. Already in her head, she hated that name. She wasn't sure was she so jealous. Did she really think Scott would be pining over her this whole time? She needed air and stepped outside the 2nd floor balcony. It was cold outside but not too terribly. She took in the cold crisp air and she felt a little better. It was dark outside but the moon shined off the tree tops of the estate. She was lost in thought and didn't realize someone was coming.

"You're going to get sick." Came a familiar voice.

She turned around and was surprised to see him. "Scott!"

"Really, you're going to get sick."

"Huh.. oh.. no it's ok. I'm fine." She wasn't sure what to say or what to do. She was blank and stared back out. Scott walked up to the edge of the balcony but a couple of feet away from her.

"So.." said an awkard Scott. "How are you?"

"G..good.. you?"

"Same… umm.. I hear Hank is going back to San Francisco with you."

"Yep, some conference… this is awkard right?"

"Hehe yes. I'm glad one of us said it… so how are you.. really?"

"I'm doing fine, really I am. And what about you?"

"I've been better."

"Oh."

"Well, you're probably dying to say so go ahead."

"What're you talking about."

"About Logan."

"You two broke up?"

"You didn't know."

"Actually no."

"That's right .. you never bother to ask about me to anyone."

"Jean."

"No, it's ok. Really, it is, especially after our last encounter.. I deserve it after all."

"Look Jean, this year has been hard on all of us believe me but it's a new year coming and I want to start it right.. especially with us."

"Oh."

"I know our last conversation wasn't exactly.. umm.. you know.. but I just wanted to say I'm sorry. I was just hurt and angry.. more so than I thought."

"Scott. You don't need to apologize for anything. It's me.

"I'm really tired of this emotional roller coaster. I just want to put it behind me."

"Me, too."

"Good.. so let's just say we're both sorry."

"Ok Scott. I'm sorry." And she stepped closer to him now.

He gave an awakard smile and stepped up leaned into her. His mouth was moving to hers. For Jean, everything had gone in slow motion. She could feel him so close, the warmth of his lips on this cold night. She braced herself. But he leaned in and gave a quick peck on the cheek.

"Happy New Year Jean."

She was taken back. "You.. you too Scott." And he smiled away and started walking away.

"Scott.. (he turned around).. I am truly sorry for everything."

"I know.. it's just still hard to forgive you know… you should come inside. It's a cold night." And he walked away.

Jean turned away and continued to stay outside. She cursed herself for the sins she inflicted on everyone, to Logan and most of all to Scott. She was convinced now that this "Betsy" was more than a friend from San Francisco and this time it did not make her jealous but sad. A single tear flowed from her eyes. She quickly brushed it off and went back inside.

To Be Continued.

Note: Sorry for the delay, been busy. I am going to try to get in more chapters especially since spring semester is going to come up soon.