Back to Reality

Summary: Scott and Jean return back to their 'normal' lives.

The honeymoon period was over, literally. Today, Jean's parents would be coming back home and she was due back at the mansion. They had spent most of their time alone in their room although they went out a few times to have meals at the many restaurants in the resort. Jean enjoyed relaxing at the spa, while Scott's stone cold face made him a winner at the poker tables. Jean was happy that Scott had opened up to her, but she knew he was holding back, especially after she broke the news of Alex. She knew he needed time to process everything and she didn't want to push the topic. She needed time herself for everything that has happened.

Jean made a quick call to Ororo the other day to tell her that she was okay and that was it. Her and Scott remained secluded, away from the rest of the world. It felt liberating; she didn't want to go back. She just wanted to stay in bed, with Scott's arms wrapped tightly around her. She started to think about what to say, what to do. "Hi Mom, Dad, meet your new son in-law… Hey 'Ro, remember that deal we made when we were 15.. I'll be your Maid of Honor, and you'll be mind.. well forget about that." She could already picture her family's reaction. Everyone in the mansion will be talking about it, it'll be worse than when she and Scott first went out.

"Don't forget what the professor will think… or Logan." Scott gave a little chuck.

"What the? I swear, you must've developed some telepathic powers while you were away."

"Whatever.." Scott said rolling on top of her. "You're the one who keeps projecting." Scott said as he kissed his new bride.

"I knew this day would come."

"Nope, we can just stay here."

"That's a tempting offer but you know that we have to get back.. well at least I have to get back."

"No, you're staying right here with me." Scott said, tightening his hug around Jean.

"You make a tempting offer Mr. Summers.. but I have to say no on this one."

"That would be the first time you said 'no' … are you sure you're ready for that?" Scott teased.

Jean's face turned red as she sent a throw pillow from the sofa right at Scott.

"You know.. we could keep it a secret."

"A secret?"

"Yeah.. no one knows we're married.. no one knows we're even together.. it'll be save both of us a lot of grief."

"But lying to everyone.."

"So."

"So!?"

"It's not like its forever.. break is coming soon at the mansion right.. the kids will be gone for a few weeks.. they'll come back and bam we'll announce we're married."

"Oh oh.. I know.. we'll tell them we're engaged!"

"No look at who's lying."

"Scott, we can't come and just say we're married."

"Even though we are."

"Shut up.. we'll say we're engaged.. and we'll have a wedding .. a real one too… oh my God this is going to be fun.."

"I think we're passed the point of white dresses and bridesmaids."

"You practically kidnapped me and placed me in front of the alter.. we might already be married but I'll be daymed if I don't get to have my white dress and my father walk me down the isle."

Scott dreaded the whole idea and Jean could sense it. "Think about it this way Scott.. a second honeymoon." Jean added.

Scott shot her a sly smile, how could he say no to that.

--

Scott dropped Jean off and headed back to the mansion. He went back to the Lake House, where Storm was there waiting for her.

"Scott! There you are. Where have you been? No one has seen you for days."

"I've.. been busy..."

"Okay, fine you don't want to tell me where you were …may I come in?"

"umm.. okay.." Scott said opening the door for her. "Ever since you came back .. we never really got a chance to talk."

"And what would you like to talk to talk about today?" Scott said almost sarcastically as he opened up his fridge to grab a beer. He offered one to Ororo but she declined.

"You ..we've all been worried about you.. especially the way you've been acting.."

"Acting? .. I'm just being myself ..."

"Funny, I kinda liked the old Scott Summers.. he was loyal, warm, and kind. You've been turning into a pompous jerk."

"Ouch 'Ro that hurt."

"Whatever Scott.."

He gave a sly smile. "We're a lot a like you know .. both raised on the streets .. you're a tough girl 'Ro.. I hope you never loose that edge.."

"And what about you .. you've been taking this whole edgy thing to a new level.."

"Oh.."

"The danger room for example .. you nearly got killed!"

"That wouldn't be the first time would it?"

"Look Scott… I get it .. you've been through a lot but at some point.. you just have to move on."

"Believe me 'Ro .. I've moved on .."

"Really? So what're you going to do now? Stay in the Lake House?"

"…"

"What is it you want?"

"I would like Scott Summers back but for now I'll ask for Cyclops .. the once fearless leader of the X-Men."

Scott took a gulp of beer. "Looks like you're the fearless leader now.. you don't need me.."

"Piotr, Bobby, Roug, Kitty.. they all stepped up to the plate but their still kids.. they still need more training… I want you to train them."

"Me?.. haha .. Isn't Logan in charge of that?"

"Logan's good .. on his own.. but as a team player.. he's still lacking.. these kids need to learn the value of teamwork and not just getting by on their own skills…"

"You're telling me Piotr throwing Logan around doesn't count as team work?" Scott said sarcastically.

She gave him a dirty look. "So are you going to do it or not?"

"Well I did upgrade the Danger Room.. yeah I'll do it."

"Thank you Scott.. this means a lot… the students have missed you.. you know?"

"Yeah, I'm sure they're missing my math exams."

"If you want.. you could be giving out random pop quizzes again."

"No thanks.. I think I'm done with the whole math teacher thing."

"Shame.." Ororo said as she started heading for the door. She paused there for a moment.

"Is there anything else?"

"Actually there is … when Jean left.. she was visibly .. upset.. I was just wondering if you knew anything about that.."

"Me?" He replied, trying to sound innocent.

"She's my friend Scott.. both of you are.. and you two have a complicated history I know.. but the only time I've seen Jean that upset was after we thought you had died."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"I'm sure you don't… but you may not believe it but she really does care about you and it was only recently that Jean started to put her life back together .. just .. just be civil with her .. please.."

Scott finished his beer and gave her a sly smile.

"Don't worry about Jean.. I think she'll be alright."

--

Jean arrived back in the mansion the next morning. She hadn't spoken to Scott since he dropped her off and she missed him terribly. Although the past few days have been crazy, she was now getting used to her new role as wife. The problem now was hiding it from the rest of the world. She wondered how they could keep it a secret and soon enough she learned that Scott had once again taken care of everything.

She walked in through the kitchen entrance and the students were already waking up and making their way down for breakfast. She nearly lost her breathe when she saw Scott and Ororo walking together.

"Jean!" Storm called out.

"Hey Ororo.. Scott."

"Hey Jean.. (turning to Ororo) .. tell them we'll start at 1." Scott said and walked away."

Jean could only watch him as he walked away. "What just happened?" look on her face.

"I know .. ,he actually muttered more than one word.. I think he's making progress." Ororo teased.

Jean snapped out of it.. "Yeah.. that's .. that's good… What're you starting at 1?"

"Oh, he agreed to train Bobby, Rouge, Piotr, and Kitty.. talk about a load off my back.. I have to go see you later Jean."

"Bye Ro."

The rest of the day passed and Jean had neither heard from or seen Scott. She was getting a little worried. It was as if the past few days didn't happen. During dinner, Scott arrived a couple of minutes late and sat at the opposite side from Jean. Still, there was nothing from him. She hoped that no one noticed her while she kept looking out towards Scott. After dinner was over, he left before she could even try to talk to him.

Jean was getting really worried now. It seemed as if he was avoiding her.. or rather that he was back to how he was a couple of days ago. Jean was upset and so confused. She decided to call it a night a head straight for her room. She opened the door to her room and suddenly an arm came out from the shadows and forced her in, slamming the door behind her. In the dark, a pair of lips pressed up against hers.

She reached for the lights and pulled Scott off of her.

"What're you doing?!" Jean demanded.

"I think its obvious what I was doing."

"Not that.. today."

"What're you talking about?"

"You completely ignored."

"What?! I talked to you this morning.."

"A 'hey Jean' does not count as a conversation." She slapping his shoulder.

"You had me really worried." Jean said, her voice trembling and her eyes watery. "You're taking this 'keep it a secret' thing too far.. I thought ..::Sniff:.."

Scott walked towards her and wrapped his arms around her. She rested her head against his chest as a few tears fell. "I was scared that I was loosing you again."

"I'm sorry to break it to you but I'm not going anywhere.. unless it's with you .. I love you Jean.. I've always loved you and I always will."

Jean looked up at him, her tears fading. "You know.. you're not making it easy for me to stay mad at you.." Scott smiled at her and all her fears were erased. He kissed her softly as he guided her to the bed. He lied on top of her and whispered in her ear. "Now this time, you really have to try to be quiet."

To Be Continued..

Author's Note: It's been a while I know, taking 15 credits, a full time job, and an internship is not the best idea. Sorry for the delay. Hope you enjoy.. I'll try to get the next one going soon.