Scott was the first to awaken. He studied the winged man who was embracing him. Scott felt secure because his wings were draped around his body. He leaned down using his arms. However, the movement prompted him to confront the truth that he was injured. The gauze appeared to be in place. There was no blood dripping from the injury. Perhaps this was a good sign. It was still very early in the morning. But he sighed and rose to his feet. Warren rolled over in his sleep. He kissed him quickly and went to his closet to get his clothes. He walked across the room, opened the door, and slipped out for a shower.
When Scott emerged from the shower, he noticed Warren working on his laptop. The mutant with the blonde hair smiled. "I couldn't sleep since you weren't there. So I decided to catch up on some work. How are you doing?"
"I'm perfectly fine. Do you require assistance?" Scott made the offer. Warren examined Scott's waist, attempting to assess the wound. He was concerned but did not express it. "If it involves repeating last night's performance, sure." He gave a wink. Scott approached him and kissed him slowly. Warren deepened the kiss and pulled Scott down by grabbing his shirt, tossing the laptop to the side. "Now, that's what I'm talking about." He murmured.
Scott took a step back and spoke, "We have a danger room session in 30 minutes, War. If you want to do it again, you'll need to take a shower or Logan will find out."
"What about that?" Warren shrugged his shoulders.
"He'll inform Xavier."
"And why is that a problem?"
"Students are not permitted to engage in sex at the mansion." Scott responded.
"But Scott, you're 18. I'm almost 20. We are adults. I don't see the issue." Warren inquired.
Scott let out a sigh. "If Xavier doesn't like what we're doing, how about I get an apartment and we can, you know..." Warren made a suggestion.
"What can we do, Warren? I'd like you to finish that sentence."
"Hook up there?" the blonde said meekly.
"I'm not one of your annoying one-night-stands that you can take to an apartment and just fuck and move on from." Scott expressed his displeasure.
He couldn't believe Warren's suggestion. "I'm not implying that you are. At the very least, I'd stay with you for three nights." Warren cracked a joke. "But, seriously, we could live together. You could visit the mansion."
"I'm not sure, War. Will he really let me go now that we've discovered Sinister? And isn't it a little early?" Scott inquired, unsure.
"I'm not sure. We could share a room. You may have a valid point. But we can still persuade him."
"It's not going to work. Besides, how am I going to pay the rent?" Scott drew his arms across his chest.
"You're well aware that you're sleeping with a billionaire. Is that correct?"
"I'm not interested in your money, Warren. And if we decide to rent an apartment, I will pay my fair share." Scott was adamantly opposed.
"What's the big deal about me paying for the apartment?" Warren inquired.
"You're unbelievable. Angel, I'll see you in the danger room." Scott scoffed and walked out of the room.
Warren grabbed his pants and pursued him. "In your affliction, you're not going to the danger room," he hissed. Warren went looking for Scott, but he was already gone. "Fucking hell," he muttered, irritated at Scott's failure to listen.
-
All of the X-Men were present in the danger room. The bleary-eyed teenagers appeared dissatisfied with the prospect of having to work out first thing in the morning. Logan and Storm were on the observation deck. "Here's your briefing, X-Men. Cyke will take command. The mission's objective is to save Storm. If one of you loses, you all lose. Commence the simulation."
The X-Men scrambled into action. The canons opened, launching spheres at the team. Clawed tentacles slithered their way towards them. "I've got the Canons. Keep them away from the tentacles "Jean was given an order by Cyclops. "I'm working on it." Jean replied and flew towards the tentacles, backed by Angel, Iceman, and Nightcrawler.
Cyclops fired an optic blast at the spheres about to attack Rogue. She gave him a heartfelt nod of appreciation. The laser guns erupted from the wall and opened fire at the X-Men. Spike used his abilities to take out one of the laser guns. Magma's powers were used to melt a cannon. Rogue and Shadowcat phased through the spheres.
Cyclops aimed at the canons and guns. He heard a shout just as he was about to destroy a gun aimed at him. Angel had been nabbed by a tentacle. Scott launched an optic blast at the tentacle, but was caught off guard when the laser landed squarely on his wound. He wheezed. Warren noticed this and dashed towards him.
Ignoring the pain, Scott commanded, "Angel, fly towards Nightcrawler." You both teleport down and take Shadowcat with you. Rogue and Spike take turns covering each other. Create a psionic shield, Jean. Magma, destroy the weapons, Iceman, slide over and freeze the guns. His breath was ragged, and a visible red spot on his uniform continued to grow. The X-Men gave him a nervous look.
Wolverine bolted for the control. "End simulation!" he exclaimed.
"Why did you put a stop to it?" Cyclops growled . "We were handling it."
"Like hell you were!" Wolverine let out a roar. "You're hurt, Cyke."
"I'm all right. Start the damn simulation." Cyclops exhibited his anger.
"Not on my watch. Warren, take Scott to the infirmary. Class dismissed." Wolverine stated before walking away. After his argument with Scott, he was in no mood to continue the session. The X-Men looked at him and Scott, curious if there would be a fight.
Warren took Scott's arm and dragged him outside.
Scott drew back. "I'm fine. I can walk myself to the infirmary." He walked quickly.
Warren walked alongside Scott, who saw the blonde's guilt on his face. "War, it's not your fault."
"I'm sorry."
"It's not. Bruises and scratches are a normal part of the training plan."
"You got banged up because you saved me"
"And if it means you're safe, I'll do it a thousand times."
"That's the problem, Scott! Jerk, you self-sacrificing jerk! Do you ever understand how I feel when you pull this shit? I don't want anything to happen to you. I want to make sure you're safe." Warren was agitated.
"I don't see you in pain, Warren." Scott responded. "Do you think I can? You have no idea how worried I am about you because you were prancing around with Murdock and got shot!" Warren yelled in frustration. "Are you jealous?" Scott smirked, attempting to change the subject. "You're deflecting." Warren flatly stated.
" "I'm sorry if I worried you." Scott expressed his heartfelt apologies. He had never intended to cause Warren any emotional distress. Warren sighed and remained silent. They arrived at the infirmary. While Warren looked for Hank, Scott sat on a gurney. "Oh my goodness. "What transpired?" Hank rushed over to Scott and examined the wound.
"Danger room injury," Scott stated meekly, knowing Hank would figure out why he was injured soon enough. Hank looked at Scott and nodded, not believing anything the young man claimed. Logan burst through the door at that precise moment. He studied the wound. "Mind telling me how you got that, bub? The Danger Room doesn't have bullet-firing guns."
" "Yes, in fact. I do mind. I've never asked you what transpires after you return from one of your trips. I don't because it's a personal matter. So is this . Now, if you could just leave me alone, that would be great." Scott shot back. Logan reverberated in rage. His claws were on the verge of erupting. Warren was aware of this. He stood between them, spreading his wings. "To get to him, you'll have to go through me." He fixed his gaze on the feral mutant.
"I'm not here to fight, bird boy. You can either tell your boyfriend to come clean or I'll go talk to Xavier." Logan grunted and walked away.
"Uh. I wasn't prepared for a brawl." Warren fanned himself with his wings.
While Hank worked on Scott, he cast a sidelong glance.
"I think you better tell me what happened, Scott." After all, I am your doctor." Hank chastised.
"Doctor-patient confidentiality?" Scott inquired.
Hank gave a nod. "Of course." Scott found the words he was looking for when Hank said them. "Warren, could you please excuse us..."
"He's welcome to stay." Scott spoke out. Hank was surprised but nodded.
"I was out with a friend. People were in danger. I was shot, but I saved some people's lives."
Hank donned a solemn expression. "Is the Professor informed of this?"
Scott made a shaky motion with his head.
"Do you believe it is a good idea not to notify him about this predicament? Scott, he cares about you. We all do." Hank implored.
"I don't think rehashing the event is necessary." Scott brought up the point.
"Unnecessary? Cyclops, you're the team's leader. As per what I've heard, there is no "I" in X-Men." Hank objected.
"It's reasonable for me to have a personal life, Hank." Scott stated.
"Very well, then. I'm hoping you'll tell Xavier. We're finished here. For the next ten days, I cannot permit you to train, workout, or go on missions. Doctor's orders. And don't contend with me on this. My decision is unappealable." Hank spoke quickly.
"Take these. This one is for the pain. The second is an antibiotic. One in the morning and one in the evening. And, need I remind you, there will be no...ehm...rigorous activities for at least the next three days." He handed the bottles to Scott and returned to work, not before giving the two men a thoughtful look.
Scott and Warren blushed. "Well. He knows. " Warren muttered. Scott made a hum.
"I think you annoyed Hank." Warren stated. Scott sighed and pressed his brow against the bridge of his nose.
"Scott, come on. Let's go." Warren said as he grabbed Scott's arm and yanked him up. Warren dragged Scott with a grunt. Hank's medication was having an effect on him, attempting to make him a little woozy.
Warren carted Scott upstairs to his room. When he opened the door, he saw the team staring at their leader. "Scott, how are you doing?" Jean inquired before Rogue, earning her a frown from the southern belle. Scott stood straight; his features were stoic. "Jean, I'm fine. Thank you for asking."
"What happened?" Kitty questioned, perplexed. "It was just a minor injury in the danger room." Scott smiled sheepishly at everyone.
Warren chimed in before the others could ask him any more questions "Scott is supposed to be sleeping. Orders from the doctor. Everyone, get out!" He glared and spread his wings to appear menacing. "Jeez, okay! We were simply asking." Evan reacted with annoyance.
Rogue remained behind as the rest of the team filed out, giving Scott assessing looks. "You may have fooled others, but I don't think you got that from a danger room workout." She figured it out. Scott flatly ignored her. Warren was caught in the crossfire. "How did you get it?" Rogue didn't give up.
"The danger room. You just witnessed it." Scott lied and looked her in the eyes. "Don't be foolish, Summers!" Rogue made a threat. "I'm not. Why would I tell you this if I wasn't telling the truth?" He questioned innocently. "So, you're not going to tell me? I thought we were friends." Rogue stated. She appeared upset.
"Rogue, I'm sorry. Yes, we are. I really need to get some rest. Hank has prescribed meds to me." Scott lied down on his bed, dismissing Rogue's stare. Rogue cast a glance at Warren, who was attempting to avoid her gaze. "Warren," she cautioned. "What?" Warren asked defensively.
"What's the deal with you being so defensive?" Rogue wondered aloud. "Unless you're trying to conceal something."
"I'm not concealing anything!" He shrieked.
He despised being put under the microscope, and he hated lying for Scott. Rogue snorted and shook her head in response to his outburst. "Rogue, stop questioning him." Scott mumbled and covered his head with a pillow. "What are you hiding from me, Scott?" Rogue didn't give up. Scott's inability to trust her, hurt her.
"Rogue, I trust you. I simply can't trust others. It's not a good idea in my opinion. I wish you would believe me." Scott's voice was muffled by the pillow. Rogue let out a breath. "Okay, then. Scott, I'll put my trust in you. Just don't try to lose it." Rogue clued in. She gave Warren a brief glance before exiting his room.
"We need to get you out of your uniform, Scotty." As he sat on the edge of Scott's bed, Warren made a suggestion. Warren stroked Scott's hair as he removed the pillow from his head. He closed his eyes and felt the warmth of skin on his forehead. "You just want to see me naked." Scott teased. "It doesn't hurt the eyes. " Warren gave a light smile. "Get up, my love." He said this while partially lifting Scott.
As Scott closed his eyes, he carefully removed the top. Skin-tight spandex wasn't the easiest material to get out of. He went to the foot of the bed and took off Scott's boots before taking off his pants. Scott was stripped down to his boxer briefs and a bandaged waist. "Your turn." Scott spoke up and looked up at Warren, hopeful.
Warren simply tucked him into the comforter, choosing to ignore him. Scott moaned grumpily, but he was too woozy from the medication. Warren kissed his brow and let sleep overtake him. He left the room to take a shower.
He needed to fly and feel the wind in his hair. Warren flew around the grounds after his shower, trying to clear his mind. He knew Scott had been injured and wondered if it was best that no one knew. He disagreed with Scott, but felt it was his decision to make. The man landed softly on the ground after flapping his wings. Logan cornered him just as he was about to walk into the mansion. "What's up with Scott, bird boy?" Warren reacted angrily when Logan called him that. "Not now, Logan." He said, while ignoring the other man. Logan pursued him and spoke to him, "It's now or never, bub. You must be aware of something. Spill."
"It's not my choice whether or not to tell you anything about Scott. If he wants you to know something, he will tell you." Warren made a remark and then left without waiting for a response.
Warren groaned as he opened the door to his room. He didn't notice Scott, who was lying on his bed. He appeared to have just showered. "What's the matter?" Scott asked. Warren was startled when he heard a voice from nowhere. "Jesus, give a guy some warning. Would you?" He made a comment. "Logan is relentless. He inquired about you."
"I'll speak with him." Scott stated. "How are you feeling? I had only been gone for two hours. Shouldn't you be in bed?" Warren questioned him.
"I'm feeling better. And I am in bed." Scott grinned at him.
"Not my bed. Yours. You've heard what Hank said."
"But your bed is very comfortable."
"Scott." Warren spoke shyly. "You're making it increasingly difficult for me."
"I'm totally fine. We can exercise caution. Unless, of course, you don't want to. Oh, shit! I didn't mean to impose. I'm so sorry!" Scott jumped to his feet and mumbled an apology. He ran away before Warren could react.
Scott entered the kitchen. He was furious with himself for pushing Warren to have sex with him. Obviously, the other person did not want to. He was appalled with himself. He trudged over to the refrigerator to make himself a sandwich and cursed himself for being such a cretin. He hadn't eaten breakfast, though, and his stomach grumbled.
He searched the refrigerator for the bread and then turned to face Logan, who was staring him down. "I think we should talk." Scott was forthcoming. With a nod, Logan confirmed. "But first, you must keep your word and not reveal it to anyone. Not even Xavier."
"Do I look like I gossip over tea and crumpets?" Logan sarcastically inquired. Scott didn't respond to the remark. "Look. While I was hurt, I was out with a friend. We discovered women being trafficked and intervened to save them. The bad guys were not amused and shot me. We, on the other hand, dealt with them.
Logan's brow furrowed and he growled. "Can you tell me who this friend of yours was?" "It makes no difference. What matters is that lives were saved." Scott responded. "How come you didn't call the X-Men?" He inquired. "You were on a mission. I was unable to contact the young mutants. Logan, we took care of it." Scott answered.
"Actions like this almost always have consequences, Slim." Logan muttered.
"I know."
"What exactly do you mean?"
"A man impaled himself and warned us that someone was going to come after us," Scott shrugged. "For the X-Men, it's just another weeknight."
Logan was alarmed. "Fuck!" he barked. He was enraged and started grumbling incoherently.
"I'm not sure what you're saying." Scott noted. "Could you please stop frothing over my sandwich? I'm trying to eat!" He instigated Logan, who hurled the sandwich at Scott's shirt and stormed out of the room, muttering about teenagers and idiots. "And he's puzzled as to why I don't share things with him." Scott picked up the food and threw it in the trash. He made eggs and toast and brewed a pot of joe in the hopes that it would appease Warren. He carried it upstairs to his room on a tray.
-
"Wait, Warren?" Scott took a look at the blonde perched on a chair. He didn't expect the other to speak to him after what had just happened. "Scott, I didn't mean to reject you... I never mentioned that I didn't want you. I'm just curious...why is there mustard on your shirt?" Warren wondered aloud, distracted.
"Logan flung my sandwich at me." Scott stated as if everyone could get why his shirt was stained. "So, It didn't go well? You telling him everything." Warren added his two cents. "He became twitchy and frothy, and started mumbling. And I believe he desires tea and crumpets." Scott uttered.
"Everyone is craving tea and crumpets." Warren shook his head. "Something I brought for us." Scott gestured with his head towards the tray. "A peace offering with a piece of toast. How noble of you." Warren joked. "I had never considered the pun until now. Sorry for putting you in such a jam." Scott indicated the small jar of jam. Warren chuckled.
Scott finished his eggs and slathered jam on his toast. Warren cocked his brow at Scott. "What?" Scott asked as he took a bite. "Why do you even bother with the toast? Just eat the jam." Warren made a dry remark. "That's rich coming from you. Instead of sprinkling eggs on it, why don't you just eat the salt?" Scott responded.
"Are we going to be like an old married couple who nag each other to death and then decide in our golden years that we want to kill each other so I run you over with my wheelchair and you drown me in a vat of jam?" Warren smirked. Warren's description made Scott guffaw. "Well, if we don't die from hypertension and diabetes, I'm sure I can find a nice vat of jam." He commented.
"It's kind of serene. We probably have enough free time if we're trying to kill each other. That means there will be no missions. No bad guys. Just us. In any case, I'd rather kill you with sex." Warren smirked and shared the information just as Scott began to drink his water.
Scott choked up from the shock of what he'd said, spraying water all over Warren's shirt. "What?" He laughed incredulously at him. "Wait a minute, what did you just say?"
"You already know what I said." Warren stated as he examined his shirt. "How would you like me to say it again?" Warren questioned confidently.
"I'd like you to say it again while you're on your back," Scott grinned. He proceeded to lean over Warren for a kiss, which the other gladly accepted but was interrupted.
"Not right now. You've been hurt." Warren asserted as they parted ways.
Scott sighed in exasperation. "You're such a tease."
"Ha Ha. Fuck you." Warren reacted snarkily. "That would be fantastic." Scott added his honest opinion. Scott removed his stained shirt and tossed it to the ground. The tray had been set aside. Warren knelt on the bed and kissed Scott, whose lips met his. Scott encircled Warren's hips with his legs. They groaned at the way their bodies brushed against each other. When Warren inadvertently touched Scott's waist, his breath caught in his throat. Warren drew back. "As much as I want to make love to you right now, I believe your wound is telling you not to, and I actually think we should listen to Hank's advice." Warren made a remark while staring at Scott's form.
He cut himself off from the other. His throat was parched, and his body ached for Scott. However, he didn't want Scott's injury to worsen. Scott let out a sigh. "Come on, Angel. It's irrelevant." Warren made a weak motion with his head. "I'm aware of what you're doing. You're calling me Angel as a compliment, so I crawl back to you. But it's not going to work." Warren sighed, annoyed that he had to be the one to say no.
Scott stood up. "Well, if nothing else is going on, I should get some work done."
"You do that," Warren said, flustered and attempting to hide his erection. Scott nodded, kissed Warren on the mouth, and departed the room.
Scott was desperately looking for any known files on Mister Sinister in the newly built war room. There had to be some information someplace buried deep. He was inside for hours, strategizing, calculating, and attempting to find clues as to his whereabouts and his M.O. Nevertheless, the search was futile. Mister Sinister was not only unknown, but it appeared that he had never existed. He slammed his fists against the table, frustrated. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes before removing his glasses. He grabbed his hair and rested his forehead on the cool metal desk. A headache appeared to be on the way. He sought to make sense of the orphanage's muddled memories. A place he'd never want to return to.
The room was dark and dingy, with an antiseptic stench lingering in the air. He was faced by a shadowy man. As the hooded man pushed him down on a table and placed what appeared to be nodes on his head, he felt a chill run down his spine. "Scott Summers, you are, indeed, the ideal specimen." The figure exclaimed gleefully. The young boy, shivered. "Your genes are absolutely perfect. And when combined with the right one, you'll have the most powerful mutant in the universe." Milbury rambled on and on. He ran his fingers over Scott's chest, who winced. "Tsk tsk. It's too bad you won't remember this." Miburry implied. "I'd consume your head if I could. It's really lovely." Mister Sinister gave an evil laugh. "The way your brain works is both beautiful and delightful." The young man remained silent. He was comatose. Scott awoke with a start, noticing he was still in the War room. He looked around groggily, trying to make sense of what had happened. Professor Xavier's telepathic intrusion caused his subconscious to leak the memories. The nightmares were slowly unfolding.