And Move On
By Kryptonite
_____Late Nights_____________________________________________
Problems sleeping? Tori asked when Scott came shuffling into one of the smaller rooms off the kitchen.
I didn't see you. I'll just- Scott jerked his thumb back out the door and he bumbled his half-awake thoughts towards the door.
It's okay. I'm simply sitting and eating. Wanna join me? She held up an extra spoon and motioned to the empty chair at the table.
Sure. Scott sat down, double-checking the visor he wore when he slept and when he went out in public. Tori pushed the tub of ice cream closer to the older man. Picking up the extra spoon, he started eating the strawberry ice cream.
The two shoveled spoonful after spoonful into their mouths, not bothering to talk about anything.
So. Tori swallowed the ice cream in her mouth and continued talking. Wanna talk about it? Scott swallowed as well and stared at the pink ice cream in the tub.
About what? He asked carefully, sticking another spoonful in his mouth, willing his thoughts away from Jean in case Tori was telepathic.
About whatever kept you from sleeping. She answered quietly, closing her mouth around the spoon once she finished.
Not really.
Tori shrugged, Okay.
The pattern was the same for the next week or so. Scott wouldn't be able to sleep, Tori would have a bucket of ice cream in front of her and the two would sit and eat it together. Every night Tori asked the same question, and every night she got the same answer.
I miss her. Tori waited for the rest of the words to come. I still can't believe she's gone. I mean, it was so sudden. Scott bit off his words with another gulp of strawberry ice cream.
She meant- means so much to me. I love her.
She sacrificed herself for the good of everyone else. Scott slammed his fists against the table.
What good? Without her, everything is useless! Existence is pitiful! She was everything!
Scott plunked his head down on the table and started crying. Not saying anything, Tori scooted closer and pulled Scott into her arms. Sitting silently, she let Scott cry his eyes out without interrupting. When Scott was done crying Tori pulled away and went to put the ice cream away.
I'm sorry. Coming to stand by Scott, she forced him to look in her eyes.
Speaking with a passion she told him very firmly, Never, never apologize for what you just did. Never. With those words, Tori turned and walked out the door, leaving Scott staring after her.
~~~~~
What's going on? Wolverine asked when he walked in to see a group of students converging in the rec room, kids on the outside straining to see.
Someone's arguing. The kid in front of him answered absently.
Any idea who?
New kid. Hearing those two words, Logan pushed his way to the front. A few kids argued but, once they saw who it was, they shut up.
I'm not apologizing. Tori's voice hit Logan's ears first. Then Rogue's.
Why not? You did this to him! Rogue was angry, much angrier than Logan had ever heard her.
He should have left me alone. I warned him. Bobby groaned from his place on the floor. Snarling, Rogue practically tossed herself at the girl. Moving sideways, Tori ducked out of the way of Rogue's wild attack.
Rogue. Bobby's soft, strained voice stopped Rogue in her tracks, freezing her before she ran back to his side.
I'm here. Rogue glared at Tori once more before giving Bobby her complete attention. Tori frowned and walked through the crowd and out of the room.
What happened? Logan asked, kneeling next to Bobby's stretched out body.
She persuaded' me to leave her alone. She was a little to specific how.
Rogue clenched her teeth, When I see her again she's not gonna be able to persuade' anyone again.
Rogue, no. Bobby said, clutching at her arm. I'm okay, nothing happened.
Fine. I don't have to like her though.
That's okay. Just don't hurt her. Bobby smiled up at his girlfriend as Logan managed to break up the crowd of students watching.
~~~~~
What did you do to Bobby Drake? Scott asked when he entered the room.
Hello Scott. How are you tonight? She asked too pleasantly.
What did you do? Scott demanded this time.
I just asserted a little power. Nothing that could hurt him. He just sorta collapsed.
You had nothing to do with it?
Nothing.
Okay then. He sat down and grabbed at the second spoon.
And even if I did do something, I wasn't aware of it so I can't get blamed.
That's faulty logic. Tori shrugged.
Works for me. The two ate in silence.
It appears you have the same problem I do. Scott said suddenly after a few minutes of silence.
Tori gulped, And what would that be?
Too much pride. Digesting that bit of information, Tori and Scott snared the last few bites in their tenth or eleventh tub of ice cream in two weeks.
Good night Scott.
Good night Tori. Scott answered, watching the mutant walk out the door, humming under her breath. I wish you were here Jean. There's so much I want to tell you. I miss you so much.'
~~~~~
Scott? I'd like to speak with you a moment.
Yes Professor? Scott asked, smiling down at the man who had helped him when he found out about his powers. And the man who had introduced him to Jean.
I know that Jean's... death was a tragedy, but you need to get back to your classes. We need you. Scott inclined his head and took a deep breath.
Of course Professor. He tried to keep a semblance of neutrality in his voice.
Thank you Scott. I really am sorry.
I know. If you don't mind, I'm going to go to my room.
Of course Scott. Cyclops didn't pay any attention as he wandered down the mansion's halls to his room. He did notice that the window in his room was open, after that everything clicked.
His bed was made, his clothes were washed and folded, the furniture and pictures were dusted, the floors were swept and the bathroom was cleaned. On top of a pile of clothes was a note.
Thanks for the ice cream.
~ Tori
Shaking his head, he moved the stacks of clean smelling clothes into their proper drawers and then laid down on top of the bed spread, not bothering to pull it back and getting under the covers. Thanks, he muttered, before slipping into unconsciousness and dreams of Jean.
