Cipher's Elegy

By Cypher

Chapter Four: First Date

Douglas picked up his tray and smiled at Kitty. Thanks to Logan announcing a nocturnal training session, their date on Saturday was moved up to lunch and a movie. Of course, being his first date, he wasn't really sure if he should dress formally or casually, or somewhere in-between. After ten minutes of just staring at his dresser (and ignoring the grumbling roommate who had gotten caught after his morning ruckus), he gave up and headed to Scott's room. Hank had suggested seeing him for advice on girls, dating, all of the relationship stuff. Kurt was a bit...different. He didn't know the American standards for dating.

Apparently, dating advice was the one thing Scott had a sense of humor on. At least, he THOUGHT he did. His jokes were terrible. Still, he had gotten some good advice. Dress casually, but a little higher standard than what you wear for school. Stay away from foods that don't react well with your body. That, unfortunately, ruled out Indian food, which Douglas loved. Don't bring up any hot topics, like politics, mutant's rights, that sorta thing. Relationships can be destroyed by those.

Scott had failed to mention that Kitty was a vegetarian, and almost ruined the day by him suggesting Chinese food for lunch. Fortunately, though, she had made a rather...well, cute, but disturbing face at the steak kiosk that Douglas figured meat wasn't her thing. Good thing there's a vegetarian pizza. Kitty went and bought some fries to go with the Italian food, a habit she had picked up from Kurt.

"But you tell a soul, and I'll have to hurt you." Kitty took her seat and munched on a couple of the potato strips.

Douglas sat across from her and set the tray down, handing her some napkins and her drink. "I'm sworn to secrecy." Bobby, who he was starting to warm up to, had mentioned that Kitty tended to avoid fast food like the plague. Someone else who failed to mention she doesn't like meat. Sheesh. "So, um," He rubbed his hand on his leg. Think, think...what can you talk about? "What's your family like?"

Kitty raised an eyebrow. This really is his first date ever. Of course, it was only fair. On the ride over, Douglas had told her about his family life, or lack thereof. Normally family was a topic Kitty avoided until the fourth or fifth date. Then again, I never asked him to talk about his family, he just started talking about himself. Taking a bite out of her slice of pizza to avoid speaking for a few moments, she glanced over at her date. His body language was nervous, despite how he was trying to act relaxed, and his face held such a naïveté, his blue eyes sparkling with hope, that Kitty decided to go against her rules. Just this once.

~*()*~

"Kitty? Kitty, where are you?" Kurt poked his head into the kitchen. "Kitty?"

"She's out." Rouge rested a hand on her hip. "Why're you looking for Kitty?"

"Just wanted some help with something." Kurt quickly flitted away, his tail whipping in the doorway as he left.

Rouge shook her head. I'm not going to be the one to tell him the truth.

Kurt paused briefly at the living room, but decided against going in when he noticed the New Mutants hanging out, including one grumpy Iceman. Kurt had gotten his revenge that morning. He had failed to acquire the fake snake, so he had resorted to using an oldie, but a goodie. He had scared Bobby out of his mind by coming to him at two in the morning making a demon face. The result was a snowed room, and a cold Sam yelling obscenities at his roommate. Sure, it cost him a week of cleaning the hangar, but hearing Bobby scream like that was worth the labor. It was a sweet retribution that guaranteed Bobby would have a few sleepless nights.

Granted, he didn't like using his looks like that, and Kitty had given him a glare that would've killed a lessor mutant. The only person who really laughed at it was Douglas, who, thanks to his earplugs, had missed the entire fiasco and was informed about it by Kurt the this morning. Kurt knew the others would give him a bit of a berth for the next few days, but Douglas would keep him company. That reminds me. When Bobby and I are on speaking terms again, we've got to induct the new mutant.

Kurt paused in his retreat towards his room. Actually, where is Douglas? I haven't seen him since breakfast. Going into his room, he hopped onto the light fixture and hung upside down, crossing his arms and staring at his roommate's bed. Kitty's been gone about the same time. Would...could Douglas be her date? He thought about how his roommate became flustered around any girl, as well as his shy nature and intellectual alienation. No. He talks to me about everything. He would've talked about it at least once, and he'd probably act differently around Kitty.

Still, a part of his mind tingled with the disturbing fact that the two could, in fact, be dating.

~*()*~

"You're Jewish?" Douglas wiped his hands on his napkin and folded his arms on the table. "Really? You? I kinda had you pegged as, well, a Protestant."

Way to be honest. Kitty admitted that the honesty was refreshing, but at the same time she wondered whether or not she should feel insulted. "No, I'm a healthy Jewish girl, through and through. What about you? Are you Christian?"

Douglas choked on his drink and coughed, setting his soda down and pounding his chest. "I, uh...it's just...um..."

Kitty tilted her head. What? Religion isn't something I'd break up with a person for. Of course, I'd have to really think before I kept dating-

"I'm an atheist." Douglas hunched his shoulders, and his eyes failing to meet Kitty's.

Kitty groaned. I shouldn't have asked. "You don't believe in God?"

Douglas opened his mouth, then shut it, his brow scrunching up in what was becoming known around the mansion as his 'thinking face.' "It's not that I don't believe in God. I just...feel he doesn't exist any more."

"Huh?"

He sat up a bit and flexed his fingers, his face still tense as his thoughts gathered. "I've...wondered about God for a long time, and when I was old enough, I did research. Lots of research. And I came to the conclusion that God doesn't exist now, but at one point he did." Douglas' eyes search the table, and he picked up a straw wrapper, folding it into a ball. "You see, according to the laws of nature, physics, hell, let's go with the laws of science, an object that is at rest, stays at rest." He set the paper ball on the table. "But an object in motion stays in motion," he rolled the ball, illustrating his point, "until another force comes and acts upon said object," he waved as the ball fell off the edge of a table. "Thus, if we consider life, events of nature, and all of that and go back to determine its origin, we'd never find it because forces would be interacting upon one another ad infinitum."

Kitty's head was beginning to spin, and she could sort of follow what he was saying, but at the same time, she kept part of her mind tuned inward, thinking about whether she should continue dating Douglas, or if this should be their last date. He's certainly given this God thing a lot of thought.

Douglas continued, leaning forward slightly and folding his hands on the table. "As astrophysics insinuates that everything was at rest before the big bang, nothing should've happened to begin life. So my theory is that God, not necessarily who we know, but a being of great power, maybe one that's transcended into a form of energy that can alter reality with thought, was the initial force that set all events in motion. Why he, well, it, did that, who knows, but God, the all powerful deity, is a form of, well, think a mutant that can be everywhere, at all times, with the power to do create and destroy matter with a thought. It's the ultimate end of evolution. Thus, God isn't with us now, but something that we, well, we won't be because we'll be dead, but at some point a creature will be by matching that evolutionary standard." Douglas paused in his explanation, his lips pursed. His eyes darkened slightly as his thoughts went tumbling.

Kitty let out a slow breath. He's finally finished. Alright, she admitted it to herself, she really shouldn't have asked, and she couldn't completely understand him, but got the gist of why he didn't believe in God. He doesn't look worried, or anything. He was just...telling me why, and he doesn't think that's wrong. Now that she thought about it, she realized that her reasons, her beliefs in Judaism didn't even begin to delve into the depths Douglas had. Maybe I should do some research, find out a reason why I believe what I believe.

"There is, of course," Kitty looked over at him, but he hadn't moved and was staring at a window, "another theory that God is simply a definition, a thing that can break the known universal rules. If a person can create more matter than is destroyed at one point in time, and since matter is a form of energy, that would fulfill the definition of God because the balance is disrupted." He blinked a couple times. "I'm...sorry." Douglas deflated and faced her again. "You probably didn't want to hear that. I'm sorry to bore you."

Kitty simply remained smiling. "Hey, no biggie. It was kinda interesting."

Douglas shook his head and tapped his empty cup. "No it wasn't. No one ever finds it interesting."

Kitty flinched. Okay, I can understand why...

"Thanks for at least pretending to listen. Most people just...leave, or cut me off when I'm explaining it." He smiled, his eyes meeting Kitty's. "Thank you. I do respect other people's beliefs, and I try not to...talk someone out of believing in God." He rubbed the back of his neck. "Don't question your faith because of what I said, Kitty."

Kitty reached over and rubbed his upper arm, careful of the nearly healed shoulder. "Hey, it's alright. You just wanted to, like, tell me why you believe what you believe. That makes sense. You probably get tons of people trying to make you religious."

Douglas nodded. "Yeah. They don't even listen when I try to explain why I don't believe in a God. I have reasons, and I just...want people to respect it."

Kitty watched him for a minute, then got up and slid into the seat next to him, wrapping her arms around his chest and hugging him. "I respect it."

Douglas tensed up a minute, then tentatively wrapped an arm around Kitty's waist. "Thank you."

~*()*~

"Cerebro still can't find this Jonah?"

Xavier shook his head and removed the head piece of the massive computer. "No, Logan. I did manage to pinpoint him once, I believe, but he vanished."

Logan walked forward and stood beside the telepathic mutant. "A teleporter?"

"No. Cerebro couldn't locate him anywhere after he vanished. It was almost as if he vanished into thin air." Xavier steepled his fingers. "Someone who can turn invisible, perhaps."

"Or he could have just died."

Xavier sighed. "Yes, Logan, I know. I'd rather not think the worst, however."

"Humpf." Logan walked towards the door.

Xavier followed him. "Have you met with Hank already?"

"Why? Was he calling for me?"

"He found the reason Douglas was unreadable." He entered the elevator, waiting for Logan to get it. "His hunch was right. His brain uses different parts of his mind, as well as far more complex neuron interactions than the normal human, or mutant for that matter."

"Doesn't the elf have different wiring?" Nightcrawler's mental spatial capabilities were renowned through the Institute. Logan had helped the teen judge spatial dimensions for non-line-of-sight teleports.

"His is enhanced, but Douglas' is completely rewired. His frontal lobes have twice as much activity, and the cerebral cortex, where my telepathy is centered, well, not standard. His ability to hear, see, and speak has also moved to the frontal lobe, while the Parietal, Temporal, and Occipital lobe have been redesigned to minimize auditory functions. He also has an enhanced, and slightly larger, somatosensory cortex, but it doesn't follow the standard PET models."

"So every time you tried to read his mind, you ran into a compatibility problem." Logan narrowed his eyes. If Magneto ever gained a telepath, Cipher's mind would be a great advantage. "Interesting..."

"Unfortunately, neither Jean or I can scan him unless we push beyond that incompatibility and force a scan on him, which could potentially harm him, possibly even kill him. With some work, I may be able to become somewhat mentally compatible, but it will take hours of private sessions, so it may be best if I wait until he's finished his main training." Xavier rolled out onto the main floor, heading for his office. "So I'll be relying on you and the other instructors to tell me how he's fitting in. Be sure you consult fellow students, as well. It's unlikely he'd deceive us, but he is a teenager."

"Got it." Logan input the code and crossed his arms as the elevator descended towards the Danger Room to prepare for that night.

~*()*~

"And here I you'd be into scary movies." Kitty threw away her empty popcorn container and stretched her back, feeling her bones pop into place after two hours of sitting still for the movie.

"Well, things like Alien I like, but things like Carrie I won't go near." Douglas seemed a bit less uncomfortable after sitting for so long, though Kitty winced as he twisted his arms in a strange position.

"You've, like, been getting yoga lessons from Kurt, haven't you."

"A few." Douglas grinned and let his arms fall, unconsciously taking Kitty's hand and holding it. "Did you enjoy the movie?"

"Like, of course. Who wouldn't love a romantic comedy." She glanced at her hand, but said nothing. It seemed more of an instinct than anything else. And it's kinda sweet. I wonder what he'll do when he realizes what he's doing. "So, where to?"

Douglas shrugged and glanced at his watch. "We need to get back to the Institute. I guess we should catch a ride home."

"Scott said he'd be here at the end of the movie, so he should be around here somewhere." Kitty got pushed closer to Douglas as someone shoved her walking by. She blushed slightly, but didn't make any move to distance herself from Douglas again.

Douglas bit his lip. Part of him enjoyed having Kitty so close to him, but another part of him was screaming to get away. She's just...cuddling, that's all. No need to panic, no need to push her away. Just remain calm, play it cool, and she won't even notice your racing heart. He kept scanning the crowds, looking for the telltale ruby glasses that Scott Summers always wore.

"Hey, yo, who's the new guy?"

Kitty groaned. It just figures they'd have to show up.

Douglas, not recognizing the voice, hadn't realized the question was thrown at him and Kitty. "Where is he?"

"Hey, Pretty Kitty. Who's the loser?"

"No one, Lance. Just, like, back off." Kitty tightened her grip on Douglas. If she had to phase them out of there, she would. He's not ready to take on the Brotherhood.

Douglas faced this Lance person and raised an eyebrow at the ruffian look he was sporting. "And this is...?" He did recognize a hint of jealousy in the brown eyes, but Lance didn't seem the sort of person Kitty would hang out with.

"Lance Alvers." Lance smirked and stood taller.

Douglas blinked, not quite sure how to take the self-assured stance. "Is that name supposed to impress me?"

"Hah! You got dissed." Todd hopped next to Lance, eyeing Douglas up and down.

Douglas wrinkled his nose. "Ugh...what is that smell?" He looked around, trying to find the source.

"It's Toad." Kitty sighed. "What do you two want?"

"We hear you have another new mutant. We just wanna give him a warm Brotherhood welcome." Lance cracked his knuckles.

Douglas frowned. "You're the Brotherhood?" Douglas looked over at Kitty. "What do we do when we run into them in public?"

"So you're the new mutant?" Toad had a wicked grin that Kitty didn't like. "What's your power?"

Douglas thought a moment. I could tell the truth, or I could tell a lie.

Kitty stepped between him and the Brotherhood members. She could tell they were going to try something, whether they knew his power or not. Come on, Scott, like, show up already.

Douglas finally shrugged, settling on a half truth. "I'm Wolverine's protégé."

Kitty tried not to laugh as the two mutants facing her looked visibly shaken. Toad even took a step back. "So you see, it's not a wise idea to, like, mess with him."

"Yeah, well is that supposed to impress me?" Lance's hands curled into fists and he stepped into a fighting stance.

"Kitty, Douglas. Come on! We're gonna be late!" Scott rested a hand on his glasses, watching the Brotherhood mutants, letting them know he would let loose if they made any threatening moves.

Douglas walked over to the older mutant, his hand clenching Kitty's.

Kitty tried not to wince. He's good at putting up a calm front. Guess he's dealt with bullies before, but if he doesn't ease up, soon, I'm gonna have to phase out of his grip. Thankfully, once she and Douglas were behind Scott and backing away, heading for the parking lot, Douglas let go of her hand.

They retreated in silence. Once in the car, however, Douglas collapsed into his seat and stared at the sky, taking deep breaths.

Kitty waved off Scott's questioning glance and she ran a hand through his hair. "It's alright, they're back at the mall and we're heading home. You handled it really well."

Douglas simply nodded, still trying to get his heart rate down. He knew getting it back to normal would be impossible with Kitty around him, but he had to get it below the anxiety attack level.

"That was, like, a great idea. Telling them you were training with Wolverine." Kitty couldn't wait to tell the others about Lance's expression. Serves him right. With luck he'll stop calling me Pretty Kitty, too.

"Sorry."

Kitty patted Douglas' arm. "For what?"

"I dunno." He chuckled. Kitty smiled, glad he was getting back to normal. "But I just kinda think it...ruined our date."

"You couldn't have known they'd be there. Besides, the date's not over yet." She noticed Scott look in the rearview mirror. Back off.

"It's not?" He sat up, tilting his head.

"The date's not over until you walk the girl to the door." Scott grinned and adjusted his mirror. I'll talk with him about dealing with the Brotherhood later. "You okay?"

"Yeah, just scared half to death. I've never faced off against a mutant, except Wolverine, and there I knew I'd be safe somewhat safe." Douglas rubbed his forehead. "So, if our date's still on, what do we do now?"

"Well, you walk me to the door." And I think I'll sneak something else, too. She leaned against Douglas and watched the scenery go by.

Douglas tensed slightly, but he had begun to get used to Kitty leaning against him. Keep it calm. Just stay relaxed...relaxed... The ride, however, ended mere moments later.

"I'll see you two inside." Scott put his arm over the passenger seat and faced the younger teens.

Kitty nodded. "Thanks, Scott." She hopped out of the car. Douglas followed suit, though his landing was far less graceful. After Scott pulled away, Kitty took Douglas' hand and walked him to the door.

"Aren't I supposed to escort you?" Douglas didn't mind the role reversal, though.

"Like, it doesn't matter." She stopped in front of the entrance and faced her date. "You think we could do this again?"

Douglas shrugged. "I guess, but I'd think you'd get bored seeing the same movie again." His mouth quirked upward.

Okay, lame, but he's loosening up, at least. She gave him a small giggle. "I meant maybe dinner next time."

"Yeah, I'd like that." Douglas shuffled his feet. He wasn't sure what he was supposed to do, but if all the movies he saw were any indication, she was expecting him to kiss her.

"So, like, goodnight."

"We're gonna see each other in ten minutes."

Kitty laughed that time. "Well, goodnight for ten minutes, then." He's not going to, so I might as well do it now. She stepped forward and kissed the tall teen, wrapping her arms around his chest. Nice...

Douglas stood shocked for a minute, before tentatively putting his arms around Kitty as well. Being his first kiss, he wasn't sure how to respond, but he gave it a shot, not wanting to seem uninterested. This is...surprising. I like it, but it's...different from what I've seen, or thought it'd be like. It's better.

Kitty was the one to break the intimate action, smiled, and phased her way through the door.

Still stunned, Douglas followed her, only to walk straight into the glass of the front door, thus ending the special moment. Ow...but that was great. Real great...

~*()*~

~*()*~

~*()*~

Author's Prattle: Chapter four, she is here! I wrote it entirely in my History class (damn GE requirements). Half on Monday, half on Wednesday. And yes, I DID include some stuff from my Philosophy class for Cipher's explanation. Just want to let you know that his views are not necessarily my own. Also included some bio stuff for Cipher's brain. Yes, those ARE real areas.

Let's see...what do I need to talk about here...oh, the mall is supposed to be Bayview mall, however I had to assume that the food available is similar to what's available at the mall where I live. Oh, sorry if the romance is corny or unrealistic. Keep in mind I've never had a romantic relationship, so I'm winging it (especially since I normally write shounen ai couples).

Disclaimers. Let's start with what I DO own. I own Jonah. That's it. All references (characters, locations, etc) of X-Men Evolution belong to Marvel. I also do not own, let's see...the food court, The Five Pillars of Proof (of God) (I'm trying to remember who wrote that...suffice to say, I don't own it). I also don't own the definition of God Cipher uses. I'm paraphrasing from a book I read a while back (when WAS the last time I read?). Can't remember what it's titled, though. I don't own Alien or Carrie, they belong to...well, no clue with Alien, but Carrie belongs to Stephen King, I believe. Um...I believe that's all, but if you recognize another reference to a movie, book, essay, I probably don't own it.

Boy that's a lot of Disclaimers for this chapter. Chapter five should be out soon, probably dealing with Nightcrawler finding out, so hopefully there'll be some Angst. On a separate note, I've posted my first Stargate SG-1 fic. If you have time and like the genre, enjoy! Otherwise, reviews are always welcome, and see you next time!