Reassuring Scott

A few days passed. Yet Xavier had little time to brood. Between his students, monitoring the dome in Mexico, and trying to turn the tide of the anti-mutant sentiment in Bayville he kept busy. He did notice that Scott was uncharacteristically quiet.

"Is it just me or does Scott seem a bit…withdrawn lately?" He asked one afternoon when Shipwreck, Roadblock and Logan were visiting in the kitchen. "He didn't even scream at Lance when he and Peter had their latest fight this morning."

"Boy you really are dense aren't you?" Shipwreck groaned. "Of course he's a bit down in the mouth considering."

"Considering what?" Xavier asked.

"Hello? The whole David/Lucas/Ian thing?" Shipwreck said.

"The kid's feeling a bit displaced because he believes he's been replaced," Roadblock explained.

"Think about it from his point of view," Shipwreck said. "He sees you as some kind of surrogate father. For a long time you were the closest thing to a family he ever had. That's why he works so hard so that you'd be proud of him. Then along comes David your biological son…"

"I see," Xavier frowned.

"Let me give you some advice…" Shipwreck started.

"Oh yes I should listen to it since you were such a help two nights ago," Xavier replied sarcastically.

"I'm just saying that just because Scott acts all together doesn't mean that's how he is inside. Don't just take it for granted he's okay! The kid needs you too," Shipwreck said. "And every now and then it helps to let him know that you care about him. Don't forget that. Come on, anyone with half a brain can see that!"

"Must be true if you figured it out," Logan grinned. "But he does have a point Charles."

"So what should I do?" Xavier asked.

"Talk to him, duh!" Shipwreck groaned.

Scott walked in. "Professor you wanted those reports about the New Mutant's progress?"

"Yes, thank you Scott," Xavier started.

"Oh look I think the lawn is on fire again," Roadblock said casually peeking outside. "Better go check on it."

"No it isn't," Shipwreck said. Logan elbowed him. "Oh yeah I mean yes it is!" They left the room.

"I take it you wanted to talk to me?" Scott asked.

"Yes it's about Lucas," Xavier sighed. "I've noticed that you've been a little…distant lately. Scott you may not be my son biologically, but I couldn't be any prouder of you than if you were my own. You know that right?"

"Were my feelings that obvious?" Scott sighed.

"Let's just say you don't need to be a telepath to see it," Xavier sighed. "I suppose I don't tell all of you how I feel about you enough. I do tend to…take things for granted sometimes. I suppose that's part of the reason why my marriage failed in the first place. Maybe if I just kept in contact with Gabrielle or didn't take it for granted that…Well no use crying over that now."

"It's just that I keep thinking…" Scott hesitated.

"Go on."

"Well if David…If you knew about him…Would you still have brought me to the Institute?"

"Scott how can you even think that?" Xavier gasped. "Of course. You are a remarkable young man. I knew I wanted you the moment I found you. Don't ever think otherwise."

"I know its silly but…" Scott shrugged.

"No, it's just the way you feel," Xavier sighed. "And there's nothing silly about that at all. You know it's easy for me to forget that you and the other X-Men are still young sometimes."

KABOOOOOOOOMMM!

"Unfortunately right now is not one of them," Xavier winced. "What happened this time? I can't look."

"Well the lawn really is on fire now," Scott. "You know you would have think by now Forge would have learned not to choose Bedlam has his assistant when he's working on his inventions."

"Oh yes…" Xavier sighed. "I knew there was a reason I get wrapped up in my work sometimes."

"And I can honestly say I don't blame you," Scott winced as he saw the bonfire on the lawn.