A/N - PracticallyAnAvenger & XMenOverAvengers - love to see you both weigh in! I won't drag this down on detailed responses, but know that we love to see the speculation - but not as much as we love to see the shouty enthusiasm. Off we go! This one is a long time coming (and not just because I'm stressed.) Enjoy!
Chapter 89: Fair Game
James was getting anxious with the way that the press corps was gathering up as close as legally possible for them to do so as he came and went between the house and school. Tony had set Pepper on task to get the legal team in gear to get them to back off, but with his birthday just a few days off, they were getting pushy and trying more and more creative ways to try and scoop an exclusive.
In the past few days alone after Thanksgiving break, James had been asked in transit at least a dozen times if he was seeing anyone, what his plans were after he finished up whatever he was doing at MIT, and pestering him for specifics on what exactly he was trying to button up there. But, considering how hard the dean had been on him, James didn't want to draw any undue attention down on any particular department - so he didn't say a word to any of them as he ignored them as much as possible. Not that they didn't speculate after seeing which buildings he was using.
The student body was starting to speculate, too, but to James' relief no one on the staff would crack - citing student privacy issues. But still, details were starting to leak out. Like the number of Masters' he was pursuing at the moment, even if they didn't know specifically, the comparisons to Tony's education had them pretty sure what he was working on, even if they were all talking like it was very likely too ambitious for a person of his background.
But that only made sure that he wasn't endeared to any of them any more than the others when the tone was one of derision.
Yet, even with photographers trying to sneak peeks in the windows of the library and the lab, James was more or less guaranteed quiet there. So that was where he was as often as he could be, for as long as he could be while he pushed harder to finish the damn degrees faster. He was ignoring calls from the team to go on runs - even when they were close to Massachusetts - not that they didn't understand why.
The team was, in fact, on a rescue pick up near the Louisiana/Texas line that James had sorely regretted not going on when Katarina decided to try again to make friends.
James was buried in a paper, translating it from Japanese to English and making notes on what was useful to him when his emerald-eyed admirer stepped up behind him and gently rested her hands on his shoulders.
"You are working far too hard," she purred as James drew his shoulders up toward his ears trying to gently dissuade her from touching him. It was much easier for him to draw lines in the sand when he was focused on something else, it turned out. But it wasn't enough of a clue to get her to back off like he'd hoped. Instead of removing her hands, she stepped in closer and ran her fingertips down and across his chest until she was leaning over his shoulder and half wrapped around him. "Why don't you take a little study break with me?"
It was a lot harder for him to think straight when she was touching him and using that song-like tone. Or maybe it was her scent when she was too close. "Katrina-"
"Katarina," she corrected with a smile as he turned his head to try to see her, then carefully pulled her arms off of him to steal back his space. "Or Kata."
"Sorry. Katarina," James repeated, then rubbed his eyes with one hand while she stepped back, smiling. "That was rude of me. I meant no disrespect. I'm just not … focused on names right now."
"I see that," she said, then sat down next to him. "Would it kill you to take a coffee break?"
James sat back and blew out a breath. He'd lost his place in the paper anyhow and it'd probably take him ten minutes to find it again now. "I may have to," he admitted.
"Then if you have to, come with me," Katarina said in her sing-song tone. "We'll only be gone for a few minutes. We can even stay inside away from the windows so you're not harassed."
James looked over to the librarians, well aware of the fact that they would need to be asked to leave the materials out he was working on. "Give me a minute," James said finally since he was in need of a short break anyhow. He got up as Katarina watched, then he walked over to ask politely as he knew how if they'd allow him to leave the materials out on the table while he took a short study break, though he noticed that the woman that usually gave him such a hard time was nowhere to be seen. The older woman behind the desk, however, was more than happy to accommodate while he was being so polite and a few moments later, James let out a weary sigh as he grudgingly took a short break with Katarina grinning at him on the way down to grab a cup of coffee at the closest cafe on campus.
The two of them ordered a snack and some drinks, but once they found a booth to sit down, Katarina looked up at him with a small cringe. "I forgot to grab napkins - do you mind?"
"No problem," James said, shaking his head lightly as he turned automatically. When he came back less than a minute later, she was smiling crookedly at him, watching him carefully as he sat down to join her. He honestly didn't even know why he'd agreed to have coffee with her other than he felt slightly bad about how their first meeting had left her hanging … and then of course, screwing up her name … But he'd already decided that this was simply a means to apologize if he needed to and to try and gently turn her down for whatever she thought she might get out of him since … her non-verbal cues and her scent was loud and clear in telling him she wasn't just after coffee.
"Listen, Katarina," James said even before he'd picked up his coffee. "I appreciate your valiant attempts to get me to break from studying but-"
"I know, you're not looking for anyone," Katarina said, cutting him off. "But you also look like you can use a friendly face here, so … I think I can restrain myself for now to manage that much."
When James let out a hollow laugh and rested his chin on his knuckles with his arms propped up on the table, she pointedly picked up her cup of coffee. "I only wanted to see if you can be more personable outside of the library - I've only ever seen you studying. So please … take a moment to breathe."
He nodded silently, since that was indeed what he'd agreed to, not really paying too strict attention to how she was watching him as he took his cup and had a drink. He'd avoided coffee on campus the whole time he was there … no matter what the cafes did right, after having his mother's brand the way she brewed it, everything always tasted bitter to him, and that cup was no different. But, it was hot, and the little touch of cinnamon and vanilla almost made up for the bitter tang of overroasted beans. The bigger problem with it was that he knew that bitter coffee taste was going to linger until he could find a palate cleanser when he got to the house.
"Again," James said as he sat back. "I've been rude, and I know nothing about you. Why don't you tell me how long you've been going here and what you're studying."
She smiled and wrapped her long fingers around her cup before she started talking to him about her courseload - most of which pivoted around chemistry, which … she didn't look like any of the chemistry majors he'd met and he hadn't seen her in the related classes he was taking, either - not that it wasn't possible. He wasn't paying attention to the student body when he had to cram so much in at once, after all.
And while she talked, he drank his coffee just so he had something to do. All the way up until they were both done - then, she reached over and rested her hand on his wrist. "We should continue this in a more private setting," she said, and again, James found himself staring and trying to remind himself why that wasn't an option. "Come on, we can just take a ten minute drive to get out of this building."
"I don't have my car here," James said, though he was almost on autopilot, not even thinking of telling her no just yet. Especially when he couldn't make himself look away from those mesmerizing green eyes …
"I can drive," she said, smiling wider as James got to his feet with her. They started toward the door, but just before they got there, James slowed to a stop looking confused. "Is something wrong?"
James blinked and took a few steps backward. "Yeah. Why am I … Kata, I can't go with you."
"It's just for fresh air," she said in a laugh, perfectly delighted that he'd used a less formal name for her. "Or are you afraid we'll do something if we're too isolated?"
At the question, though, James honestly couldn't answer and that had him more set in the 'no' column. Even if he still felt badly about telling her no - and that … that little detail really had him spinning. "I'm sorry, Kata." He took another couple of steps back the way they'd come. "Thank you for the company and the coffee, but I really do need to finish up." He turned away from her even as she stared at him in shock. "Maybe I can make it up to you some other time … when I'm not so worn out."
"Yeah … o-kay," Katarina said, wide-eyed and sounding as if the rug had been pulled out from under her. When he paused to look over his shoulder at her ,she still had one hand halfway reaching for him and her expression was just … much more horrified - or even scared than James thought was even feasible for their limited encounters.
But … now he had a whole new problem he had to deal with. And it wasn't the kind of thing he could talk to Billy about. At all. Especially when he couldn't understand why he was so compelled to go with her. So, after he snapped a few photographs of the paper he'd been translating, returned all the texts and papers he was working off of, and headed toward the house, he took the time to text Rachel.
How'd the rescue go? He sent - both as a way to see where they were and to see how much energy she had available to her.
Wishing you went with, huh? Rachel replied.
Absolutely. Are you headed back yet?
What's wrong, little brother? Do you miss me terribly?
You have no idea.
There was a short pause before her last text came in. Open your mind if you want to talk. I can keep Nate out of it.
James sighed to himself, then took a moment to bottle up everything he could about his encounters with Katarina - the mental equivalent of tidying up his room before someone came in - then concentrated on Rachel as he gave her the path in. I'm not entirely home yet, James explained. But I'm … I think I'm in trouble.
Okay, we can swing by and get you.
No, not that kind of trouble, James said, mentally holding up both hands. It's just …. Rach.
Rachel's tone went more somber at hearing the conflict even in his mental voice. What happened?
I'd rather just show you when I can sit down in my room, James said. I don't really … I can't explain it.
Project, little brother. Maybe I can help.
Just keep it to yourself. I'm almost there .. show me how the mission ran in the meantime, James answered as he rushed the last few blocks to the house. He couldn't help smiling to himself on seeing how the run had gone and how smoothly the team was working without him, though he didn't shut that thought down fast enough for Rachel to miss it. Before she could correct him, he made it home and let Rachel into the memories of the encounter with every vivid detail his mind held on to … which included the scent catalogue and how he felt for all of it.
That in itself was totally self explanatory as to why it was trouble to James. She could feel the same pull he'd felt, and the hyperfixation at the time - the intense layers of scents and his thoughts before, during, and after both encounters.
But it wasn't really anything she thought James wanted to hear, either. Especially since by her estimation of what he'd seen, smelled, and felt … it was complex, but not anything like the way he felt about Billy. Even on their first meeting when James wasn't sure about the obvious flirting Billy had done. But considering all the horrible things the Summers kids had heard about how people viewed his mutation, she could instantly understand what he was concerned for.
Okay. I see what you're worried about, and yeah, okay, she's definitely pretty, Rachel said in a means to try and get him to lighten up. But that doesn't mean you're being animalistic, little brother. Yes, she's coming on to you, but you're not following that impulse. And you're not going to, right?
Rach, if I was going to do that, it'd already been done.
That's what I'm saying. She's a temptation, but you're not going there. You're doing fine with this. It'll pass. She'll get the hint.
Maybe, James replied, not feeling better about the situation at hand at all. He nearly severed the connection for how hard he tried to tamp down the impulse in his chest to go find Katarina. So he decided to explain himself for that rush - if Rachel had picked it up. He was pretty sure she had. I already feel like I need to make it up to her.
Yeah, don't do that. She was being forward, Rachel said, then tried for a more teasing tone. If you're going to split up with Billy, pick someone that's not a draw from below the beltline, huh?
Yes, that … that is exactly the kind of pep talk I needed to hear. Thank you Rachel, James replied dryly. A kinder, gentler 'get your mind out of the gutter, you absolute pervert' was definitely the kind of life advice I was seeking. If it wasn't such a serious concern and it wasn't just a below the beltline response you'd be tempting me into projecting what I was picturing at the time.
No, please don't! Rachel laughed. I just mean that I could see no part of that memory where you could see yourself with her for anything more than a one night stand or a fling at the most. Which, I have to remind you I don't ever want to think about, thanks - but your interest in that girl is purely physical from what I can see.
Yeah, well ….
I know. She's hot and interested and exactly your type with that … weird air of danger to her. But you're not really interested in her.
I know. I'm not really considering it, I don't think. I want it to stop.
Then don't let her take you for coffee next time, you complete moron. And if she tries it again, just … do. Not. engage.
Again. Your helpfulness is just off the charts. I just wanted to know how off I was and you told me that. So … I'm closing my mind now.
Then I'll make sure I make a tiny jiminy cricket of myself to tell you you're being an idiot and she's probably evil so keep it in your pants.
Damn, Rach.
I know. I thought you'd gotten over your evil tastes already.
Shut up. And keep it to yourself, you daywalker.
Love you too, Rachel sang back, which had James smiling crookedly before he did, in fact close the connection. It was confirmation - which was exactly what James needed. He wasn't losing his mind and it wasn't anything more than base physical attraction. He could ignore that. Even if he really didn't need that over his head with everything else he had to consider already. So with a sigh, he took the first step in pushing that out of his mind by texting Billy next to center himself and focus his energy where it counted.
James was pretty sure that regardless of the buzz that the press had built up, the middle of the week wasn't supposed to be a big news day for anyone. Especially when the news was just … inconsequential as far as he was concerned. Maybe it would have meant more if it had been someone else in the crosshairs, but seeing as it was him, and that no one had known he even existed until Tony dragged him out in front of the cameras, the barrage of cameras and reporters at seven in the morning when he stepped out to take his run to class seemed really stupid to him.
But unlike even days earlier, they suddenly found the courage to crowd him to the point he had to push his way out of the knot of cameras to even take his run. Once he was out of them, it wasn't an issue. A few sprinted to try and keep up but they couldn't keep James' pace for long. Which was how he ended up with an entourage of cars following slowly and snapping pictures while he ran to class with a backpack slung over his shoulders. And he couldn't help thinking that this was utterly ridiculous. But he had work to get done, and he couldn't let this kind of idiocy derail him. Especially when he had no plans whatsoever to celebrate, so he didn't appreciate strangers incessantly asking him what he was doing with his day.
In Westchester, Scott had shown up early to take part in the Xavier Institute's long-held tradition of staff coffee first thing in the morning. It was a little tradition that he'd missed, and with James not making the coffee at home - and Scott half convinced that to make it the way K did, you had to be genetically related - this … was a long-lost bit of normalcy that he'd missed dearly.
Of course, part of that tradition was watching the news to see how much trouble the day was set to bring, and since it was James' birthday and speculation on the kid had been insane in the press, Scott really just needed to know how the attention was affecting his middle child. So far, nothing about the school year had been positive for James and Scott really was worried about him. He knew the kid would manage to do exactly what he set out to do, there was never any doubt about that, but no one knew what kind of impact it would have on James long-term.
As much as he'd wanted to show up in Cambridge to help James start the day right, he knew the kid was anxious enough about keeping his family's identity safe … and had taken the brunt of the press because of it. What little wasn't aimed at James at that point was squarely pointed Tony's way. But … Scott, Rachel, and Nate had been kept out of it. As much as he hated seeing James that uncomfortable, he was also grateful for Nate and Rachel's sake.
But that didn't mean he was going to let the day pass - even if he couldn't go into the house while James was at school since the press were camping out there just waiting to get pictures of anyone close to the kid. Yet, he still had ways to get around that - and his most likely accomplice had just stumbled in to breakfast looking surly - obviously not having slept well the night before.
Scott watched Billy as he scowled at his pop tart - slowly waking up and looking more and more grumpy as he listened to the 'news'. That is, until Scott decided to break the ice. Then, Billy turned his frown to Scott instead. "Do you have any plans today, Billy?" Scott asked, doing a fine job of keeping his expression under control.
"As a matter of fact, I don't. Someone is worried about getting in trouble over a secret now under-age boyfriend," Billy said with a dry tone.
"I thought he might shut everything down today," Scott said with a nod. "So … I guess the only way to do this will be to have you help me get him home for a few hours tonight as soon as he's done with classes today. Are you willing to help, or do I need to ask another reality bender that can get him in and out undetected?"
"Well I guess that depends on if it's just an errand or .."
"I think all of us would be upset if you didn't show up, Billy. You're still part of the family as long as you want to be," Scott said, then amended his statement. "You are even if you don't want to be, too."
Billy tried to keep his grumpy mood in place, but the prospect of spending down time with his sweetheart today was a little too tempting. "Does James know you're planning to do this?"
"No," Scott said, finally smiling crookedly. "And I think it's time he got surprised. I'll get Rachel and Nate to help. We need to do this right - like we always do." That at least had Billy losing his scowl in place of a much more trouble making expression, and a few moments later, the two of them were sitting together plotting out how to handle everything.
As the day went on and both Scott and Billy had time to consider what they wanted or needed to do for James' surprise birthday celebration, the two of them would take a moment between classes to compare notes - trying to get everything as right as they could, even if there were a few hiccups along the way … like the fact that both of them had different ideas on what they should have for dinner, which led both of them to realize that James still wasn't sharing his opinions on what he liked best in favor of letting everyone pick their favorites. It was a little frustrating for both of them, and bringing Rachel into the conversation proved to be no help at all since she had her own thoughts that didn't match up with either Scott or Billy.
As it turned out, James' day had been sliding downhill from the start, and his stomach was twisted up in knots by noon with just two classes left to go. None of the classrooms were safe when the press was just outside snapping pictures through the windows, and when that didn't pan out like they wanted, some of the students had started trying their hand at covert photo taking for cash with mixed results and unanimously irritated teachers at the disruption. He wasn't even surprised when he got the message that he had to go to the dean's office.
So, before his last class of the day ended, James found himself leaving to go see if he was getting kicked out for circumstances beyond his control. He was almost dizzy, and he had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach as he went that only felt heavier when he stepped into the office and the man gently asked him to take a seat. Nothing felt right about this interaction and he was on the edge of dread and anger that it was going down like this - blindsided when he was alone without his Dad or Tony for back up. But, he still quietly did as he was asked without comment while he waited to see how this was going to be framed.
The man took a seat, straightening out his tie once he was seated, and then he simply watched James for a long moment before he cleared his throat. "It's quite a show out there today," the dean said in a soft, tentative tone. "Are you managing to get any work done with all the distractions?"
"As much as I'm allowed to normally," James replied. He didn't mean to take the shot, but he was close to cracking from all the pressure anyhow - and if he was going to be kicked out, he might as well make his feelings known.
The dean gave him a tight, pained smile at that, nodding to himself. "As I understand it, you've declined Ms. Frost's assistance," the dean said, though unlike the angry tone he'd used every other time James was brought into his office over Emma Frost, this time, the guy almost sounded … concerned. "May I ask why?"
"For lack of a better term, familial conflict," James said, seeing no reason to mince words on her behalf.
"That's unfortunate," the dean said, honestly sounding disheartened. "She could be a powerful ally."
"I have no doubt about that. But … there is nothing she has to offer that I don't have access to already and her retainer is higher than I'm willing to pay even if I didn't have the resources I do," James replied flatly, but managed to keep his tongue otherwise. He didn't believe for a second that this guy had waited over a month to talk to him about Emma freakin' Frost.
The dean mumbled his agreement, looking distracted as he watched James - and giving James the distinct impression that he wanted to say something, but for some reason was stopping himself.
"Is this about my engineering paper? Am I in trouble or is this another refusal to let me move forward?" James asked after the silence stretched out for a few minutes and he was to the point that he had to consciously keep from jiggling his foot. "I know the press is being a pain, but I can't do anything about that, so-"
"No, no," the dean said quickly, cutting across him and frowning deeper as he held up both hands. "No, nothing like that … you're not in any trouble because of the press and your paper … that paper is under review. That's all I can tell you, unfortunately. I simply thought it would be wise to check in with you and see how you're … ah … handling college life here."
James blinked at that, and leaned toward the man, not having expected a wellness check any more than he'd anticipated another discussion about Emma Frost. "What-"
"Have you found a way to integrate into our student body? I know my younger students often have more hurdles when faced with older peers, particularly in the more advanced levels."
Again, James found himself off balance. There was nothing about this conversation that seemed normal, particularly after several months of busting his ass with no one but a handful of teachers checking on him. "I haven't exactly had time to make many friends," James said. "Not with the schedule I have right now."
"You can always readjust your winter semester," the dean said. "I know you were in a rush to finish, but you can take your time."
"With all due respect, when I take into consideration the problems with the press getting overly pushy, I think your student body would appreciate it if I hurried along and finished up faster."
"In that matter, I believe you're mistaken, young man." He cleared his throat again, then picked up a stack of papers and put his glasses on to look them over as he switched gears. "I've been told your work has been above the bar in every subject and your teachers are more than pleased with your writing and lab work." He looked up at James and put on a smile that James simply couldn't buy, if nothing else, than because he was the one insisting on all the hoops. "Keep up the good work, . You've done well avoiding trouble, I'm pleased to say, and I hope the rest of your birthday goes well."
"Thank you," James said, his tone almost sounded like a question, and he very clearly didn't trust the situation so he made no secret of how he felt through his tone and his body language. James paused for just an instant before he got to his feet and the dean almost belatedly did the same, still looking like he wanted to say something. But even with James giving him an expectant look, the man couldn't do it, so he finally smiled tightly and turned to leave, trying hard not to growl on the way out.
It was too late to go back to class, so James let out a weary breath once the door closed behind him and he started to go down the very short list of things he needed to do before he could head off to take his run home.
He had to go to the library to see if the paper he'd requested had come in for one of his last two theses … and he had to check in with the physics professor before he continued on the second paper any further … One could wait … the other would not.
So, before he could allow himself a few minutes to himself, James headed for the library. He could at least take a few photographs of the papers most important passages for reference before he headed back to the house. Unfortunately, he was held up for a little bit while he sifted through the texts triple checking his references and trying to ignore the slowly circling, very nervous students that obviously wanted to get closer.
He glanced around the library, taking stock of who was where, and was unsurprised to find that after a moment or two, Katarina looked up and caught his gaze from across the way - only to surprise him when all she did at that point was to smile broadly before going back to her own studies.
That was one more layer of complications he really didn't have the patience for at the moment, but James also knew that if he didn't cut out soon, she'd find her way over to talk and even if he was misreading her actions, having her close and flirting a little would only screw with him some more. He watched out of his peripheral vision for a few moments to see how much it looked like she had left to do before he called it a day himself … and got out of the building before she could catch up. Just being that close to her had him fighting the urge to apologize for something … he didn't understand. And he did not want to spend his birthday with a beautiful girl he was having trouble keeping at arms length. That could only spell trouble if he allowed her another chance to get in close.
While he was trying to clear his head, James ignored the buzz of his phone in his pocket until he got to the house, inside, and locked the door behind him, then, he kicked off his shoes and made a point to double check that the blinds were closed on his way upstairs to take a hot shower. But once he'd cleaned up and turned his face into the spray, the water wasn't working to wash the day away. He felt sick to his stomach, like something was just wrong. But he didn't read the text from Billy until he was half changed - and he told him as much.
Sweetheart, whatever you're thinking, just tell me. I'm barely back in the house from school and I'm going to finish changing in about five seconds. James wrote, then pulled one of his most cozy, soft hoodies on over his black t-shirt.
I was thinking we could get together today behind closed doors and spend a little time away from the press. Unless you're having a horrible day, then we need to do that.
It's just another day, Billy. Nothing special to report and no reason to screw up your schedule. Really. I'm just going to watch a movie in bed later.
That's totally unacceptable to do alone.
I'll live. Love you.
Love you too. Don't go to bed yet.
It's like two.
It's three and I want to see you. You've got two minutes to get dressed. Love you - see you SOON.
"Damnit," James muttered, knowing perfectly well he didn't have a say in it at this point, so instead, he pulled his socks on and grabbed his shoes … that was about all he had time for before Billy cast his spell and James disappeared, only to reappear in the living room at the Brooklyn house. Where his entire family was waiting with smiles to greet him - though not before Billy got there to pull him into a tight hug and kiss. "What the hell?"
"Happy Birthday, Sweetheart," Billy said quietly.
"You didn't really think we were going to let your birthday pass without doing anything, did you?" Rachel said with a broad smile before she nearly pushed Billy out of the way to hug her little brother while he was still openly off his guard.
"I thought you might want to, yeah," James said, though he closed his eyes as he leaned into the hug, tipping Rachel off that today was not going well for her little brother.
"No way, dork," Nate said before he joined in, too … just to complete the sibling circle. "No one here gets to see you as much as we'd like anyhow. Why would we skip your birthday? Not like you're out of the family just because you're eighteen now."
It was clearly a tease, but one that hit a little too close to some deeply buried concerns not only for James, but Scott, too. And there was no way that Nate could have known exactly how close to the truth he'd hit, either. Not unless he'd caught it telepathically, anyhow.
And on that note, Scott made his way over before James could start overthinking that. He pulled James into a solid hug, noting that it didn't look like James had anything to say after that astute insight on Nate's part. Nothing that he wanted to air anyhow. "Couldn't let it pass without doing your birthday right," he told him. "So - how's it been so far?"
"Better now," James replied - understated as always - more so lately, too. "Thanks, Dad. But you didn't have to do anything."
"James, I'm going to be celebrating your birthday until the day I die," Scott said, one hand still on his shoulder.
"As long as that's not the same day, I'm good, I guess," James replied.
"I'll do what I can," Scott said with a smirk, then gestured toward the rest of the family. "And when you're twenty-one, I'll take you to Harry's."
"Thor already said he was going to handle that," James teased.
"Dad privilege," Scott said without missing a beat. "Thor can take a number."
"Okay then," he said, though he left out the rest of what he was thinking - if he was still going to be around, or if Scott would have something more pressing to deal with - all things considered. He was pretty sure Nate and Kate would be making all sorts of announcements in no time.
And Scott had definitely noticed the lack of enthusiasm, so even though James ended up mildly joking with both Nate and Rachel once they got into the food, Scott found himself sitting down a bit apart from them and almost holding his breath.
He hadn't thought about it in a long time, but… he was almost positive he'd had the exact same fears as James once. When Charles Xavier had taken him in, he'd saved him in so many ways, and Scott knew every day how much he owed the man. When he'd quit the X-Men, even though it was temporary back then… he'd been convinced he'd just lost his family too. It was a hard thing to unlearn, that feeling in the back of his throat that went hand in hand with knowing he was going to get left behind again. Their circumstances had been wildly different, but James had been bounced around so much as a little kid that even his stable years after that hard start weren't going to undo that damage. Just like finding the X-Men hadn't undone similar damage Scott had dealt with from his years in the Home for Foundlings.
There wasn't anything Scott could do, really, and he knew it. That feeling didn't go away, that sense that an adopted family was more precarious - even if he knew that wasn't the case. But Scott hated to see it in his son, because he knew what that felt like, and he knew that James didn't really have the full memories of his first family and the stability he'd lost.
"So, you look like Atlas over here," Annie said, bringing two plates of food over to the couch to sit beside him with a smile.
Scott glanced up fast when she sat down and then let out a breath. "Sorry. Just thinking."
Annie nodded sagely. ."I can see it too," she said. "I don't blame you for worrying."
Scott let his shoulders drop. "I was the same way, you know. You get to adulthood and you think the adults that got you there might just be finished with you-"
"That's no excuse," Annie said, wrinkling her nose at him. "I know he's under a lot of pressure, but still!"
Scott turned her way, his eyebrows pressed together. "It's not exactly easy to shrug that kind of self-doubt off. You've been around Craig long enough-"
"Oh, like my brother puts up with people using substances as self-medication," Annie said, matching his defensive body language without realizing it.
Which was when Scott realized they were not having the same conversation. "...what?"
"What do you mean 'what'?" Annie said, still looking like she was ready to defend her brother. "Considering how careful you've been about anything that could endanger your secret, I would have thought drugs were the last thing you'd let anyone near. Heaven knows what anyone might say under the influence, let alone-"
He reached out to grab her hand. "Annie. What are you talking about?" he said more insistently. "What drugs?"
She took her hand back but softened her expression. "What were you talking about, then? I thought you had bionic eyes, Mr. Summers."
"They scan for weapons and, at best, could tell me if someone had a fever." He leaned forward. "What are you talking about?"
Annie met his gaze and then, seeing that he was honestly worried, let out a slow breath. "I've seen enough kids using drugs in school to know what it looks like," she said. "And James has some telltale signs. His pupils are dilated, and he's not moving freely. Everything else, well … that might just be depression, or it could be something else." When Scott stared at her in shocked silence, she bit her lip. "I thought that was what had you looking so pensive."
"No," Scott said but couldn't quite find anything else to say as he looked past Annie to where the kids were still joking around. He swallowed hard and then nodded once. "Annie, James can't get high or drunk without some serious work. He'd have to be drinking Asgardian ale or an entire shelf's worth of alcohol - or doing heavy drugs in massive quantities. Or he'd need an inhibitor or collar. None of that would get past Bobby or the dean, and if it was an inhibitor, he wouldn't still be showing signs." He looked toward the kids once again, using Tony's zoom feature to check and see that, yes, James's pupils were still dilated and he did seem to be moving a little slower than usual.
Annie reached out to put a hand on his knee. "What can I do?" she asked quietly.
Scott blinked to return his sight to normal and then turned toward her and sighed. "For now, I'll keep an eye on him and talk to him after the party. If he looks worse, I'll talk to him sooner, but…" He sighed again. "That's what I was trying to say earlier. When you lose one family and another takes you in, the transition to adulthood is… rough."
"Oh!" Annie looked instantly sympathetic and nodded quickly. "Oh, right. Yes. That makes perfect sense."
Scott smirked as he watched Annie all but trip over herself to agree. She had come from such a loving, complete family that he knew falling for someone who had so many hiccoughs in his family couldn't have been easy for her. "He'll be alright," he promised. "On both counts. Whatever's going on right now, I'll talk to him about it. You're right; something is wrong, but he wouldn't do that to himself. Which means I need to chew Bobby out on his security standards."
Before he could consider his next move, Scott took a moment to take his phone out and call Hank. He was closest, and he could get there relatively fast. Hopefully in enough time to get some blood drawn .. or just to sniff the kid out. Especially since now that Scott was really watching James, it looked like he hadn't hit the worst of it yet. But none of his kids seemed to realize what was going on even after James closed his eyes for a moment and sat back in his chair. .
But Billy sure noticed. "Hey, what's wrong?" Billy asked as Scott got to his feet.
"Just a little lightheaded," James replied quietly. "I'm fine."
"I don't believe that," Billy said- and by that time, Rachel, Nate, and Kate were all watching James a lot more closely.
"It's not a big deal," James said, though he didn't look ready to do anything other than sit there and try to get his bearings again.
"What's going on?" Nate asked as Scott made it over to them and started looking James over for himself.
The scanner setting in his eyes showed him all kinds of signs that James was having more trouble than he was letting on… aside from the obvious symptoms, his pulse was racing but he was barely breathing.
"You should lie down," Rachel said, catching what her father was projecting loud and clear.
"I'm okay," James argued, though now it almost sounded like his words were running into each other, too.
"No you're not," Nate argued, stepping in to pick him up telekinetically before he argued any further.
"Knock it off," James growled out, but by that time, no one believed he was alright.
"Just hold on a minute," Scott said, and for his dad at least, James did exactly as he was told. Especially when it was obvious that Scott was running a scan. "What did you do today?"
"Same things I do every day," James replied in a grumpy tone.
"Something was different," Scott said. "So what was it?"
"I don't know … everyone was weird today and the press was getting in my face, but … nothing bad." He paused, thinking of how even Katarina hadn't gotten close enough to flirt with him. But then he started backtracking mentally when he realized feeling like this had him thinking of her. "Wait. What are you thinking?"
"I think someone drugged you," Scott admitted. "Hank is on the way to try and get some blood before it's burned out. Did you eat or drink anything at school?"
"Only what I brought with me," James said, staring at him and wondering how and who could have done it. No one had a chance all day that he could remember.
"Well, either someone drugged you or you've been experimenting with illegal substances," Nate said with his arms crossed, which only had James giving him a dry look. "Hey. Those are the options!"
"I'm not experimenting," James said in a growl, rearranging himself so he was sitting upright in spite of how his brother had tried to push him flat.
"Transdermal, then?" Rachel said looking up at her dad, and when Scott nodded, Billy paled.
"Wait …"
"I took a hot shower before you brought me here," James told him, automatically switching over to 'work' mode when faced with an actual problem. "Just about anything that I could soak up through my skin would be washed off."
"We can have Hank check just to be sure, though," Rachel added, and Billy let out a sigh.
"I feel okay, though," Billy said.
"We'll check anyhow," Scott said.
James tried again to argue the need for Hank to check up on him just a moment before Rachel pushed him back flat - and it was clear once he was prone he had no drive to make himself sit upright again.
"And this is why we're having Hank check you over," Rachel said with her hands on her hips.
James didn't argue with her at that point, either, instead he let himself melt into the couch while the group settled in to speculate while they waited for Hank to show up. By the time he did, he had only had time to draw James' blood as James nodded off during the exam a few moments before the alarm Tony had set up for the house in Cambridge went off.
By the time Scott had the cameras up, though, it looked an awful lot like a false alarm. Nothing in the house was disturbed and the press outside were all still milling around, chatting among themselves. There was no angle from any camera that showed any trouble in the house, but considering the state James was in, there also wasn't much of a chance of it being a coincidence. So, Scott reached out to Natasha and decided that James would be staying the night. At least.
By the time that call was made, the other kids were holding serious discussions and James was unresponsive to attempts to wake him. Annie couldn't think of how to react and instead found herself just sitting on the love seat staring at the whole scene, covering her mouth with both hands.
Scott sighed as he took a seat next to Annie and gently put his arm around her back before he turned to the others who were all in various states of damage control, information processing, and strategizing. "Nate, can you and Billy help Hank get James to his room? He's not going anywhere tonight."
"I don't think I need help," Nate said, but for once, neither of them were using their powers to get James going - just in case someone could see.
"I'll put a monitor on him just in case," Hank told Scott as the boys got James up the stairs and to his room. "But I don't believe he's in danger of dying tonight." He tipped his head toward Annie then followed the boys - device in hand to set up the monitor.
But that gave Scott and Annie a chance to talk while Rachel, Kate, and America were gathered up in a tight knot in the kitchen to discuss things. "Are you alright?" Scott asked Annie quietly.
"Fine," Annie said, though her voice was a slightly higher pitch than usual.
"Uh-huh." Scott forced his shoulders to drop as he slid closer to wrap his arms around her. "You sure about that?"
Annie sighed but shifted in his arms so that they were more comfortably positioned. "I am," she said more seriously. "I'm … well, I'm upset for him, obviously. But I can already see your team and your family defending him, and that's good. I just…" She blew out a breath that moved some of her hair out of her face. "I've seen Anton struggle with being a mutant, but this is a whole new level."
Scott nodded, watching her carefully. "You don't have to stay in the line of fire, you know," he said, slowly. "This life isn't for everyone. I'd know. I left it behind myself."
Annie shook her head, neatly tucking into him to physically show him her decision. "That's not at all what I was trying to say," she told him.
"I wouldn't blame you if it was," he gently pointed out.
"I would," Annie said. She reached up to brush some of his hair away from his face. "You're not even a hero anymore; your children are. What kind of person would I be if I couldn't even handle being support to a hero's support system?"
Scott shook his head at her wording. "It's different," he said.
"It's not." She stood on her toes and strained to kiss him with their height difference. "I won't lie to you and say it isn't… disconcerting to see that all the paranoia you carry around is not only justified but necessary. But all I can feel right now is anger."
Scott blinked. "What?"
"You've been raising them since they weren't even old enough to go to school, and this is what you've been worried about their whole lives. Your entire experience with fatherhood was stolen from you and turned into a battle for survival. Why wouldn't I be angry?"
Scott watched her and the fire in her eyes and smiled. He could see so much of Jean in her in that moment. Yes, they were as different as they could be in so many ways, but in the defense of their family and their sense of justice, they were exactly the same.
It was so damn attractive.
"I feel that way all the time," he admitted and then picked her up for a kiss, temporarily distracted because Annie was so hot under the collar and because, frankly, he couldn't do anything but wait for Hank's lab results, wait for Natasha to evaluate James's clothes, wait for Tony's security systems' evaluations, and wait for James' healing to get rid of the drugs. All of which were things he could do nothing to speed along. But he could spend some quality time with Annie and her fire.
Upstairs, after Billy and Nate had done what they could to get James comfortably in his bed and Hank put a few sensors on James to monitor him from afar, Nate tactfully let himself out - and closed the door behind him. He didn't need to be a telepath to know that Billy wanted some alone time, even if James wasn't aware enough to take part.
It would take Hank some time to get analysis back on what it was in James' system that could so profoundly affect him, and if it wasn't for the fact that Billy knew James liked to immediately clean up when he got into the Cambridge house after school, he would have been more concerned about contact with something so potent should it still be on James' skin or clothes.
But that wasn't the case. James still smelled like soap, and his hair was barely dried when he'd shown up in Brooklyn, so instead of backing away, Billy looked around until he found another blanket, made sure James was properly covered up and tucked in, then climbed in next to him with his own blanket. He didn't know what he'd tell his mother, other than the truth, so he let his intentions to stay where he was solidify - since he was pretty sure that was the trigger for the spell she was using. The moment when intention became action would draw her in, and that meant cuddling up and committing to it.
There was a lot to unpack, after all … suddenly, all of the paranoia the Summers family held so tightly to was crystal clear. He'd assumed that the kidnapping attempt by the Acolytes had been entirely new and just fresh fuel for the paranoia they always had … but this? They knew right away who was after Billy and Tommy. This attack had no leads. Nothing solid anyhow. Billy could count on one hand the number of people that would consider crossing Tony's line in the sand and not one of them was a good option. And that had him thinking about the ones that wouldn't cross that line, too … he had no idea how many entities and supervillains would have considered snatching his sweetheart based on who his parents were, let alone his ties even before he and Billy started dating.
Suddenly, James' reluctance to go public with their relationship looked less and less a matter of the slight age gap or any of the issues with this being James' first boyfriend. Instead, it looked like more of a protective move. And that had Billy considering what he could do to return the favor as he watched over James, slightly on edge for how little they knew about the attack.
Which was when Wanda appeared … her presence betrayed by the red light shining from under the door. Billy turned to face her as she walked in, once again looking ready to fight - especially since it hadn't been long at all since she'd shown up for exactly this kind of infraction. "What are you thinking?" Wanda said in a harsh whisper.
"Right now? Mostly about how to make him more impervious to poison and drugs," Billy countered in a very matter of fact tone before instantly launching into a retelling of how the night had gone. He was on his feet within the first few sentences - animatedly telling her how it had gone … accented perfectly by how very still James was in spite of the noise Billy was making.
She heard him out, her arms crossed over her middle as Billy continued from storytelling into speculation and running down what the Avengers and elder X-Men were doing right then to keep James safe … or relatively so. "And now, you're considering wishing for him to be more … him when it comes to drugs and poison. Billy, sweetheart, that's a terrible idea," Wanda said before running her hand through his hair.
"I disagree."
"No, listen," Wanda said, making sure to take him by both shoulders so he had no choice but to give her his full attention. "Remember when I said not to meddle in the timeline?"
"Yes."
"And when I told you that as you get older, you'll have to pay consequences for doing magic that doesn't need to be cast?"
"But-"
"You didn't mean to wish Tommy out of existence, remember?"
"Mom- that's nothing like-"
"What kind of consequences might happen if you meddled with James' mutation?" When Billy didn't have an immediate response, Wanda dipped her head to make sure she'd kept his attention. "I thought you loved his mutation as it is?"
"I do, but-"
"You can't meddle with things that help to make up the people around us. You know this. If it was that easy, I would have wished for your grandfather to let go of all the bitterness he held onto for so long and to enjoy the people he loved while he still had time to do so. But that would have changed him in ways no one could have predicted. The same holds true even for this. Please, sweetheart. He'll bounce back better than anyone on the planet. Just let him do it."
Again, Billy was quiet, though his focus was on James as he slept.
"You can stay here tonight," Wanda said.
"I'm probably going to spend tomorrow here," Billy warned. "I need to be sure he's okay - especially since his dad is probably about to have a stroke or something."
"I really wish you wouldn't skip classes," Wanda said in as harsh a tone as she could manage, though it didn't carry any of the scathing qualities she'd hoped for.
"Let's be honest, Mom. I wouldn't be able to concentrate anyhow. At least I'm not lying to you."
Wanda closed one eye and pointed at his nose. "Only if Scott's alright with you sticking around."
"I promise, I'll ask." Billy held his mother's gaze as she searched his face for a lie. "In the morning."
"Uh huh." She broke into a crooked smile then pulled Billy into a hug and kissed his cheek. "So you know, I don't want anyone to steal him either."
"Thanks, Mom," Billy said, squeezing her just a little tighter before they broke apart and wanda waited at the doorframe as Billy settled back in. She lingered for a few moments longer, then turned off the light, stepped out into the hall, closed the door, and disappeared back to Genosha.
The next morning, James woke up slowly. He was sure it wasn't past his usual alarm, but he couldn't remember how he'd even gotten into bed … and then, when he shifted, he realized that Billy was curled up with him. He smiled to himself for a moment, leaned toward Billy and kissed his forehead before he even realized … wait. They weren't supposed to be doing this.
But Billy was using his shoulder for a pillow and his arm was across James' waist … and their legs were half tangled in blankets on top of the usual tangles, so he couldn't just … get up.
"Billy," James half-whispered in a rough voice. "What…"
"Taking the day off," Billy muttered, doubling down on his snuggle. "Mom said it was okay. I'm sure your dad will be okay, too."
James almost laughed at the audacity of it all. "Except I have to go to class," James said, then reached over to pick up his phone on the windowsill. "I have some time, but you're going to need to wish me there or I'll never make it."
"Oh, yeah, that's going to be a big 'no', handsome. I have to want something to wish it into being and I do not want to send you back to where you were drugged," Billy replied.
"Sweetheart, it's really not up for discussion," James said as he turned and pulled him into a better snuggle hoping that would wake him up enough to get him to listen to reason.
"You're right. So get comfortable because we're staying," Billy said in that same sleepy tone that left James wondering if Billy was listening to him at all or just deciding he'd rather skip out on responsibilities for a change.
"If I understand things right, I slept through my own surprise party, so … I think I've been down enough." James leaned in to steal a very quick kiss. "I'm going down to make coffee. You should come have some with me before I figure out who else can get me back to Cambridge before my class starts at ten."
James slipped out before Billy could come up with a solid counterargument, his phone in hand as he looked through anything he'd missed while he was out. When he got to the kitchen, it was still pitch black out, so he was careful to watch his footfalls and avoid the floorboards that squeaked if you stepped too close to the middle of the run. He knew he couldn't be too far ahead of his dad, after all. Not after something like that.
Once the coffee pot was brewing, James hopped up onto the counter and leaned his head back on the cabinetry as he peeled off the sensors Hank had stuck across his torso, then crossed his arms over his chest and settled in to listen to the rest of the house. He could hear Nate trying to get comfortable after ignoring his first alarm, his dad trying to decide if he was getting up or not … likely he'd been up half the night or better. And he could hear Billy shuffling upstairs … vacillating between getting up and going back to sleep.
And while he listened to the house in the background and let the smell of the coffee wash over him, James closed his eyes and tried to remember as much as he could from the night before - and attempted to pinpoint when exactly his night fell apart. There was just … a lot of the day he couldn't remember. But even at that, he wasn't overly worried about it, if he was being honest. Not because the threat wasn't real, but because he couldn't afford to let it stop him now. Getting everyone else to agree … that was a whole different story.
He needed to get to Cambridge, and he needed to do it faster than he could manage in a car. Which meant his options were either getting Happy to arrange to fly him there in the helicopter - nothing pretentious or suspicious about that - or sweet talking his boyfriend into wishing him there. But seeing as Billy had made it clear that he wasn't interested in that option … James reluctantly took out his phone and sent a text to Happy, knowing better than to even attempt to talk to one of the Avengers first. It was probably a waste of time, but … if he was going to get there in time, he had a finite amount of morning to work through.
He'd only just sent the text when Scott arrived, moving slowly enough that James knew he'd been right in his estimation of how much sleep he'd gotten as Scott went to the pantry to get some things for breakfast while the coffee was still being made.
Wordlessly, Scott slid his phone over to James with a text message from Natasha pulled up so that James could see her report from her examination of his clothes. He'd definitely been hit with a transdermal cocktail that reacted on contact with water, and Natasha let Scott know that Tony was already furiously looking for answers on who had access to what looked like a super-potent ketamine.
"Only so many places that could have happened," James said. "Got it. I can work around it."
"James," Scott said in a tired tone.
"Dad, I'm fine," James said. "And I have to finish up."
"And I don't want you to give up your dream, but there's an imminent threat here-"
James let out an irritated sound. "It was never a legit threat. I have trackers sewn into my clothes that don't turn on until after a sweep, and when they do turn on, they broadcast. It's fine."
"I'm more concerned about what could happen to you before that, especially in the state you were in last night," Scott told him frankly.
"You'll need to fill me in then because I don't know how bad it got." James hopped off the counter and pulled down two mugs then poured them both a cup. "What do you think could have happened?"
"You didn't fight your siblings on anything. I think if someone with nefarious intent had you in that state, you'd go along with them," Scott said frankly. "And when you're that out of it, it would be easier to break into your thoughts, break into your healing…" He trailed off. "My concern is that the drug was only the first step to getting you where they wanted you."
James slid the first mug to Scott as he sat down with him at the table. "Probably. I'm still not going to hide though. Not when I might actually be making some forward progress."
Scott paused at that, though before he could press him, he looked past James to where Annie was at the top of the stairs. "Forward progress? That sounds suspiciously like good news," he said - partly for the tired smile it got out of Annie.
"Which is why I was keeping it to myself. It's still not a solid thing, so I didn't want to unnecessarily get anyone's hopes up … again." James tipped his head slightly, the smirked to himself when he heard Nate stub his toe on his dresser and start swearing under his breath.
"Still, that's encouraging. What have you got?" Scott asked.
"Two of the three papers are about three quarters done," James said. "And the engineering one is already under review. But that doesn't mean anything, as you already know."
Scott was quiet, tapping his finger against his chin, before he said, with a slow smile, "Still, you're close."
"Maybe." James leaned forward. "What the hell do you think I've been doing beating my head against the wall over there?"
"Giving yourself a concussion, obviously," Scott teased right back.
"For all the good it's doing me," James replied. "So … Natasha's angry texts aside, I need to get back to Cambridge. Before class today."
"Billy can get you there, can't he?" Annie asked as she hit the bottom of the stairs.
"Billy would rather wish me to Genosha and call it a done deal," James said dryly, though he kept his focus to his coffee cup for the time being.
"Understandable. I'd be beside myself with worry too," Annie said, letting herself into the cabinets and already pulling things out to make breakfast.
When she had her back to them, James shifted his focus from his coffee cup up to his father with a single raised eyebrow look … and just waited.
Scott nearly laughed, purely because the look was so familiar. "Not a word."
"About what?" James replied perfectly evenly.
Scott sighed and shook his head, though he couldn't be as annoyed as he would have been with Logan for the same look - especially when Annie stole a kiss on her way past him to look for something or other.
James nearly smiled, but made a point not to … just because he was sure it would get Scott to break first … then held Scott's gaze as he went right to picking. "Miss Hale, I didn't think to get some tea out for you. Does Dad have enough to get you through the morning?"
"Oh, usually," Annie said, unconcerned as she got some hashbrowns started. "Don't you worry about me."
But James wasn't going to let that slide by Scott and as soon as Annie had answered, he mouthed out 'usually', then got up to get more coffee.
"I," Scott said in a whisper, "am an adult."
"Me too. Usually," James whispered back before he let his volume ratchet closer to normal. "Does Jan have the invitations printed yet?"
"For what?" Annie asked, frowning his way.
"Nate's graduation," James shot back, covering his tracks and again shifting the focus from what Scott wanted to discuss with him. "She likes to plan well ahead and it sounds like he's on track for an early bow out."
"Good for him," Annie said, genuinely pleased, before she went back to what she was doing.
James smirked as he slid Scott's cup to him again. "I really should just go and leave you two to your morning. I doubt Billy will cooperate, so I'm going to need to get to somewhere the chopper can land."
"Oh, do you need someone to drive you?" Annie offered.
"No, I don't want to interrupt anything. You take your time waking up. Flight's only about an hour and I have time."
"I'm sure Billy will wish you there," Annie said reasonably. "If you tell him how close you are… I know it's a risk, but you won't be there much longer, and really, from what I heard and saw of all the conversations Scott was having last night…"
"I'm pretty sure Tony spent half the night up like Dad did," James said. "They both deserve a little more time in bed. Besides … worst case scenario, I can bribe Tommy."
Scott chuckled under his breath. "And that," he said, "will get Billy to agree."
"We'll see," James said. He got to his feet again and headed over to get a mug of coffee for Billy. "But if that's the case I've got a little more time, too."
As he left, he passed Rachel, though he paused to kiss her cheek on his way by, and that left Rachel a little more relaxed on her brother's behalf. She took in the state of things in the kitchen and smiled at her father since Annie was still working. "Did he actually discuss everything or did he distract and redirect?"
Scott raised an eyebrow and then realized she was entirely right, sighed, and waved his hand. "In my defense, he hasn't been here on a morning when Annie has been here."
Annie paused and looked their way with her eyes wide. "Oh, did I ruin something?"
"Not at all," he promised quickly. "James has a talent for finding distractions anywhere when he doesn't want to talk about something."
Annie blushed. "Still…"
"Not your fault," he insisted. And then, just to drive the point home, he got up to kiss her while she was flipping over the French toast. "He's made up his mind, so he'll find a way not to hear other viewpoints."
"That's one way to put it," America said, chuckling as she announced her presence by stealing some of the cinnamon French toast Annie had made. ""Your future step-mom makes a mean breakfast, gorgeous. I'm in favor of more family time."
Rachel and Annie both turned a brilliant pink, though Annie's was far more pronounced. "Oh, I was…" Annie started to say and then trailed off entirely, absolutely unable to come up with something to say in response to America.
She has that effect on everyone, Rachel assured her.
If you say so, Annie said, doing a fair attempt at projecting in a controlled manner.
Rachel grinned. Hey, you've been practicing.
I'm trying to make a good impression on Scott's family.
You already have, Rachel promised. Then, just because Annie still looked pink, she added, And my girlfriend likes you, so…
Ringing endorsement, Annie said, though she was smiling as she turned back to the rest of the breakfast spread she was making.
Annie wasn't expecting the spectacle she found when she finally got back to the tower after school was out. She knew that the Avengers were riled up by the sheer number of texts that had been flying back and forth over night from both Tony and Natasha - as well as those from Hank about toxicology and those from Jan and Steve that were simply showing support. But for some reason, she didn't realize how territorial Tony was when it came to 'his' kid.
Most of the Avengers were keeping far from the labs at the top of the tower, though that part wasn't overly unusual. The unusual part was when the door to the lab slammed shut, Hank got up and left to avoid the dining room area where most of them had a tendency to sit and talk. And she could hear why they were leaving before Tony even got close.
He was fuming as he tore into someone on the other end of his bluetooth call. The tone itself simply was not anything close to what she'd heard in the tower or even in the rare moments a reporter had ticked him off.
She didn't think he was aware that he had an audience, but once she heard what he was raging about, she understood why he was so consumed. He was determined to figure out who had managed to get past all the security measures in place to protect James, and he wasn't going to rest until he had someone's head on a platter.
She had to cover her mouth to hide the fact that she was smiling. She had seen James's self-doubt plainly in the few times she'd been around him, but she hoped that, as he got older, he would realize just how loved he was. There was Tony Stark, absolutely emotional over the whole affair in a way that Annie had only seen with parents who were terrified for their kids.
She'd known, of course, that Tony was on the case, because Scott had been up most of the night getting messages from everyone. But Tony didn't look like he'd slept, and he was clearly running on coffee. So, in a moment's decision, she slipped past him into the kitchen and then followed the sound of Tony still berating people until she found him pouring himself coffee from the machine in the living room, his phone still in hand.
Wordlessly, she slid some food his way and then had every intention of backing off - though she didn't quite get away cleanly. Jan had seen what she was up to - and Tony looked surprised too.
"I was just…" Annie gestured toward Tony when Jan paused in the doorway. "I don't know what to do, so I'll help the people who do."
Tony looked like he was caught midway into a double take, and his tone shifted almost at once as he took stock of everything around him. "Thank you," he said in as civil a tone as he could muster before he tapped his earpiece again, drew in a breath and dove in all over again - to who Annie thought was some kind of military brass as he awkwardly scooped up what Annie had left for him in one hand, shoved his phone in his back pocket, then grabbed his coffee on the way back to the lab leveling severe threats the whole way.
And Jan seemed to appear out of nowhere next to Annie an instant before she bumped shoulders with her. "That was really sweet," Jan said. "He gets all tuckered out threatening the military."
Annie was surprised but smiled all the same. "I understand why he's mad, though. You should have seen Scott last night."
"Oh, i"ve seen him in that mode before," Jan said, nodding. "Tony's going to worry himself into a heart attack the way he's going, though. He'll calm down when he can see his kid."
"He's back at school working away," Annie said.
"I know," Jan said, smiling. "He's determined to make those professors eat their words. In record time."
"That and he's so close it would be a shame to quit now," Annie said, smiling mischievously. "Next time you see him, ask him how close."
"I heard. He had to tell Tony just to get him to back off enough to get to class," Jan said. "What he didn't say was that he's probably not doing much on the other two until he knows what the story is on the first. Our boy isn't gullible enough to do all the work up front with no payout after the last time around."
"Smart," Annie agreed. "Given their track record, that's probably the only thing he can do."
"I've been encouraging him to consider other colleges," Jan whispered. "I know Tony favors MIT but there are other options. There has to be. But he has his father's stubborn streak. And Scott's too. And Tony's. Triple scoop."
"I went to Ol' Miss, but I wouldn't recommend it for avoiding racism," Annie admitted in a wince.
Jan grinned and leaned toward Annie as if imparting a secret, even if the secret was common knowledge. "James' little roomie, Franklin Richards, has been guest lecturing at his alma mater across the way in Cambridge," she said in a whisper. "Harvard didn't take issue with a high profile mutant …" Jan shrugged her shoulders up to her ears. "But I can't point that out to anyone …"
Annie raised an eyebrow. "You'd think with how smart James is, he'd pick up on that fact."
Jan waved one hand. "He has self esteem issues."
"I've noticed," Annie said mildly.
"I've already planted the seeds," she admitted. "He told me he wasn't sure it was worth trying elsewhere until this was straightened out, but he didn't outright say no."
"That's something," Annie said, drumming her fingers against her side. "I could talk to him too…"
"In a very big way, I also want him to do something to give MIT the middle finger … biggest competitor would be quite the statement."
"Not to mention when he's running SI and Vanity Fair does a spot on him… the story of his college drama would be all over the issue, too," Annie said, then paused and laughed. "But that might be me. I have a small petty streak when it comes to nonsense like this."
"No, no, that's exactly the angle I'm imagining, too," Jan said with a bright grin. "I'm just torn on if he should be in red or yellow."
Annie chuckled. "Have you roped Scott into this yet?"
"He's been too stressed out for me to even try," Jan said. "He isn't thinking much about counter attacks when he's wrapped up in damage control."
Annie nodded and blew out her breath. "If it's not too weird to ask… how did you deal with him when he was like that?"
"Um … I tried to help," Jan said quietly. "With the kids, with the tech, I designed for the kids to have a little fun with them, and I think I did okay? Until I got hurt on the job. That was it." She blew out her breath and took Annie by the arm to sit down in a cozy corner. "He couldn't handle me going back to what I do. I can't imagine he's anywhere near okay with James going out again that fast."
"He barely slept last night," Annie admitted, allowing her frown to completely overtake her expression. "He's worried sick."
"Which only has James more determined to prove he's okay," Jan said. "It's frustrating because physically he absolutely is. And he's learned how to hide the rest … most of the time."
"Scott does the same thing; I think it's a learned behavior," Annie said, shaking her head.
"Oh, for sure. I've seen the weird Scott-Tony-Howlett hybrid version of deflect and ignore. It's awful. And strangely effective against most people."
Annie smiled wider, though this time, she was blushing. "Oh, he did that this morning. I think he and Scott were talking about me, but they were too quiet for me to hear them."
"Do not try to go super quiet with that boy," Jan warned. "Especially if he's teaming up with his Aunt Widow or either Hawkeye. They can read lips, you know."
"Between them and the telepaths, I'm going to have to get used to never having privacy again, aren't I?" Annie asked in a sigh.
"Just worry about the telepaths with that," Jan said, patting Annie's arm. "James prefers to keep his nose out if he can. Hawkeyes … well, they're just nosy."
"I taught Kate. I know," Annie laughed.
"But … they can also be amazingly useful when it comes to planting information," Jan said with a troublemaking grin. "So. We totally need to plot this out."
Annie leaned toward Jan, caught up in her infectious enthusiasm. "I'm listening."