Reaction
Summary: Reaction to Scott and Jean's engagement.
Scott and Jean went to dinner purposely late. When they arrived, everyone was already eating. As soon as they entered the dining hall, the conversation in the room quickly died down. They took a seat next to the professor and acted as if nothing happened, getting some food and started to eat with the rest of the group.
A moment had passed and all eyes were on Scott and Jean, who tried in vain to act as if nothing had happened. The professor wiped his mouth with his handkerchief.
"Scott. .Jean.. is there something you would like to share with us?" The professor asked.
"The mash potatoes need more salt." Scott quickly chimed in. This garnished a few chuckles from the students. Jean threw him a dirty look. She looked back at the professor.
"Actually Professor.. Scott and I .. we're.. engaged…"
As soon as she finished her sentence, the whole room cheered with excitement and congratulatory remarks. Jean was flushed and her face was as red as her hair. She couldn't help but burst into a smile and rested her head on Scott's shoulder to shield herself from the attention. This caused them to cheer louder and suddenly the students were chanting "KISS .. . KISS" to which Scott gladly obliged, kissing Jean on the lips.
"Congratulations to the two of you.. Scott a word in my office after dinner." The professor said and then addressed the crowd. "Settle down everyone .. we are all happy about this recent engagement.. so to celebrate (raises his glass of water) .. to Scott and Jean."
--
After dinner, Scott and the professor took off. Jean had noticed dirty looks from Ororo through out dinner, who was sitting on the opposite side of the room. Ororo vanished right after dinner was over and Jean went to her room to find her. Jean entered the room and Storm looked very angry.
"Ororo.."
"Before you say another word.. you're engaged ! You're engaged and I have to hear it from of all people Kitty and Jubilee !!! Do you have anything to say for yourself?"
"Um.. will you be my Maid of Honor?"
Ororo's expression started to change. "Well, that's a start.. oh my God Jean you're engaged !!" Coming in to give Jean a hug. "But seriously.. you're not off the hook yet.. I want details .. and I want it now… you can start with how long?"
"Fine fine, I knew the inquisition was going to start sooner rather than later… Well, remember when I was supposed to visit my sister?"
"Oh my God, since then !! Okay, I'm back to being mad at you again .. continue.."
"He showed up and well, started to kiss me .. like literally as soon as he stepped through the door, grabbed my arm and knocked me right into the wall .. and yeah.. you know (nervous chuckle) .."
"Oh my.. I can't believe it if I didn't see it and hear it from your own mouth. I remember Scott disappeared during the time you were gone as well but I didn't think.. especially .. oh my.."
"Yeah, it was crazy, and he actually opened up to me .. which helped explain a lot about his behavior lately… and the next thing I know we're getting married."
"Oh my God.. Did you really ask him?"
"Umm. .yes and no." Ororo shot Jean a confused look. "I had it in my head and I sort of projected it onto Scott.. and yeah here we are."
"Oh wow Jean. All this time.. you know it explains a lot .. why you've been running late.. I started to notice bags under your eyes.. I just thought you were busying yourself up with work to avoid Scott… Oh my God Jean, I'm so happy for you .. but I wouldn't be much of a friend if I didn't think you are .."
"Moving a bit fast?" Jean interrupted.
"Fast is hardly the word. Are you sure you're ready for this?"
"Yes.. and no. I mean a few years ago I thought I was ready, just waited for Scott to ask and when he did, it turned out I wasn't. But now.. I know that Scott is the one for me. Of course there are doubts and thoughts of 'I must be crazy' .. 'this is too fast' but I made my choice and I'm sticking to it."
"Good for you .. it's not like you're married yet. Did you guys set a date?"
"Umm (nervous chuckle) .. no not yet.. we still need to discuss that.. that and tell my family."
"Oh my God, Jean… I really just can't believe and of this."
"You're telling me."
"And Scott, of all people. He's been a droid since he came back. Is he.."
"Oh believe me, Scott maybe all those things but I know that he is definitely sure about this marriage."
"Really.. but that tone in your voice.. what is it?"
"Scott opened his mind up to me, but he was still holding back. It was horrible what happened to him, I could only be inside for a short time and even then Scott was holding back. I don't think I could've handled it if he hadn't. There is a darkness inside him, something cold and empty… I just hope I can help him get through it."
"Believe me Jean, despite Scott's attitude since he came back, I knew he still had intense feelings for you.. good or bad.. but at dinner I saw him smile for the first time in over 2 years now.. 3 by now.. if anyone can help him get over his ordeal, it's you and this wedding is just another step forward for both of you."
---
"Now Scott, I am sure you are well aware of some concerns people might have regarding your engagement. In fact, I am one of them, but ultimately it is what you and Jean want not I or anyone else."
"Thank you, Professor."
"You and Jean were my first students. I watch you grow up, fall in love, grow as both people and as X-Men. You are like a son to me and I was devastated when we thought you were dead. But you're back here with us and I could not think of anyone else I would rather give this to."
The professor opened up his desk drawer and handed Scott a small jewelry box.
"Technically it's for Jean .. I assume that you were missing something very important."
Scott opened the box and saw a beautiful diamond engagement ring.
"Professor.. I can't .. this is too much.. this must've cost a fortune."
"Actually, it cost me nothing to receive it. My father proposed to my mother with this ring and now I am passing it down to you. I am not giving you the ring, you are merely borrowing it, until one day you pass it down to children of your own."
"I .. I don't know what to say… Thank you."
"That's a start and you can tell me later about Jean's reaction. Congratulations Scott."
--
Jean was curious. Scott had already gone back to the Lake House with out her but he sent her a message asking her to come ASAP. She passed students on her way downstairs, everyone of them congratulating her. It felt so good to finally have it out there in open. The marriage part was still kept hidden, but they didn't have to hide it anymore. Instead of sneaking out the back way to get to the Lake House, she decided to go through the main entrance.
She stepped outside and saw a lonely figure walking towards her. For a moment, she thought it was Scott. As the person moved closer, she realized it wasn't her. And a tingle from telepathy let her know exactly who this person was.
"Alex." She called out.
"Jean!" He sprinted towards her. They gave each other a big hug.
"I got your message… Scott.. is he really?"
"Yes, he is. I was just on my way to see him. What're you doing here? Why didn't you call or write?"
"I couldn't let anyone know I was coming."
"Why? What happened"
"I'm sorry but we are all in danger."
TBC …
Note: Sorry for the delay, there was a little thing called graduating from college that I had to deal with. I have not forgotten this story or any other of my stories. Thank you all for your patience. As always, feedback is always appreciated.