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[Sep. 21st, 2011|12:52 am] |
Emma looked down at the basket she’d bought that morning. It was full of fruit, cut into the shapes of flowers. Since actual flowers were a poor gift for a man, and useless, she’d chosen this instead. The urge to have it delivered had been strong, but thought she ought to be the one to bring it to him, to deliver her apology in person.
She knocked on Scott’s door, feeling foolish. She had no doubt made a poor impression on the young man. Ah well. It was likely for the best.
Scott smiled as he heard a knock on the door. Probably room service with his food delivery! Excellent! he went to the door, clad only in his towel from his shower, and opened it. He stopped, staring, as he saw a stranger standing there. “Er, hello?” Now he felt a little awkward. He’d finished his run, gone for a swim, and then taken a long hot shower, and only just been lunging around waiting for his morning food delivery when he heard the knock. He definitely hadn’t been expecting company.
Emma blinked, staring at Scott. “Hello. I, uh, I brought you this, to apologize for my- Would you like me to come back later?” He’d answered the door almost naked! Did he already have a girlfriend? She was completely out of her depth now, and it was not a good feeling.
“Uhm... Emma? Miss Frost? No, I-- was just waiting for room service and--- er, come in!” He stepped aside, cheeks red, and held the door open, completely for a loop. His mystery drunk texter had come to apologize in person with a fruit basket? That was... a bit odd. He thought it was a bit odd, but he wasn’t entirely sure.
Emma coughed a bit. “I’ll, it would be inappropriate given your. . . you should put some pants on, I think.”
“Well, yes, I will, but not with the door open. Come in, please?” He felt a little exasperated, and yet he was grinning widely. It was a little weird to be here, mostly naked, in front of this woman he knew little about save from some drunken text messages.
Emma sighed, stepping inside. “I’ll put this in the kitchenette while you get dressed. If the room service cart arrives, I can answer for you.”
“Thanks.” He closed the door then hustled to the bedroom, dressing quickly. Soon, he was back out again, dressed in a tight shirt of red and black pants, his eyes feeling bare without a pair of red spectacles over them. He turned to find her and he grinned. “Now then. hello.”
It was strange, meeting his eyes. Emma did her best to not let it show. “Hello. I wanted to apologize for my ridiculous conduct last night.”
He waved a hand. “No apology necessary. Are you okay?” His eyes scanned her, an old habit, and a new one, both concern and check-up in one. “Did you get home safely?” He was curious about this stranger-woman who was not so much a stranger after her revelations. “And can i get you anything to drink? Water? Juice?”
“I’m fine. I took a cab to Charles Xavier’s apartment. He was kind enough to make sure I made a fool of myself in a much more private setting.” She chuckled a little. “If you must, I would like a water. Are you settling in well?” She was curious about this young man. He wouldn’t be as good as her Scott, but he might at least be amusing.
Scott nodded, watching her. He fetched them both waters, and tossed one to her in a perfect arc for where her right arm would come up to catch it. “Good. You seemed like you needed sleep more than anything else. despite all else.” He smiled to her. “I am. It’s odd to be suddenly in a new world, and yet on Earth. And somehow without powers. It feels... weird.” He chuckled as his eyes glinted at her. “A little exciting, and a little dulling, really.”
Emma didn’t want to elaborate on the things she needed. “Did you enjoy meeting your family here?”
“Somewhat. They’re not, really. I think we’ll be friends, but they aren’t my family. Mine is back home. I have a brother, and a adopted father, and friends back there. But though I like Lorna, and the Alex here, they are just friends.”
He stroked his chin as he sipped his water. “What about you? Are you enjoying yourself in this city? Other than the powers, and Zenner playing games with your heart?” He asked her the words gently.
She made a face. “I’m fine. I run a school here. It keeps me adequately busy. I also have friends.” Her tone was just a little bit icy. She didn’t want to talk about her lover right then, especially not with a younger, alternate universe version.
Scott nodded, wincing a bit and gave her a bow. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to trod on hurtful ground.” He eyed her, and then settled back on the couch. “What do you teach? What sort of school is it, I mean.” He was making a mess of this, but he wondered if it could be anything but a mess.
“It’s fine. You’re bound to be curious.” She took a deep breath, steadying herself. “I teach a little of everything. It’s a high school, mostly, but I am giving private instruction in college courses, and the use of powers to some students.”
He nodded at her words. “Not a bad thing to do. I’m probably just going to head to college, try to see what I can have fun in.” He grinned. “Maybe I’ll end up as a flight instructor. My powers are as in control as they will get.”
She nodded. “I didn’t particularly enjoy college, but it was a worthwhile experience. I’m sure you’ll be great at whatever you do.” He’d never settled for less than his, or anyone else’s, best.
Scott nodded. “Thank you. I’m sure everyone’s experience in college is different. I plan on using it to find what I need, just to make life a better place.” He grinned at her. “What about you? What makes your life better?” |
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