@diamondqueenemma

Jubilee. 

Jubilee leaned back in her chair, “I feel like we need more of a middle you know? For metas and mutants. Not hiding but certainly not terrorizing, just doing our best you know? And actually helping when we can.” She laughed almost despite herself, “We’d be more useful than the cops who’re terrorizing us in any case.”  She grinned impishly, “Speaking of…I’m going to a protest tomorrow, at the courthouse in the city, pro-human rights and all that good stuff. I’m trying to put together some people to protect the protesters, know anybody who’d wanna come? All on the dl of course.” 

“Middle ground would be nice.” If not a ridiculously hopeful thought, the idea of people being more accepting, even a fraction, was nice. Metas and mutants were similar, but not close enough that people would accept it. “Maybe we could do an M support group,” He suggested, only half joking. “See how the turnout goes.” Though Scott couldn’t help but worry if word got out there would be protestors there too. “Useful and cops don’t really go together in a sentence.” He knew he sounded bitter, but how could he not be when every cop was ready to blame him for all the crimes he’d been trying to prevent. Despite the subject, Scott smiled at the invite. “I’m there.” He told Jubilee, no hesitation. “That’s a great cause, I’ll spread the word on it too.” He was sure some of the other X-Men wouldn’t mind helping out too.

Damian Wayne. 

Closed Starter for @insurgcnts​

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     “So…uh, are you going to explain what the hell happened back there, or?” Damian asked, unwillingly to openly admit that he couldn’t find a logical explanation for the other’s abilities, or the fact that he was entirely impressed by them. “I was going to jump in but it looked like you had it covered” More than covered. “Which is not a sentence that I get to say very often, actually. Or, well, ever”

Being in civvies when using his powers was probably Scott’s least favorite move. Sometimes it needed to happen for the good of someone’s wellbeing, and in certain cases, even their lives. Nonetheless it wasn’t a good look to be using his powers out in the open, especially with so many anti-mutant protestors out there and the risk factor being far too high. “Well...” He hesitated, but given the other’s gear and preparation to jump in he was also a hero, though a different sort. Being honest with someone a bit like him couldn’t hurt, could it? Glancing around to make sure there weren’t any lurking ears, Scott spoke. “I’m a mutant.”

Logan Howlett.

Logan quickly scoffs out a chuckle in response to Scotts words. “Oh yeah. You can do chill and I’m a fuckin pink flamingo in a damn tutu.” He silently pulls out a cigar and pops it into his mouth before lighting it up, not giving a care in the world they were inside the school. Charles hated it but at least he only threatened Logan when he brought the cigar into Cerebro. Hell, Logan even had secret stashes of booze hidden under floorboards throughout the building. “Yeah, we started off rocky, then continued to be rocky. Then again, we ended up bein like brothers so that shits expected with brothers.” Being so open with the fact he had outlived Scott, multiple times, did become something Logan regretted. The regret grew stronger when Scott mentioned Jean. He shakes his head before turning to walk a few steps away from Scott. “Don’t want to talk about that shit. I’m 197 Scott and it looks like I’ll be around for a good while yet so figure it out.” The older mutant kneels down while the middle claw on the left hand (the one facing Scott) springs forth. Logan then gets to work carefully working the floorboard loose. If he was going to have this conversation, he needed to be properly drunk, or as close as he could get. 

Okay so this guy, Logan, knew him well enough to know that evidently Scott could not do chill very well. Which wasn’t his best trait but far from his worst either. It was kind of on the line of ‘not great but not awful’. “You look very flamingo like to me.” He joked. “Though I don’t see a tutu anywhere.” A frown twitched at his lips at the sight of the cigar and how the other man popped it into his mouth so casually. Scott tried not to judge people (god knows he’d been judged himself enough to last a lifetime), but he couldn’t help but feel concern for his future friend(?). “Those things are pretty deadly you know.” He was sure the man was well aware but Scott couldn’t bring himself not to mention it, for his own consciousness's sake. Rocky sounded a bit right considering the guy’s demeanor, but if they ended up being like brothers- well, Scott didn’t doubt it either. At the very least he had a strong feeling the man before him was someone dependable, in fact he was almost sure of it. He inhaled deeply trying to keep himself calm and stationed when Logan slanted the subject, it wasn’t the answer he wanted but with the time travel things were already changing weren’t they? Hopefully for the better (for her better). “I’m sorry did you just say you’re literally almost 200?” And here Scott thought the Professor and Magneto had everyone beat as the og mutants. “Is that part of your mutation?” He asked, only realizing a moment afterward how invasive that was as a question. “You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want though.” Living so long, seeing the world change, experiencing so much loss, no wonder the guy was rough around the edges, He blinked at the claw’s extension from his knuckle, taken aback. “That’s useful.” And sharp. Scott frowned as he started angling the floorboards. “Something down there?” 

Alex Summers.

Closed starter for @insurgcnts​

       “What’s actually going on with you and Jean?” Scott and Jean were the closest thing Alex had ever seen to love at first sight. The connection had been instant. It was something that Alex himself had never experienced, and he was sure he never would. The closest he had gotten was Lorna and everyone had seen how that had worked out for him. 

Scott sputtered. So long without his brother, he was so happy (and grateful, so grateful) to have Alex on his feet and around and breathing but-- “I mean- I, that’s a good and fair question- I mean,” His palm went to his forehead, effectively facepalming. “How are you back for so shortly and already-” Doing the older brother thing where he made Scott nervous about things he tried not to think or talk about. “I’m not totally sure.” He confessed finally, lamely. “I’m still figuring it out, honestly. I mean I love her but uh-” He hadn’t actually said those words outloud before, especially not to Jean. “It’s complicated I guess?” He was never good at this stuff. “Is this where you offer some sage wisdom?” Scott didn’t particularly ask for advice often, but Alex hadn’t been around for a long time (and Alex was a special case when it came to Scott and being open to advice).  

Warren Worthington.

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It was always nice when Scott let loose around him. It felt rare and precious. Even if it was happening a little more often since Halloween, when he had to lean on Scott for support. Maybe the two of them grew as friends after that night? He’d already considered Scott his best friend but neither of them were too keen on showing the other they’re insecurities until recently. He let out a laugh at Scott’s words. “No. You couldn’t take mine.” He assured him, leaning in a little. His ocean blue eyes glancing over Scott before finally landing back on his red sunglasses. His smirk leaving his face when his friend started talking about Jean again. “Take it from a guy who’s been there with Jean. If you don’t act on your feelings, she’ll move on.” Warren told him honestly. Every instance when Warren was crushing on Jean, she didn’t seem all that interested in him. Like two ships in the dark sailing right past the other blindly. Never intercepting. 

Listening to his friend’s panic, he frowned a bit at him. He was starting to remind him of the same things he’d been thinking lately about Kate. Excuse after excuse. I don’t want to ruin our friendship. I don’t want it to go well until it inevitably fails and I’m all alone again. He understood the anxiety much more than he was willing to let on. He didn’t want to admit that he loved Kate. That he thought about her all the time, or that he smiled like a school boy when he did. It was scarier than any villain he faced. Maybe he shouldn’t be giving Scott any advice. It wasn’t like he was Cupid even if he looked the part. “You’re right. Lots of bad shit can happen… you’re just in your head about it, Scotty.” He said, as if he knew at all what he was talking about. “I’m kinda.. in my head about things lately too.” He said, not clarifying at all what he meant or that he was thinking about Kate in that moment. That quick kiss they shared at the bar and their upcoming fake date. His heart pounded in his chest like a drum. 

Scott said that he wanted to help him and Warren blinked at him. Why did he feel so shocked that Scott wanted to help him? Maybe it had to do with how rare it was that anyone offered to help him with his wings. Bobby used to help him into his harness when he’d asked and Candy helped him when they were dating but he was normally alone to take care of himself lately. Grooming them, preening them, dealing with their soreness after a long day of wearing a harness. He supposed that was a learned trait. He didn’t typically go to anyone for help for anything. He was a Worthington and Worthington’s minded their own business. Took care of themselves and didn’t rely heavily on others. That was what his father had always told him… but it felt nice to lean on Scott. To rely on him. Both as a leader and as a friend. This was just… so personal. He was letting him in. “I want you to.” Warren finally told him. 

Warren smiled when he said that Bobby laughed at everything. He had a point there. Once the two of them made it to the car and he was finally in the drivers seat and out of the rain. He let out a gentle sigh. He didn’t mind the rain too much but it did dampen his mood a little. Especially when he could feel a storm blowing in. Scott said his glasses were still foggy and to be careful with his car and he let out a laugh. “I drive just fine, you know! Besides, even if something were to happen to it; I’d just pay for it to get fixed.” He said like it were the easiest solution in the world. After starting the car and turning on the windshield wipers, he buckled himself in. “Should we go to the institute or do you want to have a sleepover at my place?” He asked with a playful smile on his lips.

.

The Warren he had met so many years ago was not the man Scott thought him out to be. Back then, he’d been so focused on everyone’s weaknesses he failed to see their strengths. Even now he considered it a failure on his own part as a leader, and he hoped he’d learned from it. After all, when Scott looked at Warren now, all he saw was strength. Even in things others would consider weakness, Scott had seen Warren derive strength. It made him proud to call Warren his friend. “Hold on a second there, be kind and rewind, you and Jean?” Scott.exe has crashed. “I uh, I hadn’t, that wasn’t...” His words stumbled over eachother in his shock. Sure it made sense Warren was a beautiful man (Scott himself had been attracted to the guy before, when they first met any lapses of attraction ended when Warren opened his mouth coincidently, nowadays it was their friendship that smothered attraction) and Jean was-- well Jean was wonderful. It made sense that they-- , despite trying to logic it out in his brain his face couldn’t help but twist at the thought. “So you two... she moved on.” Had they been together at any point though? He breathed. “Moved onto who?” 

In his head? Scott pondered the words. Warren had a track history of being more right than wrong these days, maybe he could be right about this. Or maybe Scott was foolish in being hopeful. “I don’t know man,” He confessed, a fleeting moment of helplessness he quickly brushed aside in favor hopelessness. “Doesn’t hope breed eternal misery?” It was a tad more pessimistic then his usual approach. As Cyclops, the X-Men’s leader, he was all about inspiration and hope. Scott Summers felt a bit less of that. Actually, far less of that. Scott Summers didn’t win battles, didn’t obtain victories, all he did was lose. “Really?” Warren’s own confession took him aback. Warren have romantic feelings was normal, but him being caught up instead of acting on them was not. “Who’s the special person?” He asked with genuine interest. If it was someone who made Warren think before acting Scott intended to hand them a prize (they practically achieved the impossible considering what a heartbreaker Warren used to be). 

A smile prodded at Scott’s cheek, and for someone who usually tried to remain in vicarious control of himself, he let the smile overtake his whole face. There was a warm feeling that came with Warren’s acceptance of his offer, of trusting Scott enough not only to mention his pain, but truly accept his help and admit to wanting it. It was special. A vulnerability different than anything forced to display or accidental. It was chosen, and Scott felt almost honored that Warren shared it with him. He valued the admission, and would treat it with the utmost respect it deserved. “If you want,” He began. “We could head to your place instead of the mansion.” He’d rather do it sooner then later, if Scott could stop his friend being in pain sooner then later than he surely was gonna do it. There was no hesitation when it came to Warren’s wellbeing. 

“Warren,” Scott said. “You could be the best driver in this very world and I’d still be telling you to be careful with my car. I’ll be telling it to anyone lucky enough to get behind that wheel, you’re not special.” Despite trying to sound stern and serious chuckles wiggled out from the back of his throat, he just couldn’t keep a straight face. Sure he was truthful about the fact he told everyone that same thing, but calling Warren ‘unspecial’, trying to keep his chuckles down was a chore. “Damn right!” Scott would never take advantage of Warren’s wealth, but if the guy did break something he wouldn’t stop him from restoring it. In return, if Scott broke something of Warren’s he’d repair it himself as well. That was friendship, wasn’t it? “Eh, the institute could wait.” He’d text Jean or the Professor later so they weren’t concerned about his whereabouts. For now, Scott would just enjoy himself with his best friend. 

Alex Fitzalan

Alex Fitzalan in Netflix’s The Society

Scott Summers in Venom 162 (2018)

Emma Frost. 

“I came out here for some peace and quiet.” she said without turning around. Too much chatter happened inside the halls of Xavier’s and sometimes it gave her a headache, not that she’d really let on to anyone. @insurgcnts​

“I could do peace and quiet,” Scott responded, which wasn’t awfully peace and quiet of him. “Or at least uh, try peace and quiet.” He was not great at this. Though it probably mattered not what he said in the end, Emma was a telepath after all. “You know sometimes when Jean gets overwhelmed with all the people and thoughts the two of us duck out.” He told her. “We find somewhere without all the loudness and stay there until she’s ready.” He didn’t know how much it really helped her but he couldn’t help but want to offer Emma the same regardless. “We could do that too, if you’d want to give it a try.”

character bios: scott summers

The old saying, “Red skies in morning, traveler take warning,” doesn’t mean much when all of your mornings are red.

Warren Worthington.

“Hmn-hmn.” Warren hummed, as if he didn’t think it was a slip of the tongue. Of course, he had. Scott had never shown any real interest in him. He called him pretty, sure, but just about everyone did. It was something he was really used to and sometimes people even tried to insult him with ‘pretty boy’, as if it wasn’t a compliment in itself. “Can’t wait until you start flirting with me, that’ll be fun.” He joked. He must have hit a little too close to that comment when he’d mentioned Jean. He hadn’t meant to fluster poor Scott. “Honestly, it’s really obvious.” He told him. “At least… it is to me. Sorry if you thought you were being sneaky about it…” Warren added, watching as his friend started to say he thought Jean didn’t think the same way. Jean was much tougher to read. He opened his mouth to try and disagree with him but he wasn’t entirely sure himself. “…You sure you don’t want to shoot your shot? The worst she could do is say no.” It wasn’t the worst she could do. She could say yes. They could be happy together something tore them apart. Now that would be the worst, but he wasn’t about to say that.

Scott thanked him and Warren glanced away from him for a moment. Focussing on the raindrops that were hitting the ground and forming small puddles on the street. “Thank you too.” He finally said. It was amazing of Scott to even offer it. For him to care about something that Warren thought was pretty small in comparison to everything Scott had to shoulder. He only had to deal with the occasional soreness. An easy tradeoff when it came to the ability to fly. He felt most like himself up there in the clouds. He could see their dark reflection in the puddles and despite the rain and the wind. Still felt tied to it. Scott didn’t get to fly. He didn’t get a tradeoff. He was stuck wearing sunglasses or his visor for the rest of his life. So why was he at all worried about Warren’s sore wings? Why did he always put everyone above himself like that? He glanced back at him, the words you’re amazing at the tip of his tongue until his friend mentioned not having to do it somewhere public and Warren’s blue eyes widened. His wings fluffing up once again. “Doing it in public wasn’t ever an option!” He said, his cheeks turning pink at the thought of it. “We’ll do it alone. In my penthouse or something.” A little embarrassed at the idea of Scott massaging his wings in public. Then Scott was serious again and Warren reached up to run a hand through his wet blond hair. “This is really good of you, Scott… seriously. You don’t have to help me.” 

“Alright, you got me there. You boy-scout.” He said with a soft laugh. When Scott called him only moderately funny, Warren let out a huff. “Tell that to Bobby! He laughs at all my jokes.” It wasn’t much of a brag. Bobby was pretty easy going. Watching as his friend put in the coordinates for him, he cocked his head to see the phone. The car wasn’t far from them at all and he didn’t mind the short walk to it with his friend on his arm. Taking the phone with his other hand, he nodded. “Yeah, I’m ready.” He told Scott. Stepping out into the rain once again with him, he started walking the two of them in the direction of the car. It was nice that Scott trusted him enough to even let him lead the way somewhere. He smiled a bit to himself. “It’s a pretty short walk. Luckily.” He assured his friend. And just like he’d said, it wasn’t long before the two of them reached his car. Warren reached over and checked Scott’s pocket for his keys. Finding them and unlocking it. He walked his friend to the passenger side. Opening the door for him.

.

“Oh shush.” Playfully he smacked Warren in the shoulder. It felt nice to fool around like this, and it wasn’t something Scott often let himself do. Usually he needed to play the stoic leader, had to be the person being serious or who else would? He couldn’t let anyone else take the burden away from him, not when they’d become trapped under it like he had. It was rare when he felt himself free of it. Usually it’d simply be Jean he felt that freedom with, but lately his time with Warren had been warranting it as well. No longer being the protector, Cyclops the hero, but Scott the person. It felt strange. “You couldn’t take my flirting,” He decided instead to play along. “I’d flirt you under the bus.” That expression didn’t sound right to his ears but he decided to remain confident about it instead of stumbling over it. He bit his lower lip as he spoke about his feelings for Jean, and his lame flirting that hadn’t gone as under the radar as he’d hoped. “I didn’t mean it to be flirting.” He admitted. “I just really care about her, and I didn’t realize it was that until I did.” As Warren prompted him, Scott gave him an expression that would have been far calmer if Warren had told him the world was ending. 

“That is NOT the worst thing that could happen.” Scott stated with panic clear at the prospect. “There’s so many worse things. It could ruin our friendship, she could not rely on me as a leader anymore- oh god what if she feels forced because I’m a leader and the power dynamic plus she’s already under so much stress already because of her powers and then- what if she said YES? What if we have an epic breakup that affects the whole entire team? One of us would need to leave the X-Men and like hell I’ll let it be her, she NEEDS them.” Scott needed them too but that was beside the point. “Plus it’d be fair cause it’d probably be my fault-- but thats not even edging the tip of what could happen if I ever confessed so.” So paranoia didn’t even begin to cover his feelings on the topic, quite frankly. 

Scott frowned, confusion abroad his features at Warren’s words. “I know I don’t have to.” He said. “I want to.” It was a statement, and without an ounce of hesitation. “You’re my friend, and if I can help you-- even if it’s something small, I’d like to.” He hated feeling useless. There was nothing more Scott wanted to do than help the people he loved. “That is, if you want me to.” He didn’t want to force it. He knew he had a habit of being pushy and forcing things at times, needed to reign himself in at times. Nonetheless, sans Warren rejecting the proposal, Scott was happy to help him. Maybe it was selfish of him, using Warren to feel useful about himself. But. He couldn’t let himself over think things too much. It led to headaches. 

“Bobby laughs at every joke in existence. He laughs at my jokes. That’s not an accomplishment.” Scott told him, a broad smile along his face and chuckles following the words. He swallowed, and gave a nod as Warren spoke of the walk being short. Even the short distance made him nervous, he couldn’t help it. He hated putting all this weight on Warren (and at the same time, he was grateful to be able to trust him). “Short is good.” He said curtly, trying to hide his nerves. He didn’t want Warren to think he doubted him- he didn’t. Scott just didn’t particular care for the rain, or vulnerability. He held onto Warren steadily the entire walk, and gave a tired grin when Warren searched his pockets. “Probably should have handed them over before he left.” He mused idly. He slid into the passenger seat, keeping his eyes shut tightly for a good moment before he could breathe easy. Then, he wiped his glasses down with his jacket, keeping his eyes tightly shut the whole time. Finally, Scott put them back on and opened his eyes. “Still foggy,” He grimaced, wishing he’d kept proper glasses cleaner in his car. “Be gentle with her.” Scott didn’t often let anyone drive his car, but if he trusted Warren to lead him in the dark then he could probably trust him with his car too. Probably. 

Jean Grey. 

-

Jean smiled softly as Scott spoke. People had told her time and time again that Scott had feelings for her, and some had asked her why she didn’t just see for herself. It wasn’t as though it would really be hard for her, they argued – in fact, it would probably be easier than holding herself back all the time. But she wouldn’t do that to anyone, least of all Scott. His feelings and his thoughts were private, unless they happened to be so strong that they overwhelmed her defenses; and even then, she pulled further back immediately. “I know,” she said softly. “I care about you too, Scott.” And that was true, even if she was afraid to explore just how much she cared about him. She smiled a little as he went on. “I know, I know,” she said quietly. “Why don’t we hang out tonight? We could watch a movie.” She smiled softly. “It would help me relax.” 

Jean was--- Jean was Jean. Before he’d seen her face he had heard her voice in his mind. Before he felt her touch physically he had felt her mental one. And when he was falling apart she was the one who was able to bring him back together with strength he had never seen from another before. She was wonderful. If only she could believe that too. If only she could see herself the way he saw her--- would she believe in her own goodness? His heart leaped in his chest at her words, her affirmation. “What if...” His nerves tipped at his skin, burning the edges and frays of him. Fear attacking his heart like a wild fire. “What if we didn’t hang out?” A pause of nothing in there air but a penny being thrown. “What if it was a date?” And then the penny drops. 

Logan Howlett. 

Though he didn’t want to show it, he did partly feel bad for Scott’s confusion. “Chill, Scott. You’ll over heat your brain thinking that hard.” He says with a smirk before biting into an apple he had on hand. Despite everything, he couldn’t help but get a jab in at him. “Yeah, my names Logan. We’re friends in my timelines. Or at least we were, kinda out lived ya, it happens a lot. I remember the day you’re talking about though.”

“Chill-- I could do chill.” He really couldn’t. In many senses of the word, Scott was the opposite of chill. Nonetheless he took a deep breath in and tried. “So you and me-- we’re friends in the future then?” It was kinda crazy to think about, the time travel of it all alone was mind bogling. “Oh so I’m dead. Okay.” Wow. Would it be redundant to ask how he died? Could fate be changed? A coldness swept over his chest as another thought entered his mind. Something far more important than his own life. “What about Jean? Is she...?” Was Jean dead?

Calvin Rose. ​

.

Calvin looked at the other smirking slightly “Gotham Special if you have ever been there” He mused honestly looking at the other for a moment he seemed lost in his mind for a brief moment but he didn’t mind at all.  “Sounds like a plan do you have a favorite food or something? Granted I’m glad to see burger places that expend outside of just burgers”  he explained still taking a look at the menu to see if he could find something that caught his interest.

“Can’t say I have,” For all the crazyness he had heard of Gotham city Scott didn’t know if that was a good thing or bad. Apparently, Gotham was a place full of freaks. Though maybe that would mean he’d fit right in. Who knew? “Ahh favorite food?” He considered for a moment. “I do like pb and js, but I don’t think thats much of a delicacy.” The young man joked. “I’ll see what they have.” He was sure it was a long enough menu to find something off. 

Jubilee.

Jubilee leaned back, Scott had a point. Sure, she was one of the newer kids at the Xavier institute but it was clear that even the kids who’d been here for months or even years were almost as out of the loop as her. “Fair enough, I just wish there was more that we could do. With all the anti-mutant stuff and everything, you know?”

Scott nodded, a deep understanding coursing through him. He knew the taste of powerlessness all too well. He hated it’s familiarity. “I do know, it’s... not great.” Which was a poor understatement, really. “The Professor always says the most we could do is show them we aren’t what they think but...” It didn’t feel like enough. He wanted more. “It’s tough.” He told her. “I get it.” 

Warren Worthington.

“Oh so it’s a when now?” He caught. Knowing it was probably a huge mistake and Scott probably meant to say ‘if’. “Seriously though, I’ve seen you with Jean. I doubt I’d know you were trying to flirt at all. What you need are a few choice lessons from the best.” He said, gesturing to himself. Everyone knew that Warren could be a bit of a player. Especially after his long relationship with Candy ended. He wasn’t eager to get into a long relationship again. Even if he felt tempted now and again by Kate. Even if he could easily imagine them together as a couple. Living together. Waking up every morning in the same bed. The thought alone caused his feathers to start fluffing up under his long jacket. “I’ll get you properly flirting in no time.” He promised, ignoring his brief thought about Kate.

He was a bit shocked once again by Scott’s words. Why hadn’t he seen half the things he was saying coming. It wasn’t especially rare that they were vulnerable with one another. They essentially grew from boys into men together on the team. He considered Scott his best friend. Not that he’d ever tell him that. Yet, everything about tonight was a bit of a surprise. It was a strangely intimate conversation. Standing under the roof together with nothing but the sound of rain in-between the words they were sharing. Scott was offering something only Candy had ever offered him before. The offer itself was the highest show of Scott’s friendship. “I- uh…” He stammered. “Yeah, okay.” His voice was softer, more vulnerable than it just had been. Showing his friend so much trust to allow him to try and help when his wings were sore. Scott didn’t touch his wings much, besides that Halloween night. “I wouldn’t mind that.” He was right about that. Without the ability to fly, Warren had no idea who he was. Healing had been tough for him. He was scared he’d never fly again and it made him feel so lost. It was only because of Jean and Scott that he emotionally made it through when he was injured. He owed them everything.

Thankfully, Scott lightened the mood again and he let out a soft laugh. “Yeah, I do kinda think you’re a crook. I’m really funny, so why wouldn’t you steal my puns?” He joked back. Watching Scott laugh, Warren easily smiled at him. “Yeah well, I figured I’d at least try.” He insisted with a shrug of his shoulders. “Anytime.” He answered him gently as his friend took his arm in his. “Where’d you park?” He thought he’d ask before they started aimlessly walking. 

“Slip of a tongue!” Scott objected, probably a bit too loudly. His cheeks felt a bit more burning now, and he hoped they weren’t pink or red or anything in between. He really wasn’t good at the whole flirting thing, had no idea what he was even doing. Something that he knew for a fact didn’t apply to Warren. The guy lived to flirt. Scott had seen it enough times, he just never thought he’d be on the receiving end of it. Joke or not. His fluster didn’t relieve at the mention of Jean, if anything it grew far worse. Now he was sure his cheeks were blushing some kind of color. “Wha-- I don’t--- Jean and I--... “ He swallowed. “... is it that obvious?” He asked painfully. Scott’s head shook. “I might be good on that, I mean thank you but I doubt...” His fluster ended in a somber grimace. “I don’t think she feels the same about me. So it’s okay. I’ll just... I’ll be okay.” He had to be, for Jean’s sake, he couldn’t deny her her happiness. Even if it wasn’t with him. 

Years ago, when he’d first met the angel clad man, Scott never pictured this was a conversation he and Warren would have. The thought alone was unreal. A heartfelt conversation with him? Back then, Scott had been unwilling to have a heartfelt conversation with anyone short of Alex. Then Jean had nudged herself in, and soon the Professor too. Somewhere along the way, Warren had as well. Not only become a friend, but became someone he trusted and relied on. All without Scott even noticing. The sneaky little angel. He hadn’t known what to expect from Warren’s response. Rejection? An attempt to brush it off with humor? He was relieved to find nothing of the sort, but acceptance. “Thank you.” It was an odd thing to thank someone for, them allowing your help. Nonetheless, as someone who struggled with vulnerability, Scott was grateful Warren was sharing his own. “We don’t have to do it somewhere public if you don’t want anyone to see,” Scott told him softly. “We’ll figure something out that’ll help your wings so you don’t have to suffer like you are. I promise, Warren.” And he meant it with his full heart. 

“No way!” Scott ungauged at him. “Name one X-Men member who’s never called me a boy scout. I’ll give you time if you need it, because you would need it.” The answer, was that there were NONE. Every single member of the X-Men had called Scott a boy scout one time or another. He wasn’t normally proud of it but in this moment it stood to his point. “Eh.” He teased the other man. “You’re only moderately funny, I wouldn’t call you an intermediate level.” They needed to do this more. Joking, talking, just hanging out. It felt good. “I could type it into GPS before we’re off,” Scott thought up. “And you’ll know it once you see it.” Warren had seen his car enough times to know. He typed the coordinates into his phone before handing it off to Warren. Squeezing his eyes shut under his shades (he was nervous, unfortunate effect of the rain), Scott asked. “Ready?”