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The heat of summer had settled rather thickly upon the grounds of the Institute. It was humid and with summer starting to pick up, Lorna had ditched her training sweats for a swimsuit to jump into the lake with a few younger kids. It had been a splashing, messy affair before the group returned to the mansion proper. Lorna however, didn't go inside just yet. Rather she sat on the steps of the gazebo, wrapped up a few towels and her sweatshirt thrown over her shoulders. Damp green hair clinging to her cheeks as she sat and just seemed to relax.
A sigh pulled at her lips as she propped her chin up with a hand and reached out with her powers. Her eyes slipped shut as she tried to concentration on expanding her awareness. It broke off after a moment's attempt, and she frowned, huffing a breath. No matter how relaxed she was, or how hard she tried to concentrate she couldn't even come close to her father's awareness of miles. Her only successful attempts had only ever been when her father was nearby, adding to her own powers.
And the never ending frustration was, that he expected to be able to find him no matter where he was. Yet she was never able to unless he was close. The disturbances in the magnetic fields he created left only a faint inkling that Erik was in some general direction.
*
One of the… quirkier aspects of the Professor's telepathy is that it sometimes gets mucked with by magnetic fields. Which isn't to say that a fridge magnet placed to his head would cause him to lose his powers, but when a mutant uses their magnetic powers nearby, he's pretty well aware of it.
Charles comes out, wearing just his dress shirt and slacks, no jacket and… no tie? Wait, where's the tie?!? Anyway, Charles, if that really is him, walks over towards Lorna, sensing not only her magnetic fields, but a bit of her mood as well. He then smiles towards her, "Hello, Lorna."
*
Lorna startled as Charles arrived, and a guilty slant followed her shoulders as she dropped the magnetic fields she was busily trying to stretch beyond her capabilities. A furrow pinched her eyebrows as she eyed his lack of tie and hooked an eyebrow upwards before she shifted to properly put her arms through her sleeves. "Hey," She offered lamely.
She reached up to start braiding her still wet hair back and rung it out beside her. "I hope it was cool that the younger kids and I went to the lake." She bit her lower lip. "It was just totally too hot after training today."
*
Charles laughs, "I remember doing that a few times myself on a hot summer… even if it isn't technically summer yet." He sits down next to Lorna, and… wait, the top button of his shirt is unbuttoned too. Granted, it's hot, but it's still very… un-Professor-like. Then he smiles a little, "Don't worry, it will come to you eventually. You shouldn't be discouraged."
*
Lorna shot him a studiously curious look, one where the young woman seemed to puzzle over the oddities in his attire before figuring that he must've been canoodling with Miss Frost. The green haired mutant, of course, was open as always with such thoughts. And they were practically broadcasted over her features just as well as in her head. Cue the nose wrinkle.
Then she was sighing and looking out to the open expanse of the grounds before them. "Tata says that I can always find him if I want to. But.." She shrugged and shifted on the damp towel she was sitting on. "I can't sense him when he's gone. I just know he's out there. Even if I try really, really hard. He's always telling me how I can do so much more than I can." A pout twisted at her lips and she slumped back against the gazebo.
*
Charles shakes his head, "Well, you're not your father, obviously, and you shouldn't let that bother you. Sometimes powers develop differently, and you don't really know how that's going to work." He smiles wryly, "It might be that your magnetic powers might not even work in quite the same way as his, which is no fault of your own either. There's really so little we know about mutant abilities." He shrugs a bit, trying to sound encouraging because it definitely sounds like Lorna needs it.
*
Another shrug followed and Lorna crossed her arms a top her knees. "But I know what it's supposed to feel like, cause when he's around I can do all kinds of things! Like, in Attlian, I could destroy that machine Maximus set up.." She pursed her lips together.
"It's just like, I know what my powers could be when that happens.. And when he's gone I can't do those thing anymore. It sucks." She toed at the wooden step of the gazebo in front of her. "And he's always gone these days."
*
Charles nods, "Well, keep in mind your father… he learned his powers in a far different way than you did, Lorna." He smiles a bit, considering a moment, "It takes practice, and time. You need to give yourself plenty of both."
*
"He bent a gate in the camps." She supplied softly, her voice low as she looked down at her hands. "And the Nazis did things to him." She rubbed her hands together. Erik had told his daughter nothing of the details, but Wanda certainly hadn't spared her quite so much.
"And I've just spent my whole life ignoring I had them." At least until Emma had found her, and started training her up. Emma had been the sole reason Lorna had even started college, or found out she'd been adopted.
"Still doesn't make me feel better… I don't even know when my powers actually started being actually a thing. Like everyone else can point and say, 'This day and this time', but as far back as I can remember I know it's just been that way for me." She pushed her damp hair back and sighed.
*
Charles considers, looking thoughtful for a while, then he simply says, "In a case like this, it will just take time, Lorna. That's all. Practice and time. But you shouldn't be discouraged… you've already come quite a long ways, compared to when you first started." He smiles a bit, "I know it doesn't really make you feel that much better, but it's still the truth. You'll get there."
*
Lorna shrugged again, and sighed a somewhat doubtful look pulling at her expression. But she shifted and didn't argue the point further, turning her gaze back out toward the lake that shimmered in the afternoon sunshine. "Do you think he'll be back soon?" She ventured finally after having fallen silent for a long while. Then turned her gaze back toward Charles. "Not that I'm not happy here, or that I don't feel supported or anything. I just.. " She pursed her lips, and made a vague wave of her hand.
*
Charles nods, "You miss him, of course." He smiles and shakes his head slightly, "I'm not entirely sure, to be honest. Your father definitely takes care of his own business, in his own way." Not that he sounds entirely approving of that, but approval or not, Erik will do what Erik does.
*
Remy LeBeau slips out of the back door and onto the rear grounds slowly and quietly. He quickly notices that Xavier and Lorna look to be having a private conversation and he doesn't want to eavesdrop. However, the Cajun needs a smoke like a dog needs to sniff butts. There was probably a more eloquent way of putting that, but desperate times call for desperate measures. There's the metal ping of his zippo being lit up and he brings the cigarette up to it before puffing away bits of smoke.
*
"You mean hunting down Nazis that escaped trial and hunting down whatever creep decides to take pot shots at me." She grumbled, and crossed her arms. It clearly wasn't the first time someone had messed with her in hopes of getting the attention of her father. (Not that she could know it was the same person, Erik hadn't shared that tidbit).
Lorna shifted, unzipping the sweatshirt as she started to warm up after her swim. Her green hair hung damp down her back and she was currently sitting on towel in her swimsuit still.
As soon as Remy flicked that lighter, however the magnokinetic perked up, and her gaze landed upon the Cajun. A blush crept up over her cheeks, even as she waved a hand. "Hey!" She grinned and bit her lower lip.
*
Charles glances over, smiling a bit as, for once, he's not wearing a tie. He nods towards Remy, giving the Cajun a wave as he gives Lorna a wry expression, "Well, I did help a little with some of those. Strucker, for instance…"
*
"Hey dere, Lo-na. Professah." Having been regarded, Remy saunters over with a smile after in takes a big drag from his smoke. His lips twist to the side and he dips his head as he blows the smoke over his shoulder. "Dun mean t'intrude if y'all havin' a private convo-sation. Just needed a smoke and Slim up dere get fussy if I smoke in de house."
*
"Tata won't talk about it, and Miss Crystal told me that it's better not to pester him too much for details." She mumbled before Remy approached. Lorna fidgeted on her seat, at first drawing her knees up and settling her arms around them before deciding against it and lowering her knees to cross her legs instead. Another shift, and she was crossing her legs and settling back against the gazebo's frame before she gave up and went back to how she'd been at the start. "Mostly just me being a bit of a downer." She mumbled, and reached up to twist the damp strands of green between her fingers.
"It's cool."
*
Charles smiles wryly, "Yes, well, I prefer smoking /not/ take place around the students, yes. It's a hard smell to get out of the carpets." He nods over at Remy, "Have you given more thought to the private tutoring? I'm sure Scott can handle that with his schedule." He doesn't mention the other day with the barbeque, though his eyes do harden just a little bit at the mention of Mr. Summers.
*
"I guess dat be fair. Given dat you been givin' me room and eats, Professah, I'll be smokin' whereva you be wantin me to." Remy gives a shrug, "Be happy ta take any tutorin' anyone be willin' t'offa. Not sure wheder Summers be willin, but Remy be up for it."
*
"Oh! I can help!" She grinned, practically bouncing as she leapt at the chance. "I'm learning French, and German. So I'm working already with the basics of different languages Professor. I can totally help out with extra practice if Mister Lebeau wants?" She asked, looking toward Remy. The green haired mutant sat on a towel, cleary having just come back from swimming and still damp, in a swimsuit and with a sweatshirt thrown over. She sat beside Charles on the stairs of the gazebo out back.
"Besides, you said for summer my work load would be less."
*
Scott has been conspicuously absent the last few days. He's been present for anything it's his duty to be present for, but has otherwise been extremely difficult to get in touch with. Whether it's because he's been sulking, cooling off, or embarrassed has been less than clear. But when he shows back up at the school, he isn't alone. He has a young man with him, and one that he's walking with the same way he usually does…when he's getting someone settled.
"And there we have the professor," he says to Josh, tipping his chin slightly toward the man who is not wearing a tie but also still not completely ragged.
*
Josh doesn't really blend in: usually, its because he's too pretty by half for a guy. Lately, it's because he's gold. Not orange, but shiny, metallic gold. Even his hair looks like its somehow spun from golden thread. On top of that he's wearing a hoodie that's bright yellow, and a pair of jeans. He seems… nervous… perhaps even wary, as he follows Scott along to this… school place. He's not entirely clear on the nature of this place still, so when Scott nods to the 'professor' he squints a moment. He lifts a golden hand and runs it through his hair, "…Hi." Pause, "Oh, I'm Josh. Elixir to my friends." To Raven and her people, really.
*
Charles waves towards Josh, and thus Scott. While he might have some… issues, with Scott, which still need to be resolved, he's not going to mention them in front of a new arrival. Instead, he smiles with a warm expression, standing up and walking over towards Josh, "Good to meet you, Josh. Though if you prefer Elixir, we can go with that." He looks… surprisingly relaxed, regarding the young man with a curious expression.
*
Remy gets a mischievous smile as Lorna leaps at the opportunity to tutor him. "Well, dunno bout French or German. For de GED I be needin' sometin a little easiah. You know. Like readin', writin, and arit-ma-tick. How you at fractions?" His questions lingers and then he stops immediately and, for those who are perceptive, he goes rigid for half a second. No, it's not because Scott arrived. "Josh. Been a while, lil man. Good t'see ya round dese parts." If Xavier doesn't already know Remy's past, well, he will anyways. The past is always catching up to LeBeau.
*
A flush crossed Lorna's cheeks, "I meant that I've had to struggle with learning another language.. soo, it should be easier to help you out. Right?" She arched a brow upwards before her attention shifted toward Scott and Josh. She stood up with a grin, moving over the grass on bare feet as she came up to Josh.
"Hey! Long time no see! Ever find that woman you put back together from the park?" She blinked, and glanced back toward Josh and held up a finger. "Wait, how do you know Scott? Tight-laced, rule-stickler Scott? Like, seriously? That's so weird to me." Another pause, "Wait, since you're here does that mean you're coming to the school? You were cleared?" A thousand questions trickled up, perhaps giving an odd connection that Lorna knew Josh in the first place.
*
"Josh is looking for a better alternative," Scott says by way of answering questions both asked and unasked. "I told him there was one. One where he could grow to understand his gifts without pressure to use them in any way he didn't want to." Which is to say, no Brotherhood pushing him toward violence. "I checked him out. And he's known Raven. If she wanted to cause any trouble, she'd know where to start anyhow."
*
Josh is distracted from greeting Charles, because he goes tense and looks awkwardly at Remy for a long moment before he coughs a little bit. "Oh, uh, Hey, Remy. I…" How does he broach this? What's the first rule of Terrorism Club? Don't talk about Terrorism Club. Josh isn't quite sure the right protocol here. So he looks to Charles, "Right, Hi. I.." He shrugs, and offers his hand to shake the man's hand, "…don't know what to say." Which is why the look he gives Lorna of the Questions is starting to look alarmed, so he answerse the easy one, "She's fine." he begins, "The woman I healed is fine, I mean. I wish I could do it to the rest of them, but most were dead for too long." He looks relieved when Scott explains the situation, though he looks skeptical of the whole concept of a 'better alternative', "The last thing Mystique would ever want to do is hurt a… school of mutants. Our people are not the enemy."
*
The Professor looks a bit sheepish at the mention of Raven, then nods towards Scott, "Indeed. We try to provide a better alternative for not only mutants, but for everyone, here at the school." He looks towards Josh, "And you sound ready to walk a different path. I'll let you know, it isn't always that easy to do." He glances over towards Remy, then back at Josh, seeming to pick up those stray thoughts pretty easily as he says, "Quite a few of those here have had some sort of… past, which we are willing to accept, provided the attempt for a better way is sincere." He smiles at Josh, then nods, "Feel free to tour the grounds if you like, or if you wished to stay for the moment, that would be fine. We were just discussing…" He pauses, and grins at Lorna, "What /were/ we discussing, specifically?"
*
"Oh," Remy says in reply to Lorna. "Right. Sorreh. Lost sometin' in de translation." Of course, his original language is a mix between Cajun style French and English anyhow. Either way, he's game to be tutored. He smiles a bit and takes another drag of his smoke as Josh goes awkward. Play it cool, kid, he thinks in his head. Soldiers in this war have blood on their hands. The Professor realizes that. "Josh one of de good ones. I vouch for him, fo what it worth."
*
"It's okay Mister Lebeau, or should I call you Remy?" Lorna grinned, and shoved her hands into her pockets.
Distinctly she kept her gaze on Josh, and not on Scott, giving the other mutant the cold shoulder for the time being. If anyone was particularly attached to Emma Frost on campus besides Charles, it was most assuredly Lorna. "Groovy." She chirped in response to Josh joining the school, "It'll be nice to have you around. Especially with how often people get into trouble around here." She shrugged, herself included in that. Josh might not have recruited her into the Brotherhood, but there had been a short while that Lorna had followed Raven around and gotten into trouble.
At Charles' question Lorna shrugged. "Tutoring Mister Lebeau? You volunteered Scott to do it." She glanced toward said Summers and shrugged, zipping up her hoodie over her swimsuit. "But I don't mind helping with that if Scott is too busy."
Then she was twisting around on her heel, "I'm gonna go back in. It's getting cool with the sun behind the clouds." She murmured, and with a wave of her hand, the towel behind her lifted by a little metal clip she'd put on it. Once it was in her hands she turned and waved before departing.
*
"I actually already offered," Scott notes on the topic of tutoring, adjusting his glasses with a bit of a look after Lorna. He shakes his head, then looks back to the professor and Josh. "We started out as a school," he explains to Josh. "Mostly a high school. The Professor took me in when I was sixteen, and I wasn't on the best path myself. My parents died when I was a kid, I'd been passed around the foster system. This place became my home. But we're not just a school now. We're a place for people who have nowhere else to go."
*
"That's… it?" Josh sounds a bit incredulous, "You just met me and … that's it? No test or I don't know, something?" It was more work getting into the Brotherhood for sure. "As for better way… I just don't really know what to do with my life anymore. Since I died .." He says it so finally, ".. the gold won't go away like it used to. So I don't … I just don't know. After what they did to me, after they destroyed my life, I believed what Mystique said. That they started the war, not us. But… the more we fight the worse it gets. And if I have to keep hurting people— its so easy to hurt people— I might lose my soul to the black. I won't be me anymore if I keep going that way. The black will consume me." He looks at Scott for a long moment, "It's safe here?" Uncertain. "I mean, Mutant Town… The massacre. If there's a bunch of mutants together in one place its a target." He blinks at Remy's vouching, but nods a grateful nod towards the guy.
*
Charles chuckles softly, "No, no tests. Just the earnest desire to work for something better. Which isn't easy." He frowns a touch at the mention of Mystique, "Rav… Mystique, has had a harder existence, and it shaped her in certain ways that are regrettable. But violence only begets more violence, Josh. And this place is very safe. We take certain… precautions. Plus, of course, there are the X-Men." He nods towards Scott at that, then looks at Josh, "But no, no exams, other than what you've already experienced."
*
Remy takes a deep breath as Josh is making his case for the change. It's inspirational, probably correct, and a good show on a good kid just looking to make his place in the world. Times are tough for the mutant these days. How could one begrudge them if they maybe got a bit too violent and ruffed up a cop or 8, and robbed a bank or two, and stole a bunch of military grade equipment one time. But then, after he listens to Josh, his mood darkens. His story is a lot different. "I quit the Brotherhood for a girl, really." Simple.
*
"It's safe here," Scott confirms, nodding to Josh. "Some of us…" He trails off with a look to Charles, then turns back to Josh. "I've been here a long time," he shrugs. "And yeah, sometimes the place needs protecting. Some of us are more suited to it than others. Turns out the whole eye thing is good for explaining to people that they need to stay off of your lawn. And in the interest of full disclosure and honesty, we have people who don't just stay here. We take the fight out there, to the rest of the world. But it's protecting people. Not killing. Not starting fights."
*
This is all sounding like it's too good to be true, but he nods once at Remy, "Well, that seems like as good a reason if it got you here." He then looks between Scott and Charles, "Well, uh. I should contribute if I'm here. I'm a doctor." He pauses, "Well, I was. I am not licensed anymore, due to the whole gold thing." He nods slowly to Scott, "Well. I am good with protecting people. I can heal, obviously. But that's just… part of it. One particular application of biokinetics. So I can help if people are needing protecting."
*
Charles smiles at that, "Well, then I think you'll fit in splendidly. And even if you aren't licensed, it isn't as though they took the knowledge out of you along with your legality, right?" He nods, "I think you'll fit in very well, if you wish to do so Josh."
*
"Well, it did," Remy admits. "She lef' shortly afta, but dat neither here no dere, non?" Remy says as he puts out his cigarette on his boot and gives Scott a wink for no apparent reason. He then takes a few steps, searching for a trash can.
*
"We're a lot like a family here," Scott says to Josh with a faint, wry smile. "Which means sometimes we fight. Sometimes we shout. Sometimes we make mistakes. But. When the chips are down, we're here for each other. I get that it sounds a little bit crazy. It sounds like some pie in the sky dream. But it's real. And we'll find a place here for you if you want it." There's a glance to Charles, one that might almost make an apology of the words, before he turns back. "Doctor could be useful. We do come up with some interesting medical conundrums given the physiology of different students."
*
"Well, yes. I volunteer in Mutant Town, taking care of people, healing those I can — there's only so much I can do at once before passing out, but." Josh winces at Remy, giving him a 'sorry, bro' sort of look, which may look odd coming from the golden dude. "Well yeah, they can't take the knowledge, but I was a surgeon and I don't see you needing surgery often. But.." He nods to Scott, "I have some experience with treating mutants in particular, especially when they have… oddities."
*
Charles nods, and gives Scott a 'we'll talk later' look, before glancing back to Josh, "Well, then I think you'll be a perfect fit here, if you're willing to walk that different path Josh." He then stifles a bit of a yawn, then looks around. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I should probably retire for the evening. But Scott can get you squared away with everything, Josh, don't worry about that."
*
"Yep, I best be goin, too," Remy adds as he finds the trash can. "Dere some left ova gumbo dat got ole Remy's name onnit. Y'all take er easy."
*
"Let me know when you're ready to study, Remy," Scott nods to the Cajun. "I'll be around." The professor's look just gets a blank one from the man in the red glasses, but he does nod to Josh. "We'll get you set up if you want. The facilities here are pretty good, all things considered."
*
Josh glances between Charles and Remy, nodding slowly as they move to depart, before his attention focuses on Scott. "Really? It looks like some old house." he remarks with a quick smile, hesitating, "Is everyone here a mutant or at least in the know? So if I see anyone there's no need to hide?" Even in Mutant Town he's not that lucky.
*
"Mutant, in the know, or otherwise different," Scott smiles ruefully back at Josh. "There's nothing to hide here. And most people are used to accommodating," he adds, tapping a finger at the side of his glasses. "I mean, to be fair, it's also a high school, and we're going to start offering college courses soon, and kids can be dicks. But that's one of those species-independent constants, so. Easy enough to deal with."
*
"Huh." He's having difficulty with the idea of this place, but he nods along. "Well yes, I don't expect people to stop being people— and I can deal with kids being kids. I was lucky: when I grew up I had it easy. I always knew I was different— but I thought it was just… intuition. Instinct. I just knew what was wrong with people when I touched them. So it wasn't until I was a resident in the hospital that I turned out obviously a mutant, so … anyways, I grew up the popular kid. and I was as much a jerk as every popular kid is."
*
Scott smirks, ruffling a hand through his hair. "Well, happens to the best of us," he chuckles. "Can't say I know the feeling, though. Popular's not really me." He shrugs, heading toward the building itself. "Anyhow. I think you'll find people here are pretty welcoming. We've all been through it. We know how it feels. So we try to make it better for the next person."
*
Josh so does that hand-through-hair thing all the time: in fact seeing Scott do it is like a yawn. He has to do it too. Despite looking like spun metal his hair moves completely naturally. "This is so very, very weird." he breathes, furrowing his brow, "I didn't know there were people like this. That just say hey, nice to meet you, oh move in and be safe." Then he pauses, frowning, "This is quite aways away from Mutant Town. I am a bit worried about my patients."
*
"There aren't many. The Professor's a good man," Scott says quietly, looking back at the house. "He has a lot of faith in people. Sometimes I think too much, but…the world needs that. It needs people like him, who see the best in people and are willing to give them the chance to be better. So. I do what I can to help. Can you drive?" he asks at the mention of patients. "I can get you set up with a car, if it helps."
*
"I… was— to be honest, am still— so bitter about everything that happened to me. I just stopped seeing the good in almost anyone, even the other Brotherhood people." Josh then blinks and shakes his head, "Oh, I can drive. I just don't have a car. I sold it to pay rent awhile back and have been having to walk ever since. The one thing of my old life that didn't get cancelled was my student loans."
*
"Well, we've got a few vehicles here at the school. Diz teaches shop class, I like to tinker in my spare time," Scott explains, hands in his pockets. "So we've usually got a few spare vehicles available. If you need to check one out to go into the city, I don't see any reason why you couldn't."
*
Josh looks relieved. "There's some people there who can't go to a hospital: their biology is weird. They rely on me. Hell, even with my powers it took me awhile to figure out their bodies sometime." But he nods his head, "Hm. Well, like I said before, I went to med school, earned my M.D., was a surgical resident — to say I'm well versed in biology and anatomy and similar subjects is an understatement. Do you think you need help teaching such a class? I… feel awkward accepting, well not charity I guess, but… Not earning my keep."
*
"We could probably use the help," Scott laughs. "We've got other science sorts in residence, but sometimes they get a little bit distracted with the science and forget about the practical parts. And I get it," he nods, moving to a table with patio chairs by the doors and taking a seat. "I teach math. Not because it's what I love, or…I mean, I'm good enough at it. I've got a knack for geometry. But it's not exactly my passion. Honestly, I'm not a great math teacher. But the kids have to learn, so. Here I am."
*
"At the very least I can teach some first-aid if you all don't already have it. I can heal anything but if you're dead when I get there it takes a lot more out of me: I have limits. First-aid is an essential skill for everyone. But, the bio-sciences too." Josh nods his head quickly, following over and settling on a chair too, "Fortunately I am a pretty good teacher: I wasn't originally but by my third year of residency I had to take interns under my arm and I learned the skill. Can I ask—" he says, changing the subject, "What is your mutation?"
*
"First aid would be good," Scott nods. "I know some - you kind of have to, in our line of work - but I'd feel better if everyone did, and I'm sure you could teach it better than I could." At the question, his lips twist in a wry smile. "That's…" He chuffs a low laugh, pushing a hand back through his hair again. "My eyes," he explains. "The project energy. Concussive force. Thing is, it's always on, so. The Professor found this," he taps at the side of his glasses. "Ruby quartz. Contains it. Otherwise the only way to keep it from going off is to close my eyes."
*
Nodding on the issue of first aid, Josh then blinks at the power. "Huh." He's saying that a lot tonight, "It always amazes me what evolution can accomplish." He extends a golden hand off towards Scott, "Would you mind? I'd like to take a look at your X-gene. I have never been able to figure out what people can do by bioscan but I swear it should be possible. I just need to touch for a few moments."
*
Scott quirks a brow. "That's a first," he chuckles. "Usually it's a demonstration. But yeah, sure. Why not?" He holds out a hand, like he's ready to shake hands. At least there's no discomfort with the idea of having powers used on him.
*
There's nothing obvious: he shakes Scott's hand and has a faraway look in his eyes for a moment before releasing it and shaking his head, frowning. "I can't see the connection between the X-Gene and your eyes— but you *do* have some damage to your brain. I'd normally offer to fix it, but considering you're stable and you seem to be compensating, I can't be sure what the effect would be, so it wouldn't be wise." He says this all so plain matter-of-factly, like telling someone they have brain damage is nothing at all unusual for him. "But I could deactivate your X-Gene — temporarily — if you needed to go around without the glasses for some reason. I'm not saying I should do it: I would almost never deactivate someone's X-gene as I believe we are evolution's next stage and that's vital. But its available if needed."
*
"Plane crash," Scott offers, leaning back in his chair and folding his hands across his waist. "When I was a kid. It's how my parents died, and I'm pretty sure it's the first time my powers manifested. I had headaches for…years. Migraines. Splitting. Until it finally settled like this. I appreciate the offer but…" He trails off, shaking his head with a shrug. "It's who I am. I've got the sunglasses for when I need to pass for normal, a visor for when there's a fight." He reaches into his pocket, pulling out the visor in demonstration.
*
"Oh, I don't mean permanently." Josh is emphatic about that. "Like I said, evolution. I mean say there's some situation where you need to go incognito and the glasses don't fit. The only time I'd even consider permanently deactivating someone would be if living with it was unbearable. Like not just 'hey because I am a freak' but if it did something horrible to them." But he nods quickly at that, "Well you've lived with it for that long clearly your brain has adapted. Its remarkably adaptable: really I don't know enough about the brain to reliably fix it — we just don't know enough, scientifically, about how it works. The entire idea of consciousness is a mystery. But, like I said…" He nods, "You adapted. Evolution."
*
Scott snorts softly, a flicker of amusement in his features. "Yeah. Professor made a point of that not long ago. That the glasses weren't very subtle." He leans back, tipping his face up toward the sky. "But it's a part of me. And I'll find a way to adapt. Always. To make it work. To make it better. Because what we do is important, and it's just as important that we not have to hide it, too."
*
"I don't understand that." Josh says softly, shaking his head. He gestures at his face, "Before I died, this would last maybe a day after I healed, now I think it might never go away. Not have to hide? Scott… It's not safe for me to go into a pizza parlor. I've had a knife pulled on me before. Isn't this whole place about hiding?" He gestures around, "Maybe one day we won't have to hide. But that doesn't seem to be the world we live in."
*
"Some day," Scott says with quiet certainty. "Some day, we won't have to hide. That's what we do this for. That's what we're fighting for. So maybe we don't always win. Maybe sometimes things go wrong. But we try." He pushes up then, tipping his head toward the house. "Let's get you set up with some things, any access you need. Then we'll get you signed on with a car, and you should be good to go."