The Rictor Effect: Camping Out

[x-cyclops.livejournal.com]

As Charles continues to search with Cerebro, it becomes necessary to find a place to park the Blackbird for the night. Scott and Jean steal a moment.


"Been a while since we broke out the tents," Scott said, sinking down beside Jean on the sleeping bag they'd just unrolled. "It's too bad we weren't farther north. I'm sure Alison and Haroun would have put us all up quite happily." But Charles was fairly sure that Magneto was still in this area somewhere - stray thoughts he'd caught here and there, apparently, the memories of momentary encounters - and having to double back once he did locate him wasn't an ideal plan. Scott had found a congenial field to set down in, and they'd set up camp for the night.

"Yes, they would have, but the west coast team is likely to be busy enough trying to get things ready if Magneto does use the boy somehow. Arguing with the authorities that yes, this is a real threat, regardless of what their earthquake authorities are telling them, and the like." Jean had her arms wrapped around her knees - not tightly, but there was a certain stress in her posture.

Scott slid an arm around her shoulders, pressing his lips to her temple for a moment. "Thank you for not looking at me like I was insane when I asked you to come," he said after a moment, softly. "I know it's asking a lot."

"Well, you are insane," Jean said, leaning into him. "It seemed redundant. And I knew you wouldn't ask if you didn't need me."

"It took an act of will to leave anyone at home," Scott said with a sigh. "I knew I couldn't strip the mansion entirely, but still... it's Magneto. My first instinct was to bring everyone." And he hadn't been about to leave anyone who had as much experience as Jean behind. Not if there was any way she'd agree to come. He'd said that to Charles, giving the Professor a chance to tell him that it wasn't a good idea... but Charles had just nodded, and gone back to Cerebro.

"Believe me, I understand. Magneto, particularly with a child who has a power like this... The possibilities are terrifying." Sighing, she turned to hide her face in his shoulder for a moment before looking up again. "And I'm doing ok."

"I know you are." He smiled, a bit wryly. "I've been watching. Like a hawk." He kissed her again, on the lips this time, and lightly. "Because I love you. Not because I doubt you."

She smiled at that. "I know. Didn't doubt that for a minute."

Scott smiled back, more naturally. "Well," he said, "it still doesn't hurt to say." He was definitely getting the hang of saying those things when they needed to be said. And so often, they should be. Even when they were understood. "On a frivolous note," he said more playfully, "it's kind of nice to see you back in the leathers."

Jean laughed quietly. "Say things like that and it's no wonder the kids sometimes refer to us as the bondage brigade."

"Well, you know, they say it often enough, there's a sort of subliminal pressure going on there..." Now he was just being silly. But it was quiet, and it was just the two of them in this tent, and who knew how long it would stay quiet? Charles could get back in touch with them at any time with an exact location. "I'll keep you out of the thick of it unless there's no option," Scott said suddenly.

Jean hesitated, then nodded slightly. "Thank you. Probably for the best anyway, since I'm not exactly in shape. Out of training and all." Of course, that meant if he did call her into it it would be because the shit had hit the fan in metric ass loads.

"You can consider yourself part of the tactical reserve." His arm tightened around her. "I just really don't want to fuck this up," he said. There was no anxiety in his voice, just a certain tension. "The stakes are too high. It's not just this boy's life on the line."

"Stating the obvious, sweetheart," Jean said, although without any rancor. Instead she curled into his hold, letting go of her knees so she could wrap one arm around him.

"I know. It's not like either of us really needs reminding..." Scott let his breath out on a sigh, letting his head rest against hers for a moment. "We can do this," he said, more to himself than to her. "Whatever it takes. We're probably the only people who can."

"We can and we will, because we have to." It was as simple as that.

"I feel better knowing that you'll be there." He kissed her again. "I won't call you my lucky charm, because then you'll strangle me in my sleep, but I just... feel more optimistic, when you're around."

"Well, optimism is a rare and special state for you, so I'll let the lucky charm thing pass. This time. Maybe."

"Anyone ever tell you that you're just a little sarcastic?" Scott let go of her and laid back, staring up at the roof of the tent and trying not to smile. "I think some of the others have a poker game going in the 'Bird."

Jean grinned at him, well aware of the stifled smile. "Nope. Usually they leave out the 'just a little' part."