xp_logs | Ororo and Scott

Immediately after this encounter, Ororo calls Scott to let him know she won't be back at the mansion for a while. Promises of drinks follow.

Ororo grimaced as she dialed in the number for Scott's cell phone, looking at the blinking bracelet on her wrist. One of Arcade's goons stood off to one side, both to monitor her conversation and keep her from doing anything foolish once the call was over. The woman's face was impassive, but Ororo knew she would be listening in keenly to every word that was said. Please be there, Scott... this is important.

It only rang twice before Scott answered. "Hello?" He was clearly in the car, from the background noise.

"Scott. Hello. It is me," she said unnecessarily. "There has been a... change in my plans, for the next few days." Ororo tried to keep her tone neutral, though it was difficult, under the circumstances. "I will not be coming back to the mansion quite yet."

Scott raised an eyebrow, but forced himself to keep his eye on the road. "Don't tell me you've finally listened to me? I've been trying to tell you the beauty of a spontaneous vacation." The emphasis he put on the words was noticeable, but not overly so.

"You always were wiser than me. I guess it comes with age." Ororo allowed herself to relax, just a little. He wasn't asking questions and better, he had remembered their code. The same code that they had used to talk around the Professor when they had been teenagers - although, looking back, it was laughable to think that Charles hadn't known exactly what they were talking about anyway. "I think a solo getaway is exactly what I need right now. Without any of my other responsibilities to worry about." Alone. No team.

Fuck. She hadn't said anything that made him think she was in immediate danger, though. None of the outright warnings. "Well, I've been telling you and telling you," Scott said, forcing humor into his voice. "I was beginning to think you'd developed selective deafness. So are you going to find some nice spa or something somewhere and hide yourself away?" Will you be out of contact?

"I think I may immerse myself in a mudbath for a week or two, yes. I am sure it will prove very relaxing. Do not be too jealous of me." Please, do not worry for me.

"Ragingly jealous, I'm afraid, already." Well, I'm not promising that. "If you're much longer than that, I'm afraid I will indeed come looking for you. I mean, to join you, if nothing else..." Take the time you need, but don't take too much.

"I will take you out for drinks when I return, how is that?" I will come back. "Nice fruity ones, with umbrellas." This was where it got a bit more complicated - Ororo hoped he remembered what that meant. Cover for me. Especially to Charles.

Scott opened his mouth, then closed it again. "You know I've sworn off fruity drinks," he said quietly. Can't do that, 'Ro. Couldn't do that even if I tried - you should know that. "But I will wait and take you up on the offer of drinks. You may have to offer the same to our noble employer - he'll consider that a good deal, too." He trusts you. I trust you. We'll give you the space you need to deal with this, whatever it is, but don't expect us to leave you to it if it takes too long.

Ororo let out a sigh, frustrated with the circumstances that kept her from telling her best friend everything. "Very well. You can both have all the drinks you like." I will explain myself, I promise. "Take care, Scott."

"You too." It was an effort to keep his voice cheerful. He hit disconnect on the phone and swallowed past the tightness in his throat. Ororo could handle herself. If she was able to talk to him, she was involved in something, but it wasn't an imminent catastrophe... he didn't know what was going on, but she was in at least partial control of the situation... right?

He took the next turn, which had not been the plan. But he needed to get back to the mansion and talk to Charles.

"There," Ororo stated, setting her phone on the table and turning towards the silently-waiting woman beside the table. "I am finished." As she gave the phone back she tried not to worry too much. She hated lying to Scott, but at least now he knew she was all right, and not to send the team after her. That was the most important thing. She would have to explain the rest when she returned. Hopefully that will be bearing good news, with both hands attached...