Scott and Sooraya; Random encounter

[x-dust.livejournal.com]

Scott encounters Sooraya cooking up a storm in the kitchen. They talk about it a bit before conversation turns serious.

Scott yawned as he strode down the hallway from the suite he shared with Jean, he had stayed up late last night working on his latest danger room scenario and now he just couldn't keep his eyes open. He scrubbed his face with his hands, he definitely needed something to help him wake up this morning. Making up his mind he strode down towards the communal kitchen to get himself a cup of coffee and to see if anyone had left a pie or cake lying around which he could steal a slice from.

Sooraya looked up from the grape leaves she was stuffing with a rice and meat mixture when he entered the kitchen. “Morning Mr. Summers.” She chirped happily. “You look like you could use some coffee.”

Scott grinned wryly, "That obvious" he asked as he grabbed a coffee cup and strode to the coffee maker. Taking a sip of the precious ambrosia Scott felt a degree of life return to his limbs. Looking over at Sooraya he noticed the pile of leaves in front of her. "So, what's on the menu today chef?" he inquired.

“Something a friend in Attilan taught me to make. It’s a Greek dish called Dolmathakia me Kima or stuffed grape leaves with meat & rice. They are meant more a snack though… When they are cooking I was planning on making some fresh tzatziki to go with it.” Sooraya explained, her hands returning to the job before her. “It will be a while before they are ready though. They need to cook for about an hour.”

"That seems pretty complex. I can just about fry an egg", Scott offered, "anything more and I end up burning the meal." He leaned against a kitchen counter and examine the mixture Sooraya was working on. "I didn't realize you were this accomplished a chef, Sooraya", he remarked.

“I am not that good, Mr. Summers. I learned a lot from Ms. Dane when I took her cooking class and then I just continued to practice. I never lacked people willing to try something…” Sooraya glanced briefly at him, her hands still mostly focused on her work. “Would you like a few of them when they are done? You don’t have to eat them immediately. I like them best when they are at room temp.”

"Was I that obvious?" Scott asked wryly. "They do smell delicious; I would love to try some when you've finished cooking Miss Qadir." Taking another sip of coffee Scott looked at Sooraya over the rim of his cup, "So, how are you settling back in here?"

“They do have to cook for at least an hour.” Sooraya warned him before answering his question. “I think I am mostly settled in. I asked Dr. Grey and Ms. Frost to mentor me for the last courses I need to finish. And I am happy Yvette offered to share a suite. I will be happy when the rest of my things will are from Attilan though.”

"I'm sure they'll be worth the wait" Scott assured Sooraya with a laugh. "It's good you're fitting back in here so well." Surreptitiously Scott scooped up a bit of the stuffing and tasted it, his eyes widening. "This is really good!" he exclaimed. "I think you're underestimating your talents, Miss Qadir."

Sooraya mock fully brandished a wooden spoon. “It isn’t even cooked yet! But I am glad you like it…” She finished stuffing the last of the leaves and turned to grab the pan, putting a plate on the bottom and putting damaged leaves on them before beginning to layer the rolls into the pan. “Can I ask you something, Mr. Summers?” She paused for a moment and turned to look him into the eye.

Scott watched Sooraya cooking with interest, slightly envious of her obvious skill and talent.. Hearing Sooraya's question Scott blinked in surprise before turning to face Sooraya. "Of course Miss Qadir. How may I be of service?".

“I was scared in Attilan, both when I was kidnapped and when they attacked me in my room. I control my powers fairly well, but I don’t really know very well how to use them to defend myself…” Sooraya trailed of, thinking for a moment how she wanted to formulate the next part. “I don’t want to be an X-man or anything like it, but I want to know better how to defend myself if Sayyid is coming after me. Do you think anyone would be willing to teach me how to do that?”

Scott pursed his lips and looked at Sooraya over the rim of his coffee cup as he collected his thoughts. "You've had powers training as part of your schooling here, but I guess you want to go beyond what we teach there?" He looked at Sooraya for confirmation before continuing; "Alexander, Mr Lexington, could probably help you as the defense teacher here. But if you want your training kept secret, an ace up your sleeve if you will...", he trailed of and looked at Sooraya questioningly.

“Leyu got hurt, Mr. Summers, because he was after me. Sayyid has shown how far he is willing to go and he is willing to risk others getting hurt… I have managed to escape him two times now… And much of that was luck.” She considered Scott’s offer. “And not having my training be… general knowledge might give me an extra advantage. I think that is a good idea.”

Scott nodded thoughtfully, "But you don't want to feel pressured into joining the X-men, or any of the other teams." He closed his eyes as he thought through the possibilities, opening his eyes he looked back at Sooraya. "I can set up a few danger room scenarios to help you gain better control of your powers. There is, however, one more possibility though, something no-one would ever expect, but it's going to be alot of work."

Sooraya looked at him curiously, before turning back to her work and putting a plate on the rolls. “What did you have in mind, Mr. Summers?” She added water from a bowl and put the pan on the fire.

"We're mutants, everyone you fight, everyone who is going to come after you is going to expect you to use your powers. Tell me Miss Qadir, how would you feel about taking physical combat lessons?"

She had to scratch her hair… well… her headscarf at that. “You mean above the normal self defense training I did as a student? Together with the powers training?”
"Exactly," he smiled. "It sounds like you want more than just being able to look after yourself in most situations. I think that some further training would help. It seems to me Sayyid is very focused on mutant powers, people like that rarely expect you to come at them physically. It should prove to be a surprise when you need it."
She shook her head. “I don’t want to be a X-men or anything like that, Mr. Summers. But I do want to protect myself and people around me. That is all. Helping other people with Elpis is something I am far better at.”

"I would never pressure anyone into joining the X-men, Miss Qadir", Scott replied blinking in surprise, "It's a decision that you have to make. The offer of training is completely separate from the X-men. I just want you to be able to protect yourself in the future. Working with Elpis would be a good way for you to help people though."

“Aargh…” Sooraya muttered softly. “That is not what I meant to suggest, sir. I just wanted to be clear on my intentions.” She explained in a louder voice.

"Ah", Scott replied with relief in his voice. "For a moment there I thought...never mind." He pushed himself away from the counter, "If you want I'll start arranging some time in the danger room then and see who we can get to train you in hand to hand.”

“That sounds good.” Sooraya hesitated for a moment before voicing her request very hesitantly. “If it is possible, sir, and only if there is someone who can do it, could it be a woman… I know there will be... touching… and I…” She gestured at her head scarf. “But only if it is possible…”

"Ah," Scott paused thoughtfully, "yes, I believe that could be arranged. I'll see what I can do"

"Thanks Mr. Summers. I know I might have to practice with men sometimes, but for instruction and demonstrating things... It will make me learn better if I don't have to think about that." She smiled at him. "I can drop of some of the rolls when they are finished if you have things to do."

"Thanks Miss Qadir" Scott replied as he started heading towards to the door, I'll be in my office when the rolls get done."