Scott Phones Home

[x-cyclops.livejournal.com]

Scott sat in his hotel room, the receiver held loosely in his hand, up to his head. He hesitated before pressing that last number for the connection, but then stabbed it down firmly and with conviction. Waiting for the connection, the ring, and the hopeful answer.

Her hand already on the handle, Betsy hesitates a moment before picking up the phone. She tries to keep her expression unphased by his act of calling, answering the phone with forced nonchalance. "Hello, Scott."

It startles him a moment, that she knows who it is before she picks up the phone. But he recovers, and smiles as he realizes it is her on the other end. "Hey, Betsy," he says, his voice betraying his happiness at hearing hers. "I miss you," slips out before he can stop it, then he stops himself, letting it hang out there on its own.

Betsy smiles despite herself and lets relaxes into the phone. "I miss you too. How are you holding up, Scott?"

He released a breath he was surprised to find he was holding, and relaxed. "I'm fine. I'm in LA. Charles contacted me. There's a kid here whose mutant power just hit. There may be some gang issues, so he wants me to find him quick and get him out, if he'll come." He leaned back on the cheap motel's bed. "How are things there?"

She could tell him everything, but knew that it'd only stress him further. Betsy bit her lip. "Fairly good, a few incidents here and there." Betsy thought of the Music Room. "Nothing serious. Though I've realized why some of my friends were amazed at my taking this position."

He groaned, in sympathy. "I really didn't mean to stay away this long. It must be hell there. I'm sure I'll find out everything when I get back. You don't want to worry me." He shifted on the bed, moving the receiver to the other ear. "So, thinking about abandoning us?" His tone was light, purposely so. Hoping she wouldn't say yes.

She leaned back into her chair and laughed into the phone, "Never. I promised Charles that I would stay here and I won't go back on my word. But," she paused, "I have other reasons for staying."

"Oh?" He put one arm behind his head, imagining Betsy sitting in her office, phone in hand, fingers maybe toying with the cord. "Such as...?" He was going out on a limb here, but the distance, and the time away from the school...from her...made him reckless.

She smiled as she saw him, lying on his bed with his black t-shirt hugging his body. All Betsy wanted to do was touch him, but California was a great distance from New York and she'd have to hold her urges at bay. Her grin broadened as she thought of what she could do to that body when he returned. "Such as you." Essex came to mind as she thought about her next question. Betsy waited for a minute before continuing, "I know that what we've talked about before, about us. No commitment or promises, will it still be the same when you get back?"

Her first answer had set him smiling, that boyish look that made him look so young. Then her next answer brought out the seriousness. "Whatever you want, Bets. I'm here for you no matter what."

She felt warmth radiate from her where the hole within had taken residence. "You really have a great smile." Betsy silently cursed herself for that. She was acting like a schoolgirl with a crush and couldn't help it. He brought things out of and she loved the way it made her feel. A twinge of something brought her out of her reverie, "You know, you need to get some more rest."

He sat up straighter. "You can see me out here?" Surprise, not anger, was in his voice. He hadn't realized she was that powerful.

She sighed into the phone, "I found out after Brian, my brother, disappeared that I could still find him wherever he went. It was then I found out that I could reach almost everyone from a great distance. I seem to have a quirk for finding people." She found herself nervously playing with the phone cord and let it go, self-consciously. "After I got hurt, it became a little too much to extend myself. But, yes, I can see you." She hesitated, "I hope you don't mind that I check in on you from time to time."

Scott blinked, then shook his head, habit. "No, not at all. In fact, I wish I had known about it. I could have taken Ororo up on her offer to 'test your range.'" He paused, then smiled. "I'll tell you more of what she said when I get back."

Her head quirked at that, "All...right. You keep saying that, but I'm getting a little more worried about what she said to you."

He laughed, with only a bit of evil in it. "It's all part of my charm." He slid further down on the bed, kicking his shoes off onto the floor. "How about a date...a real date...after I get back? A way of saying thanks for helping out with the 2nd summer term classes while I've been gone."

An impish grin hits her face, "Oh, so you've tired of our simple flirtations and psychic interludes." She leans forwards and into the phone, "Actually, I'd love to."

He grinned again, lighting up his whole face. "Great. Well, I need to catch some shut-eye. I've heard I've not been taking good care of myself, from a source I trust. But I'm sure my dreams will be filled with thoughts of you, Elisabeth." He took a breath. "Sleep well, and stay safe. And sane."

"Oh, I trust your source, whole-heartily." She laughs again at his worry. "I'll be fine, as long as you take care. Good night, Scott. I miss you."

He smiled into the receiver. "See you soon. Good night, Elisabeth. Pleasant dreams." And then returned the handset into its cradle.