4952/The Stoic Son Returns

The Stoic Son Returns
Date of Scene:	18 July 2018
Location:	Central Park
Synopsis:	Scott returns from a mandatory vacation issues by Xavier. Upon his return to NYC, he meets with Ororo in Central Park to talk business about his duties at the mansion and with the team. Andrea and Jean show up as well and smiles are had all around. It's time for Scott to get back to work.
Cast of Characters:	Cyclops, Storm, Rage, Phoenix

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Cyclops has posed:
Several months have passed since Scott left Westchester at the Professor's behest. Rest assured it was completely against his will to leave, but ever the follower of orders, Scott obeyed Charles and took some time off from the team and his duties at the Mansion. Where did he go? Well, he's not very imaginative and isn't used to taking time off or relaxing. So he went... upstate. Into the mountains. Specifically he has been staying in a cabin in the middle of nowhere with the explicit purpose of being around no one.

Now he's back and has planned to meet up with Ororo to catch up on what he's missed and then return to Westchester with her so he can get back to work.

He enters the park from the southern edge, emerging from the row of skyscrapers to cross the street and enter the park with a fresh cup of coffee in his hand. His hair is combed expertly, as usual, and his clothes are completely free of wrinkles. He may have been living in the middle of nowhere, but he has routines that must be followed. He's not a savage, after all. His eyes scan the park from behind his dark red sunglasses as he looks for their meeting place. On a series of benches near a huge rock and a playground.

Storm has posed:
When Scott scans the area, he will see the mocha skin and lengthy white hair of Ororo Munroe sitting on one of many benches. She also has coffee in her hand, sipping lightly and watching the jovial interactions between the children playing on the playground. A smile can be seen in reaction to a group of them playing tag and running around the slides and jungle gyms. Ororo reminisces in that moment, hoping the children are relishing in their youth, considering she didn't truly have one herself.

That, however, is no matter when her blue eyes settle on Scott in the distance. His frame will always burn into her psyche from the many years they have lived together in the mansion. She places the cup of coffee against the bench and stands to her full height, her right hand rising into the air to motion for him to head in her direction. Excited, Ororo does not simply stand and wait for him to approach, and she meets him a quarter of the way.

"Look at you," Ororo says, opening her arms to embrace the man in a hug. "It's so good to see you, my friend. How are you, Scott?" She walks next to him, her smile still bright and inviting, a genuine reaction for someone who has not seen a good friend in months. It is possibly the longest they have been apart in a long time. "You're looking sharp for a man hiding in the mountains."

Cyclops has posed:
The sounds of the children playing at the playground take his mind back to the mansion and the sounds of the younger mutants running through the halls and playing hide and seek. The old Scott would likely have reprimanded the running children and made them slow down, but he's had plenty of time to reflect on himself and everything at the mansion in his absence. Maybe he'll relax a little. Then again, maybe pigs will learn to fly.

As he approaches the meeting spot, his eyes finally find a friendly, familiar face already on her way to meet him. His face, typically staunch and rigid, does manage to soften a bit upon seeing her. He glances down at himself for a moment before she moves in to embrace him, then relaxes and slides his arms around her to give her a tight hug, "Ororo." He pulls back and walks alongside her towards the benches, "It's been way too long. And it's great seeing you again." Having not seen anyone for months, he can't help but stare at her as they make their way to the bench where he lowers himself with a sigh. "To tell you the truth, I didn't know how long I was going to last up there." He pauses long enough to take a sip of his coffee, "I'm not used to that much peace and quiet." And now for what's been really eating at him for the past few months, "How are things at the Institute?"

Storm has posed:
"Two months?" Ororo asks, looking to Scott as he stares at her. Not that she can see his eyes behind the red sunglasses he is wearing. "It feels like much longer than that," she begins, "but I am happy that you have returned."

As they reach the bench, Ororo picks up her cup of coffee and sits, leaving plenty of room for Scott to join her. She takes another sip from the cup and crosses her legs, sitting at an angle so Scott can see her. The children in the background catch her attention a bit, one of them screaming in any effort to not get tagged, but Ororo returned to the man next to her quickly.

"The school is doing well. Jean is doing an awesome job maintaining the operational side of things. Students are coming in more frequently now, and there are a few familiar faces that have returned to teaching for the semester." Ororo pauses, leaning in closer. "We even have a junior program for the more... advanced students. Still looking for someone to head up the program, but everyone is excited to be a part of something new and different."

Cyclops has posed:
Scott's attention also is drawn to the screaming children as one desperately attempts to avoid being tagged. He idly recalls his own childhood that, similarly to Ororo, was rather non-existent in the context of the children in the park. He takes another sip of his coffee and returns his attention back to his friend, turning his body in like with hers.

"I can't tell you how happy I am to be back," he says as the smile returns to his face. He rests an arm on the back of the bench and crosses a leg over the other as he regards Ororo, "It comes as no surprise that Jean is doing so well. And I am looking forward to getting back, I'm sure you could use some help around there."

At the mention of the junior program, a single brow lifts just above his sunglasses and he tilts his head slightly to one side, "Are there any candidates you have in mind for the junior program?" He's sure there are quite a few capable youngsters running around that could step up into a leadership position. If anyone could pick them out, it would be Ororo.

Storm has posed:
"I do actually," Ororo replies, a grin forming before taking another sip of coffee. "You, of course." She allows a moment to pass between them, so the thought can truly process with Scott.

"We have so many hopeful students and we want to make sure they are fully prepared, and educated, in their abilities. There is no other person I would trust to successfully hold up the program." In fact, there is no better person, considering Scott trained most of the X-Men that came after the first squad, Ororo included. "This is just a thought, but I think you should consider it as an option if that is a direction you would like to take."

Cyclops has posed:
When Scott had left the cabin he had called home for the past few months, he had begun to consider where he would fit in with the Institute once he returned. In all honesty, he wasn't really sure where he *could* fit in after an absence of this length. He figured he would help out here and there and where needed but he hadn't expected any real leadership role would be offered.

After Ororo's reponse, the lone eyebrow remains and the muscles along his jawline ripple slowly as he ponders her offer. Ever the emotionless man, it's difficult to tell from looking at him what his thoughts are. But after a moment, the smile returns and he nods, "I would be honored." He nods his head in a display of graciousness, "Your trust in me is appreciated and I assure you it is not misplaced." He lifts off the bench only long enough to sit up a bit straighter as he takes another sip of coffee. Ideas are already swimming around in his head and he intends to get back to work as soon as he returns to the mansion. Vacation is over, thank christ.

Storm has posed:
The ever-raised eyebrow does not go unnoticed, and Ororo questions herself for the briefest of moments, until she bore witness to Scott's smile. A hand lazily rose to dismiss Scott's words about misplaced trust. "Over the years, Scott, you have taught all of us valuable strategic lessons, on and off the field. You've lead the team for years. You would be the perfect person for the job."

"Currently, Emma Frost has been mentoring the students, but they need more... attention," Ororo says, releasing a breath of air. She seems more relaxed already. "We can go over more details in the next couple of days. I don't want to burn you out before you even get back to the mansion."

"So," Ororo continues, placing the cup next to her on the bench. "How do you feel? I'm sure you are ready to get back into the thick of things, but are you feeling better after being away for so long?"

Cyclops has posed:
Scott quietly takes another sip of his coffee, his mind already about 3 months down the road with training schedules and team reviews. The logistical hurricane going on in his mind suddenly stops when Ororo speaks once more. He blinks behind his shades and turns to face her again. Giving the team attention won't be an issue. After all, this sort of thing is what Scott has prepared to do for the majority of his young life.

Managing to stop thinking about work for a moment, he purses his lips together as he considers her question. "I feel fine," he finally responds, the man of many words. "The break was nice but it will be good to be back and busy." Not one to open up much about his feelings, Ororo is an old friend and this is about as open as the man gets.

Storm has posed:
"As long as you don't over-exert yourself," Ororo suggests. "I know two months might seem like nothing, but I don't want you to stress yourself out."

She knows the man fairly well and has seen him push through many obstacles to accomplish his goals. There is no doubt in her mind that Scott would not be able to handle any job placed in front of him, but there is a reason why Charles Xavier told him to take a leave of absence. While Ororo did not know what the reason was, it is unlike the telepath to do something without a motive. Besides, Ororo is already stressed, so both of them couldn't be.

"Have you spoken to Jean about returning as an instructor?"

Rage has posed:
Making her way through the park is Andrea, who is dressed in a pair of spandex workout shorts beneath a pair of swishier shorts and a baggy Xavier's sweater that hangs off one shoulder. Her dark hair is pulled up behind her in a pony tail and she is carrying a pair of hand weights with her. She has a pair of earbuds in her ears to play music and help her keep time with her jog. Behind her tails two large men in dark suits and sunglasses, talking to each other quietly on the radio and in code.

As she runs, there is always some type of commotion in the form of people talking, shouting her name and trying to take her photo. Unphased by the attention, she will lift a hand for a wave if she spies a young girl waving back to her, but for the most part she stays focused. Up above, the silvery white hair of Ororo is easily spotted and she slows down her gait some as she comes to more of a fast paced walk, popping a bud out of her ear.

Cyclops has posed:
Scott breathes in deeply, his shoulders rising a bit as he considers the past couple of months once again. He's good. Back then he had rejected Xavier's notion that he needed time but it became fairly clear to him once he found himself in the mountains that he was under an immense amount of pressure and it was starting to get to him. He'd never admit it to anyone else, of course.

He glances back up at Ororo and smiles through his pursed lips with a nod, "I haven't spoken to Jean yet, no." Lifting an arm, he pushes his fingers through his hair, "I'll fit in wherever she feels I'm needed."

His mouth remains open to continue a thought when he hears commotion nearby and glances up to see Andrea approaching them with a gaggle of people following in her wake with cameras and cell phones trying to take pictures of her and selfies with her in the background. His mouth closes and he leans back on the bench to watch the spectacle while sipping his coffee.

Storm has posed:
"Knowing Jean, she will have a place for you. I'm sure your office is still untouched," Ororo responds. The former she is sure of; the latter not so much.

The crowded commotion catches her attention just as it does Scott's. Blue eyes survey the group of excited individuals, taking note of the various social media equipment in their hands, the men in suits, and finally the person behind it all. Seeing Andrea is a pleasant sight; however, her fans not so much. Ororo does not visibly bristle, but there is uneasiness there.

"Speaking of some of the more animated students in that program," Ororo says, leaning towards Scott so only the two of them can hear. She motions for the student to come closer, despite the gathered crowd around her, and makes introductions. "Scott, this is Andrea. She is a student at the school."

Phoenix has posed:
In the distance, a redheaded figure approaches, dressed quite casually in skinny jeans and a white tank top. Holding a set of strings in her left hand, which connected to a set of colorful balloons with the print: WELCOME HOME SCOTT.

Someone has tattled about Scott's return, that or the sagely old saying, telepath will be telepath holds true. Whatever the case, she approaches the group slowly, not picking up her pace with anticipation despite the long time Scott has been away.

"I hear someone is making a homecoming?" Jean calls when she's close enough to be heard.

Rage has posed:
As she slows to a stop, Andrea reaches out with a hand behind her, just to have a water bottle put into her hand from the large German man named Jameson. She takes a quick gulp, then lets it dangle at her hip as the two men in suits ward off the crowd of people as always, backing them off a good distance until they go about their days. There is always a last second picture or two, but for the most part they do not engage the celebrity.

Sliding her shades up to the top of her head, Andrea gives a bright smile. "Good afternoon Professor Munroe." She says politely, then lifts a hand to the man with the glasses. "Hi there!" She says, giving a glance subtly back and forth between the pair. "You're Scott Summers, right? I've seen pictures of you around the school." The sight of Jean with balloons and a sign causes her to giggle. "Hi Miss Grey."

Cyclops has posed:
The group following Andrea causes small wrinkles to form above Scott's brows, but only slightly. To be in isolation for so long to this is a bit of a stretch, but perhaps only Jean would pick up on it as she approaches.

Scott places his coffee on the bench and then rises to his feet to greet Andrea. He nods in hir direction and takes her hand, giving it a firm shake. Not firm as a sign of dominance but a firmness that suggests a level of professionalism that knows no end, "Pleasure to meet you, Andrea." His hands fall to his side and make their way behind his back where he assumes an 'at ease' posture. His eyes return to scanning the crowd of adoring fans when he hears another familiar voice. The unmistakable red hair that emerges from the crowd grabs his attention immediately, followed closely by the balloon tagging along with her. One side of his mouth curves upwards into a full grin as he regards Jean, "I guess you heard right, Ms. Grey." The formality of his address is cloaked in a light-hearted tone. The smile says more than anything that he's happy to see her.

Storm has posed:
As the various people are warded off from their small group, a weight lifts from Ororo's shoulders. During her time living as a Goddess in Africa, she was familiar with the concept of people fawning after her, but she never would be used to the feeling. Besides, small spaces and Ororo do not mix well.

Ororo continues to sit when Scott stands to greet Andrea, but she does stand when the familiar voice of her best friend is heard. She turns slightly in her seat to witness Jean approach with balloons labeling Scott's return home. Nice to know the woman received her message, Ororo finally stands to her feet.

Closing the distance between them, Ororo embraces Jean. "Right on time."

Phoenix has posed:
Jean nods at Andrea as she hears her giggling greeting, "nice to see you out and about, I trust you heard nothing from our Japanese friend?" She asks just to be sure, before inclining her head at Ororo, "thank you for being a friend, Ororo." No doubt a reflection on taking the time to send her a text message. She pauses a moment to embrace her good friend, but she should be excused if her beaming smile turns to Scott all too soon.

The formal greeting taken as perhaps intended, a surefire reference to his demeanor as Xavier's favorite field commander on the X-Men's many operations through the years. It's almost mind boggling that they find themselves in faculty positions these days.

The hand holding the balloons is extended towards Scott, "will I get merit points for coming prepared, Mr. Summers?" She returns the formal mannerism, but only to break into a giggle of her own. Scott is much better at this, else, he disarms her more easily than most.

Rage has posed:
Returning the firm handshake to Scott, Andrea delivers one on a professional level born in Hollywood studios and being raised too quickly for a girl her age. "You as well, sir." Turning to Jean, she gives a shake of her head. "No ma'am. I haven't heard anything from him. Outside of the situation we had in the city in regards to the burning building, it has been fairly quiet at least on my end. I am not going to complain."

Phoenix has posed:
Jean's phone vibrates, and she reaches to look at the screen before frowning. "I'm afraid we'll have to catch up later on, being a big girl means I have a lot more responsibility. Something came up," she sighs, and shakes her head, before making sure Scott has a firm grip of the ballons and slipping her phone back into the back pocket of her jeans.

She waves at Ororo and Andrea, looking upset that she won't get to catch up properly. At least not until later.

Cyclops has posed:
Scott stands aside as Jean and Ororo greet one another, his 'at ease' stance returning as his idle stance. When she turns back to face him, the smile returns and he glances up at the balloon, "I think merit points are certainly in order." He reaches out to take the balloon and leans in to slide his other arm around her for a quick hug. 'It's good to see you,' he thinks purposefully as he steps back from the hug.

As Jean abruptly has to leave, Scott offers her one last smile and then returns to his bench, tying the balloon string around the arm of the bench before taking his coffee back and having another sip. Looking up at Andrea, "So what brings you to the park, or were you passing by?"

Storm has posed:
Ororo is a good friend, isn't she? She gives Jean a nod and then wanders back to her seat on the bench. The coffee cup is lifted one last time as its contents are emptied, and Ororo tosses the cup into a nearby trashcan. Her attention shifts to Andrea in that moment, allowing Scott and Jean to reconnect and fill in the time since they have been apart.

"Mr. Summers is going to be returning to the school soon," Ororo offers. "There is a good chance he will help or take over mentorship for the program." The vagueness in the words 'the program' is a safety precaution when outside the mansion walls. After the incidents involving military-grade weapons, and those incidents involving cyborgs and Andrea, especially, Ororo is protective.

When Jean has to abruptly leave for school related issues, Ororo waves to her and makes sure there is still enough room on the bench for Scott to return to. Eyeing his present, Ororo grins at the gesture from the headmistress.

Rage has posed:
Lifting a hand to wave to Jean in her departure, Andrea gives a smile to Ororo and Scott. She looks surprised, brows raising. "Wow, really? That would be incredible. I am sure the students in the program would be excited to have some of your attention." She rocks about on her sneakers for a bit. "I was just out for a run. I was putting in a few miles and I wanted to just cut loose and feel the fresh air. Being here in the park sometimes is the closest I can to settling her down and getting her near a forest."

Cyclops has posed:
Scott regards Ororo with a nod and a smile as Jean leaves and returns to the bench. Again, he would never admit how happy he is to see so many friendly faces but it likely wouldn't take a telepath to see it at least a little bit on his face. Luckily his sunglasses conceal the majority of the gladness.

Looking back up at Andrea, he follows Ororo's reveal with a nod, "I'm looking forward to helping out when and where I can. I'm sure I can count on you to fill me in with a brief on how things have been going recently so I can start assisting right away?"

Storm has posed:
Ororo simply looks on, maneuvering her bright eyes from Scott to Andrea, curious about her reply. There is much she needs to tell Scott.

Rage has posed:
"Of course. I have already created a living document detailing most of our strengths and weaknesses within the group. Strategies that has worked in the past, personality traits." Andrea says with a smile to Scott as she straightens up. "I'm more than happy to show it to you. It's just in a journal that I've been detailing our adventures with, successes and opportunities. I feel that Miss Frost put us in the right direction with some of her lesson plans on building team work and understanding each other beyond basic friendships."

Cyclops has posed:
A brow appears above his sunglasses as he listens to Andrea's response. She doesn't know him very well, but if she did she may take this reaction as a suggestion of being impressed. And that he is. Most students don't take initiative like that, with the exception of himself of course, so the purse of his lips and the nod of his head is one of appreciation.

"I look forward to learning more about what you've found," he says as he offers her a smile. He glances over at Ororo, "If half the team is as astute as Ms. Jackson here, things should go quite smoothly." Of course he doesn't really expect a young team to be this astute. But it can't hurt to hold out hope.

Storm has posed:
"Andrea has always been a bright, promising student," Ororo offers, "and she has leadership quality too. Getting people of all walks of life to follow you, as you well know, is the challenge. That is their opportunity."

Among other things, but Ororo would share that with Scott at a later time.

For now, though, she glances to her watch to note the time. "Is there anything you would like to do in the city before heading to the mansion, Scott?"

Rage has posed:
"I look forward to working with you as well. Now, I just need to get some clothes that can fit my lifestyle. I'm sure Miss Munroe can explain later." Her lips twitch upwards at the bit of praise from her professor, shrugging her shoulders upwards. "I just feel like I'm handicapped. I'm a global celebrity. I'm rich. I'm successful. I feel like that I have to work the hardest to make sure that people really respect me and see my efforts. I don't want to skate by on reputation or get handouts. My mother is a marine and she never gave less than a hundred percent." At the mention of doing things in the city, she smiles, "I can have James pull the cars up and we can find some dinner? I'm sure I can make a call and get us a table to just about anywhere."

Cyclops has posed:
When Ororo glances at her watch, Scott follows and glances at his own. "I'm ready to head back when you are," he says as he glances back up towards her. Without waiting for her response, he rises to his feet and takes one last drink from his coffee before tossing it into a trash bin beside the chain of benches.

He looks over at Andrea and smiles, "I assure you there will be no skating by on reputation alone at the Institute, Ms. Jackson. I have no doubt that you'll be able to stand out amongst your peers and earn their respect despite your celebrity." He inclines his head towards her slightly, "I appreciate the offer, but I am looking forward to returning to Westchester. Perhaps another time."

Rage has posed:
"Okay. Then I will catch up with you guys in a bit." Andrea says with a smile to the pair of them, then motions with her hand to her bodyguards who make their way over quickly, muttering in their shoulder radios again. After a bit of conversation with them in private, they head off as one hands her a jacket and a baseball cap to slip on top of her head. No need to stand out when walking back.

Storm has posed:
Watching as Andrea heads off, Ororo lifts from the bench and strtches her arms. She starts walking in the direction Scott came from, choosing to walk him to his vehicle, where ever that might be. "It is really good to see you again, my friend. Hopefully, you haven't forgotten how to get to the mansion."

When Scott gets into his vehicle, Ororo waves and starts for her own.