An Unexpected Visitor((Date: Weds 21st March 6pm))
The taxi drove slowly through the grounds, the taxi driver’s eyes turning to the mirror, watching the young man who appeared to be half asleep in the back seat. The man coughed, bringing the dark haired youth’s attention back to reality, his soft eyes turning to the school. Hannah was right, the place was massive. As Wes turned his eyes to scan over the outer grounds. The truth mutant had told him bits and pieces about the place, and he had to admit, it was a beautiful setting. A strange sense of peace flooded over him briefly as he looked over the relative calm of the evening scene. He had never really had the chance to actually take some time to enjoy a scene like this, though his tranquil thoughts were swiftly interrupted by another cough by the taxi driver. ”We’re here..” He said a bit needlessly, his voice gruff as he opened the door and dumped Wes’ case on the drive way a little harshly. Wes yawned as he got out, stretching as the taxi driver stared at the young man. ”You owe me $7.50 for that..” Wes nodded slightly, one hand pulling a leather wallet from the denim jacket he wore constantly, handing the taxi driver his fee, in answer to which the driver quickly sped off.
Wes watched the cab, his nose crinkling in disgust. Rude! Oh well. Placing his wallet back in his jacket, his fingers brushed across the letter he still had from Hannah. He hadn’t phoned her, or written, to tell her he was coming, hoping to keep as a surprise for his young friend. Part of him now wondered if perhaps that would have been a good idea. Pulling the letter from his pocket, his eyes gazed down the piece of paper, the words blurring slightly as the evening light offered little to read by. He sighed again with a slight smile. He had missed Hannah, and couldn’t help but feel that their relationship was a bit weird. Hannah fancied him, he knew that now, but he saw her as a younger sister. They had grown up together, so perhaps it wasn’t as weird as he thought, and at least she wasn’t clingy. But his mate Sam still pointed out that it didn’t seem quite ‘normal’. But then, what could be considered normal in the lives of mutants?
Hitching the shoulder strap for his laptop case over his shoulder, pinning the light piece of computer equipment to his side protectively, he felt his beloved piece of equipment brush against his most hated. Shifting the laptop very slightly, stopping it from digging the government issued gun into his side. Sighing slightly, he glanced at the school. Either he would leave it at the hotel, when he found one, or he would see about hiding it in Hannah’s room somewhere, hopefully somewhere where his young friend wouldn’t run across it.
With his free hand, he lifted the relatively light suitcase. It only contained a few changes of clothes and an extra pair of shoes, determined to find a laundrette or something to keep him going for the two months he planned to stay here. As he started to walk towards the front entrance, he groan in annoyance as he suddenly felt his trouser pocket vibrate, forcing him to put down the suitcase in order to answer his ‘personal’ mobile, the one he had never informed the government about as he was meant to. Wes had kept the phone on silent for his coach journeys, forgetting this in the cab, and glad that he at least remembered to keep the vibrate alert on.
”Hey..” Before the vanishing mutant could complete his sentence, he was suddenly put under a barrage of questions by his mother. Wes sighed quietly, picking up his suitcase, mobile nestled against he shoulder as he worked his way to the door, determined to get out of the cool March winds. ”Mum.. I … yes Mum… Mum just..” Sighing again, he paused to readjust the phone. How on earth was he meant to get through the doors if Grace kept chatting. ”Mum… give me a… No, it’s not.. of course I wanted to speak to you.. The journey was fine Mum. Yes… Okay then, but can you just let me get inside the door?” Wes sighed again, smiling in relief as his mother paused, allowing him to sort himself out a bit before entering the institute. He placed his bag down with a sigh. ”Mum, can I phone you back? I need to find Hannah…. No, you know I wanted… Well, I realise that but… a-huh… yeah… okay then. Give me a couple of hours though, okay?... a-huh… oh, all right then… well, I can phone tomorrow instead… okay then… bye… love you too… bye!
Hanging up in relief, he sighed slightly, shaking his head. Sometimes Grace worried a bit too much about him. Placing the phone back into his pocket, he looked around the vast front hall, turning round slightly, expecting to see some sort of reception desk. Eye brows rose slightly as he suddenly realised that there was no sign of somewhere to go for help. Brilliant. How on earth was he meant to find Hannah now? He had been hoping he could ask at some sort of reception area, find out which was her room and the such. But now he sat down on top of his case with a frown. Well, he couldn’t phone her, Hannah didn’t have the common luxury of mobile phone on her. With another sigh, his eyes wandered across the hall. Oh well, he decided, he would just have to sit here until someone who could help came along.
Admittedly, he thought, perched on his suitcase, it’s not exactly quiet.. There was a slight hustle and bustle of students, too late to be leaving classes surely, so probably headed to either dinner or a social event of some sort. The young agent wasn’t worried, his gentle brown eyes watching as the students past him, as if unaware of his presence. Although he could act relatively cold at times, though he tried to avoid groups where he would be so against his own nature, he was a big softy at heart, and didn’t really feel ignored. Instinctively, he placed himself in their shoes. A strange guy turns up at a boarding school with suitcase in tow. Probably a new student. He’s sitting around waiting, probably for a teacher. He caught a couple of glances from the passing students, and part of Wes was wondering just what they might be thinking. What were his powers? Not unlikely, especially as Hannah had mentioned in her letters that it was a mutant school. Unlike some people, the vanishing boy had no qualms about his power, just the way he was forced to use it.
At the thought, his eyes lowered to his wrist, lowering his watch strap to look at the green ouroboros. As ever it was still green. It took a lot of quicksilver use to turn the snake to the red colour which warned him of the risk of quicksilver madness. Something Wes was grateful he did not have to endure. And at least the FBI shouldn’t be able to root him out here. He sighed quietly to himself, suddenly feeling an immense relief and freedom. Once more his eyes turned to the passing students, unaware that, he too, was being watched.
TBC: Scott
"I was wrong, to think that I might belong. But I will never forget what I was... Who I am.. What I did, just to learn that"
All in all he supposed the day had gone better than he had expected. Not that he’d expected much he had to admit. Retirement! Scott have liked to say that it didn’t seem possible but unfortunately his body was telling him rather forcibly that it was not just a possibility but a dire necessity. Still actually standing there and telling the others that his days as a X man were over had been hard, like ripping a part of his heart out and then wondering if he could go on living without it. *You’ll just have to wont you* he told himself *At least for the time you have left*
He wondered if the news had got round the Institute yet. Certainly he was getting some curious glances from the student he passed but that was only to be expected. It wasn’t every day you saw Scott Summers wandering around with his arm in a sling even if it was a discretely dark coloured one. Signs of weakness weren’t really his thing and this was a very obvious one.
Those who knew him better would have been more worried by the other concession his illness had forced him to make The casual ruby quartz sunglasses were gone, replaced by Cyclops trademark visor, a vital safety measure in case he stumbled or fell unleashing the deadly power of his optic beams upon unsuspecting bystanders. He saw the questioning looks on the faces of those he met but didn’t feel inclined to enlighten them on the matter *If they don’t know now they will soon enough* he thought* For today they can just wonder*
On the bright side he had now been out of med lab for almost 24 hours and he was still holding up. Thanks to the complicated cocktail drugs Hank had concocted for him that was. Still drugs or no drugs it was good to be able to function again, the crippling pain held in check, reduced to a dull ache that was unpleasant to say the least but definitely liveable with. Except in his arm of course. Dressing had been a nightmare he preferred not to think about and even now the feel of the soft shirt sleeve lying against it was enough to make him wince. Moving it was out of the question, not that that was really an option. Since the attack it had been unresponsive, nothing more than a painful dead weight that he carried around with him
*Lets hope that’s not what I become at the Institute* he thought ironically. *I may have stepped down from active duty but Ill be damned if I let people treat me like a china doll. Even if I do have a tendency to break more easily these days.*
Getting back to some kind of normality that’s what it was all about now as far as he was concerned. He had already decided that if he felt well enough he would return to his teaching duties the following day and so far everything seemed to be indicating that this would indeed be possible. Which was encouraging in itself. *Though I’ll have to let the students take the engines apart by themselves now* he reminded himself.* Oh well As long as pay attention when I tell them how to put them together again we should be Ok* he thought, smiling slightly as he made his way through the Institute.
Suddenly the com badge he now wore securely strapped round his left wrist sprang to life. “Scott, this is Hank Are you busy at the moment* His grin widened. A diplomatic way of asking if he was OK but one that touched rather than irritated him coming as it did from his old friend. “Well I was going to go head to head with Logan in the danger room he replied mischievously “but I suppose I could put that off for a while Whats up?
He heard Hank laugh before he answered. ”Maybe something, maybe nothing, but at the very least we have an unexpected visitor in the front hall. Care to go down and help him out?”“Sure I’m on it Fill me it on the way?? “ he answered changing direction and heading instead for the entrance to the Institute.
“There’s not much to say” Hank continued “The young man came in a taxi which deposited him at the front door a few minutes ago. The only reason I need someone experienced to approach him is that he may be armed The sensors picked up something as he entered the surveillance cameras confirm that there is something which may be a concealed weapon in his jacket pocket. We were lucky to pick it up If he hadn’t moved his laptop we’d never have spotted it”
That in itself was unusual. The American way of life meant that more than enough people carried firearms but few of them were able to conceal them effectively. “Ok you’ve got me interested” Scott said “Though he doesn’t seem like much of a threat I have to say” The young man was sitting quietly on top of a rather large suitcase, watching the world go by, his face relaxed and almost happy as far as Scott could judge. “Anyhow judging from the size of the case hes brought hes obviously planning to stick around for a while” Scott added chuckling." I‘m going over now. Don’t worry I’ll keep you informed.Or better still Ill leave the com link open and you can listen in for yourself.Cyclops out.”
*But a gun is a gun* he told himself so although outwardly he appeared relaxed, Scott was on his guard as he approached the waiting youth. Still you would never have guessed it from the friendly smile he offered as he said “Hi Im Scott Summers, one of the teachers here at the Institute. You seem a little lost. Are you looking for someone or” he went on nodding towards the suitcase with a grin “are you planning on enrolling??”
Re: An Unexpected Visitor
The dark haired lad had been about to look for a coin to toss while he waited when a voice interrupted his thoughts. “Hi Im Scott Summers, one of the teachers here at the Institute. You seem a little lost. Are you looking for someone or” … “are you planning on enrolling??” Wes stood rather quickly as the older man spoke, glancing at the suitcase now just behind him at his comment, one hand raising to brush through his hair as he realised how it may well have looked like he was committed to staying ”I really should have left that at a hotel first..” He said with a grin, happy to have been approached by someone who seemed so relaxed about his presence.
His hand lowered from jet black hair. Instinctively, he started to offer his right hand to shake, pausing as for the first time he actually noticed the man’s attire. That visor was.. unusual. At first he had thought of them as merely sunglasses, but now he took a moment to take in his welcomer’s appearance, it must be said that it look strange. But more embarrassing for the invisibility mutant was the fact that Scott’s right arm was held in a dark coloured sling. Black or navy, the boy wasn’t sure. But what he was sure about was that his hand, half risen in the beginnings of a friendly gesture could now have seemed a little offensive. The grin he bore slowly turned to an embarrassed smile. ”Sorry.. I’m Wesley Fawkes. I’ve actually come to surprise a friend of mine – Hannah Orrico? I had intended on booking into a nearby hotel first..” One hand gestured to suitcase as he spoke, ”But one of my coaches was delayed, so I thought I’d pop in before she could really do anything for the night” He smiled brightly at the prospect of seeing the young girl who was also, oddly, his oldest friend.
It didn’t even cross his mind that perhaps the issue of his gun would be brought up. It was rare anyone ever noticed it, having been forced to carry it around for the last four years had made him pretty adapt at hiding it, though there was still part of him which could feel it’s burden – more mental than physical. He had never fired a single round outside the range, which was one thing. But if needed he could, and with the addition of his invisibility, could probably before the action before most had a reason for concern.
His gaze turned to the hall again, a slightly lost expression hitting him. ”Unfortunately, a surprise visit seems like a bad idea now… I thought you might have had a front desk” He said calmly, in an attempt to explain the oddness of him just sitting there. Although Wes was in a hurry to see Hannah, he had been brought up and trained to be polite to his elders, and also to keep on pleasant terms with those with any authority. Although he would rarely be placed in a position where he was to infiltrate by gaining the trust of someone, they couldn’t be sure so had integrated it into the naturally polite lad’s training regardless.
There was a moment’s pause as he looked at the man before him in thought. He was a teacher here? That made sense. If someone had thought he was a new student, then perhaps they would have sent for one of the lecturers to greet him. And it would explain the question of the enrolment. But also, there was a chance he would know Hannah.
”Do you know where I might find Hannah? Her room or an after school event?” Journeys always tired him out – especially coach journeys. The young agent was no fan of coaches at the best of times. And he still had to catch a cab to a hotel, though he might actually have to try and book a room first. He bit his lower lip to prevent a yawn finding it’s way to his mouth.
The tattooed arm rose as he again brushed his hand through his gel spiked hair. Hopefully this Mr Summers would know where the truth teller was, or if not, then know someone who would. The smile never left his face. All though he was more impressionable than his young friend, he had a similar gentle nature beneath it, and when he wasn’t working or worrying about assignments he had been given, he was in fact quite light hearted.
"I was wrong, to think that I might belong. But I will never forget what I was... Who I am.. What I did, just to learn that"
Re: An Unexpected Visitor
The smile was open and unconsciously charming» I really should have left that at a hotel first..” the youth said before embarking on some rather embarrassed tooing and froing as he obviously went to shake hands and then thought better of it settling for merely introducing himself instead
» Sorry.. I’m Wesley Fawkes. I’ve actually come to surprise a friend of mine – Hannah Orrico? I had intended on booking into a nearby hotel first.. But one of my coaches was delayed, so I thought I’d pop in before she could really do anything for the night””
*Surprise!! One of the most hated words at the Institute* Scott thought to himself with a groan, though he never let anything but polite interest show in his eyes.*Hannah Orrico, Hannah Orrico* Rapidly he dredged up a face to go with the name and a file to go with the face.
Hannah Orrico, younger than this boy who now stood before him unaware of the delicate situation his unexpected arrival posed.* What else do I know about her? Mutant power… truthsayer . Oh yeah, that makes things so much easier.*
It was one of the main, reasons she wasn’t being considered for a team in the strictest sense of the word though her contribution to the X men’s work could in time prove to be considerable. Still until she learned to work her way t=round her powers it would be difficult to keep the Institutes business secret when all someone had to do was ask her straight out if there was anything out of the way going on there, knowing she’d be obliged to give a straight answer. Hence the fact that she had been kept in the dark, as so many of the students were, over the clandestine activities of the Xavier Institute. That in itself wasn’t the problem here.
*Her parents don’t know this is a school for mutants* Scott recalled. I wonder if this boy does? That could prove awkward to say the least.* Scott looked round the students passing through the front hall . None of them exhibited any blatant signs of mutancy but that was just blind luck. *If he stands here much longer the chances of him finding out are going to go through the roof. I'd better get him out of here and fast.*
It seemed his expression maybe hadn’t been as neautral as he had hoped for the young man added ”Unfortunately, a surprise visit seems like a bad idea now… I thought you might have had a front desk”
*Yeah that would be nice Scott thought *If all we needed to keep the school safe was a front desk that would be more than nice But its not the case and its never going to be so sorry you’re stuck with me.*
Still it wasn’t the boy’s fault that they weren’t like any other school. He had come a long way to see a friend and now he looked tired as well as expectant as he asked hopefully ”Do you know where I might find Hannah? Her room or an after school event?”
*Nope but I bet Hank's looking for her right at this minute* Scott thought knowing how his friend would react to the conversation.*Then we'll find out whether she'll be glad to see you or not and take things from there!*
“I’m not quite sure where she is at the moment but I can soon find out” Scott replied with a smile. “It might take a little while though so why don’t you come into one of the offices to wait. It’s better than hanging around here in the hall. At least you’ll have something a bit softer to sit on than that suitcase."
"And then you can leave your gun with me for as long as you’re in the Institute that is” the smile never faltered nor did the tone change as the subject was raised. “Sorry School rules No firearms allowed. I’m sure you understand.”
Re: An Unexpected Visitor ”I’m not quite sure where she is at the moment but I can soon find out” The grin had turned to a softer smile now, with a hint of his weariness in it. No doubt he would be forced to push it to one side once his younger, bubbly friend appeared. Had it really been three months since he had last seen her? Sometimes it felt longer, dragged off to the small missions and the long training sessions the government subjected him to, other times shorter, kept up to date with her normally long, flowing letters.
“It might take a little while though so why don’t you come into one of the offices to wait. It’s better than hanging around here in the hall. At least you’ll have something a bit softer to sit on than that suitcase." He smiled gratefully. Hours in the uncomfy seats of the two coaches, standing at the various waiting areas with crowds of people and lastly the taxi, to which a distinct smell of cigarette smoke had clung, being in a smaller, less crowded place was quite welcome. However, the next words were to pull the grin from his face.
"And then you can leave your gun with me for as long as you’re in the Institute that is” And in that moment, for the young man, everything seemed to stop. Although he lost his smile for a moment, there was no frown to replace it. Instead, he fell to a more neutral look of shock. The man’s general attitude hadn’t changed, there was no malice in his voice, though it would have been easier, he thought, if he could see the Scott’s eyes.
“Sorry School rules No firearms allowed. I’m sure you understand” There was no response from Wes as yet, just a still shocked gaze. Although nowhere near as bubbly as Hannah, the invisibility mutant was rarely found lost for words, but this was one of those times. He wasn’t prepared for this. This wasn’t a mission, a situation he was trained for. Otherwise he might have predicted their knowledge of his pistol. But this.
The dark haired lad stopped himself from asking the stuttered question of how. He was trained to be calm, not to show his uncertainty or surprise in such away. Besides, silently he guessed the reason. Hannah had told him it was a mutant school, and knowing the dangers of being a mutant himself, though his danger was the government rather than mutant haters, he suddenly realised they would at least have security cameras. Though how they would have spotted his gun he wasn’t sure. But it would explain the swift arrival of a teacher better.
Slowly the smile reappeared as he calmed himself, avoiding the temptation to glance at the hidden hoister. ”Of course.. Another thing I hadn’t intended to have on me I’m afraid” He nodded slightly as he spoke. He hated carrying it anyway, but around a school worst of all. Not that he deemed himself a risk to the other students, but if someone discovered it, or somehow managed to lay their hands on it, he hated to imagine the destruction it could cause. But part of him almost laughed. This was a school filled with mutants, many will more destructive powers than him he imagined. And remembering his own lack of control when his power had emerged, he was sure some of those people were more dangerous than his gun. But then there were many, like Hannah, who wouldn’t be. So, perhaps it did make more sense than that.
With that thought in mind, he was more than happy to head for an office. The last thing he wanted was to hand over a gun in full view of a corridor of students. ’Imagine the chaos that would cause! Hannah would be less than impressed.. come to think of it..’ Had he ever told Hannah about the gun he had been forced to carry about his person since his youth? He didn’t think so, Wes wouldn’t have wanted to worry his younger friend.
Hannah had turned to Wes alone when her powers had arisen. Wes was lucky in away, though he wished his mother had not found out the way she had. Being interrogated by a couple of suits and then to have your mother over hear you blurt out the truth, followed by being dragged from the house… not exactly the best way to get the news. Hannah’s parents were aware that he was a mutant, perhaps making the lack of their knowledge of their own daughter’s mutancy a little odd. But when he was taken, his mother, Grace, and run to her best friend, Hannah’s mother, for condolence.
Wes couldn’t actually remember telling Hannah, though more than likely it had been in an explanatory letter, one of many which had passed between them since he was younger. And the sentimental fool he was, he had a couple of boxes stowed away which held each of those precious letters. Because, unlike his mother, she had never dwelt on the bad side of his situation, instead telling him about the cutest boy in school, or the newest movie out. It was a true link to the teenage side of his life.
The Orrico’s were the only non-family, non-government people who were aware of his powers, as far as he knew. Mr Orrico, a pastor, had been less than impressed by his daughter’s choice of friends on hearing the news. But he could hardly forbid Hannah from seeing him. He doesn’t hate mutants, but pities them, believing their ‘afflictions’ are due to a lack of faith in the Lord. Which had been the main reason the young truth-sayer had refused to tell her parents.
Wes easily admitted that the last time they had seen each other had been a bit of a rollercoaster. Hannah had helped Grace organise a surprise birthday party for him just before Christmas. But then he had to admit to his name change – from Hallem to his father’s name, Fawkes. It had taken a few hours of discussion to convince Hannah of his reasons behind it, but at least she was convinced. Grace was still a little uncertain about her son changing his surname away from her’s, though part of her did understand her boy’s position.
The hand not supporting some of the weight of his beloved laptop took a hold of the extendable handle of the suitcase, and was glad of it’s wheels. His eyes turned to Scott again with a slight nod. “So, Mr Summers, where’s this office?” He spoke with his smile again, his words light and filled with a quiet expectancy. Once they got to the office, the teacher would be able to find Hannah, and therefore, the sooner they got to the office, the sooner he would see the young girl he used to baby sit. Plus, the sooner he would get rid of his hated gun.
"I was wrong, to think that I might belong. But I will never forget what I was... Who I am.. What I did, just to learn that"
Re: An Unexpected Visitor
Back in med lab Hanks fingers played over the keyboard, rapidly calling up Hannah’s dossier. She hadn’t been fully resident at the Instutute for very long and if he was honest with himself there were just too many students now for him to recall their room numbers straight off.
* Be reasonable* he told himself with a sigh *these days I don’t even have up to date medical records for half of them and that is indeed a sorry state of affairs.* With a last click he located Hannahs room number and her class timetable *Hmm no extra curricular activities scheduled so lets start by telephoning her room shall we. *
Not having been assigned to a team Hannah hadn’t been given a com badge nor had she moved from the traditional dormitory when the recent reshuffle had taken place so the more conventional means of communication was the only one at his disposition. He let the telephone ring a few times then as she picked it up he said mildly "Hannah This is Dr McCoy No need for alarm my dear. Its just that someone claiming to be a friend of yours has turned up in the front hall A certain Wesley Fawkes to be exact. We just wanted to check that he would indeed be a welcome visitor."
…………………………
The boy seemed a little taken aback when the gun was mentioned which wasn’t really surprising It was well hidden after all, not the sort of thing that the run of the mill school teacher would be apt to pick up on. Still he handled the situation well in fact if anything he relaxed slightly now that the subject had been brought out into the open
”Of course.. Another thing I hadn’t intended to have on me I’m afraid” he said with a faint nod.* Curiouser and curiouser* Scott thought *there’s certainly something more to this young man than meets the eye . But I don’t think hes a threat At least not to us that is.* Instinctively Scott relaxed a little as well, glad that this meeting was not going to turn into a confrontation as it so easily could have had the visitor reacted differently Scott may have been injured but he was still capable of blasting a gun from someone’s hand in the blink of an eye. Literally.
Anyway it seemed the youth had decided to follow him. “So, Mr Summers, where’s this office?” he asked as his hand slipped into the handle of his suitcase. “Its just over here Wesley” Cyclops replied “Id offer to give you a hand with that but as you can see" he continued with a smile "that’s a bit awkward at the moment. Still its not to far"
And indeed it wasn’t. They were soon in the appropriate corridor, heading towards the familiar door, Scott’s name upon as well as a copy of his timetable. Diplomacy and mechanics. A strange combination but one that pleased him. “Here we are” he said as he held the door open revealing the tastefully decorated office. Organised, just as he had always been till the illness shook him, but neither cold nor impersonal.
Bookcases lined one side of it, a pile of students work waiting to be marked filed in the in tray besides the inevitable computer screen Photos of Jean, some with Scott some alone, always smiling her red hair blazing like the sun Some of them with Sean showing him growing from baby to adulthood. Friends family The traces of a life of which he was proud displayed for all to see.
“Come in Wesley” he said “Make yourself at home You can put the suitcase in the corner and leave the gun on my desk. Then I’ll phone around and find Hannah for you.”
Re: An Unexpected Visitor
Racing into her room, the young Christian unceremoniously dumped a few books, notepads, and her remaining script from the Romeo and Juliet auditions on her bed, going to grab her white jacket when a sudden noise caught her attention. In surprise she turned to it, as if the phone was some strange alien which had decided to interrupt her day. She had been about to go into the outer grounds for awhile, having promised herself a look at the outside sport facilities. As it was, needless to say, the phone stopped her in her tracks. She had only been there ten days, and so far had only been present when it had rung once, and that was her aunt checking up on her – although her parents had the number, they hadn’t managed to catch their teenage daughter in.
She picked it up slowly, about to speak into the handset when the caller’s voice broke through, one she recognised but she had never expected to hear on the other end of a phone. "Hannah This is Dr McCoy No need for alarm my dear. Its just that someone claiming to be a friend of yours has turned up in the front hall A certain Wesley Fawkes to be exact. We just wanted to check that he would indeed be a welcome visitor."
There was a few moment’s silence from Hannah. Wesley Fawkes? She almost hit herself when she realized who he meant. ”Oh you mean Wes…” She paused again. That couldn’t be right, surely. Wes was still in Auburn, or at least in Washington. There was no way he could be here, no way ‘They’ would give him a break. ”Sorry.. Are you sure the name’s Wesley Fawkes? He’s meant to be in Washington…” Confusion had found it’s way into the normally bubbly truth teller’s voice. She sat down on the corner of the bed, one finger teasing the phone wire.
”I don’t get it. But yeah, I know a Wesley Fawkes anyway.. he’s an old close friend. I just don’t see how he could be here… erm..” She hesitated for a moment longer, trying to work it out. She was still buzzing after the auditions – more watching other peoples than her own nervous performance. But as she thought about it, there was a touch of hope in her voice and excitement. ”But if it is him.. Where is he?” If she hadn’t been suddenly caught up in the hype of the hope of her friend’s arrival, she may well have not asked the question so out rightly. Instead, she was virtually bouncing on the end of the bed in excitement.
***********
“Its just over here Wesley” … “Id offer to give you a hand with that but as you can see" … "that’s a bit awkward at the moment. Still its not to far" The invisibility mutant smiled back at the teacher, nodding his understanding. Hey, it had wheels, it wasn’t like it was going to cause a major problem. And he was too over protective of his beloved laptop to let anyone carry THAT for him!
Deep brown eyes roamed the corridors instinctively as he followed Scott. It wouldn’t take him long to find his way around the place, he had long ago been shown how to find his way around a new place without getting lost. Which, as one of his main jobs was as a spy, was a very useful tool.
“Here we are” Wes looked back towards the older man, pausing at the door to look at the timetable in surprise. ’Mechanics and Diplomacy?! Now how many places would you find that?!’ He knew that most people tended to be either physically capable or mentally gifted, or at least held a preference for one or the other. Wes himself was more mentally able, though he enjoyed sports, he got little chance to actually play many, which disappointed him. But for someone to teach two such different subjects… That must be quite a challenge. Though, he admitted, it was probably more difficult to mix up the class notes.
“Come in As he walked into the office, his eyes drifted around the room slowly. Now this, he thought quietly, is an office. He had been in a thousand offices before, but each one had felt so coldly uniformed. A single desk with some writing paper on, maybe one photo of the wife/husband or kids, a couple of certificates gracing the walls sometimes, and a filing cabinet in one corner. But there was no homeliness to it. But this one just felt cozy. ’If I live long enough to earn an office.. I want it to look like this’ His quiet admiration.
“Make yourself at home You can put the suitcase in the corner and leave the gun on my desk. Then I’ll phone around and find Hannah for you.” Wes cringed slightly at the repeated full use of his name. Only the government agents and his mother when annoyed ever called him that. As he neatly placed the suitcase in the corner of the room, his eyes turned to Scott. ”Please.. call me Wes. Only my mother and employers call me ‘ He grinned slightly as he spoke, hinting at the cringe worthiness he saw his full name as. Admittedly, it could be worse, but he was an 18 year old boy.. and Wes sounded so much cooler to him!
Placing the laptop carefully beside the spare chair, he took off his jacket and lay it over the back rest, each movement quite careful and deliberate, though the reason for the care of his jacket was a little different from most. The last of his Million supply was in that pocket. The addiction to the sweets was almost as bad as that to his computer. Beneath the jacket, he wore a light weight holster, specially designed so that as long as he wore the jacket, even if the clothing was kept open, the gun should be hidden. It was then he hesitated, taking it off, folding it over it’s self so the offending weapon lay on top, the silver barrel immaculate. There were two spare cartridges also hooked into the holder, a just in case he never intended on needing. He kept the gun in the holster for two reasons. Firstly, it made more sense to him to keep it in it’s protective hold rather than risk an accident, though he was sure the chances were slim. Secondly, if he were to wear the holster, it would be clear he normally wore a gun and could cause a similar problem to simply being seen with one. Slowly he started to place them on the desk, his light hearted voice more serious now.
”Could you put it somewhere safe... before Hannah arrives? She doesn’t know about it and I don’t want her to either. The last thing I want is for her to worry or anything like that. She’s a good kid, but a bit of a worry wart at times” The last part was spoken with his more relaxed smile. When Wes had been first taken by the government, his mother had protested until quiet threats were made. Hannah had been too young at the time to help, but he knew she worried about him every time he went on a training mission, and before coming to be the institute, she had always been the second person to welcome him home. The first had been his mother.
As soon as the deadly tool left his fingers, he seemed to relax, going back to his seat and discretely popping one of the tiny red sweets into his mouth, rolling it over his tongue and enjoying the taste of sugar. Despite having been sat down most of the day in a coach, to be able to sit down and stretch properly, his legs held out fully in front of him, was defiantly a relief. Relaxing back into the seat, he was happy to find it not only more comfortable than his suitcase, but better than the coach and taxi seats. In that moment, he wondered why he hadn’t just book a couple of first class plane tickets, before he remember. Planes have higher security, and so if the government discovered he had not left on the plane he said he had, he would have been easier to track. He sighed inwardly. Oh well. He was here now. And hopefully, in a few minutes, he would actually see the reason for his trek.
"I was wrong, to think that I might belong. But I will never forget what I was... Who I am.. What I did, just to learn that"
Re: An Unexpected Visitor
Hannah’s replies were far from reassuring. Indeed they sent alarm bells off in the doctor’s mind. It wouldn’t be the first time someone had tried to infiltrate the school by posing as a long lost friend and if what Hannah was saying was true then the odds against this new arrival being who he claimed he was had just increased dramatically. *This is Hannah we are talking about* Hank reminded himself ruefully. *How can it be anything other than the truth?*
Still it meant that the situation in Scott’s office had become more complicated, potentially more dangerous, despite the fact that from what the doctor had heard over the com link connection he was still monitoring as he spoke to the truthsayer he seemed to have relinquished his weapon readily enough. *Now is that a sign of innocence or simply an indication that he has other more efficient ways of attacking?* McCoy wondered.* I had better put Scot on his guard just in case. Or perhaps there is a simpler way to ensure that this is indeed the friend who Hannah seems so eager to be reunited with.*
The idea percolated through the doctors brain bringing a smile to his face……It was obvious she was waiting excitedly for him to reply to her question as to the young mans whereabouts *Thankfully the answer is not incriminating otherwise this could have been awkward to say the least* Hank thought to himself before saying. .” “Young master Fawkes, if as you say it truly is him, is at the moment waiting in Mr Summers office for us to contact you However since there is this doubt as to his identity and as you know I am something of stickler for security, I would like you to do me a favour my dear.”
The solution wasn’t difficult and it would save them all a great deal of possibly embarrassing misunderstandings provided she agreed to do it that was.” I’m going to put you on hold for a second and then when I put you back on the line Mr Summers will let you talk to our new arrival. All I would like you to do is ask him “Wes Is that really you?" As you can imagine a great deal will depend on his answer.”
Re: An Unexpected Visitor
Hannah waited, some what patiently, legs swinging, creating s soft thud as they hit the bed, as the doctor collected his thoughts. ”Young master Fawkes, if as you say it truly is him, is at the moment waiting in Mr Summers office for us to contact you However since there is this doubt as to his identity and as you know I am something of stickler for security, I would like you to do me a favour my dear” She nodded slightly, pausing her swinging legs. Most, if not all, of the students knew about Dr McCoy’s security ‘obsession’ as some might put it. Although many realised the point for it, even if they didn’t want to admit it, there were some students who may have preferred not having someone as thorough as the doctor behind it, otherwise they may have been able to sneak in and out at night. Of course, like a number of the student body, she didn’t recognise the full reason for it, but keeping mutant haters out was enough to go on for now.
” I’m going to put you on hold for a second and then when I put you back on the line Mr Summers will let you talk to our new arrival. All I would like you to do is ask him “Wes Is that really you?" As you can imagine a great deal will depend on his answer” So that was the doctor’s plan. She had been trying to work out just how she could help from where she was sitting. Of course, the truth mutant hadn’t thought of her power. She hated it, the idea of using deliberately was as bad as the fact she couldn’t turn it off. But then, if it was Wes, she knew he wouldn’t mind. And if it wasn’t, then perhaps her curse could actually be of some use.
”Sure..” She answered simply, listening as the phone suddenly took on the sound of a dead line. No music, just a deadness, a silence. She waited in a silence that equalled the one on the phone, guessing that Dr McCoy would be explaining his plan to Mr Summers. Mr Summers.. No, he wasn’t one of her teachers. In fact, she had never met him, though she had heard of him of course, though barely more than that he was the deputy headmistress’ husband. It had always seemed odd to Hannah that couples could work in the same school, and in her previous school had created quite a stir had such a relationship even been suspected, among the students at least. But it seemed more natural here, and the truth inducer had learnt to go with the flow.
The breaking of silence, and a male’s voice, broke through her thoughts. Mr Summers, of course, and after giving a positive response, holding back begging to be passed over to Wes, there was silence once more, though it wasn’t the complete silence, more like being shut in another room as people spoke in the next room, the familiar rustle as someone took the phone and placed it to their in, the in-draw of breath as they went to start talking. But Hannah interrupted before anything could be said, more out of a pent up excitement than the need to get thee question over and done with. Considering the unexpectedness of it, she would have probably burst out with it anyway. ”Wes? Is that really you?”
**********
Wes’ eye brows rose slightly as the phone rang, still relaxing in the chair as the teacher picked up the phone. For an adult, Mr Summers’ actually seemed pretty cool. ~Well.. for an adult guy~ He happily corrected himself. He had a natural dislike for authority figured, especially men. Men in suits really wound him up. His ‘keeper’ was pretty cool though, lovely woman. If she wasn’t an agent, he might have actually told her his plan to escape for a month or two. Instead, he believed he had the agency thinking that he was in England, visiting relatives. The invisibility mutant leaned back in the chair, one hand falling down next to the chair, landing on his laptop, a check that his beloved possession was still there.
As Scott turned to him, still on the phone, before holding out to him, Wes stood slowly, puzzled. Only his mother knew he was here, and she didn’t have the number for the school, so he couldn’t understand why the phone call would be for him. With the puzzled expression still on his face, he took the phone from Mr Summers, nodding slightly. ”Thanks..” The puzzlement enough to show in the normally calm agent’s voice. Placing the receiver to his ear, he went to greet the caller when he got cut short by a rather over excited question.
”Wes? Is that really you?” The puzzlement vanished from his face as the familiar voice hit him, the familiar underlying bubbly-ness, and a large grin suddenly appeared in it’s place. ”Hannah! Of course it’s me…” He paused for a moment, before adding, still grinning and his voice building it’s own excitement, ”Surprise!" His training allowed him the simple warning that they were probably being listened to, that this whole thing had been planned to ensure that he was actually himself. With his knowledge of security and Hannah’s powers, it wasn’t about to escape him. But he didn’t care, it didn’t matter. Because he knew that his reasons for being there were genuine, honest.
Hannah was practically jumping up and down on the bed as she heard his response, her voice suddenly filled with more excitement than might have been deemed possible from her previous excitement. ”Oh my… Wes! What on.. No, wait, I’ll come down and ask you. Oh.. my… Just wait there… oh, and you better hand the phone back to Mr Summers..” Wes chuckled, rolling his eyes slightly with a shake of his head. ”I’ll see you in a bit gal” Still shaking his head, he offered the phone back to Scott, his grin fading to a relieved smile, a light hearted warning in his voice. ”You don’t know Hannah right? I better warn you then, she’s a little excitable..”
The truth teller quickly tried to calm herself down a little, speaking almost as soon as she knew the phone had changed hands. ”Mr Summers? Is it alright if I come down now?” She asked quickly, still on the verge of jumping on (or falling off, seeing as the two seemed to go hand in hand in that moment) the bed, deciding it might be better to ask than to just rush off without a word. Though surely she would be allowed now, the visitor had identified himself and they knew it was the truth now. So there wasn’t any harm. Right?
"I was wrong, to think that I might belong. But I will never forget what I was... Who I am.. What I did, just to learn that"
Re: An Unexpected Visitor
. ”Please.. call me Wes. Only my mother and employers call me Wesley‘ Scott could understand the request. Wesley was a bit cumbersome for such a young man. Personally he had never had much problem with his own name but he smiled thinking of Hank’s comment one day that the only time he was called Henry was when he was either getting a medical award or being told off by his mother .It was interesting though. He wondered what kind of employers his visitor had or did work for. Ones that would provide him with a Beretta 96 Stock pistol??
It was a neat gun favoured by the government, not too bulky and giving the possibility of single or double action. All in all not an amateurs weapon nor the sort of showy firearm that would catch a young mans fancy. Not that Wes looked as if he wore it for gratuitous pleasure There had been no sullenness as he handed it over, rather the opposite as if deep down he was glad to be rid of it. ”Could you put it somewhere safe... he asked earnestly "before Hannah arrives?"
*Curiouser and curiouser* Scott thought more and more intrigued with each passing second. "She doesn’t know about it Wes continued. and I don’t want her to either. The last thing I want is for her to worry or anything like that. She’s a good kid, but a bit of a worry wart at times”*The question is does she have a reason to be worried* Scott thought as he locked the gun awkwardly into his desk drawer, almost dropping the key as he fumbled to use his left hand. *Or is Mr Fawkes as innocent as I admit I’d like him to be.*
He didn’t have any opportunity to dig deeper into the mystery of his visitors past however for just as he straightened up the phone rang, leaving him to flash an apologetic smile in Wes’s direction as he answered. Hank! And a possibility of trouble from the sounds of things.
So Hannah thought it unlikely that her friend would be sitting here in his office did she? Automatically Scott notched up his surveillance ready to activate his eye beam at the first hint of trouble. Still he was glad to fall in with the doctor’s suggestion. Hannah’s power could indeed clear up the situation without the need for further tension and if Wes did turn out to be a threat then he was here to deal with it.
“Here you are Wes Its for you” he said hlding out the phone noting the surprise in the young mans eyes as he stretched out his hand to take it. A surprise which was soon replaced by delight. ”Hannah! Of course it’s me…” he said happily, dispersing all possibility of misunderstanding with those few words. , ”Surprise!"
Scott felt a pleased grin spread over his own face So this was a happy event after all. So much the better. He was heartily sick of bad things happening at the Institute And they had a habit of happening all too often. But not this time This wasn’t betrayal or infiltration or any of the other myriad of dismal things that it could have so easily turned out to be This was a meeting of old friends.* Like Eva and Taylor* he thought suddenly *and look how well that’s turned out Looks like this one could prove fun as well*
”I’ll see you in a bit gal” Wes concluded passing the phone back to Scott with a relieved but nevertheless mischievous expression on his face ”You don’t know Hannah right? I better warn you then, she’s a little excitable..” Scott smiled back as he took the offered receiver hearing the bubbling excitement in the girls voice as she asked. ”Mr Summers? Is it alright if I come down now?”
“Of course it is Hannah” he answered feeling his own mood lift with hers "Then you can help us find Wes a room. From the size of his suitcase" he said grinning at the unexpected visitor I’d say he’ll be staying for some time.
Re: An Unexpected Visitor
The truth teller was still, quite literally, bouncing up and down on the bed which had been her’s for just over a week. “Of course it is Hannah” The fifteen year old was still bouncing, her thoughts racing, a grin plastered on her face. ~Oh my gawd… Wes is just down stairs. He’s here.. and I’ll see him in like five minutes~ Five minutes if she started running now, that was. "Then you can help us find Wes a room. From the size of his suitcase"…I’d say he’ll be staying for some time.” By this time, she was practically bouncing off the bed, and a sound not dissimilar to a slightly muffled squeal came down the line. He was going to staaaaay.. He was going to staaaaay… echoed over and over in her head. Considering the time of day, she could have guessed that he would at least be staying the night. But a while? Why was he here? Just to visit? Or did he have a mission down this way and so thought he would pop in for awhile? Either way..
”I’ll be down in just a minute Mr Summers” She managed to say down the phone, without either squealing or shouting, though the excitement in her voice. Hannah didn’t give Scott the chance to reply, replacing the headset, and about to run out of the bedroom door when she realised she was about to race off with her jacket hanging from one arm. Spinning round, she unceremoniously dumped the offending article on the bed, before vanishing into the corridors.
*****
The visitor watched in silence; almost correctly guess Hannah’s reaction to his arrival. And he guessed that when got here, there would be a few moments of over excitement before he got berated for not writing to her for over a week, and for not telling her he was coming. He watched with a knowing smile, which faded slightly at the teacher’s words. They were going to try and find him a guest room? That surprised him, more because he was surprised that they even had a guest room, rather than the idea that it would be a ‘bad idea’ to put up the young agent.
Despite the size of his suitcase, there was actually little in the way of clothes, perhaps a weeks worth. And unlike some lads his age, he actually did prefer to wear clean clothes everyday. He had been hoping to find a laundrette or equivalent, but seeing as this was a boarding school, he guessed that they must have some kind of cleaning room somewhere he could use. Perhaps he should offer to pay some rent. After all, he realised, he had been planning to pay for his visit anyway, and he was sure they wouldn’t mind having their visitor put some funds forward.
Wes settled back into the seat again, wondering how long it would take Hannah to get there. After all, from the outside, the institute was massive, and it could well be the case that she was the other side of the building. Instead of settling right back into the chair, he was more perched now, looking up at Mr Summers, noting that there was a good possibility that Hannah had just hung up on the teacher, adding some further amusement to the beginning of the young man’s visit. Well, it didn’t surprise him as such, but how many people would dare hang up on their teacher like that?
”Thank you Mr Summers, there was no need to offer to put me up. If you want, I’m perfectly happy to pay rent for a room” The dark haired lad was still smiling as he spoke, though it was more relaxed than the excitement which had echoed in it moments ago, though that same excitement was still bright in the 18 year olds dark eyes. Of course, he hadn’t considered the fact that Hannah would have lessons while he was here, and that he would therefore be left with nothing to do all day. But even if he had, he wouldn’t have worried about it. Even now, he was wondering if they had internet ports here so he could use his laptop online.
One thing he did realise was that it would make a nice change to actually be around other mutants. Not people who wanted to abuse his power or people he hid it from. It could be an interesting experience, being able to openly use his power, having no experiments done on him, and ultimately, no needles! No needles, no missions, no training. No hiding, no lies. Just him, visiting a friend, being himself. Even with the bubbliness of Hannah would be relaxing.
"I was wrong, to think that I might belong. But I will never forget what I was... Who I am.. What I did, just to learn that"
The young man had looked surprised at the suggestion Scott had made but not displeased”Thank you Mr Summers”, he said with his usual politeness. "there was no need to offer to put me up
To be honest Scott was a little surprised himself at how ready he had been to have Wes stay over. The Institute was a very particular type of school to say the least. Many of the students there had kept their mutant powers hidden even from those nearest to them. Which always made surprise visits hard to deal with.
However he was sure Wes knew what he was getting into. He had hardly batted an eyelid at some of the more unusual students who had passed him by in the hallway as he had waited and apart from a few appraising glances, Scott’s visor had not seemed to attract any undue attention either. Add to that Hannahs blatent joy at seeing her friend and it all added up to the fact that this young man knew at least about her special abilities and probably about the school itself. After all she was a truth teller How much of all this could she actually keep hidden even if she wanted too.
Wes however had already started thinking about the practicalities of the situation apparently. "If you want,"he added helpfully "I’m perfectly happy to pay rent for a room”
"Theres no need for that" Scott replied with a smile "We’re used to having friends and family stay over. Though maybe I should have asked you first before I launched the idea with Hannah. I doubt she’d let you say no now even if you wanted to."
In fact it sounded as if saying no to Hannah wasn’t easy under any conditions. Scott hadn’t met her before but her excitement had been evident and her enthusiasm infectious. He cast his mind back to her dossier. He seemed to remember that she was a few years younger than Wes, a gap which was psychologically larger at this stage in their lives than it would be at any later time. A truthful adolescent and a young man with a very efficient gun They made an unlikely pair.
*Curiosity killed the cat* Scott reminded himself. *But then again in my case there’s nothing to lose is there?*”So you’ve known Hannah for a long time have you? he said casually. "Did you go to school together perhaps?"
Re: An Unexpected Visitor "Theres no need for that … We’re used to having friends and family stay over. " Any other young person would have been glad to hear that, not having to spend their precious money, allowing them more to buy sweets, video games, DVDs or music. But Wes was hardly an ordinary teenage. He had enough to get himself all of his favourites and still have money left over. Most of the computer equipment he had ever wanted was provided by the government, and even with helping his mother out with the bills left him with more pocket money in one week than some kids got in a year. It was discreet, but there was a slightly dismissal shrug as the teacher continued.
"Though maybe I should have asked you first before I launched the idea with Hannah. I doubt she’d let you say no now even if you wanted to." The invisibility mutant held back the chuckle of agreement, though he couldn’t help increasing his smile. So, Mr Summers had already built up an idea about his lively friend. Hardly surprising. Although Hannah was more complex than simply her bubbly personality, a few words with the truth teller were normally a good clue to some of her attributes. Especially when she was on top form, like it seemed she was now. Saying no to Hannah was like getting a cat to swim. Not impossible, but hardly worth the grief at the end of it!
”So you’ve known Hannah for a long time have you?” Small talk. Wes disliked it, especially with men. Older men even more. And although this Summers man honestly seemed like a nice enough person, and he gained points for not wearing a suit, Wes felt his back muscles tense instinctively. Sure, he’d been taught to use small talk, he wasn’t inapt at it. Just not keen on it. Perhaps, he realised, that was another reason he got on so well with Hannah. Sure, they chatted, but she was a girl. Girls were safe territory. His best friend, Sam, had even become more distant of late, simply because the government agent was never really around.
"Did you go to school together perhaps?" He actually had to think about that one. Although there was only three years separating the pair of them, because of when his powers emerged, he had been torn out of the school regime around the time that they should have been in the school together. He couldn’t help smiling slightly. He knew that wasn’t the answer the older man was looking for, and would have loved to hear Hannah’s answer, as it was, the young man shrugged slightly again.
”We did for a little while, but that’s not how we know each other.” He began slowly, almost puzzling to explain the strange relationship the pair had, even before either of their powers arose. ”I’ve known Hannah all her life. My Mum’s a friend of her parents… Actually, it was our mothers who went to school together. So we were practically brought up together, left to our own devices while they gossiped” He chuckled slightly as he spoke, part of the more formal side of him dropping a little, more relaxed as he spoke about such familiar and safe territory. These people knew about Hannah, about her power, her gift, her curse even. He didn’t have to hide anything from them in regards to her. Not that he would deliberately hide his own background for them, he had simply gotten into the habit about not talking about it.
”I suppose it’s a bit like extended family. I’ve got no siblings, so Hannah’s like a kid sister to me. As is Jessica, Hannah’s sister, I suppose. Though it’s not quite the same” The younger Orrico girl had never looked up to Wes in the same way her sister had, preferring her own company or that of her friends. He supposed that perhaps the age gap was too large. Jessica did look up to her sister though, two years the elder, though she couldn’t understand her infatuation with the Hallam lad, now Fawkes.
”Like I said, Hannah’s a good kid. And despite her age is surprisingly supportive” His voice became a little more serious now, though he was still smiling. If it had not been for Hannah and her letters, no doubt the loneliness would have driven him insane. Of course, his mother wrote, but the quietly sensitive young man could only see the sadness and despair in her writings, rather than the joy he had found in the truth-tellers. All the time he spoke, his eyes had been on the teacher, but as he finished, his eyes once more roamed the homely office. Perhaps this was why he had said a little more than he meant. It felt comfortable, like the office of a year head he had had when he was a lot younger. Before he had discovered his gift, before he had been robbed of his puberty years. He was the 18 year old who was, in many ways more experienced than some 30 year olds, but at the same time there was something lacking, something stolen from him which he should have gained. An innocence perhaps, his perspective of the world ever altered.
"I was wrong, to think that I might belong. But I will never forget what I was... Who I am.. What I did, just to learn that"
Re: An Unexpected Visitor
The answers came readily enough , a tale of normality and easy friendship that rang true even in the ears of someone who didn’t have Hannah’s gift. So childhood at least had been a happy time for these two young people. That was good So many of the students at the Institute had known nothing but hardship. Whatever else life may throw at them Hannah and Wes would at have good memories to fall back on. But maybe life had already thrown something Wes’s way.”Like I said, Hannah’s a good kid. And despite her age is surprisingly supportive “
Supportive! It was a revealing word to use and Cyclops didn’t miss its significance nor the slight hint of weariness that crossed his visitors face as he spoke. * Now what did she help him get through?* Scott wondered. *And did it have anything to do with that gun he so reluctantly yet efficiently carries?*
He suspected that the answers to those questions wouldn’t be quite so forthcoming if he ever asked them. Not that he would. Or at least not till he felt Wes was ready to talk, if that time ever came. One thing you learned pretty quickly at the Institute was that everyone had their secrets. Sometimes they were better left buried. Sometimes they needed to be brought into the open if only so that you could finally move on. Scott had had his fair share when he had first walked through the door of Xavier’s school. It had taken him years to come to terms with them despite the professors kindness and support
Trust. The feeling of belonging somewhere finally. Of being surrounded by people who cared about you and who you could count on. That was what had helped him. It was what helped the majority of the students once they realised that they had finally found such a place. Just the fact that they didn’t have to hide or be ashamed of their differences was the first step. After that it was up to them.
*This is crazy* Scott realised suddenly. *There’s no reason why I should be thinking of Wes as a student.* The youth had only come to visit after all. Most likely he wasn’t even a mutant himself. Still there had been a shadow that had flitted across Wes’ face which had sparked a response in Scott, something he had seen in his own all those years ago.*Down boy* Scott told himself *Stop trying to save the world one troubled kid at a time. This one’s not even technically our problem *
Cyclop’s reminiscence was interrupted by a sudden knock at the door. Hannah? Already? Well he wasn’t expecting anyone else so he supposed it must be . She really was eager to see her friend! She must have run all the way to get there so quickly. “ By the sounds of things she’s also surprisingly fast. ” Scott replied with a grin. “Go on then. Let her in. Before her excitement blows the door right off its hinges.”
Re: An Unexpected Visitor
the teacher was expecting someone else. Or maybe the dorms were closer than he would have imagined. Neither seemed to be true as his attention was regained by Scott’s words. “ By the sounds of things she’s also surprisingly fast. ” Wes grinned in response. If she wanted something, Hannah would push herself hard to get it. Perhaps he should be worried that he was the prize though! “Go on then. Let her in. Before her excitement blows the door right off its hinges.” A soft chuckle escaped at the idea of his young friend managing to break anything that solid full stop, but he knew what he meant. The knocks had been slow, but there had been enough strength behind them to hint at the bubbliness. Which he was sure his friend had. Which would mean one thing.
With a nod to the teacher, Wes almost leapt out the chair. Almost being that he made the movement that would have been quite a smooth twist and up if he had decided against it at the last moment, a little too tired to try anything too showy, even for him. He actually hesitated at the door for a moment, before opening the door slowly, a large grin slowly appearing on his face. “Hey Hannah!”…
*****
The truth inducer was glad of her friend’s timing. Had he arrived during school hours, no doubt the halls would have been packed with students. As it was, the halls were empty enough for her to manage to run through them fairly quickly and carefully at the same time. Even in her excited state, it seemed odd to be running through the school halls. And as she got nearer to the offices, the strange looks she kept receiving and her own discomfort caused her to slow down, finally walking as she reached the offices. She knew a couple of them from when she had looked for her teachers between classes for some reason. But not knowing Mr Summers, she took more time, looking carefully at each door, dismissing those she knew, before she finally stood outside the door. It was about five minutes, as she had guessed, since she had hung up on Mr Summers, but now, as she stared at the teacher’s door, she froze. Wes should be just behind this door. Despite hearing his voice, she still found it difficult to believe that the young agent was actually here. And there was the added fact that she had just hung up on a teacher. After a few seconds though, her excitement overran her embarrassment, though rather than simply barraging in, she decided to play it safe, knocking slowly, not yet opening the door.
The door opened slowly, after hearing some muffled speakers behind the door. What if she had disturbed a meeting or something! That would be embarrassing. However, it seemed she had nothing to fear, in a few minutes her slightly upturned gaze meeting Wes’, seeing his grin, her own face already lit up. ”Hey Hannah!”
The next thing poor Wes knew was that he was practically falling backwards. Hannah was four inches shorter than him, but in that moment it was hard to see, the girl’s arms launched up round his neck in an almost suffocating bear hug of sorts. ”Oh my gawd!! Wes!!” Fortunately, even when excited Hannah wasn’t much of a screamer. Even so, the sound made Wes flinch slightly, the sound echoing a bit too close to his ear. Wes’ arms embraced his friend for a few seconds, before slowly trying to free himself.
”Hannah… breaths please..” He half joked with a lopsided smile, his eyes bright. After a few seconds the truth teller released him and she actually pushed him gently, though she toned down her bubbliness enough in that moment to not actually cause her friend physical harm as she stared up at him. ”But Wes!! I mean.. you’re here. I never thought.. oh gawd…” She was still grinning as she spoke, dark hair swinging lightly round her shoulders as she shook her head in disbelief. He was there! How he had gotten time off she’d never know, but in that moment it didn’t matter. Instead a mock frown came across her face.
”I can’t believe you didn’t tell me. And you haven’t written for like a week!” The mock frown remained as her eyes narrowed in tease. ”I’d thought you’d abandoned me for some other girl” She teased, knowing that her friend had never made any show of having the same feelings for her as she believed she had for him. Even so, she took a friendly delight in seeing the mock despair on her friend’s face.
Wes couldn’t help but feed of the bubbliness his friend was showing, chuckling softly. ”Aww.. if I’d told you it wouldn’t be a surprise. Besides, you know full well that you’re my special girl… after all, I need you to avoid telling anyone those embarrassing stories you seem to store in you head” He said with a grin. Years together, and it was no surprise that they could embarrass each other, though Hannah could out do Wes with ease, and a cheeky grin from the truth teller seemed to confirm this.
In that moment, she spotted Scott over her friend’s shoulder, and realising how strange their conversation could sound, her grin became a bit more relaxed and slightly awkward. “You must be Mr Summers right?” Wes just turned slightly, looking towards the teacher as she asked her quite safe question. Over the last year, despite their absence from each other, Wes had gotten used to Hannah’s conversations, rarely containing any questions, especially unsafe ones. Which was why, he realised, she hadn’t let asked the questions she really wanted to. Why was he there? How had he gotten time off? Maybe she would ask them later.
Unable to tell his mother more than the simple details without her breaking down in tears, Hannah had become his confident. She knew almost everything that he was allowed to tell, and also knew which questions were safe to ask and which were not. But there was some things he kept hidden even from her, such as the gun. Things he didn’t want her to worry about.
Although the pair held no similarity, there was a silent familiarity between the two, a bond that was obvious even as they stood near each other, and people could easily mistake them for family. Even the way they acted made them seem like close siblings. But there were enough physical differences that most people realised on their own that they weren’t related. Even so, they made quite the duo.
"I was wrong, to think that I might belong. But I will never forget what I was... Who I am.. What I did, just to learn that"
Re: An Unexpected Visitor
If he had ever felt like a spare part it was now but strange to say the feeling didn’t bother him. This wasn’t his moment It was a reunion that by the looks of things was way overdue. If there had been an residual concern lingering from the rather surprising way Wes had turned up at the Institute it had been dispersed by Hannah’s more than enthusiastic welcome.
For a moment it felt as if they had forgotten about his existence and to be honest it didn’t bother him in the least. The opportunities to observe pure happiness in the Institute had always been few and far between and he was only to content to have happened upon one of them. There was a sweetness and an innocence that resonated between the two young people that was heartening to see. And an honesty that was apparent despite the lack of questions.
Was that accidental or a result of the fact that Hannah and Ws had managed to work around the obvious problem that her mutant power caused? If that was the case then Hank’s earlier ploy could have been seen for what it was. Seen and accepted in any case. Which in itself was no bad thing!
“You must be Mr Summers right?” Well that was one question he’d have no difficulty answering honestly at least “That’s right” he said easily.”Sorry we haven’t got round to meeting up before now but I’ve been away a lot recently. Neglecting my teaching duties rather badly no doubt. Though I may pick up a few bonus brownie points for retrieving Wesley here from the front hall.
He gave a low chuckle as he stood up and moved around the desk towards them.” I think I’ll continue on the roll and get him settled in to one of the guest rooms. Then I can leave you two in peace to get on with all this catching up you have to do. I’ll spare you the official tour Scott said mischievously I’m sure Hannah can do that later and she’s bound to know all the most interesting places round the institute better than I do. For now though……..
Scott glanced suddenly up at the wall clock…..“You’ve just got time to catch a hot meal in the dining room, if you hurry." It wasn’t always easy to work round Hannah’s gift but Scott did his best. “One solution would be to leave your suitcase here till you’ve finished and then call back for it when you’ve eaten Im not planning on going anywhere so that would be no problem. Or we could go up to the room now. Its up to you really..
Re: An Unexpected Visitor”That’s right” Hannah had known that the question would be safe, a knowledge that was shown in the gentle hazel gaze her eyes gave the teacher. Like any other student who had even heard about one of the most ‘famous’ teachers of the institute, it was a surprise to see him wearing a sling, her mind automatically wondering what had happened. A broken arm maybe? She mentally shrugged it off. Give the guy a break! After all, he was as ‘human’ as the rest of them. And everyone came upon an injury at some point.
”Sorry we haven’t got round to meeting up before now but I’ve been away a lot recently. Neglecting my teaching duties rather badly no doubt.” This time, the shrug she gave was physical. He didn’t teach any of her classes, so it was doubtful that they would have known each other, and that was fair enough. True, this wasn’t a normal school, but she could hardly expect someone to know students outside their classes. Heck, even for a ‘special’ school, the student body was big enough for anyone to get lost in the sea of names!
” Though I may pick up a few bonus brownie points for retrieving Wesley here from the front hall.” A low chuckle was earned from Hannah at this, followed by an elbow in Wes’ side, a quiet whisper offered to her friend. ”You needed ‘retrieving’?” Wes groaned softly, with an apologetic glance at Scott. This wasn’t class, whispering wouldn’t go unnoticed! ”Gimme a break Han.” He hushed back at her with a warning glance, though a playful smile danced across his lips. She was ticklish. And he knew it. And later, if she didn’t give him the requested break, she would be tickled into submission. And she knew that!
I think I’ll continue on the roll and get him settled in to one of the guest rooms. Then I can leave you two in peace to get on with all this catching up you have to do. I’ll spare you the official tour” … “I’m sure Hannah can do that later and she’s bound to know all the most interesting places round the institute better than I do. For now though……..” A slight nod from the truth teller confirmed the teacher’s beliefs. That’s if she didn’t get them lost though. Wes had a mind for places, normally learning routes quickly, efficiently. But not all routes. So hopefully she could get his brain engaged enough to pay attention to the small things at least.
“You’ve just got time to catch a hot meal in the dining room, if you hurry." The girl’s eyes turned up to the older lad, pondering at this as Wes listened silently, as yet unmoving, considering quietly. As far as the truth teller was concerned, the final choice was up to Wes. She’d already eaten, truth be told, whilst the invisibility mutant must have been travelling all day, or on missions all day, to get here this late. That was quite an achievement, and if she knew her friend, that meant all he’d eaten were those darn million’s of his.
“One solution would be to leave your suitcase here till you’ve finished and then call back for it when you’ve eaten I’m not planning on going anywhere so that would be no problem. Or we could go up to the room now. Its up to you really..” Hannah hadn’t noticed it, but Wes did. So easily, that could have formed a question. And then Hannah would be forced to give her opinion, even if she wanted to. Often, such a thing just offered a respect, letting her choose. Sure, her response to a question like that would not be harmful, but forced, it would be unwilling. And Wes offered a quiet, knowing smile to the teacher, a simple word in his eyes. ‘Thanks’.
Suddenly feeling the hazel brown eyes of his friend boring into the side of his head, his eyes lowered slightly to her, one eyebrow raising as if he expected something. Hannah frowned slightly, briefly hunting through her mind to try and hunt out the necessary words to stop it being a question, automatic now. ”Well, it’s up to you Wes. I ate earlier..” She shrugged slightly, though offered a brief glare which was met with a teasing smirk from the young agent.
”I think grabbing some dinner’s a better idea. I haven’t eaten for a bit.” Hannah gave a triumph smile, having second guessed her older friend. Not that it was difficult to do a lot of the time. Mr Summer’s had mentioned catching up. It had only been three months, but perhaps they had more to catch up on than either would care to admit. Three months. Wes had been in training and on a mission in that time. Hannah had moved into the school as a border. Her social scene had changed dramatically. And for a 15 year old girl, that meant lots of new gossip.
”Travelling – hectic and bad for the stomach” The young agent joked to Scott, continuing. ”Thank you Mr Summers. We can come back in a bit. Thanks again for the room” He nodded his head slightly, gratefully. A teenager with manners. Some might think that strange. But Wes had been forced to grow up, forced to deal with his duties as a man not a boy. But sometimes, that was to his advantage. It tended to help pull respect, and it certainly helped more in situations like these.
Suddenly, a hand grabbed his and pulled slightly. His eyes turned back to Hannah, but the truth teller’s own eyes were on the teacher again. ”Yeah, thank you for finding Wes… knowing his luck he would have ended up in the lake before realising he was lost!” She chuckled again, earning her a light clip over the head, barely enough to disturb a few hairs in a light hearted joke from Wes. ”Bye!” She continued as she practically dragged Wes out of the office, dying to talk to him properly, and to find out what he was doing there.
As they started off, Wes still being dragged a little, somewhat thrown by the abrupt, almost rude, departure, Wes’ mildly confused voice could be heard. ”There’s a lake? You never mentioned a lake in your letters…” Anything further faded into the general noise of the corridor, including Hannah’s response…
"I was wrong, to think that I might belong. But I will never forget what I was... Who I am.. What I did, just to learn that"
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