Chapter Text
Chapter 10 - Memories
Flashback – 1 ½ Years Ago – Scott Point of View
“Hey, can we come in?” came Jean’s voice.
I turned around, and smiled saying, “Sure.”
I heard them come in and join me where I was in front of the dressing table. I was completely ready and waiting.
“So, are you nervous?” Came Alex’s voice from his right.
“A little, but we have rehearsed night and day for over a month. And I have complete faith and confidence in all of us.” I replied honestly.
“That’s good.” Came Mum’s voice from my right. “All of us are very proud of you.”
“Your mother is right.” Came Dad’s voice from behind me and to the right, beside Mum. “Though he didn’t mention that everyone is here.”
I frowned and asked, “Everyone? As in Uncle Hank, Warren, Aunt Emma, Forge, Monet, and Elizabeth?”
“Yup,” Dad said cheerfully. “As in, them, as well as most of the Stargate Personnel from Earth and Atlantis, Vampire Garrett, Bella and Charlie Swan, Sue Clearwater and her children, the Carter’s from Eureka, Hotch’s BAU team from Quantico, the Avengers, and the Braddock’s from Canada – including Sam, among others. No pressure.” Dad was careful to whisper when mentioning Eureka, because it was classified.
My eyes widened.
“No pressure!!” I cried out. It wasn’t that I was nervous, it was more to do with the fact that most of them had said that they were not going to be able to make it. “Pietro said that Derek told him they were on a case, Tony said the Avengers were on an assignment, Jack was fixing another mess that some idiot scientist created, and that was only a few hours ago. And I knew the Braddock’s were going to be coming, but Sam had said that his team was riding his arse about apparently being late again not realizing that he is the first one there and the last one to leave, so he wouldn’t be able to leave. And you can’t drive a truck load of pressure in here and say no pressure!”
“Well,” said Kitty, who was my make-up artist and hairstylist, from in front of me where she was doing my makeup. “You know how quickly things change. And in Sam’s case, Commander Holleran just put the entire team on leave for a week saying that they have been working too hard and needed the downtime.” I heard her shrug.
“We’re starting the ceremony in five minutes’ you guys.” Said one of the attendants to all of us.
“Okay, I guess that’s our cue.” Said Alex.
“Good luck, and break a leg, all of you.” Said Jean., as they left to return to their seats.
“Alright, you guys have 30 minutes’ before your cue.” The attendant said.
“Thank you.” I said, acknowledging him. There were similar sounds of acknowledgement.
I heard him leave.
“Are you really not nervous, Scott?” came a nervous voice of one of my classmates and backup dancers. “Especially now that you know that a lot more people you know are going to be watching you?”
“No, I have performed for them many times, and they have seen me and supported me when I was at my lowest.” I said matter-of-factly. “For me, this is just a way to show them how far I have come with their help.”
“Oh. Okay. That makes sense. Doesn’t keep me from being nervous.” He said.
“It’s okay to be nervous. It’s natural.” I said, trying to comfort him. “if you need to, just think of it as a dress rehearsal. And besides, with the music, you won’t be able to hear the crowd, so it will help with the illusion of it being a rehearsal.”
“Okay. Thanks, Scott.”
“Your welcome.” I smiled, and turned back to Kitty as she applied the finishing touches to my hair and make-up.
20 minutes later
The attendant returned and said, “5 minutes everyone.”
“Good luck Scott, and I’ll be watching from right here.” Kitty said, referring to the large screen that was mounted on the wall for the stylists and everyone else who were remaining in the green room.
I nodded.
We stood up, went on stage and took our places, waiting for the curtains to rise.
“And now, I proudly present a performance by some of the graduates from the Mathematics and Sociology programs, led by Dr. Scott Lehnsherr/ Summers, who is receiving a PhD in both programs.”
The curtains rose.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5yA0REgx1Q) (A/N: this is the link for the dance. you don't have to watch it if you don't want. but there is a dialogue a few paragraphs down that is based on the costumes. and like in the previous chapter, Scott's outfits are the same as what the woman in the video is wearing.)
The applause and roars were deafening as we took our bows.
The Master of Ceremonies returned to the stage. “Thank you for a wonderful and beautiful performance.” She said to us. We bowed lightly to her, and walked off the stage, returning to the green room.
“Wow. I am beat. Four costume changes.” Said one of my classmates, sounding like he was ready to drop.
“It’s not over yet.” I said smiling. “We have to change again and join the rest of the graduates.”
He whined.
“Really Ryan. I don’t get why you are whining. It’s not like you had to change four times. Scott did, and he had to get hair and make-up changed as well. We were alternating.” One of my classmates snapped at him.
I laughed, drinking from my water bottle, before going behind the curtain to change into my graduation dress.
I came out from behind the curtain in my two-piece teal blue dress and silver heels, before going to my dressing table so I could get my hair and make-up redone, and put on my jewelry. It didn’t take very long for Kitty to touch up my make-up, before she started doing my hair.
Ten minutes later, I was completely ready in my dress (https://www.pinterest.com/pin/297589487856298520/), heels (https://www.pinterest.com/pin/447756387924679900/), matching chandelier earrings (https://www.pinterest.com/pin/454511787365465124/), and matching bangles on both hands (https://www.pinterest.com/pin/170151692145798306/). My hair was put into an up-do with braids (https://www.pinterest.com/pin/435934438913886647/).
“You look wonderful Scott.” Said one of my classmates.
“Thank you. I would return the compliment wholeheartedly, but I have no idea how you look.” I said, laughing as Kitty helped me put on my cap and gown without messing up my hair and dress.
That broke some of the tension that was filling the air, as we all laughed.
“Okay you guys, follow me and I’ll lead you to your seats.” Said an attendant.
We followed him and a few minutes later, snuck into the crowd of graduates and took our seats.
It wasn’t long before we stood up again to receive our diplomas.
We all walked in a single line towards the stage, and as our names were called, we went up, received our Diplomas/ Degrees/ Certificates, shook hands with the Dean and a few others, walked off the stage, had our photographs taken, and returned to our seats.
It took an hour and a half before the last student returned to their seat.
“Congratulations again Graduates and good luck in your future endeavors. Thank you all for coming and have a wonderful evening.”
With those words, we took off our caps and threw them into the air. There was a lot of hugging, crying and congratulating before we all split up and went to our families.
“Congratulations little bird.” Emma said, as she hugged me. “I am so proud of you. And you did an amazing performance.”
There were murmurs of agreement.
“Scott! Scott!” came a voice that sounded like the MC, Dr. Myers.
I turned towards her and asked, “Yes?”
“Scott, there is someone who would like to meet you. Is that okay?” she said.
“Sure. If this person doesn’t mind being surrounded by my family.” I replied, laughing lightly.
Oh, I don’t mind.” Another voice responded, chuckling. “After all, they are your family.”
It wasn’t Dr. Myers that responded, but someone else. Someone who all mutants have been cautioned against due to his hatred of us.
“Bolivar Trask.” He said, taking my hand and kissing it. I repressed a shudder. “I was mesmerized by your performance. You were absolutely mesmerizing”
“Thank you.” I said, taking my hand back from him and turning to Dr. Myers, “Dr. Myers, if you are able to, please introduce him to the rest of the performers and our team. For if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have been able to mesmerize Mr. Trask as I apparently have. If you cannot, then maybe one of the other professor’s can.”
I smiled at her.
She laughed and agreed.
“Actually,” he said. “I was hoping to take you out to dinner this evening.”
“You wanted to take me out to dinner.” I repeated, raising my eyebrow. "Sorry, I have plans with my family this evening."
"No problem. Maybe another time.” He said, sounding taken aback that I would reject him. “Congratulations again.” He took me hand and kissed it again.
“Congratulations again, Scott. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Dr. Myers said as she led Dr. Trask away, talking with him about the rest of the team that helped us put the performance together and the backup dancers.
I turned back to everyone and asked, “Was that-?”
“Dr. Bolivar Trask? Yes.” Said Mum from his wheel chair in a concerned tone.
“The same-?” I asked.
“Dr. Bolivar Trask that hates all mutants and wants to destroy us? Yes.” This time it was Logan who answered, barely holding in a growl. I put my hand out in the direction of his voice. He took my hand and held it.
“And the-?” I asked.
“Founder and CEO of Trask Industries? Yes.” This time, Dad answered from behind Mum also in a concerned tone.
“The company that-?”
“Built the prototype Sentinels that have seriously injured you in the recent past? Yes.” This time, it was Garrett, one of the Vampire Nomads who answered.
“Well, this is just ironic.” Said Bobby laughing.
“What is so funny about this, Popsicle?” growled Logan, tensing and on the verge of letting his claws out. I squeezed his hand. He relaxed.
“Think about it.” Bobby said as he stopped laughing. Probably realizing that continuing would hazardous his survival.
“I get it.” said Richard Wayne from beside me. “Trask hates mutants. But he has no idea that he just flirted with one of the most powerful one of you all.”
I started to laugh. I could see the irony in this whole thing.
“You have a point. Anyways, it’s not as if he’s going to ask me out again or anything.” I said, before adding. “Now, let’s go for dinner. I am starving.”
We went out for dinner at a five-star restaurant, before heading to the hotel. We had a long day ahead of us tomorrow, with me moving back to Bayville.
Present
“I was wrong. The next morning when we returned to Bayville, the first bouquet of flowers came, they were roses. Afterwards, he would send all kinds of flowers to the Mansion. It got to the point that there was no place to put them in my room, so I would put the around the house. They were beautiful flowers. I often joked that at least I didn’t have to worry about picking flowers for the vases. A month later, there were pieces of precious jewels, like rubies and diamonds inside the flowers. After a few weeks of this, I collected the jewels that he had sent and went to his company headquarters to return the jewels. He adamantly refused to take them back unless I went out with him. I said I would think about it, only so he would take back the jewels. When I went home, and told everyone what had happened, they nearly blew up. It took quite a few rounds in the Danger Room before everyone was cool-headed enough to hold a conversation without their powers making an appearance. Finally, after a long discussion, and plenty of Lavender tea, they agreed for me go for the date, as long as i took precautions. Magical precautions. It was only one date. What was the harm? And he didn’t know that I was a mutant, so it wasn’t as if I had anything to fear, especially as I had the ability to temporarily neutralize my powers, making me seem like an ordinary human to any of his gadgets. I called him on the number he had given me, and agreed to one date for the next night. I had no idea what he had planned.
The next day, Kitty and Jean helped me get ready after nearly everyone gave an input in what I should wear. Finally I settled for a long purple spaghetti strap dress (https://www.pinterest.com/pin/487022147187503436/), matching jewelry set (http://www.novajewellery.co.uk/shop/144-lilac-purple-jewellery-set.html), matching bangles (https://www.pinterest.com/pin/545357836100033344/), and silver heels (http://www.jildorshoes.com/product.cfm/hurl/farah-evening-sandal-silver-leather/PI=127060?AID=10655979&PID=2687457). My hair was pulled into a sort of ponytail with braids (http://www.jildorshoes.com/product.cfm/hurl/farah-evening-sandal-silver-leather/PI=127060?AID=10655979&PID=2687457). Agatha also gave me an amethyst ring (https://www.pinterest.com/pin/37154765653532194/) that would help me neutralize my powers and abilities, just to be on the safe side, and I spelled it so it can only be removed by her or someone else I trusted completely and of their own free will, which was any of the people I lived with.
All too soon, Trask came to pick me up and we went to dinner. It was great. During the meal, he asked me how I found school, how I was finding the move back to Bayville after the rush and chaos of university student life, and asked me about the show. I answered and asked him about the company and how he felt now that he was on competing level with S.T.A.R Developments, Stark Industries, Worthington Industries, Wayne Enterprise, Queen Consolidated, Braddock Group of Companies, Singhania Group of Companies and Raichand Industries. After dinner, we went dancing and then a stroll in the summer night air, before we headed back to the limo to go home. In the limo, he gave me a drink. After I drank it, I realized that it was drugged. He revealed that he had a suspicion that I was a mutant as well as the others at the X-Mansion, but since the drug he gave me worked he realized that he was wrong. However, instead of giving me an antidote, or taking me home immediately, he raped me. Repeatedly. However, he took great care with my clothes and jewelry, saying he didn’t want to ruin ‘what enhanced such beauty’. He took me home afterwards.
Sensing that something was wrong, Charles and Jean asked me what had happened. I told them everything, with the two of them broadcasting to the rest of the house. Many of them wanted to kill Trask, but I managed to convince them not to. Since, despite what happened, he was no longer suspicious of us being mutants. They reluctantly agreed, especially after I told them that if they did go after Trask, his blood would ultimately be on my hands, since it would be in my name they went after him. So, it took a while, a lot of therapy, and Danger Room sessions for all of us, especially after I found out I was pregnant because of the rape, but we were able to move on.
When Trask found out I was pregnant, he wanted to claim paternity, but I wouldn’t let him. I told him we had proof that he had raped me, and if he wanted to claim paternity, he would have to do so from prison. He backed off after that. We knew we couldn’t go after him, but at the same time, he couldn’t come after us or any other mutant, it was something I was able to live with.
The next few months went by, and I was in my eighth month when Alex and I learned, through a diary my mother once had, that the man who had caused the plane accident that killed our parents was none other than Trask himself. At the time of the accident, he had been working for our family company, Summers Technology And Research (S.T.A.R) Developments, and he just wanted my parents out of the way so he could take over, being the company Vice-President. He didn’t realize that, in their will, my parents stated that if they were to die before Alex reached the legal age, he would automatically become emancipated, get the company and custody of me. It was a heavy burden and they knew it, but it was the only way to protect our legacy, and keep the both of us safe. A few months after my parents died and Alex took over S.T.A.R. Developments, Trask left, and started his own company, Trask Industries.
The shock of learning this caused me to go into premature labor. I nearly lost the baby, but finally, after 48 hours of labor, she was born. I named her Atiya, after my mother. With the knowledge of him having killed my parents, we could have gone after him, but I didn’t want Atiya to grow up with the world knowing that she is the product of rape.”
Wyatt took, a now sobbing, Scott into his arms and rubbed his back soothingly. They stayed that way for a long time, before Scott finally stopped crying.
“You want to tell your story now? Or do you want to wait a while first?” Scott asked, as he wiped his eyes.
“Later. It’s not that I’m avoiding telling you, but I believe it would be better, for us both, to come to terms with your story, before we delve into mine.”
Scott agreed, before grabbing a drink and a bite to eat. Wyatt also grabbed a drink.
A few hours later, Wyatt and Scott sat on the sofa, and Wyatt began his story.
“My story happened three years ago. I was dating this Omega, a model, her name was Cindy Gaines. She was a sweet girl and I was in love with her. I hadn’t told her about magic or that I was a witch or anything. I knew I should have, but for some reason, I just wasn’t able to bring myself to tell her. She told me she was pregnant, and we were happy. She moved into the Manor, and we were all excited. It took a lot of doing, but we were able to keep the existence of magic a secret from her. When she was nine months pregnant and close to her due date, we were in the Manor, putting the finishing touches to the nursery, when we were attacked by demons. We were able to vanquish them, but she had seen them and she went into labor. It was long and very difficult. I was with her the entire time, and after she delivered the baby, she began to hemorrhage, and bleed internally. I begged her to let me heal her, but she refused saying that if she had known I was a freak, she would never have gone out with me. She also said that I was evil, and her death would be a punishment for me, knowing that even with all my powers, I was powerless to save her. She died in my arms.”
By this time, Wyatt had tears in his eyes, and was crying softly. Scott, from where he was sitting in Wyatt’s lap, put his arms around the larger man and held him, letting him cry.
After a while, Scott said, “She was wrong you know.”
“What do you mean?”
“When she said you were evil, and a freak. And that her death was a punishment. You are an incredible person Wyatt. I have only known you for two days and already, I am telling you things that no one outside my family knows. I am telling you a secret that an entire community’s survival depends on. More to the point, yesterday at the Gala, I started a conversation with you, and aside from my performances and shows, I always wait for someone else to start the conversation.”
Wyatt just shrugged.
“Alright, how about this? I can see your heart Wyatt! I can see the radiance of your soul. If you won’t believe anything else, believe that. I told you that your soul’s radiance was the most beautiful I had ever seen before you told me about Andy. Remember?”
“Yea. I do.” Wyatt said softly, sighing.
“Listen, we just need time to process. Maybe, that’s why we’re here.” Scott said.
“What do you mean?” Wyatt asked, frowning.
“Time passes at different rates in this dimension. It can either pass at the same rate as the Physical Plane or it can be faster or slower. It all depends on why they’ve been brought here. So maybe, we have been brought here to come to terms with what happened.” Scott explained.
“Maybe. That would make sense.”
“And we do still need to talk about us being the reincarnations of Arthur and Merlin, and the fact that we were married and we have a destiny to fight something that is both myth and legend.”
“Yea. We do still have a lot to talk about.” Wyatt said agreeing, before he smiled and asked, standing up. “do you want to dance?”
“Huh?”
“Dance with me. Let’s take our minds off the past. At least for a while. And to be honest, I have wanted to dance with you again since last night.”
Scott smiled and took Wyatt’s outstretched hand. “You have a point. Sure. I would love to dance with you.”
Scott snapped his fingers, and soft music began to play.
They slowly danced together, letting the past stay where it is meant to, in the past, as they focused on each other. As they danced, their memories from their past lives as Arthur and Merlin slowly began returning.