| Return of the Cool Summers Brother | |||||
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| What: Alex Summers returns from a many year hiatus in university. | |||||
Carrying a large green duffel over his left shoulder, Alex Summers can be seen walking up the drive wearing hiking boots, jeans, and a flannel shirt of red and black. His hair is a tangle of blonde that seems a bit longer than it was years back. Nearly down to his shoulders and all one length which requires him to push it back, out of his face. He needs a hair tie or banana clip. His physique has developed quite a bit since he was last here and filled out to make him more of a man than the boy he was before. He will begin to approach the circular aspects while taking in the many memories of the landscape from years past. Nostalgic.
Bobby Drake's been out in the garage, cleaning out one of the school vans after a grocery run. Dressed in cargo shorts and a bright Hawaiian shirt, he's humming a little tune. Bobby's filled out a lot more than he used to be when younger as well but likely not as much as Alex. When he catches sight of someone coming up the driveway in a mirror, Bobby glances over his shoulder and both brows arch up. It takes a moment for recognition to kick in but when it does, his head tilts to the side. "Well...Summer is on the way out but a Summers brother is coming back in," bad joke but he's sounding friendly at least.
With a broad smile, Alex begins with a verbal jab as he closes to a few feet of Bobby, "Well look at little Bobby Drake. They're letting you hang out with the vehicles now. Does that mean you can drive? Aren't they afraid you might fill the van with snow?" Alex drops his bag to the side and will offer his hand disregarding the rhetorical question and possible answer, he states a full greeting, "Good to see you, snowball."
Bobby smirks, letting some cold air blow in Alex's direction in response to the jab. He's surprised by the offered hand but gives it a firm shake. "Good to see you too, hoola-hoop head," he teases. "No one mentioned you were coming back. This a temporary visit or should we get you a room?"
"There is certainly one waiting for you should you wish it." comes another familiar voice a bit further outside the garage.. Charles Xavier, his smile wide and welcoming as he makes his way over from the front door. It seems the new arrival did not go unnoticed. "Welcome back, Alex."
Breaking from Bobby's grasp and the glad hand, Alex starts to smirk with an answer but is interrupted by another voice.
A warm welcome indeed and Alex is truly honored when he hears and then notes Xavier's arrival, "Professor." is said with an eager tone hidden behind a serious candy shell. His mind is filled with urges to hug the man, shake the man's hand, and stand like a statue - as his brother would (jackass). His feet break free from the roots and takes a step or two to close the gap and offers that glad hand to Xavier. "Actually I wish. I mean I would like to. Yes. I want to come home and re-join the team." - There is some stammering, he's not as articulate at Scott (jerk) but is still the cool Summers brother.
Bobby perks up as well at the sound of that familiar voice. He glances past Alex and offers a quick wave and a smirk. "Hey, Prof," he greets. "Came to play welcome wagon or heading out?" he asks, ready to move cars if their mentor wants his out. He hums a little at Alex's request and can't help but smirk at his stammering. "We do have a shortage of Summerses at the moment..." he trails off, patting Alex's shoulder.
Charles Xavier chuckles, shaking Alex's hand soundly in reply. Funny how people can change so very much and yet so very little at the same time. "Then I suggest you see about procuring one whenever you like." responding only to the enthused sentiment rather than the presentation. He adds to Bobby, "No need, thank you, Bobby. I simply felt a familiar mind, and wanted to welcome Alex back in person. --You should see the west grounds, by the way-- Ruth and Emira have made it their project since it was damaged earlier this year, and it's quite different than you may remember." he says conversationally, speaking of the edge of the grounds and the forest beyond that was burned down when a Sentinel fought Magneto there.
"Thank you, sir. It's good to be back." there's so much more Alex would want to say, but there are too many memories, questions, and things that need to come out at once. It's like he's 21 again and feels overshadowed by the presence of a strong father figure (Xavier). Instead of going into details about the west grounds, he'll simply ask, "Is Scott around?"
"Well, glad ya came out," Bobby chimes. He shifts his weight a little, chilling the immediate area to keep away the oppressive 90+ degree weather. "What're they doing out there? Last I checked, neither of them was a florakinetic..." he trails off curiously. When Scott's asked about, Bobby shakes his head. "Nope. Old one eye's been...away," he jerks a thumb back at the empty spot in the garage usually occupied by Scott's bike. "Since Jean came back...and now she's...away too."
Charles Xavier 's expression sobers, especially at mention of what happened to Jean. He keeps a positive tone though as he says, "I'm sure they'll both find their ways in time." he smiles somewhat to Bobby. "Actually, Emira has proven able to turn her abilities that direction with practice.. and Ruth's foresight has helped them to see that the new plants have the best chance to flourish. They've been doing a very fine job."
Alex glances over to where the bike normally would be, where Bobby thumbs and then back to the two and listens to their discussions but has no real input or knows who they're talking about beside Scott and Jean. He nods and will gather his duffel. "Guess I'll head inside and find a room. Thank you Professor. I'll schedule something so we can talk about my place here." Surely the Professor has been keeping up with Alex - gained a masters degree in geology at Hawaii University, and is now capable of teaching physical sciences.
"Huh. Guess I'll check it out sometime," Bobby shrugs. "No need to bail so soon, Alex," he says. "It'll take a little bit to get a room ready anyway."
"Though I suspect we'll have plenty more opportunity to catch up before long." he says to Bobby, then to the departing Alex. "Certainly. I'm sure we can find a suitable teaching position, and the new term has only just begun."
Alex will have some urgency about his departure. Perhaps a relief that his brother isn't here to, well, be his big brother. But also some concern as to his whereabouts. Which he'll get to the bottom of soon enough. Now, with the duffel slung over his left shoulder, he'll nod in acceptance to what Xavier said and will say to Bobby as he starts walking toward the door, "It's okay. I'll work it out."
Bobby blinks a few times then shrugs. "Alright then..." he trails off. "Guess I should head in too. See if they need any help putting away those groceries."
Charles Xavier turns about as well, following the others inside. It's a very big building, and one he's lived in the better portion of his life. But the more people who live and learn and and even leave only to return to it, the more it feels like simply a very big home.
Perhaps Alex was hoping to see Scott. Maybe surprise him upon his unannounced return. Try to show his brother that he could be more than the little jerk that went off to college years back. But since Scott isn't around, Alex is a bit deflated. He'll work it out though. At least he's not spouting expletives about how Scott's a jerk and should have been here for Alex's return.
When Alex walks through the threshold, he gives pause in wonderment while looking up and around the entryway. His feet feel heavy once again and for a moment drag on the flooring. He inhales deeply, recalls the familiar scents of wood and leather, and knows once again - he's home.
Alex will remain quiet, walk through and up and find where he can toss his clothing and get off his feet.