Scott sat alone in his room, deep in thought as he replayed the events of his time away from the mansion. He could still feel the weight of the recent battles: the brutal clash with the Conquistador's forces, his narrow escape, and Logan's harsh but necessary reminder of his limits. Despite everything, Charles's offer of autonomy remained clear in his mind—a chance to lead, to take control of his future and make a difference. But with that offer came responsibility, and the realization that the path he was carving would only grow more dangerous.
A knock sounded at the door, interrupting his thoughts. Scott straightened, already suspecting who it might be. Sure enough, when he opened the door, Alex stood there, looking conflicted, his hands shoved deep in his pockets.
"Hey," Scott said, a small smile touching his lips. "Come in."
Alex entered, his movements tense, his gaze flicking over Scott as if searching for answers to questions he hadn't voiced. There was a long silence between them before Alex spoke, his voice low and edged with frustration. "You didn't tell me you were leaving. I just woke up one morning and…you were gone."
Scott sighed, already sensing where this conversation was headed. "I couldn't bring you into that, Alex. Not yet. I know you're training hard, but what's out there…it's more dangerous than you realize."
Alex's expression hardened. "I know you think I can't handle it, but I'm stronger than you give me credit for, Scott. You've been out there, risking everything, and you're just leaving me in here. Why?"
Scott's chest tightened at the disappointment in his brother's gaze. "Alex, this isn't about your training. It's about keeping you safe. I didn't want you anywhere near what I was facing."
Alex scoffed, his voice dripping with frustration. "You keep saying that. That you're trying to protect me. But you know what, Scott? I don't need protecting. I'm not a kid anymore."
Scott shook his head, his resolve hardening. "Alex, you don't understand. What I'm facing out there—what we're facing—isn't just some training exercise. It's life or death, and I don't want you caught up in that. I'm doing this so you don't have to."
Alex's hands clenched into fists at his sides. "But you're making that decision for me! You think I want to sit back here, doing drills in the Danger Room, while you go out risking your life? I want to be there with you, helping you. I want to join the X-Men, Scott."
Scott's face darkened, a flash of anger rising as he spoke, his voice firm. "No. You don't understand what you're asking for. The X-Men aren't just some team you can join because you're tired of waiting around. We risk everything. Every time I step out of this mansion, I know I might not make it back. I don't want that for you, Alex."
Alex's jaw clenched, frustration boiling over. "So that's it? You're just going to decide my future for me?"
"I'm trying to keep you alive," Scott shot back, his voice tight with emotion. "I'm doing this because I care about you, Alex. I want you to have a choice, a life outside of this constant fighting. That's why I went through all of this in the first place."
Alex's face twisted with anger and hurt. "Maybe I don't want that life. Maybe I'd rather fight, knowing I'm helping you and the people we care about. But you can't even give me a chance." He took a step back, his expression closing off. "I thought you'd understand."
Scott felt the weight of his brother's disappointment, but he forced himself to stand firm. "I do understand. That's why I can't let you throw yourself into this, Alex. You're my brother, and I can't bear the thought of you getting hurt."
Alex's fists clenched, his face contorting with anger. "Maybe that's why you're the one who doesn't understand, Scott. Maybe this isn't about you." He turned sharply, storming toward the door. "I thought you were different, but you're just as controlling as everyone else."
Before Scott could respond, Alex was gone, the door slamming shut behind him. Scott stood alone, a mix of frustration and regret settling in his chest. He knew he was doing the right thing, keeping Alex safe. But as he stared at the empty doorway, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was pushing his brother away, step by step.
-X-
After his conversation with Alex, Scott made his way to Charles's office, where both Amelia and the Professor were waiting. Alex, he knew, had spoken with them as well, seeking support for his desire to join the team. But they all had the same answer, though for different reasons. Now, as they met to discuss it, Scott felt a sense of grim determination, knowing what he would say.
Charles looked up as Scott entered, his expression thoughtful. "Scott, I understand Alex has been…adamant about wanting to join the X-Men."
Amelia nodded, a hint of exasperation in her voice. "He's persistent, I'll give him that. He came to me earlier, asking me to convince you to let him join. He's convinced he's ready for this."
Scott let out a tired sigh. "He's not. He's too young, and he doesn't fully understand what he's asking for. I told him no, but he's not letting it go."
Charles folded his hands, his gaze calm but serious. "Scott, I understand your concern for Alex's safety, and I share it. But denying him outright may have its own risks. Sometimes, the more we push someone away, the more determined they become to pursue what they're denied."
Scott's jaw tightened. "So, what are you saying? We just let him join because he's being stubborn?"
Charles shook his head. "Not necessarily. But perhaps there's a compromise. Alex's determination to help, to be part of the team, shows a sense of responsibility. Ignoring that might only deepen his frustration."
Amelia cut in, her voice firm. "With respect, Charles, Alex isn't ready for this, and Scott's right to be concerned. He's barely mastered his powers. Throwing him into dangerous situations could end up doing more harm than good."
Scott nodded, relieved to have Amelia's support. "Exactly. I want to protect him, keep him safe. Joining the X-Men isn't some…adventure he can sign up for because he's tired of waiting."
Charles remained quiet, listening intently, before he spoke again. "I understand your point, both of you. But perhaps there's a middle ground that could satisfy Alex's desire to contribute without putting him directly in harm's way."
Amelia raised an eyebrow. "And what would that look like?"
Charles considered carefully before replying. "Allowing Alex to join in certain training exercises with the team. Nothing high-risk, but enough to help him feel he's making progress. By involving him in training, we give him a channel to build his skills while we assess his readiness."
Scott was silent, turning the idea over in his mind. He still felt a strong reluctance, a sense of protectiveness that he couldn't shake. But Charles's words had weight, and he knew Alex's frustration would only grow if they continued to push him away.
Amelia crossed her arms, her expression skeptical. "I still think it's risky. But if it's a choice between controlled training and him trying to sneak out and follow Scott…I suppose this is the safer option."
Scott sighed, finally nodding. "Fine. We'll let him join in some of the training. But that's it. No missions, no fieldwork. Just training."
Charles inclined his head, his expression satisfied. "Thank you, Scott. I believe this will be a positive step for Alex—and perhaps, in time, for you both."