Chapter 3
Early morning light poured into the room where Tony was asleep. He moaned and burrowed his head in the pillows and snaked his arm to where Scott was supposedly sleeping. His palms grabbed the air and the sheets as he woke up startled by the discovery that Scott wasn’t in the bed. “Scott?...” He groaned and threw his head back on the pillow. “Dammit!” He uttered again in regret. The room felt cold and almost impersonal like he didn’t belong there. Last night, something had changed. He couldn’t point what it was but he felt it in his bones. It was a big change, even though he couldn’t see it. Somehow, everything felt different. With a grunt, Tony moved from his bed and saw a note on the side table.
‘Time’s up. But you look so peaceful, I decided against waking you up. Last night was wonderful and I can’t thank you enough. However, I don’t think this is a good idea. Whatever’s going on between us needs to stop.’
He read the note again, and then once more. A deep frown settled on his features, “There’s no way I’m listening to that. I call bullshit.” He muttered to himself. “There’s no fucking way. I’m not giving up on us.” He sighed, trying hard to stop the tears, and got into the shower to face the day’s challenges, namely, convincing Scott Summers they were meant to be together.
“Shouldn’t we be in solitary?” Jake asked while watching Scott do a decline push-up. Scott had saved his life many times from mutant hating prisoners. He was impressed by the X-Man's agility and hoped to be like him someday. The first time he met Cyclops was when the other walked into the prison with a specialized ruby quartz cage locked around his head. The inmates had hated Jake ever since he had developed mutant powers in defense. And with the way Cyclops handled himself, he sure as hell wanted to learn to protect himself. So he had assigned himself to watch Scott do his duties and keep up in shape. Right now as he stood by and watched Scott do an advanced push-up, he looked at him and wondered why this dude was always given a hard time.
“No. Their objective is to have us killed. Solitary will keep us safe from inmates who hate mutants.” Scott puffed out a breath and pushed himself up. “We need to stick together. And you need to be more careful.” He advised Jake to stay away from the inmates. Unlike him, Jake had no experience in combat. Emotions of anger, resentment, and hurt stirred within him when he saw how mutants were being treated and killed for doing something as basic as breathing.
Jake nodded solemnly when Scott explained the reason behind them being targeted. He felt powerless without his powers. But once it emerged, he felt like he could protect himself from being bullied and beaten up, only to end up being tortured by both inmates and guards. He sighed, not understanding how Scott was so calm about everything that had happened. But then again, he was Cyclops. And that was his job description.
He saw Scott exhale from his advanced push up which he could never begin to ever imagine doing. It looked like Scott had honed his body into a weapon and seeing it up close, reminded him of how powerful Scott was even without his powers, in comparison to the muscle-bound men on steroids. ‘Yes, this is the guy I want to be.’ He thought to himself as Scott finished his set and a guard arrived to interrupt their chat.
“Summers, Stark wants to see you.” The guard grumbled and opened the cell.
“Hey Butterscotch” Tony greeted Scott with a sweet kiss on his cheek when they entered his lab. “How’s my gorgeous man doing?” He grabbed Scott’s hands and intertwined them with his own, pulling him closer to kiss him on the lips.
“I’m fine, Tony.” Scott tilted his head down to meet Tony’s lips even if he thought it was a terrible idea.
“Why did you leave without waking me up?” Tony asked, still feeling hurt when Scott left without a warning with the sorrowful note. “I read your note.”
Scott sighed and looked at Tony, “Then you know we can’t-”
“-We can.” Tony interrupted, “You’re great at poker, right? I’m going to lay my cards on the table. I’m not accepting anything less than a full-blown relationship with you. We don’t have to announce that we are dating, to anyone yet, but I want nothing less.” He pulled Scott down to sit next to him on the Sofa.
Scott tilted his head, assessing what Tony said. “That’s not how poker”-
-“Shush.” Tony placed a finger on his lips because he didn’t want Scott to get lost in the semantics.
“-works,” Scott mumbled and removed Tony’s fingers from his lips. “You know it’s not going to work.” He was being realistic but his resolve was weakening with each kiss, each smile, and each argument he had with the man in front of him.
“Then we’ll take whatever time we have,” Tony answered and bent one knee while lifting the other to propel himself forward and kiss Scott.
“I don't know which idea is worse. That you shot the phoenix or this.” Scott grumbled but gave in to the kiss anyway. “But, I guess I’m a sucker for men who make poor choices.” He pulled Tony closer, who had almost straddled him.
“Ouch.” Tony heaved a breathy laugh. “You insulted the both of us.” He shook his head and remarked. “You’re not a poor choice. You’re the best one I’ve made.”
Scott gave him a look that conveyed Tony indeed made poor choices, which made Tony huff in disbelief. “Wow. You asshole!” He laughed because he knew why Scott was looking at him in smug satisfaction. “I know I made an error with the phoenix force, but will you keep playing that card forever? And, you’re not a poor choice and I don’t make terrible decisions all the time. People are blind, whereas I… am a visionary. A risk-taker. A..”
“A stubborn asshole.” Scott teased.
“Kinda comes with the job description of being a superhero.” Tony grinned, “You know it better than anyone.”
Scott laughed out loud at Tony’s remark when he called him out. “Yeah, I do.” He let Tony lead them to the bedroom. Once Tony opened the door, Scott felt transported by the soothing aromas of lilies and jasmine. The room looked the same as last time, except for one addition, a cart of liquor that also housed fruits, ice cream, flowers, and chocolates. He had gone all out to make Scott feel good, especially since his boyfriend was low on spirit.
“I need you,” Tony murmured, licking his lips. He splayed his hands across Scott’s lower back, placing his knees between Scott’s thighs.
“Not that this isn’t sweet and I really….… appreciate it. But I’m not big on celebrating.” Scott gasped when Tony meandered his lips on his neck, making him light-headed from the feeling of skin touching skin.
“Who said it’s for you? I like to treat myself after sex.” Tony joked and his lips met Scott’s soft lips for an intense kiss. His hands traveled all over Scott’s body. He brushed his mouth over Scott’s throat and traced the line of his cheekbones.
Heat spread through Scott from Tony’s unyielding kiss. He kissed him back and groaned softly when Tony’s tongue slipped inside his mouth. “I thought the sex was a treat and you don’t drink. Tony…” Scott whined, blood roaring in his ears from the way Tony palmed his trousers.
Tony groaned, unable to contain himself because of the sounds the man in front of him made and undid the buttons of Scott’s pants. He pulled out the hard length and let his thumb graze the head, making Scott whimper.
With their lips never leaving each other’s, Scott pawed at Tony’s clothes as they undressed each other and landed on the bed with a thud.
“Ow!” Tony grumbled when the corner of the bed hit his ankle. He looked at the corner in pure hatred.
“Glaring at inanimate objects won’t make the pain go away.” Scott teased and tilted Tony’s chin to meet his lips. “Your leg okay? Need some ice?” He inquired in concern.
“I’m great because you’re here,” Tony answered and leaned over Scott, pushing him with his hand. Unfortunately, Scott’s head hit the headboard and they both winced at the sound.
“Are you alright, Hottie Scottie?” Tony asked.
Scott huffed a laugh and Tony sank on his companion’s body and joined him.
“I’m fine. Looks like today is not our day.” Scott winced when he felt the back of his head.
“Nonsense!” Tony lifted himself and went to fetch a pack of ice for Scott’s head, handing it over to him.
Scott accepted it and placed it behind his head.
Tony looked at the perfection lying on his bed. He smirked and uttered, “Come to Daddy.”
Scott laughed and covered his face in embarrassment. Just as Tony leaned towards him, he lifted a leg and placed it on Tony’s chest, gently pushing him away. “Nope.”
“What? You don’t want to? Weren’t you the one who thought I had a daddy kink?” Tony teased, still playing along, and grinned wide when Scott threw a pillow at him. He ducked his head to the side and clasped his hands around Scott’s ankle, not letting it go.
Scott wrinkled his nose. “You do know that was a joke, right? You may be slightly older than me, but I don’t think calling you that would do us any good, given our history with our dads. And I’d rather we weren’t each other’s fathers or sons.”
Tony chuckled and kissed the tip of Scott’s nose. “Got it. Scott Summers hates calling hot older men Daddy. Anything else I should know about?” He lied down next to Scott and stared at him in adoration, searching for his eyes within the confines of the damned glasses.
“Well, since you asked,” Scott replied huskily and grasped Tony’s hands, placing them on his crotch. “I’m still hard.”
Tony swallowed hard and looked hungrily at Scott. “Oh? I hadn’t noticed.” He teased and fondled Scott’s hard length. He gave it a tug and earned a delicious moan from Scott. He trailed a thumb on the back of his cock and saw Scott curl his toes and reach up for a kiss.
“Tony.” Scott quivered and met him for a bruising kiss. He looked up at Tony and was caught off guard by the depth of desire he found staring at him. He groaned and slipped his hands between them, feeling the velvety texture of Tony’s cock “Fuck me, please.” He whispered.
“All in good time,” Tony murmured and tried to remember to breathe when Scott’s hand enveloped his length. He heard another mewl from Scott and lost all resolve for patience. “You’re sexy when you’re out of control.”
Scott’s heart pounded in his chest and his breath went ragged. Not waiting for Tony, he lubricated his finger and slipped it in, teasing it open.
Tony’s eyes bugged out at the display of Scott touching himself. When Scott removed his finger, he took the opportunity to ask, “So…Do you want to lie down or be on top…”
“I don’t care. Just fuck me, Tony,” Scott breathed out, impatient and horny.
“You have no idea how much I want you.” Tony moaned. He smiled to himself at having the effect to make a man as gorgeous as Scott moan in desire, his own, multiplied. He pushed in, grateful that Scott had taken the opportunity to prepare because he certainly wasn’t calm enough to do it. He was ravenous and all he wanted to do was fuck the man lying beneath him into oblivion.
Scott moaned in desire when he felt Tony’s cock press inside him. “Then prove it.” He growled and moved his ass, impaling himself further on the length.
Tony groaned when he buried himself in Scott. “Damn, you’re perfect.” He murmured and bent to kiss his chest while letting Scott’s legs part further. He peppered Scott’s chest with kisses and grazed his teeth on his boyfriend’s nipples.
Shifting up ever so slightly, Tony kissed the insides of Scott’s thighs, sinking deep inside Scott in slow, cautious movements, noticing every expression Scott made. Scott groaned and raised an arm to nudge Tony closer to him until they were wrapped around each other in an embrace.
Tony stared at Scott, trying to find his eyes from the outline of the glasses while pushing in further, earning a grunt from Scott. “No thinking.” He murmured to the man whose job was to overthink. Their lips met for a warm kiss and Tony swirled his tongue around Scott’s. He dipped down and mouthed the collarbone, biting it and sucking his neck which earned him a tremble.
Scott’s precum coated Tony’s stomach, his cock strained and ached to be played with. He arched his back to diffuse the space and grind himself against Tony when the man moved and dipped his tongue below the ribcage. Tony moved up again, effectively making him thrust into Scott, setting a rhythm.
Scott’s ankles grazed Tony’s body. With one hand on Tony’s neck, he brought them closer for a searing kiss while the other hand was pressed into Tony’s back, fingernails digging into the skin. He felt Tony’s arc reactor buzz against his own chest and he had to remind himself how surreal all this was and how good it felt to be in the arms of someone who cared about him again.
Tony could feel Scott’s mind wander and he thrust himself in earning a deep groan from his boyfriend. “What did I tell you about thinking, sweetheart?” He chided Scott and thrust in again, making the other arch up.
Scott shivered and closed his eyes to stop the moan from escaping, “Maybe you should fix that. Fuck me so hard, I can’t think.” He wiggled under Tony and brought his hands to his cock.
“Maybe I should.” Tony agreed and slapped away Scott’s hands. “Hands off, Summers. Only I can touch you.” He murmured and gave it a tug.
Scott gasped when he felt Tony’s hand encircle his hardness. “Well then, you better make it special.” He issued the challenge as their lips met for another frenzied kiss.
“Believe me, I intend to.” With that promise, Tony’s warm breath grazed Scott’s neck, sending a tingle of pleasure, lips only leaving Scott’s own to nip his earlobes, chin, and neck. Every thrust was met with eager arched hips and every moan was met with lustful kisses.
Scott gasped from the way Tony slammed into him. His length sandwiched between their bodies and with every friction of their waists, he was closer to dissolving into pleasure, sooner than he had ever anticipated.
Tony moaned Scott’s name with a mixture of expletives until everything was white noise.
“Mmmm.” Tony exhaled in satisfaction while lying languidly on top of Scott. He licked the hollow of his lover’s throat, tasting the saltiness of their sweat. “You taste delectable.”
“So do you.” Scott kissed the side of Tony’s head and stroked his neck. Sated. “I loved it.”
“As cliché as it sounds, I can stay here forever in your arms,” Tony admitted. There was no doubt in his mind that Scott was special to him and he wasn’t afraid of showing how much their time together meant to him.
Scott hummed in response and closed his eyes, feeling Tony’s body in his arms. This person who took a chance on him. “Tony, when I met you I thought you were an arrogant bastard, but then ever since we’ve spent time together, I’ve understood certain things about you. I’m perceptive that way.”
“Wow, please, do go on,” Tony added dryly while still waiting for Scott to add on to it. But all he heard was silence for two whole minutes that left him with a sinking feeling that it was all Scott meant.
“I may not be great with words, but you’re kind-” Scott brought Tony’s fingers to his mouth and kissed a knuckle, “loving-” he kissed again, “confident-”, he opened Tony’s palm to kiss it, “And you’re as human as the rest of us. You like to pretend to be an asshole, but you are far from it. You’re very special to me.”
Tony gave Scott a watery smile and hid his face from him. “You’re the sweetest man I know. How can they even keep you in prison? If they see you the way I do…” anger rose in his chest because of how unjust the situation was.
“Hatred is blind. But thank you, Tony. At least I have you on my side.” Scott laid a loving kiss on Tony’s lips, showing how much he appreciated the man.
“Always, darling,” Tony murmured and kissed Scott back. “Always.”
Back at the prison, Scott saw Jake getting another tattoo while they spoke about the team. He wanted Jake to have a better life. He was a good man who had been imprisoned because he was at the wrong place at the wrong time. He had assigned himself to protect Jake at all costs from the inmates who hated mutants and were hell-bent on killing him. Scott looked at Jake who was happy to get yet another tattoo.
“You should get one. Seriously Bro, admire its beauty.” Jake showed off his tattoo which had an X and a circle, representing the X-Men.
Scott stared at the tattoo, reminded of his devotion to his team for decades. “Maybe I should have.” He mused.
“Wait…does that School have a problem with ink? Does this mess up my application?” Jake asked with dread in his eyes.
Scott tilted his head and regarded Jake’s frantic question, “No. Actually, there were students whose gifts were powered tattoos.” He assured.
“For real?” Jake asked, now excited at the prospect. He checked the tattoos he had acquired and had even persuaded Scott to get his own because it surprised him that Scott had never gotten a tattoo despite being a part of a gang, no, a team, since he was fourteen. When Scott mentioned that his tattoos wouldn’t be held against him if he were to ever join a mutant institute, he was exhilarated. Never in his life had he experienced someone actually siding with him and being there for him. And as such, Scott had become his friend.
Heavy footsteps distracted them from their talk. A guard approached them and glared at Scott. “Summers, time for your next scan.”
“You disappear for this many private liaisons with an International playboy with dubious facial hair, and you’re going to get yourself a reputation.” Jake teased, knowing well about Scott and Tony’s secret because Scott always looked a little lighter after his visits.
Blush coated Scott’s cheeks and he mumbled, “I’ve already got a reputation. And we owe Stark.” He turned back to look at Jake, “Get back to the block, see you later.”
As Jake was about to open the door to the mutant block, he heard someone call his name. He saw the same inmates holding knives. His eyes bulged in fear when he saw the crowd surround him.
“Agghh!” Scott heard Jake’s voice echo through the prison hall. It was the sound of agony and no matter how many times he heard it, it always got to him. “Jake..NO!” He rushed to the scene with the prison guard running behind him.
“Jake!” Scott yelled again and fought the men who tried to stop him. He saw Jake lying on the floor and knew it was too late. He was too late. Jake was stabbed to death. He defeated Jake’s murderers with ease but the guards were not having it. One of them took the remote control and pressed a button that was linked to the shock collar on his neck. He tried to fight through the pain but paralysis overtook him when he felt the electric shock coursing through his body.
“Jake…” He mumbled and fell to the floor, unconscious and beaten.
Tony hummed and practically glowed from his encounter with Scott two days ago. He thought nothing could ruin his good mood until Logan walked in.
One sniff at the room and Logan knew what was going on. They frowned and stared each other down.
“What the fuck do you think you’re doin’?” Logan growled, extremely displeased at finding the reason why Tony looked happy recently. “Banging Summers? Of all people, you choose to fuck the goddamn monster who killed Xavier?” He seethed in anger, unable to see straight.
“That coming from a murderer himself? Scott didn’t do it on purpose. If my memory is clear, which it is, because I am far, far more intelligent than you, he was possessed by the phoenix force. So cut him some slack. And the next time you visit Scott and threaten to kill him, you’ll have me to deal with. And I’m not kind.” Tony bit back. He had heard what had happened yesterday at the prison and was worried about Scott. Logan had barged into the prison and threatened to kill Scott. He even went as far as telling him to kill himself when the man was already suicidal and he couldn’t have been more disgusted at the reluctant teammate he once respected.
“Guy had it coming. He’s nothing but a traitor to us all!” Logan barked, claws out, itching for a fight. “I should have gutted him right there. He wanted me to kill him. The bastard was playing me from the beginning so he could be a martyr. There’s something new to this mess every day. But hey, I never thought you’d stoop so low as to actually fuck Summers. Even for a man whore.” He paced around Tony, unwilling to back down and goaded him.
“He isn’t a traitor. Maybe if you remove your head out of your ass and actually see what’s happening, you’d understand instead of always shifting the blame on him. You’re prohibited from seeing Scott. For his own safety from an animal like you!” Tony growled back, losing his patience and itching to wear his armor and drop Wolverine from the sky.
“Did you call me an animal? After knowing my history? I see, slim’s already corrupted you. He RUINS everything. Whatever he touches, he destroys. You don’t want to go down that path.” Logan warned. Tony’s words hurt him, but he knew he was in the wrong too. “Don’t go about expectin’ the team to pick up your pieces when he leaves. He destroyed Warren’s life. He will destroy yours. Hell, ask Emma.”
“Scott didn’t destroy anyone’s life. And I know all about him and Warren. It wasn’t his fault. Didn’t you two sneak behind Scott’s back to continue X-Force? Did he say that Scott ruined his life?” Tony responded sharply and circled around Logan.
“He wouldn’t say anything like that. His love for Summers blinded him and he couldn’t face the truth. Like you can’t right now. The bastard destroys everything. He needs to be dealt with.” Logan continued, unable to look at Tony because of guilt and disgust.
“Then, I’d say Warren’s life was destroyed from the consequences of X-Force and Apocalypse. And whatever issues you have with Scott, don’t you dare bring Warren into the middle of this. They may not have had a perfect life, but they loved each other. We both know if Warren was Warren, he’d be here in a heartbeat giving his life to save Scott. But he isn’t in there anymore, is he? Don’t use his tragedy as an excuse for your misguided hate. Tony rattled off, hating Logan at this moment. While he knew there was no love lost between Scott and Logan, he didn’t realize that Logan’s hatred for Scott ran this deep. At any other time after Jean’s death, Tony would have imagined them to be friends. But after their schism which had the entire superhero community bad-mouthing Scott’s practical decisions, the hate grew.
“Don’t pin Summers’ faults on me! If he had half of a brain, he’d have known not to put Angel-killer Sinclair and the fuckin’ horseman of Apocalypse on the same damn team!” Logan snarled, getting twitchy. He paced around in need to stab something with his claws.
“Great to know that your opinion of your X-Men teammates rank as low as your opinion of us when you work with the Avengers! You’re off the team, Wolverine!” Tony yelled as the anger blazed in him. His hands were itching to grab the bottle of the champagne they didn’t drink because Scott was aware of his dependency on Alcohol.
“Last I checked, Steve was the one who called the shots. Like Summers is the one who calls the shots in this relationship. Never took you for a…” Logan goaded Tony. He didn’t know why he was being so abrasive and where his nasty side had popped out from. But he didn’t want to think.
“Enough. That was low even for you. You’ve taken this too far. You may not like Scott but you don’t have the right to comment about what happens in our relationship.” Tony’s voice thundered around the apartment. “As for that little comment, I’m sure Steve will have no problem firing your ass.”
“I… Scott brings out the worst in me.” Logan confessed, feeling guilty about having said something so insulting. “But you go ahead and tell Steve you’re sleepin’ with the enemy because I quit. I don’t wanna be a part of whatever fucked up thing this is which will land on my lap because the Avengers are great at evading responsibility!” He pointed a finger at Tony and left.
Frustrated and angry, Tony grabbed the chair and threw it at the door. “Dick. Where does he get off pretending to be the fucking victim.” He glowered. “Fuck him!” He rage-walked all the way to the lab.
“Jarvis, ask the imbecile guards to bring Scott to me. What’s taking them so long? I had asked them to bring Scott to me an hour ago.”
“On it, Sir. And shall I ask the help to remove the bottles of alcoholic beverages from your space?” Jarvis asked in his professional tone. “We don’t want a repeat of Christmas.” He added sassily.
Tony groaned and closed his eyes for a minute. “I…yes. Yes, go ahead.” He couldn’t trust himself from not grabbing a drink. “Scott. I need to see Scott.” He muttered and went to find his boyfriend.
“Already did, sir. I was informed that Mr. Summers doesn’t wish to see anyone right now. They did mention, certain, er, profanities about the mutant population in relation to terrorism and an unnatural act.” Jarvis uttered, unsure how to deliver the news.
“This is the next step to human evolution, Jarvis. People insulting each other and being intolerant of growth.” Tony muttered. He worried about Scott and was confused why he didn’t want to see him. But he was heading to the prison to see the object of his affection.
“There seems to be a slight development. I heard the guards mention a mutant murder. I took the opportunity to analyze their systems and they haven’t logged any deaths.” Jarvis mentioned hesitantly.
“No…Scott!” Tony’s heart sank when Jarvis brought up the murder. He donned his Iron Man suit and flew through the corridor, ignoring the prison guards, worried that the mutant was Scott. His heart was beating rapidly and he was short of breath. With tears in his eyes and a voice that sounded choked, he opened the door to the cell Scott was in.
“Scott.” He called out. The cell was dark and he hadn’t heard a response. His suit detected no signs of movement. “Scott!” Tony’s armored hand lit up like a torch, in search of Scott. The heat sensor popped up in his vision and he saw a man lying prone on the floor. He stepped forward and bent on one knee to turn the unconscious man.
“Scotty.” Tony’s heart broke in a million little pieces on seeing Scott bruised and broken. Scott slowly opened his eyes and spoke. “Jake’s dead. They killed Jake.” With those words, Tony saw his boyfriend fall unconscious.
“This is an unfortunate circumstance.” Steve’s voice broke Tony’s silence. The entire team of Avengers stood inside the lab where Tony had decided to sequester until Scott opened his eyes.
“An Unfortunate circumstance is when there’s an accident. An unfortunate circumstance is when there’s a tornado. This? This wasn’t a circumstance. It has perpetrated with the sole purpose of killing mutants.” Tony barked in anger.
“Tony, we’re trying our best. We agree that Summers isn’t safe here. But we don’t have any other choice until he gets a trial hearing.”
“Trial hearing. Right. The government wants to postpone it so he gets murdered in the prison. That way, there won’t be a trial.”
“Tony, what do you want me to do? We’ve already tried asking them to move Scott to a private facility, but the higher-ups won't budge.” Steve sighed in frustration. While he wasn’t a fan of Summers, he didn’t intend for him to be killed. But who was he kidding? He knew this would happen and yet, he couldn’t do anything to stop it and Tony was getting antsy. A little too antsy. Steve examined Tony. ‘Flushed skin, red eyes, tear stains, mussed hair.’ He made notes. “Did something happen between you two?” He asked suspiciously. Tony was far too invested in Summers than he had been before. But it didn’t make sense. As far as he knew, Summers was as straight as they came. And he was sure, Scott wasn’t Tony’s type.
“What are you trying to insinuate, Cap?” Tony glared, pretending to be offended while he practically palpitated because his teammates were close to discovering the truth with the way he was acting.
“Nothing.” Steve shook his head and thought he was over-examining everything. The news of the murder had them all on edge. “I’m going to try and ask them to move Scott someplace more secure. But don’t build your hopes up.” He looked at Tony one last time and left the room.
“Easy there,” Tony murmured when Scott opened his eyes. It had been a day since the attack and he was lucky to have found Scott before more damage could have been done. He glared at the marks on Scott’s neck from the shock collar. They disgusted him because, in the end, they tortured Scott. He’d heard about how mutants were being treated and seeing it happen was a whole other thing. He felt ashamed to be a part of this world.
Scott woke up in a panic. “Jake!” He looked around the room, feeling disoriented. He looked at Tony and asked again. “Jake?” Tony’s face told it all and it all came back to him. Jake was dead.
“I’m so sorry.” Tony croaked, “He’s gone.” He climbed up on the bed and held Scott, trying hopelessly to comfort him. He knew that words of reassurances would mean nothing and wished he could fix it. But death was something he had no control over. It was something he couldn’t fix. Tony felt helpless when he saw Scott cry silently, enduring the pain that was thrown at him.
Scott wrapped his arms around Tony’s waist, trying to seek comfort and remain sane. His breath hitched with every tear that escaped him. Any other time, he wouldn’t have cried in front of a teammate, let alone an Avenger. But Tony had been nothing but nice to him. Nothing but caring and loving. He didn’t want to put on a mask for Tony. For once, he wanted to be held before he spiraled in the worst way. He was angry for Jake and in despair from his friend’s death. A friend who was entirely innocent.
“Hey,” Tony ran his hands through Scott’s hair. He knew he had to say it now, “I know this is a bad time, but I don’t think they plan to let you live. You do what you have to, Scott.”
Scott looked down at Tony’s hands and closed his eyes. Resting his head on Tony’s shoulders, he talked under his breath, “I don’t think I can continue. I’m tired. I give up. My life is over, Tony and it’s fine.”
“No, it isn’t,” Tony argued and held Scott by both his shoulders. “You’re Scott Fucking Summers. When life beats you around, you don’t give up. You persevere.”
Scott frowned in response. “I’m done, Tony.”
“You aren’t. You’re gonna prove them all wrong. I know it.” Tony argued and hugged Scott tightly. “And when you’re ready for it, you will see it through.” He handed him a pouch.
Scott looked at the pouch and stared at Tony in surprise, “How did you find it? It was hidden and only I knew where…”
“…not secure enough. My AI detected it when you were unconscious inside the prison.” Tony admitted.
“Then you know what is in it. The very man you should be afraid of ...” Scott continued,
“…. can break you out,” Tony added in. “I’m impressed and not shocked you had a second plan in case prison didn’t work out for you.”
“I can’t go, Tony. I’m not going to be a criminal.” Scott sat up straight and ended up coughing.
Tony handed him a glass of water and rubbed his back. “You have no other choice.”
Scott drank from the glass, quenching his dry throat. “You know what this will mean.”
“As I said, you do what you have to,” Tony promised and inched forward to kiss Scott. “I care about you deeply and I don’t want you to die in a prison at the hands of some assholes when you can be out there saving the world.”
“I care about you too. A lot.” Scott kissed Tony back. “But you know what this means. I’ll be public enemy number one.”
“I always did like bad boys.” Tony quipped and gave a conspiratorial grin. “So, what’s your plan?”
Scott leaned forward and kissed Tony once more, “Well, it goes like this.”
“You want me to do WHAT?” Logan growled at Captain America. “No way. No way in hell!”
“Look Logan, you mean something to him. You’re both mutants. You need to talk to him and set him straight. Jake’s death has affected him more than he’s letting on and I don’t want him to go rogue.” Steve pleaded. After his discussion with Tony who confessed that Scott was possibly going to do something stupid, Steve knew he had to reason with him. But it wasn’t going to work if an Avenger did that, considering where Scott was. It had to be a mutant.
“I’ve been telling you since day one that mutants need to be kept in a separate prison. But you didn’t listen to me. Jake’s death is in your hands, Cap. You talk to Summers. I want no part in this.” Logan barked in anger, partly from another mutant death and partly from the feeling that something was going on.
“This is a command, Logan. It’s not a request. Do it. And this time, try not to kill him.” Steve barked back and left the room.
“Dammit! I hate you all.” Logan grumbled and stomped towards the prison.
“Hi, Slim.” Logan entered the prison cell Scott was in.
“Why the hell are you here, Logan!” Scott yelled, having no patience for the man who he thought was a friend but had turned traitor when he needed his teammate the most.
Logan looked at Scott who sat hunched against the prison wall, lacking any emotions. But he knew better than that. Over the years, he had figured out how to read the man, well, most times. “Look, Jake’s death… It shouldn’t have happened. But you, you can be a better man. This rage inside you isn’t good. Trust me, I know all about it.” He sighed and continued, “I know you didn’t mean to kill Xavier. The professor gave me hope. But you gave me a role model. Even now when I think about popping my claws into some smarmy kid, I think to myself and say ‘what would Scott Summers do’, and I’ll tell you what Scott wouldn’t do. He wouldn’t give up on himself. Be the better man you always were. Because I can’t stand to see you damn yourself.” With his parting words, Logan walked away from the cell.
“Thank you, Logan,” Scott spoke, not expecting a pep talk out of the man who hated him. He pondered over what Logan had said and about his discussion with Tony. Logan wanted him to stay in prison and not do anything rash. And a part of him understood the reasoning. But he was done being mistreated. While he learned how to fight for his rights from Logan, he learned that he was worth saving from Tony. “Outside.. the world is a larger cage. But at least I will have the keys.”
Scott opened the pouch and unfolded a paper. He used the magnetic filings to form the words that would forever change his life.
NOW.