[Scott agrees on that last bit, but it's clear that he was paying attention to Mikey the entire time. Learning about the other teen and his home is always fascinating to him, partly because he's a gang leader, but because he's his friend and everything. His life is just so different, like he can't imagine only being around 450 other guys and just 5 girls. Everyone's lives seem so much wild compared to his, honestly, and he shoots optic blasts.
It really makes him feel kind of boring sometimes, but at least Mikey and the others don't seem to mind. Kotone almost seems to appreciate in a way, strangely enough.
Scott takes another sip of his sake, his cheeks a little more flushed as he feels the alcohol rest warmly in his stomach.]
They sound pretty hardcore. I haven't really met girls in gangs before... but I have a friend back home that can read people's minds, so that's pretty intense. [As his thoughts turn to Jean, his chest pulls slightly, honestly missing her. He still really likes her, but it's been months since he last talked to her. Scott just hopes she's okay.]
But yeah, uh, Kotone's the closest person I have here. [It's some of that alcohol speaking now--] But Vi's cool too. And Caitlyn and Jinx and Ange...
Oh, fuck no. Do they control it? It sounds like a literal headache.
(he doesn't know any other way to be. not when every older influence in his surroundings lived the life he leads. this means something to him, the culture the youth built and he breathed in during his formative years, shaping him with so many standards that he couldn't even dream of being anyone else.
he doesn't mind normal, that said. not shoes he could fit, but it's a different experience, and experience is what makes someone.)
Those other ones I don't know. I don't know so many people, anyway, which is fine. I'm grateful for those I have. I guess part of me is just thinks more of ToMan will show up here, even if I'd rather them not to. We are a gang, after all, some of us are locked up, so I figure if this place is looking for crime committing and they found Takemitchy and me, they might bring the who belong to me at the end of the day.
... Or the rest of the motherfuckers, which really ain't thrilling.
Sort of? I think it's hard for her to control sometimes... but she's doing her best. I think she just needs to get out of that school more often and have fun just being a normal teen.
[Even if none of them are really 'normal,' but it's fine. Jean really seemed to enjoy hanging out at the mall with him and the others, despite her initial protests.
As Scott recalls her smile, the way she sassed back at him, that pit of not quite longing, but genuine just missing his friend, deepens. She was the first friend he made at Xavier's and he's pretty sure that he was her first friend in return, despite being there for much longer. All the other mutants were afraid of her, but... she's really cool and nice and pretty.
While his crush on her is pretty much gone now, he still would like to see her again.]
I don't think we can really count on anyone being brought here and it doesn't seem to matter what we did back home. [He raises one shoulder in a half shrug.] I mean, I'm the only one from my world still and there's a known mutant terrorist back home. Quentin doesn't count because he's from an alternative reality or whatever. I don't really care.
[Except he sort of cares because apparently his other self is sort of scary and a wreck?? But no point talking about that. Also, he's still upset at his roommate.]
School sucks, Summers. Everyone just needs to get out of school. Isn't going to school normal teen shit? Even I kind of go to school, sorta, kinda... I'll definitely drop out, but until then, sorta...
(sir. please complete freaking middle school at least. have something...
these arguments all contradict one another, he'd say.)
School definitely sucks. Honestly, I thought that you already dropped out.
[That sentiment gets the mutant to smile, because it feels like such a normal thing to say and share with other teens, almost like he's just complaining about stuff that really seems dumb now. It's still nice, in fact, he appreciates it more in a way, having that familiarity and with someone that he can truly call a friend.
Although, that lighthearted feeling doesn't last long, because now they're talking about stuff that's been on his mind more lately. Stuff that actually matters and drives his anxiety because things aren't just stupid math exams or English tests anymore.]
Yeah, like... a parallel universe or something. [Funny how he thought the concept of alternative realities to be cool, but now he's less enthusiastic about it.] Quentin's from an Earth that has mutants, like me, and he even knows a Scott Summers there... but he's not like me.
[A frown pulls at his mouth at the thought. Also, so much for not talking about it. Sue him, he changed his mind.]
No, but I arrive at lunch time and use my classes to nap at so I have energy for the rallies. Food in Japanese schools are the best.
(and lowkey, his grandfather would kill him. he doesn't seem to mind that manjiro sucks at school, probably because of how well he does in the dojo grounds.
oh. so scott too is dealing with something like that.)
Ah. Quentin is the twerp who's trying to fuck Vi's lil' sister, yeah? Or fucking her, I don't know. Did he tell you about everything in detail?
Probably better than the food they serve at the cafeterias in America.
[...There's probably no way that Mikey is graduating even middle school, is he? Well, Scott's not going to be the guy to hound him on that. Seems like he already has his future with the gang and everything, and he seems to have a good head and shit. Who cares if he can't do algebra--]
Oh, you know, huh? Yeah, pretty much.
[Scott smiles a little when Mikey calls Quentin a 'twerp' though. He encourages everyone being a dick to his roommate, because he is a huge asshole that sort of deserves it. Maybe not full out people kicking his ass, but being a jerk back. It's a nice little reprieve before he gets into the whole, alternative reality bit.]
...No. [He looks down at his sake for a moment, pausing his drinking.] I didn't ask, didn't really want to. Hearing that other me is this scary, slightly unstable guy was sort of enough.
Students over there are overworked, it's their job to feed us well and shit.
(CLEARLY not him. who cares if he can't name three countries in europe--
oh. but scott clearly is upset if that doesn't warrant a bigger grin. he can understand - he is on the same boat with that, after all.)
It's why I don't ask Takemitchy anything about what he knows. He's not from the same time. I get you - it's better to focus on who you are now, I think.
[He can see how it would be hella awkward, even scary, to ask someone from your actual future what things are like. If you're dead, if you're coping, if things are okay. Scott gets where Mikey is coming from there, even if it may be tempting. Being a leader of a gang probably makes things even more unpredictable, unlike Scott's mostly normal life back home. Although, he's still kind of afraid asking anyone from his world what he's like 20 years from now.
Is he apparently crazy too?]
Y-yeah, that's a good idea. We are who we are right now and that's all that matters. Live each day to the fullest, right?
[Repeating Kotone's words in a way. Guess it helps now.]
Nah. I just know that we decide our own future. Think about who you want to be, what do you want to achieve, and go from there, Summers. Whatever he knows, isn't the you you are, ya know? It's a version of you. It ain't gotta be true if you don't make it be.
(and they're going to need more sake, don't they? he's going to down his. didn't he say to sip--)
[A small part of him, the part that's sometimes pessimistic, can't help but think that the other Scott probably didn't want to be crazy either, but it happened anyway. Maybe that's what will happen to him, despite all protests. Can fate really be changed, maybe it's actually impossible. Like saving Kotone from her 'death.' But as immediately as that thought comes to mind, the mutant shoves it down.
He's not going to be like that. He has to try.]
Honestly? I don't know who I want to be. Never really thought about it. [Mostly because he was too busy being a little angry and grumpy at his old school.] Not like there's anyone really counting on me back home. I know you have hundreds of people looking up to you.
(not that they have to have a shred of answers at their age, but scott has got to have something that makes his heart sing a little bit, doesn't he?
the other part of the conversation? it makes him laugh, albeit a weak one.)
Yeah, but you know? We'll grow up eventually, and I'm sure all of them will want futures, wives, children, jobs. I expect no less, and I hope no less. I want none of that, so in a way? My future is much less important than making sure they live to see theirs.
...Not really. I mean, there are the other mutants and everything, and they're cool, but I don't think they really rely on me or anything. We're just friends.
[Maybe if he knew them longer than a day, his opinion would be different, but it's been months since he hung out at the mall with them and while that moment would always be with him, it's not like Mikey and his group. He was pretty much the new kid trying to impress others and have fun.
Hearing that admittance from Mikey though, draws his undivided attention. By now, he's set his cup back on the table, not interested in drinking more at the moment, even though it feels like alcohol would help.]
That's not true, Mikey. Just because you don't want to get married and everything, doesn't mean that your future is less important. [Scott frowns, sounding just a little more upset at the end there. He doesn't want Mikey to think that way, especially since it feels like the future of a lot of his friends here is... bad.]
Mhm, maybe it isn't at all important. We don't know if we are going back, when, how-- might as well just survive here. Should be enough.
(oh. he upset the other, it seems... it isn't any less true, though. being a leader means sacrificing yourself for others benefits more often than not, and he isn't particularly sorry or upset about his choice.
there's a sweet smile on his lips.)
It's not about being married, or anything like that. It's about having a life outside the one we have right now. I don't really fit anywhere else, and I don't want to either? So I'd rather take care of my own so they can have a future, it's a conscious decision. The way I see it, they belong to me. They put their lives in my hands, all their dreams and struggles are mine, too. It's my responsibility to take care of that. Whatever the future has for me, I don't know, but I have a duty, you know? That's important to me. So... I think my future is to make sure the future exists.
[Honestly, a part of him doesn't even want to go back home at this point. Saying goodbye to all of his friends... to Kotone, it's a very difficult thought. It's not like he has too much waiting for him back home, even if it'll be nice seeing the other mutants again. However, he doesn't voice his thoughts, because Mikey isn't like him, right?]
When you put it that way... it sounds less bad. [Small wince, as Scott tries to backtrack about what he really wants to say.] I mean, having your dream and your future revolve around your friends' happiness is kind of noble, actually. And I'm pretty sure they still want to have you in their life, even after gang stuff. Invite you to their weddings and crap.
[Mikey really is a selfless guy, isn't he? Scott feels the knot in his chest lighten too, because while maybe it's a little sad to hear that he doesn't value his future as much as his followers, at least he's trying his damn hardest to make that future for them. He's just the type to live for others. It's just something so noble and self-sacrificing.]
It's easy to see why so many people follow you. [Scott chuckles lightly, his smile back in place as he takes his cup again to drink some more.]
(it's his own way of joking. this conversation, however, should be reaching the end. he's not someone who can drink and stay awake -- truth be told, it's hard to be awake a lot of the times, with tired sleepy bitch disease.)
I should go to bed, though, Summers. Wanna take the sake for Kototan?
[Scott laughs, agreeing with him because it's kind of true, but also because it's fun. A good natured sort of joke as their conversation winds down. It is getting a little late though, or at least it's pretty clear that Mikey is getting tired, and he's not going to keep him up longer than needed.]
Oh, sure. If you're cool with that. [He slowly starts to get up again, a light smile to him as he stretches.] Thanks for inviting me, man.
Yeah, legit. I'm sure she knows how to warm it, too.
(cultural knowledge? he hopes she does, at least. he's already a very small zombie, with his eyes starting to close without him willing them to, arms stretched up for a second before he jumps off his seat.)
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[Scott agrees on that last bit, but it's clear that he was paying attention to Mikey the entire time. Learning about the other teen and his home is always fascinating to him, partly because he's a gang leader, but because he's his friend and everything. His life is just so different, like he can't imagine only being around 450 other guys and just 5 girls. Everyone's lives seem so much wild compared to his, honestly, and he shoots optic blasts.
It really makes him feel kind of boring sometimes, but at least Mikey and the others don't seem to mind. Kotone almost seems to appreciate in a way, strangely enough.
Scott takes another sip of his sake, his cheeks a little more flushed as he feels the alcohol rest warmly in his stomach.]
They sound pretty hardcore. I haven't really met girls in gangs before... but I have a friend back home that can read people's minds, so that's pretty intense. [As his thoughts turn to Jean, his chest pulls slightly, honestly missing her. He still really likes her, but it's been months since he last talked to her. Scott just hopes she's okay.]
But yeah, uh, Kotone's the closest person I have here. [It's some of that alcohol speaking now--] But Vi's cool too. And Caitlyn and Jinx and Ange...
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(he doesn't know any other way to be. not when every older influence in his surroundings lived the life he leads. this means something to him, the culture the youth built and he breathed in during his formative years, shaping him with so many standards that he couldn't even dream of being anyone else.
he doesn't mind normal, that said. not shoes he could fit, but it's a different experience, and experience is what makes someone.)
Those other ones I don't know. I don't know so many people, anyway, which is fine. I'm grateful for those I have. I guess part of me is just thinks more of ToMan will show up here, even if I'd rather them not to. We are a gang, after all, some of us are locked up, so I figure if this place is looking for crime committing and they found Takemitchy and me, they might bring the who belong to me at the end of the day.
... Or the rest of the motherfuckers, which really ain't thrilling.
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Sort of? I think it's hard for her to control sometimes... but she's doing her best. I think she just needs to get out of that school more often and have fun just being a normal teen.
[Even if none of them are really 'normal,' but it's fine. Jean really seemed to enjoy hanging out at the mall with him and the others, despite her initial protests.
As Scott recalls her smile, the way she sassed back at him, that pit of not quite longing, but genuine just missing his friend, deepens. She was the first friend he made at Xavier's and he's pretty sure that he was her first friend in return, despite being there for much longer. All the other mutants were afraid of her, but... she's really cool and nice
and pretty.While his crush on her is pretty much gone now, he still would like to see her again.]
I don't think we can really count on anyone being brought here and it doesn't seem to matter what we did back home. [He raises one shoulder in a half shrug.] I mean, I'm the only one from my world still and there's a known mutant terrorist back home. Quentin doesn't count because he's from an alternative reality or whatever. I don't really care.
[Except he sort of cares because apparently his other self is sort of scary and a wreck?? But no point talking about that. Also, he's still upset at his roommate.]
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(sir. please complete freaking middle school at least. have something...
these arguments all contradict one another, he'd say.)
... Alternative reality.
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[That sentiment gets the mutant to smile, because it feels like such a normal thing to say and share with other teens, almost like he's just complaining about stuff that really seems dumb now. It's still nice, in fact, he appreciates it more in a way, having that familiarity and with someone that he can truly call a friend.
Although, that lighthearted feeling doesn't last long, because now they're talking about stuff that's been on his mind more lately. Stuff that actually matters and drives his anxiety because things aren't just stupid math exams or English tests anymore.]
Yeah, like... a parallel universe or something. [Funny how he thought the concept of alternative realities to be cool, but now he's less enthusiastic about it.] Quentin's from an Earth that has mutants, like me, and he even knows a Scott Summers there... but he's not like me.
[A frown pulls at his mouth at the thought. Also, so much for not talking about it. Sue him, he changed his mind.]
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(and lowkey, his grandfather would kill him. he doesn't seem to mind that manjiro sucks at school, probably because of how well he does in the dojo grounds.
oh. so scott too is dealing with something like that.)
Ah. Quentin is the twerp who's trying to fuck Vi's lil' sister, yeah? Or fucking her, I don't know. Did he tell you about everything in detail?
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[...There's probably no way that Mikey is graduating even middle school, is he? Well, Scott's not going to be the guy to hound him on that. Seems like he already has his future with the gang and everything, and he seems to have a good head and shit. Who cares if he can't do algebra--]
Oh, you know, huh? Yeah, pretty much.
[Scott smiles a little when Mikey calls Quentin a 'twerp' though. He encourages everyone being a dick to his roommate, because he is a huge asshole that sort of deserves it. Maybe not full out people kicking his ass, but being a jerk back. It's a nice little reprieve before he gets into the whole, alternative reality bit.]
...No. [He looks down at his sake for a moment, pausing his drinking.] I didn't ask, didn't really want to. Hearing that other me is this scary, slightly unstable guy was sort of enough.
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(CLEARLY not him. who cares if he can't name three countries in europe--
oh. but scott clearly is upset if that doesn't warrant a bigger grin. he can understand - he is on the same boat with that, after all.)
It's why I don't ask Takemitchy anything about what he knows. He's not from the same time. I get you - it's better to focus on who you are now, I think.
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Is he apparently crazy too?]
Y-yeah, that's a good idea. We are who we are right now and that's all that matters. Live each day to the fullest, right?
[Repeating Kotone's words in a way. Guess it helps now.]
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(and they're going to need more sake, don't they? he's going to down his. didn't he say to sip--)
What do you wanna be, anyway?
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He's not going to be like that. He has to try.]
Honestly? I don't know who I want to be. Never really thought about it. [Mostly because he was too busy being a little angry and grumpy at his old school.] Not like there's anyone really counting on me back home. I know you have hundreds of people looking up to you.
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(not that they have to have a shred of answers at their age, but scott has got to have something that makes his heart sing a little bit, doesn't he?
the other part of the conversation? it makes him laugh, albeit a weak one.)
Yeah, but you know? We'll grow up eventually, and I'm sure all of them will want futures, wives, children, jobs. I expect no less, and I hope no less. I want none of that, so in a way? My future is much less important than making sure they live to see theirs.
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[Maybe if he knew them longer than a day, his opinion would be different, but it's been months since he hung out at the mall with them and while that moment would always be with him, it's not like Mikey and his group. He was pretty much the new kid trying to impress others and have fun.
Hearing that admittance from Mikey though, draws his undivided attention. By now, he's set his cup back on the table, not interested in drinking more at the moment, even though it feels like alcohol would help.]
That's not true, Mikey. Just because you don't want to get married and everything, doesn't mean that your future is less important. [Scott frowns, sounding just a little more upset at the end there. He doesn't want Mikey to think that way, especially since it feels like the future of a lot of his friends here is... bad.]
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(oh. he upset the other, it seems... it isn't any less true, though. being a leader means sacrificing yourself for others benefits more often than not, and he isn't particularly sorry or upset about his choice.
there's a sweet smile on his lips.)
It's not about being married, or anything like that. It's about having a life outside the one we have right now. I don't really fit anywhere else, and I don't want to either? So I'd rather take care of my own so they can have a future, it's a conscious decision. The way I see it, they belong to me. They put their lives in my hands, all their dreams and struggles are mine, too. It's my responsibility to take care of that. Whatever the future has for me, I don't know, but I have a duty, you know? That's important to me. So... I think my future is to make sure the future exists.
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When you put it that way... it sounds less bad. [Small wince, as Scott tries to backtrack about what he really wants to say.] I mean, having your dream and your future revolve around your friends' happiness is kind of noble, actually. And I'm pretty sure they still want to have you in their life, even after gang stuff. Invite you to their weddings and crap.
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(they'd be fucked one way or another. if not under mikey, under someone else. doing something else.)
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[Mikey really is a selfless guy, isn't he? Scott feels the knot in his chest lighten too, because while maybe it's a little sad to hear that he doesn't value his future as much as his followers, at least he's trying his damn hardest to make that future for them. He's just the type to live for others. It's just something so noble and self-sacrificing.]
It's easy to see why so many people follow you. [Scott chuckles lightly, his smile back in place as he takes his cup again to drink some more.]
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(it's his own way of joking. this conversation, however, should be reaching the end. he's not someone who can drink and stay awake -- truth be told, it's hard to be awake a lot of the times, with tired sleepy bitch disease.)
I should go to bed, though, Summers. Wanna take the sake for Kototan?
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[Scott laughs, agreeing with him because it's kind of true, but also because it's fun. A good natured sort of joke as their conversation winds down. It is getting a little late though, or at least it's pretty clear that Mikey is getting tired, and he's not going to keep him up longer than needed.]
Oh, sure. If you're cool with that. [He slowly starts to get up again, a light smile to him as he stretches.] Thanks for inviting me, man.
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(cultural knowledge? he hopes she does, at least. he's already a very small zombie, with his eyes starting to close without him willing them to, arms stretched up for a second before he jumps off his seat.)
You know the way out?