In the heart of every storm, there is a calm that anchors. For Scott Summers, that calm is Rory Nicks. She is his guiding light, the one who brings clarity to his often chaotic world. With every glance and every touch, she weaves a tapestry of hope...
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Rory wasn't sure why she had agreed to chaperone a group of mutant kids on their field trip to the science museum. The gleaming exhibits, the hushed atmosphere, the intricate displays—all of it seemed harmless enough. But as she moved through the halls, a sense of unease gnawed at her. Something about the day felt off, though she couldn't put her finger on what.
"Hey, don't touch that," she called out to a young girl who was reaching for a fragile model of the solar system. The girl pulled her hand back quickly, looking apologetic, and Rory offered a reassuring smile. She was supposed to be guiding the kids through a day of learning, but her mind was elsewhere, caught in a loop of unease.
Scott was standing by a large interactive globe, watching as one of the students spun it with wide-eyed fascination. When he noticed Rory's distracted expression, he frowned slightly, concern etched on his face. She gave him a small wave, trying to appear more composed than she felt, but the look in his eyes told her he wasn't buying it.
Rory turned away, pretending to be engrossed in an exhibit on early human evolution. But the truth was, she couldn't shake the sense that something was wrong. It wasn't just the usual anxiety she sometimes felt in crowded places. This was different—deeper, more pervasive. It was as if the very air around her was charged with something she couldn't see or understand.
"Rory, you okay?" Scott's voice cut through the haze, and she turned to see him standing just behind her, his brow furrowed with worry.
"Yeah, I'm fine," she said, too quickly, as if saying it would make it true. "Just... I don't know. Maybe I didn't sleep well last night." She forced a laugh, hoping to lighten the mood, but Scott wasn't fooled.
"You've been on edge since we got here," he said quietly, stepping closer so they wouldn't be overheard. "Is something bothering you?"
Rory's voice trembled as she confessed, "Scott, I can't shake this feeling that something terrible is coming. It's like a shadow, always there, just waiting to swallow us whole." Her eyes were wide with fear, and Scott could see the anxiety etched into every line of her face. Without a word, he pulled her into a tight embrace, his arms wrapping around her protectively. "I'm here," he whispered, holding her close. "Whatever happens, we'll face it together. You're not alone."
Storm approached them, her expression serious. "Hey. Have you guys seen Bobby and Rogue?" she asked.
Rory shook her head, still feeling out of sorts, but Scott's attention was immediately drawn to the concern in Storm's voice. "No, why?"
"Something's happening in the food court," Jean said, her tone hinting at the urgency of the situation.
Suddenly, the air became still and something felt off. Rory shared a look with Scott before rushing to check out the situation.
They quickly made their way through the museum, weaving through the crowds until they reached the food court. The scene they found was tense—Bobby and John were in the midst of a standoff, their powers on display in a way that was anything but subtle. The tension in the air was palpable, and Rory's heart sank. This wasn't going to end well.
