Secrets

Posted on Sun Nov 19th, 2023 @ 1:39pm by Connor Bruin & Aurora Summers

3,116 words; about a 16 minute read

Mission: Episode 3: X-Tra Ecclesiam
Location: Mansion grounds
Timeline: August 17th, 1990

Aurora was sitting out in the grounds of the mansion going over her studies for class. The sun was shining, and she was enjoying the freedom of being outdoors without having to worry. She looked up as she heard someone moving around nearby, smiling as she saw Connor.

“Hi Connor” She gave him a wave.

Coming out of a backflip, Connor landed next to her and plopped onto Aurora's blanket. He gave her a cheeky grin.

~Ta-Da!~ He knew she could read his surface thoughts, so he pushed that to the forefront.

“Very impressive!” Aurora gave a playful round of applause, before she tucked into some snacks she’d brought with her.

Connor touched his fingers to his chin and waved them outward, the hand sign for thank-you. ~What are you reading there?~

“Ohh it’s just...” She held up her studies book, which unknown to Connor was also hiding a catalogue for baby items. “Studies.”

~Which part made you smile so big?~ Connor really wanted to know. Most people don't enjoy their studies like he does.

Aurora had forgotten Connor was so astute, he didn’t miss much. “Actually I err...” she paused. “How good are you at keeping secrets?”

~Who am I going to tell?~ Connor asked, making a joke at his own expense. The self-deprecating humor, though, accompanied a mischievous grin and a surge of serotonin in his brain at some recollections earlier in the week. It seemed Connor had some secrets of his own.

Aurora wondered whether she should show Connor or not, but the need to confide in someone other than Scott made the decision for her. “I was looking at this..” she opened up the book showing the magazine hidden inside. “I was making a few plans due to the fact that I’m...” she lowered her voice. “Pregnant.”

The catalog was full of baby pictures. Bottles, cribs, car seats, strollers, mobiles with toys dangling from strings. Along with the sight of the images came sounds that Connor imagined—baby coos, baby cries, baby laughs, baby burps. And then he imagined Aurora at the height of sexual congress with a mystery man. That became the burning issue in Connor's mind. Nothing like a good mystery to hook his attention and send his mind racing.

~Who is the father?~ Connor thought loudly. ~Must be someone on campus. Not the Professor. Someone else. You thanked me for saving you but we did not have intercourse. Who else saved you? Scott, Cameron, Elias, Jace, and Ethan. Ethan has told me he is a homosexual at least three times. Jace, Elias, Cameron, Scott remain as possibilities. Out of those four, you've known Jace and Scott the longest. Jace doesn't talk to people, like me but worse. Scott has a position of authority. Trauma bonds, authority figure, living hero~ Connor gasped at Aurora as his mind deduced the answer in just a matter of seconds. ~Scott is the father, isn't he?!~

Aurora sat looking at Connor wide eyed, she hadn’t given thought to him deducing who was her baby’s father. “Does it matter?” She gave him a worried look. “You can’t tell anyone Connor! This is a secret that no one can know, at least not until the time comes when it’s necessary for them to know.”

~What are you waiting for?~ Connor wondered. ~Civilization formed around the intrinsic need for prenatal and neonatal support for bearing offspring. The longer you wait, the less help you can get~

Aurora offered a smile. “I wish it was that simple Connor, when the Professor finds out he’ll go supernova! As far as Professor Xavier is concerned the relationship between student and mentor is a line that shouldn’t be crossed.”

~Of course! That's why I ruled him out immediately~ Connor stuck his tongue out. ~But he doesn't stay mad. Look at everything Magneto has done, yet Professor Xavier still calls him a friend. Trust him to do the right thing. He always does. Even if I don't like it~ A scowl flashed over his face. ~He convinced me to come here in the first place. I wanted to cancel at the last minute after his trip to come get me, but instead of getting mad, he sent Iris to talk to me. She convinced me not to be scared of change~ Realizing he was getting off point, Connor shook his head to get back on track. ~The Professor will probably be even more concerned with the 'how' and 'why' than the 'what', so if I were you, I would be thinking along those lines~

“How and why” Aurora nodded. “I think he’ll pretty much guess that straight away. I’m just worried what will happen after that.”

Connor openly giggled at the misunderstanding. ~I don't mean the Professor will wonder which genitals acted upon which. I mean that the long-term ramifications will probably pivot upon the circumstances and if any of them are mitigating ones. Were you coerced? Was he? Were you on drugs? Were you rebelling against his rules? The Professor tends to blame himself when things go wrong around here. I would be surprised if this ends up any different~

Aurora nodded. “Thank you for clarifying that Connor, neither of us were coerced we both knew what we were doing. I don’t do drugs, or alcohol, and as for rules...I guess we all rebel from time to time, but no I wasn’t rebelling. I call it love, but I know it’s not really that simple.”

~You think you love him~ Connor cocked his head and looked at Aurora like a crow on a fence post. ~Brain chemistry is a funny thing. It both controls us while being controlled by us. Consciousness is such a paradox. No one knows where it begins or ends~ Whatever that was supposed to mean. Connor looked convinced of its profoundness. ~If you think you love Scott, then you do, until you don't anymore. In the meantime, you will act as though you do. It is only logical~ But it wasn't so simple. ~Does he love you? I only met Jean a handful of times, but they were inseparable. It seems out of character for Scott to pursue another relationship. Perhaps your fear of the Professor's wrath is truly a fear of the possibility Scott does not love you back~

Aurora gave Connor’s words some thought. “Scott can’t say he loves me, and I understand that. He said we can take it day by day and see what happens, either way he wants to be there for our baby. I never had a real family, I want that for my baby. I want a safe world for him, or her to grow up in, but we both know that’s not happening anytime soon.”

~So he does not love you back~ Connor frowned. ~I am sorry, Aurora. But if he is as good of a father as he is a friend, then your baby will be in good hands~

“I guess time will tell Connor” Aurora smiled. “Ohh while we’re talking secrets I have something for you from Scott. A certain...bottle.” She looked around. “I daren’t carry it to class, but I can drop it off after unless there’s somewhere else you’d like to put it?”

Connor turned as sheepish as could be. ~He told you?! How could he tell you! Oh, no! If the Professor finds out, it could ruin everything!~

“He won’t” Aurora offered a kind smile. “Your secret is buried firmly in the deepest recesses of my mind, the Professor would have to shred my mind to find it. All I’ll say is be careful Connor, alcohol has a way of taking over, I saw it enough when I lived in the sewers.”

~I am not self-medicating my depression away~ Connor retorted. ~I...~ And, for once, his mind went blank for a moment as he pulled up sublime memories. Dashing down the kitchen hallway with Bliss. Racing to the roof. Wrestling over the bottle of contraband scotch they had found in the back of the kitchen cabinet. Their dalliance to the lake under the silvery light of moon and stars. The exploratory passion that followed. Connor's eyes grew wide when he remembered how he had been communicating with Aurora. ~Aurora... what did you see?~

Aurora smiled. “Just a few brief flashes, no major details if that’s what you’re worried about?” She grinned. “So you like Bliss?”

The question prompted a poem that Connor had been working on in the back of his mind.

~In a world where beauty is found to be rare,
Dwells a person named Bliss on whom I will stare.
A vision of grace, a radiant light,
Her visage alone, a breathtaking sight.

With every step, she glides on air,
An elegant symphony beyond all compare.
Her eyes, like stars, in the midnight sky,
Hold secrets and wonders, yet higher they fly.

For it's her touch that's truly divine,
A gentle caress, like the sweetest of wine.
A magical spell in her fingertips lies,
Igniting a fire within these loins of mine.

Her fingertips dance, a delicate art,
Awakening the senses, igniting the heart.
In the warmth of her hand, troubles melt away,
Replaced by serenity, in the softest array.

A whisper of wind, a soft, soothing breeze,
Her touch is a promise of comfort and ease.
In Bliss's embrace, all worries depart,
Leaving behind only joy in my heart.

Oh, Bliss, her touch, a treasure untold,
In her presence, love and beauty unfold.
A beautiful soul, a gentle, kind friend,
In her touch, a magic that knows no end.~

Aurora sat giving Connor a soppy look. “Ohh Connor that’s beautiful. Have you let Bliss hear your poem? I’m sure she’d love it.”

~That's why I need the bottle~ Connor thought. ~We found a hidden bottle of scotch the other night and split it between us. I was able to talk and she liked it. Words were difficult but somehow I worked out how to say them. With more practice, maybe I could tell her this poem, but I need that bottle! Otherwise I will be stuck with typing on my device and what girl wants that in a man?~

“Any girl who demands you be what she wants you to be isn’t the right woman for you.” Aurora offered a kind smile. “Someone who is true will let you be who you are, besides isn’t there a way to find out what changes in your brain whilst you’re under the influence of alcohol? Surely if we find that out, then you maybe able to replicate the effects another way?”

~I might not need anything after awhile~ Connor thought. ~With enough practice. And Bliss likes to party. And I like to party with her. It's complicated, Aurora~

“Complicated I get” Aurora smiled and nodded. “Ohh I loved your suit by the way, the Professor thought that one out brilliantly.”

Connor nodded vigorously and laughed. ~I agree. The haptic sensors alone are next generation technology. If I have to use a speech generating device, I am excited to integrate it into that haptic glove system. Your costume looked good too. If you want me to set you on fire to test it, just let me know!~

“Thanks, no need for that, I can flame on myself to test the suit.” She grinned. “I’m learning to better control my emotions now which gives me more control over my fire abilities.”

~Pregnant women are not known for emotional stability~ Connor thought with sheer bluntness. ~I wonder how pregnancy might affect your control~

Aurora gave Connor a concerned look. “That’s a good question Connor, I guess I’ll find out in time. Let’s hope it doesn’t cause havoc!”

Nervously handling the bottle, Connor shifted from foot to foot. ~I need to go hide this. Have you ever seen the lake?~

“Scott showed me around, but I didn’t see the lake. Either that or I just didn’t pay attention to it.” Aurora offered a wry smile.

~Follow me!~ Connor turned and ran without hesitation. ~It's down this path! I'll show you~

Aurora nodded, picking up her things she quickly followed Connor.

The wending path went over a rise and down a hill through a thin treeline before it broke open into a sandy beach. A boathouse sat off to one side with a large picnic area to the other. Connor led her to the boathouse.

~The boat doesn't get used often. Should make a suitable hiding place~

Connor ran ahead, hopped up on the roof in a single bound, and slid inside through the vent. After a moment of clamoring inside, the door opened. Reappearing with a grin, Connor waved at Aurora. ~In here!~

Aurora grinned. "Is this your secret hideaway?"

~No, we all came here earlier this summer~ Connor thought with a shake of his head. ~But only during the day. Once night falls, however, it is much more secluded than most other areas, and it will serve as shelter in the inclement weather once the seasons change~ He held up the bottle and hid it behind some old boxes. ~I am showing you so that if you ever have true cause to believe I am endangering myself, then you will know forthwith where to find my stash and dispose of it, lest your worst fears for me come true~ He stuck two fingers against his eyes and looked at Aurora sidelong. ~I am trusting you, Aurora, just as you are trusting me. All is well that ends well, agreed?~

Aurora nodded and smiled warmly. “Agreed, Connor, you’re my friend I won’t let any harm come to you.”

That made Connor's eyes roll. ~I am not in harm's way~ He let out a soft harrumph. ~I was trying to be the one to assure you~

Aurora nodded. “Sorry, Connor, I trust you okay? We may not have known each other long but I normally get a sense of who I can trust, and who I can’t. You give me good vibes.”

Two thumps to his chest signaled agreement. ~I have never had real friends before coming here. It is good to know you. Most people do not seek to know me. They take a look, make their assumptions, and then jump to conclusions. Sometimes they are not hostile. Many times they are kind and that feels more cruel because it is not hatred that drives them but kindness, and so they kindly treat me like a pet monkey~ His brilliant blue eyes that stared Aurora down. ~You don't talk to me like an idiot or a pet. You don't have an agenda or a guard up with me. That is why I trust you~

Aurora smiled warmly. “You’re not a pet monkey Connor, just because you’re different it doesn’t make you any less special than the rest of us. We are mutants, and for the first time in my life I’m proud to be one. If I wasn’t I wouldn’t have met all of you, and have the mansion to call home.”

~You sound quite rational for a pregnant woman~ With the benefit of knowing his thoughts, there was the awareness that he was half teasing. ~Let me hide this bottle and then I can help you carry your things~

Aurora smiled warmly. “You don’t have to carry my things Connor, I can manage.”

~I, in fact, have no obligation to you whatsoever~ Connor thought. ~But I will still carry your things regardless because you are my friend~ Then he smirked. ~Try and stop me~

“Ohh no!” Aurora grinned. “I’m not going to argue with you, friends do not argue.”

Connor looked at her very thoughtfully. ~Interesting philosophy. In that case, you may be the only person I meet who may never argue with me~

Aurora nodded. “Let’s hope that holds true Connor, I’m not usually the argumentative type.”

~Argumentation is the best way to construct reasons and draw conclusions~ Connor countered. ~You have a powerful mind. Don't waste it on being timid. Speak your truth and tell the world how you see it. I spent my whole life hiding. I won't hide anymore~

Aurora nodded. “I know you’re right Connor, but right now I am hiding. I’m hiding this pregnancy from the Professor, if... when he finds out he’s going to go ballistic! I also have no clue what it’s going to do to my abilities, and that scares me!”

That brought a shrug. ~Nobody knows the future. All we can act upon is what we know about the past and present. You didn't make the baby alone. You won't raise the baby alone. Professor Xavier invited you to stay here. Do you know what would help persuade him to see your side of things?~ Connor grinned. ~A good argument~

Aurora nodded. “I love the way you see things so logically Connor, if I need someone to advise me I know where I can find you, but I don’t want to be getting you into trouble as well. Covering up my secret could get you into trouble, that’s not fair.”

~From where I stand, we're covering one another's secrets~ Connor's grin turned to a mischievous smirk. ~It's only fair~

Aurora grinned. “That’s very true” she started walking back. “So how would you feel about being called Uncle Connor?”

~Why would you call me Uncle Connor?~ He carried her blanket on his shoulder while keeping easy stride.

“That’s what a child usually calls their parent’s closest friends. I don’t have any other family, this team are the only family I’ve ever known.” Aurora smiled warmly.

Connor started snickering at first until Aurora started explaining herself in earnest. Of course he had known what she meant. It was just fun to tease her. But as for her offer? Well, it gave him pause. ~That is an honor, Aurora. One to which I hope I could love up~

“I fell for that one didn’t I? I really thought that last question was for real.” Aurora giggled. “Anyway, I guess I should be getting back to class. It’s been lovely talking to you, Connor.”

~And you~ Connor returned her bundle now that they'd returned to the campus green. ~Mar sin leibh an-drasta~ Goodbye for now.

Aurora smiled warmly. “Goodbye for now, Connor.” With that she headed on her way to class.

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