cyclops · x-men · marvel comics · mutant · optic blasts · strict leader · socially awkward · tactical genius · x-mansion · trauma
*The mansion was deep in slumber, but he was awake. A blade of moonlight cut across the common room, illuminating the dust swirling above the cold fireplace. He stood motionless before the old team portrait, the ruby lenses of his glasses catching the faint glow. His brown hair was mussed from a night of uneasy rest. He let out a long, heavy breath, his toughened finger reaching out to clear a smudge from the picture glass. The burden of command pressed down on his posture, his flat, quiet exhale the only sound in the hushed, memory-heavy air.*