[There's no hiding the flinch his body makes when Altius speaks, his words almost cutting into him despite the fact that he's not wielding any weapon at him. There's nothing impacting his body right now. He's fine. He's not on the ground and coughing out blood while calling out for Kotone, he's standing here and--

Phoenix screeches at Altius, wings spreading, and the only reason why she hasn't started attacking is because the shade still remains in place. It's at least enough to draw Scott from his thoughts, the teen quickly snapping back to reality as he grits his teeth. Get a grip, Summers. If he... if he falls back now, it will only just prove his point.

He got hurt. It's fine. He's a X-Man now anyway. He's probably going to be hurt more in the future.]

It's not pointless. [This almost feels like stuff he and Kotone have talked a lot in the past. 'Live each day to the fullest' because you don't know what may happen the next day.] I'm never going to say that the moments I've spent with my friends and even an old asshole like you was pointless. I'll endure being hurt to share more of those moments, for however long they will last.

[What's he going to do otherwise? Just be miserable all the time? Hard pass.]