Title: Everyone Grieves In Their Own Way
Reviews: LOVED!
Rating: I'm rating this T just to be sure.
Disclaimer: I'm afraid I own nothing except the character of Jimmy.
This is post X-Men: The Last Stand. I have now enabled anonymous reviewers so feel free to review as much as you want!Enjoy.
It was early morning at 'Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters' and most people were still fast asleep in their respective bedrooms. The only people awake were some teachers, including the new headmistress, Storm, and some early birds.
Kitty Pryde was one of those 'early birds' and was wide awake; she hadn't been sleeping well since the battle at Alcatraz. Ever since that fateful night Kitty had been plagued by haunting nightmares of the events that had occurred, she remembered Logan telling her what had happened to Doctor Jean Gray.
Flashback
"I had to do it," he cried. "I was the only one…"
The words still rang out in her ears.
Kitty walked slowly down the corridors of the school, in somewhat of a daze. Everything was different, the Professor and Scott had been murdered by Dr Jean Gray…A teacher of Kitty's, and a friend. Rogue had taken the mutant cure, a shock to all the X-Men but they all understood her reasons, the brotherhood had been destroyed…Wolverine had gone AWOL since having to kill Jean and Ororo Monroe AKA Storm had taken over as headmistress of the school.
Everything's so different.
The whole school was grieving. Kitty really felt for the telepaths, they could feel the emotions coming off the students and teachers in waves.
It must be so suffocating, Kitty thought.
Kitty had learnt about the five stages of grief. Denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance, she didn't know if she had gone through all five yet and she didn't care. In her opinion it was a load of bullshit, everyone grieved in their own way – Screw the "grief cycle".
"Hey Warren," Kitty beamed as she saw Warren Worthington AKA Angel walk out of his room and navigate briskly towards her.
Warren had come to stay at the school after saving his dad from death at Alcatraz Island after members of the Brotherhood had cruelly thrown him out of a window. He had saved his life but did not want anything more to do with him. His father had been the head of Worthington labs; the corporation that developed the cure to mutation. All his father had ever wanted was for Warren to be cured of his "disease". Warren had more or less divorced himself from his father.
Because Warren had only just joined the school he had never got to know Professor Xavier or Doctor Jean Gray, he was happy to be away from his father's cruelty and Worthington Labs, he wanted to start anew and everyone welcomed him, he was a source of hope in an otherwise depressing time. He certainly brightened up Kitty Pryde's days.
No one was really 'talking' much since the tragedies, a silence had come over Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, and everybody was coping in their own way. Some just wanted to lock themselves away, others couldn't stop crying. Kitty just wanted to talk to someone and she guessed a certain 'someone' did too, she was making her way to that 'someone's' room right now.
"Morning Kitty Kat. How ya doin?" Warren exclaimed, smiling. He was wearing smart casual clothing and his blonde hair was spiked up, his wings hidden beneath a white form fitting t-shirt. Ever since he had got away from his fathers influence he seemed to have an earthly glow…Well Kitty Pryde thought so. He was certainly a welcome addition to the team.
I'm obsessing over this Angel thing, she thought. He looks so smart today…Wonder where he's going, she pondered.
Suddenly Kitty felt very 'underdressed'. She was just wearing her old blue jeans, casual blue hooded jacket, trainers and her hair was tied loosely in a ponytail. She grimaced, glancing down at the state of her trainers.
Oh god I look like a tramp, wait, why do I care what he thinks about how I look? She frowned.
Kitty secretly found Warren beautiful, although she would never tell him. Miss Kitty Pryde was quite a shy person, despite her ability to kick Juggernaut butt. She was quite smitten with Warren Worthington and thought Warren's wings were amazing. He really did look like an Angel, it was extraordinary.
This coming from a girl who walks through walls, she thought, smirking.
Kitty gave a small smile back. "I'm great, just on my way to see Bobby, he's still moody about Rogue 'n' all I guess, thought I would try 'n' cheer him up, maybe even get him out of his room, ya never know, miracles do happen," she said smiling broadly now.
Warren grinned. "Bobby ey?"
Kitty blushed. "Warren! It's not like that," she scolded, smacking him playfully on the arm. "You have a dirty mind for an Angel," she laughed. "Anyhow he's got Rogue remember?"
"Oh yes of course," he replied deadpan.
He laughed. "So, I'm an Angel am i?" he winked.
Kitty glared.
Warren raised an eyebrow. "Anyway, yeah, I gotta get off, off to see Storm about that teaching job she offered me. Cya Kit Kat," he grinned. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do," he whispered playfully in her ear as he passed her.
She giggled softly.
Warren gave a suggestive smirk and walked away down the corridor.
Kitty and Warren had become friends shortly after he had joined the school, he joined at a bad time but everyone quickly warmed to his kind nature and all felt very proud of him for saving his dad. The same dad who had made him feel like a freak his whole life. Kitty had 'feelings' for Warren but he thought she fancied Bobby, oh yeah she had feelings for the ice king, he had been so kind to her after the Professor was murdered, having a private ice-skating session with her. It had been fun but she had thoroughly convinced herself their relationship was just a strong friendship.
Everything's so complicated, Kitty thought as she made her way to Bobby Drake's room. Bobby hadn't been out of his room much since Alcatraz. Rogue had gone away for a few days to visit her parents and 'talk' to them so she figured Bobby needed someone to talk to, she certainly did.
Bobby had been moody for a week since Rogue had gone, he had hardly spoken to anyone, even Storm had trouble getting through to him. Normally Bobby was so talkative and friendly but since Alcatraz he wanted nothing to do with anyone. He apparently had a bit of an argument with Rogue before she left…Harsh words were said, apparently the word 'traitor' cropped up.
You can't always trust what Jubilee says can ya Kitty?
She knocked quietly on his door. She could just walk through the wall if she wanted but Bobby might be naked, she had heard he slept naked. She grinned.
Dirty thoughts Kitty, dirty thoughts…God I'm worse than Warren! She thought, frowning.
The door creaked open and Bobby Drake stood looking exhausted in the doorway, an irritated look on his face.
"Kitty! What you doin here?" He asked surprised, giving a small yawn. He was dressed in some white boxer shorts and nothing else which immediately made Kitty blush red.
Oh lord forgive me, she coughed, looking him up and down on instinct.
Eyes away from the chest eyes away from the chest…Eyes away from the pants, eyes away from the pants…WHERE DO I LOOK?
She looked up at him with a huge grin plastered on her face, embarrassment fading. "Thought ya might like some company Iceman,"
"Its 8am Kitty, I'm tired," he replied, staring down at her, looking moody as hell.
"Early bird catches the worm Frosty," she quipped back, a mischievous glint in her eye.
He ran his fingers through his greasy blonde hair and gave an annoyed sigh, ushering her into the room. "Come in then, I guess," he paused, glaring "Just stop with the nicknames."
She rolled her eyes. "Alright icicle."
She started to walk through the doorway into the room but then stopped and smiled. Suddenly she made a detour and passed through the wall next to the door instead, grinning smugly when she noticed Bobby staring at her annoyed.
"Oh 'chill out,'" she joked. Mr Chilly.
"Look Kitty, I don't know what your trying to do but it's not working, I just wanna be left alone ok?" he said, agitated.
She shakes her head and raises an eyebrow, amused. "Hrmm."
She glanced around the room, momentally scanning the far corner and grimacing as she spotted a half eaten burger and some French fries, along with a couple of empty beer cans. "Gross, Bobby you're not becoming an alcoholic are ya? Cos I don't wanna…"
Bobby scowled angrily. "If your gonna lecture me, get out," he interrupted harshly.
Kitty approached him, laying a hand on his shoulder. "I'm not here to lecture ya Mister Frosty pants, just wanna have a talk," she huffed. "You do remember how to do that dontcha?" She said sarcastically.
He sighed, shrugging her arm away. "I'm not exactly in the talking mood, I just woke up anyway, go annoy someone else."
She sighed impatiently. "Well I am, you're gonna talk pal, whether ya like it or not."
"Fine, what ya wanna talk about?" he replied groaning.
Kitty frowned, shaking her head. "Well, you've hardly been outta ya room since Rogue left; you haven't talked to anyone, your rooms a mess." She paused, waving her hand in the direction of the messy trash filled corner. "What's up Bobby?" She asked as she went and stood in-front of him, hands on hips.
"I'm just not in the mood for company right now that's all, is that so strange?" he muttered quietly.
"For Bobby Drake, yeah it is," she stated matter-of-factly. "I know you Bobby, this isn't you…We're all grieving for the Professor, for Jean, for Scott, talk to me, please?"
"Maybe I don't wanna talk about it!" He replied firmly. "Just go…Please…" He pleaded sadly.
"Not till you sit down and talk," she replied moving to sit down on his bed. "It's the only way your gonna feel like yourself again…The only way we're gonna get Bobby Drake back," she smiled patting the space on the bed next to her.
Heaving a sigh he did as he was told and took a seat next to her, avoiding eye contact.
An awkward silence passed between them.
Bobby chewed on his lower lip and turned to look at Kitty, levelly meeting her gaze. "I miss them all so much, so much it hurts," he said, bowing his head, a few stray tears making their way down his tired young face.
Seeing Bobby cry made something inside Kitty snap, she had never seen him cry before. All the horrible emotions inside her had just built up and needed to burst out. When the Professor died she felt empty…The Professor was the reason she had come to the school in the first place, she felt like a part of herself had died with him. When Scott and Jean Gray were killed Kitty decided to bottle her emotions up, she wanted to be the 'strong' one, the one people could talk to.
Emotions are fragile things; they can't stay bottled up for long.
She cleared her throat. "I miss them too," she paused. "Just knowing I'm never gonna be taught by the Professor again, never gonna see Scott," She paused again, swallowing hard. "N…Never gonna," she choked out. "It's…It's…Heartbreaking," she stammered.
"Kitty..." Bobby said, stunned by the sudden shift in emotions.
She ignored him.
"Who am I kidding?" She said giving a bitter laugh, choking back sobs. "I C…Can't cheer you up Bobby…I'm S…Sorry, I'll leave," she sobbed, a few tears falling down her face. She coughed; wiping the tears away with her sleeve and stood up slowly, making her way towards the door.
A few moments passed.
She turned back giving a small smile. "I understand you wanting to be alone Bobby," she hesitated. "I'm sorry I came," she said apologetically.
"Wait!" a voice said from behind her. A strong hand grasped her wrist tightly from behind and she was spun round, left to gaze into Bobby Drake's tearful eyes.
"We're both drowning aren't we?" he observed, quietly.
"Yeah…" She replied. Her voice strangely hollow. The façade Kitty had been putting on ever since her friends/teachers had passed away vanished in that instance and Bobby was left suddenly gazing into the sad eyes of a fragile young women who was struggling to cope just as much as he was. The charisma, the wit, the energy that was Kitty Pryde disappeared with those four simple words. Four powerful words. We're drowning aren't we?
I feel so empty without them…
Suddenly Kitty felt strong arms wrap around her tiny frame as Bobby engulfed her in a tight warm embrace. She pushed into him, so hard; he held her close as the tears streamed down her face, forming a small wet patch on Bobby's shoulder. He looked down at her, she looked up at him and they locked eyes.
An awkward silence passed between them.
"If Warren came in and saw us like this, heh…" She joked lightly, looking up through teary eyes, small sobs still wracking her petite body.
"Thank you," he whispered gently, stroking the side of her face lovingly and holding her head in his hands, staring down at her sadly.
Thank you for this Bobby…
She stared up at him. "For what?" she sniffed, blinking away the remaining tears, wiping her face. Her eyes were stained with mascara.
Panda eyes are the least of my worries.
"Just," he paused, hesitating slightly. "Been here," he explained softly.
She sniffed again, turning her head away slightly.
"Everyone's gone Kitty," he whispered, contemptuously, eyes flashing with a pent up anger. "The Professor, Jean, Scott, Logan… Rogue," he mused, jaw clenched, eyes narrowing slightly.
Kitty winced at the mention of the deceased. Her gaze dropped to the floor. Suddenly her dirty trainers seemed very interesting.
She pulled away from the hug gently and stood staring deeply into his eyes. "Rogue's coming back," she countered. "S…She's just gone to see her family," she sniffed, faltering slightly.
He scoffed.
"We're meant to be her family!" He sneered, backing up a few steps. "She's a traitor Kitty, can't you see that?" he exclaimed. "I don't even know if I wanna be with her anymore," he paused, leaning against the wall for support. "She's not one of us anymore," he snapped, breathing heavily. "I don't even know if she will come back," he said spitefully. "We had an argument," he sighed, exhausted.
Kitty was surprised. She had never seen Bobby angry before. He was always so…Nice.
She exhaled slightly. "She'll be back," Kitty said in her most reassuring voice. "We may not have always got on but I know Rogue, she's faithful, she'll come back," Kitty said softly, hoping to calm Bobby down.
"She's run away before," he scoffed. "She ran away from her parents, she ran away to get the cure. Who's to say she won't run again?!" he spat out angrily.
Kitty was shocked by his bitter tone; he loved Rogue. Not many boyfriends would stay with a girl they couldn't even give a quick kiss on the cheek. Bobby was one of the few good guys left.
"Bobby, please…"
"Face it Kitty, whenever the going gets tough, Rogue runs away!" Bobby cried.
Kitty sighed and took a sharp breath.
She scowled. "This isn't anything to do with the fact Rogue took the cure is it?" Kitty said her tone dangerously defiant. Sadness disappearing, been replaced by an angry determination.
Won't have him wallowing in self pity, not on my watch, she thought, giving an annoyed sigh.
Bobby's eye twitched, a frown creasing his face.
"You don't think she's a traitor, you never have." Kitty declared.
Bobby took a menacing step forward, placing his face only inches from Kitty's. "A war almost nearly broke out because of that cure, don't you remember?" He scowled. "The battle at Alcatraz."
Kitty's soft features grew stern as she leaned in. "I remember all too well but," she hesitated. "You love Rogue too much; I think you understand why she did what she did."
"She…" Bobby started.
Kitty shook her head. "No. Mutant or not, you love her," she interrupted. "You feel betrayed," she stated firmly. "She never told you she was off to get it did she?"
He gave a dreary sigh. "She never even mentioned it to me; I never thought she would…" He paused. "I mean she hated her powers, having to wear those gloves, never been able to touch anyone…" He slumped down against the wall, completely exhausted.
Kitty went and sat on the floor next to him, slipping her hand into his. "I think we all understand why she did it, no-one's angry at her."
His eyes flashed anger. "I'm her boyfriend! She should have told me before she made such a decision; I mean what's gonna happen now? How do I…What do I say to her?" He said, heaving a sigh.
She tightened her grip on his hand. "She's gonna feel mega self-conscious when she comes back, she's going to want to talk to someone, she'll wanna talk to her boyfriend Bobby Drake."
"I called her a traitor," he muttered quietly.
"I'm sure you both said some harsh words to each other before she left but… Having arguments, it's a healthy part of any relationship," she shrugged. "Tell her you love her, mutant or not, gee…What am I? Your shrink?" Kitty exclaimed.
He laughed.
"Bobby?" a voice said from the doorway. It was Rogue; she was staring at the two of them, hands on hips, looking very pissed off.
Logan's head popped out from behind Rogue. "Hey kid," he grinned, arching one eyebrow when he noticed Kitty's hand in his.
Should I continue? Reviews make me happy! So yes, you should review. I appreciate constructive criticism because it will help me if I choose to write more chapters. Thank you. I always wondered what would happen after that last little scene between Rogue and Bobby.