Summary: Jubilee despite the many attempts not to, she returns back to Xavier's Institute after years of failures, mistakes and disappointments. She now faces her self worth, to where she is and who she wants to become. Bobby has always been able to exceed his ambitions while continuing to breakrules on the side. It now becomes his unfortunate struggle to face one of his biggest life challenges one that he is unable to control (his powers), making him change for the worst. Will they find what they're looking for in themselves and maybe each other? READ!
Author Note: First off I want to apologize for any readers reading my story entitled "Complicating". Unfortunately when I began writing it, I drifted from my original idea. Thus, I have come to a major writers block and I hate to say it but the story will go on Hiatus until then.
BUT, for those of you who remain to be a fan of my stories, you'll be happy to know I am starting this new story. The title is on the writing board so heads up it might change. This story will be different from the rest I've written; I hope you'll enjoy it.
I don't have a beta and I try to keep from too much grammar or spelling errors. But forgive me if there is any.
Chapter 1 – Home
She sat in the back seat of the cab, her legs shaking since the moment she stepped in and took a seat. It was the ride of her life, well not exactly the ride of her life. She had taken many rides that led her to unimaginable danger or fates that would change her life. This was just the hardest ride that she'd ever taken. It's too late to turn back now.
Taking in a deep breath she looked out the window, the comfort of the dark sky filled her hoping it would hide the mix of fear and excitement she felt inside. Soon the familiar long road came into view and far in the distance could be seen in a slight glow of the place she had set out for days ago.
A low whistle filled the silent cab and drew her sapphire eyes from the window towards the driver of the cab. "That your home?" The deep raspy voice of the middle age man asked, his eyes on the rear view mirror looking at her.
She smiled weakly, home, the thought of it made her want to scream on the top of her lungs yes but at the same time she wanted to lower her head in shame.
It had been years since the last time she looked upon the place she had once called home. The last time she was here she was in a car driving away never expecting to return. Yet, she was. How life changed things.
"Miss?"
A sheepish smile fallen on her face and she looked up once more at the cab driver. She didn't want to go into it, recall the many things that had happened that led her to why she was in this cab returning. So she did the easiest thing, she agreed. "Yeah, I guess you could call it that." Her voice trialed and her eyes stared as the mansion grew bigger as they neared.
Her legs no longer shook uncontrollably the only thing that she couldn't control now was the pounding of her heart and the increasing rate. Relax. Closing her eyes she took in deeper breaths hoping to ease her anxiety or excitement whatever emotion it was that was causing the beating of her heart to get louder and faster.
The car came to a sudden stop and she could hear the sound of the car being put in park. The cab driver announced their arrival and the price of the ride.
Opening her eyes she fished in her pockets for the money she put aside for the ride. Pulling it out, she threw on her backpack and handed the driver the money. "Keep the change." She said, too anxious to wait for the change and thankful she had gotten a driver who didn't spend the entire ride questioning her travel stories and events that led her to where she was going like many had done before. It was relieving to know he wasn't one of them; it would have been too difficult especially knowing she had to face those stories and thoughts soon.
"Wow thanks." He called out as she pushed the door open. Within seconds she was met with his tall slightly overweight figure, a smile on his face as he popped open the trunk and pulled out her suitcase and the last of her belongings.
She smiled silently grateful she had tipped him with a fair amount because he was definitely a rare thoughtful cabdriver. Expressing her gratitude she grabbed her belongings from him and placed it onto the ground.
Pulling out the handle of the rolling suitcase she spun gracefully ready to walk towards her new destiny.
"Are you going to be all right Miss? That's a mighty long driveway."
She stopped looking over her shoulder with a smile her face, "No, I'll be all right." She would need this walk, to clear her mind, to ready her heart.
The cab driver pulled off his hat with the sleeve of his shirt wiped the sweat on his forehead. A smile on his face he nodded his head, "Well then let me be the first to say welcome home."
Home. The word in that context brought the first genuine smile to her face. Jubilation Lee was home.
- - -
Listening to the car engine start back up, she turned around to watch the taxi cab reverse and drive off in the distance leaving her standing in the dark night in front a grand gate. Her heart ached; urging to run after cab, scream that she had changed her mind.
Shaking her head at the foolish thoughts, Jubilee was never a runner. So what she had found disappointment in the past couple years, although it hurt as hell she wasn't going to let it kick her down. She had been down too long.
Time for change.
Yes. Time for change, it was the sole purpose she was here, spinning once more around she approached the intercom of the gate and pressing the button she waited.
She silently prayed that whoever it was would already know of her arrival, she would be able to avoid the questions the surprise, at almost 3 a.m. in the morning she wanted nothing but to throw her things down and find comfort in a bed, in a house she had always felt secured in.
"Xavier's Institute for the –"
The familiar voice brought Jubilee's attention immediately to the secret hidden camera, she had learned about living there years ago. Her eyes round as if expecting able to see the face of the voice she had just heard.
"- Jubilee?" The voice surprised and interrupting the formality of the original greeting.
Jubilee smiled and immediately knew from the sound of her name the voice on the intercom and she knew that some God out there was listening to her.
"Ororo." Jubilee said with a breath of ease and excitement, relieved and comforted that she was greeted by the very sole woman she had always looked up to in the mansion, as a leader and as a mutant.
"I'm opening the gates for you right now Jubilee. I'll meet you in the Professor's office once you come inside." The voice of the strong and wise X-men leader filled the intercom.
Jubilee smiled as she watched the gates swing open within seconds, "Thanks." As she let out a breath she'd been holding, as if taken aback by the mansion's magnificence.
Taking her first step onto the property, it seemed as if she was finally renewed; the burdens she had been carrying, the hurt, and the disappointment, it felt were being left behind. It was what she was hoping to let go and gain by being here.
"Welcome home Jubilee." Ororo's voice called out, as Jubilee fully step onto property.
Home. Despite what she was feeling inside, the adjusting she would have to do just by being there. The people she'd have to face, the questions, and the answers they'd want from her. She felt comforted being in the one place she had always felt safe.
Walking up the dimly lit driveway, her round wide sapphire eyes focused solely on the white double doors she had once spent almost every waking day, looking forward to returning to.
Letting out a deep breath she began to feel her heart once again pound against her chest, its rate increasing. Relax Lee. Closing her eyes she took another deep breath. Exhaling, she opened them once more, trying to reassure her purpose of being there.
I am not a failure. Pursing her lips together Jubilee shook her head. She let out a scowl and rolled her eyes, running her free hand in her hair she let out a sigh. I am not thinking about this now. Shaking her head she was met with a site that she didn't expect.
A light in the far right of the mansion caught her eye and breaking away from her destination, her curiosity and some new force was pulling her towards the open garage.
The sound of what seemed like moving boxes or things being rearranged could be heard as Jubilee neared the garage. It's like 3 in the morning, who the heck is awake? Although she had been praying that she wouldn't be welcomed home with massive questions and surprise why she was back, she couldn't help but be drawn to curiosity. A habit she had never grown out of, some things never change.
Jubilee stepped directly in front of the garage to reveal rows of cars lined against the wall next to one another. It was like staring into a millionaire's garage full of cars. Yet this garage was the shelter for a good amount of the cars owned by X-men in the mansion. The sound had stopped for a brief second only to start up once more and Jubilee searched for the spot in the garage that was causing it.
Silently walking in, the stealth of being an X-men and the grace of a gymnast allowed her complete skills to go unnoticed. Spotting an old school black convertible, Jubilee found the person responsible for the noise.
Backside turned and head in the trunk, Jubilee caught a very good sight of the young man's nicely firm ass. Her lips curved into a slow smile as she took her time to admire the site in front of her. Aha yes, the advantages of being back in Xavier's Institute. She had to laugh at herself silently then, that the first thing she'd do upon returning would be checking out a fellow X-men. But what could she say, after living with Generation X, there wasn't much to look at after being there for so long. Although there was one that would always capture her attention.
Stop it. Scowling suddenly to herself Jubilee displayed a disgusted look on her face for being allowed to be drawn back to her past life. It wasn't the reason why she was here.
"Ahem."
The sudden noise surprised her and Jubilee jumped up a little startled. Her eyes shot open at the young man that she had been checking out just seconds ago, only to be meant with his piercing grey eyes. She instantly knew the face she was staring at but was surprised to be meant with such cold and dark eyes.
Slightly embarrassed that he had possibly caught her staring, she recovered quickly with a smirk. Letting out a slow whistle one that maybe Amara would be proud of. Oh yes, she had changed, Jubilee wasn't just the tomboy she once was, she wasn't just friendly anymore or one of the guys. She knew her way to tease, to joke, to flirt. Jubilee smiled as she raised an eyebrow at him, "Nice ass Drake."
Bobby looked surprised at her choice of words, maybe it was the bluntness or truth to them or maybe it was the mere fact she was standing in front of him. Yet whatever it was, a slight blush warmed his cheeks.
Jubilee's eyes soften as she noted the hardness in his eyes disappear instantly at her words. She giggled in wonderment. "It's kind of late to be packing things in your car." Jubilee said with a small laugh, her eyes on the boxes in his trunk. A twinkle in her eyes as she recalled the spontaneous life style of Bobby Drake. "You going for a late night get away? I know I just got here but if you don't mind I can join you." She laughed then at the idea of just leaving once again, she didn't mind, she wasn't looking for responsibility just yet, "I'm already packed."
She didn't know when it happened but the openness in his eyes disappeared and she was suddenly met with the same cold hard grey eyes she had first stared into that night. A frown formed on her face as she crossed her arms over her chest. Okay. She wondered then if he even remembered her, he wasn't the only one who changed physically.
Him with his grey eyes looking older than ever especially at that moment, the stronger jaw line, the slight hair growing on his face, and the physic body of a God. God? Jubilee's face warmed at the thought, she was comparing Bobby Drake in a pair of jeans and a fitted wife beater to a God.
As for her well, her hair grown out, her body fully grown and matured, she didn't look as boyish as she did years ago when she use to live here. Although she still chose to wear jeans and a spaghetti strap or tank over any girly attire, the advantage of puberty and life only showed off how much a young woman she became. Yes, he wasn't the only one who had grown up, who had changed.
Jubilee however continued to meet his eyes with her sapphire orbs, refusing to look down just because he was glaring, just because it felt cold just by looking into them. She was stubborn, a trait that was either her biggest strengths or much hated by her former teammates. Bobby looked away, spun in place and grunted.
"Right." Jubilee mumbled under her breath as she watched the mutant she had once known as a prankster, the life of the party, the list to go on but never so cold so isolated, be just that.
What happened to bring him down this much? The question burned her mind as she watched his broad shoulders, the muscles in his arms flex as he continued to shift the things in his car, obviously trying to make room for the rest of the things that was placed on the ground.
Taking a step forward she hesitated for a brief second, recalling her former teammate's words about never knowing when to leave things alone. Shaking the thought of his words away, Jubilee placed a hand on Bobby's shoulder. Still he plagued her thoughts even miles away, curse him. But she wouldn't let it bother her, not here.
Cold. It instantly felt like her hand was freezing at the contact. She resisted the sudden reaction and urge to snap her hand away from his tank, his skin and the burning freeze she now felt on her hand.
Inhaling sharply at the shocking feeling on her hand, she jumped a little startled as Bobby spun around in a mere seconds of her touch. Instantly his grey eyes met hers with such intensity she froze.
Coldness and hardness filled the once shining eyes of the young man that she once knew who would do anything for a good laugh. Jubilee felt lost in his eyes as if unable to look away, she wasn't terrified, she wasn't bother, she wasn't uncomfortable, yet she was captivated. A flicker of hurt flashed in his eyes before he finally broke contact, again it showed in his face a small irritation and surprise she had not turned away first.
Turning Bobby looked over his shoulder for a brief second before facing back the trunk of his car, "I don't feel like talking right -"
"Bobby –" Jubilee began to interrupt, confusion filled her at his coldness physically and emotionally. Why am I pushing this? She didn't understand her urge to continue to talk to him but yet she couldn't and didn't want to walk away.
Slamming the trunk of his car down, Bobby spun picked up the last box and threw it over his shoulder. "Sorry Jubilee."
With a flash of his eyes he looked at her and Jubilee felt her heart ache for unknown reasons. He does remember me. Within a second Bobby tore his eyes from her sapphire orbs and Jubilee watched as he walked out the garage.
Jubilee bit her lip as she stared at the empty spot where Bobby stood as if trying to understand what had just happened. Letting out a sigh she picked up her things and headed for the same door Bobby went through, it was time to meet Ororo.
- - -
The walk through the mansion to Professor Xavier's office was unbelievably unnerving as it was nostalgic. The feeling of walking the dark and silent halls was strange; the last time she was here she wasn't allowed to walk through the halls so freely at this hour. She was more creeping her way through the halls rather than slowly walking like she did at the moment.
Letting out a big sigh, she was relieved to know that in her heart she still had the mansion memorized. Coming up to the familiar doors she knocked softly. Taking in a deep breath Jubilee pushed open the doors.
Jubilee held her breath as she prepared herself for whoever else would be with Ororo and Professor Xavier. Letting it out, her eyes widen as she watched as the leather seat spun around and revealed Ororo's smiling face.
"Welcome back Jubilee." Ororo's voiced filled the large and silent office; she stood from the seat and immediately walked around the large oak desk to meet Jubilee.
She froze in place as she watched Ororo swiftly approach her and in seconds wrapped her arms around her. Jubilee closed her eyes for a second at the contact and smiled at the warmth. This must be how it feels to have a mom.
Pulling away Ororo's silver eyes shined down on her, "It's good to see you."
"Like wise." Jubilee said with a smile, she looked up at Ororo. She had aged well still looking as she did years ago, yet her eyes showed the wisdom and experience she had gained over the years.
"Where's Professor X?" Jubilee quickly asked as she scanned the office seeing that no one else appeared in the room.
Ororo nodded her head as she gazed at the empty chairs, "He had to leave the mansion business with Magneto."
Jubilee nodded her head in understanding yet she wondered silently just exactly what business meant. The curiosity in her wanted to know but she bit her tongue knowing it wasn't the time and maybe not even her place.
"Jubilee are you okay?" Ororo asked gently obviously aware of Jubilee's change of mood.
Smiling quickly Jubilee nodded her head. Running a hand through her long black tendrils of hair, "It's just late." She lied.
Ororo raised her eyebrow as if giving the impression she didn't fully believe her. "Indeed it is shall we finish this conversation later?"
"Yes." Jubilee agreed with relief, she was beginning to feel like any minute longer on her feet she was going to pass out. Traveling across the nation was draining her.
"All right then. You'll be happy to know that you have your old bedroom back, renovations have been done over the past years and I'm sure you'll be happy with its changes. Breakfast will start at 7:00 am if you want to join the others if not the kitchen is available as it was in the past." Ororo briefly explained.
Jubilee stood silent listening to the important information, she nodded her head in understanding and Ororo continued on.
"I'll meet with you either later today or tomorrow about the rest of the arrangements while you're with us." Ororo then paused as she looked at Jubilee as if hesitating to continue the rest. As if finally making a decision she spoke softly, "I guess I should let you know to think about your future with the X-men."
Sapphire eyes widen and Jubilee felt her heart speed at the thought of the X-men. Again Ororo took notice of her reaction and spoke, "That is if you want one."
Jubilee stuttered as she nodded her head, "Right." The rest of her words caught in her throat, she remained silent not able to say anything more.
"All right then, if you have no questions, I'll see you later." Ororo said with a nod, as she spun around and began to lead Jubilee out the room.
Jubilee followed in the footsteps of X-men leader, her eyes on her white flowing hair. It once again began to feel like a dream being back at the one place she didn't imagine returning to years ago. Yet, there she was, following the footsteps of the woman she always that embodied what it meant to be a leader and X-man.
Lost in her thoughts Jubilee was suddenly meant in abrupt stop and eyes widen as she came close to walking right into Ororo.
A sheepish smile fell on Jubilee's face at the thought she most probably appeared to be like a teen who had just arrived for the first time. Ororo smiled and a small laugh escaped her lips, "It seems you are in thought."
Her cheeks warmed at the idea of Ororo seeing through Jubilee so easily. Deciding there was no reason to be embarrassed; Jubilee looked up honesty in her eyes "I guess it just feels so strange being back. It's like everything is the same but yet different."
Ororo nodded in understanding and remained silent as Jubilee walked out the door. Spinning around Jubilee looked in the eyes of the older woman, "I saw Bobby earlier before I came in, he seems different." Her voice trailed not knowing what to really say or what she was trying to say. Just that he continued to linger on the back of her mind.
Silver eyes stared in understanding, she pursed her lips together before speaking, "Yes, the past years have not only changed you, or me, but it has indeed changed everyone around as well."
Ororo said nothing else as she nodded her head; a soft good bye was said before she spun around and began to walk down the hall.
Jubilee remained ever so silent as she watched Ororo walk down the slightly lit hallway. Thoughts rose in her head as she began to wonder what Ororo had meant by what she said. A smirk appeared on her face as she shook her head, she was being silly it was almost now 4 in the morning, she shouldn't be standing there thinking about changes or being here. She was already here and nothing could change what happened.
Taking in a deep breath Jubilee grabbed her things once more and began her walk towards her room. "It's good to be home." She whispered to herself.
Author Note: Ahh. Tell me what you think. Like I mentioned previously it's a different type of story from all the others that I've written. But I wanted to write something a little bit more serious and angst. I hope you like it and sit tight as this story unfolds.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Or hopefully I'll reveal it in chapters to come. It's a little AU but not so much. Like the show Jubilee left after the mansion got attacked. Other things I hope will make sense later. On that note, do you think I may need to write a better summary? Let me know, I want to improve and also get more attention of other readers.
Well please review! Let me know your reading or if you like this. If not I may have to delete this and start a new or return to Complicating. Give me a sentence a word, anything I'll appreciate it. Thanks for reading.