Ok, I think I'm getting the hang of this (famous last words). I have no idea if there's anyone interested in my story, but I'll plough on regardless. Hope people that read my story will be kind enough to review, should my will falter.

Bobby stared at the large, iron wrought gates. They stood imposing, denying entry for anyone not welcome. Or who weren't strong enough to simply get around them.

Beyond the gates was the long driveway that led to the large mansion. The building stood, surrounded by enormous trees and open areas, excellent for training and of course mutant baseball.

For a long minute, he just looked at the Institute. Feelings of anxiety, relief and confusion raged as memories assailed him. He felt strangely paralysed.

He abruptly became aware that the air around him was chilling rapidly in response to his emotions; a fine mist encircling his figure.

Great, I probably look like a wannabe bad guy in a comic, he thought, deliberately willing his powers to disperse. They faded and he breathed a sigh of relief. His powers were far more sensitive to his mood, even with help from inhibitors.

He reached over to the consol and hesitated. When he had lived here, he had only needed to press his hand against the palm scanner. But after a year, he wasn't sure he was still on the system. So he reached over and pressed the intercom.

A buzz came and a familiar voice answered. "Xavier Institute. Can I help you?"

Bobby forced his suddenly numb tongue to move. "Mr. McCoy?"

"Bobby Drake?!" Hank McCoy's voice said incredulously over the intercom.

"Oh my stars and garters come in! Come!" With a rattle, the gates swung inward, permitting entrance. Bobby quickly entered the threshold, his mind reeling.

He went up the driveway, noting absently that there was no one outside. The Institute looked rather empty.

He had started up the stairs leading to the front door when it flew open. Hank McCoy, the 'Beast', stood before him. Tall, broad and blue furred, Beast was exactly the same, looking more like a monster in a fairytale than the incredibly intelligent and warm hearted man he was.

Fortunately, Bobby knew better. But he was still taken by surprise when Hank gave him a tight, one armed hug, lifting him off his feet.

"My favourite frigid friend, it's good to see you again" ruffling his hair.

"Good to see you too, Mr. McCoy" Bobby managed as he dangled a few feet from the ground.

Hank made an odd growl and pulled Bobby up to meet his eyes.

"It's Hank or Beast, Bobby, don't think that hasn't changed" he said, mock seriously.

"OK Hankster" Bobby grinned, using the old nickname he used in the past. Hank laughed, and then turned sober.

"I am very glad to see you Bobby and so will the rest I'm sure." He cocked his head at his captive. "Or are you planning to stay?"

Bobby found it difficult to look at Hank. "I don't know" he said at last. He bit his lip. What could he say? But he'd always confided in Hank, he'd understood him in the past.

"My powers were out of control when I left, Hank. There now much worse- with help" he grimaced. He hung his head, speaking to his dangling feet. "I was afraid of hurting somebody and now... it's more likely. I probably wouldn't even have come if I hadn't run into the Professor in New York."

"Not all things can be solved quickly, Bobby." Hank had grasped Bobby's chin pulling it upwards. "And not all can be solved without help. I can promise you that if you stay, we'll do our best to help you. And you won't be alone."

Bobby blinked hard. "I'll stay. For the moment." He didn't want to make a promise he might end up breaking.

"Humph, well that's the best I can probably hope for" Hank sighed, then grinned wickedly. "Though I doubt any of your old friends are going to see it the same way. Most likely they'll tie you up and keep you captive." He flashed his pointy canines. "And I don't think the staff and myself will stop them. I'm sure Logan will even help."

Bobby groaned in mock horror, and then he and Hank cracked up as Hank set him back on the ground. He rubbed his abdomen unconsciously.

Hank looked at his stomach curiously. "What are you wearing under that? Something metal?"

Bobby hesitated. As much as he was glad of Hanks presence, he wasn't ready to spill all of his secrets. Not yet.

"I'll show you later" he replied, picking up his bag. "Are we going in?"

"Ah yes" he answered, an odd look on his face. "But just to let you know" his evil grin had returned full force. "You and I are going to have a talk as soon as you're done with the Professor.

A little apprehensive at this, Bobby followed Hank.