True to his word, Remy never mentioned anything that happened down by the lake the next day. No one did, though Spencer knew that others had to know something had gone on. He knew that because he'd passed out in Remy's lap, spent from his crying jag and from the emotional upheaval of the day, and he'd woken up the next morning in his own bed. He'd woken up alone as well, a fact that shocked him. He was shocked even more to realize that he'd slept the night through without nightmares for the first time since the attack.

The shocks kept coming. When he got up, he realized that it was almost eleven o'clock in the morning. When he'd passed out last night with Remy, the sun was still setting. Holy crap. He'd slept for over twelve hours. He hadn't slept that long naturally in, well, in years! Then again, his body had gone through a lot yesterday. It had been a physically and emotionally taxing day. As if to prove that point, his knee, thigh and hip all gave a twinge at almost the same time. Spencer pulled himself up out of bed with a grimace. Okay, first things first, a bath was definitely in order, or else there was a good chance he wasn't going to be walking anywhere. From there, he'd head downstairs and try to find something to put in his stomach .After that, well, he'd deal with it then.

Feeling remarkably lighter than he had in quite a while, Spencer took his cane and made his way to the bathroom.


One hour later, Spencer made his way into the kitchen, following the feel of the presence that told him his brother was in there. He was barely in the door when his nose twitched. Immediately his eyes shot over to where Alex was standing at the counter with a big bowl in front of him and a plate beside it with some bread. Spencer swore his mouth watered. "You made your chicken salad." He said in lieu of greeting.

Alex looked up and smirked at the look on Spencer's face. "I did." At the pleading look Spencer gave him, he couldn't help but laugh. "Go sit down." He gestured over towards the table with his knife. "I'll make you up a sandwich too."

The door opened behind Spencer even as he moved away from it. It was comical, the way that Scott froze in a move almost identical to Spencer's. Seeing it brought a full laugh out of Alex this time. "All right, all right! You sit down too, Scotty. I'll bring one for you too."

Scott wasted no time in scurrying over to the table. "Thanks, Lex." He called back.

A minute later, Alex brought over three plates, dropping one off in front of each of them. He dropped a bag of chips down on the table, too. For a bit there was only the crinkle of the bag and the sound of crunching as they all crumpled up chips and added them to the sandwich. Then they all dug in and a companionable silence settled around the table. Of course, it didn't last long. Silence never lasted long for them. Between one bite and the next, Alex suddenly announced "I've been thinking about sticking around. You know, a little more permanent like."

Scott's eyebrows flew up. He finished chewing and swallowed down his bite before asking "Really?"

"Well, yeah. I like the teams you've got going on, you guys are fighting for good stuff, and I get to kick ass. Plus, you know, Hank's pretty cool to hang out with and talk to, and Logan's always a blast." He took a bite of his sandwich and grinned around it at them. "And, you know, you fuckers aren't too bad to be around either."

Spencer rolled his eyes and Scott grimaced. "Don't talk with your mouth full." Their eldest said automatically. In response, Alex opened his mouth wide and showed off his chewed up bite. All it took was for Scott to lift a hand towards his glasses and Alex snapped his mouth shut. The both of them grinned.

Finished with his own bite, Spencer debated for a second, ignoring their little silent play. Then he firmed his spine and quietly yet calmly said "I was thinking of staying too." Two heads whipped towards him, playful argument cut off, and Spencer flushed just a little and ducked his head. "You know, if you can find a place for me. I know I can't really do much." He shrugged one shoulder as if that fact didn't bother him, even though they all knew it did. Spencer was not one to be idle. None of them were. It was a trait they all seemed to share. They had to be doing something. Leaving them alone and bored was usually when trouble happened.

"You can do plenty." Scott argued. He tipped his head, watching Spencer's face closely. "We could use you for a lot of things, Sherlock. You've got a quick mind and a great tactical sense that could come in handy helping us figure out things we get from our intel."

"Plus, you could help run the control room for training sessions." Alex added in. "Give input on how people do, help come up with new designs, all sorts of shit like that."

Embarrassed, Spencer shrugged one shoulder and looked back down at his lunch. "Whatever. I just, I figured I could do something. I'll find a way to be useful." He poked at his sandwich for a second. Then he picked it up and made himself smirk up at his brothers. "So, the three of us, all living in the same house, huh? This ought to be interesting."

The evil grin that Alex got and the pained grimace from Scott had Spencer laughing. Scott looked back and forth between the two and sighed dramatically. "What the hell am I getting myself in to?"

"Be afwaid." Alex lisped, smirking. "Be vewy, vewy afwaid."

"God help us all." Scott groaned.

Spencer snorted and popped the last bite of food in his mouth. "You wouldn't have us any other way, Scotty."

He didn't even deny it. Instead, his expression cleared and a grin slipped in its place. "Yeah, well, I'm brain damaged, what can I say?"

The easy going comment had both his brothers laughing. Spencer sat back in his seat and folded his hands on his stomach, debating if he wanted to get up and try for another sandwich, or if he was content to sit where he was. Alex had already polished off his and was sitting back now as well. Only Scott was left eating. It was as good a time as any for Spencer to broach the subject he wanted to. He'd thought about this while bathing this morning and it was something he thought he was finally ready to do. "Hey, do either of you guys have plans today?"

"I've got a few training sessions today." Scott said.

Alex belched and then grinned at him. "I'm free. What do you need?"

For just a moment, Spencer stared at him. Then he shook his head and looked over to Scott. "Are you sure we're related to him?"

Overtop Alex's indignant "Hey!" Scott let out a gusty sigh and said "Sadly, yes."

Spencer wrinkled his nose. "Ugh."

"Fuck off!" Alex had his arms crossed over his chest and glared back and forth between the two. His voice drowned out the sound of the kitchen door opening, as well as the voices of the people coming in. "You two assholes can just shove it. I'm clearly the most awesome of us."

Scott snorted at him. "Oh, please!"

At the same time, Spencer laughed. "You wish!"

"It's true! I'm way more awesome than either of you two nerds." Alex argued. "I mean, come on. All anyone has to do is look at you two. Scrawny, nerdy little fuckers. I bet you both wear pocket protectors, don't you?"

Spencer sat up straighter and scowled at him. "I do not!" He argued. "And leave my size alone. Just because we don't walk around looking like we're a poster boy for steroids…!"

Choked laughter alerted them finally to the presence of the other people in the room. Spencer cut off his words, casting a quick look sideways. Heat filled his cheeks when he saw Jean, Rogue, Bobby and Kitty stand there grinning at them. Scott had his head bowed and was shaking it at them.

Alex, however, wasn't done. He was glaring at Spencer across the table. "I don't take steroids and you know it, you little pipsqueak. You're just jealous you can't look as hot as I do."

That was enough to snap Spencer's attention away from their audience and back to Alex. "Jealous?" He scoffed at the idea. As if he would be jealous of Alex! "I think you've taken one too many knocks to the head, Alexander. It's making you delusional. We should get you down to Hank for a full physical before the damage gets any worse."

"I'm going to hit you." Alex growled at him.

"No you won't."

"Like hell. I'm gonna punch your damn head."

"Am I supposed to be scared of that?"

"Keep it up, pidge. Keep it up. You're only making me wanna hit you more."

"You can't hit me, anyways. I'm crippled." Spencer said smugly. It was the first time he'd ever come right out and said the words and he didn't even stop to think about it. He was too caught up in the smug amusement of bickering with his brother. He missed the look of surprise that Scott shot his way.

It only threw Alex off balance for a split second. He regained his composure quickly. "Like that's gonna stop me. Aint your head that's crippled, brat."

"Yeah, but Scotty won't let you hit me."

The two turned simultaneously to look to Scott, who lifted a brow and said "Not until Hank gives the okay."

Spencer wore a smug look as he turned and stuck his tongue out at Alex. For his part, Alex grumbled and slumped back in his seat again, eliciting more laughter from their audience. "Fine." He growled out. "Whatever. I'll hit you later, then."

"I'm utterly terrified." Spencer deadpanned.

Like usual, it was Scott who stepped in before things could get a chance to progress again. He held a hand out to them to keep them both quietly and he spoke a little louder than normal to make sure that they wouldn't try to talk. "So, Spencer, why were you asking what we were doing today? Was there something you needed?"

What? Spencer furrowed his brow and backtracked the conversation. Realization hit and his face cleared. "Oh! Yes, actually, there was." He'd forgotten all about that thanks to Alex. He gave his brother a brief glare for that, just on principal. "One of the things I haven't tried to do yet is figure out whether or not I'm still a capable driver with my leg like this. But, I need to go into town and pick up some things. I'm essentially living out of my go-bag and what was already here and my supplies are running low. I was hoping one of you might be able to take me in to town for a few things?"

Any of the lingering annoyance on Alex's face vanished. "I'll take you, pidge. I've been dying to get into town for some shit of my own anyways."

"Wonderful. I just need a few things and maybe a few more clothes. I only have a few outfits here. Plus, I'd like to get a replacement cane so I can return this one to the med lab."

"We can swing by our condo too. I think you still got some stuff there." Alex offered. The three of the maintained a condo in the city that they all shared for times they got together and didn't want to have to be at the mansion around everyone else. It was also for when Alex or Spencer would come to town and needed a place to stay and for Scott when he needed to just get the hell out for a night or so. It was in all three of their names and they all kept some personal things there.

Spencer soon found himself putting his plate in the sink and heading out of the kitchen with Alex, the both of them giving a brief goodbye, showing absolutely on signs that only moments before one had been threatening to punch the other in the head. No sooner had the door shut behind them then Scott dropped his head down to thunk against the table. "Those two are going to be the death of me one day." His voice was low and muffled against the tabletop.

Jean's bright laughter danced over him. She brushed a hand against his shoulder as she passed him on her way to the sink. "You love every minute of it."

"Yeah, well, we all have our faults, right?"


A trip to town proved to be just the thing. Though part of Spencer was afraid at being out in public again for the first time since this who incident had happened, he wasn't anywhere near as afraid as he had thought he'd be. When he stopped to think about it, he had to laugh at himself. How could anyone feel really afraid when they had a big, hulking bodyguard almost glued to their side? Alex barely went more than ten feet from him at any given time. Not that Spencer complained about it. He didn't even tease. He was too grateful to risk saying something that might cause him to back off.

As much as the two bickered with one another, they really did enjoy each other's company. The afternoon was spent full of insults and laughter, playful shoves and punches, and just that easy going feeling that Spencer always associated with his brother. Shopping was generally a tedious experience for Spencer anyways. Too many people, too much noise, and way too many emotions to try and filter out. Add in the fear that sat in him today and he had been sure it was going to be a hellish trip. But Alex not only made it bearable, he made it fun.

By the time the duo made their way back to the mansion, both were in good spirits, and they both had plenty of bags. Spencer had enough bags total that Alex actually had to help him carry them all upstairs from the car. He had basic things like shampoo and deodorant and such like that. Bathroom products. Plus, he had a few new pairs of slacks, more underclothes, a few new shirts, and even a new coat that Alex had insisted he buy. But he also had indulged and gotten himself a few items that weren't really necessary. The cane, now that was necessary. He wanted one that was his own and one that was more comfortable in his hand. The shop that he and Alex had found had been great. The man inside had helped Spencer check a few until he found one that was the right size and had just the right grip on it for him. The black cane looked simple and classic and it was comfortable in his hand, which was the important thing. He was quite content to walk out of the store with it, already feeling the difference in having a cane at just the right size.

Now he had to unload all of this stuff, though. He stood in his bedroom and looked around at the things sprawled on his bed. Alex had dropped the stuff off and then had bailed on him, saying that Charles had called him in to some meeting the guy was having. Spencer waved him off and put his attention to unloading his bags and putting things away.

The longer he was here, the more this room really did begin to feel like home to him. He knew he was lucky that he'd been given a suite instead of a basic room. It meant that he had his bathroom in room with him, a huge benefit. Most likely they'd done that so that he could have a place to privately soak and relax in the bath when his leg bothered him. A bath really was starting to sound good again, even though he'd only taken one a few hours ago. As Spencer stood over his bed, looking at the last of the clothes, he rubbed absently at his hip. It seemed like his hip ached just as badly when he walked too much as his knee did. I need to start to get this leg back into shape. Going to town today shouldn't have tired my muscles out this badly. I need to put them into shape.

It was something worth thinking about. For now, he pulled the last of the tags off his new clothes and tossed them into his laundry basket. The basket was just the right size that he could lift it and hold it with one hand against his hip. He set off from his room with it and made his way down to the laundry. A few minutes and the load was in the washer and happily running away. Spencer set his mental alarm for a half an hour and then he made his way out and started to head back towards the staircase so he could go back up to his room.

He'd just reached the bottom stair when someone knocked on the mansion's front door. Quirking an eyebrow at the perfect timing of it, he chuckled and made his way over to the door. Might as well answer it since he was right there.

With his free hand, he pulled the front door open. The smile died on his lips and his body went utterly still in shock. Swallowing down the lump in his throat, he gripped his cane tighter, staring at the man in front of him. He had to clear his throat before he could make himself say "Hello, Colonel."


Leaning back in his chair, Scott resisted the urge to rub at his forehead. His good mood from his earlier lunch was gone. The day was half done and he was ready to go climb in bed; preferably with Logan's arms wrapped around him. For just a little while he wanted to shut out the outside world and pretend there was no one but him and Logan. Nothing that had to be taken care of, or assessed, or handled in some way. He didn't want to be Cyclops. He wanted to just be Scott. Scott and Logan. But duty came first. There were strange happenings out in Colorado that bore a startling resemblance to what had happened to Spencer. That alone was enough to have Scott's full attention focused on this. There was nothing he wanted more than to catch the bastards responsible for doing this to his baby brother. Over and over he heard the utter exhaustion in the boy's voice when Spencer had broken down and told Scott that he was tired. He could still clearly see the exhaustion in Spencer when Remy had carried him up to the house last night, sound asleep in his arms. And hadn't that just been a surprise? Spencer, who no one had been able to find, showing up in Remy's arms, his face still wet with tears. Remy hadn't said a word about what had gone on between them except to say that Spencer had fallen asleep and he'd be fine come morning. He'd also warned Scott not to ask about it. Something about the way the Cajun had said that had told Scott to respect that request.

"Three reports have come in from Denver." Charles was saying, drawing Scott's attention once more. "Two of the mutants died en route to the hospital. The last one survived for two days before he passed away from his injuries."

"Jesus." Alex swore lightly. Beside him, Jean reached a hand out, putting it on his shoulder in a show of friendly support.

Hank leaned forward on the couch to look around Ororo, who was sitting beside him. "Were the injuries consistent between the three victims?"

"Yes." Charles folded his hands on his desk and sighed. "They're also consistent with Spencer's injuries. No weapons were used. All three were beaten severely and all three were drugged with the same drugs that were found in Spencer's system. In the statement from the last victim, he states that, as best as he could tell, there were three men that attacked him. He gave a general physical description of them." Gently, Charles looked over to Scott and Alex. "If there is a chance that Dr. Reid might be able to provide us with some kind of description, we might be able to tell if these are the same people."

He'd known that was coming. That was just another thing to make his headache grow. Scott tried to keep his tone neutral as he said "He's given me a general description, as well as a small bit of a profile to them."

"I know this is difficult for him, but if he can provide information for us to work with, or maybe sit down with a sketch artist, then we might be able to compare those to the sketch that the police have from this last man."

Scott nodded at him. He'd been expecting something like this. He felt Logan's leg brush against his, a silent sign of support, and he appreciated it immensely. He took a deep breath to draw his composure. Turning his head, he looked to where Remy sat by the window, silent as he'd been through this discussion. The Cajun caught his look and seemed to understand what Scott wanted without it having to be spoken. He gave a soft little nod. Not many at the mansion knew that Remy could draw—quite well, actually. Scott wanted him there to draw the image that Spencer drew out for them.

"I'll take care of it, Sir." Scott told the Professor smoothly.

"Good. If we come up with nothing in the next week, I'd like a team to go and investigate the area. I'll be keeping an eye out for any more stories like this to tell us if these men are moving along. For all we know, they already have. I'll monitor the situation closely. Until then, I believe that's everything." A sudden far-away look came over Charles's face. A second later, his expression became slightly shuttered. "With good timing, I believe. Scott, Alex, it would appear you have a guest downstairs."

Alex sat forward in his chair. "A guest?"

"Yes. Your father is downstairs. It looks like Dr. Reid is taking him to your office, Scott, for a drink."

If anything else was said, Scott didn't hear. He and Alex were already up and moving out of the room. Scott couldn't help his thoughts as he hurried down the hall. Dammit! What is he doing here? Why NOW? This was the last thing in the world any of them needed to deal with.


Okay, so except for the last little bit, this chapter is essentialy brand new, and also written while I wa sick. So if it sucks, I'm blaming it on my cold. LOL

I'm finally kicking that cold, thank GOODNESS! I swear, I was ready to cut my nose off. Blargh. But, thank you, all of you, for your well wishes. They were sweet!

Hisuiko: Thank you, sweetie, for the well wishes. And I'm glad you liked the waterside scene. To all of you, I actually based a bit of that off of a personal moment in my life. So maybe it seemed cheesy, but ah, it really happened to me once. Or, close to it. I kind of tweaked it a little so it wasn't 'exact'

Andromeda Hayes: Thanks! glad you loved it!

readaddict123: I know this wasn't a 'soon' update, but I am back now, so I hope the wait wasn't too bad!

4: It thrills me beyond anything to know that you think that chapter was well written. I was worried. Then again, I'm a worrywart and I worry about everything. Psh. Who cares, right? :D

DeputyDog: I remember how well that helped me long ago and I was glad to let it help Spencer. I do have to say I love a good comfort scene. Those two sure are getting close. A rather unique way of dating, I'd say, lol

IntoTheWilds: I can't believe I made you cry! Half of me feels so bad for that and the other half (the writer) wants to squee and maybe to a little jig or something-because there is no higher compliment on writing than in the ability to inspire such strong emotion in someone. So *hugs* for your tears, but at the same time, THANKS! :D

sashathetech: Ahh, a convert. Welcome, welcome, my child. Yes, come to the S/R side. It's sweet over here. We have feels and sillies and cake and coffee. No, seriously though, glad you like it and thanks for taking the time to review! I'm always happy to convert someone to Spencer and Remy loving.