Peace of Mind
Nos beatam vitam in animi securitate ponimus.
In my opinion, happiness lies in peace of mind.
Hank stuck his large blue arm out the window of the truck and waved once to the 'cavalry' as the two Humvees turned off towards the motor pool. He had been very thankful for their assistance. They had not only helped him clear the wreckage of the trucks from the logging road and helped him repair his vehicle, but they had also watched the girls for him while he found a river to wash away the remnants of the fight from his massive body and then helped him attend to all their wounds. It was late autumn and the rushing water was so icy it stole his very breath, but anything was preferable to having his fur matted with blood and gore. Hank smiled inwardly, aware that the presence of the escort had eased the girls' fear considerably on the ride back to the base.
Hank slowed the vehicle as they approached the main gate. Scott's base would be a wonderful home for his two precious charges. Before the war, this place had been one of the military's secret strategic air command bases. After Legacy had decimated the world's population, there weren't enough men left to defend this place, let alone keep it running.
It fit Scott to a tee. It was remote. The general population - or what was left of it, anyway - wasn't even aware it existed, and it was fairly easy to defend. Alone, he could take out incoming aircraft or heavy ground units at well over a mile with his optic blasts. It was well planned out, organized, and it had subterranean facilities for nearly three thousand people - although, at last count, only four hundred and thirty-six lived there. It was as well-organized below ground as it was above. The base had several massive underground storerooms, stocked full. Military rations might not always be palatable, but at least nobody went hungry when the regular supply lines were cut off during the harsh winter months. In addition, the base also had its own self-sufficient generators, water purification and waste disposal systems.
It also happened to have several subterranean hangars, complete with all the tools and fuel Scott could possibly need to keep the Blackbird flight-ready. That in itself was a monumental undertaking and that was one of the reasons he'd chosen this place. It didn't happen right away. The Blackbird sat in the hidden hangar under 'Xavier's School for the Gifted' for more than a year before Scott was ready to bring her to the base. He rarely did anything without meticulous planning. It was simply a part of his nature. His 'gift' was spacial and visual. It was more than simply a unique view of the world. It affected his mind. He saw differently and therefore he thought and processed differently. He could do things with numbers that awed even Hank, but it was what he could do with trajectories and probables that was truly amazing.
In a nutshell, he had tactical genius even Alexander the Great would envy and biting sarcasm to match; however, like most highly intelligent people, he had a hard time being comfortable around others. He was a difficult man to get to know. He rarely let anyone close to him, and even the few people he did allow close didn't really understand him. He was an enigma, even to them. A sharp mind trapped in an imperfect body. It wasn't that he was clumsy or unattractive; he just seemed at times to be uncomfortable in his own skin. Not self-conscious exactly, he was far too confident and aware of his abilities for that to be the case. It was more like he was always on edge, hyperaware of the position of his body in a given space and of everyone else's in relation to it. It made sense, considering the severity of his mutation and what would happen if his glasses were ever knocked askew.
It wasn't that he expected it to happen, but it was clear that he was always ready to check an unexpected motion if he needed to. It didn't stop him from playing basketball with his men or make him waver in a crowd or in a combat situation, but that awareness was always there and at some subconscious level, he'd set himself apart from everyone for their protection - and his. There was a huge difference between projecting the image that he felt nothing and actually feeling nothing. He did the former because he was the leader and he had no choice... and as for the latter... well, underneath it all, he was simply a man. He felt pain and hurt and guilt just as deeply as any other man, and it would devastate him if his gift ever injured someone by accident.
Despite his more somber musings on the nature of their leader's inner thoughts, Hank grinned widely when he saw who was waiting with the guard at the barricade as he brought the truck to a stop. "Hello to the gate!"
Bobby grinned back. "Helloooo to the truck!" He jumped the barricade excitedly and hurried to the vehicle with a gait that was half exuberance and half something that was uniquely Bobby. "Oh, man, am I glad to see you!" His smile was infectious.
"A sentiment I share wholeheartedly." Hank heaved a great sigh of relief. "And I am most thankful for your timely assistance earlier today."
Bobby smiled a little tiredly. "No problem." It wasn't quite the truth, and they both knew it, but each of them let it slide. They were both exhausted, but they were alive and that was what mattered. Bobby jerked his head toward the back of the truck. "Please tell me you have good news for us, Hank. Fearless has been riding us all pretty hard since you left." That comment in itself was telling.
Hank was taken aback for a moment. Surely Scott had asked about... No, no of course he wouldn't ask. He would never put his personal worries above his duties as the leader of this base. Hank's heart went out to him. Scott always gave the outward appearance that he was patient, but in all truth, he hated to wait and Hank knew he had to be on pins and needles awaiting his news of Kitty. He berated himself sharply for not sending the news via email, regardless of Scott's express order to use it only for dire emergencies.
"I do, indeed, bear wonderful news." He smiled widely. "Katherine has found a home, and Logan a daughter."
Bobby let out a short whoop and smacked the cab of the truck with the flat of his hand. His blue eyes twinkled in his youthful face. "And the bribe?"
Now it was Hank's turn to smile. "Ah, yes... With all the excitement, I had forgotten about our little wager." He rubbed his hands together in delight. "The bribe was not necessary-"
"Awww, crap!"
He continued on, smiling wider at Bobby's outburst. "Indeed. You may deliver your next month's ration of Twinkies to my residence at your leisure." He licked his lips in anticipation of the sugary treats. "Have no fear. I shall enjoy each and every bite, Robert." He chuckled. "And I will endeavor to think of you as I indulge in our favorite snack."
"Damn, Hank. Did anyone ever tell you you're a sore winner?"
Hank took that bit of teasing in stride and blinked with mock innocence. "Why, yes. As a matter of fact, I believe it was you the last time we-"
"Alright, alright already." He held his hands up in defeat. "Cut a guy some slack!" Bobby's grin faded as he looked up towards the Command Center and saw an imposing figure in black, standing on the porch with his arms crossed over his chest. Scott wouldn't deny them this - it really wasn't about bribes or Twinkies. It was about two good friends taking a moment to reassure themselves, and each other, that they were both okay after today's close call. He'd give them their time... but he wasn't above reminding them he, too, was waiting for the news that the people he cared about were safe.
Bobby swiftly came around to the passenger side and climbed in. "C'mon, Hankster, let's get going. Fearless is waiting."
Hank rolled his eyes, even as he started the truck and proceeded through the gates. "Robert, I do not suppose it has ever crossed your mind that 'Fearless' does not care for that nickname any more than I care for mine?"
It was an old joke and Bobby gave the required response. "Of course I know that. That's why I do it-" He flashed him the trademark Bobby smile. "-Hankster."
Both of them were still chuckling good-naturedly as Hank parked the vehicle in front of the Command Center and they climbed out. Hank winced as he put his full weight on his injured leg and his stiff, battle-sore body protested unhappily as he gingerly stretched it after the long drive. He waved to Scott and called to the girls. "We have finally arrived, little ones. You may come out now. I am certain you are curious about your new home."
Scott watched from the porch as Bobby helped the two girls from the back of the truck. He swallowed a smile. Even now, they watched out for each other. Both he and Bobby were aware Hank's body, though massive, had to be in an incredible amount of pain from the beating he'd taken this afternoon. Bobby didn't ask. He simply stepped in to help the girls down to save Hank the pain of doing it himself. They were an odd pair, a great beast of a man and a gangly young man, not yet eighteen. They were as different as night and day, yet they were as close as brothers. As a leader, he took pride in them. Paired together, they were his most efficient fighters. As a man, Scott envied them their deep friendship.
Although outwardly calm, Scott waited impatiently while everyone got situated and climbed the steps. "Beast." The warm handshake and the hand gripping Hank's shoulder firmly belied the stern greeting.
"Cyclops." Hank greeted, smiling at him tiredly. He had completed his mission. He'd delivered the girls safely. The responsibility of being in charge of Scott's mate - and then Logan's - had weighed heavily upon him and now that it was gone, exhaustion swamped him. His eyes darted to the small, dark-haired woman who'd stepped silently through the door.
Scott stepped aside to let Hank pass. "That was some show you put on this afternoon. You'd think we had nothing better to do around here on a Saturday afternoon than to scramble the emergency aircraft for a mercy mission." His perfectly deadpanned delivery was spoiled by a small smirk of amusement.
"Ah, yes. Well, I would not wish things to become dull in my absence." Hank's words were directed at Scott, but his golden eyes had never left the petite woman standing by the door. He closed the distance between them in two large strides.
"Henry," her soft voice.
"Noriko," his voice was equally soft as he pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately without a shred embarrassment or reservation, despite the number of eyes on them. The feel of her in his arms, the taste of her in his mouth, her very presence did more to ease his tired, aching body than anything else. Stars, how he loved this woman.
She broke the kiss first and whispered against his mouth. "Are you okay?"
"I am well. A little worse for the wear, but nothing I cannot see to myself."
Her smile was soft. "Welcome home, husband. I missed you."
"And I you, my beautiful wife." He nuzzled her cheek. "The children?" He whispered into her dark hair.
"Your son is fine. I just put him down." She nipped the lobe of his pointed ear gently and put his large palm on her barely rounded stomach as she whispered into his ear. "And your daughter missed being in your arms as much as I did."
He kissed her again, reining in his fierce passion this time, fearing if he started, he might not be able to stop and there were still the girls to consider. He knew it would be strange for them to see their caretaker, a person they associated with safety and security, suddenly acting like a man with desires and needs of his own. Still, he hadn't been able to keep from pressing his mouth to hers just once more before embracing her in a fierce hug. After a long moment, he stepped away, but he never took his hand from the small of her back.
Though gentle in nature, the possessive gesture wasn't lost on either Scott or Bobby. Even Hank, cultured though he was, felt the primitive need to physically demonstrate to the other males in his group that this female was his. She instinctively leaned into his touch, unconsciously reinforcing his claim - and hers upon him. On some level, Hank was aware of the more base meaning of the possessive gesture, but he was also aware he simply couldn't keep from touching her. She was his wife and he loved her deeply. Smiling widely at the expectant faces watching them; Hank stroked the small of her back gently with one hand and motioned for the girls to come closer with the other.
"Jubilee, Rogue," he looked at his wife and waited for the small nod that assured him it was permissible to reveal to them her true name. "This is Noriko, my wife."
"Thank you both for taking such good care of my husband this afternoon, ladies." She gave him a squeeze and the girls smiled at her.
Hank turned to look at his wife. "And thank you, wife... Or did you think I would not recognize the co-pilot in the helicopter that came to our rescue this afternoon?"
"Hmm..." Noriko smiled at Jubilee and Rogue. "It seems we women need to stick together to keep our men safe, doesn't it, girls?" Jubilee giggled and Rogue smiled shyly.
Hank stroked his wife's cheek with one finger. "If you will excuse me, my love, there is something I need to discuss with Cyclops." She nodded and he pulled away, following Scott inside, his eyes widening when he saw the usually busy office was deserted.
Scott saw the small gesture of surprise and his lips thinned. "I told them to leave when I saw you at the gate," was all he offered. He didn't have to say more. Hank understood. He'd cleared the room, afraid of what he might do if the news was bad. Hank was incredibly thankful he would not have to tell Scott that Logan had refused to take Kitty or worse - that she'd been hurt or killed along the way. They both knew the risks and the dangers the trip had involved. Even with what had happened this afternoon, he knew he'd been lucky.
Fully aware of Scott's concerns, Hank wasted no time in getting right to the heart of the matter. "I take the utmost pleasure in reporting that Katherine has been safely delivered as per your instructions. She is under Logan's protection and he has assured me he will protect her with his life until such time that she is returned to you."
The tight set of Scott's mouth eased and his rigid shoulders slumped briefly as intense relief flooded him. In a rare moment of weakness, Scott let the wall support him as he sucked in a ragged breath. He hadn't allowed himself the luxury of imagining Kitty safely under Logan's care until this moment. Intellectually, he knew better than to hang all his hopes for the future on one young girl, but that hadn't stopped the man in him from doing so. The enormity of the relief he felt was staggering. He might appear to be the emotionless automaton to some, but underneath his stoic mask of leadership beat a very real heart. And for a few precious seconds, he allowed he let the mask slip and let the man rejoice that his future mate was safe.
Out of respect, Hank lowered his eyes to the floor to give Scott a moment of privacy to compose himself. Neither of the men noticed the eyes of one small girl watching their reflection in the glass of the door. Marie couldn't hear their words, but she knew that look. She'd seen her mother wearing it often enough, overwhelming emotion, barely contained. Her mother had looked that way every time she'd managed to talk her father down from one of his wild rampages. Relief so intense it left the body boneless and shaky in its wake. Marie wondered what could make a man as strong as Cyclops need a wall to hold him up.
Scott drew in one last shaky breath and squared his shoulders as he stepped away from the wall. "Thank you, Hank."
Hank heard the wealth of emotion in those three small words and nodded. "It was my pleasure. She is a delightful child and quite resourceful, I might add." He could see Scott's eyebrows rise above his crimson glasses in question. "Ah, yes. It was she who cracked the encryption, enabling Jubilee to contact the base for reinforcements."
Scott's brows rose higher. "You didn't give Jubilee the codes?"
Hank shook his head. "I did not. In all honesty, I was quite preoccupied evading capture. Between the excessive speed and the grenades, I regret there was not much time for finesse." He watched Scott's lips twitch as a small smirk formed. "When the dust had settled, so to speak, Jubilation informed us that Katherine had supplied her with the codes and urged her to take matters into her own hands in the event I was otherwise occupied."
"You're shitting me."
Hank chuckled. Sometimes he forgot that Scott wasn't just a war-hardened leader. He was also a young man, barely twenty-six. It never failed to surprise him when 'Cyclops' stepped aside long enough for the 'Scott' he knew back at the mansion to make an appearance. And it pleased him because he was reminded that the war had not stolen all of Scott's youth.
"Indeed I am not." His amber eyes glittered. "I recall leaving her alone with my laptop briefly." His face grew thoughtful. "Yes, I am quite certain. No more than ten minutes, perhaps less."
A low whistle escaped Scott's lips. "Damn." However ineloquent his reply, Hank could almost hear the wheels turning in Scott's mind.
"I concur." An amused grin transformed his face. "The two of you together will be a force to be reckoned with."
A distinctly masculine smile touched Scott's features, but he said nothing. He knew he didn't need to. He'd seen the way Hank had kissed his wife. He understood all too well.
This time it was Hank's eyebrow that rose. "I do not envy you the long road you must walk, my friend." He grinned as he thought of the beautiful, intelligent woman waiting for him on the porch. "But I can tell you the destination is well worth whatever hardships you must endure."
Scott nodded seriously before he gave his battle-weary blue friend the once over and grinned. He'd taken enough time for himself. He knew Hank was anxious to get back to his wife and he needed to get the girls settled, however, he couldn't resist slipping one more in before the heavy mantle of leadership settled back over his shoulders. "Just be sure when Noriko's done taking care of you-" he smirked, "that she gets around to those injuries of yours as well."
Hank's eyes widened at the unexpected innuendo. "I will indeed." He grinned for a moment and then his expression became serious. "About Rogue-"
Scott hadn't even bothered asking Hank about Rogue. His acute vision missed nothing. The presence of Logan's tag around her neck told him everything he needed to know. "I saw them." He took a deep breath and let it out slowly as a smile formed on his lips. "It looks as if Logan isn't the only one who gained a family member."
Hank smiled and clapped Scott on the shoulder with a large hand. He was immensely thankful that Logan and Scott would have the girls in their lives. Both of them were far too close to the darkness for comfort and he knew they would benefit from the distraction raising the girls would bring them. Just as he knew the next few years would prove interesting, indeed.
While Hank and Scott were inside talking, back outside on the porch, Bobby smiled at Noriko as he knelt by the girls. They were both a little banged up, but there was something about Rogue he found compelling. Even with her dirt-streaked face and leaves tangled in her long hair, she tugged at his heartstrings. She had a nasty scratch on her cheekbone and her eye was beginning to blacken above it. She needed to put some ice on that. An idea formed in his mind even as he turned to Jubilee. She had faired a little better, but she too had her share of cuts and bruises and he didn't want her to feel left out of what he was planning.
He smiled gently at them both, but it was Rogue's eyes that he met. "I'm Bobby."
"Rogue," her voice was quiet.
"I'm, uh, Jubilation," she smiled an embarrassed smile at Rogue. Cute boys always made her nervous. "But everyone calls me Jubilee or Jubes."
"Nice to meet you both." Bobby stroked his chin as he looked at Jubilee. He stretched his hands out and cupped them palm to palm like he was hiding a ball. At first nothing happened, and then slowly, light appeared and glittered softly from between his fingers as he released the energy stored in molecules and formed vapor into ice. The girls watched with curious eyes as he opened his hands to reveal a tiny replica of the Black Hawk. He held it out to Jubilee with a grin. "For the girl who emailed the 'Fearless Leader' with 'Dude, do whatever it is you do when Big Blue is under attack'." Everyone in the communications center was dying to meet the girl who'd dared to call Scott 'dude.'
Jubilee flushed, but took the small ice helicopter from Bobby and touched it delicately with one careful finger. "Wow! Thanks, Bobby. That's so cool!"
He nodded and turned to Rogue as he cupped his palms together once more. He didn't need any time to decide what he wanted to give to her. Not any time at all. Again, gentle light streamed from between his fingers and he opened his hands to reveal a delicate rose of ice. The late afternoon sun caught it and it glittered in his palm as he handed it to Rogue with a soft smile.
A throat cleared behind him and he stood up abruptly. He felt Scott's hand on his shoulder and heard the low firm words meant for his ears alone. "Look again, Bobby. She isn't for you."
Under his palm, Scott could feel him tense at the quiet reprimand. Bobby's eyes returned to Rogue and when Scott felt the sharp intake of air he let him go.
Bobby's eyes were glued to the tag hanging around Rogue's neck. "Oh, God. That's-"
"Yes, it is," Scott interrupted, aware that Rogue was watching the exchange intently.
She saw where they were looking and her small hand wrapped tightly around the tag. Rogue only shrugged and her soft drawl broke the silence. Her voice held the unwavering certainty of childhood as she simply spoke two words.
"He's mine."