Chapter 26: A Trip to Japan, Part III

Last Time: #My Ray looks at me, with relief! Relief? I CAN'T FEEL MY DAMNED LEGS, AND HE FEELS RELIEF?!#

And: Soon I was on my way to the Major Surgury Unit. Oddly, a one of the staff looked really young. Familiar too...

My last concious thought was #I HAVE to get better, for my Ray! I need to become healthy to be a good, healthy lover for him! I HAVE to!#

NOW: It's soft here. It's light and warm, too. #This seems familiar!# The light is steady and cool. There are the sounds of a quiet conversation. I missed it, though. The small waterfall sound is there, just off to my left.

I open my eyes. Looking around I see Ray, holding my left hand again. My Dad is standing beside my Mom, both on my right. Professor Xavier is at the foot of my bed, along with Doctor Fujiyama, and some teenage Japanese girl. #On yeah! Yumiko! The girl we were sent to protect. I remember her now.#

Professor Xavier *smiled* at me. Doctor Fujiyama *Grinned* at me. Yumiko shyly looked away. I looked at Mom and Dad, they looked happy, or at least hopeful. Looking at Ray, I saw only love. I could read his face like a book. He looked like he'd accept me if grew an invulnerable beard. Well…You get the idea. I croaked out "Water?" Ray was ready with it, and I sipped cool, clean water through the straw.

After a moment I asked "Well? Did it work?"

Doctor Fujiyama said "Actually, that is what we must ask YOU! Please try to wiggle your toes, here." He indicated my right foot, which he had uncovered for all to see.

I laughed! I cried! I shouted for sheer relieved joy!

"I can move them! I CAN MOVE MY TOES!"

My parents were just as emotional as I was! Even Professor X was looking misty-eyed. Ray still looked like my Ray. Loving. Supportive. Always there for me! I took the opportunity to give Ray our first *KISS* ! in a long time! My Mom let out a startled *Gasp*, while my Father actually cheered us on! #An I thought Daddy might kill Ray for all the kissing we've done! You'd think that he WANTS us to get married, or something…# Doctor Fujiyama and Professor Xavier both looked a bit embarassed. Yuriko was openly *Blushing*!

After the kiss ended and Ray and I sat back, as the Professor said "Well, I believe that we owe a debt of graditude to Miss Yumiko Nakamura. She had agreed to use her Power, with supervision from both Jean and myself. She used her Power to put you back together as well as she could."

My Mom went to her and offered a *hug*, which was shyly accepted. My Dad shook hands with the Doctor, and Ray never budged from my side.

I looked at the Doctor and asked, in a deliberately smart aleck way "So, Doc, when can I go chase down more robots?" The Doctor looked surprised, and, perhaps, a bit amused. "Well. We'll start off slow to start, with foot excersises. Then we'll try leg excercises. If all goes well, then we shall see how well you can stand up. You will still need physical therapy to get back on your feet, Miss O'Hare. This could be as soon as today, or you could be in therapy for a month. It is out of our hands now. Only you can shorten the time, by taking ruthless care of yourself in therapy. Do you understand?"

I was humbled and a little scared. "I understand, Doctor. Thank you for everything you've done! You too, Yumiko! Thank you all so much!" I struggled to hold back the tears of joy! Ray was already handing me a tissue, and gave my a sweet *kiss* on the cheek. Dad helped Mom the same as Ray. Professor Xavier said "If you wish, Megan, I could get the others. Or instead simply give them the news, and let you rest. Which do you wish?" I thought a moment, and said "Send them in, please!" The Professor smiled and rolled out to get the others. Doctor Fujiyama *Bowed* to everyone and announced "I must inform my staff, and get physical therapy informed as well." For a moment, it was just my Ray, Mom and Dad. Jake was probably bothering some poor girl with his lecherous ways.

I could hear Professor Xavier tell the others "Remember: Two at a time, and no more than three minutes per team. She still needs her rest." The Scott and Jean walked in and greeted me with warm smiles and "Congratulations!" I decided to have fun at everyone's expense, as I'd NEVER get away with it in any other condition. "Thank you, but Ray hasn't even asked me yet…" Jean *grinned* but poor Scooter! Scott looked confused, then embarassed. I laughed at the same time as Ray and my joined in after a second. Ray looked suspiciously nervous, but was otherwise, just my Ray. My parents didn't seem nervous, nor suspisious, so perhaps, it's just my imagination.

I had a parade of vistiors as Kurt and Kitty were next, followed by Rahne and Piotr. Ororo and Tabitha were next, followed by Sam and Roberto, then Amara and Jubilee. Remy and Rogue were after them, followed by Doctor McCoy and the Professor. Logan and Laura were next. I was touched as Laura gave me a *hug*! I was NOT expecting that at all! When Jamie and Jake came in, I was exhausted. I had magor surgury, woke up, found out I'd be able to walk again, with therapy, and had NINE sets of visitors. Even at just three minutes each, that was almost half an hour of visitors, right after major surgury. I don't recall slipping under. Honest.

The next day had me working hard with the therapist, who spoke some english, so Logan was kind enough to make himself handy as both translator and motivator. I wanted to both kiss and kill him, by the time I was done. Yikes. The good news. The feet are fine, and we can work on the legs tomorrow. The bad news, my brother has been pestering every female between the ages of twelve and twenty! All day. I found out at dinner, when my Ray joined me. Mom and Dad had to go back to work, so we said a tearful goodbye. Scott and Jean went back with the Professor, most New Mutants and Doctor McCoy. This left me with Logan and Ray. Remy and Rogue are around somewhere. I hope they have a nice time. Goodness knows she deserves it. Kurt and Kitty are also back with the rest of the X-Men. Kitty missed Lance, and Kurt needed to escape his 'fans' before they stripped him in public or something.

I rested, I ate and I watched the idiot box. That's what my Dad calls television. Given the dumb shows on it, I gotta agree. I was in the local, that is to say, Japanese news a lot. It was flattering at first. Then Logan began using the footage to point out flaws in my fighting technique. Important, especially as I have NO desire to shot ever again, but it tends to suck the joy out of being famous for the right reasons. Even after I mentioned this, he just said "Don't worry about fame, Jaws. You'll hate it as much as the Elf does, sooner or later." It still stank to have him kill what little joy I had been getting from it. He made up for it that night when he showed up with a plate of raw steaks! "Oh, my goodness, Mr. Logan! Thank you!" I ate well. Very well indeed.

It was another day and a half before we tried letting me walk. Oh boy!

I was fine. I made it across the room, and back without pain. No numbness. If I kept up this rate of recovery, I would be out of here be the end of the week! Ray has been my very loyal boyfriend. My cheerleader, when I needed encouragement. My aid in general, and a sweety who surprised me with a bouquet of red roses, and a small box of chocolates. Logan let me know that I had no restrictions in my diet, so I was free to enjoy. All told, I was getting sick of having Ray CONSTANTLY underfoot. I love him. I really do, it's just too much of a good thing. While Ray was out, I told Logan about it "You know that I'm in love with Ray, right?" Logan looked at me and just *nodded*. "Well...Um...See...It's just that he's begining to drive me nutty! I mean, I can hardly have a moment to myself! But at the same time, he is so sweet about all this. Ray is, by any measure, and AMAZING boyfriend! So what's wrong with me? Am I just a spoiled brat?" Logan, to his credit, just sat there, against the windowsill, and was obviously thinking before using his mouth. #I wish more people would remember to do that, starting with ME!# I thought to myself. Logan finally had an answer. "Megan. Ray loves you, but he's never been in a relationship before. Simply put, he is trying too hard." Logan carefully enunciated that last sentence. "If you want him to back off a little, either I can say something, which will spare his feelings. But! He'll not likely learn where the boundaries really are in yur part of the relationship, if it comes from anybody but you. Then you'll be back in the same position again later. He'll be trying too hard, and you'll be pulling away. He'll see ya pulling away, and try HARDER to keep you, driving ya away. Got it?" I thought about it for several minutes. "I'll talk to him, later. Please take him out tonight, somewhere fun? I just need tonight for myself. It will give me time to figure out what to say, and how to say it, so it won't hurt Ray. Please?" Logan *Grinned* and said "Sure. I got this idea for us to get to know one another better. I haven't taken anyone to Kabuki Theatre in ages!" I was relieved. "Thank you, Mr. Logan." I *kissed* him on one hairy cheek.

That evening, I had dinner alone, at LAST! The lack of privacy was driving me MENTAL! I even got a massage therapist from the Hospital. I poured my heart out to her. I told her what I was going through with Ray. That I loved him, but needed a bit of space. When I asked her for her opinion, she looked at me and said something in Japanese. *sigh* I gave in to the inevitable.

I awoke feeling MUCH better about a lot of things. I can walk. I can look forward to the day that I'll be able to run again. I can even take comfort in the fact that the massage lady didn't understand a word I said. At least I know my secrets are safe. I contemplated what I was going to say to Ray. I had a nice breakfast of raw octopus and rice. I can hear someone screaming in horror out there. Remember: I am a Predator! I eat raw deer, cow, and I have even snuck a bit of road-kill in She-Rex form, when I thought I could get away with it. I crave raw meat. Deal with it. The breakfast was great! I guzzled the orange juice and asked for seconds!

When Ray arrived, he looked a bit pale. I thought #Oh, no! My Ray is sick!# Then he sat down in the seat that he'd been using since I wound up in the Hospital. I have to admit that having his scent on it helped me sleep last night. I still need to draw some boundaries in this relationship before he smothers me, and the relationship, by accident. I was more concerned by how drawn and pale Ray looked! "Ray, sweety? What's wrong?" Ray sat heavily into his usual chair and looked at me saying "Mr. Logan taught me my limit. Two cups of Sake. After that, I get a hangover...Oh Gawd...My head...Please kill me, now." #I am tempted to kill BOTH of them! This was NOT how this was supposed to go! I was going to explain things to Ray. He'd understand and agree. Everything would have been fine. Now the hairy badger has gone and gotten my Ray drunk last night, leaving him with a debilitating hangover now!# Refocusing on Ray, I did feel some sympathy, for he really was suffering, yet he showed up to see me. Boys!

"Ray. Just relax, and have my water. It will help you." Ray looked dubious. "That is an order, politely phrased as an invitation, Ray. Drink it, then rest." Ray did as I had 'invited'.

I had physical therapy for half an hour. After that, we soon were both slumbering until about noon. The lunch had arrived, which woke us both up. Mine was de-boned tuna steak and rice, with a few greens. Ray had been sent a lobster in some sort of sauce, and noodles. Cool. We ate everything, then fell back to sleep. I woke up around two thirty in the afternoon, local time. Logan was there watching us. I waved with my good hand, and smiled at him. I don't remember drifting off again. But I must have, because I awoke later to find both Ray and Logan gone, as Dinner was served. I am not even sure what it was, except that it was something that once swam. Well, I also know that it did taste odd, but good. Afterwards, another physical therapy session, this one lasted forty five minutes. I was so tired afterwards, I just conked out into dreamland.

The next morning, I woke to find Ray gone, and breakfast ready. This time, it was an omelette, ham, cheese and a hint of honey! Cool. Right after I had my bodily needs taken care of, my physical therapist worked me over for another forty five minutes. It was easier this time! I mentioned this to her, and she grinned at me, and told me that it's a very good sign. Afterwards, Ray showed up, with flowers and candy. He also had a guilty look on his face. As well he should! Having gotten drunk with Logan, then wasting our talking time being hungover! I put away my anger, and concentrated on the nice flowers and the heart-shaped box of chocolates! Did I mention that I LOVE chocolates? I really should.

I took the flowers and smelled them, pretended that I was about to eat them, then thanked Ray for them. Joking aside, I was glad to return to one thing Ray does so Romantically for me! Feeding me the chocolates with his fingers, he sets me at ease. Afterwards, though, we fall into an akward silence. Soon, however, I needed to break it.

"Ray?" I asked. He looked at me, as he had been holding my hand and gently playing with my fingers. I do like this game, but I needed to talk to him. Here goes.

"Ray. We need to talk." He looked like a kid who got caught with his hand in the cookie jar, by Mom. *sigh* "We need to talk about our relationship. About boundaries, and how to have a better realationship. Got it?" He looked nervous, but *nodded*.

"Ray...How are you holding my hand? I mean, are you squeezing it with all your might?" Ray answered "Um, no. Of course not! that would hurt you!" I said "Right! Now on the other hand, you are holding on pretty well. The contact is firm enough that we can both feel, and enjoy it right?" He obediently nodded. "Now, Ray...In our relationship, you're holding on too tightly. Smothering me. I just need a little more space! I am NOT rejecting you! I am NOT. I just need you to loosen up the relationship grip a bit. Understood?" He nodded, but I could see that he still wasn't quite there yet. "Ray. I just need you too go and have fun on your own once in a while, and let me do the same. I haven't been clothes shopping with the girls in weeks! I do not want us to start resenting each other, for monopolizing ALL of the others time. A healthy relationship needs boundaries, as well as togetherness. Got it, now, sweety. " He seemed to very, very close to really getting it. "I am saying that I don't want you to resent me for keeping you away from the ballgames and other guy stuff, and I don't want to resent you for keeping me away from the shopping trips and other girl stuff! Now do you get it, Ray? I want you to have some fun, even without me, and let me do the same. I just feel a bit smothered, since I have no privacy in here. You know?" Ray's face lit up with understanding! #Hallelugyah! He CAN be taught!# I thought to myself. "Just remember not to get drunk, again, dear. OK?" He had the good grace to be embarresed about the Sake Incident, and said "I promise, Megan. No more drunkeness for me." We kissed, and had a much better time now that the air was cleared between us.

Twenty minures later, Logan arrived with company. Doctor Fujiyama *smiled* at me. Ray got up, *Bowed* to both Logan and the Doctor. Logan took Ray somehwere, as the good Doctor and I had a chat.

"Miss O'Hare. You are making remarkable progress. If you keep up this rate of recovery, you could be discharged by Monday." I was very happy, as it was Thursday, and Monday was only four days away! Doctor Fujiyama continued on "Also, I have had a look at the break in you arm, and it, too is healing rapidly. I believe that you will need the cast for only another ten or twelve days."

I was quite glad to hear the good news "Thank you, Doctor Fujiyama! You've been very kind! I am so glad that I had you for my doctor." He *Bowed* and said "I have one more thing to say, for now." I waited "The Physical Therapist has informed me, that you are on track for full recovery. On track, is not a gaurenty, however. It is up to you to stay with your excercises. Fail to be faithful, and you potential will be forever less than it should be. You have this one chance to truely make a full recovery. Your fate is now in your hands, Megan O'Hare." With this, he *Bowed* again and bid me a good day.

At lunch, I enjoyed a solitary meal, and some much needed privacy. #I am very grateful to Doctor Fujiyama, but I can't WAIT to get outta here!# I thought to myself, at least twice. After lunch, my physical therapist came in with some more equipment. Soon, I was walking up and down this set of folding stairs, four steps high. I was also made to walk around the room, without a cane, walker or other aides. By the time we were done for the day, I was exhausted, and hungry again.

I dozed until three thirty two, when Ray *knocked* on my door. "Megan? May I come in?" Sleepy as I had been, I was very happy to see that our relationship chat had taken hold! "Yes, Ray! Please do!" Ray came in and I noticed that he looked calm. More calm than he had been since the Magic Marker Incident. Curious, but willing to wait for Ray to tell me what was going on, I sat up, and watched him take his usual seat.

"So what did you do today?" I asked. Ray looked a bit guilty, and then noticed my stern look. He hastily answered 'N-nothing improper! No Sake! nothing bad! I just felt guilty having fun out there, while you're stuck in here. Y'know?" My expression softened.

I *sigh* and say "Ray, this is what we were talking about. I WANT you too have fun. I admit that most people in this situation are hardly ever visited. I, on the other hand, have had precious little privacy. You do realize that I am COMPLETELY NAKED under this darn Hospital Gown! Maybe as a guy, it would affect you less, but as a girl, I am having some 'issues'. Got it?" Ray had the decency to look away, and *blush* a bit. #He is so CUTE when he blushes# I admited to myself.

When he looked back at me, I cleared the air with "I am glad that you came, Ray. I was just needing some privacy, before. Y'know?" He *nodded* and smiled at me. We spent most of the rest of the week like this. I'd spend most of each morning alone, then in physical therapy, which was extended a bit each day. I ate, drank vitamin water, juices, and had all the raw seafood I wanted! My fame was still a going concern, locally. I could look at the local news and see mentions of 'She-Rex', and although I don't speak or read a word of it, I got the impression that these were updates about my recovery. I hugged Trouble Catcher, as I watched the idiot box. Ray would come over around just after lunch, and remembered to knock. After more physical therapy, Ray would tell me the new stuff he'd seen around Japan. I confess, I was getting a bit jealous. It seems that Logan was showing him around, and he'd been recognized as 'The Boyfriend Of She-Rex' on a few occasions. That put a small damper on my jealousy, imagining the unwanted attention from various media folks. Getting visits did improve my outlook, as did my private moments. The end of dinner was the signal for Ray to with Logan somewhere. After that I could relax however I wanted. I have gotten into the habit of low-grade stretching excersises, as shown but my physical therapist. I'd stretch as I watched the idiot box, until it was time for my massuse, and her magic hands. After that, I got ready for bed, and went to sleep.

MONDAY MORNING. Logan and Ray were waiting for me to finish getting dressed. I still have no idea where they got some of my clothes. Still, it's nice to get actually dressed after my morning shower. I chose to put on my Uniform. Both Logan and Ray were surprised. "I am going to have She-Rex make a grand exit! The people here, who have done so much, and worried so about me, desearve to know that She-Rex is just fine." I could have knocked both guys over by waving a feather!

So it was, I has in my X-Men uniform (cleaned, of course), and was wheeled out of the Hospital's Main Entrance, to much media attention. Looks like I called it rightly. After standing up, I *Bowed*, as Logan taught me. First to Doctor Fujiyama, and his staff. Then to the Media. Finally, I *Bowed* to both Ray and Logan. Logan and Ray retuned the bows. Ray's wasn't worse than mine, but not better, either. At least that was Logan's assessment after we left. Now, however, I said to to Doctor Fujiyama "I cannot thank you enough, Doctor Fujiyama! You and your staff have been a group of miricle workers!" The doctor and his staff *Bowed* to me, in response to my praise. I next turned to Logan "Mr. Logan. You have been an excellent teacher, and I thank you for the right combination of strength and flexability in how you teach. Thank you." I *Bowed* as I had been taught. I think that I did that quite well. Finally I turned to Ray and *smiled*. "Take this, loverboy!" Instead of bowing, I stepped up to him, and *KISSED* him as I hadn't in days! The crowd went a bit nutty, but was still much better behaved than most.

Afterwards, I stepped aside from the others and faced the sea of media people. Addressing them I stated "I have a messege for those that sent the Sentinels. If I find you. Ever. I will not be nice. Instead of the girl, you will be faced with THIS…" I *CHANGED* into She-Rex and it felt so good! It had been a week since I had let my inner tyrranosaur out! I looked out across the assembled media and *ROARED* ! Just once, but it felt right. Then I *changed* back and held Ray's hand as we were directed to the area where the Blackbird was waiting for us, along with Remy, Rogue, Ororo and Doctor McCoy. Hours later, I was home. At the Institute, where I belong.