Scott kissed Jean on the forehead softly. "Well baby, are you ready to speak to the Professor about moving me into here?" he spoke sweetly.
Jean looked up at him and smiled. "Yes. And I know I'll be more at ease with you sharing a room with me. At least I'd always have you by me."
"Yeah, but you have that now." he said looking into her beautiful eyes.
"True. Okay then, let's go see the Professor." she agreed and she went to stand up but he gently grabbed her hand and pulled her down and close to him.
Jean looked at him with a funny expression but when his lips met hers she realized why he had done what he did. He wanted to kiss her. And once again she felt herself melt into him.
They kissed passionately for a few minutes before getting up to see Xavier. They exited the room holding hands with their fingers locked tightly together. The couple made their way downstairs to Professor X's study. The door was shut so Scott knocked.
"Come in Jean and Scott." the Professor said, he knew who it was.
Jean and Scott entered the room and walked over to Xavier's desk. He sat in his normal fashion and motioned for the two to take a seat. Scott grabbed a chair and pulled it directly beside the one Jean sat in. He placed his hand on her knee and she laid her hand on top of his.
"We'd like to talk to you about sharing a room." Scott said.
"I was wondering when you'd mention it. It's not a terrible idea but it's definitely something that should be discussed thoroughly." Xavier said with a slight smile.
"Well, yeah, that is true. We think we're ready though." Jean stated.
"Maybe you are but we have to take it slow. There's no need to rush into things." the Professor explained.
"Is it going to be a problem?" Scott asked.
"Not really a problem, Scott. I just feel we should talk it over with Jean's parents. And then perhaps the others who live here. We can't leave anyone out of the picture." Professor X explained more hoping they'd understand his dicision.
"Yeah. I guess you're right." Jean said feeling slightly disappointed but she knew it was only for the best.
The Professor decided that he'd call Jean's parents the next day and arrange a meeting. Hopefully they could make it because it would go more smoothly if they were actually there. And he knew the others should get to have the chance to say how they feel about the subject. Xavier explained to Jean and Scott that sharing a room was a big step and, that by all means, it should be taken slowly. Especially considering what Jean had endured and how hard it is going to be for her to recover. Something like that may be way too soon.
"Jean, after you get home from school tomorrow I'll tell you if your parents can make it. I'm sure they'll be able to because I'll try to set the meeting for this weekend, unless they can come sooner. And I have another matter to speak to you about. I believe that medicine alone is not going to completely help you. It's only going to help you relax but not get to the source of the problem. So I've decided to put you through theorapy sessions with me a few days or so a week to help you recover more." Xavier stated.
"Okay. I guess this is a good idea to fill my parents in , after all they are my parents. And yeah, the others should know. " Jean said and then paused for a moment. "I also think therapy would be helpful. When do I start?" she added appearing a bit afraid of having to talk about everything that had happened to her all over again.
"That's my exact opinion on you and Scott sharing a room. And yes therapy will be very helpful and it is quite necessary. Oh and there is no need to feel scared about it, no one will let anything happen to you. And Scott can be in the room with us, only to make you feel more at ease. But to answer your question, I think the sooner the better. So what do you think about tomorrow after school? Since you'll be able to attend tomorrow." he explained.
"I know, of course. I agree, the sooner the better...um...yeah, tomorrow after school will be fine." she said with a little smile. "A lot is going on tomorrow." she added with a bit of a laugh.
"Yes, that's true. Very well then, we will discuss all of these issues tomorrow afternoon." the Professor said.
"Alright. See you later." Scott said.
"Yes and goodnight." Xavier said.
Jean walked over to Xavier's chair and hugged him like a daughter would hug her father. He returned the embrace in the same manner. She said goodnight and Scott did, too. It was now around 10pm and they needed to head off to bed. It was going to be a long, busy day.
X
It was now Monday morning and the mansion was in complete disorder, as it normally is on school days. Everyone, aside from the Professor, Jean and Scott, were in the kitchen waiting for breakfast to be ready. Jean and Scott were summoned by Professor Xavier for a brief moment. He just wanted to make sure Jean was doing well.
The young couple stood in front of Xavier's desk with their arms around one another.
"So what did you want to talk to us about?" Scott asked.
The Professor glanced at Scott then over to Jean. "Well, I just want to make sure Jean's okay and to see if the medicine helped. I suppose it did because I didn't sense anything bad last night. And I don't yet today."
Jean spoke. "I feel fine. Yeah, the medicine worked...so far so good. I slept extremely well."
"Did you remember to take it this morning?" the Professor wanted to be certain.
"Yes, I took it right after my shower." she answered.
"Great. Please be carefull at school today. Any slight bit of pressure from the other students could trigger some kind of reaction, considering the amounts of stress you've been bearing. I mean, even with the medication anything is possible when you become vulnerable. And at this point you could very well be." Xavier explained, hoping he didn't freighten Jean...or Scott.
Jean looked a bit nervous. "Yes. I'll try my hardest to stay cautious."
"Yeah, and I'll keep an eye out on her as much as possible." Scott said and he tightned his arm around her waist.
"Alright then, I suppose that will be all. You may go have breakfast. I'll see you both after school." Professor X said.
Jean and Scott nodded 'yes' and left Xavier's study to get something to eat. They were hungry and smelling the food didn't help too much. When they entered the kitchen everyone was happy to see that Jean looked a lot better, compared to how she did the day before.
The younger students were almost done eating already. Kitty and Rogue were half done. And, of course, Kurt was already finished with his breakfast. No big surprise there.
Jean just got some toast and a glass of orange juice and Scott got a bit of everything. After they got what they wanted they walked to the table and sat down. Scott went right into eating and Jean slowly ate her food.
Rogue looked at Jean. "So...ya look much better today."
"Yeah, I feel much better. The medicine the Professor gave me really helps. And I'll be taking therapy sessions with him starting after school today. I just hope I can eventually be able to move on with my life and not have to think about the past." Jean said.
"I hope the therapy helps as well." Rogue agreed.
Kitty finished her breakfast and she looked over at Jean. "Yeah, I hope it does, too. You totally have my prayers."
Rogue and Jean stared at Kitty with a strange look and laughed.
"What? Did I, like, say something funny?" Kitty asked feeling very confused.
"Like, not really. You just talk funny." Rogue mocked.
"She's so right." Jean said in agreement.
Kitty smacked Rogue on the arm and grinned. "You are mean."
"Like, no we're not." Rogue said.
Kitty hit her again but a bit harder. "Ouch...man ya sure can get wicked." Rogue said rubbing her arm.
Jean just looked at her two friends and shook her head in amusement. The other students had already left the kitchen. Besides Scott and the three girls, Kurt was the only one remaining. He finally decided to say something.
He looked at Scott who was finishing his breakfast. "These girls are crazy. Don't you agree?"
Scott grinned and nodded 'yes'. Jean playfully smacked him on the arm. Kitty hit Kurt in the same manner as Rogue got out of her seat and walked by. When Rogue passed Kurt she ruffled his hair.
"Hey." he whined.
Now they were all finished eating and ready to go to school. Jean decided she'd ride in Scott's car so everyone that wasn't walking rode with him, too. That included Kurt, Kitty and Rogue. The other younger students that didn't attend school at the institute had already started on their way. The ones with Scott were all seated and situated. Scott and Jean looked at each other for a moment then he started up his car and began to drive off.
Jean and Scott talked among themselves as the other three did the same among one another.
"I am not ready to sit through this damn in-school. It's gonna be such a bore." Rogue groaned.
"Good luck. I've never had it so I wouldn't really know. But if it's anything like detention...I will start praying for you now." Kurt said.
"Thanks." Rogue said sarcastically.
"Yeah I wanna wish you luck, too. I've never had in-school either. But I've never had detention untill this year. And that, like, totally sucked. So this'll probably bite." Kitty said realizing that her words didn't really help the matter much.
"Oh, thanks for the words of wisdom." Rogue said with more sarcasm.
"Sorry." Kitty said with a pleading look of forgiveness in her eyes.
"It's okay sugar. Don't break down and cry already." Rogue said and she slightly grinned.
Kurt wasn't speaking at this point. He just kept staring a Kitty. His eyes didn't leave from her untill he noticed her eyes turn towards his. Rogue looked at him and thought 'Kurt's gotta big crush'.
"What? What, is my hair messed up or something?" Kitty said trying to peak into the rear view mirror. Kurt said it wasn't messed up. Kitty looked back at him feeling confused to why he was staring at her.
"It's nothing Kitty. I was just zoning out. I have a lot on my mind." Kurt said.
Finally they were at the school. They all exited the car and walked towards the building they'd prefer to not enter. Jean and Scott walked hand in hand. And the other three walked beside each other right behind.
"I'm really not ready for this." Rogue said. She's use to getting into trouble and getting detention but never in her life has she gotten into this much trouble. But if the principal wasn't such a prejudice, mutant-hating jerk she wouldn't have had inschool.
Jean and Scott heard Rogue and Scott glanced back. "At least you got it for a good reason. You stood up for a friend. Just think about that the whole time. And the same for the following days you'll spend there."
Rogue smiled softly. "Yeah, ya are right. I should think of it that way. I did the right thing."
With those last words they all entered the school. Scott stayed at Jean's side for as long as he was possibly able to. Rogue went to her locker to get some things to do during her day of in-school. Kurt and Kitty walked together and off to their own destinations.
X
Half of the school day had already passed by, amazingly quick. It was time for lunch so the hallways were filled with students and teachers. Rogue was obviously unable to join the rest of her friends due to her inschool that she was hating every moment of. The only ones who joined for lunch were Scott, Jean, Kurt and Kitty. Apparently the younger X-Men students sat somewhere else. By now they were all through the line and to their seats.
"So how has your day been?" Kitty asked Jean and Scott.
The couple looked at each other for a brief moment and then Jean spoke. "It's been okay. I haven't had many problems yet. Just the usual stares and whispers. Nothing new." she said.
"Yeah, we all get that anymore." Kurt said with a frown.
"Awww, cheer up. I know it's no fun but you gotta try to have a positive outlook." Jean said and Kurt shook his head in agreement.
"She's right fuzzy." Kitty said quietly.
Scott pretty much just sat there silently staring at his food tray. It appeared as though he were in a daze. The other three gazed at him for a second or so before Jean finally spoke up.
"What's wrong Scott? Are you feeling okay?" she asked.
"I'm fine, just thinking that I can't wait to graduate and never have to look at this stupid hell-hole of a school again." he said not looking up.
"Scott, it isn't that bad." Jean said hoping he'd smile.
"Yes it is. I hate this school." he said and he looked up at her.
"We don't have too much longer so you'll cope just fine. We have each other, and not too mention our other friends." she stated.
A slight smile finally spread across his face when he realized that she was completely right. 'How can she always stay so possitive, even in the worst of times'? he thought.
Jean looked at him for a moment and then said, "Because it's the only way to overcome most things. You can't just be all down all the time. It only makes you feel worse."
"Jean, you just had to read my mind." he joked.
"Yep." she joked back and they gazed lovingly at one another.
Kitty and Kurt looked at each other and then back to their friends who were still in the same staring mode.
"Oh my goodness, they're gonna smooch." Kitty said and then she giggled and soon Kurt was laughing, too.
"Shut up." Scott said.
After that they all began to eat their lunch. In no time lunch was over and it was time for their next class. The four friends walked together for a short while untill they had to go off. While Jean and Scott kept walking together hand in hand they saw one of Duncan's friends harrassing Taryn in the hall. There was only a few other students standing around the area but they weren't doing a damn thing to help. Scott looked at Jean and began to walk ahead of her slightly over to the location.
The boy had Taryn pinned up against the wall and it seemed he was threatening her because she was horrified. She noticed that Jean and Scott were making their way over and she was going to yell to them but the boy slapped her hard across the face.
"That's why you're in this situation . You just can't stay away from them freaks. I thought you hated Jean and all now." he said.
"Step away from her...NOW!" Scott yelled, he was standing right by them at this point.
"Are you gonna make me...freak?" Duncan's friend said mockingly.
"You bet." Scott said and he grabbed him by the arm harshly and managed to pull him away from Taryn. "Take her to the girl's room untill I'm finished with this garbage."
"Scott, don't do anything too bad. You can't afford to get into trouble now. Principal Kelly just might cost your graduation because you never know about him." Jean said hoping Scott wouldn't beat the complete crap out of that guy, although he definitely deserves it.
"Don't worry, I'm going to try to be easy." he said.
With that Jean and Taryn took off to the girl's bathroom like Scott had requested. In a couple seconds they were there and inside. Taryn was shaking and crying.
Jean put her arms around her friend and pulled her into a strong embrace. "It's okay now. Maybe you should go to the principal's office about this. You're not a mutant so he should be fair with you." Jean tried to soothe her.
"I don't know, I don't think he'll do anything but talk and then send that jerk back on his way so he can keep teasing people." Taryn cried.
Jean held her tighter and they remained silent. She didn't know what to say to that. She likes to be positive but she knew that Taryn was right. So all Jean could do was comfort her friend as good as she could and hope that Scott wasn't going to get hurt or get into trouble.
Meanwhile, Scott was hoping that he'd only have to talk to this punk but he had a feeling that it wouldn't go well that way. Duncan's friend was about as stubborn and just as much of a bully. Scott had a good idea that there was no way to get through to this creep, other than beating the crap out of him. But he didn't really want to do that, especially not in the school or anywhere near school property.
"Look freak. Why don't ya just mind your own business?" the boy said.
"Because it becomes my business when I see someone like you harrassing an innocent girl like Taryn. Sure I had some bad moments with her but I guess she was just scared to talk to me or Jean because of pricks like you." Scott stated as held his ground. Duncan's friend did nothing but glare at him.
"Normal people have no need to hang around you freaks. I was just trying to get that through to her. She's such a stupid girl." the boy said.
"We mutants are 'normal people', we just are more evolved. I don't know why everyone has to make such a big deal about it. And she is not stupid. She's allowed to like whoever she wants, you're not her boss." Scott told him feeling very uneasy.
Just then Scott heard the boy mutter something, but it was loud enough for him to hear clearly.
"What did you say!" Scott said feeling very angry. He knew what was said but he wanted to hear him say it again.
"You heard me freak. I said that your girlfriend is a whore and she deserved everything that Duncan did to her. Everything." Duncan's friend said knowing that would really piss Scott off. And he was right.
Scott was ferious. He glared at the boy and his glasses shown a rim of red. He felt like taking them off and blasting the hell out of that jerk but he decided that wouldn't be a good idea. He heard Jean's words replay in his mind. He didn't really care if he got into trouble but he surely didn't want to mess up his senior year and not graduate. He was more than happy to be leaving this school. So at first he just stood there with a murderous look upon his face.
"One more word like that out of your mouth and you're dead." Scott said trying to stay in control.
"You mean like, Jean's a whore?" he said mockingly.
"That's it!" Scott yelled ready to pound him when all of a sudden he felt his arm move back to his side and he couldn't move a muscle. 'What the hell'? he thought. He looked back to see Jean standing about a few feet behind him.
Jean was concentrating on her powers, trying her hardest to keep Scott from killing that punk. Fortunately, for the sake of all mutants, she was able to stop him. He just looked at her as if trying to silently say he was sorry. Even though that idiot was the main cause of the incident.
Jean released her mental grip on him and motioned for him to come to her. So he did. Taryn was standing beside Jean. Duncan's friend looked a bit freightened and he just stood stiffly in the same spot. Jean glanced over at him. "So are you going to leave Taryn alone?" she asked.
He finally moved a bit towards the three but stopped at about two feet in front of them.
He glared at Scott then looked over Taryn and then Jean. "Whatever. You freaks are a waste of my time anyway." he said then walked around them, while doing so he flipped Scott off.
Scott shot him an angry look but decided to let the creep go. He looked over to Jean. "Jean, he called you a whore and said you deserved what you got." Scott said.
"Don't worry about it Scott. He's a creep. He's just trying to anger you so you'll get in trouble." Jean said calmly.
"Yeah, I guess you're right." he said in agreement.
"Well we had better get to class before we get too late. We're already 20 minutes late." Jean said looking at the clock in the hall.
"Yeah." Scott said.
Taryn just stood there agreeing with the two. Finally all three of them headed off to get to class. They were already late enough. And they had no passes so it would be, most definitely, marked as tardies. Jean and Scott just hoped that the rest of their day was going to go, reasonably, well.
X: Well that was chapter 26. I hope you liked it. Obviously, it took me a long time to finish it...I apologize greatly. I'll try not to take so long on my the next chapter. It's just that so much has been going on. And I wanted to make sure the finished chapter was as good as it could possibly get. A special thank you goes out to Agent-G, I really appreciate your help:) And I also appreciate everyone else who is reading and reviewing my fic:) I just thought I'd say all of that. Anyway, that's all. I'm going to try to start working on my next chapter today. Wish me luck.