Disclaimer: see ch 1
Warning: mention of spanking, mention of sexual situations
"So? Are you excited yet?" Hope asked him, leaning on the counter across from him.
"For the wedding?"
"Duh!"
"Yeah, Hope. I'm excited. Hey, Nathan? Would you mind waking up Carrie and Maddie? We'll need breakfast soon."
"Sure, Dad." Nathan walked into his parents' suite and shut the door behind him.
"How's Nate?"
"He's got a cold, but he'll be ok. I just hope he's better by Saturday."
"Scott," Chris frowned.
"What? Dad, I'm not exactly going to be thrilled standing outside knowing my kid's sick. And I don't want him to push himself and be outside if he's not actually better. I'd be happy marrying Maddie in Med Lab if that's where he needed to be." Chris nodded.
"Sorry, kid. I wasn't imagining you thinking that way."
"He and Carrie came all this way to see us get married, Dad. I don't want to do this without him. Hell, had I known they were coming, we probably would have had them be our flower girl and ring bearer." Chris, Alex, and Hope chuckled while Gabriel looked confused.
"Why is that funny?"
"Usually those rolls in the wedding are for children. It's just funny because they're Scott and Maddie's kids, but they're adults. I suppose it would have only been funny to those of us who know."
"Which is basically everyone coming, other than Ms. K and Hector."
"True," Chris conceded. "Alright, kids. What would you like for me to make for breakfast?"
"Are you taking requests?" Madelyne asked as she, Carolyn, and Nathan stepped into the suite. "Hope! How are you?"
"I'm fine, Grandma. How are you feeling?"
"Your father and aunt are destroying my insides. I'm tempted to ask to be induced just to get them out!"
"You're still six weeks out, Maddie," Scott smirked. Madelyne glared at him.
"Do you realize how uncomfortable I am? My back hurts, my feet stay swollen, I'm constantly having to pee because your children's favorite game is 'who can kick Mom's bladder the hardest?', and let's not forget that I am stressed because not only am I getting married in a few days, but we're still waiting for Apocalypse to make his next move! So excuse me for wanting to get these kids out so I can breathe!" Scott blinked a few times.
"I'm sorry… What can I do to help you?" Madelyne didn't answer, as she was busy staring at the man who came out of Scott's room.
"H-hello," she said, almost breathlessly. Scott rolled his eyes.
"Maddie. Your fiancé is literally right here."
"Keep that up and it won't happen," she scowled before looking back at the, to her, stranger. "I'm Madelyne Pryor-"
"Maddie," Future Scott smirked. "I think I know the mother of my children. How are you?"
"I'm… Scott?"
"Nate's sick," Future Scott explained. "He just needed me. He's sleeping now, so if everyone could keep it down, that'd be great. Hi, baby."
"Hi Daddy! Is there anything I can do to help Nate?"
"Just let him rest. Um, Maddie? You're staring."
"Where are your glasses?"
"Huh? Oh. I have them in my bag. Would that make you feel more comfortable?"
"No, I mean… How can you go without them?"
"Contacts," he said with a smile. "Forge helped me with them. I was getting too many looks at the Mommy and Me classes with the twins, so-" Alex started laughing. "Shut up. My kid's sick and needs to sleep, Lex."
"Sorry! I was just trying to imagine you in Mommy and Me classes and-" he started laughing again.
"Yeah, well, it's not like Maddie could go, is it?" Future Scott let out an aggravated breath before turning back to Madelyne. "Anyway. I break them out every now and then. It's like those color contacts to hide your actual eyes. No one thinks anything of red eyes anymore, so incorporating a thin layer of ruby quartz wasn't out of the question."
"Doesn't that hurt?"
"No more than the burning my powers cause when my eyes stay shut too long," he shrugged.
"You know, I think I recall Nathan mentioning the contacts forever ago," Chris said. "I just never paid it any mind."
"Gee, thanks, Grandpa," Nathan said, rolling his eyes.
"Any time, kid. Now, breakfast?"
"Fruit turnovers sound heavenly," Madelyne said with a soft sigh.
"Yeah… I was thinking more 'scrambled eggs and bacon' kind of deal," Chris smirked. "Not all of us have your cooking abilities, dear."
"Oh! Hope and I make them at home all the time. We can take care of breakfast."
"Well I'm certainly not going to hold you back. Just watch out for Scott. He's stationed at the trashcan a bit longer." Scott blushed as everyone turned to him and looked.
"Aw, shit," Future Scott muttered. "I'd forgotten you made me do that."
"Well, since you're me, feel free to help," Scott scowled.
"Absolutely not," Chris said. "This is your punishment, kid." Scott's blush turned darker, almost matching his glasses, as he looked down at the potato in his hand to keep peeling.
"Besides," Future Scott added. "I've already done it. Double jeopardy and all that shit."
"Hey," Chris scolded. "Just because you're an adult does not mean you get to use language like that. Especially not in my house."
"Sorry, Dad," Future Scott said, rolling his eyes.
"Keep it up, kid," Chris said with narrowed eyes. "You're still my boy and I can still wear my belt out on you." Future Scott blanched.
"Sorry. Won't happen again."
"See to it that it doesn't. Alex, Gabe. You two go get dressed."
"Yes sir," they said together before going into their rooms.
"I'm going to check on Nate," Future Scott said before ducking into Scott's room.
"Dad?" Scott said. "You wouldn't really spank future me, would you?"
"If he keeps disregarding my rules, I'd highly consider it." Nathan shook his head as he leaned on the counter across from Scott.
"Don't worry, Dad. I've yet to see Grandpa spank Scott. He's threatened it, but never followed through."
"Maybe that's why I should," Chris frowned. "And how often do you roll your eyes at me and I just haven't been able to tell?"
"Dad, I'd never roll my eyes. That's extremely disrespectful."
"Mmhm," Chris said, narrowing his eyes at his son. Nathan smirked at the uncomfortable look Scott developed.
"You need to work on your lies," he said quietly. "At this rate, a two year old could call you out on them."
"Shut up, Nate," Scott scowled.
"What'd you do now?" Future Scott asked, coming out of Scott's room.
"I'm always innocent, Scott. You know this." Future Scott narrowed his eyes. "Geez you look like Grandpa."
"Thanks for that nightmare," Scott muttered. "I'm done."
"Wash the peeler and move the stool. I'll check the floor."
"What?"
"Remember? I said if I found potato skin on the floor, you'd be on your hands and knees scrubbing the floor with a toothbrush." Scott glanced down and saw bits of skin on the floor and winced. Suddenly, it all lifted into the air and flew into the trash can. Scott shot Nathan a grateful look as he stood to wash the peeler. Chris stepped into the kitchenette and looked intensely at the floor.
"Mom, do you have canned fruit in the suite?"
"I should," Madelyne answered. "I think I have apples and cherries. Grab whatever you want." Carolyn nodded and quickly went into her parents' suite.
"Ok, kid. Floor's clean. Good job."
"Thanks, Dad."
"I'd recommend offering Maddie a foot rub and a back rub if I were you," Chris told him quietly. Scott nodded and walked over to his fiancée.
"Ok," he said. "I'm yours for the rest of the day. What can I do for you first?" Madelyne narrowed her eyes at him.
"I'm not giving in and having sex before Saturday, so if that's what you're trying to earn-"
"Mom!" Nathan cried, covering his ears.
"I'm not," Scott told her, feeling hurt. "You said you're having a rough day with pain and the twins, so I'm here to help. I can work in the nursery, I can rub your back and feet, or I can sit in front of a computer looking for Apocalypse's next step. It's what you want me to do so I can pull my weight in this pregnancy." Madelyne frowned.
"I would like some help in the nursery."
"Ok. Now I know the cribs need to be built, but I was planning on doing that next week. Other than that, it's your call."
"I need our bags packed, and something packed for clothes for the twins once they're here."
"Alright. I'll get some suitcases out. What else?"
"I'd like-" Scott's phone rang and he looked at her apologetically. He pulled it out and answered it, stepping away from his family.
"Mr. Summers? This is Carter Blaire. We spoke yesterday?"
"Yes, Mr. Blaire, I remember. Are you and Alison interested in meeting this week?"
"We are. I understand you're busy, so I'm happy to wait-"
"I believe we've done all we can for the wedding until Friday. In fact, my fiancée and her bridesmaids are having the bachelorette party tomorrow, so I know things are calm if she's stepping out. I'd be happy to sit down with you and Alison today or tomorrow."
"Then let's plan for tomorrow. The park is shut down on Wednesdays, so I won't have to find someone to cover for me last minute."
"Tomorrow sounds great. I'm available any time after eight."
"How does eleven sound?"
"Eleven is perfect. I'll let Professor Xavier know, and either he'll sit in, or another instructor will."
"Is your father available to meet with us?" Scott moved the phone from his mouth.
"Dad? Mr. Blaire wants to know if you'll meet with us tomorrow at eleven."
"I'll somehow fit it into my calendar." Scott rolled his eyes and moved his phone back.
"Mr. Blaire, my father said he'll be there. We'll see you and Alison tomorrow at eleven." Scott hung up and turned back around.
"Who's Alison?" Madelyne asked, crossing her arms. "Is she who you're going to replace me with?"
"What? Maddie! Of course not!"
"Alison is a mutant who'll move on from the X-Men to be a famous popstar," Nathan said. "It'll be nice to have her here because once she does become famous, she'll be happy to do concerts here for us, since mutants aren't exactly welcomed out."
"And I'm supposed to just believe that you aren't interested in that?" Madelyne wiped a frustrated tear from her face.
"Maddie, I love you. I'm marrying you. The only other female that I will ever happily care for is our daughter."
"Hey!"
"And our granddaughter," he amended. "I refuse to think of a future without you. And I'm sorry. I shouldn't have answered the call, but I'm technically working, and without Danger Room sessions this week, that's about the only way I can work. Alison is a prospective new student. Her dad owns the sports park we went to yesterday to use the batting cages, so I sort of feel like I owe him." Madelyne turned away. "Maddie, what do I have to do to make up for whatever I've done?" She sniffed and walked back into their suite, Scott watching her go helplessly. Nathan whistled.
"What'd you do?"
"I have no idea!"
"She's pregnant and a pretty girl is coming over tomorrow and taking Scott's attention. She's just feeling insecure."
"It's not like I can stop doing my job, Dad!"
"I didn't say you should. I was just trying to explain-"
"Because you know what's going through the mind of a pregnant woman?"
"I did go through this myself, you know."
"Good for you."
"Scott, do we need to continue that conversation from this morning?"
"No sir."
"Then quit it." Future Scott sighed.
"I can go talk to her."
"Do you think that'll help?"
"Can't possibly do much worse."
"Fine," Scott agreed.
"Check on Nate in a minute, would you?" Scott nodded and Future Scott walked into the suite. "Maddie?"
"Scott, you're not supposed to- who are you?"
"Hi, Grandma. I promise it's me, but I'm time traveling. Nate's sick and asked for me."
"I see. Well, you're still not supposed to be in here before the wedding…"
"I already know what her dress will look like," he said, sadly. "I've already experienced this. But I really need to talk with her, or there might not be a wedding." Future Scott continued to Scott and Madelyne's room and knocked. The door opened slightly and he saw Madelyne crying on the bed.
"What do you want?"
"I just wanted to make sure you're ok, and apologize for how much of an idiot I used to be. Though, I'm sure Carrie would still say I'm an idiot," he said, sitting on the bed.
"Do you end up with her?" she asked quietly.
"With Alison?" Madelyne nodded. "Absolutely not. She's hard to train, arrogant, and just… Maddie, you have nothing to worry about. She'll like me for a bit, but I stay completely devoted to you."
"For how long?"
"You know I can't-"
"How long do I get with my children?"
"You'll get Christmas with them," he said with a sad smile. "And Valentine's Day. And you'll get to celebrate both of our birthdays with them."
"About eight months," she realized.
"I'm sorry, Maddie. I tried everything."
"How long does it take to get over me?"
"Who says I'm over you? Maddie, you're the mother of my kids. You were my first everything. I still… I visit your grave constantly. I just can't seem to let you go."
"But you do find someone else."
"Do you want me to tell you about her?"
"Yes."
"Are you sure? Once I start, I can't take it back."
"I'm sure."
"Ok. Her name is Emma. She's a telepath, but nothing like you. She does help the kids use and understand their powers a bit better than what I could. Um, she also turns into diamond-"
"That's sick."
"I know," Future Scott admitted, thinking of Jack Winters and his abilities. "The difference is his mutation was caused by radiation, and she was born with her abilities. When she showed her powers, she wasn't… Our teams were enemies. Her team attacked us during a party for Independence Day. Nate and Carrie were on a blanket, eating watermelon, and Dad and I were working the grill. I was nowhere near them. When she saw that there were children, she… Maddie, she was pissed. She can't have kids, so the thought of innocent children being hurt because the adults don't get along didn't sit well with her. She turned into diamond and hugged them to her, turning so that whatever could have hurt them hit her instead. The fight ended and her team scurried away, except her. I didn't react well to her," he admitted, shifting. "Actually, the things I said to her… Dad whipped me for it, because no woman deserved what I'd said. He said you and my mom would have been mortified to know I knew the words I used…"
"And so, what? You apologized and fell in love?"
"Not… exactly. Professor Xavier extended her an invitation. We'd turned into a school by this point, and we were always looking for more teachers. She was happy to take over art. But I couldn't stand her. I hated when Carrie and Nate started working with her instead of Jean, and then Nathan brought in Hope and she started working with her as well. No one listened to me about her being bad news. And then she started opening up to me, trying to show that she wasn't the monster I was determined she was."
"When did you start falling in love?"
"When she came to me crying about you. She was helping Nate build some barriers around his memories of you-"
"But if I died when he was a baby, how would he remember me?"
"Nate, and Nathan, remember everything. Something Nathan apparently told Dad, but not me. He thinks it has to do with the virus… But Emma saw you. She saw us. I'd turned bitter around everyone but our kids, Maddie. People didn't talk to me unless they had to for a bit. I'd start warming up again, but every new person, well, I stayed closed off for a while. So she had it in her head that I was an utter bastard and probably treated my kids poorly. When she saw that I was just a broken widower, she… she made it a point to talk to me about what our kids remembered about you. She'd ask about you, about us. It got me opening up as well. We realized we had a lot more in common than we didn't, and she asked me out. I was planning on declining, but she made it so that the kids could come. She reminded me of how Hepzibah was with us, and… curiosity won out. One date turned into two, which turned into more and more… We've been together ever since."
"Are you going to marry her?"
"No. First, I made it very clear to her that I couldn't do that again, and she sees marriage as a type of ownership, so she's not interested. And second, even if we did want to marry, there's no way I could afford the wedding she'd want. You should hear her trying to plan Carrie and Frank's- never mind."
"Carrie and… Frank? Who's Frank?"
"Franklin Richards. He's the son of two members of the Fantastic Four, and a mutant. He's… Well, we can't tell exactly how powerful he is. Shield says he's just an Alpha level mutant, but he reminds me a lot of Gabe with what he can do, so I'm more inclined to go with Omega level."
"And Carrie and this Frank are… together?"
"Yeah," he said, sheepishly. "Sorry, Maddie. I'd thought she'd told you. They're getting married soon."
"Why wouldn't she tell me?"
"I'm sure it was because she didn't want to take away from your day. Now. Do you feel better?"
"I… I don't know."
"Do you feel calmer about Scott meeting with Alison tomorrow?"
"Yes."
"And you realize he's willing to do just about anything to make it up to you, right?" Madelyne nodded. "I'd use that. I remember a honey-do list almost a mile long after the wedding. Might as well let him get started on it," he winked. Madelyne sighed. "What is it?"
"I don't really know," she admitted. "Everything just feels… wrong."
"It might help if you talk to him, you know. He's thinking he did something seriously wrong. And knowing him like I do," the two smirked, "I can guarantee that he won't stop thinking about it and it'll cause him to actually do something wrong, and Dad will… take care of it." Madelyne winced.
"You're right."
"Wow."
"What?"
"Twenty three years. That's how long it took for me to finally hear you say I was right about something." Madelyne rolled her eyes. "I'm happy to see you, Maddie. I've missed you." Future Scott took her hand and gently kissed it.
"Scott,"
"I know. I'm not your Scott. Doesn't mean you're not my Maddie." Future Scott let go of her hand and sighed. "Emma has nothing on you," he admitted. "Definitely doesn't have your mouth," he winked.
"Scott!" Madelyne cried, turning as red as a tomato.
"It's a compliment."
"Please don't talk about things like that. It's… it's weird!" Future Scott chuckled.
"Go see your Scott, Maddie. I need to check on our son." Future Scott kissed the top of her head and walked out of the room. Madelyne blinked a few times before wiping her face and following him to Chris and Hepzibah's suite.