Disclaimer: see ch 1

With long blinks becoming quicker as awareness set in, Scott groaned.

"What's wrong? Are you hurt?" Scott turned his head and saw Chris jumping up from his seat.

"Dad?"

"I'm here. Are you ok?"

"Emma?"

"She's helping make sure the Twins eat breakfast. How are you feeling?"

"My stomach burns."

"Ok. I'll go get Hank-" Scott's hand shot out and grabbed Chris' arm.

"Don't leave me alone." Chris nodded and sat back down, trying not to wince at the strength Scott was using to hold onto him.

"Can you telepathically-?"

"No," Scott winced.

"Ok. Alright. Look, the com unit is across the room. Can I go to that and call Hank? I won't leave the room."

"Ok," Scott agreed. Chris looked down at Scott's hand, still tightly gripping his arm.

"You gotta let me go, son." Scott released his grip, blushing.

"Sorry, Dad." Chris gently patted Scott's leg as he walked across the room to the com unit, calling Beast to check on Scott.

"I will be there momentarily, Corsair." Chris went back to the seat beside Scott, giving him a sad smile when Scott reached out to him again.

"What are you thinking, kid?"

"I… It's not your fault, but I was alone. It hurt worse than anything I'd ever felt and I thought I was going to die, Dad. I thought I'd die and no one would-" Scott stopped and clamped his mouth shut.

"I'm sorrier than you'll ever know that you went through that alone, son. I was trying to help Nate and then suddenly he was downstairs… I came up as soon as I saw him, but you were already on the floor. Why weren't you in bed?"

"I was hungry."

"I'd made you lunch," Chris frowned.

"Nate was hungry," Scott said, giving Chris a look. "Hurt or not, I'm a dad first."

"It's for the best. Beast said the food made it worse… How much did he eat of it?"

"All but half of one sandwich. The tech is making him hungrier and hungrier."

"Good morning, Cyclops," Hank said as he entered the room. "How are you feeling?"

"My stomach burns," Scott said again.

"That's normal," Beast agreed. "I'll need to draw more blood to see your levels, and then I'd like to run a few more tests, if you're willing." Seeing the look on Chris' face, Scott winced.

"Looks like I'm willing."

"You are," Chris agreed. Beast chuckled as he drew blood from Scott's arm.

"There. That should be enough. Chris, would you mind helping him on the table for an MRI?"

"Not a problem," Chris said, holding his hand out to Scott. Scott took it and eased himself off of the bed, tensing in the gown he was wearing.

"I'm not wearing any underwear, am I?"

"You're fine. Hank is a doctor and I've certainly seen enough of your bare ass, kid. Though, usually it was pretty red when I would see it."

"God you're embarrassing," Scott muttered, causing Chris to chuckle.

"I guarantee no one in here is concerned about your state of dress, Cyclops."

"Speak for yourself." Scott spun, just barely being caught by Chris before falling.

"Emma!"

"Emma, Scott needs an MRI. We'll be back in just a few minutes." Scott blushed as Emma seemed to eye him as Chris explained what was going on.

"I'll help him," she said, meeting Scott's eyes. "Maybe you can wake the children up and keep them up. I seem to be struggling this morning."

"Scott? I don't mind helping them, but I am here for you."

"Uh…" Scott cleared his throat. "It's less embarrassing for her to see…"

"Got it," Chris said, clearly amused. "I saw you enter the world naked, changed your diaper, bathed you, and disciplined you bare- but you're too embarrassed for me to help you."

"Glad you understand," Scott said, grinning. He took a step towards Emma and stumbled. Chris jumped to him and again kept him from face planting.

"You might want to change forms," Chris advised Emma. "He's heavy, and this isn't the first time he's done this this morning." Emma nodded and encased herself in diamond before wrapping Scott's arm across her shoulders.

"You sure you don't mind, Dad?"

"I'm here to help however you need me to," Chris answered. "If that means taking a spoon and a pot and banging them together to wake up the kids, then that's what I'll do. I'll even smile through it."

"I recall that torture," Scott said, wincing. "It's not completely cruel and unusual… Em?" Emma could feel Scott's body trembling.

"That's fine with me. Let's get you sitting down, darling." Scott nodded and Emma started leading him away. "Please don't strike my children to wake them up," Emma called behind her.

"Can I threaten?"

"Yeah," Scott said in a pain filled voice. "Dad?"

"Yeah, Scott?"

"Help. Now." Chris ran over and picked Scott up.

"Scott?" Emma asked.

"Gonna be sick." Chris rushed him into the small bathroom and helped him down and bend over the toilet.

"You're ok, son," Chris soothed as he gently stroked Scott's hair. Scott groaned and continued throwing up. When he finally stopped and pulled away from the toilet, Chris took a damp cloth from Emma and wiped Scott's face.

"I'm going to get Hank," Emma announced. "I'll be back." Chris helped Scott stand up and moved him back to the bed.

"Thanks, Dad," Scott said in a hoarse voice.

"I'm sorry you're feeling like this, but you know I'm happy to help, Scotty," Chris said as he continued to stroke Scott's hair. Hank walked over to the bed with a concerned look.

"You still have some poison lingering in your system. I need to see the damage, Scott. Will you allow your father to carry you to the MRI instead of walking yourself?" Scott nodded shakily. Chris put his hand across Scott's back and looked at Emma, who was standing a few feet away.

"Emma? Would you prefer to…?"

"Holding him up is one thing. Carrying him is another. I'll see if Warren can help me with the children."

"I'm sorry, Em," Scott panted.

"Don't be, darling. It's whatever you need to get better."

"I wouldn't turn down a sponge bath," Scott grinned. Emma rolled her eyes with a smile.

"I'm right here," Chris complained. "Kid, if I hear one more thing about your private life, then I'll just tell you about how Kat liked-"

"I'm done!" Scott said, his face tinged green.

"Thank you." Chris slid his hands under Scott's knees and lifted him up.

"Let me know when he's done," Emma requested. Chris nodded and carried Scott away. Emma rubbed the bridge of her nose before leaving and heading back to the suite. She walked in and saw Carrie and Nate sitting at the dining room table, rubbing their eyes. Warren and Betsy were moving around and getting cereal prepared for them.

"Hey, Em," Warren said once he noticed her. "How's he doing?"

"He's alert, but hurting. Chris is assisting him with the MRI."

"Can we go see him, Mama?" Carrie asked.

"Eat your breakfast first and change your clothes, and then we'll see. Beast has several tests he needs to do, so we might not be able to visit for long." Betsy put a bowl of cereal in front of each twin and stepped back.

"I need to get myself ready," she told Warren. "Professor Xavier wants me to take on some of Scott's duties until he's well." Warren nodded and kissed her, ignoring the groans of his godchildren.

"Thank you for your help, Betsy," Emma said, giving her a small hug as Betsy headed to the door.

"Of course. You'll keep me updated on Scott?" Emma nodded and Betsy left. Carrie and Nate finished their cereal and Carrie went to her room to change while Nate poured a second bowl.

"Still hungry?" Emma asked.

"It's the T.O. virus," Nate said, not meeting her eyes. "Dad says it's ok-"

"Of course it's ok," Emma said, taking his hands into hers. "My concern is you not getting enough, like yesterday."

"That won't happen again," Warren said, scowling. "Nate and I talked about that last night while you were with Scott. Corsair even had a few things to say about it. Right, Nate?"

"Yes sir," Nate said, blushing. Emma narrowed her eyes at Warren, but left it alone, knowing he had Scott's complete trust in regards to the Twins.

"Would you like to go to the store with me so we can have snacks around the suite for you?"

"Really?" Nate asked, eyes wide.

"Let's visit your father and then we'll go- just you and me."

"What about me?" Carrie asked, coming out of her room dressed.

"You can help me today," Warren said. "Your dad wants the teens working outside, and we haven't played mutant-ball in a while. You'd get to see them make fools of themselves while getting some practice in."

"Awesome!" Carrie quickly grabbed a hair tie and pulled her hair up. "I'm ready!" Warren chuckled.

"Don't you want to see your dad first?"

"Oh! Mama, can I go down?"

"Yes. Let him know Nate and I will be there after Nate has finished breakfast."

"Yes Mama. Uncle Warren?"

"I'm coming. You're a demanding little thing, you know." Carrie stuck her nose in the air.

"I'm my mother's daughter." Emma raised her eye.

"Yeah. Maddie definitely wasn't shy about getting her way," Warren said, hands sliding in his pockets. "I can't tell you how many times she made your dad repaint your nursery until it was to her liking." Emma swallowed and looked away at the small reminder that, despite being their stepmother for most of their lives, she wasn't their mother.

"So Daddy likes opinionated women. That's what Uncle Alex says."

"Throw me under the bus, why don't you," Alex muttered as he and Lorna came through the connecting door. "I knew it was too early to pop in." Carrie giggled and hugged him.

"Morning, Uncle Alex."

"Nathan, please do not speak with your mouth full." Nate swallowed.

"Yes ma'am. Sorry, Mama."

"Carrie and I were about to go check on Scott. Would you like to come?" Warren asked.

"Sure. Lorna?"

"I'll see him later. Daddy is in town and asked to have brunch."

"Alone, or is he expecting me?"

"He was hoping for just me," Lorna grinned.

"Darn," Alex grinned back. "I'll just have to find something else to do. Go have a nice time with Magneto." She kissed Alex's cheek and left.

"Why do grownups kiss so much?" Nate asked his sister.

"I think it's romantic." Nate groaned.

"You're such a girl." Carrie stuck her tongue out at him.

"I think that's our cue to leave," Warren announced. "Emma, Nate. We'll see you two for lunch?"

"Yes," Emma agreed. "I don't want to be away from Scott for too long." Warren nodded and gently ushered his goddaughter out, quickly followed by Alex.

"Mama?"

"Yes my dear?"

"Why do grownups kiss so much?"

"To show affection."

"Yeah, but a hug could do that, too."

"You're right. But when adults are in relationships, a kiss is… more. You know what? I'll talk to your father. I gave your sister a similar talk yesterday. He will give it to you when he's ready."

"Why can't you do it? You're smarter. Even he says so." Emma kissed Nate's head.

"You don't want your mom talking to you about this."

"Ok." Nate poured a third bowl of cereal and promptly devoured it.

"Are you finished? Or are you still hungry?" Nate frowned.

"I'm still hungry, but not enough for a whole bowl." Emma nodded and handed him a banana before washing the breakfast dishes.

"Better?" she asked once Nate threw away the peel.

"Yes. Thanks, Mama."

"I'm glad. We want you healthy, Nate. That means eating as much as you need to to keep the virus at bay." Nate scowled. "What's with that look?"

"I hate it," he admitted. "All the concentration. The eating. My arm," he said as he wiggled his fingers of his metal arm. "Why couldn't my dad save me before it happened?"

"That sounds like a question for him, Nate. You were already changed when your dad and I became a couple."

"He doesn't like to talk about it," Nate said, kicking a chair. "It makes him think about my… her."

"Your mother?"

"You are my mother. Not her. It's her fault I'm like this, too." Emma dried her hands, still slightly awed that she- a Frost- could do menial tasks like washing dishes, and then put them on her hips.

"I know you're angry and don't actually mean that, Nate. Madelyne doesn't deserve-"

"Anything. She left us. She left her children and her husband. We must not have meant that much-"

"Let's go see your dad."

"Can't we just go-?"

"No. Let's go." Nate groaned as Emma led him to the elevator and down to the lower levels. She pushed him towards Med Lab, where they heard Warren and Scott laughing at something. They stepped in and Nate immediately crossed his arms.

"Hey- Nate? You ok?" Scott looked at his son and then at Emma. "What's wrong?"

"We need to speak with you."

"Sounds ominous," Alex said. "Come on, Carrie. Let's go show these guys how awesome the Summers family is playing baseball." He, Carrie, and Warren quickly left.

"Should I make myself scarce?" Chris asked from beside Scott's bed.

"If you don't mind."

"Call me if you need me," he said, patting Scott's shoulder.

"Yeah, Dad. Thanks." Chris left and Scott turned to Emma and Nate. "What's going on?"

"Tell your father what you said."

"I don't want to-"

"I don't care," Emma frowned. "Tell him, Nathan." Nate scowled and shook his head.

"Nate," Scott said, clearly concerned. "Whatever it is, I won't be upset."

"Yes you will."

"Ok, then I won't punish you for what you say. Deal?" Nate shrugged.

"I have had enough of this, Nathan. Tell him, or I will after telling you how you're grounded for the rest of the month."

"Mama!"

"Then tell him," Emma instructed.

"Fine! I said it was your fault that I'm like this, and that the woman who gave birth to me isn't my mom! Happy?!" Scott blinked twice.

"Nate," he said quietly. "I did everything I could to get to you-"

"If you cared about me, I wouldn't be like this," Nate sniffed, wiping his nose with his arm. Scott looked at Emma.

*Should… should I tell him?*

*I believe so.*

*You don't think it'll give him nightmares?*

*You think holding onto this hatred is better?*

"Emma, would you please excuse us for a little while?"

"Let me know if you need me," she said, walking out. Scott eyed Nate, who was still sniffing.

"Come sit with me," he gently ordered.

"I don't want to."

"And I'm telling you to do something. I know I'm hurt right now, but I can still do something about that disobedience." Nate rolled his eyes and sat by Scott's legs. "What have you heard about that night?"

"Why?"

"I'm just curious."

"You got to me too late and I was turned into a freak around freaks." Scott popped Nate's mouth.

"I don't ever want to hear you refer to yourself as a freak, Nathan Christopher Charles. Do you understand me?"

"Yes sir," Nate said, rubbing his stinging lips.

"Now Emma agrees that maybe you should be told the truth about that night, but I don't know if you're ready-"

"I know the truth-"

"No you don't," Scott said sadly. "You've heard bits and pieces, obviously, but not…" He sighed and adjusted himself. "I loved your mom- Maddie. I still love her, honestly. She… Carrie is so much like her in her looks and personality that it's scary sometimes. She was beautiful and bossy and smart and funny-"

"I get it," Nate said, looking away.

"And she loved you two. She absolutely loved being a mom." Scott closed his eyes and put a hand on his abdomen. "After we battled Apocalypse, when you and Carrie were just a few months old, we hired a… A nanny. I'd broken my arm and your grandpa was being pulled into so many directions and I needed someone who could help out around the clock. She'd said her former lover was a mutant, so we thought she was safe."

"And?"

"And I'm getting tired of the attitude. Drop it or you're grounded."

"Yes sir."

"As I was saying, we trusted her. As time went on and I was cleared from my injury, we couldn't stand to part with her. She felt like family." Scott clenched his eyes shut. "One night, shortly before your first birthday, she drugged us. I remember the exhaustion and practically falling into bed. And then my alarms woke me up-"

"What alarms?"

"Alarms that I'd set up to keep you safe, hoping to prevent the virus." Scott motioned Nate closer and fingered the necklace his son was wearing. "You've worn this since you were eight months old. Beast and Forge helped me make it. If it's not with mine, or with someone I trust who has one as well, an alarm goes off in my room saying you're gone once you pass the gate. Your necklace also has a GPS in it so I can find you-"

"Then what took you so long?"

"I had to find you and then drive there. And when I got there, you and your mom were already strapped to a table. You were crying for me, and your mom was telling you I'd be there soon. The man who took-" Scott stopped and took a breath. "The man who had you taken had injected the two of you with a poison, Nate. A poison that the virus would get rid of once injected. But he only had enough for you or your mom."

"So you chose me?"

"I did. But so did she. She begged me to save her baby, son. You were her concern at that moment. Not me. Not her. You. And so I told him to inject the virus into you. You passed out because it hurt so much… I was able to tell your mom I loved her before taking the needle out of her arm. She died seconds later." Nate wiped his eyes.

"I didn't know that."

"Because it's a lot to bear. Your mom loved you so, so much. You and Carrie were her world. I'm sorry I don't tell you enough how much she loved you. And I'm sorry I couldn't get to you in time to stop the poison. If I had to do it again, I'd never hire that… bitch-"

"Did you kill her?"

"No. She was gone with him when I looked up from stopping the poison hurting Maddie."

"Will she be back for me?"

"She shouldn't. Her cover was blown. Even my grandparents watch for signs of her-"

"Why?"

"Because… She's Grandpa Daniel's wife."

"Grandpa Phil's grandpa?"

"Yeah."

"But… That was a long time ago. She should be dead-"

"So should Logan, technically," Scott pointed out. "I don't know how she stayed alive for so long. But she… You were kidnapped by our several times great-grandmother."

"Wow…"

"So you understand why you hadn't heard the whole story?"

"Yeah. I'm sorry, Dad. I didn't know Mom picked me like that. And I'll definitely never take my necklace off again!"

"Thank- you've taken it off?" Scott asked in a cold voice.

"I didn't know how important it was. I won't do it again."

"I've told you since you were three that that necklace was not allowed to come off. Did you think I was joking? That I was telling you something that wasn't important just to hear myself talk?"

"Dad-"

"Don't, Nathan." Scott grabbed at his stomach again as he looked around the room. "Close the door."

"Why?" Nate whimpered.

"You damn well know why. I've told you countless times to keep that on, and if it came off by your hand, you'd be looking at a spanking. You've taken it off. Now close the door." Nate waved his hand by the door and it closed. "Everything down and over my lap."

"You're hurt. You shouldn't-"

"Now!" Nate jumped and pushed his pants and underwear down, scrambling to get over Scott's lap. Scott wrapped his arm around Nate's waist and held him close, trying to ignore the stab of pain in his stomach. He began striking Nate's behind with quick, furious swats.

"I'm sorry!" Nate cried. "Daddy, stop! I won't do it again! Ow! Ow- Daddy!" Scott stopped sooner than he felt he needed to.

"Get your clothes on and go stand in the corner," he said with clenched teeth. Nate hurried up and got his clothes straight before rushing to a corner. Scott leaned forward and groaned as he begged Emma to send Chris and Hank to Med Lab. The two requested males hurried in moments later.

"Scott? Scott, what's wrong?" Chris asked, putting a hand on his son's shoulder. "Nate, what happened?"

"No," Scott bit out. "Pills." Hank pulled out medication for Scott to take and handed them to Chris as he moved to check Scott's blood pressure.

"You need to calm down, Cyclops," he warned. "Chris, it's 183 over 119." Chris' eyes went wide and he took Scott's face into his hands once Scott had taken the pills.

"Look at me. Breathe, Scott. Don't turn your head. Just focus on me and breathe." After several deep, calming breaths, Beast took Scott's blood pressure again.

"It's still higher than I'd like, but it's at least out of the danger zone now."

"What has you this stressed, kid?"

"Nate told me he's taken his necklace off." Chris looked at his grandson.

"You need me to punish him?"

"No!" Nate cried, head turning to look at his father and grandfather. "Dad, no!"

"No, but-" Scott said, hand still over his stomach. "I tried, but the pain… He needs to know it's serious." Chris nodded and stood up.

"I'll have him write some sentences."

"No!" Nate protested. Scott shot him a look.

"And I want him in his room for the rest of the day, other than for meals."

"Got it. Nathan. Let's go."

"Grandpa, no!" Chris walked over to him and bent him over his hip, swatting him several times.

"Let's get a few things straight here, young man. When I tell you to do something, you do it. Especially when your father has said the exact thing!" He put Nate back on his feet. "Now let's go." Nate tearfully complied and left Med Lab, rubbing his sore behind out the door. Scott leaned against the bed and took a few pain filled breaths.

"You should get some rest, Scott," Beast said in a gentle voice. "You'll heal faster that way." Scott nodded and allowed his eyes to close as the medicine began taking the worst of the pain away.

A/N: Hope my fellow Americans had a wonderful Fourth of July and didn't lose any vital appendages with fireworks!