Title: A Friend in Need 12/18
Author: Somogyi
Email: somogyi02@yahoo.com
Archive: Sure, just please ask first
Rating: PG-13 for language, violence, and disturbing imagery
Summary: Synch and Jubilee are captured by Tessa and Shaw. A thoughtful look at how
the resulting scars have lasting effects on the whole GenX team.
Disclaimer: The X-Men and Generation X are property of Marvel Entertainment.
Characters are used without permission, no profit is being made, and no infringement
on copyright is intended.
*****
A Friend In Need
by Somogyi
somogyi02@yahoo.com
Chapter 12
The next morning, Jean sat down on the front stoop of the school. With a small
sigh, she gazed out at the grounds. The trees were already beginning to bud--
many already had a light scattering of new leaves. In a few weeks, they would be
covered in green, and spring would be in full force.
It reminded her a great deal of the Xavier Institute, back in New York. She
thought about the first spring she had spent there--her first few months after
joining the X-Men. Those were some good times, back when she was learning not
only how to control her powers, but also about life and love. They had had to
grow up fast--more quickly than the average teenagers. Much like these kids, the
members of Generation X, were being forced to do. Sometimes it was hard to
believe that there was already another generation of X-Men.
It still seemed like just yesterday she had first put on that yellow and blue
uniform under the codename Marvel Girl. But she was a girl no longer, and the
woman who was Phoenix had been through much in her young life. She had died,
come back to life, faced clones and impersonating energy-creatures, as well as
meeting children from alternate future timelines. And somehow, miraculously, she
was still sane and none the worse for wear. Truthfully, she had never felt
better--mentally, physically, emotionally, she was well adjusted and happy with
her life. But she still felt unsatisfied. There was something missing in her
life.
When she was a girl and dreamed about what her life would be like as an adult,
she never thought her existence would be focused around the fact that she was a
mutant, or that she would be a member of an outlaw group of super heroes. Never
in her wildest dreams did she think that one day she would visit the far reaches
of space, that she would travel millennia into the future or decades into the
past.
She had managed to fall in love with an incredibly wonderful man who made her
happier than she ever deemed possible. Now that they were married, their love
seemed only stronger, their relationship closer. She had friends who cared for
her, a family who loved her. She even had the quaint little house she always
wanted--sans the white-picket fence, but hers, all the same. There was only one
thing missing. She wanted to hear the pitter-patter of little feet. But that one
vital thing was something Scott was not willing to give her--at least, not yet.
Now, however, there was the prospect of taking in Jubilee. It was not as though
they were looking to adopt her, but they were willing to take responsibility for
her care and upbringing during her convalescence. The idea excited Jean. They
would be doing something important, preventing the teenager from being lost in
the system, and thereby allow her to still see her friends, attend the school
where she was learning how to cope with being a mutant, and remain with her
adopted family, the X-Men.
And doing so would also help alleviate the ache Jean felt inside every time she
watched a young mother pushing a stroller down the street or a smiling couple
walking hand-in-hand with their child. It would let her be a mother, if only for
several months. Was she being selfish, wanting to do this? She did care for
Jubilee; she loved her, as a mother loved a daughter--of that, she was certain.
And a mother's natural instinct was to protect her child. So why was she
beginning to have doubts as to whether she had made the right decision?
She did not hear him approach. He was much too quiet to make any noise as he
walked. Instead, she sensed his presence as he neared the bottom of the steps.
"'Mornin', Red," Logan said, puffing on a cigarette.
"Hi, Logan."
"Mind if I join you?"
"Please."
"Thanks." Stubbing out the end of the cigarette, he sat down next to her. "You
look much more rested this mornin'."
Jean smiled, and flushed slightly. She looked down at her lap to avoid his gaze
as she remembered the previous night. When she had not been worrying about
Jubilee, she had actually found a few moments to relax.
"What'cha doin' now?"
"Just thinking," she replied, hugging her knees to her chest. "Scott and Sean
were going to try to contact the professor again before breakfast, so, in the
meantime, I thought I'd get a little air."
Silently, he nodded. He followed her gaze out to the trees in the distance. The
cool breeze was rustling through the leaves, creating a soothing sound.
"What's on your mind, Logan?" she asked.
"Same that's on yours, I'm sure: the kid." He leaned forward, clasping his hands
between his knees. "The last thing Jubilation needs is to go to some orphanage.
She's already lost too much of her family. This could be enough to crush her."
Jean nodded in agreement.
"They're not gonna let Cassidy and Frost keep custody because, in their minds,
takin' care of her would be neglectin' the other students, and vice versa. Seems
to me the only solution is for one of the X-Men to become her guardian in
Cassidy's place."
"Funny you should say that, Logan. Scott and I were discussing that very same
idea last night."
"Well, great minds think alike, eh, Jeanie? So, I figure when we go to the
hospital later, I'll tell that doctor that I want to fill out the necessary
paperwork. . . ."
"You?" Jean looked at him, nonplused. "*You* want to become her legal guardian?"
"Yeah. Why do you sound so surprised? I'm the one who first met the kid. She's
hung around with me, trusted me, more than anyone else. We've got a special
bond. And I care about her. I'd do anything not to see her sent away."
"Are you sure you're the best choice, Logan?" Jean asked. "Do you really think
they'd give you custody? A single man, with little or no record of his past?"
"I figure Chuck's as good a reference as any. But why're you soundin' so
negative about this, Jeanie? Who were you thinkin' should be her guardian?"
She hesitated a moment, looking at a leaf blowing in the wind. She turned to
face him and met his gaze. "Actually, Scott and I discussed the possibility of
us applying to be her legal guardians."
"You two?" Logan stared at her. "Jeanie, I know you and Jube have gotten close,
'specially in the time I left the team, but she and Scott. . . . Hell, she'd
sooner see the Cajun or ole Chuck as a father-figure."
"What, and you'd make a better father to her?"
He snorted. "Not to blow my own horn, but yeah. Like I said, she trusts me. She
looks up to me. She cares about me. And I think of her as my own."
"Logan, there's more to parenting than loving a child. If you think that's all
it takes, then you're in for a rude awakening."
"Jeanie, I don't understand where this is coming from. I figured Frost and Cyke
and maybe even Cassidy would object, but I was sure you'd be helpin' me argue my
case. Why are you making this sound like such a terrible idea?"
"I'm thinking about what's in Jubilee's best interest, Logan--both what social
services will see as proper guardians, and what we know will benefit her the
most. Realistically, if they're going to accept anyone as her guardians, Scott
and I have the best chance as a married couple in the employ of the Xavier
Institute, with records of our past and our family histories.
"As for her best interest--she needs someone who's going to be there for her,
unconditionally. She's going to have to undergo rehabilitation to regain full
use of her legs. She's going to need therapy to recover her missing memories.
She's going to need someone to help clothe her, to feed her, to wipe away the
tears when she wakes up from nightmares, to encourage her when she feels like
giving up. Someone to pick her up when she falls, someone to hug her when she
succeeds. Someone who will be there for her always, come what may, no matter
what. And, frankly, I don't think you're that kind of person. I've lost count of
how many times you've snuck off in the middle of the night, going on one trip or
another."
"I can change my lifestyle, Jeanie. If that's what it takes, I'd do it for
Jubilee."
"I don't think so, Logan. Look at this past week. We were not here an hour, and
you ran off to try to find Shaw and Tessa. Jubilee was lying on death's door.
She slipped into a coma, we nearly lost her. . . ." Feeling the rush of tears,
Jean quickly pushed them back, focusing on the anger that filled her. "And where
were you? Traipsing across the French countryside with Emma Frost. Dammit,
Logan, she needed you here! *I* needed you here! Sean was dividing his time
between the school and the hospital, and he was still acting like more of a
father to both the other students and Jubilee than you were.
"You're a loner, Logan. Always have been, always will be. Let's say you become
Jubilee's guardian. You'll be there for her for a few weeks, maybe even a couple
of months. But what happens when something else comes up? An old friend
resurfaces needing your assistance, or there's a mission where your skills are
sorely needed. You'd be gone in a heartbeat. And where does that leave Jubilee?"
"And you think Xavier's little soldier wouldn't be the same way?" Logan asked
angrily. "If Alex or Cable called, you don't think Scott'd drop everything and
everyone and go running?"
"Frankly, no. Let me tell you a little story, Logan. Back during our honeymoon,
when we spent years in the future raising Nate, Scott was faced with just such a
situation. We were supposed to accompany some of the rebels on a raid of one of
Apocalypse's strongholds. But Nate's techno-organic virus was out of remission.
He was in a coma, not unlike Jubilee's. We weren't sure if he was going to live
or die. Scott was desperately needed for that raid--his leadership, his combat
skills. But he refused to leave Nate's side. At that moment, he knew what was
more important. He thought with his heart. I have no doubt he would make the
same sacrifice for Jubilee, even though she is not his child. A parent always
puts his child's interests ahead of his own, no matter what the cost.
"The fact is, Logan, Scott is a better father than you could ever hope to be.
You may know about loyalty and love, but you have a lot to learn about
parenting."
For a long time, he was silent. He got up and walked down the steps, staring off
at the trees. He shoved his hands in his jeans pockets. Finally, he spoke,
though he did not turn to face her.
"I guess you're right, Jeanie. Kid's better off with two stable parents than
with one loose cannon any day. It was a silly idea anyways."
"No, Logan, it wasn't," Jean said, walking over to him and gently touching his
arm. "It was a very noble gesture, and one made purely out of love. We're not
looking to replace you, Logan. Hell, we're not even looking to become her
parents per se. I don't think that's what she wants anyway. We're looking to
take responsibility for her, to help her through these next few months. They're
going to be tough on her, no doubt about it. And I don't think we can do it
alone. I know both Jubilee and we would appreciate it if you could help out. I'm
sure it would mean a lot to her. What do you say?"
He smiled. "Sure. Contrary to what you may think because I booked this week, I
do care about her, and I want to see her get well."
"That's what we all want," she said, embracing him. "We're all going to need to
work together on this one, okay?"
"Yeah."
She smiled at him. Suddenly, her eyes got a faraway look--an expression he had
seen before, when she communicated with someone telepathically. For a moment her
face brightened, looking hopeful. Just as quickly, it was gone, and her
expression darkened. "Scott said they just got off the phone with the
professor."
"Any luck?" he asked, though he already knew the answer.
Sadly, she shook her head.
"C'mon, let's go get some chow before we head back the hospital," he said,
placing an arm around her shoulders as they headed back up the stairs. "I s'pose
you're gonna run your idea past Emma and Sean."
"Yes. Can we count on your support?"
"Always," he told her. "I know Irish'll take to the idea, but, 'specially after
your little confrontation yesterday, Frost's liable to bust a gut with her
protests. Just leave her to me. No claws, of course," he amended with a grin as
he opened the front door.
"I might be willing to make an exception on that one," Jean said with a smirk.
"Thanks, Logan."
End Chapter 12
*****
Author: Somogyi
Email: somogyi02@yahoo.com
Archive: Sure, just please ask first
Rating: PG-13 for language, violence, and disturbing imagery
Summary: Synch and Jubilee are captured by Tessa and Shaw. A thoughtful look at how
the resulting scars have lasting effects on the whole GenX team.
Disclaimer: The X-Men and Generation X are property of Marvel Entertainment.
Characters are used without permission, no profit is being made, and no infringement
on copyright is intended.
*****
A Friend In Need
by Somogyi
somogyi02@yahoo.com
Chapter 12
The next morning, Jean sat down on the front stoop of the school. With a small
sigh, she gazed out at the grounds. The trees were already beginning to bud--
many already had a light scattering of new leaves. In a few weeks, they would be
covered in green, and spring would be in full force.
It reminded her a great deal of the Xavier Institute, back in New York. She
thought about the first spring she had spent there--her first few months after
joining the X-Men. Those were some good times, back when she was learning not
only how to control her powers, but also about life and love. They had had to
grow up fast--more quickly than the average teenagers. Much like these kids, the
members of Generation X, were being forced to do. Sometimes it was hard to
believe that there was already another generation of X-Men.
It still seemed like just yesterday she had first put on that yellow and blue
uniform under the codename Marvel Girl. But she was a girl no longer, and the
woman who was Phoenix had been through much in her young life. She had died,
come back to life, faced clones and impersonating energy-creatures, as well as
meeting children from alternate future timelines. And somehow, miraculously, she
was still sane and none the worse for wear. Truthfully, she had never felt
better--mentally, physically, emotionally, she was well adjusted and happy with
her life. But she still felt unsatisfied. There was something missing in her
life.
When she was a girl and dreamed about what her life would be like as an adult,
she never thought her existence would be focused around the fact that she was a
mutant, or that she would be a member of an outlaw group of super heroes. Never
in her wildest dreams did she think that one day she would visit the far reaches
of space, that she would travel millennia into the future or decades into the
past.
She had managed to fall in love with an incredibly wonderful man who made her
happier than she ever deemed possible. Now that they were married, their love
seemed only stronger, their relationship closer. She had friends who cared for
her, a family who loved her. She even had the quaint little house she always
wanted--sans the white-picket fence, but hers, all the same. There was only one
thing missing. She wanted to hear the pitter-patter of little feet. But that one
vital thing was something Scott was not willing to give her--at least, not yet.
Now, however, there was the prospect of taking in Jubilee. It was not as though
they were looking to adopt her, but they were willing to take responsibility for
her care and upbringing during her convalescence. The idea excited Jean. They
would be doing something important, preventing the teenager from being lost in
the system, and thereby allow her to still see her friends, attend the school
where she was learning how to cope with being a mutant, and remain with her
adopted family, the X-Men.
And doing so would also help alleviate the ache Jean felt inside every time she
watched a young mother pushing a stroller down the street or a smiling couple
walking hand-in-hand with their child. It would let her be a mother, if only for
several months. Was she being selfish, wanting to do this? She did care for
Jubilee; she loved her, as a mother loved a daughter--of that, she was certain.
And a mother's natural instinct was to protect her child. So why was she
beginning to have doubts as to whether she had made the right decision?
She did not hear him approach. He was much too quiet to make any noise as he
walked. Instead, she sensed his presence as he neared the bottom of the steps.
"'Mornin', Red," Logan said, puffing on a cigarette.
"Hi, Logan."
"Mind if I join you?"
"Please."
"Thanks." Stubbing out the end of the cigarette, he sat down next to her. "You
look much more rested this mornin'."
Jean smiled, and flushed slightly. She looked down at her lap to avoid his gaze
as she remembered the previous night. When she had not been worrying about
Jubilee, she had actually found a few moments to relax.
"What'cha doin' now?"
"Just thinking," she replied, hugging her knees to her chest. "Scott and Sean
were going to try to contact the professor again before breakfast, so, in the
meantime, I thought I'd get a little air."
Silently, he nodded. He followed her gaze out to the trees in the distance. The
cool breeze was rustling through the leaves, creating a soothing sound.
"What's on your mind, Logan?" she asked.
"Same that's on yours, I'm sure: the kid." He leaned forward, clasping his hands
between his knees. "The last thing Jubilation needs is to go to some orphanage.
She's already lost too much of her family. This could be enough to crush her."
Jean nodded in agreement.
"They're not gonna let Cassidy and Frost keep custody because, in their minds,
takin' care of her would be neglectin' the other students, and vice versa. Seems
to me the only solution is for one of the X-Men to become her guardian in
Cassidy's place."
"Funny you should say that, Logan. Scott and I were discussing that very same
idea last night."
"Well, great minds think alike, eh, Jeanie? So, I figure when we go to the
hospital later, I'll tell that doctor that I want to fill out the necessary
paperwork. . . ."
"You?" Jean looked at him, nonplused. "*You* want to become her legal guardian?"
"Yeah. Why do you sound so surprised? I'm the one who first met the kid. She's
hung around with me, trusted me, more than anyone else. We've got a special
bond. And I care about her. I'd do anything not to see her sent away."
"Are you sure you're the best choice, Logan?" Jean asked. "Do you really think
they'd give you custody? A single man, with little or no record of his past?"
"I figure Chuck's as good a reference as any. But why're you soundin' so
negative about this, Jeanie? Who were you thinkin' should be her guardian?"
She hesitated a moment, looking at a leaf blowing in the wind. She turned to
face him and met his gaze. "Actually, Scott and I discussed the possibility of
us applying to be her legal guardians."
"You two?" Logan stared at her. "Jeanie, I know you and Jube have gotten close,
'specially in the time I left the team, but she and Scott. . . . Hell, she'd
sooner see the Cajun or ole Chuck as a father-figure."
"What, and you'd make a better father to her?"
He snorted. "Not to blow my own horn, but yeah. Like I said, she trusts me. She
looks up to me. She cares about me. And I think of her as my own."
"Logan, there's more to parenting than loving a child. If you think that's all
it takes, then you're in for a rude awakening."
"Jeanie, I don't understand where this is coming from. I figured Frost and Cyke
and maybe even Cassidy would object, but I was sure you'd be helpin' me argue my
case. Why are you making this sound like such a terrible idea?"
"I'm thinking about what's in Jubilee's best interest, Logan--both what social
services will see as proper guardians, and what we know will benefit her the
most. Realistically, if they're going to accept anyone as her guardians, Scott
and I have the best chance as a married couple in the employ of the Xavier
Institute, with records of our past and our family histories.
"As for her best interest--she needs someone who's going to be there for her,
unconditionally. She's going to have to undergo rehabilitation to regain full
use of her legs. She's going to need therapy to recover her missing memories.
She's going to need someone to help clothe her, to feed her, to wipe away the
tears when she wakes up from nightmares, to encourage her when she feels like
giving up. Someone to pick her up when she falls, someone to hug her when she
succeeds. Someone who will be there for her always, come what may, no matter
what. And, frankly, I don't think you're that kind of person. I've lost count of
how many times you've snuck off in the middle of the night, going on one trip or
another."
"I can change my lifestyle, Jeanie. If that's what it takes, I'd do it for
Jubilee."
"I don't think so, Logan. Look at this past week. We were not here an hour, and
you ran off to try to find Shaw and Tessa. Jubilee was lying on death's door.
She slipped into a coma, we nearly lost her. . . ." Feeling the rush of tears,
Jean quickly pushed them back, focusing on the anger that filled her. "And where
were you? Traipsing across the French countryside with Emma Frost. Dammit,
Logan, she needed you here! *I* needed you here! Sean was dividing his time
between the school and the hospital, and he was still acting like more of a
father to both the other students and Jubilee than you were.
"You're a loner, Logan. Always have been, always will be. Let's say you become
Jubilee's guardian. You'll be there for her for a few weeks, maybe even a couple
of months. But what happens when something else comes up? An old friend
resurfaces needing your assistance, or there's a mission where your skills are
sorely needed. You'd be gone in a heartbeat. And where does that leave Jubilee?"
"And you think Xavier's little soldier wouldn't be the same way?" Logan asked
angrily. "If Alex or Cable called, you don't think Scott'd drop everything and
everyone and go running?"
"Frankly, no. Let me tell you a little story, Logan. Back during our honeymoon,
when we spent years in the future raising Nate, Scott was faced with just such a
situation. We were supposed to accompany some of the rebels on a raid of one of
Apocalypse's strongholds. But Nate's techno-organic virus was out of remission.
He was in a coma, not unlike Jubilee's. We weren't sure if he was going to live
or die. Scott was desperately needed for that raid--his leadership, his combat
skills. But he refused to leave Nate's side. At that moment, he knew what was
more important. He thought with his heart. I have no doubt he would make the
same sacrifice for Jubilee, even though she is not his child. A parent always
puts his child's interests ahead of his own, no matter what the cost.
"The fact is, Logan, Scott is a better father than you could ever hope to be.
You may know about loyalty and love, but you have a lot to learn about
parenting."
For a long time, he was silent. He got up and walked down the steps, staring off
at the trees. He shoved his hands in his jeans pockets. Finally, he spoke,
though he did not turn to face her.
"I guess you're right, Jeanie. Kid's better off with two stable parents than
with one loose cannon any day. It was a silly idea anyways."
"No, Logan, it wasn't," Jean said, walking over to him and gently touching his
arm. "It was a very noble gesture, and one made purely out of love. We're not
looking to replace you, Logan. Hell, we're not even looking to become her
parents per se. I don't think that's what she wants anyway. We're looking to
take responsibility for her, to help her through these next few months. They're
going to be tough on her, no doubt about it. And I don't think we can do it
alone. I know both Jubilee and we would appreciate it if you could help out. I'm
sure it would mean a lot to her. What do you say?"
He smiled. "Sure. Contrary to what you may think because I booked this week, I
do care about her, and I want to see her get well."
"That's what we all want," she said, embracing him. "We're all going to need to
work together on this one, okay?"
"Yeah."
She smiled at him. Suddenly, her eyes got a faraway look--an expression he had
seen before, when she communicated with someone telepathically. For a moment her
face brightened, looking hopeful. Just as quickly, it was gone, and her
expression darkened. "Scott said they just got off the phone with the
professor."
"Any luck?" he asked, though he already knew the answer.
Sadly, she shook her head.
"C'mon, let's go get some chow before we head back the hospital," he said,
placing an arm around her shoulders as they headed back up the stairs. "I s'pose
you're gonna run your idea past Emma and Sean."
"Yes. Can we count on your support?"
"Always," he told her. "I know Irish'll take to the idea, but, 'specially after
your little confrontation yesterday, Frost's liable to bust a gut with her
protests. Just leave her to me. No claws, of course," he amended with a grin as
he opened the front door.
"I might be willing to make an exception on that one," Jean said with a smirk.
"Thanks, Logan."
End Chapter 12
*****