Title: A Friend in Need II: Sweet Child of Mine 03/22
Author: Somogyi
Email: somogyi02@yahoo.com
Archive: Sure, just please ask first
Rating: PG-13 for language, violence, and some disturbing imagery
Summary: Jubilee is well on the way to recovery from the physical injuries she
sustained during "A Friend in Need," thanks to the help of Logan and Jean. The
psychic damage, however, has been slow to heal: she is still plagued by regular
nightmares and her memory has not yet returned. And while Jean's endless devotion
to Jubilee is helping her to recuperate, it is starting to put a strain on Jean's
marriage to Scott.
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 II: Sweet Child of Mine
by Somogyi
somogyi02@yahoo.com
Chapter 3
"Jubilee, wake up."
Feeling the insistent touch on her shoulder gently nudging her, the girl
reluctantly cracked her eyes open. Through a sleep-filled haze, he could make
out the blurry oval of a face hovering over her, framed by long red tresses. "J-
Jean. . . ? Wh-wha' time's it . . . ?"
"Time to get up, Jubes."
Jubilee turned her head, read the face of the bedside clock. Six-thirty. God, it
was still the middle of the night. "Just a few more minutes, `kay?" she asked,
rolling onto her side and pulling the covers up over her head.
"I'm sorry, sweetie, but you're supposed to meet Logan in a half hour. You don't
want to keep him waiting."
"Wolvie won't care if I'm a little late," came the girl's muffled reply.
She felt the mattress sink a bit as Jean no doubt sat down beside her. Then, she
heard the unmistakable sound of shades rolling up, even as bright sunlight
suffused the bedroom, reaching her even below the protection of the comforter.
Sometimes having a telekinetic for a foster mother had its drawbacks.
"Remember the deal we made? If you ever miss or are late for a physical therapy
session, he's going to work you even harder. Are you really up for that today?"
With a reluctant sigh, Jubilee threw the covers down off of her head. "No, not
really." She looked up at Jean, and her brow furrowed. Jean looked exhausted.
Her face was pale, her eyes puffy with dark circles laying beneath them. "You
didn't sleep much either, huh?"
"Enough to make do," Jean replied, reaching down to gently stroke Jubilee's
cheek with the back of her hand. "Now, why don't you get washed up and dressed,
and I'll make you something to eat. What would you like for breakfast?"
Jubilee slowly sat up, rubbing the remnants of sleep from her eyes. "I'm not
that hungry. I'll probably just have some cereal."
"All right. Let me know if you change your mind." Jean rose, and retrieved
Jubilee's braces from where they sat propped against the nightstand.
Throwing back the covers, Jubilee slid her legs over the side of the bed and
accepted the proffered crutches to help her to her feet. She began her journey
toward the bathroom. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the closet door fly
open along with several drawers as Jean retrieved sweatpants, tee-shirt, socks,
and underclothes, even as she made the bed in a more traditional manner. At the
last moment, a hooded, zipper-up sweatshirt moved to join the other pieces of
clothing on the newly-made bed. Guess it was still chilly out. Jean always
seemed aware of such mundane matters, and was always prepared for them--making
sure she was, as well. One could get used to such pampering, Jubilee thought
with a smile.
A short while later, freshly-scrubbed and dressed for her workout, Jubilee
entered the kitchen. Jean had already set the container of milk, a bowl, spoon,
and napkin at the table for her. She now busied herself preparing a cup of tea.
"Pick your poison," Jean called, her back to the table as s he tended to her
mug.
"Gotta have my pops," Jubilee replied, seating herself at the kitchen table. She
had not even put down her crutches when the pantry door flew open and a box of
sugar pops flew across the room and landed gently on table beside her bowl.
Knowing how health conscious Jean was, Jubilee had expected a fight when she had
put in a request for her favorite breakfast cereals--all of which contained
sugar as a primary ingredient. Surprisingly, Jean had acquired a box of each
with no further comment. Apparently, so long as Jubilee agreed to eat the fruit
and vegetables that were offered to her as part of her other meals, Jean was
perfectly willing to overlook her sweet tooth when it came to her choice of
cereals. Actually, she also managed to indulge them all with the variety of
desserts she would prepare. It was in this way they had learned of a shared love
for all things chocolate.
Jubilee set about pouring a healthy serving of cereal into her bowl, drowning it
in milk. "You wan' some?" she asked through a mouthful as Jean sat down across
from her, cradling a steaming mug in her hands.
"No thanks," Jean replied with a small smile. "I can't deal with anything that
sweet this early in the morning."
"You're not having anything?" Jubilee inquired as she shoveled another heaping
spoonful into her mouth.
"Just this," Jean said, taking a cautious sip of the potent liquid.
"Scott sleeping in?" the girl asked, not having heard him at all since she had
been awakened.
"No, he's already at the mansion. Apparently, there are some training sessions
scheduled for this morning in the Danger Room." The underlying tone of
irritation in her voice was unmistakable. Trouble in paradise? Jubilee wondered.
"That why you're sporting the colorful threads?" Jubilee asked, indicating the
uniform that Jean wore. "Haven't seen you in that since I came to stay here."
Jean pursed her lips a moment before replying. "Well, I was told that getting
out of practice with my powers would not be looked upon favorably, so I decided
to comply with team regulations while you were working on your PT with Logan."
Jubilee regarded her silently for a moment. "Everything okay, Jean? Did you and
Scott have a fight or something?"
"Everything's fine, Jubilee. Certainly nothing for you to concern yourself
with." She rose, carrying her mug to the sink. "You finished? We need to get
going."
"Yeah. Let me just--" But before she could finish the sentence, Jean had
mentally whisked the dirty dishes into the sink and was replacing the milk and
cereal box in their proper places. Though she would be the first to appreciate
the benefits of telekinesis--especially when it was utilized to make her life
easier--sometimes Jubilee wished she would be allowed to accomplish things on
her own.
Not to mention the fact that Jean seemed especially tense this morning--and
quite perturbed. She and Scott definitely must have had a fight, Jubilee
decided.
With a small sigh, Jubilee got to her feet and donned her Xavier Institute sweat
jacket. As she retrieved her braces, Jean accompanied her to the front door. And
so they began the slow trek to the mansion.
Since she had come to stay with Jean and Scott and had begun her physical
therapy with Logan, Jubilee had begun the trip to the mansion under her own
power. In the beginning, she had barely been able to walk a few yards before
becoming exhausted. Jean always accompanied her, and when her energy would
expire, Jean would then assist her by levitating her telekinetically for the
rest of the trip. As the weeks passed, and Logan helped her to build up her
strength with various exercises, Jubilee was able to traverse longer portions of
the journey unassisted. Her arms were now stronger even than when she was an
accomplished child gymnast, and that added upper body strength enabled her to
utilize the crutches more efficiently and for longer distances. Just yesterday,
she was at the half-way point: able to complete half the journey to the mansion
under her own power. Her goal was to get past that point before the end of the
week. She hoped that before the month was out, she would be able to travel all
the way from the boat house to the mansion, unassisted by Jean.
Usually she and Jean chatted on the way to the mansion. The small talk usually
helped keep her mind off of her personal struggle. This morning, however, Jean
seemed particularly quiet. Probably thinking about Scott, and whatever it was
they had argued over, Jubilee assumed.
"Y'know, Jean, if you, like, wanna talk about it. . . ."
"There's nothing to talk about, Jubilee."
The girl snorted. "Puh-lease. Just `cause I'm brain-damaged doesn't mean I'm
dense. Something's up, Jean. That's, like, perfectly obvious."
"I'm fine, sweetie. But thanks for asking."
"No prob. If you change your mind. . . ."
Jean graced her with a smile. "How're you holding up?"
"Okay," Jubilee replied. Her muscles were warm from the exertion. Perspiration
was already starting to bead on her brow and upper lip. She figured another
minute or two before she would need to take a breather.
"You're doing great today," Jean praised. "We're nearing the middle mark, and
you've barely broken a sweat. Your heart beat is only mildly elevated."
"How the hell can you know what my heart's doin'?" Jubilee muttered through
clenched teeth. She was starting to strain.
"The magic of telepathy. Do you want to stop?"
"Not yet," Jubilee panted. "Want . . . to go . . . a little bit . .. further."
"All right," Jean acquiesced, slowing her pace to match Jubilee's. "Don't over-
exert yourself, though. You want to leave yourself enough strength to get
through Logan's work-out."
"How . . . far. . . ?"
Jean gazed around them. "I think we're just passed half-way there."
With a grunt, Jubilee took a few more steps. She did it. She actually did it.
She had completed over fifty percent of the trip by herself, without any--
"Whoa!" she cried as the end of her crutch landed unevenly on a small rock in
the path, causing her to lose her balance. She found herself tumbling toward the
ground.
"Gotcha!" Jean said, intercepting Jubilee in her arms before she could fall any
further. She held the sweaty, trembling girl as she fought to regain her breath.
"You okay, sweetie?"
"Yeah," Jubilee replied, nodding, as she got shakily to her feet. Her arms
definitely needed a break. There was no way she would be able to take another
step without some rest. "I think I've had it, though."
"That's okay, Jubes. It's better than okay, actually. You made it more than
half-way, all on your own. Congratulations! That was wonderful."
"Thanks," Jubilee said, smiling. "It did feel pretty good."
"I'll bet. Before you know it, kiddo, you'll be walking over to the mansion all
by yourself, without any need for me."
Jubilee wiped the sweat from her forehead with her sleeve. "Hey, I can always
use the company. I really enjoy our morning walks."
"Really?" Jean looked at her, a smile of pleasure on her face. That, and
something else. It almost looked like she had tears in her eyes. But that was
ridiculous; Jubilee was probably imagining things--mistaking the glint of
sunlight for moisture. "I've enjoyed them, too." She reached to encircle
Jubilee's back with her arm, using her telekinesis to help support her.
Together, they completed the journey to the mansion.
When they arrived in the gym, Logan was waiting for them. "Though maybe you'd
decided to skip," he said, removing a pair of ankle weights from a cabinet.
"Jubilee managed to walk over half the distance herself," Jean explained. "So
the trip necessarily took a little longer than usual."
Logan glanced at Jean as he took Jubilee's crutches from her to place out of the
way. "Looks like yer gonna have a work-out of yer own this mornin', Red."
Jean nodded reluctantly. "My husband has insisted that I exercise my mental
muscles at today's training session."
"You'd better get movin', then. They were gettin' ready to start a few minutes
ago."
"I need to make sure Jubilee is settled--"
"She'll be fine, Jeanie."
Jean looked unconvinced.
"Really, Jean, I'm cool," Jubilee said, removing her sweat jacket. "Wolvie will
take good care of me, like he always does."
With a small sigh, Jean nodded her head, finally acquiescing. "I guess you're
right. You'll give me a mental shout if you need anything?"
"What, and distract you in the middle of a Danger Room session? You got a death
wish?"
Jean frowned at Logan's words.
"It's just a couple of hours, Jean," Jubilee reassured her. "Nothing's gonna
happen to me. I'll be here when you're done, and you can come check on me then.
Now, go on, they're probably waitin' for you to start."
"All right. Have fun with your work out," she said, giving Jubilee a short hug.
"Don't work her too hard, Logan," she called, even as she headed for the door.
She paused at the doorway, looking back at the pair longingly.
Jubilee smiled at her, and gave a small wave.
Waving back, Jean finally took her leave.
Once she did, Jubilee let out an audible sigh. "Geez lou-eeze! She's startin' to
smother me, Wolvie. I don't know how much more of this I can take."
"You love bein' pampered, and you know it, kiddo."
Jubilee smirked as she slowly lowered herself down to the padded mats with
Wolverine's aid. "Well, yeah, it's kinda nice to have someone takin' care of me.
But I'm gettin' better every day, and I need a little more space."
"Just don't be too hard on her, firecracker. Jeanie's heart's in the right
place. She just wants to do right by you, is all."
"I know, Wolvster. Believe me, I know." Letting out a deep breath, she looked up
at him. "We doin' the usual stretching exercises?"
"Yep. Let's start with reachin' to touch yer toes. . . ."
End Chapter 3
*****
Author: Somogyi
Email: somogyi02@yahoo.com
Archive: Sure, just please ask first
Rating: PG-13 for language, violence, and some disturbing imagery
Summary: Jubilee is well on the way to recovery from the physical injuries she
sustained during "A Friend in Need," thanks to the help of Logan and Jean. The
psychic damage, however, has been slow to heal: she is still plagued by regular
nightmares and her memory has not yet returned. And while Jean's endless devotion
to Jubilee is helping her to recuperate, it is starting to put a strain on Jean's
marriage to Scott.
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 II: Sweet Child of Mine
by Somogyi
somogyi02@yahoo.com
Chapter 3
"Jubilee, wake up."
Feeling the insistent touch on her shoulder gently nudging her, the girl
reluctantly cracked her eyes open. Through a sleep-filled haze, he could make
out the blurry oval of a face hovering over her, framed by long red tresses. "J-
Jean. . . ? Wh-wha' time's it . . . ?"
"Time to get up, Jubes."
Jubilee turned her head, read the face of the bedside clock. Six-thirty. God, it
was still the middle of the night. "Just a few more minutes, `kay?" she asked,
rolling onto her side and pulling the covers up over her head.
"I'm sorry, sweetie, but you're supposed to meet Logan in a half hour. You don't
want to keep him waiting."
"Wolvie won't care if I'm a little late," came the girl's muffled reply.
She felt the mattress sink a bit as Jean no doubt sat down beside her. Then, she
heard the unmistakable sound of shades rolling up, even as bright sunlight
suffused the bedroom, reaching her even below the protection of the comforter.
Sometimes having a telekinetic for a foster mother had its drawbacks.
"Remember the deal we made? If you ever miss or are late for a physical therapy
session, he's going to work you even harder. Are you really up for that today?"
With a reluctant sigh, Jubilee threw the covers down off of her head. "No, not
really." She looked up at Jean, and her brow furrowed. Jean looked exhausted.
Her face was pale, her eyes puffy with dark circles laying beneath them. "You
didn't sleep much either, huh?"
"Enough to make do," Jean replied, reaching down to gently stroke Jubilee's
cheek with the back of her hand. "Now, why don't you get washed up and dressed,
and I'll make you something to eat. What would you like for breakfast?"
Jubilee slowly sat up, rubbing the remnants of sleep from her eyes. "I'm not
that hungry. I'll probably just have some cereal."
"All right. Let me know if you change your mind." Jean rose, and retrieved
Jubilee's braces from where they sat propped against the nightstand.
Throwing back the covers, Jubilee slid her legs over the side of the bed and
accepted the proffered crutches to help her to her feet. She began her journey
toward the bathroom. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the closet door fly
open along with several drawers as Jean retrieved sweatpants, tee-shirt, socks,
and underclothes, even as she made the bed in a more traditional manner. At the
last moment, a hooded, zipper-up sweatshirt moved to join the other pieces of
clothing on the newly-made bed. Guess it was still chilly out. Jean always
seemed aware of such mundane matters, and was always prepared for them--making
sure she was, as well. One could get used to such pampering, Jubilee thought
with a smile.
A short while later, freshly-scrubbed and dressed for her workout, Jubilee
entered the kitchen. Jean had already set the container of milk, a bowl, spoon,
and napkin at the table for her. She now busied herself preparing a cup of tea.
"Pick your poison," Jean called, her back to the table as s he tended to her
mug.
"Gotta have my pops," Jubilee replied, seating herself at the kitchen table. She
had not even put down her crutches when the pantry door flew open and a box of
sugar pops flew across the room and landed gently on table beside her bowl.
Knowing how health conscious Jean was, Jubilee had expected a fight when she had
put in a request for her favorite breakfast cereals--all of which contained
sugar as a primary ingredient. Surprisingly, Jean had acquired a box of each
with no further comment. Apparently, so long as Jubilee agreed to eat the fruit
and vegetables that were offered to her as part of her other meals, Jean was
perfectly willing to overlook her sweet tooth when it came to her choice of
cereals. Actually, she also managed to indulge them all with the variety of
desserts she would prepare. It was in this way they had learned of a shared love
for all things chocolate.
Jubilee set about pouring a healthy serving of cereal into her bowl, drowning it
in milk. "You wan' some?" she asked through a mouthful as Jean sat down across
from her, cradling a steaming mug in her hands.
"No thanks," Jean replied with a small smile. "I can't deal with anything that
sweet this early in the morning."
"You're not having anything?" Jubilee inquired as she shoveled another heaping
spoonful into her mouth.
"Just this," Jean said, taking a cautious sip of the potent liquid.
"Scott sleeping in?" the girl asked, not having heard him at all since she had
been awakened.
"No, he's already at the mansion. Apparently, there are some training sessions
scheduled for this morning in the Danger Room." The underlying tone of
irritation in her voice was unmistakable. Trouble in paradise? Jubilee wondered.
"That why you're sporting the colorful threads?" Jubilee asked, indicating the
uniform that Jean wore. "Haven't seen you in that since I came to stay here."
Jean pursed her lips a moment before replying. "Well, I was told that getting
out of practice with my powers would not be looked upon favorably, so I decided
to comply with team regulations while you were working on your PT with Logan."
Jubilee regarded her silently for a moment. "Everything okay, Jean? Did you and
Scott have a fight or something?"
"Everything's fine, Jubilee. Certainly nothing for you to concern yourself
with." She rose, carrying her mug to the sink. "You finished? We need to get
going."
"Yeah. Let me just--" But before she could finish the sentence, Jean had
mentally whisked the dirty dishes into the sink and was replacing the milk and
cereal box in their proper places. Though she would be the first to appreciate
the benefits of telekinesis--especially when it was utilized to make her life
easier--sometimes Jubilee wished she would be allowed to accomplish things on
her own.
Not to mention the fact that Jean seemed especially tense this morning--and
quite perturbed. She and Scott definitely must have had a fight, Jubilee
decided.
With a small sigh, Jubilee got to her feet and donned her Xavier Institute sweat
jacket. As she retrieved her braces, Jean accompanied her to the front door. And
so they began the slow trek to the mansion.
Since she had come to stay with Jean and Scott and had begun her physical
therapy with Logan, Jubilee had begun the trip to the mansion under her own
power. In the beginning, she had barely been able to walk a few yards before
becoming exhausted. Jean always accompanied her, and when her energy would
expire, Jean would then assist her by levitating her telekinetically for the
rest of the trip. As the weeks passed, and Logan helped her to build up her
strength with various exercises, Jubilee was able to traverse longer portions of
the journey unassisted. Her arms were now stronger even than when she was an
accomplished child gymnast, and that added upper body strength enabled her to
utilize the crutches more efficiently and for longer distances. Just yesterday,
she was at the half-way point: able to complete half the journey to the mansion
under her own power. Her goal was to get past that point before the end of the
week. She hoped that before the month was out, she would be able to travel all
the way from the boat house to the mansion, unassisted by Jean.
Usually she and Jean chatted on the way to the mansion. The small talk usually
helped keep her mind off of her personal struggle. This morning, however, Jean
seemed particularly quiet. Probably thinking about Scott, and whatever it was
they had argued over, Jubilee assumed.
"Y'know, Jean, if you, like, wanna talk about it. . . ."
"There's nothing to talk about, Jubilee."
The girl snorted. "Puh-lease. Just `cause I'm brain-damaged doesn't mean I'm
dense. Something's up, Jean. That's, like, perfectly obvious."
"I'm fine, sweetie. But thanks for asking."
"No prob. If you change your mind. . . ."
Jean graced her with a smile. "How're you holding up?"
"Okay," Jubilee replied. Her muscles were warm from the exertion. Perspiration
was already starting to bead on her brow and upper lip. She figured another
minute or two before she would need to take a breather.
"You're doing great today," Jean praised. "We're nearing the middle mark, and
you've barely broken a sweat. Your heart beat is only mildly elevated."
"How the hell can you know what my heart's doin'?" Jubilee muttered through
clenched teeth. She was starting to strain.
"The magic of telepathy. Do you want to stop?"
"Not yet," Jubilee panted. "Want . . . to go . . . a little bit . .. further."
"All right," Jean acquiesced, slowing her pace to match Jubilee's. "Don't over-
exert yourself, though. You want to leave yourself enough strength to get
through Logan's work-out."
"How . . . far. . . ?"
Jean gazed around them. "I think we're just passed half-way there."
With a grunt, Jubilee took a few more steps. She did it. She actually did it.
She had completed over fifty percent of the trip by herself, without any--
"Whoa!" she cried as the end of her crutch landed unevenly on a small rock in
the path, causing her to lose her balance. She found herself tumbling toward the
ground.
"Gotcha!" Jean said, intercepting Jubilee in her arms before she could fall any
further. She held the sweaty, trembling girl as she fought to regain her breath.
"You okay, sweetie?"
"Yeah," Jubilee replied, nodding, as she got shakily to her feet. Her arms
definitely needed a break. There was no way she would be able to take another
step without some rest. "I think I've had it, though."
"That's okay, Jubes. It's better than okay, actually. You made it more than
half-way, all on your own. Congratulations! That was wonderful."
"Thanks," Jubilee said, smiling. "It did feel pretty good."
"I'll bet. Before you know it, kiddo, you'll be walking over to the mansion all
by yourself, without any need for me."
Jubilee wiped the sweat from her forehead with her sleeve. "Hey, I can always
use the company. I really enjoy our morning walks."
"Really?" Jean looked at her, a smile of pleasure on her face. That, and
something else. It almost looked like she had tears in her eyes. But that was
ridiculous; Jubilee was probably imagining things--mistaking the glint of
sunlight for moisture. "I've enjoyed them, too." She reached to encircle
Jubilee's back with her arm, using her telekinesis to help support her.
Together, they completed the journey to the mansion.
When they arrived in the gym, Logan was waiting for them. "Though maybe you'd
decided to skip," he said, removing a pair of ankle weights from a cabinet.
"Jubilee managed to walk over half the distance herself," Jean explained. "So
the trip necessarily took a little longer than usual."
Logan glanced at Jean as he took Jubilee's crutches from her to place out of the
way. "Looks like yer gonna have a work-out of yer own this mornin', Red."
Jean nodded reluctantly. "My husband has insisted that I exercise my mental
muscles at today's training session."
"You'd better get movin', then. They were gettin' ready to start a few minutes
ago."
"I need to make sure Jubilee is settled--"
"She'll be fine, Jeanie."
Jean looked unconvinced.
"Really, Jean, I'm cool," Jubilee said, removing her sweat jacket. "Wolvie will
take good care of me, like he always does."
With a small sigh, Jean nodded her head, finally acquiescing. "I guess you're
right. You'll give me a mental shout if you need anything?"
"What, and distract you in the middle of a Danger Room session? You got a death
wish?"
Jean frowned at Logan's words.
"It's just a couple of hours, Jean," Jubilee reassured her. "Nothing's gonna
happen to me. I'll be here when you're done, and you can come check on me then.
Now, go on, they're probably waitin' for you to start."
"All right. Have fun with your work out," she said, giving Jubilee a short hug.
"Don't work her too hard, Logan," she called, even as she headed for the door.
She paused at the doorway, looking back at the pair longingly.
Jubilee smiled at her, and gave a small wave.
Waving back, Jean finally took her leave.
Once she did, Jubilee let out an audible sigh. "Geez lou-eeze! She's startin' to
smother me, Wolvie. I don't know how much more of this I can take."
"You love bein' pampered, and you know it, kiddo."
Jubilee smirked as she slowly lowered herself down to the padded mats with
Wolverine's aid. "Well, yeah, it's kinda nice to have someone takin' care of me.
But I'm gettin' better every day, and I need a little more space."
"Just don't be too hard on her, firecracker. Jeanie's heart's in the right
place. She just wants to do right by you, is all."
"I know, Wolvster. Believe me, I know." Letting out a deep breath, she looked up
at him. "We doin' the usual stretching exercises?"
"Yep. Let's start with reachin' to touch yer toes. . . ."
End Chapter 3
*****