By: Cierce
Summary: Jubilee returns to the X-Men for a wedding.
Rated: G
"Hi Jubes!" Anne's voice momentarily
distracted her, but it was still long enough for her to slam her finger instead
of the nail.
"Owww..." Jubilee shook the throbbing finger
and dropped the hammer which missed her foot by inches. Anne's eyes grew
wide as she stared in horror.
"Oh! Jubilee I'm soo sorry! Is it Ok?
You're not too mad...are you?" Please let her say 'no.'
Please let her say 'no.' Please let her say 'no.' Jubilee smiled
at the hopeful face of the fourteen-year-old in front of her. She gave a
weak smile, but it was enough to reassure Anne that she was still loved.
Anne's grin rivaled that of the Jubilee of yore as she thrust her lithe frame
onto Jubilee. Surprised, Jubilee hugged the girl back. When the
embrace ended, Anne inspected the hammer.
"Whatcha hanging?"
"A picture. Why?" Jubilee steadied the
nail and prepared to swing the hammer.
"Just wondering." Anne watched as Jubilee
pulled back, and then swung.
The door opened followed by a loud male voice.
"JUBILEE! Just the person i -" Bobby
stopped mid sentence when he heard a rather loud, "Owww!!!"
Jubilee clutched her finger as she danced around the room in pain. Anne,
though she wanted to help her beloved Jubilee, she thought is best not to get in
the middle of Bobby's punishment.
Poor Jubilee. Bobby's gonna get it now! This
should be fun.
Anne was not prepared for the scene that followed.
Bobby rushed to Jubilee and immediately inquired about her finger, with prolific
apologies in-between.
"Oh my God! Jubes I'm so sorry!" here
Bobby took her hand in his, "Here, let me kiss it and make it
better." Bobby made an elaborate display of kissing the wounded
finger, and was rewarded for his chivalry with a bop on the head. As he
looked up, he realized his head was spinning, though not from the bop. Oh
my God! I kissed Jubilee! He glanced at her, and noticed how she
couldn't decide rather to be angry or laugh at the dazed expression on his
face. Ok, Bobby...play it slow. Don't scare her off like the
others. She smiled at him as he absently rubbed his head, and wished
the fluttery feeling would leave her stomach. With a grin, she bent down
and picked up the hammer. Holding it by the head, she reached out to
Bobby,
"Hey Bobby, you could repay me for the giant bruise on
my finger by hanging this darn picture." She flashed him one of her
trademark grins, and he awkwardly took the hammer. Unfortunately, as he swung,
he remembered the kiss, and whacked his hand instead of the nail.
"Owww!" He dropped the hammer in order to cradle
the wound hand, and the hammer fell to the floor with a thud. Right on his
foot.
"Owww!" Bobby was holding both his hand and
his foot, and hopping around the room in pain.
* * * * * * * * *
Logan had finally finished his beer, and decided that he
should help Jubilee with whatever crazy idea she was planning. He walked
to her room, and opened the door. The sight that he met was amazing.
Jubilee and Anne were on the bed laughing and holding their sides. Bobby
was performing some interesting ritual, which included howling and holding foot
and hand and hopping. The mighty Wolverine took one look and was
scared. He turned around and left, hearing Jubilee's barely audible,
"Bye Wolvie!" She was able to gasp out the
words between laughs.
* * * * * * * * *
It had been two wonderful months of preparation for the
wedding, and finally Paige and Jono were going to tie the knot. Angelo and
Bobby stood talking amongst themselves, Jono was busy being nervous, and Gambit
was busily flirting with the forever denied Rogue. Bobby looked at Angelo
and grinned,
"Nervous?" Angelo laughed,
"Si...and I'm not even getting married!" The
two laughed, obviously enjoying the mirth that the day had brought.
* * * * * * * * *
Jubilee helped Paige get her veil positioned, while Elisa
pinned it in place. Rogue was who knows where, and the two bridesmaids
were busy with final preparations for the wedding. When Paige shooed them
out to do her makeup, the two went to go get dressed.
"I'm so excited! It still seems like a dream, that
any minute I'm going to wake in my apartment in Italy!" Jubilee said
as she zipped up Elisa. Unbeknownst to either of them, Anne was listening
through the door. Her mother had told her that before the wedding, brides
always got cold feet and wanted to ditch. Anne had decided that it would
be fun to hear the two help Paige through her cold feet. Unfortunately for
Anne, Paige never got cold feet.
* * * * * * * * *
Angelo studied Bobby's face carefully. His features
echoed those that were often present on Wolverine's face - especially if Senior
Logan was around Scott and Jean. Angelo sighed inwardly wondering what
secret his friend was harboring. Bobby himself could not shake the
feeling that something important, besides the wedding, was going to happen
today. Yet, he couldn't put his finger on it. Angelo opened his
mouth to say something, but thought better of it, and shut his mouth
again. Bobby's eyes were glazed over as if he were remembering something
from a particularly wonderful dream. Jono chose that moment to walk in,
and noticed Bobby's far away expression.
*Daydreamin' mate?* Jono "chuckled."
Startled, Bobby answered sheepishly,
"Yeah, I suppose so..." He flashed Jono
a grin, "Just dreaming about what'll happen if I kidnap Paige from the
altar." Jono looked at him in mock deadliness,
*You even try, and you'll be nothing but a puddle on the
carpet. Stay away from my future wife!* Angelo laughed and joined
the fun,
"You worry about Bobby Jono, and you'll never even
notice me charm the blushing bride as I dance with her into the
sunset!" Jono sighed in frustration. How was he ever going to
deal with these people?
* * * * * * * * *
In the bridal room, Elisa was surrounded. Ok,
maybe not surrounded exactly, just cornered. And directly in front
of her was Jubilee's pearly grin. Oh how could I have been so
stupid to promise to tell my beautiful secret to someone!? Elisa tried
to grin...no use. Jubilee opened her mouth,
"Spill. you promised me a secret not two minutes
ago, and a secret is what I want." Elisa grinned, she could give Jubilee
a secret - if that was what she really wanted.
"Ok...I'll tell you. Remember that day when Sean
grounded you for putting whipped cream in his shaving cream?" Jubilee
nodded. This is not the secret I wanted to hear. "And
remember how you kept saying it wasn't you? It was me!" Elisa
held her head high. There! Jubilee can't say that wasn't a
secret! Jubilee fought the urge to laugh.
"Funny...now I want the real secret." Elisa
sighed. This was not what she had hoped would happen.
* * * * * * * * *
Just outside the door Anne grinned. Right! This is better than
cold feet! I'm gonna learn a secret!
* * * * * * * * *
Inside, Elisa had reconciled herself to talking. She took a deep breath,
"I'm in love."
* * * * * * * * *
Anne fell backward with shock. Elisa's in
love! Wow! Anne's fourteen-year-old brow furrowed. She had
to be in love with somebody. Things are probably going to get very
complicated.
* * * * * * * * *
"You're WHAT!" Jubilee's face was glowing
from excitement! "Who is it? Do I know him! Is he cute?
Tell me...NOW!" Elisa gave Jubilee a shaky smile.
"You know him...in fact, you used to fight alongside
him." There let's see Jubilee figure it out.
"Elisa...try to understand. I've fought alongside
many people. Lessee, there's Cyke, Wolvie, Gambit, Rogue would kill you if
it was him - " Jubilee paused as an evil thought filled her
head. Trying to not tell me! I'll show her! "You
know, I don't even know for sure if its a male. For all I know, you could
have a thing for Emma." So there. Elisa
blushed wildly,
"Its a male! Trust me! Its a male!"
* * * * * * * * *
Anne had to cover her mouth with her hand to keep her shrieks
of laughter inside. Good ole Jubes! Anne knew that Jubilee would
never let anyone stand between what she wanted. Unfortunately for Elisa,
Jubilee wanted to know who she was in love with. Anne sat on her haunches,
ear to the door, and prayed that someone did not interrupt her while she was eavesdropping.
* * * * * * * * *
Jubilee's eyes were that of a wolf ready to torment its prey
before devouring it. And it seemed that Elisa was the prey. The only
difference between Jubilee and a wolf was that Jubilee was not going to eat
Elisa, she was just going to get information.
"Ok, I know its a guy. Oh wait! I know who
it is!" Jubilee shot Elisa a rebuking look, "Elisa, why didn't
you tell me that you were in love with the Professor?" Elisa nearly
gagged. This was too much! She looked at Jubilee weakly,
"Its not the Professor Jubilee." I'd
better give her another hint before she guesses Beast...or worse - Sam!
God, I can just see myself trying to explain that to Paige. "He's...umm...he's...he's
got an accent!" Elisa spurted the words out quickly before she could
swallow them again.
"An accent hunh? Remy has an accent...Guess
not." Jubilee said after seeing the horror in Elisa's eyes.
"Hmm...Wolvie says 'Bub' a lot, but I don't think that's considered an
accent. Oh...What about...Sam?" Elisa went pale and hissed at
Jubilee,
"I SWEAR ITS NOT SAM!" all the while
looking towards the closed door where Paige was "I'll tell you
who if you'll just stop guessing!" Jubilee looked smug. Reality
hit Elisa like a Mac Truck. Damn! She probably had this all
planned! I'm so stupid!
"Ok Elisa. I won't guess anymore. Tell
me." Jubilee's eyes danced as she eagerly awaited the information
which she so desired.
"Its Angelo."
* * * * * * * * *
Anne was dumbfounded. Angelo? Why him?! He
didn't even know Elisa was a girl, much less a romantic interest. Anne
frowned. I guess its up to me to play Cupid. What better place than
a wedding to match make. Anne glanced at her tiny silver wristwatch.
Crap! Jean's probably wondering where I am. Anne got up and ran down
the hall nearly bumping into Remy and Rogue along the way.
* * * * * * * * *
Jubilee's mouth hung. Him? Wow. Her brain
went temporarily numb, and she began having trouble thinking straight.
"Him?" Elisa nodded. She felt as though
a huge weight had been lifted off her chest. Jubilee knew her secret, and surprisingly
enough, Elisa liked that.
"Yes Jubilee, him." Jubilee couldn't get over
the initial shock. She had so many questions, but her brain ad
stopped. Stupid brain...work!
"Him?" she asked again
weakly." She needed to sit down. Why wouldn't her brain work?
"Yes Jubilee." Elisa smiled her first genuine
smile for the first time since their conversation started. Pooh
Jubes. Guess the shock was just too much for her.
"Why?" Jubilee was glad that her vocabulary
was not limited to just 'him?' Elisa shrugged.
"I'm not sure. I just...do. Never thought I
would though. He's certainly far different from my ideal guy."
"Tell him?" Hah! She'd done it!
She'd used two words! Her brain was returning.
"No! Please don't! He...He'll get scared
away! If anything ever happens, I want it to happen naturally.
Please. Promise me that you won't try anything." Elisa's eyes
pleaded Jubilee even more than her words had. Jubilee succumbed to
them. She nodded.
"Thanks." Elisa whispered, and the
conversation was dropped as Paige walked in.
"Well? Do I look all right?" The two
nodded. Paige looked beautiful, her golden hair was pulled into a bun,
with only a few curls falling around her narrow face. The freckles of her
teenage years had faded completely. Her dress, pure white, had lace
that covered the satiny skirt, causing it to look as though it would rip if one
didn't breathe right. She had carefully adorned her veil with Baby's
Breath, causing her to look as one would imagine spring. The finishing
touch was the string of pearl beads that hung round her milky throat.
Jubilee noticed that she wore the blush of a soon to be bride, and her ring
finger eagerly awaited the priceless ring. All in all, Paige was a perfect
bride.
* * * * * * * * *
"Do you Jonothan Starsmore take Paige Guthrie to be your
lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold until death do you
part?"
"I do." Jono's 'voice' was filled with pride,
and he smiled at his darling Paige, who in just a few moments would be his
wife. He was so happy, and had even worn an image inducer just so he could
'kiss the bride.'
"Do you Paige Guthrie take Jonothan Starsmore to be your
-"
"Ah do." Paige didn't wait for the priest to
finish, and answered the question she had dreamed about for so many years,
accent in full glory. She blushed at her impetuosity, but was greeted by
the smiling priest and Jono.
"Then by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you
husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Paige looked at her ring adorning her finger and grinned. As Jono lifted
the veil, he wondered would he be able to please her? Would he make her
happy? Would he be a good husband? Would he - all doubts flew
out the window as the veil was lifted. He gazed in her crystal blue eyes,
as he drew her close...
* * * * * * * * *
"Jubilee held her breath as Paige and Jono kissed.
She was so happy she didn't even mind the tear that trickled down her
nose. Suddenly, in the crowd, Bobby began to cheer. Jubilee didn't
even have to see him to know it was him cheering. She grinned and joined
in the celebration along with the whole audience (for lack of a better word
^^). Paige and Jono finally broke their embrace, and blushed -even Jono-
at the guests.
* * * * * * * * *
Paige and Jono danced at their wedding. To them, they
were the only two people in the whole world that night. They were never separated,
and had been dancing all evening.
Across the room, Bobby glanced at Jubilee. She was
laughing with Elisa and Rogue as she sipped her ginger ale. She would have
had champagne like everyone else, but Logan had forbid it. Jubilee, in an
attempt to keep the evening flawless, had agreed.
"Don't want to get tipsy and hog all the attention on
Paige and Jono's wedding night."
Bobby watched as Gambit had walked over and asked Rogue to
dance. He distinctly noticed the slight blush on her face as she
accepted. God, how many times had he wished to ask Jubilee in the same
way? He took a quick drink from his water, he didn't care for champagne,
and pooled all his courage. The song was still a faster on, so he
didn't have to worry about any assumptions on Jubilee's part. Taking a
deep breath, he assured himself that there was no time like the
present.
He made his way across the crowded floor, dodging dancers,
eyes focused on Jubilee the whole time. He passed the
newlyweds, Scott and Jean, who looked like they were married only last night,
Warren and Betsy, Storm and Wolverine. Looks like Logan went soft for a
night. He walked around Remy and Rogue, and finally reached his
destination. He stopped just in front of her table, nervous. Suppose
she said 'no'? Taking a second to calm his nerves, Bobby spoke,
"Hey Jubes." She flashed him a wondrous
smile, and for the first time he realized, this was no ordinary crush, he was in
love with Jubilee. Bobby wasn't sure when that had happened, He just knew
that when she came back, his world had become whole. He hadn't even
noticed a hole. Bobby realized at that moment what it would mean to him if
he ever lost her. He opened his mouth to ask his lady to dance, when the
song changed.
"I love this song! Bobby, lets dance!"
He grinned his answer, and then voiced it,
"Baby, you read my mind." He hadn't
frightened her away, instead, he had made her laugh. They made their way
to the dance floor to the tunes of Opus No. 1.
* * * * * * * * *
Jubilee hadn't noticed how strong Bobby was until he was
spinning her across the dance floor to the old swing tune. She laughed as
he picked her up and spun her, and giggled at the face he made when she hit at
him to be let down. As they twirled around the countless other spinning
couples, Jubilee realized how perfect her life had become. Who needed
Italy with friends like these?
* * * * * * * * *
Anne noted with glee that Jubilee was dancing, and that Elisa
was the only bridesmaid not dancing. Quickly she found Angel who was
talking with Beast. She walked straight up to them, her mind made up.
"Greeting my young friend. How are you enjoying yourself?"
Anne grinned.
"This is so cool!" Then she let her face
fall, "only, nobody's danced with me." There, lets see them
resist that.
"Poor Chica. How about if I dance with
you?" Angelo started to rise when Anne answered,
"I was actually kinda hopin' Beaster would dance with
me." Anne grinned, she knew her plan would work! Hank smiled at
Anne's use of the use of Jubilee's nickname for him. Anne adored Jubilee,
and Beast thought with a smile, he adored Anne. She was so energetic and
spontaneous. She reminded him of the young Jubilation who used to play
pranks on him. He grinned, besides, she had good taste wanting to dance
with him!
"I shall be honored to dance with you." Anne
smiled, she was genuinely glad that Hank had accepted, she thought of him as a
furry blue uncle, and loved him twice as much as she did any of her real
uncles. Now its time to get Angelo to dance.
"Angelo, why aren't you dancing? Don't you know
that its the job of the Best Man to dance with the Maid of Honor?"
Angelo chuckled.
"Chica, there is no Maid of Honor."
"Then dance with a bridesmaid." Hah!
Gotcha!
"There all dancing." Alarmed, Anne looked in
Elisa's direction. She was still there. Was Angelo blind?!
"Elisa isn't dancing."
"Perhaps you had best dance with her." Beast
had decided to help Anne out in her quest to get Angelo a dancing partner.
Angelo raised his hands.
"Ok! I know when 'm beat! I'll go ask
her." Angelo got up and walked over to Elisa with all the qualities
of a dashing debonair. Anne grinned.
"C'mon Beast...dance with me!"
* * * * * * * * *
Everyone was dancing and thoroughly enjoying
themselves. The DJ's, in a moment of good judgment, had noticed the
positive response to the swing piece, and played another. The whole
room was laughing, and having a ball. Then the song changed, and a slow
one began. This was a song Paige had requested for Jono, because she felt
it reflected their relationship. Some couples remained, but many left the
dance floor. Jubilee was about to leave, when Bobby grasped her
arm.
"Please, its only a song. Lets dance."
He flashed her a lopsided grin, and she accepted, letting herself become
enfolded in his powerful, yet gentle arms.
No more talk of darkness
Forget these wide eyed fears, I'm here
Nothing can harm you,
My words will warm and calm you.
Jubilee's mind was wondering the whole time they danced. The song was
from The Phantom of the Opera
Let me be your freedom
Let daylight dry your tears, I'm here
With you beside you
To guard you and to guide you.
Then say you'll love me
Every winter morning
Turn my head with talk of summertime
Say you need me with you now and always
Promise me that all you say is true
That's all I ask of you.
While they danced, Jubilee could not ignore the feeling in her stomach.
She felt as though her stomach might fly out of her mouth at any given
moment...yet at the same time, she didn't want to be anywhere else.
Let me be your shelter
Let me be your light your safe
No one will find you
Your fears are far behind you
All we need is freedom
A world that's warm and bright, and you
Always beside me
To hold me and to hide me.
She glanced up at Bobby who was thoroughly enjoying the dance. She
knew she could too, if not for that nagging feeling in her stomach.
Perhaps it was nerves, but why should she be nervous. This was
Bobby. They weren't even dancing close together like Jean and Scott.
They were just playfully waltzing around the floor.
Say you'll share with me one love one lifetime
Let me lead you from you solitude
Say you need me with you here beside you
Anywhere you go let me go too
That's all I ask of you.
Say the word and I will follow you
Share each day with me
Each night each morning
Say you feel the way I do
That's all I ask of you.
Jubilee didn't know what was wrong with her, but she knew she had to get off
the floor, and to the safety of the restroom. She mumbled an 'excuse me'
to Bobby, and headed off to the facilities. It was rude, she knew that,
but this was an emergency. Her stomach was ill, and her knees had grown
weak somewhere along the way. She only prayed that she made it to her
haven in time.
Anywhere you g let me go too,
Bobby wasn't sure what had gone wrong. He only knew that she had run
from him. However Bobby was not ready to give up. He would be
patient, and move slower than a snail if need be. He stood alone on the
floor as the song finished, couples dancing all around him.
Love me
That's all I ask of you.