**********
Jean woke up and turned over, only to find that Scott wasn't in bed. He was sitting in the big armchair by the window, for the third night in a row, leaning his arms on his knees. Probably rattling off the multiplication tables or something.
Scott? Won't you come to bed?
He didn't move. In a minute. I'm just thinking.
It wasn't true, and she knew it. He did it to avoid the thoughts that would come if he tried to relax, to avoid the dreams that came when he fell asleep. Sleeping, he couldn't control himself, and so he had stopped sleeping altogether.
Scott, please, you have to sleep. You need your strength.
For what?
Her heart skipped a beat. Such a simple little question, but it was almost a first step towards admitting his own pain. If she could only get him to open up further! She tried to reach out to him, but he immediately snapped the bond and stood up.
I'm sorry, that was a stupid thing to say. You're right, I could probably use a little sleep.
He oriented towards the bed and lay down next to her. His body was tense and didn't soften by her touch. *Scott, please, don't turn away from me*, she pleaded in her thoughts, but his mind was cold and didn't reply.
**********
I don't know what to do with him, Jean said to Ororo. She knew it wasn't right to lay the weight on her friend's shoulders, but she had to talk to *somebody*.
The other woman spun her glass around on the table. She had never asked to be made team leader, and absolutely not under these circumstances, but there she was. He certainly isn't talking to *me*. Oh, not that he's rude or anything. He came up the other day and thanked me for teaching him my lock-picking tricks all that time ago. Said they had been really useful. What was I supposed to tell him? I went with 'you're welcome', but when I tried more serious conversation he just left.
Jean leaned her face in her hands. I can't stand that he's shutting me out like this. He's so bloody stubborn and always has been! I'm beginning to think even Rogue's way of dealing with this is better than his.
I heard about that, Ororo said thoughtfully. Logan is climbing the walls because he wasn't there to stop her.
She must be so miserable, Jean said, shaking her head. I don't know how a person can hurt herself like that. Never seen anything like it.
Ororo gave her a peculiar glance.
What? You have?
I saw a lot of things in Egypt. There was a girl in El Gibar's band, a few years older than me, who was assaulted and raped by some soldiers on leave. She reacted pretty much as Rogue has done. She silenced for a second before asking: Can you do anything about her arms?
I can try to take away some of the scars, Jean said, but I can't very well remove the transplants. Although Logan has been on to me about that. Everybody's on to me about on thing or another Her voice broke away in profanities before she burst into tears.
Ororo rose from her seat and cradled Jean in her arms. Jean was her best friend, she only wished there was more she could do.
Oh, shit, 'Ro, Jean sobbed, and Ororo shushed her calmly. I just I know I should be strong for him, help him, but I can't. All I can think of is everything we were supposed to be doing, the fighting, teaching, all those beautiful rides on his bike and the dates we used to have. We were planning our future together, but now I don't know anything anymore. I don't know if any of that will ever happen. And I feel so terrible, because in a way, it's as if he died, or something. She looked up in her friend's face. I'm sorry. I shouldn't burden you with this.
No, it's okay. Actually, you crying like this makes me sure I'm not insane. She shook her head and laughed a little. Because when Scott walks into a room, it sure feels like I am, thinking that there's anything wrong with him. He's behaving just like always, and since he put the glasses back on it's almost impossible to tell that anything is different. I mean, put me in a tiny room and I start to hyperventilate. Put Scott in the dark and nothing happens.
It's not healthy, is it? Jean mumbled, and Ororo sighed.
Definitely not.
**********
Logan watched Rogue, who was sitting by the TV set with Bobby. Or actually, she wasn't sitting there *with* him, she was sitting there, and he was sitting there, but there were miles of awkwardness between them. That wasn't the way it used to be. There were plenty of people who preferred to stay at arm's length from Rogue, because of her powers, but Bobby had never been one of them. He still wasn't, it was Rogue that wouldn't get close to him. She had hardly touched anyone since her return three weeks ago. A few times, with Scott — Logan growled inside at the thought. That was all.
Now, Logan had never been too keen on the growing relationship between Rogue and Bobby, the kid was too much of a joker for his liking, but Rogue ought to have a social life like all other teenage girls. She had always been a little shy, but this was more than that. was the word she had used the only time he managed to talk to her about it.
He knew there was more to it than her arms, things she hadn't told him about and probably never would. But that was what he had seen, that was what he could focus on, and it was horrible enough. Not so much the fact that she was patched together so poorly, but that people willingly would do something like that and claim they had good intentions. He couldn't stand the sight, and he knew that she knew it. They were still linked together from the times she had absorbed him, even if the link was getting weaker.
Something nagged in the back of his mind, but he couldn't quite get to the thought.
He had asked Jean to take away the transplanted skin, but she had told him she couldn't, that Rogue's body wouldn't be able to regrow that much skin. She had looked at him as if that ought to be obvious. How was he supposed to know, in a body that healed any wound within seconds?
The thought finally reached the top of his head, and he sat straight up, eyes wide. Why hadn't he thought of that before?
Rogue, can I have a word with you?
She left her seat and followed him to the other side of the room, where he asked quietly: I was thinking, maybe Jean could remove the transplants and you could absorb me directly afterwards. That way at least your arms would heal.
She stared at him. But I would hurt you.
It's not too bad. I've lived through it twice before, I could do it again.
Tears filled her eyes, but she smiled. She had missed the link as it started to weaken, and the temptation was strong, especially since she hated her patched-up arms so much. Would you do that for me?
Of course I would, kid. If there was anything I could do to heal it all, I would do that, too. But I guess there isn't.
She shook her head, slowly. Then, for the first time since she returned, she put her gloved hand in his. Thank you.
**********
Scott entered Xavier's office, and slowly and carefully found his way to a chair. Xavier found himself wishing that the guy would just get a cane and have it over with. He had tried telling Scott exactly that, but Scott didn't listen. Couldn't listen, probably. Not as long as he continued to act as if everything was dandy.
Have you had any luck? Scott asked politely, as if the search for doctors was Xavier's own little game that had nothing to do with him.
Not yet, I'm afraid. There are a few that might be suitable, but I will have to investigate their attitude towards mutants.
Scott nodded. What about your friend in San Francisco?
Willing, but swamped. Xavier said with a sigh. He's booked for more than a year. I put you on the waiting list, of course, but I still think we should look for someone else.
That sounds like a good idea, Scott answered. Was that all?
That's all. When Scott rose from his chair, the professor continued in his mind: *You really should get your defences down.*
Scott smiled. I'm fine, he said out loud. Really, I am.
He turned and almost bumped into Jean, who entered the room.
she said. She hadn't known he would be there.
He stopped for a second, wondering what she had to say to the professor.
What is it, Jean? Xavier asked.
I want to take away Rogue's transplants, she said. Logan has agreed to letting her absorb him afterwards so that she can heal properly.
And Rogue wants this too? Xavier asked.
Otherwise I wouldn't go through with it.
Scott, frozen by the door, adressed Jean for the first time. They *want* this? he asked disbelievingly. His voice indicated how painful this would be not only for Logan, but for Rogue as well.
He's like a brother to her, Jean said.
His face was completely without expression. I guess so.
**********
When Scott got back to his room, he sat down on the bed. His mind, suddenly, refused to go numb and blank the way he had kept it for almost a month. Logan had agreed to let Rogue absorb him, to get his healing abilities. Rogue was going to absorb Logan. Rogue would heal. That was a good thing. That was what Rogue wanted, and he was happy for her.
Hands shaking, he grabbed the lamp on his night stand and flung it into the nearest wall. The crash was satisfying, and told him that was one lamp that would never be used again. So what, it wasn't as if he needed it. Damn you, Logan! he cried out. *Damn* you! Next, he tossed the night stand over. His breaths were heavy and the tears in his voice almost drowned the cursing.
He didn't quite know which part pained him the most. That Logan could help Rogue when he couldn't, or that Rogue could be helped when he couldn't. Both thoughts were too painful to bear. In an almost systematic rage he went through the bedroom, destroying it one piece at a time, until the floor was too littered for him to find his way through and he stumbled over something, falling down on the pieces of junk that had been his furniture.
He hadn't heard the door open, but suddenly Jean's arms were around his body, Jean's hands wiped away his tears, Jean's voice repeated his name over and over as he cried in her arms. Never in his life had he lost control like this, but he was too exhausted to care.
What's going to happen to me, Jean? he asked desperately. There's nothing I can do anymore. I can't live like this, I don't know how to.
Yes you can. He could hear that she was crying too. We'll deal with this somehow. You're not alone.
He clung to her like a child. It's so dark, Jean. It's so terribly dark.
I know. Every time she had picked up his nightmares, they had been of the dark. He was living his own nightmare, and it pained her so much.
Don't leave me.
I won't. I won't ever leave you, Scott. I love you. She held on hard to her lover, feeling his pain and suffering with him, but at the same time she was relieved that he had finally let her in. Maybe now, she would be able to help him.
**********
Jean said, leaning down over Rogue. I'm going to put the mask on now. Ready?
Rogue swallowed. Apart from the fact that she really, *really* hated doctors, there was that uneasy little risk that Logan's powers wouldn't kick in properly before she woke up, in which case it would probably hurt a lot. I guess so.
She looked away at Scott and Logan, who were sitting a bit further back. She had thought it would be comfortable to have them there, but dressed up in green clothes and masks they just looked like doctors. Good thing Scott was wearing his glasses again. The only use of them now was to cover up his eyes, but they were familiar, unlike almost everything else. While she was still thinking, the men's faces turned into a fuzzy haze, and then her mind drifted off.
When Jean started to peel off Rogue's skin, Logan wished he hadn't insisted on watching, and he groaned a little.
What is it? Scott asked nervously.

Then shut up.
Logan wasn't listening. He looked with fascinated horror at Jean's work.
Shut up!
Scott's sharp tone made Logan raise an eyebrow. What's the problem, you getting scared?
Scott gave a short snort.
Logan grinned. You *are* getting scared. He felt a little bit better when he could psyche Scott. For a while. Aww, shit
Now even Jean lost her patience. Logan, if you can't keep quiet, get out. I'll call you back when I'm done.
No, it's okay, I'll be quiet.
Logan actually did as he promised, or almost, and Jean could work without further disturbance. After a while she said: Okay, done, you can get over here.
He hadn't even been aware of the hard grip he held around Scott's arm, but now he let it loosen and only held on enough to assist the younger man to come with him to the operation table. He wasn't very keen on having Scott catching him after Rogue had absorbed him, but no matter how much he would have preferred Jean, she wasn't really strong enough. When he looked down at the raw flesh of Rogue's arms, he knew that was something he wouldn't forget for as long as he lived. It felt completely natural to lean over and kiss her forehead, laying his hand on her cheek. Take care baby, he whispered.
Rogue didn't hear the whisper, but pretty soon Logan's powers went through her body and woke her up. The first thing she became aware of was a tinkling sensation in her arms, but when her mind cleared and she sat up, she had enough of Logan in her to remember the kiss. She looked over at where Logan was lying, guarded by Scott. Both she and the Logan part of her were a little amazed that Scott bothered about Logan. Maybe it was just for her sake, but in any case, she appreciated it.
Even with Logan's powers the aftereffects of the anaesthesia dizzied her a little, but for the first time in a month, her arms didn't hurt one bit. They looked perfectly normal, too. It was enough to make her cry, and she walked over to Logan and knelt beside him. If she could, she would have hugged him, but since her arms were bare she just laid her hand on his chest, feeling his heart beat under his shirt. Thank you. Thank you so much.
**********
Scott sat on the TV room sofa with his arms wrapped around his knees. He had tried listening to a radio version of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, but had given it up since he lacked the concentration. Now he just sat there, thinking. He hated to admit it, but he envied Rogue. Every moment of comfort he shared with her, he always had to stop himself from screaming it in her face. He loved the girl like a sister, and he could share things with her that he was entirely grateful Jean would never understand, but he couldn't get past that envy. The awful memories she had, the people (not to mention mice) in her head, those were all things she had to deal with, but could work her way through. For him, every path he thought of was a door slammed in his face.
I know you're there, he told Xavier. The professor had his mind shielded, but he couldn't shield away the sounds. What do you want?
You left your cane in your bedroom, Xavier said mildly. Jean wanted me to bring it to you.
Scott hesitated a little, then stretched out his hand and received the cane. Not sure what to do with it, he put it aside. He had agreed to Jean getting him one, but when it came to using it, he avoided it as much as possible. Canes were for blind people, and deep down he still wanted to think of this as a passing darkness.
Scott, don't resent the cane. It's meant to be helpful.
I know that. He knew it, but he couldn't act on it.
Xavier viewed this young man he loved so highly, and then parked his wheelchair and moved over to the sofa. For this conversation, he needed that closeness. Softly, he continued to speak.
I know how hard it is for you to admit, but you *are* blind, Scott. We might be able to change that, but right now, that's the way things are. That's going to have great impact on your life, but you mustn't let it swallow you. Don't deny yourself the help you can actually get.
You don't understand, Scott argued, fighting the tears.
I *do* understand. I have been there, remember? Don't you think there was a time when I resented my wheelchair, refused to admit that I needed it? And yet, where would I be without it? The cane is a physical proof of your handicap, and as such it is very difficult to accept. But properly used, it can lessen your handicap, allow you more possibilities, just like my chair does for me.
At least you still have your powers. I don't have anything.
Xavier felt a sudden urge to grab him by the shoulders and shake him. You have Jean, and me, and Rogue, all your friends here, everything you've learned Everything you've always known. That's not gone, Scott. All those things that made you a good man, a good leader, that's still left. If you think the only great things about you were your eyes, you're sorely mistaken.
Scott put his face in his hands and removed his glasses to wipe the tears away. Even if that was true, there were still all the closed doors, all the things he used to do and couldn't. I'm just not ready to give it all up.
He could have sworn he could *hear* Xavier smile. Who said you have to?
**********
On the first day of school, there was plenty of gossip in the hallways as the summer residents tried to fill in the others of the latest events.
and Storm has been made field leader.
The shocked questions. Is he *never* going to see again?
Rogue leaned towards the wall, ignoring the discussion. For her it was too personal, and she had noticed that if she tried to participate, things just turned awkward. The only thing that stopped them from discussing *her* was that she was right in front of them. That didn't bother her much. She would have done the exact same thing.
This next class was history, usually held by Scott, and Kitty said what was going through all of their minds: But who is going to teach us?
Even as she spoke, everybody silenced, because Scott rounded the corner and tapped his way towards the classroom. Nobody would have thought it possible for twenty teenagers to get that quiet that fast, but within a second you could have heard a pin drop. When they realised he was actually coming towards them, most of them didn't even seem to breathe. Rogue felt a cold irritation building inside her that hadn't been there during the mindless conversation before. These were mutants, for crying out loud, they had seen it all from wings to blue fur. Why were they acting like this was the most shocking thing in the universe? By now, she had grown so close to Scott that she could notice the tiny cracks in his surface, and she saw how hard it was for him to go through with this, how the faint replies to his morning greetings almost made him leave instantly. When he opened the door, there was a three foot wide empty circle around him. She slipped into that circle, laying her hand on his as a quiet sign of encouragement. His face weakened a little, and she prayed he would be able to keep his calm. The only thing that would make this situation even more awkward would be if he started to cry or something. She knew he could, but they didn't, and this was not the proper time for them to find out.
Still silent, the class slowly went inside the classroom and sat down, watching Scott take his chair. He leaned his hands on the desk and took a deep breath. *Come on*, Rogue thought, *you can do it!*
To begin with Kitty's question: I'm still going to teach this class. It's going to require some changes a lot of changes but I think we can go through with this. He licked his lips. Fearless leader, indeed. Maybe he could stand fearless in front of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, but to stand in front of this class, now, was terrifying. If you have any objections, I won't hold it against you. He silenced, waiting for response. There was none. Do you?
There were glances thrown between the students, but nobody spoke. Scott forced a strained smile. I do hope you're not putting your hands up, because that would be rather pointless.
We're not, Bobby said. His voice seemed very loud in the silent classroom, but it was as if the entire class had simultaneously exhaled, and Scott finally gav them the drop dead smile.
I'm glad to hear that. Now, as for attention, I think it would be best if you all said your name, starting in the front row, left to right.
Rogue heard the leader come forward in Scott's voice, and she blessed Bobby. Who cared if he put itching powder in people's drawers or accidentally turned the floor into a skating rink. He still knew the right thing to say and the right time to say it.
The boy sitting to the front left didn't speak immediately, but after a nudge from the girl next to him, he cleared his throat:
Kurt Wagner.
Stacey Beckstead.
Sarah Loewe.
Piotr Rasputin.
When everyone had said their names, Sam Guthrie, in the back row, started raising his hand, but then let it fall back and instead asked: sir?
Scott turned towards the voice. Who's asking?
The boy looked a little embarrassed.
Okay, Sam, what do you want?
Does this mean we won't have any written tests?
The question caught Scott off guard, and he laughed. You will probably get more oral tasks than before, but if you want something written I'm sure I can arrange for someone else to correct it.
Jubilee elbowed Sam and whispered: between her teeth.
Scott said, and his voice was serious. Please, no. It's a justified question. He ran his fingers through his hair, distressed. If someone wants to ask anything else, that's okay.
There was another one of those big silences. Hundreds of questions were unspoken, but nobody had the nerve to say one out loud. Rogue look around the twenty faces that were full of uncomfort and pity, and maybe it was Logan coming forward, because she raised her voice.
It's Rogue, I have a question.
Scott frowned. This he hadn't expected. Yes, Rogue?
Was Pharaoh Hatshupset's claim to the throne rightful?
A flicker of a smile. *I love you, girl.* Okay. Let's just have a history lesson. Concerning the lady pharaoh
**********
Jean called for Scott as the kids streamed out of the classroom. How was it?
he said. Hell, hell and a little touch of purgatory.
Oh, come on, she said, laughing a little. It can't have been that bad.

Well, I want a second opinion. Rogue! Jean called for the girl to come join them, and she did. How did he do?
Not too bad for a guy who is still learning the alphabet, Rogue said cheekily.
Scott objected, but his face got lighter, and Jean giggled.
Not a complete disaster then?
Not a complete one, Rogue agreed and disappeared into the hallways. Jean looked after her, a little surprised.
Logan must have gone deeper into her than I thought.
It's not that, Scott said in a low voice. The kids had scattered for the break, and the two of them could speak freely. I've had to try and teach twenty teenagers who were all full of sympathy. If it hadn't been for Rogue, I would have gotten nuts in there. Do you know how many half-spoken 'see' you can get from a school class in an hour? I do. It would make a great math example for you. His tone was bitter, and she slipped an arm around his, a little worried.
You're not giving up, are you?
He shook his head. No. I can't go back to the X-men, I need to feel that there's something I can do. Of course, Logan seems to want me to rejoin the team and just change my code name into Zatoichi.
Maybe he's right, Jean said.
No he's not, and you know it. Blind warriors might work in samurai stories and cartoon musicals, but try to be realistic here. Maybe I could still whip Mystique's ass, but I couldn't hold my ground with Magneto for half a second.
I think whipping Mystique's ass would count as a valid reason for me to break off the engagement, Jean said.
Cute. Don't change the subject.
Well, I want to change the subject, because you are entering self-pitying area again, and you really shouldn't. You've been very brave today, and I'm proud of you, if that counts for anything.
Of course it does, he said, cuddling her face gently. So, if I've been such a good boy, what's my reward?
Her face split in a wide grin. Whatever you want, handsome.
**********
Bobby and Rogue were sitting on her bed, playing cards. There was some nasty weather today that Storm had nothing to do with, and it was very cosy to listen to the autumn winds and know you didn't have to go outside.
I don't believe it, Rogue said and put her cards down. You're winning again. You must be cheating!
Me? Never, Bobby assured her.
Then you're just better than me and I should stop playing and go out in the garden to eat worms.
he said, taking her gloved hand. I didn't mean to make you sad.
Rogue looked down at her hand, that he held so naturally, and her heart skipped a beat. He was making a pass at her. In many ways that felt as incredibly right as anything could ever be, but at the same time she could suddenly hear Doctor Chandler's sweet voice all over again. *I don't understand why you are crying. Sure this is uncomfortable, but think of how wonderful it will be if it works! Think of boys! You can't have been dating much lately.*
She pulled her hand back and got up. I'll just take a shower, she said, backing towards the bathroom. I'll be back in a minute.
Once inside the bathroom, she got her clothes off so quickly she could feel a seam break in her blouse, but she didn't care. Not until she stepped into the shower did she breathe properly again, and she relaxed one piece at the time when the burning hot water started pouring over her body. She rubbed herself frantically, and the burning pain in her skin told her she was getting cleaner.
A sudden drop in temperature made her jump out of the shower, screaming. Although the boy wasn't in the bathroom, it was obvious that he had been: the pipes were packed in a block of ice. She put on a robe and went into the bedroom, where Bobby was waiting for her.
Bobby, of all the stupid pranks you have pulled
It wasn't a prank, he said, getting up from where he was seated. His voice was more serious than she had ever heard it. Rogue, Jubes says you're taking up to three showers every day. Nobody is that dirty. It seems a little bit you know compulsive.
You've been discussing me with Jubilee? Well, of course he had, they were her friends, friends talk about each other. Bobby didn't even bother to answer, he just said her name very quietly and put his hands on her shoulders.
It was just a pair of hands on her shoulders, a pair of worried eyes looking into hers, but the immediate urge to wash faded off, and she relaxed like a kitten in a warm lap. When he leaned closer to her, she knew she ought to stop him, but her mind wouldn't listen to reason, she just wanted to kiss him.
Then her lips touched something very cold, and she realised she was kissing him through a thin layer of ice. A highly unusual way of kissing, but then, they were both highly unusual. Strangely enough, it didn't lessen the sensation. She was still kissing Bobby, the ice was a part of Bobby, and maybe it was the peculiarity of it all that made it so wonderful.
In the fairy tales, a kiss can bring you back to life. That's in the fairy tales. That's not reality. It wasn't the kiss that did it, it was the knowledge that she *could* kiss. In a dark corner of her mind, even though it had been months since she escaped from the hospital, she hadn't been able to get rid of the feeling that maybe the doctors were right and she really was defect. Now she felt no such thing.
He pulled away and looked at her, his eyes glittering, and his voice full of mirth. I assure you, milady, that my intentions are
She had the time to think *if he says I'll kill him,* before he continued:

A young man with honorable intentions, courting a young lady in a flowery robe. What a picturesque scene, like something by Jane Austen.
Stories by Jane Austen always have a happy ending. Rogue wasn't sure, but she felt like hers could have one as well.
**********
Jean woke up, and lay smiling for a while, watching the snowflakes fall by the window. Then she slowly left the bed and went to look outside. The world had turned a soft white, and the students had already discovered it, fully dressed and playing outside at nine o'clock on a Saturday morning. Jean carefully opened the window and took some snow from the windowpane, squeezing it into a ball with her bare hands before she returned to bed.
she said, guess what?
Her lover was still only half awake. he muttered.
She pushed the snowball into his face. It's snowing.
All the cold snow woke him up completely, and he sat up, shaking it off like a wet dog. Ouh! You! He grabbed Jean and shook her playfully. Although he was so reserved in public the students actually had secret discussions on whether or not he and Jean had any lovelife at all, he never held back when they were alone. You're going to pay for this.
She put her arms around him, watching him closely. It was kind of funny, all those times she had wished she could see his eyes, and now she could and he couldn't see hers. Even though they were dead and expressionless, his eyes were absolutely beautiful. Oh, am I?
He slipped out of her embrace and left the bed, walking to the window. With it open, it was getting cold in there. He leaned out to get the remainders of the snow from the windowpane, and a girl's voice called for him.
He leaned down. What is it?
When the voice continued, he recognized it as Rogue's. We're having a snowball fight. You and Jean want to join us?
In a minute, just let us get dressed first!
He pulled back inside, squeezing the snow between his fingers. You know, Jean, I have been thinking.
About what?
That was enough for him to take aim, and he threw the snowball right into her face.
he said triumphantly when he heard her sputter. About setting a date.
At first she didn't connect, but then she realised what she was talking about and smiled happily. A wedding date?
he said, getting his clothes from the drawers. He held up a shirt. Blue checkered one?
He had always kept his clothes in good order and was rarely mistaken. I think it's a lovely idea. Did you have a special date in mind?
Not really, you tell me.
She started putting on clothes as well. How about Easter? We could have egg hunting on the reception.
Now, Jean, I'm serious, he said reproachfully.
Me too, she said, kissing him. Easter wedding, doesn't that sound nice?
Okay then, Easter it is, he agreed, smiling.
When he had finished dressing, he turned to her, and she realised what an absolutely handsome groom he would be. Tall, straight and slim, there was nothing that would fit him better than black tails. Are you done?

They may be grown up, but the first snow still managed to get their spirits up, and they joked and played all the way down to the yard. Coming out, Scott immediately got a snowball in his face. Remy, who had thrown it and aimed for Kitty, blushed a little.
I'm sorry
They're participants, Remy! Rogue yelled. Free targets!
Remy glanced nervously at Scott, whose face could have been carved in stone. Rogue, I am not, nor will I ever be, a free target. He leaned down and squeezed a snowball. Remy LeBeau you're a dead man.
Jean laughed at her fiancé's aggressive energy in attacking the boy. Take it easy on him, Scott, at least he didn't charge the thing.
It's a no powers game, Kitty explained and got a very nice hit at Jean's neck. Cold snow slipped in under the collar.
Jean yelled and hurried to hit back, and the game restarted in full frenzy.
Shouldn't we give Scott a handicap? someone suggested.
What, another one?
Jean ignored the snowballs flying in her direction to glance at Scott, and she noticed a satisfied smile on his face. In the passing months, the kids had grown more or less accustomed to his blindness, but this was the first time they actually dared to joke about it.
No favours needed, he yelled, I can take you all down if I have to.
And he proceeded to prove it.
**********
The phone in Xavier's office rung, and he took it absentmindedly, but the words Haskell clinic, San Francisco got his attention. Yes, please put him on, I'll hold.
He listened to his old friend's explanation about the opening in his schedule, and a grateful smile spread over his face. I'm sure he'll want it. Thank you so much. Not many people would be willing to do this.
The laughing response: I'm not many people, Chuck, I'm just me.
When Xavier had hung up the phone, he sat thinking for a while before he wheeled over to the window and looked down at the people playing, at Scott. He had always known the young man was tough, and it really didn't surprise him much that he had learned to adapt to his disability. Whatever the future, Scott would be able to deal with it, but Xavier knew the operation was still necessary.
Scott had lived five months in uncertainty, and he deserved this chance. Not so much the chance to see as the chance to know the truth.
Any truth.


THE END