**********

Any other flaws?
For the past hour he had drilled Raven in how to be Betty Finn, every aspect he could remember. Now she knew every she had to know, her way of speaking was perfect, her moves were perfect from what he could tell, but there was still something missing. He leaned back, pondering her appearance one piece at a time.
You don't smell right.
She chuckled. Now you sound like Wolverine. What's wrong with my smell?
No smoke. Betty Finn was a heavy smoker, and Raven had gotten the voice, but not the smell.
Alright, just a minute. She went into the bedroom, and he heard her get redressed. Her mutant ability allowed her to imitate any clothing, but apparently cigarette smoke was too much for her. Coming back, she held her arm to his face.
Much better.
Her hand almost touched him, and he felt his body go tense. Next to her voice, those hands was what he knew best of Dr. Finn's appearance, and what he liked the least. He recalled the times before the operation, the impersonal touch by almighty hands and not even any faces attached to them.
The real Dr. Finn he would never even have considered touching voluntarily, but the simple knowledge that this was Raven, even if it didn't feel like it, made him give in to his curiosity. He needed to know that face. Slowly he followed the hand to its shoulder and then up to the head, running his fingers over her face. With long hair that was taken up, small metal-framed glasses, a fine Roman nose and a softly curved chin, she was most definitely good looking, but the coldness shone through even in Raven's version.
Am I satisfying? she asked. The voice might have been Dr. Finn's, but the tone was Raven's, with that constant touch of sensuality. Without thinking, he raised his hand and slapped her so hard she stumbled backwards, and he heard her fall into a chair.
Scott had never hit a woman before in his life, except in battle situations, and when his mind caught up with his body he gasped, shocked at his own ferocity.
I'm... I'm so sorry, he stammered.
During everything he had taught Raven, he had stayed calm, avoided any thought but what facts could be necessary for her to know. Never mind how those facts affected him, never mind the nightmares he had far too often, and that he knew Rogue had too. This was a mission, emotions were not beneficial.
He had hit an unarmed woman for no obvious reason. He had always thought that was something only mindless brutes did, and he knew it was inexcusable. Yet he had done it.
You... be careful when you talk to him, he said, indicating the meeting she would have with Dr. Dean, the one that, if she was good enough, would grant them permission to enter the prison. It was another thing he had to send her out on without being able to keep watch over her. He was supposed to help her, but instead he let her do all the dirty work. And now he had hit her.
I will. She walked up to him, and her hands, now back to mutant, touched his face. If it had been me they had done it to, I would have wanted them dead. I don't know if you're a God damned hero or just stupid, but I got to admire you.
She pulled away her hands again. I'm going to be late.
He knew exactly how hard he had hit her, and was amazed at how lightly she took it. There will be a shiner.
I can disguise one.
They could both hide their hurt, they would both pretend like this never happened. Mission comes first, as always.

**********

He had let her use the bathroom. Usually, when she claimed she had to go, Raven would hand her a pot and take of her pants, but he wasn't prepared to do that. On the other hand, he couldn't very well let her lie there and wet her pants, so he took the manacle off the bed. Her first reaction was to run, but he grabbed her instantly and locked her up again.
Do you need to go or not? he asked harshly.

Then don't fight me.
He released her again, but this time he chained the loose end of the manacle to his own wrist, and on the way to the bathroom he ran his free hand over the coffee table to find the gun Raven had left there. So far he had refused to use it even for intimidation, but he was not the kind to turn weak in a difficult situation.
I'll shoot you if you make any trouble, he said, and he meant it. He probably wouldn't shoot to kill, but there was no need for her to know that.
That kept her down for a while, but when she had finished what she needed to do and they were about to leave the bathroom, she took another chance and managed to hit the gun out of his hand. She was stronger than he had expected -- or maybe it was just fear. He threw them both to the ground and pounded his elbows in her chest.
There had been footsteps outside, but he had barely noticed them. Not until he heard a hoarse laughter and the exclamation: He stiffed, and seconds later a key rattled in the lock.
One move, one sound, and you're dead, he whispered to Dr. Finn. The gun was out of his reach, but if necessary, he wouldn't need it. With one hand he forced her down, and with the other he kept her mouth shut.
The door opened and there were voices right outside the bathroom door.
So, tell me about this new partner of yours, Dr. Dean said. Seems to me he's doing more than financing your projects. How come I haven't heard of him earlier?
Do I usually discuss my personal life with you? she asked, and Scott grimaced hearing the playful tone in her voice. That flirty enjoyment was more Raven than the doctor, and he hoped she didn't take it too far.
Dr. Dean sounded awkward. I know you resented what we... what happened, with Ronnie, but Heather had a point.
You'd think after all that time he spent staring down her cleavage, she'd be on his side, Raven said shortly, and Scott realized exactly how amazing she was. All he had told her was that the two doctors who spent most time with him and Rogue, Dr. Sawyer and Dr. Chandler, had seemed a little attracted to each other. Yet, when she talked like that, it was as if she knew as much as Dr. Dean did. No wonder that she had managed to pull off the Senator Kelly charade for so long.
Something tickled Scott's fingers, and he realized that Dr. Finn was crying. That surprised him. It wasn't as if he was really hurting her or anything.
Do we have to talk about that? A touch of tenderness in his voice. Oh, wonderful, now they were flirting with each other. Everything went well today. We haven't been able to talk like civil people for ages. I miss that. I always found you a very talented woman.
Raven's back brushed against the bathroom door. Apparently the doctor was making a move. Dr Finn's weeping had moved on to sobs, and although Scott still held his hand over her mouth, he feared that something might be heard through the door.
A sharp breath outside, and then Raven's voice, cold: I think you should leave, Jason.
A pleading:
I'm grateful for your help, and I assure you that I will do my best at this project. A dismissal worthy of the original Dr. Finn, and without any signs of listening to his protests, the door opened and shut.
Seconds later, the bathroom door was flung open. What the *hell* are you doing, humping the hostage on the bathroom floor?
Scott stood up and dragged Dr. Finn with him. I'm not 'humping' anybody, he said. She had to go to the bathroom, what was I supposed to do?
The usual! Raven said. Make her use the pot.
I'm not pulling off that woman's pants.
Raven didn't argue any more, instead she turned her anger to the doctor. What are you blubbering about?
she mumbled.
It's not like I even hurt her, Scott snapped. He had rarely found it as difficult to keep control as now, forced close to an enemy that had hurt him so much, but he had succeeded, and her whimpering annoyed him.
She's not talking about you, Raven replied, and she leaned closer to the other woman. Didn't bother you to cripple a few mutants, but I guess it's not as much fun when they turn on their own, is it? You sicken me.
She left the bathroom and called out for Scott.
Get her back to the bed and come over here. We're should prepare for the breakout.

**********

She was a good driver, keeping a steady speed and making the curves so softly he could barely feel them. Apparently she wasn't half as nervous as he was. It was that need of control again. She had told him about her arrangements, every detail. Dr. Finn was not only still chained up, but also gagged. The do not disturb sign was on the door handle, the cleaning lady had been bribed to leave the room alone for a while -- who cared what she thought the reason was? -- Raven had taken care of everything, it was all under control. But he wasn't the one controlling it, and that made him nervous.
*Focus. Get all that out of your head. Concentrate on the mission.* In her purse, he knew, there was a document signed by Jason Dean, allowing Elizabeth Finn and Simon Rochester entry to the prison. That would get them in. Getting them out would be a matter of force.
Do you miss your powers? Her voice was neutral, as in casual conversation, but the question was unexpected.

I was thinking... even if they had succeeded, would you still be doing this? Do you miss your powers or just your sight?
Did he? He recalled the endless times he has cursed his visor, wished he didn't need it. The constant fear of losing it and maybe hurting someone. His entire personality was formed by this. What was this need of control if not the urge to master the one thing that was always out of his hands? People would call him cursed, and he wouldn't argue with it, beause he often *felt* that way.
His answer was low; he didn't know how to explain it.
I thought so. There was a short silence before she continued: They'll never get that, how we can be proud of being mutants. For them, we're just some defects that need correction.
Although he agreed with her bitterness, he felt annoyed.
You should talk.
What's that supposed to mean?
Well, what's the difference between what they did and what you tried to do? 'The world will be so much better if *they* are more like *us*.' Forcing a happy ending without asking yourself who it is happy for, and certainly not stopping to check if it will actually work properly.
For the first time, there was a slight jerking motion when the car took a curve. Don't take this out on me. At least we tried to do something instead of just hanging around waiting for people to suddenly decide that mutants are cosy little beings after all, as if the discrimination would ever stop unless we did something.
It won't ever stop! Do you honestly think, by turning people into mutants, you would make them better people? People will always find a reason to hate each other. It's the hate you have to work away, not the reasons. And you don't do that by violence.
Oh, but you do it by licking the boot that kicks you?
For the next few minutes they both talked at once, without listening, then there was another silence.
I thought we were staying away from ideology, Raven finally said.

Deep sigh. So, Simon...
He smiled a little. So, Betty?
Are you ready?
Not really.
Me neither. But here we are.
She pulled the car over and helped him out, and he took her hand to try and show her he had meant that apology. She drew a shaky breath.
she said, using his real name for the first time since this charade started, if we manage this, I promise to always spare your life.
He understood. She couldn't promise never to fight him. They would always be too different to agree, and their teams were still enemies. Same here.
Think we'll make it? Uncertainty. Sabretooth must really mean a lot to her.
Sure we will. Hesitating, he dared to ask what he had been wondering all the time: You two... are you lovers?
Her answer was barely a whisper, and she walked away in a fast pace before he had time to react. I have a child with him.

**********

He had no time to question her further and probably wouldn't have anyway, since she seemed to regret ever saying anything. The only thing she told him before fully taking on her act as Betty Finn was to take off his glasses.
he asked, not particularly willing to give in to her request.
If they see that you're actually blind, it will make them less suspicious.
Oh, marvellous. He should have known there was nothing she couldn't use in a plan. However, considering the change of attitude people had given him lately, she had a point. Sighing a little, he folded up the glasses and put them in the pocket of his jacket. His face felt oddly naked. Still, he guessed it was worth it, if the mission succeeded.
Not if. There was no if. It had to succeed. The bare thought of someone else in his situation, anyone else, even Sabretooth, was sickening. He would never be able to explain to the X-men why he did this, teaming up with an enemy to get another enemy out of jail. Even Xavier probably wouldn't understand; after all, he had let Magneto stay in his prison and those two were *friends*. Only Rogue would know exactly why he did it.
He kept his hand on Raven's arm, too deep in his thoughts to register much around him, but he wasn't too far gone to notice when they reached the main entrance. Some guy opened for them, and when Raven gave him their names and documents he let them inside, having them wait in some kind of hallway while he called on people to pick them up.
Raven went through an enormous effort to get Scott comfortably seated in a chair, and he raised an eyebrow in surprise. She wasn't exactly the fussy type, and she knew more than well that he could manage on his own. Then it struck him that she was trying to make him appear helpless. It wasn't an act he had done previously, and he didn't like it much, but he went along with it.
A rather heavy someone came towards them, and the inner door opened with a buzzing sound.
Dr. Finn? I'm detective lieutentant Benton. Glad to have you here. And Mr... Rochester?
The question mark was barely apparent. Diplomatic fellow. He clearly hadn't expected more than one person, but didn't want to let it show.
That's me, Scott said, smiling. He didn't offer his hand. Just because he didn't like this game didn't mean he didn't know how to play it. The policeman would reach out his own automatically, and then feel embarrassed when Scott didn't notice. And when you're embarrassed, you don't ask questions.
Simon is my associate, Raven said, and even though her voice had the icy shade of the person she imitated, there was something warmer in it that made Scott long for Jean. There was no way Benton could have missed it.
Mostly doing the finances, Scott said, but I'm interested in the science as well.
Oh, okay, the young man said, clearly not able to enter a discussion of that topic. I'll take you to captain Willis and we'll talk through the formalities. Then you'll get to see the wildman. I mean... meet. Sorry.
Normally, Scott wouldn't even have noticed the slip and the half apology following it, he was too used to it, but now he was too tense not to. He was more used to direct fighting than deception, and was feeling extremely self-conscious. Thank you.
They went through the hallway and entered an office, where an older man greeted them.
We've met before, he said to Raven, and Scott's heart skipped a beat. That was really the last thing they needed.
Fortunately, the man continued: I don't expect you to remember me. I was part of the team that looked for those mutants that got away in New York.
Oh, right! Raven sounded unsure the way you do when you don't remember but don't want to let it show. Too bad you never found them. Especially considering that the girl robbed a man.
Yeah, Jesus... The captain chuckled a little. Clothes and all, but left his car. Mighty considerate of her. I heard one of your crew had helped them?
Ronnie Sawyer. We took care of that. Can we get on with this?
Of course. They sat down around a table, and Scott listened to the scraping of pens and soft thuds of stamps. These people knew there was a shapeshifter around, and yet they didn't suspect a thing, because Raven was so talented and well-informed. And himself? Since they trusted her they trusted him, and also, as Raven had pointed out, it probably helped that they could verify that his eyes were actually unseeing. No trick there.
The captain had turned to him, considerant and slightly afraid to offend. Are you sure you should go in there? The wildman is dangerous, and we can't sedate him.
I'm sure I will be fine. It wasn't Sabretooth that made his mouth dry. He wouldn't have liked having to fight him now, without his powers, but since they would be on the same side, it wouldn't matter. The cops, on the other hand, may not have superpowers, but they had guns, and it's hard to dodge a gun when you don't know where it's aiming.
He had promised Jean an easter wedding, and he had no intention of making it a funeral instead. Getting Sabretooth out of here was the prime mission, but everyone staying alive was a close second.

**********

They walked through the corridors, two guards trailing them. Scott barely listened to Raven's faked entusiasm as she told Benton everything you could do to a subject with enhanced healing ability. It made him feel a little sick. He wondered if she actually knew what she was talking about or just had a really morbid imagination. The worst part was, the cop acted like there was nothing peculiar at all about her suggestions.
There was a slight stop in action as Benton opened the last door, and then they entered the room in front of Sabretooth's cell -- his as Raven had put it. Scott had heard his growl for quite some time, an now those growl grew louder. They all stopped. There was a guard right next to Scott, his hand almost touched the man's side and when he moved his fingers a little they brushed against a holster. He softly moved his cane over to his left hand and moved the right one a little closer to the gun. The guard didn't react. Okay from here on it was improvisation only.
Okay, here he is, Benton said, and Sabretooth roared at the man. I don't quite know how you're going to deal with him, though. He's very strong, and as I said, almost impossible to sedate...
Scott was standing behind the others, but it still didn't take long for Sabretooth to recognize him. What are you doing here -- *Cyclops*? he snarled.
No time to lose. In the startled pause that followed he question, Scott grabbed the gun that had been tickling his hand, and raised it to the guard's head.
Breaking you out. The guard tried to grab him, but he avoided the arm with ease. You'd think a policeman wouldn't be so noisy. Nice and easy, now.
There was a thud from the other side of the room. Scott's hand didn't flicker, but he moved his head slightly. he called.
I'm okay, Raven said, and he noticed that she now used her real voice. Got the keys.
He didn't have time to try and make sense of the fighting that followed, since the guard he threatened was trying another attack. This time, the man moved more quietly and managed to grab him, sending his cane whirling off somewhere. Damn. He responded with a punch that made the guard fly backwards. Without really listening, he heard sounds of fighting from Raven as well.
Don't even think about it, she told someone, and then there was another loud thud, followed by the clicking of keys that told him she was successful in unlocking the cell.
That was good, since it meant getting the odds in their favour, but he had other things on his mind. The guard was getting serious and he had to make a decision. Either get into a fist fight, or back up his threat and use the gun. He cocked it quickly and lowered it to what he judged to be a safe height. After all, he didn't want to kill the man. Another blow sent him to the floor, and a shot went off. There was an annoyed snarl from Sabretooth. Well, if it had hit *him*, it couldn't have done much damage. Scott rose quickly and tried again. His experience with fire arms wasn't particularly big, but his ability to aim had always been extremely precise, and so he didn't hesitate to fire. The man tumbled backwards with a surprised yelp.
Not bad, Raven said, right by his ear.
he asked.
Low thigh, she replied, and he nodded, satisfied.
What's wrong with *him*? Sabretooth asked, contempt in his voice. There was a large something hitting the wall, followed by a moan. Probably Benton.
He's blind, get over it, Raven snapped at him. For a lover, she wasn't particularly affectionate.
That reminded Scott. Where's my cane?
An annoyed sigh from Raven. I got it. She didn't have time to give it to him, because the guards had started moving again. They had to leave, and she took his hand, dragging him with her. Not his favourite way of being guided, but it would have to do. Come on, get out!
She opened the door to the corridor and when they had all hurried outside, she closed it behind them, locking the guards in. It wouldn't help them much. There must be surveillance cameras all over the place, and Scott could already hear people heading their way. Probably a whole lot more than three, this time.
Cover Scott, Raven told Sabretooth, and there was an immediate cry of protest from both men.
I'm not babysitting an X-man, Sabretooth growled.
Good, 'cause I don't need babysitting, Scott snapped back.
Cut out the testosterone! Raven said. We need to move fast and dodge bullets. You're not very good at either. And Victor, he's doing this to keep you out of his position, so a little gratitude isn't wrong. Oh, dammit!
The doors opened, and there were shots coming from Raven's direction, followed by more of those from the policemen. Scott didn't want to kill anyone unless it was absolutely necessary, and so he aimed low or high, but tried to keep it out of lethal height. It wasn't very easy, since he couldn't be sure where the cops were exactly.
Raven yelled to Sabretooth, and the big man headed forward, practically plowing into the policemen. Unless they were unusually incompetent, they must have hit him at least once, but as long as there weren't too many shots, that would only slow him down temporarily.
Then there was a cry of pain, and the shooting stopped. Scott's heart speeded, and he tried to understand what was going on. Sabretooth was still fighting his way forward, hitting the policemen with something that wasn't his fists, and not a gun either, it was much too soft for that... Scott finally put two and two together and grimaced a little. It was a human body.
A man was shoved right at him, someone who was still breathing... and still armed. Scott found the gun just in time to push it away a little, and although the shot grazed his arm, it didn't actually harm him. Before the man had time to shoot again, Scott tore the gun from his hand and then hit him in the head with his own. While he was still falling, Scott put a knee under his jaw that sent him flying to the wall. That should keep him down for a while.
Disarm them first, you schmuck! Raven yelled at Sabretooth. Obviously she had the same kind of problem.
He must have listened, for the next guy coming in Scott's direction made no attempt to fire. Yet he was harder to fight than the other one. Although guns are really handy to shoot someone, their use in a wrestling situation is limited -- especially if they're the reason you're wrestling.
The man flinched as a flying foot made connection with his body, and even Scott staggered backwards a bit from the impact. Raven seemed to have landed hard, but quickly went back to her feet.
Don't need babysitting, huh? she snorted, and Scott grinned a little.
he panted.
No prob. She leaned down for a moment.
Oops what?
Again, she dragged him away. It was a strange kind of fight, Raven dragging him off somewhere, then full stop to fight while hiding behind Sabretooth, who used people for shields. He wondered how much of this confusion was because he couldn't see, and how much was because the Brotherhood simply had a weird way of fighting.
Another door opening, a push through, and a slam behind him. Next stop was definitely less hectic, with only a quick roaring fight from Sabretooth before they moved on. Scott wondered how many of the policemen had survived their breakout and was entirely grateful he didn't have to know. None of the ones he had close encounter with were likely to have died from it, that was all he could say.
There was a final shot from Raven followed by a cry of pain, and then another door. Only, this time it actually led outside.
He couldn't believe their luck as Raven pushed him into the backseat of the car, and he sent thanks to a God he didn't know if he believed in.
Now would be a perfect time to just ride straight into the sunset, Raven said when she had started the car, tires screaming below.
We need to finish things at the hotel, Scott reminded her.
I know. She sighed. I hate you, X-man.

**********

Do you still have my cane? Scott asked.
Raven sounded a little guilty. I do, it's just that it's... a little bent.
I can take care of that, Sabretooth offered sullenly. A short while later, he said: Here you go, and before Scott could react, the tip of the cane had hit him in the head.
Victor, sometimes you're such an idiot, Raven told her lover.
He grunted. After a short silence, he said: I missed you.
Scott smiled, bending down his head so the people in the front seat wouldn't notice. If Raven was anything like the women he knew, she'd melt from that. To give them some privacy, he pretended like he was completely preoccupied with checking the cane. He had been hesitant of getting a metal one -- ever since the fight with Magneto was enough to set his warning system on -- but now he was grateful for it. Anything else would probably have broken in the fight.
Even though Raven was still driving too steadily for anything to *really* be going on in the front seat, the atmosphere was most definitely getting steamy. There was a small pleased sound that was not quite a laugh coming from Raven. Seconds later, another sound made Scott frown. It didn't come from the motor, but at first he couldn't quite identify it, even though it seemed familiar. Then he realized that it was Sabretooth purring. Somehow he had never thought of something so benign coming from his vocal chords. Still, he couldn't help but wonder what kind of love making that beast could provide.
Before he let *that* thought get any further, he quickly dived into another part of his mind. He didn't like the thought that came up much better.
How many died in there? he asked.
The others immediately ended their little caressing.
I just killed one, Raven said. The one that *you*, adressing her lover, didn't disarm before you threw him at me. Apart from that, I aimed low, and they mostly stayed out of the way. Figured you'd like it that way.
You're fighting to please him? Sabretooth growled, jealous.
So what? We got out, didn't we? And I didn't see you slaying left and right!
Ripped one's throat, Sabretooth reminded her. And the one I gutted maybe won't live. He sounded oddly proud.
What about that shield of yours?
Didn't kill him. They did.
Yeah, because you pulled him in front of you. Raven's voice didn't reveal much regard for his brain capacity.
They shot me twice. I didn't like that. Just because I heal, doesn't mean I don't hurt.
Just four then, Scott said. He had feared worse. Still, four was four too many. Most of them were just police officers doing their job. The big bad boys were still out there. All he had done was rescue one homicidal criminal.
He could no longer hear sirens behind them, and soon Raven slowed down, although Scott had a feeling she still drove around most of San Francisco. He wholeheartedly approved of that. No need in leading them directly to the hotel.
We're soon there, she told them in Dr. Finn's voice. He hoped that after this day, he would no longer have to hear it. Victor, get down.
Sabretooth snarled a bit, but did as he was told. Soon the car stopped altogether. It was time for their final act as Betty and Simon. Scott hoped they would pull it off this time as well.

**********