Though the world outside was beautiful and pleasant the world within Bayville General Hospital was the opposite especially for the small group of individuals who called themselves the Brotherhood. Pietro was trying to keep his super-speed in check as he paced the waiting room floor. Freddy who was the biggest yet most sensitive member of the mutant teens sat with his head hung down. Lance who was considered the groups leader and resident tough guy was actually doing his best to hold off frustration (and possibly tears) as he scanned over page after page of medical forms. Tabitha meanwhile was outside half heartedly flirting with a cute orderly. The only person in the waiting room was an elderly gentleman who was looking among the teens with a nervous look. Hours passed and the mutant teens grew more anxious when finally a doctor walked into the waiting room.

"Doc how is he?" Lance asked standing up.

"CanWeSeeHim?" Pietro asked.

"He is very lucky that he took the bullets in the leg he has some incredible strong leg muscles." The doctor said shaking his head. "He is in recovery as we speak you will be allowed to see him in a bit. But first we are going to need a parent or guardian to take care of some paper work for us."

The Brotherhood looked back and forth. Lance smiled when he noticed the frightened old man in the corner. He was about to step towards him when another voice spoke up.

"I will take care of any paper work," Professor Charles Xavier said wheeling up behind the doctor. Beside him Jean stood with a grim look on her face.

"Right this way then please," The doctor said leading the professor away. "I will send a nurse to take the rest of you to see him in a few minutes."

* * *

In a small hospital room Toad opened his eyes to see the Brotherhood and Jean looking down at him. All he could muster was a groggy "Hey."

"Hey Toad. We hope you're feeling a little better. We thought for sure we were going to lose you." Lance said speaking for the Brotherhood, "It made us realize just how important you really are to this team and our family. We are sorry treating you so cruddy lately. And well here-"

Lance pulled out a wad of cash and placed it in Toads hand. "We never came to an agreement on who raided your stash but we all chipped in and came up with the money."

"You guys you shouldn't have. Of course I'm not complaining," Toad said taking the money.

"Ok enough this mushy junk. I got a job to get to so anyone who is getting a ride lets move." Lance said and led the Brotherhood out leaving just Toad and Jean.

"How is Danny?" Toad asked breaking the awkward silence.

"It's hard to tell yet. Professor used his pull to get him taken to a place where he can get the special help he needs. But he will still face sometime in lock up." Jean said then after a brief pause she spoke up, "Toad what you did for me back there. I don't know how to even begin to thank you or repay you."

"A sponge bath would be nice," Toad said with a laugh that was stifled by a cold stare.

But the cold stare broke into a smile. "Its easy to tell that bullet didn't take away your charming personality."

"Yea. Hey if you're done here I think I would like to catch some Zs." Toad said his eyelids drooping shut.

"Alright. And Toad" Jean bent down and planted a brief kiss on Toad's forehead. "Thank you."

"Aw man I would have rather gotten the sponge bath," Toad moaned. A second later a flying sponge caught him in the face as Jean went out the door.

* * *

After Jean had gone and Toad had drifted off to sleep the old man from the waiting room slipped into Toad's room. The old man stood over Toad a few minutes and then headed for the door. Turning around the old man was gone and in his place stood Mystique in her new mutated body, "Get well my Toad." As she exited the door she became the old man and disappeared down the hall.