"Should I bring towels?"
"Um, no Ororo. I think my parents have a perfectly good supply of towels."
She stuck her tongue out at him. "Well excuse me for trying to be prepared."
He crept behind her, wrapping lean arms around her waist. "We're not roughing it in the wilderness; we're going to my parent's suburban mansion only two hours south."
"I know, I know." She sighed, turning in his arms until their faces were only inches apart. She framed his cheeks with her slim hands. "I think this will be fun."
He kissed her once. "Of course it will. You'll have a great time."
She rocked a little against him. "You mean we. We will have a great time."
Grinning, he nodded. Recollection flashed through his eyes. "Oh wait, I need to run by Bobby's room real quick and grab something." He stepped away form her and exited the bedroom.
Robert Worthington was sitting on his bathroom counter, eyes squinted, clipping each fingernail with meticulous care when he noticed his brother standing in the bathroom doorway, tapping his knuckles against the door.
"Hey," Bobby jerked his chin, regarding his only sibling. "I didn't hear you come in."
Warren smiled, backing into the bedroom and promptly beginning to fish through the small, cherry oak jewelry box on Bobby's dresser. "Do you still have that watch I gave you for Easter last year?"
Bobby scooted off the counter and met his brother in front of his towering mirror. "Yeah, I've still got it. Why?" Bobby went to his bedside table and pulled out a blue and gold Rolex from a drawer.
Warren retrieved it, strapping it around his own nimble wrist. "Mom and Dad gave me this thing a couple of years ago for my birthday. I thought I'd maybe wear it this weekend."
Bobby scoffed, slapping Warren's shoulder. "You prick! Giving it to me for Easter; what's your problem?"
Warren chuckled, dodging Bobby's further assaults. "Hey, cool it man. Like you've never done that?" Bobby shrugged, looking away and grinning. Warren nodded. "Uh-huh. So hey, man. You sure you don't want to come with me and 'Ro?"
Bobby shook his head sheepishly. "Oh, naw. You two go. Have a good time."
"You're sure?" Warren asked a final time, backing toward the bedroom door.
Bobby waved him off. "Yeah, hey, go. Send them my love, all right? Tell them I wasn't feeling well and I'm sorry I couldn't make it."
Warren nodded in the definite. "Yeah, no problem. Hey, come here." Warren grabbed his younger brother for a man's man hug- quick, firm, a few solid pats on the back and then a mutual respect as they parted.
**
"Well, Scott. We're all heuh; what'd you want?"
Scott stood before his teammates at the head of the briefing table, arms crossed and posture tense. Jean frowned. "Listen up, people. Professor Xavier contacted me this morning and informed me that yesterday he was forced to dissuade a member of Magneto's brotherhood from assassinating Lyle Perrish."
"Who the heck is that?" Bobby asked.
"Next to Senator Kelly, he's the world's second loudest cry for mutant containment. An independent billionaire, the professor thinks he's got major affiliations with the government. Apparently, he was at the genetics conference, as well as Magneto- or at least one of his cronies."
Wolverine leaned back in his chair. "So what the hell do we care what happens to this Perrish bastard? Sounds like it's either us or him."
The team looked to Scott, who shook his head and replied simply, "'Cause that's not what we're about."
"Ah gotta question," Rogue piped. "What exactly did you mean when you said the professah had to 'dissuade' this guy- or girl- from harmin' Perrish?"
"You know, Dixie." Logan said. "The guy *is* a telepath."
Rogue's brows furrowed. Scott shifted in front of them. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. I've known the professor for a long time and I know for a fact that he doesn't go snooping around in anyone's mind unless it's absolutely necessary. Believe me, he wasn't just dabbling through the audience's heads. I'm sure he had a good reason."
Remy looked up from where he was slouched staring at his hands. "Take it easy, Cyke. You're defendin' an accusation we haven't even made." He turned and flashed a grin at Rogue. "Scott and his tell-tale heart, eh?"
"Anyways," Scott continued, glaring at Remy from behind his visor, "the professor told us to be prepared for the worst, and that Magneto and his people might provide a counter-attack on us for his failed plan."
The team quieted. "Makes sense," Bobby said lamely.
"And let's not forget that we're three field members short; so stay sharp, people."
Jean smiled at him. "But we'll be alright. I think we're ready."
"Great, a ray of sunshine to brighten our day," Rogue muttered, then met Remy's deep, burning stare. She sighed, lowering her eyes and mumbling a quick, "Sorry," in Jean's direction.
Jean's eyes widened for an instant before she regained her composure. "It's okay," she said quietly.
Cutting through the awkward pause, Scott clasped his hands and said a firm, "Dismissed." The team rose from their respective chairs and dispersed in scattered groups.
**
"Hey, wait up, Cajun!"
Remy put the cherry red Corvette in park while Rogue flew to catch up in the driveway. "What's up, chere?"
"Where ya' goin'?" She asked, leaning onto the passenger side door.
He rolled his eyes, fishing a small piece of notepad paper from his inside pocket. "Grocery shopping. My week."
She smiled. "Can Ah come?"
He blinked. "It's not'ing fancy. Just goin' to-"
"Please." Her grin widened.
"'Course, get in."
She hopped over the door and settled into the seat beside him. The front gate slowly swung open, allowing them leave.
"So," Rogue began, her hands combing back her hair in an attempt to lessen the wind's brutal effects as it sent her russet strands swirling around her.
"So," he snuck a peek at her and grinned. "Somet'ing you wanted to talk about?"
Her big olive green eyes opened wide in shock. "Why Remy LeBeau, can't Ah just want to take a li'l ride to the town store? Ah have to have a reason, what's more, an *excuse* to talk to you?"
He nodded. "Alright, alright. Point taken."
She sighed. "Actually, there was somethin'."
He swallowed a smile. "Go on."
She shook her head, chuckling lightly.
He scrunched his eyebrows. "No, come on now. What does my belle have to say dat would embarrass her, hmm?"
"Hey, Ah am *not* embarrassed!" Rogue threw her head back into her seat, covering her face before it blushed scarlet. She calmed herself and turned fully to face him. His eyes darted to her. "No!" She said. "Don't look at me; keep yoah eyes on the road. I'll tell you just don't look at me." He obeyed her request. She took a long breath. "Okay, so, Ah was wonderin', if yoah not busy or anythang, if maybe you'd want to have dinnah with me tonaght, or somethin'."
Remy gripped the steering wheel as his vision blurred. Tonight? With her? Would he!
"Remy, slow down." Rogue warned.
His foot backed off the accelerator after noticing how the car had sped with his pulse.
"So...?" She said, then sighed. "Fohget it. Just...fohg-"
"Hmm, I'll have to check my schedule, but I t'ink I'm free." He brought a hand up to stroke his chin. She swatted him.
"Remy!"
He laughed, ducking from her and bringing the steering wheel with him. The car swerved and she toppled against him. "Oh, real slick, swamp rat," she said, heaving herself off of him.
He winked. "Rogue, you know I'd be de happiest man from New Orleans to take you to dinner tonight."
"I thought you maght feel that way." She grinned playfully. Remy's mouth became considerably dry.
**
"Big plans tonight, Gumbo?"
Remy lifted a brow over at Wolverine from where he was racking the balls up in the Rec. Room.
Logan sat on the couch, half-watching a western. An unlit cigar was clenched in his teeth. Remy stared at the back of his head. "D'you say somet'ing, homme?"
Logan spoke again. "I said do you have big plans for the night?"
Remy immediately realized the situation. Aw, how cute. "Yeah, t'ought I'd take her to McDonald's, den maybe swing over to de porn t'eatre and watch De Sperminator, get her in de mood you know, and den take her home and show her how to use dose handcuffs of hers."
*
Jean had fingered silk and lace and velvet trim all day and was still empty handed. The truth was, she wasn't exactly sure what Scott liked. Silk or lace? Did a guy honestly care? Keep her options limited to only black or green because they matched her hair color? Could he tell the difference?
Jean let her gaze wonder to the high display wall. She stepped backwards and lifted her chin to get a good stare at the pretty purple ensemble, all silk and lace trim, deep and sinful. Jean sighed. Now *that* was lingerie, and she wanted very much to feel the smooth, cool fabric against her soft skin. Beside it hung an identical black version of the outfit. Jean blinked. Black was nice, traditional; it matched. She tilted her head. But it didn't have the same... rich something that the purple one had. Jean stepped back further to increase her view until she collided with something.
"Ooomph! Oh, I'm... Rogue?"
"Jean!"
*
Logan stood slowly and turned. "Wow, you're pretty fuckin' hilarious."
Remy shook his head and bent at the waist to break with his cue. "Give me a break, Wolverine. What de hell do you t'ink I'm going to do?"
"I don't know, Remy, but I can tell you right now that if you give her any more shit than what she already has to deal with, I'll slice you myself."
Remy stood. "Go to hell. You know how I feel about her."
"Just telling you."
"Yeah well t'anks for de warning, Dad. Are you finished?"
Logan removed the stogie form his mouth. "Yeah, I think that just about covers it."
"Good, den get your damned cue and let's play some pool."
*
The two women smiled nervously, averting their eyes and toying with the lingerie around them.
"So," Jean cleared her throat. "Um, what... what's up?"
Rogue shook her head. "Uh nothin'. Nothing much, just, uh, just lookin'."
Jean nodded. "Ah." Silence. "So was I; I mean, me too." She tossed a glance behind her. "Can I, um," Rogue met her eyes encouragingly and Jean sighed, smiling, "Can I get your opinion on something?"
Rogue blinked. Shrugging a shoulder, she replied, "Shoah, what is it?"
"Well, the thing is, which one do you think would look better on me? I like the black, but the purple is just..."
"Wow."
*
Magneto watched the women from the security headquarters of the department store, the usual security guard lying in a crumpled heap at his feet. The silver-haired man leaned back in his chair thoughtfully. The coincidental arrival of the two X-Women sent wheels reeling in his brain. Originally, his plan was to demolish the department store, regardless of human casualties- just a little something to grab their attention and get them on his battlegrounds. Oddly enough though, two of Xavier's students were already on his territory and Magneto quickly decided that he could just as soon take the ladies out. That would surely get the X-Men running.
He smiled thinly, creasing the crowfeet at his murky blue eyes.
*
Moments later, Rogue and Jean stood in line to purchase their items, waiting in awkward silence and listening to the steady beep beep of the cash register and the young blonde cashier smack away at her gum. Though nearly ten minutes of civility had passed between them, neither was yet sure of the other's opinion of her.
Rogue's hand suddenly flew to her hip. "Oh damn it! I left my purse in the fitting room. Ah'll be raght back."
Jean watched her flounce off and turned to eye the line once more. She fumbled with her wristwatch, pretending not to notice the greedy-eyed gentleman just behind her.
"Ah'm back," Rogue declared, approaching Jean at a swift walk. The redhead smiled and promptly received a solid punch across the cheek. Before her eyes, Rogue's body melted, morphing quickly into a deep shade of blue and scales. Bystanders screamed and scurried, stumbling over bags and strollers.
"What the...?" Amidst her bewilderment, Jean wasn't prepared for the following swing against her mouth. She forwent a telekinetic shield and opted instead for a strong mind shove at the creature. Consumed in her fight with the blue shape-shifter, the X-Woman didn't predict the sticky tongue around her ankle from ten feet behind and yanking hard, slamming her belly-down onto the ground.
Jean noticed Rogue running from the fitting rooms and vaguely wondered if it was the real thing this time but her doubts were smothered when the southern pistol screamed, "Who the hell are you, Blue?" She sucker-punched the mysterious mutant in the gut and began her own battle while Jean faced off against the enormous frog creature.
The two X-Women were mildly successful in holding their own until two more mutants appeared. One of the new arrivals - a snarling blonde beast - threw Jean against a far display wall while a slime-slicked tongue coiled tightly around Rogue's neck.
Jean stood shakily, nursing the wound bleeding at her head and immediately throwing up a T.K. shield. The bear mutant threw itself at the defense with startling ferocity. SKRAK! He sliced violently at the shield. Jean shivered, watching the shape-shifter watch the toad strangle a wildly struggling Rogue.
*
"Hey there."
Bobby looked up from the paper he held and smiled. "Hi Emma."
She walked from behind the bush from which she'd peeked and took a seat beside him on the bench. She looked out at the clear, cool pool and the blue waters reflected smoothly in her eyes. "Whatchya' reading?"
He held up a black and white page splashed with blocks of color. "Comics."
She snorted. "But of course, Bobby." They smiled. "So what's the matter; why didn't you take off with your brother and Ororo?"
He shrugged, thumbing through Buckets and Zits and Peanuts. "Just not in the mood to see the folks, I guess."
Emma smoothed back already sleek blonde hair. "Aw c'mon. I know your family can't be too bad. They raised strapping young men like your brother and you." She leaned closer to the youngest Worthington. "What's really the problem, hmm?"
Bobby couldn't suppress the grin spilling at his lips. He sighed, defeated. "I don't know. Don't get me wrong; I love Ororo to death. She's just what Warren needs. But I think with her much-appreciated presence, I might feel like the third wheel. I can just feel my mother's eyes on me now, her gaze shifting up and down as if to say, 'And when, Robert, are *you* going to find someone?'"
"Afraid to get married?" Emma asked, arching a fine brow.
"Nah," Bobby replied.
"Just haven't found the right girl?"
He chuckled dryly. "They're all right to me." The two blonde billionaires eyed each other for a moment.
*
"Come out of your bubble you little bitch and let us play like we're gonna play with your friend here." SKRAK! Jean heard the menacing words from the large hairy monster. He leaned until her telekinetic energy hummed at his closeness. "She is one hot bitch. I'm sure I speak for Toad too when I say, I want to hear her scream real bad."
Jean watched Rogue claw at Toad with desperation. SKRAK! It was obvious that the frog was becoming worried at Rogue's growing fury and strength. The blue woman assisted her comrade by attempting to hold still the Mississippian's flailing limbs.
SKRAK! Jean winced. That attack sent a slice of pain echoing through her head. She realized her shield was not going to last much longer. Jean pondered her situation. Leave now, alive, or attempt to overpower Toad and the Blue Woman and snatch Rogue.
"Let her be, Sabertooth. It doesn't take phenomenal wit to discern that your pursuits are getting you nowhere." A man with slick silver hair lowered onto the ground beside her shield. "You know who I am," he began.
Magneto, Jean spat silently.
He nodded at the realization in her eyes, sparing a glance behind him where a now motionless Rogue and Toad sat listening. "We only need one of you, I think. She'll do fine." He smiled genuinely at Jean. "You may go." He shooed her off with a flippant, condescending brush of the hand.
Jean swallowed hard, her blood rushing rivers to her ears and raging through her head. Leave her? Toad watched her weigh her options and tightened his grip on her teammate. Rogue resumed struggling, a fresh string of curses thrown at him. In time, Jean decided, Rogue would undoubtedly free herself from Toad and kill him. But then what? The others would take his place and she'd be left to fight alone. Rogue was good, but she wasn't three-to-one good.
Jean inhaled deeply, summoning the genetic power surging through her veins from all parts of her body and mind. It sang within her like a plucked, taut rubber band. She mustered the strength to send Toad flying back while simultaneously yanking Rogue into her telekinetic shield. Sabertooth's reactions were quick though, and he had been anticipating her letting her shield down. With a feral roar, he sliced a final time at her body, catching only her thigh and leg.
Rivulets of warm sticky blood ran down her limb and splattered onto the glossy department store floor. The searing pain let her concentration escape and she lost her telekinetic grip on Rogue and herself. Jean felt herself falling and heard herself screaming at the white-hot stinging through her leg. The hard floor zoomed closer and closer, down, down, down to the four angry mutants waiting hungrily like a pack of rabid animals.
And then she was rising, rising, rising. Dead. Angel. Heaven.
"Stay with me, sugah. We both know Scott'll kill me if Ah come home with yoah corpse."
"Rogue?" Jean croaked. Her throat was so damned dry. And God was there pain in her leg.
The toad was frantically climbing the walls while Magneto vainly attempted to bar the skylights before Rogue could bust through them. But the southerner was flying at a desperate speed and she was too quick for Magneto's hurried pursuits.
"Of course, gal. You didn't think Ah'd..."
Jean blacked out in the flying woman's arms.
**
"Did you hear me, Bobby? I asked you what the deal with us was"
Robert Worthington blinked, facing away from the beautiful blonde he had slept with on more than one occasion, last night for instance. She met his eyes in the mirror where he buttoned up his yellow collared shirt. Clad in one of his very own oversized tee shirts, Emma approached him, spinning him to face her. "Well?"
He stood uncomfortably and spun back around, fiddling nervously with his buttons. "I don't know Emma. I mean, not that I don't think you're beautiful, or smart, or fun, it's just..." He tucked his shirt in. "I'm kind of a jerk. I've never been with a girl for more than two months, just ask War." He turned and met her gaze sheepishly.
Emma's eyebrows rose and she took slow steps toward Bobby before shoving him against the mirror and pressing her body against the length of his own and whispering, "Then I will just have to tame you then, won't I?"
Speechless, Bobby sputtered on air for a moment until he cracked a slow, wide grin. "Yea, I guess so."
She stepped back, hands on her slim hips and eyes dancing. "You guess so?"
Bobby rolled up his sleeves. "Definitely."
**
The next morning, the sun, oblivious to Earth's woes, rose in all her golden glory. She poured her light onto the Westchester Estate, kissing flowers and weeds alike and peeking through the fine-drawn curtains within the mansion.
"Mmmm, who was that?" Jean yawned, rolling over in bed to face Scott's back. He sat, legs swung over the side, putting down the telephone receiver.
"Warren. I told him about the incident at the department store. He asked if I wanted him and Ororo to come back."
She sat up, ignoring the dull throb on her right side. "You told him absolutely not, right?"
Scott nodded, smiling. "In more or less words." He leaned over her, staring intently. Her hair spilled across the pale pearly pillows, creamy skin bronzed. "How are you feeling?"
She stroked his hair. "I'd feel a lot better if you kissed me." She tugged him down to plant a full kiss on his open lips.
**
Hours away, another young couple got an early start on the day when she roused her lover at five a.m. to see the big autumn sun rise. They walked hand in hand around the small suburban streets, window-shopping and giggling between themselves.
Ororo caught sight of a quaint candle shop to their left. "I'll be right back," she stated, slipping from his grasp and entering the store. She was hit with spicy scents and rich incense. She stepped easily, looking over the merchandise and handling the occasional small candle to inhale its sweet aroma.
She swung the bag full of wax goodies at her side and spotted Warren peering through a glass window shop, hands stuffed in his khaki pockets and hunched with precise consideration. 'I only see him that serious when he's buying stock,' she laughed quietly. Opting for stealth, Storm crept behind Warren on tiptoe.
"Guess who?" She threw her leather-gloved hands over his eyes.
He spun quickly, suppressing a yelp and pulling her close. "Ororo! God gorgeous," he breathed, leading her away from the display at which he'd been staring intently.
She slipped from his hold. "Whoa, whoa, whoa. What's the big secret?" Her eyes danced like blue symphonies. She side stepped his dodging attempts to block her and gasped when she saw them: rows and rows of perfect diamonds sitting on their tiny thrones of black velvet. "Warren..." She breathed.
He was still. "Yeah?"
She faced him, smiling widely. "What do you say we go get some breakfast?"
He exhaled deeply. "I'd love to. But first," he pulled her close and kissed her fervently. She responded by running slim fingers through his honey hair.
**
Residents of the mansion shuffled groggily downstairs in warm slippers or cotton robes. Bobby encouraged the team to assemble in the den to watch the premiere of the newest early morning cartoon, 'The Extraordinaries.' It was a blatant rip-off of the X-Men themselves with a little bit of the Fantastic Four mixed in. One by one, flopped on oversized pillows on the floor or cuddled comfortably into a blanket on a couch, the X-Men watched their fabricated identities appear on the cast list.
"Freezer!?" Bobby exclaimed. "Oh my God, that's just insulting." Emma smirked beside him.
"At least yoah dressed! What am Ah wearing?"
Remy brushed her thigh with a fingertip. "Or more like, not wearing, neh?" The beautiful Mississippian swatted him with a pillow, tucking what she could of her bare legs under the white button-down shirt of Remy's she wore.
Scott shifted, causing Jean to adjust her head on his stomach. He snorted. "Please, I sound like some anal military officer."
Bobby blinked. "If we were anything less than the mature human beings we are, we could do so much with that remark, Scotty."
Rogue eyed Scott and her gaze traveled down to Jean. The redhead was toying with the edge of her silk robe. Rogue caught a peek of deep violet from underneath and couldn't conceal the smile playing at her lips. Jean caught her gaze and giggled regarding Rogue's own apparel.
Rogue turned, snuggling into Remy's chest and deeply inhaling the scent of cigarettes and cologne. She vaguely wondered where Logan was and hoped he was present for the professor's return today.
*
Wolverine smothered the cigar under the heel of his boot. Stuffing his hands in his jeans pockets, he peered out over the glossy lake. It wasn't going to be a sunny day, but it would be hot and still and the thick aroma of honeysuckle was already overwhelming the stocky Canadian. His ears perked, catching the distant rumble of car on gravel. He turned, making his way toward the professor's limousine.
The tinted black window slid down to reveal the professor. His face was tired, but obviously glad to be home. "Ah, Logan, you'll be the first to tell me firsthand how things progressed upon my absence. How are you?"
He shrugged. "I'm on the right side of the grass, Chuck."
Xavier's eyebrows furrowed but soon relaxed again. "And the others?"
"Why don't ya' go see for yourself; they're dying to see ya'."
"Scott informed me of a slight scuffle while I was away?"
Logan pulled out another cigar but decided against lighting it in front of Xavier, opting instead to let it pinch between his teeth. "Yeah, but, it wasn't a big deal. It turned out all right."
Charles smiled, the window sliding back up and the sleek black car rolling away.
Wolverine brought the cigar away, breathing the fresh air in until it consumed his lungs. Maybe he could get used to this place.
Xavier sat, pondering Logan's words in the backseat of his expensive transportation. He thought about his nine students, his friends, his children. He leaned into his seat and prepared to greet each and every one of them. Logan was a wiser man than he himself knew: It would indeed turn out all right.
The End
Well hello
Okay, I had a few other scenes for this chapter and it was big enough to divide into two, but after editing, most of the ones I cut out simply seemed too superfluous or like a ton of bricks hitting you at the end; like, for instance, I thought about fitting in a scene of Rogue and Remy's date, but I couldn't think of any original ideas and I hate to be cliché. And then I thought about having Ororo and Warren come back in the last scene - her with a ring on her finger and them having just eloped, but I decided to leave it where it is. So there you have it folks. Why the name Gloss? Heh heh heh...yeah. I'm currently working on the Burnish Rose project, and also, a sequel to an earlier story that I just can't leave alone for the life of me...
Gawd, I'm such a dork:)
"Um, no Ororo. I think my parents have a perfectly good supply of towels."
She stuck her tongue out at him. "Well excuse me for trying to be prepared."
He crept behind her, wrapping lean arms around her waist. "We're not roughing it in the wilderness; we're going to my parent's suburban mansion only two hours south."
"I know, I know." She sighed, turning in his arms until their faces were only inches apart. She framed his cheeks with her slim hands. "I think this will be fun."
He kissed her once. "Of course it will. You'll have a great time."
She rocked a little against him. "You mean we. We will have a great time."
Grinning, he nodded. Recollection flashed through his eyes. "Oh wait, I need to run by Bobby's room real quick and grab something." He stepped away form her and exited the bedroom.
Robert Worthington was sitting on his bathroom counter, eyes squinted, clipping each fingernail with meticulous care when he noticed his brother standing in the bathroom doorway, tapping his knuckles against the door.
"Hey," Bobby jerked his chin, regarding his only sibling. "I didn't hear you come in."
Warren smiled, backing into the bedroom and promptly beginning to fish through the small, cherry oak jewelry box on Bobby's dresser. "Do you still have that watch I gave you for Easter last year?"
Bobby scooted off the counter and met his brother in front of his towering mirror. "Yeah, I've still got it. Why?" Bobby went to his bedside table and pulled out a blue and gold Rolex from a drawer.
Warren retrieved it, strapping it around his own nimble wrist. "Mom and Dad gave me this thing a couple of years ago for my birthday. I thought I'd maybe wear it this weekend."
Bobby scoffed, slapping Warren's shoulder. "You prick! Giving it to me for Easter; what's your problem?"
Warren chuckled, dodging Bobby's further assaults. "Hey, cool it man. Like you've never done that?" Bobby shrugged, looking away and grinning. Warren nodded. "Uh-huh. So hey, man. You sure you don't want to come with me and 'Ro?"
Bobby shook his head sheepishly. "Oh, naw. You two go. Have a good time."
"You're sure?" Warren asked a final time, backing toward the bedroom door.
Bobby waved him off. "Yeah, hey, go. Send them my love, all right? Tell them I wasn't feeling well and I'm sorry I couldn't make it."
Warren nodded in the definite. "Yeah, no problem. Hey, come here." Warren grabbed his younger brother for a man's man hug- quick, firm, a few solid pats on the back and then a mutual respect as they parted.
**
"Well, Scott. We're all heuh; what'd you want?"
Scott stood before his teammates at the head of the briefing table, arms crossed and posture tense. Jean frowned. "Listen up, people. Professor Xavier contacted me this morning and informed me that yesterday he was forced to dissuade a member of Magneto's brotherhood from assassinating Lyle Perrish."
"Who the heck is that?" Bobby asked.
"Next to Senator Kelly, he's the world's second loudest cry for mutant containment. An independent billionaire, the professor thinks he's got major affiliations with the government. Apparently, he was at the genetics conference, as well as Magneto- or at least one of his cronies."
Wolverine leaned back in his chair. "So what the hell do we care what happens to this Perrish bastard? Sounds like it's either us or him."
The team looked to Scott, who shook his head and replied simply, "'Cause that's not what we're about."
"Ah gotta question," Rogue piped. "What exactly did you mean when you said the professah had to 'dissuade' this guy- or girl- from harmin' Perrish?"
"You know, Dixie." Logan said. "The guy *is* a telepath."
Rogue's brows furrowed. Scott shifted in front of them. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. I've known the professor for a long time and I know for a fact that he doesn't go snooping around in anyone's mind unless it's absolutely necessary. Believe me, he wasn't just dabbling through the audience's heads. I'm sure he had a good reason."
Remy looked up from where he was slouched staring at his hands. "Take it easy, Cyke. You're defendin' an accusation we haven't even made." He turned and flashed a grin at Rogue. "Scott and his tell-tale heart, eh?"
"Anyways," Scott continued, glaring at Remy from behind his visor, "the professor told us to be prepared for the worst, and that Magneto and his people might provide a counter-attack on us for his failed plan."
The team quieted. "Makes sense," Bobby said lamely.
"And let's not forget that we're three field members short; so stay sharp, people."
Jean smiled at him. "But we'll be alright. I think we're ready."
"Great, a ray of sunshine to brighten our day," Rogue muttered, then met Remy's deep, burning stare. She sighed, lowering her eyes and mumbling a quick, "Sorry," in Jean's direction.
Jean's eyes widened for an instant before she regained her composure. "It's okay," she said quietly.
Cutting through the awkward pause, Scott clasped his hands and said a firm, "Dismissed." The team rose from their respective chairs and dispersed in scattered groups.
**
"Hey, wait up, Cajun!"
Remy put the cherry red Corvette in park while Rogue flew to catch up in the driveway. "What's up, chere?"
"Where ya' goin'?" She asked, leaning onto the passenger side door.
He rolled his eyes, fishing a small piece of notepad paper from his inside pocket. "Grocery shopping. My week."
She smiled. "Can Ah come?"
He blinked. "It's not'ing fancy. Just goin' to-"
"Please." Her grin widened.
"'Course, get in."
She hopped over the door and settled into the seat beside him. The front gate slowly swung open, allowing them leave.
"So," Rogue began, her hands combing back her hair in an attempt to lessen the wind's brutal effects as it sent her russet strands swirling around her.
"So," he snuck a peek at her and grinned. "Somet'ing you wanted to talk about?"
Her big olive green eyes opened wide in shock. "Why Remy LeBeau, can't Ah just want to take a li'l ride to the town store? Ah have to have a reason, what's more, an *excuse* to talk to you?"
He nodded. "Alright, alright. Point taken."
She sighed. "Actually, there was somethin'."
He swallowed a smile. "Go on."
She shook her head, chuckling lightly.
He scrunched his eyebrows. "No, come on now. What does my belle have to say dat would embarrass her, hmm?"
"Hey, Ah am *not* embarrassed!" Rogue threw her head back into her seat, covering her face before it blushed scarlet. She calmed herself and turned fully to face him. His eyes darted to her. "No!" She said. "Don't look at me; keep yoah eyes on the road. I'll tell you just don't look at me." He obeyed her request. She took a long breath. "Okay, so, Ah was wonderin', if yoah not busy or anythang, if maybe you'd want to have dinnah with me tonaght, or somethin'."
Remy gripped the steering wheel as his vision blurred. Tonight? With her? Would he!
"Remy, slow down." Rogue warned.
His foot backed off the accelerator after noticing how the car had sped with his pulse.
"So...?" She said, then sighed. "Fohget it. Just...fohg-"
"Hmm, I'll have to check my schedule, but I t'ink I'm free." He brought a hand up to stroke his chin. She swatted him.
"Remy!"
He laughed, ducking from her and bringing the steering wheel with him. The car swerved and she toppled against him. "Oh, real slick, swamp rat," she said, heaving herself off of him.
He winked. "Rogue, you know I'd be de happiest man from New Orleans to take you to dinner tonight."
"I thought you maght feel that way." She grinned playfully. Remy's mouth became considerably dry.
**
"Big plans tonight, Gumbo?"
Remy lifted a brow over at Wolverine from where he was racking the balls up in the Rec. Room.
Logan sat on the couch, half-watching a western. An unlit cigar was clenched in his teeth. Remy stared at the back of his head. "D'you say somet'ing, homme?"
Logan spoke again. "I said do you have big plans for the night?"
Remy immediately realized the situation. Aw, how cute. "Yeah, t'ought I'd take her to McDonald's, den maybe swing over to de porn t'eatre and watch De Sperminator, get her in de mood you know, and den take her home and show her how to use dose handcuffs of hers."
*
Jean had fingered silk and lace and velvet trim all day and was still empty handed. The truth was, she wasn't exactly sure what Scott liked. Silk or lace? Did a guy honestly care? Keep her options limited to only black or green because they matched her hair color? Could he tell the difference?
Jean let her gaze wonder to the high display wall. She stepped backwards and lifted her chin to get a good stare at the pretty purple ensemble, all silk and lace trim, deep and sinful. Jean sighed. Now *that* was lingerie, and she wanted very much to feel the smooth, cool fabric against her soft skin. Beside it hung an identical black version of the outfit. Jean blinked. Black was nice, traditional; it matched. She tilted her head. But it didn't have the same... rich something that the purple one had. Jean stepped back further to increase her view until she collided with something.
"Ooomph! Oh, I'm... Rogue?"
"Jean!"
*
Logan stood slowly and turned. "Wow, you're pretty fuckin' hilarious."
Remy shook his head and bent at the waist to break with his cue. "Give me a break, Wolverine. What de hell do you t'ink I'm going to do?"
"I don't know, Remy, but I can tell you right now that if you give her any more shit than what she already has to deal with, I'll slice you myself."
Remy stood. "Go to hell. You know how I feel about her."
"Just telling you."
"Yeah well t'anks for de warning, Dad. Are you finished?"
Logan removed the stogie form his mouth. "Yeah, I think that just about covers it."
"Good, den get your damned cue and let's play some pool."
*
The two women smiled nervously, averting their eyes and toying with the lingerie around them.
"So," Jean cleared her throat. "Um, what... what's up?"
Rogue shook her head. "Uh nothin'. Nothing much, just, uh, just lookin'."
Jean nodded. "Ah." Silence. "So was I; I mean, me too." She tossed a glance behind her. "Can I, um," Rogue met her eyes encouragingly and Jean sighed, smiling, "Can I get your opinion on something?"
Rogue blinked. Shrugging a shoulder, she replied, "Shoah, what is it?"
"Well, the thing is, which one do you think would look better on me? I like the black, but the purple is just..."
"Wow."
*
Magneto watched the women from the security headquarters of the department store, the usual security guard lying in a crumpled heap at his feet. The silver-haired man leaned back in his chair thoughtfully. The coincidental arrival of the two X-Women sent wheels reeling in his brain. Originally, his plan was to demolish the department store, regardless of human casualties- just a little something to grab their attention and get them on his battlegrounds. Oddly enough though, two of Xavier's students were already on his territory and Magneto quickly decided that he could just as soon take the ladies out. That would surely get the X-Men running.
He smiled thinly, creasing the crowfeet at his murky blue eyes.
*
Moments later, Rogue and Jean stood in line to purchase their items, waiting in awkward silence and listening to the steady beep beep of the cash register and the young blonde cashier smack away at her gum. Though nearly ten minutes of civility had passed between them, neither was yet sure of the other's opinion of her.
Rogue's hand suddenly flew to her hip. "Oh damn it! I left my purse in the fitting room. Ah'll be raght back."
Jean watched her flounce off and turned to eye the line once more. She fumbled with her wristwatch, pretending not to notice the greedy-eyed gentleman just behind her.
"Ah'm back," Rogue declared, approaching Jean at a swift walk. The redhead smiled and promptly received a solid punch across the cheek. Before her eyes, Rogue's body melted, morphing quickly into a deep shade of blue and scales. Bystanders screamed and scurried, stumbling over bags and strollers.
"What the...?" Amidst her bewilderment, Jean wasn't prepared for the following swing against her mouth. She forwent a telekinetic shield and opted instead for a strong mind shove at the creature. Consumed in her fight with the blue shape-shifter, the X-Woman didn't predict the sticky tongue around her ankle from ten feet behind and yanking hard, slamming her belly-down onto the ground.
Jean noticed Rogue running from the fitting rooms and vaguely wondered if it was the real thing this time but her doubts were smothered when the southern pistol screamed, "Who the hell are you, Blue?" She sucker-punched the mysterious mutant in the gut and began her own battle while Jean faced off against the enormous frog creature.
The two X-Women were mildly successful in holding their own until two more mutants appeared. One of the new arrivals - a snarling blonde beast - threw Jean against a far display wall while a slime-slicked tongue coiled tightly around Rogue's neck.
Jean stood shakily, nursing the wound bleeding at her head and immediately throwing up a T.K. shield. The bear mutant threw itself at the defense with startling ferocity. SKRAK! He sliced violently at the shield. Jean shivered, watching the shape-shifter watch the toad strangle a wildly struggling Rogue.
*
"Hey there."
Bobby looked up from the paper he held and smiled. "Hi Emma."
She walked from behind the bush from which she'd peeked and took a seat beside him on the bench. She looked out at the clear, cool pool and the blue waters reflected smoothly in her eyes. "Whatchya' reading?"
He held up a black and white page splashed with blocks of color. "Comics."
She snorted. "But of course, Bobby." They smiled. "So what's the matter; why didn't you take off with your brother and Ororo?"
He shrugged, thumbing through Buckets and Zits and Peanuts. "Just not in the mood to see the folks, I guess."
Emma smoothed back already sleek blonde hair. "Aw c'mon. I know your family can't be too bad. They raised strapping young men like your brother and you." She leaned closer to the youngest Worthington. "What's really the problem, hmm?"
Bobby couldn't suppress the grin spilling at his lips. He sighed, defeated. "I don't know. Don't get me wrong; I love Ororo to death. She's just what Warren needs. But I think with her much-appreciated presence, I might feel like the third wheel. I can just feel my mother's eyes on me now, her gaze shifting up and down as if to say, 'And when, Robert, are *you* going to find someone?'"
"Afraid to get married?" Emma asked, arching a fine brow.
"Nah," Bobby replied.
"Just haven't found the right girl?"
He chuckled dryly. "They're all right to me." The two blonde billionaires eyed each other for a moment.
*
"Come out of your bubble you little bitch and let us play like we're gonna play with your friend here." SKRAK! Jean heard the menacing words from the large hairy monster. He leaned until her telekinetic energy hummed at his closeness. "She is one hot bitch. I'm sure I speak for Toad too when I say, I want to hear her scream real bad."
Jean watched Rogue claw at Toad with desperation. SKRAK! It was obvious that the frog was becoming worried at Rogue's growing fury and strength. The blue woman assisted her comrade by attempting to hold still the Mississippian's flailing limbs.
SKRAK! Jean winced. That attack sent a slice of pain echoing through her head. She realized her shield was not going to last much longer. Jean pondered her situation. Leave now, alive, or attempt to overpower Toad and the Blue Woman and snatch Rogue.
"Let her be, Sabertooth. It doesn't take phenomenal wit to discern that your pursuits are getting you nowhere." A man with slick silver hair lowered onto the ground beside her shield. "You know who I am," he began.
Magneto, Jean spat silently.
He nodded at the realization in her eyes, sparing a glance behind him where a now motionless Rogue and Toad sat listening. "We only need one of you, I think. She'll do fine." He smiled genuinely at Jean. "You may go." He shooed her off with a flippant, condescending brush of the hand.
Jean swallowed hard, her blood rushing rivers to her ears and raging through her head. Leave her? Toad watched her weigh her options and tightened his grip on her teammate. Rogue resumed struggling, a fresh string of curses thrown at him. In time, Jean decided, Rogue would undoubtedly free herself from Toad and kill him. But then what? The others would take his place and she'd be left to fight alone. Rogue was good, but she wasn't three-to-one good.
Jean inhaled deeply, summoning the genetic power surging through her veins from all parts of her body and mind. It sang within her like a plucked, taut rubber band. She mustered the strength to send Toad flying back while simultaneously yanking Rogue into her telekinetic shield. Sabertooth's reactions were quick though, and he had been anticipating her letting her shield down. With a feral roar, he sliced a final time at her body, catching only her thigh and leg.
Rivulets of warm sticky blood ran down her limb and splattered onto the glossy department store floor. The searing pain let her concentration escape and she lost her telekinetic grip on Rogue and herself. Jean felt herself falling and heard herself screaming at the white-hot stinging through her leg. The hard floor zoomed closer and closer, down, down, down to the four angry mutants waiting hungrily like a pack of rabid animals.
And then she was rising, rising, rising. Dead. Angel. Heaven.
"Stay with me, sugah. We both know Scott'll kill me if Ah come home with yoah corpse."
"Rogue?" Jean croaked. Her throat was so damned dry. And God was there pain in her leg.
The toad was frantically climbing the walls while Magneto vainly attempted to bar the skylights before Rogue could bust through them. But the southerner was flying at a desperate speed and she was too quick for Magneto's hurried pursuits.
"Of course, gal. You didn't think Ah'd..."
Jean blacked out in the flying woman's arms.
**
"Did you hear me, Bobby? I asked you what the deal with us was"
Robert Worthington blinked, facing away from the beautiful blonde he had slept with on more than one occasion, last night for instance. She met his eyes in the mirror where he buttoned up his yellow collared shirt. Clad in one of his very own oversized tee shirts, Emma approached him, spinning him to face her. "Well?"
He stood uncomfortably and spun back around, fiddling nervously with his buttons. "I don't know Emma. I mean, not that I don't think you're beautiful, or smart, or fun, it's just..." He tucked his shirt in. "I'm kind of a jerk. I've never been with a girl for more than two months, just ask War." He turned and met her gaze sheepishly.
Emma's eyebrows rose and she took slow steps toward Bobby before shoving him against the mirror and pressing her body against the length of his own and whispering, "Then I will just have to tame you then, won't I?"
Speechless, Bobby sputtered on air for a moment until he cracked a slow, wide grin. "Yea, I guess so."
She stepped back, hands on her slim hips and eyes dancing. "You guess so?"
Bobby rolled up his sleeves. "Definitely."
**
The next morning, the sun, oblivious to Earth's woes, rose in all her golden glory. She poured her light onto the Westchester Estate, kissing flowers and weeds alike and peeking through the fine-drawn curtains within the mansion.
"Mmmm, who was that?" Jean yawned, rolling over in bed to face Scott's back. He sat, legs swung over the side, putting down the telephone receiver.
"Warren. I told him about the incident at the department store. He asked if I wanted him and Ororo to come back."
She sat up, ignoring the dull throb on her right side. "You told him absolutely not, right?"
Scott nodded, smiling. "In more or less words." He leaned over her, staring intently. Her hair spilled across the pale pearly pillows, creamy skin bronzed. "How are you feeling?"
She stroked his hair. "I'd feel a lot better if you kissed me." She tugged him down to plant a full kiss on his open lips.
**
Hours away, another young couple got an early start on the day when she roused her lover at five a.m. to see the big autumn sun rise. They walked hand in hand around the small suburban streets, window-shopping and giggling between themselves.
Ororo caught sight of a quaint candle shop to their left. "I'll be right back," she stated, slipping from his grasp and entering the store. She was hit with spicy scents and rich incense. She stepped easily, looking over the merchandise and handling the occasional small candle to inhale its sweet aroma.
She swung the bag full of wax goodies at her side and spotted Warren peering through a glass window shop, hands stuffed in his khaki pockets and hunched with precise consideration. 'I only see him that serious when he's buying stock,' she laughed quietly. Opting for stealth, Storm crept behind Warren on tiptoe.
"Guess who?" She threw her leather-gloved hands over his eyes.
He spun quickly, suppressing a yelp and pulling her close. "Ororo! God gorgeous," he breathed, leading her away from the display at which he'd been staring intently.
She slipped from his hold. "Whoa, whoa, whoa. What's the big secret?" Her eyes danced like blue symphonies. She side stepped his dodging attempts to block her and gasped when she saw them: rows and rows of perfect diamonds sitting on their tiny thrones of black velvet. "Warren..." She breathed.
He was still. "Yeah?"
She faced him, smiling widely. "What do you say we go get some breakfast?"
He exhaled deeply. "I'd love to. But first," he pulled her close and kissed her fervently. She responded by running slim fingers through his honey hair.
**
Residents of the mansion shuffled groggily downstairs in warm slippers or cotton robes. Bobby encouraged the team to assemble in the den to watch the premiere of the newest early morning cartoon, 'The Extraordinaries.' It was a blatant rip-off of the X-Men themselves with a little bit of the Fantastic Four mixed in. One by one, flopped on oversized pillows on the floor or cuddled comfortably into a blanket on a couch, the X-Men watched their fabricated identities appear on the cast list.
"Freezer!?" Bobby exclaimed. "Oh my God, that's just insulting." Emma smirked beside him.
"At least yoah dressed! What am Ah wearing?"
Remy brushed her thigh with a fingertip. "Or more like, not wearing, neh?" The beautiful Mississippian swatted him with a pillow, tucking what she could of her bare legs under the white button-down shirt of Remy's she wore.
Scott shifted, causing Jean to adjust her head on his stomach. He snorted. "Please, I sound like some anal military officer."
Bobby blinked. "If we were anything less than the mature human beings we are, we could do so much with that remark, Scotty."
Rogue eyed Scott and her gaze traveled down to Jean. The redhead was toying with the edge of her silk robe. Rogue caught a peek of deep violet from underneath and couldn't conceal the smile playing at her lips. Jean caught her gaze and giggled regarding Rogue's own apparel.
Rogue turned, snuggling into Remy's chest and deeply inhaling the scent of cigarettes and cologne. She vaguely wondered where Logan was and hoped he was present for the professor's return today.
*
Wolverine smothered the cigar under the heel of his boot. Stuffing his hands in his jeans pockets, he peered out over the glossy lake. It wasn't going to be a sunny day, but it would be hot and still and the thick aroma of honeysuckle was already overwhelming the stocky Canadian. His ears perked, catching the distant rumble of car on gravel. He turned, making his way toward the professor's limousine.
The tinted black window slid down to reveal the professor. His face was tired, but obviously glad to be home. "Ah, Logan, you'll be the first to tell me firsthand how things progressed upon my absence. How are you?"
He shrugged. "I'm on the right side of the grass, Chuck."
Xavier's eyebrows furrowed but soon relaxed again. "And the others?"
"Why don't ya' go see for yourself; they're dying to see ya'."
"Scott informed me of a slight scuffle while I was away?"
Logan pulled out another cigar but decided against lighting it in front of Xavier, opting instead to let it pinch between his teeth. "Yeah, but, it wasn't a big deal. It turned out all right."
Charles smiled, the window sliding back up and the sleek black car rolling away.
Wolverine brought the cigar away, breathing the fresh air in until it consumed his lungs. Maybe he could get used to this place.
Xavier sat, pondering Logan's words in the backseat of his expensive transportation. He thought about his nine students, his friends, his children. He leaned into his seat and prepared to greet each and every one of them. Logan was a wiser man than he himself knew: It would indeed turn out all right.
The End
Well hello
Okay, I had a few other scenes for this chapter and it was big enough to divide into two, but after editing, most of the ones I cut out simply seemed too superfluous or like a ton of bricks hitting you at the end; like, for instance, I thought about fitting in a scene of Rogue and Remy's date, but I couldn't think of any original ideas and I hate to be cliché. And then I thought about having Ororo and Warren come back in the last scene - her with a ring on her finger and them having just eloped, but I decided to leave it where it is. So there you have it folks. Why the name Gloss? Heh heh heh...yeah. I'm currently working on the Burnish Rose project, and also, a sequel to an earlier story that I just can't leave alone for the life of me...
Gawd, I'm such a dork:)