X-men are the property of Marvel comics. All Gen Xers are around 16 to 17.
It was 8pm and Logan and Jubilee were still in her room. Logan told her he had to leave for a little bit. And left. Though the trail was cold, he was determined to see if he could find Sabertooth and kill him once and for all. As he drove off in his jeep Jubilee was in her room alone.
Jubes - "sniff... (Alone again I guess. How come everyone always runs off I do not want to be alone? Jean, Scott and the Professor are trying to find out how Sabertooth got in....Sam and Hayseed are doing the brother sister thing, I do not know what the others are doing. Sometimes I feel the X-men and Gen X are my family, other times...oh sometimes I just want to....)....sniff" Suddenly a knock came at the door at 8:15pm.
Asa- "Hey girl it's Asa, can I come in?"
Jubes - "Sure.(Wow he actually remembered)"
Asa walked in and closed the door and had a thermos filled with hot coca-coca, two spoon and mugs, and a bag of marshmallows.
Asa - "I thought you would like some warm coca-coca, you up for some?"
Jubes starts to grin - "Thanks Asa I would love some." Asa pulled up a seat and sat down beside her bed.
For about twenty minutes they joked around and downed the coca-coca. Then Asa asked.
Asa - "So what did you want to talk about?" The mood quickly changed as Jubilee poured her heart out to Asa. She talked about all the things she had been through, the people she had lost, and how lately she was feeling all alone even with her friends around. She mentioned how she was tortured and made to believe the X-men were dead by some anti-mutant people. She talked how much the X men mean to her, especially her Wolvie. But they all seemed distant this past year. Asa looked at her with concern. The tears started to flow. Asa got up and sat on the bed beside her. She looked up at him with the saddest look in her eyes he could feel his heart break. She started to cry even harder. She curled up into his chest. Asa just held her and leaned back against the wall. He really did not know what to say at the moment. She cried for 10 minutes before she started to calm down. She then sat up.
Jubes - "Oh Asa I am sorry to dump this on you, I bet you did not think you would have a over emotion female crying all over."
Asa grinned -"(if you only knew) no problem girl for me being a friend and a Christian is being there in the good time and bad."
Jubes - "I used to be so full of life and being an X-man meant everything. Now I just do not know."
Asa-"Jubilee I could tell you that things will improve and in time everything will be ok, and it just may. But I do not know the future. And at the moment I do not have many words of comfort. All I can do right now is to offer to stick by you and support you any way I can. If you need to chat, a shoulder to cry on, or whatever I am at your service."
Jubes started to smile again - "Thanks Asa."
Asa - "And maybe you just need to tell people how your are feeling, even "Wolvie". You may have to tie him up. But do not let things go unsaid. And by the way I have been telling Paige I see a lot of potential in her, but she is not the only one."
Jubes-"...Yawn.....You think so?"
Asa -"Yes, but now I think it is time you got some sleep, I am sure Hank will be in to check on you soon."
Jubes - "Ok" She gives Asa a big hug and a kiss on his cheek. "Good night big brother." Asa tucks her in. "Sweet dreams little sister." And leaves. Hank comes in an hour later and finds her sleeping peacefully.
Over the next few weeks Asa gets even more familiar with his new surroundings. He learns all the secrets of the Mansion and is not totally surprised to be informed that they have alien technology. He wonder if the dangerroom can be made to increase the gravity, he wants to add some spice to his daily workouts. He reviews files on other mutants both friend and foe. Hank gives him a physical exam. Jean assists and giggles at how fearful this big strong man is of needles. And considering he has to be totally calm or the needle will not go through his skin makes the situation even more humorous. Scott starts to teach Asa, who is has already flown a variety of aircraft, to fly the Blackbird. Asa spends time with Paige training, she actually knocked him on his butt a few times. She gets knocked down far more, but she keeps getting up. Asa and Jubilee spend a few nights up talking. He watches a few college basketball games on TV with Sam and Bobby. Asa and Rogue go swimming a couple of times and the hot tub and enjoy some pleasant conversation. One evening Asa, Rogue, and Storm go into town for a movie and a night stroll. One morning Asa makes some waffles for Marrow and takes it down to her in her room, she is a little less hostile toward him but still does not know how to take him. Gambit and Asa decide to take their rematch in to the kitchen. Asa makes some Cajun chicken and Gambit makes gumbo. Rogue is surprised to see them later complementing each other's cooking and trading recipes. It snowed 10 inches one night and a snowball fight exploded. Asa, Storm, Jean, Hank vs. Scott, Jubilee, Paige, and Sam. Jubes and Sam peg Asa a few times. After a time Rogue wants to join in. Asa goes and gets a reluctant Marrow to be on his side to make the sides even, much to everyone's surprise. Marrow actually seems to be having fun dodging the snowballs, her favorite target was Sam. Charles watches from a window and smiles. Suddenly Bobby pops out of nowhere and with his power throws at everyone, as everyone comes in to change the laughter fills the entire place. On a hill that same dark figure that was in Virginia is watching from a distance. The stranger smiles and thinks (Have some fun X-men, but there are some surprises in store for you). The next Sunday morning Asa puts on a suit and goes to church, upon his return he finds some new visitors. Gen X.
Paige and Jubes are excited to see Chamber, Angelo, Penance, and Monet. The teens were all chatting and having a good time. Asa noticed a quite attractive upper class blonde woman staring at him with a confused look. Before he could do anything Jubes and Paige grabs him and drags him before the rest of Gen X. Jubes introduced everyone.
Jubes -"Asa this is Chamber, Angelo, Penance, and Monet. Over there is one of our instructors Emma Frost"
Asa - "Hello everyone."
Jubes -"Everyone this is Asa Steel."
Chamber and Angelo gave a halfhearted wave. Monet gave a polite but cold greeting. "Hello Mr. Steel, it is a pleasure to met you."
Asa - "(Brrr, powerful but cold)..The pleasure is mine Monet.
Penance tried to hide and Emma just stares at him.
Jubes and Paige "(oh boy)"
Gambit and Asa had prepared a Cajun dinner. Asa cracked a few jokes with the Angelo and Chamber, Chamber had noticed how friendly Paige was toward to Asa, he did not know how to take that. It was a bit crowded around the kitchentable and with the X men and Gen X even though Penance was sitting just out side the kitchen door at a picnic table. Marrow was out on the grounds, it was an unusually mild evening the snow from the other day was all gone. The Professor, Jean, and Hank had left for a conference Friday night and would not return until the morning. Gambit and Asa had worked hard to prepare and they were serving everyone. They dug in as Asa and Gambit watched they had prepared their gumbo and chicken along with a few other things, now they wanted to know the results of their labor.
Sam - "Wow this is hot!"
Bobby - "I am melting!"
Storm -"this is very good, a bit spicy, but good"
Jubes -"Yummy!"
Rogue - "I am going to need a gallon of ice water after this."
Angelo -"Not bad."
Scott - "Good job."
Paige -"Excellent Mr. Lebeau, Asa."
Gambit and Asa took a bow. Asa then grabbed two plates and Gambit grab two glasses with straws, forks, and a pitcher of ice tea and went out side.
Asa -"Here you go Penance and if there is anything else we can do let us know."
Gambit- "Oui, enjoy petite."
She wanted to run off, but the food smelled too good to resist.
Gambit returned to the Kitchen. Asa saw Marrow at the edge of the forest her face did not have any bones sticking out, but she had scars that covered her face, he knew they would heal eventually, till the next set of bones come through.
Asa - "Hey Marrow I have a plate here for you."
Asa and Gambit continue to watch and enjoy as some people come for seconds, even Marrow.
After a few minutes Penance comes in much to Gen X's surprise. Her plate empty, with a timid look on her face and carefully holding her plate she approaches the two cooks.
Asa - "Would you like some more Penance."
Gambit -"Ah the petite knows good cooking when see tastes it."
Asa and Gambit fill her plate back up and she returns to her seat outside. The two cooks then fix a plate and glass for themselves. Gambit goes and sits by Rogue while Asa heads outside to sit with Marrow and Penance.
Asa - "Hello ladies mind if I join you?"
Marrow just grumbles and continues to eat. Penance look a little nervous as he sits down right across from her and beside Marrow. Asa prays over his food then digs in.
Penance just stares at him, but all he does is smile.
Marrow -"So why you out here with us rejects? Feeling sorry for us"
Penance looked down at the table.
Asa - "No just trying to be friendly."
Marrow - "Why would you want to be friends with us."
Asa - "I am a friendly guy."
Marrow wanted to try and get him mad, but considering he brought her such good food she thought better of it.
Marrow - "If you say so upworlder, but I will never trust your kind ever."
Asa -"We will see."
Marrow goaned took her empty plate and returned to her room.
It was just Asa and Penance now, and the temperature was going from mild to cold. Inside most everyone had gotten desert and retreted to the TV or the fireplace.
Asa - "Hey Penance come on in and taste some apple pie I made"
Penance followed him in and sat on a stool at the kitchen counter.
He brought her a piece of pie and one for himself and they ate.
Asa - "I am going for a short walk around the grounds, care to come."
She nodded yes and followed him. They walked around for a few minutes. He had left his guitar out in his hum-vee. He took it out went back to the table. He sat on top of the table. And play a few melodies as Penance sat in a nearby chair and listened. After a few songs Jubes came out.
Jubes - "Hey Penance we are going for a walk down at the lake, if you want to come we are putting our jackets on now."
Penance went to go inside, but when she got to the door she turned and gave Asa a big smile, then disappeared inside.
Jubes - "You want to come Asa?"
Asa - "Naaa little sister I think I will stay here for a while, have fun."
Jubes - "Ok..catch you later "Big Brother".hehehe" She leaves.
Asa sits there with just him, nature, and God. He sings some praise and worship songs as he plays his guitar. He then sees Logan coming around the house and heading for the kitchen.
Asa - "Hey Logan can I talk to you for a minute?"
Logan-"What about?"
Asa -"It is about Jubilee."
Logan -"What about her?"
Asa -"Look I do not know what is going on but the way you're going is hurting her."
Logan - "Stay out of it bub."
Asa -"If you want to live your life alone unloved by anyone that is fine, but you should at least tell her why."
Snikt! Logan pops his claws out.
Logan - "Listen preacher boy it is better for her if she just forgets about me, that mad man the other night was my enemy and I could not even protector her. How long till she gets killed because of someone gunning for me."
Asa "Well Mr. adamantium head...(oops I may have gone too far on that one).... She is not going to forget you, she adores you your her hero, mentor, father, best friend all rolled up into one. The guy surprised her because she was broken up about you. She is never going to forget you. But will she remember you with love and honor, or bitterness. Not only are you about to lose her respect but her love."
Logan face turn from rage to desperate.
Logan -"But I am so tired of losing the people I care about. And this madness and rage in my head never goes away, I have controlled it through meditation and discipline, but it is so hard. My heart is full of anger. What do I do"
Asa - "Logan I know you do not like me and I may have been rubbing you the wrong way, but take this advice and talk with her now tonight."
Logan retracts his claws. "I do not know..."
Asa - "Logan she needs you in her life, most people would question a man of your age (whatever age that may be or mine for that matter) being so close to a girl her age. But I see the way she adores you, and how you adore her. You're all those things to her and more. The X -men are her family, and she is feeling left out. But you are the deepest wound of all, she nearly died when she thought you and the other x-men were killed at the hands of that Bastion person. When one day she gets married and has a family of her own will you be a welcome and honored presence in her heart and home or a bad memory the choice is yours."
Logan had his down. - "Where is she?"
Asa -"Her and her friends went down to the lake for a walk."
Logan left and Asa was very pleased that he still had his head attached.
-Continued
Logan and Jubes have a chat. But another threat is close at hand. Has Sabertooth returned or someone (Something) else?
It was 8pm and Logan and Jubilee were still in her room. Logan told her he had to leave for a little bit. And left. Though the trail was cold, he was determined to see if he could find Sabertooth and kill him once and for all. As he drove off in his jeep Jubilee was in her room alone.
Jubes - "sniff... (Alone again I guess. How come everyone always runs off I do not want to be alone? Jean, Scott and the Professor are trying to find out how Sabertooth got in....Sam and Hayseed are doing the brother sister thing, I do not know what the others are doing. Sometimes I feel the X-men and Gen X are my family, other times...oh sometimes I just want to....)....sniff" Suddenly a knock came at the door at 8:15pm.
Asa- "Hey girl it's Asa, can I come in?"
Jubes - "Sure.(Wow he actually remembered)"
Asa walked in and closed the door and had a thermos filled with hot coca-coca, two spoon and mugs, and a bag of marshmallows.
Asa - "I thought you would like some warm coca-coca, you up for some?"
Jubes starts to grin - "Thanks Asa I would love some." Asa pulled up a seat and sat down beside her bed.
For about twenty minutes they joked around and downed the coca-coca. Then Asa asked.
Asa - "So what did you want to talk about?" The mood quickly changed as Jubilee poured her heart out to Asa. She talked about all the things she had been through, the people she had lost, and how lately she was feeling all alone even with her friends around. She mentioned how she was tortured and made to believe the X-men were dead by some anti-mutant people. She talked how much the X men mean to her, especially her Wolvie. But they all seemed distant this past year. Asa looked at her with concern. The tears started to flow. Asa got up and sat on the bed beside her. She looked up at him with the saddest look in her eyes he could feel his heart break. She started to cry even harder. She curled up into his chest. Asa just held her and leaned back against the wall. He really did not know what to say at the moment. She cried for 10 minutes before she started to calm down. She then sat up.
Jubes - "Oh Asa I am sorry to dump this on you, I bet you did not think you would have a over emotion female crying all over."
Asa grinned -"(if you only knew) no problem girl for me being a friend and a Christian is being there in the good time and bad."
Jubes - "I used to be so full of life and being an X-man meant everything. Now I just do not know."
Asa-"Jubilee I could tell you that things will improve and in time everything will be ok, and it just may. But I do not know the future. And at the moment I do not have many words of comfort. All I can do right now is to offer to stick by you and support you any way I can. If you need to chat, a shoulder to cry on, or whatever I am at your service."
Jubes started to smile again - "Thanks Asa."
Asa - "And maybe you just need to tell people how your are feeling, even "Wolvie". You may have to tie him up. But do not let things go unsaid. And by the way I have been telling Paige I see a lot of potential in her, but she is not the only one."
Jubes-"...Yawn.....You think so?"
Asa -"Yes, but now I think it is time you got some sleep, I am sure Hank will be in to check on you soon."
Jubes - "Ok" She gives Asa a big hug and a kiss on his cheek. "Good night big brother." Asa tucks her in. "Sweet dreams little sister." And leaves. Hank comes in an hour later and finds her sleeping peacefully.
Over the next few weeks Asa gets even more familiar with his new surroundings. He learns all the secrets of the Mansion and is not totally surprised to be informed that they have alien technology. He wonder if the dangerroom can be made to increase the gravity, he wants to add some spice to his daily workouts. He reviews files on other mutants both friend and foe. Hank gives him a physical exam. Jean assists and giggles at how fearful this big strong man is of needles. And considering he has to be totally calm or the needle will not go through his skin makes the situation even more humorous. Scott starts to teach Asa, who is has already flown a variety of aircraft, to fly the Blackbird. Asa spends time with Paige training, she actually knocked him on his butt a few times. She gets knocked down far more, but she keeps getting up. Asa and Jubilee spend a few nights up talking. He watches a few college basketball games on TV with Sam and Bobby. Asa and Rogue go swimming a couple of times and the hot tub and enjoy some pleasant conversation. One evening Asa, Rogue, and Storm go into town for a movie and a night stroll. One morning Asa makes some waffles for Marrow and takes it down to her in her room, she is a little less hostile toward him but still does not know how to take him. Gambit and Asa decide to take their rematch in to the kitchen. Asa makes some Cajun chicken and Gambit makes gumbo. Rogue is surprised to see them later complementing each other's cooking and trading recipes. It snowed 10 inches one night and a snowball fight exploded. Asa, Storm, Jean, Hank vs. Scott, Jubilee, Paige, and Sam. Jubes and Sam peg Asa a few times. After a time Rogue wants to join in. Asa goes and gets a reluctant Marrow to be on his side to make the sides even, much to everyone's surprise. Marrow actually seems to be having fun dodging the snowballs, her favorite target was Sam. Charles watches from a window and smiles. Suddenly Bobby pops out of nowhere and with his power throws at everyone, as everyone comes in to change the laughter fills the entire place. On a hill that same dark figure that was in Virginia is watching from a distance. The stranger smiles and thinks (Have some fun X-men, but there are some surprises in store for you). The next Sunday morning Asa puts on a suit and goes to church, upon his return he finds some new visitors. Gen X.
Paige and Jubes are excited to see Chamber, Angelo, Penance, and Monet. The teens were all chatting and having a good time. Asa noticed a quite attractive upper class blonde woman staring at him with a confused look. Before he could do anything Jubes and Paige grabs him and drags him before the rest of Gen X. Jubes introduced everyone.
Jubes -"Asa this is Chamber, Angelo, Penance, and Monet. Over there is one of our instructors Emma Frost"
Asa - "Hello everyone."
Jubes -"Everyone this is Asa Steel."
Chamber and Angelo gave a halfhearted wave. Monet gave a polite but cold greeting. "Hello Mr. Steel, it is a pleasure to met you."
Asa - "(Brrr, powerful but cold)..The pleasure is mine Monet.
Penance tried to hide and Emma just stares at him.
Jubes and Paige "(oh boy)"
Gambit and Asa had prepared a Cajun dinner. Asa cracked a few jokes with the Angelo and Chamber, Chamber had noticed how friendly Paige was toward to Asa, he did not know how to take that. It was a bit crowded around the kitchentable and with the X men and Gen X even though Penance was sitting just out side the kitchen door at a picnic table. Marrow was out on the grounds, it was an unusually mild evening the snow from the other day was all gone. The Professor, Jean, and Hank had left for a conference Friday night and would not return until the morning. Gambit and Asa had worked hard to prepare and they were serving everyone. They dug in as Asa and Gambit watched they had prepared their gumbo and chicken along with a few other things, now they wanted to know the results of their labor.
Sam - "Wow this is hot!"
Bobby - "I am melting!"
Storm -"this is very good, a bit spicy, but good"
Jubes -"Yummy!"
Rogue - "I am going to need a gallon of ice water after this."
Angelo -"Not bad."
Scott - "Good job."
Paige -"Excellent Mr. Lebeau, Asa."
Gambit and Asa took a bow. Asa then grabbed two plates and Gambit grab two glasses with straws, forks, and a pitcher of ice tea and went out side.
Asa -"Here you go Penance and if there is anything else we can do let us know."
Gambit- "Oui, enjoy petite."
She wanted to run off, but the food smelled too good to resist.
Gambit returned to the Kitchen. Asa saw Marrow at the edge of the forest her face did not have any bones sticking out, but she had scars that covered her face, he knew they would heal eventually, till the next set of bones come through.
Asa - "Hey Marrow I have a plate here for you."
Asa and Gambit continue to watch and enjoy as some people come for seconds, even Marrow.
After a few minutes Penance comes in much to Gen X's surprise. Her plate empty, with a timid look on her face and carefully holding her plate she approaches the two cooks.
Asa - "Would you like some more Penance."
Gambit -"Ah the petite knows good cooking when see tastes it."
Asa and Gambit fill her plate back up and she returns to her seat outside. The two cooks then fix a plate and glass for themselves. Gambit goes and sits by Rogue while Asa heads outside to sit with Marrow and Penance.
Asa - "Hello ladies mind if I join you?"
Marrow just grumbles and continues to eat. Penance look a little nervous as he sits down right across from her and beside Marrow. Asa prays over his food then digs in.
Penance just stares at him, but all he does is smile.
Marrow -"So why you out here with us rejects? Feeling sorry for us"
Penance looked down at the table.
Asa - "No just trying to be friendly."
Marrow - "Why would you want to be friends with us."
Asa - "I am a friendly guy."
Marrow wanted to try and get him mad, but considering he brought her such good food she thought better of it.
Marrow - "If you say so upworlder, but I will never trust your kind ever."
Asa -"We will see."
Marrow goaned took her empty plate and returned to her room.
It was just Asa and Penance now, and the temperature was going from mild to cold. Inside most everyone had gotten desert and retreted to the TV or the fireplace.
Asa - "Hey Penance come on in and taste some apple pie I made"
Penance followed him in and sat on a stool at the kitchen counter.
He brought her a piece of pie and one for himself and they ate.
Asa - "I am going for a short walk around the grounds, care to come."
She nodded yes and followed him. They walked around for a few minutes. He had left his guitar out in his hum-vee. He took it out went back to the table. He sat on top of the table. And play a few melodies as Penance sat in a nearby chair and listened. After a few songs Jubes came out.
Jubes - "Hey Penance we are going for a walk down at the lake, if you want to come we are putting our jackets on now."
Penance went to go inside, but when she got to the door she turned and gave Asa a big smile, then disappeared inside.
Jubes - "You want to come Asa?"
Asa - "Naaa little sister I think I will stay here for a while, have fun."
Jubes - "Ok..catch you later "Big Brother".hehehe" She leaves.
Asa sits there with just him, nature, and God. He sings some praise and worship songs as he plays his guitar. He then sees Logan coming around the house and heading for the kitchen.
Asa - "Hey Logan can I talk to you for a minute?"
Logan-"What about?"
Asa -"It is about Jubilee."
Logan -"What about her?"
Asa -"Look I do not know what is going on but the way you're going is hurting her."
Logan - "Stay out of it bub."
Asa -"If you want to live your life alone unloved by anyone that is fine, but you should at least tell her why."
Snikt! Logan pops his claws out.
Logan - "Listen preacher boy it is better for her if she just forgets about me, that mad man the other night was my enemy and I could not even protector her. How long till she gets killed because of someone gunning for me."
Asa "Well Mr. adamantium head...(oops I may have gone too far on that one).... She is not going to forget you, she adores you your her hero, mentor, father, best friend all rolled up into one. The guy surprised her because she was broken up about you. She is never going to forget you. But will she remember you with love and honor, or bitterness. Not only are you about to lose her respect but her love."
Logan face turn from rage to desperate.
Logan -"But I am so tired of losing the people I care about. And this madness and rage in my head never goes away, I have controlled it through meditation and discipline, but it is so hard. My heart is full of anger. What do I do"
Asa - "Logan I know you do not like me and I may have been rubbing you the wrong way, but take this advice and talk with her now tonight."
Logan retracts his claws. "I do not know..."
Asa - "Logan she needs you in her life, most people would question a man of your age (whatever age that may be or mine for that matter) being so close to a girl her age. But I see the way she adores you, and how you adore her. You're all those things to her and more. The X -men are her family, and she is feeling left out. But you are the deepest wound of all, she nearly died when she thought you and the other x-men were killed at the hands of that Bastion person. When one day she gets married and has a family of her own will you be a welcome and honored presence in her heart and home or a bad memory the choice is yours."
Logan had his down. - "Where is she?"
Asa -"Her and her friends went down to the lake for a walk."
Logan left and Asa was very pleased that he still had his head attached.
-Continued
Logan and Jubes have a chat. But another threat is close at hand. Has Sabertooth returned or someone (Something) else?