Chapter 10: Anger

"I don't know," I stated weakly. "He wasn't there when I was and I've been here all day."

Sabretooth growled from behind me. "His scent's on you from about last night."

"We met at the bar," I locked eyes with Magneto. "I told you that."

"He's newer than the cigarettes and alcohol."

"We talked in the parking lot near my car after I tracked him down."

Magneto gripped my hair harder. "I don't believe you."

"What do you want me to say?" I asked, painfully. "Even if I did know why he was here or am lying about the meeting last night, I don't know where he is now. It's not like he stopped to say where he was going. I can't help you with this one."

"I bet a certain red-head telepathy can tell us exactly what we need to know," Sabretooth said. My eyes widened unwillingly and Magneto smirked. "Do you want me to get her for you?"

"Later," Magneto stated to my relief. "I've been away from the other captives for too long. Come, we will check in."

Magneto released my hair and they left the room. I shook my head lightly. Pietro approached me, but Lance stayed back. It was as if he'd scared himself. Suddenly Alex moaned and opened his eyes. He turned to look at me. I figured that I'd coughed up a lot of blood on myself, but the look in his eyes told me that I looked like I'd been to hell and back.

Alex blinked sharply and muttered, "Ow."

I smiled faintly. "Welcome back to consciousness."

He crinkled up his nose, "What'd I miss?"

I shot a brief glance at Lance, "Not much. At least nothing important like dinner."

Alex's eyes flashed in slight annoyance. I smiled slightly. Pietro moved toward Alex. I saw Alex begin to panic. I looked at Lance in desperation, but he was staring off.. I watched Pietro catch Alex's chin. Alex struggled against the rope holding him down. I felt a stab in the pit of my stomach.

Suddenly the intercom came on. "Everyone will report to dinner: X-men in the dining room and Brotherhood to the kitchen. That is all."

Pietro released Alex and I released the breath I had been unconsciously holding. Lance and Pietro met behind the desk. They began to whisper. I caught Alex's gaze. He shot me one of his patented mischievous smiles. I knew what he wanted and I knew how he'd set it up.

"Do we get to eat?" he asked the boys.

Alex tried not to laugh as I finished our overused line. "Or are you going to hand feed us?"

Both of their heads snapped to face us. Then they looked at each other in panic. No one said anything for a few seconds. Then Pietro rushed over to me and began to untie the ropes. Lance strolled over to Alex and did the same.

Alex glanced over at me and smiled, "While you're at it, I could really use a bathroom." Alex gave a small yelp as Lance bumped his injured arm.

"Sorry," Lance muttered as he pulled away the last bit of rope. Pietro slid the ropes off my wrists. I let out a low hiss of pain as I brought my arms around in front of me. Lance rose, "You guys can go to the bathroom if you'll cooperate."

Alex nodded; Lance looked over at me. I hesitated a second but nodded. I figured Alex probably needed it and I could use a clean up. I rose shakily. Alex rose as well. I could easily see that he was in pain, but he was trying to cover it. Pietro put Alex in the lead and followed him out. I followed Pietro and Lance stayed directly behind me. We walked to the nearest bathroom.

Alex went in with the warning from Pietro of "Hurry up!"

Alex came out a minute later and I went in. I glanced in the mirror. Even though I only saw red, I could tell my face and neck were covered in dry blood. I turned on the water and set to clean it off me.

Jean, did you get any painkillers? I asked as I grabbed a towel. Alex isn't holding up too well.

Oh, Scott, they're not going to be sending me there until after we eat.

I'll grab some while you tell me you're eating. I opened the cabinet behind the mirror and pulled out a whole bottle of over-the-counter painkillers.

I slid them in my pocket as Jean replied, I am eating, Scott. I'm not as stubborn as you are. Are you coming to eat with us?

Yeah. I opened the door and left the bathroom, noting that Alex looked worse. We'll be there in a minute. Is the trio there?

No, but they're on their way.

Don't say anything about what they did. I started moving down the hall in the train-like line we'd created. Tell the others not to either.

What'd they have to do?

Please, Jean. I'll tell you later. Just don't bring it up. I'll be there in a moment, OK?

I felt her sigh. All right.

I glanced around Pietro as we turned a corner. Alex was still there, but only barely standing. After another minute of walking, we made it to the dining room. We stopped at the door and Pietro moved aside. I took a quick step to Alex. He crumpled in my arms, but I managed to get the door open and slide in. Lance shut the door just before the two of us fell. I sat on the ground with Alex laying still on my legs.

"Alex?" I asked, trying to move. "Hey, Al, are you okay?"

He moaned, "Hurts . . . can't . . . move."

Jean, we're in the entryway. Bring water now.

I sat up and scooped Alex off me. I held him up in a sitting position. Alex's head rolled onto my shoulder. "Hang on, Alex." I reached into my pocket and pulled out the bottle of pills.

Jean.

"I'm here," she called, running down to me. "I had to get a cup."

Jean slid next to me on the floor. I shook Alex lightly. He moaned slightly. I gave Jean the bottle of pills. She flipped out two pills and put them in Alex's mouth with a bit of water.

"Swallow, Alex," she whispered rubbing his neck.

I struggled to keep my emotions in check. "Please, Alex. We can get through this. Just please take the pills." My voice cracked a few times.

Alex swallowed the pills but fell still. I looked up at Jean bewildered and angry. She put her head against his chest and listened.

"He just passed out, baby," she whispered to me. "My guess is that he used his last bit of strength to take the painkillers for you."

I sighed and stood up carefully. Then I scooped up Alex in my arms and began the short walk through the entryway and into the dining room. Alex was lighter to hold. Normally I'd be mad at Jean for taking part of his weight, but I knew I couldn't hold him if she didn't help out some. No one said anything as we came into view. I set Alex down on the sofa and sat down on an empty chair. I grimaced slightly as Kitty passed me a really greasy piece of pizza. I sighed.

You are eating that whole thing, Scott Summers! Jean slid into a seat a few down from me.

Jean, am I really that easy to read?

Only when it comes to Alex.

I guess so. Has Magneto or Sabretooth talked to you?

No, and I the reason I know Sabretooth is even here is because I'm a telepath. What are they supposed to talk to me about?

He has heightened senses. He knows Logan was here. They've realized that I don't know where he is, but you'll be able to track him.

Don't worry about it, Scott. Now eat that pizza.

I smiled slightly and began to eat. Slowly I ate the whole thing, occasionally casting a glance over my shoulder at Alex. Part way through, Evan, Rahne, and Bobby returned. They were greeted, but no one said anything about their mission. I shot Jean a thankful smile, but my hope was soon cut short. The PA System came on.

"Rogue to my office now." Click.

TBC