Chapter 23

The Institute was snowbound. A massive storm system had settled over New York state and had been dumping snow for going on four days; school had been canceled and all roads were closed. The snow showed no signs of stopping, and Ororo refused to give in to the students' pleas to step in, insisting that nature must be allowed to run its course.

So the students were left to their own devices, and entertaining activities like board and computer games were already starting to lose their appeal. Boredom was setting in, and no good could come of that. Bored teenagers meant trouble, namely pranks and gossip; gossip was pastime of choice for the moment.

"But how can you be so sure, man? You catch 'em in the act, or something?"

Jean was walking past the kitchen when she overheard Evan's question. She paused mid-stride and back tracked so she could listen in; she had a bad feeling about this conversation.

"Nein. All you have to do is watch them when they're together," Kurt replied knowingly. "It's the little things that give them away."

"How long do you figure they've been goin' at it?" Evan prodded.

"Only a few weeks. Since the wedding, actually," Kurt said, and Jean felt her cheeks burning in embarrassment. Had she and Scott been that obvious? "They've been smiling at each other more, they've been more physical than usual – little touches, that kind of thing. It's like they're more comfortable with each other now."

"Ah'm sorry, but when were they ever uncomfortable with each other?" Rogue asked with a snort. "Jean's one o' the most touchy-feely people Ah've ever met. So that doesn't mean anythin'."

Jean leaned her hip against the wall and folded her arms across her chest, trying not to chuckle at Rogue's observation. Scott suddenly appeared at Jean's side, and she glanced up just as he opened his mouth to speak.

*Shhh!* she ordered before he could say a word.

*Why?* he asked in confusion.

*They're talking about us.*

"Yeah, and they both, like, keep disappearing for, like, hours at a time," Kitty pointed out. "And when they reappear they almost seem to act, like, too normal, y'know? As if they're trying too hard to make it totally seem like nothing's going on."

*I told you we weren't fooling anyone,* Jean sent to Scott, smirking at him.

"But that doesn't mean they're doin' it," Evan said. "Besides, do you really think Scott would still be so uptight if he was gettin' laid on a regular basis?"

Scott's mouth opened in silent outrage, but he quickly snapped it shut. Jean's eyebrows furrowed in annoyance, even as she fought back a laugh.

"Don't be crude, Porcupine," Rogue scolded. "B'sides, Ah think he's been in a better mood than usual lately."

"Why don't you two just ask Jean? Y'know, have a little girl talk?" Evan suggested.

"Ugh, are you, like, kidding? Have you ever seen Jean, like, really pissed off?

"No," came the admission.

"She's a red head, and she, like, totally has the temper to match. There's, like, no way I'm gonna risk being on the receiving end!" Kitty exclaimed.

"All right, jeez! It was just a suggestion. Kurt, just ask Scott. He'd tell you, wouldn't he?"

Kurt laughed. "No way, man. I'm sure enough. I don't need to risk my life asking him."

*C'mon, I've heard enough,* Scott told Jean, tugging gently on her arm.

They were silent until the reached the library. After making sure they were alone, Scott finally exploded.

"I can't believe them!" he shouted, pounding fireplace mantle in frustration. "Aren't we entitled to a private life?"

"Oh, come on, Scott. You know how hard it is to keep anything a secret around here," Jean said calmly. Knowing Scott would fume for a few minutes before being ready to discuss the situation rationally, Jean sat back to wait. She flopped into her favorite arm chair, her legs dangling over one side.

"Why aren't you upset?" Scott finally asked her, pacing restlessly.

Jean shrugged. "I am, but after my mother, they're not so bad. She called the Professor, you know, and told him what happened at the wedding."

"Everything?"

"Pretty much, I think. From what Professor X said, she gave him hell for 'encouraging immoral behavior' between his students," she said with a wicked grin.

"Oh, man. Your mother sure is a piece of work. What was his response?"

"That he had complete faith in our ability to act responsibly, that he trusted us implicitly, and that she shouldn't worry."

"I'm sure that went over well," Scott snorted.

"Oh, I don't know. The Professor has always seemed to know exactly how to appease her when she goes off on one of her rants. She didn't withdraw me from the Institute and order me to come home, so that's a good sign."

Scott stopped short and turned back to face her. "Did you really think she would?"

"With my mother, anything's a possibility," Jean said with a sigh. "She was mad enough, so it wouldn't have surprised me. But I know the Professor would have fought her on it, and we both know he would have won."

"I don't know what I'd do if you left," Scott admitted quietly. "I don't think I could do any of this on my own."

Jean quirked an eyebrow knowingly, and flashed a mischievous grin. Catching onto her interpretation, he chuckled.

"Not that. I had enough practice 'playing solo' before we started sleeping together," he admitted sheepishly. "I meant being an Xman, dealing with the responsibilities of leading the team. Your support helps to keep me sane. You keep me sane."

"Guess I'm not doing a very good job," she quipped, then used her TK to stop the book Scott had lobbed at her head. She grinned. "My real job is to help you lighten up and not take everything so damn seriously."

"Then I think the others would say that you're definitely not doing a very good job," Scott replied with a smirk.

The library doors creaked open, and Amara's head poked in through the doors.

"Oh, good! Scott, the phone's for you," she told him with a smile.

"Thanks. Do you know who it is?" he asked, a bit surprised. He didn't get that many phone calls.

The smile disappeared from Amara's face and she glanced from Scott to Jean. "Um, yeah. She said her name was 'Kimberly'," she said quickly before ducking out of the room.

Jean said nothing, but her eyebrow arched as she glanced at Scott.

"I'll be right back," Scott said, oblivious to Jean's questioning look.

Jean was surprised by the pang of jealousy she felt as she watched Scott jog out of the library.

~~

*Jen gets down on her knees and begs* PLEASE SEND FEEDBACK! I'm almost done the final chapter, and I need inspiration to finish!