This is the third chapter, and I've fallen in love with Nan, Pop, Tabby'Ro and Dave. So I'm going to use them in other stories...but I think this one is done. So enjoy this chapter, and do me a favor. Email me at brandicat82@yahoo.com and tell me which couples you liked, didn't like, would like to see together etc. I love new ideas for stories, and I'm more than happy to deliver when I can. Oh and if you have a 'wish list' (My word for wishing someone would write a story about, or have something particular happen in a story) then let me know, maybe we could work together until we came up with what you wanted. Ok and on THAT note... Enjoy and Review!!!
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"Is he OK?"
"Scott, sugar, she's told you three times that there is no damage."
"None at all?"
"No sugar, none at all. That's why she's running tests. To see WHY there isn't any damage. That's all."
"So he's not in surgery?"
Jean smiled, "No, he's fine." She smiled at Marie as well. "In fact, the reason his eyes turned red, was because you triggered his mutation to seep to the surface. You see his body has never been attacked in a way that would force his mutation to manifest in order to defend itself. But when you blasted..." Scott cringed, "Let's use a different word there. When you accidentally activated your mutation on him, his recognized it as a mutant power and... well... as dramatic that it sounds... It arose from repression."
"So you're saying he has a mutation identical to Scott's?" Marie asked as she let her husband come to terms with it, then close his opened jaw.
"Pretty much. And there is something else... You seem to be immune to each other."
"I can't hurt him?"
"Not with your mutation, I'm sure a punch from either of you would still present the same results as any other." She teased.
Alex snorted as he walked out of the lab. "Yeah, as if he could get in a shot worth talking about."
"As I mentioned to Alex, the only thing your mutations do on each other, is give... well in laymen terms... it would be like you physically pushing one another."
Alex smirked, "I'm so going to tackle that Danger Room, now."
"Alex, that's dangerous!" Scott said.
"Well don't worry, Bro, when I take it off of your little girl..." Marie raised a brow at him, "What I mean to say is... when I take it off your LOW setting, it might actually present something worth fighting against."
"Oh sure, Alex. Let's just see what you got."
"Bring a pad of paper for notes, and I'll meet you there."
Marie looked at Ororo who was just walking out of the Lab, after being in there beside Alex. She had remained to talk to Hank, so all she got to hear was the tail end. She looked towards Marie and raised a brow. Marie shook her head exasperated and snorted, "Children, the both of them. You sure you want a miniature one of them 'Ro?"
"Quite." She giggled, "I want to give Alex a playmate. He's driving me nuts."
Marie and 'Ro burst into laughter. "But hey we need to get ready."
"Of course, meet you in the lobby at 8?"
"You bet."
Ororo, Kitty, Jubes, Marie and Nan were going to the bar that night. They had head upstairs to get dressed when Marie noticed Jean look down at the floor, frown, then turn to go back into her lab. "Hey, uh Jean?"
"Yes Rogue." She turned back.
Marie smiled "Oh hey, it's Marie now, officially."
Jean smiled, "Yeah that's what I heard. I mean you know that you're called that when not on the team." She shuffled around; "Thanks for letting me call you that as well."
"No problem, sugar. Hey I don't suppose you would want to come to the bar tonight too?"
"I...uh" She looked up a little.
"I know everyone would love to have you."
"I'd like that... very much. Thanks." She rubbed her arm and smiled up at Marie.
Marie nodded, then decided that the restlessness had to go. "Jean, what's in the past stays there. We're beyond it now. I've forgiven Logan... and you. So I'd very much like to include you in everything."
Marie was just in time to catch a crying Jean as she leapt at her. "Oh god, thank you. You don't know how long I've..." she wrapped her arms around Marie, "thanks."
"You bet." Marie smiled widely, still a bit surprised at her response, but touched and happy as well.
"Dad?"
"Yes, Marie, in here."
Marie walked into his office and deposited Tabby'Ro, from her hip to the couch. Dave walked up next to his mom with a big red ball. Xavier looked up and smiled at the twins, who promptly dropped ball and blankie to run over to him. The climbed up with a little help from their grandfather, and settled on his lap.
Tabby'Ro reached onto the salad on his desk and plucked off the tomato before popping it in her mouth. Dave reached out and stole his two cumbers, as Tabby and Dave tucked into the turkey on it as well.
Marie covered her mouth and tried not to laugh out loud. Xavier rolled his eyes and looked at his now bare leaf salad. "I take it they haven't eaten dinner?"
"No dad, sorry."
"Quite alright. I heard a rumor of fried chicken tonight anyway." Two squeals came from the kids.
"Thanks for watching them tonight. Alex, Scott, Hank and Logan are all watching hockey."
"I don't mind a bit. Oh, and Marie?"
"Yes."
"I'm proud of the way you handled the situation with Jean. She was thinking about leaving since she felt she had no friends here. But she was just in here 5 minutes ago to tell me she had changed her mind. She said she was getting some good friends back she missed."
"I didn't know she was thinking of leaving."
"No one besides me did. Enjoy your night Marie."
"Thanks Dad." She held her arms wide, "Come give Momma a hug. I have to go."
"Bye mommy!" they gave her brief hug before returning to Xavier. "What are we doing tonight g'ampa X?"
Marie left and went to change for that evening.
Xavier smiled as he watched her, knowing his team was coming back together again. And would soon be more than just a force to be reckoned with. Soon there would be no tension between them. He owed that to his daughter as well. He shook his head and devoted all his attention to his two waiting grandchildren.
Dolphin's Tavern was already stuffed with people. Marie and the others were welcomed easily and got smiles from the other regulars. Jean was looking around and Marie leaned over to her. "Are your mental shields good enough to block out all these people?"
Jean was stunned, by the care and concern in her voice. She knew that Rogue had once had the same worry about getting people in her head when around crowds. But after all that had happened, it humbled her greatly to be on the receiving in of her concern. "Y...yes, they are. Thank you for asking, I appreciate it."
"Hey I know what it's like to have people in your head all trying to talk at once. I know how confusing it is, and how truly awful it can become. In short ... I understand, and I care."
Jean leaned over and hugged Marie, blinking furiously trying to not let the tears, that had gathered in her eyes, get the chance to fall.
Warren, the bar tender with wings, which Marie had met on that first day out with Scott, smiled at them. "Ahh there are my beauties. What can I get for you tonight? On the house."
Marie shook her finger at him... "One of these days your gonna have to let us pay for our first drinks of the night. You always pay for those, shame on you."
Warren laughed. "Terribly sorry... really doll ... I'm so..."
"Oh you are not!" Ororo jumped in, and they all laughed.
"I'll have my usual, Warren." Nan smiled and pinched the wing closest to her.
His wings fluttered in surprise and Nan put the umbrella she had relieved his hand of in her bun. All the girls laughed and reached out to pluck a small decorative umbrella for themselves out of the cup on the other side of the bar. Jean watched with a mix of surprise and giddiness. She let out a small giggle and Warren looked over at her.
"And what is the name of this new beauty you've brought me."
His smile melted her mind and she was left trying to figure out how to form a word... any word. She wasn't picky at this point. Marie took mercy on her, "Her name is Jean..." her eyes turned mischievous. "She's the only single one of us here. Maybe you should take her for a dance on your next break."
Jean's face matched the color of her hair as Warren grinned at her. "I'd be delighted." he lifted his hand to her head and slid the umbrella he had picked up into her waiting ponytail. "Would you save a dance with me Jean?"
She nodded and all the other girls were cheering for her. Nan reached around Ororo and pat her on the back. "He's a strapping young man there. You just be sure you let him know who kicks ass around these parts."
Marie's jaw dropped, "Nan! You said 'ass'?!"
"Well, hell, there you went and said it too. I guess were both in trouble now"
They all busted up laughing and Marie sat there looking stunned, and stuck her tongue out at Jean who was trying her damnedist not to laugh.
Jubes jumped up; "Come on lets burn this floor. We're the x-girls... we can totally put these people to shame." she grabbed Kitty who was in the middle of sipping her margarita.
Ororo looked at Nan, "Don't even think it 'Ro.... not if you want me to stay up later than eleven."
Ororo smiled and looked at Marie, she nodded and grabbed Jean. Jean tried not to stumble as she was pulled onto the floor. She hadn't had this much fun in years.
Warren had danced three times with Jean, and now that it was 3 am and the bar was closed, they were all sitting at a booth talking. Warren sat beside Jean and was laughing at Ororo's story of how she had found mud and soil all over her green house... just to find Tabby'Ro and Dave in the back. She paused and smiled at the memory, "They were planting me a flower for my garden."
"Oh those two are so sweet." Kitty squealed.
'Ro continued, "They were planting me a weed they had found outside."
It suddenly got quiet as everyone looked at 'Ro then bust into laughter. Marie was leaning on 'Ro heavily. "My babies are so sweet... so clueless, just like their father, but so sweet."
Warren laughed, he'd met the kids a couple of times, they came out and stole him away to have lunch at the nearby pizza place. He owned the bar, so he was able to go and come as he pleased. He'd even brought gifts for the kids that were so awed by his wings. "Yeah I simply love it when Tabby'Ro ties ribbons in my wings." He rolled his eyes in good humor.
Jean looked up at him startled, then a slow smile spread across her face as she pictured it. "Oh god, that's to cute!"
Warren laughed right along with them over it, then looked at Marie. "I've been meaning to ask why you're just drinking cranberry juice, tonight?"
Marie sighed, "Scott won't let me drink tonight."
"Why not?" 'Ro asked, "The guys are picking us up, so we already have a driver."
"He doesn't want to hurt the baby."
"What ba... you mean your pregnant?" 'Ro squealed.
Marie smiled, "Yeah... I'm kinda worried that me and Scott have two different ideas, of how many 'a couple of kids' really amount to."
Nan hugged her, "Why didn't you tell us sooner."
"Well... Scott went on that mission, so I had to wait till he got back to tell him. Then I wanted to talk to Hank to make sure, before I told everyone. Then things just started coming up... and here we are two weeks after I found out, just now telling you."
Everyone gave her hugs.
"Do you know what it is?" Kitty asked as Warren finished refilling their drinks.
"Nope not yet, to early to tell."
"I'm surprised Boy Wonder, hasn't let it slip yet. He has to be dancing on his toes." Jubes smiled.
"Speaking of which, we should probably call the guys to come pick us up." Nan said.
The rest of the girl nodded and Marie got out her cell. "Hey sugar.... I know.... Well we got to talkn' and the time just.... Are they? Poor dad... yeah anytime is good were all entertained until you get here...I told you I wouldn't drink, sugar and I didn't.... Yeah I told them..." Marie laughed and looked at Nan "Pop wants to know if you're hyperventilating yet."
Nan grabbed the phone, "Scott? You put that old goat on the phone! .... Pop? just you wait till I get home I'm ...huh? Oh I had umm... 4 I think, but what does that have to do wi...I AM NOT DRUNK!!!"
Marie stole the phone back giggling, "Pop? Can you tell Scott to just come and get us and we'll talk to y'all at home? ... Thanks... you too... bye Pop."
Scott and Hank walked in to find the group in laughter. Kitty saw Hank first and pushed a drunk Jubes out of the booth seat in order to get to him. She threw herself in his arms and started kissing him deeply. He simply caught and enjoyed the physical affection that he never thought he'd receive. Kitty had always made sure to give it to him in spades.
Scott's eyes widened at the sight but smiled and walked over to his own wife. "Hey Baby." he shifted the car keys to his other hand and braced himself on the table as he leaned down to kiss her.
"Hey Sugar." She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. His silver-blue eyes were full of love when he helped her up and rubbed a hand over her tummy.
"You guys ready to go?" Scott asked
Before they could answer Jubilee spoke up, "Hey that's not fair! Kitty gets her ol' Blue, so where is my fireman?"
Scott smirked, "Trying to keep Alex in line."
"Good god, tell me you didn't let him near caffeine!" 'Ro rushed.
Scott shook his head "My idiot brother found it himself." He winced at the memory, "First was the 'cheating death' coke, then the 'happy I have a mutation like my bro' coke, then the 'It's Friday night coke... and finally he was drinking the 'I'm drinking coke' coke, when we left."
'Ro choked, "FOUR... he's had FOUR cokes?" she fell back onto her seat, "Oh Goddess!"
"My stars!" Hank commented between kisses, "I thought he only had two."
Scott snorted, "I wish." Then smiled, "Let's get you all home."
TWO WEEKS LATER...
Marie sat with Ororo on the tub and waited for the answer to her pregnancy test. Finally the answer came and Ororo started squealing.
Alex ran into the room. "What the hell? 'Ro? Baby? 'Ro, are you ok?"
Ororo ran out of the bathroom and tackled Alex to the floor. She was acting like a kid in a candy store... that or she was acting like Alex on caffeine.
"Ororo, what's all this about?"
"We did it! I'm blue!"
"Your what? Marie what's wrong with her?"
'Ro was so giddy she couldn't sit still, "We're pregnant!"
Alex's body went limp, "We... we are?" a big smile crossed his face, "REALLY?"
"Really!"
He grabbed the back of her neck and drew her down into a deep kiss.
Marie smiled and left the two to celebrate.
FOUR WEEKS LATER...
'X-men we're being attacked! Meet in the foyer immediately. It's Magneto and he came with more mutants. Sabertooth is here, I cannot track Mystique, or pinpoint any of the other mutant's powers.' There was a pause in his words, then a lower more worried voice returned. "They are not here for prisoners. Pull no punches X-men."
Scott rolled out of the bed he shared with Marie and threw on pajama bottoms over his boxers. "Coming Charles!"
Marie sat up a little disoriented, "Wha..."
"Marie were being attacked! Round up the students and get them into the lower levels."
Marie was suddenly 'Rogue in mission mode'. "On my way, Sugar." She said as the message finally started making sense in her sleep-fogged brain
Scott grabbed her as she ran for the door to their sleeping children's room, and kissed her deeply. He looked worried and as he looked into her eyes, she knew he was scared for the students, even more scared for her, Tabby'Ro and Dave. "It will be alright, Scott. I know it."
He nodded to make her happy but the concerned eyes didn't change. "Marie... if push comes to shove...get them out of here. The students know the way, they've been trained for this possibility, but our babies haven't."
"I know, but Ororo could..."
"No, Marie! You."
"I won't leave you Scott!" her tears coming from chocolate eyes.
"Listen to me baby, your right... it might be fine. Hell maybe they came for tea." Marie didn't smile and the sense of worry that permitted every inch of the room didn't give. "Look all I'm saying is, IF we can't stop them, get the students going and you follow with Tabby and Dave. Don't look back until you know it's safe."
Alex thrust open the door and his eyes fell on the couple as Scott kissed Marie once more. "Hey sis, it's cool. We've trained for this!"
Logan stopped behind Alex, obviously he'd been running towards the staircase.
"Logan! Your back!" Marie sighed in relief. He'd been gone for 2 weeks.
He nodded once, and walked in.
Scott hugged her then walked towards the door, Logan started to follow him once he got out, but Marie caught his arm. "Logan, please protect him. Please!"
A strong streak of pain flew through his eyes, but he nodded to her. "He'll be safe...Marie." Her name came out like it always had before the incident that got him here. And he hadn't been allowed to say it since, but he fit it in, just to hear himself say it again. Just in case.
She nodded with tears in her eyes, allowing him to do so. "I know he will, Logan. You'll make sure of it."
With that they parted ways and Marie snagged her two babies from their beds, just as Ororo ran in. Marie looked up and smiled then wrapped a blanket around Tabby'Ro as 'Ro did the same for Dave. They picked them up and cradled them as they flew through the door, neither saying a word.
Sabertooth had run around the building while Scott was taking out Toad. So Scott went after him, just to be hit with a ball of energy as he ran around the corner. He was slammed back and lay there stunned for a moment, there was pain but it was receding quickly. "Damn I love being able to heal!" He got to his feet in time to see Wolverine take out the guy who was aiming again at Scott.
There was surprise written all over his face, when he realized that Logan was actually protecting him. And the fact that he had looked over, after knocking the guy out, to check on Scott, made it all the more real. He was stunned!
Before he had a chance to try to understand the obvious change he heard Sabertooth coming up from behind him, he turned and blasted him in the chest at full power. "Heal from that one, Asshole." He turned and ran back to the front of the grounds where all the fight was going on.
The tides were turning and it was obvious, the X-Men were gaining back the control.
Jean was holding back all the objects that a guy was directing at her. He had to admit that the man rivaled Sabertooth for the ware-wolf look-alike of the year award. Pyro was helping her gain the upper hand on that one.
The man that Scott had seen shooting earlier was still at it. He seemed to have perfect eyesight, or accuracy, or some mutation there of, since he was blasting away every one of Gambit's charged cards. However the tide changed again when Night Crawler 'poofed' above him and stole the guns, just to 'poof' away again. And just like that, Gambit's cards found their mark.
Jubilee and Kitty were fighting the newly-found-Mystique, and she didn't seem to be amused with the outcome of their spar so far. It looked like she was trying to find a shape that could help her out, but with Jube's sparks, and Kitty's hand to hand combat (It has to rock to be able to phase through a right hook) they were, well ... kicking her ass.
Bobby was up against a girl that looked like your everyday Goth...'well except she was shooting electricity out of her fingertips and eyes. But other than that, she was your average everyday Goth.' He smirked, and started to head in Alex's direction. Who was blasting controlled beams at a guy that seemed to run at the speed of light.
He heard a noise of to his right, and turned just in time to be whacked over the head with a tree branch. After he started to heal, he shook his head till the lights behind his eyes (no pun intended) stopped flashing from the blinding pain. "Oh isn't that just super...Sabertooth is back, and look he wants to play!" Scott stood back up and rubbed his healing head before blasting Sabertooth again... and again... "Oh hell, why not one for the road?" the last blast sent Sabertooth flying into side of the truck they'd all shown up in. And this time there was no grunt of pain he just went limp.
Scott turned and saw Logan being manipulated my Magneto. "You are such an annoying little toy... hmm do you think I might be able to conform you to a pretzel?" he laughed low as Logan growled. "Yes, yes, you are correct of course. I wouldn't want to damage something that can bring funds to my cause..." Logan eyes narrowed to slits. "Just how much do you think they're willing to pay to get you back? How much is mutant experimentation going for these days?"
Scott walked closer and answered, "Damn, and here I was thinking you were fighting FOR mutants!" He blasted Magneto without another thought, and Logan dropped like a stone. Scott went over to help him stand, and smirked when he saw Logan looked a little lost for words. "Don't think were bonding or anything...he was just annoying me." His smile made it clear he was kidding.
"Uh... thanks Cyke... uh I mean Cyclops." He was fidgeting around showing his discomfort in the situation.
"Cyke's fine, Logan. I've kinda grown into it over the years."
Logan nodded relieved and smirked, "Lets go finish this. I was on that damned motorcycle for 20 hours! I want a damned nap."
"Age does that to a man."
Logan snorted, but he was smiling.
After they had gained the upper hand all that was left, was to simply finish off the rest and turn them over to the authorities. Who of course, showed up 10 minutes after the fight had ended. Right on time for the average cop.
The group walked into the building after talking to the authorities and waving good-bye at their mansion 'visitors'. Scott and Alex started for the elevators immediately.
"Scott, Alex... I've already informed them that the fight is over. They are tucking the students in. They might be a bit, the kids are a little shaken up by this." They both nodded at Xavier, "I however, do have the munchkins." He tilted his head to the rec. room. "Marie brought them to me before putting everyone else to bed with Ororo."
Scott walked into the rec. room; Dave was sitting there eating a chocolate chip cookie. He looked at the TV show that had his son so enthralled; Winnie the Pooh had his hand stuck in a pot of honey. It was surreal, considering what had just gone on outside. It seemed like nothing had happened, that or they'd been totally oblivious.
It was clear he didn't know his father was in the room, because after he had finished his cookie, he looked to his slumbering sister's half eaten cookie. He was just reaching over when Scott interfered. "Don't even think about it."
The three-year-old squeaked and spun to look at his father, "Daddy!" he jumped up and threw himself in his arms. "Guess what! Mommy and Auntie 'Ro got us up and took us to the basement. Then I got to help Auntie 'Ro find a flashlight, we raced with mommy and Tabby'Ro. And guess who won!"
"Who won?"
"Well they did..." Dave sighed sadly. The little one seemed confused at that for a moment then added, "But we woulda if the lights woulda been on."
Scott smiled, and was startled himself when Logan's deep voice sounded behind him. "Then you wouldn't have needed the flashlight, Kid."
"Wogan! What did you bring us this time?" his sister woke up at his louder voice and stood slowly with her blanket in her hand. Her platinum hair was braided together with her two auburn streaks, and her little eyes couldn't seem to stay open. She simply looked around the room, then walked to her father in her little princess, pink, footie-pajamas.
Her voice was soft and low as her eyes closed once more. And as her brother gabbed on, she simply laid her head on her father's shoulder and said, "It's late, bedtime now, OK?"
Scott rubbed her back and picked her up, "Sure baby."
He turned to look at his son, who was quite the opposite of his sister. He was wide-awake and begging Logan for his new toy. "Is it a truck? Or blocks?"
"You'll see it tomorrow, Kid. It's time for bed."
"For you too?"
"Yea, me too." Logan rolled his neck, "Definitely, me too."
Unfortunately Dave wasn't quite done, "And did you know, that Uncle Hank gave us Band-Aids, we didn't need them, cause we didn't have any ouchies. Mommy would have kissed them if we had... so I don't think we did. But Uncle Hank gave us some anyway... see?" he held out his index finger as Logan nodded and flopped down on the couch, taking off his leather jacket, to reveal a flannel shirt.
Scott caught Logan's eye and he nodded to his slumbering daughter, then to the stairs. Logan nodded and realized that now he had to stay awake long enough for Scott to come back and gather up his talkative son.
"But do you see who's on it?" Dave climbed into Logan's lap and put it closer to his face. "Do you see now? It's Scooby! Tabby'Ro has an icky Cinderella one. But I got Scooby."
Logan smirked and nodded again at the child. Dave reclined in his lap and faced the TV. "Are we gonna finish watching Pooh Bear?"
"Sure, Kid."
"K."
Logan closed his eyes for a moment as Dave got comfortable, and that was the last peep anyone heard.
Marie had caught up with Scott as he tucked in Tabby. "Where's David?"
"Downstairs talking to Logan."
"Oh Scott! You left poor Logan to have to listen to his chatter?"
"He's fine Marie. Now give your kicks-all-bad-mutant-ass-husband a kiss."
She giggled and did just that.
After a few deep moments he finally grabbed her hand, "OK lets be hero's again and go save Logan from our son."
Marie was laughing as the walked to the rec. room, but quieted when no voices were heard. She shushed Scott and smiled tenderly at the scene, then nudged Scott to look.
Logan was laid across the couch with a slumbering three-year-old across his chest. "Should we take him upstairs?"
Marie smiled, "Which one?"
Scott let out a smile and rolled is eyes.
"Nah, Sugar, lets leave them to their dreams."
And for the first time in a long time, she realized, everyone under her dad's roof was once again a family.
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"Is he OK?"
"Scott, sugar, she's told you three times that there is no damage."
"None at all?"
"No sugar, none at all. That's why she's running tests. To see WHY there isn't any damage. That's all."
"So he's not in surgery?"
Jean smiled, "No, he's fine." She smiled at Marie as well. "In fact, the reason his eyes turned red, was because you triggered his mutation to seep to the surface. You see his body has never been attacked in a way that would force his mutation to manifest in order to defend itself. But when you blasted..." Scott cringed, "Let's use a different word there. When you accidentally activated your mutation on him, his recognized it as a mutant power and... well... as dramatic that it sounds... It arose from repression."
"So you're saying he has a mutation identical to Scott's?" Marie asked as she let her husband come to terms with it, then close his opened jaw.
"Pretty much. And there is something else... You seem to be immune to each other."
"I can't hurt him?"
"Not with your mutation, I'm sure a punch from either of you would still present the same results as any other." She teased.
Alex snorted as he walked out of the lab. "Yeah, as if he could get in a shot worth talking about."
"As I mentioned to Alex, the only thing your mutations do on each other, is give... well in laymen terms... it would be like you physically pushing one another."
Alex smirked, "I'm so going to tackle that Danger Room, now."
"Alex, that's dangerous!" Scott said.
"Well don't worry, Bro, when I take it off of your little girl..." Marie raised a brow at him, "What I mean to say is... when I take it off your LOW setting, it might actually present something worth fighting against."
"Oh sure, Alex. Let's just see what you got."
"Bring a pad of paper for notes, and I'll meet you there."
Marie looked at Ororo who was just walking out of the Lab, after being in there beside Alex. She had remained to talk to Hank, so all she got to hear was the tail end. She looked towards Marie and raised a brow. Marie shook her head exasperated and snorted, "Children, the both of them. You sure you want a miniature one of them 'Ro?"
"Quite." She giggled, "I want to give Alex a playmate. He's driving me nuts."
Marie and 'Ro burst into laughter. "But hey we need to get ready."
"Of course, meet you in the lobby at 8?"
"You bet."
Ororo, Kitty, Jubes, Marie and Nan were going to the bar that night. They had head upstairs to get dressed when Marie noticed Jean look down at the floor, frown, then turn to go back into her lab. "Hey, uh Jean?"
"Yes Rogue." She turned back.
Marie smiled "Oh hey, it's Marie now, officially."
Jean smiled, "Yeah that's what I heard. I mean you know that you're called that when not on the team." She shuffled around; "Thanks for letting me call you that as well."
"No problem, sugar. Hey I don't suppose you would want to come to the bar tonight too?"
"I...uh" She looked up a little.
"I know everyone would love to have you."
"I'd like that... very much. Thanks." She rubbed her arm and smiled up at Marie.
Marie nodded, then decided that the restlessness had to go. "Jean, what's in the past stays there. We're beyond it now. I've forgiven Logan... and you. So I'd very much like to include you in everything."
Marie was just in time to catch a crying Jean as she leapt at her. "Oh god, thank you. You don't know how long I've..." she wrapped her arms around Marie, "thanks."
"You bet." Marie smiled widely, still a bit surprised at her response, but touched and happy as well.
"Dad?"
"Yes, Marie, in here."
Marie walked into his office and deposited Tabby'Ro, from her hip to the couch. Dave walked up next to his mom with a big red ball. Xavier looked up and smiled at the twins, who promptly dropped ball and blankie to run over to him. The climbed up with a little help from their grandfather, and settled on his lap.
Tabby'Ro reached onto the salad on his desk and plucked off the tomato before popping it in her mouth. Dave reached out and stole his two cumbers, as Tabby and Dave tucked into the turkey on it as well.
Marie covered her mouth and tried not to laugh out loud. Xavier rolled his eyes and looked at his now bare leaf salad. "I take it they haven't eaten dinner?"
"No dad, sorry."
"Quite alright. I heard a rumor of fried chicken tonight anyway." Two squeals came from the kids.
"Thanks for watching them tonight. Alex, Scott, Hank and Logan are all watching hockey."
"I don't mind a bit. Oh, and Marie?"
"Yes."
"I'm proud of the way you handled the situation with Jean. She was thinking about leaving since she felt she had no friends here. But she was just in here 5 minutes ago to tell me she had changed her mind. She said she was getting some good friends back she missed."
"I didn't know she was thinking of leaving."
"No one besides me did. Enjoy your night Marie."
"Thanks Dad." She held her arms wide, "Come give Momma a hug. I have to go."
"Bye mommy!" they gave her brief hug before returning to Xavier. "What are we doing tonight g'ampa X?"
Marie left and went to change for that evening.
Xavier smiled as he watched her, knowing his team was coming back together again. And would soon be more than just a force to be reckoned with. Soon there would be no tension between them. He owed that to his daughter as well. He shook his head and devoted all his attention to his two waiting grandchildren.
Dolphin's Tavern was already stuffed with people. Marie and the others were welcomed easily and got smiles from the other regulars. Jean was looking around and Marie leaned over to her. "Are your mental shields good enough to block out all these people?"
Jean was stunned, by the care and concern in her voice. She knew that Rogue had once had the same worry about getting people in her head when around crowds. But after all that had happened, it humbled her greatly to be on the receiving in of her concern. "Y...yes, they are. Thank you for asking, I appreciate it."
"Hey I know what it's like to have people in your head all trying to talk at once. I know how confusing it is, and how truly awful it can become. In short ... I understand, and I care."
Jean leaned over and hugged Marie, blinking furiously trying to not let the tears, that had gathered in her eyes, get the chance to fall.
Warren, the bar tender with wings, which Marie had met on that first day out with Scott, smiled at them. "Ahh there are my beauties. What can I get for you tonight? On the house."
Marie shook her finger at him... "One of these days your gonna have to let us pay for our first drinks of the night. You always pay for those, shame on you."
Warren laughed. "Terribly sorry... really doll ... I'm so..."
"Oh you are not!" Ororo jumped in, and they all laughed.
"I'll have my usual, Warren." Nan smiled and pinched the wing closest to her.
His wings fluttered in surprise and Nan put the umbrella she had relieved his hand of in her bun. All the girls laughed and reached out to pluck a small decorative umbrella for themselves out of the cup on the other side of the bar. Jean watched with a mix of surprise and giddiness. She let out a small giggle and Warren looked over at her.
"And what is the name of this new beauty you've brought me."
His smile melted her mind and she was left trying to figure out how to form a word... any word. She wasn't picky at this point. Marie took mercy on her, "Her name is Jean..." her eyes turned mischievous. "She's the only single one of us here. Maybe you should take her for a dance on your next break."
Jean's face matched the color of her hair as Warren grinned at her. "I'd be delighted." he lifted his hand to her head and slid the umbrella he had picked up into her waiting ponytail. "Would you save a dance with me Jean?"
She nodded and all the other girls were cheering for her. Nan reached around Ororo and pat her on the back. "He's a strapping young man there. You just be sure you let him know who kicks ass around these parts."
Marie's jaw dropped, "Nan! You said 'ass'?!"
"Well, hell, there you went and said it too. I guess were both in trouble now"
They all busted up laughing and Marie sat there looking stunned, and stuck her tongue out at Jean who was trying her damnedist not to laugh.
Jubes jumped up; "Come on lets burn this floor. We're the x-girls... we can totally put these people to shame." she grabbed Kitty who was in the middle of sipping her margarita.
Ororo looked at Nan, "Don't even think it 'Ro.... not if you want me to stay up later than eleven."
Ororo smiled and looked at Marie, she nodded and grabbed Jean. Jean tried not to stumble as she was pulled onto the floor. She hadn't had this much fun in years.
Warren had danced three times with Jean, and now that it was 3 am and the bar was closed, they were all sitting at a booth talking. Warren sat beside Jean and was laughing at Ororo's story of how she had found mud and soil all over her green house... just to find Tabby'Ro and Dave in the back. She paused and smiled at the memory, "They were planting me a flower for my garden."
"Oh those two are so sweet." Kitty squealed.
'Ro continued, "They were planting me a weed they had found outside."
It suddenly got quiet as everyone looked at 'Ro then bust into laughter. Marie was leaning on 'Ro heavily. "My babies are so sweet... so clueless, just like their father, but so sweet."
Warren laughed, he'd met the kids a couple of times, they came out and stole him away to have lunch at the nearby pizza place. He owned the bar, so he was able to go and come as he pleased. He'd even brought gifts for the kids that were so awed by his wings. "Yeah I simply love it when Tabby'Ro ties ribbons in my wings." He rolled his eyes in good humor.
Jean looked up at him startled, then a slow smile spread across her face as she pictured it. "Oh god, that's to cute!"
Warren laughed right along with them over it, then looked at Marie. "I've been meaning to ask why you're just drinking cranberry juice, tonight?"
Marie sighed, "Scott won't let me drink tonight."
"Why not?" 'Ro asked, "The guys are picking us up, so we already have a driver."
"He doesn't want to hurt the baby."
"What ba... you mean your pregnant?" 'Ro squealed.
Marie smiled, "Yeah... I'm kinda worried that me and Scott have two different ideas, of how many 'a couple of kids' really amount to."
Nan hugged her, "Why didn't you tell us sooner."
"Well... Scott went on that mission, so I had to wait till he got back to tell him. Then I wanted to talk to Hank to make sure, before I told everyone. Then things just started coming up... and here we are two weeks after I found out, just now telling you."
Everyone gave her hugs.
"Do you know what it is?" Kitty asked as Warren finished refilling their drinks.
"Nope not yet, to early to tell."
"I'm surprised Boy Wonder, hasn't let it slip yet. He has to be dancing on his toes." Jubes smiled.
"Speaking of which, we should probably call the guys to come pick us up." Nan said.
The rest of the girl nodded and Marie got out her cell. "Hey sugar.... I know.... Well we got to talkn' and the time just.... Are they? Poor dad... yeah anytime is good were all entertained until you get here...I told you I wouldn't drink, sugar and I didn't.... Yeah I told them..." Marie laughed and looked at Nan "Pop wants to know if you're hyperventilating yet."
Nan grabbed the phone, "Scott? You put that old goat on the phone! .... Pop? just you wait till I get home I'm ...huh? Oh I had umm... 4 I think, but what does that have to do wi...I AM NOT DRUNK!!!"
Marie stole the phone back giggling, "Pop? Can you tell Scott to just come and get us and we'll talk to y'all at home? ... Thanks... you too... bye Pop."
Scott and Hank walked in to find the group in laughter. Kitty saw Hank first and pushed a drunk Jubes out of the booth seat in order to get to him. She threw herself in his arms and started kissing him deeply. He simply caught and enjoyed the physical affection that he never thought he'd receive. Kitty had always made sure to give it to him in spades.
Scott's eyes widened at the sight but smiled and walked over to his own wife. "Hey Baby." he shifted the car keys to his other hand and braced himself on the table as he leaned down to kiss her.
"Hey Sugar." She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. His silver-blue eyes were full of love when he helped her up and rubbed a hand over her tummy.
"You guys ready to go?" Scott asked
Before they could answer Jubilee spoke up, "Hey that's not fair! Kitty gets her ol' Blue, so where is my fireman?"
Scott smirked, "Trying to keep Alex in line."
"Good god, tell me you didn't let him near caffeine!" 'Ro rushed.
Scott shook his head "My idiot brother found it himself." He winced at the memory, "First was the 'cheating death' coke, then the 'happy I have a mutation like my bro' coke, then the 'It's Friday night coke... and finally he was drinking the 'I'm drinking coke' coke, when we left."
'Ro choked, "FOUR... he's had FOUR cokes?" she fell back onto her seat, "Oh Goddess!"
"My stars!" Hank commented between kisses, "I thought he only had two."
Scott snorted, "I wish." Then smiled, "Let's get you all home."
TWO WEEKS LATER...
Marie sat with Ororo on the tub and waited for the answer to her pregnancy test. Finally the answer came and Ororo started squealing.
Alex ran into the room. "What the hell? 'Ro? Baby? 'Ro, are you ok?"
Ororo ran out of the bathroom and tackled Alex to the floor. She was acting like a kid in a candy store... that or she was acting like Alex on caffeine.
"Ororo, what's all this about?"
"We did it! I'm blue!"
"Your what? Marie what's wrong with her?"
'Ro was so giddy she couldn't sit still, "We're pregnant!"
Alex's body went limp, "We... we are?" a big smile crossed his face, "REALLY?"
"Really!"
He grabbed the back of her neck and drew her down into a deep kiss.
Marie smiled and left the two to celebrate.
FOUR WEEKS LATER...
'X-men we're being attacked! Meet in the foyer immediately. It's Magneto and he came with more mutants. Sabertooth is here, I cannot track Mystique, or pinpoint any of the other mutant's powers.' There was a pause in his words, then a lower more worried voice returned. "They are not here for prisoners. Pull no punches X-men."
Scott rolled out of the bed he shared with Marie and threw on pajama bottoms over his boxers. "Coming Charles!"
Marie sat up a little disoriented, "Wha..."
"Marie were being attacked! Round up the students and get them into the lower levels."
Marie was suddenly 'Rogue in mission mode'. "On my way, Sugar." She said as the message finally started making sense in her sleep-fogged brain
Scott grabbed her as she ran for the door to their sleeping children's room, and kissed her deeply. He looked worried and as he looked into her eyes, she knew he was scared for the students, even more scared for her, Tabby'Ro and Dave. "It will be alright, Scott. I know it."
He nodded to make her happy but the concerned eyes didn't change. "Marie... if push comes to shove...get them out of here. The students know the way, they've been trained for this possibility, but our babies haven't."
"I know, but Ororo could..."
"No, Marie! You."
"I won't leave you Scott!" her tears coming from chocolate eyes.
"Listen to me baby, your right... it might be fine. Hell maybe they came for tea." Marie didn't smile and the sense of worry that permitted every inch of the room didn't give. "Look all I'm saying is, IF we can't stop them, get the students going and you follow with Tabby and Dave. Don't look back until you know it's safe."
Alex thrust open the door and his eyes fell on the couple as Scott kissed Marie once more. "Hey sis, it's cool. We've trained for this!"
Logan stopped behind Alex, obviously he'd been running towards the staircase.
"Logan! Your back!" Marie sighed in relief. He'd been gone for 2 weeks.
He nodded once, and walked in.
Scott hugged her then walked towards the door, Logan started to follow him once he got out, but Marie caught his arm. "Logan, please protect him. Please!"
A strong streak of pain flew through his eyes, but he nodded to her. "He'll be safe...Marie." Her name came out like it always had before the incident that got him here. And he hadn't been allowed to say it since, but he fit it in, just to hear himself say it again. Just in case.
She nodded with tears in her eyes, allowing him to do so. "I know he will, Logan. You'll make sure of it."
With that they parted ways and Marie snagged her two babies from their beds, just as Ororo ran in. Marie looked up and smiled then wrapped a blanket around Tabby'Ro as 'Ro did the same for Dave. They picked them up and cradled them as they flew through the door, neither saying a word.
Sabertooth had run around the building while Scott was taking out Toad. So Scott went after him, just to be hit with a ball of energy as he ran around the corner. He was slammed back and lay there stunned for a moment, there was pain but it was receding quickly. "Damn I love being able to heal!" He got to his feet in time to see Wolverine take out the guy who was aiming again at Scott.
There was surprise written all over his face, when he realized that Logan was actually protecting him. And the fact that he had looked over, after knocking the guy out, to check on Scott, made it all the more real. He was stunned!
Before he had a chance to try to understand the obvious change he heard Sabertooth coming up from behind him, he turned and blasted him in the chest at full power. "Heal from that one, Asshole." He turned and ran back to the front of the grounds where all the fight was going on.
The tides were turning and it was obvious, the X-Men were gaining back the control.
Jean was holding back all the objects that a guy was directing at her. He had to admit that the man rivaled Sabertooth for the ware-wolf look-alike of the year award. Pyro was helping her gain the upper hand on that one.
The man that Scott had seen shooting earlier was still at it. He seemed to have perfect eyesight, or accuracy, or some mutation there of, since he was blasting away every one of Gambit's charged cards. However the tide changed again when Night Crawler 'poofed' above him and stole the guns, just to 'poof' away again. And just like that, Gambit's cards found their mark.
Jubilee and Kitty were fighting the newly-found-Mystique, and she didn't seem to be amused with the outcome of their spar so far. It looked like she was trying to find a shape that could help her out, but with Jube's sparks, and Kitty's hand to hand combat (It has to rock to be able to phase through a right hook) they were, well ... kicking her ass.
Bobby was up against a girl that looked like your everyday Goth...'well except she was shooting electricity out of her fingertips and eyes. But other than that, she was your average everyday Goth.' He smirked, and started to head in Alex's direction. Who was blasting controlled beams at a guy that seemed to run at the speed of light.
He heard a noise of to his right, and turned just in time to be whacked over the head with a tree branch. After he started to heal, he shook his head till the lights behind his eyes (no pun intended) stopped flashing from the blinding pain. "Oh isn't that just super...Sabertooth is back, and look he wants to play!" Scott stood back up and rubbed his healing head before blasting Sabertooth again... and again... "Oh hell, why not one for the road?" the last blast sent Sabertooth flying into side of the truck they'd all shown up in. And this time there was no grunt of pain he just went limp.
Scott turned and saw Logan being manipulated my Magneto. "You are such an annoying little toy... hmm do you think I might be able to conform you to a pretzel?" he laughed low as Logan growled. "Yes, yes, you are correct of course. I wouldn't want to damage something that can bring funds to my cause..." Logan eyes narrowed to slits. "Just how much do you think they're willing to pay to get you back? How much is mutant experimentation going for these days?"
Scott walked closer and answered, "Damn, and here I was thinking you were fighting FOR mutants!" He blasted Magneto without another thought, and Logan dropped like a stone. Scott went over to help him stand, and smirked when he saw Logan looked a little lost for words. "Don't think were bonding or anything...he was just annoying me." His smile made it clear he was kidding.
"Uh... thanks Cyke... uh I mean Cyclops." He was fidgeting around showing his discomfort in the situation.
"Cyke's fine, Logan. I've kinda grown into it over the years."
Logan nodded relieved and smirked, "Lets go finish this. I was on that damned motorcycle for 20 hours! I want a damned nap."
"Age does that to a man."
Logan snorted, but he was smiling.
After they had gained the upper hand all that was left, was to simply finish off the rest and turn them over to the authorities. Who of course, showed up 10 minutes after the fight had ended. Right on time for the average cop.
The group walked into the building after talking to the authorities and waving good-bye at their mansion 'visitors'. Scott and Alex started for the elevators immediately.
"Scott, Alex... I've already informed them that the fight is over. They are tucking the students in. They might be a bit, the kids are a little shaken up by this." They both nodded at Xavier, "I however, do have the munchkins." He tilted his head to the rec. room. "Marie brought them to me before putting everyone else to bed with Ororo."
Scott walked into the rec. room; Dave was sitting there eating a chocolate chip cookie. He looked at the TV show that had his son so enthralled; Winnie the Pooh had his hand stuck in a pot of honey. It was surreal, considering what had just gone on outside. It seemed like nothing had happened, that or they'd been totally oblivious.
It was clear he didn't know his father was in the room, because after he had finished his cookie, he looked to his slumbering sister's half eaten cookie. He was just reaching over when Scott interfered. "Don't even think about it."
The three-year-old squeaked and spun to look at his father, "Daddy!" he jumped up and threw himself in his arms. "Guess what! Mommy and Auntie 'Ro got us up and took us to the basement. Then I got to help Auntie 'Ro find a flashlight, we raced with mommy and Tabby'Ro. And guess who won!"
"Who won?"
"Well they did..." Dave sighed sadly. The little one seemed confused at that for a moment then added, "But we woulda if the lights woulda been on."
Scott smiled, and was startled himself when Logan's deep voice sounded behind him. "Then you wouldn't have needed the flashlight, Kid."
"Wogan! What did you bring us this time?" his sister woke up at his louder voice and stood slowly with her blanket in her hand. Her platinum hair was braided together with her two auburn streaks, and her little eyes couldn't seem to stay open. She simply looked around the room, then walked to her father in her little princess, pink, footie-pajamas.
Her voice was soft and low as her eyes closed once more. And as her brother gabbed on, she simply laid her head on her father's shoulder and said, "It's late, bedtime now, OK?"
Scott rubbed her back and picked her up, "Sure baby."
He turned to look at his son, who was quite the opposite of his sister. He was wide-awake and begging Logan for his new toy. "Is it a truck? Or blocks?"
"You'll see it tomorrow, Kid. It's time for bed."
"For you too?"
"Yea, me too." Logan rolled his neck, "Definitely, me too."
Unfortunately Dave wasn't quite done, "And did you know, that Uncle Hank gave us Band-Aids, we didn't need them, cause we didn't have any ouchies. Mommy would have kissed them if we had... so I don't think we did. But Uncle Hank gave us some anyway... see?" he held out his index finger as Logan nodded and flopped down on the couch, taking off his leather jacket, to reveal a flannel shirt.
Scott caught Logan's eye and he nodded to his slumbering daughter, then to the stairs. Logan nodded and realized that now he had to stay awake long enough for Scott to come back and gather up his talkative son.
"But do you see who's on it?" Dave climbed into Logan's lap and put it closer to his face. "Do you see now? It's Scooby! Tabby'Ro has an icky Cinderella one. But I got Scooby."
Logan smirked and nodded again at the child. Dave reclined in his lap and faced the TV. "Are we gonna finish watching Pooh Bear?"
"Sure, Kid."
"K."
Logan closed his eyes for a moment as Dave got comfortable, and that was the last peep anyone heard.
Marie had caught up with Scott as he tucked in Tabby. "Where's David?"
"Downstairs talking to Logan."
"Oh Scott! You left poor Logan to have to listen to his chatter?"
"He's fine Marie. Now give your kicks-all-bad-mutant-ass-husband a kiss."
She giggled and did just that.
After a few deep moments he finally grabbed her hand, "OK lets be hero's again and go save Logan from our son."
Marie was laughing as the walked to the rec. room, but quieted when no voices were heard. She shushed Scott and smiled tenderly at the scene, then nudged Scott to look.
Logan was laid across the couch with a slumbering three-year-old across his chest. "Should we take him upstairs?"
Marie smiled, "Which one?"
Scott let out a smile and rolled is eyes.
"Nah, Sugar, lets leave them to their dreams."
And for the first time in a long time, she realized, everyone under her dad's roof was once again a family.