Disclaimer: I don't own Mutant X or X-Men, title or characters. Evie is my
character.
Thanks for all the well wishes on the move. It is getting really crazy and due to get worse fast. Settlement is tomorrow. I'm trying to post as much as possible before my husband decides to disconnect the computers. I hope I can get enough up and then get them reconnected quick. If I think I'll have a problem, I'll just put it all in one big chapter. But then it will all be done...*sniffle, sniffle* Redhead2
Chapter 21 - Revelations
Evie knew it was coming. Her eyes began to tear and all the pain was fresh again, as she had to now tell Adam about his daughter. She remained silent trying to find a way to say it.
Adam pushed her away slightly so he could see her face. Fear gripped his heart when he saw her tears. "Evie---" he began to choke, "where's Emma?"
"Oh, Adam," she began to sob, "Emma---didn't---she didn't come home---from-- -NAXCON."
"No---," he whispered and pulled Evie close to him. "Emma,---" They cried together for the loss in their family. A while later, after they stopped crying, Evie explained all they had done for her and took him outside to her grave. He fell to his knees as he cried more and tried to say his own goodbye.
The sun had risen while he was out there and he saw the morning rays fall across her. He was glad that she had such a beautiful spot on the mountain and he promised to always keep her in his heart.
Evie took him back inside. He needed to rest and as everyone would probably not get up for quite a while yet, she took him to their room and once again husband and wife fell asleep in each other's arms.
As morning drew to a close Kitty began to stir from a nightmare. She began to toss and whimper. Jesse woke immediately and sat on the bed next to her. "Kitty,---Kitty---wake up, Baby---come on. You're having a nightmare." He touched her shoulders and gently shook her. He saw her eyes shoot open as she gave a startled cry. "Hey, it's ok. It's just me." He smiled at her.
"Jesse?---" she sat up in bed.
"Yeah, Baby. It's me."
"Oh, Jess," she fell against his chest and tightly wrapped her arms around him. "I was so scared. It hurt so much. I didn't know what to do. When I tried to call for the professor or phase it off it hurt even more." She cried as her fear spoke quickly.
Jesse held her close to him and gently ran his hand through her hair. "Sshh- --I know, Baby, but it's over now. The governor was removed. It can't hurt you anymore." He soothingly rocked her back and forth as he tried to calm her.
Her fear and anxiety faded away as she melted in his arms. Suddenly conscious of being in his bed and in his arms she pushed away from him and sat back against the headboard as she suddenly became interested in the detail of the blanket that covered her. "I'm---sorry, Jess," she began to try to hide her embarrassment. "I was just---um---scared."
"Kitty, please don't." His voice was so shaken that she had to look at him. His eyes were sad as he looked at her and forced himself to continue. "I'm the one who has to apologize. I'm sorry for the way I acted."
Her uneasiness passed, as she now was more concerned with him. "No, Jesse. You're still hurting. You don't have anything to apologize for." She lifted a hand to his cheek and she saw him close his eyes at her touch. Her heart went into her throat but she remembered Ororo's warning that he isn't thinking clearly and pulled her hand down and looked away.
Taking her hands in his he continued. "I hurt you. You were so kind to me. You came here to take care of me and I did nothing but hurt you."
"Jesse---"
"Let me finish. I want you to know that I wouldn't have made it through this without you. I would probably still be in this bed wasting away. Your strength gave me the courage I needed to get up and face what was happening." He kissed her hands, took a deep breath and went on. "When I woke up and massed on you, I had had a dream."
"I remember," she said as she rubbed her arms and smiled. "You said that you tried to not let Emma go."
He reached out and ran a finger over her arm as he continued. "There was more to it than just that. I believe that Emma was really reaching out to me. When the dream was over I realized that I didn't hurt anymore. She left a small piece of herself in me. It took away the pain and left a peace that I can't explain. She was trying to help me to move on. It took me some time to figure this out. I didn't get it until we were in New Orleans and you were on the mission. Until that point I was confused and scared. " He stood and moved away from the bed. "I was afraid of what I was feeling and what I wasn't feeling. When we went to the club here, and we danced---something happened." He hesitated and kept his back to her. He was still ashamed to face her with this.
"Jesse,---what happened?" Her heart was racing as she tried to keep her voice from shaking.
"I held you in my arms---and---I---my---I mean, you were---we were--- friends---good friends." He was finding this very difficult.
"We were friends?" The cracking of her voice made him turn. "Aren't we--- friends, anymore? What did I do?" She couldn't help it as tears began to fall.
He quickly went back to the bed and took her hands. "No, Kitty, please don't misunderstand me. You didn't do anything. God, you were wonderful. It's just that when you were in my arms---I began to feel differently. I suddenly wanted to hold you---and never let you go." He shifted and turned away from her. "I wanted to---to kiss you. I took you back to the table because---I ---couldn't trust myself. Then I began to feel guilty. I felt guilty for wanting to cheat on Emma and worse for wanting to take advantage of you."
Kitty couldn't believe what she was hearing. She sat there stunned as he went on.
"Then I saw you dancing with that guy and I became fiercely jealous. I was drunk and lashed out by flirting with anyone I could find who even remotely looked like you. The guilt came flooding back and I couldn't face you. I was so ashamed and confused. The night you left on the mission, I had a chance to talk to Brennan and Logan. They helped me to put everything in perspective. I realized that Emma gave me a peace that I felt deep in my heart. She helped me to know that she loved me and wanted me to go on for both of us. The guys helped me see that the guilt was natural because of all the confusion. After that, I felt like I could think clearly again and begin to move on." He felt her hand gently come to rest on his shoulder for just a moment before returning to her lap.
"Can you face me now?" She smiled as he slowly turned back to her.
"Kitty, I can ask you to forgive me for hurting you and I hope you can at least understand a little, but---I can't say I feel---the same as I did before---about you. I'm sorry." He turned his head and lowered his eyes.
Kitty was still for a moment, not sure how to feel. "But you said I didn't do anything wrong. Then how do you feel---about---me?" she whispered. Her voice cracked and shook as she asked.
Jesse lifted his eyes to hers. Feeling as if he were drowning in her gaze he whispered, "I want---to be close to you. I---still want to---kiss you." Very slowly he began to lean toward her keeping his eyes on hers until they were too close to focus. He closed his eyes and gently laid his lips on hers not sure how she would respond.
Shocked at first, Kitty didn't move. His warm lips on hers quelled her shock as she began to softly return his kiss. After a sweet lingering kiss, she felt him move away and instantly missed his touch.
Jesse looked at her. "Are you upset with me?"
Kitty reached up and touched his face. "I could never be upset with you--- but---are you sure that---this---is what you really want?"
"Yeah, I know it is." His eyes sparkled at her. "I also know that this is really sudden for you and probably too soon for me. But I want to have the chance to see if you could ever feel for me as more than---just a friend." He searched her eyes for his answers. "Can you give me a chance? Can we give us a chance?"
Without another second's delay she fell into his arms and hugged him tight. "Oh, Jesse. I was afraid that you could only ever see me as a kid sister to you; that you could never really care for me. Then, at the club, I thought I had done something to make you mad at me. When that thing was on me, all I could think about was if you would ever speak to me again. "
Jesse embraced her and finally relaxed with her in his arms. "When I found out they put a governor on you, I was so worried. I didn't know what it would do to you, because I knew on a natural mutant it probably wouldn't turn off. The thought of you in constant pain was tearing me up inside. I had to find you and get you out of there." He held her silently for a while as a million thoughts ran through his head, most centering on the girl in his arms. He couldn't believe that after everything that happened this week he could actually be feeling happy. He thought about Emma and was amazed that the guilt was not overwhelming. In his thoughts he somehow just knew--- she was smiling.
Kitty sat back again and shyly looked down. "Where do we go from here? Adam's back and the professor will be wanting to go back home soon."
"I know." Jesse took her hands and caressed them with his. "We'll just take things slow. We can talk whenever you want. You know how to access the com system here. I'll fly to the mansion whenever you want me to. I can bring you here to visit, too. I care for you too much to rush anything and mess us up. And besides--" He smiled and looked away.
"Besides, what?"
"I have to watch out for your big brothers." His eyes twinkled when he looked back at her. "You have too many of them and I'm not really interested in finding out if I'm adamantium-proof." He heard her giggle and his heart soared. "Let's get washed up and make breakfast for everyone again. I had fun doing that with you." He stood and held out a hand to her.
"Alright, but Jess,---could you do something for me, before we start?" She looked up hopefully.
Jesse kept her hand. "Anything."
"Could you---um---kiss me again? Just so I know I wasn't dreaming," she added quickly and looked away.
He didn't say anything and for a moment she thought she'd imagined the whole conversation. Then gently he began to pull her toward him. One hand moved across her back as his arm encircled her waist holding her against him. The other lovingly cupped her cheek as she rested her head in his hand and surrendered to his approaching lips. He kissed her tenderly as she embraced him. She had dreamed so many times of kissing him. This time she hoped she would never wake up.
He smiled as he moved away and watched her slowly open her eyes again. "Are you convinced yet?"
"I think so."
"Well, if you begin to doubt it, let me know and I'll convince you again. Now let's get moving. I'll meet you in the kitchen when you're done." He felt good again as he watched her walk out of his room. Turning to go take a shower his eyes fell on a picture on his dresser. He picked it up and smiled. "Thanks, Em," he whispered as he put it back and went into his bathroom.
Though early afternoon; the inviting aroma of breakfast wafted through Sanctuary calling everyone out of their rooms. Both teams gathered once again in the kitchen as Jesse and Kitty happily served another wonderful breakfast. A clatter of cheers and applause arose as Evie and Adam walked in hand in hand.
"On behalf of everyone, welcome back, Adam." Charles turned to greet him.
"Thank you, Charles." Adam went to shake his hand then turned. "Thanks to all of you. Evie told me what you all have done. I can not thank you enough." He began to greet each person shaking hands and hugging the girls.
"Logan, thank you for coming after me. Ororo, I'm so sorry for the gunshot. He placed his hand over the place of the wound. I hope you won't hold it against me." He smiled as he quickly glanced at Logan.
"Evie healed her. She does it with a little more flare than I do." Logan smiled at Evie.
"I'm fine and am very glad to see you home again." Ororo kissed his cheek.
"You," Adam moved to take Remy's outstretched hand. "I would like to see what you're really like at a poker table."
"Remy would be happy to teach you a ting or two." He smiled. "Good to see you back, mon ami."
"Thank you." Then Adam turned to Marie. He swallowed hard as he knelt in front of her. "Can you ever forgive me?" He took her hands in his.
"There is nothin' to forgive. Ah had to make sure you stayed safe for Evie. Couldn't have you chasin' after the other gals now could we? Ah had a hard enough time resistin' your charms." She watched as Adam blushed but enjoyed having him back to normal and had to keep him dangling just a little longer. She turned to Evie and smiled. "Try tellin' him no one night after teasin' him and see how much fun it is to fight him off." Everyone laughed as Adam dropped his head. Marie squeezed his hands as proof of her forgiveness and watched as Adam looked back with a sparkle in his eye.
"Now, what would you have done if the base security hadn't come to take me from your room, last night?"
"Ah would have decked you and let you sleep it off." Everyone laughed again and he hugged her. "Thank you," he whispered then stood back up.
He silently hugged Brennan and Shalimar as they whispered their gratefulness of his return. He moved on to Jesse. His heart broke at the thought of the pain he knew Jesse felt over loosing Emma. He hugged him tight and patted his back. Moving to Kitty before he would cry, he hugged her. "Thank you so much for taking care of Jesse. Evie told me what you did for him." Kitty smiled and looked at Jesse. "I know the governor hurt you." He moved and put his hand on the back of her neck. "Later on I want to scan both you and Marie just to make sure you're both ok."
Kitty smiled and tiptoed to kiss him. They all ate and spoke happily. As they were just finishing breakfast, the computers began to beep signaling an incoming call. "I'll get it," offered Jesse.
"May I come?" asked Kitty.
"Sure." Jesse held out his hand to her.
Evie noticed the furrowing of Adam's brow and leaned toward him. "Don't worry," she whispered, "it's ok. I'll explain it all later."
Jesse and Kitty went to the computer station and opened the line. A very excited Jubilee appeared before them. "Hey, Jubes," smiled Kitty. "What's going on back home?"
Jubilee began speaking,---fast. "Man, it took you guys long enough to answer. I'm so excited, I was gonna to bust if you didn't pick up soon. Wait till I tell you what's been goin' on here. You won't believe it. It's so cool."
Kitty and Jesse just looked at each other and laughed. "Jubes, spill already," Kitty couldn't wait.
"Alright, chica, alright. Brace yourselves for this one. It's so neat."
"JUBES!" they both yelled.
"Thomas Xavier Summers is here. He's here. And you gotta see him, he's so cute. He's all pudgy and soft and cuddly."
Kitty began squealing and jumping up and down. She threw her arms around Jesse. "Oohh, I can't wait to see him. I'm so excited." She gave Jesse a quick kiss and hugged him.
Jubilee frowned, "Hey,---what's been going on over there? What did I miss? I knew I should have gone and you stayed with the kids."
"Relax, Jubes. It's ok. I'll explain when I get home. Right now I have to go tell everyone else. Give me the details." Kitty smiled as Jesse's arms were still around her.
"You better explain. I want details of my own." She threw another confused glare at Kitty then turned her thoughts back to the new arrival. "Thomas was born at 1:25 this afternoon. He weighs 8 lbs and 6 ozs. And he is 21 inches long. He has lots of blonde hair and the cutest dimples."
"Thanks, Jubes. See you at home. I've got to go tell the others. Bye." Before Jubilee could say anything else Kitty broke the link and took Jesse's hand as she pulled him back toward the kitchen. "Hey, everybody, He's here. He's here," she yelled as she entered the room.
"What? Jean's baby? She had him?" Marie was almost as giddy as Kitty when she saw the smiling face nodding at her.
"She had a boy? That is wonderful news." Ororo exclaimed.
"Did Jubilee by chance give you any of the pertinent details?" the professor smiled knowing that the young ladies in the mansion tend to leave out the important facts in lieu of their own interests.
Kitty gave all the information she knew and the excitement and joy in the room was tangible. They made plans to finish their afternoon and return to the mansion after dinner. Adam took both Marie and Kitty into the lab to make sure they were ok after their ordeal with the governors. He was pleased to find there was no permanent damage. Adam's concern grew as he silently watched the increased attention Jesse was giving to Kitty.
All the couples went into the rec room to watch a movie and rest before dinner. The professor, Adam and Evie went to the water garden to visit quietly.
"I'm concerned about Jesse," Adam began. "It seems he's becoming --- attached to Kitty."
Evie sat at the water's edge as the men made themselves comfortable next to her. "I know it seems strange but I think it's alright."
"How can you say that? Jesse is in a very dangerous period right now. Loosing Emma is traumatic for all of us but for Jesse---" Adam couldn't even find the words to express the pain Jesse must be feeling. "Yet he seems to have pushed his pain aside. That makes me even more concerned. I don't want to see him make any mistakes and I certainly don't want Kitty hurt as a rebound. Jesse would never forgive himself."
"I know but some very strange and wonderful things happened while you were gone." Evie smiled at Charles.
~You haven't told him, yet?~ The professor voiced in Evie's head.
~No, I've been afraid to.~ Evie looked into Charles' eyes.
"I know that look," Adam said suspiciously as he watched his wife and friend converse silently.
"Well, first, it seems that Emma herself was able to help Jesse. He was extremely distraught and despondent after NAXCON. None of us could talk to him. He dreamt of her before the funeral and she seemed to be able to ease his pain and help him to begin to move on. Since then he has been back on his feet and making remarkable progress. Kitty has been an incredible strength to him." Evie smiled.
"But Kitty? I don't want to see her used as his fill in."
"I had the same concerns." Charles explained. "Evidently, while we were in New Orleans waiting for the others on the mission, Logan and Brennan had a long talk with Jesse. When I questioned Logan about my concerns, he assured me that Jesse was not just reaching out for a substitute for Emma. Logan is fiercely protective of Jubilee and Kitty, especially now that they have grown into young women. If he is comfortable that Jesse is thinking clearly in his intentions toward Kitty, I must be also."
"When I talked to Brennan, he explained pretty much the same thing. Jesse knows that he's vulnerable and is going to handle this very slowly. Brennan and Logan have said that they would keep and eye on both Jesse and Kitty. I don't think we have too much to worry about." Adam trusted Evie's judgment and agreed.
He narrowed his eyes at his wife, "Why do I get the feeling there's something else?"
Charles felt Evie's uncertainty. "Don't be afraid, just try."
Adam watched as Evie took a deep breath and closed her eyes. ~Adam?~ He was shocked to hear her voice in his head. He looked at Charles who merely smiled back. ~Adam, can you hear me? I love you.~ Her voice was weak and distant.
Adam found he couldn't speak to her in his mind so he answered aloud. "I love you, too, but what are you both doing?"
"I am doing nothing," Charles replied.
Evie opened her eyes and sadly looked at Charles. "Don't worry, I know it is very weak but in time you will strengthen it," he consoled her.
Adam took Evie's hands. "Evie, what's happened?" he asked softly.
"Right after you were taken, I began to have dreams each time I slept. In my dreams you were calling to me, telling me you needed me to find you. After the first one, I was sure you weren't dead but I couldn't explain why. Charles came and when he followed me into one of my dreams and found that---" Evie stopped and looked down.
"Found what?" Adam's concern began to rise again as he looked from Evie to Charles.
"I found that Evie is a natural telepath," Charles stated.
"A telepath? Evie that's wonderful." Adam saw her look up with tears in her eyes. "Evie?"
"Do you really think it's wonderful?"
Taking her in his arms he answered, "Of course I do. Why would you doubt it?"
"I don't know. I wasn't sure how you would react to my being a telepath as well as a healer." She hugged him as if afraid to let go.
"Hey, stop now. I love you. You should know that there is nothing you can tell me about you that would upset me. These are gifts. Why wouldn't I be thrilled?" He slowly pushed her back and wiped her tears. "Now tell me all about it."
"Well, Charles believes that the stress of not knowing what happened to you, and the high levels of stress of everyone else triggered the telepathy to come out of dormancy. My powers are very weak so the only time I could discern their use was while I was at rest," Evie explained.
"I found that she was actually searching for you. She was able to make the connection but it was very fleeting. The first contacts were made while you were unconscious. After this discovery, I augmented her powers with my own. That's how we found out about the memory blocks. You were awake by then and when we tried to reach you the blocks reacted causing both you and Evie great pain."
Evie straightened and turned toward Charles. "I never consciously tried to reach him after that but in the Blackbird it happened on its own." Turning back to Adam she explained, "When I saw you in the seat I ran and knelt in front of you. All I was doing was whispering. I was so happy to see you. You began to open your eyes and we both were hit with the pain again." Turning back to Charles, "I don't understand."
"Being husband and wife creates a whole dynamic of its own. Non telepathic married couples become so close at times that they know what each is thinking. Scott and Jean have often attributed instances that are seemingly coincidental to a special bond they share. It is most likely that because of your special closeness, your new powers will only serve to magnify that bond. It will be interesting to see the results as your powers increase."
Adam smiled proudly at her then pulled her into his embrace. From his arms she asked Charles, "Will they increase?"
"Most definitely. Why don't you all come back to the mansion with us? Everyone will have the chance to see the baby. Then, I will begin to teach you about your powers. I believe it will be good for all of you to get away and relax after everything that has happened."
Adam pulled away and looked at Evie. "I think that's really a good idea. Turning to his friend he continued, "Thank you, Charles. I would like to have Hank scan Evie. I'm a little concerned about the genetic mutation reacting with the natural mutancy." He frowned when Evie laughed. "What's so funny."
"You are. Will there be anything else, Dr. Kane?" They laughed and hugged as Charles smiled and left husband and wife to their moment.
TBC
Well, we have to go see the baby don't we? What else will happen there?
Thanks for all the well wishes on the move. It is getting really crazy and due to get worse fast. Settlement is tomorrow. I'm trying to post as much as possible before my husband decides to disconnect the computers. I hope I can get enough up and then get them reconnected quick. If I think I'll have a problem, I'll just put it all in one big chapter. But then it will all be done...*sniffle, sniffle* Redhead2
Chapter 21 - Revelations
Evie knew it was coming. Her eyes began to tear and all the pain was fresh again, as she had to now tell Adam about his daughter. She remained silent trying to find a way to say it.
Adam pushed her away slightly so he could see her face. Fear gripped his heart when he saw her tears. "Evie---" he began to choke, "where's Emma?"
"Oh, Adam," she began to sob, "Emma---didn't---she didn't come home---from-- -NAXCON."
"No---," he whispered and pulled Evie close to him. "Emma,---" They cried together for the loss in their family. A while later, after they stopped crying, Evie explained all they had done for her and took him outside to her grave. He fell to his knees as he cried more and tried to say his own goodbye.
The sun had risen while he was out there and he saw the morning rays fall across her. He was glad that she had such a beautiful spot on the mountain and he promised to always keep her in his heart.
Evie took him back inside. He needed to rest and as everyone would probably not get up for quite a while yet, she took him to their room and once again husband and wife fell asleep in each other's arms.
As morning drew to a close Kitty began to stir from a nightmare. She began to toss and whimper. Jesse woke immediately and sat on the bed next to her. "Kitty,---Kitty---wake up, Baby---come on. You're having a nightmare." He touched her shoulders and gently shook her. He saw her eyes shoot open as she gave a startled cry. "Hey, it's ok. It's just me." He smiled at her.
"Jesse?---" she sat up in bed.
"Yeah, Baby. It's me."
"Oh, Jess," she fell against his chest and tightly wrapped her arms around him. "I was so scared. It hurt so much. I didn't know what to do. When I tried to call for the professor or phase it off it hurt even more." She cried as her fear spoke quickly.
Jesse held her close to him and gently ran his hand through her hair. "Sshh- --I know, Baby, but it's over now. The governor was removed. It can't hurt you anymore." He soothingly rocked her back and forth as he tried to calm her.
Her fear and anxiety faded away as she melted in his arms. Suddenly conscious of being in his bed and in his arms she pushed away from him and sat back against the headboard as she suddenly became interested in the detail of the blanket that covered her. "I'm---sorry, Jess," she began to try to hide her embarrassment. "I was just---um---scared."
"Kitty, please don't." His voice was so shaken that she had to look at him. His eyes were sad as he looked at her and forced himself to continue. "I'm the one who has to apologize. I'm sorry for the way I acted."
Her uneasiness passed, as she now was more concerned with him. "No, Jesse. You're still hurting. You don't have anything to apologize for." She lifted a hand to his cheek and she saw him close his eyes at her touch. Her heart went into her throat but she remembered Ororo's warning that he isn't thinking clearly and pulled her hand down and looked away.
Taking her hands in his he continued. "I hurt you. You were so kind to me. You came here to take care of me and I did nothing but hurt you."
"Jesse---"
"Let me finish. I want you to know that I wouldn't have made it through this without you. I would probably still be in this bed wasting away. Your strength gave me the courage I needed to get up and face what was happening." He kissed her hands, took a deep breath and went on. "When I woke up and massed on you, I had had a dream."
"I remember," she said as she rubbed her arms and smiled. "You said that you tried to not let Emma go."
He reached out and ran a finger over her arm as he continued. "There was more to it than just that. I believe that Emma was really reaching out to me. When the dream was over I realized that I didn't hurt anymore. She left a small piece of herself in me. It took away the pain and left a peace that I can't explain. She was trying to help me to move on. It took me some time to figure this out. I didn't get it until we were in New Orleans and you were on the mission. Until that point I was confused and scared. " He stood and moved away from the bed. "I was afraid of what I was feeling and what I wasn't feeling. When we went to the club here, and we danced---something happened." He hesitated and kept his back to her. He was still ashamed to face her with this.
"Jesse,---what happened?" Her heart was racing as she tried to keep her voice from shaking.
"I held you in my arms---and---I---my---I mean, you were---we were--- friends---good friends." He was finding this very difficult.
"We were friends?" The cracking of her voice made him turn. "Aren't we--- friends, anymore? What did I do?" She couldn't help it as tears began to fall.
He quickly went back to the bed and took her hands. "No, Kitty, please don't misunderstand me. You didn't do anything. God, you were wonderful. It's just that when you were in my arms---I began to feel differently. I suddenly wanted to hold you---and never let you go." He shifted and turned away from her. "I wanted to---to kiss you. I took you back to the table because---I ---couldn't trust myself. Then I began to feel guilty. I felt guilty for wanting to cheat on Emma and worse for wanting to take advantage of you."
Kitty couldn't believe what she was hearing. She sat there stunned as he went on.
"Then I saw you dancing with that guy and I became fiercely jealous. I was drunk and lashed out by flirting with anyone I could find who even remotely looked like you. The guilt came flooding back and I couldn't face you. I was so ashamed and confused. The night you left on the mission, I had a chance to talk to Brennan and Logan. They helped me to put everything in perspective. I realized that Emma gave me a peace that I felt deep in my heart. She helped me to know that she loved me and wanted me to go on for both of us. The guys helped me see that the guilt was natural because of all the confusion. After that, I felt like I could think clearly again and begin to move on." He felt her hand gently come to rest on his shoulder for just a moment before returning to her lap.
"Can you face me now?" She smiled as he slowly turned back to her.
"Kitty, I can ask you to forgive me for hurting you and I hope you can at least understand a little, but---I can't say I feel---the same as I did before---about you. I'm sorry." He turned his head and lowered his eyes.
Kitty was still for a moment, not sure how to feel. "But you said I didn't do anything wrong. Then how do you feel---about---me?" she whispered. Her voice cracked and shook as she asked.
Jesse lifted his eyes to hers. Feeling as if he were drowning in her gaze he whispered, "I want---to be close to you. I---still want to---kiss you." Very slowly he began to lean toward her keeping his eyes on hers until they were too close to focus. He closed his eyes and gently laid his lips on hers not sure how she would respond.
Shocked at first, Kitty didn't move. His warm lips on hers quelled her shock as she began to softly return his kiss. After a sweet lingering kiss, she felt him move away and instantly missed his touch.
Jesse looked at her. "Are you upset with me?"
Kitty reached up and touched his face. "I could never be upset with you--- but---are you sure that---this---is what you really want?"
"Yeah, I know it is." His eyes sparkled at her. "I also know that this is really sudden for you and probably too soon for me. But I want to have the chance to see if you could ever feel for me as more than---just a friend." He searched her eyes for his answers. "Can you give me a chance? Can we give us a chance?"
Without another second's delay she fell into his arms and hugged him tight. "Oh, Jesse. I was afraid that you could only ever see me as a kid sister to you; that you could never really care for me. Then, at the club, I thought I had done something to make you mad at me. When that thing was on me, all I could think about was if you would ever speak to me again. "
Jesse embraced her and finally relaxed with her in his arms. "When I found out they put a governor on you, I was so worried. I didn't know what it would do to you, because I knew on a natural mutant it probably wouldn't turn off. The thought of you in constant pain was tearing me up inside. I had to find you and get you out of there." He held her silently for a while as a million thoughts ran through his head, most centering on the girl in his arms. He couldn't believe that after everything that happened this week he could actually be feeling happy. He thought about Emma and was amazed that the guilt was not overwhelming. In his thoughts he somehow just knew--- she was smiling.
Kitty sat back again and shyly looked down. "Where do we go from here? Adam's back and the professor will be wanting to go back home soon."
"I know." Jesse took her hands and caressed them with his. "We'll just take things slow. We can talk whenever you want. You know how to access the com system here. I'll fly to the mansion whenever you want me to. I can bring you here to visit, too. I care for you too much to rush anything and mess us up. And besides--" He smiled and looked away.
"Besides, what?"
"I have to watch out for your big brothers." His eyes twinkled when he looked back at her. "You have too many of them and I'm not really interested in finding out if I'm adamantium-proof." He heard her giggle and his heart soared. "Let's get washed up and make breakfast for everyone again. I had fun doing that with you." He stood and held out a hand to her.
"Alright, but Jess,---could you do something for me, before we start?" She looked up hopefully.
Jesse kept her hand. "Anything."
"Could you---um---kiss me again? Just so I know I wasn't dreaming," she added quickly and looked away.
He didn't say anything and for a moment she thought she'd imagined the whole conversation. Then gently he began to pull her toward him. One hand moved across her back as his arm encircled her waist holding her against him. The other lovingly cupped her cheek as she rested her head in his hand and surrendered to his approaching lips. He kissed her tenderly as she embraced him. She had dreamed so many times of kissing him. This time she hoped she would never wake up.
He smiled as he moved away and watched her slowly open her eyes again. "Are you convinced yet?"
"I think so."
"Well, if you begin to doubt it, let me know and I'll convince you again. Now let's get moving. I'll meet you in the kitchen when you're done." He felt good again as he watched her walk out of his room. Turning to go take a shower his eyes fell on a picture on his dresser. He picked it up and smiled. "Thanks, Em," he whispered as he put it back and went into his bathroom.
Though early afternoon; the inviting aroma of breakfast wafted through Sanctuary calling everyone out of their rooms. Both teams gathered once again in the kitchen as Jesse and Kitty happily served another wonderful breakfast. A clatter of cheers and applause arose as Evie and Adam walked in hand in hand.
"On behalf of everyone, welcome back, Adam." Charles turned to greet him.
"Thank you, Charles." Adam went to shake his hand then turned. "Thanks to all of you. Evie told me what you all have done. I can not thank you enough." He began to greet each person shaking hands and hugging the girls.
"Logan, thank you for coming after me. Ororo, I'm so sorry for the gunshot. He placed his hand over the place of the wound. I hope you won't hold it against me." He smiled as he quickly glanced at Logan.
"Evie healed her. She does it with a little more flare than I do." Logan smiled at Evie.
"I'm fine and am very glad to see you home again." Ororo kissed his cheek.
"You," Adam moved to take Remy's outstretched hand. "I would like to see what you're really like at a poker table."
"Remy would be happy to teach you a ting or two." He smiled. "Good to see you back, mon ami."
"Thank you." Then Adam turned to Marie. He swallowed hard as he knelt in front of her. "Can you ever forgive me?" He took her hands in his.
"There is nothin' to forgive. Ah had to make sure you stayed safe for Evie. Couldn't have you chasin' after the other gals now could we? Ah had a hard enough time resistin' your charms." She watched as Adam blushed but enjoyed having him back to normal and had to keep him dangling just a little longer. She turned to Evie and smiled. "Try tellin' him no one night after teasin' him and see how much fun it is to fight him off." Everyone laughed as Adam dropped his head. Marie squeezed his hands as proof of her forgiveness and watched as Adam looked back with a sparkle in his eye.
"Now, what would you have done if the base security hadn't come to take me from your room, last night?"
"Ah would have decked you and let you sleep it off." Everyone laughed again and he hugged her. "Thank you," he whispered then stood back up.
He silently hugged Brennan and Shalimar as they whispered their gratefulness of his return. He moved on to Jesse. His heart broke at the thought of the pain he knew Jesse felt over loosing Emma. He hugged him tight and patted his back. Moving to Kitty before he would cry, he hugged her. "Thank you so much for taking care of Jesse. Evie told me what you did for him." Kitty smiled and looked at Jesse. "I know the governor hurt you." He moved and put his hand on the back of her neck. "Later on I want to scan both you and Marie just to make sure you're both ok."
Kitty smiled and tiptoed to kiss him. They all ate and spoke happily. As they were just finishing breakfast, the computers began to beep signaling an incoming call. "I'll get it," offered Jesse.
"May I come?" asked Kitty.
"Sure." Jesse held out his hand to her.
Evie noticed the furrowing of Adam's brow and leaned toward him. "Don't worry," she whispered, "it's ok. I'll explain it all later."
Jesse and Kitty went to the computer station and opened the line. A very excited Jubilee appeared before them. "Hey, Jubes," smiled Kitty. "What's going on back home?"
Jubilee began speaking,---fast. "Man, it took you guys long enough to answer. I'm so excited, I was gonna to bust if you didn't pick up soon. Wait till I tell you what's been goin' on here. You won't believe it. It's so cool."
Kitty and Jesse just looked at each other and laughed. "Jubes, spill already," Kitty couldn't wait.
"Alright, chica, alright. Brace yourselves for this one. It's so neat."
"JUBES!" they both yelled.
"Thomas Xavier Summers is here. He's here. And you gotta see him, he's so cute. He's all pudgy and soft and cuddly."
Kitty began squealing and jumping up and down. She threw her arms around Jesse. "Oohh, I can't wait to see him. I'm so excited." She gave Jesse a quick kiss and hugged him.
Jubilee frowned, "Hey,---what's been going on over there? What did I miss? I knew I should have gone and you stayed with the kids."
"Relax, Jubes. It's ok. I'll explain when I get home. Right now I have to go tell everyone else. Give me the details." Kitty smiled as Jesse's arms were still around her.
"You better explain. I want details of my own." She threw another confused glare at Kitty then turned her thoughts back to the new arrival. "Thomas was born at 1:25 this afternoon. He weighs 8 lbs and 6 ozs. And he is 21 inches long. He has lots of blonde hair and the cutest dimples."
"Thanks, Jubes. See you at home. I've got to go tell the others. Bye." Before Jubilee could say anything else Kitty broke the link and took Jesse's hand as she pulled him back toward the kitchen. "Hey, everybody, He's here. He's here," she yelled as she entered the room.
"What? Jean's baby? She had him?" Marie was almost as giddy as Kitty when she saw the smiling face nodding at her.
"She had a boy? That is wonderful news." Ororo exclaimed.
"Did Jubilee by chance give you any of the pertinent details?" the professor smiled knowing that the young ladies in the mansion tend to leave out the important facts in lieu of their own interests.
Kitty gave all the information she knew and the excitement and joy in the room was tangible. They made plans to finish their afternoon and return to the mansion after dinner. Adam took both Marie and Kitty into the lab to make sure they were ok after their ordeal with the governors. He was pleased to find there was no permanent damage. Adam's concern grew as he silently watched the increased attention Jesse was giving to Kitty.
All the couples went into the rec room to watch a movie and rest before dinner. The professor, Adam and Evie went to the water garden to visit quietly.
"I'm concerned about Jesse," Adam began. "It seems he's becoming --- attached to Kitty."
Evie sat at the water's edge as the men made themselves comfortable next to her. "I know it seems strange but I think it's alright."
"How can you say that? Jesse is in a very dangerous period right now. Loosing Emma is traumatic for all of us but for Jesse---" Adam couldn't even find the words to express the pain Jesse must be feeling. "Yet he seems to have pushed his pain aside. That makes me even more concerned. I don't want to see him make any mistakes and I certainly don't want Kitty hurt as a rebound. Jesse would never forgive himself."
"I know but some very strange and wonderful things happened while you were gone." Evie smiled at Charles.
~You haven't told him, yet?~ The professor voiced in Evie's head.
~No, I've been afraid to.~ Evie looked into Charles' eyes.
"I know that look," Adam said suspiciously as he watched his wife and friend converse silently.
"Well, first, it seems that Emma herself was able to help Jesse. He was extremely distraught and despondent after NAXCON. None of us could talk to him. He dreamt of her before the funeral and she seemed to be able to ease his pain and help him to begin to move on. Since then he has been back on his feet and making remarkable progress. Kitty has been an incredible strength to him." Evie smiled.
"But Kitty? I don't want to see her used as his fill in."
"I had the same concerns." Charles explained. "Evidently, while we were in New Orleans waiting for the others on the mission, Logan and Brennan had a long talk with Jesse. When I questioned Logan about my concerns, he assured me that Jesse was not just reaching out for a substitute for Emma. Logan is fiercely protective of Jubilee and Kitty, especially now that they have grown into young women. If he is comfortable that Jesse is thinking clearly in his intentions toward Kitty, I must be also."
"When I talked to Brennan, he explained pretty much the same thing. Jesse knows that he's vulnerable and is going to handle this very slowly. Brennan and Logan have said that they would keep and eye on both Jesse and Kitty. I don't think we have too much to worry about." Adam trusted Evie's judgment and agreed.
He narrowed his eyes at his wife, "Why do I get the feeling there's something else?"
Charles felt Evie's uncertainty. "Don't be afraid, just try."
Adam watched as Evie took a deep breath and closed her eyes. ~Adam?~ He was shocked to hear her voice in his head. He looked at Charles who merely smiled back. ~Adam, can you hear me? I love you.~ Her voice was weak and distant.
Adam found he couldn't speak to her in his mind so he answered aloud. "I love you, too, but what are you both doing?"
"I am doing nothing," Charles replied.
Evie opened her eyes and sadly looked at Charles. "Don't worry, I know it is very weak but in time you will strengthen it," he consoled her.
Adam took Evie's hands. "Evie, what's happened?" he asked softly.
"Right after you were taken, I began to have dreams each time I slept. In my dreams you were calling to me, telling me you needed me to find you. After the first one, I was sure you weren't dead but I couldn't explain why. Charles came and when he followed me into one of my dreams and found that---" Evie stopped and looked down.
"Found what?" Adam's concern began to rise again as he looked from Evie to Charles.
"I found that Evie is a natural telepath," Charles stated.
"A telepath? Evie that's wonderful." Adam saw her look up with tears in her eyes. "Evie?"
"Do you really think it's wonderful?"
Taking her in his arms he answered, "Of course I do. Why would you doubt it?"
"I don't know. I wasn't sure how you would react to my being a telepath as well as a healer." She hugged him as if afraid to let go.
"Hey, stop now. I love you. You should know that there is nothing you can tell me about you that would upset me. These are gifts. Why wouldn't I be thrilled?" He slowly pushed her back and wiped her tears. "Now tell me all about it."
"Well, Charles believes that the stress of not knowing what happened to you, and the high levels of stress of everyone else triggered the telepathy to come out of dormancy. My powers are very weak so the only time I could discern their use was while I was at rest," Evie explained.
"I found that she was actually searching for you. She was able to make the connection but it was very fleeting. The first contacts were made while you were unconscious. After this discovery, I augmented her powers with my own. That's how we found out about the memory blocks. You were awake by then and when we tried to reach you the blocks reacted causing both you and Evie great pain."
Evie straightened and turned toward Charles. "I never consciously tried to reach him after that but in the Blackbird it happened on its own." Turning back to Adam she explained, "When I saw you in the seat I ran and knelt in front of you. All I was doing was whispering. I was so happy to see you. You began to open your eyes and we both were hit with the pain again." Turning back to Charles, "I don't understand."
"Being husband and wife creates a whole dynamic of its own. Non telepathic married couples become so close at times that they know what each is thinking. Scott and Jean have often attributed instances that are seemingly coincidental to a special bond they share. It is most likely that because of your special closeness, your new powers will only serve to magnify that bond. It will be interesting to see the results as your powers increase."
Adam smiled proudly at her then pulled her into his embrace. From his arms she asked Charles, "Will they increase?"
"Most definitely. Why don't you all come back to the mansion with us? Everyone will have the chance to see the baby. Then, I will begin to teach you about your powers. I believe it will be good for all of you to get away and relax after everything that has happened."
Adam pulled away and looked at Evie. "I think that's really a good idea. Turning to his friend he continued, "Thank you, Charles. I would like to have Hank scan Evie. I'm a little concerned about the genetic mutation reacting with the natural mutancy." He frowned when Evie laughed. "What's so funny."
"You are. Will there be anything else, Dr. Kane?" They laughed and hugged as Charles smiled and left husband and wife to their moment.
TBC
Well, we have to go see the baby don't we? What else will happen there?
