Disclaimer: I don't own Mutant X or X-Men, title or characters. Evie is my
character.
Chapter 22 – Trouble At Home
At dinner Adam announced the plans to return to the mansion with their friends. "I think it would be best to allow you all to return when you're ready. After we lock down Sanctuary we'll follow. That'll give you a chance to meet Little Thomas before we arrive."
As the X Men prepared to leave Jesse walked Kitty to the hangar and carried her bag for her. "I'll see you when I get there in a little while. You'll need the time to try and explain to Jubilee. It seems to me that she'll probably have a million questions."
Kitty laughed, "You're probably right. But I doubt she'll believe anything I tell her anyhow. Talk to you when you get there." Kitty turned and heard him say bye as she entered the blackbird.
Time went quickly as everyone packed and got ready to leave. They also took some time to spend on little talks. Adam went out to Emma's grave and found Jesse already there. "Hey, Jess."
"Hey, Adam."
"Things are going to be different around here."
"Yeah, I know."
"It's going to be hard, especially at first."
"Yeah, it will be."
"Evie told me about a few amazing things that happened while I was gone. She told me that you've been able to get on your feet pretty quickly."
"I wanted to die at first. It hurt so bad I couldn't even think. But then it was like she left me a piece of herself in my heart. Now I feel like she's still with me. She's given me a peace that I just can't explain."
"You feel like you can move on?"
"Not completely, yet. There's the whole physical thing. I don't feel like I can be with anyone just yet, but I don't feel like I'm mourning. I think I worked through the guilt of her dying and me living. Now it feels good to think about her."
"Just for the record, I feel like I have to warn you about what I'm seeing between you and Kitty. I'm glad you're moving on but I'm concerned that you not move too fast. I don't want you to do anything that you would regret later." Adam put one hand on Jesse's shoulder. "I know that you feel you have it figured out but just be careful. You don't know when unexpected feelings might creep up on you. Our emotions are very intricate parts of our beings. Just remember to take it extra slow right now."
"Thanks. I'll remember." Jesse smiled as he hugged his father. "I'm really glad you're back." They turned and walked back inside together.
Upon arriving at the mansion, they found the atmosphere entirely different from that at Sanctuary. It was almost as if they had left one dimension and traveled into another. The contrasts were stark. For as much as Adam tried to make Sanctuary be a haven and a home for his family, it was still dark without the natural sunlight and sterile with all its metallic composition. Now with the loss of Emma, it was also somber.
The mansion stood majestically on the beautiful grounds that everyone seemed to never tire of looking. It was built with grace and old fashioned charm and had a warmth of welcome that was unmatched. Having children constantly around never allowed for a solemn air to ever really settle. Now, however the air was particularly charged with excitement as everyone hustled about with activity caused by the arrival of the newest member of the household.
The X Men had returned a while ago and each had the opportunity to meet and hold Little Thomas. Scott and Jean, although exhausted from the long labor, were beaming with joy at their son's birth.
Kitty went to her room, which she's shared with Jubilee since they were preteens and new students at the school. They grew close over the years and shared everything. They found early on that their personalities were quite different but not so different that they couldn't compliment each other and rely on the strengths of each to cover their individual weaknesses. It was this closeness that demanded an explanation. Jubilee followed Kitty in and sat on the bed. She folded her arms and waited. Kitty seemed as if she almost didn't even know she was in the room. She was very obviously preoccupied with thoughts certainly not involving her clothes. Jubes could only take so much. Patience was not her strong point. Frustrated and fed up she burst out, "Enough already. What's going on with you?"
Kitty only smiled as she turned to look at her friend. This only served to aggravate her more. "Look Kitty, something's going on and you're not tellin'. What do I have to do to make you spill?"
"Chill girl. There isn't anything to tell." Kitty continued to fix her clothes.
"Hello. Who do you really think you're trying to fool here? This is me, remember. I saw you. I know that there's something goin' on."
Kitty finally closed the drawer and turned around. "He's so cute." She turned a dreamy smile on her friend.
"Oh come on. I knew you had it bad but don't you think it's time to let this go. We're not 15 any more."
"No, I'm not 15. I'm almost 20 and I think that the time has finally come. Jesse really cares about me."
"What are you talking about? Jesse has always cared about you. You've been the kid sister bugging him every time he was here. You can't possibly think that he has even noticed that you got your braces off much less grown up."
"Oh, I'm sure he's noticed. He's noticed and likes what he sees." Kitty smiled and wrapped her arms around herself.
Jubilee was just about to dispute the point when they heard a knock on the door. Kitty went and opened it.
"Kitty, will you help me prepare the rooms for Adam and his family?" Ororo smiled at the girls in the room.
"Sure, Ororo." Kitty turned and called over her shoulder. "I'll see you later, Jubes." Then she followed Ororo out and closed the door.
Jubilee couldn't believe what she had heard. 'Kitty didn't even seem like she really heard anything I said. I'm gonna have to watch her. She can't be thinking with her head on straight.'
In the med lab, joy filled his heart as the professor held the child long after the others had returned to their rooms. His life's goal renewed, as he held the embodiment of his ambitions. It is for him that they all work so hard. It is for all the children and the next generation, now represented, that the X Men fight so hard to make the world a better and safer place for all mankind. His eyes moistened as he held this little wonder.
Jean smiled in understanding, "I'm glad to see you like to hold him."
"This child is a great gift; one that helps me to realize, once again that what we do is important and that those like Emma have not died in vain."
"I hope you still feel he is such a wonderful gift when he's two and running around the house," Scott mused.
By the time Mutant X had arrived it was late in the evening. Kitty and Jubilee met them when they landed. As each disembarked, Jubilee hugged and kissed each and shared the last of her condolences. Brennan was last to leave the Helix and secure her. When Jubilee went to him and hugged him, he returned her affection and glanced over her shoulder at a now silently smirking Jesse. Brennan's smile affirmed that they were both thinking the same thing. Luckily for them both, Shalimar, Kitty, Evie and Adam had already begun walking toward the house.
Kitty ran on ahead to see if the baby was ready for his first official visitors. When the door to the med lab opened, everyone was at awe with the sight of the happy family. Congratulations and sentiments circulated quickly. Shalimar never took her eyes off the little bundle in his mother's arms.
"Do you want to hold him?" Jean knew.
Shalimar smiled as she took the baby and snuggled him close. Brennan stood behind her and whispered to the baby as Shalimar instinctively began to rock him. They laughed, as the baby seemed to smirk at them. "Do you want to hold him, Brenn?" Shalimar turned to him.
Taking a step back and putting up both hands, Brennan suddenly seemed like he was presented with poison. The look on his face made everyone laugh as he backed away. "I really don't think that's a good idea. I might drop him or something."
"I was really nervous the first time I held him too but that passes when you feel him in your arms," Scott tried to encourage him.
"Thanks, but I think I'll hold off until there's a little more meat on him."
Jesse stepped up, "You're such a chicken." He walked up to Shalimar and seemingly expertly took the infant from her and cradled him in his arms.
"The man's a natural," Adam said proudly.
Kitty walked up behind him as he sat in a chair and continued with the rocking. "Wow, Jesse. I didn't expect you to pick him right up," Kitty commented as Jubilee just watched from the doorway with a questioning gaze.
"Aw, this is easy. I had an aunt who used to bring my six cousins over to visit. It seemed like with each visit she had a new baby." Jesse smiled as he played with the baby's grasping hand. "Whoa, you better watch out for this one, Scott, he's got a firm grip."
"You're just full of surprises, Jesse," Jubilee said, never leaving her place at the door. "Do you change diapers, too?" It was just a little more sarcastic than she had really meant it to be.
Jesse smiled back at her, "I've been known to, though it's not my favorite pass time."
They all laughed and spoke until the baby decided he wanted to eat. "Well, now that's where I have to draw the line. I'm afraid I can't help you, buddy." Jesse spoke softly and stood. "I'm gonna have to give you back to mommy for this one." He turned and gently laid the baby in Jean's arms after placing a kiss on his forehead.
Just then Hank came in. "Now what's all the commotion?"
"Thomas was just letting us know that it's time for us to leave." Adam stood and shook Hank's hand.
"Well, then I won't be pulling you away after all. I was coming to speak with you both." He smiled as he kissed Evie's cheek. Everyone said goodnight and left the new parents to tend the infant. Jubilee walked with Brennan and Shalimar to their room after she watched Kitty leave the lab wrapped tightly under Jesse's arm. She began to see sparks as she thought about what she should do about it.
Hank led Adam and Evie back up to the library where he fixed them drinks and offered his condolences. "Thank you Hank. This has been a very difficult time," Adam took his drink.
"Charles briefed me on some of the interesting developments of the past few days." Hank smiled at Evie. "I hope you are adjusting well."
"I was confused and afraid when Charles first told me about my telepathic abilities." Their friendship had developed over the past few years as they shared common interests in research and worked on a few experiments together when they would visit each other's homes. Evie was completely comfortable with Hank now. His appearance was natural to her and never thought of as odd. "He said that he would help me to discover their extent and develop their use."
"I am also a little concerned," interjected Adam. "I would like you to examine her. My primary uneasiness centers on the interaction of the mutations."
"Yes, I can understand." Hank's face took on a look of deep thought for a moment and then he turned to his friends. "I would be only too happy to help in any way I can. Are you feeling any ill effects now, my dear?"
"No actually. I am very tired but other than that I feel fine." She smiled at him as she felt Adam squeeze her hand. "In the morning I will run a full series of tests to make sure that everything remains fine. If you will excuse me, your room is ready." He stood and moved toward the door. "I have a few things I wish to check before morning. This may prove to be a very enlightening happenstance." They smiled as they watched him leave, knowing he wouldn't get much sleep with new findings before him.
Kitty led Jesse to a room in the teachers' wing. He and Emma, like the rest, had a certain guest room that they always used when they visited. This time, however, she asked if he could have the spare teacher's room. Charles had eagerly agreed, praising her for her forethought on the matter. As they walked they spoke about the baby. Jesse, figuring out quickly that his room must have changed; tightened his hold on Kitty, in silent gratitude as they turned in the opposite direction and headed up the stairs. At the door Kitty opened for him, they stood in silence for a moment before he spoke and took her hands, "Thanks, Kitty." He watched as she shyly looked down. "I want you to know that I'm forever grateful for everything you've done for me. Even the new room," he nodded over his shoulder and smiled at her. "I really wouldn't have made it if it weren't for you."
"I'm glad I could help." She looked up quickly then turned to leave when she felt him pull her toward him. As her nervousness increased she began to stutter. "Is, is, there---um---something else you---um---need before you turn in?"
As he slowly drew her closer he nodded his head and looked into her eyes. "I want to kiss you, again." He drew her closer and slid his arms around her as her hands moved up his arms and rested on his shoulders. Holding her close and looking from her eyes to her lips and back to her eyes he licked his lips in anticipation and whispered, "May I kiss you goodnight?"
"Yes." Her voice was but a silent breath as she assented and was soon lost in a kiss that began gently, softly but soon deepened as she melted in his embrace.
Just at that moment a door across the hall silently opened and someone watched for a moment.
Jesse held her close as his kiss quickly became more intense. His lips separated and his tongue caressed her soft supple lips as the need for more began to take control. He felt her slowly comply with his request. His hands firmly stroked her back and pulled her tightly against him. His attentions elicited a small moan from the woman he held.
Anger flamed as the door closed and pacing began.
Instead of fueling his actions, hearing her reaction to his movements was like having a bucket of ice water thrown at him. Suddenly he was aware of how far his kiss goodnight had gone. Pulling away from her with a jerk, he stepped back and looked at the floor. "Um---I'm sorry---good night, Kitty." He quickly glanced at the confusion on her face and turned into the room. Disappearing behind the door he slowly closed it, not wanting to face her again and then leaned back against it. 'What just happened?' he thought. 'How did I let it get that far? That was intense. I promised her we would take it slow.' He heard her walk down the hall to her room. Listening carefully he could hear her door close behind her. "If I hadn't caught myself, I would have taken it farther than that," he whispered. "Why did I say I was sorry? I'm not. She probably thinks I'm sorry I kissed her at all." Dropping his head back against the door with a thud he sighed. "Adam was right. These emotions are more complex than I thought."
As Kitty walked slowly toward her room she was confused. 'What just happened? His arms around me felt so good. I could have stayed there forever. And that kiss,' her fingers gently brushed her lips. 'Why did he pull away like that? Did I do something wrong? Maybe he realized he was kissing me and he's sorry it was me. But---he said he wanted to give us a chance. Has he changed his mind?' She was lost in her thoughts as she closed the door behind her and crossed to her dresser.
"Just what exactly do you think you're doing?" Jubilee had gotten beyond concern and moved right to anger.
Kitty jumped as she was shocked back from her own confusion and turned to wonder at the frown that was directed toward her from her best friend. "Jubes, you scared me to death. What are you yelling about?"
"You have got to be crazy. I knew you still had your crush on Jesse but don't you think you're letting this go a bit too far? I knew you shouldn't have gone. The professor should have never given in to your begging." Her voice was straining to keep from yelling.
"What are you talking about?" Kitty laughed nervously and turned back to her dresser.
"I've seen you kissing him."
"So," said Kitty with a smile.
"So? Kitty, come on girl, you can't be that blind." Jubilee was pacing the floor again as her volume increased. "You can't let him think you're interested."
Frowning at her friend, Kitty turned back and walked to her closet as she spoke. "Jubes you don't know what you're talking about."
Realizing that her anger was only affecting her, Jubilee took a deep breath and began again. "Look, Mutant X are our friends. You know how I feel about all of them but this is a very difficult time. Can't you see that?"
Kitty turned sharply and glared at her friend. "You have no room to talk, Jubes. I know their hurt. I was there. I lived through it with them." Her voice was pained.
"Then you should know that Jesse of all people is hurting the most. You know how close he was to Emma." Jubes was not backing down.
Distance was in Kitty's eyes as she remembered the past few days by Jesse's side. "I was with him. He was devastated," she whispered.
"Knowing all of that, you still can't see that you can't be with him? It's just not right. Kit." Jubilee saw the look of confusion Kitty cast at her.
"Things---happened, Jubes that you just don't know about. He made his peace with Emma and he's moving on. This is what he wants." Kitty brightened trying to regain her enthusiasm.
Jubilee couldn't believe her ears. "Kitty, it hasn't even been one week yet." She began to rant. "How can he move on? I can't believe you can't see it. You're my best friend. I don't want to see you getting hurt." She could see that her words were striking Kitty harder now.
"Jesse would never hurt me." Kitty's voice sounded weak and shaky.
"He's using you. He may not realize it. Maybe it's not really intentional on his part but he's rebounding with you." Jubilee saw tears now forming in Kitty's eyes.
"No," she whispered. "He told me he wanted to take it slow. It'll be ok." She now lost her resolve and began to question that which she thought she was sure of.
"What I just saw out in the hallway was not what I would call taking it slow." She was determined to make Kitty see reality. "Did he send you in here to get changed so you can go back to him?"
"What?" Kitty was shocked at the accusation her friend was making.
"That's where that kiss was leading, wasn't it? That was one hot kiss."
"No, stop." Kitty put her hands over her ears to not hear anymore.
Jubilee stood in front of Kitty and took her wrists in her hands. Pulling them away from her ears and securing her attention she quietly dealt her final word. "He's hungry, Kitty. Starving. And you're his feast."
Kitty stood staring with detachment into her friend's face. "I'm his---?" With tears flowing now she phased out of Jubilee's hold and began screaming. "No! No! You're wrong! It's not like that!" She repeated it over and over as she ran. Phasing through anything that got in her way she ran out of the mansion. Once outside she just kept running. She ran through the gardens and out to the edge of the property. Still crying, Kitty repeated her mantra to herself "No, it's not like that," trying to drown out Jubilee's voice in her head 'and you're his feast---his feast---his feast.' She kept running until she was well off the property and at the foothills of one of the mountains that arose in the area. She was tired and it was beginning to rain but she pushed herself until her body would run no longer. "No, it's not like that." When she could finally not take another step she collapsed on the rocks that were scattered around. Rain was beginning to come down harder and the air was turning cold. After a short rest she decided she needed to keep moving and find some shelter. She remembered hiking up this way on one of Logan's survival field trips. There were caves a little farther up in the hills. Pushing her body past its limits she reached one of them. Stumbling inside she tripped over some scattered stones in the dark and fell. Her head struck a larger stone as darkness claimed her mind. The last thought she had was of Jubilee standing in her face. "He's starving and you're his feast."
TBC
I have to admit, that final blow from Jubilee is probably my favorite line in this story. It still tickles me when I read it.
Chapter 22 – Trouble At Home
At dinner Adam announced the plans to return to the mansion with their friends. "I think it would be best to allow you all to return when you're ready. After we lock down Sanctuary we'll follow. That'll give you a chance to meet Little Thomas before we arrive."
As the X Men prepared to leave Jesse walked Kitty to the hangar and carried her bag for her. "I'll see you when I get there in a little while. You'll need the time to try and explain to Jubilee. It seems to me that she'll probably have a million questions."
Kitty laughed, "You're probably right. But I doubt she'll believe anything I tell her anyhow. Talk to you when you get there." Kitty turned and heard him say bye as she entered the blackbird.
Time went quickly as everyone packed and got ready to leave. They also took some time to spend on little talks. Adam went out to Emma's grave and found Jesse already there. "Hey, Jess."
"Hey, Adam."
"Things are going to be different around here."
"Yeah, I know."
"It's going to be hard, especially at first."
"Yeah, it will be."
"Evie told me about a few amazing things that happened while I was gone. She told me that you've been able to get on your feet pretty quickly."
"I wanted to die at first. It hurt so bad I couldn't even think. But then it was like she left me a piece of herself in my heart. Now I feel like she's still with me. She's given me a peace that I just can't explain."
"You feel like you can move on?"
"Not completely, yet. There's the whole physical thing. I don't feel like I can be with anyone just yet, but I don't feel like I'm mourning. I think I worked through the guilt of her dying and me living. Now it feels good to think about her."
"Just for the record, I feel like I have to warn you about what I'm seeing between you and Kitty. I'm glad you're moving on but I'm concerned that you not move too fast. I don't want you to do anything that you would regret later." Adam put one hand on Jesse's shoulder. "I know that you feel you have it figured out but just be careful. You don't know when unexpected feelings might creep up on you. Our emotions are very intricate parts of our beings. Just remember to take it extra slow right now."
"Thanks. I'll remember." Jesse smiled as he hugged his father. "I'm really glad you're back." They turned and walked back inside together.
Upon arriving at the mansion, they found the atmosphere entirely different from that at Sanctuary. It was almost as if they had left one dimension and traveled into another. The contrasts were stark. For as much as Adam tried to make Sanctuary be a haven and a home for his family, it was still dark without the natural sunlight and sterile with all its metallic composition. Now with the loss of Emma, it was also somber.
The mansion stood majestically on the beautiful grounds that everyone seemed to never tire of looking. It was built with grace and old fashioned charm and had a warmth of welcome that was unmatched. Having children constantly around never allowed for a solemn air to ever really settle. Now, however the air was particularly charged with excitement as everyone hustled about with activity caused by the arrival of the newest member of the household.
The X Men had returned a while ago and each had the opportunity to meet and hold Little Thomas. Scott and Jean, although exhausted from the long labor, were beaming with joy at their son's birth.
Kitty went to her room, which she's shared with Jubilee since they were preteens and new students at the school. They grew close over the years and shared everything. They found early on that their personalities were quite different but not so different that they couldn't compliment each other and rely on the strengths of each to cover their individual weaknesses. It was this closeness that demanded an explanation. Jubilee followed Kitty in and sat on the bed. She folded her arms and waited. Kitty seemed as if she almost didn't even know she was in the room. She was very obviously preoccupied with thoughts certainly not involving her clothes. Jubes could only take so much. Patience was not her strong point. Frustrated and fed up she burst out, "Enough already. What's going on with you?"
Kitty only smiled as she turned to look at her friend. This only served to aggravate her more. "Look Kitty, something's going on and you're not tellin'. What do I have to do to make you spill?"
"Chill girl. There isn't anything to tell." Kitty continued to fix her clothes.
"Hello. Who do you really think you're trying to fool here? This is me, remember. I saw you. I know that there's something goin' on."
Kitty finally closed the drawer and turned around. "He's so cute." She turned a dreamy smile on her friend.
"Oh come on. I knew you had it bad but don't you think it's time to let this go. We're not 15 any more."
"No, I'm not 15. I'm almost 20 and I think that the time has finally come. Jesse really cares about me."
"What are you talking about? Jesse has always cared about you. You've been the kid sister bugging him every time he was here. You can't possibly think that he has even noticed that you got your braces off much less grown up."
"Oh, I'm sure he's noticed. He's noticed and likes what he sees." Kitty smiled and wrapped her arms around herself.
Jubilee was just about to dispute the point when they heard a knock on the door. Kitty went and opened it.
"Kitty, will you help me prepare the rooms for Adam and his family?" Ororo smiled at the girls in the room.
"Sure, Ororo." Kitty turned and called over her shoulder. "I'll see you later, Jubes." Then she followed Ororo out and closed the door.
Jubilee couldn't believe what she had heard. 'Kitty didn't even seem like she really heard anything I said. I'm gonna have to watch her. She can't be thinking with her head on straight.'
In the med lab, joy filled his heart as the professor held the child long after the others had returned to their rooms. His life's goal renewed, as he held the embodiment of his ambitions. It is for him that they all work so hard. It is for all the children and the next generation, now represented, that the X Men fight so hard to make the world a better and safer place for all mankind. His eyes moistened as he held this little wonder.
Jean smiled in understanding, "I'm glad to see you like to hold him."
"This child is a great gift; one that helps me to realize, once again that what we do is important and that those like Emma have not died in vain."
"I hope you still feel he is such a wonderful gift when he's two and running around the house," Scott mused.
By the time Mutant X had arrived it was late in the evening. Kitty and Jubilee met them when they landed. As each disembarked, Jubilee hugged and kissed each and shared the last of her condolences. Brennan was last to leave the Helix and secure her. When Jubilee went to him and hugged him, he returned her affection and glanced over her shoulder at a now silently smirking Jesse. Brennan's smile affirmed that they were both thinking the same thing. Luckily for them both, Shalimar, Kitty, Evie and Adam had already begun walking toward the house.
Kitty ran on ahead to see if the baby was ready for his first official visitors. When the door to the med lab opened, everyone was at awe with the sight of the happy family. Congratulations and sentiments circulated quickly. Shalimar never took her eyes off the little bundle in his mother's arms.
"Do you want to hold him?" Jean knew.
Shalimar smiled as she took the baby and snuggled him close. Brennan stood behind her and whispered to the baby as Shalimar instinctively began to rock him. They laughed, as the baby seemed to smirk at them. "Do you want to hold him, Brenn?" Shalimar turned to him.
Taking a step back and putting up both hands, Brennan suddenly seemed like he was presented with poison. The look on his face made everyone laugh as he backed away. "I really don't think that's a good idea. I might drop him or something."
"I was really nervous the first time I held him too but that passes when you feel him in your arms," Scott tried to encourage him.
"Thanks, but I think I'll hold off until there's a little more meat on him."
Jesse stepped up, "You're such a chicken." He walked up to Shalimar and seemingly expertly took the infant from her and cradled him in his arms.
"The man's a natural," Adam said proudly.
Kitty walked up behind him as he sat in a chair and continued with the rocking. "Wow, Jesse. I didn't expect you to pick him right up," Kitty commented as Jubilee just watched from the doorway with a questioning gaze.
"Aw, this is easy. I had an aunt who used to bring my six cousins over to visit. It seemed like with each visit she had a new baby." Jesse smiled as he played with the baby's grasping hand. "Whoa, you better watch out for this one, Scott, he's got a firm grip."
"You're just full of surprises, Jesse," Jubilee said, never leaving her place at the door. "Do you change diapers, too?" It was just a little more sarcastic than she had really meant it to be.
Jesse smiled back at her, "I've been known to, though it's not my favorite pass time."
They all laughed and spoke until the baby decided he wanted to eat. "Well, now that's where I have to draw the line. I'm afraid I can't help you, buddy." Jesse spoke softly and stood. "I'm gonna have to give you back to mommy for this one." He turned and gently laid the baby in Jean's arms after placing a kiss on his forehead.
Just then Hank came in. "Now what's all the commotion?"
"Thomas was just letting us know that it's time for us to leave." Adam stood and shook Hank's hand.
"Well, then I won't be pulling you away after all. I was coming to speak with you both." He smiled as he kissed Evie's cheek. Everyone said goodnight and left the new parents to tend the infant. Jubilee walked with Brennan and Shalimar to their room after she watched Kitty leave the lab wrapped tightly under Jesse's arm. She began to see sparks as she thought about what she should do about it.
Hank led Adam and Evie back up to the library where he fixed them drinks and offered his condolences. "Thank you Hank. This has been a very difficult time," Adam took his drink.
"Charles briefed me on some of the interesting developments of the past few days." Hank smiled at Evie. "I hope you are adjusting well."
"I was confused and afraid when Charles first told me about my telepathic abilities." Their friendship had developed over the past few years as they shared common interests in research and worked on a few experiments together when they would visit each other's homes. Evie was completely comfortable with Hank now. His appearance was natural to her and never thought of as odd. "He said that he would help me to discover their extent and develop their use."
"I am also a little concerned," interjected Adam. "I would like you to examine her. My primary uneasiness centers on the interaction of the mutations."
"Yes, I can understand." Hank's face took on a look of deep thought for a moment and then he turned to his friends. "I would be only too happy to help in any way I can. Are you feeling any ill effects now, my dear?"
"No actually. I am very tired but other than that I feel fine." She smiled at him as she felt Adam squeeze her hand. "In the morning I will run a full series of tests to make sure that everything remains fine. If you will excuse me, your room is ready." He stood and moved toward the door. "I have a few things I wish to check before morning. This may prove to be a very enlightening happenstance." They smiled as they watched him leave, knowing he wouldn't get much sleep with new findings before him.
Kitty led Jesse to a room in the teachers' wing. He and Emma, like the rest, had a certain guest room that they always used when they visited. This time, however, she asked if he could have the spare teacher's room. Charles had eagerly agreed, praising her for her forethought on the matter. As they walked they spoke about the baby. Jesse, figuring out quickly that his room must have changed; tightened his hold on Kitty, in silent gratitude as they turned in the opposite direction and headed up the stairs. At the door Kitty opened for him, they stood in silence for a moment before he spoke and took her hands, "Thanks, Kitty." He watched as she shyly looked down. "I want you to know that I'm forever grateful for everything you've done for me. Even the new room," he nodded over his shoulder and smiled at her. "I really wouldn't have made it if it weren't for you."
"I'm glad I could help." She looked up quickly then turned to leave when she felt him pull her toward him. As her nervousness increased she began to stutter. "Is, is, there---um---something else you---um---need before you turn in?"
As he slowly drew her closer he nodded his head and looked into her eyes. "I want to kiss you, again." He drew her closer and slid his arms around her as her hands moved up his arms and rested on his shoulders. Holding her close and looking from her eyes to her lips and back to her eyes he licked his lips in anticipation and whispered, "May I kiss you goodnight?"
"Yes." Her voice was but a silent breath as she assented and was soon lost in a kiss that began gently, softly but soon deepened as she melted in his embrace.
Just at that moment a door across the hall silently opened and someone watched for a moment.
Jesse held her close as his kiss quickly became more intense. His lips separated and his tongue caressed her soft supple lips as the need for more began to take control. He felt her slowly comply with his request. His hands firmly stroked her back and pulled her tightly against him. His attentions elicited a small moan from the woman he held.
Anger flamed as the door closed and pacing began.
Instead of fueling his actions, hearing her reaction to his movements was like having a bucket of ice water thrown at him. Suddenly he was aware of how far his kiss goodnight had gone. Pulling away from her with a jerk, he stepped back and looked at the floor. "Um---I'm sorry---good night, Kitty." He quickly glanced at the confusion on her face and turned into the room. Disappearing behind the door he slowly closed it, not wanting to face her again and then leaned back against it. 'What just happened?' he thought. 'How did I let it get that far? That was intense. I promised her we would take it slow.' He heard her walk down the hall to her room. Listening carefully he could hear her door close behind her. "If I hadn't caught myself, I would have taken it farther than that," he whispered. "Why did I say I was sorry? I'm not. She probably thinks I'm sorry I kissed her at all." Dropping his head back against the door with a thud he sighed. "Adam was right. These emotions are more complex than I thought."
As Kitty walked slowly toward her room she was confused. 'What just happened? His arms around me felt so good. I could have stayed there forever. And that kiss,' her fingers gently brushed her lips. 'Why did he pull away like that? Did I do something wrong? Maybe he realized he was kissing me and he's sorry it was me. But---he said he wanted to give us a chance. Has he changed his mind?' She was lost in her thoughts as she closed the door behind her and crossed to her dresser.
"Just what exactly do you think you're doing?" Jubilee had gotten beyond concern and moved right to anger.
Kitty jumped as she was shocked back from her own confusion and turned to wonder at the frown that was directed toward her from her best friend. "Jubes, you scared me to death. What are you yelling about?"
"You have got to be crazy. I knew you still had your crush on Jesse but don't you think you're letting this go a bit too far? I knew you shouldn't have gone. The professor should have never given in to your begging." Her voice was straining to keep from yelling.
"What are you talking about?" Kitty laughed nervously and turned back to her dresser.
"I've seen you kissing him."
"So," said Kitty with a smile.
"So? Kitty, come on girl, you can't be that blind." Jubilee was pacing the floor again as her volume increased. "You can't let him think you're interested."
Frowning at her friend, Kitty turned back and walked to her closet as she spoke. "Jubes you don't know what you're talking about."
Realizing that her anger was only affecting her, Jubilee took a deep breath and began again. "Look, Mutant X are our friends. You know how I feel about all of them but this is a very difficult time. Can't you see that?"
Kitty turned sharply and glared at her friend. "You have no room to talk, Jubes. I know their hurt. I was there. I lived through it with them." Her voice was pained.
"Then you should know that Jesse of all people is hurting the most. You know how close he was to Emma." Jubes was not backing down.
Distance was in Kitty's eyes as she remembered the past few days by Jesse's side. "I was with him. He was devastated," she whispered.
"Knowing all of that, you still can't see that you can't be with him? It's just not right. Kit." Jubilee saw the look of confusion Kitty cast at her.
"Things---happened, Jubes that you just don't know about. He made his peace with Emma and he's moving on. This is what he wants." Kitty brightened trying to regain her enthusiasm.
Jubilee couldn't believe her ears. "Kitty, it hasn't even been one week yet." She began to rant. "How can he move on? I can't believe you can't see it. You're my best friend. I don't want to see you getting hurt." She could see that her words were striking Kitty harder now.
"Jesse would never hurt me." Kitty's voice sounded weak and shaky.
"He's using you. He may not realize it. Maybe it's not really intentional on his part but he's rebounding with you." Jubilee saw tears now forming in Kitty's eyes.
"No," she whispered. "He told me he wanted to take it slow. It'll be ok." She now lost her resolve and began to question that which she thought she was sure of.
"What I just saw out in the hallway was not what I would call taking it slow." She was determined to make Kitty see reality. "Did he send you in here to get changed so you can go back to him?"
"What?" Kitty was shocked at the accusation her friend was making.
"That's where that kiss was leading, wasn't it? That was one hot kiss."
"No, stop." Kitty put her hands over her ears to not hear anymore.
Jubilee stood in front of Kitty and took her wrists in her hands. Pulling them away from her ears and securing her attention she quietly dealt her final word. "He's hungry, Kitty. Starving. And you're his feast."
Kitty stood staring with detachment into her friend's face. "I'm his---?" With tears flowing now she phased out of Jubilee's hold and began screaming. "No! No! You're wrong! It's not like that!" She repeated it over and over as she ran. Phasing through anything that got in her way she ran out of the mansion. Once outside she just kept running. She ran through the gardens and out to the edge of the property. Still crying, Kitty repeated her mantra to herself "No, it's not like that," trying to drown out Jubilee's voice in her head 'and you're his feast---his feast---his feast.' She kept running until she was well off the property and at the foothills of one of the mountains that arose in the area. She was tired and it was beginning to rain but she pushed herself until her body would run no longer. "No, it's not like that." When she could finally not take another step she collapsed on the rocks that were scattered around. Rain was beginning to come down harder and the air was turning cold. After a short rest she decided she needed to keep moving and find some shelter. She remembered hiking up this way on one of Logan's survival field trips. There were caves a little farther up in the hills. Pushing her body past its limits she reached one of them. Stumbling inside she tripped over some scattered stones in the dark and fell. Her head struck a larger stone as darkness claimed her mind. The last thought she had was of Jubilee standing in her face. "He's starving and you're his feast."
TBC
I have to admit, that final blow from Jubilee is probably my favorite line in this story. It still tickles me when I read it.
