Jean screamed as Scott's optic blast connected, taking out an entire wall of the infirmary. Jean was hyperventilating by the time she opened her eyes to see Logan had Scott pinned to the floor, claws unsheathed and poised for the kill. She clung to Hank, hiding her face against his strong shoulder as she awaited the inevitable. Hank drew her close to him, shielding her in his arms as they waited to hear the sound of adamantium ripping through flesh and bone. However, the sound never came, and the claws slowly retracted. Pulling Scott from the floor by the collar of his shirt, Logan punched him hard, once, right beneath the visor in the soft spot beneath his left temple. Scott crumpled to the floor, rendered once more unconscious.

"You all right?"

Logan asked the trembling couple who could only nod silently. Tossing them a couple of blankets, Logan turned to walk out, calling over his shoulder,

"Hank, take her back to your room, alright? I don't trust to leave her alone tonight."

Jean caught the underhanded meaning behind his words, staring guiltily at the floor. However, Jean forgot her guilt as Hank wrapped one of the blankets around her, hoisting her into his arms.

"Come along, my dear, lets get you somewhere safe before he wakes up,"

By now, Professor X was on the scene, arriving just as Hank strode down the hallway, a nearly unconscious Jean in his arms.

"Don't ask…"

She murmured before her head sank against Beast's soft shoulder. Professor Xavier didn't need to.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The first place Logan checked was the garage. As he had feared, the red convertible was missing. For nearly two hours, Logan paced the school, his frustration mounting as he soon realized Jubilee was missing as well. With a heavy sigh, Logan entered the kitchen for what was something like his tenth or eleventh time that night; he'd long since lost count. He opened the fridge, making sure no one was watching before he opened the vegetable bin. Pushing aside a bag of shriveled carrots and some moldy lettuce, he found his secret stash of beer. For five years now he'd had his secret stash hidden here, and never once had anyone found it; not even Cyke. Logan sighed again as he popped the top of his beer with the tip of one claw. What would Jean do now that Cyke lost it? He took a swig of his beer, pulling a stool up and sitting down, loosing himself in thoughts of Cyke and Jean, which eventually led to thoughts of Remy.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Several bottles of beer and two hours later Logan was woken from his reverie by the sound of the front door squeaking open, followed by the hushed giggles of Jubilee, and Gambits soft

"Shhhh"

in a playful attempt to quiet her. Logan abandoned his beer, creeping into the hallway, which was pitch black, even though it was only 9 o'clock. Crouching in the shadows, Logan was thankful for his good night vision. From his vantage point, he could see Gambit and Jubilee were holding hands. As they reached the two stair cases that led in opposite directions to the dormitories, Gambit turned to look at Jubilee.

"T'ank you, Petite. Gambit need tonight more den he ever knew."

Bowing before he, he gently kissed her hand, sending her into a fit of giggles. Logan flared with jealousy as he watched Jubilee hug him. Standing on tip toe, Jubilee kissed Remy's stubble covered cheek, before she backed slowly towards the stairs leading to the women's dormitories.

"G'night, Petite,"

He smiled at her retreating figure.

"Night, Cajun,"

Jubilee's voice was slightly husky, and Logan could smell the pheromones pouring off of her. Involuntarily Logan's claws began to unsheathe themselves. The only thing that kept him from using them was the odd mixture of scents radiating from Gambit; scents that briefly replaced his jealousy with concern. Gambit stood and watched her climb the staircase that led to her room, turning towards the men's dormitories only after he heard her bedroom door close behind her. He strode towards the adjacent staircase, taking a deep breath.

"Logan, ya know dese eyes aint just fer charmin de femmes,"

The color rose in Logan's cheeks as he remembered too late that Remy's unique demon eyes gave him excellent night vision as well. Stepping into the dim light beside the staircase, Logan looked at Remy. He seemed much older than Logan recalled, and he had to fight the urge to reach out to the broken hearted man before him.

"Kid, we need ta talk…"

Logan began with a sigh.

"No, Logan, dere aint nothin left ta discuss here. We even now, you save my life, I save yours. I don't ask no questions bout what I saw b'fore, you don't tell me not'in. We even, Cher, leave it at dat…"

Remy's voice was colder than ice as he cut Logan off, turning abruptly and heading up the stairs. He was halfway to the top before Logan started after him, determined to settle this now before the situation became more complicated.

"Remy, please…"

Logan swore under his breath as a sharp, sudden pain hit his cheek. Testing his fingers against it, he found a small, deep cut on his cheek, a thin line of blood dripping from the wound. On the ground beside him lay the King of Spades, the right tip red with blood. By the time Logan looked up again, there was no sign of Remy.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

In the infirmary, Professor Xavier was tending to Scott. From what he had learned from his telepathic link with Jean, he figured it best he look after Scott personally, as seeing either doctor right now might send him into a new frenzy. Charles couldn't help but sigh; perhaps he was the leading telepath in the world, but not even his advanced mutant power helped him at this point.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Back in Beast's room, Hank lay beside Jean on his bed. Currently she was asleep, but he couldn't help watching her. Of course he was attracted to his medical partner; he was only a man after all, and she a woman. One of the most beautiful women he'd ever seen. Gently he brushed aside a strand of hair that seemed to tickle her nose, smiling to himself as she sighed in her sleep. Could it be that at long last he'd found a woman who could accept him as he was?

"I wish she'd wake up so I could ask her,"

The thought echoed through his mind, and apparently through hers as well, as her eyes fluttered open, taking in the large blue form beside her. However, Hank never got to ask his question as he found his mouth covered by Jean's once more.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Logan ran up the flight of stairs, chasing behind Remy.

"Hey, get back here, I'm not through with you,"

Logan dodged as a second card, this one lightly charged with kinetic energy, came hurtling at him. A small explosion shook the second story hallway.

"Well Gambit through wit you, Cher,"

Gambit turned his back on Logan, infuriating him. Gambit reached inside the pocket of his duster for another card, but before he could grab one, the Wolverine pounced. As Logan's tight, muscular body connected with Remy's, they both fell to the floor, locked in a battle of strength. For what seemed an eternity, and was in fact merely a few minutes, the two men rolled around on the floor of the hall. Remy dug his nails deep into Logan's arm, but the physical pain paled beside the hatred he saw in Remy's eyes. Logan didn't want to hurt Remy, but knew his only chance to explain himself was to pin him, thus winning the fight.

Remy was furious. So Logan was interested in him after all; interested in a quick fuck anyway. By this point Gambit concluded he was lost, doomed to live in misery, or join Rogue in whatever afterlife may await mutants. However, misery was no longer an option, and Remy fought as a man who wanted to die, full intent on taking his pride with him.

The two men continued to roll around, biting and scratching when they could, each staking their life on their personal victory. However, Logan was loosing patience with this game, adamantium claws springing from his hands. As Logan found himself momentarily on top, he plunged his claws forward, driving them deep into the floor on either side of Remy's head, anchoring himself solid. Remy thrashed beneath him, arms pinned at his sides as Logan sat on top of him, trapped beneath his captors weight.

"Non… non, can't end dis way, I die before he have his way wit me…."

The words ran through Remy's head as he writhed furiously in an attempt to throw Logan. As he tossed back and forth, his head knocked against Logan's claws, and tears began to stream down his cheeks in pain and frustration. The claws in Logan's right hand retracted, cupping the side of Remy's face in his hand, stroking his auburn hair in an attempt to calm the younger man. "Hey, kid, come on, don't do that, your gonna hurt yourself," But Remy was beyond the point of hearing him, struggling harder against the gentle touch. Logan retracted his left claws as well, chancing the possibility that Remy would throw him. Logan stroked Remy's hair away from his eyes, soothing the forehead that was now beginning to bruise from hitting against Logan's claws. For several minutes Logan continued his stroking, whispering to Gambit in a soft tone until his thrashing ceased, leaving him exhausted and panting beneath him.

"Fine, you want Gambit's body, you won it, Cher! Just get on wit whatever you want and leave me alone!"

Logan stared blankly down at the man beneath him, mouth agape. The pain and hatred in Gambit's voice was unmistakable and wounded Logan deeply.

"How could he even think that?"

Logan tried to meet the tear filled eyes beneath him, but Gambit turned his face away.

"Alright, kid, fine. But it's not your body I want, it's your understanding. When you walked in before, it wasn't like you thought, kid. Jeannie through a little fit, and well… she wasn't thinkin' so clear…"

Remy's jaw tightened, his mouth set in a firm frown. He didn't so much as blink at this admission.

"Damn… look at me, Rem… come on. I just… "

He sighed heavily, tipping Remy's stubborn chin rather roughly until their eyes met.

"Hell, I don't even flamin' want Jeannie like that anymore!"

Now it was Logan that was avoiding eye contact.

"Look, kid…Its up to you whether or not ya believe me, but it's the truth, I swear it to ya. I'd never hurt ya, ever…"

And with that, Logan leaned in close to Remy, lightly brushing his rough lips against the gentle, yielding ones beneath him, sending Gambit into shock.

Logan opened his eyes slightly several moments later, gazing into demon eyes, still wide and unblinking. Gently he a stroked a few loose strands of hair from Remy's face before bending to kiss him again. This kiss was firmer, yet sweeter, although Remy still lay motionless beneath Logan. Warm, firm hands caressed tan, Cajun skin; a high forehead, stubble covered jaw, down to his throat. The soft touch seemed to draw him in, as the glowing eyes closed in surrender, and the rigid body relaxed slightly. Ever so lightly, Logan's tongue flicked out between his fangs, caressing Remy's lower lip.

Gambit felt himself being pulled in by Logan's tender words and equally gentle touch, yet he fought it with all his might. However, the tides of emotion were rising and had begun to pull at his heart, weakening his will to resist. But suddenly Remy felt the flicker of Logan's tongue against his lips, striking a spark of desire deep inside him. The desire quickly turned to anger though, as Remy realized that the game was not over after all; Logan was still playing and the stakes were high.

"De stakes are ma body…"

Remy corrected himself bitterly. He had never been good at losing.

Logan felt Remy begin to relax beneath him. He shifted slightly, still pinning Remy's arms, but removing some of his weight from the Cajun's chest, allowing him slightly more movement, along with proper use of his lungs once more. However, no sooner had Logan granted Remy some space, then he felt Remy tense up again. The younger man moved too quickly for Logan's pleasure dulled senses, simultaneously breaking the kiss and throwing Logan off of him. Logan grunted as he hit a wall, slumping against it. The sound of Remy's quickly retreating footsteps ringing in his ears. Logan heaved a great sigh, letting his head fall back against the wall as a new crowd began to gather, curious to see what had caused such a loud thud. Logan growled at the few unwise mutants that got in his way as he stood, storming into his room and slamming the door behind him.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Jubilee paced the floor of her room, her yellow silk nightgown fanning against her thighs with each abrupt turn she took.

"I love him…"

She repeated the words over and over in her mind.

"I…need him…"

This second thought echoed the first, and no matter how much she fought it, it would not go away. As time wore on, her declaration of love became a murmur, nearly drowned out by her need. She sank to the bed with a sigh, hiding her face in her hands. In a fit of frustration she punched her pillow hard, biting back a sob. The mansion had been a scene of chaos since Wolvie returned. No, she corrected herself; since Rogue's death. It wasn't Wolvie's fault; he was just trying to cope with his own pain. Yet somehow, she knew his presence was hurting Remy, deeper than he'd already been cut; and by now the blood was starting to run black. Jubilee curled up on her side, waiting for her world to stop spinning quite so fast, needing something to hold on to. The sudden knock at her door made her jump, breaking her train of thought. Shakily she stood, taking the few unsteady steps to the door and pressing the side of her head against the wood.

"Who is it?"

She asked, her voice sounding more surprised than she had meant it to be.

"Who you t'ink, petite?"

Jubilee tried to hide her shock and excitement as she opened the door, letting the brooding Cajun in.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Gambit wasn't the only one brooding. Back in Logan's room his morale was at a shockingly low level. He couldn't remember feeling this way before; especially not over someone he wanted. And never ever because of a man. He turned those few phrases around in his mind, and at last he growled, forced to admit the truth. No, not wanted… needed, but not just for pleasure. Needed to hold, to protect, forever.

"You want to make him your mate…"

The dark, animalistic side of Logan was persistent in this thought, and while at first it had terrified him, he was beginning to find that the Wolverine was right on this one. He had to act, and fast. He didn't know why, but he could feel there wasn't much time for him to prove himself once and for all to Remy.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Gambit sorry ta intrude, petite…"

He whispered as she quickly waved him in.

"Just need to talk ta someone, and I trust you wit dis more den anyone else."

Jubilee sat on her bed, expecting Remy to sit beside her, somewhat surprised when he instead chose the floor in front of her bed.

"Petite, Gambit need your advise real bad,"

He pleaded, taking her hands in his.

"Course, Remy… ya can always talk to me…"

She tried to smile, secretly fearing her spiraling world was about to plummet further.

"Dis bout Logan, petite… Gambit got no right tellin ta you, I suppose, but, I need your advice…"

Now he was stalling and Jubilee could see it. She squeezed his hands reassuringly, putting aside her own pain, determined as always to help the man she loved in any way she could. Staring at the floor, Remy started at the beginning, telling Jubilee the events of the past couple days.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It was currently nearing midnight, but Logan could not sleep, driven by his need to make things right with Remy. He prowled the mansion, looking everywhere he thought the Cajun might be. Obvious places like Gambit's own bedroom, which was still littered by shards of door and a broken lamp. He tried the kitchen, the Danger Room, the Garage; everywhere he could think of. The only other place he could imagine that his demon eyed Cajun might be was in Rogue's old room. No… he cursed. Not his… not yet.

Logan climbed the stairs leading to the women's dormitories, surprised to find a few rays of lamplight radiating from beneath one of the doors. Who else was up at this hour? Approaching the door, he saw it was covered in stickers and had a magazine clipping with a picture of David Bowie.

"This has gotta be the kid's room,"

He smiled to himself, super sensitive hearing picking up the whisper of her voice. He leaned in closer and caught a scent; Remy. Rage overcame him and he nearly removed yet another door, until he heard his name. Pressing his ear closer he could hear Remy talking, tears in his voice.

"Petite, Gambit don't know what ta do bout Logan… what you think?"

Logan heard the restrained emotion in Jubilee's voice as she answered.

"Remy… do you love him?"

There was a long silence that seemed to drag on forever. It took all three nearly a full minute to realize they had stopped breathing.

"Oui, petite…"

Remy's voice cracked with unshed tears.

Jubilee first felt a hollow ache radiating from the center of her being. However, the pain slowly began to numb. She had long since become use to having her heart broken by the older men she loved who still considered her a "kid". She swore at herself for thinking things would be different with Remy. She was 19 now and even Bobby still treated her like a child. However, she pushed these thoughts aside for now. Remy may not love her, but she still loved him and he needed her. Putting aside her pain she smiled, a genuine, heartfelt smile for the teary eyed man before her.

Outside the door, Logan couldn't believe what he was hearing. Remy… loved him? A glimmer of hope sparkled deep in his icy heart. Yet he felt guilty for eaves dropping and he told himself he should leave. But now the voices were talking again and he was drawn in anew.

"Well then why the heck are ya here cryin ta me, Cajun! Go talk to him!"

Logan could here the shimmer of hurt that still caused her voice to waver ever so slightly, however her enthusiasm seemed truly genuine.

"Petite, I don't t'ink Logan interested in dat way…."

He could hear the shame creeping into Remy's voice and cursed himself for causing it. He longed to run in and take Remy into his arms but restrained himself.

"But Remy, from what you told me before, he sounded genuine about his feelings…"

Remy cut her off, tears in his voice.

"No petite, Logan not like dat. You know him better den dat. Logan only got a place for de femmes, not a po' ol' tief like ma,"

As Remy became more upset his accent grew so thick Logan had a hard to discerning what he said.

"Look Remy…"

Logan heard the unmistakable sound of silk sliding against cotton and a bit back a jealous growl.

"Logan isn't one to lie to someone he cares about, and whether you believe it or not Logan does care about you. He cares about all of us. He wouldn't hurt you like that Remy… and I know you believe that deep down. Why are you really so scared of being with him?"

Another breathless few moments of silence as Remy thought.

"Gambit scared of getting hurt, but not by Logan. By Wolverine… by de animal in him, de anger, de hate he got deep down."

Remy paused for a moment and Logan's heart skipped a beat.

"Also.. Gambit worry bout Rogue, worry she wouldn't forgive ma…"

This time it was Jubilee who cut in, a note of anger in her voice.

"What, you think she'd want you to spend the rest of your life alone and hurtin? That's not what love is, Remy, and you know it. Rogue would have wanted you to be happy!"

Jubilee's voice got louder for a moment, and both men could feel the intensity of her feelings on the subject.

"Petite, I just scared I forget bout her, I don't eva wanna forget her. I wanna do her right, ya know? Make sure she not died in vane, but most of all, ta neva forget…"

Logan heard the soft sound of movement, what he assumed was a hug, or had better be at least.

"You don't have to forget, Remy. I don't think Logan would have it any other way. He loved her too, just as much as you did if that's possible…"

Jubilee was holding Gambit now, both of them kneeling on the floor.

"You right, petite. Rogue wouldn't want ta see me hurtin like dis no matter what. You right…"

Logan thought his voice sounded very thoughtful. At that moment he wished desperately that he were a telepath. Apparently Jubilee felt the same way.

"What's on your mind, Remy?"

To which Remy was once again silent for several moments.

"Oh petite… Gambit scared still. I love him. I know dat. Just never…"

Logan could feel Remy's blush from outside the door, and he could only imagine how red the Cajun's face must be as he stuttered for a moment.

"Never been wit another man… ya know?"

Logan found himself fighting a blush as well. Hell, of course he'd thought about having sex with Gambit… who hadn't? The kid practically radiated pheromones on a regular basis. And, while the details had become slightly clearer in the past few days, he'd never really thought about what sex with Remy would mean. Sex with a man… that brought up words like "top" and "bottom" and "lube" and…

"Stop it.. damn!"

Logan shook himself all over as the words conjured up images and he found himself painfully adjusting his jeans. Thankfully the whispery voices on the other side of the door were rising, drawing his attention off of Remy's body.

"Petite, Gambit best be goin. It near one in de mornin now, and we leavin for de mission at five."

Logan was surprised, though he knew he shouldn't have been, but Jubilee's jaw dropped with surprise. Suddenly the charm was back, not at its fullest, but certainly there. Logan could feel it before he heard it in the Cajun's soft, rumbling voice.

"Don't look so surprised, Cherie… you t'ink Gambit gonna let you go runnin round Magneto's place all on yer lonesome?"

Logan felt the sour ache of jealousy.

"I can take care of myself just fine, Remy… I think its Logan we'll have ta keep an eye on,"

They both laughed and Logan felt the pain recede a bit, consoling himself with the thought that Remy loved him. Silently, he rushed back to his room before either could discover he'd been listening.

"T'ank you, petite. You right bout movin on. And I don't know bout Logan though. Till Gambit sure I can trust him, t'ink I keep my distance, non?"

"Just don't be too hard on him, ya hear? If ya hurt him, Bub, you'll have me ta answer to…"

Jubilee mimicked Logan's icy gaze, succeeding for a moment before bursting into a fit of giggles. They both laughed, and Jubilee hugged Remy one last time before he left. As the door closed behind him the smile faded instantly and she crumpled to the floor as if all her strength had followed Remy out the door. She curled her body into a tiny ball as the heartrending tears broke free at last.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

She was asleep again. She had simply woken up, demanded wild sex, which had lasted no longer than 10 minutes, then went directly back to sleep. Hank sighed, closing his eyes. This just felt… wrong. He stood, careful not to wake Jean, and padded softly towards the bathroom. A nice warm bath was truly what he needed, perhaps with some of those lovely lilac bubbles Jubilee had gotten him last Christmas. There was no time for that right now though; a shower would simply have to do until they returned from the mission. Whenever that might be. Stepping beneath the warm spray of the shower, Beast released a content sigh. For just a short while, the warmth helped him relax and forget about the ache inside. Until of course, he felt Jean's naked body rubbing against his back, her hand slipping around to his stomach, trailing slowly lower…

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Through the night, Scott's condition had only worsened. Professor X had stayed beside him through the worst of it, doing what he could. However, Scott's physical condition was not an issue. Apart from a light bruise where Logan had punched him, he was fine. It was what was going on inside that seemed to be hurting his first student. Professor X was weak at the moment, although he would never admit it. He had not slept an undisturbed night since Rogue's death, and the toll was weighing heavy on his psyche. It was because of this he had hesitated to tap into Scott's troubled mind. However, Scott had since entered a state of delirium, thrashing wildly on the small hospital bed. Professor Xavier saw no other option at this point, and he reached out to Scott in his mind.

The pain and hatred that rushed through the link was almost unbearable, and it took several minutes for him to fully adjust. However, once the rush had passed he saw the images that flashed through Scott's troubled mind. Scott saw himself as not only the leader of the X-men, but as the man responsible for them and all their actions. Through Scott's eyes Professor X was a wise father figure that tried to guide them all in the right direction, but in the end Scott took the weight of their actions fully upon his own shoulders. It was because of this that Scott despised Wolverine. Through Scott's eyes Charles saw Logan as an irresponsible, bloodthirsty beast. No restraint, no thoughts or feelings, simply a predator that saw the X-men as an excuse to release his blood rage on a regular basis. And now, the predator was stalking new prey; Jean. He saw Scott's possessiveness for Jean, his demand for obedience and compliance in all things. Had Charles not been within the pull of Scott's emotions he would have felt a strong pity for the red haired telepath. However, as things were, Scott's attempt at murder seemed the only rational option. He was their leader and such actions blatantly defied the respect he deserved as such. Through the link passed scenes of brutal murder, slow torture before a violent death. Especially for Logan… and now Jean as well. Even from within the pull of Scott's emotions Professor X was disgusted by the images he saw, quickly pulling away, his mind reeling.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Hank's hand caught Jean's in his own, stopping it in its tracks. He turned to face her and she quickly slid her thin, muscled arms around his waist. He pushed her away, looking into her eyes.

"Jean, what are you doing?"

She smiled slyly, a sultry look coming to her eyes.

"Nothing yet, but we can easily change that…"

She tried to reach him but quickly realized she had no chance of squirming free unless he allowed it.

"Jean, you know what I mean, why are you doing this? Are you here because you want me, or because you just want?"

He stared Jean down, the intensity of his gaze seeming to burn her and she pulled away from him, retreating.

"I just…need…"

Her voice trailed off, and Beast tried to contain his pain.

"Well my dear, then I'm afraid you've come to the wrong man."

Yes… he was a man. He reassured himself of this. He may look like a beast, but he was a man deep inside with human needs, like the need for love, and acceptance. Jean burst into tears, becoming hysterical.

"But… but Logan didn't want me! I have nowhere else to go! Please don't leave me alone… please…"

Her voice trailed off when she saw the resolve in his eyes. She ran from the shower in tears, leaving Hank to stare at the wall. She hadn't even wanted him… he was… a last resort. Through the haze of his shattered heart he didn't even hear the door close behind Jean as she left.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

By the time Professor X finally recovered from his venture into Scott's mind it was nearly four in the morning. Using most of his remaining mental powers Charles Xavier erected a mental wall around Scott's mind. He would be immobilized and guarded from all psychic powers until Professor X himself removed the walls. Charles laid Scott's limp body across his lap on the wheel chair, pressing a button on the control panel before the chair raised slightly off the ground, hovering down the hallway. They entered an elevator which would take them to the professor's private quarters, where he had decided Scott would stay for the time being. Once the unconscious man was resting peacefully in a guest room opposite the one in which Professor Xavier slept, the exhausted telepath called upon the last of his mental strength, calling out to his X-men, gathering them for a final meeting before their mission.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

This time Beast was the last to arrive at the Ready Room; fur still damp and sticking up in rather unceremonious clumps. He seated himself as far from Jean as he could muster, which was unfortunately only two chairs away because of his late arrival. This placed him between Bobby and Jubilee. Bobby, of course, made a joking remark about drowned blue rats, to which he merely grumbled and swatted at his best friend's hand, which was trying to fix a particularly bad clump. However, despite his own pain, Hank couldn't help but notice Jubilee's silence. He the young girl's eyes were slightly puffy from recently shed tears, her body so tightly curled up in the tiny chair he wondered how she'd ever manage to stand up afterwards. For now he put this aside, deciding to take it up with her later.

Professor X smiled wryly at his X-men; they looked as worn as he felt. Even Jubilee who was usually full of life and vigor looked like she'd been crying. Charles cleared his throat before he began to speak.

"My X-men… I feel your weariness as strongly as I feel my own, yet this mission is very important to humanity, as is it too putting to rest painful memories. However, I regret to inform you that Scott, the usual X-men leader for such missions, will be unable to accompany you. Ororo, I would be in your greatest debt if you would assume the position of leader for the time being."

She nodded in acceptance.

"Yes, Professor."

Out of the entire group, Storm was indeed the only one who looked as if she'd had any sleep at all the previous night. None of the other X-men seemed to begrudge his decision though; they each seemed too concerned with their own problems.

"I would also like to ask Jean, if you may be so kind, to stay behind with me at the mansion for the time being."

She nodded, grateful for an excuse to sit this mission out. Sure, she was sad when Rogue died, and as exciting as saving all of humanity was, she had problems of her own right now.

The Professor's second announcement received a bit more attention, as Beast looked rather relieved, and Logan cocked an eyebrow, looking from the Professor to Jean, then back again. Gambit in turn seemed to be observing Logan's reaction, looking for something, the Professor couldn't guess what and decided not to waste his depleted energy on snooping.

"All right, if everyone is prepared then, I'd like the rest of you to leave immediately."

"Hey wait, I got a question…"

Bobby looked around at the slightly annoyed expressions from a couple of his teammates, but decided this was very important.

"How come we're goin in there without gas masks or somethin? Won't we catch the virus?"

Before the Professor could answer Jubilee was on her feet.

"Bobby, don't you ever listen at all?!"

The anger in Jubilee's voice took everyone aback, and they could only watch her outburst with mild shock as she let Bobby have it.

"I swear! And you always treat me like I'm a kid! At least I listen during these meetings instead of gorging myself on TWINKIES!! "

There were a few more harsh accusations before she sat down, crossing her arms in indignation. However, she never exactly did explain why they wouldn't get sick, only that he was stupid for asking. Luckily Hank leaned in and whispered

"You have to loose your powers to catch virus X"

"Ohhhhh…."

Bobby nodded in understanding and Jubilee sighed, disgusted. However, she was more disgusted with herself than Bobby at the moment.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Even as they left the Ready Room and headed towards the Black Bird, Remy remained lost deep within his own thoughts. In fact, he barely even blinked an eye until he felt the soft brush of skin against his fingertips. At first he thought it was Jubilee, but another touch of the large callused hand against his own proved that thought wrong. Remy turned his head slightly, demon eyes catching and holding on ones of blue silver. When had those eyes become so gentle? He couldn't recall ever seeing that rugged face ever looked so… concerned. But suddenly Logan's fingers began closing in around his own, and Remy tensed. Long elegant fingers broke free of the butterfly hold Logan had on them. Logan's head drooped with disappointment, though he couldn't help noticing Remy had not pulled his hand away completely, allowing their fingertips to brush together occasionally.

Beast strode down the hallway, watching Jubilee and Bobby argue. Their current fight seemed to be apologetic in nature though, and he smiled at some of the witty quirks they shot back and forth. However, when Logan had briskly passed him he had begun to watch, curious to see why the burly man was in such a big hurry. It was thus that he happened to encounter the strange drama unfolding before him. His jaw had literally fallen open when he saw Logan try to hold Remy's hand. Suddenly, as he saw the deep glance the two exchanged, he realized perfectly the cause of Jubilee's misery. Like himself, she suffered of a broken heart.