Disclaimer: I do not own the x-men. What a shock. And the song "Everything" is from Lifehouse. I just love that song. Wonderful wonderful. Note: In this story, Rouge's able to fly and has already acquired super strength (yea!) and (( )) means psychic rapport, just like the one they had in the comics

Jean flew up while covering herself with a telekinetic bubble to ward of the blasts.

"Go on! You're covered," she yelled at Rogue and Bobby as they proceeded to cross the narrow metal bridge. With precision, Jean began dismantling the laser guns that had littered the area.

Two massive droids with long flexible tentacles blocked Rouge and Bobby at the other side of the bridge. A tentacle thrusted sharply towards Rouge but she caught it deftly with both hands, just in time before the tentacle's pincers stung her. She jerked the droid towards her and easily sent it hurling towards the opposite direction. But the machine remained unscathed as it steadied itself by using its numerous tentacles.

Bobby meanwhile iced up the second droid but to his dismay saw his encased ice melting a few seconds later. "Ice not working on them!" he called out, as the droid whipped its tentacles towards the iceman. He ducked just in time and gave the droid another zap of ice. This time Jean threw the ice- encased droid forcefully with her TK before it had the chance to melt the ice off. A couple of tentacles were dismantled but it stood up steadily again after a few moments.

Rouge flew over her droid and delivered a punch at its body. Before Rouge could get clear, a tentacle circled itself tightly at her waist.

Bobby iced up the tentacle holding Rouge, making it easy for Rouge to snap the stiff metal into two.

"There's gotta be some weak area," Rouge yelled as she looked at the approaching droids.

Jean slammed a droid against the far wall but it rose up without difficulty and whipped towards her. "Where? I already tried applying pressure on different points."

"This is impossible," Bobby muttered as he watched the second droid melt off his ice again.

Just then a third droid appeared behind Jean who was caught unaware.

Before Rouge can yell a warning, the droid drew a tentacle around Jean's foot and dangled her upside down. Another tentacle closed in on her and stung her with its pincers before releasing her to a twelve feet drop.

Reflexively, her TK caught her as she slumped down to the floor.

"Simulation aborted," a mechanical voice said.

Bobby knelt down near Jean. "You okay?" he asked.

"Yeah, yeah, just bruised," she replied, getting up with Rouge's extended hand.

The danger room door opened and Scott jogged towards Jean. "Jean?"

"I'm fine," she said in a clipped tone. More than anything else, it was her ego that was sore.

"I shouldn't have allowed you to participate in this exercise. It's an advanced level and you haven't been in a combat situation for two years. I should have-" But Scott was interrupted with Jean's icy glare.

"I can handle advanced levels," she replied coolly.

"Hey, you should check your leg," Bobby pointed out. Jean's uniform on her left leg was torn from the tentacle's tight grip revealing her raw ankle.

"Let's go to the infirmary," Scott said, leading the way. Jean reluctantly followed him.

Jean sat on the examining table as Scott began to cut the fabric of her uniform, exposing her left leg knee down.

Scott began to clean up the cuts. Jean winced at the sting. "Sorry," Scott muttered reflexively.

"You should have started at a lower level," Scott cautiously said, knowing that he would get a glare for saying that.

And he was right as the redhead snapped, "So you think I'm too rusty for this now?"

"If I'm in your place, with a break that long, I would have been rusty too," said Scott, as he bandaged her cuts.

"And not unlike me, you would still go ahead, " Jean said.

Scott paused, knowing she just trapped him in his argument. "True."

"So stop trying to keep me off it. It won't work."

Knowing firsthand how stubborn Jean can be, he sighed. "Fine, I'll shut up about it. I just worry that-"

"Don't be worried," she said in a softer voice, " Okay?"

Scott didn't reply to that as his fingers delicately brushed her ankle. "It's not swollen or sprained. The bruise won't stay long," he said, handing her an icepack, "Just don't over work it."

Jean gratefully placed the icepack on the sore ankle and after a few seconds felt its coolness soothe the sting. "Does Logan still design these sessions?"

"Well yeah, but I do a lot too," he said, his voice having a hint of pride.

Jean narrowed her eyes. "Wait, you did this particular droid simulation, didn't you?"

Scott answered somewhat proudly, "Yeah, pretty hard huh?"

"Oh my God, you're Logan's replacement now," Jean said mock horrified.

Scott laughed. "That's supposed to be compliment right?"

"Depends on how you take it."

After awhile, Scott wiped his hands on a towel. "Hey, I um, have to get going."

"Going where?" she asked, slipping off the table.

"I got a date with Sarah." He said this simply, almost too nonchalantly.

Jean felt her stomach drop. "Oh, okay, you go ahead. Don't want to be late," said Jean in the cheeriest manner she could muster, which she found out wasn't cheery sounding at all.

***

Kitty found Jean in a bad mood after Jean had attended another danger session in which she got shot down again. "Again!" she complained to Kitty. "Three times in a row!"

"Look, you have to like stop obsessing over these sessions. You just need some practice," Kitty advised.

"But I was ready for those blasts. How could I have missed it?" Jean said heatedly, her temper getting better of her. And this time she was angry with herself.

"Scott's danger room obsession is like totally rubbing on to you or something."

Jean sighed. "It's just that I still want to prove that I'm still cut out for this."

"I told you, all you need is some practice to get you back on track. But all this excessive training will like wear you out. You need to get your mind off this."

"Yeah, well."

Kitty's eyes suddenly lit up. "I have an idea. Let's have a girls' night out. Well, just the two of us because Rouge's out with Gambit. But it'll still be fun. It'll like cheer you up!"

Jean started shaking her head but Kitty spoke before the other girl could. "Come on! There's this club I know, it's the current hot spot in town. It's a fab place and we could totally meet some cute guys there." Kitty wriggled her eyebrows.

Jean had to smile at her proposal, Kitty's infectious cheery attitude rubbing on to her.

They arrived at the club later, dressed in trendy outfits. ("Dressing up is like the best part," said Kitty.) Kitty had on a black leather skirt and a shimmering purple top. Beside her, Jean wore dark jeans and a red halter top that ties on the back. The two caught the eyes of several men when they walked inside the club, but the boys were ignored as Jean and Kitty just chatted away the night. They talked catching up on the gossip in the mansion, on their lives in college, and more.

". so afterwards Remy and Peter stayed," Kitty finished, taking a sip of her drink.

"They seem nice," Jean commented.

"Yeah," Kitty said somewhat dreamily.

Jean stifled a laugh. "Is there something going on between you and the big guy."

"Peter? No, why would you say that?" Kitty objected vehemently but Jean couldn't help notice a blush creeping on her face.

"I don't know, he seems sweet towards you."

"He does? Well, no. He's sweet to everyone. Besides he's like too old for me." Kitty said.

"Not that old," Jean pointed out.

"Trust me, there's nothing between us," Kitty said, "That's why we're here aren't we? To check out some guys."

"Well, the cute guy on your left has been eyeing you for a few minutes now," Jean said.

Kitty's eyes widened. "Really?"

"And he's projecting too."

"Ooh, what is he thinking?" asked Kitty excitedly.

"He thinks you're gorgeous and he's trying to gather up the courage to talk to you and he's finding the right time when to talk to you. which is just abouttt. now."

And just as Jean said, the guy strode up to them and asked Kitty for a dance.

"You don't mind?" Kitty asked Jean.

"I'm fine here. Go and have fun," Jean replied.

Jean watched happily after Kitty.

"Well, well. If it isn't Jean Grey."

Jean's eyes widened at the sound of the familiar voice that she haven't heard since graduation day. She turned around to find Duncan, looking tan and blond and handsome as ever. He could easily be mistaken as a big shot Hollywood actor especially with the pretty model-thin brunette in a black lacey number flanked by his side.

"What a pleasant surprise. When I saw a glimpse of that red hair I knew it must be you," Duncan said, flashing her his dashing smile.

"Glad to see you too Duncan," Jean said rather testily, not quite forgetting how a jerk he can be.

"Hey, come on," Duncan said, flashing Jean another smile while detangling himself from the sulking brunette. "Let bygones be bygones. High school was a long time ago."

But his charming smile and confident manner that could normally make other girls swoon had no effect on the redhead other than eliciting an unladylike grunt from her.

But her response only made Duncan want to stay more. He was getting tired of the easy game of getting the girls. He enjoys a good challenge every now and then. And if he remembered correctly Jean had been a constant challenge in high school. His status as being the captain of the football team and being the most popular guy in school didn't totally reeled Jean in. He knew his charm and antics did work on her but only to some extent. He remembered the time that she really did became impressed with him was when he helped out a kid who fell down from a wheelchair. He doesn't do much of this good Samaritan business, of course, but he knew Jean was nearby to see his actions, so he figured might as well take the advantage. It worked like a charm and she began to warm up more quickly after that.

"Come on, Jean. After all these years, you can't still be mad."

"Your date's walking away," Jean pointedly said.

"This is a club," he said as if that would explain everything.

"And that means what?"

"That means she can busy herself with other things." Duncan saw Jean roll her eyes and replied, "It's not like I'm attached to the hip with her. We take things casually--"

"Of course, who cares about commitment anyways?" Jean said sarcastically.

Duncan gave a lopsided grin. "You know, you look really pretty when you get pissed."

Jean rolled her eyes again, "Are you seriously expecting for that piece of flattery to work?"

"It's not flattery. I mean it," Duncan insisted. Then losing his pretentious manner, he said, "Hey, look. I know I was a jerk a few years back but even if you don't want to believe it, I changed. I guess college and work life do that to people. You know, open up their horizons and stuff. "

"I 'm sorry I acted like an asshole when I learned that you and your friends were mutants. Honestly, things just blew out of proportion."

"Apology accepted," she said curtly.

Duncan broke into a grin. "That's a start. So tell me, what have you been up to lately?" Interpreting her answer as an invitation to talk, he sat down on the stool beside her.

Jean sighed. Talking to the Duncan right now doesn't appeal to her at the moment. She wanted to be left alone.

"Duncan, I really don't feel like-"

"What about Summers? I'm surprised he's not here. If I remember correctly he's always glued to your side. Even when we were together back then, he was like popping up every so often to be with you. Where's he now?"

"He has other places to go," Jean said snappily.

"Oh, don't tell me you guys broke up?" He still asked even though from Jean's reply and tone, Duncan had a hunch that they did. When the redhead just glared at him, Duncan wiped the easy going smile on his face and changed to sensitive mode. Girls always fall for that. "He broke with you did he?"

"We broke up two years ago," she said for the sake of shutting Duncan up.

"Oh, that's a long time ago," Duncan said, waving it off. He thought that the break up was recent. He's a bit disappointed that he can't play the sensitive-guy-comforting-upset-hot-girl card anymore. "So what about now? You seeing someone?"

"No, but Scott is," Jean muttered bitterly before she realized what she said.

"Aww, don't worry babe, Summers has always been a jerk," he said graciously, not having the slightest smidge of difficulty rolling insults about Scott whom he had always disliked.

"He's an asshole. If he left you then the hell with him. A beautiful, smart girl like you can do so much better."

"Shut up," she snapped.

"But if he can't appreciate you-"

"Would you just shut up and stop being--- look I really don't feel like talking about this." Jean said exasperated.

"Just think, Jean, it's been two years. You have to move on and accept the fact that he left you-"

"I was the one who left!" Jean said, her voice rising. "Now just leave me alone!"

Duncan was taken by surprise. He thought Jean was the one who got dumped. And he has been good at reading women's body language and actions. He had a lot of practice after all. But Jean. She has always been quite unpredictable and not too mention volatile. Duncan decided to just head back to brunette he had a while ago. Things were much easier with her.

Kitty arrived a minute later. "Was that Duncan?" she asked incredulously.

"Yeah."

"What did he say?"

"Nothing worthwhile."

But Kitty could see that Jean was bothered. "Hey come on, let's dance," Kitty said yanking Jean's arm.

"Yeah, let's have some fun."

***

They got back two in the morning with their feet aching. Kitty had already headed for her room, calling it a night. But Jean was still wide-awake. Although tired, she felt wound up from all the music and rhythm. The energy still hasn't worn off. She still wants to dance. The mansion was asleep anyways. She sang and twirled and danced all the way to the kitchen. Until she felt someone watching.

Jean froze in the middle of moving her shoulders to the imaginary beat. She turned around and sure enough found herself a spectator. Scott was sitting by the kitchen counter with an amused smile on his face. Jean colored slightly.

"Oh come on, I was enjoying the show," he teased.

Trying to ignore what had just happened, Jean flipped a misplaced lock of hair over her shoulders and walked composedly towards the fridge.

"You dance really well even without music," Scott said wickedly, "Makes me want to dance."

Jean closed the fridge and faced Scott. "Really?"

Scott wiped the grin off his face as he heard the distinctive lilt in her voice that he knows was trouble.

"So it makes you want to dance too?" Jean asked sweetly.

"I didn't mean it makes me want to dance. I meant--- I meant--," he stuttered.

"Oh no no no, Mr. Summers, I clearly heard you say you want to dance," Jean said turning on the kitchen radio and finding a good dance song.

Scott groaned. "I didn't mean that. I was just kidding"

"Mm hmm," Jean dismissed. "Now don't be shy," said Jean, yanking Scott from his seat.

"You do know I hate to dance."

"Please?" Jean said. When she looks at him like that, Scott knew he was in for it. He could never say no.

Scott held her hand and suddenly twirled her around. Surprised, Jean laughed and so did he. And so they danced inside the brightly lit kitchen with a fast song playing softly on the radio (lest the wake up everyone).

"Haven't you had enough dancing with Kitty?" he asked incredulously as he watched her dance animatedly, "How do you get so much energy?" She shrugged. "I'll probably sleep like the dead tomorrow," she said, "So why were you awake at this time anyway?"

"Um, Sarah came over," he replied.

That probably translated to making out, Jean thought irritably.

Then the song ended on the radio and was replaced with Lifehouse's "Everything".

Jean thought of sitting down but was surprised by Scott who held out his hand.

Jean gave a small smile and placed her hand on his.

Scott encircled his arm around her waist, his palms touching her bare back. His touch was tentative at first as he became increasingly aware that only flimsy stings were holding her halter top secure. His hand lightly brushed across her skin making Jean tickle. A laugh escaped from her lips as she slightly shivered from his touch.

"What?" he asked.

"That tickles," she murmured, laying her head on his chest.

"Sorry," he whispered back, placing his palms more steadily at her back this time.

They held each other close and just swayed gently to the music, reveling on the feeling this intimacy brings.

And how can I

Stand here with you

And not be moved by you

Would you tell me

How could it be

Any better than this

Scott closed his eyes. It was intoxicating being so close to her like this. Feeling her touch, inhaling her scent. They opened a slew of memories that he had long buried at the back of his mind. He felt a dull ache as feelings of love and hurt mingled making this experience so bittersweet. He remembered the time they had last danced like this. It was just a few days after he woke up from the coma that he got from a mission. Jean was crying at that dance. She told him she was so worried. Scott had never felt so loved in his life. It never occurred to him that that incident was one of the reasons that would soon make Jean leave.

And now she's back. And now she's in his arms. But things are different. Very different.

You're all I want

You're all I need

You're everything

Everything

((everything)) He unconsciously thought out to her.

Jean looked up to meet his eyes, a question forming on her lips.

Scott quickly replied, "It's nothing."

"That's the first thing you thought out to me since... you know." Jean laid her head on his chest again. "I missed our rapport. When it was gone, I felt like something was missing. It was lonely having no one there, yet at the same time, it felt freeing. My thoughts were mine again. I didn't have to share them. I was by myself."

"I know what you mean." And he truly did.

As the last chords of the song ended, they pulled back.

The cool air immediately hit Jean's chest and back. She began to miss the warmth of their embrace. She crossed her arms, trying to make herself feel less cold.

"I'm pretty beat." she lied. "Better head up. Thanks for the dance."

"Anytime," he said as Jean left the kitchen.

"Anytime."

*** Tell me what you think! Chapter 4 won't be up until. until a long long time. Heh. Thanks for those who reviewed my previous chapters.