F.Y.I. – This chappy takes place six days after Cecelia's entry. Just for some sense of continuity.
Disclaimer: What do I own?? Not X-Men or anything remotely related to it. But I do have two dogs. One burps, one farts. Guess which one sleeps in my room??
"talking" - 'thinking' - *noises* - foreign languages/written words/memories
Mutant Chronicles: The Xavier Institute Diaries
by, Caliente
Nov. 10, 2003
It's funny how I still write. Even now. She's the reason I started writing. "But Scott, don't you want to be able to look back and remember how you felt? To have the actual experience preserved, not warped by memory." Heh. Still I write, even though she's gone. It hurts. A little bit more ever day. Wasn't there something I could have done? Why did I fail her? My love may have saved the world, but it couldn't save the one person that makes life worth living. At least to me. I know I should be letting go, but nobody ever told me how hard it would be. How, just when we were connecting on a whole new level, she would be ripped away. How much my heart would ache every day I woke up and she wasn't by my side. How impossible she would be to get over
I couldn't take it, so I left. Some team leader. Abandoning my team after a major crisis. Leaving Rogue to shoulder all of the responsibility. I know it was wrong, but I didn't know what else to do. I had to get away. I guess I just needed some time to heal. So I hopped in my car, my baby, and I just started to drive. No purpose, no destination, just me and the road. Now I can understand why Logan does it. It's freedom, sheer blissful freedom. I was finally able to let myself go. Everybody thinks I'm some anal-retentive stick-in-the-mud, but I'm just a normal young adult like anybody else. Well, maybe not "normal", but something close to it. I have responsibilities though, and normally I let them control me. But none of that matters now. She's gone. Everything brings it back to her. More and more my mind wanders to my memories. Mostly of her. Okay, all of her. It's so hard.
So I took off, as I said above. Just moving from place to place, no goals, no plan. I know, no plan? It can't be Scott Summers! At least, that's what Alex said. I went to the Mass Academy for a visit. The New Recruits knew the gist of what had happened, I suppose Dr. McCoy told them. I had heard that Amara and Tabitha took it particularly hard. I think it had something to do with the Bayville Sirens. Anyway, I avoided Magneto or "Mr. Lensherr" and Hank when I first arrived. No need for sympathy, and Magneto just rubs me the wrong way. Sure he's turned over a new leaf. Right. The first thing I saw were Alex and Danielle talking about training in the yard. Actually Danielle was talking and Alex had a pained look on his face that said it all. He was dreaming of the beach, his surfboard, and the perfect wave. I could just tell by the look in his eye. That faraway look that people get when they're dreaming about something they love. Or someone they love. I used to get that look when I thought about Jean. Actually, I still do. Though it's not like anybody could ever tell. My glasses prevent that.
So Alex and I hung out. We went out for burgers. Then I visited with the New Mutants for a bit. Sam and Roberto were both awkwardly trying to avoid the subject of Jean. Sam kept up a comfortable conversation about learning to be a team leader. He seemed to be more confident but still nervous. I think he believes Ray or Amara or Bobby would have been better equipped to lead than him. But I told him, it's not about being bossy. It's about making sure that you have your team's confidence and the ability to formulate plans. I visited Rahne, Jubilee, Hank, and Bobby in the infirmary. Hank mentioned that there was a scuffle with a rival school. Lead by a woman named Selene. Didn't get too many details. But Bobby and Jubilee did delight in telling me about Hank's date with Cecelia. I left that night. But before I did, Magnus confronted me. Said that he "understood what I was going through" and if I "ever need to talk about loss" he would be willing to listen. Sure, that'll happen. The Saturday after never. Because what I need is to talk to a former arch-villain and abandoning father. Uh-huh. Like I said, Saturday after never.
Since then I've just been driving around. I continued North, into Canada. Then I began heading West. I guess I just wanted to escape. I'm not really sure what I'm doing or where I'm going. All I know is that I'm trying to heal. Unfortunately it's really not working. When I left, the telepaths and Gambit were comatose and most of the rest of the team were sporting injuries. I abandoned them. I know that they need me, the stoic leader, but I can't be that guy. Not now, maybe never again. It's hard to say. I mean, I don't know where my life is going anymore. I always dreamed of college, marriage, a home at the institute, children – with Jean. Always with Jean. But now she's gone, and so are my dreams. I've never been more lost in my entire life. I better go, back on the road.
Scott Summers
Scott carefully placed his notebook into his small duffel bag. He looked around the dank motel room and frowned. 'Why do all motel rooms smell like cigarettes and stale coffee?' he asked himself with a sigh. His stomach grumbled and Scott glanced at the clock. It blinked 6:52 at him, in red. Red. Everything was red. That's why his wardrobe consisted of dark shirts and pale pants, so he wouldn't clash. Guys who were color blind didn't have it half as bad as he did. Red. Her hair was red. His favorite shade of red. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Scott stood slowly and stretched out his tired muscles. He grabbed the room key, slipped his loafers on, and exited the smelly room. Scott hopped down to his red sports car and was off like a shot. A few minutes later, he rolled into the local diner. He stepped inside the rundown but quaint restaurant and walked to the nearest booth. He looked carefully at the other occupants.
A father and a son, sharing a banana boat. Scott felt a surge of jealousy at that sight. Father. What an awkward word for an orphan. It had been so long since he had anybody to call by that name. And now? He had abandoned the one man who had started to fill that void. Left when he probably needed him most. The man was comatose, not dead. Dead. Like Jean. Like his heart. "So, what can I getcha cutie?" a sugary-sweet voice asked with a snap of her gum, effectively breaking him out of his reverie.
Scott's head shot up and he immediately saw a cute girl, maybe a few years older than him, with clearly dyed, bleach blonde hair and dark brown eyes. Her face was caked with heavy makeup, but the underlying beauty showed through. Suddenly he was aware of just how crappy he must look. "Uh, can I have a couple minutes?" he responded politely. "I'm not quite ready."
"Sure thing sweetheart," the girl, whose nametag said "Liz", replied. "Just call me when you decide."
Scott caught a glimpse of his reflection and grimaced. He was right, he did look like shit. Though he normally didn't need to shave much, he hadn't for a couple weeks. He had more than a definite five o'clock shadow. His short hair, yes the bangs were gone, was quite disheveled. (A/N: think future Scott in Ascension Part 2) He remembered the day that it had been cut.
Jean snuck into his room. Holding scissors. And looking extremely mischievous. "Hey Jean. What's up?" he asked with a slightly nervous look on his face.
"How would you feel about a haircut?" she responded, her smirk growing to a hopeful smile.
The nervous look turned to one of complete horror. "Uh, no thanks."
"But Scott, you would look so cute with spiked hair," she argued. She pouted at him with the cutest expression.
He had just laughed and agreed to let her do whatever she wanted. After all, it was just hair. It would grow back. And Jean had looked so excited. So happy. Happy. He remembered being happy.
Scott continued to glare at the reflection in the window until, "Decide yet honey?"
"May I please have a burger with everything on it and a coke," Scott ordered, keeping his polite tone. 'Always the Boy Scout,' he mocked inwardly. 'Ordering a coke. Ha. Loser.'
"You want fries or *snap* coleslaw?" Liz inquired with her pad positioned for the answer.
"Whatever," Scott mumbled, not caring to keep the act up any longer. "Surprise me."
"O-kay," the waitress was surprised by his split personality act. "Everything okay sweet pea?"
"Yeah. Fine," Cyclops muttered darkly. "Thanks though."
"Uh-huh." The girl was unconvinced, but she decided to leave him alone. "Just holler if ya need anything else."
"Yeah," he whispered, not really aware that he had spoken. He was lost in space for a few minutes, until the bell rang, signaling the entrance of a couple. They looked to be in their late teens, just a few years younger than him. The girl was laughing and hugging the boy's side tightly, while the boy had his arm wrapped tightly around her waist, guiding her to a cozy booth. They laughed together as the waitress went to help them. He remembered all the times him and Jean had spent together. Just hanging out. Laughing together. As friends. As more.
"Good morning sunshine," Jean greeted with a huge smile. Scott opened his eyes to see her… laying next to him. The previous night came rushing back to him, and he fought off the blush he was feeling. Jean and Scott, friends, lovers… who would have ever thought it possible? Not him, that's for sure.
"Here you go sugar," Liz the waitress stated, placing his burger, with fries, in front of him. Scott nodded to her, still lost in thought. He ate slowly, unable to concentrate. Just… remembering. About a half an hour later, Scott paid and left a generous tip. He felt he had been a bit of an ass, so he decided to make it up in cold hard cash.
The man with the rose colored shades arrived back in his motel room and collapsed on the bed. 'I should probably check in with the Institute…' was his first coherent thought. 'But Logan never checks in,' he argued with himself. 'And that is the very reason that I will,' he assured himself. 'To show that I'm still a member of the team, even if I can't be there for them right now. That I'm still the leader.'
Scott grabbed his cell phone out of his duffel bag. Idly, he wondered why nobody had tried to contact him. Shrugging it off, he dialed the familiar number. He counted the rings, 'One, two, thr–' "Like, hello?" a perky voice assaulted his ears. "Er, I meant, Xavier Institute. Kitty Pryde at your service."
Scott let out a slightly forced laugh and said, "Hi Kitty, it's–"
"SCOTT!!" the Valley girl shrieked. "You're alive!" Suddenly her voice turned accusing. "Why haven't you called?! Rogue and Mr. Logan, like, said that we weren't allowed to contact you. He said, 'He's dealin' with stuff right now. Let him sort it out. He'll contact us when he's good an' ready.'" Scott let out a small chuckle at Kitty's horrible imitation of Wolverine. "So, where are you? Am I going to have to, like, come drag your sorry butt home, or are you on your way back?"
As a reflex, Scott rubbed the back of his neck bashfully. "Uhm, well, see Kitty… the thing is, uh…"
"You're not ready yet," she supplied in a comforting tone. He could almost hear her nodding. "I guess I can, like, accept that. But you're gonna come back sometime, right? I don't know how long I can take Rogue leading all the sessions. She's, like, almost as bad as Mr. Logan."
"I will come back Kitty, I promise," he assured her in a serious tone. "Can't have Rogue taking over my position forever, now can I?
Kitty sighed. "You know Scott, we–"
"Gutentag mein freund," a new voice greeted jovially.
Scott suppressed another chuckle when he heard Kitty scream, "You stupid blue elf! I was talking to him!"
"As you Americans vould say, 'Finders keepers, losers veepers!'" he answered before continuing his conversation with Scott. "So, vhen are you returning home?"
"I'm not sure Kurt," Scott answered with a bit of sadness in his voice. "But I will be returning."
"Is everyzing all right Scott?" Kurt inquired with a hint of concern in his normally light tone. "If you want to talk, I–"
"I'm fine," the fearless leader interrupted in his best 'Don't question me' voice. "Really."
"Okay." Kurt was unconvinced, but he decided to let it slide. "So, how vere ze New Recruits?"
"They were great," Scott responded, happy for a subject change. "Rambunctious as always." He smiled at the memory, momentarily lost in thought. "But they were generally in good spirits. Even though a rival mutant school has been giving them a bit of trouble. I think Sam called them the Hellions or something. Jubilee, Rahne, and Bobby were in the med lab."
"Everything's all right, isn't it?" a new, warm and motherly voice commented. "Kurt was tackled by a brown haired blur, so you're stuck with me."
"Ororo," he murmured. "It's nice to hear your voice."
"Thank you child," the weather witch returned. "You didn't get too many injuries I hope. From your visit with the New Recruits, I mean."
"Heh. No," Scott replied. "Mostly my ego. The original New Recruits enjoyed telling the new New Recruits about all the embarrassing pranks that they pulled on me. Especially Bobby." Ororo let out a small laugh. "But I did have a nice talk with Sam, team leader to team leader. And it was great to see Alex."
"Yes, and it is wonderful to hear your voice again as well," Storm started, "but if I don't go break up Kitty and Kurt, I fear for the valuables in the mansion. Logan would like a word."
Scott waited patiently as he heard Wolverine grunt and Storm's firm tone converse in hushed voices. Then Logan came on. "Just wanted to say, be careful and come home safe bub. The kids miss you. And need you." He paused for a moment. "We all need you."
"Thanks Log–"
"Stripes wants to talk with ya before ya have to go," he cut in gruffly.
'Gee Logan, try to show less emotion, would you?' Scott rolled his eyes. "Okay," was all he said though. He was, after all, still team leader. He had to act a certain way.
"Hey Scotty," a soft, slightly pained Southerner greeted. "How's it hangin'?"
"Hello Rogue," he responded in kind. "It's 'hanging' fine. How are you?"
"Ah'm okay sugah," Rogue answered quietly. "But thin's here… they ain't so great." There was a long pause before she continued. "The Professor, Tessa, Betsy, an' Remy are still in comas. An' Ah'm left here ta try an' run the team." Suddenly her voice rose in a panic. "Ah can't do it. Ah ain't cut out fo' this. Ya gotta come back. Ah'm not ready. Ah don't know if Ah can keep it tagether."
"Rogue, Rogue, it's all right," Scott soothed. "You're a great team leader. Almost as good as me." She let out a small snort. "And you have Logan and Ororo to fall back on. You can do this."
"But Scott, Ah can't reach them," her tone was desperate. "Ah keep tryin', but Ah can't call any telepathic psyches forward. The White Queen fights me an' it's been over a month since Ah absorbed Jean." There was an awkward pause as Rogue mentally scolded herself and Scott winced. "Oops, Ah'm sorry Scott. Ah… it… Ah'm sorry."
The team leader cringed when he heard his former girlfriend's name. "It's okay Rogue," he assured her, but his mind was a million miles away. Remembering…
He had asked Rogue's advice on his anniversary, but there was one thing he hadn't said. Something he couldn't share with her. He opened his desk drawer, and inspected the small dark blue velvet box that lay inside. He stared at it for a few minutes before slamming the drawer shut. "I need some more advice," he grumbled. He didn't tell Rogue about this part of his anniversary gift because he wasn't sure how to. He could hardly admit it to himself, so how was he going to admit it to somebody else. But who could he go to? Logan? Yeah right, the man's long-lost love was a bike. Professor Xavier? Way too awkward considering the Professor was like a father to him. Kurt? That's a laugh, the boy would probably tease him mercilessly. Bishop? Warren? Piotr? Don't know any of them well enough to disclose this information. That leaves Gambit. Ugh, how he loathed the man. But he was a charmer, and a pretty smart guy when he wanted to be. Gambit it was. Damn. This was going to be embarrassing, humiliating, and he would never live it down. But he would do it for Jean. Anything for Jean.
His search for Remy eventually led him to the Rec Room. There were Jean, Kitty, Kurt, and, surprisingly, Wolverine playing Monopoly. Scott made a mental note to never underestimate the power of Kitty's puppy dog eyes. Betsy and Remy were snuggled on the couch, while watching some brainless reality T.V. show, "My Big Fat Obnoxious Fianc" or something equally stupid. Scott entered the room and cleared his throat slightly.
"Hey Scott, want to join us?" Jean offered from her seat. "We could always use another player."
"Thanks Jean," he replied with an apologetic smile, "but I need to speak with Gambit, I mean, Remy for a moment."
Gambit was visibly surprised by this announcement but he just nodded slightly, whispered something to Psylocke, and walked over to me. "What can I do f'r you, mon ami?" he questioned with that annoyingly cocky grin. "An' since when are we on a firs' name basis Cyke?"
Gritting his teeth and biting down a scathing response, Scott swallowed what was left of his pride. "I need your help." He glanced quickly at Jean, sighed, and continued. "I need some advice."
Remy followed his eyes, okay shades, to Jean and back and smirked. The infuriating smirk. How Scott just wanted to wipe that smirk off his face. "Sure t'ing homme."
Scott stalked up to his room with Remy sauntering behind him. The man didn't even walk, he sauntered. Or glided silently. Or something. The two men entered his room and Scott made a beeline for his desk. Turning back to Gambit for a moment he said, "And could we please keep this between us? I really don't want the rumor mill running about this." He stressed the 'really' so that Gambit would get the picture.
"Of course Scotty," Remy conceited happily. "S'long as y'do me one little favor."
"What would that be?" Scott asked testily, not in the mood for the Cajun's games.
The smirk returned. "Not sure yet, but I'll t'ink of somet'ing."
That made Scott nervous. More nervous than the New Recruits. More nervous than the Brotherhood. Hell, more nervous than the thought of him and Jean's anniversary. "Fine," he gritted out.
"Den yo' secret's safe wit' me," he stated with a big grin.
"Great," Scott muttered sarcastically. Then he remembered the whole reason he was giving away the last bit of his ego. "Jean and my six month anniversary is coming up, and I bought her a gift. I know you're quite the, ahem, 'ladies man', so I thought perhaps you could help me."
"Sure t'ing One-Eye," Gambit nodded. "Whatever y'need."
"I bought her this," he told the Acadian, pointing to the navy colored box. Remy rose an eyebrow as if to say, 'A box? How touching.', and Scott continued. He opened the box to reveal a slim platinum band with small diamonds embedded all the way around. It was simple, yet elegant. And the diamonds were high quality as well.
Remy smiled. "You proposing?" he inquired with a wink. "Or trying t'get laid?"
Scott blushed at the 'get laid' remark. "What is with you Southerners and your bluntness about sex?" he pondered out loud.
"Ah, so y'had Roguey give you some advice as well?" he asked rhetorically with a far away look in his eyes. "Bon choice. But don't avoid de question Cyke, which is it?"
"Neither actually," was the curt reply. "It's a promise ring. As in, I promise to always be there for you and love you. We're too young to get married," he added matter-o-factly.
"Right," Gambit agreed with a funny look on his face. Like he was trying to forget something. Shaking it off, Remy continued. "But y'do wanna get laid, non?"
"Look, I don't need your advice on that Gam–, uh, Remy," Scott avoided the question. "I just wanted to know if you think she'll like it. If it's the right gift. That kind of thing."
"Well, speaking as somebody who is hardly ever monogamous an' usually not f'r long periods of time, all I can offer is de trut'," he started solemnly. "She'll love it. I know. An'," he winked, "you'll get laid too."
"Uh, thanks G–, er, Remy," Scott said in a relieved voice.
Gambit rose and walked towards the door. "No problem mon ami," he threw over his shoulder. "Y'can do dat favor f'r me when I t'ink of somet'ing."
"Damn," Scott muttered under his breath. "I was hoping he'd forget." He heard Remy's laughter from down the hall.
"Slim? Hello? Scott, are ya still there?" Rogue's worried voice broke him out of his daydreams and he turned his attention back to the concerned Southerner on the phone.
"Uh, yeah. Sorry," Scott was slightly flustered. "Lost in thought for a moment."
"Okay," she sounded unconvinced.
'Guess nobody's falling for my "I'm fine" act,' he thought. 'If only I was more convincing. If only I meant it.' Feeling himself getting lost in thought again, Scott decided to end the conversation. "I better go Rogue."
"Right," her tone almost matched his team leader voice. "We'll be in touch if there are any problems."
"Good." Scott's response was curt and slightly unattached.
"Ah miss ya. We all do. Come back soon," she added in a hushed tone, as if ashamed of her feelings.
"I'll try," was all the team leader could offer. "Talk to you later."
"'bye," she replied. Rogue heard the click and added a silent, 'I hope so. We really need you. Jean wouldn't want this for you. She would want you to be happy. To live your life. Though I suppose it doesn't matter anymore. She's gone. And she's never coming back.' Silent tears flowed down her face as Rogue made her way up to her room for some solace.
Author's Note: So there ya go. Angsty Scott. I know it's a li'l OOC, but c'mon. He's just lost "the love of his life". I think he's entitled. Gambit's favor will come back at some point… so watch out for it. Next up is Kurt… along with some KURMANDA and KIOTR. Lots of brother/sister stuff for Kurt and Rogue. Angsty Scott will be taking a break, but he will return at some point. :P I LOVE him way more than stick-up-his-arse Scott. Although, in NXM, angsty "dark" Scott has hooked up with Emma and that's just EW!! *involuntary shudder* Anyway, the wake-up call should be coming soon. No worries. And sorry for any confusion about the flashbacks, but I think it's okay. Remember, ask and you shall receive. Don't forget to review!! PLZ!! Adios.
Review Responses: Y'all are awesome!! Don't forget to keep it up. This is my most popular story to date… thanks to all of you!! Please review, and I love you all!! Midnight Selene: Angst?? In my stories?? NEVER!! You lie. Heh. Yep yep, Remy knows allus. Unfortunately, he is comatose. Bummer, eh?? After Betsy wakes up… there may be some stuff happening. :) We'll see where it goes. Yeah, Bishop has a thing for Tessa. -_^ We won't really know what she thinks of him (or any of the other X-Men) until her chappy. And Bishop will be VERY slow to act on his feelings. It's just his character. - The Sphinx Minx: Well, thank ya Erica. :P Remy's just the eternal victim, what can I say?? And poor Psylocke is hurting. But, maybe Warren will help with that. *wink wink* Character insight… how'd that get in there?? And angst?? Pshaw. I don't think so. Heh. -_- Seriously, you're too sweet!! More ROMYness to come, just be patient. - msqre: Hope you're not like me… I spilt on my computer last time I tried to do that. Heh. My mom was less than pleased – to say the least. Captivating?? Aw, shucks. *blushes* You're too kind. Yeah, to have a diary entry wouldn't have made sense, glad you understand. :) Never been accused of fast updates before, thanks!! - Aro: Damn. Every time I think you've written a long review, you come back with one that's even LONGER!! How does she do it?? :P Firstly, you're TOO sweet. *ears turn red* No school?? Lucky!! Remy's a good guy. He even made an appearance this chappy, despite being comatose. Now that's skillful. You know you're tired when you can't remember the name of your own stories. Heh. :) Chocolate covered pretzels… I'm eating some RIGHT NOW!! Yum!! I know pickles are full of sodium, but I hate the taste of salt. It's brine – it tastes completely different. I LOVE all OLIVES!! Black and green. Yummy!! Need more CHANGES!! You're li'l teaser was EVIL because now I'm even more obsessed than before!! YOU SUCK!! Argh. Evil cliffy. *pouts* But, I still LOVE you!! What can I say, Baywatch is the ultimate guy show. I'm saying nothing… maybe she did, maybe she didn't. I may address it later… we'll see. How's that for ominous. I'm not much for action figures… but some people really seem into it. *author shrugs* Whatever floats your boat I guess. They should always have Gambit tho. It should be a law. Of course you give me good reading material. Quite entertaining. :-D About the whole waking up thing… you're probly gonna have to wait 'til chapter 11 or so. And even then, Remy may not say anything about what he heard. But I've said too much. I figured the sentence thing would be some good comic relief, considering the amount of angst their feeling. And this chappy was ANGST filled – poor Scotty. *shakes head sadly* Jean got all mushy 'cause, uhm, she was one of the first students, I guess. I'm pretty sure Kitty was crying too. *author shrugs* Maybe it was just that time of the month. Well, she did kinda go crazy, no more than most tho. Hehe. Self-Possessed was a killer episode – one of my favorites 'cause it was reminiscent of TAS "A Rogue's Tale" but cooler. Wow. REALLY glad you liked the chappy. You're not a fool, you're just misunderstood. No worries. I've had some writers block as of late, so it's a good thing I don't upload all at once. HA!! - Nie Starwhistler: Well, I like your username, even if it is just an inside joke. :) Thanks for reviewing. Glad you liked it. - Shockgoddess: I did read it!! He spent the night?? ^_- Hmm… wonder what they did?? YAY!! You liked it!! *author smiles like a loon while people in the library look at her funny and back away slowly* Rogue's actually gonna get some help from another telepath… we just haven't met him yet. :P Stadium rocks is from the cartoon "Kim Possible" on Disney Channel. Ron says it. Nice concert tho – Bon Jovi is hella tight. :) You're TOO sweet!! - Lady Sir Henry Morgan: Phew. You understand. *wipes brow comically* YAY!! I'm original. :) Yep, poor Bishop. But he's not particularly unhappy, his future just sucked in general. They'll wake up… in a few chappies. First we have to have some angst. Fun, right?? :P - Katrina5: It won't be for a while. Maddie and anything else, er, Sinister, will not be happening for a li'l while. -_- Tessa was good, thank Gawd!! I was really worried 'cause she's kinda hard to characterize. The charade of Remy and Betsy had to end. They were just fed up with each other. And who could blame them?? Aw, you're UBER sweet to offer to help me out. I may take you up on that. :) - Klinoa: That's MM for ya. He's the Oreo man. Or so I've read. You're so right, I should be worshiped. *reader rolls eyes and walks away* O-kay… maybe not. You're UBER kind and sweet, thank you. - Jukebox: That's the astral plane, a wild trip. Like being on drugs. Not that I would know. *looks over shoulder for cops* :P Anyway, thank you!! And as for the wake up scene, Remy may not mention all that he heard… but I can't say too much!! Just wait and see. :) - SickmindedSucker: I'm kinda pale 'cause my dad was kinda pale for a Costa Rican. If I tan, then I get HELLA dark, but I hardly ever do, so I'm usually relatively pale. And I don't have a Hispanic accent when I speak English, 'course I have a perfect Spanish accent. My teacher was just a fool. [ And that's the nice way of putting it. That's right, damn that Phoenix!! I know that Tessa speaking was a life altering event, but hey, at least we got a li'l character development. :P Thanks!! - RahneMan: Sorry 'bout the no Rahne/Doug-ness. On the upside, I decided he will be making an appearance. As Douglock tho. I'm actually quite proud of what I've mapped out for the New Mutants in their next cameo. :-D About Illyana… you'll just have to wait and see. But she will be the focus of Piotr's chappy, with a li'l Kitty thrown in for good measure. -_- We'll see what'll happen if the NM and Hellions ever battle. Well, actually they already did, as you can tell by this chappy, but I mean if I ever write a battle scene for them. And about Lockheed… ya never know. If aliens show up at all, he may accompany them. *author shrugs* Nobody knows at this point, not even me!! W00T back atcha!! - Reese Cup: YAY!! A new reviewer. And I'm cool. *reader looks at author funny* Oh, you meant the story. I knew that. Hehe. Thanks a lot!! - Winter Fire: Aw, thanks. I think… :P Bittersweet is the truth. But isn't that their entire relationship in one word?? Resolution will come, along with more complications. As is the world, right?? You're UBER sweet!! Thanks. I'm REALLY happy you liked it. :) - evanescence kicks ass: You're back!! YAY!! And thanks for the compliments. Falling out is a nice way of putting it. I'd say bitchy break up. :P The twist in action. Hehe. You're TOO kind!! But, hey, I'll take what I can get. - Ishandahalf: You're an amazing reviewer, know that?? I mean, they're LO-OO-OO-NG!! Whoa. So, moving on… I made you happy?? YAY!! *blushes* You're TOO kind. Astral plane fun!! Hehe. I'm glad you liked it. I thought it would be exciting. The blushing thing – a li'l OOC, but it was kinda a personal thing that Mastermind drudged up, ya know?? ^_- And Bets is jealous, but it won't last. Wait 'til they wake up… things, they'll be a-changin'. She knew that Remy was using her, they never said it, but it was kinda like a tacit agreement. Betsy just got fed up with being perpetually ignored for Rogue. And who could blame her?? Mental picture fun!! :P Hehe. You said pissiness. Hehe. I know the challenge thing has been done, but it's totally cannon. And c'mon, ya knew it had to happen. Glad you liked my li'l twist thing. *backs away from an exuberant Ish* Yeah, it is embarrassing, but she won't know… right away. Heart-wrenching, huh?? I can't imagine why. :-D If you're happy, I'm happy. After he wakes up, feet sweeping will commence, promise. I know I'm evil, but I wanted to get some Scott angst in. And some other stuff, like a Muir Island introduction. Oops, said too much. You read my mind about the tell her thingy. He's not gonna, but of course she'll find out. Drama-rama. - Remy's Ange: Ya can't read chapter 11, especially since I haven't finished it yet. Or started it for that matter. I'm just wrapping up chapter 10… which I'm quite proud of 'cause we get to visit Muir Island. Funfun. :) Remy and Tessa love!! YAY!! Tessa and Bishop, the couple that should, but NEVER does. So much sexual tension!! I'm curious to see if there's anymore of that in XXM#40. What can I say about Remy and Betsy 'cept that it's OVER and Remy's not as smooth as he thought he was. :P OMG!! I totally know what you mean about the loading thingy!! I HATE THAT!! Stupid FF.net!! *author looks over shoulder praying that she isn't booted off the site* Poor Evo Scott. This was his time to shine, to answer your question about how he's dealing. I gave him a world of angst. He'll be back at the Institute next chappy, semi-recovered. But in Wolvie's chappy we'll see things aren't as good as they seem. That'll be a li'l while tho – like 5 or 6 chappies… not really sure yet. - Lightspeed Suzuka: Oh, yeah. I'm smooth. *reader deadpans* Oh, did you mean the chappy? Right. I knew that. Salvador rocks my world!! Very exciting. :-D As for Igor, he does a nice Rogue, but an AWFUL Remy. *pouts* Actually, I really like his Bishop too. Much, MUCH better haircut. Uncanny's back baby!! :P Hehe. Thanks for the fun review. - catz: New reviewer!! FUN!! :P Thanks for commenting. -_- Makes me UBER happy. Hope the wait wasn't too bad. - The Rogue Witch: Thought that one was sad?? I think this chappy was sadder. More sad?? Grammar was never really my thing. :P Good ROMY?? Thanks!! :) - Girl Number 1: Aw, shucks. You're too kind!! *blushes* YAY!! You understand. *does a happy dance* Cheerleader shame, I know – but I'm not a prep, I SWEAR!! :P YAY!! You're updating!! Love it all!! I know, so many reviews. *blushes even harder* This is my most popular story to date. -_- Dedicating to me, thanks!! - Rogue77: Yep, Remy knows all. Ain't I evil?? :P ROMYness to come, few chappies away still. But it won't be perfect… it never is. I think there might be a smile or two in Tessa's future, we'll just have to wait and see. -_- Computers for the logical minded – pun intended in the story. I'm just tacky like that. *shrugs* Can't help it. Not exactly sure when the Betsy/Warren stuff'll get more serious… definite friendship tho. Fo' sho'!! Wake up?? Chapter 10. With some fun Muir Island stuff. :P But I've said enough about THAT. :) Glad you understand!! YAY!! And love to angsty Scott. He'll be making another appearance in Logan's chappy. I like him. :-D TAS was da bomb baby!! Like my retro lingo?? Rambling amusement. Gotta love it. EVIL CLIFFY!! I can't wait for more "Depressed Remy" 'cause it TOALLY rules baby!! I like Paint too, she's hella tight. Tho, I'm not a fan of Rogue's "tattoos" from her… I think they're kinda ugly. P LOVE Pirates too!! Isn't Orlando Bloom such a babe?? *sigh* My mother is not crazy!! A bitch sometimes, but crazy?? Nah. I'll keep that family title thank you.