Kitty ignored Port's comment, snatching her CD away from Monster. "How did you know what Kurt did with this?" she asked.

"Because it wasn't Kurt," began Port, until Amp covered his mouth.

"You must excuse Portal," she said. "He has no understanding of manners."

Or secrets, Monster agreed, narrowing her eyes at him. Portal wilted slightly, but didn't seem to be too distressed.

'Sorry. But that is the only reason why you'd be so – so irritated about her,' he thought.

Jean looked at them both, surprised. She had thought that the X-men trusted Professor Xavier completely, but none of them would appreciate his listening uninvited to their thoughts. But these people accepted it as usual with Monster…

Jean's a telepath, too. So is the Professor. Could you please try not to leave them with more questions about us? Monster sent wearily.

Portal looked slightly embarrassed. "Sure."

Rogue had stepped into the room while everyone was busy paying attention to Portal, and immediately went over to Kurt's side. "Hey, Kurt, you alraht?" she asked softly.

Kurt stirred, and slowly opened his eyes. "Rogue," he whispered. Then his eyes widened as he looked behind her. "Vat are zey doing here?" he yelped.

"Good to see you too, Imp," said Portal dryly. Monster pulled a face.

Healer, does he need your help any more?

"No," the blonde shook her head.

Then we can leave.

Portal rolled his eyes. "Your wish is my command, Milady," he said theatrically, gesturing at the air – which opened to reveal another shimmering circle.

My wish is to go home, came the tart response. Monster shuddered. After a whole fortnight spent around D'Cornay, I think I've earned it.

"Duckorny?" tried Jean, looking puzzled.

"D'Cornay," Amp corrected her. "It means mutant-haters."

"And you shouldn't use it," Healer said to Monster. "It's very rude!"

Monster stared at her for a moment. If you weren't so sweet-and-innocent, I'd have throttled you by now.

Portal smirked. "You aren't the only one," he muttered. "But ZeeGee would kill you for it."

Monster sighed. Couldn't anyway. I'm supposed to set a good example for the dear ickle kiddies.

"Kiddies?" asked Kurt in surprise.

"Yeah, Cat's had twins! And they've already got their powers!" Portal told him.

"VHAT?"

"And Frost's getting on well with Forecast –"

Can I please be allowed to ignore the fact that my uncle is starting a 'full' relationship for one day? Monster griped.

"Nope! And Amp here's gotten married, too! And Vines has started dating Shield, and –"

Why are you trying to cram several years worth of gossip into minutes? Monster asked dryly. She looked at Kurt. It's not as if he doesn't know where to meet up with us if he wants to talk.

Portal looked at her, and sighed. 'Fine, I'll shut up.'

About time.

Healer looked over at Kurt. "So will you be coming to the ceremony this year?"