* * * * * * * *
"Alright, Chuck, what's going on here?" Logan asked loudly. "Why've you got us all here like this? Better have a good reason to interrupt our game." The short man known to his teammates as Wolverine stood in the Danger Room with the other X- Men, sweat glistening on his hairy, leathery skin. He definitely lived up to his feral name. That's why it was so surprising that he was such a valuable member of the team. "Just about to kick Gumbo and Popsicles' asses at two-on-two." He added, an almost evil glare in his icey blue eyes. He turned to the others and grinned maddeningly.
""Scuze me?" Remy LeBeau interjected. The tall, handsome, former thief known as Gambit raised his eyebrows. "Who was 'bout to kick whose ass, old man? You and Bishop were down 8 points. You run outta claws to count, or what?" His grinned with all the charm that he was capable of portraying, which was quite a lot. His smooth Cajun accent added to his aura of mystery, along with his eyes-glowing energy red and black. It always baffled people at first, but the others were used to it.
Logan growled. "Maybe if Bish would learn to stop foulin' people. Of course, Drake does whine like a little baby whenever someone puts a finger on him."
"Hey!" Bobby Drake, AKA Iceman, yelled. "I do not! And anyway, Bishop cheats! It's a wonder I could get a shot off without him all over me." He was the youngest on the team, and hated anyone thinking he was weaker in any sort of way then everyone else.
Bishop narrowed his eyes at Bobby. He was a huge man, nearly seven feet tall, but because he was from a future where many things that people take for granted did not exist, such as basketball, there were things he did not understand and were still learning about. Looming over him, the dark man said in a deep voice, "I do not cheat. I failed to understand all the rules to that foolish game. You were probably just making them up as you went along, Drake."
Both Logan and Remy were about to break into the conversation when the Professor sent a telepathic suggestion through all of them. All four men froze in their tracks. "Enough!" He said. "Your four will reframe from speaking to each other from now until this meeting is concluded. Is that understood?"
The four men glanced at each other, but remained silent, even Logan. It was not like the Professor to get so emotional. Whatever he had called them there for must be pretty important. Charles settled back, turning his attention away from the four of them, and stared out over the entire group of his X-Men. "Now," he began, "the reason I have asked all of you here is"- he paused upon realizing something. "Has anyone seen Scott and Jean?"
Warren Worthington, the X-Man known as Archangel, cleared his throat. "They...uh...said that they were going out of town. Jean said that they would back tomorrow morning. Guess they forgot to tell you."
Bobby snickered loudly, and whistled. Logan gave him a sharp jab in the ribs, to shut him up. "Ow!" Bobby muttered, giving the man a dirty look and rubbing his now sore chest, but closed his mouth after glancing at Charles. He knew the professor rarely made idle threats.
"Well," he continued. "We will simply have to proceed without them. Now as I was saying, the reason that I have asked you here so suddenly is that something...distasteful has been brought to my attention. If you haven't already noticed, Storm is also not present. I thought it best that way, considering she is the reason I must address the rest of you."
Gambit stood up straight, alarm registering in his face. "There ain't nothin' wrong wit' her is there?" He asked, obviously worried about his best friend.
Charles held up a hand. "Do not be alarmed, Remy. She is not injured, if that is what you mean. But certainly she is far from fine."
"Then what's wrong with her?" Logan growled, not liking this beating around the bush game. He was a very direct person who liked answers immediately.
Charles sighed, not exactly sure how to proceed. "She is pregnant." He began, pausing to judge their reactions.
For a second, no one said anything. Everyone's jaws dropped open at the unexpected news, obviously quite shocked. Logan was the first to recover. "Did you just say that Storm's pregnant, Chuck? Or do I need to start shoppin' for a hearing aid?"
Charles nodded his head. "Indeed I did, Logan. She went to see Hank complaining of nausea and dizziness. As a precaution, he gave her a pregnancy test, and it came up positive. She is approximately five weeks along."
Suddenly, the silence was forgotten, and everyone was talking at once. Gambit stood there in a daze, unable to believe what he was hearing. How could she not tell me something like this? I didn't even know that she was involved with anyone. He frowned, his mind full of confusion, and cleared his throat loudly. Everyone stopped talking and turned to him. "Um...'scuze me for interrupting, but there somethin' I gotta know." He turned to the professor. "Who be the father here, professor?"
Once again, the room became completely quiet, as all eyes turned to Charles. He frowned and turned to Hank. He nodded, silently acknowledging that he understood what must be said. "Ororo has informed me," Hank began, "that she does not know who the father of her baby is. In fact, she has no memory of a relationship that could have produced this child in the necessary time frame."
If everyone had been shocked before, that jolt was replaced by one stronger ten fold. "What?!" Bobby exclaimed. "She doesn't know who the father is?!"
"But how can that be possible?" Warren added.
Hank paused, biting his lower lip nervously. "Well, that is why the professor and I have asked all of you here..."
Bobby's face turned from shocked to confused. "I don't get it, professor. How could we possibly know who the father of Storm's kid is? I mean, if she doesn't know, how could we?" A general murmur of agreement echoed throughout the room.
Logan, however, remained silent. He may not have genius level intelligence like Beast and Chuck, but he smelled what they were up to. And it smelled awful. Eyes narrowed, he made his way from behind everyone else to where Hank and the professor were watching the reaction of the other X-Men. He stood over the professor's hoverchair glaring at him for a second before slamming his hands down on the chair. He was practically nose- to-nose with the man. "I get what's goin' on here, Chuck. And I don't like it one bit."
Charles' face turned grim being so near the man. "Please, Logan, do not overreact"- He began.
Logan growled and spun around to face the others. "Don't you get it?" He said. "Chuck and Hank here think that someone got Storm pregnant." He stopped, frowning, and added, "Without her bein' aware of it."
Silence filled the Danger Room once more. There seemed to be no end to the shock today. Kurt Wagner, known to his friends as Nightcrawler, was the first to break the quiet. "Mein Gott," he exclaimed. "Are you suggesting that Storm was raped, professor?" His solid yellow eyes filled with horror, as Charles' silence seemed to confirm Kurt's statement.
"Oh mah Gawd..." Rogue said, covering her mouth. "That's horrible...But who could have done such a thing?"
Gambit turned and headed for the door. "I'm goin' to see Stormy right now."
The professor froze him in his tracks with hardly more than a thought. "I am afraid you will have to stay here for now, Gambit. You can see her shortly, but first we must conclude this."
He turned around and glared at the man with his unnerving black and red eyes, clearly angry. "She needs me, damnit!" He yelled.
Logan growled, and grabbed the Cajun by the collar of his long overcoat. "Don't you listen, Gumbo?" He exclaimed, shaking him none too gently. "Chuck and Hank think that one of us here raped Ro and got her pregnant!"
Remy's face turned from angry to stunned as Logan released him. He staggered back a few steps. "You don't...You can't..." He stammered, shaking his head. "You don't really think that one of us could do somethin' like that, do you?"
"It's just that, well..." Charles began, but was unable to finish. How could he possibly confirm that he was, at least, considering that such a thing had happened?
Hank broke in, "We must explore every possibility, however unlikely, my friend. As of now, Storm obviously just wants answers. As her friends, it is up to us to do everything possible to give them to her."
Bobby sprang to his feet. "I think this whole thing is sick!" He said in a squeaky voice, clearly angry. "How could Storm even think that one of us would rape her? We're her friends for Christ's sake!"
"Please, Robert, try and understand"- Charles started
"I think Drake's right," Warren interjected, also getting to his feet. "I sympathize with Storm's situation and all, but accusing us crosses the line. She has no right to realize that she made a mistake one night or whatever, and then try to blame us for it."
Remy hardly wasted a second, swiftly moving until he was face-to- face with the man. "You better watch your mout', homme. If 'Roro say that she don't know how this happen, then that the way it is. She'd not suggest something unless she thought it true." Anger dripped from his voice, but Worthington was neither surprised nor intimidated.
"Don't even try threatening me, LeBeau," he said, shoving him away. "And it's no surprise you're sticking up for her, you're probably responsible for this whole thing. What happened? She wasn't falling for your charm? Did you have to get a little more insistent? Then what, did you feel guilty and erase the whole thing from her mind?"
If Logan had not been right there to grab him, Remy would have sent the four charged playing cards he held right at Warren's head before he would have even had the opportunity to blink. Logan, probably the only X-Man whose reflexes were faster than those of the Cajun himself, sprang forward and seized Gambit by his arms, pulling him backward. "Don't even try it, Cajun," he growled. "Not worth losing your head over."
Gambit twisted away, eyes blazing. He looked mad enough to spit his charged kinetic energy at the man, without even having to bother with the cards he often used. "I ain't the one gonna lose my head. Don't know one 'cuse me of somethin' like that. 'Specially 'bout Stormy."
Warren took a step toward him, but his wife Betsy blocked his way. Betsy Braddock-Worthington, the kitana ninja known as Psylocke, held up a hand. "No, Warren. Stop right now. I will not allow you to get into a fight over this."
Gambit gave the man a cocky, dangerous grin. "Guess we know who wear the pants in that relationship."
The professor hovered his chair over between his feuding team. "Both of you will end this right now. Accusations and petty bickering will get us no where." He gave both Warren and Remy a stern look, almost daring either of them to contradict him. Both remained silent, however sullen. "All I am asking of you is to allow me access to the regions of your minds that contain short term memory. If you are hiding nothing, then you have nothing to fear. I assure each of you that I will not venture any farther than your activities in the last month and a half."
"This is stupid." Bobby said, crossing his arms. "How can we call ourselves a team and a family if we don't trust each other?" He paused, and frowned. "I, for one, don't want to be a part of any team that has someone on it that would accuse me of raping her."
Professor Xavier sighed, and shook his head. "I will certainly not force any of you to submit to this. But please realize that it is for the betterment of the team that you do. One of your own needs your support and understanding right now. I realize your feelings, Robert, and I do not blame you for them. But try, if you can, to put yourself in Ororo's place. She is certainly more shocked and confused by this than anyone. And I have a duty to help her find the answers that she needs."
Bishop, who had remained silent up until now, stepped forward. "I agree with the professor. Proper police procedure in any situation like this would call for anyone and everyone to be interrogated."
Logan snorted. "This ain't a cop movie, Bish," he said. "But you're right. If I was in Ro's place, I'd be doin' the same thing." He turned to the professor. "I got nothing to hide, Chuck. Go ahead and scan away."
"This may take some time, Logan, to do a thorough job. I think it would best for all of those that are voluntarily allowing me to search their minds to accompany me back to my study. I would prefer to carry this out one person at a time."
"Fine," Remy said, heading for the door. "You do what you have to, professor, 'cept I'm goin' first. We goin' to get this over right now so I can go see Stormy." He didn't even wait for a reply or for the others to follow him as he headed out of the Danger Room, and straight towards the study.
Warren watched him go, eyes narrowed. "I still don't trust him," he muttered, "but if he has something to do with this, then it's between him and Storm." He turned to Betsy, and said, "I, too, have nothing to hide, so I don't have a problem with having my mind scanned. Are you coming with me, dear?" She nodded and took his hand, and they headed out with Bishop and Nightcrawler close behind.
Rogue shrugged, looking around nervously. "Well, I think it would be kinda silly for you to bother with me, so maybe I'll just go see if Storm needs anything."
Logan turned to Bobby. "You comin', kid?"
Bobby frowned. "I still don't like this; I totally think it's wrong, but I'll do it." He continued to scowl as he followed the rest of the team in the direction of the study.
Logan turned to the professor and Hank. "You don't really think anything is going to come of this, do you?"
Hank and Charles glanced at each other, and sighed sadly. "No, I do not," the professor said. "I trust everyone here, and I feel that I know all of you well enough to know that none of you would do something like this. But as I said, I have a responsibility to Storm, and I must do everything possible to help her."
Logan nodded, eyes narrowed. "So since it probably weren't one of us that supplied the kid, the question remains, who did?"
* * * * * * * *
Although it was hardly the middle of the afternoon, Storm's loft bedroom was nearly pitch black when Remy walked in. All the windows had the shades drawn, and even the skylight had been blocked of all light. His eyes were far better than the average person's, however, and they instantly adjusted to the dark. Outside, Remy heard a distant roll of thunder, one he could easily guess was caused by Storm's mood. "Stormy?" he called, eyes falling on the bed where she sat.
She didn't look up. She had expected that he would come here sooner or later. Half of her was glad that he was here, as she desperately wanted to be comforted by him, but the other half simply wanted to be left alone, not wanting to muster the courage to face him. Although she could not see as well as he in the dark, she could sense when he was near. And she knew that he would not leave without a fight. "Leave me alone, Remy." Ororo said into the darkness. Even to herself, her voice sounded more bitter than she had intended.
He flinched slightly, not used to being turned away by his best friend. But he was certainly not going to abide by her. He doubted that was what she really wanted, anyway. Without saying another word, he made his way over to her bed, past the rows upon rows of the plants and flowers Storm loved. Some were common houseplants that any person might have, and some were very rare and exotic looking creations. In one corner, a very foreign looking orange plant that vaguely resembled a fern grew. It had been a gift from the Shi'ar empress Lilandra, and only grew in remote sections of the Shi'ar homeworld. Remy knew that the rare alien plant was one of Ororo's favorites. He also knew where every single one of these plants was arranged in her room, and even if he had not been able to see anything in the darkness, he would have easily been able to navigate his way around. Her plants were as much as part of Ororo as her ability to control the weather. And no one knew her better than he. That was why he was so concerned and confused about this whole thing.
Storm was sitting on her bed as perfectly calm as Remy had ever seen her. She looked as if everything were perfectly normal, as if nothing at all was happening. He frowned, wondering if she was in shock. Not sure what to say or do, he simply stood there, staring at her. He was almost relieved when she turned to him, even though the expression on her face was less than inviting. "I thought I asked you to leave." She said, anger flashing in her eyes.
Remy sat down on the corner of the bed, undeterred by her words. "You did."
"Then why, may I ask, are you still here?"
Smiling slightly at her, he said, "You know me well 'nough to know the answer to that question."
Storm looked away from him. "If you truly wish to help me you will abide by my wishes and leave me alone."
He moved closer to her, studying her face. If she really wanted him gone, she had the power to do that. His instincts told him that she didn't actually want him to. "I don't think you really want me to leave. You need someone to talk to, and you know it."
Storm sighed, somewhat irritably. "I will be fine. You needn't be so concerned for my welfare."
Remy moved even closer so that he was sitting right next to his friend. "I'm not leavin'." He informed her.
Her voice grew even more exasperated. "Why must you always be so stubborn?"
He took her hand. "'Cause I care 'bout you and want to help you."
She pulled away. "I do not need either your help nor company. And if you care as much as you say, than you will leave me in peace!"
He flinched again, her words cutting him deeply. He was used to being hurt by anyone and everyone, but not Storm. She just never spoke to him this way. "Why you bein' like this, 'Roro? Why won't you let me help you?" He frowned and shook his head. "This ain't like you, chere."
She turned to him once again, her face softer this time. For a few seconds she simply looked at him, as if she were studying him, memorizing the details of his face and body. It made him nervous. He didn't like to be inspected by people, even if it was his best friend. Finally, her gaze was averted and she rested her hand on his. "I am sorry, Remy. I had no cause to speak to you like that."
He squeezed her hand gently. "S'okay, chere. I know you upset. I want to help you."
She sighed and closed her eyes. For a minute, she didn't respond, simply sat quietly, her head rested against the back of the bed. "I am afraid there is nothing you can do, my friend."
"What happened, Stormy?" Remy asked. It was not a question he had intended on asking, but the words simply slipped out before he could stop them.
She opened her eyes and smiled sadly at her friend. "If I had the answer to that question, I would not be in this situation. And for the sake of the Goddess, do not call me by that name! I am not in the mood."
Remy frowned slightly. "Why didn't you come to me first, chere? I would 'ave torn apart Heaven and Hell to find you some answers. I can't understand what led you to think that you was raped by one of us."
Storm sighed again, more forcefully, and stood up. "What was I supposed to think?" She said angrily, folding her arms across her chest. "How else could this have happened, Remy? If you have any suggestions I will be more than happy to entertain them."
Remy shook his head. "I don't know, 'Roro. I don't know what happened to you. But I do know that no one here would rape you. They jus' wouldn't do that. I think you know that too."
Storm stared at him for a minute, pacing back and forth near the bed, her faced filled with frustration and anger. Then, without warning, she stopped and began to cry. For a second, Remy simply gawked at her. He could never remember seeing her cry as an adult. Even when he had known her as a child, she had been very brave even in the most hopeless of situations. He went to her, helping her back to the bed. "Don't cry, petite," he whispered, wrapping his arms around her. "It gonna be okay. We get through dis." For a second, it almost seemed as though they were transported back to when she had been the younger of the two, and he would comfort her whenever she was afraid.
Storm looked up at him, her eyes wet with tears. "Oh, Remy. Why did this happen to me?"
He shook his head, not sure how to respond. "I don't know, chere. I really don't. If I did, I'd know what to do. But we get through this. I promise. I ain't never broken a promise to you before, have I?"
She shook her head. "No, I don't believe you have." Briefly, the thought passed through Storm's head that he had used the word "promise" rather than "lie." Although as far as she knew, he had never broken a promise to her, certainly he had lied to her before. She sat up in bed, and dried her eyes. She would have no more of this. Tears and feelings of pity for herself would not solve any problems. "You are right, my friend," she said. "I will get through this. Certainly, crying isn't doing me any good. I must start thinking about this logically, without letting my emotions get in the way."
Remy smiled at her, cupping her chin in his hand. "There's no shame in crying, petite. It good to see you let down that whole "goddess wall" of yours once in a while."
"It is not something I normally do," she replied. "It is better for the sake of the weather that I keep my emotions in check." In the dark, Remy watched as her hands drifted down to rest on her stomach. It amazed him that there could really be a life growing in there. Could she feel it, or was it too soon? He couldn't even begin to fathom the choices and questions that lay ahead for his friend. If nothing else, her life would never be the same again. Probably none of their lives would. He moved his hand to her stomach as well, their eyes meeting as he did.
"You gonna keep the baby, aren't you?" Remy whispered solemnly. He wasn't asking so much as confirming the fact. The answer was obvious in her face, but she said it aloud anyway.
"Yes, I am," Ororo replied, looking into her friend's eyes for a reaction. She wasn't sure what to expect, but Remy's expression did not change. If anything, it softened, and she was slightly surprised when he squeezed her hand.
"You been thinking 'bout this all day, huh?"
She nodded slowly. "Perhaps it is not the wisest of decisions. I don't know. But I have put a lot of thought into it in the last several hours, and it just seems like the right thing to do."
Remy nodded. "Even if it not have a daddy?"
Ororo raised her eyebrows at the unexpected question. He didn't seem to be arguing her decision, however, just voicing a concern. "Certainly," she said, "this will not be the first child to be raised without a father. You were raised without a mother and you turned out reasonably fine." Remy smiled at that, but Storm continued. "And I spent the majority of my life parentless. I will simply have to do the best that I can alone. I think because I don't know who the father is, it is even more important that I raise it myself."
"Stormy-I mean, 'Roro," Remy began, a serious look crossing his face, "when I say that I be there for you, I mean it. I be your baby's daddy if you let me."
Although she wasn't sure why, his words didn't really surprise her. Storm pulled Remy to her, resting her head on his, trying to alleviate some of the weight that she felt pressing against her. "That is the most selfless and generous thing I have ever heard you say, Remy," she mumbled into his soft auburn colored hair. "But I cannot ask you to do that. It is not your responsibility."
"That not the point, chere," he replied. "And you not asking me, I'm asking you to let me."
"I do not think you comprehend what an undertaking raising a child is. I simply cannot allow you to take on the responsibility of becoming a father. However, I would like it very much if you would agree to be my child's godfather."
Remy broke away, and looked up, his eyes glowing. "You mean that?" He asked excitedly.
She smiled, glad that the position delighted him so. "Of course I mean it. I take it, then, that you accept?"
"Absolutely." He said, hugging her close. "It would be an honor, chere."
"You always make me feel better, you know that?" She was comforted by the fact that Remy was not only not angry about what had happened, but that he actually supported her decision.
"That what I here for, petite." He said, kissing her cheek. "Now, you don't worry 'bout nothin' else for now, 'kay? We worry 'bout how this happen later. For now, you jus' relax and let me take care of you."
"Well, if you insist." Storm said, leaning back against her pillow.
"You need anything, Stormy?"
She thought for a moment, not wanting the opportunity to be waited on by the man to be passed up. "I suppose I could use something to drink. Orange juice would be nice." She sighed, "I suppose I shall have to lay off the coffee for awhile."
Remy nodded seriously and stood up. "That right, chere. No coffee, no booze, no heavy lifting, no bending over, none of that."
She gave him a look with those penetrating sky blue eyes of hers. "I already do not drink alcohol. And as far as lifting and bending over, I am pregnant, not an invalid."
"You probably have to get some of those real ugly pregnant dresses, too, chere. I go wit' you and help you pick 'em out."
"You are lucky that it is dark and I cannot see you." She called from across the room. He laughed and quickly left the room, closing the door behind him.
Down in the kitchen, Remy busied himself digging through the refrigerator looking for the carton of orange juice. He marveled over some of the things that were in there, wondering how they managed to fit in all the actual food with the other crap. Chinese take-out containers, bottles of that Red Bull stuff which could only belong to Warren, an unopened bag of kelp and trail mix, (what the hell is kelp, anyway?) a half-eaten Scooby- Doo t.v. dinner that had to be Bobby's and even a box of Hank's ultimate weakness, twinkies. "Why are these in there?" He pondered. Perhaps it was because his mind was more preoccupied than usual, are maybe it was just that he was figuring out a way to sneak a twinkie without the ultra-observant Beast noticing, but for once in his life, Remy didn't hear someone standing behind him.
"How's she doing?" Logan asked.
Remy spun around, nearly flinging the carton of Tropicana across the room. "Jesus Christ!" He exclaimed, feeling his pulse race.
Logan grinned maddeningly. "Nope. Good guess, though. 9 out of 10 for effort."
"Don't sneak up on me like that!" He said, slamming a glass on the counter.
Logan shrugged. "Never could before. Kinda jumpy, aren't ya, Gumbo?"
"You think?"
Ignoring the obvious sarcasm, he replied, "Yeah, so, back to my question, how's Ro?"
Remy shrugged, shoving the carton of juice back into the unknown pit of forgotten foods. "She okay, I guess. At least she will be. She's obviously confused. More then anything she jus' want some answers. How did it go wit' the Prof?"
"Dead end. But then, did ya really expect it to go any other way?" He shook his head. "We ain't the ones responsible for this."
"Yeah, well..."Remy shrugged, grabbing the glass of juice. "I'm not gonna rest 'til I find out who is. I owe it to Stormy. I see you later, homme."
"Yeah." Logan watched him go, arms folded across the massive chest. "Hey, kid." He said, following Remy to the steps.
"Um..." he began, not sure how to say what was on his mind. "I just wanted to tell you, if you do find out who did this, and it ain't good, don't go getting yourself in too deep, all right?"
Remy stared at him for a second and cocked in eyebrow in mock curiosity. "You actually telling me not to get into a fight? You feeling all right, Logan?"
Logan frowned, and replied. "I just meant that you could be a real nice kid and save some of the meat for the rest of us. Mainly me. Ro's my friend, too, you know, and I ain't been able to kick no one's ass in awhile."
Remy grinned at him. "Not that sound more like you. Don't worry, mon ami, I save some of the fun for you."
"Thanks. I'll owe ya one."
"Sure." He replied, and then headed back upstairs. Logan watched him go, suspicious thoughts racing through his mind. That wasn't exactly what he had meant, but he didn't know how to say it any other way. The scenes of what Worthington had said back in the Danger Room replayed, and as much as Logan didn't want to admit it, what he had said made sense. It was possible that Gambit had charmed Storm into bed with him, and than erased the event from her mind. He had never been very clear about what, if any, mental powers he may have, and Logan always suspected that he was actually a lot more powerful then he led on. He also knew that the kid had built in psyonic shields, and was all but immune to psychic blasts. Could he have fooled everyone, even the Professor, about what had happened? Logan narrowed his eyes at the thought, but it made to much sense to ignore. Most of the time, he got along all right with Gambit. They were too alike for them not to. He knew the kid even looked up to him in a way. But he was by nature a suspicious person, and right at the moment, the Cajun was at the top of his list of suspects.
"Alright, Chuck, what's going on here?" Logan asked loudly. "Why've you got us all here like this? Better have a good reason to interrupt our game." The short man known to his teammates as Wolverine stood in the Danger Room with the other X- Men, sweat glistening on his hairy, leathery skin. He definitely lived up to his feral name. That's why it was so surprising that he was such a valuable member of the team. "Just about to kick Gumbo and Popsicles' asses at two-on-two." He added, an almost evil glare in his icey blue eyes. He turned to the others and grinned maddeningly.
""Scuze me?" Remy LeBeau interjected. The tall, handsome, former thief known as Gambit raised his eyebrows. "Who was 'bout to kick whose ass, old man? You and Bishop were down 8 points. You run outta claws to count, or what?" His grinned with all the charm that he was capable of portraying, which was quite a lot. His smooth Cajun accent added to his aura of mystery, along with his eyes-glowing energy red and black. It always baffled people at first, but the others were used to it.
Logan growled. "Maybe if Bish would learn to stop foulin' people. Of course, Drake does whine like a little baby whenever someone puts a finger on him."
"Hey!" Bobby Drake, AKA Iceman, yelled. "I do not! And anyway, Bishop cheats! It's a wonder I could get a shot off without him all over me." He was the youngest on the team, and hated anyone thinking he was weaker in any sort of way then everyone else.
Bishop narrowed his eyes at Bobby. He was a huge man, nearly seven feet tall, but because he was from a future where many things that people take for granted did not exist, such as basketball, there were things he did not understand and were still learning about. Looming over him, the dark man said in a deep voice, "I do not cheat. I failed to understand all the rules to that foolish game. You were probably just making them up as you went along, Drake."
Both Logan and Remy were about to break into the conversation when the Professor sent a telepathic suggestion through all of them. All four men froze in their tracks. "Enough!" He said. "Your four will reframe from speaking to each other from now until this meeting is concluded. Is that understood?"
The four men glanced at each other, but remained silent, even Logan. It was not like the Professor to get so emotional. Whatever he had called them there for must be pretty important. Charles settled back, turning his attention away from the four of them, and stared out over the entire group of his X-Men. "Now," he began, "the reason I have asked all of you here is"- he paused upon realizing something. "Has anyone seen Scott and Jean?"
Warren Worthington, the X-Man known as Archangel, cleared his throat. "They...uh...said that they were going out of town. Jean said that they would back tomorrow morning. Guess they forgot to tell you."
Bobby snickered loudly, and whistled. Logan gave him a sharp jab in the ribs, to shut him up. "Ow!" Bobby muttered, giving the man a dirty look and rubbing his now sore chest, but closed his mouth after glancing at Charles. He knew the professor rarely made idle threats.
"Well," he continued. "We will simply have to proceed without them. Now as I was saying, the reason that I have asked you here so suddenly is that something...distasteful has been brought to my attention. If you haven't already noticed, Storm is also not present. I thought it best that way, considering she is the reason I must address the rest of you."
Gambit stood up straight, alarm registering in his face. "There ain't nothin' wrong wit' her is there?" He asked, obviously worried about his best friend.
Charles held up a hand. "Do not be alarmed, Remy. She is not injured, if that is what you mean. But certainly she is far from fine."
"Then what's wrong with her?" Logan growled, not liking this beating around the bush game. He was a very direct person who liked answers immediately.
Charles sighed, not exactly sure how to proceed. "She is pregnant." He began, pausing to judge their reactions.
For a second, no one said anything. Everyone's jaws dropped open at the unexpected news, obviously quite shocked. Logan was the first to recover. "Did you just say that Storm's pregnant, Chuck? Or do I need to start shoppin' for a hearing aid?"
Charles nodded his head. "Indeed I did, Logan. She went to see Hank complaining of nausea and dizziness. As a precaution, he gave her a pregnancy test, and it came up positive. She is approximately five weeks along."
Suddenly, the silence was forgotten, and everyone was talking at once. Gambit stood there in a daze, unable to believe what he was hearing. How could she not tell me something like this? I didn't even know that she was involved with anyone. He frowned, his mind full of confusion, and cleared his throat loudly. Everyone stopped talking and turned to him. "Um...'scuze me for interrupting, but there somethin' I gotta know." He turned to the professor. "Who be the father here, professor?"
Once again, the room became completely quiet, as all eyes turned to Charles. He frowned and turned to Hank. He nodded, silently acknowledging that he understood what must be said. "Ororo has informed me," Hank began, "that she does not know who the father of her baby is. In fact, she has no memory of a relationship that could have produced this child in the necessary time frame."
If everyone had been shocked before, that jolt was replaced by one stronger ten fold. "What?!" Bobby exclaimed. "She doesn't know who the father is?!"
"But how can that be possible?" Warren added.
Hank paused, biting his lower lip nervously. "Well, that is why the professor and I have asked all of you here..."
Bobby's face turned from shocked to confused. "I don't get it, professor. How could we possibly know who the father of Storm's kid is? I mean, if she doesn't know, how could we?" A general murmur of agreement echoed throughout the room.
Logan, however, remained silent. He may not have genius level intelligence like Beast and Chuck, but he smelled what they were up to. And it smelled awful. Eyes narrowed, he made his way from behind everyone else to where Hank and the professor were watching the reaction of the other X-Men. He stood over the professor's hoverchair glaring at him for a second before slamming his hands down on the chair. He was practically nose- to-nose with the man. "I get what's goin' on here, Chuck. And I don't like it one bit."
Charles' face turned grim being so near the man. "Please, Logan, do not overreact"- He began.
Logan growled and spun around to face the others. "Don't you get it?" He said. "Chuck and Hank here think that someone got Storm pregnant." He stopped, frowning, and added, "Without her bein' aware of it."
Silence filled the Danger Room once more. There seemed to be no end to the shock today. Kurt Wagner, known to his friends as Nightcrawler, was the first to break the quiet. "Mein Gott," he exclaimed. "Are you suggesting that Storm was raped, professor?" His solid yellow eyes filled with horror, as Charles' silence seemed to confirm Kurt's statement.
"Oh mah Gawd..." Rogue said, covering her mouth. "That's horrible...But who could have done such a thing?"
Gambit turned and headed for the door. "I'm goin' to see Stormy right now."
The professor froze him in his tracks with hardly more than a thought. "I am afraid you will have to stay here for now, Gambit. You can see her shortly, but first we must conclude this."
He turned around and glared at the man with his unnerving black and red eyes, clearly angry. "She needs me, damnit!" He yelled.
Logan growled, and grabbed the Cajun by the collar of his long overcoat. "Don't you listen, Gumbo?" He exclaimed, shaking him none too gently. "Chuck and Hank think that one of us here raped Ro and got her pregnant!"
Remy's face turned from angry to stunned as Logan released him. He staggered back a few steps. "You don't...You can't..." He stammered, shaking his head. "You don't really think that one of us could do somethin' like that, do you?"
"It's just that, well..." Charles began, but was unable to finish. How could he possibly confirm that he was, at least, considering that such a thing had happened?
Hank broke in, "We must explore every possibility, however unlikely, my friend. As of now, Storm obviously just wants answers. As her friends, it is up to us to do everything possible to give them to her."
Bobby sprang to his feet. "I think this whole thing is sick!" He said in a squeaky voice, clearly angry. "How could Storm even think that one of us would rape her? We're her friends for Christ's sake!"
"Please, Robert, try and understand"- Charles started
"I think Drake's right," Warren interjected, also getting to his feet. "I sympathize with Storm's situation and all, but accusing us crosses the line. She has no right to realize that she made a mistake one night or whatever, and then try to blame us for it."
Remy hardly wasted a second, swiftly moving until he was face-to- face with the man. "You better watch your mout', homme. If 'Roro say that she don't know how this happen, then that the way it is. She'd not suggest something unless she thought it true." Anger dripped from his voice, but Worthington was neither surprised nor intimidated.
"Don't even try threatening me, LeBeau," he said, shoving him away. "And it's no surprise you're sticking up for her, you're probably responsible for this whole thing. What happened? She wasn't falling for your charm? Did you have to get a little more insistent? Then what, did you feel guilty and erase the whole thing from her mind?"
If Logan had not been right there to grab him, Remy would have sent the four charged playing cards he held right at Warren's head before he would have even had the opportunity to blink. Logan, probably the only X-Man whose reflexes were faster than those of the Cajun himself, sprang forward and seized Gambit by his arms, pulling him backward. "Don't even try it, Cajun," he growled. "Not worth losing your head over."
Gambit twisted away, eyes blazing. He looked mad enough to spit his charged kinetic energy at the man, without even having to bother with the cards he often used. "I ain't the one gonna lose my head. Don't know one 'cuse me of somethin' like that. 'Specially 'bout Stormy."
Warren took a step toward him, but his wife Betsy blocked his way. Betsy Braddock-Worthington, the kitana ninja known as Psylocke, held up a hand. "No, Warren. Stop right now. I will not allow you to get into a fight over this."
Gambit gave the man a cocky, dangerous grin. "Guess we know who wear the pants in that relationship."
The professor hovered his chair over between his feuding team. "Both of you will end this right now. Accusations and petty bickering will get us no where." He gave both Warren and Remy a stern look, almost daring either of them to contradict him. Both remained silent, however sullen. "All I am asking of you is to allow me access to the regions of your minds that contain short term memory. If you are hiding nothing, then you have nothing to fear. I assure each of you that I will not venture any farther than your activities in the last month and a half."
"This is stupid." Bobby said, crossing his arms. "How can we call ourselves a team and a family if we don't trust each other?" He paused, and frowned. "I, for one, don't want to be a part of any team that has someone on it that would accuse me of raping her."
Professor Xavier sighed, and shook his head. "I will certainly not force any of you to submit to this. But please realize that it is for the betterment of the team that you do. One of your own needs your support and understanding right now. I realize your feelings, Robert, and I do not blame you for them. But try, if you can, to put yourself in Ororo's place. She is certainly more shocked and confused by this than anyone. And I have a duty to help her find the answers that she needs."
Bishop, who had remained silent up until now, stepped forward. "I agree with the professor. Proper police procedure in any situation like this would call for anyone and everyone to be interrogated."
Logan snorted. "This ain't a cop movie, Bish," he said. "But you're right. If I was in Ro's place, I'd be doin' the same thing." He turned to the professor. "I got nothing to hide, Chuck. Go ahead and scan away."
"This may take some time, Logan, to do a thorough job. I think it would best for all of those that are voluntarily allowing me to search their minds to accompany me back to my study. I would prefer to carry this out one person at a time."
"Fine," Remy said, heading for the door. "You do what you have to, professor, 'cept I'm goin' first. We goin' to get this over right now so I can go see Stormy." He didn't even wait for a reply or for the others to follow him as he headed out of the Danger Room, and straight towards the study.
Warren watched him go, eyes narrowed. "I still don't trust him," he muttered, "but if he has something to do with this, then it's between him and Storm." He turned to Betsy, and said, "I, too, have nothing to hide, so I don't have a problem with having my mind scanned. Are you coming with me, dear?" She nodded and took his hand, and they headed out with Bishop and Nightcrawler close behind.
Rogue shrugged, looking around nervously. "Well, I think it would be kinda silly for you to bother with me, so maybe I'll just go see if Storm needs anything."
Logan turned to Bobby. "You comin', kid?"
Bobby frowned. "I still don't like this; I totally think it's wrong, but I'll do it." He continued to scowl as he followed the rest of the team in the direction of the study.
Logan turned to the professor and Hank. "You don't really think anything is going to come of this, do you?"
Hank and Charles glanced at each other, and sighed sadly. "No, I do not," the professor said. "I trust everyone here, and I feel that I know all of you well enough to know that none of you would do something like this. But as I said, I have a responsibility to Storm, and I must do everything possible to help her."
Logan nodded, eyes narrowed. "So since it probably weren't one of us that supplied the kid, the question remains, who did?"
* * * * * * * *
Although it was hardly the middle of the afternoon, Storm's loft bedroom was nearly pitch black when Remy walked in. All the windows had the shades drawn, and even the skylight had been blocked of all light. His eyes were far better than the average person's, however, and they instantly adjusted to the dark. Outside, Remy heard a distant roll of thunder, one he could easily guess was caused by Storm's mood. "Stormy?" he called, eyes falling on the bed where she sat.
She didn't look up. She had expected that he would come here sooner or later. Half of her was glad that he was here, as she desperately wanted to be comforted by him, but the other half simply wanted to be left alone, not wanting to muster the courage to face him. Although she could not see as well as he in the dark, she could sense when he was near. And she knew that he would not leave without a fight. "Leave me alone, Remy." Ororo said into the darkness. Even to herself, her voice sounded more bitter than she had intended.
He flinched slightly, not used to being turned away by his best friend. But he was certainly not going to abide by her. He doubted that was what she really wanted, anyway. Without saying another word, he made his way over to her bed, past the rows upon rows of the plants and flowers Storm loved. Some were common houseplants that any person might have, and some were very rare and exotic looking creations. In one corner, a very foreign looking orange plant that vaguely resembled a fern grew. It had been a gift from the Shi'ar empress Lilandra, and only grew in remote sections of the Shi'ar homeworld. Remy knew that the rare alien plant was one of Ororo's favorites. He also knew where every single one of these plants was arranged in her room, and even if he had not been able to see anything in the darkness, he would have easily been able to navigate his way around. Her plants were as much as part of Ororo as her ability to control the weather. And no one knew her better than he. That was why he was so concerned and confused about this whole thing.
Storm was sitting on her bed as perfectly calm as Remy had ever seen her. She looked as if everything were perfectly normal, as if nothing at all was happening. He frowned, wondering if she was in shock. Not sure what to say or do, he simply stood there, staring at her. He was almost relieved when she turned to him, even though the expression on her face was less than inviting. "I thought I asked you to leave." She said, anger flashing in her eyes.
Remy sat down on the corner of the bed, undeterred by her words. "You did."
"Then why, may I ask, are you still here?"
Smiling slightly at her, he said, "You know me well 'nough to know the answer to that question."
Storm looked away from him. "If you truly wish to help me you will abide by my wishes and leave me alone."
He moved closer to her, studying her face. If she really wanted him gone, she had the power to do that. His instincts told him that she didn't actually want him to. "I don't think you really want me to leave. You need someone to talk to, and you know it."
Storm sighed, somewhat irritably. "I will be fine. You needn't be so concerned for my welfare."
Remy moved even closer so that he was sitting right next to his friend. "I'm not leavin'." He informed her.
Her voice grew even more exasperated. "Why must you always be so stubborn?"
He took her hand. "'Cause I care 'bout you and want to help you."
She pulled away. "I do not need either your help nor company. And if you care as much as you say, than you will leave me in peace!"
He flinched again, her words cutting him deeply. He was used to being hurt by anyone and everyone, but not Storm. She just never spoke to him this way. "Why you bein' like this, 'Roro? Why won't you let me help you?" He frowned and shook his head. "This ain't like you, chere."
She turned to him once again, her face softer this time. For a few seconds she simply looked at him, as if she were studying him, memorizing the details of his face and body. It made him nervous. He didn't like to be inspected by people, even if it was his best friend. Finally, her gaze was averted and she rested her hand on his. "I am sorry, Remy. I had no cause to speak to you like that."
He squeezed her hand gently. "S'okay, chere. I know you upset. I want to help you."
She sighed and closed her eyes. For a minute, she didn't respond, simply sat quietly, her head rested against the back of the bed. "I am afraid there is nothing you can do, my friend."
"What happened, Stormy?" Remy asked. It was not a question he had intended on asking, but the words simply slipped out before he could stop them.
She opened her eyes and smiled sadly at her friend. "If I had the answer to that question, I would not be in this situation. And for the sake of the Goddess, do not call me by that name! I am not in the mood."
Remy frowned slightly. "Why didn't you come to me first, chere? I would 'ave torn apart Heaven and Hell to find you some answers. I can't understand what led you to think that you was raped by one of us."
Storm sighed again, more forcefully, and stood up. "What was I supposed to think?" She said angrily, folding her arms across her chest. "How else could this have happened, Remy? If you have any suggestions I will be more than happy to entertain them."
Remy shook his head. "I don't know, 'Roro. I don't know what happened to you. But I do know that no one here would rape you. They jus' wouldn't do that. I think you know that too."
Storm stared at him for a minute, pacing back and forth near the bed, her faced filled with frustration and anger. Then, without warning, she stopped and began to cry. For a second, Remy simply gawked at her. He could never remember seeing her cry as an adult. Even when he had known her as a child, she had been very brave even in the most hopeless of situations. He went to her, helping her back to the bed. "Don't cry, petite," he whispered, wrapping his arms around her. "It gonna be okay. We get through dis." For a second, it almost seemed as though they were transported back to when she had been the younger of the two, and he would comfort her whenever she was afraid.
Storm looked up at him, her eyes wet with tears. "Oh, Remy. Why did this happen to me?"
He shook his head, not sure how to respond. "I don't know, chere. I really don't. If I did, I'd know what to do. But we get through this. I promise. I ain't never broken a promise to you before, have I?"
She shook her head. "No, I don't believe you have." Briefly, the thought passed through Storm's head that he had used the word "promise" rather than "lie." Although as far as she knew, he had never broken a promise to her, certainly he had lied to her before. She sat up in bed, and dried her eyes. She would have no more of this. Tears and feelings of pity for herself would not solve any problems. "You are right, my friend," she said. "I will get through this. Certainly, crying isn't doing me any good. I must start thinking about this logically, without letting my emotions get in the way."
Remy smiled at her, cupping her chin in his hand. "There's no shame in crying, petite. It good to see you let down that whole "goddess wall" of yours once in a while."
"It is not something I normally do," she replied. "It is better for the sake of the weather that I keep my emotions in check." In the dark, Remy watched as her hands drifted down to rest on her stomach. It amazed him that there could really be a life growing in there. Could she feel it, or was it too soon? He couldn't even begin to fathom the choices and questions that lay ahead for his friend. If nothing else, her life would never be the same again. Probably none of their lives would. He moved his hand to her stomach as well, their eyes meeting as he did.
"You gonna keep the baby, aren't you?" Remy whispered solemnly. He wasn't asking so much as confirming the fact. The answer was obvious in her face, but she said it aloud anyway.
"Yes, I am," Ororo replied, looking into her friend's eyes for a reaction. She wasn't sure what to expect, but Remy's expression did not change. If anything, it softened, and she was slightly surprised when he squeezed her hand.
"You been thinking 'bout this all day, huh?"
She nodded slowly. "Perhaps it is not the wisest of decisions. I don't know. But I have put a lot of thought into it in the last several hours, and it just seems like the right thing to do."
Remy nodded. "Even if it not have a daddy?"
Ororo raised her eyebrows at the unexpected question. He didn't seem to be arguing her decision, however, just voicing a concern. "Certainly," she said, "this will not be the first child to be raised without a father. You were raised without a mother and you turned out reasonably fine." Remy smiled at that, but Storm continued. "And I spent the majority of my life parentless. I will simply have to do the best that I can alone. I think because I don't know who the father is, it is even more important that I raise it myself."
"Stormy-I mean, 'Roro," Remy began, a serious look crossing his face, "when I say that I be there for you, I mean it. I be your baby's daddy if you let me."
Although she wasn't sure why, his words didn't really surprise her. Storm pulled Remy to her, resting her head on his, trying to alleviate some of the weight that she felt pressing against her. "That is the most selfless and generous thing I have ever heard you say, Remy," she mumbled into his soft auburn colored hair. "But I cannot ask you to do that. It is not your responsibility."
"That not the point, chere," he replied. "And you not asking me, I'm asking you to let me."
"I do not think you comprehend what an undertaking raising a child is. I simply cannot allow you to take on the responsibility of becoming a father. However, I would like it very much if you would agree to be my child's godfather."
Remy broke away, and looked up, his eyes glowing. "You mean that?" He asked excitedly.
She smiled, glad that the position delighted him so. "Of course I mean it. I take it, then, that you accept?"
"Absolutely." He said, hugging her close. "It would be an honor, chere."
"You always make me feel better, you know that?" She was comforted by the fact that Remy was not only not angry about what had happened, but that he actually supported her decision.
"That what I here for, petite." He said, kissing her cheek. "Now, you don't worry 'bout nothin' else for now, 'kay? We worry 'bout how this happen later. For now, you jus' relax and let me take care of you."
"Well, if you insist." Storm said, leaning back against her pillow.
"You need anything, Stormy?"
She thought for a moment, not wanting the opportunity to be waited on by the man to be passed up. "I suppose I could use something to drink. Orange juice would be nice." She sighed, "I suppose I shall have to lay off the coffee for awhile."
Remy nodded seriously and stood up. "That right, chere. No coffee, no booze, no heavy lifting, no bending over, none of that."
She gave him a look with those penetrating sky blue eyes of hers. "I already do not drink alcohol. And as far as lifting and bending over, I am pregnant, not an invalid."
"You probably have to get some of those real ugly pregnant dresses, too, chere. I go wit' you and help you pick 'em out."
"You are lucky that it is dark and I cannot see you." She called from across the room. He laughed and quickly left the room, closing the door behind him.
Down in the kitchen, Remy busied himself digging through the refrigerator looking for the carton of orange juice. He marveled over some of the things that were in there, wondering how they managed to fit in all the actual food with the other crap. Chinese take-out containers, bottles of that Red Bull stuff which could only belong to Warren, an unopened bag of kelp and trail mix, (what the hell is kelp, anyway?) a half-eaten Scooby- Doo t.v. dinner that had to be Bobby's and even a box of Hank's ultimate weakness, twinkies. "Why are these in there?" He pondered. Perhaps it was because his mind was more preoccupied than usual, are maybe it was just that he was figuring out a way to sneak a twinkie without the ultra-observant Beast noticing, but for once in his life, Remy didn't hear someone standing behind him.
"How's she doing?" Logan asked.
Remy spun around, nearly flinging the carton of Tropicana across the room. "Jesus Christ!" He exclaimed, feeling his pulse race.
Logan grinned maddeningly. "Nope. Good guess, though. 9 out of 10 for effort."
"Don't sneak up on me like that!" He said, slamming a glass on the counter.
Logan shrugged. "Never could before. Kinda jumpy, aren't ya, Gumbo?"
"You think?"
Ignoring the obvious sarcasm, he replied, "Yeah, so, back to my question, how's Ro?"
Remy shrugged, shoving the carton of juice back into the unknown pit of forgotten foods. "She okay, I guess. At least she will be. She's obviously confused. More then anything she jus' want some answers. How did it go wit' the Prof?"
"Dead end. But then, did ya really expect it to go any other way?" He shook his head. "We ain't the ones responsible for this."
"Yeah, well..."Remy shrugged, grabbing the glass of juice. "I'm not gonna rest 'til I find out who is. I owe it to Stormy. I see you later, homme."
"Yeah." Logan watched him go, arms folded across the massive chest. "Hey, kid." He said, following Remy to the steps.
"Um..." he began, not sure how to say what was on his mind. "I just wanted to tell you, if you do find out who did this, and it ain't good, don't go getting yourself in too deep, all right?"
Remy stared at him for a second and cocked in eyebrow in mock curiosity. "You actually telling me not to get into a fight? You feeling all right, Logan?"
Logan frowned, and replied. "I just meant that you could be a real nice kid and save some of the meat for the rest of us. Mainly me. Ro's my friend, too, you know, and I ain't been able to kick no one's ass in awhile."
Remy grinned at him. "Not that sound more like you. Don't worry, mon ami, I save some of the fun for you."
"Thanks. I'll owe ya one."
"Sure." He replied, and then headed back upstairs. Logan watched him go, suspicious thoughts racing through his mind. That wasn't exactly what he had meant, but he didn't know how to say it any other way. The scenes of what Worthington had said back in the Danger Room replayed, and as much as Logan didn't want to admit it, what he had said made sense. It was possible that Gambit had charmed Storm into bed with him, and than erased the event from her mind. He had never been very clear about what, if any, mental powers he may have, and Logan always suspected that he was actually a lot more powerful then he led on. He also knew that the kid had built in psyonic shields, and was all but immune to psychic blasts. Could he have fooled everyone, even the Professor, about what had happened? Logan narrowed his eyes at the thought, but it made to much sense to ignore. Most of the time, he got along all right with Gambit. They were too alike for them not to. He knew the kid even looked up to him in a way. But he was by nature a suspicious person, and right at the moment, the Cajun was at the top of his list of suspects.