Thanks to those who are reading and reviewing! A special thanks
to my new 'friend for life', BJ2. Hope you enjoy because
there's no going back from here! Coming up is...well, I wouldn't
want to spoil it for you...
November
Storm paused in front of the open refrigerator and grabbed out a Twinkie. Yumm. Sugar. Refined chemicals and artificial flavorings. Before she could talk herself out of it, she shoved the cake into her mouth, fully enjoying its firm yet squishy texture. I can see now why Hank finds these things so irresistible. She paused, considering having another. Goddess, what is wrong with me? I can't believe I am poisoning my baby with these things. The last week or so, she had been having unusual late night cravings. Things like Twinkies that had never appealed to her before suddenly were hard now to avoid. She was finally over her morning sickness, but at four months pregnant, she wondered how long these cravings would go on.
Ororo managed to resist the temptation of a second Twinkie, and settled for a glass of milk. She had heard that some women cannot stand even the sight of milk while pregnant, but for some reason she craved it almost as much as Twinkies. Taking her milk, she let the fridge door close, and the kitchen became dark once again. Glancing at the clock in the hallway, she saw that it was nearly one in the morning. I should be asleep. Hank said that I'm not getting enough rest. But she couldn't sleep. She had been suffering from insomnia of late, and frequently had been keeping hours that even Remy would have even found tiresome. Speaking of Remy, I wonder if he is home yet. If he is drunk, I will kill him. She smiled to herself, but she was only half kidding. Ever since she had found out that he may be the father of her baby, she had been lecturing him about his drinking. Not to mention his smoking, late hours, and philandering. He was simply going to have to prove himself capable of being a father. Certainly he was not acting very responsible. She sighed, wondering if she was being too hard on him. She hadn't been very responsible herself a few months ago, and look what that led to. But ever since Logan had taken off, she had all but resigned her hopes to Remy being the father. Logan obviously did not want the responsibility.
Just as she was about to head back to her loft to try to sleep, she noticed that the professor's light was on in his study. Doesn't he ever sleep? She wondered. She decided to go say good-night, maybe talk to him for a minute. She wasn't ready to go to bed yet anyway. The door to his study was open, and Ororo was about to walk in when she heard voices. Someone was already in there. It sounded like Scott.
She shrugged, not wanting to interrupt, and was about to walk away when she heard Scott say something that froze her in her tracks.
"Don't get me wrong, professor, I like Ororo very much. She has certainly proven herself to the team more times than I can count. But what about now? How can she possibly lead one of the teams into battle knowing that she has a baby at home to take care of?"
Storm frowned. They were obviously talking about her. What on Earth could he mean? She knew that their conversation was private and that she should leave, but her curiosity got the best of her. She leaned quietly against the wall, hoping that Charles would not pick up on her presence.
It seemed that either he did not, or was not letting on if he was. "I see your point, Scott. It is something that I have considered myself these past months. But I did not make it a prerequisite for being an X-Man that you have no children."
She heard Scott sigh deeply. "What if she were to be hurt, God forbid, or killed? What then? What would happen to her child?"
Charles let out a slight laugh. "I understand that you are trying to cover all the bases, but you are forgetting something here. This baby has a father to take care of it, also."
Scott snorted. "Oh, yeah. Gambit. Come on, Professor, what does that guy know about being a father? He's not even responsible enough to take care of himself! And it's obvious Wolverine sure isn't going to. We don't even know if he's ever coming back."
"Storm understood the risks of being an X-Man when she joined the team. I am positive that she would not want to be treated any different now just because she has a child. I'm sure she can handle the responsibility of being a team leader as well as the responsibility of a mother."
"But she will be treated different!" Scott protested. "Everyone is going to go out of their way to protect her for the sake of her baby. And, frankly, that bothers me a little, professor. It could put everyone else in danger."
"No one tries to protect you any more for the sake of Jean."
"That's different. Jean's an adult. We understand the risks. A child can't understand."
Charles sighed. "I think you are worrying about nothing here, Scott. I am sure that as reasonable adults, we can work around the fact that Ororo and Remy...or Logan, if he decides to come back, will have a child to think about. Nothing really has changed."
"I just don't think that Storm took all this into consideration when she decided to keep the baby. Whether she wants to admit it or not, it will be a lot harder for her to do her job knowing that she has a baby to take care of. I mean, how can we expect her to worry about Magneto's plundering or the latest victim of the Friends of Humanity when she has potty training and the Tooth Fairy on her mind?"
Charles laughed softly. "I know you're just looking out for what's best for the team, Scott. But I'm telling you, I wouldn't worry about it. Storm can handle the situation, I assure you."
Storm heard footsteps, and she quickly made her way to the stairs so she wouldn't be seen. She watched from the second floor as Scott said good-night to the professor and headed to his bottom level room he shared with Jean. Wondering if she should say anything or not, she just stood there. Truthfully, she hadn't thought that Scott or anyone else was this concerned about her having a baby. He thinks I won't be able to lead just because I will have a child. That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. A twinge of anger stabbed at her toward the man for discussing this with the professor, rather than coming to her with his concerns. With a shrug, she turned and made her way to her loft, determined not to let it bother her. Scott was known for often being concerned with nothing, but that was one of the reasons he was so successful as a leader. There was no possible outcome that could occur that he hadn't already planned for in most situations. Perhaps that was the reason he was sometimes considered to be, as Logan would so elegantly put it, a hard ass. He's wrong, I'm sure of it. I can be both an X-Men and a parent. As much as she tried, however, his words would not leave her mind completely. All through that long night, Ororo replayed in her mind what she had heard, and she tried unsuccessfully to convince herself that Scott was wrong.
* * * * * * * *
At breakfast the next morning, Ororo could barely keep her eyes off of Scott, trying to decide whether or not she should speak to him about what she had heard, fully realizing that if she did, she would have to admit that she had been listening. Scott, on the other hand, had no idea what was going on, and as he sipped his coffee, he wondered why Storm kept looking at him. She was making him uncomfortable.
Setting down the newspaper that he had been trying to read, he cleared his throat and said, "Um, Storm...Don't take this the wrong way, but why do you keep staring at me?"
She felt her face burn, not realizing he had noticed. "I'm sorry, Scott. I didn't mean to, it's just..."
"What?"
"Well," she began. Hear goes nothing. "Last night, I...well...um...never mind, it's not important." She was suddenly not in the mood for a confrontation. Averting his gaze, she returned to her breakfast. Why bother bringing it up? What good would it do?
Scott raised an eyebrow, and set down his paper. He didn't believe her for a second, but wasn't going to press the issue. "Okay. If you say so. If you see Gambit, would you remind him that he and I are scheduled for a Danger Room drill at 1300 hours." He got up from the table, and snorted rudely before mumbling, "That is, if he decides to grace us with his presence before then."
"Yes, I shall tell him." Ororo replied. Just seconds after Scott had left, Remy came stumbling into the dining room as if on cue. His eyes were bloodshot, and he looked as if he had spent the morning bowing to the porcelain God. Storm watched as he staggered over to a chair, plopped down, and promptly let his head fall to the table.
It took every once of restraint she had not to throttle him. As it was, she groaned at the pathetic sight of him plastered to the 19th century Tudor. "Well, this answers my question about what you were doing last night."
Remy moaned. "Please don't lecture me 'Roro. My head hurt 'nough as it is."
"Good riddance. I hope it does hurt. When will you ever learn?"
"Damn, but ain't that a mean thing to say." Remy opened an eye drowsily, and glanced at her. "Something wrong, Stormy?"
The only answer he received was a standard "don't call me that." Storm went into the kitchen and returned with a cup of coffee. She set it down in front of him. "Here. You had better drink this."
"Thanks," he mumbled. He took a sip, and made a face. "Blech. Tastes like mud."
"Scott made it."
He nodded, pushing it away. "That 'splain it then."
"Speaking of Scott," Ororo said, "he asked me to remind you that you are to drill with him in the Danger Room at 1300 hours."
Remy's head conveniently fell back against the hard wood. "Damn it. He always know when I'm not in the mood to deal with him. Always makin' some sorta smart-ass comment. Even when I be kicking his ass he still lecturin' me on what I'm doing wrong."
Storm nodded. "Yes, I know what you mean."
"You do?" He looked up just enough for the surprise to regester on his face.
"Yes, well..." I shouldn't tell him. He will only overreact. But in the end, she did, as it concerned him as well, "Last night, I overheard Scott talking to the professor. He was questioning my abilities to be on the team once I have the baby."
"What do you mean?"
"I believe he thinks that I will not be able to be both an X- Men and a mother." She told him everything that she had heard.
When she finsished, Remy looked mad enough to spit. "What a pompous asshole. Don't listen to 'em, chere. He don't know what the hell he's talkin' 'bout."
"Yes, perhaps."
"There ain't no 'perhaps' 'bout it." He slammed his fist against the table. "I oughta go say a few choice things to that..."
Storm grabbed his arm before he could get up. "No, you will not." He turned, confused. "Please, Remy. Don't fly off the handle because of this. It's really no big deal."
"The Hell it ain't. If Jean was pregnant, you think he'd be worrying 'bout whether she could still be an X-Man?"
"The circumstances would be a bit different."
"That not the point, chere."
Storm stood up, and for at least the millionth time that last month, forgot how much harder it is when your stomach sticks out like a watermelon. "Forget about Scott, Remy. If you need something to worry about, concentrate on how upset I will be if you come home drunk again."
"I'm a legal adult, 'Roro. Why you care what I do in my spare time?" Resting his head on his arms, he preceded to close his eyes, apparently hoping that the spinning demon of Jack Daniels would leave his body if he did.
She glared at him, but knew he couldn't see. "I can't believe you would even have to ask such a stupid question." Leaving him to the miseries of his hangover, she left the room. She had made an appointment to see Hank after breakfast for her four month check-up.
* * * * * * * *
"I assure you that your weight is fine, Ororo. You're baby is developing perfectly, and you had to realize that you would start to look pregnant by now."
Storm sighed at Hank, slightly irritated that he managed to look so amused. "I guess I didn't realize that being pregnant would make me feel so fat. My stomach looks as if I swallowed a semi."
Hank laughed. "I think you are overreacting just a wee bit. You still have a long while to go. By the eighth or ninth month, then it would be more appropriate for you to compare your likeness to a semi."
"You are not making me feel much better, Hank."
"Sorry," he replied. "Well, now that we have checked your weight and blood pressure, and listened to the baby's heart beat, I believe we are finished unless you have any questions."
Storm sat up on the exam table, frowning. "Yes, I have many questions. For instance, how can I convince Remy that he is quickly becoming a drunk, and that he needs help? And why has Logan taken off without a word, and what can I do to make him come back? And will I be able to be both a mother and a team leader? And...
"That was not exactly what I had in mind when I asked if you had any questions, my dear." Hank interrupted, looking slightly overwhelmed. "I assumed you realized I meant ones directly pertaining to your pregnancy."
She smiled. "I knew what you meant. But my mind houses so many other questions like those that I doubt I have room for any more."
Hank raised his eyebrows, and sat down. "Well, as your doctor and friend, it is my duty to help you with all your problems. As for Remy and Logan, I am at a loss. It is still my opinion that Logan will show up one of these days. And perhaps Remy, when it sinks in that he may be about to be a father, he will realize that he must give up his extracurricular activities. And as for you, whatever made you think that you could not be both a mother and a team leader?"
Storm started to reply, when all of a sudden, she heard loud shouting coming from the floor above them. World War III would have been an understatement. Hank jumped up, knocking over his chair in the process. "What in the world is that?" He asked.
She closed her eyes briefly, realizing who the voices belonged to. "I believe, Hank, that is the answer to your question."
She and Hank went upstairs just in time to see Scott and Remy doing there best to get at each other's throats. Bishop and Bobby were trying to hold them back, but were not having an easy time of it.
"You a real prick, Summers, you know that?" Remy yelled, trying unsuccessfully to break free of Bishop's hold. Unfortunately for him, though, Bishop was several inches taller and at least fifty pounds heavier. And he was not about to let him go.
"Coming from you, LeBeau, that's a compliment." Scott said with an angry sneer. Hank stepped in between the two of them, or rather, the four of them. "My friends," he began, holding out two long hairy blue arms. "What in the name of Heaven has gotten into the two of you?" He turned to Scott, confusion etched on his furry face. "This, especially, is not like you."
Scott shook free of Bobby and glared at Hank contemptuously. "I'm sick of his bullshit, and I'm not going to put up with it anymore!"
Hank cleared his throat. "To what 'bullshit', may I ask are you referring?"
"Yeah, enlighten us, mon ami."
Scott pointed his finger at Gambit accusingly. "He disengaged the safety protocols without telling me when we were down in the Danger Room. He could have gotten us both killed!"
Storm stepped in and stared at her friend in disbelief. "Why on Earth would you do such a thing?" She asked.
"Thought it was 'bout time Scotty got a lesson in leadership," Remy said, his voice dripping in sarcasm. "That is to say, what happens when you don't know when to keep your big mouth shut."
"I don't know what you're talking about." Scott replied.
Storm sighed. "I do. He was mad about what you said to the professor last night." She quickly explained the situation.
Scott looked no less angry at the realization, however. He turned to Storm and said, "You had no right to spy on us! That was a private conversation between me and the professor!"
Remy shot forward in an unsuccessful attempt to break free of Bishop. "You the one not have the right, Summers! You ain't got a right even havin' an opinion on the matter of our baby!"
Scott snorted, an amused grin playing at his lips. "I like the way you refer to it as your baby. And I most certainly do have the right to have whatever conversations I want. It is my job as team leader to make sure that everyone else can perform their jobs. I was merely voicing a concern."
"I'll show you concern, you son-of-a..." Remy growled, lunging forward, this time managing to get away from Bishop. Luckily, Hank caught him before he reached Scott, who nervously backed up a few steps.
"Stop it!" Storm demanded. "Both of you! I will not have you fight over something like this!" She turned to Remy, her voice pleading for him to listen to reason. "Please, Remy, you are overreacting. Scott did have a right to go to the professor, and I was wrong to listen in on their conversation."
"Thank you." Scott mumbled.
Ororo glanced in annoyance at the man. "I would appreciate it, however, if the next time you have concerns directly related to either my child or myself that you come to me first."
Scott raised his eyebrows in mild surprise. "Okay..."
"I would appreciate it."
Remy snorted and folded his arms across his chest. He didn't like that she was letting him off so easily. Scott narrowed his eyes, getting that all too familiar "lecture time" look in his face, but he was not about to take it. He turned and headed wordlessly out of the room. The other four watched him go, but only Storm went after him.
"Where are you going?" She asked.
His hand already on the front door, he turned to give her a small smile. "Jus' out for awhile."
Storm frowned warily. "Remy...".
"Save it, chere. I ain't in the mood for a lecture." And with that said he opened the door, and seconds later, the roar of his Harley could be heard as it tore down Greymalkin Lane.
November
Storm paused in front of the open refrigerator and grabbed out a Twinkie. Yumm. Sugar. Refined chemicals and artificial flavorings. Before she could talk herself out of it, she shoved the cake into her mouth, fully enjoying its firm yet squishy texture. I can see now why Hank finds these things so irresistible. She paused, considering having another. Goddess, what is wrong with me? I can't believe I am poisoning my baby with these things. The last week or so, she had been having unusual late night cravings. Things like Twinkies that had never appealed to her before suddenly were hard now to avoid. She was finally over her morning sickness, but at four months pregnant, she wondered how long these cravings would go on.
Ororo managed to resist the temptation of a second Twinkie, and settled for a glass of milk. She had heard that some women cannot stand even the sight of milk while pregnant, but for some reason she craved it almost as much as Twinkies. Taking her milk, she let the fridge door close, and the kitchen became dark once again. Glancing at the clock in the hallway, she saw that it was nearly one in the morning. I should be asleep. Hank said that I'm not getting enough rest. But she couldn't sleep. She had been suffering from insomnia of late, and frequently had been keeping hours that even Remy would have even found tiresome. Speaking of Remy, I wonder if he is home yet. If he is drunk, I will kill him. She smiled to herself, but she was only half kidding. Ever since she had found out that he may be the father of her baby, she had been lecturing him about his drinking. Not to mention his smoking, late hours, and philandering. He was simply going to have to prove himself capable of being a father. Certainly he was not acting very responsible. She sighed, wondering if she was being too hard on him. She hadn't been very responsible herself a few months ago, and look what that led to. But ever since Logan had taken off, she had all but resigned her hopes to Remy being the father. Logan obviously did not want the responsibility.
Just as she was about to head back to her loft to try to sleep, she noticed that the professor's light was on in his study. Doesn't he ever sleep? She wondered. She decided to go say good-night, maybe talk to him for a minute. She wasn't ready to go to bed yet anyway. The door to his study was open, and Ororo was about to walk in when she heard voices. Someone was already in there. It sounded like Scott.
She shrugged, not wanting to interrupt, and was about to walk away when she heard Scott say something that froze her in her tracks.
"Don't get me wrong, professor, I like Ororo very much. She has certainly proven herself to the team more times than I can count. But what about now? How can she possibly lead one of the teams into battle knowing that she has a baby at home to take care of?"
Storm frowned. They were obviously talking about her. What on Earth could he mean? She knew that their conversation was private and that she should leave, but her curiosity got the best of her. She leaned quietly against the wall, hoping that Charles would not pick up on her presence.
It seemed that either he did not, or was not letting on if he was. "I see your point, Scott. It is something that I have considered myself these past months. But I did not make it a prerequisite for being an X-Man that you have no children."
She heard Scott sigh deeply. "What if she were to be hurt, God forbid, or killed? What then? What would happen to her child?"
Charles let out a slight laugh. "I understand that you are trying to cover all the bases, but you are forgetting something here. This baby has a father to take care of it, also."
Scott snorted. "Oh, yeah. Gambit. Come on, Professor, what does that guy know about being a father? He's not even responsible enough to take care of himself! And it's obvious Wolverine sure isn't going to. We don't even know if he's ever coming back."
"Storm understood the risks of being an X-Man when she joined the team. I am positive that she would not want to be treated any different now just because she has a child. I'm sure she can handle the responsibility of being a team leader as well as the responsibility of a mother."
"But she will be treated different!" Scott protested. "Everyone is going to go out of their way to protect her for the sake of her baby. And, frankly, that bothers me a little, professor. It could put everyone else in danger."
"No one tries to protect you any more for the sake of Jean."
"That's different. Jean's an adult. We understand the risks. A child can't understand."
Charles sighed. "I think you are worrying about nothing here, Scott. I am sure that as reasonable adults, we can work around the fact that Ororo and Remy...or Logan, if he decides to come back, will have a child to think about. Nothing really has changed."
"I just don't think that Storm took all this into consideration when she decided to keep the baby. Whether she wants to admit it or not, it will be a lot harder for her to do her job knowing that she has a baby to take care of. I mean, how can we expect her to worry about Magneto's plundering or the latest victim of the Friends of Humanity when she has potty training and the Tooth Fairy on her mind?"
Charles laughed softly. "I know you're just looking out for what's best for the team, Scott. But I'm telling you, I wouldn't worry about it. Storm can handle the situation, I assure you."
Storm heard footsteps, and she quickly made her way to the stairs so she wouldn't be seen. She watched from the second floor as Scott said good-night to the professor and headed to his bottom level room he shared with Jean. Wondering if she should say anything or not, she just stood there. Truthfully, she hadn't thought that Scott or anyone else was this concerned about her having a baby. He thinks I won't be able to lead just because I will have a child. That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. A twinge of anger stabbed at her toward the man for discussing this with the professor, rather than coming to her with his concerns. With a shrug, she turned and made her way to her loft, determined not to let it bother her. Scott was known for often being concerned with nothing, but that was one of the reasons he was so successful as a leader. There was no possible outcome that could occur that he hadn't already planned for in most situations. Perhaps that was the reason he was sometimes considered to be, as Logan would so elegantly put it, a hard ass. He's wrong, I'm sure of it. I can be both an X-Men and a parent. As much as she tried, however, his words would not leave her mind completely. All through that long night, Ororo replayed in her mind what she had heard, and she tried unsuccessfully to convince herself that Scott was wrong.
* * * * * * * *
At breakfast the next morning, Ororo could barely keep her eyes off of Scott, trying to decide whether or not she should speak to him about what she had heard, fully realizing that if she did, she would have to admit that she had been listening. Scott, on the other hand, had no idea what was going on, and as he sipped his coffee, he wondered why Storm kept looking at him. She was making him uncomfortable.
Setting down the newspaper that he had been trying to read, he cleared his throat and said, "Um, Storm...Don't take this the wrong way, but why do you keep staring at me?"
She felt her face burn, not realizing he had noticed. "I'm sorry, Scott. I didn't mean to, it's just..."
"What?"
"Well," she began. Hear goes nothing. "Last night, I...well...um...never mind, it's not important." She was suddenly not in the mood for a confrontation. Averting his gaze, she returned to her breakfast. Why bother bringing it up? What good would it do?
Scott raised an eyebrow, and set down his paper. He didn't believe her for a second, but wasn't going to press the issue. "Okay. If you say so. If you see Gambit, would you remind him that he and I are scheduled for a Danger Room drill at 1300 hours." He got up from the table, and snorted rudely before mumbling, "That is, if he decides to grace us with his presence before then."
"Yes, I shall tell him." Ororo replied. Just seconds after Scott had left, Remy came stumbling into the dining room as if on cue. His eyes were bloodshot, and he looked as if he had spent the morning bowing to the porcelain God. Storm watched as he staggered over to a chair, plopped down, and promptly let his head fall to the table.
It took every once of restraint she had not to throttle him. As it was, she groaned at the pathetic sight of him plastered to the 19th century Tudor. "Well, this answers my question about what you were doing last night."
Remy moaned. "Please don't lecture me 'Roro. My head hurt 'nough as it is."
"Good riddance. I hope it does hurt. When will you ever learn?"
"Damn, but ain't that a mean thing to say." Remy opened an eye drowsily, and glanced at her. "Something wrong, Stormy?"
The only answer he received was a standard "don't call me that." Storm went into the kitchen and returned with a cup of coffee. She set it down in front of him. "Here. You had better drink this."
"Thanks," he mumbled. He took a sip, and made a face. "Blech. Tastes like mud."
"Scott made it."
He nodded, pushing it away. "That 'splain it then."
"Speaking of Scott," Ororo said, "he asked me to remind you that you are to drill with him in the Danger Room at 1300 hours."
Remy's head conveniently fell back against the hard wood. "Damn it. He always know when I'm not in the mood to deal with him. Always makin' some sorta smart-ass comment. Even when I be kicking his ass he still lecturin' me on what I'm doing wrong."
Storm nodded. "Yes, I know what you mean."
"You do?" He looked up just enough for the surprise to regester on his face.
"Yes, well..." I shouldn't tell him. He will only overreact. But in the end, she did, as it concerned him as well, "Last night, I overheard Scott talking to the professor. He was questioning my abilities to be on the team once I have the baby."
"What do you mean?"
"I believe he thinks that I will not be able to be both an X- Men and a mother." She told him everything that she had heard.
When she finsished, Remy looked mad enough to spit. "What a pompous asshole. Don't listen to 'em, chere. He don't know what the hell he's talkin' 'bout."
"Yes, perhaps."
"There ain't no 'perhaps' 'bout it." He slammed his fist against the table. "I oughta go say a few choice things to that..."
Storm grabbed his arm before he could get up. "No, you will not." He turned, confused. "Please, Remy. Don't fly off the handle because of this. It's really no big deal."
"The Hell it ain't. If Jean was pregnant, you think he'd be worrying 'bout whether she could still be an X-Man?"
"The circumstances would be a bit different."
"That not the point, chere."
Storm stood up, and for at least the millionth time that last month, forgot how much harder it is when your stomach sticks out like a watermelon. "Forget about Scott, Remy. If you need something to worry about, concentrate on how upset I will be if you come home drunk again."
"I'm a legal adult, 'Roro. Why you care what I do in my spare time?" Resting his head on his arms, he preceded to close his eyes, apparently hoping that the spinning demon of Jack Daniels would leave his body if he did.
She glared at him, but knew he couldn't see. "I can't believe you would even have to ask such a stupid question." Leaving him to the miseries of his hangover, she left the room. She had made an appointment to see Hank after breakfast for her four month check-up.
* * * * * * * *
"I assure you that your weight is fine, Ororo. You're baby is developing perfectly, and you had to realize that you would start to look pregnant by now."
Storm sighed at Hank, slightly irritated that he managed to look so amused. "I guess I didn't realize that being pregnant would make me feel so fat. My stomach looks as if I swallowed a semi."
Hank laughed. "I think you are overreacting just a wee bit. You still have a long while to go. By the eighth or ninth month, then it would be more appropriate for you to compare your likeness to a semi."
"You are not making me feel much better, Hank."
"Sorry," he replied. "Well, now that we have checked your weight and blood pressure, and listened to the baby's heart beat, I believe we are finished unless you have any questions."
Storm sat up on the exam table, frowning. "Yes, I have many questions. For instance, how can I convince Remy that he is quickly becoming a drunk, and that he needs help? And why has Logan taken off without a word, and what can I do to make him come back? And will I be able to be both a mother and a team leader? And...
"That was not exactly what I had in mind when I asked if you had any questions, my dear." Hank interrupted, looking slightly overwhelmed. "I assumed you realized I meant ones directly pertaining to your pregnancy."
She smiled. "I knew what you meant. But my mind houses so many other questions like those that I doubt I have room for any more."
Hank raised his eyebrows, and sat down. "Well, as your doctor and friend, it is my duty to help you with all your problems. As for Remy and Logan, I am at a loss. It is still my opinion that Logan will show up one of these days. And perhaps Remy, when it sinks in that he may be about to be a father, he will realize that he must give up his extracurricular activities. And as for you, whatever made you think that you could not be both a mother and a team leader?"
Storm started to reply, when all of a sudden, she heard loud shouting coming from the floor above them. World War III would have been an understatement. Hank jumped up, knocking over his chair in the process. "What in the world is that?" He asked.
She closed her eyes briefly, realizing who the voices belonged to. "I believe, Hank, that is the answer to your question."
She and Hank went upstairs just in time to see Scott and Remy doing there best to get at each other's throats. Bishop and Bobby were trying to hold them back, but were not having an easy time of it.
"You a real prick, Summers, you know that?" Remy yelled, trying unsuccessfully to break free of Bishop's hold. Unfortunately for him, though, Bishop was several inches taller and at least fifty pounds heavier. And he was not about to let him go.
"Coming from you, LeBeau, that's a compliment." Scott said with an angry sneer. Hank stepped in between the two of them, or rather, the four of them. "My friends," he began, holding out two long hairy blue arms. "What in the name of Heaven has gotten into the two of you?" He turned to Scott, confusion etched on his furry face. "This, especially, is not like you."
Scott shook free of Bobby and glared at Hank contemptuously. "I'm sick of his bullshit, and I'm not going to put up with it anymore!"
Hank cleared his throat. "To what 'bullshit', may I ask are you referring?"
"Yeah, enlighten us, mon ami."
Scott pointed his finger at Gambit accusingly. "He disengaged the safety protocols without telling me when we were down in the Danger Room. He could have gotten us both killed!"
Storm stepped in and stared at her friend in disbelief. "Why on Earth would you do such a thing?" She asked.
"Thought it was 'bout time Scotty got a lesson in leadership," Remy said, his voice dripping in sarcasm. "That is to say, what happens when you don't know when to keep your big mouth shut."
"I don't know what you're talking about." Scott replied.
Storm sighed. "I do. He was mad about what you said to the professor last night." She quickly explained the situation.
Scott looked no less angry at the realization, however. He turned to Storm and said, "You had no right to spy on us! That was a private conversation between me and the professor!"
Remy shot forward in an unsuccessful attempt to break free of Bishop. "You the one not have the right, Summers! You ain't got a right even havin' an opinion on the matter of our baby!"
Scott snorted, an amused grin playing at his lips. "I like the way you refer to it as your baby. And I most certainly do have the right to have whatever conversations I want. It is my job as team leader to make sure that everyone else can perform their jobs. I was merely voicing a concern."
"I'll show you concern, you son-of-a..." Remy growled, lunging forward, this time managing to get away from Bishop. Luckily, Hank caught him before he reached Scott, who nervously backed up a few steps.
"Stop it!" Storm demanded. "Both of you! I will not have you fight over something like this!" She turned to Remy, her voice pleading for him to listen to reason. "Please, Remy, you are overreacting. Scott did have a right to go to the professor, and I was wrong to listen in on their conversation."
"Thank you." Scott mumbled.
Ororo glanced in annoyance at the man. "I would appreciate it, however, if the next time you have concerns directly related to either my child or myself that you come to me first."
Scott raised his eyebrows in mild surprise. "Okay..."
"I would appreciate it."
Remy snorted and folded his arms across his chest. He didn't like that she was letting him off so easily. Scott narrowed his eyes, getting that all too familiar "lecture time" look in his face, but he was not about to take it. He turned and headed wordlessly out of the room. The other four watched him go, but only Storm went after him.
"Where are you going?" She asked.
His hand already on the front door, he turned to give her a small smile. "Jus' out for awhile."
Storm frowned warily. "Remy...".
"Save it, chere. I ain't in the mood for a lecture." And with that said he opened the door, and seconds later, the roar of his Harley could be heard as it tore down Greymalkin Lane.