Disclaimer: I don't own the X-Men, X-Men:Evolution or any of its iterations.
Some quick thanks to the kind reviewers: CPBaker12, Lil Jean and Jupiter Halo.
Ldypebsaby – Yes – Dads can be overprotective, I know I am and I have two boys. I'd be a wreck if I had a little girl.
And special thanks to Purity Black and Lamarquise for the great info from the comics history. I've tried to dig up what I can on the Greys but the info on the net seems pretty scarce.
This takes place a couple of weeks after the episode Power Surge.
Corporate Policy – Chapter 4 – The Car Ride Back
"Now remember, John, no intellectual discussions that go on for hours with Charles – you come right back and pick us up," Elaine Grey ordered her husband. She reached into the car and kissed Jean goodbye. "Take care, dear and we'll see you next month."
Jean waved goodbye to her mom and sister as John pulled away from the street curb. He smiled as the car slid into traffic through the sleepy Connecticut suburb, "I hope they don't break the bank in the antique store." John was in good spirits. He always enjoyed seeing his younger daughter who lived at the Institute. His friend Charles Xavier had helped Jean gain control of her mutant powers and she had flourished under his guidance.
Elaine and John made every effort to visit Jean in Bayville at least once a month, if not more.
Jean smiled back, "I don't know Dad, I think you're in big trouble leaving the two of them in high priced antique central."
"So what's Dumdum – I mean Duncan up to these days?" Nice one John – Elaine warned him he'd slip in front of Jean with his pet nickname for her boyfriend.
Jean giggled and teased her father, "I heard that - even if you didn't say it, you've been projecting it. He's been on the baseball team this season – for some reason he switched from track to baseball at the last minute."
John debated his next question but felt he had to know. "Is he still trying to get you into Lexington or whatever college he's headed towards?" Jean pleaded with her dad, "Please, I don't want to talk about that right now. Can't we just end this visit on a happy note?"
John stood his ground, "Not till I know you're not following that numbskull to some college where you're settling for a Mrs degree." It was the only goal Elaine was after when he first met her at the university – a husband. Times were different now and the girls were very different from their mother.
The answer he received was total silence from Jean. It was times like this he wished for a woman's intuition if not his daughter's telepathy.
He tried to meet her halfway, "OK, we'll talk about it when you're ready."
Still no response. He'd better chat with Charles to see if his friend knew what direction she was leaning.
The lawyer in him would not give up yet – maybe try it from a different angle. "But on the topic of boys, was there no one else who you were interested in? Anyone else at the high school?"
Jean turned to look at her father, wondering if he could handle the truth – or if she could handle the hassle that would come from it. In reality, did she even know the truth of the matter herself? She could guess his reaction but decided to test him anyway.
She stated her case, "Let's try something, Dad. Let's say a new boy started at the Institute and I was interested in him. What would you say to that?"
John wrinkled his eyebrows – well didn't I just step into that. "Jean, you know how I feel about romances at the workplace. This X-Men team you are on is a good thing – a useful way for you to help others with your gifts. The friendships you form with the others will be important. But as for a serious relationship…. I'd hate for it to become uncomfortable for you because of some jerk who didn't treat you right."
She fired back, "But isn't that my choice, my decision, my mistake to make? I'm not talking about marriage – just a relationship."
He was firm, "It's more complicated then that." He was about to rattle off a few examples when she interrupted.
"So is being a member of the X-Men, being a teen with these powers. Who else could understand what I'm going through, what it's like to keep this secret? I have to admit I've got it a lot easier then others on the team – my powers are easily hidden, but I still need someone I can turn to when things get bad, someone I can depend on to be there when I need it."
John could tell by the tone in her voice this was no pretend scenario. He knew how the eldest student named Scott felt about his daughter when they first arrived at the Institute years ago. The poor boy had no poker face – it was obvious he was smitten immediately.
Jean settled back in her seat and went to staring out the window again.
He had discussed his concern with Charles who had promised to keep an eye on things. Elaine was not so sure Charles was the right person to be an impartial observer since the Greys witnessed the breakdown of the Xaviers marriage.
Over the past few years, it became apparent that Jean admired Scott but John was unsure just how deep her feelings ran for him. When she first arrived at the Institute, all she ever talked about how nice he was to her and Miss Monroe, how determined he was in their training sessions and how he was so helpful to her with her math homework. But recently, she hardly mentioned him anymore – and that was a warning sign for John. She was trying to hide something from him.
She was right – this was no way to end the visit. "I'm sorry, Jean. I don't mean to pry but I'm just trying to lookout for you. I've seen what men in leadership positions can do to women they work with. Even men considered level headed and law abiding can do stupid things when they think with the wrong brain."
She turned back towards him, "Listen, Dad. I know what you do is important to you and the people you protect. That you think you're helping Sara and I with every policy you write or case you win. But sometimes I wish you were a real estate lawyer or something boring like that. Remember when mom got hooked on those daytime talk shows and she was convinced all men were dogs. We couldn't even talk about dating without her going on a rant. Now you're stuck in the same rut mom was in. I'm a big girl now, not little Jeannie who needs Big John to watch over her every step."
As he pulled into the Institute driveway, John realized his worries had made the trip back to Bayville pass by very quickly. He placed the car in park and turned to his daughter. "Listen, Jean. I just want what's best for you and I don't want to see you hurt. As your father, I'm not supposed to like any boy you bring into your life and it's my obligation to give them a hard time." He was glad to see her crack a small smile at his cornball joke. "Let's get you back inside. I'd like to catch up with Charles for a few minutes."
Outside the car, Jean hugged her father then picked up her overnight bag. "Just remember, Dad – Sara and Mom in the antique store – time is money as they say." They walked into the front foyer when a group of girls appeared with Miss Monroe in tow. "Charge card coupon – one day sale only – road trip to Bayville Mall!" Jean grinned sheepishly as she was dragged towards the garage. John snuck in another quick hug before the women disappeared.
John walked towards his friend's office and knocked. "Come in," came the invitation. John walked in to find Charles and Scott, today's suspect, in the office. The young man stood and extended his hand, "Welcome back to Bayville, Mr. Grey." John shook the teen's hand then said facing Charles, "How are you, old friend?" The two older men shook hands. John stepped back, "I'm sorry, did I interrupt something?"
Scott walked towards the office door saying, "It's ok, Mr. Grey. I'll be back around 7 pm if you need me, Professor."
Charles motioned towards a chair in front of his desk and says, "In response to your question, things have been very good here. We have new students and the teams are working well together in training. How are things with you?"
John held his hand out and exaggerated the shaking. "Pre-wedding jitters for the father of the bride. Sara's big day is a month away. Elaine is in rare planning form and in all her glory. So how is Jean doing – from your perspective?"
Charles smiles as he talks about one of his favorite subjects. "She is solidly on her way to being the valedictorian at graduation time. The new track coach is very happy with her performance – not scholarship worthy or record breaking, but solid. You and Elaine should be very proud."
John looked down at his hands. "We are, Charles, as you and your staff should be. I will always be grateful to you for bringing Jean out of that coma." Charles smiled to himself, John never forgot to thank the Professor for his help and always went out of his way to stop in every visit to do just that. It was refreshing to have the support of a student's family.
John went fishing, "So is Duncan the only boy who has shown an interest in Jean?" Charles sat in shock for a second but realized the question was a natural one for a father who's other daughter was getting married. He replied, "To the best of my knowledge, yes. When her boyfriend is the captain of the football team and as competitive as Duncan, the other boys tend to look elsewhere for girlfriends." John thought carefully how to word his next question, "So Scott has a girlfriend of his own?" Charles carefully answered, "Yes, one of Jean's friends, Taryn. They were on the soccer team together. You may remember her from the sports teams dinner celebrating the regional championship." John nodded yes, and Charles did not need his telepathy to see the relief on Professor Grey's face.
Charles changed the subject, "So how is the world of consulting treating you?" John smiled as he talked about his other 'child.' "Business is good. Our group that helps companies write policies for equal opportunity and prevention of sexual harassment is busy. I've been able to help a couple more former clients by hiring them as office clerks. I really do enjoy working on the preventative side rather then trying to pick up the pieces after the fact." Charles nodded – he had worried John was trying to save the world one woman at a time when he first earned his law degree. John took it to the next level and went after the source of the problem.
John looked at his watch and stood up. "I'd better head back while there's still money in my checking account. It was good to see you again."
Charles looked at the door as his friend had left. It didn't take a telepath to see what John had been trying to uncover – were Jean and Scott in a relationship. He knew how each of his students felt about the other but knew it was best to let them discover their mutual attraction by themselves. Time so far had been on their side as the two teens circulated in different circles of friends.
Charles wondered to himself, :Once we are discovered, what are the chances they'll have any friends left – much less relationships outside the Institute.:
Author's note: the next chapter is also posted today, since that action there immediately follow this one.
And as to why Duncan had to switch from track to baseball – In my eyes, Henry McCoy threw him off the track team after Duncan's stunt (knocking Scott over during Power Surge) at the tryouts.
And the crack about the Mrs degree – it's a nickname for a college degree (instead of PhD or MBA) aimed at certain women who go to meet a guy they can marry and have no intention of graduating. I haven't met many women like that in my day, but I did see a few.