Note: First I want to thank everyone for not giving me too much flack for how long the last chapter took. I've been going through some things (nothing serious) that have kept me from writing and posting. Hopefully things will run more smoothly in the future, because I really want to get this finished! This was suppose to be two chapters but I combined it into one.
Before you read on I have to explain this chapter. Every scene separated by one asterisk (*) means that the scenes are happening simultaneously. So even though everyone is in a different place, it's all happening at the same time. It's hard to explain, but you'll get the idea once you start reading. So in the words of Jean1, let's "push some issues".
Warning: I really really suck at writing love scenes (which explains the abundance of metaphors and partly why this took so long), so don't get your hopes up : )
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Chapter 22
Boiling Point
(Ororo/Logan)
This day was a long time in the making; it belonged to them. They've waited months to consummate their relationship, wanting to be sure it was the right thing to do. They wanted the night to be more than just lust; it was suppose to be about love. They were finally willing to tear down their protective barriers and give themselves to each other completely. Everything else was forgotten as if they were the only two people in existence. Ororo and Logan, Storm and Wolverine. This day was a long time in the making; it belonged to them…
Ororo swooped down from the sunny sky, landing on a clear spot surrounded by the forest—it was their spot. She was a bit late, but figured Logan wouldn't mind too much.
Logan used his extra time productively, having spread a blanket on the cool grass. She noticed that he had a bottle of wine and crystal in a basket placed on the center of the blanket.
Logan stepped out from the shadows, dressed in clean-cut clothing, gazing at her beauty. "I know this ain't as fancy as a hotel in the city, but…"
"It will do." She said with a soft smile.
He couldn't help but smile as well. "Yeah, I guess it will." He walked over to the blanket, opening the bottle of chilled-wine. He handed her a glass of the white wine, holding the other glass in his hand.
She noticed him raise his glass. "A toast?"
"Ah, yeah." He mumbled at bit nervous. "To, ah…to finally havin' the courage to take the next step…"
She raised her glass to his, before she realized he did not finish his speech.
"…and to takin' many, many more." He finished in a low voice.
Her smile became brighter as they brought their glasses together, solidifying their journey together.
***
(Bobby/Scott)
Bobby followed Scott into the Control Room. He finally had the opportunity to get his bottled feelings out into the open. Someone was going to listen to him and that someone had to be the leader of the X-Men.
"You said you wanted to talk." Scott said as he sat on the edge of one of the consoles. He could predict from Bobby's face what the topic of conversation would be. "If this is about Gambit…"
Bobby didn't give him a chance to finish. "Yes, I know that what happened to Rogue wasn't all his fault, but he did give her the alcohol..."
"I know."
"I heard you say that you had taken away his liquor supply the day before, which means Gambit shitted on the rules when he went out and bought more." He leaned forward on the chair. "This isn't the first time he's skimmed over the rules, but this mistake almost cost Rogue her life!"
"I am well aware that he broke the rules, Bobby."
Crossing his arms, he challenged, "So what are you going to do about it?"
"I get the feeling that you already know what I should do."
"You're right I do." He got up from the chair, standing directly in front of Scott. "It's simple: Kick Gambit off the team."
I can't believe he's going so far with this. "Bobby…"
"Come on, Scott!" He said throwing his hands in the air. "You know as well as I do that he should have been kicked out after the Massacre revelation."
"I don't agree with that."
Bobby nodded his head already anticipating Scott's answer. "Right, only because this team can't do without his ability to dismantle nearly any security system or his ability to connect to the underground. If he was expendable, he'd be gone by now due to his abundance of lies."
"No one on this team is expendable."
"Really? Then let's find out." He rubbed his chin contemplating his next move. "If Gambit stays, we can expect more of this shit." He sat back down on the chair with a stern look on his face. "I'll give you a day or two. Either you kick the Cajun off the team…or I walk. No ifs, ands or buts."
…A soft rumble was heard throughout the sky…
*
(Jean/Betsy)
Betsy stepped into the living room, instantly spotting Jean on the couch reading a novel. A sci-fi novel? She must be really bored. She had the inkling to leave the room before she was discovered in order to avoid a confrontation…but that just wasn't Betsy. "Morning, Jean." She said smiling, taking a seat on the adjacent couch.
Jean placed down the book on the coffee table that was between them and looked Betsy straight in the eyes. She was finally going to express her feelings to the other woman. "We need to talk."
"Wait, wait, wait, let me guess." Her voice was playful. "Could this have anything to do with Scott?"
She gave a sly smile with a raised brow, "You read my mind."
"Let me just start by saying that whatever it is you are thinking right now—you are way off."
"Really?" Jean asked ready to dig into the heart of the matter. "So the fact that Scott has been giving me the cold shoulder ever since the night I saw you two in the security room is all my imagination?"
She has no clue what's really going on. "I have nothing to do with Scott giving you the cold shoulder." Somewhere deep inside, Betsy began to feel a tug at her conscious. I might as well give her a hint. "Why don't you talk to him?"
Jean was caught of guard by that comment. "You know something I don't, Betsy?" She asked with suspicion.
Betsy picked up the novel from the table and began to thumb through it. "Jean, just talk to your husband."
"Exactly, Betsy. He's my husband. So why is my husband confiding in you?!"
She slammed down the book in aggravation. "You remind me of all the women we use to sit and laugh at on those daytime talk shows—always yelling at the 'other woman' and not their own husband…" Cracking a smile, she added, "Not that I'm the 'other woman', mind you."
"What happened between the two of you the other night when Scott came home later than he was suppose to?" Jean could tell that she wasn't going to answer and pressed on. "I know he was with you Betsy, so don't bother deny it."
She shrugged casually. "We were only talking."
"Only talking? Then why did I smell your perfume all over him." Jean observed a slight reaction from Betsy, but she remained quiet. "Cat caught your tongue? There's no denying that you have some kind of fixation on Scott. And even when you blamed your crush on him on your transformation, I knew you were talking shit; but to actually brake up with a good guy like Warren, just to continue to chase after a married man is pathetic."
"Excuse me?! The reason for my brake up with Warren has absolutely nothing to do with Scott."
"Absolutely nothing? Are you sure you want to be so adamant?" She asked with a dark smile.
Betsy was angry, maybe because she knew that there was a hint of truth to what Jean was saying. "Well, not everyone's relationship can be as perfect as yours." She spoke with sarcasm. "Then again, it's not so perfect after all, now is it?"
She does know something. "I think Greek mythology has told us that even the strongest thing in the world has a vulnerable spot; after years of probing you've seem to have found our Achilles heel. Congratulation, Betsy."
"If you are so sure that something went on between Scott and I, why don't you just search his mind to confirm your suspicions?" She noticed the hesitant look in Jean's eyes. "But you won't. He told me that you respect his privacy. I never believed him, but it seems that he is right after all." Somewhere inside, she had to admit that she respected Jean's ability to have that kind of restraint. "Listen to me Jean. Nothing happened between Scott and me. Nothing at all." Stepping closer to Jean, she added sincerely, "You trust him don't you?"
Jean lowered her eyes in shame. "Of course I trust him…"
Betsy nodded her head then turn to walk through the doorway. It was then that she heard Jean continue to speak.
"…It's you that I don't trust."
Betsy froze, not liking the sound of her voice. That moment Jean dipped inside Scott's mind in search for the truth.
…A soft rumble was heard throughout the sky…
*
(Remy/Rogue)
Remy stood at the doors of the Recuperation Room. He watched as Rogue lay on the bed, her face turned towards the wall. She seemed to be deep in thought. She looked so beautiful. His heart went heavy, thinking that he had almost lost the chance to ever see her this way again. These were the times when he had a chance to reflect: Nothing in life is ever promised to you, in a moment everything that matters could be taken away. Remy decided to take this opportunity and finally do the right thing, to hell with the consequences. Tonight his voice will be heard and she will have no choice but to listen.
Remy approached Rogue, moving in a way so that she could hear him coming. She looked over to him and sat up on her bed while a blanket covered the lower half of her body. Her cheeks were rosy, her eyes wide and bright. Was this a dream? By all accounts she should be dead.
He sat on the edge of her bed, looking into her sparkling eyes. Her mind was all over the place, but it settled for a moment when she saw his face. For a split second, her mind jumbled the Remy in front of her with the one in her mind. She took a moment to try and separate the two, trying to force the memories of the 'other' Remy deep into her mind, but she was interrupted…
He rested his hand on her gloved hand. "How are you feelin'?" Concern filled his voice.
"Ah'm feelin' great." She noticed a slight change in his face, signaling his doubt. "Really, Remy, Ah'm fine. Wolverine's healin' factor worked great. If Ah had to Ah could fight 10 Sentinels without breakin' a sweat." She meant for him to laugh, or smile at the least, but he did none of these. His face only showed signs of remorse.
"Ah'm 100% again. You don't have to look so sad."
He finally managed to speak in a whisper, "Rogue, you almost died last night."
"Almost is right. But Ah didn't die. Ah'm still here."
He lowered his eyes to her blanket. "I'm sorry…"
She sighed. Here we go…"Don't you start. Remy it's not your fault."
"I shouldn't have given you de beer."
"You didn't know Ah would have that reaction to the alcohol."
"I read part of de book. I should have known."
"English is you second language…" She said with a giggle, remembering his old joke, "You have the perfect excuse."
His eyes flashed. "Dis is not a joke, Rogue."
"Ah read part of the book too. If you should have known, Ah should have known as well. Ah'm not gonna let you do this to yourself. You act as if you carry the whole world on your shoulder. Not everythin' is your fault! Ah'm responsible for mah own actions. Ah'm the only one to blame, not you!"
He shook his head as he spoke, "You don't understand, chere. I was holdin' your lifeless body in my arms. I never t'ought I would hear your voice again. You could have died. You jus' don't understand."
She couldn't believe how easy it was for him to say what he said. Her thoughts flashed back to Israel. Ah do understand…Ah understand exactly what you were goin' through. She waved him off with her hand. "Coulda, woulda, shoulda…still doesn't change fact that Ah'm not dead! We're X-Men. We could die at anytime. Ah joined this team knowin' mah death could come at any moment!"
Finally he snapped. "Rogue, I love you!"
She wasn't sure if she had heard him correctly. It was then that she truly noticed how scared he actually was. She fiddled her gloved fingers, thinking about how she was acting. Maybe Ah'm not takin' mah near death seriously because Ah'm kinda scared mahself…scared of what could have happened. She took his hand in hers.
He watched as her face lit up. "Ah love you too, Remy…."
He was too shock to even speak, barely listening as she continued.
"Ah'm sorry for snappin' at you. Ah guess Ah'm a li'l on edge. Ah shouldn't have taken it out on you. You've been such a good friend to me and…"
His heart sank in his chest as he heard the 'friend' word again. What! Does she still t'ink I'm only her friend?! He thought with anger. He brought both of his hands to her face, locking her gaze on him. Her hair prevented him from making flesh-to-flesh contact with her cheeks.
"Fuck friendship, Rogue! I already have all de friends I need. I love you! And when I say love, I mean de way a man loves a woman, not no, all I wanna do is hold your hand and jus' talk about shit. I love you wit' all my heart, wit' everyt'ing dat's in me now, den and always …I love you!"
The room filled with silence. His heart stopped beating as he waited for her response. If she didn't answer soon, he would surly die.
…A soft rumble was heard throughout the sky…
*
The Storm wasted no time working her magic over him. Tonight she reverted back into being a goddess, a goddess of love. The Wolverine shivered slightly as belts of wet rain kisses saturated his hairy body. He lay on his back his eyes closed as she hovered over him moving up and down his body. At that moment she was like the wind, he couldn't see her but he could feel her.
The Wolverine had had enough receiving and was now ready to give. He opened his eyes and gave into his animal instinct. He was the predator and she his prey. He flipped her over and shredded her down to her purest element. He roamed her body as he would the wilderness. His tongue traced her mountain peaks, leaving a trail of wetness behind.
He crept his way down her body through an uncharted trail toward her jungle…it was familiar territory, he knew the destination he had to reach. Being as thirsty as he was, he began to lap up her fresh liquid, quenching his thirst…
Her body trembled with anticipation like the thunder before the lightning.
…A soft rumble was heard throughout the sky…
*
Scott looked at his teammate, hoping it was all a joke. "You can't be serious."
"I'm dead-serious." He answered without any humor. "The fact that you haven't given me an answer already tells me that I should start packing." He got up from his chair, but Scott prevented him from leaving by grabbing his arm.
"Stop, Bobby."
"Does that mean Gambit will be the packing?"
He let go of Bobby's arm. "Cut me a little slack, man. Do you really think cutting him from the team is so easy? I mean, the professor isn't even here."
"Yeah, well what about majority rules? I think I can get up enough people here to vote Gambit out. Me, Logan, Betsy and I think I can get Jean—it seems as if Remy has done the impossible and managed to get on her bad side too. Even if you do support him, between you Rogue and Ororo, it'll still be 4 to 3 in my favor."
"And what about Hank? Does his vote count as well?"
Scott response caught him off guard, but he was still fast with his rebuttal. "What about Warren?"
"What about Jubilee or Bishop?"
Other than Warren, there aren't too many others that hate Gambit with a passion. "So I guess you've made your choice."
"I don't want you to leave, Bobby."
"You think I want to go? I've spent the best years of my life here. I never thought it would be over so soon. But there's no way I'm going to stay here and watch him and Ro…" He stopped himself before the full name escaped his lips. However, the way Scott's eyes lit up told him that Scott picked up on his true motive.
He crossed his arms. "So this is about Rogue. I should have known."
"No, this is about you and me being part of the original five…sticking together." He closed that gap between them, looking Scott dead in the eyes to show that he was not bluffing. "I'll give you some time to decide. But I will walk if he isn't out of here." He turned and walked out the door.
…dark clouds began to form as a loud thunder rippled through the sky followed by bouts of lighting…
Scott ruffled his fingers through his hair as the room lights flickered. Shit!
*
The entire scene played out in Jean's mind: Betsy's hands all over her husband. Scott's tongue down the ninja's throat—the fact that when it was over there was a small part of him that was glad it had happened.
Jean was ready to explode as she broke the connection with her husband. "You forced him!"
Betsy turned around to see the fury in her green eyes. "Listen, I can explain…" However, Jean was in no mood for an explanation. She grabbed Betsy by the blouse, pulling Betsy within reach as she began to claw at her.
"Owww! Let go of my hair!" She yelled trying to pry Jean's hands off of her. Betsy was a trained Ninja, but Jean's furious style of fighting was hard to counter. She fights like a fucking girl.
"You have some fucking nerve…Shit!" She screamed as Betsy just about pulled a chuck out of her hair. Jean reacted with a knee to Betsy's the stomach.
As Betsy doubled over, Jean placed her hands on her shoulders. "Wait!" Betsy yelled, but it was too late.
Jean shoved her while tripping her at the same time. Betsy fell back, landing on one of the large vases that filled the room with a smash. "Fuck!"
Jean stood speechless as Betsy examined her bloody hands that were pierced on the broken pieces.
"You pushed me into the professor's vase!" Her eyes shot up to Jean, ignoring the pain in her hands. "It was priceless!"
…dark clouds began to form as a loud thunder rippled through the sky followed by bouts of lighting…
She pulled her hair in distress as the lights flickered in the room. "Oh shit, shit, shit!"
*
Staring at the sincerity of his eyes, a thought flashed in her mind as she recycled the other Remy's words: Don't believe anyt'ing he says t' you…Her eyes grew fierce. "What?! You love me?!" She brushed his hands off her face. "Ah can't believe you're sayin' this to me…especially now! Then again, Ah should have expected this from you. Ah'm tired of your games, Gambit!"
If he could turn back time he would have kept those three words to himself. "I'm not playin' games…"
"You're not?" She asked rhetorically, but paused as if she was waiting for him to answer her question. "Do you know how many times you've told me you loved me? Two times! You've claim to have feelings for me all this time, yet you only said those words twice!"
"Dat's 'cause…" He tried to explain but was interrupted.
"I'm not finished yet!" Her tone of voice shut him up. "Do you remember the first time you professed your love to me? It was in Seattle. Ah told you Ah was confused. Ah told you Ah couldn't be with you anymore and that Ah wanted some time to mahself. Ah was leavin' you, Remy!" Her voice softened. "Ah was leavin' you and then you told me you loved me. Why did you have to tell me then? Why did you have to wait so long? Ah was leavin' you and you chose that time to open up to me…"
She stopped for a moment. He was about to respond, but thought better of it and remained silent.
"Then in Antarctica after the Massacre revelation, when Ah carried you out into the harsh cold. Yes, Ah was messed up at the time with your memories in me, but I told you it was over between us. Ah told you it was over and you told me you loved me! How do you think that made me feel?"
He knew now she would let him speak. His voice was low. "It was de truth."
"Then why didn't you say it the first time we touched…when we spent the night together in the cave?" . But she heard the other Remy's words answer her question. It's jus' part of de game…
He leaped from the bed, running his fingers through his hair in frustration. "So, let me get dis straight. You're mad when I tell you I love you and you're mad when I don't tell you!"
"Ah'm mad because you have shitty timin'. Why do you always wait 'til Ah decide to leave you to tell me how you feel?"
"Dat's because…"
"I'll tell you why…."
"You'll tell me why?…"
"It's 'cause you're playin' some sick li'l game. What's the phase you like to say? Oh yeah: Never show all your cards. You thought Ah was goin' to die and Ah survived. So now your willin' to tell me how you feel 'cause your feeling a lil' guilty? It's a li'l too late for that. Ah don't want to hear it!"
"Yeah, well you're gonna hear it…"
It's jus' part of de game…I need t' feel needed…'till de next one comes along… "Ah can't do this now…" She put her hands on her head trying in vain to block out the memory of his voice. "Jus' leave me alone."
He placed his hand on her shoulder. "I'm not…"
Don't believe anyt'ing he says t' you… "Leave me alone!" With her strength, she pushed him away from her across the room and onto the floor. Jumping up from the bed she ran out of the room.
…dark clouds began to form as a loud thunder rippled through the sky followed by bouts of lighting…
Remy rubbed his bruised arm as the lights in the room flickered. "Merde!"
*
The winds began to pick up its pace, matching the excitement building deep inside her. Her mind raced with the passion she was finally able to release after years of being afraid to do so. In his arms everything seemed right, everything seemed perfect. If there was one thing she had learned from Remy, it was to take risks in life and she was glad that she was finally able to do so.
He began to increase his speed as he moved within her. At the last possible moment, she screamed out the name of her lover as she released herself in ecstasy. "Logan!"
And at the moment of release, he did the same. "Jean!"
Her heart sank deep into her chest as her anger began to rise.
…dark clouds began to form as a loud thunder rippled through the dark sky followed by bouts of lighting…
Logan was too afraid to open his eyes. …Shit!
***
(Ororo/Remy)
The rain started to fall so unexpectedly, it had taken Remy a long while to remember that the top of his convertible was down. He braved the rainstorm so that he could move his new car into the garage. He spent most of his time trying to soak up the water on his leather seats, wanting to preoccupy his mind with anything that stopped him from thinking about Rogue. In a way, he was almost happy that his new car was wreaked—it gave him something to do to pass the time.
Hours went by and it was now around 7 o'clock. The dark rain filled clouds prevented the sun from warming the summer day. Remy dragged his feet up the mansion steps toward the highest level. Without knocking, he pushed open his friend's room door and strolled into the dark room as if it were his own.
Ororo did not take her eyes from the window she was looking through. "You did not knock." She whispered, hearing his soft chuckle.
"And I didn't climb t'rough de window either…" He responded, knowing that she would always warn him of the dangers of climbing so high. "See, I do listen t' you sometimes." He peered out the window, far from where she sat. "De weather man promised us a beautiful sunny day."
"Promises are meant to be broken." She whispered, her eyes focused on the puddles of rain that collected on the ground. "How did your talk with Rogue go?"
He walked further into the room, throwing his still damp-jacket on a chair. "You know, de usual. She left me in a rage, so I guess we've broken up…even t'ough we weren't actually together." While he spoke, he made his way to the windowsill, sitting opposite her.
"Yes, that is the usual." She could feel his eyes on her. She thought that the darkness would hide her true emotions, forgetting that he could see as clear in the dark as he did in the light.
Once he noticed the slight redness of his eyes, he sat closer to her. "Hey, hey…you're cryin'." He put his arm around her.
"No…not anymore. I ran out of tears long ago."
What possible could have happened…His eyes flashed in fury. "Did he hurt you?" Remy held her chin so that he could look her in the eyes. "He hurt you didn't he? Say de word and I'll deal wit' him." With a quick move, his hands were suddenly filled with playing cards.
"Stop it, Remy. You can't do anything that I can't do myself." To prove her point, there was a loud thunder followed by a lightning strike.
"What did de fucker do? 'Cause if he…" He stopped short after seeing her eyes lower to the floor. Gently he released his empathy, brushing it across her body. She was wearing her emotions on her sleeve—never before had it been so easy for him to read her. He felt that his anger was only making her feel worse. Knowing this, he started to back off. After a couple moments of silence he began to speak, "Tell me what happened."
"I don't think I can."
"You can…you can tell me. You can trust me."
Her voice began to crack. "I know I can trust you…I want to tell you, but I can't."
He spoke gently, "I'll listen."
Putting his arm around her again, he rubbed her back as she buried her head into his chest, too embarrassed to look at him. "I have never…never been so…so mortified in my entire life." She paused a moment, wiping her tears in his moist shirt. "I did it, Remy. Even though you told me to wait, I did it."
"Did what?"
"I slept with him." Instantly, she sense his shock without seeing his face. His hand stopped moving up and down her back. Eventually, he continued and so did she. "I loved him Remy, so I did it. It has been years, Remy…years since I have been able to let my guard down like that. Years since I was able to let myself be so vulnerable. I thought Forge was the last straw…the way he left me…" Despite her best intentions, she began to sob. "When we were making love…at the moment of climax…he called out another woman's name."
"What?!"
"You heard me."
I'll give the fucker the benefit of the doubt. "Maybe, maybe it was jus' a slip of de tongue, you know? He jus' lost his mind for a couple of seconds…"
"It was not just any name." She sniffed, finally able to bring her eyes to meet his. "It was the name of…someone he has loved for a long time. But you see, he swore to be that it was over…he swore."
He wanted to say, 'I told you so' or 'what were you thinking', but he knew right now that was not want she needed to hear, so instead he tried to console her. "It'll be okay."
Forge was a lesson, I should have never dated my teammate. I told myself never again, but I took a risk and did it again anyway. This is the last time. "I made a mistake with my love. I will not make that same mistake again…" She searched his eyes, trying to understand him. "But you continue to make the same mistake over and over when you continue to pursue a relationship with Rogue. You are a glutton for punishment."
He shrugged. "Maybe you're right."
Ororo couldn't stand how he was reacting. To her, it was as if he was taking everything for a joke. "Remy, she doesn't deserve you. You deserve to be loved and appreciated. You deserve better…we all do."
He sighed, shaking his head, "You don't get it."
"Oh, I don't get it?" She asked defensively. "What's not to get, Remy."
"You jus' don't…"
She could feel him begin to brush her off. "Then explain it to me. Explain why you should put up with her."
"Do you really wanna know?" Slumping in his seat, he rolled his eyes. "I mean, jus' yesterday you were tellin' me dat you've reached your 'limit', dat you're tired of hearin' 'bout us."
By his demeanor she knew the he was shutting down, unwilling to continue the conversation. She eyed him, even though he was not looking at her. "Only someone with a low self-esteem would put up with what you have." Crossing her arms, she added. "Only someone with a low-self-esteem would think that he deserves it…"
He started to chuckle softy, finally willing to look at her. His face soon turned deadly serious. "I play wit' people's emotions t' get what I want. I've done unethical t'ings for people jus' t' line my pockets wit' cash. My actions have directly caused de deaths of many innocent people." He noticed how quiet and uncomfortable she became, but he didn't care. Getting up from the windowsill, he continued as his voice began to increase. "So you know what 'Ro? I do deserve her. I deserve de women I love t' turn me down time after time. I deserve t' have her be poisoned by alcohol dat I gave her. I deserve t' have her turn blue and die in my arms. I deserve t' watch her be resuscitated, twice! I deserve t' have her den wake up from a coma and tell me t' go fuck myself when I tell her I love her!"
Never before has she seen him so angry. "Remy…" Her voice cracked from the way his eyes focused on her.
He pointed at her. "I deserved t' see dat look of doubt in your eyes when I explained how Rogue got drunk in de medical lab."
She was too stunned to speak. She wanted to tell him that it wasn't true, but then she knew it would be a lie. He must have felt my distrust in him in the lab earlier…
His voice became soft again. "I deserve t' have you hate me for what I did t' de Morlockes…"
Oh no, not that again. "Remy, don't…"
He wouldn't let her continue. "I deserve t' hear you say you hate my fuckin' guts and wish you could have killed me wit' your bare hands if you had de chance long ago in de tunnels."
She jumped up from her seat, in protest. "I do not feel that way."
"Yes you do!" His eyes flashed in anger. "You feel it, 'cause I feel it!" He stopped to control the emotion in his voice, whispering, "It's dere 'Ro, deep down you tried t' push it 'cause you couldn't deal wit' it. If you had acknowledged it, it would thunder every time I walked into a room wit' you. You pushed it away so you could still see me as de same guy who protected you so long ago and not what I truly am." He shook his head. "No, I do deserve Rogue…what I don't deserve is your friendship." Looking deep into her eyes he could feel how true his words were to her. He backed away from her towards the door. 'Night…Storm."
She watched in silence as he walked through the door and for the first time, she wished that he had called her Stormy.
Face Off
(Full Cast)
It was high noon. The eight X-Men stood around in a circle on the basketball court located on the estate. Scott could tell immediately that his team wasn't in the best of moods that day. I can understand why Bobby is looking at me with daggers, but I don't know why everyone else is so down. He looked over to Jean, who he hadn't said more then two words to for a long time. I thought I was the one who was angry at her. Now it seems as if she's mad at me. Then I hear that she accidentally broke one of the professor's Vases while she was cleaning. He didn't believe her story. Especially after he noticed that Betsy had attended to some wounds on her hands in the Medical lab. She told me that she fell—I don't believe it. He looked over at Rogue. She seems to be back to her normal self, well physically anyway. For some reason she and Gambit seem to be on the outs. He gazed over at Logan. Wolverine's a bit quieter than usual and 'Ro seems to be in a crappy mood...
"Anytime now, fearless leader." Bobby said impatiently.
Scott snapped out of his daze. "Storm, come up here. You're co-captain with me." He said trying to extend an olive branch to the former co-leader of the X-Men.
"No thank you." She responded in forced politeness.
He gave a quick glance to Betsy and spoke mentally. You can't say that I didn't try.
She rolled her eyes at his pathetic attempt to make peace with Ororo.
Scott focused back on the team. "Okay…"
"I'll be captain." Jean said stepping into the middle of the circle beside Scott.
He was surprised that Jean abandoned the opportunity to be on the same team as him. "Fine. You're captain." He took out a quarter from his pocket. "Heads or tails?"
"Heads."
He flipped the quarter in the air. All eyes were on the quarter when it hit the ground. Scott smiled at her. "It's tails. I pick first."
Jean rolled her eyes and stepped back from him. "I know the rules."
The other X-Men stood in a line facing the co-captains waiting to be picked.
"Ummm…" He pondered on whom he would pick first from the women standing before him. His eyes settled on the only other pair of eyes that seemed eager to be on his team. "Psylocke."
With a shout, Betsy skipped over to Scott's side and gave him a high five.
Jean rolled her eyes at the two of them. "What a shock."
He sensed his wife's attitude. "What? She's great offence."
"Whatever." She answered carelessly and focused on the men in front of her. "I pick…"
Logan desperately tried to avoid making any eye contact with Jean. He lowered his head. Not me, not me, not me…
Jean gave a satisfying grin as she spoke, "Wolverine."
Shit! Logan finally looked at her and gave a weak smile.
"Surprise, surprise." Ororo whispered low enough for him to hear as he walked past her to stand beside Jean. He chose not to respond, knowing that Jean's arm around his shoulder was not helping matters at all.
Scott focused on the only two men left to pick from. "Ummm…" I want to pick Bobby, but… "Gambit."
Bobby watched as Remy walked over to Scott's side. "Is that suppose to be a bit of foreshadowing, Cyke?" He asked as he walked over to Jean's side since he was the only guy left.
Scott clenched his jaw. Why'd he have to go there? "Remy's taller than you. Come on, you would have done the same thing."
Jean looked over the only two women left, not even having to think hard about her next pick. Rogue's a great player, but I want to be on the same team as my best friend. "Storm."
Ororo winced at the thought of actually having to pretend to be friendly with Jean throughout the entire game—she couldn't do it. "Actually if you don't mind, I would prefer to be on Cyclops' team."
What? Jean watched as Ororo walked over to Scott's side. "But we…"
"Great, 'cause Ah don't wanna be on Cyke's team." Rogue said dusting her hands and standing next to Jean.
Scott shook his head in protest. "The rules say that you are suppose to go to the team that you are called to."
Grabbing his arm, Ororo pulled Scott to the opposite end of the court. "Oh be quiet and let us just play the game."
"Hell yeah!" Betsy yelled toward the other team as they headed in the other direction. "Prepared to be trampled losers! We're going to kick your ass!"
"Psylocke." Scott called out with disapproval from across the court.
"What?" She asked innocently. "I'm just trying to build our team moral."
"Get over here."
Betsy ran over to her team huddle, breaking into their discussion. "I'll cover Jean." She volunteered with a raised hand.
Scott looked her over, not liking how eager she seemed. He was observant enough to know that Jean and Betsy were not on the best of terms. "I don't think that's a good idea. Storm, you cover Jean."
Ororo almost felt like laughing. That is not a better idea. "No problem." She lied.
"I'll take Wolverine." Remy volunteered as he stretched.
Wolverine was almost ready to kill Gambit yesterday. "I don't think that's a good idea."
Remy shrugged his shoulders without a care. "Fine. I'll take Iceman."
"I really don't think that's a good idea." Logan has cooled down today, but Bobby is still mad at Remy. He focused back on the red-eyed mutant. "Take Wolverine. I'll cover Iceman."
Over on the other side of the court another conversation was going on. "We have the ball." Jean stated as she looked around the huddle. "Iceman will take it up the middle 'cause he has the best three point shot."
"Next to me." Rogue winked as she gave Bobby a playful nudge.
He gave her a blank stare, then focused his eyes back on Jean with a smile. "No sweat, I got it covered."
Logan's patients was reaching its limit. "Enough with this strategizin'. I can beat those guys on my own."
Bobby rolled his eyes. "Yeah sure, Mr. Exaggerator."
Rogue giggled. "Good one."
He ignored her comment and faced the others. "Let's play!" With a clap of his hands they broke away from the huddle, walking toward the center of the court.
Rogue caught up to Bobby, matching his pace. She had been friends with him long enough to know when there was something bugging him. "Is there somethin' wrong, Bobby?"
He answered without slowing down or looking at her. "Nope. Everything's dandy."
She pulled his arm, forcing him to stop and look at her. "Do Ah detect a bit of sarcasm?"
"I don't know, do you?!"
Jean cut in between them. "I know I do." She turned to Rogue before she had a chance to respond to him. "Rogue, go take your position."
Rogue bit her lip and did what she was told.
Jean looked at Bobby, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Take it easy."
"Hey, Mississippi!." Betsy called out as Rogue walked toward her. "I'm really glad to see you up and around, but don't expect me to take it easy on you."
"Ah wouldn't expect any less from you, London."
Logan stiffened up as Remy took the position in front of him. "You're goin' down, Gumbo."
He let out a sly grin. "Is dat suppose t' be some kind of sexual reference? All you gotta do is ask nicely, homme."
"Fuck off." He grumbled.
"Oh, I love your runners." Jean stated as she admired her best friend sneakers. At that moment she wished the game was already over so that she could fill 'Ro in on everything that she had been through. "Remind me to tell you what happened with me and Betsy yesterday."
She forced a smile. "Okay…" Asshole. She could feel the heat begin to pulse through her body as she stared at Jean's bright face. Calm down, 'Ro. It is not her that you are really mad at…it is Logan. She noticed Remy positioned in front of Logan. Some part of her resented him as well. It was Remy's risk taking attitude that nudged her into the relationship with Logan in the first place. She shook the thought out of her head, again trying to remind herself that Logan alone was the true culprit.
Bobby began to bounce the ball, officially beginning the game. "Pay attention Cyke, while I school you on some dribbling."
Scott tried unsuccessfully to try and steal the ball as it past in between Bobby's legs. "Just make sure your dribbling doesn't get on the court. You don't want to slip again."
Bobby paused a moment. "Dribbling: a play on words." Bouncing the ball again, he added, "Clever."
"I try."
Bobby began to make his way down the court with Scott keeping a close guard. Scott went to steal the ball, but Bobby passed it to Jean. Instantly, Ororo was in her face, blocking any attempt for her to try and shoot.
Jean wasn't able to get any leeway with Ororo's aggressive defense, so she threw the ball back to Bobby, falling down in the process. She tripped me. 'Ro just tripped me! "Take it easy, Storm!" Jean yelled as Ororo ignored her.
Bobby saw an opening and took the shot. The ball went in with a swoosh. "Easiest three-point shot ever!"
"Take that!" Rogue yelled, then turned to Betsy, "Wankers!"
"We'll even it out." Betsy promised. Her prediction did not take long to unfold as Remy scored the next three-pointer basket with ease, reaching over Logan without much effort.
"Sorry, Wolverine. Try again after your growth sprout."
"Keep talkin' shit, Cajun."
"Yes!" Betsy exclaimed, giving Remy a high-five.
Bobby had the ball, he saw Jean was open and was about to throw the ball to her. Scott caught on to what he was trying to do and tried to intercept the ball by running towards Jean. At the last minute, Bobby changed his strategy and ran with the ball down court, causing Scott to trip over his own feet in the process. Remy saw the opening and tried to block Bobby from the easy basket. Bobby saw Remy in his path and began to speed up, pushing Remy to the ground as he made the basket.
"Up by two!" Bobby yelled jumping up and down.
Remy popped up from the ground, getting into Bobby's face. "Hey, dat's a foul and you know it!"
"What are you talking about?" Bobby asked brushing Remy's comments off with a wave of his hand.
Rogue crossed her arms and looked away. "Ah didn't see anythin'."
Scott put his hand in the air. "Well, I did."
"You didn't see shit." Bobby chuckled spinning the ball on his finger. "You were too busy taking the concrete out your mouth."
Scott poked Bobby's chest with his index finger. "You were charging. Play is over, no point."
"Wait a second!" Jean broke in between them. "You can't be player and referee. You're biased!"
Ororo rolled her eyes. "Give me a break, Jean. It was so obvious Bobby charged."
"Whatever." Rogue added, retying her ponytail. "You always stick up for Gambit."
"Forget, Gambit. Bobby charged so it is our ball." Ororo stated as she grabbed the spinning ball from Bobby's finger.
Remy observed the charged emotions of everyone on the court and decided to sit on the sidelines, reasoning that the argument would continue for a long time.
Logan walked over to the confrontation. "There's no denyin' that Gambit deliberately got in Bobby's way."
"No, he did not!" She stated as a gust of wind swept across the court. "You must be losing your eyesight."
Logan stepped back. "Calm down. It's not that serious, 'Ro."
She raised an eyebrow. "I am surprised you remember my name."
Her comment fell on deaf ears to everyone but Logan and Betsy. What did she mean by that? Betsy wondered, surprised that nobody picked up on the oddness of Ororo's statement. It was then that she realized that the happy couple didn't seem so happy anymore. I wonder what happened? Deciding not to wait any longer, Betsy dipped into Ororo's mind—she didn't have to dig too deep to get what she wanted. Her eyes widened tremendously with the new revelation. Oh my God! This is way too good. She could almost pee herself with excitement.
Scott took the ball from Ororo hands. "I call foul. I mean, why would I lie about something so pity?"
Jean snatched the ball from him. "Are you suggesting that we are lying?"
"Yes, that's exactly what I'm suggesting." Scott observed the outrage on his wife's face. As if she is above it all. "What? You've never told a lie before, Jean?"
"Or withheld the truth." Betsy asked picking up on Scott's hidden meaning.
"Oh, so now you two are lecturing me about withholding the truth?!"
Scott narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean by that…"
Ororo cut him off before his question could be answered. "It is a shame that your team has to resort to tricks in order to win. Really, Jean, it is pathetic."
Betsy could hold her tongue no longer. I can't resist. "I totally agree with you, Jean." Everyone looked at her in confusion. Betsy shook her head laughing with fake embarrassment. "I meant to say, Storm. I mean, how could I possible mix you two up?"
Ororo's mouth fell open in shock, her body turned cold. She looked at Betsy's amused face unable to speak out loud. She knows…
"You shut the fuck up, Betsy!" Logan yelled walking over to her.
Scott stood in front of him before he could reach her. "Hey, take it easy, man."
Suddenly he burst out in rage almost trampling over Scott. Remy noticed the commotion and ran from across the court. Bobby joined Scott in helping to keep Logan from lounging at the Ninja. "I'm gonna fuckin' kill that bitch!"
Jean turned to Betsy not surprised with Logan's anger. "I see you managed to get on someone else's bad-side."
"Logan's a lunatic. It's not that hard to get on his bad-side." She turned from Jean to Scott. "Let the bastard go Scott, so I can kick his ass!"
Remy, who remained quiet for much of the argument, couldn't help but feel his friend's distress. He placed his hand on her shoulder. "What's wrong, 'Ro."
She shrugged him off. "Get your hands off me."
Rogue witnessed their exchange with much interest. " 'Ro's brushin' Remy off? Never thought Ah'd live to see the day."
"You seem a little too involved Rogue." Bobby whispered then added with sarcasm, "You two are 'just friends' right?"
"Yeah, that's right." She snapped back with hostility. "What the hell is wrong with you, Bobby?! 'Cause you obviously seem to be havin' problems."
Betsy twirled her hair. "Isn't this interesting; Rogue, with her multiple personalities, is complaining that someone else has 'problems'."
"Fuck you, Betsy!" Rogue yelled, tired of Betsy's smug face. "Anyway, shouldn't you be somewhere else, screwin' somebody's husband?"
Rogue's comment struck Betsy deep, but she didn't want to give Rogue the satisfaction. "Maybe. You got someone in mind."
Without another word, Ororo took off into the sky. Her leaving triggered something in everyone else. They realized that there was nothing preventing them from leaving.
Remy followed Ororo with his eyes as she disappeared into the clouds. " 'Ro has de right idea." He turned and headed off the court into the parking lot area.
"Great game, Scott." Jean said sarcastically as she ran into the house.
"This was a stupid idea, leader." Rogue mumbled as she walked away.
Bobby headed in the opposite direction. "Cyke, I suggest next time we take separate vacations."
"I'm outta here!" Logan grumbled as he walked into the forests.
Scott threw his arms up in the air. "Great! When everything goes wrong, it's all my fault?! This basketball game was Jean's idea, remember?!" There was no answer. "Of course you guys don't."
"If it's any constellation…" Betsy walked over to him placing a hand on his shoulder, hoping to cheer him up. "I had a blast."
Sighing, he shook his head in hopelessness.
******
Author's Note: We are winding down folks so there will be no more logs thrown on the fire. Only a few chapters left so let's see if I can clean everything up (I promised under 30 chapters awhile back and I will defiantly be way under that number). I'm still kind of surprise people are still reading this so thank you so much for all the reviews : )
Next Time: Scott tries to bring everyone together…will he succeed? Ummm…yes and no.