Interactions

by SLH

Remy is bored in the War Room; Rogue is able to control her powers-so starts the five day marry-go-round of the vacationing X-Men !Complete!

23. Together Again/The Instigator

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Marvel except Roy Joe Johnson.

Note: Because Fan.net changed the settings (no longer updating R/NC-17 stories on the first page) I don't mind emailing those of you who would like to know when this story is updated. If you would like to be emailed when the next chapter is up, just let me know in the review box.

I just want to thank everyone who's been following this story from the beginning. I know it has been a really long time and I'm glad you all are still around. All your critiques, praise and suggestions have had a positive effect on this story. Thanks also to the couple of new readers who just found the story and dropped a review.

Oh and a special thanks to Randi who told me to take my time with this chapter instead of rushing it out—because I listened to you, this chapter is better then what it could have been.

I hope you all enjoy, (this chapter is longer then the last one, Samman ; 0 ) ).

So let's get started…

Interactions

Chapter 23

Together Again

(The Full Cast)

It was a couple of minutes before 9:00pm as the summer sun began to set in the sky. Scott had thought that yesterday was bad, but today was much worst. All throughout the day various members of the X-Men informed him of their intent to leave the mansion until they were called back into active duty (Remy, Betsy, Logan). Others informed him that they would be spending the majority amount of their time away from the mansion, wanting to spend sometime alone (Ororo, Rogue). And still there were some who had not said a word to him thus far (Bobby, Jean).

The digital clock turned to 9:00pm. Scott stood silently as one by one the team made their way into boathouse he shared with his wife.

Rogue was the first to arrive, followed close behind by Logan. Each acknowledged Scott with a slight nod of the head, but nothing more. Rogue noticed that the furniture was moved around to make room on the carpet. Not wanting to sit on the floor, she just found a seat on one of the couches as Logan grabbed a chair from the kitchen table.

Ororo and Betsy were next. They arrived together, however it was obvious to Scott that they did not come together, since both seemed to be keeping to them selves. The weather goddess sat against the wall, pulling her knees up against her chest. Betsy gave Scott a warm smile as she sat in on the carpet with her legs stretched out in a relaxing position, taking in the beautifully decorated home.

Jean happened to be the fifth person to walk through the door, having spent the night in her old room at the mansion. It had been the first time Scott had seen her for over 24hours. She acknowledged her husband with a glance but nothing more, before taking the seat next to Rogue on the coach.

Bobby staggered in not too long after Jean, not making eye contact with anyone. He found a spot leaning against the wall with his arms folded as he waited for everything to get started.

Each of them was in an area all to themselves, not socializing at all. A few more minutes had past before Scott began to notice that everyone was becoming a little restless. The meeting was officially suppose to start 15 minutes ago, but all were waiting on one more person to arrive.

"You gonna start anytime soon, Cyke?" Logan asked breaking the longstanding silence. He then took a quick check of his watch. "This wasn't suppose to take all night."

Scott stopped his pacing as he looked across the room to the older man. "You know we're waiting on Gambit."

"Why bother?" Rogue asked as she pulled her hair behind her ears. "We all know he ain't gonna show…"

The door swung open and Remy staggered in, slipping off his trench coat and tossing it onto one of the couches. He stood up straight, taking a quick glance at everyone in the room without giving any excuses for his lateness.

"Ah stand corrected." Rogue mumbled to herself as she fiddled with her gloves.

Scott observed all the solemn faces in the room. Yes, he had ordered everyone to be there, yet he was still surprised that they all showed up. It was strange looking at them all in his house. Never had he invited the entire group to his home; some have never even seen more than the outside of the boathouse since he and his wife moved in. He felt a sense of shame as he reflected on that bit of reality.

With a hand signal, he motioned for all to join him as he sat on the carpet. After a bit of grumbling, a circle was made with each person sitting side by side starting clockwise with Scott, Remy, Jean, Ororo, Bobby, Betsy, Rogue and Logan who sat next to Scott completing the circle.

Scott gazed across all the eyes in the room as he spoke, "I'm glad everyone decided to show up." The fact that they were all here, led him to believe that they were willing to take the next step. Though, not everyone felt the same way.

"Only 'cause it's mandatory." Remy replied, his eyes focused on the ceiling.

Bobby nodded in agreement. "Yeah, you did order us."

"Still, I'm glad." Scott repeated with sincerity.

As he took another look around the room, he realized that in fact, no one wanted to be there. He noticed how Remy kept his eyes to the ceiling and Bobby kept his eyes to the floor. Rogue spent her time examining each strain of her hair, while Logan seemed intent on cleaning his fingernails. Jean seemed engross with locking and unlocking her wristwatch as Betsy's eyes danced around everything in the house—This is the first time she has ever been invited here. Scott thought to himself. Ororo remained still and focused, as if she was meditating with her eyes open.

Even though he figured out his willing teammates weren't exactly so willing, he decided to continue with the speech he had spent all day memorizing.

After a slight clearing of his throat, Scott began to speak, "What happened yesterday…"

The sound of everyone groaning drowned him out. Clearly they were not in the mood to be lectured, but it was too late for them to make their escape.

Scott took a moment of pause so that everyone could settle down before he spoke on. "Yesterday was suppose to be a day for everyone to come together on the b-ball court. We rarely get the time away from fighting to bond with each other."

He paused at the sound of a few rudely placed heavy sighs; a sign that some were already becoming impatient. Scott didn't care.

"For a long time, Jean, Bobby and Ororo were on different teams. I wanted to use our vacation as a chance to form new relationships with one another. Three days of vacation and everyone is pissed off at everyone else." He tried to see if what he said so far had any effect on the group. From what he could tell, they were not paying the least bit of attention. His frustration started to grow. "I can't believe you guys sometimes. One would think that after nearly losing a teammate the other day…"

"Hold up, hold up!" Rogue cut in, finally willing to look up from her hair. Her fierce eyes burned through Scott's visors. "Ah'm not gonna be your lil' poster-child for group 'togetherness'."

"What are you talking about?"

"You're not gonna use mah accident for your lame argument. You know, the one that goes, our teammate could have died so we should be more of a close-net family and blah, blah, blah! Ah mean geesh, we're X-Men!" Rogue settled back down, relaxing her tight muscles. With a smirk she looked over to his wife. "Everyone knows we got nine lives…right Jean?"

Collectively, the group still managed to chuckle over the cliché joke.

Scott did not laugh. "Nine lives. Yeah, that's right." His face turned deadly serious. "I guess Joseph didn't get the memo…"

His words sucked the newly formed life right out of the room. All were shocked that he could say something so callous. Rogue lowered her head instantly, feeling an ache in the pit of her stomach.

Remy shook his head. He never did like Joseph, but maybe if he had known Joseph's time with the team would have been so short, he might have tried to get to know him better.

Bobby looked to his leader in disbelief. "Shit, Scott."

He shrugged him off. "How soon we all forget." Scott looked at his watch. "Maybe it's time for us to take a field trip over to the grave yard of our fallen members…"

Logan couldn't take anymore. "Okay Cyke, we get it…"

"I don't think you all do. See, because if you did get it, we wouldn't be in this mess!" He then lowered his voice, trying to regain his thoughts. "I know not everyone here gets along with everyone else. In a group this diverse there is bound to be some clashes. Still there was always an underlining of respect that we all had for one another and I see that slipping away."

"Is it really that serious?" Logan asked in a harsh raspy voice.

"It's one thing when you and I buttheads, that's expected." Scott then turned to the others. "But for the past couple of days I've watched relationships that seemed to be unbreakable start to crumble." With a soft sigh he added, "That's when I realized that this problem was bigger than I thought."

Jean rolled her eyes. What he said was true, but the fact that he was the one who was saying it didn't sit right with her. What happened to our unbreakable relationship? She wondered to herself.

Their mental link had been down for two days and she realized how empty she felt not being connected to him. "That's a pretty high horse you're sitting on…be careful not to fall." It was a whisper, but one loud enough for everyone to hear.

Scott stopped a moment, willing to accept the critizim. True, to some I'm sounding like a hypocrite, like I haven't participated in any immaturity. Still, that is not my intention. "Look, I'm not trying to get on a high horse. I've been guilty of the same thing." He looked on to Jean as he spoke, wanting to say more, knowing he could not…yet.

"Now that we have identified the problem, what is the solution?" Ororo asked breaking her silence.

The remedy was something that Scott had spent the day planning. "We talk everything out."

Betsy's ears perked up in curiosity. "What, like group therapy, or some shit?"

"Yeah, something like that." Scott answered, nodding in agreement. "I want everyone here to say something positive about someone else."

The room erupted with sounds of moaning, as if everyone had been stabbed in the same place at the same time.

It was nothing that Scott hadn't prepared for. "I don't care if you don't like it, you're still going to do it."

"You mean like, I have to say something positive about everybody then pass it along?" Betsy asked as she rolled her eyes. She scrunched her face and wined, "We'll be here all night."

"No we won't." He replied shaking his head. "I'll tell you who you have to partner up with so you will only have to speak about that one person. The only other rule is that while the two people are talking, everyone else has to remain quiet until they are finished. Understand?"

"Nope." Rogue eyes sparkled with amusement. "Ah think you should go first…show us what to do." Really, she just wanted to bug him.

"Okay, fine I will." Scott said with indifference. This should be easy. I'll take the opportunity to display what I want everyone to do and make up with Storm at the same time. "I'll say something positive about…"

"Wolverine." Betsy jumped in and then added with a sly smile, "That shouldn't be too hard."

Damn! He thought hiding his disappointment from the others. If he followed Betsy's suggestion it would mess with his overall plan. However, with hidden reluctance, he agreed to her request knowing that if he did not it would come across badly.

"Wolverine." Scott stated as the older man looked to him eager to be praised with compliments. "You are a great asset to this team…"

"Do you think you can praise more than just his skills in regards to the team?" Betsy said, breaking the rule by cutting in. "And maybe you could start by not using his code name."

She's right. I do tend to look at everyone with how they relate to the team. He started again. "I know it wasn't easy for you when you first learned that I was the leader of the X-Men. The fact that you were able to…humble yourself and accept me as leader shows how strong your character is. There have been many times when we haven't meshed well together, but I've found that those instances have decreased the longer time has past."

With a half smile and a sparkle in his eyes he added, "You're the only guy here, besides me that can watch racecars lap around a track a hundred times and not get board! I guess watching those games is where we've done the most bonding."

Logan couldn't help but chuckle.

"We've never been close, but I've always respected your unwavering loyalty and admired your passion for life. You're not only great to have on the battlefield, but great just to have around, period. Besides," He said with a shrug and a smile, "If my wife thinks you're something special, you can't be all bad."

Rogue couldn't keep the smile off her face. It was just so weird hearing Scott say such things to Logan. It was probably something that she and the others would never get use to.

Scott folded his arms over his chest. He was proud of himself, he had manage to do what some would have thought impossible and complimented Logan. The real question was if Logan could return the favor. "Now it's your turn."

He looked at his leader, opening and closing his mouth with hesitation before finally saying, "Scott, you're a pretty good guy."

Everyone sat forward waiting for the rest of his speech before they realized it was his speech.

After clearing his throat, Scott said, "I'm going to need a bit more then that."

"Right." He mumbled scratching his head.

Logan was never one for long drawn out speeches, so he had to really think about what he wanted to say. "You may never hear me say this again, but I don't mind taking orders from you." He heard some snickering coming in the direction of Remy, before he realized he really wasn't speaking the whole truth.

"Okay, I did mind at first, and still do…but I can honestly say that between the two of us, you're the better man for the job. You're level headed and calm enough to think things through and that usually works out in the end. I've learned a lot by watchin' you…you know, like havin' patience and stuff, even though I'm far away from masterin' that technique."

Tell me about it. Rogue thought to herself with a silent laugh.

Logan hated to admit he was wrong and took a moment of pause so that he could build himself up to let it all out. "I fucked up the codes the other day and instead of tellin' you off, I should of apologized. So, I'm sorry."

All were surprised.

Never thought I'd hear those words. Scott was impressed by Logan's ability to be the better man. Logan made it easier for him to admit his mistake as well. "I'm sorry for blowing up at you the way I did because of the slip up. I could have handled the situation better. I guess we both had other things on are minds at the time."

Scott extended his hand out to the other man. Logan accepted his hand with three firm shakes.

"Ahhh! How sweet." Rogue gushed with a huge grin.

"Now you guys gotta hug or something." Betsy added, trying to hold back her laughter.

Logan rolled his eyes, but to his surprise, Scott stood up and opened his arms. This guy's serious! Logan thought in disbelief. But it would be pretty low if I left him with his arms out like that.

Reluctantly, he gave Scott a quick hug, both men adding a manly pat on the back, least anyone thought they were gay.

The group erupted with laughter, not even Ororo could keep the smile off her face.

"There." Scott said as Logan returned back to his spot on the floor. He turned to face the others. "Everyone satisfied?"

They all answered in unison, "Yup!"

"Good! You now all know how it's done." Scott returned to his seat on the carpet, already knowing who would go next. "Rogue."

"Uh-huh?" She asked looking up to him brightly.

"It's your turn.

She bit her lip, dreading the next words that would come out of his mouth. Oh, please don't make me have to talk to Remy in front of everyone…

"You have Bobby."

She was totally unprepared for Scott to pair her up with Bobby. She noticed her once close friend's smug face. "No!" She crossed her arms and pouted. "Make him go first."

"Rogue." Scott responded in a parental tone.

"Fine!" She exclaimed in a huff. She observed her partner who happened to be sitting across from her. Ah don't see why Ah have to offer the olive branch when he was mad at me first. Cursing to herself, she reluctantly began.

"Well, Bobby. You've been a real good friend of mine for a long time…mah best friend a lot of the time. Anyway, Ah know you're mad at me because Ah did that thing you told me not to do." She noticed the blank faces of everyone one else, but knew she couldn't divulge that she was trying to help Bobby scrape up $325,000. Instead, she turned to the others and said, "Long story." Focusing back on Bobby, she continued, "But excuse me for bein' a friend and lookin' out for yah…"

Bobby cut her off turning to Scott. "Isn't she suppose to be saying positive things about me instead of making excuses?"

"Fine!" Rogue answered before Scott could agree with Bobby. Taking a deep breath she looked to Bobby again, seeing a different man than before.

For a long time he was mah buddy. She knew she would get into hell for what she would say next, but she didn't care. "Remember that time long ago when Ah stole Wolverine's motorcycle and drove it into the city?"

Logan straightened up and he focused in on Rogue. "You did what?"

"…and then Ah crashed it into that tree."

His eyes bugged out of his head. "Ya crashed my bike?"

She waved him off with her hand as if he was as insignificant as a fly. "Take it easy. It was years ago."

"Ya crashed my bike?!" He asked again as if he could not even comprehend the thought.

Rogue glanced over to the man in charge. "Scott."

Scott already knew what she would say. He gave out a warning. "Logan, you know the rules. Keep quiet."

Wolverine bit his tongue and tried to settle back in his seat.

Bobby nodded his head, as he replayed that incident over in his head. "Yeah, I remember. You called freaking out in the middle of the night saying that Wolverine was gonna kill you."

Logan mumbled under his breath, "She's right. I would of..an' still might."

Rogue went on with the story. "You actually met me in the city with $500.00 in your hand for me to repair the bike."

"It was nothing." He said shrugging his shoulders as if it were actually nothing.

"Yes it was. Ah found out later that you were savin' that money to buy some rare comic book."

"I got it eventually."

"Years later." She tried to remember what her point was for bringing up that story. "Ah know it was a lame example but, Ah guess Ah'm tryin' to say that right from the beginnin', you were always right there when Ah need you most…Ah jus' wanted to return the favor.

"When we went on the road trip together, Ah had a blast. It's up there as one of the best times in mah life and part of it was 'cause you were with me." She lowered her head as she remembered the darker moments of the trip. "There were a lot of things Ah was going through at the time; some you know, some you don't."

Only Remy knew what she was referring to. He remembered the other day when she confided in him, saying that it was hard for her to live in reality on the road trip when she could still feel his persona kicking around the back of her mind.

Slowly, he lifted his head and shifted his eyes to her direction. Even without his empathy, he could feel that she was speaking from her heart. He then refocused his attention back to his fingers as she continued on.

"You kept me sane at a time when Ah could have easily lost my grip…Ah don't think Ah ever did get the chance to really thank you." A bright smile spread across her face as she successfully fought back her tears. "Thanks, Bobby."

He felt so guilty, hearing her say those words to him. "You don't have to thank me for that. I should be the one thanking you." He scratched the back of his neck in nervousness. "Believe it or not, I always thought you were the one who kept me sane. See, I was going through some things too."

No picked up that he was referring to the hell that Emma had put him through when she invaded his mind.

"About me being mad at you for what you did…I'm not mad. I mean, I was mad about something else, but it was my problem more than it was yours." He knew that Rogue didn't understand what he had just said, but he also knew that he couldn't get further into it in front of the team. I have no intention of telling her that I was really angry at the fact that she slept with Remy.

"Anyway, now that I think about it, you were only trying to help me out." He said referring to her asking Remy for the $325,000. "Besides, you wouldn't be Rogue if you didn't meddle from time to time." Smiling, he continued, "And I would never want you to be anything other than yourself…your meddling, meddling self."

"Gee, thanks." She said with playful sarcasm.

With a wink, he responded, "You're welcome."

She rushed him giving him a big hug, almost pushing him backward onto the floor.

"Oh, go get a room." Betsy mumbled.

When Bobby was able to get Rogue off of him, he followed her over to her side of the carpet, sitting in between her and Logan.

Scott smiled in satisfaction. Two down and a few more to go. He turned to the thief, having noticed the riffed between him and his closest friend on the basketball court. "Remy, you have Ororo."

Once Scott paired Rogue with Bobby, Remy knew that he would be matched up with Ororo. While Bobby was talking to Rogue, he used his time to think about what he would say to Storm.

Remy couldn't have guess how eager everybody was to hear what he would say to Ororo. He was the most secretive of them all and thanks to Scott they were going to get a sense of his true feelings.

He began to speak to her, not looking her directly in the face. "You were always a good friend. You put up wit' me consistently…constantly." His eyes shifted from her forehead to her shoulder to the center between her eyes. "I needed someone like dat in my life, someone I could count on no matter what de situation. You were always dat person."

He suddenly remembered something he had learned as a child growing up in the Lebeau household, something that he had always believed to be true, but somehow didn't fit in this situation. "I was taught, de more people you let into your heart, de weaker you allow yourself t' become."

Finally, he was able to make eye contact. "But with you it was always different. I never felt weaker, you always had de ability t' make me feel stronger. I guess, you really are good for me. De perfect person t' offset my carefree lifestyle. Dat probably explains why I stayed here at de mansion so long instead of jettin' off at de first opportunity."

Rogue did a double take the second Remy finished speaking. And here Ah always thought Ah was the reason he stayed on the team.

Remy continued, "I know I said a lot of stuff t' you de other day, but I hope I can still count you among my short list of close friends."

Rogue listened intensely to his words and couldn't help but wonder if she ever was on his short list of friends. She stared at her hands not wanting to look at him as she drifted through the many thoughts in her mind.

Remy tried to brush his empathy across his partner's body, wanting to know how she was feeling before she would respond. As usually she was keeping her emotions, bottled up. It would take a longer, deeper probe to sense what was really going on deep inside her, but he decided against it. I guess I'll jus' have t' wait and see.

All eyes turned to Ororo, wondering how she would respond to Remy's speech.

After some silence, she looked to him and spoke in a soft voice, "Yesterday you said that I want to remember you as the man you were when we met for the first time and that you are not the same person. Yet, in someway I think you still want to remember me as the same little girl, not realizing that I too am not the same person. Maybe we both have been looking at each other through rose colored glasses…maybe it is time to take them off."

She shuffled over to him on her knees. Pulling back her long hair, she stared at him with unwavering eyes. "Remy. I hate your fucking guts and I wish I could have killed you in the tunnels with my bare hands."

They all looked on in disbelief, too stunned to make a sound.

Betsy was the only person who's lips curled into a devilish grin. Yes! Storm's finally letting it all out! She thought with excitement.

The weather goddess placed her hand on his knee and raised a brow. "Do you feel better now?"

Remy cracked a smile, chuckling softly. "Yeah, I feel great…finally!" He could understand why everyone seemed so shocked. They didn't have any prior knowledge of the back-story between the two. They weren't witnesses to the conversation when Remy told Ororo that he wanted her to say those exact words. He turned to the others, mimicking what Rogue had said earlier, "Long story."

Betsy's grin turned into a frown once she realized that she wasn't getting the kind of reaction she had so hoped for.

Ororo spoke on, "You were right. Deep down I was harboring some resentment toward you. It was so deep I didn't realize it. When I think back now, the fact that I didn't go back to Antarctica for you was a product of what I was truly feeling. However, the joy I felt when I ran into you proved that I never really wanted you out of my life…or to die." She smiled softly, "You could always make me smile when I'm sad, laugh when I cry…you always had the ability to brighten up my day."

Her words produced a sharp pain in Logan's chest, still to others he appeared to be as still as a statue.

Ororo removed her hands from his knee, her voice growing softer, as the memories and feelings of that unforgettable night were trying desperately to resurface. "Still, the loss of all those who were under my command will always be with me."

As she spoke, he reached for her delicate hand, holding it with one hand and rubbing it with the other. "But because I am your friend, I won't let you carry dat burden alone."

She felt a growing ache in the pit of her stomach and tried desperately to fight it.

He locked her eyes into his gaze as he cautioned, "Don't fight it."

Her eyes connected with his blazing eyes, suddenly aware of what was going on.

"What's he doing?" Betsy whispered to Rogue curiously.

She could see the strained look on Ororo's face transfer to Remy. "Ah think he's using his empathy."

Bobby twisted his face in confusion. "So?"

"Instead of keepin' her emotions inside of her, she's finally lettin' it go. Her pain is now his pain."

As if on cue, a loud thunderous roar could be heard from outside, causing some to shiver in nervousness. They were witnessing the manifestation of Ororo's pain.

How could the goddess continue to harbor any resentment or ill will? Remy was now able to truly feel how she felt. And with the simple gesture of the joining of hands, they were forever joined together in grief.

They both hugged each other tightly.

"Thank you, my friend." She whispered as a tear rolled down her cheek.

After a kiss to the forehead he replied, "Anytime, Stormy."

And for the first time, she did not correct him.

Betsy really didn't like the scene in front of her. She took a quick glance around the room and noted how everyone seemed to sympathize with them both…namely Remy. She was about to open her mouth in protest, but she never got the chance to say her peace.

"Jean, it's your turn with Betsy." Scott ordered, already prepared for the worst.

She looked up to him in shock. "You've got to be kidding me."

"I'm not kidding." He stated seriously.

Flustered, she looked over to Betsy and protested, "It's not like we have ever been friends."

"I could have said the same thing about Logan," Scott countered. "But I did it anyway."

Betsy sat up straight and was beaming with anticipation. "Come on Jean, I'm waiting for you to say something positive about me." She had a teasing voice.

Jean shot Betsy an icy stare as she opened up her mental link. I can't believe you have the audacity…

"What if I go first?" Betsy offered, breaking Jean's connection.

Jean rolled her eyes, not wanting to give the Ninja the opportunity to run her mouth; However, Scott nodded his head yes, so that Betsy could be the first to begin.

She focused intensely on her partner already feeling Jean's defensive stance. "Look, I know we've never had the greatest relationship. At times, I think it would be correct to say, we couldn't even stand each other."

Jean nodded her head in agreement as she crossed her arms over her chest.

"And I can admit that if there was anyone to blame for our dislike of one another, it would be me---I can admit it freely without hesitation."

She mumbled loud enough for all to hear, "How big of you."

Betsy did not let Jean's words deter her from finishing. "But secretly, I've always envied you…" She could hear Remy snicker from further down the circle and added, "Maybe it was never really much of a secret. It's like out of all of us, you seem to have everything together. You're the first woman of the X-Men, you're a master at controlling your mutation, you're the professor's most trusted confidant, you're secretly loved and worshiped by all the guys…and yes the girls." Her eyes drifted a bit to Rogue and Ororo before shifting back to Jean.

"You're so devoted to this team and X's philosophy and you still managed to snag a good husband and become a wonderful homemaker."

As Jean listened she uncrossed her arms, bringing her hands to down and folding them in her lap.

"You are the so-called, 'every woman' and if I had an ounce of whatever you are made of, I know I'd…" She paused and bit her bottom lip before she finished, "I'd be a better person."

The team sat speechless, unsure of how to react. Bobby leaned over to Rogue's ear and whispered, "Never thought I'd see the day."

Rogue nodded in response.

Remy rolled his eyes as he yawned, unwilling to buy Betsy's heartfelt words of endearment.

Jean's eyes fell from the Ninja to her hands as she tried desperately to search for the right words to speak. She let out a loud sigh before returning eye contact with the other woman. "Betsy…" Jean started to speak, noticing the eager expression on her face. "You must think…I'm a fucking idiot!"

"Woow!" Bobby said sharply as everyone else looked on with a stunned expression.

Jean continued with rage as if they were the only two people in the room, "A less than five minute speech isn't going to change the fact that you seduced my husband!"

"Now I'm interested." Remy added with a smirk, sitting up on the floor.

How did she find out? Scott wondered as he got up on his knees trying to get in between both women just in case the situation got out of control. "Listen, Jean. It's not entirely her fault…"

"Oh, you don't have to tell me that, Scott. But what you did have to tell me was that she forced her tongue down your throat!"

Bobby looked on shaking his head, "I knew this would blow up…"

"You knew about this and you didn't tell me?"" Rogue whispered to Bobby who mouthed the word, 'sorry' to her.

"Why the hell didn't you tell me?!" Jean demanded an explanation from her husband.

"Because I knew you would explode—how did you find out anyway?" His head snapped back to Betsy. "Didn't I tell you to keep your mouth shut?"

She shrugged casually and answered without a care, "I didn't say a word."

That doesn't make sense. If I didn't tell Jean and Betsy didn't tell Jean… "Then how could she have…" His voice stopped mid-sentence as something he never thought could happen, was too obvious to ignore.

Jean knew exactly what her husband was thinking, not because she read his mind, but because she knew him too well. "Yes, I did it. I read your mind." She could see the look of hurt and betrayal on his face, still she gave no outward sign of guilt. "I so knew something was going on between you two."

"There was nothing going on…" Why should I even bother try to defend myself? "And if you thought that there was something going on why didn't you just come to me?"

The question seemed so simple. "I don't know." She searched her brain trying to figure out the reason why she didn't just confront Scott earlier. Soon the answer dawned on her. "Maybe because you've seem to be avoiding me of late."

That had nothing to do with Betsy—and everything to do with my father. He began to calm down, fully acknowledging the role he played in letting the little misunderstanding grow into something bigger. "You're right. I have been avoiding you." Upon further reflection he realized that his actions could be construed to that of a cheating husband.

Rogue hated the fact that they were arguing. "Then what really happened?" She asked, her nose deep into their conversation.

"Mind yer business." Logan advised her with a deadly stare.

Scott turned from Rogue to Jean's glowing eyes. "I can tell you everything that happened or you can get in straight from my mind."

She desperately wanted to search the entire contents of his mind instead of the snippets she saw the day before. However, by searching his mind she knew it would be a sign that she didn't trust him. Before she could give him an answer, she was interrupted.

"Wait a second." Betsy injecting, attempting to right a wrong. She turned to Scott. "This was suppose to be a chance for Jean and I to solve our problems, not you and her. Therefore, my memory should be the one that is searched since I know Jean won't trust my words."

Jean didn't know what to make of Betsy's request. She could be doing this to help me out or she could just be doing it to help herself. Either way, Jean figured that it would workout in her own favor. "All right. If you insist."

Betsy opened her mind with some restrictions and Jean dove right in, wading through tones of thoughts and memories until she reached the night were Scott was in Betsy's room as she was tied to her bedpost. Mentally, she zoomed past the incident as it replayed in fast forward.

~ ~ ~

When Jean had skimmed Scott's mind yesterday, she only saw a short clip of what happened. Now that she was in Betsy's mind, she began to get a clearer picture of everything that led up to the kiss and what happened after.

She observed Betsy lying on the bed with her hand's tied to the bedpost. After listening to the back and forth banter she realized that it was Remy who put Betsy in that helpless situation—knowing that she was too drunk to free herself.

She was drunk?! Jean realized for the first time.

Jean listened to a comment Betsy made while her husband was trying to untie her.

"All the guys here worship your wife. I think that's the first thing that made my flirting with you different. You already had Jean, so you liked me because I wasn't her."

Jean was fuming as she listened to Betsy's assumptions of Scott, still Jean listened on.

…But still I loved Jean, I always will. Jean was surprised that she had heard Scott's thoughts—how could she when she was in Betsy's mind? She then realized that Betsy must have been reading Scott's mind at the time, so she had his voice in her memory as well.

"…Aren't you a little nervous being here with me, like this?" Jean heard Betsy asked Scott in a teasing tone. "Jean could peak into your mind right now without you even knowing."

Scott was quick to answer. "I haven't done anything wrong, so why should I be nervous? Besides, Jean would never read my mind unknowingly."

"Are you sure about that?"

"Yes, we trust each other completely." Jean felt a twinge of guilt at her husband's words—he really did believe in what he had said.

Jean zoomed by the images of Betsy pouring her heart out to Scott over her break up with Warren. She could feel how distraught Betsy was and how Scott's words of encouragement had a positive effect on her. It was in that moment, a drunken Betsy felt justified in tapping into Scott's mind and making him kiss her with no regards to the vows he made on his wedding day.

Jean could not watch that moment play out again and zipped past it, stopping at the moment Scott regained his senses and broke out of the passionate kiss.

Scott had a look of confusion on his face mixed with regret and an unbelievable amount of guilt. Jean felt for him so much—he did not yet know that he was not acting on his own accord.

Jean watched as Betsy finally told him that she had forced him to kiss her. Scott was furious but he remained calm. Jean zipped by the scene only paying attention to Scott's response and skipping over Betsy's words.

"You what?!…You made me kiss you?…I'm a married man…Never again, Betsy. I love Jean and I would never do anything to jeopardize what we have together…Can I trust you to never tell Jean? Not for my benefit, but for your own safety…Good…I have to go home to my wife…"

Jean watched with a smile as Scott cut Betsy from the bedpost and left the room. The scene then froze.

~ ~ ~

Rogue got up on her knees. "What'd yah see?!"

Logan reached over Bobby and pulled her back down by her shirt. "Keep quiet."

Jean threw her arms around Scott's neck, squeezing him tightly. "Oh honey, I'm sorry for doubting you. But with Betsy you just never know…"

"Hey!" The other woman yelled out. "What's that suppose to mean?"

She pointed her finger at Betsy. "You're just lucky you were pissed drunk. Although that's still not an excuse for tampering with Scott's mind."

Brushing her comments away with her hand she replied, "Yeah, yeah, yeah. Scott already gave me hell about that—you saw it," She added with a small smile.

"Yes, I did." Jean stated proudly, planting a big kiss on her husband's cheek.

He was somewhat embarrassed by the uncontrollable affection she was displaying in font of the team. "I'm glad we sorted out that mess."

She was extremely glad too; everything was all worked out, yet something still seemed out of place. After everything that came out, nothing had explained why Scott was mad at her in the first place. "Why…"

"Great! All is well in X land." Rogue cut into Jean's sentence, dusting her hands. She took a glance at the clock on the wall. "Can we leave now?"

"Let me say something first." He could hear some grumbling. "After a lot of consideration I've decided to lift the 12 hour rule. You all can come and go as you please—with your communicators of course."

"Yes!" The group yelled in excitement.

Scott began to see some of the team beginning to gather their things to leave. Before they could get up he spoke on, "I can't force you to stay and I'm not going to…but I would like for you all to stay on."

"You mean, stay on just for tonight?" Ororo asked.

"Actually, I mean for your vacation." He answered with sincerity.

Everyone stopped for a moment, as if they were giving his request some deep thought before answering. However, Remy had other ideas.

"T'anks for de invite, but I t'ink I'll pass." He said as he rose to his feet.

"If you wish." Scott said with some reluctance. Shit! If Remy leaves, he'll just make it easier for everyone else to do the same. "Did I mention that there is five boxes of take-out pizza in the oven plus cupboards full of goodies?"

Remy really didn't feel up to staying and had every intention of leaving until he caught Ororo's glaze. Merde! She's givin' me de look meanin' she wants me t' sit my ass down…if only I didn't look in her direction.

Patting his stomach, he focused back on Scott. "Pizza?! When you put it dat way, I'll stay." He took his seat back on the carpet.

"Thank you." Scott took a quick glance around the room. "Is everyone else staying…at least for tonight?"

Bobby shrugged, "Might as well."

"I got nothin' else to do." Logan added.

"I already missed my show." Betsy reasoned.

Everyone else shook their head, yes. "Good…great." Scott said rubbing his hands together.

Logan tilted his head toward the kitchen. "So let's chow down."

"Wait a sec." Scott said, getting everyone to settle back down. "I, ah, I want to say something else…"

"Homme, anybody ever tell you, you got diarrhea of de mouth?" The Cajun asked, joined in by laughter.

Scott cracked a smile that he tried desperately to get off his face. "You going to let me say my peace? I'm trying to be serious here." He took a deep breath, finally managing to get the smile off his face. "Look, I'm really glad we're all staying. I was raised an orphan for the better part of my young life…"

"Wait a sec?" Rogue asked teasingly, "Is Scott about to open up?"

"Look, I'm trying to really say something to you guys." He mustered the courage to speak on, "I was always in a foster home as a child. It was only when I met up with Xavier that I truly felt I had a home. Everyone here…everyone…I look to as part of my family…like you all are my brothers and sisters…"

"Which would make your marriage to Jean, incestuous." Betsy said with a wink as most people laughed.

Scott rolled his eyes, and continued squirming, "Listen, what I really want to say is, umm…maybe I don't say this often enough or ever at all, but I…I ah…you know…"

Logan wouldn't give him a break. "No, we don't." He said with a grin.

"You're going to make me say it, huh?" Finally he let it all out, "I love you guys."

"Ahhh!" The entire group said in unison causing him to blush.

Bobby added, "Guys? Yeah, I've noticed you checking out the our asses."

Scott waited for the laughter to die down. "I mean, I love you all! Why do you all have to make everything so difficult?"

"We're playing with you, Cyke." Rogue looked at everyone before resting her eyes on Scott. "Ah think Ah can speak for everyone when Ah say we feel the same way."

They all nodded their heads in full agreement.

"Ah mean, Ah know what you feel." Rogue continued taking the time to reflect on her past. "Mah family was far from perfect. Ya'll have been the most positive influence in mah life. So much so, Ah can't imagine mah life without y'all."

"Yes." Ororo interjected. "After my parents died, I thought my being worshiped as a goddess would be as good as it could ever get. Then I met the professor. The spirits took away my family when I needed them most…thankfully they returned them to me—in the form of the X-Men."

Remy was the next to speak. "I never had a family de first part of my life, 'til I met Jean-Luc. I always t'ought a family would forever be dere for one of its members—you know, like a support system. If mistakes were made, dey would be forgiven 'cause a family would never turn its back on its members. I realize dat de Lebeau Clang never really were family. Shit, X's even more forgiven dan de Pope." He looked up with a sly grin.

"I'm t'inking about changin' my name to Remy Xavier. Dat way I'd be de professor's adoptive son…and be next in line for his inheritance."

The laughter spread across the room, though it seemed to skip Betsy.

Logan jumped in next, feeling an unusual instinct to share with everyone else. "I don't remember anythin' about my past…"

"That's 'cause of ol' age." Rogue concluded, as some chuckling could be heard.

He bit his tongue. "I'm-a-let that slide." Logan continued on, "When Xavier brought me here, I couldn't wait to leave. But I soon grew to respect him and soon enough y'all rubbed off on me. I do love my adventures away from the mansion, but I'm glad I can always come back home to my family."

Bobby began his tale. "I grew up in a rather difficult home. I was 16 when I joined the team and I loved being part of the original five. When Xavier started to bring in more people, I thought it would take away from the magic that all us originals shared. Who'd a thought that it would just bring more?" He looked down at the floor as everyone strained to hear his next sentence, "I'd hate to ever have to leave."

His words caught Scott's attention as the leader silently wondered if Bobby was still considering leaving the mansion. Shit!

Betsy spoke next. "I grew up in a wealthy family, so you know what that means? It means that I spent the first part of my life being raised by hired help. Don't get me wrong, my nannies were wonderful to me. Still, it kinda sucks when you learn that your primary care giver is getting paid to nurture you." She looked over to the group and smiled, "It's cool to know in this family, I'm the one that's getting paid for being a member."

There were soft chuckles of agreement. Soon all eyes turned to Jean, who was the only person that did not speak.

She shook her head as she skimmed across all the faces that were staring at her. "Gee, I really wish I could add to the conversation, but I had a great family life." For some reason she felt guilty admitting something that everyone else already knew. "It's odd, but I feel bad 'cause I don't have anything negative to say."

Betsy was the only one unwilling to except her answer. "Jean, everyone here bared their soul. Come on, there must have been something?"

"No, honestly there isn't."

She pushed further. "An overbearing mother? A father too involved with work? A sister who you always had to compete with?"

Jean paused a moment to reflect on her past family life. Really, her display was only for show, knowing that she truly had a stable home life. "No…nothing."

"Come on, there must be a speck of dust in the past." Betsy just wouldn't let up. "There has to be something in your childhood that you'd rather forget…"

"Ask her about her most embarrassing moment." Remy blurted out, not able to contain himself.

Jean's face began to flush uncontrollably. She shot him a looked filled with venom, daring him to say another word.

Scott wondered out loud, "Embarrassing moment? What's he talking about?"

"I have no idea." She lied. She was now willing to indulge Betsy's questions instead of having to answer to Remy. "I don't have a dark story to add, but I can say that I didn't want to leave my home to come here. When I did arrive, I was happy because the love that everyone had for each other—and still do—was extremely evident. It was like I wasn't missing anything at all."

"That's a sweet thing to say." Ororo said, giving her friend a warm smile.

"Can't let you off the hook that easily." The ninja replied matter-of-factly.

"Betsy." Scott warned, meaning for her to keep quiet.

She kept on talking as if she did not hear him. "So you had a good family life, I can't knock her on that, but there has to be something."

"What do you want me to say?" Jean asked defensively.

"You might not have noticed, but you didn't say anything positive about me in the earlier exercise."

"Only because…"

"I'm willing to let that slide, but I can't let this slide. We have all admitted are wrong doings in front of the entire group. Haven't you messed up at all during this past couple days…or ever at all for that matter?" Betsy began to egg her on, "Come on, perfect Jean."

"I'm not perfect." She replied forcefully.

"You aren't doing anything to kill the myth." Betsy replied. She took a slight skim of everyone's mind, sensing that they too were dying to hear an answer. "Your family life was great, so let's focus on you. There has to be something you wish you could change about your past."

"Of course there is."

"Then name something." Betsy challenged.

Jean looked at her as if she were crazy. "You want me to name one thing."

"Pick the biggest one." She said, trying to make it easier for Jean. "What's your biggest regret in life?"

"Betsy, stop instigating." Scott said finally, believing that she was taking it too far.

There was a sudden flash in Jean's mind, as a scene involving Betsy and Scott, sitting on the living room couch, was forced into her head.

~ ~ ~

Jean watched as Betsy dipped into Scott's mind exposing his longstanding resentment of not being told that his father was still alive. She watched as Scott became angry with Betsy for going through his mind after he specifically asked her not to do so. Jean heard Betsy side with Scott, telling him he was right to be mad as his wife—but she was surprised to see Betsy suggest for him to talk to both Ororo and herself and get everything out into the open.

Jean slowed down the image and listened as Betsy said, "Everyone here knows how strong your marriage is and it didn't get that way by you running away from your problems."

Jean observed how hurt Scott truly was over the entire incident. "I...I don't trust myself enough to have a conversation with her...without it turning into an argument."

"Scott, she doesn't even know why you are upset with her." Jean heard Betsy say, "Just talk to her and get all this out of the way."

~ ~ ~

The scene paused in her mind, as she focused back on reality and everyone in the room. It seemed like an hour, but in reality only two seconds had past.

Scott turned to his wife as he said, "You don't have to answer her Jean."

"No, it's okay. I want to answer her." She said as she faced Scott with a deeper understanding. "I've had many regrets in life, but if I had to pick just one it would be the time I let you down."

"What?"

"I knew along that Corsair was your father and I never told you." She gave an apologetic glance over to Ororo. "I told 'Ro the truth, but never you. I can give you a laundry list of excuses on why I kept the secret from you all resting on the thought that their would always be another day…and then I died. I never had the chance to tell you how sorry I was and still am…"

Scott interrupted with aggravation. "I never could understand why you would keep something like that from me…he was my father…For 20 years I thought he was dead."

Rogue grabbed hold of Bobby's hand, squeezing it tightly. She couldn't bear the thought of seeing the perfect relationship crumble before her eyes. Her thoughts drifted to a couple of days earlier when she accompanied Scott to the corner store. She felt responsible for their argument, knowing that she had been the one that reminded Scott that Jean was the one who betrayed his trust and not Ororo.

"Corsair wanted me to keep the secret from you, still that does not justify my actions. There is no justification." She took his hand in hers. "All I can do is ask for your forgiveness and hope to be forgiven."

He loved her so much, more than he could bear. "For a long time I was holding some misdirected resentment, until I realized that it was you I was mad at. I knew all we had to do was talk it over, but I couldn't bring myself to say anything." He brought her hand to his cheek. "It's out now and I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my chest. I should have came to you sooner. Of course I forgive you, I love you too much not to." Now it was him who was lavishing her with affection not caring that they were in a room filled with others.

"I think I'm going to cry." Rogue whispered as she squeezed Bobby's hand tighter, not hearing him whimper in pain.

"Yeah, me too." He whispered, trying to release his hand from her excruciating grip.

"Okay, enough with the lovefest." Remy said, clapping his hands to get their attention.

Scott put his arm around his wife's waist as they both faced the group. "I don't think we've ever had the entire group over here. And I know that some of you have never been to our home. I want that to change. I think I can speak for Jean when I say that you all are always welcome here. Let's not make this the last time."

They all nodded their head in full agreement.

Betsy stared at everyone blankly. "Okay, so now what?"

"Group hug?" Jean offered with outstretched hands.

They all gathered together in circle and gave each other one big group hug.

Scott added with conviction, "God willing, we will never have to add another name to a tombstone."

They all chimed in with agreements as they remained with their arms around one another in a tight circle.

Betsy looked around at everyone. "If we stay this close for a moment longer, an orgy is going to break out."

"You actin' like dat would be a bad t'ing." Remy said with a grin.

All hands immediately dropped to their side as everyone backed up.

Bobby rubbed his hands together as his stomach began to rumble. "Now…let's eat!" He ordered as everyone rushed into the kitchen in search of food.

* * *

Scott stood back and observed all the activity in his home. He was really happy that even after everyone had devoured all the food, they decided to remain. He was beyond shocked, knowing that he had given everyone the opportunity to leave and do their own thing and seeing that they all chose to stay. He had finally succeeded in his goal to get the team to willingly stay in one room for a long period of time without any drama.

I know I didn't solve every problem in the group, still this is great compared to what was going on yesterday.

He wanted to give himself a pat on the back, but he reasoned that it would look ridiculous to passers by. Anyway, Ororo and Jean had caught his attention.

They were having a light conversation with each other, but Jean soon turned to leave—it looked like she was getting something to drink from the kitchen. Scott decided to take advantage of the opportunity and made his way over to the former leader.

Ororo looked up and noticed Scott making his way toward her. She placed her hands on her hips and before she could open her mouth, Scott began to speak right away.

"Let me start by apologizing for the way I've been behaving for the past couple of days." He knew his best chance to right the wrong was to totally admit that he was the one at fault. "I know my taking over the leadership role couldn't have been easy on you. Especially since I never did take the time to inform you."

"Neither you nor the professor." She moved her hands from her hips to her side.

"He did mean to tell you himself, but the emergency in Australia messed with his plans. Plus the fact that he was called away to Shi'ar…" He let his voice trail off once he recognized that he was making excuses instead of apologizing. "It was my responsibility

to inform you and I choose to let you know in other ways. I was acting like a total jerk."

It was hard for her to be upset, especially after what she had witnessed earlier between him and Jean. "And all this time your feelings towards me had to with what happened so long ago with your father." She placed her hand on his shoulder. "You should have talked to me about it."

"We did talk remember?" He asked as she nodded her head. "[1] More like I yelled and you apologized, still I was never able to let it go. I was still hurt and needed someone to blame. I guess it never really was resolved." He brought his hand underneath her chin. "It was never you I was truly mad at. You were always just the scapegoat and I'm sorry about that."

Rather than accept his apology, she restated a fact. "I'm second in command now that the teams are merged." She cracked a smile, "What if we fight for the head title?"

"No, I don't think so." He grinned shaking his head. "[2] I learned my lesson the last time."

"Smart man," she laughed as she pinched his cheek.

"You know, I'm going to need a little help reinstalling the security system."

"Say no more. I would be glad to help."

"And I also think it's better for you to take over organizing our budget. That's definitely not my strong point."

"Maybe if we hold back on a couple of things, I can take us out of the red," She said after some thought. Soon a warm smile returned to her face. "I am glad everything is now fixed between us."

"Me too." He agreed.

Sealed with a hug, they were both finally able to let go of all the tension that had been building for some time before it had a chance to boil over.

* * *

Scott threw his soda can into the garbage as he noticed the woman he wanted to talk to all night was in sight.

"Betsy!" He called out, motioning for her to join him in the kitchen.

She sashayed her way over to him. "Yes, Scott?" She asked, flipping her long violet hair over her shoulders.

With his hands folded in front of him he simply said, "Thanks."

She gave him a peculiar look. "For what?"

"I somehow got the feeling that you had a little something to do with Jean and I making up."

"Oh really?" She rubbed her chin as if she were thinking something over. "But that would mean that I'm not an instigator."

I deserve that little jab for calling her an instigator earlier. "I'm sorry. I was wrong." He was taken aback by her silence. "I was wrong, wasn't I?"

She lowered her eyes, keeping her mouth shut.

"Come on, Betsy. Coy doesn't suit you."

She finally relented. "Maybe it does…just this one time." She was trying to be modest.

I knew she had something to do with it! He thought with a hidden smirk.

"I'm just happy to finally return the favor. After all, you help me sort out that entire Warren mess." She gave him a chummy pat on the shoulder. "Hey, I know you wanted us to stay awhile, but I'm going to slip out a bit early."

He looked down at her showing concern.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to hop on a plane to London. I just have a few things to take care of."

"I have no problem with that—after all, the 12hour rules is now over. I'm just glad you'll be staying."

With a knowing smile, she whispered, "If you'll excuse me." There were a few things she had to take care of first before she left.

*

Jean flushed the toilet and rinsed off her hands. After wiping her hands in the towel, she give the room a quick look over, making sure everything was in place and sprayed the room to make sure everything smelled rosy. Once she was sure the bathroom was as clean as it could possibly be, she opened the bathroom door to see Remy's face.

"Shit!" She yelled, startled by his presence. She looked at him with contempt, not liking the smug look on his face. Without another word she brushed past him walking down the empty passageway.

He started after her calling out, "Jean…Jean!" Figuring that he wouldn't get a response, he gently tugged at her arm, twirling her around to face him.

"What?!" She asked, brushing her hair out of her face.

"I wanted t' talk t' ya for a sec."

She yanked her arm from his grip, looking to see if others were around; they seemed to be alone. "Okay, Remy, Scott's little speech was touching. I mean, I would hate to see your name on a tombstone and stuff, but don't think that everything is cool between us."

He couldn't help but grin at the sight of her pouty lips. "You're still uptight 'bout de other day in da War Room."

She stood on her tiptoes, eyeing him down. Her voice was a loud whisper, "You threatened me!" She remembered how he said he would tell Scott that she had feelings for Logan.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk." He shook his head, waving his index finger. "I believe it was you who threatened me. I was jus' defendin' myself. Anyway, it's all in de past."

She narrowed her eyes as she poked him in the chest. " 'Ask her to tell us her most embarrassing moment.' What the fuck was that about?"

He shrugged in a blasé fashion. "I was jus' havin' some fun wit' ya, dat's all."

"Well, I'm tired of being your source of entertainment."

Okay dis is gettin' way off track. He tried to settle her down. "Look, I jus' wanted t' give you somet'ing."

"Not interested." She said turning to walk away.

He grabbed her arm, pulling her back towards him. "But it's…"

"Find some other person to play around with…Gambit." She pulled her arm away from him and stormed off, turning to her bedroom and slamming the door.

"Fine, if dat's how ya wan' it." He called after her.

*

Rogue noticed Betsy standing alone by the stereo system thumbing through the CD collection. She observed how Betsy would cringe every now and then as she examined each CD case. Scott must have bad taste in music…then again, it could be Jean. She thought with a laugh.

Walking over to Betsy, she tapped her on the shoulder. "Psy?"

"What?" She turned around to meet Rogue's gaze head on. She waited for an answer as she put back down the music cases.

Rogue was about to respond, but was met with Betsy's hand in her face, signaling for her not to speak.

Betsy's fingers traced over the stereo, finding the right button to turn it on. Music began to play softly throughout the speakers around the house.

"Turn it up!" A voice yelled, but could not be seen.

Betsy reasoned that the voice came from Bobby and she could hear a couple of people chime in, in agreement. She turned up the volume as the music pounded through the speakers.

"Now it's a party!" She yelled to Rogue, trying to project her voice over the loud noise.

"Uh-huh!" She yelled back. How can Ah have a conversation with her over this loud music. Rogue thought with annoyance.

Suddenly the music cut off as a late breaking news bulletin cut in.

This is WXRP, keeping you up to date on the back and forth threats between the United Nations and the terrorist known only as Magneto. The magnetic mutant is the latest to shoot back a reply from space regarding the world's response to his constant warnings:

"We will not be intimidated by your unrelenting attempts to try and undermine our nation on Asteroid M…"

"Shut that shit off!" Another voice yelled while others chimed in, in agreement.

Betsy reasoned that the voice was from Logan and turned off the radio.

They were all itching to get their hands dirty and do something to help mankind—but alas, they were on vacation and the 'keeping a watchful eye on Magneto' task had been past onto the X-Force, among others.

Betsy examined the faraway look on Rogue's face. "Your ex-boyfriend seems to be going on another one of his tirades. I bet you he wouldn't hesitate to use the Nucs he has stored away on that Asteroid."

"He's not my ex." She replied adamantly. "Besides, Ah doubt he'd push the button."

Her words caught Betsy off guard. She never did get their relationship and wished that she had spent more time trying to dissect it. "Well, whatever happens I want to be right by your side. Something tells me that if I'm with you, I'll be safe after whatever devastation he has planned for the world has happened."

Ah guess she thinks that there is somethin' between Eric and me. She couldn't be further away from the truth. Rogue thought, not realizing that Betsy could be closer to the truth than she realized.

Rogue looked at her watch impatiently. "Okay, Betsy. You finished?"

She smiled with satisfaction. "I am now."

"Good." Rogue fiddled with her gloves as she spoke. "Ah heard about how you revived me the other day. You know, that you doin' CPR on me right away probably saved mah life." She gave a croaked smile, knowing that Betsy wasn't big on 'thank you's'. "Ah jus' wanted to thank yah properly."

"Please, Rogue." She said with a laugh, picking up a can of soda from the one of the speakers. "How many times have you saved me from a Sentinel blast or from being hit by a tank or…"

With a light punch to the arm, she wined, "You know what Ah mean, Betsy."

She shrugged casually, taking a slip of her pop. "Well, if you died, I would miss having you around." Her eyes violet eyes twinkled with delight in anticipation of Rogue's response.

"Really?" She asked with major doubts. "For some reason, Ah got the feelin' that you never really cared too much about me…" She added with a smile, "…and the feelin' was mutual."

She nodded her head, willing to accept Rogue's opinion. "Maybe there was a time when I felt that way about you, but not anymore."

"And why not?"

"Why, you seem to be the only person that can ruin the Cajun's day." She said taking a glance at Remy's still figure as he stared out the window. She turned back to Rogue with a look of worry. "You two doing okay?"

"You really need to work on your mock sincerity, Psy."

She laughed with Rogue, taking a liking to her spunky attitude. "Fine, you don't want to talk, I don't mind. Just let me say one thing." Betsy didn't give her a chance to protest.

"It's obvious that you two broke up. If I were you I wouldn't rush back to him. Everyone can see that you have Gambit on a string. Use your free time to go out and actually date other people."

Rogue couldn't believe that Betsy was actually taking the time to give her dating advice. Don't tell me that Ah have to add Psylocke to the list of people who get off on tellin' me what Ah should do with mah personal life. Ah mean, this is not only the first time we've talked since she came back to the mansion, but also the first time we talked in a long time.

Betsy kept on talking not knowing that Rogue had zoned out for a few moments. "…Believe me when I tell you that you can find better…especially now that you have the bracelet." Her eyes dipped to Rogue's bare wrist. "Where is the bracelet by the way?"

Rogue rolled her eyes. Betsy was the last person she wanted to get into a conversation with about her bracelet. Thankfully, her eyes rested upon Ororo, reminded her that she still had one last thing to do. "Ah'll get back to you on that, Betsy."

Before she could say anything in response, Rogue walked away.

* * *

After downing several cans of soda, Rogue walked cautiously up to Ororo. She took the time to gather her thoughts as she approached the other woman. She braced herself showing some humility as Ororo turned to face her.

"Hey, 'Ro. You busy?"

"No, not at all."

To Rogue's surprise, Ororo gave her a bright smile.

She took the time to give Rogue a quick look over. "It is good to see you are in perfect health again."

"Yeah." She answered, nervously brushing her hair back. "It's good to be in perfect health again. Which is what Ah wanted to talk to you about."

"Really?"

She fidgeted as she tried to make amends with her long time friend. "Ah wanted to apologize for tellin' you to fuck off the other night." She lowered her eyes to the floor, ashamed of acting so childish at the time.

Ororo gave a small chuckle as she waved her off. "Oh please, Rogue. Really there is no need."

"No, Ah want to." She continued with persistence. "Ah would have never said that to you on a good day."

She looked to the younger girl with concern, taking her gloved hand.

"You see, over the past couple of days Ah've been experiencin' some increased activity with the voices in mah head." She felt Ororo's hand tighten in shock. "It started after our last battle…"

"Why did you not say anything sooner? Are you okay…maybe we can run some tests."

"Ah'm fine, Ah'm fine."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. Ah'm back to mah old self again, promise."

She was willing to accept her answer, after all she seemed to be okay now. "That is good to hear."

"So when Ah went off on you that night, Ah wasn't mahself. Ah know Ah was eggin' you on."

"You were, but I did charge into your room lecturing, so I wasn't helping matters at all." She added, willing to take part of the blame.

"And then the day after in the kitchen when Ah was feelin' you up…"

Ororo giggled. "Yes, that does deserve an explanation."

"One of mah voices had taken a liken to you and Ah was partly actin' on his feelings."

She giggled some more. "You are making me blush."

Rogue let out a big smile filled with relief. "It's hard to focus with dozens of voices on overload, yah know." Her comment was the remedy for Ororo's uncontrollable giggles, but she didn't seem to notice.

"So am Ah forgiven on the plea of temporary insanity?"

"Of course you are…only if I am forgiven for overstepping my bounds the other night."

"For sure." They resealed their friendship with a hug.

Ororo was first to pull back as she turned serious. "I spoke to Remy last night." Said the weather goddess as she decided to change the topic.

Boy, she sure doesn't beat around the bush. "That doesn't surprise me." Rogue replied looking past Ororo at Remy. He seemed to be engross with staring out the window by his lonesome. "Ah guess it wouldn't be a leap for me to think that y'all were talkin' about me."

"Your name did come up." She continued to talk in a motherly tone, even though she was not that much older than Rogue. "If you need someone to talk to…"

Rogue cut into her speech as she looked elsewhere. "There was a time long ago when if Ah needed to talk to someone it would have been you." Her green eyes settled intensely on Ororo's blue eyes. "Time has changed a lot of things." Her tone of voice took on a sort of eerie tone. "Even though we've known each other longer, you are indebted to him. How can Ah ask you to be mah confidant when Ah know that you are already his?" She paused waiting for an answer. When no answer came she realized that Ororo thought the question was rhetorical. She let out a half smile. "No one is that neutral. Not even you, 'Ro."

"Maybe you are right." She reluctantly agreed with Rogue's words, but silently thought them to be false when referring to her. Again, she took Rogue's hands and gave them a tight squeeze. "I am glad that you are now doing well."

* * *

Once Rogue was not in view, Ororo walked up behind Remy, placing her head on his shoulder as she looked with him out the window—the front of her body resting against his back.

"I hope you two weren't talkin' 'bout me."

Without the mentioning of names, Ororo knew that he was referring to Rogue. But she did wonder how Remy knew that she was behind him without looking. Soon she figured that he saw her reflection in the window.

"Are you avoiding her or is she avoiding you?" She asked as she moved to stand next to him, looking at the side of his face.

"Damned if I knew." His face remained still without expression.

Ororo grabbed his arm, rubbing it slowly. "She made me aware of something tonight. A fact that has always slipped by me until now."

"Yeah, what?" He knew that she would tell him anyway, but thought it was best to seem like he was interested.

"She made me aware of how hard she really has it." She paused to give him way to add something, but he did not.

"It is like you are beating your head over her—to get her to love you as completely as you love her." She moved her hand down his arm and entangled her fingers with his. "It struck me today for the first time that it is not possible for her."

It was then that he turned to her, suddenly interested in what she had to say. "What are you talkin' 'bout?"

"You are asking someone with many people living in her head to love you completely." She began to ramble, "Even if she does loves you, you are still competing with the other voices, some of whom may even hate you…"

"Okay, 'Ro. I've heard enough." He stated firmly to give her no question that the topic of Rogue was now closed. "You doin' okay?"

She smiled nodding her head. "I am starting to feel better."

"Glad t' hear it." He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek as a nice way to dismiss her.

As she walked away, she couldn't help but rethink what Rogue had said to her about her relationship with Remy.

Maybe Rogue is right after all. When it comes to her and Remy, I cannot be neutral.

Once Ororo was gone, he returned to looking out the window. With a slight move of his hand he unlocked the window and opened it a crack. Hopefully, no one would notice.

* * *

Rogue made her way through the hallway, tracing her fingers along the wall. What a lovely home they have. She thought to herself as she hummed a tune.

When she was a child she would always picture a life like Jean and Scott's in her future. After her powers manifested for the first time, she pushed all thoughts of marriage and a happy home to the back of her mind where she felt it belonged.

Rogue loved all the multiple pictures that hung on the walls showcasing the beautiful couple. The only things that they need to be the perfect family are the 2.3 children.

She continued to walk down the passageway and came to a closed door. Looking over her shoulder, she made sure that no one was watching. Slowly, she opened the door and stepped into the dark bedroom.

"What are you doing here?!"

Rogue heard an angry voice ask. She was startled, but soon recovered recognizing the voice to be Jean's, though she could not see her. Rogue stepped fully into the room closing the door behind her.

Jean emerged from the closet, still waiting for an answer.

"Ah thought this was the bathroom." She lied, wanting to hide the fact that she was just snooping around.

Jean nodded her head, accepting her answer. "For a second I thought that you were Remy."

"Why would you be so hostile to Remy?" She asked innocently.

"He's been getting on my nerves of late." The telepath mumbled as she violently fluffed her pillows as a way to beat out her frustrations.

Rogue shut her eyes tightly. Shit! Ah forgot about the whole Remy/Jean mess Ah caused. Ah did tell Remy that Ah was the reason why Jean is mad at him and he did tell me that he would handle everythin' himself and to stay out of it…but Ah can't stand to see her this way.

"You were so right about him, Rogue. All he does is play games."

She bit her cheek, trying to ease her way into an explanation. "About what Ah told you about Remy…"

"Yeah?" She asked cautiously, not liking the strained look on Rogue's face.

"Ah might have mislead you a bit…"

Jean placed her hands on her hips. "What?"

"…or a lot." She concluded, not liking the way Jean's bottom lip was quivering. "Ah was in a rambunctious mood and jus' had to mess with you even though Ah knew you didn't deserve it..." She didn't want to tell Jean the real truth—that the voices in her head had been acting up, causing her to lash out at others.

Jean put her hand in the air, as a way to stop Rogue from her nonsensical rambling. "What are you saying exactly?"

"Ah'm sayin' that Remy isn't really as connivin' as Ah made him seem—well he is, but Ah made way more out of it. He was never goin' to betray your trust. Maybe tease you a bit, but nothin' serious, he's not like that."

Her mouth dropped open. "Please, tell me you're joking." She pleaded desperately.

"Ah'm tellin you the truth…now."

She covered her face with her hands. "Oh, shit, shit, shit!"

"What? Why are you so upset?"

Removing her hands from her face, she said in a loud whisper, " 'Cause just a while ago I basically told Remy off."

"Yikes!" She said, clenching her teeth. Ah don't envy her. Ah'd hate to be in her shoes…wait a second, Ah am in her shoes. "That's not good, Jean"

"I feel so horrible." She said slumping to the edge of the bed. "Now that I think back, he didn't really do anything that bad to me—I mean, he could have done worst."

Rogue took the seat next to her, wrapping her arm around Jean's shoulder. "Lighten up, girl. He'll get over it eventually."

"I don't want him mad at me. I just feel bad for how I treated him."

She rolled her eyes at Jean's overreaction. "Sometimes you have a bit too much compassion. Really Jean, you seem to be turnin' him into an angel—and an angel he ain't." She said with a firm nod, as she marveled at the many things in the room.

"Okay, maybe you're right. I wasn't that bad to him and I guess we were both in the wrong."

"What did he say to you anyway?" She asked as she ran her finger through Jean's curly hair.

"He said he wanted to give me something. I don't get it. If he thinks I'm acting like a total bitch, why would he want to give me anything?"

Ah think Ah can guess. "Probably 'cause Ah let him know the other day that Ah was the one who turned you against him. Ah guess he was usin' this opportunity to make it up to yah."

"Great! And I shot him down! Thanks for telling me." She replied sarcastically.

Rogue was barely listening as she scanned the beautifully decorated room. "Hey, better late than never, right?"

She let out a huge sigh as she rested her head on her hands and mumbled, "Right."

*

Betsy stood right beside Remy. She mimicked him perfectly, standing still, looking out the window with her arms crossed over her chest. The only difference was that he remained silent, while she was the first to speak.

"Keep the windows closed. Jean just turned on the A/C." She said slamming the window shut and twisting the knob to lock it.

Remy cursed underneath his breath. Leave it to Betsy to unknowingly spoil his plans.

"You know when Scott talked about not wanting any of our names on a tombstone, I was really sad at the thought."

Despite his better judgement he engaged her in conversation. "Even wit' de t'ought of me bein' killed in combat?"

"Yes, even you." She looked up to him with a smug face. "I wouldn't be sad that you were killed, no. I would be sad that I wasn't the one to do it."

"It mus' be weird." He said, making eye contact with her for the first time. "You hate me so much, yet you want me t' fuck you so hard." He took some pleasure in seeing the disgusted look in her face. "Besides, I know you don't really want t' see me dead…tortured yes, but not dead."

"True." She agreed with him after some thought. She did not want him to die, what she wanted was for him to be exposed. "You don't fool me. You fool everyone else, but you don't fool me. "

She's ready t' go into another one of her rants. He turned back to the window as if it were the most interesting thing in the world "Yeah, whatever." He mumbled with indifference. He didn't feel like continuing to play with her…he just didn't care anymore.

"And don't think that I won't…"

"Listen, Psy." He spoke over her. "I'm really not up t' dis t'night." To his surprise, she seemed to understand his request.

But she had add one last thing, "Just don't say I didn't warn you." With that she turned and left him be.

Foolishly, he paid no attention to what she had said. Again, after making sure no one was looking, he unlocked the window and left the boathouse.

*

Scott and Jean nestled together in a corner away from the rest of the team.

He kissed her softly on the mouth, willing to acknowledge that he had missed her presence over the past two days. He placed both of his hands on the sides of her face wanting to be the only thing she could focus on. "I've missed you so much." He waited for her to return the sentiment, but she instead lowered her green eyes as she clenched her jaw muscles.

Shit, what did I do now? "I thought we worked everything out?" He asked in confusion.

She cursed mentally for not being able to hide her feelings better.. "We did, we did." She answered, failing to reassure him.

"But?"

"But." She repeated with a sigh. "When Betsy allowed me to access her memories fully, I connect with you too because she had connected with you at the time. Yes, you did pull away and made it clear to her that you loved me…" She swallowed hard. "But you did like it…her lips on yours."

Slowly, he nodded his head, knowing that he could not deny the truth. "Yes, I did like it." He replied as his wife lowered her head to the floor. "But you know what? I can honestly tell you that my feelings for Betsy at that moment was only on a physical level—nothing more. Now I know that it doesn't seem like a good thing…but it's the honest to God truth."

She still did not look at him.

"But can you tell me the same thing?"

Her eyes connected with his not sure of his question.

"Is your attraction to Logan purely on a physical level?"

She was so unprepared for his question, all she could do for the first few seconds was look at him with wide eyes. After an eternity of silence, she opened her shaky mouth to say something, but was stopped before she had the chance to speak.

He placed his finger to her lips to silence her. "Shh, don't answer that." He didn't want her to lie or try and sugarcoat the truth. "I love you more than anything in this world. So much so, I can ignore the truth." Without another word he wrapped his arms around her in a tight embrace.

He could not see the tear that escape her eye, but he felt its impact seeping through his shirt, resting on his shoulder.

"I love you, Scott." She almost choked on her words. "I love you--only."

* * *

Scott stepped out his home, enjoying the fresh air. He caught a whiff of cigarette smoke and noticed Remy standing further up, leaning against a tree with his back turned to the boathouse. He jogged up to Remy, stopping in front of him.

The thief looked him over, not saying a word.

"Hey!" Scott said with a wave of his hand.

"Hey." Remy replied in a lesser tone.

Suddenly, Scott realized that he really didn't have anything to say to the other man. "So…um…" Looking over Remy's shoulder he noticed Bobby watching them by the door of the boathouse.

Damn! I never did get the chance to talk to Bobby and make sure he still isn't planing on leaving. "Bobby, can I talk to you for a sec?!" He called out loud enough for him to hear.

As Bobby retreated into the house, he shouted back, "Not now!"

Scott shook his head, not liking the sound of Bobby's voice. Because Bobby yelled his answer, Scott couldn't assess if the younger man was angry or not. Instead, he just assumed the worst. "Shit, Drake's fucking pissed."

"Nah, he's not pissed." Remy replied in a soft tone after a quick run of his empathy through Bobby. He turned back to Scott. "He's…sad." Why is he so sad if he and Rogue made up?

Instead of spending his time contemplating the answer, he tossed the question aside like he did the butt of his cigarette. Reaching into his back pocket he pulled out a pack of the nicotine sticks.

"I thought you quit?"

He gave a little shrug of his shoulders as he lit the end of the third cigarette he had smoked that night. "I t'ought so too."

Scott took a quick glance at his watch, noting how late it was getting. "I have to go now and try and finish up the report for X." It's already a day late, He thought to himself.

He focused back on Remy, sighing heavily. "In the report, I have to explain why we're 325 grand in debt, why his priceless vase is no more, why we are behind in our security updates, how the truck got trashed, and oh yeah, how Rogue almost died…twice." Slapping his forehead exhaustion, he asked, "Isn't it great to be leader?"

Blowing smoke out of his mouth, he wondered, "What 'bout me attemptin' t' re-stack my room wit' alcohol after you gave me another chance? You gonna write dat up?"

"I figure you're already in enough trouble." He cracked a smile. "No need to add anything on."

"You never did say what my punishment was."

"I didn't, did I?" Looking up into the night sky filled with stars, he continued, "I figure almost losing Rogue is punishment enough—don't you?"

He chose not to answer Scott's question directly and instead simply said, "T'anks." After some thought he added, "I know I haven't been de easiest guy t' get along wit' de last couple of days."

"Hey, it's nothing I'm not use to." Scott countered. "Plus, I haven't been at my best either." His light conversation dissolved after he took another glance at his watch. "Xavier is going to come down so hard on me after he reads the report."

"Maybe not." A wave of generosity had suddenly swept over his body. Scott has given me many breaks over de past couple of days. I might as well return de favor.

His eyes brightened behind his shades. "You got an idea?"

"Why don't you put everyt'ing dat happened in de report. De arguments, de fights, de debt, just stack it full wit' everyt'ing dat went wrong."

That's it? Am I missing something because I can't see how his plan could get me in the clear. "And?"

"And…you follow it up wit' what happened t'night." He could see that Scott was still confused so he continued on, "A li'l over 24hours ago we we're all ready t' split…you talked us out of it. You made us realize how good we have it here. It may not be de perfect family, but for most of us, it's a step up." With a friendly slap on Scott's arm he added, "You helped remind us of dat."

"It might actually work."

"Might as well give it a try."

"I will." Walking backwards toward the mansion he said, "I'm going to do it right now. It shouldn't take too long for me to add on the extra part. You going back inside?"

"Nah." He answered as Scott began to jog away. "I'm fine right here."

*

Betsy sat right in the empty seat next to Jean. "So, we square?" She asked happily.

Jean did not answer her, focusing her attention solely on the bowl of potato chips in her lap. She pushed a chip into her mouth, crouching loudly.

"Come on, Jean."

Jean's chewing was drowning out her soft voice.

Betsy didn't let it discourage her from saying her peace. "If I didn't plant the memory of Scott and I talking about you and his father in your head, who knows how long it would have took Scott to tell you what was really bothering him." Her voice almost sounded as if she were nagging.

It's true. She didn't have to project that memory into my mind. Jean placed the bowl of chips down on the coffee table and licked the salt off her fingers as she turned to the purple-hair Ninja. "Yes, Betsy."

"Yes, what?"

She bit her lip before she answered, "We're square."

A huge smile spread across her face. "Great." She was just glad that she was able to set everything right between them, but she still did not feel complete.

Betsy looked up to Jean with outstretched arms. "Hug?"

Jean held out her hand in a stop motion thinking that Betsy was crazy. "What are you, drunk?"

With a raised brow she answered, "Yup. Just don't tell Scott." She joked.

Despite not wanting to, Jean shook her head laughing and soon Betsy joined in.

* * *

Betsy noticed that Ororo was in the kitchen doing her favorite task…the dishes. Seeing that she was alone, Betsy stood next to her and began drying the dishes that were already in the drain board. "Hey, 'Roro."

Ororo just looked at her, not ready to speak just yet. She began to scrub one of the pots.

Over the past 24hours, Betsy couldn't help but feel crummy about the way she had acted on the basketball court. "Listen 'Ro, I'm sorry for what I did yesterday at the b-ball game."

She chuckled slightly shaking her head. "You're sorry." As if that could ever take back what she did.

"Yeah, I truly am." She continued knowing that she wasn't getting through to her. She confessed, "I did it for the shock value. I didn't really give much thought to how it would affect you."

At least she is speaking the truth. "No, you did not."

Betsy sensed that Ororo had given her a small opening, so she continued to dig. "We're in the same boat, you know." She stated leaning against the counter top. "We were both with men that claimed to love us, but were actually carrying a torch for Jean." Betsy heard a loud splash, then realized that Ororo had dropped a plate into the sink.

"What are you trying to do?" Her blue eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"Nothing…"

Ororo stepped closer to her and said in a loud whisper, "Whatever may have happened, Jean is still my best friend. Don't think you can drive a wedge between us." She swung her head back around to the dishes as she began to scrub the last plate.

"I wouldn't even dream of it." Betsy watched as Ororo pulled out the water stopper from the sink. "That's what I admire about you." Her eyes followed the water as it circled down the drain. "You know who you're mad at and it's not Jean. You know that Logan is the one who fucked up and you let him have it. Most women would never do that—they'd probably give him a second chance."

Betsy observed her begin to wipe down the counter top, knowing that she was paying attention even though it did not look like she was. "But you're stronger than that. Even though you still love him—I can see it in your eyes—you're not willing to put up with his shit. I put up with Warren's shit for years." She sighed softly. "You see, being a telepath I've heard him scream out the name 'Jean' more than once—deep in his subconscious." Telepathy—a blessing and a cruse. She shrugged her shoulders. "I guess I'm not as strong as you."

Ororo threw the dishrag into the sink. The good mood she had managed to maintain throughout the night had just crumbled thanks to Betsy.

"You really think my walking away from Logan makes me strong?" She watched as Betsy foolishly shook her head yes. Strong would have been me actually talking to him about what had happened. She kept that thought to herself, silently wondering if Betsy had already picked it up—she didn't care. "Me walking away, that was weak…" Her voice lowered to a soft whisper filled with deprived emotions, "...and I hate being weak.. Excuse me."

Betsy stepped aside to give her way to pass. Shit! She better not go back to him.

*

Logan finally got the chance he was looking for all night. The woman he had been watching was now by herself near the corner of the room, looking intently at a painting. He moved toward her, tapping her on the shoulder.

Rogue turned around to face Logan, who had a grim expression on his face. If I knew it was him, Ah wouldn't have turned around. She thought to herself. He better not bring up his stupid motorcycle, so help me Go… "Hey, bub…"

He was in no mood for small talk. "Listen Rogue, I wanted to say…"

"Enough Wolvie." She interrupted turning back to the painting. She knew immediately what was going to spill out his mouth. "Ah know what you are gonna say." Her eyes traced along the lines of the picture as she spoke on, "We've already worked everythin' out in mah head, jus' trust me on this."

"But…"

She shut him up with a look of exasperation. "It's all redundant, Ah know how you feel. Ah don't blame you, so stop feelin' responsible."

That's what he hated most about going in her head, having no recollection of what had taken place.

For all I know I could have spent the entire time in her head scratchin' my ass, but I guess I'll jus' have to take her word that we did work everything out…Which was something he'd prefer not to do. However for now, Logan was willing to drop the issue, choosing to live with the guilt he still felt.

He then noticed her bare left wrist. "So it's true. Scott's gonna keep the bracelet 'til Beast comes back."

She responded, scratching her forehead, "Yup, Beast or the Professor, whoever gets back first."

He leaned in closer to her. "Maybe after you start to use it again we can go back to our lessons."

"Ah don't think so." She replied nonchalantly.

"Why not?"

It was her that then leaned into him. "This bracelet hasn't been the best of experiences for me, so excuse me if Ah don't want to leap back into it."

"I know I'll be able to help you…"

"Yeah, you've been doin' such a great job with that." She was able to see his eyes wince in response to her comment, signifying that her words had stung. "Cheap shot, Ah know—sorry," she wasn't really sorry. "Still, no deal. Ah can work stuff out on mah own."

Logan snorted, not surprised by her answer. He knew then and there that nothing had changed; she was still the same little girl that would rather hide from her problems then actually deal with them head-on.

Ah hate the look on his face. "What is it you know exactly?"

No more playing around. "Genosha."

Instantly, her mind flashed with the hazy image of herself in a damp place restricted of her powers…the very image Cannon showed her two days before. She wasn't scared with the thought like the moment when her bracelet was activated. The picture in her mind just seemed wrong as if someone had planted it there—it just didn't fit with what had actually happened to her.

Cannon did say that he wanted to mess with mah head, maybe this was what he was talkin' about. She placed her thoughts aside for the time being in order to indulge Logan. "What about Genosha?"

He spoke in a harsh whisper as he backed her up against the wall, "Stop fuckin' around, ya know what!"

She eyed him down, not intimidated in the least by his actions. "Riddle me this, riddle me that, who's afraid of the big, bad, cat." She gave a sly smile, knowing that she was pissing him off. "Ah'm not."

Logan to a quick glance behind him for reassurance, even though he could sense that no one else was near. His words came out with intensity. "You really think it's hard to figure out, don't ya?"

"What?"

"The reason why you're whacked out of your skull." He noticed a changed in her posture as if she was taken aback. "That's right, I can read you like a fuckin' book."

She quickly regained her composure. "Oh yeah? Well, Ah can tell you're about two pages away from chapter 16 entitled: Fuck You, Wolver…"

He wouldn't let her complete the sentence, not when he was so close to breaking the truth over her head. "It all adds up to one conclusion. Let's examine the facts: You have a power that kills anyone who touches ya and you can't control it."

She shrugged him off. "Ah jus' need more practice."

"[3]You remember a long while back when you lost your powers for a bit? All of a sudden you couldn't hang around us guys anymore, yet you stuck with gay Northstar like you were his fuckin' twin…"

"Ah find gay men to be quite entertainin'." She replied twirling her hair.

"When you were younger you ran away from your home and found a place with a couple of lesbians…"

She rolled her eyes. "Ah think Destiny and Mystic had more to do with that then Ah did…"

"You never mention your biological father…"

"Maybe 'cause Ah never had one." She snapped back in anger.

"Yeah, I'm sure there was some guy kickin' around…"

"Listen, Logan." She spoke over him, not liking where his analysis of her life was heading. "Forget everythin' yah think yah know about me, 'cause as usual yah're way off."

He didn't believe her. To hell with what she said, he knew he was right on target. "I'm not off about Genosha."

She narrowed her eyes showing defiance. "Ah know what you are implyin' .' He thinks Ah was molested as a child and raped in Genosha. He wasn't even with me 24/7 at Genosha, so Ah don't know why he thinks he knows everythin'. "Do you really want me to go over that virgin conversation we had the other night—cause Ah will."

"I've been doin' some thinkin'." Logan paused a moment. He knew that if he continued, he would have to calm down and be more sensitive. If what I think really is true, she'll have a difficult time dealin' with it again. "How sure are you about the, ya know, virgin thing."

She gave him a look as if she thought he was crazy.

"I mean, are you really sure?"

Am Ah sure about bein' a virgin? Her heart began to beat faster against her will as his question raced through her mind. Well…Ah don't know…Shit! She shook her head, tempted to laugh at herself. How the hell can he put doubts in mah head when Ah know the truth?! "Let me put it to you this way, Ah can't use tampons. Satisfied?" She asked with her arms crossed.

When she told me she was a virgin the first time the other night, I thought that I had her all wrong…but maybe my original theory about her was right all along. He continued in a solemn tone as he raised his index finger to her. "When I slice my finger open, I heal instantly. The deeper the cut, the longer it takes, but I do heal eventually."

"Yeah, so?"

He moved his hand from her face, taking a deep breath. "I heal and it's like I was never cut at all. No scar, no nothin'."

She blew her bangs with impatience. "What does your healin' factor have to do with mah virgi…" Her voice lowered to nothing at all as she suddenly began to understand what he was talking about.

"Maybe you've healed…physically as if nothin' happened at all." His voice lowered considerably. "Maybe you're quite literally a 'born again virgin.' "

Her body remained still only because she was not sure how to react. So he sayin' that Ah was raped and have probably healed totally 'cause of his healin' factor.

She soon found the words to speak. "That's an interestin' hypothesis, though it would only work assumin' the hymen is equivalent to flesh." Her voice sounded even, like she was emotionally detached, as if she were speaking about someone else.

"Ah mean, if you lost your entire heart, would it regenerate on its own—no. Can you grow another finger if it is chopped off—no."

Logan concluded that all were very good points, which he had never took into consideration. Who's to say that his theory was correct; after all he was no Henry McCoy.

She then shrugged her shoulders without a care, turning from him to walk away. "Besides…" she added just before she turned the corner. "Ah think Ah'd remember somethin' like bein' raped if it happened."

That was the one thing that bugged him. He had always thought she was in denial, but now that he had brought everything out into the open, he expected to get some kind of reaction or acknowledgement from her. What he got was nothing, she didn't even flinch.

I was never a direct witness to anythin' that happened to her in the Genosha prison after we were separated, but I was always so sure she was raped. Even now when I remember how closed off she became after the incident…and then days later everythin' seemed to be dandy. What the fuck am I missin'?

Maybe she's right…maybe I'm way off…maybe nothin' ever happened to her…maybe that's the real reason she never flinched when I implied she was raped—nothin' ever happened to her.

Logan walked out of the passageway back into the living room where various X-Men stood chatting with one another. He observed Bobby raiding the fridge and Rogue not too far behind him. His eyes traced to Jean who was sitting beside a coffee table with a picture that caught his attention. It was a picture of Scott and Jean's wedding day, but the image included Xavier smiling next to Jean's beaming face.

He couldn't even remember the last time he even thought about the professor during the past couple of days. He snickered at the thought of how smoothly the days would have past if Xavier had been at the mansion instead of in space.

Professor X always had the magic touch. With a nod of his reassurin' baldhead, he could make all our troubles disappear…

His train of thought was cut off by the sound of Rogue's high shrieking laugh as she gave Bobby a playful slap on the arm.

Logan could hear the workings of his brain re-adjusting his previous theory into something slightly different. It was as if his heart stopped in his chest. He continued to stare at Rogue unable to hide the shock in his face.

…X had the magic touch…he could make all our troubles disappear…X had the magic touch…he could make all our troubles disappear…

His words kept replaying in his head with the realization that he might have actually solved the puzzle. And if what he uncovered was correct, it would mean that Xavier had unknowingly screwed up Rogue's mind—big time.

* * *

"You're still here?" Scott asked, surprised to see Remy in the exact spot and position where he had left him.

"I said I would be."

"That you did." He walked over to the thief, his hand shoved in his pant pocket. "I did what you told me to do with the report. I hope it goes over well." He scratched his elbow in anxiety.

"Bon chance."

"Thanks. I just might need it." Scott reflected on the night's events. Everything had gone according to plan. Old friendships were reaffirmed, however he still noticed some tension in the group, most of which was coming from Remy and Rogue.

"You and Rogue doing okay?" He tried to approach the subject as gently as possible, knowing how private Remy could be from time to time. To Scott's surprise, Remy did reply, but it was only to ask another question.

"You and Jean doin' okay?" He asked truly interested. "I sensed before dat dere was some strain…not t' mention dat whole Betsy t'ing."

"We worked everything out." Scott said adamantly. "We're as good as new."

Remy gave him a knowing smile as he rubbed his chin. "Not entirely."

"What are you talking about?"

He tilted his head to the side. "She needs a good fuck." With a grin he added, "So do you."

"Thanks for stating the obvious. Don't worry about us. We have plenty of time to get together."

"No, you don't. Do it now."

"What? I can't now." Looking over to the direction of his house filled with shadowy figures, he added, "We still have guests in our house."

He crossed his arms and shrugged off as it were not a problem. "So, kick dem out."

"Right. I did an entire speech about 'my house is your house', telling everyone to stay as long as they want and come over whenever they want and now you want me to kick them out?"

"Dat's right." He stepped in closer to Scott and lowered his voice. "Dis is what you do. Get all who don't belong out de house. Tell de gang dat you wanna spend t'ree days alone wit' your lovely wife, uninterrupted." He could tell that the other man loved the idea, but was still skeptical. "Look, everyone will understand."

Scott was tempted to laugh. "You want me to spend three days locked in my house."

"Come on, what do you t'ink is gonna happen? We can survive t'ree days wit'out your guidance."

"You all couldn't survive the past last three days with my guidance and now you want me to trust you without it?"

"Yup!" He replied honestly, knowing that his idea was too good to pass on. "What do you say?"

After a few moments, he looked up to Remy with a sly grin. "I say it's about time I start rounding up some X-Men so I can kick them out my house."

"Hell yeah!" Before Scott could turn away to head back into the boathouse, Remy grabbed his arm and pulled him back. "I know I'm de last person who should say dis, but do you mind if I give you some advice?"

Scott looked at him curiously, surprised that he seemed to have turned so seriously so soon. "No."

"Never let anythin' get in de way of your relationship wit' Jean." He could see how surprised Scott was by his sincerity. "Like, you were avoidin' her 'cause you were mad at her and you got her all suspicious after she noticed you spendin' more time wit' Betsy." He pulled out another cigarette so that he could have something to do with his fingers. "Everyt'ing could have turned out wrong jus' as easily. You have a good woman who truly loves you, jus' don't you forget it and everyt'ing will be fine." Remy was shocked by his own words. Suddenly, Betsy's observation seemed true, maybe he did secretly want Jean, or someone who was like Jean.

Scott nodded his head slowly, fully taking in everything that was said. "You're right. I could have easily let the one thing I love most in this world slip away over a stupid misunderstanding and a bit of miscommunication. Yeah, I'll never let something like that happen again. I'll never let another day go by without telling her how I feel."

They stood facing each other. Each man stood tall at about the same height, both had nearly the same shade of hair and the same red eyes. Both were orphans who never had a stable home in their youth. Both were adopted by father figures who trained them to be leaders. It was there that their similarities ended. Scott had managed to piece together a stable life for himself, while Remy still felt like he was picking up the pieces.

He now understood Betsy's drunken ramblings days before on how attractive Scott was to some of the women—to Rogue.

As I stand here, Scott seems t' reflect what could have happened if my life had taken a different turn. How different my life could have been if I was raised by someone who wasn't a criminal.

They were so much the same, yet so very different. For the first, time both men could see what Rogue had meant when she mentioned that they both had the foundation to become good friends…

"If you ever need someone to talk to…" Scott offered.

Remy waved him off. "T'anks for de offer, but I'll be fine."

If a friendship was to be forged, it would have to wait until another day. With a slight nod of his head, Scott turned around headed in the direction of the boathouse.

Once he knew he was alone, Remy walked to one of the side windows and ever so quietly cracked open the window he had unlocked before so that he could gain easy access into the house when he was ready.

* * *

The Instigator

(Betsy/Ro-Joe)

It was 11:13pm. She covered her style of dress in a long dark jacket with an oversize hood, leaving a dark shadow over her face. Most people would have stood out wearing a jacket in warm weather—then again, most people are not trained ninja's.

She easily found another entrance into the Manhattan nightclub, bypassing the long line and bouncers. She strolled through the club, lurking in the shadowy corners until she spotted the man she was looking for.

Roy Joe Johnson was in the middle of the dance floor. He was dressed in loose fitting stylish jeans and a button downed brown shirt, two shads darker than his complexion. His hair was cornrowed into a complicated design, he covered with a stalking cap.

He had his hands firmly placed on a woman's hips as they bounced together in time with the music. Each time the DJ switched the song, Ro-Joe, as he's known on the streets, would then switch the girl on his arm. He continued this routine for a little over an hour without the slightest inclination that he was being stalked.

The crowd was bursting with energy. Ro-Joe was glad he decided to go out to the club instead of attending to some other business. The other business had to wait…indefinitely. He just wanted to have one more night of carefree fun before he would be rid of the world forever—literally.

"Shit!" He spun the lady that he had been grinding on around to face him. "I gotta go take a leak, Anita."

The girl looked at him and kissed her teeth in annoyance. "It's Melissa." She stated with attitude, flipping her long braided hair.

"Whatever." He mumbled as he brushed her aside, making his way through the dance floor, destination—the men's room.

Covering his hand with the sleeve of his shirt, he pushed open the door as two men walked passed him out the room. He didn't notice the door being locked from the inside by a dark silent figure. The only sound that could be heard was his urine trickling down the urinal. After he finished he shook his private part three times and was about to place it back into his boxers…

A force from behind slammed him into the urinal. He could hear the thud of his shoulder as it slammed into the wall.

"Shit!" He yelled, dropping his pants as somebody spun him around. His eyes widened in shock at the slight of the hooded figure.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" She asked in a British accent filled with venom.

That question alone clued him in on who was hiding underneath the hood. He was suddenly scared for his life. "Listen…I can—can explain." He stuttered, trying to by himself more time.

Her reply came quick, "Not good enough."

He was taken aback by her response. "But I didn't say nothin'."

She pulled off her hood, exposing her long violet hair and matching eyes. She gave a sly smile. "You didn't have to."

Holy shit, she reads minds, I forgot. I guess I shouldn't even bother lyin'. "Ok fine, I admit it. I was tryna screw you over, but you found me out."

Taking a couple more steps toward him she said, "You were suppose to meet me in Times Square. You know, I really hate being stood up."

"Yo, I'm sorry. What do ya want from me?"

"You still Sinister's lackey?" She knew the answer, but just wanted to mess with him.

"Yeah, sometimes."

In a flash, her hands pressed a pressure point on his neck, which shot pain throughout his body.

"Arh!" He realized that she caught him in a lie. "Most times…most times." He answered repeatedly then added, "But maybe not for much longer."

She had missed that bit of information when she did only a swift read of his mind. "What?"

He took a quick glance around the room, making sure no one else was lurking anywhere in the dark before he met her gaze. "I'm in some deep shit."

So what else is new? She thought with a smirk. "What did you do this time?"

"Nothin'—I swear."

Betsy knew that he was a known liar, so she didn't put much wait on anything he said.

"Hey, did you see me on TV a few days ago?" He asked with a jolt of energy.

"No."

"I was interviewed by that chick, Tish Tilby. Can you believe it? I was on the six o'clock news and I wasn't bein' arrested—my mama was so proud."

"I'm sure she was." She tried really hard to keep the look of indifference on her face, even though she really wanted to laugh.

"So Tish was interviewin' me about Magneto. Did you hear about Magneto's asteroid? All mutant's are allowed to live there."

"Why are you so interested in going to space?"

He knew he wouldn't be able to hide the truth from her much longer. It's only a matter of time before she'll search my mind so I might as well tell her what's really going down. "Okay…I fucked up big time." He finally let out.

She knew that he had to have had some major problems because he was usually more animated and high on weed when he was away from his regular duties.

"It was a drug deal gone bad. I was doing a one-time thing to help a friend—you know I don't do those things."

She rolled her eyes, knowing that he was lying from what she already knew about him.

He sighed. "Okay, maybe a little weed here and there to pass the time, but never crack." He shook his head, "Anyway, now there's a lot of heat on me."

"Heat?" I can't possibly keep up with all the American slang.

"Police." He responded clueing her in. His voice grew soft as he whispered, "I killed some cops."

I never knew him to be a killer. She tried to hide the disappointment in her eyes, but could feel that in someway he picked up on it.

"But listen, the one cop was shady—trust me; there won't be any tears at his funeral," he assumed, knowing that those words alone couldn't excuse what he did. He began to re-tell the story. "So we got busted. Three cops popped out of know where telling me and my two other friends to freeze."

"Then what?"

"We put are hands up. But that one cop, that one fucking cop had a thing for me for years."

She narrowed her eyes, knowing she wasn't getting the entire story. "Why?"

"I don't know?" His lie failed miserably, so he opted for the truth. "He fuckin' busted me for graffiti back when I was 17."

"So?"

"So, I fucked his daughter." He answered unapologetically.

Shaking her head, she mumbled, "Smart."

"I was pissed at him." He stated as a justification. "Ever since then we had this back and forth thing going on. The thing is, he took it too far that night. You know my mutation?"

"Agility." She answered, brushing a loose strain of hair away from her face.

"That cop was tryin' to take the law into his own hands when he aimed at me and pulled the trigger. The bullet would have hit me square in the chest if I hadn't moved a bit to the left. My two friends reached for their guns and got pooped by the other cops. I pulled out my piece and took them all out without breakin' a sweat."

She reflected on the times she saw him in action. His agility can almost be compared to Gambit, and he hasn't had nearly that type of training. With such quick reflexes, those cops never stood a chance. The first cop who pulled the trigger never knew what he was getting himself into or he would have thought twice.

His voice quivered, filled with deep emotion. "My two boys lay dead and dying in the street because of that cop. They were like my brothers—shit, those two other cops didn't have to die…" That was were he felt the most guilt. His friends died trying to save him and two other cops were dead because of his feud with the other man.

He looked back to her, trying to remember where he left off in the story. "I heard cop sirens headed in our direction as I noticed some heads stickin' out nearby windows."

"What happened next?"

"I took off. I flew away."

"Where you recognized?" She asked hiding her concern.

"No, but that's not the point." He let out a sigh, "The cops are roundin' up all flyin' black muties for interrogation. They're goin' down the list and it's only a matter of time before they reach my name."

"How did you get on the list? As of now, registration of mutants is voluntary."

"Not if you are already in the system. Because I was convicted of vandalism, I forfeited my right to be an anonymous mutant. As a part of my sentence, they ran a blood test and found my X-gene. Since then, I've been in the computer under the category of: Mutant who is agile and can fly."

Now it all makes sense. She crossed her arms and asked, "So now you're going to run away to Magneto?"

"Fuck, yeah! Wouldn't you? I figure I have another three days tops before they reach my doorstep. Killin' three cops…I'd get the death penalty for damn sure!" Looking up to the ceiling he said with relief, "Magneto is a Godsend."

"Fuck, Magneto."

"At least he's doing more for our cause then the human loving X-Men."

"You watch your mouth." She snapped back.

Nodding his head, he made a mental note to be careful in the future.

"What does Sinister have to say about you leaving?"

"He doesn't know. I wasn't gonna tell him." With honestly he continued, "I wasn't even plannin' on seein' him again."

She snickered, giving him no sympathy. "Well, plans have changed. I need you to make a special delivery." She reached into her long jacket and produced a plain white envelope. "Make sure he gets it."

Ro-Joe grabbed it from her and looked at her curiously. "Ain't you part of the X-Men? Why are you passin' notes to the enemy?"

"Don't get too excited. I'm not switching sides."

He held the envelope to the light to see if he could read through it. "So then what's this about?"

People began to bang against the lock washroom door as if they were about to break it open.

She looked from the door to Roy, knowing that she didn't have much time. "Just do your fucking job. You have 48 hours, got it?"

"But the cops…"

"Got it?"

Reluctantly, he nodded his head. "Yeah."

"Good."

"Can I pull my pants back up now?" He asked looking down at the floor.

Her eyes rolled down to his lower body for the first time. She looked back to him with pity. "I guess the myth isn't true."

He looked down to quickly zip up his pants. He felt a slight breeze and looked back up and saw nothing—she was gone.

Where'd she go? Looking further up toward the ceiling he saw an open window which answered his question.

He staggered over to the sink, shoving the envelope into his back pocket. Scrubbing his hands, he grumbled, " 'I guess the myth ain't true?!' Acting like she never seen black dick before." He continued to mumble as he walked over to the blow drier. "She's sayin' I have a small dick? The bitch's lucky I didn't go Jackie Chan on her ass."

He felt a small click in his mind.

You now have 24 hours. Stop talking shit. Ordered her voice in his thoughts.

Shit! He decided to get a move on before he could say anything else that would get him into more trouble. As the he opened the door, a storm of men rushed it.

"It's about fuckin' time, asshole!" One of the young men called out on his rush to the toilet.

Ro-Joe didn't respond. He was too busy getting mentally prepared to face the man known as Sinister. I wonder what she could possibly have to say to that scientific psychopath?

******
Author's Note: [1]In Uncanny X-Men #155, Cyke yells at Storm for not telling him his father was still alive. He was mad at Jean too, but she was 'dead'. [2] Cyke was away and Storm was leading the X-Men. When Scott returned he challenged Storm to a fight for the title and lost. [3] There was an old issue where Rogue lost her powers for a bit and stuck to Northstar, don't know the number, though.

We are getting close to the end, folks! What did you think about that Rogue/Logan thing? I have to admit that the idea has always floated around in my head. Just to prevent any misunderstanding, Logan's theory about Rogue is just his opinion. Whether he's right or not is another matter, just thought I'd throw the idea out there. And if you don't fully understand where I was going, there will be another analysis later on.

One a side note, do you think that the hymen is equivalent to the flesh and therefore could regenerate itself? I'd like to hear your opinions.

I must confess that this is not the completed chapter I had planned for this story. Long ago, when I first started thinking about this story, I had plotted a big Truth or Dare segment that would have been injected right after the team did their little partner thing. The T or D game was suppose to be a light, funny moment that would have tied into a joke I set up many chapters ago and was also suppose to be the moment where Jean and Scott truly made up. However, the story worked perfectly in my head, but would have took forever to type out. Instead, I re-worked the chapter (it was either that or have you all wait another two weeks—and I know we don't want that) and added the 'family' speech everyone did in replace of the game.

Anyway, just thought I'd let you know. I may decide to include the deleted scene after the entire story is finish and stick it in for future readers.

I uploaded new chapters for Stolen and New Addition two weeks ago, but those stories will be put on hold so I can focus totally on finishing Interactions. Expect this one to be updated again by next week (Hopefully). As I said at the top, if you want me to inform you of the next update, just say so in the review box (but if you check the site regularly, it's probably not necessary.)

Again, the end is near so I would appreciate any reviews regarding what you think so far. I might take it into consideration when writing my final chapters.

Next Time: Bobby does the unthinkable, Remy does the unthinkable and Rogue does the unthinkable. I don't want to mislead you, because they won't all be in the same room at the same time. So, who's paired with whom and who does what? You'll have to wait and see.