King Kold: Thanks for the kinds words. I use to be a big Emma fan as well even liking the idea of her paired with Bobby. But having her with Scott has soured me against them some. And I agree with you about the new age Jean thing because she always seems to make an appearance with Scott. She was too nice in the Christmas issue. Not enough X-Men have commented on the relationship which also angers me.

Thanks again, if I don't get some feedback I take it to mean that no one enjoys my story, so I lose interest in writing it. Poor Bobby never gets the love he's looking for. If he was a Summers every woman in the MU would be after him. And you're right again; the writers do have a talent for screwing him lately.

Thanks again to Beaubier for beta-ing this chapter.

Warning: A few cuss words.

"Gee, I can see why he'd go after Warren, but why would anybody want Bobby" -(Terri Sue, Bobbys' then-girlfriend.) Incredible Hulk Annual 7

Chapter 2: All Grown Up

The two men had not been in the building more then five minutes before they spotted the models. The women stared back, some giggling, others whispering behind their dainty hands. It had taken Bobby another two minutes to realized why. With some annoyance, he noted the focus of their attention. Warren, as always. The younger man didn't blame his friend for this but it was, well, aggravating. No matter where Warren went women fawned over him, readily agreeing that he was indeed 'the most beautiful man in the world.'

One such woman with short dark hair waltzed over, flashing a blinding row of sparkling white teeth. When she opened her mouth to speak, her eyes found those of a certain winged mutant, and promptly ignored his guest.

Figures.

"Hello Mr. Worthington, so glad to see you in person."

She murmured. Her voice seemed a bit cultured but whatever manners she had been brought up by seemed to diminish in the presence of the earth-bound angel. Was it Bobby's' imagination or was she leaning back to give his friend a good view of her chest? He couldn't tell from where he stood.

"Gladys Gates, correct"

She nodded, obviously pleased that Warren knew of her.

"It's a pleasure to meet you. This is my friend Bob"

He gestured to Bobby, and only the slightest inclination of Gladys' head showed that she had acknowledged his existence. After which she acted as if she had not been interrupted. To make matters worse the women that had watched them as they entered the building had begun to swarm around, blocking out the younger man. Murmurs of the 'sexy winged wonder' filled the crowded hallway. Hurt and irritated, he decided to leave his friend to his fate. Besides, he needed to cool off to make sure he would keep his temper in check.

What does he have that I don't?

As soon as the thought entered his head he laughed. That was painfully obvious. Bobby knew he was handsome, even with his self-esteem issues. If his father, of all people, could say that, then there had to be some truth to it. William Drake always had been hard pressed to give praise to anyone, after all. But, against Warren though there was no contest. He had the beautiful movie star appearance while Bobby looked like more the boy next door. When it was just the two of them, Warren was referred to as the 'handsome one' while he was the 'funny one.'

Money? The other man had him beat in this department as well. Even as a teenager, Warren had wads of cash pouring out of his pockets. The blond man could offer a woman more than Bobby was able to provide. What woman in her right mind would pick a cheap date over being wined and dined at the best restaurants in the world?

Not that any of the women you dated were ever in their right mind, hmm?

Another factor was presence. Whenever Archangel entered a room he grabbed everyone's attention without uttering a word. When he did express himself people always listened. Bobby knew he didn't have the same kind of presence, if he did then he wouldn't need to resort to jokes. Growing up at the mansion, Xavier seemly never noted his youngest student's concerns. No one ignored him once the toilets were frozen though. Of course, things weren't that bad now. Bobby was part of important briefings with Scott concerning the school and missions. Still...he felt his opinion didn't matter as much.

In his wandering, Bobby finally found the elusive studio 240. That was where they were suppose to meet Ms. Pierce. Maybe he would have better luck with the models without his 'wingman.' Gathering all his courage, he gripped the handle and ever so gently slid the door open. The flicker of hope died from the mutant's eyes when he gazed into the studio at the models. The male models. Scowling at his horrible luck, Bobby released the handle and began to make his trek back to the car. He didn't make it far, as a painfully skinny middle aged woman blocked his way.

"Where do you think you are going" She asked in clipped tones. With her lips pressed together and eyes ablaze, Bobby was reminded of the time he was caught with Jean's diary by Jean herself. Hank had always been cruel with dares...

"I was just-I'm just waiting for-I have to" He glanced down at the woman's' I.D. tag at her name: Ivy Vance. When he looked back up he saw that Ivy's' expression had softened.

"I know it's a bit frightening darling, I remember when I was in the biz." She smiled reminiscently. Not sure what the woman was going on about he gave her a timid grin. "I'm sure you'll do fine."

"With what" By the time he had finished his question

Ivy had begun circling him like a vulture. Eyes narrowed to fine points, mouth slightly pouting, as if she were struggling to figure out some great problem.

"Where did you get these rags, dear? They will not do at all"

Bobby frowned. His clothes weren't the best he owned, true, but he didn't think anything was wrong with them. Not liking where this was going he attempted to run off but Ivy's' reflexes were better than he thought. She held onto his jacket tightly refusing to let him budge.

"Not so fast darling, I'm not done yet. Hmm...you are shorter than most of the models." Ivy muttered under her breath.

He glared at her, though she dismissed it as 'pre-Madonna behavior.' Once Bobby realized the mistake however he had to chuckle, because it was really absurd. "Look you got the wrong guy, I'm not a model."

"Oh of course, what is the P.C. term now...? Oh never mind, when I'm done with you you'll be a Super model" Ivy was directly behind the mutant when he heard her mutter"Nice rear, darling. You camera will love you."

"HEY" First he was dismissed by the super models, now an older woman was groping him? Things were never as they should be in Bobby Drake's life, everything was backwards.

-

"Kevin, did the new model show up"

"Sorry, but he never came."

Cynthia nodded and sent her assistant on his way. When it rained it poured, at least in her life. How could three models cancel in one day? Oh she knew the answer to that one, but she was still in denial about it. Because honestly, how could Emma Frost take such measures? How could she be so ruthless?

Other 'incidents' had happened where the materials she needed never arrived, but she hadn't given Ms. Frost a thought at the time. Of course Cynthia had heard the rumors about Emma, (who hadn't?), yet she had never really believed them until now.

When Emma was revealed to be a mutant the rumors only multiplied. Cynthia supposed she never listened to such talk because of Warren. Awful things were said about him as well, and yes, he was a mutant too. Not only that but he was also part of Hellfire club, like Emma was said to be. Yet he wasn't the cold hearted corporate shark people made him out to be. Not around her anyway, not with their current project.

The charity fashion show was something she had put a lot of effort into. And no matter how bad things got Cynthia wasn't the type to back down. Not when it involved her work anyway. Her personal life was another matter.

"Cy? I think one of the models did show up but it looks like Ms. Vance might scare him off." Her assistant, Kevin said raising an eyebrow. "She grabbed his face."

"Only his face? Thank god, we don't need another lawsuit-I told her that freaks the new guys out-does he seem upset"

"Depends on what you me by upset. If you mean ready to hightail it out of here, than yeah, I'd say so." Kevin smirked. "Oh yeah and they said that what-his-name will be here soon."

"Hon, you know I adore you, in a professional manner" She said, idly flipping though her sketches.

"Of course Cuz." They shared a brief smile.

"-But do you realize how little that statement helps me? Would you care to help me narrow it down a bit"

Cynthia glanced up at her cousin who gave her a superior look.

It Figures. No matter who my assistant is, family or not, they always have to give me shit.

"Oh I think you know who I mean." Kevin murmured.

"Kev." He glowered at her, she knew how much he hated that nickname. "Let's skip this bullshit please, I'd like to know who I'm seeing before he arrives."

"You're cranky today." He stated, obviously put out by her lack of patience with him.

Yes, I know that, thanks for pointing it out. "Sorry, I'm just sick of all these delays."

"It's okay and I really can't remember his name. All I know is that he's rich, blond and you met him before." Kevin replied.

"That still doesn't help narrow it down." She sighed. "How many meetings do I have set up for today"

He pulled out her planner. "Oh nothing of importance, except meeting Mr.W.K.Worthington the third." His sarcasm snapped Cynthia out of her doodling like an electric shock and she started rummaging through her desk.

"I completely forgot about it..." She muttered tossing several unfinished dresses aside. "I only wrote it down like twenty times but the delays...Where are my glasses"

With a look of great exasperation Kevin pulled at the glasses sitting on top her head and placed them firmly in place.

"Oh...uh...thanks. So how...how do I look" She glanced up and saw him shake his head with disbelief.

"Utterly hopeless." After receiving a scowl he elaborated. "You don't look dressed up enough for this."

"It's just Warren, he won't care." Cynthia shrugged.

-

It really wasn't Warren's fault that he attracted so much attention, he just hoped Bobby would understand that. Sure he had enjoyed it when he was younger but he had long grown out of it. The limelight wasn't always so appealing. Public opinion changed, scandals and rumors were just the darker side of it that had to be dealt with. Even being hit on by women had dangers of it's own- Callisto came to mind. Being kidnapped to try to be forced into marriage by a sewer-dwelling woman wasn't Warren's idea of romance.

Though not as bad as finding out your girlfriend can change genders and turns out to be a giant nebula.

He supposed that his friend thought that he had it easy, that he was the master of relationships. That was true to a certain extent, but Warren was not good at keeping committed to a woman. Candy Southern was his first love, though that didn't stop him from dating other women. Of course, they weren't that serious at the beginning although they were getting there. If Jean hadn't of come back Warren might have even married Candy.

Charlotte Jones was the same, close yet not enough to keep him from being interested in other women. Like Betsy. With her everything seemed perfect, at first. Things could have been different if Neal didn't come into the picture. Ironically, in that case, Warren was the one being forgotten in favor of another man. It wasn't that Warren didn't like the idea of being faithful to one person. He honestly did, but whenever he compared his love life with Scott and Jean's...well it paled in comparison.

Scott's a moron. He had it all and he threw it all away for that...

Shaking himself out another angry mental rant he opted to take the back way to studio 240. With some luck Bobby would already be in there. Warren had hoped that his friend would be chatting with some of the models though that assumption was quickly proved false.

Male Models? Good going, now Bobby will be sitting in the car with the radio blasting trying to ignore me. He might even call for a cab if I take too long.

"You look disappointed Warren. Were you expecting to charm some young woman? For a man called Angel you certainly are the silver tongued devil." A gentle voice teased.

"Cynthia, It's good to see you again. I'm sorry to keep you waiting, I was withheld."

She graced him with a knowing look. "It's not a big deal, I actually forgot." She chuckled sheepishly. "Got a bit carried away with work again."

Warren only nodded at this, because he really couldn't comment on it. The woman was driven by her passion. He admired that trait, but he also realized how all consuming it was. Though he had suggested that she take things easy many times he knew that she never would listen to him. "No shop talk, we're just going out to lunch as friends. We'll talk about the details later."

"Right." She sighed. "Just let me get my jacket and we can go."

Not long after she left Warren was startled when a man rushed up behind him. "Ready to leave yet" Bobby asked while glancing over his shoulder.

"Did someone hit on you"

"Sort of, some weird woman who suggested that I wear more 'cool colors' because they suit me." Warren couldn't help by chuckle at that. "She wouldn't leave me alone." Bobby whispered.

"And that's a problem"

"She's in her late forties, War. I don't know about you, but I'm not into the whole Mrs. Robinson thing."

-

Cynthia had planned on suggesting a new place for lunch but the words never had a chance to form. Her eyes had gone from Warren to his companion and she found herself frozen in place. She had no idea why she was staring, it wasn't like she hadn't seen handsome men in her line of work. This man's features were more boyish though. The way his bangs adorned his face, his beautiful sparkling blue eyes and that contagious grin... It wasn't until her new business partner cleared his throat that she noticed anyone else was in the room.

I'm a grown woman, why am I acting like a teenager?

"Ms. Cynthia Pierce, this is my friend Bobby Drake. Do you remember him from the Bates shoot with Jean"

She stared back in surprise at the younger man. How could she forget that day? Jean had only been talking about her friends coming for a week, seeming more happy then she did when her own family had come the day before. And young Bobby had certainly been someone worth remembering. He had chatted animatedly, making cute remarks about the work and throwing witty one liners at his friends. Cynthia had thought he was a sweet kid.

Oh God, what was I thinking ogling him? He's four years younger than me!

"As a matter of fact I do. You've certainly grown up since I saw you last." And how.

Bobby seemed to be taken off guard by her remark by shook her out reached hand anyway. "Uh...thanks. Nice to-see you."

Cold hands huh? Wonder if he has a warm heart. Urgh, I starting to sound like some cheesy romance novel. I'm not a cradle robber and he is not my type. He's just a kid.

-

"Emma, are you busy"

"Yes, but I can do with a distraction." Emma stared up at her lover, grinning like the cat that just swallowed the canary. This was never a comforting thought for any of the X-Men but Scott promptly ignored it. He knew it was just her way. Still it didn't bode well for the topic he wanted to bring up.

"Look, I know you're working hard for your company, and I respect that." He paused to see how Emma was taking it but her face had taken on an impassive look. "However, I'm concerned with how far this contest between you and Warren is going"

She laughed, though to Scott it sounded more like a sharp bark. Not a good omen. "Direct as always, hmm? Tell me something darling, did you even bother to inform your dear friend of this concern"

"Warren's not here now, you are." He attempted to reach out to her but her eyes narrowed further daring her to touch her.

"As-'touched' as I am...may I ask what, pray tell, does any of this have to do with you? And please don't tell me it's 'because I care.'" Emma leaned back giving him a good view of her other-assets. It was a tried and true trick she had often employed to get her way in business meetings. Scott noticed her slip back into her White Queen persona, her professional air, whenever she felt threatened. He wasn't certain that she was even aware of it.

"If it affects the team then it is my concern." He countered. "Things like this tend to get out of hand, and I'd rather prevent that."

"How sweet of you" She remarked with mock tenderness. "-but things are under control. I promise."

For some reason, that wicked grin of hers didn't calm his nerves.

-

Bobby hadn't liked the idea of tagging along with Warren for a business lunch. It was destined to be uncomfortable for him. He was sure to be ignored throughout the meal, and the conversations would be dull. At least that was what he had thought. Bobby never expected Ms. Pierce to take notice of him. At first he thought she was just being polite, but her attention seemed to waver once he had asked her about her line of work.

Cynthia was...bizarre at best, in his opinion. Every time the two of them had started to get along she would abruptly break off to talk to Warren. Or in some cases, she would make a comment about his youth. That alone made Bobby cringe. How long had he been trying to break the 'baby' label? Now a woman he hardly knew was shoving it in his face like he was still some gangly teen. It was strange how she managed to go hot and cold on him. Going from general interest in him to bonder line rudeness. He was just pleased that he hadn't blown up at her-yet. Perhaps it was because he was trying to be a gentleman, or maybe he didn't want to blow Warren's deal by making a scene. Still he hadn't replied to her comments.

This is why I suck at dating. I'd have to be a goddamn telepath to understand women.

"...I think that it's a very good year. Can I tempt you Cy" Warren's voice called the younger man back to reality as the pair picked out a wine section.

"I don't usually, but this is a special occasion." She murmured.

"What about you Bobby" The man in question opened his mouth but Cynthia had replied for him.

"Are you old enough to drink" She asked, bluntly, though as soon as she had said it her face flushed.

Well, at least she has the decency to feel bad about it. Bobby tried to reason, attempting to keep his temper at bay. He glanced over at his friend who, as he expected, had already concealed his own shock at the outburst. Though anyone who really knew Warren, a handful of people really, knew that subtle look in his eyes. Worried but questioning, waiting to see how the other man would take this insult.

For his part, Bobby felt a bit ashamed when he met his long time friend's eyes. Whatever anger he felt drained away as a silent understanding passed between them. Even though he had been planning this moment for months, agonizing over the details- if asked, Warren would walk out now. If they left the restaurant now, it would risk, if not instantly end all business dealings between Worthington Industries with New York's newest designer. It was just the sort of thing the blonde man did for his friends; it was the Principal of things.

As tempting as the offer was, Bobby knew he had to decline. He would never forgive himself for making his friend miss this chance. So with the smallest shake of his head he let the other mutant know he would be fine. Even after the waiter had demanded to see some I.D. to clear the matter up. He couldn't, however, even glance at the woman sitting next to him.

Why did women always think he was some little kid, even when he was acting mature? It wasn't until recently that he had worn so many Hawaiian T-Shirts so it wasn't like he meant to dress 'immature'. At the moment he was wearing a clean light blue dress shirt over dark blue slacks. His hair was combed, hell; he even had a jacket on. Bobby couldn't even recall saying anything overly cruel to this woman. Nothing that merited this treatment. It was true that he had a baby face, but didn't she say she recalled meeting him before? Did she still believe that he was the same wide-eyed kid? She wouldn't be the first to think that.

Turning his attention back to the present Bobby ordered his meal and listened to Warren nag Cynthia to eat something besides a salad. "You work yourself too hard. I haven't seen you eat anything else since we started dining together."

"I have to watch my weight, not everyone has the type of intense fitness programs you go through." She replied flippantly.

Cynthia Pierce was not a fat woman- Bobby actually thought she was too skinny. Nor was she the type he thought looked the part of the fashion scene. Her long blond hair was tied in a messy knot on top of her head with librarian glasses to frame her thin face. Under her eyes, dark circles stood out against her pale skin. Instead of some daring design she wore a dark brown turtle neck with a matching skirt. And although he felt like a pig for noticing, she did not have as many curves as the women he knew. Of course to be fair most of those women were super-powered goddesses that could never be judged by the normal standards.

"Mr. Worthington there is a call for you at the bar." The waiter called in a flat nasal tone. Bobby inwardly cringed, knowing that it meant that he'd have to be stuck alone with a woman who hated his guts.

Lucky Me.