Chapter 22. Vivir- La Vida de la Brotherhood.

"Damn!"

Lance slammed the receiver down, nearly breaking it due to the forceful impact.
"Bastards."

"Mr. Logan will get mad at you if you talk like that."

Lance swerved around at the voice, immediately tense. He relaxed a bit at seeing that it was only Jamie, though not completely at ease. "Sorry," he murmured, and started towards the door. But without the aid of the wall, his walk was slow, though it looked deliberate; and he hid his annoyance at the slow pace well, if he might say so himself.

"Everyone says you're sick. Are you?"

"No," Lance mumbled, wishing that the kid would go away, or at least let him go away. His headache intensified as aggravation rose, but he quickly put it under control, managing to keep it under wraps.

"Why aren't you at school?"

"Why aren't you at school?" Lance shot back, not bothering to turn around.

"I'm home schooled. Mr. McCoy and Professor X tutor me. Sometimes Ms. Munroe teaches me too. Is that what youre going to do? That'd be cool. Its boring by myself."

"No."

"Then why aren't you in school right now?"

Lance rolled his eyes. 'The kid must be really bored if he wants to talk to me,' he groaned inwardly. "I didn't feel like going," he replied, and at last reached the door, more than happy to be doing so. Finally. Maybe the kid would go away now.

No such luck.

"Why not?"

Lance turned.
"I just don't, all right? Don't you have something better to do besides this? Go study or watch TV or whatever it is you do around here."

"Mr. McCoy gave me the morning off today, so I've got no classes."

"Well then, go do something else. Watch TV. Read a book. Whatever."

"It's boring."

Rolling his eyes, Lance wondered why this kid was so hell-bent on talking to him. Even during his brief stay with the X-Men, he hadn't really ever talked to Jamie before, mostly because they rarely met, since Jamie didn't always train with the other New Recruits.

"Who were you talking to on the phone?"

"Nobody. Go find something to do," Lance started out into the hall, casually placing a hand on the wall as he did so. He paused at hearing the footsteps behind him, but ignored it and headed for his room. His headache was pounding into him now. He was going to have to make a detour and get a few more aspirins.

"You've joined us before this, havent you?"

Lance sighed and turned, raising his hands up in front of him in defeat.
"What do you want?"

Jamie smiled.


Todd Tolensky, a.k.a. Toad, gulped as the five figures drew near. He was cornered, he and Tabitha. The blond girl had her fists clenched tightly and raised up, prepared for a fight, but without using their powers, Todd had a feeling that it would not be so easy to beat the five huge jocks in front of them, especially their leader, Duncan Matthews. Tabitha was better at fistfights than he was, sure, but she was used to using her powers and seldom resorted to physical fighting that Todd knew of. Lance was really the only one that would be able to fight off the five jocks, Lance and maybe Fred as well.

"Aw, how cute, Tolensky's got a girlfriend."

"You gonna fight for him?"

"We were never properly introduced, maybe we should do that now," Duncan smirked, cracking his knuckles.

"How about I give you boys a lesson in making proper introductions, since you seem to be incapable of it?" Tabitha pulled up closer to Todd, standing half in front of him, and half beside him.

"Ooh, a tough girl, are ya?"

"Tougher than you, big boy," Tabitha smirked.

"Lets see if you can put your money where your mouth is."

As the five antagonists stepped closer, Tabitha moved in front of Todd, drawing a fist back.

"Back off, Matthews."

The jocks turned at the new voice.

"Back off," Pietro spat.

Duncan smirked. "Oh look, another loser," he turned, looking at Pietro.
"Where's the leader of the losers? Did even Alvers ditch you?"

Fury flashed in Pietro's clear blue eyes, and in less than a second, Duncan was floored, a blur of brown and blue passing by him, rushing the air around them. But that wasn't the only thing. Before the football player could even begin to comprehend what had happened, there was a slightly belated explosion and Duncan Matthews, was, for the second time in less than two seconds, thrown back, this time crashing none too gracefully into the wall behind him.

"Pietro!" Tabitha gasped and ran over to her friend, Todd right next to her. The launched bomb had not only thrown its target back into the wall, but the person that had been attacking him as well.

"Ow-ow-ow-ow-ow," Pietro groaned as he got up.

Meanwhile, the resident football team had been staring at the scene.
What had just happened?

"What's going on here?"

Both sides turned at yet another new voice, and only then did they hear the crashing footsteps of a familiar gargantuan teen, with another teen slightly behind him... wearing crimson sunglasses. Blob and Cyclops... together? Yet no matter how much they blinked, they saw the two running over, side by side.

"I didn't mean to bring him here; he followed me, and I didn't have time to lose him," Fred apologized in explanation as he reached his friends, regret and guilt visible.

Pietro, having recovered from the explosion, glared at the X-Man, taking only a second before the act to give Fred an assuring nod.
"Get. out. of. here. Summers," he warned, his eyes glowering at the other teen, and his voice snarling unspoken threats that screamed at the other boy to stay out of the Brotherhoods business.

Cyclops didnt seem to have heard him.
"Looks like the lights blew a fuse or something," the brown-haired boy said after taking a look around.

After giving Pietro a quick glance to make sure he was okay, Tabitha took a step towards Scott, her expression still more or less the same as usual for now, but her eyes serious and tense, as was her stance.
"Weve got this, Scotty; go to your class."

It really wasn't a suggestion, or even an offer. Most people would have backed off at the look in her eyes, combined with the look Pietro had, not to mention Todd and Fred. But Scott Summers was not most people.
"No, I'm not going anywhere," his eyes were on Duncan, eyes dark behind the sunglasses.

Duncan smirked.
"Sticking up for these losers now, Summers? I've always known you were low, but I never thought you'd sink this low."

"That's it!"
Tabitha and Pietro stalked forward, fists clenched, but Todd quickly grabbed Tabitha before she could launch a bomb, while Fred grabbed Pietro just a split second before he was out of reach.

"Tabby, get a grip, yo!"

"Pietro, calm down man!"

"Stop it Todd, I'm not kidding!"

"Let-go-let-go-let-go-let-go-let-go!"

"Come on, Tabby! Lance's gonna get mad at you guys! Don't do this!"

As the words sank in, the bomb-wielder stopped, turning to look at Todd. "Fine," she snapped after a moment, and jerked out of his grasp, crossing her arms and standing still, though still glaring at Duncan, the hatred visible in her eyes.

"I-don't-care! Let-go-Fred!" the speed demon snapped.

Tabitha looked at Pietro, eyes softening but losing none of its seriousness and still unable to let go of the anger.
"Pietro, don't. They're not worth it," she moved over to him, uncrossing her arms and grabbing one of his hands by the wrist. Pitching her voice low so that only her friends could hear her, she spoke, hard eyes on Duncan all the while.
"They're not worth getting Lance in trouble; and we can't have him getting all worked up over things, all right?"

The five football players, though at first shocked at the strong reaction and actually having stepped back, had recovered from the initial surprise.
Duncan smirked, seeing Pietro scowling at them, but holding back after Fred released him from his grip. There was no mistaking the loathing in the speed demons cerulean blue eyes.
"Backing out now? That's just what youd do."

"Really?"
Before anyone could even predict it, Tabitha slammed her fist into the other teens face. There was a definite crack as the boys nose broke, and Duncan Matthews fell back for the third time that morning.

"Tabby!" Pietro, Todd, Fred, and Scott shouted simultaneously, and for once, Pietro was too preoccupied with the situation to be annoyed at that.

Tabitha turned, and didn't even bother to give them an Im innocent smile, smirking instead. She shrugged, raising her arms to the sides and up in the air in classic I-havent-a-clue-on-how-that-happened position.
"What?"

"Since when am I the mature one!" Pietro shouted. After a second, he smirked. "Oh, I'm not."

There was a series of muffled punches and a moment later the four other jocks were down, all grabbing their noses, knees, or arms.

Fred looked at Tabitha, Pietro, and lastly, Todd.
"...Garbage disposal?"

"I'll get it, yo!"

For the longest time, Scott Summers was at a loss for any words.


"How is this different from you just watching TV and leaving me alone?"

Lance glanced at the younger boy, obviously bored. They were on the couch, in front of the TV, but Lance wasn't really paying much attention on the television. Then again, neither was Jamie; the young boy seemed to love asking Lance all sorts of questions, despite the fact that Lance was reluctant in answering and only replied with the most necessary of succinct responses.

"Well, I'm not doing it alone. Besides, you didn't want to play any games with me."

"I'm eighteen, I think I'm a little too old to be playing games with a ten year old."

"I'm twelve," Jamie corrected, but one could tell that he really wasnt bothered by the inaccuracy.

"Same difference. Cant you do this with someone else?"

"Who? Everyones at school. Mr. McCoy teaches me chess and stuff sometimes, and Ms. Munroe too, but they're busy. The Professors busy too. Mr. Logan doesn't really like to be bothered."

Lance rolled his eyes. "I can't imagine why."

Oblivious to the older boys tone, Jamie turned off the television and turned to look at him. "Want to get something to eat?"

Lance sighed. "Whatever, kid."

"My names Jamie," Jamie corrected automatically as he got up from the couch.

"Jamie," Lance sighed as he followed the boy out. But to be truthful, he didn't mind it so much; it had been a while since anyone really talked to him, besides the Brotherhood of course. He hadn't realized it, but he must have missed it a little, seeing someone care. And it was kind of... nice, he supposed, to see someone so naive- untainted.

"I'm going to be stuck with you until someone gets back, arent I?" Lance glanced at the boy, not wanting to admit it, but deciding to face reality.

"Yup! What do you want to eat?" Jamie smiled.

"Don't care," Lance shrugged.

"Let's have sandwiches!" Jamie declared, and without waiting for a response, headed over to the cupboard, taking out the bread.

He was kind of like Pietro when he was hyper. Only younger, and... er, cuter, for a lack of words, in that kid way. Plus, Jamie was less destructive, although that was mostly just because of the difference in their powers. Though Pietros love of pranks probably had something to do with it as well, especially when the Brotherhood was at school. Upon remembering his friends and the school, Lance frowned. He had a feeling some less than friendly people would be more than happy to see him missing. If anyone bothered one of the Brotherhood members, they were going to have a personal meeting with Lances fists. Shaking himself out of the thoughts, Lance glanced at Jamie.
"What do you do when there's no one to bother?"

"I get bored. There's not much to do around here, at least not by yourself."

"Why are you home schooled anyhow?" Lance sat down at the table in the kitchen. It was smaller, compared to the one in the dining room, but only two people were going to be using it at the moment, so it didnt matter.

"Professor's worried that my powers might activate accidentally in school or something. He's probably right, but it'd be nice if there was someone else home schooling with me. It gets boring by myself. Are you going to stay here? Can you stay and be home schooled with me?"

Not having expected the sudden return of the question, Lance took a moment to answer.
"No, I'm not staying. And in any case, I already go to school. Most of the time anyhow."

"Why aren't you staying? Are your friends going to leave too? Why don't you want to stay here? Don't you like it here?"

"You ask a lot of questions," Lance noted.

"You asked me questions too," Jamie defended, handing him a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

"Not as many as you," Lance shrugged as he took the plate, but merely put it down on the table. "I don't belong here, kid."

"My names Jamie."

"Right, Jamie. Are you going to stop asking questions once you start eating?"

"Maybe," Jamie smiled as he took a bite out of his sandwich.


"So much for the stay out of trouble plan, yo," Todd looked at his three friends as they walked away from the dumpster.

"Hey, it was worth it. No one disses us that way, especially not when Lances not around," Pietro dusted himself off.

"Yeah, but if Matthews rats on us, which he probably will, things aren't going to be pretty," Fred didn't hide the worry.

"He won't; that jerk would never admit to being beaten by us, much less being beaten up," Tabitha assured.
"The most he'll do is try to get us individually. So we'll have to watch our backs; but we do that anyhow. We got someone else to think about though," she nodded over to Scott, who was waiting in the hall for the quartet.

"You have a lot of explaining to do."

"We don't owe you anything. But while were on the subject of explanations- you're one to say. Just-what-did-you-think-you-were-doing-back-there? Who- do-you-think-you-are-getting-into-our-business-like-that?" Pietro shot back, glaring at Scott.

"I just thought you might be in trouble. I was trying to help," Scott replied, a little taken aback by the hostility in the others voice.

"We don't need your help," Pietro snapped.

"Come on Pie', chill out, man," Todd grabbed the older teens arm.

While letting himself be pulled back, Pietro didn't drop the glower.
"Stay out of our life, and we'll stay out of yours. That was the deal wasnt it?"

"Pietro," Tabitha stepped closer, next to the white-haired teen and the brunette he was facing. "You don't have to make up for Lance," she murmured low under her breath, to prevent Scott from overhearing the comment.

Pietro flamed at that, and promptly turned to Tabitha with a glare of denial at such an idea. Tabitha didn't back down from his blue eyes, her blue gaze just as strong, although she wasnt glaring, just firm in standing by her words.
Finally, Pietro nodded, half to admitting the words, and half in agreement with the general thought of not starting a fight.
"Stay out of our life," he glared at Scott, but proceeded to walk past the taller teen.

"Just leave us alone; we're leaving you alone," Todd mumbled before following the other boy.

"Besides, it was no powers, mostly," Fred didn't bother with more, hastening his footsteps to catch up to the two boys.

"We don't need your help, so don't make the mistake of assuming that we do," sparing time for the last words, Tabitha too left the hall in accordance with the actions of her friends.


"Are you really eighteen?"

"I told you already, yeah I'm eighteen. How many times do you want me to repeat that before you start to believe it?" Lance managed to look annoyed, though he was getting to enjoy the company more and more as time passed.

"Wow. I bet you get to do all kinds of cool stuff. Nobody ever lets me do anything. And just because I'm younger, or because I multiply," Jamie frowned.

"If you're talking about the others taking the X-Jet, you should be happy you didn't go," Lance rolled his eyes slightly at the memory.
"Unless you consider life-threatening situations to be fun."

"And you'd better not."

Both occupants of the kitchen turned at hearing the new but familiar, and unmistakable voice. Lance instantly rose from his seat, tense.

"Hey Mr. Logan; do you want a sandwich?" Jamie didn't seem to notice the older boys anxiety.

"Nah kid, I gotta talk to Shakedown here," Logan replied at the offer.

"Okay. I should probably check up with Mr. McCoy anyhow. See you later Lance," Jamie smiled before leaving the room, and the two older mutants.

"Sure, whatever," Lance nodded once, but he was looking at Logan now, eyes fixed on him.

"What do you..." Lance drew back as Logan approached, but the older man merely stepped behind him and gave him a slight shove towards the exit, somewhat gently, especially for Logan.

"We need to talk. In the library; now."

Scowling, Lance didnt reply, but headed out and towards the named destination. He repressed the rising worry, focusing on walking with the least amount of wall aid as possible.

They reached the door soon enough, and Logan opened it, giving Lance a look that clearly told him to get inside. Lance glared, but went in, walking into the middle of the room just as Logan closed the door.

The older mutant walked over to the teen and motioned to the chairs around them. "Sit down. You're not going anywhere."

Watching Logan, Lance took a seat in the nearest chair.

Logan waited until Lance was seated, then spoke, attentive to the fact that Lance was glaring at him and giving him a look in response.
"I want to talk to you about before, but first, what's this I hear about some fight? Between you kids, at that?"

"What's it to you?" Lance snapped.

"I want straight answers, Rocky."

At the slight change in tone, Lance flinched, though barely moving.
"We just had an argument."

Logan frowned.
"Not what I heard. Why were you so set on them going to school? The way I've heard it, you've all skipped school, more than once. And what happened with Toad on Friday night?"

"I just was, all right? We argue all the time. As for Friday night, that is none of your business. Why are you asking me about this?"

"Because I want to know what happened."

"Don't pretend to care. We dont need your pity," Lance snapped.

"Good, because I don't give pity. And I wouldn't be asking unless I cared," Logan looked at the teen, losing patience but trying to stay calm.
"Now your'e either going to tell me what happened, or you can tell one of Charles, Hank, and Ororo. Either way, you're going to tell someone, now or later. Your choice, Rocky."

"It doesn't have anything to do with you," Lance narrowed his eyes, but at the same time he edged back, now right up against the back of the chair.

"Well you're going to tell us anyhow. Now what's it gonna be," Logan growled in spite of himself.

Getting even tenser at the tone, Lance drew back, only to find that he was already as far away from Logan as possible. Which was too close.

"Answer me," Logan reached for him, thinking that Lance would try to leave to avoid continuing the conversation, and wanting to prevent it.

For a moment a flash of fear escaped through Lances eyes, and he closed them without even thinking about it, automatically reacting to the knowledge of the impending blow. But when the anticipated hit did not come, Lance cautiously opened his eyes, sure that he would be struck the moment he did.

Surprisingly, he was not.

Instead, Logan was staring at him, a mixture of emotions on his face. But the most distinct of the composition was surprise. Logan was as surprised as Lance was, if not more.

And that surprised Lance even more than before.

Mentally preparing himself for the pain that was certainly imminent, Lance looked at Logan, gathering up the courage to speak.

"...Wolverine?"