The Uncanny R-Man: Well Emma does care for kids like the Hellions and Gen-X in the comics so I wanted to show that. Yeah that was a nice bombshell for Jean. You'll see a few pairings getting their emotions in place.
Coldqueen: Actually she's twenty and you might be right about that unless they're paying for collage.
Sparky Genocide: Yeah well when a girl is with a boy she likes and there's another girl that is close to him, you can expect some attitude. Well you can see their reaction in this chapter with Jean's parents.
Mark C: Yeah both of them had great support systems. Yeah Vince and Emma will get closer later on, Jean's mom just need to lash out I mean her daughter went though all that so of course she was angry and needed to vent.
Simba317: Glad you liked how we're doing Emma, I wanted a nicer one like in Ultimate X-Men. We try to look inside a character when we write, people are complex and we both like to show that. Romy will come up soon, trust me there will be plenty of that in this story. As for myself being Canadian I feel your pain man, I really do.
GothikStrawberry: Yeah we figured that last bit would be a great way to end the chapter, as for the healing only time will tell.
Aaron: Glad you liked the talk with Jean's parents and how Emma and Vince are doing. I'm also glad you see how they complete the other. Well Mary isn't happy that he's leaving and will be living with Emma too, but if they ever saw eye to eye it would take a long time.
jade: Don't worry Romy is on the way, we can't give everyone a focus in the chapter so some will have that and others won't. I planed to place some in this that you will like.
Thanks to: X00001, rolofreak1990, Chica De Los Ojos Café, Wen1, Lil Jean, Kemious the kitsugriff, jenskott
Hellfire and BrimstoneCHAPTER 26: COMPLEX EMOTIONS
-Xavier Institute- Scott & Jean
Elaine and John Grey looked like a cow staring at an oncoming train as they took in what Jean had just told them.
"Jean…Could you say that again?" said Elaine in a deep, serious tone.
Jean looked over at Scott, who was obviously not expecting her to tell them such news after just dropping the big bombshell of what had happened to her at the Hellfire Club. Never the less, Jean had told them, not wanting to keep any more secrets from her family out of fear of nearly losing them all as she had come so close to as a result of the Hellfire Club. While she had to admit, the looks on her parent's faces were priceless…She was once again wrought with discomfort out of fear of their reactions.
"I said…Scott and I are sharing a room together now," she repeated, the bewildered look on her mother and father's face still not faltering, while Sara had a rather ominous grin on her face, seeming as though she was trying very hard not to laugh at what she was seeing.
"Sharing…" repeated John, "As in…Living together?"
"Well…Yeah," answered Jean with a shrug, as her parents took a few moments to process this.
She then took and held Scott's hand, showing them just how much she meant it. Although Scott was feeling very awkward at the moment under the gaze of his girlfriend's parents, he managed to give her hand a squeeze, not hiding the fact that he was quite nervous as to how they would react to this after just learning about something as shocking as the Hellfire Club.
"Jean…Are you sure you're not pregnant?" asked Elaine again.
At this point, Jean was just getting annoyed.
"No mother!" she said in an exasperated tone, "I'm NOT pregnant."
"But…Then why would you…I mean…How long have you been living together?" asked John, not seeming anywhere near as bewildered as his wife, but seeming quite surprised none the less.
"Not long," answered Scott, "In fact, we just finished unpacking and putting the final touches on our new room."
That was somewhat relieving, knowing that it was a fairly recent event and both John and Elaine looked noticeably calmer and actually looked as though they were breathing normally again, but Jean didn't like their reaction. Even though she knew her mother was never a big fan of her dating Scott, as long as they found a brief moment of solitude in wake of the revelation about what had happened to her, she thought she might as well have told them rather than having them find out otherwise. But now as she took in her parents reaction, she wondered to herself if she had done the right thing in this instance.
"Jean…Can I talk to you for a second…In private?" said Elaine as she dragged Jean off to the side, leaving Scott with her mother and her sister.
Scott looked nervous, but Jean sent him a feeling of reassurance through their link as they disappeared into the room adjacent to the den.
"Jean…What are you doing?" said Elaine in a stressed voice, having learned more than she ever wanted to on this one night.
"What are you talking about mom?" said Jean, sounding a little defensive, "I'm living with my boyfriend now. Why is that so hard to process?"
"Hard to process!" exclaimed Elaine, "You're LIVING with another man now in the same room! And don't think I don't know what happens when two young people share a room together!"
"Mom, I know what you're thinking…But you shouldn't be so stressed over this," groaned Jean, having had just about enough of her mother's interrogative tone for one night.
"Shouldn't stress!" she exclaimed, "I come here and learn that my own daughter was raped, brainwashed, manipulated by some freaky cult and right after that, you drop THIS on me!"
"Mom please, I know it's a lot to take in," said Jean as she placed her hands on her mother's shoulders, trying to calm her down, "But its better I tell you know than you find out later. I'm sorry if it wasn't what you wanted to hear, but I don't want to lie to you and make things more complicated."
Elaine let out a deep sigh, forcing herself to calm down and not make as big of a scene as she had when she blamed Scott for her abduction. Then, the look on her face turned from one of bewilderment to one of true motherly concern.
"Jean it's just that…You're my daughter," she said in a deep, emotional tone, "And…I nearly lost you. I just…"
"I know mom…It's scary…Believe me, I know it's scary," said Jean in a reassuring tone, "But I'm here now…I'm alive…You haven't lost me."
She then pulled her mother into a warm hug, causing her to shed tears as she absorbed the warmth of her youngest daughter who seemed as though she had just gone from her little girl to a full grown woman in the span of a few seconds. They both just stood there in silence, taking in the moment and letting their minds process it. Elaine may have been shocked by many things on this night, but her daughter was still alive and well and she was moving on into a brand new phase of her life.
"Jean…Are you sure about this?" she asked, looking into Jean's eyes for the sake of making absolutely sure that she had no uncertainty about this.
"Of course…" said Jean without hesitation, "I've never been more sure about anything in my life. I love Scott…And he loves me. He's the one…I know he is…And I've known for a long time. This whole ordeal has only showed me just how precious he is to me and how much he means to me. He saved me…He's always been there for me. I just…I know our relationship is getting very serious. And I really, truly want to take this next step in my…In our lives."
Elaine took a moment as she looked at the expression on her daughter's face. There was little doubt, little anxiety, and little uncertainty. Like every mother, Elaine Grey wanted only for her children to be happy and have everything they deserved. And Scott made Jean happy…He made her happy in a way no other boy could. As hard as it was for part of her to accept, Jean was a full grown woman right now…And as she saw in her eyes that her decision had been made, she couldn't see any reason for her not to be full of pride.
"Well if you're that sure…Then I guess I have no right to judge," said Elaine Grey, much to Jean's happiness, "You are a big girl now. You have the power to make your own choices in life and I've never had to worry about you making the wrong ones before. And if you truly want to do this…Then your father and I will support you all the way."
"Oh thank you mommy! Thank you! Thank you!" exclaimed Jean as she enraptured her mother in a tight bear hug.
While Jean and her mother were laying to rest their lingering concerns, Scott was still anxious in the presence of Jean's father and sister. John Grey's face was practically unreadable to Scott and he was nervous as to what he was thinking about him sharing a room and being in a really serious relationship with his daughter. Sara on the other hand, didn't look too mortified by this news to say the least. If anything…She looked humoured.
"So you're sharing a room with my sister now?" said Sara, "So when's the wedding?"
"Sara!" said her father, not in the mood for jokes at the moment.
Scott blushed feverishly at Sara's words as he awkwardly scratched the back of his neck. He wanted the support of Jean's parents, but from the looks of it he may have some obstacles to overcome in the process.
"Look Mr. Grey…" said Scott, trying to sound as sincere and serious as possible, "I know this is a lot to take in…But I just…I love your daughter. I really truly do. And I just want you to know that…"
"No Scott…You don't have to," said John as he rubbed the temples of his head, "I know you love Jean and I know how much she loves you back…I've never denied that. And I trust you'll protect her…After all, you did save her."
Scott felt a little relieved upon hearing that, especially after the pain he felt after Jean's mother had accused him of being responsible for her abduction in the first place. But John wasn't finished yet, for there was more to his reaction than just shock over such a life changing decision from her daughter.
"I guess I just…" he began, struggling to find the right words, "Hearing that just made me feel like such an old man all of the sudden. I mean…Jeannie…My little girl…Being so grown up now is just…"
The look on the elderly man's face turned from one of anxiety to one of joy as the true nature of what Jean had just told him began to register and its true meaning began to surface.
"Oh daddy…" said Sara as she gave her father a hug, "You're only as young as you feel."
Both he and Scott smiled, feeling greatly relieved as things took on a new perspective as a result of this fateful meeting. Just then, Jean and Elaine stepped back into the room, noticeably docile and calmer than before much to all of their relief.
"Jean, Sara…Would you mind giving your father and I a few moments alone with Scott?" said Elaine to her two daughters, "There are a few things we need to discuss with him."
Scott flashed Jean a nervous look, but she gave him a reassuring smile and sent through their link, 'It's okay Scott…Don't worry.' Upon hearing that, Scott felt a little bit calmer, but nervous none the less at the prospect of what Jean's parents wanted to talk to him about.
Jean then proceeded to drag a reluctant Sara out of the den as Scott sat down with her mother and father on the couch. Knowing Sara wanted to listen, Jean ended up dragging her into the deserted kitchen so that they could have some privacy. And as Jean let out a deep sigh after all the drama that had unfolded on this fateful night, Sara looked back at her with a humored grin still on her face.
"Sara…Don't give me that look," said Jean, knowing her older sister well enough to understand what she was thinking, with or without telepathy.
"Oh come on…This is big!" exclaimed her younger sister, "I was surprised enough to learn that you went through such a horrible experience…But to also learn that my big sister is now sharing a bedroom with a beautiful, handsome, attractive guy is just too much!"
"Yeah…At least you're more enthusiastic about it than mom and dad," mumbled Jean as Sara pressed on about her sibling's love life.
"But I have to admit…I still find it kind of hard to believe," said Sara, shaking her head at just how grown up her sister was now, "So you're really sharing a room with Scott now?"
"Yes Sara…" said Jean, sounding exasperated by the seeming inability for her family to process this, "Scott and I are sharing a room now."
"So does that mean that you two have…You know," said Sara with a mischievous grin.
Jean blushed furiously at what she was implying, but ended up laughing somewhat in the end.
"We've been dating for quite a while now…So yes, we have done it…We have had sex," answered Jean bluntly, not wanting to beat around the bush with her sister, knowing full well she'd only pester her more.
"Ooh…How often?" said Sara, choosing to go further.
"Hey, that's none of your business!" said Jean, shocked that her sister would want to know about her sex life, "What we do in our private time is PRIVATE."
"Oh come on Jean!" said Sara, obviously not satisfied with her sister answer, "We're family! What's wrong with giving me a little…Details?"
"Details?" said Jean, blushing even more at what she was implying.
"Yeah!" said Sara with enthusiasm, "How is he? I've always wondered about you two, knowing how lovey dovey you are around each other. Is he really good? I always thought Scott had a pretty hot body with all those muscles on him."
Jean's face was now nearly the color of her hair, but she still found herself smiling somewhat at her sister's words and even laughed as she thought about it. And as long as she was going to pester her about it, she was going to pester back. After all, such a conversation was somewhat lighter compared to all the grim horrors that had dominated her mind in wake of revealing everything that had happened to her and any lighter change for her would most certainly be welcome in her opinion.
"Well if you must know…" said Jean, her face still red, but with a smile on her face, "Yes…Scott is wonderful in bed. There's just something about the way he takes my clothes off, touches my naked skin, wraps his strong arms around me, and makes love to me for hours on end until we're both a couple of sweaty heaps of flesh. He knows every which way to please me from foreplay to climax. And I especially like it when he goes down on me and…"
"Okay, okay Jean…You've made your point," said Sara, cutting her off before she could go any further. Now it was her that was blushing as the thought of her sister and Scott in such an 'intimate' act brought some rather unwanted images to her mind.
"Well you wanted details," said Jean with a humoured grin, trying hard not to break down laughing at the look on her older sister's face.
"Well there is a limit…" said Sara, knowing now that Jean was just screwing with her.
"Hey, don't ask if you don't want to know," said Jean, feeling somewhat triumphant as she smiled back suggestively and seriously at her sister, showing that every word she said was true, "You wanted to know about my sex life with Scott, so I told you."
"Yeah…Thanks for your honesty," replied Sara with a grin, her words dripping with sarcasm, "Well, if you're that happy with him and if you both really love each other, I guess I can only say congratulations Jean. I'm real happy for you."
"Aw thanks…" said Jean in a humoured tone as she gave her sister a hug, "Just try not to pry anymore about what Scott and I do in the bedroom…Or the closet…Or the Danger Room…Or the locker room…Or the back seat of his car…Or the…"
"Jean!" said Sara, not wanting to hear any more, which only caused Jean to burst out into laughter.
After many laughs, Jean and Sara returned to the den to see Scott and their parents standing up now with smiles on all their faces. Apparently, their private chat had gone well. Questions about what his intentions were for Jean, what his personal plans in life were, and what he was willing to do to be the man who would be such a large part of Jean's life were their prime concerns. But Scott managed to answer each one of their questions in an honest and straightforward way. He made it clear that he loved and cared for Jean every bit as much as he meant. And after so many questions and concerns…Scott had finally managed to show his dedication and devotion to Jean and their relationship. And as Jean saw this, tears of joy formed in her eyes…For they were soul mates now with the blessing of her family.
For Jean, it had been a very trying night, having to tell her family about being captured, tortured, raped, and nearly enslaved by cult bent on absolute power. The experience itself was something Jean knew she was never going to quite get over, but in talking about it with her family and bringing to light a new beginning of a new stage in her life. It felt good to see her family again after coming so close to losing them and the light they offered would help to overshadow the powerful darkness that the Hellfire Club had permanently engraved in her mind.
"Thank you for saving my daughter Scott…" said Elaine as she gave Scott a hug after having set her fears about this boy who her daughter had fallen so madly in love with to rest. It was probably the first time she actually sat down and talked to him and now that she had, she regretted not doing it earlier. Scott was by no means perfect, but he loved Jean with all his heart and had been willing to die for her…And that was enough for them.
"Take care of my little girl…" said John, as he shook Scott's hand and smiled at the young man who was now such a strong part of his daughter's life.
"Don't worry sir…" assured Scott as he shook the hand of John Grey with relief and exuberance for having won the trust and respect of both him and Elaine, "I promise you with everything I am…I will look after, protect, and love Jean with all my heart and soul…You have my word."
-Vincent's Room-
Vincent was back in his room. They had just returned to the Institute after spending the day in Toronto, and had been told that Jean's family was there and to give them space. It had been hard to say goodbye to Mary and the kids, but he needed to. While going back inside his home, he couldn't help but stare at the spot Father Michaels had died. It was so hard to see that place over and over again and he was sure he would have broken down right there a few times. So he packed up all his stuff quickly with super speed. He didn't have that much anyway.
Then before they left, he had gone alone to see his old sensei, an elderly Japanese man, Master Kansuke. The old man had been delighted to see his prize student again. They had talked and Vince didn't say much on what happened to him, only that he was leaving and was pretty sure it would be rare for him to come back. This sensei nodded at this and told him that it was time for them to go their own paths anyway. He had tough Vince all that he knew and before he left, his old master gave him a great honour he had handed him the Mototsugu Samurai clan sword…The sword of the clan symbol tattooed onto his chest.
At this moment, he was sitting on his bed holding the sword. This was a great honour to him…This blade was over eight hundred years old and only one person a generation was picked to bare this blade and to have it be him of all people, it was just…He couldn't describe how it felt. It was like being given the most important tasks in the world to him…To carry on the clan legacy.
He got up and placed the blade on his dresser. He would make a place of honour for it later. He had already unpacked, once again with super speed, but now he was starting to feel the drain to his energy from all the use of it. He never understood why moving so fast always drained him so much, but he guessed it was because his metabolism burned energy faster or something. However, his thinking was interrupted by a knock at the door. Upon asking whoever it was to come in, he saw Emma walk in.
"How your unpacking going?" She asked looking around all the boxes were empty and there were many new things like photos and an interesting Japanese sword strewn within the room.
"Just finished."
She smiled, "Good, then you can take me to dinner like you promised unless you don't have something to wear?"
"Don't worry, I have something. After all, taking you to dinner is the least I can do after what you did."
She smiled at that. It was a rare thing for her to just go out and help others or smile for that matter, but there was just something about him that seemed to bring out the good in her. "Well then, I'll met you downstairs in an hour. I asked Ororo for the use of her car for the night."
-Infirmary-
Rogue was in the bed she had been sleeping in for the last few days. So far, Hank said that she could finally get back to her own room by tonight and she was looking forward to it. At least she had been visited by Kitty for a few hours and it was good to talk and joke around with her. She never realized just how much of a friend she considered Kitty until now. She also heard from Kitty about Jean's parents and she actually felt bad for Jean, knowing that wasn't going to be easy at all.
She had asked Kitty what had been going on lately and she had asked what she had missed out on while she had been 'gone' as it were. Kitty told her a few things and how everyone was worried and how Wanda got mad at her. Rogue asked what she did to Wanda and it took a bit of prying and a threat to drain her, but Kitty eventually told her about seeing Kurt with Wanda in bed. THAT had floored Rogue. While she was happy that Kurt seemed to be getting over his break-up with Amanda, but being it was with Wanda…That was just a shocker.
At the moment, she was alone and was looking forward to getting up. Hell she was looking forward to Danger Room at this point. She needed to vent some personal anger and that was the best place to do it. However, at the moment she was also hungry and wondering why Hank hadn't come in to give her some dinner yet. Hell, even Tessa-no Sage had done it. She sighed, for it was going to take some getting used to calling that woman Sage.
They had talked briefly and she seemed to be genuinely sorry that she couldn't have saved them. Although after what they did to her, she knew that those people had to be stopped. She didn't want to think about how many other people had suffered by their hands or would have suffered if they weren't properly brought down. Her stomach growled again and was going to get up and just walk to the damn kitchen, but then the door opened. "About time ya got here."
"Sorry mon chere, but Remy had to make sure dat dis was perfect." Rogue snapped her head to the left at the sound of that voice. She hadn't expected Gambit to come in carrying a tray and a plastic bag with something in it. "Gambit wanted to make something special for you."
Rogue watched him place the tray in front of her and then he took off the lid. She was then pleasantly surprised to see that it was Catfish, grits, and hush-puppies with extra spices on it. Her mouth was watering just at the sight of them. They were among her favourite foods and they were prepared in Southern style too. "Remy figured you were sick of dis place and eating down here. Hell, Remy was after about a few days so I figured Remy should lighten it up a bit."
He reached into the bag and pulled out a few napkins and candles and proceeded to light them. She wasn't sure whether or not to think of this as corny or sweet. "Why are ya doin' this?" she asked him. His cocky smile was still there, but now it looked a bit forced, as if he would be afraid to show her his true feelings.
"Remy knows you been through a lot so Remy just wanted to try and give you something nice…It's the least I can do."
Rogue remembered how Kurt had told her that Gambit blamed himself and when he sat down next to her, she saw him favour his one side a bit. "Does it still hurt? Can ah see it?" Gambit wasn't sure what to do, but then looking into her eyes she sighed and pulled up his dark shirt and Rogue's eyes widen at the nasty looking scar on his stomach. It had almost healed over by the looks of it and she couldn't believe he had been hurt like that because of her…Nearly dying trying to save her.
"It stings now and den, but Gambit is tough," he said gently to her pulling the shirt back down.
"It wasn't your fault Remy," she told him softly, wanting to reach out to his hand, but felt a bit of uneasiness with that so she stopped herself. "If it wasn't for ya, they wouldn't have known what happened to meh. Ya helped rescue meh…And helped to pull meh out of that little coma as well."
"Doesn't changes what happened to you," he said sadly. He just wasn't sure how to handle this kind of situation. Normally, he would have been putting on the charm, but after what she had been through he didn't want to go that route so he decided to try the nice guy way at first.
Now Rogue was getting angry, for she hated how people were treating her like she was made of glass and she would have punched him in the arm if he wasn't too far away at the moment when he put the bag in a trashcan. "Damn it, it was no ones fault! It wasn't your fault that I was kidnapped it and it wasn't your fault what ah went through."
"Ya did your best…Ah was the one that got captured and ah was the one that tried to escape and it was because of that…That…Ah…" She blinked back the tears of what that woman had done to her and hugged herself.
Remy saw this and wondered if she truly blamed herself for that rape. It was crazy, but then again so was this whole situation. "Chere…THAT wasn't your fault….If it was anyone's, then it was Selene's."
"But if ah hadn't-" She tried to say, but he cut her off.
"Non!" He gently touched her shoulder and she jumped a bit and he placed his hand at the side of her bed instead. "Dat woman just had an excuse. For all you know she would have done dat to anybody, she's an evil woman and you did nothing to deserve dat."
Rogue looked into his eyes. After that rape she had felt so dirty and disgusted with herself. She didn't even think of escaping again because she knew it would be worse next time and she was disgusted with herself for not trying again…But she was just too scared.
"Maybe we both should stop blaming ourselves for things that neither one of us could control," Gambit sighed.
She thought about it and nodded, "Yeah…Ah just wish it was easy to just let it go…But ah guess ah could try."
"Maybe we could try together, non?" He asked flashing her that charming smile of his to and actually smiled a bit herself.
"Maybe…But let's take it one step at a tahme okay?" He nodded his head, for that was just fine with him and then she grinned, "Besides ah'm hungry," Rogue stated before digging into her food. She had to admit it was really good tasting it in her mouth. It had been too long since she had any good southern food.
Gambit nodded to her, "So…Can dis be considered our first date?" He grinned at her and she flashed him an amused smile. She wasn't sure if dating was something she was up to, but she did find him attractive, ever since that first day she met him he had seemed to captivate her. She even had a few dreams about him, but kept that to herself and now here he was living at the mansion, he made her dinner, he had even done a little flirting, and was helping her thought this most difficult time.
She thought about it and the thought of dating him wasn't totally unappealing to her, just as long as they took it slow.
"Well…Consider this a practice then swamp rat," she said, but her tone was more of a teasing one when calling him that name. Then she got a little more serious, "Remy…Thanks…For…For everything."
She reached out and gently placed her hand on his and even though she felt a little apprehensive she pushed it away. Gambit smiled and gently took hold of it for a moment.
-Foyer-
An hour later, Vincent was in a dark cotton shirt with a dark grey suit. He had worn this last year at a dance. Mary said it had made him look good and the two of them had gone together as just friends even though that was one of his more cherished memories. He was also nervous because he was essentially taking Emma out on a date and he didn't have that much experience. Sure he had been on a few, but then again none of them were like Emma. She was literally a high-class woman and he felt a bit beneath her standards, plus he didn't want to make a bad impression.
"I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long." He heard her voice and when he looked up from the stairs form the foyer his jaw dropped. Emma walked down the stairs, her hair done up in a bun, and in a white dress that clung to her hourglass figure and showed it off. She had a V-neck line that showed off her impressive cleavage and a slit up the one side of her white dress to show off her long leg and the high heel shoes. She looked like an angel to him.
Emma found his reaction priceless, for she always had this effect on men and the images and thoughts he was projecting weren't the usual type. Normally, men would picture her naked or something, but he only stared at her face and the thought of how she was an angel actually made her blush, for it was her…The one slated to be the next White Queen who used her body to her advantage and had done whatever had been necessary to survive including keeping her emotions bottled up.
But then again, she had never been treated with such kindness and respect that she got from him. She had to admit he looked gorgeous in that suit. It really showed off his frame really well. She got to the foot of the stairs and he had recovered from earlier. She had to admit he was being a perfect gentleman, opening doors for her as they left and when they got to the restaurant.
They were shown to a seat and Vince felt a bit out of place. It was a large restaurant with a ballroom floor and two levels. They were seated on the ground level and Vince pulled out Emma's chair for her. She smiled and thanked him for his politeness. She had to admit, she could get used to being treated like this. She hated how men only saw her as an object and not as a person, maybe one of the reasons she found herself liking him so much.
She had to admit that lately she was getting closer to him and she let him get closer to her then anyone. So why not run with it? He was a good man and maybe there could be something between them then just friends, something more. She looked at the menu, it had a nice selection and when the waiter arrived she was shocked when Vincent started talking to the man in Italian upon hearing him speak a few words in the language. She couldn't follow alone, but he seemed to be asking about the menu and she had to admit the waiter smiled at him about something he said.
After their orders were done she looked at him with a cocked head, "I didn't know you knew Italian?"
She blushed a bit and shrugged, "Well…It's not perfect, but I learn fast. I know a few different languages."
Again she was surprised. They started to talk and for the first time, it wasn't about their past, which they both wanted to get away from. She was impressed with his level of knowledge. He was surprisingly well read and he could have passed himself off as someone from high society with all of it. Their conversations went from political, to economical, history, and the arts. Apparently he liked to draw and loved art and music.
She wasn't surprised when she heard that his favourite music was more modern bands and a few heavy metal ones from the eighties and nineties, but he also knew of classical music too. He told her that as a child he was shut off from the world as they experimented on him so when he was free he wanted to see what the world was like. He absorbed any information he could get his hands on and always wanted more.
Vincent had to admit that she was very sophisticated and intelligent…Fiercely intelligent even and she gave him a run for his money on certain subjects, but he loved every minute of it. She challenged him in a way very few could. He also was trying not to stare at her cleavage, but it was hard. She kept leaning forward all the time like she was baiting him to look. But there was no way she was interesting in a physically and emotionally scared guy like him who had too many mental problems to count. He also couldn't help but notice how many of the men were looking, staring, and leering at her.
That last one made him a bit sick. This was a living person not some piece of meat. During their meal he had to excuse himself to the restroom and walked up to the sink and grabbed hold of it and looked down. Then he looked up into his reflection and traced that damn scar on his face. This was one he couldn't hide from the world. He thought it gave him a hard edge and ruined his calm face.
"Man did you see that blonde in there?" A voice in a stall said to anther.
"You mean the one with a great rack right?"
"Oh yeah, man she looks like a movie star or something."
"Or a porn star." They both laughed at that and that only made Vincent angrier. He noticed his eyes going crimson and he nearly tore the sink off the wall. "Yeah, but what about that guy she's with? The one with that fucking scar on his face? What in the hell is she doing with that guy?"
"I don't know, looks like maybe he's trouble or something. But I bet he's glad that he's fucking that piece of ass, damn what I wouldn't give to be him. I bet she puts out great and-" Vincent couldn't stand this anymore and on his way out kicked the stall walls, collapsing them on top of the men. They weren't hurt, but they were trapped under them and they were on the floor with their pants down and still had to go. It took thirty minutes and several staff members to pull them out and it was also the most embarrassing moment of their lives.
Vince sat down trying to keep the smile off his face. "Something up?" Emma asked him seeing him again.
"Naw, just that the restroom seems to be out of order for the moment." He told her.
After dinner Emma was watching the dancing going on. Vince saw this and grinned. He got up and walked over to her and gave out his hand. "May I have his dance Miss Frost?"
She grinned at him and took it, "Well of course Mr. Freeman."
They took to the dance floor and she was wondering if he knew how to dance, but he surprised her again. He was very smooth and light on his feet. Vincent was glad that he had all those years of martial arts training and Mary helping him to dance. They danced for over and hour together just enjoying the music and each others company.
It was during a slow song with Emma leaning her head against his strong shoulder and Vincent resting his head against hers as they swayed to the music that they both felt a peace. The outside world didn't matter all that mattered was just them. Both of them didn't want to moment to end and just danced the night away.
When they returned, Vince walked Emma to her room they both had their arms linked and laughing. She had to admit she hadn't had such a good time on a date like that before. She found herself at her door and staring into those light blue eyes. She saw him in a new light and there was much more to him then what he showed. He was intelligent and charming when he wasn't so nervous. "I had a wonderful time Vincent."
He smiled at her. "So did I," He admitted and it had been a great night out. After all the emotional strain he had been through it was so nice to have an evening like that happen.
She pressed herself up against him with her hands on his shoulders and leaned in close. "Perhaps we can do this again some time," she said, meaning ever word of it. Then…She kissed him. It wasn't a light kiss on the cheek, but on full kiss the lips. At first he was too shocked to do anything, but the feel of her soft lips against his, the feeling of her body in the thin dress pressing up against him got his blood going and he quickly found himself returning the kiss…Softly at first, but then the passion picked up.
She grabbed hold of his head running her slender fingers though his short dark hair as he placed his hands on her slim hips and then ran one hand up and down the small of her back. They were both amazed at just how good this felt. Then after about a couple of minutes they each slowly pulled away both with flushed faces and out of breath. "We…Definitely have to do this again some time," she said to him whether she meant the date or the kiss he didn't really care.
He watched her disappear back into her room and then took a few steps back and leaned back against the wall. He was wondering how that just happened…How such a beautiful woman kissed him like that. He would still feel her lips on his and her scent in the air. He didn't know why she had done that, but it seemed to him that maybe she was attracted to him as well, that is if that kiss was any indication and boy had it been powerful.
Xavier Institute – Upstairs Dorms
As the hours drifted further into the night, much of the institute residents were now turning in for the night except for the truly restless. For Piotr Rasputin, it was late enough for him and he was eager to get some shuteye. But even though the Hellfire incident was over, there were still some after effects that he had noticed throughout the team.
Logan, despite having gotten through fighting and winning against Yuriko, was still in a state of sleeplessness, only to the rest of the students it didn't seem the same as before. This time, he had another reason for being unable to sleep…And to him, this one might actually be far harder to overcome compared to Yuriko. The kiss with Ororo had brought forth inner conflict that a thousand fuzzy memories couldn't and nobody else, Piotr included, truly knew what was going through his mind as he went over that fateful moment again and again.
Rogue was now in her own room for the night but was still struggling somewhat with the trauma of what happened to her. Piotr still cringed at the thought of her having to live with all the painful memories about her ordeal. However, Kurt and Gambit had stayed with her for the most part of the day, giving her all the support they could offer for her and even Kitty and others had shown up, he even heard the New Mutants got her a few get well cards. Ororo also spent time in there, lending the kind of loving support that she was so well known for here at the institute while also busying herself with things to distract her from other issues she was still struggling to understand…Although nobody knew, nor could they guess what those issues were.
Scott and Jean had also spent most of the evening with Jean's parents, revealing to them the horrible ordeal that they had all been through. Like everybody else, Piotr was restricted from disturbing them while they went through what was most definitely a very intense and emotional moment. In a way, the Russian born mutant felt somewhat saddened when he caught a brief glimpse of Jean hugging her parents and older sister goodbye because it reminded him of just how much he missed his own family. Sure the X-men had become very close to him and they had become almost like family to him in some ways, but there was still this desire from within him to be with his parents and little sister again. Many times at night, he would often lay wide awake in his bed…Thinking about where they were and how they were doing. There were just so many things he had experienced here as an X-man. And there were many new friends he had met since joining…Some more closely than others.
While he was making his way down the hall towards his bedroom, Kitty Pryde was still in her room trying on all the new dresses she had bought with Emma. Since the downstairs had become off limits for the visit from Jean's parents, she had chosen to busy herself with going through and organizing her new purchases into her vast wardrobe.
Despite all the drama and complications that the institute had been going through, her little shopping spree with Emma, Vincent, and Piotr had been nothing short of therapeutic. With the exception of that potentially ugly fight and the encounter with that mysterious Slayer guy, it was a successful trip overall in terms of what she had managed to get at the many stores she had been in.
Now, Kitty was trying on some of the dresses that she had bought in order to pass the time. With a full body mirror before her, Kitty posed and admired the new additions to her wardrobe. While she knew if guys like Bobby or Ray saw her doing this they would probably crack a joke about her being some stereotypical shopping junky, it was something she liked to do and it was a good way for her to relax and unwind.
After putting away and trying on most of her dresses, only one more remained before she would finish for the night. It was a dress that Emma had picked out for her at a very high end store that she normally couldn't shop in due to the large price. However, thanks to Emma's deep pockets and extensive credit card capacity, she was finally able to buy something…And it was definitely something to behold. It was a rather revealing purple that ran rather high on her legs, but truly complimented her petite frame. The color was Emma's idea, saying to her that it went well with her hair and skin tone. However, Kitty had to admit that it was still a little revealing, for it showed more cleavage than she was used to. But as she tried it on and looked at herself in the mirror, she couldn't help but smile. Emma definitely knew her fashion. It was sexy…But not slutty. It wasn't too formal…But it wasn't exactly the most casual dress in the world either. It was more like something she would wear on a date or out to a club, but every since she broke up with Lance, she didn't know if she would ever get to truly test it out…At least for now that is.
As she smiled at herself in the mirror, she heard footsteps outside her door and in her excitement over her new look, she went over and opened it to get another opinion. And as fate would have it, the one who had passed by her door was none other than Piotr…The one who had been there when she bought the dress, but hadn't seen it on her.
"Hey Petey!" said Kitty, as she stepped out into the hallway, "What do you think of my new dress?"
Piotr, knowing that voice all too well, turned around, not expecting to see anything too drastic…But when his eyes met with the image of Kitty Pryde in a very nice, very revealing purple dress…He almost swallowed his tongue.
"Well? What do you think?" said Kitty, turning around to show him the full view, "Is it me?"
Piotr had never seen Kitty wearing anything this…Elaborate before. She had always worn simple clothing when he saw her with the possible exception of her X-men uniform…But seeing her like this nearly stopped the young Russian's mind cold from shock. He knew this was the Katya he was so fond of…But he had no idea she could look so…Enchanting.
"I uh…" he stuttered, unable to form any coherent words, almost as if he had forgotten how.
"Peter?" said Kitty, seeing the somewhat strange look on his face that began to worry her, "Is something wrong? Does it make my ass look fat or something?"
"No!" said Piotr quickly as he scrambled for at least some kind of response, "You look…Beautiful…Absolutely beautiful."
"Aww…That's sweet of you Petey," smiled Kitty, feeling relieved, but at the same time curious as to what it was that had made him stammer so much to begin with.
"Uh…My pleasure Katya," said Piotr, finding it difficult to tear his gaze away from her. Then suddenly, he felt his face start to flush red and quickly managed to turn his head so that Kitty couldn't see as he made his way back to his room. "I…Had better turn in for the night. It's late…Goodnight Katya."
"Well…Goodnight Peter," said Kitty, still in confusion as she saw him walk back to his room at a faster pace than usual. She knew Piotr…She knew him probably better than anybody else did here at the institute and she knew when something wasn't right with him. Whatever had happened in his mind when he saw her…It was definitely something else. She had never seen a reaction like that from him. And as she reluctantly turned back into her room she couldn't help but think, 'What was that all about?'
Back in his room, Piotr sat on his bed in a daze…And ironically, he was thinking the exact same thing as he said out loud, "What was that all about?"
Now his tiredness was the last thing on his mind as the image of Kitty in that sexy purple dress hung strong in his mind. For what seemed like a full twenty minutes, Piotr Rasputin sat in a daze…Going over what had gone through his mind when he had seen her. What did it mean? Sure he was probably closer to Kitty than anybody else here at the institute…But what was it that he felt back there? Surely it wasn't something good friends felt…It couldn't be. So then what was it?
With no answers coming to him, Piotr let out a deep sigh as he lost all desire to sleep at the moment. Then…He found himself doing the one thing that had always helped relax him. He took out his sketch pad and pencils and began to lightly sketch the outline of an image on the paper. And in his mind…There was only one image he wanted to draw, for he wanted to immortalize it forever.
-Outside at the Gazebo-
Vincent Freeman could honestly say he had never been in such an emotional wreck before. Not long ago, he had stood in sorrow at the grave of the man who had raised him like a son. Father Michaels…The closest thing he ever had to family was dead because he couldn't save him. That alone was hard enough for his fragile mind to process…But add to that, he had just kissed Emma Frost. And not just kissed…Really kissed. The way it felt…The things that had gone through his mind…It was just beyond anything he could have ever imagined. It was…Surreal in many ways. It was almost as if for just one moment he was able to forget all his pain and his past for the first time in…Well, he honestly couldn't remember.
Since meeting her in the dark prison cell of the Hellfire Club, he had felt a connection with her…One unlike any other he had formed with anybody else in his life. Friends like Mary Jones and the kids back at the orphanage had always held a special place in his heart, but there was just something about Emma that he was unable to put into words. She was more than just someone he had connected with…After that moment at the Hellfire Club where she rescued him and brought him into her mind through that warm and peaceful place under the tree near the crystal clear river, something had happened that had made him re-evaluate just what it was he was feeling for this girl.
As he stood alone in his daze, looking out over the lake in the distance, he took some comfort in the peace and tranquility that the water offered. However, it didn't give him any of the answers he so sorely desired.
"Why…" he said to himself, still deep in his conflicted state of mind, "Why does everything have to be so complicated? Why does the world insist on torturing me?"
Vincent's face sank as he let out a deep sigh from all the emotional strain he had faced in the span of one single day. He was so lost in thought that he didn't notice a strange purple haze forming behind him. Soon, out of this haze, a familiar figure formed and made himself known to the troubled young man before him.
"I know that look all too well…" said the mutant warrior known as Slayer in a mild, almost humoured voice.
Vincent quickly turned around, startled by the sudden voice and nearly went on the defensive until he saw who it was.
"You…You're the guy from the mall," he said as he took in his appearance.
"Correct," said Slayer with a grin as he casually leaned against the side of the Gazebo, "It's good to see that your photographic memory still works even in your current state of mind."
Vincent was still weary about this stranger who had shown up once before already and now he was in a totally different getup compared to his casual street clothes at the mall. This time he was in his full samurai armour with the marks on his hands clearly showing and the ominous symbol over his left eye. However, this only presented the young man with more questions.
"How did you know that? And how did you get on the institute grounds without setting off the security system?" said Vincent, still weary of how this man had just appeared so suddenly.
"I took a short cut," replied Slayer, "Never underestimate the power of a little magic."
The symbols on his hands glowed ominously upon saying those words and so did the mark over his eye. Vincent knew a thing or two about oriental mysticism and he recognized part of the elaborate patterns on each mark. He wasn't sure if this guy was a mutant, a mystic, or something in between. It was a confusing thing to think about and it only caused the young man to let out a disgruntled sigh.
"Look…" said Vincent with a frustrated look on his face, "I have enough on my mind as it is. It has been a very…Very confusing day for me and I don't need anything else to add insult to injury."
"Hey come on, I didn't come here to cause that," said Slayer in his defense.
"Well you're doing a mighty fine job Slayer," said Vincent in a sarcastic tone.
"Well to be fair, I'm not exactly very good when it comes to interpersonal communication," said Slayer, already thinking he was messing up left and right, "In fact, this is probably the longest conversation I've had in some time with somebody who isn't trying to kill me."
Vincent's curiosity was somewhat heightened by that, but something told him there was only so much that this man was willing to tell if what he knew about him so far was any indication.
"So then what are you?" asked Vincent, "A mystic? A fighter? Or just someone with a few very dangerous hobbies?"
"A little of everything I guess," answered Slayer, "But…I like to think of myself more as a warrior than anything else…And I can tell that's kind of what you see yourself as in some ways."
Vincent raised an eyebrow as he wondered how this man knew so much. How would he have known about his training with Mr. Kansuke? How any of this anyways?
"Look, I don't want to cause you any more confusion, so why don't I just do what I came here to do," he said.
"And what might that be?" asked Vincent, eager for any kind of answer at this point.
"I came here because I saw what happened with you and Emma today," he answered.
"And how did you know that?" asked Vincent.
"Same way I knew about the Hellfire Club…I saw it," said Slayer as the mark on his eye began to glow a mysterious golden color.
"You saw it? That's all? That's how you knew?" said Vincent, not satisfied with the answer.
"Yes…But I didn't just see it happen…I saw what it did to you…The both of you actually," said Slayer, "You see…There are many more things visible than what is simply on the surface of something whether it be something as simple as mundane, everyday occurrence or something as complex as human emotion. But I didn't come here just to tell you what it is I see…I came here to help you."
"Help? I barely even know you," said Vincent.
"Hey, I helped you and your friends back at the mall," reminded Slayer, "Do I at least get the benefit of the doubt?"
"Do I have a choice?" said Vincent somewhat pessimistically.
"There's always a choice," said Slayer, "You can choose to listen to me or you can choose not to. Either way is fine with me, but just know that I'm here for a reason…I just can't tell you exactly what that reason is yet. All you need to know for now is that I know what I saw."
"With what? Me and Emma?"
"No…With just you," said Slayer, "I've been watching everybody here at the institute…I've been watching them since before the Hellfire incident even happened. But I'm talking to you because right now it looks like you need it and you won't talk to anybody else at the moment."
"And just why are you doing this?" asked Vincent, who still vividly remembered what he had said on their first encounter, "Is it because of those 'challenges?'"
"Among other things, yes…" admitted Slayer, "And like I've said before, I can't tell you exactly what they are…I can only tell you that they're there."
"And why can't you!" said Vincent, getting all the more frustrated with this very trying day.
"Because I don't know…" answered Slayer with a look of seriousness in his eyes.
"You don't know? Can't you just see it like you seem to have done with everything else?" said Vincent, not fully convinced by his answers.
"No…" said Slayer simply as he shook his head, "I wish I could…But there are just some things that nobody can see because through some of the darkness in this world that blocks us all out and holds us all back…Myself included. Like you, I am hindered by the limitations of my human mind. There's only so much I can know and process…And there's only so much I can personally deal with. You of all people should understand that."
The look in Slayer's eyes was a look that Vincent was no stranger too and now he actually began to believe this stranger and take his words seriously.
"Look…I'm definitely not the poster child for mental well being," admitted Slayer, "I'm just a guy who was born with a ton of complicated shit that he didn't ask for…But I know my place. I have a reason for doing what I do…Just as you had a reason for doing what you did. And I'm not just referring back to what happened with Emma…I'm referring back to many things…Like what happened to Father Michaels and how bad life has been for you."
Vincent's head sank at the mention of Father Michaels, but he couldn't deny some of the truth in Slayer's words.
"Reason or not…I still regret so much of it," he said in a deep, monotone voice, "And I don't even know the reasons half the time. All I ever get is more questions and confusion and there's only so much I can take. Sometimes…I just feel like running and running…Wanting to get away from it all."
Slayer didn't say anything in response for a brief moment as he took in the all too familiar words that he so often recalled in his complicated life. There were only so many answers that one could understand and many times they only brought forth more questions. Even with his all seeing eye…There were just some tings he couldn't understand no matter how many battles he had been in or how many things he had seen.
"Yeah…I know the feeling," said Slayer, "Believe me I know. But take it from someone who has actually tried that before…It only makes things worse."
Looking back at Slayer with a curious look, Vincent couldn't help but wonder just what he meant by that. The look in his eyes was not unlike the one he had seen in himself many times before…Wrought with confusion and uncertainty.
"Having a hard life can be nothing short of horrendous torture both mentally and physically," said Slayer, "But I've learned in my experiences that once you start running…You can never stop. Once you make that one big choice…You can never go back. I chose to run…And in a way I'm still running. You on the other hand…You haven't made that choice yet and I'm telling you now that you don't need to make the same mistake I made."
"But…How do I know if I'm making the right choices?" asked Vincent, feeling himself at a definite crossroads in the long, hard struggle that was his life.
"That…I don't know," said Slayer, "I don't have all the answers. But I do have an opinion…And I think that maybe you already know some of the answers to the questions that you're struggling with. I can't know exactly what it is you felt back there when you kissed that girl or how profound it truly was…But you know. You know, but part of you can't bring yourself to admit it because you let so many other things get in the way. And I know it's hard but…When something that significant happens and someone that meaningful comes into your life…Your heart is telling you something Vincent. And if I were you, I'd listen."
Vincent thought about that for a moment, feeling as though it had been put in a way he could understand. Some of it was still hard to ascertain. He didn't know how it was possible for him to have the answers already when nothing came to him every time he thought about it. But maybe it was because he just wasn't thinking hard enough or in the right way. He had many burdens to deal with and Slayer seemed to understand that…Better than most people actually.
"I think I understand…" said Vincent as he let out a deep, tired sigh, "But what should I do? How do I handle all this?"
"I think you know that too," said Slayer, "But just give it time. It'll come to you…You'll find what you're looking for just like I had to."
"And what about Emma?" he asked.
Slayer simply laughed at that as he shook his head.
"Evil entities and street thugs I can deal with…Women on the other hand, that's another story," he replied.
Vincent actually managed to crack a smile for the first time in what seemed like an eternity. Even though there were still many questions that still remained…The answers didn't seem so distant now. Slayer knew what he was talking about…Even if he didn't have the greatest communication skills in the world.
"Don't worry…You'll figure it out," said Slayer as he turned away and began to walk off towards a strange purple haze that began to form behind him.
Knowing what this meant, Vincent still had many things he wanted to ask him and tried to stop him.
"Wait…" he said, causing Slayer to look back, "Why are you doing this? Why are you here?"
Slayer merely looked back at him with the mark on his eye glowing in a mysterious halo, "Like I've said…I'm here to help. Not just you…But everybody here at the institute. And trust me…You'll need it."
"But for what?" asked Vincent, determined to know what it was that was causing this man to come in and intrude on their lives only to leave and observe in a way they couldn't sense or detect.
"Something dark…Very dark," answered Slayer, "I can't tell you what it is because nobody here is ready…And I honestly don't fully know myself. But from what I do know, you'll all have to prepare yourselves for some great difficulties. And in time, I'll make myself more known…But for now, you and the rest of your friends must take care of your own problems. Because when the time comes…You must be ready for the ultimate challenge that lies ahead."
Upon saying those words, the mysterious mutant warrior once again disappeared into a purple mist and vanished without a trace, leaving Vincent Freemen alone once again to consider what he had told him. It was still unclear what he meant by such great darkness, but for now…He had to deal with other issues as well as other people…Namely the girl who had been the heart of so much of his confusion, Emma Frost.
-Scott & Jean's Room- (AN: Warning, sexual content ahead. It's nothing too bad, but if it offends you, DON'T READ IT! You have been warned.)
After many hugs and tearful goodbyes, Jean's family departed from the institute. It had been a long and exhausting night full of drama and revelation, but it had ended better than either of them could have hoped. After having gone through such a horrible ordeal and retelling it to her family in all its unabated form, Jean felt as though a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders. And for both her and Scott, it was the beginning of a truly significant part of their relationship. They were now sharing a room together. And even after living under the same roof with one another in rooms right down the hall from each other since they were twelve years old, it was still a surreal feeling to them. And now that they had the blessings of Jean's parents, they could learn and grow together not just as lovers…But as soul mates as well.
Not long after they waved goodbye to Jean's parents, they both made their way up to their bedroom and collapsed on the bed next to each other, completely and utterly tired from all the stress caused by this one night.
"Man oh man…I'm glad this night is finally over," said Scott with a sigh as Jean snuggled close to him and they simply let their bodies and minds relax after everything that had just transpired.
"You said it," said Jean in agreement, wanting nothing more than put the drama behind her and focus on the future, "But now that it's over and I've told my family everything that's happened…I feel a lot better after having gone through with it."
"That's good to hear…I know it must be hard for you to cope with…Believe me I know," said Scott, speaking from personal experience after having lost his family long ago.
"And I think it always will be," mused Jean, "I still think about it…The feelings, the torture, the pain…I don't think it'll ever go away. I still have nightmares about it…"
"Yeah…I know," said Scott as he held her a little closer to him, "I felt a few of them."
"I'm sorry you had to," said Jean, feeling somewhat bad about someone else feeling her pain.
"Hey…You put up with my nightmares before," said Scott with a smile as he looked into her beautiful green eyes, "The least I can do it put up with yours."
Jean looked back up at him and smiled warmly at him as she brought her face to his and they met in a deep kiss. They had shared a lot of things over the years from the pain of nightmares to the euphoria of their deep love for each other. There had been many times that they could have been torn apart forever whether it be Apocalypse or the Hellfire Club…Yet here they were lying in each other arms with many uncertainties and challenges ahead.
"I love you…" said Jean as they finally broke the kiss.
"I love you too…" said Scott as gently ran a hand down her face, wiping away the stains that many tears had left.
"Does it scare you as much as it scares me?" she asked, "You know…Us being together like this?"
"I'd be lying if I said it didn't…" admitted Scott, "But I'm not worried. I know this is right…I know what I feel and I can't deny how strong it is."
"You're right…I know I shouldn't worry either," said Jean, "But there's just no denying how much you mean to me. I know I'd probably be dead without you. And I know it's going to be difficult…Dealing with some of the…After effects of what happened…But as long as we're together, I know I have the strength."
With smiles on their faces, they met in another kiss. Only this time, it lasted longer and quickly grew more impassioned. The relief of having gotten through this night together had lifted the shadow that had hung over the both of them and caused a great deal of stress. And now that the stress was gone, they wanted nothing more than to be together and relish the fact that they had survived.
As the kiss continued and Jean slipped her tongue into Scott's mouth, she began to work her hands under his shirt and feel his warm skin. A hot feeling soon shot through both of their bodies and Scott felt a slight twinge of concern, for he knew where this was leading.
'Jean…Are you sure?' he sent through their link, not wanting to do anything to reopen old wounds from her ordeal.
'Don't worry…I'm sure,' she sent back, feeling a slight hardness press against her which only served to heighten her arousal, 'After getting through this night and getting such a huge weight off my mind…I just want to relish it. So consider this a…Celebration.'
Scott couldn't help but laugh somewhat as he relaxed into Jean's increasingly sensual touches. Soon, she had swiftly removed his shirt and threw her arms around his body, caressing and rubbing over his hard muscles. She then managed to adjust herself so that Scott could get her shirt off as well, feeling the increasing need to be relieved of the burden of their clothes. The heat between them continued to grow as their mutual passion for one another heightened their desire as hands continued to roam and sweat began to form on their exposed skin.
With Jean still on top, she straddled her lover so that now he was on his back and he could get a good look at her still covered breasts. Seeing the look of arousal on Scott's face, Jean leaned forward as she reached behind her back to undo the fastener to her bra. This prompted Scott to reach up and grab hold of the garment and remove it swiftly, tossing it to the side and bringing his hands and face up to the large orbs of flesh, teasing and tickling them in a way that only made Jean yearn for more as she felt tingles of pleasure shoot through her body, causing her to moan.
Scott kept teasing and rubbing in a massage-like fashion, building up the want and desire for each of them while going slow, knowing it would be easier that way for Jean given the memories she still had and the nightmare's she still suffered. Yet despite this, his love and assurance through their link helped keep those dark thoughts at bay while he touched and teased her sexy body.
Feeling the heat and desire grow within her, Jean soon took the initiative and brought his face to hers where they met in a deep, impassioned kiss. Scott's hands were still on her breasts as they continued working their way in a subtle circular motion, causing Jean to moan even more as her kisses became more frenzied and she trailed her lips down his face and along his chest, working her way lower and lower down his well sculpted body. As she got lower, Scott removed his hands from her breasts and began to entangle them in her long, red hair as she worked her way down to the fly of his pants where a large bulge had already formed.
After making quick work of the belt buckle and fly, Jean gave Scott's pants a hard tug. They were a little hard to get off because of his hard on, but she managed to remove them boxers and all. Now that his erect member was free, Jean began to gently touch it and trail her hands up and down its length, evoking a soft moan from Scott. Her touches got a little rougher, causing him to become more aroused…But unlike other times when they did this, she did not take him in her mouth, for she was not yet ready for that. Knowing this, Scott brought her back up to face level so that she didn't have time to worry about it and she rolled off to the side of him so she could remove her pants.
As beads of sweat began to build on their bodies, Jean felt all the more eager to remove what was left of her clothing so that she could be one with him. Upon undoing the fly on her pants, Scott eagerly helped her out, removing both her pants and panties at the same time so that she was now completely exposed to him. She was already noticeably wet from all the foreplay and her body had already broken out into a deep sweat. And wanting to make the best of this little 'celebration' of theirs, Scott slowly spread her legs and brought his face to her wetness.
Jean closed her eyes and let out a slight gasp as she arched her back upon feeling Scott start to kiss her most sensitive areas. He started with gentle teasing and soon worked his way up to gently slipping his tongue inside her, causing her to let out a loud moan of contentment, knowing only Scott could make her feel this way. He continued to orally please her until he felt through their link that she was nearing her climax. Then, he removed his face from her private area and Jean took the initiative this time and flipped Scott on his back once again and straddled his pelvis. With her hands rubbing the rough contours of his chest and his hands placed firmly on her hips, Scott slowly negotiated his way into her body, taking a brief moment to absorb the feeling of being one with the woman he loved.
"Mmm…Scott, you're so wonderful," gasped Jean as she felt his hardness in her wet interior.
"And so are you Jean…" replied Scott in a hoarse tone.
Slowly, Jean began to gyrate her hips as Scott began to thrust upwards into her. They went slow at first, but quickly found a rhythm together. Jean worked her body up and down his hard member at an ever increasing pace, causing her generous breast to bounce as she sensually ran her hand along her lover's sweaty chest. Scott then reached up to touch them and began massaging them once more as they both continued to move together, dragging out their love play as long as they could and building up and ever more powerful climax.
Finally, neither of them could hold it in any longer. As Jean felt her body began to tense up and her inner muscles began to contract around Scott's hard member, they both took each others' hands and let out a loud, collective moan as they both climaxed with one another and collapsed in a tight embrace, struggling to catch their breath.
Waves of pleasure shot through their bodies and the strength of their link was heightened by great intimacy of this moment together. They could feel their mutual pleasure as they took in the feeling of being in each other's arms, soaking up all the love and passion of making love to one another. They both sent warm feelings of love to one another through their link as they took a few moments to give their bodies time to recover. But it didn't take long before once again their yearning for more passion and pleasure drove them to start their love play once again as Scott rolled over on top and Jean tightly wrapped her strong legs around his torso, once again bringing him inside her. Then, as they met in another kiss, they began to work their bodies in a rhythm once more, making love to one another into the night, celebrating the end of this dramatic night.
As they continued to make love for a little while longer, giving their bodies brief periods of rest before starting again, they collapsed beside one another after one final climax. They were now completely out of energy, yet they remained awake for the time being, still absorbing the warmth of being in each others' arms.
"So how was that for a celebration?" said Scott with a grin as he brought his hand up to her beautiful, sweaty face.
"Amazing…" said Jean with a warm smile, "Thank you for helping me through this Scott…I can't tell you how much it means to me."
"Anytime Jean," said Scott as he gently kissed her forehead, "I know there are still a lot of things that are hard for you to deal with…But I promise I'll help you through each and every one of them no matter how long it takes."
"Mmm…That's sweet of you Scott," said Jean with a sleepy tone in her voice, "And I'm glad we're living together now. I think we've definitely made the right decision."
"I agree…And I'm glad you're parents support us now," added Scott, also noticeably tired, "Now you know I'll always be there when you wake…Nightmares or not."
"I know…But I usually don't have nightmares right after sex, so don't worry about it," she smiled, her eyes starting to get heavy.
Scott couldn't help but laugh slightly as he hugged her closer to his warm body, letting her know that he was there for her and had no intention of ever leaving.
"I know…Neither do I," said Scott.
"Then I guess that means we'll just have to have sex more often so that we both can get a decent night sleep," she grinned as she traced her hand down the side of his face.
"Whatever you say Jean…" said Scott with a grin, as they met in one last deep kiss.
"Goodnight Scott…I love you," she said as her drowsy eyes finally began to close for a much needed good night rest.
"I love you too Jean…Goodnight," he said as she soon followed suit and the two young lovers drifted off into a deep sleep. And now as they slept, leaving behind the end of one challenge, the two soul mates were left with little idea of the challenges lay ahead.
NEXT UP CHAPTER 27: UNIFORMS, DANGER ROOM AND RELATIONSHIPS OH MY