Disclaimer: Sorry I forgot to add that I own nothing in Marvel, Evo only my OCs and Jack was Slickboy's and August belongs to Uncanny R-Man. Kali and Kelsey also gave their permission.

EMMA AND VINCE

CHAPTER 2: BEFORE THE BIG DAY

In the large yard of the mansion everything was being set up for the outdoor ceremony. Gambit and Piotr were setting up a long table where the food would be for the dinner after the ceremony. Jamie and his clones were setting up all the chairs before a rehearsal later that day. Rahne, Jubilee alone with Amara and August were setting up the long rug between the chairs, flowers and other things.

Kurt was with Wanda cleaning up the gazebo and putting up the decorations for this. Everything was going smoothly and everyone was looking forward to this. "Hey where are the couple to be?" Wanda asked setting up some of the decorations, "Shouldn't they be helping with this?"

Kurt who was cleaning the area just shrugged, "Don't know, I zhink they're showing Vincent's guests around."

"Lucky them," She muttered to herself.

Kurt stopped what he was doing and walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her, "Hey if it vill make you feel better…I could make it up to you later…tonight?" She whispered and kissed her neck. She moaned feeling his lips there, he always did know just where to kiss her. It kind of wasn't fair but then again she knew his secret spots too and she could use them later tonight.

"Fine, you win…this time," She sighed and turned around to kiss him on the lips her arms draped over his neck and his hands on her hips. Both of them had had a rough time and she was glad to have him in her life. Kurt was also glad to have her in his, he wouldn't have done so well after the Hellfire incident with Selene without her.

Amara had just finished with her side of putting up the flowers and felt a bit tired. She saw a shadow to her left and looked over and smiled seeing the woman that she was dating. August was taller then her with long dark hair, and very exotic with her Greek background. "Hey there babe, finished?"

Amara smiled and stood up, "Yes all finished and I could use a break."

August smiled back and took her hands, "Come on then, it's lunch time and I got something special planned." That got the Princess' attention and went with her wondering what her girlfriend had in mind. Since in her homeland same sex partners were common she had grown up not minding either sex. She was glad to have gotten over her crush of both Tabitha and Sam because since those two were happily dating she didn't want to ruin things.

August led her to the small wooded area away from everyone and she had to laugh at the picnic set up, with a blanket and basket of food already waiting. "Where did you get this?" She asked the taller girl.

"From Kurt," August simply replied, "I kind of went asking for advice and Wanda said that the picnic she and Kurt were on was very nice." Since August was more used to one night stands she wasn't sure how to date in a relationship. So she had gone to the others, although when Wanda had talked about her picnic she had on that smile that suggested that more then just eating when on there. She was kind of hoping for the same results but she could keep herself in check.

Well mostly, Amara brought out this passion in her that she hadn't known was there. They sat down and started to enjoy and nice quiet meal, simple too mainly cold cuts but with their fire powers it was easily to just make it 'toasted' the food to a nice hot meal. When Amara came to this new world she was very timid being so out of her element, things like computers, electricity and TV shared her and yet now she was living with it like she had her entire life.

She had grown since those days, she had faced many challenges over the years and she had become stronger for it. Now she was falling in love and it was very good feeling too, she laid on her side looking at August on her back, sun shades on her eyes finishing up an apple. August noticed her looking and grinned, "What?"

"Nothing, just enjoying the view."

August nearly laughed and put the apple away and moved over to her, "And do you like what you see?" The princess blushed a bit and nodded, "Well good, because so to I." She told her and leaned forward to kiss her on the lips. The rest of the meal was pretty much forgotten as the two young women embraced in a deep loving kiss. Amara went onto her back as the taller girl got on top kissing her sensually, Amara's hands went to her back and down it to her hips.

"Wait, what if someone hears us?" Amara asked her through the kisses.

"Thought about that," She replied and sat up smiling at her, "If we keep quiet no one should hear us," She smiled and slipped off her top over hear head and was only in a simple black bra. Amara smiled as her hands ran up the other girl's stomach.

As the two young lovers got to know each other on a more personal level the young Asian girl of Jubilation Lee was looking for Bobby. She hadn't seen him all day and wondered where he was at the moment it took her awhile and asking Betsy for a little telepathic scan of the area to find him by the dock on the bay.

When she got down the cliff side path and down there she saw him in his ice form using his powers to make some ice sculptures. There were a few melting ones and the ground around the area was wet from it all. She watched as he made a life like version of Emma and Vince only in wedding clothing. He walked around there looking for imperfections in it and he seemed to be practicing.

He didn't even notice her walking up until her feet dick the wood on the dock. He turned around surprised to see her, "Hey, what's up?"

"I was going to ask you that. What's with all the ice sculptures?" Jubilee asked him waving her hand at all of them.

"It's for the wedding Emma wanted a few ice sculptures." He shrugged and he didn't mind it let him use his powers freely which he loved to do.

"So you're doing this because she asked you?" She asked looking at a slightly melted swan.

"Oh hell no, she's paying me a hundred bucks for this," He laughed.

"What?"

Bobby just shrugged with that boyish grin on his face, "Hey she said that was cheaper then getting a 'profession' to do it. You know I think I should start up my own business, I mean I make these things better then Edward Scissorhands and faster too. I could clean up a few extra dollars with this." He kind of wondered why he never thought of it before, something the he enjoyed doing and let him use his powers, to top it off getting paid for it? That was just perfect.

"Well at least you got a useful thing for that," She sighed looking at her hands, she hated at times that her powers weren't the greatest. Basically all she did was just fire out fireworks, not exactly the best power. Oh well at least on the 4th of July she was useful.

She looked up when she saw Bobby back in his human form with his hands on her shoulders, "Hey you're much more then just powers to me. You're a very pretty girl, smart, energetic, you speak your mind and I love being with you. You really know how to live life and that really cheers me up you know?"

She smiled and blushed a bit, sure Bobby could be immature at times but when he set it aside he could be a really sweet guy like now. Plus he could make her laugh and knew how to have a good time as well, "So how's it going?"

Bobby looked at the latest creation, "Pretty good so far, thankfully I can shape it with my mind. I can't see how people can just chisel away and get things like this."

He scratched the back of his head looking it over, he had been able to see the dress that Emma would wear and he hoped it got it right. He had to admit it was one of his better ones and then he got an idea, "Say…you want to see something I've been thinking about trying?"

She got curious about what he had planned, "What is it?"

"Just…well…let's just say Piotr isn't the only one who wants a muse," He grinned at her and then concentrated. She watched at a new figure started to emerge and it was life size whatever it was, she saw a figure starting to form. Jubilee noticed wings and guessed he was doing Warren but then she noticed the robes and the figure had a more feminine look to it. By the time he was done there stood an ice angel with full on wings with her long hair waving in wind and her arms out in a welcoming position.

"Wow…" It was magnificent, clear as crystal with no imperfections at all in it. It almost looked like glass although she hadn't known that Bobby had been working on this in secret for about a week.

"Take a closer look," Bobby said a little nervous, "At the face."

She did and it looked familiar until it clicked in her mind. It was her! The face was hers, and it held a warmth in it, a joy. It was so beautiful and she could feel her eyes welling up in a few tears at this. This was the most beautiful thing anyone had done for her. She wished that it would stay and not melt and also she felt a bit overwhelmed.

'Is this how he sees me?' She thought looking at it. She felt his arms wrap around her waist, "It's…It's beautiful Bobby…"

"Thanks…I've…Never been good with words, more of an actions type of guy I just wanted you to know how I feel it all." He told her. She leaned back into him as they just looked at the ice statue, she wanted to memorize this while she could.

-Mansion-

After some time things were winding down a bit now that everything was set up and people were getting ready for the rehearsal. Rogue was sitting in the kitchen taking a drink of bottled water, after her talk with her mom she and her had gone through a little Danger Room exercise to led off some steam. She had to admit there was a lot of therapy to bashing in the skull of all the drones that looked like Selene.

Even thought Rogue was glad the bitch was dead she hoped she was burning in hell for eternity. Actually she knew for a fact that she was and a small grin got on her face. 'Yeah burn in hell forever you bitch, and ah pray you get what's comin' to ya.' She thought to herself.

She sat down at the table and tried to relax, she always got so worked up when thinking about that bitch but she didn't need to give herself an ulcer at nineteen. She heard footsteps and smiled seeing Scott walk in, he saw her appearance and an eyebrow rose up. "Danger Room?"

"How did ya guess?" She asked with a little hint of sarcasm.

He grinned at her and sat down, "I do that too to work off some frustration or the gym."

She nodded her head, she would use the gym but Hank and Sage were still trying to repairing the special equipment that the stronger members of the institute used. She hadn't heard what happened only that Colossus and Mayhem got into a friendly competition that went a bit overboard.

Scott decided to open up the topic, "So…Feeling any better?"

She signed and shrugged, "A bit…" Although deep inside there were scars that would never heal over properly. "Ah hate this…"

"What?"

"This…This god damn feeling inside meh…She took something from meh and ah'll never get it back," Rogue's voice strained a bit as she fought back the tears. "She took what little innocence ah had…She…She broke me Scott…I never felt so defeated and no matter how many times ah fight a battle…That defeat will always be with me."

Scott moved over next to her and placed an arm over her shoulder. She didn't do anything at first but she leaned into his shoulder. "I wish I could say it would be okay, but that would be a lie." He said to her, he still knew that Jean had nightmares of Shaw now and then and she still felt a bit of guilt from that eating away at her still. Not as much but he could feel it.

Scott wished he had seen Shaw die himself, that man and his people hurt his friends and the love of his life. He hurt them worse then anyone had and took something from them all. He knew that none of them would ever be the same, some more then others like Rogue, but they survived and they would live on even it if was just one day at a time some days.

"Just know that we're here for you, that I'm also here for you too Rogue," He said and kissed her head.

She gave a small smile, there was a time when she would have loved for him to have held her like this, and kissed her, to have what Jean had. But she got over it and she found what she craved for in Gambit. But Scott was her first real friend, he helped to take her out of the Brotherhood, he had never gave up on her and had seen the good inside of her. For that she was grateful for him, and at the moment she needed his friendship more then ever. "Thank you Scott…Y'all always have been there for meh…"

He smiled as he gave her a small hug, "Hey what are friends for?"

She nodded, Rogue remembered how he visited her while she was recovering from her power surge and also from when they freed her from the Hellfire Club. He had been helping her out in the therapy sessions too and been there when she needed support. The other did too but it meant more from a few people, Scott because of how close they were, Kurt because he was her brother, Kitty because after living together they were like sisters in some strange and warped way. Also Xavier because he was like an Uncle to her, Logan because he too was like a father figure to her.

It was because of people like them and of course of Remy, their love was one of the things that kept her sane, even though he drove her nuts sometimes as well.

"Hey you feeling up for squash game later?" He asked her hoping to since they both had this little game on who had the most wins.

She smiled, even though she was a bit tired from that Danger Room session with her mother she did look forward to those games. So she looked up at him, "Sure thing, and ah'll give ya a three point lead."

"Hey," Scott said faking being insulted. "Just cause you're stronger then me doesn't make you better."

"No," She agreed and then grinned, "But Ah've always been faster then ya too."

"Funny Rogue," Scott was glad to see her cheer up, she had been depressed for a while and it was good to see her like this.

Elsewhere in the mansion while Emma and Vince were having Mary and Benny getting to know the others Mr. Kansuke was taking some time off his feet. He was in a sitting room taking it easy on his old bones, sure he was still only seventy-five but the ache in his leg seemed to get worse year after year. He sat back in the comfortable chair as he relaxed to the sound of a grandfather clock.

The place was old but with all the young ones around the large mansion had a warmth to it all. He gave a small smile as he closed his eyes, he could see why his student liked it here so much. There were others that knew of hardships and he didn't have to hide himself from the world here.

He was glad that Vincent had found a purpose in life, a lovely young woman and starting a family of his own. He knew that was something young Vince had always wanted to be a part of, a family well now he was going to start his own. He sat back enjoying the quiet, the smell of the old furniture and books. He lost track of time for how long he had been sitting there until he was aware of someone else in the room. "You have a lovely home here, Mr. Xavier."

Xavier was a bit surprised that the man knew he was there. Xavier had been passing the hall and noticed him sitting in the chair and decided to introduce himself. "Well hello here Mr. Kansuke, although I do wonder how you know it was me?"

The old man smiled, "Young Vincent-san has told me much and there is only one man in a wheelchair and I heard the motors." He looked over at the bald headed man, "I may be old but my hearing, vision and mind are still as sharp as when I was thirty."

Xavier was amused by this, he could see why Vincent seemed to regard him in his status. Even without probing he could see that his mind was well guarded and he didn't project any thoughts. There was a calmness about him as well. "How are you enjoying yourself?"

"Very well, there is a lot of energy in this place."

Xavier had to smile at that, there was a lot of energy here with all the children. Not as much for this year but things were getting back to the way they used to be. There was still the sadness from the death of Jack still lingering around.

"But there is a sadness and pain among them as well," He sighed and Xavier nodded his head.

"You picked up on it," He stated.

"Yes, they hide it well but it's in their eyes and in the way they carry themselves. But I had figured as much when I met Vincent and Emma after they returned. It was in their eyes mainly his." He paused for a moment remembering that day. He seemed so heart broken but Emma seemed to have been keeping him together. "It's mostly gone now, replaced with the joy of his new life here and for the future and I'm glad he's found happiness. The boy deserves it."

Xavier had to once again admit that he was right and so did Emma as well as the others. He had to admit that he was glad to see that both of them would enjoy a full life for once and he wished them the best of luck. "If you want I was going to get some tea ready would you care to join me?"

He figured it would be English tea and not the Japanese type he was used to but it would do for him. He got up as a few of his bones protested but he didn't pay them any mind. He stretched out his body, "That would be very welcomed indeed Mr. Xavier."

"Thanks you and please you can call me Charles if you would."

The man nodded in appreciation, "You may call me Ryu then." The two men went off then to enjoy a cup of tea and to get to know each other better.

-Later that day-

The rest of the day went well, the rehearsal went off well and everyone was excited about the big day. Ray and Roberto even invited over the twin girls they had been seeing Kali and Kelsey during the supper to meet everyone.

Benny and Mary had a nice time as well as Mr. Kansuke with the mutants that evening. This day was very active as after dinner they were sitting around getting to know one another. Even Mystique was there although she kept pretty much to herself, she was never much on social gatherings anyway and excused herself not long after that.

"You know this place really is amazing," Kelsey the twin with glasses and long blond hair said to her date Roberto. She and her sister had been seeing him and Ray for a bit now and this was actually the first time they had been brought over. Although mainly because it had been to much going on for the boys to do it.

So far introducing the girls had gone on pretty good and the others seemed to like the two of them.

"Yeah no kidding," Her identical twin Kali said nodded from her seat next to Ray. He had his arm around the twin without the glasses on. It was one of the few ways you could tell them apart at first but the more you hung around with them the more you saw the slight difference in personality.

"So is it true you guys have some room filled with all kinds of crazy things or did you guys make that up to just try and impress up?" Kelsey asked Roberto next to her.

The Brazilian teen scratched the back of his head, "Yeah…but it's off limits I mean we take you down there and Logan will skin us alive." He cast a nervous glance to see Logan and Storm talking with that old Japanese dude about something. Laura was close by talking with the leggy blond Mary, while that Benny boy was talking animatedly with Sam about something.

"Don't even think about it sis," Kali warned her not sure if she was thinking what she was thought her sister was thinking of, "We don't want to get them into trouble the day before the wedding."

"I won't," Kelsey said rolling her eyes. Although she was looking forward to it, she had this really great black and red dress she wanted to wear to it.

Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves you could tell people were excited about the next day. Kitty was practically bouncing as Piotr tried to keep her calm. At one point Vince thought of hiding when his own guest decided to pull up a few of the more embarrassing moments of his life in Toronto. That is until he threatened them to not be apart of the wedding.

Everyone knew it was a bluff and he didn't mean it but they stopped anyway, although Mary did give Emma a few juicy bits when he wasn't looking. The sound of Emma's laughter caught his attention and he just knew that he'd be hearing something about whatever that was from her later.

But since it was a big day they all decided to turn in a bit early since there was a lot to do in the morning. The twins went home after being dropped off by the boys in the van as Mary, Benny and Kansuke went to their guest rooms. Mostly everyone went to their own rooms after that although Laura noticed the sent of Logan in Ororo's room when she passed it.

The clone just shrugged it off and walked on, she had an idea of what they were up to but she really didn't want to know for sure. Jean and Scott of course retired to their shared room as did Betsy and Warren. Jubilee was passing Wanda's room when she heard a 'bamf' sound and guessed Kurt was saying goodnight.

Mystique was alone in her room only she wasn't really sleeping, she was looking through the windows at the moon and looked to the bed missing the presence there. She would go to bed later since she didn't really sleep that well lately.

After everyone had settled down for the night Vince was getting dressed into this sleep wear in his room as Emma was finishing up in the bathroom. "You know they say it's bad luck to see the bride before the wedding. You sure you want me in here?" He joked to her.

"There is the couch if you want." She called out to him.

He gave a mock glare at her direction even though she couldn't see him, 'Not funny.' He thought at her.

'Yes it was darling,' she sent back. They both had been enjoying the mental bond between them, sometimes they would finish each other's sentences or they would start in the middle of a conversation all of a sudden around people. Those around them could see it as strange they realized but sometimes they didn't even notice they were talking through the link.

He pulled back the covers just in time to see her in the doorway to the room. She wore that silk white nightgown, it had a slip in it for easier walking and ended just at the thigh to show off her long luscious legs. How the hell he got so lucky to be marrying a woman that looked like a walking human heart attack he didn't know.

'Because you gave me what no one else has,' She sent to him picking up his thoughts.

"And that is?" He grinned, he knew the answer as she walked up to him.

"Love," She then kissed him gently on the lips as he tasted that sweet taste. His hands moving to her hips, he felt his blood starting to heat up a bit. She always had this effect on him, but she pulled away and placed a finger on his lips. "Not tonight darling, I want to save myself for the honeymoon."

He sighed and nodded, he would respect her wishes although he was thankful she stopped when she did. Any more of that and he would need a cold shower. The two slipped into bed Emma on her side feeling him wrap his arm around her from behind. Feeling his hot breath on her hair and shoulder, she was tempted to maybe a quickie for tonight but no. She wanted to save herself for the honeymoon no matter how it killed her inside, it would make it all the better.

"I can't wait until I can call you my wife for the first time," He said to her his eyes closed and taking in the smell of her hair.

She smiled at that, it would sound good to hear him call her that. "I know, just one more day."

"It's one day too long if you ask me."

"Well I'm NOT eloping with you in the middle of the night," Emma said sternly, "Too much went into this."

Vince just chuckled and held her a little closer. "Oh don't worry it will be worth it to wait. See you in the morning." She got comfortable as she went to sleep, she knew most women might not be able to sleep for being nervous. But not her, she knew what she wanted, she wanted him and she would have him. She wanted to be his wife and had no doubts about this at all. No she wasn't nervous at all and she slept peacefully with her soon to be husband next to her with his arm around her, feeling the love and security that it gave her easily drifted off to sleep.

NEXT UP CHAPTER 3: THE BIG DAY