Chapter IV: The Fall, after Pride

Bobby and Rogue climbed out of their care, gazing up at the big hospital that loomed above them. Even at this point they still couldn't believe the opportunity and blessing they'd been offered and about to receive.

The night before, Bobby had received another call from his mother. A record in his books. She was giving Bobby updated news about the baby. Apparently, it'd been unanimously decided that he and Rogue take in the baby. When Bobby had broken the news to Rogue, there had been a moment of disbelief then utter joy. This was all their dreams coming true at once it seemed, for both of them wanted a child but hadn't known how to get around Rogue's mutant abilities.

Now, Bobby and Rogue walked down the halls of the hospital, towards the maternity wing. Both were gradually growing more nervous, anticipating re-meeting the Drakes and Ronny after nearly a decade.

(Ronny's POV)

And there he was, in the flesh…The single person I'd directed so much hatred to; the one I wanted to blame for this. I don't know quite why, but I hated to identify myself with the mutant child. Maybe it was my fault, but I couldn't accept it. I'd never admit it.

My mom of course greeting Bobby and his wife with open loving arms. I think she misses him. Slowly the others greeted them too, but more subtly with handshakes. I however, stayed my ground, glaring at small pot plant.

A million things were going through my head right now. A million emotions I'd been trying to deny. First of all, I missed my brother. Of course it'd been easy for me to hate him when he wasn't around, but now that we were in the same room, and I'd seen his face again, it'd brought to life all our childhood memories. The memories I'd tried so hard to forget. And I now realized that I'd been missing a part of me all this time.

As kids, Bobby and I were really close, being brothers and only a few years apart. We did almost everything together. That's partially why I was upset when I learned of his acceptance into a special school for the gifted. He was always a little better than me in everything, but he was older so it was expected I suppose. After Bobby left home to attend Xavier's, I thought it'd be the perfect opportunity for me to do something that'd catch my parent's attention. Mutants were coming into focus on the news and the attacks more frequent and violent. A close friend of mine's relative had been injured by one, and in result my friend had joined an anti-mutant club. I decided to join to give him support, plus it made my parents pleased for me to be a part of a worthy movement.

But then I got swept away. I was caught up in the angry emotions and soon forgot my reason for joining. My dad still seemed pleased with me, but I could tell that my mom was starting to doubt my actions, which made me more upset cause Bobby had always been the perfect child. Or at least it'd seemed so in my eyes.

When Bobby and the other mutants had shown up in our house, and he'd revealed his powers, I started to freak out a bit. I was nervous and scared. I'd been listening to over exaggerated stories about mutants, and I wasn't quite sure of what Bobby or his other shady looking friends could do. That's why I'd called the police, and then again perhaps out of spite and anger. I guess I'd wanted to get back at Bobby since he wasn't all mighty, plus my other anti-mutant friends would want to know I'd done the right thing. But as I looked out of my window and saw the destruction and the flames I started regretting what I'd done, but I couldn't let anyone know I doubted myself, cause then I'd start to lose the respect I'd gained.

It all was in vain for soon after, my so called friends found out I had a mutant brother and I was basically kicked from the group. I still don't know their reasoning, but perhaps I deserved it. After that my hatred for mutants grew with my hatred for Bobby, as I blamed them all for me losing what status and 'cool' I thought I had. It'd never occurred to me that I might've brought it all upon myself. Until now…when I saw Bobby again. My defense wall built of anti-mutancy and hatred shattered…

"Ronny…" I heard him say. I released the plant from my glare of death and turned to look at Bobby. I felt myself at a loss. My anger was changing to guilt and regret, for Bobby was looking at me with his forgiving, sincere blue eyes. Suddenly it felt like it did when we were younger. I made a mistake, screwed up and Bobby would come to me with that sympathetic look on his face and make things seem like it was all alright.

It was all I could do to just stare at Bobby. There was nothing I could do now to change anything. He'd won. I'd gotten mine. My punishment.

I guess my mom couldn't stand the silence, for she said in a tried cheery voice. "Marie…why don't you come with me to see the baby?" My mom held out her hand. Marie took it hesitantly. I noticed she was wearing gloves. She always did. They left. Carol's mom joined them.

My father put a hand on Bobby's shoulder, then gestured to Mr King. They left to go sit back down. So now, it was me and Bobby. Bobby…

"Bob-by…"I managed to say. "I…I…" I couldn't bring myself to say it, damn my pride, but I think he knew where I was trying to go, and walked towards me.

"It's fine, Ronny. Now, are you okay?"

A/N: I don't know what to think of that chapter…it's all emotional. I almost cried. (ok not really) I hope it's not too OOC for Ronny, but he never really had character, really.