A New Home

Chapter 6: Dance Fever

It was finally Friday, the day of the Fall Formal. Jamie woke up early and went downstairs for breakfast. Since classes were still on she decided to head to the Training Room and get ready for class. Once she arrived she saw that tumbling mats covered a good part of the floor. She got an idea and after she stretched out she began to do back-flips across the room. She was walking on her hands when Kess came in the room.

"Nice handstand amigo," Kess said when she entered.

Jamie came out of her headstand and smoothed back her hair. "Thanks," she said. Kess winked and ran into a no handed cartwheel. "Awesome," Jamie said.

"Merci," Kess replied, "Gymnastics is one of those things I love but don't do very often. It gets boring all alone," she laughed.

"I know what you mean," Jamie replied, "Hey I was thinking, try this routine with me. You stand at that end of the room and I'll stand over here. Let's do a round-off, a back-handspring, and say…a double back-flip, then back to the handspring and finish with the round-off. If we do it at the same time it'll look so awesome!"

"That sounds rad," Kess agreed. They took their positions and tried it once. It took a few times but soon they had the routine down so well Jamie suggested they try out for the Olympics. "Yeah the first mutants to win a gold, I love it," Kess said. They continued their routine tweaking and changing different parts of it.

Just then Peter, John, Logan, and Scott came in applauding, "Don't you two ever get tired of surprising and amazing people?" John asked.

The girls smiled wide at each other, "Do you get tired of it Jamie?" Kess asked.

"No Kess can't say that I do," she answered. The guys laughed and the rest of the class entered.

Logan got serious and began his class, "The lesson for today is balance and freestyle maneuvers. Since you're not going to fight each other we're taking a field trip to the Danger Room. Follow me." He led them down the hall into the Danger Room Control Room, a small room that looked out onto a huge exercise room filled with all types of machinery and obstacles. "Alright," he said, "Now you're each going to take a turn to go in there and have a go. The control is on level one for most of you, but I'll move it up accordingly. Anyone want to go first?" Kess raised her hand immediately with an excited look on her face. "Ok Kess get down there and show the newbies how it's done. What level did you finish at last time?"

"Ten," Kess answered and hurried out of the room when Logan had moved the lever to eleven. She came out into the Danger Room in her snake form and waved to Logan.

"Git r done, Medusa," he said over the intercom system and Kess got limber. Logan started the Training Program and metal discs came flying at her, she jumped and ducked; kicked and avoided them as they flew at her. Next a robotic dummy came and she freestyle fought with it. Her movements were quick and liquid; she seemed to put no effort into it at all. The dummy didn't last long because within minutes she had shredded most of it to pieces by use of her razor sharp claws. Spikes stuck out of the wall and when the floor beneath Kess began to move she climbed easily up the spikes. Suddenly the points below her began to disappear back into the wall and she leapt far into the room just as the spike she stood on faded back into the wall. She landed perfectly doing a somersault because she was in motion. This earned her an "Ooo," from the Control Room.

"That's enough for now, Kess, you can finish later," Logan's voice said from over the intercom. The machinery shut down and Kess returned upstairs. She walked back into the control center, still in Medusa form, with a sassy smile on her face. "Good work," Logan said.

"It was nothing," she said. She was obviously proud of herself and the impact she had made. Everyone but the adults, John, Jamie, and Peter were flabbergasted; they had never seen Kess fight before.

"Yeah sure," Matt said, even though he was just as shocked as the others. One of Kess' snakes hissed close to his face and he almost fell over in surprise.

"That's my girl," John said putting his arm around her. The snake that had hissed at Matt tickled John's ear with its tongue, making him laugh. Kess smiled and her skin changed back to its natural hue and the snake became sleek black hair again.

Logan smiled and shook his head, "Kess I'm going to invent a program that will outdo even your speed and agility," he said.

"Not possible," Kess replied simply, getting a laugh from the class.

Logan laughed too and then said, "Alright who's next?" Peter raised his hand this time but Logan waved him down. "Oh no Pete you'll get in there, tear the place up, and no one else will get a turn. You're going last."

"Aw you never let me have any fun," Peter complained.

Everyone laughed and Logan turned to Jamie, "How about you kid? Want a go?" he asked.

Jamie grinned and replied, "Hell Yeah!" she said. "It looks easy enough." Jamie had never been in the Danger Room and she was excited to test her stuff. She left the Control Room and Logan set the lever to five. He knew what her abilities were and even though she had never experienced the Danger Room, he was confident that she would give the system a run for its money. Even though she was capable, however, Logan couldn't shake the feeling of apprehension in his gut. Jamie stepped into the center of the room. It was bigger than she had thought it would be. Everything was silver and shiny, huge machines were everywhere. She looked up to the Control Room and said loudly, "Can I listen to some music while I do this?" she asked.

"Why?" Logan asked confused.

"It helps me relax," she answered in all seriousness.

"I guess so," Logan replied over the intercom. 'Helps her relax huh?' Logan thought,' that's the same reason I listen to music in here. She's more like me everyday'. He fumbled with the radio switch until it settled on the local rock station. The song "Bullets" by Creed had just begun and Jamie smiled because it was one of her favorite songs.

"Ready?" Logan yelled, Jamie nodded, "Go!"

Then the fun began, every move she made was perfectly in sync with the beat of the song. She was truly on fire; she out maneuvered everything that came at her. She was doing so well Logan moved it up to level seven. The song kept her on edge and as she fought everyone watched in awe. As similar as she was in powers to Logan watching her fight was nothing like watching Logan. She was more like a cat while Wolverine moved in a manner that was uncouth. Jamie had a clear touch of feminine grace in her style.

She had been fighting for almost eight minutes when an evil idea formed in Matt's greasy head. He whispered to one of his friends who nodded and moved over to the door, hitting the fire alarm. The alarm started blaring and Logan had to run to the alarm to shut it off. While he did so Matt moved to the control panel and pushed the lever that determined the severity of the session to level 20, a level not even Logan had entirely mastered. Because of the confusion no one could say for sure that Matt had pushed the lever, and honestly no one had noticed.

"Jamie!" Kess yelled when suddenly she realized what was happening. Jamie stood in the middle of the room and everything seemed to move in slow motion. She listened to the first few seconds of the song. "I've told you this/Once before/Can't control me/If you/Try to take me down/You're going to break". It was her song, the lyrics were written for her. No one could have control over her. Like a wild horse, her spirit could not be broken; anyone who tried would be ruined.

Logan saw what was happening when Kess yelled. He tried to turn off the system but Matt had jammed the lever and even Logan could not loosen it without breaking it. When those attempts failed Logan ran to the door but because of the fire alarm the door had locked itself. The Control Room was fireproof and therefore safer in the event of arson. He tried breaking the door down, but his claws couldn't penetrate it fast enough. All they could was stand by and watch in terror as the Danger Room adapted to the new command and went haywire. Without warning the lights went out and no one could see anything.

Jamie knew everything that had happened, how Matt had sabotaged her training run, and rage began to fill her mind, body, and soul. Just before the lights went out Jamie's eyes blackened over and she let out a scream that silenced the commotion in the Control Room. All that could be seen of Jamie was the bright flashes and sprinkling of sparks. Metal against metal sang through the air and when the lights finally came back on the sight was astonishing. Jamie had entirely demolished the Danger Room. It was in only a matter of minutes that she had destroyed everything that crossed her path. Machinery lay in ruins all across the room; some of it was still sparking and twitching like the severed tail of a lizard. She stood silently in the midst of her destruction still breathing heavily and dripping in sweat. Her sweat mixed with lines of blood dripping from flesh wounds she had gotten during the black out. She was no longer screaming and she stood very calm but with rage that had pushed her to the brink still coursing through her veins. Everyone in the Control Room was quiet though the same thought was in their minds, "What happened?"

After he had recovered from shock, "And you say I wreck the Danger Room," Peter said to break the silence. Logan couldn't answer in words and he let out a sound that was interpreted as a laugh.

The professor said to Logan telepathically, 'I think we are going to have to have a talk with Jamie. There's something desperately wrong. Her mind is so angry and confused it could be harmful for her.'

'Yeah I'm worried too Charles, I have an overwhelming sense of Sabertooth again,' Logan replied. Just then the door to the Control Room opened and Jamie stood in the doorway. She wasn't breathing hard but the look on her face made everyone hope they weren't on her bad list. Her fists were clenched and her eyes were entirely black. Her muscles were flexed to the max and her features said 'touch me and die' for her mouth. She walked across the room headed for Matt.

"Jamie?" Kess whispered when he passed, but Jamie gave no indication of recognition.

She continued walking and that's when Matt made the biggest mistake of his life. He smiled and snickered, "Rough time Jamie?"

The rest of the room moved out of her way and surrounded Matt and Jamie. She stared at him for a moment and the cocky smile faded from his face. In a flash Jamie's hand was around his neck and Matt was pinned against the wall. His feet dangled a few inches from the floor.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" he rasped out as her grip tightened. No one moved toward them and Matt was too scared to move at all; every time he moved her grip got tighter. He didn't dare use his powers because he knew he wasn't a match for Jamie.

Then Jamie spoke. Her voice was deep, fierce, and almost unearthly; everyone shuttered. "I'm going to say this once so pay attention. You had better watch your back, cause if you're not careful," she slashed out her claws only inches from his face, "these will be in it." Jamie dropped Matt to the ground where he sat rubbing the indents on his throat. Had she held on a few more seconds his wind pipe would have been crushed.

Jamie turned and began to walk back towards the door. Like the Red Sea before Moses, the room parted to let Jamie through. The professor stopped her and said, "Jamie may I have a word with you?" Jamie turned and nodded and followed the professor as he wheeled out.

"Class dismissed," Logan said and he turned to follow Charles. Peter moved to go too, but Logan stopped him with his hand. "No Pete, stay with the other students. We don't know what she'll do and you can't be in danger." Peter frowned and dropped his head. "I'll keep you updated and I'll come and get you when you can see her," Logan patted his shoulder and left. Peter stood with Kess and John as the rest of the room began to chatter excitedly. John made a move to pat Peter's back in comfort but Peter just let out an angry growl of anguish and stormed out of the room. Kess and John looked at each other and walked out too. They went to the living room that was fortunately empty and silent. Lightning flashed outside and they realized what a stormy day it was, both inside and outside the mansion. They hadn't followed Peter because they both knew he needed to be alone.

"What do you think happened to her?" Kess asked concerned about her friend.

"I'm not sure," John answered. They sat down on a couch and stared into the fireplace that smoldered lightly.

"Everything was fine, we were laughing, excited about tonight, she was happy to get a chance to train in the Danger Room, and all of a sudden it changed," Kess said in disbelief.

"It was Matt you know? He has entirely ruined the day, and who knows what kind of damage he's done to her."

"I swear he's not going to get away with this anymore. He needs to be put in his place," Kess almost yelled in anger.

"I know, I know, but there's also Peter to worry about. I'm afraid he'll take matters into his own hands. And you know fragile things, like Matt's skeleton, don't do well in Pete's hands." Kess nodded and sighed in agreement.

Downstairs, levels below the main mansion, Jamie stood behind a thick layer of bullet proof glass. The set-up resembled an FBI interrogation room because the professor, Logan, and Scott could see her even though she could not see them.

"Professor, are you sure this is really necessary?" Scott asked.

"Yes Scott, apparently something during this ordeal brought something angry and violent out of Jamie, and until we know how to defuse it we have to be cautious," the professor said. He turned to the window to look at Jamie. I'm not sure I want to know what went wrong. I have a feeling this is going to open a big can of worms.

"Logan, why don't you try talking to her? I think she'll respond better to you than to me," the Professor said after a few minutes.

Logan, who had been leaning against the back wall watching Jamie, nodded and walked over to the microphone. "Jamie," he said. Jamie didn't make any move to show she had heard him. "Jamie what are you really mad at?" The way he spoke was loving and almost brotherly.

Jamie still stood silently in the room but after a few moments, just before Logan turned off the mic, she quietly said, "Everything."

Logan shut off the mic and left the observation control room for the room where Jamie stood. He walked up close to her so only she could hear him. He looked hard into her eyes, searching desperately for the girl he knew, but it was like she was wearing a mask. "Talk to me kid," he said softly. His voice was sincere and worried.

Jamie blinked and looked up into his eyes, "You wouldn't understand," she said, her voice dripping with venom, "so go to hell!" she lashed out. She pushed him with all her strength and he went flying backwards into the glass. The only thing separating Scott and the professor from an angry Jamie was now cracked. The force from Jamie's push had almost broken the glass. Logan stood up from the floor and left the room. He wasn't angry but he was terribly disappointed he hadn't been able to reach her.

Looks like you failed, he said to himself. She's family and you can't even help her. Inside he felt depressed because even though they had a special brother/sister relationship he felt he had let her down. He reentered the observation control room looking defeated.

"Professor," Scott said, "I have an idea. Why don't you let me go in and try to talk to her?"

Logan let out a sharp laugh which was odd because it took a lot to make him laugh. "What makes you think she'll listen to you? You're not that charming," he said on the verge of laughing again.

"Well yeah Logan, but I can see in the dark too. Maybe she won't be so hostile if I can see her and she knows I can see her," Scott said with defiant confidence.

"I don't know if that's such a good idea," the professor started.

"Oh come on professor let him go, I'm curious to see how this turns out," Logan interrupted with a fake smile on his face.

"Very well," said the professor said even though he was still uneasy.

"It'll be fine professor, just turn out the lights 10 seconds after I'm in," Scott said. He left the observation room and stood outside the door where Jamie awaited him.

He was collecting his thoughts when Logan yelled, "Going in today Shades?"

Here goes, he thought and walked inside.

Jamie stood opposite of him and after ten seconds he saw her smirk slightly when the lights went out. Even though his visor gave him infrared vision he suddenly couldn't see her anywhere. "You're not afraid of the dark are you?" Jamie said, thought her voice seemed to come from all around him he still couldn't see her. "You'd better close your eyes," she said. Scott quickly closed his eyes and quite suddenly the lights came back on. Logan and the professor had heard what Jamie said and felt it was time to stop taking chances. Their choice was a good one because when they looked into the room Jamie stood next to Scott with his visor in one hand and her claws only two centimeters from his side. "Next time send in someone who doesn't wear the smell of fear," she said. She smirked again and without entirely knowing it Logan did too.

Scott received his visor and returned to the observation control room. "Maybe you should be afraid of the dark," Logan said with a chuckle.

Just then the door opened and Peter rushed in. "Ah Peter thank you for coming," the professor said.

"How is she?" asked Peter with all concern.

The professor's face became grave, "None of us can reach her Peter," he said.

Peter paused with his head down, then he raised it with a serious look on his face, "Let me try," he said and he walked out of the room before anyone could oppose him. He walked into the room with Jamie and his heart dropped to his feet. Jamie was looking at him, but with someone else's eyes. The eyes she wore now led into a dark, empty soul Peter had never seen before. What disturbed him was not her soul, but the fact that a problem plagued Jamie that he was unable to see, much less solve. Suddenly the power went out as a huge clap of thunder shook the building. Jamie could see Peter in the dark and found it odd that he hadn't changed to his Colossus form. He only stood there looking for her. Unlike she had with Scott, she was unable to catch the scent of fear on Peter, only concern.

"You're not afraid are you?" she asked perplexed.

"No I'm not Jamie, I'm not afraid because I know this isn't you," Peter replied.

"Why aren't you defending yourself with your armor?"

"Because I don't want to fight you," he paused, "Jamie I just want to help you." Even though he knew he could be only moments from death he wasn't afraid. In the dark or in the light it didn't matter; he had to help Jamie. He was confident that she knew him and he could help her. He wasn't afraid of the dark.

"Why?" Jamie asked.

Without hesitation Peter replied, "Because I love you". The room was silent except for Jamie's breath and the distant pounding of the rain. After a few shouts from the floors above the power came back on in the observation control room, however the room where Jamie and Peter stood was still dark. Storm hurried into the observation control room where Logan and the Professor listened intently. Even though the microphone was on nothing was heard from Jamie or Peter.

"Do you think something happened?" Storm asked the professor.

Logan turned on the lights in the dark room but Jamie and Peter were gone. Storm gasped when she saw the empty room and the broken glass, but the professor eased their concern, "Don't worry they'll be back," he said.

Jamie and Peter ran across the grounds, through the Japanese gardens as heavy rain soaked them to the bone. They found a pavilion to hide under as shelter from the down pour. They stood there, breathing hard for a few moments after their sprint.

"Jamie, what's going on? What happened to you?" Peter asked between his breaths. Water dripped from his hair into his eyes and he blinked it away. His white t-shirt was soaking wet and was now almost see-through. He wiped the rain off his face and looked at Jamie as if to say 'talk to me, you know you can. Let me help you'.

Jamie stood a few feet away from Peter, just as wet as he was. Her back was to him, but he knew she was crying. A few loose tears mixed with the rain that ran down her face. She turned to face him, searching his eyes for the words that would describe how she felt, but nothing was found. She hung her head in despair and cried. Peter rushed over to her and put his arms around her. He held her tight and his embrace was warm despite the cold rain because the warmth emanated from his heart not his body.

Through her tears Jamie spoke haltingly, "I don't know how to explain it. I just hate him so much". She was so upset she blurted out anything she felt.

"Don't worry," he consoled her, "I won't ever let Matt come near you again".

"No, no, not him, "Jamie cried, "my father".

"Your father?" he said shocked Jamie had never talked about her father and he did not expect to hear that kind of hate from her.

"I think it was my father," she sobbed, "he would always make me do terrible things. He'd send me into buildings to kill people. It was horrible, and so dark. They couldn't see me but I could see them," she paused to let more tears come out. Peter stayed silent and rubbed her back as she continued. "I saw their faces so full of fear. I can remember the way they looked when…I…I knew what I was doing, but I…I couldn't stop…I." Tears came like a monsoon now. Peter held her tighter, as tightly as he could without crushing her. "I just hate the dark," she chocked out, "because I become something I don't want to be. Like a wild animal I can't control. I just feel so empty and angry, so alone." Peter put his hand under her chin and raised her face so she could look into his eyes.

Even at a time like this she still looked gorgeous. Her wet hair and tank made her look even more real and beautiful. He could finally see her soul because she wore it on her face in the rain. She sure looks good wet, Peter though, smiling on the inside. "From now on you'll never have to face the dark alone," he said, "I promise." He looked deep into her eyes that were still black. The true sincerity of his voice touched her inside and she smiled. She believed what he said about never being alone and she was comforted by it. Then Peter leaned down and kissed her for what seemed to be heaven for them. Suddenly everything had stopped; all the unimportant bits of life melted away. The thunder was hushed and the lightning halted in its place. Their cold wet clothes were no longer a discomfort while they kissed. For those few moments everything was alright again.

Their kiss ended and Peter parted from her. He opened his eyes but Jamie remained in his arms with her eyes closed. She let his love sink in and diminish her rage. When she opened her eyes to look at Peter they changed again. They were still black but the iris and pupils had changed. Her dark pupils were surrounded by bright yellow and vivid red. The new colors stood out distinctly from the dark black. "What's wrong? Jamie asked when she saw the confusion on Peter's face.

"Your eyes," he said, "they've changed again."

"What?" she asked perplexed. Peter changed into his Colossus form so she could see herself in the mirror-like metal plates. "Oh great," she sighed, "What did they look like before?"

"They were just black," he answered, "kind of like you had no eyes at all."

"Well that's just peachy. I wish they would stay one way. One time they changed my whole retina yellow," she explained.

Just then Kess and John came out. "You know, next time you want to be spontaneous and in the rain, take and umbrella," John yelled sarcastically. "Hey can we have a wet t-shirt contest sometimes?" John asked Kess after seeing Peter and Jamie.

"You're such a guy," Kess said and rolled her eyes even though she smiled. John tossed a towel to Peter who began to dry himself off after he changed back to his human form. Kess wrapped a blanket around a shivering Jamie and noticed her newly acquired eye color. "Oh my God, Jamie! Your eyes are awesome! I want some!" she exclaimed, causing everyone to laugh.

"I love your eyes just as they are," John said and Kess blushed.

"Thanks," Jamie said to Kess, she wasn't used to praise, especially praise of something that, to her, seemed so bad.

"So do you want to start getting ready in my room or yours?" Kess asked Jamie.

"Ready for what? Oh, the dance, right, but it's still early," Jamie said.

"Sweetheart it's 3:00, the dance starts at 7:00," Kess reminded her.

"Well yeah, but do we really need four hours to get ready?" Jamie questioned.

Kess just looked at Jamie, "I'm going to pretend you didn't say that."

John chuckled to himself because he knew he could translate what Kess was thinking. "That would be a yes Jamie," he said and he flashed a grin to Kess who returned it.

The group started walking back to the mansion; Peter holding an umbrella for Jamie while John sheltered Kess and himself with another. When they got back inside the professor and the other adults were waiting. "Jamie could we speak in my study?" the professor asked.

"Sure professor," Jamie said brightly. She had started feeling like her old self again and her cheerful answer almost startled Scott; the last time he saw her he was literally centimeters from death. "Kess I'll meet you in your room in a minute alright?"

"No problem, but don't be too long. I need time to make you fabulous!" Kess replied with a smile.

"Come on fashion queen, you can help me get ready. You know, make sure everything is to your liking," John said sarcastically. He put a warm arm around Kess' shoulder.

"What?" Kess glared at him.

"Oh you know you're picky," he said in defense of his comment. Kess continued to glare. "Oh come on you," he said. Kess let herself be dragged down the hall. "You know you want me to look fabulous too."

"Hey I'm not a miracle worker," Kess said. They laughed all down the hall disturbing others who were trying to get ready for the dance.

As John and Kess disappeared Peter made no move to follow. He stood firmly beside Jamie, determined not to leave her. Her small hand sat nestled inside his large one. The professor waited until the hall was free of laughter and quiet once again. "You may come too Peter," the professor said. "We can't have you breaking your promise now can we?"

"No sir we can't," Peter smiled down at Jamie and proceeded to follow her and the professor.

They started towards the professor's office when Jamie stopped. "Wait," she said. She turned and Logan was walking towards the garage. "Logan," she called. Logan stopped and turned around. "Maybe you can help me figure this out," she said. Logan looked hesitant but Jamie looked him in the eyes. "Please," she said quietly, "I promise I won't throw you into a wall this time," she smiled in a girlish way.

"Sounds good to me," Logan smiled. "Nice eyes, by the way," he said as he followed Jamie. He felt like he had real family for the first time. They were connected in a way that was deeper than the bond he shared with the other mutants. Because their pasts were intertwined, their futures were destined to be the same. Logan was Jamie's Big Brother figure and he would be there to protect her from anything he could.

In Xavier's study the professor sat at his desk. Peter sat on the couch by the window and Logan, as always, stood on the back wall. Jamie sat in a chair by the professor's desk. "Why don't you start by explaining what happened before Jamie," the professor said.

"Well like I said, I lived in Canada but before I was on my own I lived with my father, well fathers, like I told Kess. There was one man, who I don't remember very well, and another. He was the man who had me do terrible things. He forced me to go into dark buildings and…and…" Jamie trailed off as the memories came back and her eyes began to well up again.

"It's ok Jamie," Peter said, he stood up and set a hand on her shoulder.

"Jamie," the professor said soothingly, "we won't judge you for anything you may have done unknowingly or were forced to do. Don't worry you can be entirely honest."

Jamie nodded, smiled, and continued, "He forced me to go into buildings, dark ones, and kill the people inside. I could smell the fear in them. In the dark it's like I became another person. I'm a murderer," she said despairingly at her realization

"No you aren't Jamie," the professor reassured her," someone abused your gift and used you for evil purposes. There was nothing you could do to control it."

"Do you remember what this man looked like Jamie?" Logan asked seriously. He had started pacing when Jamie told them about her past.

"Well he was old and had grey hair, but after a little while my memories get blurry. I can't remember a lot and I can't describe him very well."

"What about the buildings? Do you remember where they were?" he asked.

"No Logan and could you stop pacing it's making me nervous," Jamie said, slightly annoyed at his continual walking.

"Sorry," he said and he sat down. He hadn't noticed his pacing. "Do you know why this man would send you into the places?"

"I have no idea," Jamie said seriously.

At this the professor decided to bring the discussion to a close. "Well I think that's enough for now. We'll worry about this later. This is supposed to be a fun night for you. Don't think about this morning at all." The professor dismissed them but stopped Logan as he was leaving. "Where are you going?" he asked.

"I don't know. Out for a bit, I'm not sure. Why?" he added suspiciously.

"Well Logan," the professor smiled, "we need chaperones for this evening."

Logan groaned, "Are you kidding me?" he asked in disbelief.

"Not at all Logan. I'll see you at 6:30; we need the chaperones there a little earlier."

Logan rolled his eyes, reminding the professor of a little boy whose playful afternoon plans were ended by the chore of cleaning his room. Logan left and the professor started some paperwork. Down the hall, out of hearing distance, Jamie and Peter shared a laugh. At his desk the professor smiled and let out a chuckle himself.

"You look like you need a nap," Peter said to Jamie as they walked back to their rooms.

"Oh I'm fine," she said, but her sentence was interrupted by a lengthy yawn. She was more tired than she realized, even though it was still fairly early in the day so much had happened that a nap was the right kind of medicine. Peter stopped as Jamie yawned and in an effortless swoop he picked her up in his arms. "I'm fine Peter, really," Jamie giggled, but her words faded and she fell asleep in his strong arms. The morning was so filled with physical and emotional stress; the overload had taken its toll. Peter turned down the busy student hall where everyone was running in and out of each other's rooms looking for missing ties and borrowing different accessories. He walked carefully down the hall being sure not to wake Jamie. He turned another corner where Jamie's room was; there he knocked on Kess' door lightly.

Kess opened her door and she was in her bathrobe and halfway through her makeup. "Hey," Peter said.

"Hey, what happened?" Kess asked quietly.

"She fell asleep while we were walking here," Peter replied.

"That's not surprising; she's had quite a long day. Since the morning was so rough she can sleep for two hours. I can get her ready then," Kess concluded. She opened Jamie's door for Peter who walked in and closed the door behind him. He set Jamie down on her bed and pulled the covers over her. He removed her shoes and watched her roll over and get comfortable.

"Looks like you could use a nap yourself, big guy," John said. He walked into the room through the bathroom door. He had been sitting in Kess' room as she got ready. "You shouldn't worry so much about her, you'll make yourself sick. She's tough you don't have to protect her all the time." He walked close to Kess and slid his arms around her shoulders and she moved her head to the side so it rested next to his.

Peter sat on the bed next to Jamie and he didn't take his eyes from her, "You'd be the same way if this happened to Kess, John." He moved a piece of hair out of her face.

"Not really, I don't really even like her that much," John said with nothing but sarcasm in his voice.

John didn't even have to see Kess to know the look he was getting. "You're lucky I know you don't mean that," Kess said, "or there would be one poisonous snake in your bed." She was semi-serious though she wore a grin John couldn't see.

"Aw my girlfriend the snake charmer, I love it," he said and he leaned forward to kiss Kess on the cheek.

After Kess and John had gone back to Kess' room Peter decided to stay with Jamie. He walked around to the other side of her bed and lay down next to her on top of the covers. He watched her dream as her expression changed with whatever went on in her mind. Sometimes it was soft and content and other times it was agitated or disturbed. Just like the real world, he thought, sometimes it's happy and sometimes it's not so great.

Two hours later Kess returned to Jamie's room to see if she had woken up. She thought she had stepped into a movie; Jamie was snuggled close to Peter's chest her head just under his right arm while his left draped over her tiny frame. She left and came back with John, "See they have all the fun," he said, "a wet t-shirt contest AND cuddling! And don't say I am such a guy, because I'm not the only one. There are millions of us and we all want the same thing, we just want some lovin," he looked at Kess who rolled her eyes but couldn't stop a smile.

"Just go start getting ready you drama king," she said and giggled. She pushed him through the bathroom and out of her door.

"Fine I'll see you later my queen," he said and in a swift motion he wrapped his arms around Kess, dipped her, and finished with a kiss.

Kess walked back to Jamie's room and poked Peter in the side. She whispered, "Time to wake up," in his ear but he didn't move. "I really hate to do this," Kess said and she grabbed the alarm clock on Jamie's desk and hit the alarm button. It went off loudly making Jamie and Peter both groan with distaste for waking. "Come on guys get up. It's party time and I still need to turn this combat boot into a glass slipper."

Peter finally left and Jamie took a shower, "What are we going to do first?" she called from the bathroom.

"Hair, makeup, nails, dress, accessories I think," Kess called back. Jamie got out of the shower and into a bathrobe and Dr. Fashion Miracle went to work. Kess was already dressed in her dress, her hair was done down and long pulled to one side with a pink jeweled clip so part of her hair was in her eyes. The dress looked even better than it had in the store the necklace, earrings, and makeup were all so perfect even Kess couldn't get over it. John is one lucky guy, she thought to herself. Jamie sat down and Kess went to work on her hair. Her hair hung short in pieces and with a little out-flip. "Gorgeous," Kess said. Next she did Jamie's makeup. "Ok, light green on the lids dark green on the crease. Great eye-shadow job Doctor," Kess said to herself and Jamie laughed. She added some blush to her cheeks and a light amount of rosebush lipstick. Finally Kess did Jamie's nails in a dark emerald polish and Jamie put on her dress. Like Kess', it looked even better the second time on. "Oh Jamie, you look so good and we're not even done yet," Kess said.

"Not as good as you," Jamie replied and Kess laughed. Kess fixed her earrings and arm bands and they came down to the final detail. "Shoes," Jamie said.

"Shoes," Kess repeated, "shoes are the best part of the ensemble. It's a good thing you shopped with me." Jamie put on her shoes and Kess stepped back to see her handiwork. "It's just not fair," she sighed.

"What's not fair?" Jamie asked.

Kess smiled and turned Jamie around so she could see herself in the full length mirror. "That I am this good," she exclaimed as Jamie stared at herself in amazement. Jamie's eyes began to water up she was so happy. "Hey now don't ruin my makeup job," Kess said to keep the tears from coming.

Jamie turned around and hugged Kess tightly, "Thank you so much! This make-over out did any other."

"Come on girl let's go knock 'em out."

They left Kess' room for the dining room where the dance was being held. It was decorated like a celebrity hall. The lights were dark and no music was playing. Everyone was dressed to the occasion; it looked like the Golden Globes or the Oscars. People had started arriving at seven and Jamie and Kess got to the doors at seven thirty. The actual dance wasn't scheduled until eight so everyone there was just checking out what others were wearing and who was with whom. At the door was a booth for Queen and King voting. Jamie and Kess each took their turn to vote.

Alli arrived at the door, nudging Kess and Jamie out of her way as she walked to the door, "Excuse me." The door opened to a set of ballroom stairs that led to the dance floor. From the DJ's table a set of spotlights were on the door, framing the door so each person was in the spotlight as they walked in. Allie stood at the top of the stairs and room's chatter went silent. Alli thought she was the prettiest girl in the school, but some would argue that point. She was wearing a light pink ballroom dress that was strapless. Her blonde hair was in an up-do and she thought she was the belle of the ball. She smiled convinced that the silence was for her superior beauty. Her thoughts were solidified when John and Peter walked up the stairs, their eyes captured by the beauty before them. The guys reached the top of the stairs where Alli stood, "I knew you'd come back around to me Peter," Alli said with confidence. However, shock, embarrassment, and jealous rage overtook her when Peter and John passed her. She was astounded that they passed her without even acknowledging her; as if she didn't exist. Alli's personality was one that made her think she was the only person on earth, and if others didn't think the same way she was livid. She turned around to see what John and Peter were looking at.

"Hello ladies," John said and he offered his arm to Kess who took it. Peter did the same for Jamie. Kess and Jamie had just arrived behind Alli and the silence was for them. They looked like dangerous angels at the top of the stairs. They walked down the steps and the earths seemed to stop spinning. Jamie looked like a sassy secret agent action star and Kess was what Cleopatra would have looked like had she gone to a Fall Formal. They were different from everyone else and the most beautiful, bright stars there. As they descended the stairs the silence was broken by hoots and whistles and clapping and cheering. The other students acted as if they were real movie starts coming down to their level.

Once Peter, Jamie, John, and Kess had reached dance floor the Student Council went to the stage. Jubilee calmed the crowd, "Okay guys it's time to get this dance started!" The students cheered again. The DJ started the music and the lights went entirely out. Everyone began dancing and Jamie lost sight of Kess. She hadn't realized the most important thing; she didn't know how to dance. Jamie was also nervous about the darkness but Peter wrapped his arms around her when he saw her expression.

"Don't worry," he whispered in her ear, "I'm here and nothing but good things are going to happen tonight."

Jamie smiled, "Good," she said and they started dancing. She followed Peter's movements and was having the time of her life. All around them others were dancing up a storm. When they were dancing nothing was wrong and the music could take them anywhere they wanted to be. A few rap songs played and then a slow song came on afterwards. Peter held Jamie close and they danced oblivious to everyone else. Jamie closed her eyes but before she did she saw Kess and John in a similar embrace, John was softly singing the words to Kess and Jamie could tell Kess was melting in his arms.

The lights came back on, though not all the way, and Jubilee got back on stage. "Alright, it's time to announce the winners."

"Alright guys settle down," Scott said into the microphone. The students quieted down and let Jubilee continue.

"Ok the winner of Best Dressed goes to…" Jean opened the envelope and handed it to Jubilee, "Kess Creed and John Fuller!" The crowd clapped and cheered as Kess and John took the stage. Jean handed Kess a long stemmed pink rose and small tiara and she beamed. John was just happy to have Kess on his arm.

"Way to go Kess!" Jamie shouted from the crowd, Peter clapped along with her. John and Kess looked at each other with love and stood off to the side of the stage so Jubilee could announce the next winners.

"Cutest Couple goes to… Bobby Drake and Rogue," the crowd applauded and Rogue received a prize similar to Kess' and they stood off to the side as well. "And finally," she continued once the crowd has quieted, "the winner of King and Queen is..." Jean opened the envelope and smiled. Alli, who was standing in the back, knew she would win and began walking towards the stage. "Peter Rasputin and Jamie Logan!" The crowd went wild with applause as Jamie and Peter walked to the stage. Jamie looked confused but followed Peter when he took her hand. On stage Peter received a crown from Scott and Jamie received hers from Jean along with a dozen red roses and a sash. They turned towards the crowd who didn't let up.

Kess ran over to Jamie and gave her a hug, "You look so fabulous, you're the prettiest Queen yet," she said.

"Well until you are Queen," Jamie replied.

"I'll stick with Best Dressed," Kess said. The stage was decorated with streamers and lights and plastic icicles to match the winter theme. Jamie and Peter stood and waved and Jamie turned red.

"Alright, now the King and Queen will share a spotlight dance," Jean said.

Jamie and Peter walked to the center of the dance floor. "Well this is something I'm not used to," Jamie said, "all this attention." She put her arms on Peter's shoulders and he put his around her waist.

"Well that's what you get for being the most drop dead gorgeous girl in this school, baby girl," Peter said. He looked down at Jamie and flashed a grin. Jamie looked up at Peter and before she turned her eyes to him she was nervous, but once she looked into his eyes her nervousness was all gone and she was content and peaceful again. For the rest of the song he didn't look away from her and she didn't look away from him. They danced across waters and clouds and night skies, neither of them wanting the song or evening to end.

This is perfect, Jamie thought. Peter hugged her close as the song ended and another hip hop song came on. Jamie and Peter danced the night away until one when they were forced out of the room along with John and Kess.

"There's nothing I like more than a night full of dancing and memories," Kess said, "Speaking of which, we didn't get any pictures of the night."

"Kess, it's one thirty and you want to take pictures?" John said.

"Yes and you're going to do what I say aren't you?"

"Of course muffin, I always will," he said and kissed her cheek.

Kess took a picture of the Prom King and Queen then a picture of Jamie, Peter, John and Peter, herself and Jamie, John, and herself. "Well I think that covers all the bases, oh wait," Kess ran over to Alli who was just coming out of the room alone, "Hey Alli could you do us a favor, could you take a picture of the four of us outside the doorway. Thanks." Kess handed Alli the camera, who looked like she might explode with rage and posed with her friends for two pictures. Alli handed her back the camera and took off down the hall mumbling to herself. "Hmm, you'd think she was upset about something," Kess said sarcastically.

They went back to their rooms and each guy kissed his girl goodnight. "This has been absolutely perfect Jamie, I'll see you in the morning," Peter said. Jamie nodded and they went to bed.

"Night lovely lady," John said to Kess and she gave him a grin and they each parted as well.

"Well Jamie I think this has been just about the best night ever, what do you think?" Kess asked her after they had showered and gotten into pajamas. Kess was just brushing out her hair and Jamie was washing her face.

"I think you're right, Kess. And I think that from now on everything will be just fine," Jamie replied.

"That's good Jamie, because tomorrow I'm going to teach you how to play the guitar. Goodnight," with that Kess went to bed and Jamie went into her room. The night had been so perfect that try as she might she couldn't fall asleep. She had too much energy and too many thoughts going on inside her head. She finally decided that the best remedy to sleeplessness was a chocolate muffin from the kitchen. She went downstairs walking quietly so as not to disturb her sleeping peers or the last two stragglers who had realized that making out at two in the morning was not what they had thought and decided to go to bed. In the kitchen she found Logan sitting at the table.

"Fancy meeting you here," she said to him and sat down with her muffin.

"You looked pretty great out there kiddo," Logan said. "I must admit you were the prettiest girl there."

"Well thanks Logan that means a lot coming from you."

"I guess you didn't let this morning get to you after all, that's good. Because then our decision might not have turned out so well," he said and looked away.

"What decision? And who are you conspiring with?" Jamie asked.

Logan smiled, "Peter and I thought we should nominate you for Prom Queen, and it looks like it worked."

"Oh you!" Jamie said and she gave Logan a hug. "Thanks for looking out for me Logan; you're like a brother or something. I'm glad I have you." Logan nodded and Jamie went off to bed smiling with a content heart, head, and stomach. When she reached her room she fell asleep right away, and dreamed about all the fun she would have the next.