Ok, firstly - tomorrow I am off to Ireland for two weeks, and so will be unable to update for a while. To make up for this, I'm including a couple of hints about the next chapter at the end of this one.
Secondly, thanks once again to all the lovely people who reviewed the last chapter! Especially the people who review every chapter, this one is dedicated to you :)
Lastly, special message for creeativ - I went to see Stormbreaker the other day, it was absolutely fantastic (depsite having Bill Nighy in it... ugh I hate that man! lol) so, you should definately go and see it as soon as you get the chance! and yeah, he is kinda hot lol
Kitty and Rogue were a little apprehensive when they were called into Professor McCoy's office first thing the next morning. They peered round the door at the doctor, who looked up at them over his glasses briefly, before putting down his pen and moving whatever paper he had been working on to the side, and beckoning them in.
"No need to look so nervous," Hank said with a smile, "I have had you two pulled out of all classes this morning."
"Why?" Kitty asked before he had a chance to explain.
"Because I have a special mission for you to undertake," Hank said.
Rogue and Kitty straightened up a bit where they stood.
"Why just us?" Rogue asked.
"Because I think you are the only girls for the job," Hank said with a grin.
He reached into his drawer and pulled out an envelope of money.
"This is Jack's wages for the work she did yesterday at the opening party – I want you to help her spend it."
Kitty and Rogue looked at each other, their eyes lighting up.
"You're pulling us out of class to go shopping?" Kitty asked, "I love this school."
Hank laughed as he handed her the envelope of notes.
"This is not going to be an easy mission," he said, returning to mock formality and seriousness, "You need to assist Miss Starbright in purchasing an evening dress and all the accompanying items. She will attempt to resist."
Kitty and Rogue both laughed.
"However, it is in her best interests to look wonderful, as she is going to dinner with the Worthingtons this evening."
The girls almost squealed with excitement. Even Kitty, who was normally more than a little jealous of Jack's closeness to Warren couldn't help grinning at the mischief of it all.
"Are you trying to set them up?" Rogue asked, giggling.
"Merely giving them a nudge in the right direction, my dear," Hank said, "You have until five o'clock to complete your mission. Storm wants you all back by then."
"Oh we'll be back before then," Kitty said, "We'll need time to do something with her hair."
"That may be mission impossible," Rogue said.
Hank grinned to himself as they skipped out of the room together, already planning the outfit they were going to get. Jack wouldn't know what hit her.
Some hours later, Jack stood in a changing room in a dress shop, changing in and out of the many dresses Rogue and Kitty had picked out. So far she had managed to get them to discard a pink dress she thought made her look like a marshmallow, and a poofy white dress that made her look like she was getting married, along with a load of others that she didn't like for one reason or another.
"I can't possibly wear this," she said, indicating the yellow dress that Rogue had picked out for her.
"Why not? It's gorgeous," Kitty said, looking over to Rogue who nodded in agreement.
"I look like some sort of canary-cockatiel hybrid," Jack said, placing her hands on her hips.
Kitty rolled her eyes and handed Jack the next one.
Kitty and Rogue watched their pile diminish and wondered if any of the dresses would at least be tolerable to Jack. They got all the way down to the last one – a slim dark blue dress that was simple but pretty.
"I don't even know why I have to dress up so smart," Jack's muffled voice called out to them, "It's just dinner."
"Yeah, well you know how rich the Worthington's are, it will probably be in some ultra posh restaurant," Kitty said.
"Besides, you should dress up smart sometimes – it's fun," Rogue said, "How many other opportunities are you going to get to look so glamorous."
"Hopefully not many," Jack said, a hint of laughter in her voice.
She leaned over the top of the changing room door, looking out at her friends. Kitty looked up at her, a thoughtful expression on her face.
"What's that look for?" Jack asked, a little nervously.
"I was just thinking about your hair," Kitty said, "It looks nice like that."
Jack had pulled her hair into a messy bun on top of her head to keep it out of the way. During the course of the day it had started coming loose and was falling in her face in little ringlets.
"Don't tell me you're overseeing my hair too?" Jack said.
"Come out and let us have a look!" Rogue said.
Jack rolled her eyes and opened the door, standing before them. Rogue and Kitty exchanged looks – the dress was perfect. It wasn't frilly or daring, so Jack couldn't complain too much about it, but it wasn't boring. The soft pleats in the material worked well alongside the sharpness of Jack's figure, making even her angular collarbone look less severe. The midnight blue material worked surprisingly well with her dark green eyes and as a bonus even went with her bracelets.
"You have to get that one," Rogue said.
"Absolutely have to," Kitty agreed.
"Well, I like it better than any of the others," Jack said nonchalantly.
"Excellent!" Kitty said before she could find something wrong with it, "Go get changed out of it and we'll buy that one."
"Then we can start looking for shoes!" Rogue said with a grin.
When they returned to the mansion, Jack was so exhausted she was ready to crash straight into bed. Rogue and Kitty gave her exactly thirty minutes rest before they came and woke her up to get her ready.
Resignedly, Jack allowed them to do whatever they wanted to her. She sat patiently as they teased her hair into a respectable style, and as they poked and prodded at her face, applying makeup.
Finally, after what seemed to Jack like forever, they both stood back and admired their work.
Jack stood up and looked in the mirror. She looked elegant, something she had never looked before in her life. Her hair was styled much like she had had it before, but it was tidier and looked more deliberate. Kitty and Rogue had been surprisingly sparse with the makeup, which Jack was glad about, leaving her looking natural but not just bland. She was wearing her won jewellery, both her necklace and her bracelets, which provided her with enough of a sense of familiarity to feel comfortable in the dress.
Despite herself, Jack was quite pleased with the result.
"From jumble sale reject to elegant princess," Rogue said with pride.
"Our work here is done," Kitty said.
Warren had spent the day with his Father, and so hadn't been privy to the goings on in the mansion. He was surprised to find he was almost apprehensive about the upcoming meal, and the nervousness only grew as seven o'clock came.
He knew he was being really stupid. The only person who had any cause to feel nervous was Jack, and he knew she wouldn't be bothered in the slightest, but he found himself worrying that he didn't look smart enough, or that he wouldn't have anything interesting to say to her. He had never got so worked up about a girl before, and that in itself he found confusing and worrying. What exactly was he feeling for Jack?
"I'm glad for the chance to meet this young lady at last," Mr Worthington said, interrupting Warren's worrying. They were stood together in the reception area to the hotel where they would be having their meal.
"I'm still not sure why you want to so much," Warren said, adjusting his tie self-consciously.
"Well, she clearly means a lot to you, and I'm making an effort to be as involved with your life as possible now, since I've made such a pig's ear of being a good father for the last twenty odd years."
"Dad, she's a student at the school, that's all," Warren said, though he was no longer convinced himself.
He turned back to look at the door, keeping an eye out for Jack. Subconsciously he was looking for a girl in dungarees, so when he caught sight of her, dressed up in her elegant dress, her hair styled and delicate sandals on her feet, his jaw fell open rather unflatteringly. Mr Worthington smiled and closed it for him with a finger.
"Just a student, you say?" he said, before walking over to meet the girl he had heard so much about.
"Good evening my dear," he said, "It's a pleasure to meet you at last!"
"You must be Warren Worthington Senior," Jack said, shaking his hand with a smile, "Forgive me for being overly formal, but I'm going to have to call you Mr Worthington else I'll get confused!"
"That's quite alright my dear," Mr Worthington smiled, "You look lovely in that dress, you know, Warren lead me to believe you were going to turn up in a pair of dungarees."
"In all fairness I probably would have, if the President of the United States himself hadn't told me I needed to buy a dress," Jack said.
Mr Worthington laughed, and offered her his arm. She took it and he lead her over to the table he had booked, where Warren was waiting for them.
"Don't you look smart in a suit!" Jack said, nodding at Warren with a dazzling smile.
"You look amazing!" Warren said before he could stop himself, "What have you done with your hair?"
He pulled teasingly on a lock that had fallen into her eyes. She brushed it out of her face with her hand, drawing Warren's attention to the fact that she was still wearing her bracelets – some things never changed at least.
"Brushed it," she said with a shrug, before sitting down in her chair. Warren rolled his eyes and sat down with her. She was still the same old Jack, even dressed up like a princess.
Through the meal the conversation was mostly lead by Mr. Worthington with Warren taking a back seat to watch and listen, contributing only when he was spoken to directly. He wondered if Jack minded that he was leaving her to do all the talking, but every so often she would look over at him and smile in a way that let him know she was quite comfortable and happy.
At about nine, a band took to the stage and started playing slow dance tunes. Couples from around the room took to the floor and began to sway together as Jack looked on with distaste.
"Kitty and Rogue never said anything about dancing," she said, making Warren laugh.
"You don't like dancing?" Mr. Worthington asked.
"I've never done it before," Jack said, "Though I can't say it looks like much fun."
"You'd be surprised," Mr. Worthington said, turning to his son with a hint of a sly smile that Warren didn't much like, "Why don't you teach Jack a bit about dancing?"
"Why don't you?" Warren said, "I was never very good at it…"
"You're the teacher, my boy, I'm just a humble business man," Mr. Worthington said.
Warren knew he wasn't going to win.
Mr. Worthington sat back with a content smile as he watched his son lead Jack out to the dance floor, wondering if his machinations would encourage him to take their relationship one step further.
Warren's heart beat a little faster as he stepped closer to Jack.
"You're nervous," she said with a slight grin.
"Wouldn't you be?" Warren asked.
"Not if I knew what I was doing," Jack quipped.
"I should warn you," Warren said as he took one of her hands in his, putting the other at her waist, "I was never very good at this dancing business. I'm nervous for good reason."
"Well, given that I've never danced with anyone else, you have nothing to worry about," Jack said, "I've got no one to compare you to."
"You are always so straightforward and logical," Warren said with a small smile, as they started to move in time to the music.
"I'm more complicated than you think," Jack said, a darkness entering her eyes for a moment.
"Isn't everybody?" Warren said.
Jack looked away, as though thinking deeply about something. She looked troubled.
"Listen, I know you don't like people asking you questions, but if ever you want to talk about anything, I'm here," Warren said.
Jack didn't say anything, but she did step closer to him, resting her head against his chest slightly. Warren slipped his arm a little further round her waist. It was more of a hug than a romantic gesture, but he could see his Father smiling at him in a happy, satisfied sort of way.
The song finished and Jack smiled up at Warren like nothing had been said.
"Thanks for the lesson," she said with a grin.
"Any time," Warren replied.
As they headed away from the dance floor, Jack noticed the bar.
"Thirsty work, though, would you like a drink?" she asked, reaching into her small bag for her money.
"My Father would not allow you to spend any of your money on his night out," Warren said, pushing her hands down.
"Then I shall have to spend it before he notices," Jack said, pulling her hands away from Warren, "What can I get you?"
Callisto snuck into the hotel. It wasn't too hard – the guards were too busy looking smart to pay her much attention as she crept past the well-dressed guests, slinking through the shadows as much as she could.
With her powers she had located Warren in this restaurant, alone. It was the perfect chance to strike. She had the cure weapon, all she had to do was shoot him with it. She wouldn't even have to get close. The restaurant was busy, crowded with people, so it was going to be difficult, getting a clear shot, but Callisto was patient – she had all night.
"Ok, you must have been to these types of fancy places with girls before – which drink would I like?" Jack asked Warren as they stood at the bar.
"Well, it depends what sort of girl you are," Warren said, "A lot of girls stick to spirits and mixers, but I've seen a fair few enjoying a beer."
"What sort of girl do you think I am then?" Jack asked.
"I dunno," Warren said, looking her up and down, giving her an appraising look as she laughed, "I think you'd be a Vodka and coke kind of girl."
"Well, you know me better than most, so I'll trust you," Jack said.
Warren ordered their drinks, paying for them with Jack's money. He was just waiting for them to be served when he caught his Father waving him over.
"Do you mind waiting for the drinks?" Warren asked Jack, "My Dad wants me."
"Sure, no problem," Jack said with a smile.
Warren smiled at her briefly before going to find out what his Father wanted.
"She's a lovely girl," Mr. Worthington said as he approached.
"I'm not sure if 'lovely' is the best word to describe her," Warren said, "I would have said 'interesting'."
Mr. Worthington chuckled slightly.
"Well, whatever the word to describe her with, the word to describe you with is 'smitten'," he said, "I hope you aren't going to sit around and let her pass you by."
"What? I am not smitten with Jack Starbright," Warren protested. Even as he said it he wasn't so sure. Mr. Worthington just raised his eyebrows.
"She is a student and a friend, Dad," Warren said, "That's all."
"I think you are the only person who believes that," his Father said.
Callisto waited for the perfect moment. With so many people everywhere she would only have one shot at this. Then she would have to disappear, and sharpish. She located Warren among the crowds, talking to his Father, and took careful aim.
It was absolutely perfect. He would be hit right in front of the man who invented the Cure, nothing could possibly drive them further apart. The Cure would be taken off production immediately. Briefly the crowds parted and Callisto fired.
The barman placed the two drinks down in front of Jack with a friendly wink before moving off to serve someone else. Jack took them and looked around to find Warren. She spotted him talking to his Father not too far away and walked over.
Whatever had been so important to talk about clearly wasn't going to be discussed in front of her, for as soon as she even got close they stopped and turned their attention to her.
"I hope you weren't talking about me," she said with a teasing smile, stepping in front of Warren, handing him his drink.
The smile she wore faded when she heard something rushing towards her. She turned round in time to meet with the cure bullet. It struck her right in the chest.
Jack had enough time to catch sight of Callisto cursing then dashing off before she collapsed backwards, eyes rolling into the back of her head, completely out cold.
Warren followed Jack's gaze up to see Callisto holding the gun in her hand. Any thoughts of her were pushed from his mind when Jack collapsed backwards into him. He managed to catch her, throwing half his drink on the floor in the process. Hers fell from her limp hand and shattered on the floor.
Warren ignored all the people who were crowding around, and carefully lay her on the floor, avoiding the glass. He pulled out the cure bullet, throwing it to the side and put his hand to her face.
She was completely still, her breathing shallow, her complexion suddenly very pale. Warren checked her pulse. It was almost undetectable.
Warren frowned – he knew the transition from Mutant to human could be a bit jarring, but he had never heard of it knocking someone out. He looked up to his Father for reassurance only to find him frowning in confusion.
"I've never seen this before…" he said.
"Come on, Jack," Warren muttered, turning his attention back to the deathly pale girl, "Wake up."
After a few moments, it became clear that she wasn't going to. Warren slipped his arms underneath her and lifted her up.
"We have to get her back," Warren said.
"I can get a car," his Father offered.
Warren shook his head.
"No, I'll take her – it'll be quicker," he said, reaching in his pocket for his phone, "Call the mansion, warn them," he said, throwing it over to his Father.
Mr. Worthington could hear the fear and urgency in his son's voice and knew he hadn't been wrong with what he had said before. His son completely adored this girl and he was going to do everything in his power to make sure she was safe. He nodded to Warren and ran outside, hailing a taxi.
"Westchester," he said to the driver as he sat in the back, then used the speed dial on Warren's phone to call the mansion.
"Hello, can I speak to Doctor McCoy please? It's an emergency."
Warren ran through the hotel, holding Jack as safely as he could in his arms.
"Where are you going?" someone called, "You need to get her to hospital. That way only leads to the lift!"
Exactly, Warren thought, running into the lift and closing the doors before anyone could pile in after him. He repeatedly jabbed the rooftop button. He knew it wouldn't make the lift go any faster, but it made him feel better, like he was making a difference rather than standing there hopelessly as the floors counted away to themselves.
Once he reached the roof top he burst out of the door, snapping the bonds that held his wings, like he had done once before, and leapt from the building, taking to the sky. His eyes were watering from the speed but he just pushed harder. Warren was driven by one thought alone, and that was getting Jack back to the mansion where she could be cured.
Oh the ironies of that word. Callisto had wanted her to be cured, shooting her with a Cure bullet. Warren was tempted to be angry at his Father for ever inventing the Cure (which was probably what Magneto wanted) but ultimately, it hadn't been him holding the gun. It was no more his fault than it was Warren's.
Warren looked down at Jack who was still in her unconscious state, unchanged despite being thrown around an awful lot. One look at her pale face was enough to spur him on. Warren beat his wings harder, straining with every last drop of energy he had. In the distance, the mansion appeared.
I really hate to leave you guys on that... I will update as soon as I can when I get back, but I haven't even started the next chapter yet.
It will be called 'The Wrong Genes' and features Jack fighting for her life, Doctors McCoy and McTaggert being generally confused and not knowing what to do, and Rogue getting smart and starting to figure it all out.
It may also feature (for a bit of comic relief) Cathy and David giving Hank and earful about not being able to come and visit Jack. I haven't decided on that one yet.
Please review - I want to have loads and loads of lovely reviews to come home to. It will make me not so sad about being back home from my holiday :D
See you all in two weeks! xXx