Standing on the sidewalk, "are you sure you will be, okay? I may keep to myself as much as possible. But even I have come to know what a bachelorette party is and what it entails? And saw how some of them looked before we left; they were curious about something, especially Monet is it?" Smiling, "go on. I will be fine. But thank you for your concern and accompanying me, Adam Extreme." "Hey that is what best friends are for, right?!"

Stepping back, staring at him. "Right. Besides, I am going to have to face the wolves sometime. Either way they are going to hassle me." She walks in before he can say anything. To be greeted by their other friends, "hey, Kat!" Kitty greets her, stumbling a little. "Rachel sensed you were near. We have been waiting for you. Youuu, took so long!"

"You have to forgive, Kit Kat. She has had a little too much." "Phoenix, Jubilee, this is a surprise. What are you two doing here?" "Well, I caught Phoenix leaving, and thought hey, one night off parenting wouldn't hurt. Besides, I heard Kit Kat would be here. And this isn't the first time I have heard that she can get a little wild. And hey, that is something I had to see."

"What she said!" Kathleen looks at both women, surprise in her eyes. "I get that some things never change, so it is nice that you still have some immaturity, Jubilation. But is she corrupting you, Phoenix?" "What, of course not?!" "Uh huh?!" M steps forward. "M?!" "Oh, enough of this, we heard the little you told Lyja, so spill, what is it like being married to a god?"

"First, why don't we take this to a table, Kitty looks like she needs it." "What, no! I'm fine!" She says as she knocks glasses over from a passing employee. "Ooops! Sorry!" "Okay, come on." She directs Kitty, "but I am really sorry!" "Oh, Katya, it is alright!" The group take their seats as Kitty looks at her, Phoenix and Jean."

"You know I could have." "Okay, Kit Kat, you are cut off." Kitty's head hits the table as she falls asleep. Kathleen looks to Rachel. "She will be okay. She just hasn't been the same since she stood Peter up at the altar." "Oh, Kitty, this reality's Piotr never deserved you. You have always been too good to be cheated on!" Rachel nods her head, "don't worry I will take care of her as I always have!"

"Oh, enough of this dull chit chat. And don't even pretend there hasn't been a mental conversation going on! So back to my question, what is it like being married to a god?!" "Oh, ah, agree with her!" "Wow! Is the world ending, you and Paige actually agree on something?!" M appears impassive at this statement while Paige shrugs her shoulder. "How about we get some service here?!"

"Ikaris isn't a god." "He is eternal." "Well, yes." "He lives on Olympia with other deities." "Yes." "He hasn't aged and he is give or take, what a million years?!" "Well, yes." "See, a god." "M. Not a god. Gods oversee something specific." "And are we not considered such?!" "No. Something like the Earth." "So then, he and the other Eternals are gods. If the Earth, Moon and Sun can be governed why not people?!"

"Because we have free will." "That is not how I meant the statement and you know it. And nice job evading the initial question." "Ya know you should just answer her, ya know she won't give up until she has a legitimate answer." Menus are placed in front of them. "Thank you." Raising the flute to her lips, "oh, Monet, surely you know I would never kiss and tell."

The other women's' mouths drop open slightly at this. M winks at her. "Touché. Oh, the game is on now. That was a non-answer, answer if I ever heard one!" Paige turns to her. "How does that even work, there is nah such thing." "Oh, come on, Paige, sure there is. It's basically like a trick question." Paige turns back to Kathleen, confusion still on her face.

"Monet, you better explain since you look like she is about to break." Kathleen adds. "Oh, you are a cruel woman, Monet St. Croix!" Scarlet cuts in. "Paige, darling! Don't overthink it, Monet's statement merely means that by Kat answering the way she had she was confirming certain things M wanted to know." Scarlett adds. Paige nods her head.

"Ah, okay, um, like what?!" The table breaks out in laughter. "What did ah say?!" "Surely, you aren't that naïve, Paige. In all the years I have known you, ignorance and stupidity were traits I thought you possessed." M replies. It sinks in as Paige's face becomes red, "uh, ah?!" "M, you've had your fun. Lay off Hayseed already. We are here to have fun." "Oh, but, Jubilation, I am having fun!"

"Making fun of one's friends in such a way, can't really be considered fun, now, can it?!" Lorna asks. "It was all in good fun. Paige knows I didn't mean any harm." "Um, you called her stupid and ignorant." "I was being honest. Besides, it was meant as a joke." "Well, it wasn't very funny." "Well, what about all of you laughing at my comment?!"

"Alright, that's enough! We are here to have a good time and for me. Not trash each other." Kat tells them. Grabbing the drink placed in front of her. "Well?!" Monet asks. Sighing, "you aren't going to let this go, are you?" "No!" Alright, fine! But to keep this from possible prying ears and eyes, this will be a mental conversation. And I won't give away certain things. I still refuse to kiss and tell. And you can imagine what you want with your non answer, answer, trick question theory, however, you like."

Ikaris is a contradiction. He and Scott are definitely stiff and quite uptight. But underneath all that, nothing but marshmallows. And take their duties and responsibilities so seriously!" "There is a story there." "And not one I am going to divulge so quit prying, Monet! Besides, we have moved past that issue for the most part. I'll just say that no marriage is perfect. Not even mine!"

"But you two seem so well put together?!" Bringing the flute back to her lips, "M, you didn't know her when they first got together then married. Her wedding day was eventful, though maybe not entirely for all the right reasons." M turns to look at her with an inquisitive look. "Is this where Sersi and Margo Damian come in?" Kathleen merely nods her head.

"So then why would you name your kid after one of his former lovers, then?!" "Ikaris and I existed for millennia's before we ever even met. We couldn't very well expect the other to have been celibate the entire time. Besides, Margo Damian never asked for what happened to her, simply for loving someone."

"But if she were still alive then, you two wouldn't be together now." "Such a horrible thing to say!" "We all saw that interview, so we take it all this is why you have kept his identity secret?" Jean asks. "Yes. I won't lie. It does hurt. But I get it. And if it means it keeps our children safe, I support it. I know how bad Margo Damian's death affected him. I am surprised he loved me enough to break the rule he made for himself after that."

"He sure seems like an ass. What are you doing with someone like that?!" "M!" "It's fine, Jubilation. After letting the divide happen between all of us and he and the other Eternals gave me a place to call home. Both of us being guardians lead to us getting to know each other more. And before we knew it, we were way past being in the middle.

And he never let his internal struggles prevent him from showing his intentions. At least not until." "Until?!" "Monet, this is one of those things that are off limits." "Oh, but come now, we are here so you can unburden and we are your friends. You are meant to confide in us." Turning her head, Kathleen looks down.

` Putting her hand underneath Kat's chin, Wanda raises her face. "You fear at some point, you won't be good enough for him?!" Kathleen moves her head. "Oh, Kat!" "Jean, I don't need pity from you or anyone else." "But my mom, I or any of us are pitying you, Kat. Being in a relationship with what we do isn't the easiest thing. But from what we have seen, you got really lucky!"

"But after all I have done, compared to Margo Damian, how can I really compare?!" "None of that matters to him, just like his crimes don't mean much to you. That man loves you with the stuff that only fairy tales are made of. True love and happily ever after is just an illusion for almost everybody. Yet you two managed to find it despite every pain that each of you has experienced."

"Hey baby, this is on the house!" Each woman taking the man in. "Damn! Kat!" "I appreciate it, I really do. But I have to pass. I am not looking for what is expected in return. I already have someone who fulfills all my needs that way." "Listen, you don't have to be a bitch about it!"

"OW!" His hand is gripped as he is brought to his knees, the person putting their foot on his back, pushing down. Turning he sees a blonde woman, "apologize! There is no need to use such language and insult the lady!" "You wish!" Pressing down a little further, the man slides down more. Standing up, "it's alright, Susan. I can handle it. Though, I do appreciate you sticking up for me."

"You are in for it now!" "Jubilee!" "What?! Well, he is!" "Take it easy on him, Kat." Hope adds. "You know I haven't had to exert my femineity in a while and how much of a badass I can be. And have left it to the men in my life to deal with males like you, scum; who don't know a rejection when it is presented.

I have to say I have missed the fun this allowed." Putting the bottom of her shoe against his shoulder. "You were hoping for a sample, well here it is!" Her legs spread enough giving a certain impression off. As his hand begins sliding up her leg, his defenses lowered, not noticing the fist coming from the opposite direction. He goes down like a ton of bricks at the impact.

Her companions start laughing. "It's nice to know you haven't lost your edge." "Hey, I don't want any trouble!" Seeing a guy with a bat, "then I suggest you put that down. And don't let any more perverts in. He didn't understand the concept of "no!". "And if you leave now, it won't be any more than a warning."

Kitty who has awakened at this point, gets in his face. "What did you say?!...Oh yeah, well I'll have you know!" "RACHEL!" Grey shuts her senses off, preventing her best friend from further complicating things by phasing through the man. "You're right. We're leaving." Reaching into her bra, "here this should cover everything?!" Kathleen hands the man a set of rolled up bills. Monet grabs a bottle as they begin to walk out. "Now where to?!" "Well, we take this somewhere else of course, Scarlet, ladies!" Monet tells them.

Sitting on the couch, the bowl is offered to her. Grabbing a handful, she brings it to her mouth. "Thank you. Hey, Susan, how did you find us?!" "Johnny and Lyja actually. And I am hurt I wasn't invited." Kitty is once more passed out in the corner. "Well, the night is still young. We can still pick up where we left off!" "M, give it a rest!" "Jubilee is right." "You guys suck, this is supposed to be a party!"

"Monet is right. We can still chill, have drinks, play games?!" Lorna adds. "And Kitty?!" "I think we will call it a night. I'll get her home." Rachel Grey tells them. "I'll help you." Jean adds. "But Jean, you will miss all the juicy details!" "Jubilee, that isn't our business. Besides, Rachel and I can really find out if we wanted on our own." "Aw man, it's no fair being a telepath!"

"St. Croix, you aren't going to let this go?!" "No!" "I want to know too." "Lorna!" "What, Wanda? We are still technically sisters. It doesn't matter that Rachel is gone. She was still married to Pietro and Alex's sister, so?!" "Fine!" Kathleen gets up. "And I still am not spilling everything." "Party pooper!" "Well, you are going to have to take or leave it, Monet."

"So, if the stuff you told us is true, then why did someone like you marry someone like him?! And please don't say it was all love?!" "Hate to burst your bubble, M. But to reiterate some of what I told you earlier, after being accepted among them. The two of us became closer where before we wouldn't have. And I came to knew his history.

I accepted him wanting to date me. But I never thought he would want to get married again. Not after how Sersi dumped him for Dane, so fast. And blaming himself over Margo Damian's death. But we weathered that storm. Then Toby Robson came into the picture." "Hold on, who is he?" "A kid he swore to protect for some reason.

And while I had no problem with this, our children began to pay for this obligation. We wound up in a couple of arguments. It wasn't until he returned after the danger to Toby was no longer an issue. And Ikaris returned to us and Olympia that he understood my point. But it took our home being turned to rubble, the children, Toby included for this to sink in. They had gotten caught in the middle of all this.

It is how I lost my voice for a while. Thankfully, telepathy is one of the aspects I retained from Rachel Grey, Rachel Summers and Jean Grey. We have gone out a handful of times. But here in Earth's public eye, they don't know he is my husband. And while a part of me wishes otherwise. I get his reason, to prevent our children and him, myself being used against the other."

"You do know that is bs, right?!" "M, it's not." "But it is, Kathleen. We are all heroes. This comes with a price. Besides, look what happened anyway?! He sounds like a real winner, a total douche bag. Even Scott had more respect for Jean. Truth or Dare, do you love the man enough to take a risk?"

"Of course, I do. Its why I haven't pushed the issue. I respect him too much as well." 'Given what I just told you, he just sounds selfish, self-centered and conceited. And underneath all that tough exterior, you deserve better, Kathleen Pryce." "But that is where you are wrong, Monet. Sure, he sounds like what you described. But I also told you earlier that beneath all that, he is kind and compassionate and has a soft side. And not everyone gets to see this, I am one of the lucky ones to see this side of him.

But you are right about the hero part, maybe it is time we made things more public. I know that he isn't always happy when I do take other men as my dates. Yet somehow, every time we have the opportunity, nothing is said and it continues remaining a secret. His responsibilities as the leader of The Eternals usually doesn't leave him with a lot of time. That is one of the reasons our partnership works. We have found an equal in the other."

"So, then he should want to support your career, by your side. Instead of the sidelines, like he apparently usually is!" All the doubt that she has been harboring finally hits her as she backs away slightly. "Is there something wrong with me? Does no one love or want me?" The tears wanting desperately to spill from her eyes. "M!" THAT'S ENOUGH!" "But it was part of the game, Jubilee!"

Wanda holding Kathleen to her. "You brought truth and dare in the mix, Monet St. Croix. And while there have been no dares. I will issue one now. I dare you, child; to shut your mouth. Think before you speak and acquire some compassion." The others remaining quiet at this. "M, they ah right." "Paige?!"

"We never got to finish. And I thought she was your friend?!" Susan says. "As my friend, she needed to hear the truth no longer being sugarcoated." "Did you not hear her earlier about the doubts she keeps?! It has been that way ever since Rachel Summers died. And we are all to blame, The Phoenix was inspired to live with us because of Rachel.

So, it stayed, joined The Young Avengers, living for itself for once. Taking on the codename of Kid Phoenix, but she finally left when we let her know we refused to accept her. And constantly confusing her for Rachel, so a year later, she found her place with The Eternals. Whom accepted her not knowing Rachel Summers well enough.

And yet even though, she hadn't completely forgiven us yet. She invited us to her wedding, where Rachel's admirers and Ikaris's ex-wife tried to ruin the wedding and day for them. My brother one of them." Susan adds. M looks shocked, glancing at Kathleen. "I'm sorry. I?!" "While your point is valid, you are also grossly misinformed.

Yes, Ikaris of The Eternals may one of the biggest asses to ever exist. On par with "my dear brother-in-law", but that man would risk everything for Kathleen and their children. We saw it that day. He made a huge mistake, that he quickly corrected, knowing he would be made fun of. Yet he had no problem making a fool of himself if it was for her sake. And he admitted as much." Scarlet responds.

"You see, you want truths, M. Those are it. Ikaris and Kathleen Pryce may be the most stubborn, haughtiest people to ever exist. They are also some of the most compassionate and loyal. And yet their need to do right and feelings for each other, well, those things are hard to find even in the most noble of us?! When it comes to the other, they come first. And they themselves don't matter as much as they should. They would be lost without the other. And that isn't an exaggeration nor is it an understatement.

"So, to further show you how wrong you are, Monet St. Croix. That man overcame the grief losing his son, his ex-wife and former lover being murdered for his sake cost him; putting his heart on the line again, for her. And she did the same despite her equal heartbreaks, Ikaris and Kathleen would scour eternity and galaxies for each other and their children. So, you see not everyone has hardened their hearts like you have, despite having every right to do so." Susan replies.

M shuts up at this, sucking a breath in she turns away. "I am okay now. I didn't mean to cry. I mean it isn't Monet's fault, I am pregnant." Walking forward, as the other women stand behind her. Within Monet's close proximity, "you know for one so young, you need to be careful, Monet St. Croix; your bitterness shows rather easily.

Sure, I had myself believe for a while that all our friends wanted nothing to do with me. Meeting you while I was alienated helped me, and I got through how tough Hollywood can be when I was starting there. I really thought you were my friend. But all you like to do is look down and hurt people."

"Oh, you know nothing." "I have heard enough about you. And the only thing I regret is giving you the time of day. And while the things that have been said about Ikaris may be true. But I also know how thoughtful, wonderful and loving he can be. And no matter how I try I also have my admirers to deal with, that show up when I least expect them.

You, what do you have?! Your friends have to reprimand you. All your lovers are gone. Some even picked other women over you. Tell me what does that say about you, Monet St. Croix?! I have endured your tongue lashing enough. You crossed the line when you kept bad mouthing my husband; as if you know the whole of our relationship and its dynamic."

Closing the gap, "now just wait a minute. Now who is being superior!" As the stare down begins, it is quickly interrupted. "Kat, we all know the truth. You should walk away." Scarlet says, looking to Monet. "Hey, who's side are you all on?!" "Hers, actually, M!" "You should listen to them." M begins laughing. "Right, as if you could hurt me." "You have a death wish as well; it seems.

You forget who I am. I have come a long way from Jean and Rachel Grey; and even Rachel Summers. And I have learned how to control things on a level I had yet to, so you tell me then, Monet; do you think your invulnerability could withstand that?!" Grabbing the fist that misses punching her. "Monet St. Croix, they may forgive you and continue to tolerate you. I, however, will not.

If I see you again at events, I will ignore you. And if you try to spill the conversation, well, who would really believe you without proof?! You are no longer welcome in my home. And be thankful this is all you are getting. You are getting off lightly. Don't laugh. Even you know I can wipe the floor with you. And even that would be a mercy compared to my husband's reaction; for you would see how wrong you are about him if that happened."

Turning her back, "now back to the atmosphere we had before all this. This is still a party after all. We can continue with truth and dare if you wish, but I am also going to put a movie on. And get more popcorn. She walks to the kitchen and comes back, "what are you still doing here?!" "I'm sorry. Can I stay? You were right!"

Levitating the bowl as the women silently watch from their vantage point, waiting patiently. "Oh, hell no! You wanted me to be a bitch. A bitch I will be. When it comes to Ikaris and my children not even my friends should know to cross that line, not when it comes to me." The door opens before Monet goes flying through it. Banging into the opposite wall as the door slams in her face.

Sitting down she passes the bowl around, "so what do you all want to watch?" "Ya'h don't think you were too hard on her?!" "No, not really. You know what I did was nothing compared to what I am capable. But if you want to leave and check on her, I won't hold it against any of you. You all are far kinder than I am. And more than she deserves as friends, Jubilee, Paige."

The ringing interrupts them. "What!?...No wait, Reed…Well then, we should leave him there for the time being…He should have known better…He knows that his immaturity and jokes won't always be received well…He's lucky that those were the extent of his injuries considering who he crossed. We will go handle it first thing in the morning…Okay, I love you, bye."

Looking at them, "what?!" "Nothing, you are just another that has maintained a good marriage in all our chaos." "It hasn't always been easy. Our love gets us through at the end of the day. Though, there had been a time we had done nothing but argue. It is amazing we are still married. Not like what we have seen between you and Ikaris. You two have managed to even be adult enough when you disagree. It's a good thing, but not exactly normal. You put even Reed and I to shame."

"And what was that about?" "Johnny got banged up pretty good. And is in a cell. Reed answered when he called trying to reach me. We are going to leave him there." "Should you?! Besides what was so bad for him to be there?" Sighing, "he wanted to be traditional. And set up a strip club for the bachelor party." Jubilee and Phoenix wince as Kathleen stares calmly.

"That can't be all?!" Lorna asks. "It's not. Ikaris tolerated it until a couple of the strippers began to insist. And one became too forward. Johnny was in a back room with Lyja at this point. I swear when it comes to women, my little brother can never get his head on straight. Especially with her, and he supposedly has a soulmate now.

Hercules, Thor and the others barely managed to keep it from an all-out brawl. Though, they did get kicked out. After Johnny and Ikaris took to the air, tussling before taking it outside. Ikaris finally dropped Johnny on a cop car right in front of a police station. Calmly walked in, explained and wanted Johnny arrested." The other women turn their widened eyes to Kathleen at Susan's explanation.

Kat simply turns to the screen, turning the movie on. And begins eating the popcorn again. "How can you be so calm about this?!" A handful of popcorn is shoved in her mouth as she answers. "What?!" "Because I trust Ikaris, his reaction to everything sounds right. Johnny is still breathing. So, we should all be thankful for that stick up his ass, Monet accused him of.

It means he is able to control himself. We all know he could have easily killed your brother, Susan. It definitely sounds like he was becoming angry enough. Now let's watch the movie. And if more drinks are required, I can make some. And order food if anyone gets hungry again and wants something in particular?!"