Shao (Little Dragon): Part Seven - continued.
DISCLAIMER: Marvel owns all the characters. No money is involved (story of my life). Thanks to a slew of people (especially Chi_Kokoro, Ken Barnes, Amy Hunt) who helped me with their suggestions so some of the ideas weren't mine also.
SUMMARY: During her medical exam Jubilee finds out that the sedated her for a week. Hank "interrupts" them again. Find out what Rogue's son's name is as he escapes certain "doom".
FEEDBACK: Please send feedback of any kind (praise, flaming, constructive criticism, etc.) to naiya@mauimail.com
NOTES: Any bordered by triple characters (e.g. |||) means telepathic speech. Each telepath has a different signature. Phrases bordered by parenthesis mean the person is speaking in Japanese. Phrases bordered by * are thoughts. Any questions see feedback for my email address and I'll answer as best as I can. Archive at will
A/N2: Sorry I had to break up chapter seven into two parts. This second part was originally chapter eight and I wanted to include the excellent suggestions from ladytigger (thank you from the bottom of my heart by the way). I want to take a little bit more time to incorporate those suggestions, but I also wanted to give you folks an actual update instead of just an author's note. Thus without further ado, here's part two.
*****
Five minutes into their walk Jubilee had to stop. The world spun briefly but after a few deep breaths her head cleared. High above the sun held vigil in a cloudless sky and Jubilee couldn't resist basking in its presence momentarily. Warmth penetrated into her body as she stretched the last vestiges of stiffness from her muscles.
Something didn't quite feel right. Not one to usually look a gift horse in the mouth but shouldn't the pain be more intense? *It's only been three days since Hank slapped on...hey wait-a-minute* Jubilee opened her eyes and crossed her arms over her ribs. Although still in pain, the constrictive feel of the fiberglass bandage was missing. She didn't remember going in for any redressing of her wounds.
Stopped only a few steps away, Logan could tell from the look on her face that she was starting to figure things out. "You okay Jubes?" She didn't answer; in fact, she didn't seem to be aware he was speaking at all. Even when he came to stand by her and waved a hand in front of her face there was no reaction. Finally after what seemed like forever her eyes focused in on his face and narrowed. *Oh shit! I'm in trouble* he mused. "C'mon, let's get a move on. Hank's awaiting," he urged, swept her up into his arms before she could protest and hightailed it to the mansion.
"What day is it?" Hank heard Jubilee ask as she and Logan entered Med-Lab. Surreptitiously, he turned his daily calendar over and motioned Logan to place her on the exam table. The feral mutant shot him a look in a silent plea for help. Inclining his head a fraction in consent, the doctor gathered a few items and waved Logan away.
"Open your mouth Jubilation," Hank ordered before she could say another word and popped a thermometer in her mouth. His sensitive hearing caught her grinding the glass tube in her mouth. "Do I sincerely have to remind you about the downfalls of mercury poisoning or do you want another two week stay in Med-Lab," he said offhandedly and the grinding stopped.
From his corner, Logan caught Hank's amused wink and nodded. The doctor was about to spill the beans. *Get ready for the 4th of July* he thought grimly.
"I'm serious, what day is it?" she repeated once her mouth was free of the thermometer.
"Monday, now lie down Jubilee." She appeared to be somewhat mollified and he proceeded to cut the heavy cloth bandage away from her ribs. They were still heavily bruised, the colors looking like a black/blue backdrop for her tattoo. The edges of both incisions were still red but had meshed together so well that when they finally healed the scar would be barely visible.
"And the date?" she piped up and Hank sighed. He should have known she wouldn't let it go. Resolutely he returned to his desk and beckoned Jubilee to follow. After straightening some of the files he turned over his calendar and handed it to Jubilee.
Both men waited on baited breath while she examined the object in her hands. They were both expecting a monumental explosion of anger with effects but she calmly set the calendar down, a quizzical expression furrowed her brow. Slowly the air around her began to shimmer, her hands balled into fists at her side, yet she still hadn't said anything.
Saying that she was mad would have been dubbed the grossest understatement of all time. After images of her several escapes insinuated into her chain of thought, Jubilee was able to think a little more rationally. Well, she had it coming she surmised. *Guess Wolvy made good on his threat*
As if a switch flipped her anger diffused and the air around her cooled. She chose to act like the adult she claimed to be. Admit defeat now, make them pay for it when she saw fit. Actually when her body no longer complained with each move she made. "A week under, huh. Was I really that bad?" She plastered guilt across her face and summoned a few token tears.
Hank and Logan exchanged confused glances. Tears? They fell over each other trying to make her feel better. "Not really darlin'," Logan lied. "Certainly not," Hank followed suit. They both hated it when women cry.
She looked from one man at her side to the other. Yep they were definitely going to pay. They had been given the opportunity to come clean and tell her exactly why an entire week of sedation was necessary, but they chose to cover their ass. Hmm.
"So I guess this means I'm cleared from medical care?" she ventured.
Hank looked indignant. "Your assumption is premature my dear lady. The occasional lightheadedness you are experiencing is indicative of the diluted Demerol adhesives I placed along your spine. You are, under no circumstances, not to..." he rattled on while wrapping an ace bandage around her ribs.
The list of restrictions began to take on ridiculous proportions. Logan hid a smile wondering how long the doctor could go on without taking a breath. He was almost as bad a Jubilee under the influence of sugar. For her part Jubilee was taking the list well or so he thought. Her expression said compliance her body language said something that shouldn't be said in mixed company.
"Is there anything I CAN do?" she interrupted her tone suspiciously devoid of any emotion.
"Increase your literary repertoire, enhance your epidermis pigmentation while applying UV deterring ointments, severely curtailed, accompanied promenades about the grounds, partake in nourishment and engage in extended rapid eye movement periods." The 'can' list was notably shorter.
"Why am I not surprised I get the 'can't' list in plain English and the 'can' list in Hank'ese?" Jubilee muttered under he breath.
Logan couldn't take it any more and laughed until he couldn't breathe. Jean, who had walked in at the beginning of the 'can' list, joined him. Unfortunately she has heard this speech a little too often and translated for Jubilee. "He is just being difficult. You are allowed to read, sunbathe, take short escorted walks, eat and sleep." Jean gave Jubilee a sympathetic look before ushering Hank into the workroom.
"I survive the Hand, a crazy daughter of a guy I never met, my own fears only to be killed by boredom." Wolverine laughed harder and she glared at him hands on hips. "See if I ever kiss you again," she threatened.
He stepped in close, nearly nose to nose. "Darlin', don't make promises ya can't keep," he breathed into her mouth daring her to close that small distance between their lips. Time dragged out and it appeared that Jubilee was giving in. As slow as molasses in winter, she leaned forward.
"Jubilee I failed to include an activity on your...allowed...list." Hank stopped short at the doorway and pondered the scene before him for a moment. *Jubilee? Logan? Kissing?* This was an interesting development. Upon the second, rather loud clearing of his throat, the two jumped apart like errant children caught with their hands in the proverbial cookie jar. Hank's first inclination was a thorough interrogation. The annoyed frown Wolverine sent his way made him hesitate. Jubilee refused to meet his questioning glance, her face this side of crimson.
"McCoy, you and yer flamin' timin'," Logan growled mildly.
"Nautical exercise," the doctor concluded his previous chain of thought and ignored the rebuke. "Swimming," he amended when Jubilee rolled her eyes at him. "Now, vacate the premises, I have other exams to perform." Right on cue Rogue strode in carrying her sleeping son.
Effectively dismissed, Logan and Jubilee hurried out of Med-Lab. If the boy had his mother's temper, he wasn't going to be too happy about being woken up especially for a medical exam. Sure enough a piercing wail echoed down the hallway followed by the sound of what seemed like a battle.
Two floors above them the lunch bell rang and the walls shook from the stampede of students heading toward the cafeteria. Their stomachs grumbled in unison at the mere thought of food. Logan steered them toward the mansion's kitchen instead. The shorter walk was on the approved 'can' list.
"JULIAN!" Rogue's angry scream made Logan wince. The boy, sans britches, ran past them giggling incessantly. Logan pulled Jubilee into the safe circle of his arms a hair's breath before an irate Rogue stormed by.
"Ah'm gonna tan yer hide, young man, once I catch you," she threatened waving said missing britches in the air as she turned the corner. Julian's giggling could still be heard as mother and son got farther away.
Suddenly very tired, Jubilee burrowed into Logan's neck and shut her eyes tight against another bout of dizziness. "Gotta stop meeting like this. People are gonna talk," she murmured into his ear.
"Let them," he replied savoring the feel of her in his arms. Food could wait.
DISCLAIMER: Marvel owns all the characters. No money is involved (story of my life). Thanks to a slew of people (especially Chi_Kokoro, Ken Barnes, Amy Hunt) who helped me with their suggestions so some of the ideas weren't mine also.
SUMMARY: During her medical exam Jubilee finds out that the sedated her for a week. Hank "interrupts" them again. Find out what Rogue's son's name is as he escapes certain "doom".
FEEDBACK: Please send feedback of any kind (praise, flaming, constructive criticism, etc.) to naiya@mauimail.com
NOTES: Any bordered by triple characters (e.g. |||) means telepathic speech. Each telepath has a different signature. Phrases bordered by parenthesis mean the person is speaking in Japanese. Phrases bordered by * are thoughts. Any questions see feedback for my email address and I'll answer as best as I can. Archive at will
A/N2: Sorry I had to break up chapter seven into two parts. This second part was originally chapter eight and I wanted to include the excellent suggestions from ladytigger (thank you from the bottom of my heart by the way). I want to take a little bit more time to incorporate those suggestions, but I also wanted to give you folks an actual update instead of just an author's note. Thus without further ado, here's part two.
*****
Five minutes into their walk Jubilee had to stop. The world spun briefly but after a few deep breaths her head cleared. High above the sun held vigil in a cloudless sky and Jubilee couldn't resist basking in its presence momentarily. Warmth penetrated into her body as she stretched the last vestiges of stiffness from her muscles.
Something didn't quite feel right. Not one to usually look a gift horse in the mouth but shouldn't the pain be more intense? *It's only been three days since Hank slapped on...hey wait-a-minute* Jubilee opened her eyes and crossed her arms over her ribs. Although still in pain, the constrictive feel of the fiberglass bandage was missing. She didn't remember going in for any redressing of her wounds.
Stopped only a few steps away, Logan could tell from the look on her face that she was starting to figure things out. "You okay Jubes?" She didn't answer; in fact, she didn't seem to be aware he was speaking at all. Even when he came to stand by her and waved a hand in front of her face there was no reaction. Finally after what seemed like forever her eyes focused in on his face and narrowed. *Oh shit! I'm in trouble* he mused. "C'mon, let's get a move on. Hank's awaiting," he urged, swept her up into his arms before she could protest and hightailed it to the mansion.
"What day is it?" Hank heard Jubilee ask as she and Logan entered Med-Lab. Surreptitiously, he turned his daily calendar over and motioned Logan to place her on the exam table. The feral mutant shot him a look in a silent plea for help. Inclining his head a fraction in consent, the doctor gathered a few items and waved Logan away.
"Open your mouth Jubilation," Hank ordered before she could say another word and popped a thermometer in her mouth. His sensitive hearing caught her grinding the glass tube in her mouth. "Do I sincerely have to remind you about the downfalls of mercury poisoning or do you want another two week stay in Med-Lab," he said offhandedly and the grinding stopped.
From his corner, Logan caught Hank's amused wink and nodded. The doctor was about to spill the beans. *Get ready for the 4th of July* he thought grimly.
"I'm serious, what day is it?" she repeated once her mouth was free of the thermometer.
"Monday, now lie down Jubilee." She appeared to be somewhat mollified and he proceeded to cut the heavy cloth bandage away from her ribs. They were still heavily bruised, the colors looking like a black/blue backdrop for her tattoo. The edges of both incisions were still red but had meshed together so well that when they finally healed the scar would be barely visible.
"And the date?" she piped up and Hank sighed. He should have known she wouldn't let it go. Resolutely he returned to his desk and beckoned Jubilee to follow. After straightening some of the files he turned over his calendar and handed it to Jubilee.
Both men waited on baited breath while she examined the object in her hands. They were both expecting a monumental explosion of anger with effects but she calmly set the calendar down, a quizzical expression furrowed her brow. Slowly the air around her began to shimmer, her hands balled into fists at her side, yet she still hadn't said anything.
Saying that she was mad would have been dubbed the grossest understatement of all time. After images of her several escapes insinuated into her chain of thought, Jubilee was able to think a little more rationally. Well, she had it coming she surmised. *Guess Wolvy made good on his threat*
As if a switch flipped her anger diffused and the air around her cooled. She chose to act like the adult she claimed to be. Admit defeat now, make them pay for it when she saw fit. Actually when her body no longer complained with each move she made. "A week under, huh. Was I really that bad?" She plastered guilt across her face and summoned a few token tears.
Hank and Logan exchanged confused glances. Tears? They fell over each other trying to make her feel better. "Not really darlin'," Logan lied. "Certainly not," Hank followed suit. They both hated it when women cry.
She looked from one man at her side to the other. Yep they were definitely going to pay. They had been given the opportunity to come clean and tell her exactly why an entire week of sedation was necessary, but they chose to cover their ass. Hmm.
"So I guess this means I'm cleared from medical care?" she ventured.
Hank looked indignant. "Your assumption is premature my dear lady. The occasional lightheadedness you are experiencing is indicative of the diluted Demerol adhesives I placed along your spine. You are, under no circumstances, not to..." he rattled on while wrapping an ace bandage around her ribs.
The list of restrictions began to take on ridiculous proportions. Logan hid a smile wondering how long the doctor could go on without taking a breath. He was almost as bad a Jubilee under the influence of sugar. For her part Jubilee was taking the list well or so he thought. Her expression said compliance her body language said something that shouldn't be said in mixed company.
"Is there anything I CAN do?" she interrupted her tone suspiciously devoid of any emotion.
"Increase your literary repertoire, enhance your epidermis pigmentation while applying UV deterring ointments, severely curtailed, accompanied promenades about the grounds, partake in nourishment and engage in extended rapid eye movement periods." The 'can' list was notably shorter.
"Why am I not surprised I get the 'can't' list in plain English and the 'can' list in Hank'ese?" Jubilee muttered under he breath.
Logan couldn't take it any more and laughed until he couldn't breathe. Jean, who had walked in at the beginning of the 'can' list, joined him. Unfortunately she has heard this speech a little too often and translated for Jubilee. "He is just being difficult. You are allowed to read, sunbathe, take short escorted walks, eat and sleep." Jean gave Jubilee a sympathetic look before ushering Hank into the workroom.
"I survive the Hand, a crazy daughter of a guy I never met, my own fears only to be killed by boredom." Wolverine laughed harder and she glared at him hands on hips. "See if I ever kiss you again," she threatened.
He stepped in close, nearly nose to nose. "Darlin', don't make promises ya can't keep," he breathed into her mouth daring her to close that small distance between their lips. Time dragged out and it appeared that Jubilee was giving in. As slow as molasses in winter, she leaned forward.
"Jubilee I failed to include an activity on your...allowed...list." Hank stopped short at the doorway and pondered the scene before him for a moment. *Jubilee? Logan? Kissing?* This was an interesting development. Upon the second, rather loud clearing of his throat, the two jumped apart like errant children caught with their hands in the proverbial cookie jar. Hank's first inclination was a thorough interrogation. The annoyed frown Wolverine sent his way made him hesitate. Jubilee refused to meet his questioning glance, her face this side of crimson.
"McCoy, you and yer flamin' timin'," Logan growled mildly.
"Nautical exercise," the doctor concluded his previous chain of thought and ignored the rebuke. "Swimming," he amended when Jubilee rolled her eyes at him. "Now, vacate the premises, I have other exams to perform." Right on cue Rogue strode in carrying her sleeping son.
Effectively dismissed, Logan and Jubilee hurried out of Med-Lab. If the boy had his mother's temper, he wasn't going to be too happy about being woken up especially for a medical exam. Sure enough a piercing wail echoed down the hallway followed by the sound of what seemed like a battle.
Two floors above them the lunch bell rang and the walls shook from the stampede of students heading toward the cafeteria. Their stomachs grumbled in unison at the mere thought of food. Logan steered them toward the mansion's kitchen instead. The shorter walk was on the approved 'can' list.
"JULIAN!" Rogue's angry scream made Logan wince. The boy, sans britches, ran past them giggling incessantly. Logan pulled Jubilee into the safe circle of his arms a hair's breath before an irate Rogue stormed by.
"Ah'm gonna tan yer hide, young man, once I catch you," she threatened waving said missing britches in the air as she turned the corner. Julian's giggling could still be heard as mother and son got farther away.
Suddenly very tired, Jubilee burrowed into Logan's neck and shut her eyes tight against another bout of dizziness. "Gotta stop meeting like this. People are gonna talk," she murmured into his ear.
"Let them," he replied savoring the feel of her in his arms. Food could wait.