Summary: A single act brings hurt and grief.
Disclaimer: I don't own X-Men
Rating: T
A/N: First off, I'm sorry I took so long to update. I just lost interest in writing it because, well, because. Secondly, I apologize if this is a short chappie. Most of my writing stamina has been placed in one of my other fics.
Betrayal
Chapter 16
Present Time: Westchester, New York
…several days later…
It started with a question that ended in a full scale brawl.
The lines had been drawn so tight they were bound to snap. An inquiry to the whereabouts of Storm by Hank McCoy had lit the fuse inside Logan's head. Without reservation, he charged the Secretary full force, claws unsheathed, into a wall in the foyer. Dust and plaster fell about Hank's feet as he reared up, enraged. Diplomacy and respect for individuals fizzled like dew in the rising sun. Raging, the Beast he tamed for years took control.
He struck Wolverine like a venomous snake, dodging his razor sharp claws, ramming his massive bulk into the odious male. They slammed full force into a cedar table resting in the hall, shattering a priceless Ming vase, flowers trampled under the weight of their bodies. Logan smashed his fist into his head, the indestructible metal under his knuckles delivered a stunning blow. Grunting, Beast roared, a dizzying pain blinding him, he keeled over.
Wolverine shot to his feet, slashing Beast across the back, his adamantium claws shredding his white shirt. Blood seeped through the cotton fabric, but quickly evaporated as Beast's wound closed, leaving only a clump of darkened blue fur. "Don't look so surprise, you're not the only one who's unique," he cackled, catching the look of surprise in Logan's face. Scaling off the ground, he surged to Wolverine, delivering smashing blows his face and torso, he moved in amble agility.
Beast used Logan's sluggish movements all due to the metal lacing his bones to his advantage. He blocked every feeble thrust of the sharp blades, gripping the arm, his claws punctured Wolverine's skin, causing him let out roaring howl. Lifting him, he tossed him through the main doors, splintering the oak, breaking the class fixtures. Wolverine flew a good distance, mouth swallowing bits of dirt and rock, his flesh scraping against concrete as he slammed into the ground. By then, students had scattered like a flock of birds throughout the mansion, fleeing the onslaught.
Scraping himself off the paved earth, Logan hissed as he pressed a hand to his side, retracting the appendage to see his fingertips soiled with blood. He staggered, groaning, feeling his body piece itself together, then cracked his neck. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Beast bounding toward him like a wild animal possessed by a demon. Eyes growing black, he squared his shoulders, standing face front. His six inch daggers slid out of his hands fueling his already incensed anger.
--
…later in the day…
"Oh, man, they were like two dogs fightin' over a bone," Jubilee cried, bouncing on Rogue's bed in all energy and excitement as she went into a detailed description on what happened that afternoon. "If it weren't for the Professor, someone might've ended up dead." She pressed two fingers to her lips and thought a moment. "But I don't think that's like possible since they can both can heal pretty damn quick." She glanced over to Rogue and frowned. Once again, her friend had taken leave of the mansion, unable to face her utter humiliation at being rejected by Scott. She'd found refuge inside one of the lakeside cottages and had been crying herself to sleep every night. "Rogue?"
She flipped about in her seat, startled her friend was gone, and she was alone. She rose. Looking about the cottage, she spotted Rogue standing on the shoreline of the lake, and went outside. Rogue was staring forlornly on the lake. Her arms wrapped were about her and she dropped her head as she took a breath. A gentle wind brushed the surface, causing the water to fan out in rolling waves. The sun reflected on the lake and the lake sparkled like diamonds. Hesitantly, Jubilee walked down to bank, overlooking her dismal state.
"Rogue?" she asked. "Jesus, girl! You scared the shit out of me! Don't disappear like that." She looked at Rogue critically. She could see something was bothering her. "Are you okay?"
For a while, Rogue said nothing before she spoke. "So, where are we going for my birthday. I know we going to celebrate by heading out to the mall, shopping until we drop, then we're going to dance the night away. Flirt disgracefully with every cute guy who offers to buy you a drink.."
Jubilee's forehead bunched together. "Are you okay?" she asked, knowing it was not Rogue's style to up and suddenly want to party.
Rogue giggled. "Yeah," she said, brown eyes widening. "I not going to let anything spoil this day, especially when I know you got the hookup for the club right."
"You know I do." Jubilee said, a devious smile on her face, holding up two fake id cards.
"Wow these are great!"
"I know! John has his uses. He's real good."
Her eyes widened when she saw Jubilee pull out a set of keys. "Is that what I think it is?"
"That's right!" Jubilee exclaimed. "The keys to the Porsche. Let's blow this joint!"
A quick change of clothes, the girls hurried to garage, mindful not run into any members of faculty as they made their escape; currently, Rogue was suppose to making up for all the lost time, when she was Hawaii with Scott.
To Rogue's surprise, John and Peter were there waiting. She should've known two wouldn't be company. Pecking her boyfriend on the cheek, Jubilee slid in the driver's side, fired up the engine, and powered down the driveway.
"We're going to get in so much trouble," Rogue said, giggling, looking to the rear of the car.
"Lighten up, stripes" John said with a mocking grin. "We're doing this for you, you know. I could be in my room studying." Everyone started laughing, he glared. "What's so fuckin' hilarious?"
Jubilee chuckled. "John, you'd do anything but study."
"Fuck all of you" he said, half serious, half joking.
Surprisingly, Rogue found she could laugh again, a wonderful distraction from her thoughts and abjection. Jubilee dropped the sunroof and she lay her head back, loving the wind tousled her hair, and caused the sleek platinum locks to bounce on her cheeks. When she felt John staring at her, she turned and raised an eyebrow. "What?"
He shrugged and focused on the view flashing by. "Nothin'."
"Whatever."
By mid afternoon, they'd reached the Queen's Mall and parked the car in a public lot. Scurrying to the entrance, the girls chatted up a storm, laughing, while Peter and John hung back. Putting the Professor's credit cards to some use, Rogue and Jubilee raced into every high end fashion store.
"I think we're going to be here a while." Peter said, shaking his head as he watched his girlfriend and Rogue sift through the endless racks.
"No shit," John grumbled, hands shoved in his pockets, fingering the lighter he never went anywhere without. "Look, man, I'm starved. I gonna grab some food."
"I'll come with you," said Peter. "Just let me just tell Jubes we're heading out."
"I didn't know you had to clock in and out," John said snidely, toying with his lighter.
Peter glowered at him then turned. "Babe, we're going to get a bite. We'll be at the food court?" Jubilee merely waved him away with the flick of her fingers as she piled an endless amount of clothes on her arm. "They're gonna be awhile." He said as they left.
"Maybe we could see a movie." John implied humorously.
--
"Finally! What took you guys so long…" Peter's voice faded as he took in the tremendous amount of shopping bags his girl and best friend lugged along with them. "What did you buy out the entire mall?"
"Almost." Jubilee giggled, handing him the bags.
"The Professor's going to freak," he said.
Rogue tipped her head as she glanced John's direction. "Well," she cleared her throat. "Aren't you going to take my bags."
"Do I look like a fuckin' bust boy." He snarled, eyes glinting.
"Charming to the last." She said, glowering. He shrugged and continued to pet his lighter; the one that was eternally glued to his hand. She couldn't understand why he always had to take it with him everywhere. "I'm hungry."
"Should've came when we ate."
"Whatever."
She made her way to a nearby Burger King stand and purchased a meal then went off to take a seat at a table. Munching on her food, she watched as Jubilee smothered Peter with kisses, and rolled her eyes. The two needed to get a room. John caught the look of discontent wrinkling her brow and cocked his head in amusement. Was she jealous? He shook his head as his mouth coiled into a cynical smirk. Poor Rogue. She was still vying for the affections of an uptight ass wipe who couldn't tell the difference between her obvious distaste of the public scene. Regarding her, he slowly swept his hands over his lighter. Was she jealous? Upset her friend was getting loving and not her. He'd heard how things went to hell with Scott. Now, she locked herself in one of cottages down by the lake as one would lock themselves in a tomb. He sneered. She was so weak. So pathetic. She should've known better than to fall for a guy on the rebound. Spying a soda machine he slipped four quarters into it and retrieved a Pepsi.
"If that's for me, thanks, I've already got my drink," she said.
"It's not," he said casually, sliding into the seat next to her.
Rogue wiped her mouth, utterly annoyed. "Why did you come here John if you're sole purpose is to be a scumbag."
"I think that's a title best left for what Mr. Summers did to you."
She shot out of her seat vexed. "You freakin' asshole."
"Pumps your breaks stripes," he chuckled. "I was only yankin' your chain."
"Something your familiar with." Picking up her tray, she crossed to the garbage bin and dumped her trash. Collecting her shopping bags, she went to Jubilee. "I've had enough fun. I want to go home."
"What?" The Asian mutant cried. "I thought we were going to head to the club after seeing a matinee."
"I don't feel like it anymore. I want to go home," she said with a great deal of instance. "It's my birthday. We do what I want." Swerving in her heels, she marched out the food court, leaving Jubilee baffled.
She couldn't understand her behavior till she locked eyes with John leaning coolly in his seat. In swift strides she stood before him. "What the hell did you say to her?"
His eyes didn't reach hers. "Nothing."
"Yeah, right." She said blistered with anger.