Disclaimer: I do not own.

Broken Chains

Chapter Three: Rolling in the Deep

Finally, I see you crystal clear.
Go ahead and sell me out, and I'll lay your ship there.
See how I leave with every piece of you.
Don't underestimate the things that I will do.

-Rolling in the Deep, Adele

The house was all I could talk about. Initially, my friends were happy for me. But by day two, Uri had finally heard enough.

"Yes, we know you and the house are very happy together. Send us a postcard from the honeymoon, won't you?"

"Am I ramblin'?"

"Dear Diary," Nate said in a falsetto voice, "I saw the house today, and it's just so wonderful! It's got walls and a roof and everything!"

Tess, Uri, Nate and I had gravitated to our normal seats for lunch. Although the cafeteria had plenty of tables, no one was willing to share. We traveled in packs, defending our favored areas. My friends and I preferred to be far away from noise and attention, and always sat nearest the exit. We all began exchanging lunch items without discussion or hesitation. Tess got everyone's fruits; Nate, protein; Uri, deserts; and I got the starches. Who needs a balanced meal?

"All right," I said, "what else we got t' talk about?"

"Ray is changing her last name to Grey."

"Oh, Natey. I'm so sorry."

"Hey, her call." He shrugged as if he didn't care. We all knew he did.

I felt like a Grade A jack-ass for going on about how great my father was while his father was a walking bulls-eye. I couldn't say for certain how long Mr. Summers had been seeing Ms. Frost, but I knew the affair began while Ms. Grey was still alive. Mr. Summers and Ms. Frost were quite serious. They felt so strongly about each other that they wouldn't deny the relationship or end things under public scrutiny. And there was a lot of attention put on them. I admired Ms. Frost. I happened to know – via precog notions – that she'd never sacrificed so much for one man. I didn't see much in Mr. Summers myself, but I though very highly of her. Their love life was their own private business, but Nate and I seemed to be the only ones who thought so. His half-sister Rachel saw the affair as disrespectful to her mother's memory. If Rachel thought about it a little more, she'd realize that time was not the issue. She didn't want her mother replaced in Mr. Summers' heart.

"Hey, there's Ethan!" Uri said: glad to change the subject. He waved and the older boy joined us at our table.

"Greetings, fellow mutants!" He said brightly.

He bit into an apple and engaged Nate in discussion about their up-coming try-outs. Of course, there was a lot of attention put on Nate. I could only guarantee that he wouldn't be placed on the Hellions or Corsairs squad because that would be a conflict of interest… and just plain mean.

Tess was with us, and surrounded by books as usual.

"Is our conversation bothering you?" Ethan asked her kindly. "You look so intense."

"No, not at all. I'm able to give your discussion my full attention while retaining this novel and noticing the way you lean towards Honor. Need I remind you that she's only twelve years old?"

He blushed and leaned back. I hadn't noticed how close he'd been to me. Nate gripped his water bottle, and poor Uri became very quiet. Tess, as usual, was completely unreadable. But I knew her well enough to recognize the jealousy in her voice, the betrayal in her eyes.

"You can do all that, huh?" Ethan asked tightly. "Ever get full in your head?"

"Not at all. The human mind is capable of occupying seven thoughts simultaneously. However, most minds fall short of their full potential. I am merely able to fulfill mine."

She returned to her book, clearly dismissing him.

An awkward silence settled over our table.

In the distance, I noticed Roxy trying to get my attention.

"S'cuse me," I grabbed my soda can and left abruptly.

She and I left the cafeteria and disappeared into the hall. Once we were alone, she grabbed my arm and whispered: "We've got to ditch that bitch."

We continued walking, and her eyes darted around nervously.

"Foxx?"

"Shh!" We ducked into the girls' bathroom, and she checked the stalls. We were alone.

"She came onto Gambit. In the shower."

"WHAT?" My voice was louder than I'd expected, and echoed painfully off the walls.

"It was after that training session, the one you came to," she said quickly. "We all hit the showers, but you know instructors get their own. She took one look at our showers and said they were no good. She was going to find something more suitable. And then she strolled right into the instructors' showers! In nothing but a towel! I saw her!"

"He t'rew her out, didn't he?"

"I dunno, 'On. She was in there for a while."

"I knew it!" My hands gripped into fists. "I knew it! And he called me a liar!"

"Look, there's more. I confronted her about it, and she attacked me."

I had not expected that. This girl was more dangerous than we knew.

"Roxy, if she assaulted you, you have to report it. You have to."

"No one's going to believe me. Because of my mutations, she didn't leave a mark. Everyone's going to think I made it up out of spite, and the team's fragile enough. Worst case scenario, she'll get transferred to another squad. Same problem, different team."

"So what're we gonna do?" I asked.

"She's super curious about you. Maybe you could – I dunno – make nice with her?"

"Dat home wreckin' little Lolita?"

"I know you don't like her, Honor; neither do I. But she's using the rules to her advantage, and she can't be intimidated. If she's got something to exploit, it'll take a friend to -"

The bathroom door opened and Foxx entered. Roxy and I were caught with our hands in the cookie jar. Foxx leaned against the wall and crossed her arms.

"What do we have here, ladies?" Foxx said smugly. "You aren't spreading nasty rumors, are you, Roxanne?"

"Since when is it a crime to talk in the girls' room?"

"I think you do more than talk in the girls' room, honey."

"She was spreadin' rumors," I said, fighting the urge to panic. "But I know jealousy when I see it."

Foxx gave me a strange look. I tried to leave, but the blue-haired girl put an arm out to block my path.

"What'd she say?"

"Nothin' worth repeatin'." I shot Roxy a cold look and pushed Foxx out of my way. I headed back to the cafeteria, my stomach in knots. I didn't get far before I heard Foxx's voice.

"Hey! Honor, wait up!"

I stopped. As she approached, I tried to get a read on her. Nothing. She was either really shallow or really clever.

"I thought you didn't like me," she said, nervously twirling her hair. "Roxy doesn't like me, either. You know, I don't have anywhere else to go. The last thing I need is for you to make trouble for me."

"You keep away from my father and dere won't be any problems."

"That's exactly what Rogue said." Her black lips curved. "Just how many wives does the man have?"

I tried to walk away, but she grabbed my arm.

"Wait. I'm sorry. I didn't mean that the way it sounded. Can we start over? Hi. I'm Foxx."

"Honor."

We shook hands, her manly grip conquering my slender, delicate fingers. We strolled outside into the cool spring air. My feet seemed to gravitate to the training field, even though I knew it would be crowded today.

"So I hear you're a precog," Foxx smiled in an attempt to be friendly. "That must be tough. I mean, none of the instructors here really know what you're going through. The telepaths try, but it's not the same, is it?"

"I have other powers. What about you?"

"Well, if you're worth your salt, you already know what I can do."

"You're everyt'ing de name implies," I said vaguely.

"Oh, you!" She bumped her shoulder against mine and laughed. "I forget what it's like to have a precog around. The way you talk, the things you do – so mysterious."

"You knew one?"

"Sure did. We dated for a while. I could help you, if you want. With your powers."

"No, thanks."

"You don't trust me? It's all right. I wouldn't trust me, either. I guess those rumors got to you more than you let on. Unless you're using your powers to dig through my past and future: judging me for things I haven't done or did in the past. That's not very fair, you know. I bet your friends and your parents have done way worse things than me, but you overlook that because you got to know the real them. You hated me before I even got here."

I didn't like the way she spoke – as if the words were prepared. She was in complete control of the situation, and I didn't trust that one bit. I sped up my pace, certain I would have sanctuary at the training field. She matched my pace.

"Oh, cherie! There you are!" A voice called.

I turned to see my mother and Bishop approaching.

"I'm sorry," she said quieter, once she was closer. "Should I not call you dat in front of your friends?"

"She's not my friend," I said.

Momma pretended not to hear me. "Hi, you must be Foxx. Oui, Remy's told me so much about you. I'm Belle, de ex. Just came with some paint samples, sweet-heart. T'ought I'd catch you on your lunch break. You said you wanted green. Any a' dese catch your fancy?"

"Why's Bishop wit' you?" I asked while reviewing the strips of paper in hues of pine, sage and mint.

"Lucas is installin' our security system."

I stopped and looked at her. "Lucas?"

Momma stared back at me blankly.

Our little group suddenly became more uncomfortable. Foxx was the first to break the silence with a little joke: "Honor doesn't like to see her parents with anyone of the opposite sex!"

Momma gave Foxx a very deep scan with her eyes. To her credit, the new girl didn't flinch.

"You're pretty sharp, non?" Momma asked, the wheels moving behind her eyes. "Lucas t'inks he can have de system runnin' day after tomorrow. I trust him, but I need t' make sure my family's safe at night. You mind givin' us a hand?"

I panicked. How could my mother be so stupid as to give this girl our secrets?

"I'd be glad to, Ms. LeBeau."

"Belle, chere. Den I come pick you up Friday. Let's see how far you get int' my home uninvited."

Momma and Foxx smiled at each other.

I choose a crisp blue-green color someone called "Sea Breeze" for my bedroom walls. The bell rang, and hundreds of students trickled off the fields, out the cafeteria, and away from shady spots back into the halls and classrooms.

Foxx departed somewhat coldly, but I was glad to see her leave.

Bishop vanished without a word.

Momma put her arm around my shoulder and walked me into the crowd. Leaning into my ear, she said: "No worries, chere. Dat little rat won't get far. Ain't my first time down dis road wit' your papa."

She gave me a confident smile before departing.

I couldn't help but feel victorious.

Steam billowed into the entire room. Through a haze of soft white clouds that left warm moisture on the skin, the red tiles along the walls and floor were visible. The ceiling was a soft white that became gooey under extreme heat. The only sound was the waterfall of a single shower head. Occasionally, the water fell in larger amounts, indicative of a body under the stream.

Foxx sauntered through the mist. One bare foot crossed over the other, taught thighs rubbing together like a violin and bow. A white towel was gathered at her heavy bust. The thin, damp material dipped down her back, barely covering her front and rear ends. Suppressing a giddy smile, she ran a hand up Gambit's muscular back. He turned, and the towel dropped to her feet. A few words were spoken, their existence was insignificant. Then the hands came together: skin on skin. Long, white arms snaked around his strong shoulders, and he lifted her effortlessly against the wall. Next, her long, white legs gripped his waist.

There was panting, grunting, begging and scratching. But no kissing.

It was the primal union of two bodies in one moment of time… A moment that would shatter all the ones to follow.

Alone in the dark, I woke up covered in sweat. I looked around my dorm room, remembering who and where I was. Julie was undisturbed by my trauma. My skin retained the sickly, itchy feeling that came before and after a strong vision. My heart ached as it never had before. I could still see the evil little glint of victory in Foxx's eyes as she put her arms around him… like she knew I was there.

It's not true, it's not true, it's not true, I chanted.

I couldn't shake it. The dread. The hatred.

I threw my blanket aside and charged off, not bothering to grab a housecoat. I needed my mother. I needed her solace and confidence. She would say the problem could be fixed. She would beg or order or manipulate all the players into place. She'd do whatever it took to keep our family together. With renewed energy, I slipped from my room, down the dark hall to the longue. I quietly moved into the guest hall, where her room was located. To my surprise, she was already awake. I saw the light in her room spill out from under the door.

Slowing my pace, I heard her voice. Who was she with? Bishop?

I willed my heart to stop racing, and crept to the door. I could hear her speaking with… Foxx?

"-I should, but it doesn't bother me," Foxx said.

"Dat's wonderful. I don't t'ink it ever bothered Remy, but Honor use to wear big sun glasses. I don't know why. Far as I can recall, no one ever bothered her about it."

"No one had to. She knows she's different."

My heart pounded furiously in my ears. What business did they have to be talking about me? There was a silence, and I worried that I'd missed something important.

"It must be hard for you," Foxx said. "You raised a mutant child all on your own. I mean, it's hard enough with a child that can blend in. And then she runs off with him at the first chance-"

"I can't be mad wit' dem for bondin'. She's his youngin', too. She's got de right t' love him."

"But still, it's hard to see. It must be. You spent so many years being hurt by him. And now he's back, and she's over the moon about it. She never even notices, does she? She has no idea how hard it is for you to play nice with him - to see him every day. Does he even know how hard it's been for you?"

I wanted to punch that bitch!

"Foxx, one day you'll have a child, and you'll understand de sacrifices we make for dem. It ain't just about him. Dere's Rogue, too. And now dey're havin' dese babies. You know he bought a house in Nawlins?" I heard the anger in her voice rise. "It was s'post t' be my babies in dat house."

My heart was beating so hard that I was afraid they'd hear it. I knew Momma still had feelings for him! I knew it!

"That could still happen," said Foxx, as if she were speaking for me. "Gambit said he would've never left if he'd known about Honor."

Momma barked a laugh. "Oh, dat man loves makin' promises he can't keep!"

I couldn't stand to hear another word. Betrayed by my father, I had sought harbor with my mother only to find that she was in bed with the enemy, too. Why didn't they believe me? Why didn't they trust me? I knew I was just a stupid, meddling girl, but they were my parents. That should have meant something! Risking expulsion, I decided to see Tess. I had a gross feeling that I just couldn't shake alone in the dark. While doubling back, I had to pass the kitchen. I noticed a light from the refrigerator, but hoped to slip by unnoticed. As long as it wasn't a telepath or Logan, I was in luck.

"Sugah?"

I stepped back and saw Rogue. She was wearing an over-sized t-shirt and mismatched fuzzy socks. Her chestnut hair with the white streaks was slightly curled and messy. I thought she looked very pretty. In her hand with the plain gold wedding band, she was eating a tube of bratwurst like a candy bar.

I couldn't suppress a giggle. "Rogue… That's disgusting."

She shrugged and grabbed mustard and the milk carton.

"What on earth are you doin' out this late?"

An ocean of affection surged over me. I entered the kitchen and hugged her. Granted, it was very hard to get to her with the belly in the way, but I managed. She was so beautiful and sweet and… good. I loved her, and I didn't want to see her hurt the way my father had hurt my mother and me. She put her snack on the counter and hugged me back.

"I love you, Rogue. I'll always love you."

"Rock-a-by, baby, on the tree top," She sang softly against my hair, and rocked me in her arms.

I laughed. "I'm a little too big for dis, non?"

"Just let me practice… When the wind blows, the cradle will rock… Dern, forgot the next line."

"I think it's-"

My hand accidently brushed her arm. I felt a sharp sting like static electricity, and knew she'd zapped my life force. Maybe it was an accident. Maybe she did it intentionally. Maybe it was fate. I don't know. We looked at each other for a long time before she finally spoke.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

Papa caught hell that morning. I know they tried to keep things quiet – at first – but then Rogue started throwing his things into the hall.

"Rogue, you need to calm yourself," Ms. Frost told her as a crowd began to form. "Think of the children." She didn't mean the students. "I know you're upset. You can be as angry as you want, but you cannot overextend yourself. You cannot make a scene in my school. Understand?"

Rogue dropped her face and cried.

Ms. Frost wasn't a total ice-queen, but she wasn't Rogue's friend, either. She handed my pitiful stepmother over to Tante Ro, and asked Logan to remove my father from the hall.

"With pleasure," he said mercilessly.

I wouldn't have left with Logan in that mood, but Papa's a brave man. Or stupid.

Thank goodness for my friends! They rallied around me – even new-comer Ethan. They used good humor to shoot down my negative thoughts. In between classes, I would find a note in my locker or they'd travel out of their way to see me, just for a second. They even found creative ways to support me with their powers. Ethan was the sweetest. He cut an eraser into a rose head, and then crystallized it on a pencil. I kept it until graduation, when it mysteriously disintegrated. Uri was the most vocal, of course. He serenaded me in the lunch room, and received a thunderous applause from the school. Nate did this neat little trick in my mind. Any thoughts of my father automatically prompted the chorus of "Smooth Operator". I simply couldn't stay anxious. They were so great that I almost forgot about the drama waiting at home. But eventually, the classes ended and the sun set, and I had to leave the fortress of my friends.

Momma was mad as a hornet and waiting in my room.

"What de hell happened? I get back from de city, and Rogue's missed all her classes! Your father's a mess! Won't nobody tell me a t'ing!"

I couldn't speak. My throat literally locked.

"Honor! What happened? Tell me!" She was on the verge of hitting me.

"I – I had a bad dream," I squeaked. "Rogue accidently touched me, a-and found out."

My mother calmed considerably. She'd let her imagination get the best of her, but now that she had a firm grasp of the situation, she could regain her composure.

"What sort of dream?" She asked indifferently, sighing and rubbing her face.

"About Papa… And Foxx."

She stopped and looked accusingly at me. "Oh no… He didn't."

I didn't speak. What could I say?

My mother embraced me, and we just stood there for a long time. "Well, maybe it's for de best."

I pulled away. "What?"

"Dey got a lotta problems, ma cherie. Ain't never easy for a kid t' have a broken home, but it's better den havin' married parents who hate each other. All dat fightin' and hatin'… Just better t' call it quits."

"No!" I nearly shouted. "How could you say dat?"

"Petite," she took my hands and spoke kindly, "Dis been comin' for a while. You must've known."

I shook my head non-stop. Hot tears jetted across my nose and temples. I couldn't stand to open my eyes or accept this life. It felt so wrong. My heart broke and bled and exploded into a black hole that threatened to destroy everything around it. If Papa and Rogue broke up, it was because Rogue had zapped my vision. They weren't the same without each other. And what about the twins? They'd grow up with divorced parents, just like me. They'd have a half-start in life, just like me. Except their loss would be my fault… Maybe my loss was my own fault, too.

"Honor," my mother's voice was suddenly stern. "Did you take your medication today?"

I was still shaking my head. If I stopped, it was real. I heard the door open. Julie had been at the library working on a book report, but was now ready for bed.

"Get Dr. McCoy!" Momma shouted at her.

Julie took one last look at me with her frightened brown eyes and darted off, slamming the door behind her.

I shoved my mother so hard that she flew across the room and slammed against the wall. The black hole inside me finally surfaced. The rage pulsed over me like lightning. I could feel my heart slow, and then it began to beat abnormally. My body was actually moving backwards: not physically, but narratively. I was moving back in time. I saw my mother peel off the wall and fly back to me. Then the lightning filled my brain, sparking seizures. Time returned to its normal flow.

Dr. McCoy grabbed my neck and injected a sedative.

There was discussion about sending Honor back to Muir Island. She'd been doing well, but this relapse could've been fatal. If Julie had been late, if Beast had been further away, if Honor hadn't convulsed – the fortuitous variables had barely saved her life. Belle quickly dismissed sending her daughter away, but agreed to contact Dr. MacTaggert.

"Whatever for?" Dr. McCoy inquired. "I have all of Moira's files here."

"De lawyers will want t' speak t' a doctor who will say Remy's a threat t' Honor," Belle answered evenly.

He complied and then relayed the comment to Emma. The last thing the school needed was a public custody feud involving an instructor.

The patient herself was stable. Due to heightened levels of anxiety, insufficient vitamins to support the stress, and lack of required lithium to counter her mutated chemicals (which balanced aggression), her mental stability relapsed. The doctor returned her brain chemicals to normal readings. This gave her control, but did nothing for her stress. Some professionals would have given her a pill. Dr. McCoy called her friend. Honor lit up like a charged playing card at the sight of Tessa. They hugged and conversed about everything that made Honor smile. Hank watched them through the small window on her door. She really was a pleasant patient. Why couldn't her parents take after her?

"How she doin'?" Gambit approached from behind. He had a bruise under his left eye that had not received medical attention.

"Her levels have been re-balanced," Hank said guardedly. He would have to be very careful what he said around Gambit and Belle if they were planning on dragging the law into their custody arrangement.

"Can I see her?" He wasn't waiting on permission, but already attempting to enter her room.

"I'm not certain that's a wise decision, my friend."

"Why not?"

Belle appeared like a poltergeist at the sound of his voice.

"You didn't care t' see her de last time she was laid up!"

"Belle, please, I don't need dis right now."

"I don't give two spits what you t'ink you need! What you're gonna get is a new hole in your body! You want it above or below de belt?" She pushed her sleeves over her elbows.

"Not in my facilities!" Dr. McCoy bellowed.

"Please!" Gambit held firmly to the door knob. "Chere, I'm leavin' for Antarctica in de mornin'. I don't want t'ings to be left dis way."

"Antarctica?" Belle screamed. A string of curse words in French followed.

While Beast called Bishop to assist him in the sick lab, the argument continued.

"You gotta be de stupidest man I've ever met! You'd go back t' dat wasteland wit' dese people? Knowin' dey left you dere last time!"

"I dunno who told you 'bout dat, but dey didn't tell you de whole story. Rogue absorbed de part of me dat wanted t' die-"

"And after dat wore off, she tried t' find you, non? She apologized, non? No, dat's right. She hooked up wit' de man who started de whole mess! I know more of de story den you t'ink I do. I know it ain't love, LeBeau! Are you too stupid t' know dat?"

Dr. McCoy peaked through the window on Honor's door. She had a pair of ear-phones on: apparently listening to a CD Tess brought.

"You never asked why I didn't tell you 'bout Honor!" Belle continued her tirade as Bishop arrived. "You always knew, didn't you? I didn't tell you 'cause you're a sick, twisted man, and she's better off wit'out you!"

With a gentle push and some nasty remarks for Gambit, Bishop moved Belle out of the infirmary. Gambit tried to see Honor, but she had her light off and her back to him. Tessa sat beside her bed, listening to the CD. The raven haired girl shot him a challenging look. He crossed the room and kissed Honor's temple. Then he left the school.