Jean straightened, "Scott" she noticed Scott walk into the Professors study.
Alex watched but quickly looked at the ground, there was his baby brother, the brother he abandoned years ago.
Rachel had hoped to avoid the family drama, but she was in the thick of it as Scott approached her, "Hey" he said quietly, "Glad your back ok" he held her shoulders
Rachel tried to smile happy to see her father but her glance turned to Alex, "Meet Alex, Scott"
Scott avoided Charles's apologetic look as he stepped towards Alex. Jean met him half way and held his hand for support, "All these years" Scott said
Alex finally looked up and into his brothers eyes, 'I thought I was doing what was best for us" he said in pain, "I spent my whole life thinking mom and dad's accident was planned, and I thought that if we were next it'd be easier on our own"
Scott shook his head; "I grew up my entire life alone"
The words stung Charles while he looked down ashamed. He bore some of the blame. He could have provided answers Scott needed.
"I'm sorry" Alex said, "I can't do or say anything that would ever make up for it, except for that I am sorry"
"You're right" Scott said turning on his heel while letting go of Jeans hand, "not even that can either Alex" he said walking out
Jean looked at both Charles and Rachel and followed Scott out, "Scott wait" she called
Alex blew out a sigh, "Well that went as well as I expected"
"He'll come around" Rachel said, but her tone was uncertain. Alex didn't have to be psychic to know what she thought.
"Rachel get Logan and Remy ready and head out this afternoon" the professor instructed, he was getting anxious.
Rachel didn't have the time to argue over the company she had to keep on the next trip as she walked out of the office, but she could tell time was now of the essence. She could feel the professor's anxiety, Jean was beginning to try and stretch her powers, she was constantly trying to break through Rachel's hold, to try and read her. She was getting stronger, but so was Rachel trying to block her out, trying to stay in control while being around the people she loved.
She found Remy in the kitchen over a pot of jambalaya, it smelled amazing "Common" she smiled, "We're heading out"
"I got dis pot doe Cher" he said pointing to the pot
"We're recruiting" she argued, "Rouge's coming" she tempted him with a grin
At least Remy would be around to distract her, he was the only one that didn't pry her for information, didn't expect anything from her. He took her for what she was. She needed that in the mess she was in,
Remy smiled, "She is?"
Rachel nodded, "Meet me in the hanger in 15 minutes or we're leaving without you" she walked off, "Oh" she stopped peaking her head around the corner, "Bring the jambalaya"
Walking through the hall she found Logan teaching a class. She stopped at the door watching intrigued he had the patience to lecture a bunch of kids. She couldn't help but soften her expression as he explained the events of the civil war, as if he were there. She knew he was, but the kids were still unsure she read.
How old is he really one thought? Rachel couldn't help but smile. He's explaining it as if he were actually there
Logan noticed Rachel at the door as he explained the extreme conditions the soldiers lived in, what it was like being in war. He'd been in many, but he watched Rachel and hoped he was done.
But I'd fight a thousand wars for her
Rachel looked down as she stepped away from the door. Logan stood from the corner of the desk, "Give me a minute" he told the class as he walked out
Rachel crossed her arms, "The Professor wants us to head out to find more recruits"
"Us?" he asked
"Remy and Rouge as well. 15 minutes" she said walking away. She couldn't give in to him. Not matter how much she wanted to, hearing his thoughts made her think he was the same man she knew. Even if he was becoming the man she was, she couldn't risk losing him again. That and part of her knew she couldn't have both Logan and her parents.
"who is it we're getting this time?" Rouge asked packing the jet
Rachel knew the minute she realized Eric was recruiting mutants Rachel knew, "Her name is jubilation Lee" she answered, "Or Jubilee"
"You think Eric is gonna come for her next?" she wondered
"I don't know" Rachel answered, "But she's just a kid now, a powerful one at that" she looked at Rouge knowing she'd understand knowing she came to the mansion under similar circumstances, "She needs our help"
Rouge nodded supporting her, "You're right, it shouldn't just be about recruiting, we also need to be protecting other mutants"
Rachel went about her checks on the jet, "That's right" noticing Jean and Scott at the foot of the landing she stopped and walked over to say goodbye. "Don't worry about me" she read Scott
Scott tried to smile, "Can't help it" Jean smiled.
"You're going to be gone a bit longer" Jean added, "We just got you" she said with a shrug
Rachel nodded, "I know, but Jubilee is out there somewhere, alone and if Eric is after my team, I have to try and get to her before he does"
Scott smiled proud, "You are something kid" he pulled her into his arms along with Jean.
"Try and forgive them" Rachel said into his shoulder, "They only did what they thought was best" Rachel said as they pulled away
"It's a lot harder than that Rach" he admitted,
Logan walked in with his bag and saw the family moment raising an eyebrow "What's wrong Scott, not getting along with big bro" he said
"I'm going to try an relish in the fact that I'll get to spend these next few days free from you Logan" Scott said with a thin smile
Logan smiled Just try not to think that I'll be with your daughter for these next few days
'Where's Remy" Rachel said rapping it up once she saw the look on Jean's face
"Here" he walked in, "Got me dinner too Chere" he strode on to the jet winking at Rouge as she followed wondering what he made.
"We'll see you guys in a few days" Rachel nodded, "It'll be fine" she nodded looking at Jean