AUTHOR: Wic

EMAIL: wic16@yahoo.com

DISCLAIMER: The X-Men and all other Marvel characters belong to Marvel Entertainment.

RATING: PG .

SUMMARY: John, Bobby, Rogue and the X-Men come to terms with what happened at Wanda’s club. Charles reveals a connection to someone surprising. John becomes a part of something he could not have imagined.

FEEDBACK: Any constructive feedback or suggestions anyone may have would be greatly appreciated. . wic16@yahoo.com

CHARACTERS: Pyro/Iceman/Rogue main focus of story with Wanda, Cortez, Lance, Emma, Wolverine, Cyclops, Jean, Storm, Kitty, Jubilee and Colossus also featured as plot devices.

***************************

"Oh give me a break." John Allerdyce said.

The women he was talking with, Wanda Maximoff sighed, fearing she was losing the battle. "I am telling you the truth John."

Needless to say he was having a hard time buying what she had been trying to sell to him. "You've been lying to me since I met you why on earth would I believe anything you'd have to tell me."

"Because you want to."

The words caught him off guard and she used the opportunity to make him understand. "I never knew he was my father until several years ago. When I was an infant my mother took me away from him. She later died and I was taken in by a loving family. It wasn't until they were killed in a car accident that he revealed himself to me. All my family were gone. I had no one. You understand what that's like. Finding yourself drifting through your life without anyone there to confide in or support you. He offered that to me and I couldn't refuse him. Soon though I learned he wasn't the man I wanted him to be. He had this dream of mutants dominating the world and I couldn't be a part of it so I walked away. I hadn't heard anything about my father until I was watching the news one day and I saw what he had tried to do."

John laughed in part at her story and to cover his anger at how stupid he had been to open up so quickly to a group of people he hardly knew. He had told them things he rarely if ever spoke about. How he had been abandoned by those who were suppose to protect him and left to the mercy of the harsh and violent streets until finally he had been found by Professor Charles Xavier. Taken to a school where he met others like himself and finally felt like he belongs somewhere, well until recently anyways.

"That's good and all." John countered shaking the wondering thoughts from his mind. "But how do you explain this massive headache I have."

Pausing a moment she shook her head. "That was none of my doing. An associate of Fabian's walked in saw what was happening and thought we were being attacked. John I swear to you it was never my intention to harm you or your friend. I didn't tell you who I was because I knew how you would react and I was right."

"Actually you're not." John bit back. "I wouldn't have cared that Magneto was your father, but the fact you kept it hidden tells me there is probably a bigger reason behind it than you scared of my reaction."

Shacking her head Wanda appeared to be defeated but John wasn't surprised when she spoke again. "I'm not interest in paying for my father's mistakes and had you known who I was it wouldn't have been long before Xavier learned as well. I would have been cast under suspicion for things I have no involvement with and I didn't want to happen. I regret that this was the result but that's all.

John I am not hiding anything. I'm not plotting some diabolical plan. I wasn't using you. You confided in me because you thought you could trust me and you can."

He was sceptical of what she said but there was a part of him that believed all of it. The fact of the matter was he was alone without any support or help and had she indeed wanted to hurt him she could have by now, and done it quite easily. Her powers were quite impressive and he wouldn't have stood much of a chance against them. Yet she had not made any aggressive moves toward him, had even returned his lighter when he had waken from his unconscious.

He wasn't sure what to think and needed more time to fully comprehend everything that he had learned. Had it not been for the pounding in his head he would have left long ago, assuming she would let him of course.

A loud noise, almost like an explosion erupted from upstairs. "Ah apparently your friends have arrived." Wanda said in an even tone.

The young man tried to stand but the movement sent his head spinning once again. He fell back onto the sofa clutching his head. "Don't worry I'll go tell them you're here."

***************************

"They should have been back by now." Rogue said impatiently as she paced back and forth through the lower levels of the institute.

Leaning against one of the walls off to Rogue's right Bobby Drake sighed deeply. He hated seeing her like this, it hurt him. "They haven't been gone that long Marie. Everything’s going to be fine. John's going to be fine."

His words didn't seem to provide the comfort he had hoped for. "You don't know that. We have no idea what happened to him once I ran out on him. He could be seriously hurt or worse. I mean what if--"

Bobby pushed off the wall and grabbed Rogue's arms, stopping her. "What were you going to do Marie? You were out numbered. John was unconscious. You did the only thing you could, you came and you got back up. John can take care of himself. He will be ok you just have to trust that and yourself. You have no reason to feel guilty."

He resisted the temptation to add that John had effectively brought on this situation all by himself, but thought better of it for Rogues sake. The last thing she needed was him attacking John, especially since neither of them knew the condition of their classmate. He was just angry at seeing Rogue beating herself up over this whole mess. No matter what happened, if all turned out good or not, she would always second guess her decision and there wouldn't be anything anybody could say that would convince her there was no need to doubt herself.

"Look we have no idea when they're going to back. It could be a while why don't we go get something to eat or maybe you could see if you can get some rest."

"No I want to be here when they get back." She said as she pulled away and returned to pacing.

As Bobby watched her he felt terribly useless. It seemed every time he tried to say or do something it ended up not being helpful. Maybe there just wasn't anything he could do... then again maybe there was. "How'd your date go last night?"

Rogue whirled around quickly confusion evident on her face. "What?"

"I mean before... all this." He added realizing how stupidly insensitive the question must have sounded.

She offered a small chuckle and resumed pacing. "It was nice."

"What'd you guys do?"

"We had dinner, saw a movie and went for a walk."

"Sound like you had a good time."

Bobby hated talking about this, hated hearing that thing in her voice telling him she had really enjoyed her time with John before everything went disastrously wrong. But this wasn't about him, his feelings or ego. It was about Rogue. "Ah did."

For a moment he thought he saw the corner of his lips turn up revealing a small smile, but it faded quickly. "I'm glad." He replied honestly. "I gotta say though I was a bit surprised when I heard you guys were going out."

Looking at him shyly she asked, "Why?"

He shifted awkwardly, regretting his decision to be so candid. "I don't know. You're you and John is John."

The smile returned to Rogue's face, she seemed amused by his statement. "What's that suppose to mean?"

"Come on you know what I'm talking about. I've known John for a while and he doesn't exactly come across as the most sensitive, modest or romantic guy in the world."

She nodded in agreement but he noticed her face light up. "Ah know. Ah thought the same thing too but... last night ah saw something different in him. He was really sweet all those other things you were talkin' before."

Her face fell as the current situation came crashing back to her. Bobby who had been several feet away from him came to her and wrapped his arms around her and whispered everything was going to be alright.

****************************

Everyone was on guard, carefully watching the women who had only moments ago appeared from a stair well behind her. Her earlier display had left more questions than answers where her mutation was concerned and that left all the X-Men uneasy. "Where's John?" Cyclops said demanding more than asking.

The women sighed and moved behind the bar to pour herself a drink. "He's fine." She said finally.

"Well then darling you won't mind us seeing that for ourselves then will ya?" Wolverine replied coolly.

"Only if you promise not to destroy anything else." Wanda chirped back.

She led them down the stairs into the basement where John was still seated on the sofa. "John are you alright?" Storm asked taking a seat next to the young man.

Scott watched as John nodded. "What happened?"

"It's rather late and I have some repairs to make to my club so perhaps you'd be so kind as to consider having this conversation somewhere else."

"I want to see Rogue." John said before anyone had the opportunity to respond to Wanda's comment.

Above them someone screamed out Wanda's name and they soon heard hurried footsteps coming down the stairs. "Fabian everything's fine." Wanda said as her lover appeared in the basement.

Both Wanda and John were obviously surprised in the change in his appearance since they last saw him. His clothes were changed but that wasn't what had drew their attention, it was the bruises and cuts on his face and hands that he was unable to conceal. "What happened to you?"

Cortez only replied with a smile refusing to get into specifics while they still had guest. "John I am glad to see you're okay but you and your friends need to leave now."

With Storm's assistance John stood, trying to indicate to the others that it was time to go. Cyclops deciding it would be best to gather some information before making accusations indicated to the others that the best move was to take John back to the School and get all the information.

***************************

"I thought you'd be off sleeping somewhere by now."

John was seated on the ground beside Rogue, his tiredness evident by the darkness forming under each eye. Like Rogue he had been up for well over twenty-four hours straight the sleep depravation was finally beginning to take its toll. He had every intention of getting some rest but there was one thing he needed to take care of before he could do that.

"Ah tried but ah just ended up starein' at the ceiling."

He nodded in understanding and breathed deeply. He wasn't looking forward to this conversation but it was too important to him, she was too important to him to put it off any longer than necessary. "Rogue about what happened last night... I'm sorry. Had I known any of that was going to happen I--"

"Ah know John." She interrupted. "Ah don't blame you for what happened you didn't know who she was but..." Her voice grew softer and more hushed. "John you betrayed all of us and put everyone in danger."

John's face flushed but he kept his cool, the last thing he wanted to do was go off on Rogue. Everything she had said had been correct, he couldn't fault her for any of it. He had exposed his classmates but why the hell were they hiding anyway. He wasn't ashamed of who or what he was and frankly he could care less who knew. "I was just tired of pretending to be something else. Wanda and the others allowed me to be something that I couldn't be here and maybe I got too caught up in it all. I am just so tired of hiding what I am and for what? So humanities weaker species can feel superior and safe when the fact is they're not."

Rogue sat, mouth a gape stunned by the words he had just spoke. She had got a sense of his feelings last night at the club but this was something different, more resentful, more hateful. "John! It's your right to feel however you want but ah have that same right. Ah don't want people to know who or what ah am. Not now, ah couldn't handle it. It's hard enough to make it through the day as it is sometimes without the added stress of other people knowing I'm a mutant. Ah'm sorry if you think that's weak but..."

"I don't!" He almost shouted before stopping himself. He had came here with one purpose and so far nothing he had intended had came to pass. Focusing once again he breathed deeply and looked to Rogue. "I need to know something."

"What?"

For a moment he felt his stomach churn. In all the relationships he had been in he had never been as nervous as he was at this moment. That realization hit him hard. The feelings he had for Rogue were a lot deeper than he realized. "Where does all that has happened leave us?"

The question took her by surprise and she found she couldn't think of a single word to respond with. She had known this conversation would eventually come, but hadn't expected it so soon. All the scenario and ideas she had conjured in her mind were no where to be found now and she was left with only the feelings in her heart to guide her. "So much has happened John."

"I know." He paused for a moment and then continued. "I really like you Rogue. The times when we've gone out, when it is just us, I've had a really great time. The only thing I can think of when we get back here is when can we do it again. I messed up but believe me the last thing I ever wanted to do was put you in danger. If I had even had the slightest hint that something was wrong then I never would have brought you there."

"Ah believe you. It's just that ah need to know ah can trust you."

"You can, I promise."

Rogue hoped for her sake and the school's that he was right, and despite her reservations gnawing at her she went with her heart.

***************************

Scott walked quietly down the long hallway to the med lab, the events of the day playing heavily on his mind. For almost two hours he and Professor Xavier had talked with an Agitated John about the events leading up to his and Rogue's predicament. The conversation had not gone well and in the end it seemed they had more questions than answers.

Stepping into the lab he saw Jean in the far corner intently working on one of the many computers. All screens in the room were active, displaying both human and mutant genes as well as what appeared to be microscope captures. He figured she was working on determining the composition of the virus that was stolen from the government installation. As soon as they had returned with John she had retreated to the lab to begin a new day of work despite Scott's instance that she get some rest first.

She appeared not to notice that he had entered but he knew better. Even if she hadn't heard the door slide open she would have felt his presence in the room as soon as he walked in. He took a seat at the desk and waited until she finished.

"Hey." She said after several minuets as she rose from the computer and stretched slightly.

"Any luck?" He replied despite already knowing the answer.

"Maybe." She responded but didn't seem too convinced. "How did things go with John?"

"I don't know. He was either defensive, evasive or indifferent to whatever was asked of him. Didn't seem to display any resentment or remorse for what happened and to tell you the truth I think he was protecting Wanda Maximoff."

"Why would he do that? Especially after what happened."

He had no idea. It wasn't making any real sense. The entire conversation had been a struggle. The young man had been very hesitant to divulge any information to Scott or the Professor, and that made Scott uneasy. John had already exposed the school's students as mutants and had also identified the staff as the X-Men, a fact that had infuriated Scott. "I don't know but I don't trust him. He's already proven that he has little reguard for this school and the people who reside here. No matter what his personal feelings he had no right to endanger the lives of everyone calls this place home."

He could feel himself growing more and more angry with each word he spoke but he couldn't help himself. The whole situation was out of control. All of them were now venerable because of a young man's stupidity. "Scott." Jean said as she knelt down infront of him. "I really don't believe he intended things to get so out of hand. He's just confused, trying to figure out who he is, trying to find the best way to do that. He made a mistake."

"You know if that was all I thought it was than I could accept it. I sat for almost two hours with that kid and the only thing he seems to honestly regret is the fact Rogue got caught up in it all. That worries me."

***************************

The club would have been entirely encompassed by silence had it not been for the two men working on installing a new door at the entrance. Wanda Maximoff was downstairs at her desk going over the previous nights bar receipts. She hadn't been able to get much work done since her encounter with John and the X-men, and was now trying to finish it all up so she could get some rest before the club opened up for another night. "You know." A voice rang out from the stair well. "I could finish that for you if you'd like. You look as though you may be in need of some sleep."

Looking up she watched as Fabian approached with a steaming mug of coffee in his right hand. He had not stayed long after John and the others had left earlier in the day, stating that he had business to attend to that unfortunately could not wait. He offered the cup of coffee to her and she gladly accepted, taking a small sip before placing it on the desk beside the papers. "Thank you." She smiled. "Did you take care of you needed to?"

Despite not intending to put him on the spot his sudden uncomfortableness told her she had. "Yes everything is fine now. If it had not of been of vital importance there would have been no way that I would have left this morning Wanda."

"I know that Fabian." She tried to reassure him.

Ever since he had appeared last night, bruised and bloodied, she had been curious to learn what had happened, but her attempts to determine the reasons behind this had gotten no response, now however she was determined not be put off again. She stood and moved to him and rested her hand softly on his cheek, running her thumb gently across one of the many cuts on his face. "What happened to you last night?"

Once again, like this morning he smiled and tried to skate passed the question. "Nothing."

"Fabian." She said more forcefully, hoping that he'd understand that she would not be brushed off any longer.

Sighing he replied. "There was an incident at one of my warehouses last night and it resulted in myself and a few others getting some small bruises and cuts."

"What kind of incident?"

"One of the storage crates fell and caused a small fire which caused the contents of another crate to expand and explode. That was why I needed to get back down there this morning. I wanted to make sure everything and everyone was okay."

She was about to respond when the phone rang. She offered an apologetic smile and moved to pick up the phone. "Hello."

As soon as the voice on the other end of the phone spoke she knew immediately whom it. She tried to conceal her surprise from Fabian, something about his explanation wasn't sitting right but she didn't know why. Listening quietly she finally responded by saying, "That will be fine." and hung up.

Ignoring Fabian's questioning glances she returned to her seat at the desk and went back to checking the receipts.

"Who was that?" He asked after realizing that she was not going to freely divulge that information.

Not bothering to look up from her papers she replied, "The liquor inspector. He wants me to meet him. If you don't mind would you finish up these receipts, I have to pull something’s together before the meeting."

"Now."

This time she looked up. "Yes, if you have nothing else that requires your attention. If you do I can finish this when I get back."

He nodded. "No I can take care of that."

She smiled, got up, kissed his bruised cheek and walked up the stairs.

****************************

There were only a few students milling about in the cafeteria when Bobby walked inside for dinner. He grabbed a tray, picked up some food, got something to drink and then surveyed the large room of tables and chairs for a place to sit down. He noticed his roommate seated at one and moved to join him. He hadn't initially noticed that Peter was seated with Jubilee, Kitty and John but by the time he did it was too late.

He sat down beside Peter and focused his attention on his meal instead of the group he was eating with. "Hey Bobby what's up?" He heard Kitty cheerfully ask.

She was seated on Peter's other side and Bobby had hoped that he could have avoided any polite conversation during his meal but he should have known better with both Kitty and Jubilee present. "Nothing." He responded without adding anything more.

Thankfully Peter started a conversation with the rest of the group leaving Bobby to eat in peace, and eventually the two ladies excused themselves because of some schoolwork they had to do, leaving the three male students alone at the table. "So what's going on Bobby? You're awfully quiet today." John asked casually.

"Nothing." Bobby relied once more.

"Come on. Something's bothering you. You've been all doom and gloom the entire day and you've been a little spacey for the last week or so."

"How's Rogue?" Bobby asked abruptly as he turned his gaze to the other young man.

"Fine. I was talking to her earlier, I think she's sleeping now."

He hadn't wanted for this to happen, but he couldn't help it. He had been so mad after Rogue had returned to the mansion last night scared out of her mind about what may have happened to John. She had been ripped apart with the guilt and not knowing what was happening. Now John was acting as if things were fine, and they weren't. This was no longer about Bobby's jealously over John's relationship with Rogue, he had dealt with that this morning when he had been waiting with Rogue for John’s return. No this was about the danger John had exposed her to and what could have happened instead of what did. "Yeah she didn't get a lot of sleep today. She was too preoccupied with guilt over leaving you alone with Magneto's daughter and not knowing what they had done to you."

John didn't reply, but it was evident the words had caused the man to become angry. "Bobby." Peter spoke up, hoping to diffuse the situation. "Perhaps this is not the time for this conversation."

Bobby ignored his roommate’s suggestion and added. "What the hell were you thinking?"

"What?" John replied the anger blatantly apparent in his voice.

"If you want to out yourself to a group of complete strangers, that's your decision, but it's not up to you to make the decision for the rest of us."

"Oh please." John fired back. "Save your sermon Bobby. Be the choir boy if you want to be but I'm not going to sit here and listen."

John rose quickly and started to leave but Bobby grabbed him. "No you're going to listen."

The two young men stared each other down for a moment and then Bobby added. "Last night Rogue was a wreck, I've never seen her like that before. I don't want to see her like that again."

"Neither do I."

"Rogue cares about you John. Don't let her regret that and don't hurt her cause I swear if you do--."

"I don't intend to hurt her." John interrupted. "And don't threaten me either. You aren't her father or brother, and you're not her boyfriend as much as you may wish other wise. make sure when you're playing the choir boy you're doing it for the right reasons and not because you're pissed that I got the girl."

With that John swung free and walked out of the cafeteria leaving Bobby staring after him.

"Well." Peter said standing up beside his roommate. "That went well."

*******************************

"I am sorry about the delay." Xavier said as he moved into his office carefully shutting the door behind him. "I had a few matters to take care."

Wanda, who was seated in one of the chairs facing Charles’ desk smiled. "I am curious why you neglected to tell anyone that you had asked me to come by? It certainly would have saved Rogue an unpleasant surprise."

Nodding in agreement Charles responded. "Yes it certainly would have. Unfortunately I hadn’t expected you so early."

The two looked at one another for several moments, both at ease in each other’s company. "It has been a long time Wanda, you look wonderful."

"Still the same old Charles." She said with a smile.

"I was troubled to learn that you were so close by but had not paid me a visit."

"Is that your way of asking what I have been up to? No need to be so polite Charles, we have known one another too long for that."

She was right. Erik had introduced Wanda just a short while after the young women had learned whom her biological father was. They had spent a great deal of time together as Charles and Erik had worked together for the mutant cause. He considered her to be family. "I am just concerned that’s all."

She appeared to find his statement amusing. "There is no need to be I assure you. I have not followed in my father’s footsteps and decided to wage war against humans. I have no interest in being a martyr or murder. I apologize for not visiting but I have been very busy and… to be honest I wasn’t sure I wanted to see you again." She paused obviously trying to figure out how best to proceed.

"What happened with John and Rogue was just an unfortunate misunderstanding Charles. I assure you." Wanda offered.

He had no reason to doubt her, and suspected the reluctant recount of events from John had more or less been the truth. "I believe you, however I have a responsibility to protect all my students form threats and carelessness."

"You’re angry because he exposed your school and it’s special students and faculty."

"Although I would prefer to believe differently we live in a world where mutants, no matter how innocent, are seen as inherently dangerous. This school is, in essence, a refuge for them. A place where they can live without fear, with people like themselves, and learn to control their mutations and coexist with humans."

"Then you have a problem Charles." Wanda suggested. "Isn’t it apparent what happened with John? He doesn’t subscribe to the purpose of this institution. When I met him he was in need of feeling something he couldn’t get from you, that he belonged. He opened up to me because I provided him an outlet to express whatever he needed, free of judgement and criticism. Can you honestly say you do the same."

Her point was well made but it was not something he wished to discuss any further. There were more pressing matters to contend with at the moment. "There have been several mysterious break-ins at a government installations recently, you don’t happen to know anything about them do you?"

Confused Wanda replied, "Why would I know anything about… Charles if you’re implying I am in someway involved I think it is time I left. I had hoped you knew me better then to think I would be capable of whatever it is you are suggesting."

She stood up and moved to the door, Charles’ voice made her pause. "There was another incident last night. Three guards were killed, along with four other people who were caught in an apparent explosion and falling debris."

She turned to face him one last time before leaving. "Well then Charles if this event occurred last night then it would be impossible for me to have been involved because I was with John all night at my club. Remember, I am sure he told you that already. It was good to see you again Charles."

*******************************

John was seated at the bar in Haven sipping on a glass of water. He knew everyone would be pissed that he had came back here, but the people he had met here were his friends and he wasn’t going to turn his back on them because of a lecture Professor Xavier and Scott Summer had given him. Three days had passed since the incident with Rogue and he was in serious need of a break form that whole scene.

It was late once again and the evening’s crowd was being to disburse. Cortez was downstairs with Wanda, and Lance was working the room, flirting with any woman within his vicinity. .John noticed a thin blonde women enter the club. She looked directly at him and smiled as she started toward him. "I hope your head is feeling better John." She said coyly.

Surprised by her comment he was at a loss for words. "Oh Emma leave the poor boy alone. You gave enough of a headache the other day. Cortez isn’t going to be happy seeing you here, neither is Wanda." Lance warned joining them at the bar.

The women laughed slightly, "Please the woman is a bore. The only reason she is even a part of this is because—"

The other man interrupted. "Ah Emma watch you tongue. This room has many ears and not all have the same loyalty as you and I. Let me get you a drink.."

"Where is Cortez anyway? Playing house with that wretch. We don’t have time for this any longer. Things are moving too quickly now to be worried about this charade. We are two hours away and have yet to get started with the preparations."

"You worry too much. Cortez will be he in a moment. He had a few last details to work out." Lance said offering her a drink.

The two continued to bicker back and forth for a while until Cortez appeared. "It’s time to go."

Lance who had started to get up, hesitated. "What about John?"

The blonde and Cortez stopped in their tracks and turned to regard Lance. "No." Cortez responded without another word..

"We’re one man short. The kids got skills."

Emma added. "As much as I hate to agree with him, Lance is right. You’ve said so in the past as well. We can do this ourselves but it’s going to be tight. If we have John it will be a snap."

John was completely lost in the conversation and had no idea what it was they were trying to convince Cortez to let him be a part of. "Look," started Emma once more. "Time is running short. If the kid doesn’t work out there are ways of taking care of if. I will take care of it."

If that was a convincing argument, Cortez didn’t look swayed by it. "Alright." He finally said. "John you can come with us, however know that if you do come with us there is now way out until what we have to do is completed. This isn’t a school field trip it’s much more than that in every regard."

Although he wasn’t sure what he would be agreeing to he knew he wanted to be a part of it. He trusted both Cortez and Lance and believed that he would agree with whatever they were doing. "I’m in."

"Yeah." Lance said cheerfully. "Welcome to the revolution."

For the first time Fabian noticed Wanda standing at the threshold of the staircase. Not pleased to see Emma in her club or to have witnessed the events that have just transpired. "And what revolution would that be Lance?"

Surprised by the question, Lance whirled around but had no response. Like the others he had not seen her standing there and been caught saying something he shouldn’t have. Fortunately Cortez didn’t give him and opportunity to respond. "You know how Lance is, he has a tendency to embellish. We were actually on our way out Wanda, I will see you later."

She did not appear pleased by his brush off. "Excuse us please." She called to the others as she beckoned Fabian to the far corner of the club. "I thought I told you she was never to step foot in my club ever. What is she doing here?"

"There was an emergency, that’s where we are headed right now." Fabian answered.

"You seem to be having a lot of trouble lately with the explosion at the warehouse and now this mysterious problem. Do you really think it is something you should be dragging John into?"

It was a question that Cortez was wondering about himself, but there wasn’t really any other choice. "John can take care of himself, and if he can’t I’ll be there to do it."

"What are you up to Fabian? What is it you have been doing these last few months? No more lies just the truth."

He looked at her intently, surprised to find he was conflicted by what he had to do and his ever growing feelings for her. "Unfortunately I do not have time for this right now. When I get back we will talk about it all, I promise."

At that he turned and led the way out of the club, leaving Wanda to stare after him.

She had a horrible feeling in the pit of her stomach, a fear that something terrible was about happen. A realization that everything she was certain of had just been some elaborate fabrication. She needed to have the answers, and needed them now.

*******************************

Scott and Jean had been watching TV when the doorbell had sounded. Annoyed at the late intrusion Scott had answered surprised to find Wanda standing before him. They along with Charles, Logan and Ororo had gathered downstairs in the ready room to listen to what Wanda had to say. Afterwards Charles had gone to cerebro to try and pinpoint John’s location. The rest of the group was now in the hanger waiting for Charles who had just appeared in the doorway. "They’re in New York." He stated but there was more. "It’s another government complex."

"Ok lets go." Ordered Scott and headed toward the jets boarding ramp.

The other’s followed but stopped when Wanda spoke. "I’m coming to."

"No way." Scott replied forcefully.

"Scott." Jean said from beside him.

He let it drop as the others boarded the plane. "I don’t like this." He said.

"I know." She replied.

He looked at her for a moment. Wishing for the thousand time that they weren’t X-Men and were just living normal lives, but knowing this was their calling. "I have a really bad feeling about this."

He kissed her and moved up into the plane. "I know." Jean whispered. "So do I."