saga/title/fandom: Two of Us chapter 1 (X-Men)

author: Alex L

rating/genre: (R) - Romance/Drama

warnings: het, language, adult situtations

summary: Set after the kiss in Homecomings, Bobby finds happiness with Jubilee. In progress. Please read and review!

comments/disclaimers: I forgot the disclaimer for this one---my apologies. All characters belong to Marvel. The story is mine.Feedback is always appreciated.

Chapter One: The Search Is Over

The early summer sun rose over Westchester the next day, drying the dew on the grass. Birds flew over the grounds of the Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters. Their bright chirps could easily be heard by anyone who was awake. The peaceful scene was finished off by the gentle breeze that rustled the many trees on the manicured grounds of the mansion.

On this morning, in one of the bedrooms of the Summers’ home, a young man with a boyish face and sandy hair began to awaken from his slumber. For the first time in several months, Bobby Drake felt completely rested and relaxed. He wasn’t even sure the last time he had slept so well, so fitfully. The overwhelming feeling of contentment permeated his entire being. A broad smile lit up his face as he slowly opened his eyes. He could not help but think how great the day was and how it was filled with so many possibilities. It was one of those days where he wanted to shout to the world how happy he was.

It took a couple of seconds for him to reorient himself. At first, he was surprised to find that he had not slept in his bed. It was either that or he had done some major redecorating in his sleep. The last time he checked, pink was not exactly his favorite color. Not that he minded being where he was.

The cloud of happiness he was experiencing did not prevent his mind from recalling the events of the night before. Most of it was a like a dream--- convincing himself to leave his room, running out of the mansion, and the agonizing minutes he spent, staring at the house in anticipation. The words that seemed to flood out of his mouth like water from a broken dam echoed in his mind as well as his thoughts. Feelings of fear and anxiety washed over him like a tidal wave, which were new and unpleasant sensations for someone who considered himself a reasonably easy-going person. Worse yet, no amount of wisecracking or prank playing---defense mechanisms he often relied upon in other situations---could abate these feelings.

The sense of being very much out of control also threw him off. For the last several months, he had forced himself to hide his feelings for her, fearing the ultimate outcome. That night, Bobby laid everything out on the line. He compared the situation as coming in with all his money to Vegas, praying to hit it big. While he had a great deal to lose, there was the possibility of winning a great deal as well. He gambled, kissing her. In spite of the tense moments that followed, he had won.

His lips began to tingle at the memory of that first kiss. It was nothing he had experienced before. There was no awkwardness, no worries about the other person wanting to pull away.... It simply felt right. He simply felt right for the first time in a long time. From the radiant smiles she had given him between kisses, Jubilee appeared to have felt the same way. The two had settled on her bed, continuing to discuss their revelations.

Bobby had pulled her into his arms, lying back on some pillows. He had rested his chin against her forehead, stroking her hair. While he was accustomed to a low body temperature, there was undulating warmth that radiated from inside and out to his skin, tingling every part of his body. It was an incredible experience, one that he had not ever recalled before--- even before the appearance of his mutation.

“This is nice,” he had remarked, watching the moonlight stream in from the window and casting a soft glow in the room.

She had pressed her cheek against his chest. His heartbeat was steady and soothing in her ear. “Yes, it is,” she had agreed. After a brief pause, she had said, “I thought about what this would be like.”

His arms had tightened around her in response. “Me, too.” He was aware that he held her close like this many nights before, but this was different. This time, there was no need to hold back anything.

“Bobby?”

“Yeah?”

“I still.... I still can’t believe this is real.”

“Me, neither.”

“It’s like after all this time...”

“Shh, Jubes. You don’t have t o think about that now.”

“But it is real.”

“Yes, it is.”

“Good.”

He had planted a kiss on the top of her head affectionately. “We’re off to a positive start. You know, agreeing on the same thing.”

Her fingers had tugged at one of his shirtsleeves. “Why did it take so long?”

“Well, a couple years ago, it would have been illegal,” he had joked. The last time he had seen her, she was about fifteen years old.

That comment received a playful slap to the shoulder. “I’m serious,” she had said softly. “I mean for me, it was.... I didn’t think you wanted to be with someone like me.”

He had peered down at her quizzically. “That’s the craziest thing I’ve ever heard.”

“Well, you wouldn’t have been the first,” she had told him. “Everyone around here still looks at me like I’m still a kid. I thought you did the same and that’s why you wouldn’t want me.” She had bit her lower lip, and then smiled when she realized that this was not the case after all. “Your turn, Drake.”

“You already know. I didn’t want to get hurt again.”

“I know. I get the feeling I have there’s something else.”

“It’s not that important, is it? Not now.”

“It is to me. Please, Bobby?”

“I guess I waited.... I mean, I waited because I didn’t want to hurt you.”

“Hurt me? How would you hurt me?”

“By screwing up with you like I did with the others. I mean, all of that was my fault, if you want the truth.”

“I don’t believe any of that, Bobby. We’ve known each other for years and I have never known you to hurt anyone.”

“Jubes, you don’t....”

“Just let me finish, OK?”

“Fine.”

“As for your other relationships, I think it takes two people to tango. Don’t put all the blame on yourself.”

He had kissed her forehead gently, hearing the words of reassurance from the one person he found the most credible. His shoulders had been unburdened of the residual weight he had been carrying for so long. “I knew there was a reason why I’m crazy about you.”

There was a long pause in the conversation following his comment. Jubilee then raised her head to peer into his face. “I don’t want you to go,” she had whispered, feeling his fingers tangle in her silky hair.

“I’m not going anywhere,” he had told her gently, recalling how Logan’s absences often took a toll on her. “You don’t have to worry about that.”

She had shaken her head. “No, I mean.... I mean I don’t want you to leave tonight. Can you stay?”

“I’d like that,” he had admitted, his heart beating wildly. It had been a while since a woman had asked him to stick around. Usually, he was the one who had asked. The imploring look she was giving was enough to make him say yes. Immediately, he knew he was in trouble. There was no way he could ever resist that.

Bobby peered down at the sleeping form in his arms. Jubilee was lost in peaceful repose, her dark tresses forming a halo about her head. He was amazed as to how beautiful she was at this moment. It was hard for him to take his eyes off of her. Whether it was the flawless, creamy skin or the delicate features, he could not helped but be intrigued. While he had been involved with his share of beautiful women, there was something distinctly different about Jubilee. Her innocence and guileless roused a myriad of wonderful feelings inside.

His fingers traced the outline of her small, red mouth affectionately. He could feel his heart flutter when the hint of a smile appeared. Bobby shifted in the bed so that he was leaning over her. Brushing a few tendrils from her cheeks, he bowed his head forward and pressed his lips softly against hers. Almost instantly, he felt her stir underneath him. Her slender arms draped themselves around him, tugging him closer. Bobby kissed her again, his embrace more passionate this time. He allowed his hands to brace both sides of her head, his fingers tangling in her long, silky hair.

Pulling back slightly to catch his breath, Bobby smiled down at her. “Good morning.”

“Morning,” Jubilee whispered. Her sapphire eyes crinkled at the corners as she beamed up at him. The gentle way he was looking at her made him even more handsome to her. Seeing his face first thing already made the day brighter for her.

He kissed her forehead and then the tip of her nose. “I don’t think I’ve slept this well in a long time.”

“Me neither,” she breathed, her fingers stroking his ears. Thick, black lashes lowered slightly, adding to the dreamy quality of her expression. “I don’t know why we didn’t think of this sooner.” She giggled when she felt his fingers tickle her sides.

“Because I was stupid,” he whispered, his gray eyes intensely staring into her brilliant sapphire depths. Bobby swore he could lose time simply looking into them. He wasn’t sure if anything else could compare to their color and sparkle.

“No, you weren’t. Before, it just wasn’t the right time.”

“Well, whatever it was, it’s not an issue anymore. I’m here now and I’m not going to let you go.”

“Promise?”

“Yeah, Jubes. I promise.”

“Good.... Me, too.”

He kissed her again, smoothing tendrils of hair from her cheeks. “What time is it?” he asked, nuzzling her neck gently. It almost amazing how great she smelled from this close. Bubblegum and cinnamon mixed together, filling his nostrils with their sweet perfume.

She smiled, and then flicked her sapphire blue eyes flicked to the digital alarm clock on her nightstand. “Eight-thirty.”

Bobby groaned. “I’ve got to go soon. I’m teaching a class in about half and hour.... Damn summer school class,” he murmured against her lips. He was planting tender kisses on her mouth between sentences.

“Then don’t go.... Can’t you reschedule the first day of class?” She stuck out her lower lip and widened her eyes to complete the imploring look she had on the night before. Her fingers began to play with the collar of his Hawaiian shirt.

He grinned, leaning in for another kiss. This time, his rational side took over. “You have no idea how much I want to,” he told her, stroking her hair from her lovely face. “If I had my way, I’d spend the rest of the day with you here. But, I promised the Professor to offer this class.”

“I know,” she said, slightly disappointed. Then she stared up at him, sapphire eyes thoughtful. “Bobby?”

“Yeah?” His fingers began to tangle themselves in her long hair.

She chewed on her lower lip, trying to search for words. “This whole thing.... It’s weird, you know.”

“Weird? What do you mean?” Suddenly feeling some apprehension, he almost dreaded what would follow. As happy as he was when he awoke, it all appeared to be coming to an end. Flashbacks of early break-ups, ending with the all-too common and painful line, “I’d like to be friends....”, raced through his head. He braced himself for the worst.

Her gaze fell to her own hands, which were playing with the gold chain he wore around his neck. “I mean, that I don’t feel weird,” she explained. “I always heard that when friends start dating that there’s this weirdness. I guess it’s because they’re so used to being friends and now things are different. But I don’t feel that way. It’s like.... I don’t want to say this was meant to be because that would be totally cheesy and something Paige would say, but being with you like this feels right. Do you know what I mean? Maybe I’m not making sense.”

Inwardly, Bobby heaved a sigh of relief. He smiled gently down at her, pressing his lips against her forehead. “No, I’m tracking with you, Jubes.”

“So, you think it’s weird that it’s not weird?”

“Kind of, but in a good way. Don’t you think?”

Jubilee was about to provide her response when she was interrupted by a knock at the door. Paling, she quickly pulled the covers over Bobby before racing out of her bed and to the door. She smoothed out her hair as she opened the door a slight crack.

Jean, dressed in a lime-green blouse and a trim, pencil-gray, wool skirt, greeted her with a smile. “Good morning,” she drawled guilelessly.

Oh, I hope I’m in the clear, Jubilee prayed silently. “Hiya, Jean,” she replied, flashing a bright grin. A growing blush now colored her creamy skin.

“I just wanted to let you know that Scott left early this morning. He didn’t want to wake you, but he told me to tell you good-bye,” Jean said, red ponytail bobbing up and down. Then she added, “And I wanted to let you know that breakfast is ready.”

Jubilee nodded nervously, hoping to close the door as soon as possible. “Sounds good,” she said rather hurriedly. “Um, I’ll meet you downstairs as soon as I brush my teeth. You know how I hate morning breath.”

Jean nodded, appearing quite oblivious to the young girl’s jittery behavior. “That sounds fine. We can talk about our trip into town,” the redhead told her, beginning to saunter down the hall. As Jubilee began to close the door, Jean suddenly turned around. “Jubilee?”

“Yes, Jean?” Jubilee tried to hide the impatient tone in her voice. She wanted to get Bobby out of the house quickly.

“Tell Bobby he’s welcome to join us before his class.” Jean gave her a knowing wink before disappearing around the corner and down the stairs.

Jubilee closed the door quietly, her face bright pink. She leaned against it, sliding down to a sitting position on the floor. Covering her face with her small hands, she moaned softly. Never had she been so uncomfortable and mortified, and now it appeared as if the ordeal was not over. Her imagination began to dream up of possible scenarios of breakfast conversation with Jean about Bobby spending the night in her room. She was definitely not looking forward to that.

“Do you want me to come down with you to talk to Jean?” Bobby was already kneeling in front of her. He draped his arms around her shoulders.

She shook her head. “No, I’ll be fine.”

“You know she’s cool, right?” Bobby asked. Jean was like an older sister to him. As the first students of Professor Xavier, the two formed a close bond that lasted over the years. Wise, empathic, and gentle, the telepath was an easy confidant of his.

Jubilee sighed. “Yeah, I know. But it’s Jean. She’s like my mom, you know. It’s still going to be awkward.”

He grasped her chin with his fingers and tilted her face to look up at him. “But you’ll be OK. She’s not going to freak or anything.”

Her sapphire-blue eyes stared up at him, filled with warmth and trust. “Thanks,” she whispered.

He leaned over and kissed her tenderly. “No problem.” Then he rose to his feet and pulling her up with him. “Listen, I’ve really got go. Think you can distract her in the kitchen while I make a getaway through the front door?”

She nodded, silky hair rippling down her shoulders. “Sure.”

Bobby kissed her again. “Great,” he murmured against her lips. “How about we meet up later on this afternoon? For lunch?”

Jubilee shook her head. “I can’t. Jean and I are going to be shopping all day. I’m not sure what time we’ll be back.”

“What a hard life you lead---shopping,” he teased, drawing back. “OK, well, I’ll be around. What about you come by the mansion when you get back?”

“Sounds like plan,” the young girl replied, beaming up at him. “I can’t wait.”

Jean watched Jubilee breeze into the New England-style kitchen with a slightly amused expression on her attractive face. She was already sitting at the kitchen table, serving herself a helping of fruit salad with her carrot muffin. The corners of her mouth lifted in a smile as she observed a dreamy look on the young girl’s face. While Scott would have been perplexed as to the sudden lift in mood, Jean was quite aware as to what prompted the change. It was one of the benefits of being a telepath.

“Well, it’s certainly a good morning, isn’t it?” she finally asked, pouring her a glass of orange juice.

Jubilee accepted the glass gratefully. “Yes, it is.” Her eyes surreptitiously gazed beyond Jean’s shoulder. Bobby was stealthily making his way towards the front door. To distract Jean, she drawled, “Which shops are we hitting today?”

The redhead shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know,” she admitted, sipping her coffee. “I was thinking we could just explore the shops and see which ones are having the best sales. We have all day today. I mean, that is, if you have any other plans.”

The young girl’s cheeks flushed pink with embarrassment. “No,” she finally managed, stuffing a spoonful of fruit salad into her mouth. “I’m yours for the day.”

Jean gave her a knowing look. “You know,” she began, “I wouldn’t be offended if you wanted to spend today with Bobby.”

Jubilee bit her lower lip, staring at Jean’s kindly expression. There was no judgment, no anger, and no intention of prying any further. Instead, there was a sense of understanding in the other woman’s eyes. Sighing, she realized there was no way she could lie and deny the truth of her new relationship to the telepath. Not that she ever wanted to, either. She had always confided in Jean about many things. This situation was not going to be treated any differently.

“We’ll be seeing each other later on today,” she confessed, tucking a lock of black hair behind her delicate ear. Then she sighed. “Listen, Jean, last night.... I mean, Bobby and I.... We didn’t do anything. He just slept over, that’s all---”

Jean shook her head, waving her hand. “Jubilee, it’s OK,” she said reassuringly. “I know Bobby.”

Relieved, the young firecracker exhaled. “So you’re OK with.... With us?”

“Yes, Jubilee,” Jean answered, folding her hands together. “I actually think it’s great. I mean, the two of you being together.”

“You do?”

“Sure, I do. Bobby’s a great guy.”

“I know, Jean. He’s the best. I don’t think I’ve ever been happier.”

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