Un-Opened Letter

"Checkmate",Jean said smugly as she once again another game."Oh, man!" Scott pouted."I should know better then playing chess with a telepath","Scott it has nothing to do my being a telepath or not" Jean said as she gathered her books into her bag,"I'm just smarter then. Now get over it I don’t want to be late for school just because you’re a poor loser"

*


"So are you and Duncan official over or what?","Nina ,Jean's friend asked her as she was closing her locker to head towards the parking lot.

"Where not over","That's not what it looks like","Ya well don't believe everything you see, ok" Jean replied as she was getting annoyed."So he's up for grabs then" she called down the hall towards her. Jean's only replied was a nasty look


*


Jean found herself laying against the driver's side door of Scott's car waiting for him to give her a ride home, normally she would get a ride with Duncan, but he wasn't there. She just wanted to go home.

As the breeze flowing off of the warm day brushed against her face to dance in between the strands of her hair, as she tilted her head back to help it along ,as she moved her head on an angel she opened her eyes to see the oddest thing she ever seen, she couldn't help but stare as it came closer to her.

Taren walking along with Scott, with her arms wrapped around his waist."Can things get any worse?" she thought to herself

"Hey guys" Jean said as she pulled as of her hair to one side and twisted in place."Hey" They both smiled back, Jean smiled as she asked,"You think there'll be room for me?"as she looked towards the two and then at the car."There's always room for you" Scott answered as he walked over towards her to placed his back pack in the driver seat."Oh Jean I've been meaning to tell you!" Taren said excited,"I finally learned to Drive a stick, so I can totally take dad's car now!","That's great" Jean faked a smile,"I know he though that if he got the Jag. in stick I would never be able to learn how to drive it but he was so wrong, I mean just because he couldn't teach me, doesn't mean I couldn't learn, I just needed a better teacher!","Um, who taught you?" Jean asked interrupting."Scott did","Oh" she replied as she looked over towards him as he opened the door to get in the car,"Yeah, just not in my car" was his only defense towards her stare,"Yeah" Taren said as she cocked her head towards him with a sarcastic tone to her voice,"He taught me in the simulator in the Driver's Ed class, now all I have to do is convince him to let me drive his now",she said with her head never changing position."Yeah, well good luck with that" Jean said as she changed her backpack from one shoulder to the other."Well I'm gonna go and find the others" Jean said quickly as she turned and walked through the parking lot headed back into the school, leaving Scott and Taren standing there confused to why she left.

Jean walked away with an amazed statement on her face. Amazed that she actually stood there for those 5 min. without screaming her head off, Scott and Taren were two of her best friends but seeing them together like that wasn't one of her favorite ways to spend time with them, she was also amazed by the fact that Scott taught Taren how to drive, she loved Taren like a sister, but she can't drive, also by the fact that Taren had her arms wrapped around Scott, and the fact that Scott let her wrap her arms around her, and the fact that Scott actually made time to spend it with Taren.

The thought of that made her expression turn from amazed to sad, as she slowly glanced back at the two would be lovers as Taren leaned on the side of Scotts car door talking to him, she could hear a faint laughter coming from them in the distance "Hey," Kitty said breaking her from her stare, along side her was Kurt and Evan, ready to go home.

"You ready to go?" Kitty asked,"Yeah. you know what?"Jean began as she looked back again,"I think I'm going to take the bus","Ewww" a disgusted look came over the three faces,"Why?" Kitty asked as she curled her nose up at the very thought of it,"I dunno, I'm just in the mood","Well good luck" Evan scuffed out

"Gee thanks" she said as she headed towards the buses."I always thought Jean vas brave, but now I know for sure" Kurt said as the other three headed towards the car.

"Where's Jean?' Taren asked when the three arrived,"She taking the bus" Kitty said as she dropped her backpack in back with the two guys as she climbed into the front."Why?" ,"I don't know, she said she was just in the mood, a surprised look came across both Scott and Taren."Well I gotta go now" Taren said as she waved off,"Tell Jean I'll call her" "See ya" Scott called out as he started the car to head back to the mansion.

Jean started to walk up the steeps of the bus, as she looked at the crowd already gathered in, throwing paper airplanes and spit balls, she walked back down."Guess I'm walking" she said to herself.


*


Jean watched her reflection follow her as she passed by store windows, lost into thought of all that was going on in her life and if she had the right color lipstick for that dress as she stood there and gazed at it before walking into the shop.

"Welcome miss, is there anything I can help you with?" the sales woman asked,"Yes thank you I would like to try on that dress in the window","Of course" the woman smiled at her,"What size please, If I had to guess Id say a 4?","Actually I'd say she was a 2" a man's voice came from behind a rack of Tuxedo's almost halfway across the room, as the woman smiled at him,"So a 2 is it" she asked Jean.

Flattered by the stranger's compliment Jean just smiled and shook her head, as the woman took the gown down from the rack and lead Jean to a changing room.

Jean watched herself as she turned around in the long white sleeveless satin dress, with a silver pattern stitched in the chest, which would sway and sweep the ground when she would walk.

As shallow as it was, trying on and buying new clothes seemed to actually help relax her, and adding accessories was just like a day at the spa. "I was right" The man's voice came again as Jean turned to see him and the sales lady watching her,"You are a size two, and it look sensational on you" he smiled as he walked closer to introduce himself.

"Warren Worthington the Third" he said as he extended his hand for hers,"Jean Grey" she politely smiled back, as she excepted his hand as he brought it up to his lips to kiss. Embarrassing Jean. "Yes, it looks lovely on you" the sales woman interrupted,"Shall I wrap it up for you?"

"Oh..Well..Actually" began to stammer."I really don't have any place to wear it" she sighed as she looked back at herself in the mirror with the once was stranger along side of her.

"It’s a shame" he said as he shook his head,"For the dress that is, not being able to be seen with you" a compliment causing Jean to bow her head as he face turned nearly as red as her hair.

"Alright" the sales woman said rather rudely, other the her tone before when she thought she had a sale, she walked away and continued about her business.

"Mr. Worthington, is the tuxedo to your liking?" another salesman asked as he turned to answer, Jean headed back into the dressing room to change.

"There you are" Warren called out as Jean walked out of the dressing room and headed straight for the door, as Warren tried to catch up while sales man was helping him on with his jacket, as he pulled himself away and ran to catch up with her. "Wait up" he said as he got out the door, Jean was only a few feet away from him.

"Sorry I have to get home, I'm late already" she turned around only long enough to explain. "Well then at least let me give you a ride" he offered as a Limo pulled up behind them."Please" he added. Jean just looked at him."You don't know me","And you don't know me, so I guess that would make us even" he smiled, as the driver opened up the door for her, Jean stood there for a second to think it over, which really wasn't too hard of a choice to make

"So where to?" Warren asked as he opened the door for her "182 Henry Court" Jean replied as she got in,"I know that area" Warren began the conversation as he climbed in."Oh?","Yes, My father has a few associates around there","Really?","Um-hum" he hummed out, as Jean looked around her surrounding."Who's your father, perhaps I know him?"Warren asked,"Oh I doubt it" she said with a small chuckle,"I'm actually not originally from around there","Oh really. Where are you from?","Around the Hudson" "Interesting. So what cause the move?"."A lot of things" she replied."I'm prying, I'm sorry, can I offer you a drink to make up for it?",he said as he shifted himself closer to the bar he had along the side, he opened it up to expose a wide assortment of beverages,"I don't think I have time" Jean answered, as Warren once again shifted himself towards the intercom connected to the front "Jonathan?","Yes sir?","If you don't mind could you please take the long route there?","Of course sir" He then shifted himself back towards the bar,"Now..what will it be?" he smiled

As they finally pulled up into the driveway, everyone noticed.

"What’s a Limo doing in our driveway?!" Kitty called out as she phased through the finally wall to the entrance to get a better look, Evan and Rogue was already there as the Professor and Ororo walked to greet their visitor, as the students stayed inside and watch with anticipation to see who it was a door finally opened, as a young millionaire stepped out turned and help his companion out.

"That's Jean" Kitty screeched as Scott was coming down the stairs ,Kitty's outburst quickly grabbing his attention,"Surprise, surprise" Rogue said as she turned to walk into another room. "Can I see you again?" Warren asked as he handed Jean her things,"I'd like to, but I don't know" she said as she watch The Professor and Ororo walk out."Thank you for the ride home" she said as she turned to walk into the house. Warren a few steps behind walked up to the Professor to introduce himself."Sir, Warren Worthington","Mr Worthington. Charles Xavier" the Professor replied as he offered his hand,"I'm familiar with your father and his businesses. Its nice to met you","And you as well","This is one of my assistants, Ms. Ororo Munroe","Miss Munroe" Warren smiled and greeted her with a nod of his head The three stood outside and talked awhile as Jean went up to her room to put her things away and start in on her homework

"Who is that" the high pitched voice said waiting for her as she opened the door,"What are you doing here?" Jean asked as she walked in, Kitty just tilted her head and smiled.

"You show up in a limo with what could easily be the hottest guy in the galaxy, and you ask, What am I doing here. Hello.Who is he?"."His name is Warren Worthing the Third".

"The third, he's not the first?!" Kitty joked as she let her self fall upon Jean's bed,"How did you mean him!? I mean last time I saw you, you were gonna ride the bus but you end up coming home in like a limo, That’s like Cinderella almost!" she giggled, Jean just smiled."I'm nothing like Cinderella","Ya got that right" Rogue's rude southern voice rang out as she walked through the hall pass her door, as Jean TK’ed her door shut. Tightly

"So where, how did you meet him?","Window shopping. I was trying on a dress and he was in the shop" she said as she placed her books onto her desk, and joined Kitty on the bed."I think I need to start shopping more" Kitty said as she jumped up and ran over the window to try and see, she couldn't quite get the entire view, so she phased half way through it.

"Their still talking. I wonder what there talking about? I wish I could hear what they were say. I can't hear!","Would you get back in here!" Jean said as she pulled her back through.

"Why does all the good stuff happen to you" she pouted as she flopped back onto the bed and put a pillow over her head.

"I'm going to get something to eat ,are you coming?","Can't I just stay up here and pretend to be you?" Kitty joked,"No, you can't!" Jean said as she walked over and pulled the pillow off her face, and then grabbed her arm and pulled her off of the bed and dragged her towards the door.

"Besides, if you knew what it was like to really be me, you wouldn't want to pretend" she told as she dragged her through the door.

*


"Alright so what do we have" Jean said as she stuck her head in the opened fridge, as Kitty looked into the cupboards.

"I don't think we have champagne and caviar" Scott said as he walked through the door and settled down at the table and turned on the overhead tv.

"Well then I'll settle for flat Ginger Ale, and left over tuna" she replied as she closed the fridge door rather hard, and join Kitty at the cupboard, and pulled out a bag of un opened chocolate centered cookie and a half eaten bag of chips, Kitty walked back to the fridge and grabbed two cans of soda, while passing she glared at Scott and his new found attitude, slapping him in the back of his head as she passed by, and muttered "Jerk",as she re joined Jean walking back up to her room

The next day as school was getting out, Jean and Taren and two of her other friends were walking out the doors as the reached the end of the steps, through the crowd, they noticed a limo, and at the end stood a 5'10,blond haired, blue eyed, well built young man dressed in what could easily be over a $500 Armani suite.

As the four girls pushed their way through the crowd of other by standers curious to see all of what was going on, Jean finally spoke up, "What are you doing here?","I figured you may need another ride home"

"Hey check it out" Evan pointed out as he Scott, and Rogue were coming out of the building "What's he doing here?" Scott asked as he peered through at him and Jean and her three wide mouth friends,"Princess needs her carriage" Rogue said under her breath as she put her hands on her hips and three continued to walk down

"Actually I have a ride home" Jean replied as she brushed her hair in back of her ear, and looked over her shoulder to see Scott and the others standing there, remember what a jerk he's been lately. Duncan and her haven't been spending as much time together as they did before, as she looked back at him,"I mean I had" she quickly spoke up,"I had a ride home but now I don't, so thank you for thinking of me and picking me up" she said as he opened the door for her and helped her in for the second time, quickly closing the door behind him, after he got in. Warren looked at the faces staring through the tinted windows, only able to see out, but not in.

"Do you always travel around in a Limo?" asked Jean as she moved over to give him more room.
"Not really" he answered with a bit of a laugh,"Sometimes I use..the town car..or my car, then there's the jet, and the yacht" he continued causing Jean to giggle to herself."You know I really like you laugh" he smiled at her,"Thank you" she smiled back,"And your smile, no matter how hard I tried I couldn't get it out of my mind" he smiled again, cause Jean to blush once more,"I'm sorry I embarrassed you again, didn't I?","No, Its not that" she began,"This is all just a little over whelming for me that’s all","What is?","This, I guess" she said as she threw her hand in the air allowing them to come back down to make a slapping sounds on her thighs.

"Never been in a limo more then once before?","Well..No actually I haven't" she said as she once again swept her hair behind her ear,"Do you do that when your nervous?" Warren asked as he observed,"What?","Sweep your hair behind you ear?","Oh no" Jean said as she did it again, not realizing she was actually doing it,"I make you nervous don't I?" he asked looking over at her."A little" she finally admitted."Regular guys, football players, I can handle, but millionaire playboys, that’s new level for me" she smiled,"Oh, and what makes you think I'm a playboy?" Jean just laughed,"Alright then" he said kind of quietly, while he hung his head a little low"What make you think I'm a millionaire?"he said as he brought it back up to Jean's eye sight.

Jean laughed out loud at the obvious."You know my friend, Kitty, she checked up on you"."Oh, she did, did she?","Yeah.","Damn that internet!"he joked ,"She was just making sure you were who you claimed you were. That's all"."Well you have a really wonderful friends there to be looking out for you like that."."Thank you. I do".

"So what all did it say about me?"he asked,"Basically.." Jean sounds a little reluctant."You really want to know?","Yes I do, tell me","Well basically..you were the son of a well made millionaire, who companies maintain a good rep. with all those who do business and that you were set to inherit.","Oh, basically things I already know" he said as he inched himself closer."So I suppose now you with me only for my money?" he joked."You figured me out" Jean joked back as she moved a little closer herself.

"Would you like to join me for dinner this evening","Id like to, but Id have to clear it with my Professor first","I don't think that would be a problem" he said with such sureness

"Why do I have the feeling that If I call, he'll say yes?".
"I'll be here to pick you up around seven" he said as Jean realized they were at the Mansion, as they stepped out, Scott and the others pulled up behind him, as they quickly got to out to fight for the chance to met Jean's new friend.

"Nice car" Warren said looking at Scott."Thanks" he replied as he kept on walking in the house without giving him a second glance
"Scott!"Jean called out to him to let him know just how rude he was being, but he ignored her as well.

"Hi!" Kitty said as she stood next to me,"Warren, this is my friends Kitty, as well as Evan, Kurt, and Rogue"."Hello Kitty" he said as he shook her,"Evan, Kurt" he said as he nodded his head towards their Direction."Rogue","Hey" they said."Nice car" Kurt said as he walked over to admire it more."Thanks but its not mine".He said as he looked over towards him, then at his watch."I'm sorry Jean Id like to have stayed longer but unfortunately I have to attend a meeting with my father","Oh, Its ok" she said as he leaned over to Kiss her on her cheek."I'll see you tonight he whispered in her ear, as he turned and got back into the window, as he looked over his shoulder, and noticed Scott peering through the window, as he waved his hand at her and drove off.

Jean then turned around and stormed off through the entrance and made her way to the downstairs livingroom where Scott was hiding out. "Jerk!" rang out through the nearly empty room as Jean TK’ed a pillow aimed straight for Scott's head."Hey!" he yelled out as it struck him to his knees. Jean's powers tend to get stronger when she's emotional.

"I don't act that way when you bring other girls near me!" she began to argue,"Maybe's that's because they only other girl I brought around you was Taren, and I don't know if you noticed this or not but, YES you do!" he said as he brought himself back to his feet. Jean realized how she has been acting, but she hated losing an argument with Scott, even though if he was right, she would never let him know when he was though.

"No I don't" she said as she through another pillow at him, knocking him down again."Knock it off!" he yelled."You!"she yelled back letting another pillow go at him, this time he ducked out of its way."I mean it!" he yelled getting back up on his feet for another time."No I mean" she said."Quit it!" she said as she let one more final pillow go, as she turned around and left.

Logan, Kurt, and Evan walked in."What did you do to get her so pissed?" Logan asked as he walked over to him and picked up a pillow and threw it back onto the sofa.

"I didn't do anything" he said in his defense."Jean has a date" Evan replied as he flicked on the tv."Duncan again?" Logan asked as he sat in the chair."Nope" Kurt answered this time as he joined Evan on the sofa, while Scott sat on the one across from them."Oh" Logan said realizing all of what was going."You got it bad Scooter" he said referring to Scott, he just sat there in silence, as the tv channels kept changing.

"Gimme the remote, kid!" Logan demanded as he made a swipe to grab it from Evan's hands."No!" "I said gimme the remote kid" he now demanded in a more serious tone as he let lose his claws from one of his hands to help him make his point."I said no" Evan stated as he brought spikes out of the top of his hands halfway, in a mocking way. The two just stayed there, eyes locked, before Logan laughed."You got guts kids" he said as he laid back in the chair."Ya. I know. I also go the remote"

"So what are you gonna wear?" Kitty asked as she sat on Jean's bed while he rummaged through her closet, as she pulled out the half eaten bag of cookies they had from the other night.

"Where are you going?","I don't know"."Oookay" Kitty said as she began to help "What you need if something casual. yet classy","I know" Jean replied as she pulled out a few things and tossed them on the bed."Fashionable yet functional"."I know"."Like your ready for just about anything"."I know"."How are you going to wear your hair?","I don't know"."What about accessories?" Kitty asked starting to get a little worried."I don't know" Jean sighed out discouraged by her closet.

"What time is he picking you up?"."Eight" she finally replied with a different answer.
"So we don't have time to go shopping","No I thought of that" Jean said as she sat down beside her Kitty, bit her bottom lip, and the grabbed the bag of cookies, and beg and breaking them apart to get to the center.

"I hate dates" she said with a mouthful of cookie, and pouted."Maybe I should just stay home and eat cookies?","Jean, you’re my best friend, and when I see my friends making huge mistakes like wanting to sit home and eat cookie other then going out with a guy who could pass for a god, I have to do something about it!" Kitty said as she jumped up of then bed with a sudden burst of energy, now we have only a few hours to go I'm sure if we both try we can find you something to wear! I mean c'mon you have a ton of awesome clothes here!" Kitty said as she shuffled the pile around."I know. But Id rather eat the cookies" Jean said as she put the cookies down,"But its not like I'm going on with Duncan here, ya know!.I just want to look extra nice ya know?.I don't even know where were going out for dinner to, I doubt it’s a fast food place. I’ve never been out with a millionaire before","Yeah, It's wonderful your finally dating someone with class" Kitty giggled."Hey!" Jean scolded.

"Hey what about this?!" Kitty yelled as she pulled out a knee length sharp cut blue dress with butterflies embroidered into the fabric."Hey yeah, that might work" Jean said as she examined the dress,"Yeah, all we need is like a wrap or something its totally classy and casual. Oh! and I have silver bracelets that'll work with it!","You think?" Jean asked as a light of excitement sparked in her eye."Totally!"."Great" Jean said as she grabbed a pair of open toe 30's style show from silver shoes from her closet."Ok, you go get your bracelets and I’m gonna hurry up and shower, k?"."K!" Kitty said as she ran out the room towards hers.

"Your letting me win" Scott said as he and the Professor played chess in the study, as he carefully watched the board."No I'm not" The Professor said with a straight face as he came close to losing the game"Yes your are, why?" Scott asked "I figured you needed a break" he smiled at Scott as he sat there looking over at the clock on the mantle

~Ding Dong~."I got it!" Kurt called out as he teleported his way to the door,"Kurt are you forgetting something?" The Professor called out as he and Scott paused their game to greet the visitor as well

"Oh right!" He said with a laugh as he ran his 3 fingered hand through his blue hair, and the put projector on.

"Mr. Worthington, welcome back, Jean should be down any minute. Kurt why don't you go and tell her dates has arrived, now if you'll excuse me I have some other things to attend to. Scott will finish are game later"

Scott has only walked as far as the door and then leaned his body against the frame.
"Hey" he said as he stared him down from behind his glasses."Hey" Warren replied back.

"Scott, right?" He asked,"Yeah"."We haven't met. I just remember Jean hollering at you yesterday, as you were coming home."."Yeah." Scott replied,"She does that a lot" he laughed."Scott Summers" he introduced himself,"Warren Worthington"

Scott shook his hand, giving the guy a chance, the last thing he wanted was for Jean to be right about his actions when she does bring other guys near.

"So..." Scott continued searching for something to talk about besides what was obviously on his mind as the silence between the two grew thicker

"Ahem" a soft spoken voice broke through the air. As the two boys looked up the long flight of stairs Jean stood about half way down, she smiled at the two standing there mouth wide open as they couldn't help but stare as she walked down, Warren met her at the bottom

"You look stunning" he said as he handed her a dozen long stem red roses."These are for you","Thank you" she replied as she inhaled the scent, and set them in a vase by the staircase to wait for her return.

As Warren offered her his arm and the two began to walk towards the door.
"You look lovely Jean" Scott complimented,"Thank you" she softly smiled as she adjusted her wrap to keep from falling off.

"Goodnight" she whispered."Night" he replied as he waved his hand at the two as they walked out the door, leaving him standing there.

He could see through the glass doors, Warren helping Jean in an expensive silver Corvette, as the two drove off her walked back into the study where he and the professor was playing chess, now only being lit by the fire place, he laid down on the sofa, trying to get the vision of loveliness out of his mind.

"See what did I tell you, not just a limo" Warren smiled at her. Jean smiled back."So where are we going?","I was thinking this really great Italian restaurant, then a walk on the boardwalk, and then after that...",He stammered off "After that?"Jean insisted."We'll wing in it"

"Oh sorry" Rogue said as she flicked on the light in the study where Scott had accidentally fallen asleep, the bright pink light startling waking him up."It's alright" he said as he carefully placed his thumb and finger underneath his glasses and rubbing eyes."I wasn't sleeping anyway","Well you should be" Rogue continued as she walked over the sofa and sat with it,"Its almost 11","It is" Scott sounded surprise,"Is Jean back yet?",the question put a stunned look on her face,"No" she quietly answered. Scott laid back on his sofa letting his head hang over the edge."Ya know, despite popular belief, Jean's not tha only girl in the world" The statement caused Scott too look up from his position at Rogue.
"I know","You sure about that" Rogue sighed out as she got up to leave."Rogue wait a minute" Scott called out to her, but she just kept walking, he couldn't help but have the feeling that he somehow hurt her feelings in some way.

"So, did you enjoy yourself?" Warren asked as they walked along the boardwalk towards the beach."Yes, very much so, It was nice to have pasta that didn't come straight from a box and smother in a powder cheese sauce","I dunno that actually sounds nice" Warren said as he helped on to the beach as they got to the end, as Jean sat leaned over to take off her shoes.

"Yeah, it’s actually not that bad" she said as she swung shoes over her shoulder as the two walked along hand in hand along the sea line lit only by the moon and the distant noises of the carnival lowered behind them.

As they found a spot to sit along side a wall of rock.
"What's it like to be you" Warren asked staring up at her as he sat in the sand, and she on a rock.
"Not what people think" she replied as she gazed out on the waves crashing along the beach. The smell of salt was strong in the air as she inhaled."What's it like to be you?" she asked. "Not what people think" he replied as he pushed his hand through his hair.
"People very easily expect you to be something your not, someone who you could never be"."I know how you feel" Jean replied still looking at the ocean,"Its like they expect you to be.."."Perfect" Warren finished her sentence."Yeah" Jean smiled warmly at him."Your far from perfect?" he asked."Despite popular belief..not even close" she said as she joined him on the ground.

"Tell me why?", he asked looking deep into her jade green eyes."I can’t. I wouldn't no where to start"."How about the beginning?","Its complicated" she whispered as she returned his stare as he moved in closer."I'm afraid if I tell you wont want to see me again","I'm afraid if you do tell me I will" he whispered as he moved his head closer to hers. He put his hand against the soft skin of her cheek as their noses softly nudged each other, their lips finally connecting. The spark between them quickly grew into a fire as Jean placed her hands on both side of his face, kissing him was nothing like kissing Duncan.

Like kissing a hungry fish which quickly grew into an obligation when they were together as apposed to a show of their feeling for each other. Suddenly Scott drifted into her thoughts. As her lips slowed down the two began to pull apart.

"What's wrong?","Its late" Jean answered the two still talking in whisper."Your right, we probably should be heading back" he said as he climbed back onto his feet, then helped Jean to hers

"Thank you for the wonderful evening" said Jean as Warren walked her to the door."It was my pleasure. I hp to be able to do it again soon"."I'd like that" she smiled as they once again locked eyes. His kiss good night was short a sweet as he watched her walk through the doors, she turned around to wave as he drove off. She closed the doors, made sure they were locked and punched in the code for the security system. Kicked off her shoes on her way upstairs, took the vase of long stemmed red rose from where it sat and headed towards her room.

It was just as she left it as she flicked on the light, clothes blanketed the floor as though it was carpet as she sat the vase down on the stand on her room next to the lamp that lite the room with a low glow as she laid back on her bed staring at te flowers. she sighed deeply as she turned around and figured she better start to pick up at least some of the clothes.

As she grabbed a few tops, two pairs of jeans, and a skirt she threw them onto a shelf in her closet. As a shirt fell down it brought down a book with it was well that had be teetering on the edge moved from earlier that day.

She picked it up as she un hooked one of her earrings and laid back on her bed with it, smiling at the cover as she opened it up. She found herself staring at photos she took back when photography was a hobby as hers.

The further she got into the book the wider the smile across her face got, realizing most of them was when it was jut her and Scott were they only two recruited.

Warm memories flowed through her mind as if someone had unleashed a dame, more and more as each paged turn, then she got to one. She pulled back the plastic holding the photo onto its page as she placed the book onto the floor she kept the photo in her hand Her and Scott would be about 12 then. The background was outside the mansion along the swimming pool the sat with their legs dangling into the water. They had so much fun that summer she remembered. It was just the two of them, Before junior high. Before the full complications of life set in the two looked so innocent and carefree, unaware of what cruelness and shame the world would lay upon them later on in life, before they each took separate paths to walk down. A tear began to form in the corner of her eye as she laid back against her pillows, she sat the picture against the vase as she turned the lamp off and fell asleep.

"How as your evening out?" Ororo asked as she walked through the dinning room which Ororo was prepare for everyone’s arrival for the meal that was being cooked in the kitchen.

Not everyone was up yet. Mainly the adults. Jean followed Ororo into the kitchen where she pulled out a stool and sat down while she watched her attend to the frying bacon which smell filled the kitchen, along side of blueberry pancakes and granola for those who were interested.

"Can I talk to you?" Jean asked as she started to peel an orange."You can always talk to me, you know that" Ororo replied with one of her warm smiles she loved to see so much.

"You ever question the reason why were are the way we are?" Jean began."Every now and again I find myself pondering that" she said as she pulled out the stool next to Jean."Don't get me wrong, I love the life I have here with all of you. You’re my family.."."But?"."But last night I was with Warren, which I had a incredible with" Jena smiled at the thought of it,"And when I got home I found a picture of me when I was younger, with Scott.

And..","Yes?","Its hard to explain" Jean said as she laid her head against her hand which her elbow rested on the counter top."You can't help but wonder what else you could be doing with your life?","Yeah. How did you know?","I just did" she said as she lovingly placed her hand on her shoulder."Its just so much has changed for so fast. I can’t help but get confused, and lose track of my priorities. I thought I had everything figured out","And then a wrench was throw in the works of it all" Ororo added."I really like Warren. The feeling doesn't even come close to Duncan, There's just so much more to Warren other then football and championships.

When I'm with Warren, I feel as though I could tell him anything which is strange because I don't know him and only seen him 3 times, but within that third time, it’s like we just clicked, and I know he felt it to. I just want to tell him everything, but I can't" Jean let out a frustrated sigh,

"And then there's Scott","Good morning everyone" Kurt interrupted, as she shuffled his way into the kitchen ,yawning and scratching his head at the same time, and sat down across from the two, still half asleep."Will finish our talk later" Ororo said as she placed her hand on Jean's back and got up to finished breakfast.

"How vas your date last night?" Kurt asked as he rested his head on his arm."It was good","That's good" Kurt said as he yawned."Vhat time is it?" he asked as his eyes started to close."Umm, it’s close to 8:30" Ororo answered from the fridge.

"Vacky cartoon hour!" Kurt jumped up."I'm missing it!" He said started to run out of the room. "Hey wait up" Jean called as she ran after him to join in watching cartoons. Which quickly turned into a power free race as the headed to the upstairs Rec. Room, the TV screen was bigger there.

"I von!" Kurt said as he busted through the door, while he and Jean were laughing as she stopped up suddenly when she entered. Scott was already in there, with a bowl of cereal.

"Man, vhat time did u get up?" Kurt asked as he fell down on the floor and got comfortable. Jean walked in the room and sat in the chair farthest away from the Scott. As the three sat there in silence and watched their cartoons.

"Ok so I was thinking maybe wearing my pink dress, you know the one with the roses, and my mail up like this" One of Jean's friends tried the simulate the style she was trying for,"What do you think?","I think it'll work" another on her friends stated as they sat underneath a tree after school, while watching football practice, and studying for an upcoming test."What do you think Jean?.Jean!"."Oh, I’m sorry what?"."Look I know I wont be going out with prince charming this weekend but you could at least pretend to care about how I'm going look"."Hey ease off." another friends said defending her,"She's got a lot on her mind","No I don't.","Have you sen yourself this past week?.You’re a million miles away and more"."Hey guys" Taren said as she joined up with them."Hey Taren. How's Scott" the same friends asked who was upset with Jean for not paying attention.

"What did I miss?" Taren asked picking up on the tension."Nothing, just a conversation that wasn't about Jean" she said as she got up and walked over to the bleachers to get a better look at the action on the field. Jean just rolled her eyes."Green eyed monster strikes again. No offence" Taren joked looking at Jean."Ignore Jenna, she’s's still jealous about your big date last week" another friend said."Are you still worried about Warren?" Taren asked.

"He still hasn't called" Jean finally spoke,"Well sweetie he's probably busy" Taren said as she took a hold of her hand to comfort her."I know, but still" Jean sighed."Rich or Poor, boys are still gonna be boys" one of her friends smiled."I'm going for a walk" Jean said getting up and putting her books back in her bag.

"Jean, phone call" she was greeted with as she walked into the mansion
"Hello?","Your not mad at me are you?,Please don't be mad" the familiar voice asked her."No, I’m not mad. I just wished you would have called me sooner","I know. I wish I would have as well, but as soon as I got home that night my father wanted me to fly out to Tokyo, and handle a few things there which turned out to actually be a lot of things and then I had to fly back her to confirm some things and then back out there, but, I’m home now, back in America, and I missed you","I missed you too","And to see you and make up for lost time I would like to invite you and your friends to a party my father in throwing this weekend","What kind of party?","Just a traditional party we have after closing any business deal, it usual starts here at the manor and ends up on the yacht","It sounds like fun, I’ll ask everyone","Excellent. I’m sorry I have to go now. I’ll call you later tonight","Ok"."Alright, oh and Jean?","Yes?","I really did miss you","I know","Goodbye","Bye"

That night at Dinner Jean let everyone in on the invitation.
"I wanna go!" Kitty was the first to speak up."So do we" Evan volunteered Kurt's answered
"Hey, I can speak for myself!" Kurt scolded Evan."I vanna go to!"
"Scott, Rogue what about you?" Professor asked,"Yah, I guess I could go" Rogue didn't let on that she was the least bit of excited about, as she played with her fork in her potatoes, While slouched down in her chair.
"Yeah, me too" Scott answered, looking over at Jean as her face started to light up.

"So what are you gonna wear?" Jean asked Kitty that night as she was in her room helping her with some homework."Nothing" she pouted,"Well at least you wont have to worry about anyone else wearing the same" Jean joked."That's true"."Hey, how about after school tomorrow we go out and buy you something new","Hey that would totally be great! If I didn't already spend what little money I had on that stupid computer game, I don't even know how to play. You think your boyfriend could lend me a few?" Kitty smiled. Jean just looked at her."I have some money I can loan you"."Thank you!","Besides helping you with your homework, what are friends for"

"This dress is going to be so perfect I can't believe I found it!" Kitty said as she held the top of it out of one of her many bags."Actually I found it" Jean gloated, and then giggled

"hey there's the dress!" Jean pointed out as the passed it by."Ohh so That's the dress" Kitty slyly smiled,"maybe I should go and try it on","maybe","Are you gonna go buy it?","I should shouldn't I?".The two shared a glance and walked in "Excuse me",Jean flagged a salesman down."Yes?","I would like to buy the dress in the window","I'm sorry, but we sold out","The white dress?,but I was in her like 2 weeks ago and .","I know, but two weeks ago the Worthington’s weren't having a party. Now if you interested I have some lovely, blue and sea green dresses that you may be interested in".Jean's nose crinkled at the thought of showing up in sea green."No thank you" she said quietly as the two turned and exited.

"That sucks!","Tell me about it, and I really wanted it to" Jean sighed,"Well at least you have a awesome dress" she smiled,"Yeah, and that's what counts" Kitty laughed,"Yeah" Jean laughed as well as they walked down the sidewalk, they gave each other a one armed hugged and headed back home.


*


"Ok so what I was thinking is I could wear my hair down but.." Kitty talked as the walked down the long hallway to their rooms, but stopped up short as they passed by Scott's door, which was half open until he shut it."What was that about?" she asked as she pointed towards Scott's door, and then finished her conversation."Anyway like I was saying I could wear my hair down but if I do that and we end up..."

"Hey Taren" Scott said with the phone resting between his shoulder and his head."Oh hey Scott, what's up?","Not too much. Listen the reason why I'm calling is because...I'm being dragged to this party throw by Jean's new boyfriends and I was wondering if....","If?" Taren asked as if she didn't know the question."If you wanted to go with me?","You sure Jean'll be ok with this?" Taren asked a little heisted,"Yeah she'll be cool" Scott said reassuring her."Well then, I’d love to be your date","Ok great!.I'll call you when I find out more, alright?","Alright sure, I’ll see ya later","Ok Taren. bye","Bye Scott"

Scott fell back onto his bed and sighed with relief that the phone call was over. Now all he needed was a Tux.


*


"So are you going to bring a date?" Jean asked as Kitty was once again changing into her dress from behind the screen in the room her and Rogue share."I don't know. Besides who would want to go with me?","Well, who do you want to go with?","I don't know:" she answered as she stepped out from behind and glanced in the mirror hanging on the back of the bedroom door.

"What about Kurt?" Jean suggested,"You know what? I think I need to go look in the mirrors you have in your room, there bigger then this and there's better light" she said as she opened the door and walked out.

"Hey come back!" Jean said as she got up and chased after her, by the time she got out into the hallway Kitty was already disappeared."I know where you are" Kitty could hear her voice coming from the hallway as Jean walked up to her bedroom door where she was.

"Ok like I think maybe I shouldn't wear these shoes with this dress" "Denial is not just a river in Egypt" Jean said as she sat down at her desk chair."Can I borrow a pair of your shoes?","Sure"."Anyway your one to talk!","What's that suppose to mean Ms .Pryde?","Nothing Ms. Grey. Hey can I use these earnings as well" Kitty asked as he walked over to her dresser and spotted them."Sure"."You are so great, your like the big sister I never had"."Awwww." Jean smiled."Ok you should probably go change. I think we a simulation scheduled for today"."Ohhhh But I don't wanna go" Kitty whined as they headed back down the hall"."I know neither do I" Jean said as she pushed her back to her room.

The two opened the door. Rogue was there sitting on her bed."Oh hey" she said when the two entered."Nice dress","Thanks" Kitty smiled."What do you plan on wearing?"."I don't know yet"."If you like I can help you find one" Jean offered."No thanks" Rogue said as she buried her head back in her book."Well I'm gonna go and head back downstairs.

I’ll see ya Kitty" Jean said as she headed towards the door."Ok" she called from behind the screen.

Jean shook her as she closed the bedroom door behind her, as though she was shaking off the tension. It’s not as if her and Rogue hated each other, they could tolerate each other, but when they had to they would try and like each other.

"Hey wait up" Scott said coming from behind as she approached the staircase she stopped up to wait for him."Hey" she smiled as they both began to walk down.

"So...are you already for Warren's party" Jean began a conversation, which lately it seemed to be harder and harder to do between them."Yup, are you?","As ready as I'll ever be, but I don't have a dress","I'm sure whatever you'll wear you'll look...nice" Scott smiled."Thanks" she smiled back.
"So, um are you bringing a date" Jean finally asked,"Yeah as a matter of fact"."Oh" Jean said rather surprised as they cam upon the last few steps."Who you taking?"."Taren","Oh that's good, She’ll have a blast","Yeah I’m sure we all will"."Well this is my stop" Jean said as the stopped up in front of the downstairs study as she pulled open the doors."Ok, I was on my way to the kitchen, can I bring you back anything?","No thanks. I left a book down here I wanna try and finish","Ok. Hey how about another game of chess later?","Sure I don't mind wining" she looked back and smiled as she closed the doors behind her.


*


"Jean" Ororo called as they cam home from school on the day of the party."A package came for you today. It’s upstairs in your room on your bed","Ok thank you" she said as she headed up to see what it could be.

She opened the door and was greeted by another dozen of long stem roses, this time they were white. She opened the card which simple read "See you tonight".

As she dropped her books along side of the flowers she smiled as she sniffed them and headed over towards her bed. She looked at the box and the name of the store looked familiar as she un tied the white lace ribbon which held the box in its place, took the top off and found another card as she opened it."And you thought you would have no place to wear this".Completely excited knowing what was in the box, she ripped through the tissue paper wrapping, and wrapped her fingers around the top of the dress as she pulled it out the box very slowly and held it up against her body and looked in the mirror and remembered how well it looked on her.

The most amazing feeling came over her at that moment. It was. Unexplainable.
The only way to start would be to smile.


*


~Knock Knock~."Come in" the voice from behind the door called."Hey" Kitty said as she opened it. She saw Kurt sitting at his desk, trying to finish his homework before his weekend could start."Um. So what are you doin tonight" Kitty stated out. Kurt just looked at her like "Duh"

"Ok, so anyway" she quickly continued."Ummm" she smiled trying to figure out just the right words to say."About tonight, you know the party?","Yeah?".Kitty's smile got a little bigger. "Do you...Wanna go out with ,ok bye" she blurted out and quickly turned around to leave.

"Hey vait!" he said as he got up from his desk. His face about as red as hers."I'd like to go with you" he smiled."Ok, great, bye" she said as she ran towards the door anxious to get out of there she didn't bother to open it, she just phased through.

"Hey look out" Kurt could hear Evan from behind as he opened the door."What was that about? he asked as he looked back."Nothing much, I just have a date" he said as he sat back down at his desk and started once again on his homework.


*


Closer and closer to time to leave for the party the mansion rung out with commotion. As teenager's ran upstairs and down forgetting things here, and forgetting things there as the set out to get ready.

"Geeze you think they’d never be out before" Logan said as he nearly ran into one of them.
"Not in polite society" the Professor said as he walked Logan towards the door."Are you sure you don't want to join us?"."Yeah I'm sure Chuck. I’m not a suite and tie kinda guy" he said as he kick started his motorbike and drove off.

"Rogue, come on!" Kitty pounded on their bedroom door,"I said Just wait a minute!"
"Auntie O, can you come here and help me for a sec?!" Evan called from behind another door
"Rogue!.Hurry up!","No!"
"Children, children please" Ororo said trying to calm them down."I need to get into the room and Rogue wont let me" Kitty explained her situation."Auntie O, please I need help with this fu**ing tie!","Evan watch you language!" Ororo scolded,"Rogue please let Kitty in her room" she said calmly as she headed towards Evan's room.

Kurt teleported himself into Scott's room."Hey a little privacy here?!" he said as he messed around with his tie."Hey sorry. But the door is nearly opened","what do you want?","Can I use some of your aftershave?" He asked, Scott just looked at him and laughed to himself."Yeah sure, it’s in my bathroom"."I still don't think its fair that you and Jean both have rooms with your own facilities","Hey first come, first serve" he said smugly as he continued with his tie."Err. I hate these things" he said nearly fed up with it."I don't know what's wrong with you and Evan, how hard can it be for you to tie a tie" Kurt said as he splashed some on,"And I only have three fingers","Yeah. Keep it up and you'll be down to two"

"Need some help with that?" Jean asked as she stopped up in front of her door, she was almost ready, all she had to do was put on her dress."Yeah sure".

"I used to help my father with these things when I was younger, my mother showed me how" she explained as she untied what he had and started to re-tie it.

Scott stood there, as he lowered his eyes and watched Jean's fingers tie, as he stood there he quietly breathed in the sent of her hair, the light sent of her shampoo was intoxicating. Even in a bathrobe she looked incredible."So is Taren ready?" she asked as she finished up."She should almost be ready, I’m going to go and pick her up","oh ok" she quietly said as she backed up and turned around."I need to go and finish getting ready. So I'll see you?"."Yeah.. later" Scott said as he looked at himself in the mirror and admired her handy work.

"I saw dat" Kurt said, interrupting his moment."You saw nothing. Get out","Relax I'm going, Jean's not the only one needs to finish getting ready" he smirked before he teleported himself back to his room.


*


"Alright Professor I'm going to pick up Taren now" Scott called out as he ran downstairs and grabbed his keys from off the table in the hallway. He adjusted his coat and walked out the door. There was still an hour left before Warren have cars sent out to pick them up.

He walked up the pathway leading to Taren's front door. He rang the doorbell and turned away awaiting for an intimidating father figure to answer. Finally the door began to open

"Hey" Taren said as she stepped out."You like nice. I don't believe I ever seen you in such a uniform before"."That's because I never had to wear this kind of uniform before" he smiled and admired the pastel pink dress, she wore with flower barbette in her."You don't look too bad yourself" he said as he offered her his arm."You don’t go out with a lot of girls do you Scott" Taren joked."I go out with enough" he said as he opened the car door for her, then went around to his.

"You know I think this is the first time I've actually be to your place"."Oh really, Jean's never invited you has she?"."No. Actually, she hasn’t. So what is that they teach you there?" she asked as she turned herself to face Scott."Let's just say if I tell you, I’ll have to kill you. Literarily",Taren turned back in her seat."So much mystery" she said *"We're back!" Scott called out as he closed the doors behind him. Kitty was already downstairs ready to."Hey guys Scott and Taren are here" she yelled up the stairs. Warning everyone

"Awesome dress Kitty" Taren complimented."Yeah you look great"."Hey thanks. I like your dress too." she smiled."But you should see Jean's" she winked.

"Ok were coming" Evan yelled as he began to slide down the banister."Hey Taren","Hey".
"Kitty did you take my mascara?" Jean called from atop the stairs as she started to come down. "No wait!" Kitty yelled as she ran up the stairs and stopped her before anyone could see her other then a glimpse."Warren's not here yet!,and you wanna make a big entrance for him don't you?"."Kitty, I’m not worried about my entrance. I’m worried about my mascara. I need it.","I know" she said as she turned to go back downstairs " I don't have it"."I have some" Taren said as she walked up the stairs, digging into her bag. As she met up with Jean."Here you go"."Oh hey! this is the tube I was looking for","Yeah remember we bought them at the same time"."Oh yeah" Jean said as she turned to go to her room."Come on" she turned and motioned for Taren to follow.

"Ok your better with eye makeup then me" Jean said as she turned and faced Taren while standing in front of her mirror, while Taren went through her eye shadows and liner."You know this is the first time I ever really been in here" Taren said as she applied.
"Yeah I know"."How come you never invited me before?.You know, now that I'm here"."I don't know. I guess I just like hanging out at your place then mine","I can't see why. This place is huge, and a lot cooler the my place. You guys must have a lot of privacy"."You'd think" Jean smirked."Hold still","Sorry"."Almost done where's the glitter"."Over there"."The finishing tough" she smiled "Taren.." Jean started,"I don't want you to get the wrong idea of why I never invited you here".

"I never gotten the wrong idea", she softly smiled at her
"Did you know that slut friend of ours has ben hanging off of Duncan for like that past three days!"."I don't care, she can have him"."There. I’m finished"."Oh wow" Jean said as she faced the mirror."Make up and boy talk. I’d say that within these 5 min. we made up for whatever time hanging out here in your room, we never had" Taren said."You know what I think your right" Jean laughed.

"Da cars are here" Kurt's voice came over the intercom."You guys have an intercom, that's cool","Yeah but we usually just end up hollering for each other anyway. Now we don't want to miss our que" Jean said as they stared to walk out."Yes time to make are grand entrance"."I wouldn't want to make it with anyone else" Jean smiled as the two started to walk down the hall.

When they got atop the stairs they stood there for a minute. Watching all of those waiting for them down below.

Warren stood below smiling up at Jean."I never told you this yet, but he is really hot!" Taren whispered in her ear, causing her to smile even more. *"Whoa" Kitty said with amazement as Kurt helped out of the car, and looked around at her surroundings. The long velvet red carpet, the spotlights lighting up the sky dimming the stars, everyone else around her getting out of limo's and other luxury cars "This is so awesome I can't believe you actually live like this it's totally..classic" she said to Warren as he stepped out, helping Jean."Its not as fairy tale as it all seems" he responded as he helped Rogue as well."Thanks" she said shyly as she moved off to the side and wait for the others to arrive in the second car.

"There they are now" Warren said pointing out as the all stepped back a little ways giving the car room to pull up and for the others to get out "The Professor said he'd be hear shortly" Scott explained."He said something had come up".

"Alright we shall wait for them inside" Warren said as he extended his arm "Shall we" he said as he allowed the ladies to walk in before him. *"Is everything alright?" Ororo asked back at the mansion, as she walked into his study and saw him using Cerebro."I'm not sure" he responded as he began punching computer keys


*


"Another drink?" Warren offered Jean as the toured his father's ball room while watching the guest enjoy themselves."No thank you"."Well then. May I have this dance?"'Yes you may" she smiled as he led her onto the dance floor and wrapped his arm around her waist, while taking her other hand in his.

"My friends are really enjoying your party. Thank you for inviting then"."It was my pleasure" he said as he spun her around, and ended it with a dip. As he brought her back up to his eyes, he looked deep within hers. All of a sudden they were alone, as the two slowly danced together, as once again their faces magnetically pulled closer, their heart beats shallow. Jean pressed her lips together before they pressed against his.

"Argh" Warren grunted out in pain as he became weak in the knees for a split second causing him to drop a little."Oh my god are you ok?" Jean asked in a panic as she caught him when he dropped. as she helped him to the floor."What is it? What's wrong?" she asked as she noticed Warren's father coming towards them."It's nothing now" Warren said as he climbed back onto his feet

"Warren are you alright?" his father asked."Yes Sir, I’m alright. I think I just need..Argh" he started to collapse again."I just need some air" His father and another man helped him to their balcony and sat him down."Dad I'm fine really" he said as he reassured him."Are you sure. Should I call for a doctor?"."No I'm fine really, your embarrassing me in front of my date" he smiled as he looked over towards Jean who stood in the door way with a worried statement on her face

He held out his hand for her to come to him, as his father walked away.
"Are you alright" she asked once more as she sat down next to him."I'm fine"."What happened?"
"Its nothing, really. It was just a pain in my back","Really?" she said as she began to rub it."Yeah. I’ve been getting them lately. The doctors said it was due to stress. But it's nothing to worry about"."Are you sure?"."Yes I'm sure" he said as he reached in back of him and took a hold of her hands, held them tight and finished what they started on the dance floor.

The party went on to all hours of the right. It lasted to the point where most of the guest had been gone for hours, but The X-men were still enjoying themselves. with what little party was going on. Due to too much champagne.

"Hey" Jean said as she snuck up behind Scott."Hey yourself" he smiled at her."Where's your date?" she asked."Where's yours?"."He had to go take care of something"."Mine's with Kitty in the ladies room" he smiled."Oh ok." She replied as she took a glass of champagne from a waiter

"Do you think the Professor would approve of all of us drinking like this?","I think he expected it. It’s too bad he couldn't make it" Scott replied."Yeah I know. I wonder what could have came up. There you are" Jean said as Warren walked up behind."I can't see myself being anywhere else" he said as he kissed her on her head. Scott just looked away."Are you enjoying the party, Scott?"."Yeah actually I am"."And your date as well?"."Yeah, she's having a blast as well"."That's wonderful"

"I bet you didn't know this Warren, but Scott's date is actually my best friend: Jean smiled."No I didn’t. So that how you two met then. Jean introduced you?"."Yeah something like that Scott answered.

"Hey guys" Taren said as she and Kitty walked up."Wow. Its late" Kitty said as she looked at her watch."It's only two in the morning, it’s still early, depending on how you look at it" Warren smiled as he wrapped his arms around Jean's waist."It is late" Jean said looking up at him."You mean you guys never partied till early in the morning before?" Warren asked sounding a little surprised

"No actually we haven't" Scott replied."Seriously?" Warren asked looking down at Jean waiting for her to confirm it."Its true"."Tell you what" Warren said as he finished off another glass."There's a first time for everything, get the rest of your friends" he said as he placed the glass down on a tray while a waiter was passing."If you guys want to party till the sun comes up, this is no place to do" he smiled."I'll go bring the car around"."Where are we going?" Kitty asked a little confused."I don't know but if were gonna party till the sun comes up this in no place to do it!" Taren said a little excited."I'll go find the others" she said as her a Kitty ran off to gather them, leaving Jean and Scott there."So what do you think?" he asked."I think a lot of things, but what I do know, we just may have the best night we ever had in our lives!"


*


"Have you found anything else?" Ororo asked."Not yet, but what ever it is the signal is getting stronger. Did the students enjoy the party?","I'm assume they are"."Are?","Their not back yet?","Really?.Its 2:30 in the morning"."I know" Ororo smiled."Promise me they wont be in too much trouble when they finally do arrive home?","I'll see what I can do" The Professor said as he went back to him computer.


*


"Dhat is one big boat!" Kurt said as the arrived at the docking yards."Where are we going?" Rogue asked."I was thinking somewhere along the French shore?" Warren answered."Really?"."No not really. I was thinking we could take a cruise around the bay for awhile. At sunrise, on the top deck is the best way to view it. I thought you all would enjoy it."."Ok so like what are we all waiting for!?" Kitty said ."Nothing" Warren answered."This way" he said as he led the way to board.


*


"Scott have you ever driven one of these before?" Warren asked as he showed them the control room, while waiting for the captain to arrive."No, nothing like this" he answered."You wanna give it try?"."No that's ok"."Oh come on, you may never get the chance to be in control of anything cooler"."You don't know that" a sly smiled came across his face

"The Captain's onboard, we should go up deck"


*


"The stars are really out tonight aren't they" Taren said as her and Scott stood alone on the upper deck."Yeah they are something" he said as he looked up and admired them."Kitty was right","She was?","Yeah, this night is classic" she said as she tried to look pass his Ruby Red Quartz, trying to see his eyes. She placed a hand onside of his glasses, trying to take then off."That's not such a good idea" Scott said stopping her."I'm sorry..What's it like to look through those?"."It's ...pretty red"."Do you think one day you might actually let me see the color of your eyes?" she asked as she turned to face him."maybe...one day" He sighed, as he looked at Taren. She very quickly brought her face to his and stole a quick kiss. Scott looked at her surprised."I thought if I didn't do it now, I may never get the chance again" she said as she lowered her head a little.

Scott just looked at her, he lowered his head slightly and came in low, as he returned her kiss, this time a little longer then before. Unaware of the audience they had down below.

"Look up dhere" Kurt pointed out to Kitty."Wow. I see those two are enjoying their evening" she giggled."Deah, I’d say so".He smiled as he took Kitty by the hand as they walked along and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, she giggled to herself, and returned the kiss, But this time laughing a little out loud, his fur tickled her nose.

"What are you thinking?" Warren whispered in Jean's ear as he wrapped his jacket around her to keep her warm. Standing in back of her. Watching her watch the water.

"What am I thinking?...","Yes what are you thinking? I can't read minds" he smiled "I'm thinking...What would I be doing tonight if I wasn't here with you. What would my life be like if I hadn't met you. I’m thinking a lot of things right now"."You know what I'm thinking?"."What?"
"The exact same thing"

The muscles in Warren's arm tighten Jean could feel it, his heart beat raced his breathing heavier. He was fighting off something, fighting off pain. It was obvious he was trying to hide it Warren knew that Jean could feel his muscle contract ,so he lead the back of himself up against the railing hoping pressure would relieve some of the pain

"Look up there" he pointed towards the upper deck to where Scott and Taren were. Changing the subject."It looks like were not the only ones in love" he smiled."No I guess not" Jean said, surprised by the two.

Warren placed a comforting hand on the side of Jean's face, as it made it way over across her back and onto her shoulder as he guided her towards him to hold he close.

"The sun will be up soon" he said as he looked at the sky."Over there is the best place to see it, when it breaks over the horizon, glistening off the water","I can imagine"."How long have we know each other for?" Warren asked."Almost a month now" Jean replied."What are you doing this summer?"."I don't know, why?"."Would you be interested in sailing around the world with me?,just the two of "."What?!" Jean asked shocked by the question."Well not the entire world, just France, Spain, Italy, Greece"."Are you serious?"."Of course, what's the point of having a lot of money, and a really big boat if I can't enjoy it?

And I want you to enjoy it with me".Jean turned to face the water. Wanting to say yes, but could she?

"You don't have to answer me right away" Warren said taking some of the pressure off of the moment."Just..think about it"."Alright. I’ll think about it".Jean was thinking about it, the chance to see the world was something she always wanted to, the chance to see it with the man she was falling in love with, made the opportunity even better. Unfortunately there was one small problem holding her back.

"Sun's comin up!" Rogue yelled as she and Evan were walking up stairs to where Taren and Scott were, along with Kurt and Kitty.

"Wow" Jean said as she watched."Aren't you going to watch?" she asked Warren who was staring at her."I've seen the sun before, but this view is one in a million" he smiled, As he kissed her one more time.


*


"There you are" the Professor greeted them as they finally walked through the mansion doors, after dropping Taren off.

"I hope you enjoyed you evening out" he asked."Are you asking because we may not have another night out for a long time?" Evan asked, while Scott jabbed him in the side with his elbow, and answered."Yeah, we had a great time"."Excellent. Then you better get some rest. You have a long week ahead of you"."The Professor smiled.

And a long week it was.

Logan thought that their staying out all night to party was a sign of slacking off. So to make up for.

The following week routines, were school, homework, Danger Room. Bed.


*


Over the past few weeks Warren's phone has been ringing off the hook, the mail has been piling up, the lights are always out, the blinds never opened.

He laid in bed listening to his mother leave another message on his machine as new voice came through

"Hey Warren, it's me, Jean. I was hoping you would be home, but it looks like I missed you. I just want to apologize for not being able to see you as often as I wanted to this pass week, things have been really crazy for me, but when u get this please call me. I really miss you"."Jean!" Warren picked up the phone as she was about to hang up."Hey. I thought I missed you"."Sorry about that I Just...walked in the door. I’ve been really busy this week"."Me too"."Yeah"."But things have slowed down for me, and I was hoping we could do something. I know this is going to sound really boring, stupid, and crazy to you but there's this school dance and I was thinking maybe.."

"Jean" Warren said interrupting, as he paused for moment."I'm not going to be able to go to your dance"."Oh that's ok" she started."Please let me finish" he said as the tone in his voice gone from depressed to sad."I much as I hate to tell you this but...I don't...I don't think I can see you anymore"."Wh.." he voiced cracked as the tears began to fill in her eyes as he nearly dropped the phone."Why?" she finally managed to get out."I'm sorry Jeannie. I can't" things were silent on both sides of the phone."Goodbye Jean" he finally said as he hung up the phone. Leaving her on the other end, crying, and alone.

Warren finally walked over to a mirror as he stared at himself."I can't see you any more" he repeated."No matter how much I want to" he said to himself, as an outstretched pair of Angel's wings sat atop his back.

Jean found herself crying deep into the right, as others tried to comfort her none could get passed her door.

Fed up, Kitty finally phased through and made her way through the darkness towards her heart broken friend. As she sat down beside her on her she carefully wrapped her arms around and embraced her as Jean cried on her shoulder.

A few days after the shock of what happened Jean found herself wondering around the grounds at the mansion by herself until she found herself pool side. She rolled her pant legs up and dipped her feet into the fairly warm water of the pools as she tilted her head back to get a better view of the sky. "Can I join you?",Jean turned her head to see Scot standing a few feet from her."Sure" she answered quietly, as Scott walked along to join her, he took his shoes of rolled his pant legs up and joined her dipping her feet, causing her to smile as she turned her attention back to the sky.

"It’s a nice day out" Scott said,"Yeah it is"."So.." he said trying to find the right thing to say."So.." Jean said mocking him."I guess you and Taren are the latest and greatest couple at school, huh?"

Scott chuckled."Far from it. We’re still just friends."."Oh really"."Yeah really"."I saw you two kissing"."Oh" Scot said as he began to blush."She kissed me, and I did kiss her back, but that was it. We’re still just friends."Oh, ok" Jean said. They sat there is silence before Scott realized the one of the reasons he came out to find her."This came for you today" he said as he passed Jean a letter

It was from Warren. Jean stared at the envelope as she ran her fingers on the return address "Are you going to open it?" Scott asked."The delivery man said to tell you it would explain everything. Whatever that means."He wanted to show me the world" Jean said as she looked from the letter and fought back the tears she was tired of crying, as Scott moved closer to her, placing his pinky finger over top hers.

"I'll show you the world" Scott smiled at her."Someday?" Jean asked as she looked at him, smiling back."Someday" he answered.