"Professor?" Bobby said, entering the bedroom. The older man waved him in and Bobby walked in, slightly uncomfortable. "Something’s happened and, well, I think you should know about this." The Professor looked to Robert and waited for the young man to continue. "Sto--uh, Ororo has, um, lost the baby." He said softly. How?  The telepath asked, saddened. "Hank said the, uh, amniotic sac, I think was the word, burst. Or, in simple words, her water broke." Bobby explained, sitting in a chair next to Charles. "Then, I think he said the placenta was disrupted, or something along those terms. Hank and Kurt tried to save the baby, but too much happened too fast and, since her pregnancy had been going so well, they weren’t fully prepared to handle the problem, or so says Hank." He’s blaming himself, Bobby, Charles telepathically said sadly. Don’t let him do that. It was no one’s fault this happened. "Oh, I know that and so does everyone else in the house, but you know Hank. He needs an excuse to be miserable." Bobby tried to joke. "But, seriously, I’ll watch him." How’s Ororo? "She’ll be fine in a few days, speaking in physical terms and all. But she’s gonna be having a tough time emotionally." He said. "Not like that’s a shock or anything." And Logan? Charles said, his telepathic 'voice' becoming slowly weaker. "He’s not too upset, surprisingly. I think he’s just glad that Storm’s gonna be fine. You know him better than I do, Professor, but I think he’ll keep his pain to himself for a bit so he won’t get Ororo upset anymore than she already is." I agree. Professor Xavier nodded, his voice much softer. "I, uh, I’m gonna let you sleep, Professor. You’re tired." Bobby said, standing up. Keep me posted, Robert, if anything more happens. He said as he dozed off. Bobby turned away with tears in his eyes. These past months had been extremely hard on Robert Drake, especially when dealing with the Professor’s illness. He wasn’t very close to Charles and he always wanted to become closer, but he never tried. With his own experience with his father, Bobby was slightly shy when coming to serious relationships of any kind, which is probably why his girlfriend had dumped him last month. Always the prankster, Bobby hated being serious since his dad was always serious and he hated his father. As an X-Man, Iceman escaped from his father’s shadow and decided it was time to have fun. Sure, the original team was closer to him than his mother (or father) had ever been, but he had backed off from any serious father-son-like relationships with the Professor. Now he regretted that more than ever. Bobby walked down the hallway and opened the door to one of the old, dusty classrooms, a music room, if he remembered. A piano sat there and he heard beautiful music coming from it. He moved to see who was playing and he was very shocked to find Jubilation Lee’s fingers sliding over the ivory and ebony keys like flowing water. With tears still in his eyes, Bobby watched her play an old piece that he figured to be Beethoven or maybe Bach as he walked towards his young teammate. She looked up and stopped playing. "Oh, don’t stop." He insisted, sniffing slightly. "You’re crying." She stated, standing up. "Hmm, this? No, no. I just got something in my eye." He brushed it off. Jubilee walked to him and looked up to the taller man. "You’re a lousy liar." She stated, wiping another tear from his cheek. "And you’re short." He grinned, another tear falling from his eye. Without another word, the young girl reached up and hugged him. Bobby, unaccustomed to the physical touch, pushed away slightly. Jubilee looked at him and then, without warning, he fell into a chair with tears streaking his pale cheeks.  She wrapped her arms around the twenty-year-old as he cried and he hugged the fifteen-year-old back. ".....why....why  him...."  He wept. "I don’t know, Bobby." She said, running her fingers through his dusty brown hair. "But we’ll go on. We always do." He didn’t say anything more for another few moments. Then the young man pulled back slightly, looking at Jubilee, but his arms stayed around her thin waist. Bobby then realized he had stronger feelings for the young teenager than he should’ve had. After all, she was fifteen and he was twenty. It wasn’t right for him to feel the way he did.  At least, that’s what he tried to believe and convince himself of. As he looked at her, he knew that he should’ve felt very, very uncomfortable. Instead, Robert Drake felt very content and relaxed in her arms. Jubilation ran her fingers across his face and wiped the tears away again. He looked away from the beautiful Asian girl, embarrassed by the thoughts he was suddenly having. He dropped his arms slowly and she stepped back, unsure of what exactly to feel. The room was suddenly tense. Instead of saying anything, she stepped back again and turned away from his brilliant blue eyes. Her nimble fingers found the slick piano keys again and she began to play a simple tune. "Where did you learn to play?" Bobby asked in an attempt to break the uneasy silence. "My folks made me take lessons." She said in response, still playing simple tunes. "My parents were, y’know, old-fashioned in a way. They thought I had a hidden talent for the piano so I was forced to play everyday. It was, like, awful. But, I gotta admit, I learned a bunch’a stuff.” “You play really good.” Bobby complimented. “Thanks. Even Logan likes it, if you believe that.” She winked. "You were lucky to have parents who cared about you." Bobby said, his mind adrift. "You’re lucky t’still have parents who do care about you." She said, playing a loose version of Heart and Soul. "It’s not all it’s cracked up to be." He said, walking towards her again. "Maybe it’s what you make of it that makes it worth it, Bobby." She stated. As she looked up to see the time, Bobby was leaning on the piano looking at her. "What?" She asked, a little nervous. " ‘What’ what?" He asked, looking away. "You know what I mean." Jubilee said.  Shaking off the serious moment, Bobby sat next to her on the bench and tried to play Chopsticks.  "That’s pretty sick." Jubilee joked. "Hey, I tried." He mumbled. "Lemme show you." She said. Her hands moved under his and she began to play the simplistic musical piece. Their hands moved in sync and soon it evolved to another easy tune, Let it Be.  A few seconds passed and then Bobby stopped her hands. He moved closer to her and angled his neck downward. Jubilation felt herself trembling but didn’t push back. He leaned down and their lips met. They broke and looked at each other for a moment. "I--I’m sorry." Bobby said softly. "Don’t be." Jubilee responded. She leaned up and they kissed again. Bobby reached around her and held her slender waist. She reached up, a little unsure, and ran her fingers through his short hair. Jubilee began moving slightly and was soon sitting on his lap. Their kiss slowly turned from a simple meeting of lips to a deep, passionate kiss. One of Bobby’s hands stayed firmly on her back while the other held her head as Jubilee rippled her hands down his muscular back. She was kneeling up and kissing him from a downward angle just as his hands slid down her back. He felt her body and she loved every moment of this sudden freedom and passion.  Then they heard someone knock on the closed classroom door. Their heads shot in the direction of the oak door and they quickly released each other. Bobby moved to a separate chair as Jubilation fixed her disorganized shirt. "Yeah?" Jubilee called as Bobby ran his hands through his ruffled hair. "Only me, sugah." Rogue answered, opening the door. "Ah was jus’ seein’ if y’all wanted some dinner." "Shoor. We’ll be down in a few minutes, 'kay?" Jubilee answered. "I’m just showing Bobby here how to play Chopsticks." "God help us all if yoah tryin’ t’teach that boy anything!" Rogue joked as she walked out of the doorway and back to the kitchen. Bobby glanced to Jubilee with a cute grin and she winked at him. "Close call, Bobby." She said, releasing a breath she didn’t know she had been holding. "You can say that again!" He gasped. "You think Rogue saw anything?" She asked, a bit nervous. "I’m not sure." He replied honestly. "But we have to watch ourselves." Jubilee walked to him and smirked. She reached for his hand as he kissed her again. “Is this a good idea?” Bobby asked, looking in her eyes. “I can’t see why it isn’t. I mean, Kitty and Pete hooked up when she was like 16 and I’m 15, so it’s not that much different.” Jubilee claimed. "Well, we’d still better be careful." Bobby said, wiping a strand of hair from her eyes. "Why?" She asked, releasing his hand. "Well, first of all, I’m five years older than you." He stated. "I’m not sure how the others would react and we don’t need any more problems, er, not that this is one, in this house." "Yeah. I’m catching yer drift." Jubilation nodded with a smile and then walked to the door. "I guess that does make sense." She left the music room and then headed towards her bedroom. Bobby watched her go and then walked in the other direction to go to the kitchen. Jubilee darted into her bedroom and fell onto her bed. She felt her face becoming red-hot and knew that her cheeks probably looked like an overly ripe tomato. Her mind was swirling and her emotions were running high. "Whoa." She said to herself. Then the young girl went into her bathroom and ran some cold water in the sink. After splashing the freezing water on her face a few times, she looked into her mirror. Shock waves hit her and she leaned onto the vanity. About three minutes passed as she stared off into space and then a broad smile crossed her face and she giggled a little. "Great. I’m still a friggin’ lobster!" Jubilation sighed, still giggling. "But a cute lobster." Bobby said from her bathroom doorway. "Hunh?!" She jumped around, caught off-guard. A few crackles of fireworks popped in the air. "I brought you some food." He said, extending one of two plates filled with Southern cuisine, thanks to Rogue. "I told the others that you were about to start some algebra work and needed my help." "Good one." Jubilee said as she walked by the accounting major. He followed her to the desk and handed her one of the plates. "Hey, I thought so!" Robert grinned and kissed her on the neck.     *   *   *   *   * Ororo slept poorly as she tossed and turned next to Logan in the loft. Henry had released her early that morning – even thought it had only been two days, Henry said she would be fine upstairs. Logan had been grateful and had took her to their bed where he could keep a better eye on his wife. With a final groan, Ororo opened her eyes and wanted to cry out. “Mornin’ darlin’.” Logan soothed, brushing the hair from Ororo’s eyes. “Logan.” She said, tears filling her eyes. “I’m sorry I wasn’t strong enough...” “You’re one of the strongest people I know, Ororo Munroe.” He interrupted. “It was an accident. Hank says it happens often enough in pregnancies. It’s not your fault.” “I...I know.” She conceded. “I just wanted to have a child with you, Logan. So very badly.” “We can always try again down the road.” He replied, smiling warmly. “Let’s just concentrate on your health before jumping ahead of ourselves.” She nodded and leaned her head against his shoulder. He thought she was falling asleep when she slowly sat up. Logan sat up next to her and rubbed her back. “I need to leave, Logan.” Ororo said after a pause. “Leave?” “Yes.” She answered. “I need time to heal, to think.” “Ok, we’ll tell Cyke.” Logan said. “We’ll leave as soon as Hank gives the ok.” “No, not we, Logan.” Ororo replied, not turning to face him. “I need time by myself.” “But...” “I’m sorry, my love.” She said, finally looking in his eyes. “You of all people should understand the need to be alone.” “I do.” He said. The ache and sadness in his eyes pained Ororo. She needed time and she knew he would eventually understand that. “I just don’t think this is a good idea.” “I know, but I do.” Ororo said firmly. “I will speak with Henry this afternoon and I will leave when it says I am able.” “Where will you go?” Logan asked, averting his eyes. He looked at the picture of their wedding on the nightstand. “Africa.” Was the only response. “I will come back to you, love. I just need time.” “Ok.” He replied, defeated. She rose and got dressed. The tension in the room was palpable, but neither said anything. With a sad smile, Ororo went to talk to Henry. “I just need you.” Logan whispered as she left.     *   *   *   *   * "Robert Drake, we have known each other for most of our adolescent lives and then some, and I would like to believe that we wouldn’t lie to one another." Jean Grey, telepath extraordinaire, said with a raised eyebrow. "Hey, hey, Jeannie! I have said no lie!" Bobby said as he blasted some laser guns with ice. "True, but you are hiding something!" She called. Telekinetic energy sprang from Phoenix’s mind and crushed two saw-blade containing droids.  The two original X-Men were running a simple, private program in the Danger Room after Jean had insisted upon it to divert their minds from the current anxieties of the mansion. Of course, Jean really wanted to know what was on her best friend’s mind and she never used her powers when it came to Robert Drake, or any other X-Man for that matter. Ever since Jean Grey had known Bobby Drake, he’d always say what was on his mind after a little while, usually meaning anywhere between ten and thirty minutes. So far, he hadn’t spilled his guts for almost twenty minutes. Jean was merely waiting at this point. She had asked him what was on his mind at lunch since he was acting rather oddly for the past week or so, and then they had gone to the Danger Room. It’s only a matter of time, Jean thought. "Maybe I am hiding something, Jeannie, but it’s nothing you need to know about."  He finally said after a long silence. The Danger Room sequence was over and the two friends were now sitting on the metallic floor. “Computer, run Kenya program 15.” Jean said, before looking at Bobby. Suddenly the metallic floor was gone and a grassy field replaced it. The walls became a brilliant blue and pink sky, with the sun close to setting. A warm breeze made the trees sway and birds sang sweetly in the background. “Much better, don’t you think?” Jean smiled, and then turned serious. “It’s eating you up, Bobby.” She stated. “You’ve been acting strange for the past week! What’s on your mind?” "Why don’t you just read it?" He snapped as he ripped some grass up from the ground. "I would never do that and you know it." She answered. "I....God, I'm sorry." Bobby apologized. "I don’t know what’s gotten into me lately. I snapped at Scotty yesterday and Hank this morning. And now you!" "It’s alright." Jean said, placing her hand on his shoulder. "You’ve got stuff on your mind, we all do, but I think you’ve got a lot more going on inside that head of yours. Tell me. You can trust me." "I do trust you, Jean. Honestly, I do!" He said, looking away from her sea-green eyes. "I just don’t know if, well, you should know." "Know what, Bobby?" Jean soothed. "I....I...."  He stopped and Jean waited for him to continue, knowing full well that he would. "I’ve found someone. Again." "That’s wonderful news, Bobby!" She said, relief and happiness pouring out at once.  "Well, in a way, it is." He stated, shifting uncomfortably. Her smiled disappeared and concern covered her face again. "Why do you say that?" Jean asked softly. "Well, um, you, uh, don’t know who I’ve found." He said. "Who I’ve, uh, fallen for." "You think you’ve fallen in love, Bobby? That’s great!" She smiled again. Then she saw the discomfort in his eyes again and she became slightly serious. "Who is it?" "Ummmm, well, she’s someone you know." He began. "Ooookay." "And, well, um, she, uh, lives around here, too." Bobby staggered. "Who is it, Robert?" She asked, looking in his eyes. "It's....it’s Ju’lee." He mumbled.  "Who?" Jean asked, not hearing him. "Jubilee." Bobby said louder. "J...Jubilee?!" Jean gasped, completely surprised. "Yeah. Jubie." His eyes dropped to the floor. "She’s five years younger than you, Bobby!" She exclaimed. "I know." He mumbled. "She’s only fifteen!" "I know." "She’s a child!!" "I KNOW!!" He yelled back, shocking Phoenix. "I know she’s young!! Do you think I’m dumb?! I’m a damned accountant, for Christ’s sake! I know the math!!" Jean leaned back, realizing that she had struck a nerve, a raw one, and that she had no right to judge him. Before she had a chance to apologize, he continued to yell. "I know how old she is! I don’t need a fucking lecture from you or anyone else in the God-damned house, okay!?!" He stood up and turned to his iced form. The air around them turned colder and Jean could see her breath. "Please, Bobby, calm down. I’m sorry about yelling at you. You just caught me off-guard." She stated. The air got colder and she could feel it through her insulated costume. "Calm down, Bobby, or I will make you!" "Make me?! But I thought you didn’t use your powers on your friends, Jean! And what if I told you that I don’t want to calm down?!" He demanded. "Because then I would know that you were lying." She said, plan as day. "And you never lie to me." The air became slightly warmer. "I hate it when you’re always right. But," He winked, "I caught you in a lie! Like you'd ever make me...." She grinned and simply nodded. He groaned, de-icing. "It’s just....I dunno...." "You’re under a lot of stress. We all are." She soothed, hugging him. "And you surprised me with your sudden relationship with Jubilation." "I should’ve waited to tell you." Bobby sighed, stepping back. "With Charles’ and Ororo’s problems, this is probably the last thing you needed to know." "Actually, this is wonderful news, Bobby." She smiled genuinely. "Just make sure you take it slow or Logan will have your head on the table before you can count to three." "Y'know, I never even thought about his reaction." Bobby said, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. "You think he’ll kill me?” "‘Kill’ may be a little too strong a word. ‘Maim’ is more like it." She joked. "To be truthful, he’ll be concerned for Jubilee, yes, but I don’t think he’ll protest in any way. Just take it slow and you’ll both survive to see your next birthdays."  "Let’s hope so, huh?" And Bobby laughed lightly, still nervously rubbing his neck.    *   *   *   *   * “So this is it?” Logan said, putting a small suitcase in the taxi. “Yes, I suppose it is.” Ororo said, looking at the ground. “Are you sure I can’t drive you in?” Logan asked. He was nearly pleading. “I think this is better, love.” She replied. They locked eyes and Ororo almost cried. “I’ll miss you.” He stated. She simply nodded and then embraced her husband. “I’ll be home when I’m ready.” She whispered. “But I will be back, Logan. Trust me.” “Always.” He said, pulling away. “Have a safe flight.” “I love you.” Ororo said. “I love you, too.” Logan responded, squeezing her hand. With that, she opened the taxi door and climbed in. Logan waved as she drove from the mansion. He walked into the house defeated and hurt. With a heavy heart, Logan went into the kitchen to find Jean sitting by herself, a cup of earl gray tea in her hand. She looked up and gasped. Logan looked haggard and she felt the waves of despair, confusion and doubt flowing from his mind. “Logan?” She asked, concerned. At first, he ignored Jean. He was looking through the refrigerator and finally pulled out a 12-pack of beer he had put there two days before. After a deep sigh, Logan looked at the woman who was, a long time ago, the object of his affection. Now, she was an object of his respect and confidence. And, most importantly, he considered Jean his friend. Logan shook his head sadly and looked away. “She’s gone.” The grief in his voice was evident and Jean almost cried at the pained expression on his face. And then he left the kitchen without another word.