DISCLAIMER: in first part.
A Laying On Of Hands: Part Two
by Cascade
By the time Scott Summers knocked on her door the next morning, Dana had been awake for hours. The air fairly crackled with the promise of freedom and adventure. She sensed that dressing up wasn't as mandatory here as it was at her father's house, so she was dressed in the most casual outfit she owned: a pair of khaki slacks, a sporty blouse, and loafers. Her father deemed T-shirts and shorts inappropriate for young ladies to wear.
Even young ladies that were locked in their room.
When she opened her door Scott frowned at her. Dana panicked.
"What is it? What's wrong?"
"Nothing, really. Umm... do you have any, uh, less dressy clothes? Something you could work out in?"
She shook her head. "This is the closest I've got. Sorry."
"It's O.K. We'll just have to have someone take you shopping, that's all. Jean loves to go shopping. She does it all the time. She's always bringing home some new..."
#Scott... Careful what you say. Your wife is telepathic, you know. You could end up on the couch tonight if you don't watch out.# Jean warned.
Sweetheart... I thought you were still asleep, honey. Scott backpedaled furiously.
#Just mind your P's and Q's... Darling# There was no sweetness in the last word.
"Your wife is telepathic, isn't she?" Dana commented with some interest.
Scott nodded glumly.
"Oooh. Guess the honeymoon is over then, huh?"
Scott sighed and nodded. "The living room is this way."
Her training schedule was all set up. She'd meet with the professor at least an hour every day to hone her mutant powers. Then there'd be two hours a day in the gym. Being confined to her room for the last five years of her life had done nothing for her physique. Scott would see her there the first of every week to look in on her progress, and to outline what her workouts should be for the rest of the week. On Friday she was to go see Beast in the Medlab for a physical and some testing. After two weeks she was to talk to Jean about any problems she was having, or any questions she had. Jean would also do a psych evaluation. There was some sort of activity planned each day for her to get to know the other members of the X-Men in a social setting. Rogue and Jean were to take her clothes shopping tomorrow.
She was to be the fourth in a low-stakes poker game with Gambit, Bobby, and Ororo. Beast promised to teach her how to access necessary parts of the mansion's computer system. Sam was going to show her around town, being sure to point out the necessary things such as the local Burger King, the movie theater, the best ice cream parlor, the cheapest place to rent movies, ect. Everything was carefully planned out to mold Dana into a team member, after being alone for so long.
"MERDE!!!"
Sam was just passing by the door of Gambit's room, where the poker game was taking place tonight. The curse caught his notice. He was just about to open the door when Dana opened it herself and came sauntering out with a large wad of cash in her hand. There were also a few bills sticking out of the pockets of her brand new jeans.
"Oh, hi Sam." She said pleasantly enough as Gambit raged in the background about the probability of beating a straight flush.
"Chere, PLEASE, one more hand!"
"Sorry, Remy, you said yourself, it'd be the last hand. Besides you don't have any more money."
"Gambit's luck is gonna change. Gambit had a STRAIGHT FLUSH!!!"
"But Dana had a straight flush king high." She smiled smugly at him pretending to count the stack of ones and fives she had in her hand. "Good thing we set a limit or you would be one really broke cajun."
"Chere, how y' get so good at cards?"
"Well, when your locked up in your room for 5 years, your casino computer software gets a lot of playing time. And as for bluffing...Do you know how many times I've had to say: 'No, father, I have no idea how that got there?"
She waved to Bobby and Ororo who had wisely folded in the last hand. "Good night, all. Call me when you cash your next paycheck, Remy.I'll take that one off your hands too."
She flashed Sam a dazzling smile before turning and walking of towards her room.
Gambit crossed the room to Sam throwing his arm around Sam's shoulder while they watched her stride confidently down the hall. "Sam, you watch dat one for Gambit tomorrow, non? Gambit ti'nk dat chere got somet'ings up her sleeves." He lowered his voice to a confidential whisper.
"And if she say anyt'in' 'bout cheatin'..."
Dana and Sam strolled down the sidewalk. It was a beautiful spring day, the sun shone down brightly on them, making Dana glad she had bought sunglasses on her shopping trip earlier in the week. "And this is the illustrious twelve-screen movie-plex. On Mondays admission is only three bucks."
She smiled. "No doubt the most important stop on the tour." She said with mock seriousness.
"Nah, This is the most important stop." he said extending his arm to indicate the long line of fast food restaurants they were approaching.
"As far as the eye can see..." Dana teased.
The faint background noise of the city changed. They both noticed it.
"What is that?" Dana wondered out loud.
"That is the sound of a large unruly group of people chantin'.
Unfortunately the group we get most often around here is the Friends of Humanity. "
Dana looked concerned. "Maybe we should go home."
Sam was going to argue with her, but she did look a little scared.
Besides, the FoH scared the crap out of him the first time he bumped into them, for someone who just three days ago learned she was a mutant, it would be downright petrifying.
They walked back the way they came. Unfortunately that happened to put them right in the marching path of the FoH.
"Hey, you!" One of the marchers yelled to Sam. "You look familiar. You ain't a Mutant-Lover, are ya'?"
Sam glanced at at Dana. She was white as a sheet. His heart leapt to his throat, but he managed to choke out the words: "Mutant-Lover? Never! Kill 'em all!"
The marcher nodded, satisfied. Sam turned and walked away. Dana numbly followed.
"What's wrong?" He asked her, concerned.
"Did you see all those cameras? It was a media blitz! If they'd recognized us we'd be on World News tonight... and my father would disown me tomorrow!"
Unfortunately, the marcher remembered where he'd seen Sam before: a freeze frame of the mutant Cannonball. He alerted the other members of his group and they turned en-masse to find the two mutants and make examples of them.
Sam and Dana heard them coming. They began to run, ducking into alleyways and cutting through open-air markets. Finally they hid behind a dumpster in an alleyway. Sam didn't want to risk using his mutant powers if it meant getting Dana in the news and in trouble with her father.
As soon as the first members of FoH began to pass their alley, Dana began to tremble. Sam held her tight, whispering quiet, reassuring things to her. FoH passed right on by, but it took at least a half an hour before Dana trusted herself to stand.
"So what happened?"
Dana glanced up at Jean. Sam had told Jean what had happened, so Jean had thought it would be prudent to have her session with Dana immediately.
"What happened, basically, in a nutshell, is that I am so afraid of my father finding out what I am that I froze up as soon as I saw a FoH camera."
"So?"
"So, this paranoia could be a serious roadblock to me ever becoming a team member. Let's just file it along with the other ones, shall we? I can't fight, I'm out of shape, my mutant power can't be used on the offensive... I mean, I was so scared out there, I wouldn't let Sam use his powers to get me out. If the FoH had caught us... we'd be dead. And it would have been my fault."
"Dana, you haven't even been with us a week... you're not expected to instantaneously turn into an X-man upon arrival at the mansion. As you learn more, about your powers, about yourself, about mutants, you'll be able to come to terms with your father, I think. And you know that you'll learn to fight, and every day you're getting into better shape. And we're still trying to learn more about your powers... you can't give up hope yet."
Jean smiled as she'd done on the day Dana had come. This time she received back only a nod.
Slight perfectionist with a penchant for self punishment. Jean thought to herself. Wonderful, another one. And almost as bad as Scott himself.
Dana opened the door out of Jean's office despondently. Jean had told her not to dwell on it. Easier said than done. She stalked down the hall, still angry at herself.
"Dana... Ya' got a package in the mail."
She froze. It was Sam's voice. The one person she did not want to see at the moment. She needed the time to put together a worthy apology for huddling in an alley like a scared 5-year old. Oh well, no time like the present, she thought to herself.
She turned slowly and took a deep breath. He was slouched casually against the wall next to the door to Jean's office. His arms were folded on his chest, but she detected no outward signs of hostility. Well, that made it a little bit easier. "Sam, I just want to apologize for making you sit in that alley..."
"Not necessary." he interrupted. "Now, come on, ya' got a present and everybody wants to see whatchya' got. We're not very patient here." He smiled and took her by the arm to lead her down the hall.
She stopped him. "No patience?! Who just waited in a dark, damp alley for half an hour?"
He took both her hands in his and made her face him. She looked at him reluctantly. His face was warm, a half smile on his lips. It was a face kinder than she'd ever seen at her father's house. "That wasn't patience... That was friendship."
He watched her as her shocked face turned into something almost like a smile. He let the moment hold for just a moment longer, then he dropped one of her hands and tugged on the other one. "Now, come on, Dana Hawkes. Ya' got a present in the mail!"
Dana sat on the couch with the box on her lap. She checked the postmark.
"This is from China! I don't know any one from China!" She glanced up at Sam. "You sure this isn't going to blow up and kill us all, right?"
"It's been checked, it's fine." He reassured her. "Now, open the dang box!"
She glanced sideways at him one more time, before finally starting in on the packing tape. She opened the box carefully, afraid of what might jump out.
"I knew it!" Sam exclaimed. "They do have packing peanuts in China!"
Dana handed him one of the Styrofoam shapes. "Here, have an authentic Chinese packing peanut."
"I shall treasure it always!"
She reached into the box and pulled out another box. Although this one was hardly cardboard. It was a large cloisenne box. It was covered with fantastic inlaid creatures. There were peacocks, butterflies, even a dragon or two.
Rogue gasped from her seat across from the couch. "It's beautiful."
It was shaped like a chest. A small, ornate latch kept the lid closed. She undid the latch and opened the lid. The box was filled with pearls! Everyone in the room gave an involuntary "Ooh" or "Ahh". There was a note inside.
Dear D,
Heard dear old dad finally let you out of the house. Welcome to the real world, sis! Have a blast, and make some friends so your brother doesn't feel so bad every time he has to leave you for another corner of the world.
Well, here I am checking out the "Asian Market" for dad. It looks fine to me, but who am I to complain about traveling to exotic locales.
Just wish you were here. You'd love it. Exciting. So I used some cash and bought some of Asia for you. Figured since I'm not allowed to bring you with me I've decided to send the area back to you.
Welcome to Asia. Population: A heck of a lot. It's really crowded in the big cities where I am. Asia is famous for pearls, and I know you loved all those stories about pirate treasure as a kid, so I made you a treasure chest. Don't worry about the extravagance of it all. They're poor quality pearls, dime a dozen. It's just fun to run your hands through them.
There's a sticky note on everything else in the box, explaining what it is and where it came from. (Thought I'd better make this at least a little educational!) Don't forget to check the bottom of the box (The cardboard one) for one last present. It wouldn't fit in the other box.
Love,
Marc
There was a pearl necklace with earrings (The good stuff, the note had said), cloisenne hair combs, ornate chopsticks, a carved stone 'chop' with red ink (a chop was a stamp used for sealing documents or signing things), a white and blue vase, a small brush set for painting, some miniature terra-cotta warriors, a rolled up painting of a mountain temple, and at the bottom of the box was a oriental dress. It was black patterned velvet, ankle length, with a mandarin collar, and a slit on either side that went to mid thigh. Dana checked the tag. She could never remember the conversion between European sizing and American, but it looked all right.
"Try it on." Sam whispered to her.
"Maybe later."
After everyone had looked at her gifts Sam helped her carry them to her room.
"Come on, try on the dress."
"Fine." Dana sighed. She pushed him out of her room and shut the door. She slipped on the dress as well as a pair of black heels so she could check for length. It was fine, but the slits on the side were disconcertingly high.
There was a knock on the door. "Well?" Sam's muffled voice asked
"It fits." She said curtly.
"Can Ah see? Please?"
"No."
"Come on, Dana."
She sighed. "Fine. I'll be out in a second." She checked herself in the mirror and stepped outside her door. Unfortunately, Sam wasn't the only one there. He was joined by half the X-Men. Dana put her hands to her face in embarrassment.
Instantly, Sam was by her elbow.
"You die, Sam." She mumbled through her hands.
"Everybody else wanted to see ya' too." He pulled her hands away from her face. "Now put yer hands down." He leaned closer to her ear and whispered. "Yer brother's got great taste. Ya' look gorgeous. Like an angel. Now be gracious and take some compliments."
She blushed furiously at his words, but did as he said, and soon everyone had left them.
"Thanks for letting me see the dress." he said.
"I hope you feel like a voyeur."
"Nah, just like a lucky man."
She blushed again. "Get out of here." she said half heartedly.
He grinned. "Farewell, beautiful lady." he said taking her hand and kissing it. "Until we meet again!" He bowed and did a grand stage exit, striding down the hall like a prince smitten, holding his hands over his heart, but grinning the whole way.
Dana leaned against the door and sighed. "What a punk." she mumbled as she turned the doorknob, a smile on her face.
Jean was right. She felt better when she didn't dwell on her mistakes. In fact, right now she couldn't even remember making any.
Scott entered the gym on an early Monday morning to hear the sound of a punching bag being worked on. Scott moved so he could see it's aggressor.
"You're improving."
Dana smiled, her eyes not breaking away from her target. "I try, boss." she mumbled.
A beeping sound emanated from the timer on her hip. She punched the bag one last time, and walked away from it towards Scott, her eyes on the timer. She flipped the switch on the back to stop the alarm and looked up at him.
"How long have you been in here this morning?" he asked her.
"Only a half hour... I kinda slept in." Dana sheepishly moved a strand of hair away from where it had stuck to her sweaty face.
"That's O.K. Just as long as it doesn't become a habit. By the way, when did you change your workout outfit?" He asked motioning to the sports bra and biking shorts she was wearing.
"Well I was feeling kinda left out of the spandex club, if you know what I mean." Scott chuckled. "And today was the first day I felt I could pull this ensemble off."
Scott nodded approvingly. She'd put on a lot of muscle since she'd come here. She'd be ready for the danger room in no time. Scott felt a little like a father anticipating his daughter's graduation.
"I'm sure Sam will approve." He said, an evil smile on his face.
"SAM?! Why Sam? When are ya'all gonna..." She paused. Her eyes grew large and her hands flew to her mouth. "I said ya'all?" She asked Scott, her voice muffled by her hands.
He nodded.
Dana looked like she'd swallowed a bug. "But... It's not even in my vocabulary!"
"I guess you've been spending too much time with..."
"Don't you even say it... Don't you dare say Sam..."
"Mr. Guthrie." Scott continued.
She glared at him as he chuckled at her predicament. She launched herself at him, head down, preparing to knock the air out of him. He saw her just in time to prevent any real damage. He effortlessly flipped her over his head, landing her on her back on the soft mats behind him. Enraged now, she tried again. Again she landed on her back in another section of the gym.
"Dana, you know better than to fight angry." He said looming over her.
He was right. She did know better. So she calmed herself, and with a swipe of her legs, took his feet out from under him.
He glanced up at her from his unceremonious place on the mats. She was sitting there watching him, a look of smug satisfaction on her face.
"Do you feel better now?" he asked her as he struggled into a sitting position.
"Oh, much!" she said smiling.
"Good, let's get on with your assignments for this week then."
Dana staggered out of the gym three hours later. Scott can be a little vindictive when he puts his mind to it, she thought as she tried to make her way to the shower.
The phone rang. Sam picked it up. "Hullo?"
"Hi. May I speak to Dana Hawkes, please."
"May Ah ask who's callin'?"
"Marcus Hawkes."
Sam smiled, this was too perfect. "Can Ah ask you a question first?"
"Dana! Ya' brother's on the phone!"
Dana came sprinting down the stairs, hair still wet, and retrieved the receiver from Sam.
"Funny, I didn't hear it ring." She said, suspicious.
"You were in the shower." Sam covered
"I got out five minutes ago... you didn't talk to him did you? You didn't tell him anything bad about me?"
"Nah, Ah just answered the phone," Sam lied.
Dana put the receiver to her ear.
"Hi, Marc. Sorry I took so long.... yeah.... I was in the shower...."
Dana's eyes followed Sam as he made his way out of the room. When he turned to look back at her she made it perfectly clear she didn't trust him one bit.
He just grinned.
Dana sat cross-legged on the floor of her room. She was bored. The X-Men had left her to go save the world again.
"Come on, Dana."She scolded herself aloud. "You were locked in your room for five years and were able to entertain yourself. You spend half a year surrounded by others and you're so dependent on their company that you can't stand to be by yourself?"
She'd already worked out in the gym, run around the mansion a few times, and cleaned every room she could find.
She crawled over to her movie collection. She'd accumulated quite a number of videos to stave off boredom at home. Marc had always brought her a few every time he came home. Most of which her father thought were inappropriate, which meant her father didn't 'get' them. She went through the stacks.
"Blues Brothers, Ferris Bueller, Independence Day, Jurrassic Park.... Ah, here we go." She slipped the video out of its case.
"All my life I wanted to fly..."
The golden polygonal shape drifted down through the opening in the ceiling.
"Like the birds that you see way up in the sky..."
It spun slowly as it fell towards the floor.
Words appeared to hover in the room: 'Starring Keanu Reeves'.
Dana giggled from her spot on her bed. "I love Bill and Ted!"
Dana awoke with a start in her room. It was night outside. The movie had ended and her TV was just showing static. She groggily reached for the remote, wondering what had woken her up. The TV clicked off. She felt something. It was like something was triggering a random emotion in her brain. She tried to place it. It was grief, she realized with a start.
Jean, are you doing that? she thought. No answer. She slipped on her shoes and wandered into the hall. The feeling was stronger now. She felt pulled somewhere. She started walking.
To her surprise she ended up in the Medlab. She walked to the bed, around which the team was huddled.
Rogue was lying down, her face contorted in pain. Gambit was by her side, holding one gloved hand. He was a picture of grief. His strange eyes were rimmed in red, tears rolled down his cheeks. The other X-Men looked equally saddened. The cause was the ugly burn mark on Rogue's stomach. A fatal shot from some hi-tech gun. Even Rogue, as strong as she was, was not immune from a well placed shot. There was nothing anyone could do. Even Beast with all his medical machines could do nothing. He stood at the foot of her bed for once wordless.
Dana moved silently past the mourners, tearless. It was all so surreal. She stopped at the foot of the bed and gazed into Rogue's eyes.
Then slowly, deliberately she put a hand on either side of Rogue's face.
Scott noticed too late.
"Dana, no!" He shouted at her, trying to warn her away before Rogue's power took effect.
Strangely enough, Dana didn't seem to be suffering from Rogue's power. Dana's hands began to glow. Her eyes were closed, her head back.
Gambit looked up at her.
"Petite?" he questioned. He glanced down at Rogue's wound. It appeared to be smaller than it was before. "Non." he shook his head not believing. "It can' be."
They all stared. The wound was shrinking. It grew smaller and smaller until it disappeared.
Dana moved her hands away and opened her eyes. She looked tired.
She took a step but her knee buckled and she crumpled. Scott caught her by the arm before she hit the floor and picked her up in her arms.
"Is Rogue O.K.?" Dana asked slowly, her speech slurred.
At that moment Rogue sat up on the table, her hand on her stomach, her eyes wide. "Ah'm... Ah'm alive?" She whispered.
Gambit was speechless. He threw his arms about Rogues waist, laughing.
"Rogue's gonna be fine." Scott said quietly, laying her on another bed.
Dana nodded. "Good." The word was barely distinguishable. Then she closed her eyes and passed out.