To Find A Spider

Scott helped Charles off of the ramp and the three of them were greeted by Tony and Isabella. Tony shook Charles hand and then his congenial attitude had suddenly stopped. “So, where is Serena? At the mansion?” He said rudely. “Because I think common courtesy dictated that you should have called us as soon as she arrived Charles,” he said and it was obvious he was upset.

“I can understand your position Tony But Serena is an adult and I respected her wishes. We’ve came to collect her affects and talk about Peter Parker,” he said. It was rude to keep them all outside like this but Tony didn’t seem interested in manners right then.

Isabella had a flood of emotions flowing through her right then. She was extremely upset about Serena leaving and worried about her, but also angry like Tony, although that anger mostly stemmed from her other feelings. When she heard Charles say that they were there to collect Serena's things she felt panic start to weave its way into her other feelings.

"She's not coming back?"

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Serena closed her eyes for a few minutes but then she slowly became aware of the smell of Chinese food...

Storm came forward then as Charles nodded toward her. “Serena has decided to remain with us at the mansion for a time. To be honest, she has expressed that she is not valued here in the tower and is training hard to be an X-Man,” she said.

———

Gambit knocked on the door and then reached into Serena’s room and held a large bag of delicious smelling Chinese food. “Dewivery foah Serena Stark!” He said in a faux Chinese accent.

Isabella's heart broke to hear that Serena hadn't felt valued on the team. As she thought back on it she realized that they had treated her differently because she was their daughter. They had made her a suit, but she had never been officially voted in as a team member. Though Peter was the same age as Serena they had inadvertently given him more value on the team than her. None of it had been intentional, but she understood Serena's feelings. Isabella looked over at her husband and could see the emotional conflict in his eyes and knew he felt the same way she did and realized that they had made a mistake.

"We were only trying to protect her. She is our only child. We never intended..." she looked away as tears came to her eyes and was unable to finish her thought.

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Serena opened her eyes and rolled over and smiled and then laughed at Gambit's fake accent. She sat up as he stepped in to her room and gave him a little grin. "That was super offensive I hope you know." Her stomach growled as she smelled the food.

“Isabella, Serena is a very good young woman. She is strong, willful and honest. We are honored to have her. I think if you let things lay as they are, for now. Let her miss her home for a while. Come see her if you wish,” he said. “I can help you find Peter,” he added.

——————-

Gambit laid everything out for them and he gave her her two favorites right off and put them in front of her. “So the pajamas are...nice,” Gambit said mockingly. He obviously was in good humor he was cracking jokes left and right. “Scott says your shaping up nicely Cherie,” he said then noticed that she was somewhat stiff and he chuckled.

Isabella sighed and nodded and wiped away the tears from her eyes. She looked at Charles when he said he could help them find Peter. She was quiet a moment before asking a question that was afraid to get the answer for.

"Is Serena right? Is it the suit that's affecting him?"

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Serena rolled her eyes at Gambit's jokes and picked up a box and a set of chop sticks. "I'm...a little out of shape, but I've been in school and I haven't been able to train as much with Natalya. It won't take me long to get back to where I was." She took a few bites of her food and then looked at Gambit. "Is Rogue alright with you being here with me?"

“I was able to read Serena and saw, when she held it that it moved on its own. I feel that it might be some kind of alien organism who requires a symbyote. I fear the longer that he wears the suit, the further away from the Peter that you know. The sooner we can find him the better,” Charles said. “I can use Cerebro to locate him,” he said.

——————

Gambit got up and then squeezed in behind her so his legs were on either side of her. “You let me worry about Rogue, she’s a unique woman,” he said as he began to message the tight lumps in her shoulders and back. And Gambit knew what he was doing.

“I will tell you one thing. If you make the team here, Scott will Make certain you’ll earn it. Scott does not play favorites,” he said as he kneaded the flesh on her shoulders that felt as stiff as steel.

The group moved inside the Tower and Storm and Scott went to Serena's room to pack up some of her things which was still proving to be distressing for Isabella, but she managed to hold her emotions together.

"Do you know why Serena left like she did?" she asked Charles, uncertain she wanted to know the answer.

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Serena didn't realize just how stiff her muscles were until Gambit began to knead her flesh with his fingers. Memories of him giving her similar massages came to the forefront of her mind. Of course, those massages almost always led to sex.

"I would actually prefer that," she said when he told her that Scott would make her earn her place on the team. "At least then I know I'm valued and appreciated."

“Oh Serena, you were in the avengers. How many times did you save a life or an Avenger’s life or Peter’s life?” He said as he continued. He had moved onto her shoulder blades. “But You showed a lot of courage striking out on your own,” he said then paused and leaned around her left side. “How does that make you feel?” He asked genuinely curious.

————————

“I won’t skirt around the truth Isabella. Peter attacked her when she threatened to burn the suit,” Charles said.

“What?!” Tony said angrily and took a step toward them.

Serena sighed and then winced a little at what Gambit was doing, but it still felt good. "When I went to my father and asked him for help with Peter he completely disregarded me. I outright warned Steve and my dad about the new suit, but neither of them listened to me. My father just talked to me like I was some misbehaving child. It's...difficult being on my own like this, but it's also freeing in a way. I don't feel stifled."

She was quiet for a while before glancing over her shoulder at him. "I've really missed you Gamibt," she told him honestly.

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Isabella's eyes widened in horror at learning what had happened. She felt ill, but she had to put a hand on Tony to try and calm him down a little. "But she's...alright?"

Gambit kissed her lips, and savored her taste. “And I’ve missed you Cherie Mwen, I’m so happy you are here he said as his lips touched hers once more. His hands moved to her breasts and his kisses grew in their intensity. “Very happy,” he murmured and continued to kiss her.

————-

“A bit bruised but empowered. She is training hard and will be teaching a science class,” he said. “I did not know there is a price on her head however. And that may create a problem for her. The mansion is a place of safety for all
Mutants. We do not incite violence and I fear that by being there she may endanger others,” he said.

Serena was actually surprised that Gambit kissed her. Between the smell of his cologne, the feel of his lips against her own, and the sound of his voice she felt all of her worries temporarily disappear. She forgot about the black eye and the bruises on her neck. Gambit had a way of making her forget about the rest of the world. She closed her eyes and kissed him back. She felt his hands on her breasts and she moaned softly against his lips. She let the kiss deepen and she turned so she was facing him more. Her brain then woke up and she pulled back and looked at him. "You're with Rogue...we can't do this."

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Isabella glanced at Tony and then looked back at Charles. "So, are you not going to let her stay?"

“I told you, Rogue understands what’s between us Serena,” he said softly. “We love each other and my body burns for you,” He said as he looked into her eyes. “You need me and so I am here,” he said.

——————

“No we will not turn her out. And we are stepping up security,” He said. “Soon I Will contact you so we can get Peter. But I’m concerned that he will fight to avoid capture,” Charles said.

Serena didn't hesitate another moment. She wrapped her arms around Gambit's neck and kissed him like she used to. She completely forgot about being hungry as she was now burning with another kind of hunger.

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Isabella slowly nodded. She knew that Serena would be safe with Charles. She just hated not being able to talk to her. She would respect Serena's wishes though and remain at a distance for now.

"We will help you in any way we can. Tony and I have both known Peter for a long time and we consider him a part of our family. I hate seeing him like this."

Gambit held her against him, he knew she liked that after they made love. Lazily he kissed her lips when she tilted her head up. He could tell she was sleepy but she likely knew when she did fall asleep that he would leave. “My beautiful Cherie Mwen,” he whispered into his kiss and her smile made him smile.

“I saw you talking to Kurt under his tree,” he said softly as he traced his fingers lightly down the side of her neck, down the edge of her breasts, down her side and hip then lightly rubbed her butt with his hand. “He is a tormented soul but I know I can always count on him. You’ve impressed Colossus and Storm as well. “It might sound odd to say, but I am very pleased you are doing well. No matter what hardships come your way,” he said as he brought his hand back up to her face. “You continue to amaze me by pushing through it and succeeding,” Gambit said. “You are such an amazing woman Serena and I love you,” Gambit said as he looked deeply into her eyes.

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“Lets get Serena settled. I think our success involves her and she needs a few more days I think. Scott Summers has made her a personal project but even if I asked him to make allowances, he won’t invite her to the team until she’s ready,” he said as he looked at them.

“Tony...Isabella, this is not a mistake. Consider this an evolution of her development. This needed to happen eventually. What we do is completely unlike any other occupation in the world. Her successes and failures now will be her own and she will grow because of them and because of you,” He said gently.

Tony still was angry at himself. And at Peter for hurting his daughter. But now he knew it wasn’t really Peter at all. And that good and honest kid might cease to exist if they don't help him soon. Where did that creature come from? How did Peter get it? He could not guess and then he suddenly stepped away from them toward Peter’s room and left Isabella with Charles.

As Serena lay there in Gambit's strong arms she wanted to cry. She wanted to cry because she loved Peter and she was afraid they could not be together...and because she loved Gambit but she knew they shouldn't be together. She wanted to cry because she hated constantly having to remain strong. She wanted to cry because she missed Aunt May and her family. She wanted to, but she held back those tears and looked back up into Gambit's eyes.

"I love you too Gambit."

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Isabella watched Tony walk away and she sighed and looked back at Charles. "Please forgive him. I think he's placing a lot of the blame of what has happened onto his own shoulders. He loves Serena very much and I think he feels he has failed her...and Peter."

Natalya was walking with Logan back towards their room after a workout when she suddenly saw him stop and sniff the air and then sniff it again. She heard voices down the hallway and saw a recognition in Logan's eyes. "Who is it?"

“Some old friends,” Logan replied with a grin. “Charles Xavier, Scott Summers and Storm,” he said as he lowered his face. He led her over to where he saw Isabella talking with Charles. Charles looked over at his approach.

“Well, hello Logan,” He said neutrally and extended his hand. Logan did not return the gesture. “Charles,” he said. “And what do we owe...the pleasure,” he said ignoring Isabella’s warning looks. He didn’t even introduce Natalya to him he just looked at him as if he were trying to figure him out right then and there.

Charles smiled. “Ah, I see you still harbor hard feelings about being forced from the X-Men. Well, I can certainly understand…” he began but Logan cut him off rudely. “I don’t think you’ve ever understood bub!” Logan growled and his expression turned angry.

Natalya had never met any of the X-Men nor Charles Xavier, but she knew that Logan had once been on their team, but had been forced out. She hoped that his hard feelings had dissipated, but as they approached Isabella and the man she assumed was Charles Xavier she realized rather quickly that they hadn't...at all. Natalya rather quickly got between Logan and Charles, hoping to diffuse the situation. She extended her hand to Charles instead. "I'm Natalya Sokolova, Logan's fiancee. I apologize for his attitude. He's just grumpy because I just beat him in a sparring match...again."

At that moment Scott and Storm appeared, having heard Logan's voice and the voice of a female they did not recognize. However, her name was familiar to them and they were a little wary of her. Her past and reputation continued to precede her. Storm slowly walked over to Logan.

"It's good to see you again Logan. I presume that this is Natalya. We hear you two are getting married. Congratulations."

Logan turned and saw that Storm was closer than Scott so he focused on her. Her voice had surprised him and interrupted his current thoughts which had to do with his excommunication from the mansion. He just looked at her a moment until what she said registered in his head.

“Uh, well thanks, we’re...very happy,” he said oddly and it did sound odd coming from Logan. Scott’s mouth turned up in a grin and he set down the large duffle bags that they stuffed Serena’s clothes and things in.

“Well we didn’t get an invite, I’d like to see you take a vow,” He said almost petulantly. Obviously there was no love lost between Logan and Scott. Charles nearly groaned at hearing that. Natalya saw the veins pop out of the side of Logan’s neck which was a tell tale sign he was about to explode but with just her familiar touch on his shoulder he seemed to back down and didn’t move toward him.

“Hows Jean, is she still puttin up with that smug bullshit or has she wised up and found someone better?” Logan said in a rasp of anger. Scott’s grin faded quickly but Storm was in front of him. “Well,” Charles began. “It appears that we all have a long way to go yet. I truly hope you two can set aside your differences. There is a young man out there that desperately needs our help. If you are unwilling to work together I do not see a way that we can help him,” Charles said diplomatically. Logan wanted to snarl at them all.

Natalya sighed as she listened to the exchange between Logan and Scott. She did her best to keep Logan calm but he was clearly worked up and that would take time and space away from Scott. She kept her hand on his shoulder, hoping that would continue to help.

Isabella glanced at Logan before looking back at Charles. “We can work together. We really could use your help with this. I’m sure Logan is willing to put aside any differences to help Peter,” she added as she looked directly at Logan.

Logan looked right back at her indignantly. “What? I like Peter...I’ll help ofcourse,” he said defensively then shifted so he could put his arm around Natalya’s waist. Storm grinned at that and nudged Scott. Charles nodded. “Alright, then be ready, I might have him as soon as tonight,” he said then Scott shook his head. “She won't be ready by then unless I could double up her training,” He said. “That could work this week but not the next, she will be teaching next week as well,” Storm said. Charles looked at Isabella. “Come see her next week, I think she’ll be settled by then,” he said then gestured to the others. Scott picked back up the two large duffles then headed toward the doorwall and their jet.

Storm hugged Logan then gave Natalya a serious look. “You take care of him Natalya,” She said and then her face changed. “And he likes to be tickled but won’t ever admit it,” She said as Logan’s mouth gaped and he drew in a surprised breath. Storm giggled as she sauntered out.

Charles backed up a few feet then paused. “Is Pharaoh here?” He asked Isabella as Logan and Natalya stepped away. “Jean has had nightmares about him,” he said. “Odd, considering she has never met the man, don’t you think?” he said then turned his chair around and headed toward the doorwall. Pharaoh was not in but Isabella suspected that he knew that already.

After Charles, Storm, and Scott had left Isabella went down to the room she and Tony shared and found Tony there sitting on the edge of their bed. She walked in and closed the door behind her. She slowly walked over and sat down next to him. She reached over and took his hand into her own and was quiet a moment before speaking gently.

"This isn't just one person's fault Tony. I place equal blame upon my own shoulders. Serena warned us about the suit and I didn't act either. The important thing at this point is that Serena is safe and will be taken care of at the mansion. We need to give her some space and time and in the meantime we need to find Peter and help him."

The next few days for Serena made the first 2 seem like a spa vacation. Scott was getting more and more pressure from Charles and so she trained 4 times a day instead of just 2. Gambit did come to massage her muscles but he let her sleep though he had difficulty on the second day because she kept trying to drag him into her bed.

She continued to get up to speed with her curriculum and she was even given a class room so she could go through the motions of teaching to get used to it all before she actually had students. No one but Charles and Beast were professional teachers so they did not expect her to be perfect on her first day anyway.

At dinner Colossus, Nightcrawler, Gambit, Storm and herself shared a table. She had ice packs on her right shoulder and on her left thigh from the last training session for the day and each mouthful was actually exhausting to bring it to her own mouth.

“I think Scott will make an announcement very soon,” Colossus said confidently. “I thought those last Sentinels had us until you took them out,” Storm said. “Didn’t it seem like he was just trying to make us fail?” Gambit asked Storm. “Ofcourse he was, that’s his job,” Storm said. “Tomorrow won’t be any easier, the danger room studies us each time we fight in there and forces us to become better or we do fail,” she added. “Not all failures are failures. Not when we perform past our present abilities,” Nightcrawler said. “I hate losing just the same,” Gambit said and they all seemed to agree on that.

“Those bracelets can you only use them for a specific kind of energy or can they be tuned for other kinds, like light or sound or kinetic?” Nightcrawler asked.

“Don’t you think I know that? I don’t need to hear it from you too!” Tony snapped and he scowled at her. “This is insane, there is a price on her head Isabella. We have to bring her back!” He said angrily. “And I don’t much care what she thinks she needs right now. It’s her safety that’s important,” he said

Serena barely had time to sit down those next two days. Between the rigorous training and getting up to speed on the science curriculum she was on her feet nearly all day. She never once complained though. She was being taken care of here and she knew that everyone was putting their lives in danger because of the price on her head. She still didn't understand why they were after her, but clearly they wanted her dead for one reason or another.

Every training session Serena improved. She was a fast learner and also eager to learn and improve. She was like her father in that way. She never considered her learning complete in any aspect of her life. She was starting to also figure out the rest of the team's abilities, strengths and weaknesses and fill in any gaps. She was an excellent team player and worked well with them all. She knew she was the newbie and never questioned any orders, although she was happy to give her opinion if it was requested.

She was happy to finally be sitting down. She had worked up quite the appetite. Her bruises were fading, but still visible at this point. It would take another week or so for them to be almost completely healed. She was sitting next to Gambit and she looked over at Kurt when he asked about her bracelets.

"My father designed them specifically for my abilities. Like Scott's device, they help me focus and hone the energy output I create but they also enhance my abilities. The energy is pulled straight from my own body and, depending on how much output I am producing, it can drain me rather quickly. These help with that. However, knowing my father I'm sure they probably could be turned for other kinds of energy as well."