There Is Truth in The Light (July 2012)

Th Wakondans took the 3 tablets and Shuri made a special case to house them in. They would be their guardians from now on and they would be hidden from the world. Serena and Gambit had been given a room along with Steve and Kate and her parents and Peter as well.

Serena and the others were healed of their injuries and food, lots of food was provided to them. Especially for Serena who was nearly Savage in how hungry she was. She had used up alot of her body’s resources and the food was delicious and filling. This ofcourse then made everyone sleepy.

The next morning she heard Gambit running a bath for her. He had put something into the water, it smelled flowery and herbal and inviting. He came up to her as she lay in their bed and sat on the side near her. He looked down at her as she lay on her side with her head on her pillow.

“How are you feeling? Your color has returned, not surprising with how much you ate last night. I was hesitant to have my fingers anywhere near you for fear that I might pull back a bloody stump,” he said jokingly. When she smiled at him he seemed to relax. “That’s what I was hoping for,” he said. “I drew a bath for you if you want it,” he said as he looked at her.

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Tony rubbed Isabella’s shoulders. They were in the bathtub together, he behind her and he rubbed the flowery oils into her flesh. The oils made the water a cloudy gray and the oils made her skin, soft and supple. He loved her olive skin, a contrast to his paler flesh. Her shoulders were tight and hard and his experienced fingers brought moans and groans from her. Her dark hair glistened wetly from the water and steam rose from the tub. Tony had made the water very hot and it had hurt to get into it at first but now that they were in it, her muscles began to loosen. He kissed her shoulder and ran his hands over her breasts then brought them down between her legs then back up to her shoulders again.

“Should I be jealous of T’Challa? I see the way you look at him, sometimes,” he said though he wasn’t really being serious. They both ‘looked’ at men and women that they liked but nothing more than that and perhaps a little harmless flirting.

Serena had never felt as tired as she did now. She wasn’t sure she had moved at all last night after Gambit had out her into the bed. Her body felt sore and though she had eaten so much the night before she still felt hungry. Serena’s sleep had been deep and she had not dreamt, but she did find she was still thinking about Peter. She did not understand what was going on, but she wanted to.

She heard the water running in the bathroom and could tell Gambit was drawing a bath for her. She didn’t move, but her eyes were open when he came back over to the bed.

“I’m still feeling exhausted and hungry, but a bath sounds wonderful. My entire body feels sore.”

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It had taken Isabella a while to fall asleep. She had been rather worked up over everything that had happened and was worried about Serena. She kept wanting to go check on her, but Tony has stopped her. The following morning they decided to relax in the tub. Isabella had made the water as hot as they could stand it and had added some soothing oils. Tony sat behind her and massaged her shoulders. She moaned at how good it felt. She hadn’t realized just how tense she was. Tony’s question about T’Challa however made her eyes open. She slowly turned around so she was facing him.

“Of course not Tony. He and I are just friends. For better or worse you and I are together...we’re a team...even when you drive me completely crazy some days,” she said with a little smile.

“Bah, I’ve been doing that since we met,” he said as he looked at her. Her body had begun to show some signs of aging but not many. “As I recall, you hated me at the start. A perfect place to begin a relationship. Pure, unadulterated hatred, he said jokingly. He didn’t feel like being serious right then. The day before had just been too real for him. He had done so many things to keep his family alive and together. Even cheating death. Not him personally but those he loved. How could he tell Isabella what he had done? Well, it wasn’t him directly, it was the ‘him’ in another timeline, another reality maybe. But Peter had presented himself to him and he had kept that secret. Even now he kept it so no one else had culpability. He suspected Isabella would be furious with him but perhaps, grateful too.

“All those roses had to accomplish something. I almost made a pass at you while we ate lunch on my yacht,” he said as he reached down to shift her legs so he could pull her toward him. “You were still with Frank, or so you said,” he said as he put his arms around her and pressed her breasts up against his chest. His hands worked on her shoulder blades. He had strong fingers and they sought out the tiny knots that still remained there. She also felt ‘him’ against her inner thigh. It didn’t take much to get Tony aroused, it never did.

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Gambit used his hands as he sat on a small stool next to Serena’s tub. He kneaded the shampoo into her hair and massaged her scalp as she held the side of the tub with her hands. The oils in the water were soothing and their scent made her head swim in relaxation. After she tilted back into the water to rinse he applied the conditioner and repeated the process though not as vigorously.

“So...how does Peter Parker fit into all of this? You haven't said much about him. I know you to a degree Serena. Either you don’t know much about him or you aren’t ready to talk about him with me,” Gambit said and left it at that. He wasn’t one for pushing. Things either happened or they did not.

Isabella couldn't help but smile as she thought back on the start of their relationship. Things had not started off well, but Tony had won her over eventually. Now, she couldn't imagine her life without him. She would never regret her relationship with Frank though and she did still love him. She hadn't spoken to him in some time and she promised herself that once they were back in New York and things had calmed down that she would call him. He had a cell phone and he had given her his number just in case she ever needed to reach him.

Isabella suspected that Tony was holding something back from her, but she didn't want to press him about that now. Right now, they needed to just celebrate their victory and get things back to normal...or as normal was life was for them.

"I was still with Frank," Isabella said with a little smile as Tony pulled her towards him. She could feel that Tony was aroused and all of these memories of the start of their relationship was getting her slightly aroused as well. No one could doubt that they were still very much in love. "I know that at first you were only pursing me because I had turned you down...but when did you actually fall in love with me?"

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Serena felt her body slowly begin to relax as she sat in the hot water. The smell of the oils and the feel of Gambit's fingers as he massaged her scalp was quite soothing and she just surrendered herself to him. She was quiet a moment when he asked her about Peter though.

"I don't know much about him," she answered, which was the truth. She really didn't...and yet she knew that she did know him. "He, like you, thinks that I should go back to school though and finish my master's degree. He said he can get me onto his team at Osborn Corp."

“I think it was when I saw you come out of that helicopter. I was hurt and hot and so thirsty I could drink a river but when I saw you there...I just knew,” he said as his hands moved down to her hips. The oils made their flesh slick to the touch and it didn’t take much for her to guide him into her. He didn’t move though. He was content to just feel so close to her. He could see the red lines on her flesh where her suit and pressed up onto her skin. They would fade eventually but it was just too close for comfort.

“I will admit I was a bit delirious and desperate to be rescued but it just hit me so sudden right then. You were still technically with Frank then too,” he said as his hands shifted up and placed her arms onto his neck. His hands shifted down onto her breasts. He saw her eyes close a moment then open again when he touched her and then his hands moved down to her hips again as he began to move. A slow, methodical movement.

“When was the first time you were tempted to go to bed with me but didn’t?” He asked playfully.

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“Well that sounds like a very good opportunity,” Gambit said not completely satisfied with her avoidance of actually answering his question but he decided to let it go for now. He helped her get a towel onto her head as she laid back into the tub to just soak.

“You know cheri mwen, we never really got out vacation. I think maybe someplace we’ve never been but is very nice. Someplace there’s great casino’s too,” He said as he put his arm into the water to rub her chest and abdomen. He liked how the oils felt on her flesh. He enjoyed that smooth, silky feeling against his touch.

Isabella wrapped her arms around Tony's neck. She rested her head against him and was content to just stay like they were for a while. After yesterday, they both just needed to be with each other...to feel that they weren't alone. Tony would feel Isabella smile against him at his question. "It was when we were on the yacht. I could just feel the chemistry between us and I knew then that I was in trouble...deep trouble. I'm glad you didn't make a move on me that night...because I would have given in."

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After Gambit wrapped her hair up into a towel, she relaxed back in the tub. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the feel of his touch. However, in that same moment she also found herself thinking about Peter. Although she had not been initially sexually attracted to him there was something about him that drew her in. She didn't know quite what it was...but it made her wonder...

She opened up her eyes and looked at Gambit when he suggested that they take the vacation they had been talking about. "That would be nice...but let's not make it too exciting. I think I've had enough excitement for a lifetime."

“Well, a missed opportunity. But…” he began and then thought about their yacht. They had one, a large and more advanced one than before “When IS the last time we were ON the yacht?” he asked. The look Isabella gave him almost made him chuckle. That would be entirely his fault. They rarely went on a vacation and she knew he disliked being away from the lab for very long. His attention deficit issues had changed since she met him either. But, neither had his libedo...obviously. Their love-making though slow right then still made his breath come faster.

“Well, I did think about tossing everything off of the table and just taking you right then and there. Maybe we can replay that moment sometime soon.” he said. “Wouldn’t you get bored just sunbathing, eating, drinking, swimming and making love?” He asked. The look she gave him told him what he needed to know about that! Likely she had wanted to go on vacation but said nothing about it. Well, maybe he should do this for her. And for himself. Maybe Serena and Gambit would come? It was a big Yacht.

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Gambit helped her out of the tub and towel dried her off. He set the thick, white robe on her and then shifted the covers again so she could lie down in the bed again. He’d call for something more to eat for her and he came to sit beside her in the bed. He leaned down and kissed her lips softly then paused to look into her eyes to see if she would be receptive to making love right then. She looked...tired though and so he decided not to try and start anything. More food, more rest and then they’d see, he thought.

“I’ll go get you some more food, ok?” he asked. “Shuri said to get as much as you want,” he said.

Isabella wanted to say it had been about four years since their last real vacation, but she held her tongue. Many things in their life didn't make it easy to just take a vacation. However, Isabella knew that they needed one...badly. She missed being out on the yacht in the sun. The thought of taking a vacation made Isabella smile. She didn't want to talk about the vacation right then though. She wanted to focus entirely on Tony and them making love.

Afterwards, as she dried herself off with a towel she glanced over at Tony. "So...when are you going to talk to me about Peter?"

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Serena reached out and lightly grabbed Gambit's hand and stopped him from leaving just yet. She pulled him over to sit down on the bed with her. "Mom told me that you saved her life. She said if you hadn't come that she would have been crushed. Thank you Gambit."

Tony paused buttoning up his shirt. T’Challa gave them all clothes to choose from and Tony thought that a nice, dark gray suit with a white shirt would be ok. “Peter? He’s a scientist. A good one, with a mind that allows him to adapt to anything thrown at him,” He said. He didn’t like lying to Isabella, something he was well practiced at but he knew she was no fool. He needed Peter and Serena to come together organically, naturally though was there anything really ‘natural’ about any of this? He wondered.

‘Oh by the way, Me, in another timeline found a way to send Peter’s consciousness into another timeline because in his she died’ Oh THAT would go over well. He didn't know if she's stay with Gambit or end up with Peter but he really didn’t like Gambit for her. He felt though that he had ‘interfered’ enough. He spoke not looking at her and he began to tuck in his shirt into his pants.

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Gambit shrugged. “How could I let my future mother and law die? It would ruin Christmas,” He said making light of what he did.

Isabella just crossed her arms over her chest as she looked at her husband. She wasn't fooled by Tony. She had been with the man long enough to know that he was hiding something from her...something big.

"You called him 'son' Tony. I heard you. What was that about?"

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Serena nodded and was quiet a moment before looking at Gambit again. "Gambit...would it be alright if we didn't plan a wedding right now? Can we just remain engaged for a while longer? If I'm thinking about going back to school and finishing my degree I will want to focus on that."

Tony sighed and his face took on an exasperated look. “It was a slip of the tongue Isabella…” He began as he turned and faced her. He frowned at her suspicious expression and her narrowed eyes. He smiled. “Can't you just accept that our daughter is safe and alive?” He said but his voice wavered slightly on the word ‘alive’.

Peter seemed to remember him and little else at the beginning. And he had told Tony everything he did know. At first Tony was skeptical but apparently the ‘other’ Tony figured that would be the case and so he had a proof prepared for Peter for him. And so he did believe Peter and began doing what Peter asked. When she just looked at him he tilted his head.

“Look,” He said as he tried to take hold of her arms but she took a step back from him and put her hand on his chest. Once he began to touch her and hold her she was always more pliable and willing to believe what he told her. “Babe, what do you want me to say? I did what I had to do...I mean, not ‘me’ exactly,” He said cryptically.

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Gambit frowned. “Because I want to be married to you. You can go back to school and do whatever you need to do but I want you to be mine. I want the world to know that you’re mine and I’m yours,” he said. “Is that so wrong?” he asked. “I didn’t ask you to elope to put it off,” he said.

Isabella knew all of Tony's tricks when he didn't want to tell her something. He would take her into his arms and touch her and soothe her and distract her and she would believe what he told her and not question him anymore. Well, that was the younger Isabella. This Isabella was more mature and not as willing to fall for Tony's distractions.

Isabella raised an eyebrow when Tony said that he had done what he needed to do, but it wasn't 'him' exactly. "What do you mean it wasn't 'you' exactly? And what did you do?"

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Serena sighed and hoped she could make Gambit understand. She reached out and took his hand and looked at him. "Gambit, I wouldn't be asking you to do this if I didn't feel that I needed to wait. I've just been through a lot and, to be honest, I feel that I need to figure some things out about myself. We're both still young...can't we just enjoy this time together without getting married quite yet?"

“It was...another me,” He said with a slight grin but it faded quickly. “Isabella, Peter hasn’t told me everything, only that...only that if I loved Serena I’d need to accept everything that he said. He’s not...from here,”He said awkwardly. When her eyes bulged he quickly explained. “I mean, he’s Peter Parker but not...not the one that’s supposed to be here...anymore. Somehow the Tony he knew was able to bring him to us. He came here with the knowledge of how to beat this. Apparently...where he’s from he and Serena...well, they were...closer if that helps,” He said. “And in that timeline, Serena didn’t survive,” He said and this time he did grab hold of her and pulled her toward him so he could whisper into her ear.

“You and Serena are all that I have. I’ll cheat, steal, do whatever I have to to keep you safe,” He said. That was true for the most part. Her suit has had twice as many upgrades as his has. It was odd that her shield had not worked at all but likely there was some kind of dampening field involved in that darkness. If she knew Tony he was already working out a defence for that. “We knew Peter like he was our own son. And the odd thing is, the more I interact with him, the closer I feel to him. Like somehow the experiences of both timelines is imprinting me with that familiarity. And, well, Serena too I think,” He said.

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Gambit wasn’t certain Serena was being completely honest with him and he felt that it had something to do with Peter Parker though he couldn’t really explain it. Gambit nodded as he looked away from her. Everything she was saying was precisely why he ‘wanted’ to get married to her. THey lived difficult, dangerous lives and if either of them died tomorrow, at least they’d have that. He decided not to argue. “Alright Serena, whatever you want,” He said and stood. “I’ll...get you some food,” He said and stepped away from the bed toward the door.

Isabella blinked as she listened to what Tony was telling her. She knew that he had cheated death in order to get her back, but now this? She didn't know what kind of effects this was going to have in the future, but she knew there would likely be some. However, like Tony, she knew that if she could do anything to keep her daughter safe that she would. Serena was the only child they had and they loved her deeply. Clearly Peter did too if he was willing to do something like this.

"So...in this other timeline Peter and Serena were what? Married?"

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Serena could tell Gambit was upset, but she didn't want to lie to him. She wanted to be honest about how she was feeling and the truth was was that she wasn't ready to get married. Ever since she had met Peter she had begun to feel that there was something deep between them. It frightened her and she didn't understand it. She needed to figure out what was going on. She sighed, but let Gambit go. She looked down at her engagement ring and somehow she knew in that moment that she would not be marrying him.

Tony just looked at her. “Yes, Married with...twins, a boy and a girl,” Tony said. “Why do you think I’ve been acting so crazy about Her engagement to Gambit,” he whispered. “Peter is who she is meant to be with...right now anyway. Isabella, you can’t tell her any of this. But I want you to talk to Peter. Get to know him,” he said. “He remembers more and more the longer he is here,” he said. “And as we are near him, we do as well,” he said. “I can’t explain this effect I just know it’s happening,” he said.

Isabella was visibly shocked by what Tony told her. She actually felt a few tears come to her eyes as she thought about having twin grandchildren. She wondered what they looked like. Would they have Serena’s eyes and Peter’s hair? There was no doubt about one think though...those children would be very intelligent. It would be wonderful to have children in the tower again.

“How...how did she die?”

“He wouldn’t say but by his reaction to the question. When I asked it...it still bothers him like he was there when it happened,” Tony said.

Peter was in Shuri’s lab helping her retune her scanner. He liked Shuri, she was extremely intelligent and the Wakondan’s had some pretty sophisticated tech. In the other timeline, Peter was a lot older than he was now with 2 teenage children. They were able to stop 2 of Nyx’s children but eventually having Nyx in her head had drove her insane and Peter has been forced to kill her. Serena knew what was happening but couldn’t stop Nyx from coming. Her hand on his that held the knife had broke something inside of him. Seeing her again, so young again was like waking up to the most wonderful surprise he could imagine. Better!

The crossing had affected his personality to a degree as well. He was less talkative and didn’t ramble on like he used to. He was more thoughtful and introspective. Shuri was amazed by what Peter knew. His knowledge was far advanced than her own and he picked up on things quickly. “So Peter Parker, do you need to leave so soon? We have so many things in the works and we could certainly use your expertise,” she said trying not to sound as flirtatious as she meant to be. Peter smiled at her and she smiled back.

For all he knew Serena and Gambit we’re engaged and planned on getting married as engaged people did. So could he just remain here and help Shuri with her work and get to know her better? The problem was that he ‘wanted’ to get closer to Serena like he had been before. Very close, but he wasn’t certain he could tear her away from Gambit like that.

Gambit had come back with a cart of dishes and several sodas in bottles. “Oh good you’re dressed. I think T’Challa needs to leave soon and wanted to see you once more before he left, so you feel up to it?” He asked.

Isabella tried to imagine what it would be like losing Serena, but she didn't want to think about that. She couldn't imagine what Tony and herself in this other timeline would have done. She supposed having Peter and their grandchildren helped to take some of the sting out of it, but it still would have stung...badly.

Serena laid in bed for a while before managing to get up and get dressed. She was still tired and feeling weak, but she knew she needed to get up and move around. She was brushing her hair whenever Gambit came in with some food. She looked over at him and nodded when he asked if she was up for going to see T'Challa.

"Yes, I think I'll be alright."

She stepped out of the room with Gambit and they headed to where T'Challa was waiting for them.

In the main hall there was a large open room. It was round and had a tall, vaulted ceiling with rounded stairs that led up to higher levels. Everyone was there except Peter and Shuri. T'Challa was in a black on black suit and looked quite dashing. He shook Tony’s hand and gave Isabella a warm kiss on the cheek.

“I wish I could remain, It was good to see you in action, once again old friend,” he said to Tony. “I just wanted to thank you, again for all your help,” Tony said. After T’Challa had said goodbyes to everyone else he came up to Serena.

“I’m so happy you are well Serena. Shuri has told me that the last scan showed no signs of Nyx,” he said. He shook Gambit’s hand. “Well actually we need to get back as well, no rest for the weary,” Tony said. Serena would not see Peter or Shuri there. They were still in her lab.

Serena watched T'Challa with her mother. She could tell the King had feelings for her, but she would not say anything to her mother about it. Likely, she already knew. Her mother was quite an attractive woman after all. She was also strong, confident, and extremely elegant.

She looked at the King as he approached her. "I am eternally grateful to you and Shuri for your help in defeating Nyx. I'm not sure we could have done it without you."

She looked around the room and took note that neither Peter nor Shuri were there. While T'Challa continued to chat with her parents and Gambit, she slipped away and walked down to the lab. She found Peter there with Shuri and they were talking. She could hear Shuri encouraging Peter to remain in Wakanda to work with their technology. Serena stood back a little ways, but she saw Peter look up and see her. Their eyes met and Peter would be able to see that she was upset at the thought of him remaining in Wakanda.

Peter was very tempted and Shuri was a good negotiator. The problem was that he had a team to run at Osborn Corp. but...that was the old Peter. The new Peter was a lot older in a younger man’s body. He left his children, his aunt, everyone for...he saw Serena and his cheeks flushed instinctively. Shuri saw that and knew he had strong feelings for Serena. He looked at Shuri.

“Excuse me please,” he said politely then stepped over to Serena. “well, you’re looking well, great in fact,” he said with that boyish smile that was all his own. “Care to take a stroll?” He said smoothly then gestures toward the terrace.

It was a beautiful morning. Nothing but a warm, blue sky with green as far as they could see. Wakonda was a very beautiful place. “Well my offer still stands but...I’ll understand if you have to turn me down. I don’t know Gambit we’ll but he seems like a good man,” he said. “So...I guess congratulations are in order,” he said and gestured toward her ring. His expression was..troubled though he tried to hide it. And that reaction when he saw her. She knew what that meant. He had strong feelings for her.

Serena walked with Peter along the terrace. It was a beautiful, warm morning. Serena eventually became tired and they found a bench where they could sit together. She looked out at the horizon before looking down at her ring. "Thank you...but I have decided to wait on getting married," she said as she looked up at Peter. "So much has happened in the last few days. I'm not sure I feel ready for that quite yet. I think though that I would like to take you up on your offer. I would like to finish what I started."

She looked at Peter and her eyes met his. "Why do I feel as if I know you? Have we met before?"

Peter’s mouth worked silently at her question. “I think I’d remember if we had,” he said nervously. He bounced his leg up and down. He smiled as he recalled a memory he had about her. She had a bit too much to drink and she had removed her bikini top on a dare. However the wind kicked up when she tossed it over her shoulder and blew it away. She spent the next several minutes pressed up against him.

The memory made Peter blush again. God it was so difficult to keep it all bottled up inside. But he didn’t think she’d understand. He wanted to talk to her...to say so much to her. Things he never did...he smiled again and then the smiled faded and he leaned forward and tried to keep hold of his emotions. He rubbed his face and the few tears that escaped his eyes.

“I’ve missed you so much Serena, so much,” he said then realized what he said. He stood abruptly. “I...I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that,” he said and began to walk away from her.

Serena watched Peter as he spoke. He seemed...nervous about something. She wasn't certain he was being entirely truthful to her. Her memories of what happened with Nyx were somewhat fuzzy, but she remembered Peter saying something that had struck her very deeply. She looked at Peter and saw the emotions in his eyes. Tears shimmered in them as his smile faded. However, it was what he said that really made her know that something much more was going on.

"Peter...What's going on? Please tell me. If we have never met before how could you have missed me?"

Her words caught him as if she lassoed him with a rope. He squeezed the bridge of his nose. ‘Fuck, Fuck, Fuck!’ He thought. And then he turned and went and sat down next to her again. Peter was not accustomed to lying and so he decided not to.

“Well, this is going to take a little time to explain,” he said and then he began.

He told her about his and Serena’s life...another life in another timeline. When they met and how they grew apart only to come back together even more strongly than before. How they joined the avengers together and how they loved one another. They were married and loved a wonderful life together filed with love and friendship. How they had 2 children, twins, and how all through it she had held Nyx at bay. How for 8 years they held her in and then she was cracking through. How Serena began to lose her mind and how she had tried to destroy the tower with her powers. When Nyx had been on the verge of taking over...how he was forced to kill her himself to protect the world from her. And how Serena held his hand herself when he drove the knife into her heart.

By the end of it Peter was a mess he he leaned back on the bench and looked up at the sky.

“I discovered a way to cross into another timeline and your father...the one I knew helped me to come here,” he said. “And now that I’m here and we got Nyx out of your head, I’m can’t stop how I feel about you,” he said. “The Serena I know...I loved her more than anything...and then I see you and all that...all those feelings just flood back into me,” he said.