Chapter 11

“Jackie, who are these people?” Kory asked.

“They are Nate’s friends and family. They came to see him, but he just left to see them.”

Kory looked at them all, her eyes stopping on one. “You must be Rose, Nate’s girlfriend.”

Rose blinked. “He told you I was his girlfriend?”

“Yes, that was after I tried to kiss him,” Kory said, blushing slightly. Rose didn’t bother to hide the grin that spread across her face. It had been a long time since she had seen Nate, and she was glad that he remained faithful to her, even when he had been around someone like Kory.

“Jackie,” Rose asked, “when do you expect him to return?”

“I do not know, Princess,” he answered with a thoughtful look. “It could be hours, days, or weeks from now.” After shielding his eyes from a blinding flash of light, he sighed and said, “Or it could be now.”

“Don’t sound too happy to see me, Jackie,” Nate said, brushing off his jacket as he appeared with Ariel.

“It’s not you I was referring to, Nate,” Jackie replied, rolling his eyes as Ariel ran up to him.

“I missed you, too, Jackie!” Ariel cried, grabbing him in a big bear hug. Jackie mumbled something under his breath. Sara would not be pleased.

Holding back his laughter, Nate turned away from them to face his visitors. Logan was the first to break the silence. He stepped forward and shook Nate’s hand. “Good to see ya again, kid.” Nate only nodded. He had a deep respect for this man, as he always had. He was glad that he had earned at least Logan’s respect, for there weren’t many others that mattered after him.

Nate was surprised to find Sabre among his visitors. He hadn’t seen his uncle in years, but Nate still saw him as a personal father figure. Nate refused to call him “Uncle,” but preferred instead to call him “Sir.” He felt Sabre was more than deserving of such a title. This time, however, Sabre only met his nephew’s eyes for a moment before wincing. Nate nodded, for he understood. Sabre was, in his own mind, a warrior at all times. To be injured was embarrassing, and showing pain even worse.

Nate then looked to Jean Grey-Summers, who was staring at him with her mouth open. He could only chuckle quietly to himself. His mother was always amazed at how fast he grew. She was quick to remind him daily that it was “only yesterday when she was changing his diapers.” True, he was a young man now, but she seemed to ignore that by simply calling him “her baby.” Nate never objected to this. It was lasting proof that his mother still loved him. That was all he needed as he rushed into her arms, hugging her for all he was worth. She returned his embrace, tears slipping down her face. Nate smiled and kissed her cheek, nearly forgetting in his happiness that there were two more guests.

Betsy Braddock stared at him, wondering just how Nate Grey had become so important to her. But as he walked toward her, his eyes locked on hers, she decided it didn’t matter. She threw her arms around his neck, just happy he was there.

“I missed you, too, Betsy,” he said, causing her to tighten her grip on him. She almost regretted having to let go, but he assured her through their psychic link, “We’ll talk later.” She nodded and smiled.

Nate finally turned to his last visitor, wondering if he could manage to pull this off. He calmly walked over to her, deciding that he could and he would. “Hello, my love,” he said quietly, “it’s been a while.”

“Yes, Nathan, it has,” Rose said, making the mistake of looking into his eyes. She had expected to see some form of guilt or anger, but there was none. All she saw was his love for her. The tears fell slowly from her eyes and ran down her face. Rose lowered her head and sniffled, ashamed of herself for breaking down so soon.

She knew he was watching her as she cried, and wondered if he was, too. He gently lifted her chin, staring at her. Rose tried to turn away and found that he wouldn’t let her. She could feel one hand slip around her waist as the other slowly stroked her hair. “I’m so sorry, Rose,” she heard him whisper. “I never wanted to hurt you.”

His apology surprised her, that much he could tell. But that wasn’t enough. She had to accept him, or it wouldn’t matter. She was still stiff in his arms, but more than that, she was afraid. Nate pulled her closer and kissed her cheek. He could feel the tension in her fade away, but something was missing. Gently tilting her head upwards, he kissed her until, after a few moments, she kissed him back. Her reluctance gone, Rose slipped her arms around his neck. It was then that he saw the black jewel upon her finger. He recognized it instantly, but said nothing. He wasn’t about to ruin the moment.