You Play, You Pay
by
Zerelda X



X-Men belong to Marvel. Charlotte belongs to me. No money, waste of time to sue.




What was happening to him?

It couldn't be. He was still so young.

Hank had already examined him. There was nothing that could be done. He offered to refer him to a specialist, but had to admit it would be useless.

Sure, this was a hard life, a dangerous life, but he should've been years away from this.

Every morning it was the same thing. He had to look in the mirror and realize again his life was ebbing away from him, there was nothing he could do to stop it from running out. The countdown had begun.

How to tell Jean? How to tell the woman he loved more than life itself? He couldn't tell her. He wouldn't. With any luck she wouldn't notice until it's too late. It will be the greatest test of their love and commitment. Greater than Madelyne, greater even then Phoenix. Will she still love him when it's all gone?

He had to believe she would.

Would it be so important to her?

~*~*~*~*~


"How is Fearless Leader coping?"

"As well as could be expected," Jean answered. "He's already gone over to the mansion." She motioned for Charlotte and Rogue to come inside the boat house.

"Here's tomorrow's batch," Charlotte handed her a small paper bag. "Has he noticed the color change?"

Jean shook her head. "I talked Remy into getting a hair cut and I mix some of those hairs with what you bring me."

"An' he really thinks he's goin' bald?" Rogue asked. She still didn't believe this was working.

"Oh, yeah. He's starting to talk to his hair, giving it a pep talk every morning," Jean smirked evilly.

"That'll teach him to send Bishop to spy on our private party," Charlotte laughed. "Men have been the same from the Flood on down. They get panicky if they think they're going bald. It was either that, or convince him he's impotent. I don't think you're that good an actress, Jean."

"I'm only human, Char, there are some things I can't and won't do."

"Can we do this to Remy next? Ah'd kinda like to see him panic, too."



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