You're insane, Men do not have babies

YOU’RE INSANE, MEN DO NOT HAVE BABIES


Three years had past since Richard last set foot in Metropolis. He had missed working at the Daily Planet, and of course he had missed his uncle and his old life, even though he loved the new one he had been living for the past three years.

What was there not to love? He was teaching those students who had graduated what was needed to be a journalist. He had managed to help several students get into journalism school, after being in his class.

He was popular and much loved by all at the mansion, although he did not always see eye to eye with Logan. Logan could not seem to get past the fact he looked exactly like Scott. Plus Richard had zero tolerance for the way Logan treated his twin.

Then there was the fact he had been reunited with both of his brothers and had redeveloped his relationship with them. He finally had his brothers back just like it used to be before the plane crash that killed their parents.

And then there was his position on the X-Men team, Richard was an X-Man. Richard had finally gained full control over his powers thanks to Charles. He could now completely and fully defend him self both physically and mentally.

His appearance was vastly different to when he had first arrived at the mansion. Now he was muscular and toned, he also had prefect self control both mentally and physically. In short he was a deadly and highly skilled opponent.

Richard dismissed his last class of the day. He was just marking some assignments, when Charles contacted him telepathically. ‘Richard I need for you to come straight to my office, for there is something important we must discuss’ Richard replied back telling Charles he was on his way.

On the way out of the room, he concentrated on the apple sitting innocently on his desk, after a moment or two, the apple floated up smoothly into the air and straight into Richards out stretched hand. Richard nodded in satisfaction as he took a bite out of the sweet red apple, as he exited the room and locked the door behind him. There was definitely perks to having his powers.

As soon as he reached Charles’s office, he knocked and entered after Charles called out for him to enter. Richard took a seat in front of Charles’s desk and asked “You said we had something important that we need to discuss, so what is it?”

Charles’s studied one of his best students since Scott, Jean and Ororo, Richard had come a long way since the first time Charles had sensed the younger man’s growing power and turmoil back in Metropolis three years ago.

After a moment of silence Charles finally spoke up and said “Richard, it has been three years since your arrival here at the mansion and your discovery of your powers. You have grown so much and have become a valuable member of the team.”

He added after a brief pause “However, I do believe it is time you returned to Metropolis. Metropolis needs you. The Daily Planet and your uncle needs back one of its best reporters. Also I wish for you to keep an eye out for any mutant activity that is not of the peaceful kind. You are to keep in constant contract with the team and the mansion. I suggest you call in at least twice a week.”

He added “Over the last year and a half, Scott, Alex and I have been working on and designing a miniature version of the Black bird for your own use. You will need it in order to return if your presence is required for a mission.”

Richard blinked before asking incredulously “Where on Earth would I put a jet the size of the Black bird, even if it is a miniature scale version of the original?”

Charles replied “I have arranged new and suitable accommodations for you. An underground garage smaller in scale to the one at the mansion has been built onto your accommodation, meaning I have had you located in an area that is not highly populated. So naturally no one will see the jet taking off or landing.”

Richard replied “You’re asking me to return to Metropolis when I have only just really gotten used to having my brothers back?” Richard shook his head, he did not want to leave his brothers behind, especially not after he had just gotten to know them again and become close with them.

Charles shook his head and said “Not to worry Richard. As you see, arrangements have been made. I have decided to place Scott, Alex and Rogue in Metropolis at weekends, whilst they would be at the mansion during the week days.”

Richard asked “But why?” Charles simply replied “Because I realise keeping an eye on Metropolis’s mutant population is a job for more then one individual. Besides if there is any trouble at the mansion whilst the leader of the X-Men is away, then I always have Storm and the Wolverine as back up as well as many other X-Men, until you and the others can return to the mansion. It is as simple as that, I have been planning this for months, knowing soon you would have to return back to your other life Richard.”

Richard shook his head and said “But Metropolis has Superman.” Charles shook his head and said “But Superman is not part of the mutant act, it is the job of the X-Men. Superman has other responsibilities to the world, that spread much further then mutants.”

Richard sighed in defeat and asked “So when do I leave?” Charles replied “You leave this up and coming Saturday. Your belongings that you are not leaving at the mansion in your room, that will always be here whenever you need it, are being transported to your new accommodation in Metropolis even as we speak.”

Charles smiled sympathetically and said “There is no need to feel so depressed Richard. You will only be living in Metropolis; it is not like your moving to another state. You can easily return back here in the smaller jet in less then an hour, considering the speed the jet can travel.”

Richard nodded, knowing when he was defeated. Charles had won. He would return to Metropolis, to a place where Jason and Lois were, and where Superman was the resident hero. The thought of having to watch Lois bring Jason into the Daily Planet, knowing the little boy was not his. Knowing that role was being filled by Superman, every little boys dream father. What little boy wouldn’t be pleased to have a father who was a superhero and alien, who was the genuine article?

Richard fell sick to his stomach with grief. Charles sensed this and said “I’m sorry, sorry that your going to have to endure that kind of pain, but you will survive, you are strong, you are a Summers by blood, even if you insist upon using your mothers maiden name.”

Saturday arrived far too quickly in Richard’s opinion. Alex was excited, seeing as he had never been to Metropolis. Rogue and Scott were also looking forward to living in Metropolis at the week ends. Seeing as Logan kept trying to interfere in Scott’s and Rogue’s relationship. Logan was none too pleased when he found out Scott and Rogue had begun to date each other.

Just as the group of four were about to leave for Metropolis, Charles called them and only them to his office. Once they were seated in his office Charles explained that he had sensed a mutant disturbance in Metropolis. He wanted the four of them to check it out.

So after Charles had given them some more information, they headed for the changing rooms and got dressed in their black leather uniforms, before they boarded the smaller jet.

Scott and Richard were in the front, seeing as both were the only two out of the quartet who knew how to fly the jet, Rogue and Alex were still being taught how by Scott and Richard.

Once they were all settled and their seat belts were buckled securely, the jet took off and speeded towards Metropolis. Richard just hopped they didn’t encounter Superman, but that was very unlikely. Superman seemed to sense everything going on around the world constantly.

With in less then an hour they arrived in Metropolis at the co-ordinates Charles had given to them. And as Richard had expected, Superman was already there. But it seemed there were over thirty different mutants present. Richard and the others recognized many members from the Brotherhood.

Richard closed his eyes and concentrated on Superman, he just hoped he was able to communicate with Superman. ‘Superman, we are a group known as the X-Men, we are here to help. The individuals that are disturbing the peace they are known as Mutants’
He didn’t wait for a reply; he merely directed the jet and landed on top of the roof of the Daily Planet. As soon as they landed and switched off the jets engines, they were immediately met by Superman.

It was evident to see that Superman was more then a little surprised when he said “Mr. White.” Richard could not help but smirk; it wasn’t every day that someone was able to surprise Superman.

Richard scanned Superman’s thoughts and memories of the last three years since he had been gone; he just hoped the man of steel could not feel his mind being probed. Apparently he could, but it was too late, Richard had all the information he needed and more then he could have ever possibly imagined.

Richard paled and mentally exclaimed so only Superman could hear him ‘Clark Kent, mild mannered reporter is Superman, the man of steel. And I thought the impossible had already been achieved when I discovered I was a mutant and could read minds, feel other people’s emotions and move things with my mind. Then there is the black leather. Damn, I guess I’ve been proved wrong’

Superman’s expression did not betray a thing, but his mind and emotions were all over the place. Richard could feel pure horror and dread coming off the man of steel in waves. He was not at all surprised when he sensed more then a little anger as well. Richard had expected that, hell even Superman isn’t going to appreciate having his secrets found out and information inside of his head messed with.

Richard commented mentally so only Superman could hear him and not the others ’Don’t worry, I won’t give away your identity. I understand you’ve got the welfare of your mother, Lois and Jason your son to think of. Your secret is safe with me Kent’

The others knew he was communicating with Superman, and knew if it concerned them, then Richard would have allowed them to hear as well. They would not pry, not that they could, seeing as Richard’s mental shields were as strong as the professors. That tended to happen when you teacher and mentor was one of the most powerful telepaths in the world.

Superman thought, hopping Richard would catch on ‘And how do I know I can trust you Mr. White. Considering the fact of what happened to you before you left Metropolis and seemed to disappear completely’

Richard mentally snorted and replied ‘That might have something to do with the fact Clark, that I’m not bitter enough to the point that I would put Lois, and Jason, as well as your mother’s lives in danger. I have more integrity then that thank you very much’
He paused and swallowed before continuing ‘And besides from what I could gather from your memories you’re just as much a victim as I am. Sure you have access to the little boy I love dearly and for five years thought he was my son’

He paused once more before concluding 'But you know what its like to love Lois and have her reject you, or at least you do as Clark Kent. I know you want her to accept you as both Clark Kent and as Superman. But she is far too blinded by the man in the spandex who wears his underwear on the outside and flies around saving the world’

He sighed sympathetically and said ‘Lois is far too absorbed in the image of an alien and super hero, to see the super hero behind the caring, shy, stuttering and mild mannered reporter with the glasses and a heart of gold. She doesn’t realise or understand that Clark Kent is who you are, and Superman is only what you can do, he is a mere disguise’

He could clearly see Clark was stunned beyond belief, he knew he had hit the nail right on the head. Richard sighed and said ‘We’ll continue this after we’ve dealt with members of the Brotherhood. I’ll explain later on. But right now we need to get down there and sort those idiots out’

Superman nodded and was surprised to see another man who looked identical to Richard. As if sensing what he was thinking Richard said out a loud “Scott Summers, he’s my twin brother. The blond is our younger brother Alex and the woman is called Rogue and she is Scott’s girl friend. Ok now let’s do this; let’s take out the trash before the trash trashes the Daily Planet.”

They all nodded Superman watched for a moment as the woman, with the two white streaks in her dark brown hair, flew upwards, Scott was holding onto one of her arms and Alex onto the other. He watched as they flew down into the fray.

Superman turned to face Richard, who nodded at him before jumping off the edge of the building. Superman quickly went after him in alarm and went to grab hold of him to prevent his fall, but was surprised when Richard didn’t plunge to his death.

He landed beside Richard on the cement below. He asked “How?” Richard stepped forward when one of Magneto’s men leered at him. Richard hated this mutant in particular. He punched the mutant in the face, breaking his nose in the process.

He spoke as he used his telekinesis to throw the mutant a few feet away, where he landed inside of a large dumpster. “I used my telepathy to balance my self. I cannot fly like you and Rogue can, it is a part of her mutation.”

Superman quickly flew out of reach of a mutant who was throwing electricity at him. He let lose with a large breath full of ice, freezing the mutant in place. Ice was his best option, when it melted it would turn into water, and water and electricity did not mix, so naturally the mutant didn’t dare use his powers in less he liked the idea of being deep fried.

Superman dodged a mutant who was breathing ice at him. He rolled his eyes, this was ridiculous, was there anything these people couldn’t throw at him? He was incredulous as he dodged a female mutant covered in spikes He also froze her as well.

This went on for the next five minutes until most of the mutants had been frozen solid to the side walk. Once all of the mutants were either restrained, or had escaped, the X-Men members walked over to Superman, just as the police started to arrive.

Scott shook his head and commented “It doesn’t matter where you are; the police always arrive ten minutes after the whole thing is over and done with.”

Marie stood beside Scott but was eyeing Superman with a delighted little smirk. She snorted and commented “If only Kitty and Jubilee were here right now. They are so going to shit and die when they find out we fought along side the man of steel.”

Scott and Alex snorted while Richard Shook his head and commented “Jubilee and Kitty would probably ask if he wore boxers or briefs. Then Jubilee would probably ask him to sign her breast while Kitty would be far too busy making cow eyes at him.”

Scott, Rogue and Alex ripped up laughing, while Superman eyed Richard. Richard snorted and replied “Be thankful they’re not here, you’d never escape with your dignity intact.” Superman chuckled in amusement.

Richard told Superman mentally ‘Meet me on the roof of the Daily Planet at midnight tonight. I’ve still got my own set of keys to get inside of the planet, besides I’m sure many people will be working late and it gives me a chance to check out my old office. Seeing as I’ll be returning to work at the Planet on Monday’

Superman took in this information. He wondered how Lois would take this. At the moment he did not care, he deeply disliked the fact she refused to have anything to do with him as Clark Kent, but when he was wearing the spandex, well, to put it mildly she couldn’t get enough of him.

She either accepted both sides to him or not at all. He refused to stop being Clark Kent in order to have a relationship with her. Clark Kent was who he was and Superman was what he could do. The only ties he had to Lois Lane these days, was their son Jason. Jason was the only reason he still interacted with Lois after work hours and especially as Superman and not Clark Kent.

Besides he could never have a relationship with her, her life would constantly be in danger. It was bad enough that she would have to learn how to take care of a half Kryptonian child.

Richard had been her best bet for a normal and stable life. But even that was impossibility now, seeing as the fact Richard White was a mutant and a member of the elite mutants known as the X-Men. Yes he knew who the X-Men were and what mutants were. He couldn’t help but know in his line of work.

Superman did feel terrible. He was angry that Lois never told Richard the truth that was more then a little cruel. How are could she allow that man to spend five years believing he was a father, when in fact the Childs real father was a super hero who had left and hadn’t been seen nor heard of in almost five years.

But the fact of the matter is Richard as far as Superman was concerned was Jason’s father just as much as he was. Blood didn’t mean anything when love was involved as far as he was concerned. He loved and cared for that boy for the first five years of his life, no Superman would not allow Lois to keep Jason away from Richard the man loved the boy and in Superman’s opinion he was entitled to see the boy. Even if he had to go behind Lois’s back, he would make sure Richard got to see Jason.

He had forgotten Richard could now read his mind. What Richard heard stunned him and made him admire both Superman and Clark Kent. He had been wrong; Superman wasn’t the bad guy, by any means at all.

Scott spoke up “We could use an alley. The X-Men are strong individually, but teamed up with you we are stronger. You will be seeing a lot more of the four of us, especially during the week ends. Mutant activity as increased here in Metropolis, it would seem Magneto and his Brotherhood are growing in number. We could use all the help we can get.”

Superman nodded and replied “I’ll help all I can. Metropolis has its fare share of murders rapist and other criminals. Metropolis does not need to add mutants to that list, not if they are unwilling to co-exist peacefully.”

And with that Superman nodded and took off.