14882/Child's Play

Child's Play
Date of Scene:	02 April 2023
Location:	Swimming Pool - Xavier's School
Synopsis:	SomeX-kids enjoy a bbq and swimming in the back yard. Jane is weird.
Cast of Characters:	Phoenix, Stepford Cuckoos, Wolverine

---

Phoenix has posed:\<br\>Another sunny afternoon now that the snow has melted sees more people coming out to enjoy a swim in the pool. Today is especially warm but not super hot. Either way there is quite a bit of activity in the swimming pool. Jane, who was one of the three kids recently rescued from the mountains, seems quite fully recovered today, more than okay as she enthusiastically splashes into the pool, using her powers to turn the pool into an exciting wave pool.\<br\>\<br\>Jean watches on one of the beach chairs nearby, dressed in a cute green bikini, wearing a straw hat to keep out the sun. She is focused primarily on Jane, watching her with a mixture of amusement and mild concern.

Stepford Cuckoos has posed:\<br\>The Five have been waiting for the weather to turn. While they do love the winter because there's something to be said about being dressed in white and being ethereal in the snow, the warmer weather is always nice. They do, after all, love lounging by the pool.\<br\>\<br\>Thusly, in unison, the Stepfords round one of the archways, emerging onto the pool deck proper. Jean could clearly feel them coming, the constant buzz of telepathic communication being a hefty sign that they are in the area. They are, of course, dressed identically. This time all of them in white bikinis that, for them, are incredibly conservative. \<br\>\<br\>This, of course, borders on scandalous for a lot of other people.\<br\>\<br\>All five look at Jean as one, an uncanny, likely unsettling motion. Though, only the one in the lead, probably Sophie, lifts a hand in greeting before they all begin to claim lounge chairs and settle in for a good relax. \<br\>\<br\>Not they they -do- anything around here.

Wolverine has posed:\<br\> Logan is manning the grill. Hot dogs and ground beef patties sizzle on the open grill. Sadly, one hand is occupied as a small row of hot dogs are skewered upon three claws, freshly cleaned before even attempting it. Why is he doing this? A long standing challenge from Jubilee. Now, Logan can tell her about it and probably eyll, too. It's not as simple as they though tit would be. \<br\>\<br\> His free hand alternates between a spatula and a beer can, which currently sits on one of the side trays to the grill. \<br\>\<br\> Wearing a simple pair of yellow swim trunks that have blue streaks running down the sides. That's it. And so he continues to cook. Minding the food, and not much else, Logan's focused on the eats for this impromptu gathering.

Phoenix has posed:\<br\>Jean Grey feels the buzz of psychic activity before she sees them and suddenly sits upright, instinctively tense for some reason. When she sees the Cuckoos, she visibly relaxes, smiling faintly at them. "Oh, hello Cuckoos, how have you been? It's been a while." but of course there are always so many kids to keep track of.\<br\>\<br\>Sniffing the air, she suspects the hit dogs are about ready and she climbs to her feet to check out the barbeque, smiling at Logan, "Whatever are you doing, Logan? You planning on eating all three at once? You have a bigger appetite than I thought." she chuckles a bit.

Stepford Cuckoos has posed:\<br\>The five begin to settle in their loungers, blending in with each other. They even put their white framed, bug eye style sunglasses on as one. Jean speaks, and they look at each other in a flurry of psychic communication. Jean can likely pick up snippets passively, a word here, a feeling there. They are, of course, arguing about who is going to talk, or if they all are. \<br\>\<br\>Sophie 'wins'. Either elected by her sisters or forcing them to do what she wants. It's almost kind of both. Somehow.\<br\>\<br\>"Jean," Sophie says, her tone politely cool. "We have been ... bored and listless." Uh oh.\<br\>\<br\>The Cuckoo on the far end of the row looks over at Logan as he cooks, sending a thought through the hive. Sophie whips her head around, glaring. "We ate an hour ago, Irma. We are not eating again until the schedule says so!"\<br\>\<br\>Irma flinches, the other three giggle, and they all go silent again.

Wolverine has posed:\<br\> Logan does note the Stepford Cuckoos wandering around. They bring a sad yet soft smile to his lips. He'll keep that to himself, and if the six psychics try to dig, they're going to have to -work- for that reason. Ocena blue eyes focused on the meat. Grabbing his beer, he'll take a swig. \<br\>\<br\> "Just working my wiener. See?" Logan holds up the hot dogs because he -cannot- resist the opening. Then the hot dogs go back on the grill. \<br\>\<br\> He'll shoot a look toward Irma, "Screw schedules. Sometimes it's good to break protocol," he says and then takes another drink of the beer. \<br\>\<br\> Nearby the grill is a simple cooler he'll tap with his foot, "Beer if ya want one Jeanie," it's just a freindly offer.

Phoenix has posed:\<br\>Jean Grey smiles at the sisters, "Oh are you sure? They smell pretty good..And Logan is right, sometimes it's good to break tradition.." she does give pause, arching a surprised brow at Logan's comment. "Oh..Uh..I see. Well.." she coughs, "How are they coming along.lAre they ready?"

Stepford Cuckoos has posed:\<br\>Sophie, behind her sunglasses, rolls her eyes. The rest, save chastised Irma probably do too. Irma sulks for a moment, looking between Jean and Logan, then back at her sisters. The telepathic static turns into a dull roar as the girls fight amongst themselves, all but Irma laying placidly in the sun.\<br\>\<br\>She gets up, the static grows more furious. The other four turn as one and watch Irma march over towards the grill, her knees shaking a bit as she resists the pull and wishes of the hive. "I," she says, voice quiet and strained. "Would like a hot dog, please."

Wolverine has posed:\<br\> "Dogs are done or real damned close," Logan says softly as he looks at Jean. He's happy to see the encouragement from Jean. \<br\>\<br\> "Burgers got maybe five minutes. Ten at the absolute most," he adds about th rest of the meal. He'll nab the spatula and start to flip the patty over. It lets out a "hsssss!" as it continues to cook. \<br\>\<br\> Seeing Sophie kind of act like the leader, he doesn't expect Irma to break rank. Then she starts to come up to him. A small, but genuine smile pulls at his lips. Nearby hima re some plates and a hot dog bun. He'll place a dog in a bun for Irma. "Enjoy it n' there's plenty if ya want more," and there's a small table near him with all sort of condiments and toppings. Those Ocean blue eyes look to Irma. Then he looks back to the hive mind, "Let the girl have a freakin' hot dog. A round in the danger room or an extra half hour in the gymw ill make things right if yer worried." And yes, Logan is going papa. . .well, Wolverine on the others. He's defending Irma.

Phoenix has posed:\<br\>Jean Grey flinches a bit at the mental buzz although she should be used to it by now.lBut these girls can be noisy sometimes, and lately she's been a bit off her game, "Now now girls, try talking one at a time? All this chatter." she draws a deep breath, turning back to Logan and nods, "Thanks for doing all this, I feel like we haven't chatted in a long while. And how have you been? How are things with you and Rogue?" oh yes, she's heard about that.

Stepford Cuckoos has posed:\<br\>Sophie's glare does not soften a bit, hidden as it might be behind her sunglasses. Her sister, likely Celeste, reaches up and places a hand on Sophie's arm, shaking her head. Sophie sighs and reclines again, grumpy now. The other three look at each other and shrug. \<br\>\<br\>Irma smiles brightly, ducking her head a little as she's handed a delicious tube of questionable meat, and she bustles off to make it messy with all sorts of condiments. \<br\>\<br\>Sophie grinds her teeth a little, tipping her sunglasses down her nose slightly to give her a proper haughty glare. "We're sorry if our communication makes you uncomfortable, Jean, but, well. We are One. We think loudly amonst ourselves." She doesn't say it, but 'Deal With It' is implied.\<br\>\<br\>What a bitch.

Wolverine has posed:\<br\> Logan can feel that glare. However, he shows restraint from making a comment. Just something that will get under the leader's skin. And because of that restraint, Logan just focuses on the meat. Everything still sizzling and nearly getting done. \<br\>\<br\> The hot dogs are released from the claws for now since one is gone. \<br\>\<br\> Jean's comments aren't unexpected. Rogue -did- warn him him. However, it still makes him blush ever so slightly. "Good. We're good. Gave her fancy chocolate. She liked it, didn't expect it," he looks at Jean. "You n' Scott? He actually takin' ya some place fun?" he asks curiously. \<br\>\<br\> Those ocean blue eyes drift to Irma making sure she's securing herself a proper hot dog despite waht the rest of the group declares silently. He knows there's probably some form of fuss.

Phoenix has posed:\<br\>Jean Grey arches a wary brow at Sophie, shaking her head slowly, "Oh it's not that, I just..I've been having headaches lately. But I will adjust accordingly." to Logan she chuckles a bit, "Glad you found someone, although I am quite surprised at Rogue's sudden control over her powers...Have you been giving her secret lessons or something?" she smiles playfully at him, then leans over to say something more softly, "Altgough those bruises do concern me.."\<br\>\<br\>Straightening up again, she smiles and nods, "Oh yes, things are great, at least I am able to get him to relax more..And I'm sure you have heard of our engagement?" she holds out her beautiful glittering emerald engagement ring for him to see.

Stepford Cuckoos has posed:\<br\>Irma goes to town on the condiments, throwing a bit of everything she can on there. The weiner is soon very messy. Somehow, as she begins to eat it, it's quite dainty and clean. Somehow. \<br\>\<br\>Sophie is, of course, listening in on Logan and Jean's conversation, and she squints to herself. Jean having headaches could be quite bad. She's a powerful telepath and it's possible she could project them through the school. She'll have to pay attention for things. The four loungers talk amongst themselves, Irma only slightly injecting into it because, well, hot dog and you can't get ketchup out of a white swimsuit!

Wolverine has posed:\<br\> Logan's really impressed Irma can eat something so messy yet make it look so clean. A smile on his face as he loosk toward the woman for a moment. A nod of respect goes toward her. It takes some skill to do that. \<br\>\<br\> Logan looks back to Jean, "That ain't my story to tell." And then he jolts up. "Bruises?" Memory kicks in. "Dont' aks questions ya don't want the answers to, Darlin'. Well, unless ya want those answers," and then he will start to remove the patties from the plate. \<br\>\<br\> Logan will ready a burger for himself. "Engagement?" and he sees the ring. He stares at it. A mixture of emotions run through him as he looks at it. "Congrats," he says in a low voice, shaking himsel ffree of those thoughts.

Phoenix has posed:\<br\>Jean Grey busies herself making a hot dog and delicately adding some condiments as daintily and tidily as possible, glancing at her meal thoughtfully before taking a careful bite. The cuckoos are given a reassuring smile, "Not that you should worry, I am quite in control..Think it has something to do with that alien pod although Im not quite sure what yet, and..She narrows her eyes on Jane in the pool who makes a particularly big wave, splashing water over the edge of the pool and she flinches, "Jane, please conduct yourself better!" she says it a bit more loudly than intended, squeezing her nose bridge.\<br\>\<br\>Turning to Logan, Jean smiles, "Of course, not my business..Apologies.." she does arch a curious brow at his response, perhaps catching some of the range of emotions but says nothing of it. "Thank you..We we're also considering a vacation, but then we would have to consider who to put in charge in our absences.."

Stepford Cuckoos has posed:\<br\>Irma is some kind of messy weiner eating machine. She's clean and quick, munching down the hot dog in no time at all. She smiles at both Logan and Jean, showing off exactly how pretty all five of them would be if they were, in general, more pleasant to be around.\<br\>\<br\>She makes her way back to her lounger, the other four watching their sister the whole time until she's reclined with the rest of them. Now the only difference between them is the four frowns and one little smile. \<br\>\<br\>Sophie listens to the other two talk, the mention of bruises and an alien pod making her frown deeper, which makes the rest of them frown, even the recently happy Irma.

Wolverine has posed:\<br\> Logan stares at Jean almost looking a little insulted when talk about who could lead. He doesn't say it, but the expression could be read easily. Then he will begin to work on the burger. A look goes to Irma and he gives her a nod. \<br\>\<br\> Logan will open ly chuckle at the difference between the quintet. Working at the bruger for a moment. "What did the pod do to ya? Do ya need to have Chuck look at ya?" he asks softly, genuine concern there.

Phoenix has posed:\<br\>Jean Grey smiles reassuringly to the Cuckoos, "It's alright, everything is under control.." she would not have even mentioned the pods, but no doubt there have already been gossip of such around the school, particularly talk in nearby Salem and chatter among some of the students who saw the light in the sky. Really no sense in hiding or denying it now is there? No need to go into anymore detail either..\<br\>\<br\>Ah but she does catch that look that Logan gives her and smiles, "Of course I suggested you..Scott seemed a bit hesitant but..You *are* one of the more experienced Xmen Afterall.." as for her headaches, Jean just shakes her head, "No, I will be fine. I've already said enough.." and more quietly to him she adds, "No need to alarm the kids.."

Stepford Cuckoos has posed:\<br\>The Cuckoos all shift slightly in the exact same way, getting a little more comfortable in their chairs. They consider delving into the minds of one of the children in the pool. One in particular, the one Jean called Jane, but they refrain. For now.\<br\>\<br\>They are incredibly curious, but they certainly aren't going to ask questions. They understand the need for privacy. After all, they don't like answering questions either.

Wolverine has posed:\<br\> "Of course Scott does," Logan grumles a ltitle bit. Taking a bit of his burger. Then he will look otward Jean. Then he will nod abut the addition she brought up. \<br\>\<br\> A look goes toward the group, "How was the hotdog?" he asks Irma knwoing it would just -get- under the skin of the others. However, it will keep them distracted from Jean's words and the situation. So, Logan is going to dig at that oddly shaped wound.

Phoenix has posed:\<br\>Jean Grey smiles, taking another bite of the hotdog. Now that the burgers are probably cooked, more people are filing out of the pool to line up for food, although Jane remains in the pool with an odd smile on her face, her short light green Bob plastered to her face as she continues to make waves in the pool. At least she's not splashing anyone out of the pool now. Still, Jean keeps a close eye on her, frowning softly for some reason..\<br\>\<br\>Actually, she's so distracted she totally missed whatever Logan just asked her. "Huh, what did you say?"

Stepford Cuckoos has posed:\<br\>Irma, addressed singly, almost jumps. She looks at her sisters who are pointedly ignoring her right now. "It was fine, thank you Logan," she answers with the high class manners the squad of mean girls has. This time, at least, it seemed genuine and not weaponized.\<br\>\<br\>The rest of them can feel Jean's distraction, and it seems odd. Strange. Absolutely not normal. Jean is usually so focused and intent. The Cuckoos share looks.

Wolverine has posed:\<br\> Logan can even sense Jean's distraction and so he'll ask. "Where do ya wanna get married at? What about the honeymoon? Where are ya thinkin'?" it's Logan trying to distract another telepath now. "Are ya excited n' happy to marry Scott?" he asks looking toward the redhead. \<br\>\<br\> He would note Irma's suddne surprise. However, Jean's obvious distraction screams to everyone int he area. Even the man that's very far from a telepath.

Phoenix has posed:\<br\>Jean Grey smiles, "Oh Logan, I'm over the top! I'm so happy he finally asked me..I mean he's been pondering it forever and nit exactly making a secret of it given our psychic link." she takes another hungry bite if the hotdog, only just realizing how hungry she is. "Hmm, but I still haven't figured out the details..A lot of loose ends to wrap up here before we leave. But I'll put in another good word for you. Perhaps either of you have suggestions for a good vacation spot? Dont remember the last time I he and I took a serious vacation away from the school."\<br\>\<br\>The Cuckoos are included in the conversation too, glancing over at them thoughtfully, "How are you liking the hotdogs? Seems you girls were more hungry than you'd liked to admit, hmm?"

Stepford Cuckoos has posed:\<br\>"Irma was hungry," Sophie says blandly in response to Jean's teasing. "We were not. The end." You know, that might not be Sophie. That might be Esme. Sophie isn't usually this ... bitchy. Cool and a bit distant, but not usually actively like this. Esme, though, is the truly mean one of the group.\<br\>\<br\>But who can tell? They're identical in every way except personality quirks which aren't super evident when they are together.

Wolverine has posed:\<br\> Logan has a question, but holds it back. He's happy she's happy. Mostly. Logan will think she deserves better than someone that drags his feet. "Mmmhmmmm," he says just half-agreeing and half-humoring her. Logan's thoughts on Scott are not kind. \<br\>\<br\> "Thanks fer the good word darlin'. i appreciate it," he looks torward the Cuckoos, but will still answer Jean's question about honeymoon dpsots. "Niagra Falls is nice, especially the Canadian side," because he will always be a proud Canadian at heart. \<br\>\<br\> Logan certainly can't tell. The only reason he could pick out Irma is due to the hot dog, which is going aways. "Remind me to give ya guys color coordinated outfits or somethin'," he admits. It's him confessing that he can't tell them apart. It makes him wonder if Irma will spark more differences or if this is something of a rarity.

Phoenix has posed:\<br\>Jean Grey arches a brow at Sophie's overly cool visage today but says nothing on it, shirt of shaking her head and smiling at her. "That's a great idea, Logan..But I do think the girls enjoy keeping us on our toes trying to figure them out." when Jane finally steps out of the pool, she surrounds herself in a warm breeze to dry off before strutting up to the line, dressed in a surprisingly scanty black bikini that barely covers anything - and she's barely turned twelve. \<br\>\<br\>"Ladies." she smiles sweetly at the Cuckoos as she waits in line for a burger, a nod and grin given to Jean and especially Logan as if airing for a response from him. Jean seems to stiffen instantly, smile fading. "Jane, that's...A new look for you. I would appreciate if you would wear more conservative clothes while on the school ground." she tosses her a towel and Jane scowls at her. \<br\>\<br\>A soft frown mars Jean's features once more, rubbing her temples. "Ugh, this headache again.." she mutters.

Stepford Cuckoos has posed:\<br\>All five Cuckoos beam at Logan in unison. It's creepy. "We" "Won't" "Wear" "Them" "Though," they say, each one speaking in turn in the same voice.\<br\>\<br\>They have to do that on purpose to mess with people.\<br\>\<br\>Jean's appearance makes them all raise their eyebrows. "We could have dressed how we like, it seems, sisters," one of them in the middle says. Possibly Phoebe, but who knows but them, and they aren't talking. Jane's a bit young for that outfit, but then again, they're Clones and aren't actually a squad of blondes in their early twenties.

Wolverine has posed:\<br\> Logan doesn't speak anything about hte girls liking to keep them on their toes. He has other words for it. however, Logan will refrain for a little bit then he hears how the girls speak. \<br\>\<br\> "I be they do it to be scary or somethin'," because it does have a Village of the Damned vibe in his mind. \<br\>\<br\> "How would ya have dressed?" Logan asks trying to picutre how Emma would dress pool side besides with something that simply looks expensive. Well, very expensive.

Phoenix has posed:\<br\>Jean Grey glances back at the Cuckoos, smiling weakly, "Mm.." is all she says, seemingly distracted. "I think I'm going to sit down for a bit." and she moves to sit back on her lounge chair, pulling her hat over her eyes.\<br\>\<br\>Jane steps up to the barbeque, holding out her plate, and tossing the towel aside. "Soo, what do you think, Mr Logan? Like my outfit? How about a slab of beef for me?" she smirks.

Stepford Cuckoos has posed:\<br\>All of the squad speaks, and they all smirk, pulling their sunglasses down suggestively as they look at Logan. "In less," they say in five way stereo. Their swimsuits are fairly tiny already, who knows how small they would be if they weren't being polite? \<br\>\<br\>It's that Frost DNA.\<br\>\<br\>Their gazes shift to Jane, their smirks staying, even at the ... patently uncomfortable words coming from her mouth. These five are weird and amused at twisted things.

Wolverine has posed:\<br\> Logan looks toward Jane for a moment. Ocean blue eyes roam up and down as he is not expecting that. His gaze looks ot her, "Looks good on ya. Yer gonna give a lot of people a run fer their money," he looks and is honest without being too crass. He'll smirk at the phrasing then give the woman a hamburger and nod, "One slab of beef for ya." \<br\>\<br\> His gaze slips to The Stepford Cuckoos, "Why am I not surprised?" he asks, more hypotheticallly. \<br\>\<br\> Then he finishes up his burger and debates on a second one. He's unsure if there is one or not.

Phoenix has posed:\<br\>Jane licks her lips slowly although she's looking at Logan more than the burger on her plate. "Mmm...See you around." she winks and skips off. By this time, Jean has fallen silent, now asleep on the deck chair, her face almost completely hidden underneath her broad straw sun hat..