f i t s . l i k e . a . g l o v e

Fits Like a Glove
[by victoria p.]

Rating: G

Summary: "But when he puts on the uniform, he's sure of one thing. He's Iceman, and he's going to help people."

Notes: Thanks to Jen, Pete/Melissa, Dot, and Meg. Written for K Marie for Project Ficlet, who said, "XMM, bracelet, glove (but not on Rogue), kings."

Date: October 26, 2003

The uniform fits like a glove, his whole body encased in strong, supple leather. He doesn't look like geeky Bobby Drake anymore. He stares at himself in the mirror, amazed. Iceman, cool blue eyes and a readiness to save the world, stares back.

He'd been afraid -- not of what the uniform means, no, never that -- but afraid it'd look kind of gay. He's not the most masculine guy ever. He knows he can't compete with Wolverine for Rogue's affection (he noticed when she gave the tags back, the tags she'd worn as a bracelet, cool metal against deadly skin, though both he and John pretended not to), and he wants to be there for her, be right for her. Because she needs him, and he needs to be needed.

He laughs. He's spent too much time in Professor Xavier's office, talking about his parents and what being a mutant means to him and to them.

He'd never expected Ronnie to turn on him. And losing Johnny on top of it hurts. Johnny, his roommate, best friend, the guy he'd spent hours pouring out his romantic hopes and fears to, the guy who'd given in gracefully when Rogue chose him instead. And now John is gone, off with Magneto, who'd promised they could be as kings among men, gods among insects. Magneto, who'd tried to kill Rogue more than once.

Bobby doesn't understand. Sometimes he barely understands himself, let alone Xavier's speeches and Magneto's mocking, Ronnie's fear and John's bewildering betrayal. He thought he'd known Johnny, but now he thinks he doesn't know anything, about anyone.

But when he puts on the uniform, he's sure of one thing. He's Iceman, and he's going to help people.

end

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