"A Friend's Sacrifice" by M.K.Davis

written 10-30-1999

Rahne and Illyana stood in front of the mirror in the downstairs ladies' room of the X-mansion, primping, giggling and joking about their dates, who were waiting for them outside. All their other teammates had gone to a party. They would also have gone, had Illyana not met a boy with his father's brand new Mustang.

His Dad said that they could go out in the car on one condition: that they get a date for his younger brother also. Rahne was the only one available, but she certainly didn't want to go on a blind date. It took Illyana a lot of pleading and begging to convince her to go, but finally she gave in. Magneto did require them to wear power disablers, which he personally locked around their ankles. Ordinarily, Illyana would never have submitted to such a measure, especially to Magneto, but she was willing to do anything to go out with the boy in the Mustang.

Once Rahne met the other boy, she became quite excited about the whole prospect. She was very nervous about going out with anybody, let alone a stranger. She had not gone out with only Illyana before, and that was also something that concerned her. She knew that they had started out on shaky ground, and that a double date could help them to strengthen the friendship, but she wasn't sure if Illyana was ready or willing to get closer.

She still scares me a little, Rahne thought as she tried hard to make her hair look the least bit stylish. She's so...wild. How do I know she won't do something dangerous and sinful, even without her powers? Oh, it's wrong of me to even think so! I shouldn't expect trouble from her. She was kind enough to invite me, and introduce me to that boy. I hope Sam gets jealous!

I feel so bad about the way I treated her at first, and I truly want to be friends, if possible. I just wish I didn't feel the way I do--that she's evil. But so far, we are having a lot of fun!

The boys were waiting outside the restroom, going through the traumatic ordeal of meeting Magneto. The girls took the time to stand at the door and try to listen to them. They were thoroughly entertained by Magneto's interrogation and the boys' timid responses.

Rahne was brushing lint from her sweater and was horrified to see a small spot on her jeans where menstrual blood had soaked clean through.

"Oh no," she despaired, trying to keep her voice down. "Oh God, oh Lord in heaven, no! What will I do? What will I do? I can't go out like this!"

"Whoa, relax, Rahne. Just go upstairs and change."

"I can't go out there! The boys are out there! There's no way upstairs without going by them, and my sweater's not long enough to hide it!"

"I'd 'port us there, but Magneto had to put these damn disablers on us...c'mon Rahne, can't you just walk close behind me? We'll tell the guys we forgot something, and run upstairs to change!"

"NO, NO, they'll notice! They'll see! I can't, I just can't!"

What is the big freaking deal, thought Illyana. My God, people sure do see things differently up here than in Limbo. Especially her. Now she's gonna ruin the whole evening, I just know it. Dammit!

Illyana looked in Rahne's eyes, which were flooding with tears. She was mortified.

It's not her fault. I guess maybe if I'd been raised like she was, instead of growing up in Limbo, I'd feel the same way. It would crush her to be seen like this, as much as it would crush me to be seen as weak or incompetent. I can't let that happen.

"Well, I guess we have to use the last resort. Take those pants off, Rahne."

"Why? We could try to wash it out, but it would leave a huge wet spot! Plus we don't have the time!"

"That's not the plan," said Illyana, unzipping her own jeans. "Roll them up and put them down. I'm gonna let you wear mine."

"But--but--what'll you wear?"

"Nothing, until we get back upstairs."

"Oh, Illyana-- you can't do that! I can't cause you to do that!"

"Sure I can. Think about it-- nobody would be too surprised if I ran out there in my undies, now would they? They'll get over it. It's the only way."

"Oh, Illyana...thank you. Thank you so much! Are you sure?"

"Yeah--we'll wait until Magneto leaves the room first, of course."

"You don't have to do this!"

"I know. It's cool. Heck, it might even increase my chances for a second date!"

Rahne laughed as she took Illyana's jeans. Something told her that Illyana was not making this sacrifice just because she wanted so badly to go out. She could not understand how it did not bother Illyana to do this, but what mattered more was that she was doing it-- for her friend.

~finis~