THE LIES THAT BIND

• Writer - Fabian Nicieza
• Penciler - Andy Kubert
• Inker - Matt Ryan
• Lettering - Bill Oakley
• Colorist - Joe Rosas
• Editor - Bob Harras
• Editor in Chief - Tom Defalco

The Ties That Bind The Wedding of Jean Grey and Sc

Summary

  At last! The wedding of Scott Summers and Jean Grey!

  Logan writes the couple a letter, saying they matter to him, they belong together, and he's leaving. Disappointed, Jean reads it while being helped into her gown (white satin, with black piping, cowl, four foot train, and a bouquet of red roses). Mrs. Grey fusses; Rachel and Jean are now friends.

  Ororo has arranged a bright, warm day in January. Hank is unable to tie Scott's bowtie, and Warren has forgotten how (since UXM 289). Alex and Bobby joke with him, and he goes somber, remembering his first marriage (Madelyne Pryor, UXM 175). Xavier enters, wondering if his grown students still need him, then answers his own question by tying the tie. Scott is nervous but ready, and Xavier gets himself into his normal wheelchair.

  The ceremony is held on the grounds, and as dozens of family and friends seat themselves, Xavier senses Scott's deep satisfaction: an orphan, now with all these around him.

  Ororo and Alex are maid of honor and best man; Lila's band plays the wedding march; Jean walks down the aisle on her father's arm. The minister reads their vows: "?through pain and passion, through sorrow and hope, through death and through life. No matter what tomorrow may bring, we will face it together." He pronounces them husband and wife, and they kiss. Jubilee starts the cheers; Xavier is surprised to hear himself start the applause. The couple start the dancing with "One," by U2.

  Up on the snowy hillside, Sabretooth is kicked down and finds a message snikt into the snow: "Don't even think about it!"

  At the reception, Bobby and Hank bemoan their love lives: Opal and Trish are not there. Lorna gets fed up with people asking about her and Alex. Rictor is glad to see Wolfsbane well (X-Factor 100). Val turns a blind eye to Cable, still a wanted man.

  Jean throws the bouquet; Rogue flies and catches it. Strong Guy convinces Scott to throw the garter; Remy throws a card to make sure he gets it. Jean smashes cake into Scott's face. At the end of the evening, Jean asks for one more dance, with Xavier. She holds him up telekinetically, not worried that the few remaining guests may not know they're mutants.

  That night, Scott goes to Xavier's study. His father has sent his congratulations, and Alex is driving Jean and him to the airport. He embraces Xavier, thanks him for giving his life meaning, says he loves him, and leaves.

  Xavier reads his mail: a note from Moira saying Cable might be the key to a Legacy Virus vaccine, and a note from Logan saying "Lighten up." He laughs, his hope renewed.

  Note: for the honeymoon, see the Adventures of Cyclops & Phoenix limited series, 1994.