Chapter One: Rough Beginnings


If had to run
If I had to crawl
If I had to swim a hundred rivers
Just to climb a thousand walls
Always know that I would find a way
To get to where you are
There's no place that far
~Sara Evans


“Look out!�

On the battle heavy street, Ororo Munroe turned. Her glowing white eyes caught a glimpse of a man hurling toward her in time to brace her body for the impact. She was grabbed about the waist and tossed onto the pavement, a massive hand cradling her head from injury.

Looking up, she found her face inches from the one that belonged to her flying ball of slashing adamantium and snarling curses.

“When ya gonna learn to watch your back?� Wolverine shook his head, his body shielding her from Pyro’s flame.

“I have you for that,� she retorted, kissing his cheek.

“Yeah, yeah,� he teased lightly.

They both looked up, waiting for an opening so they could stand without becoming human pot roast. Jean Grey-Summers had turned a few hubcaps into dangerous flying objects, with her husband beside her shooting white-hot beams from his protective visor.

“On three?� Wolverine growled.

Storm nodded, shifting under the impossible weight of his body. She knew him, knew his fighting style. His quick reflexes would leave her only moments with which to make her move. The heel of her thick combat boots ground pebbles and shattered glass into the blacktop, making her wince at the sound.

“Ready?� She questioned when the heat of her former student’s beams faded away.

“Just hang on,� Wolverine flashed her a smile filled with sharp canines. “Its not often I get you under me, after all.�

“Wolverine,� she chided, the word softened by the amused smile curving her lips.

He winked at her playfully. It always amazed her how calm and lighthearted he seemed when surrounded by the horrible sounds of battle. She guessed it called to him, churning his primitive nature in a way very few people would ever understand.

“One. Two. Three!� Wolverine said in quick succession.

He rolled off of her, springing to his feet with a deceptive agility given his size. Storm rolled in the opposite direction, gathering the winds around her as she moved.

“I see him!� Wolverine shouted to her as she took to the air. “I’m goin’ high so watch my six.�

“Always,� Storm called over her shoulder, her body suspended high above by a warm air stream.

She could see the entire battlefield from her perch in the clouds. Bringing her hands together, a massive clap of thunder shook the buildings surrounding the mêlée. Magneto had attacked a biochemical lab just before dawn and while he destroyed decades of careful work and killed various homo sapien-scientists, the X-Men went into immediate action.

There were rumors, as always, of what was going on in Cadmi Labs. Some claimed they were working to produce mutants from “normal humans�. Others were certain the biologists needed just a few more months before they found a way to cure mutation. And there was a certain group that assumed they were creating clones of the President.

No matter which theory she believed, Storm’s orders were to stop Magneto and protect the lab. Bringing her hands up again, the skies broke with bolts of blinding lightning and rain that stung when it met flesh.

Wolverine was moving over several cars, making his way toward the floating mutant currently amusing himself by tossing police officers about. Storm managed to catch a few of them with carefully controlled winds, depositing them on a grassy knoll where they could regroup.

Her eyes remained on the burly, adamantium-laced mutant, watching for any threat that might harm him. As a foursome, the X-Men usually paired off. Jean and Cyclops were evacuating the lab while Storm and Wolverine played crowd control.

Steeling her spine, she noticed that Magneto’s malevolent stare had come to rest on her. Swirling winds around her, she created a small tornado in front of her, ensuring it would not reach the ground. Magneto seemed amused by the threat, using his magnetic field to propel a little higher in the air.

“Are you really stupid enough to take me on one by one, little girl?�

At his words, Storm merely raised a brow. A white-hot slash of electricity jolted the air directly in front of him. Magneto retreated a few feet, leaving Wolverine poised behind him.

The X-Men had a standing order to not kill their benefactor’s friend unless it was truly necessary. She wondered if that played into Logan’s mind at all as he inched closer and closer still. Storm held her breath, knowing what a particular danger Magneto was to her friend.

Without warning, Ororo felt her arms and legs fill with unnatural cold. She knew, unquestionably that it was Magneto. Normal effects of cold never bothered her, but she could tell when he was manipulating the iron in her blood.

Her throat constricted as blood boiled in her veins. She retained enough of her mind to flick her wrist, sending a stealthy Pyro flying across the street and into the bay. Though her head felt as though it would explode, she would not allow her teammate to be injured. Magneto took the option from her a beat later, gaining control over her limbs easily.

Unable to move, every breath a struggle, Storm did not see Wolverine launch himself back into the air.

“Let ‘er go, bub!�

A sharp gasp left Magneto’s throat when Wolverine’s deadly claws sank into the older mutant’s back. The shock released Storm from his grasp, but she tumbled to the ground, unable to regain enough control over her mutation to cushion her fall.

Storm’s body slammed into the pavement with a sickening crack. Momentarily dazed, she dimly heard Wolverine shouting her name. The pain wracking every inch of her body, she tried to respond to his strangled calls twice before successfully finding her voice.

“Fine,� she called back, flattening her palms on the ground to push herself up. “I am all right.�

Her weak arms could not support her fully, so she turned her head.

Ice covered her heart when she spotted Wolverine hovering above her. Magneto, though injured, held a single hand up, controlling her friend’s body through his mutation. Their adversary’s face was clouded by rage and pain.

Storm’s arms gave out, flattening her to the blacktop again. She struggled to regain some control, her mind whirling as Wolverine’s limbs were splayed even as Magneto bled.

“I’ve had about enough of you, Wolverine,� Magneto snarled nastily. “I have always wondered what would happen if I peeled that marvelous metal from your unworthy frame.�

“NO!�

Storm pushed herself up with the aid of a fresh surge of adrenaline. She stumbled, swayed on her feet, trying in vain to reach her friend. She tripped in a chipped section of the pavement, falling back to the ground with a nauseating thud.

Wolverine was screaming. The heart wrenching, soul-shattering sound was forever burned into her memory. She watched, in mute horror, all pain forgotten, as Magneto pulled his hand backward.

Blood splashed onto the war-torn street as her beloved friend’s flesh ripped to release the adamantium sheathing from Wolverine’s bones. His screams intensified when his scalp broke to allow the metal free from his skull.

Choking on the bile gathering in her throat, Ororo watched with horrified eyes as all the indestructible metal landed on the pavement with a harsh clang. Magneto had left it in the likeness of Wolverine’s skeleton.

The screaming stopped. So, then, did Storm’s heart. Where were Jean and Cyclops? Had they not heard those terrible screams?

“Die.� Magneto whispered softly, thrusting his fingers to full extension.

Wolverine’s tattered and shredded body was thrown back several yards where it connected with an already demolished car. Storm could scarcely breathe through the despair in her heart when Wolverine’s form slid onto the hot tarry street and, at last, was still.

Several seconds passed before she was able to move or even think. Pain, in her body and heart, tore at her, making the weary skies weep the tears her eyes refused to produce.

“L-Logan?� her voice was choked, an unanswered plea.

The battle had halted around them when Magneto’s Brotherhood departed. Even the policemen lowered their weapons now, many of them muttering that the injured mutants had been attempting to help. She was grateful for their forethought, even as she struggled to stand.

None of the police surrounding her moved to offer help, but they did clear the way when she stumbled toward Logan’s lifeless body.

“Logan?� she repeated his name, tripping over a heavy piece of metallic debris.

The sight of him turned her stomach inside out. She halted in progression, holding onto the open door of the squashed automobile to empty the roiling contents of her belly on the rain and blood slicked street.

When she regained control of her stomach, Storm moved as swiftly as her injured body would allow. Rounding the demolished car, she found Logan. All of his flesh was torn, blood covering every inch of his skin. She fell to her knees, reaching with shaking hands to grasp his shoulders.

“Logan,� she pleaded, shaking him gently. “Logan, this is not funny. Wake.�

She glanced down his body, trying to not look into the deep cuts revealed by his destroyed leather uniform. Her hands were soon covered in his blood, but she slapped his injured cheek as hard as she dared.

“Logan! Logan, I mean it!�

Storm slapped each of his cheeks again, panic and pain warring in her heart. Agony, so acute it felt as though her veins had caught fire, swept through her with dizzying speed.

“Logan, wake up. WAKE UP!�

Dissolving into tears, Ororo continued shaking his prone form, poking and prodding him in hopes that he would open those feral dark eyes and tell her to stop going girly on him. She noted, with more than a little terror in her heart, that none of his wounds had begun to heal nor stopped bleeding.

The ground was stained with crimson even her heavy rains could not wash away. Weeping, broken, clinging to Wolverine’s body was how Jean and Cyclops found her. Her tears mingled with the blood and rain on her cheeks. Snow-white hair was streaked with blood as she lay her head to Logan’s open chest, frantically searching for the dull thud of his heart.

“Storm…what the fuck happened?� Cyclops shouted, vaulting over the car to her side.

Storm pushed him away with blood-soaked hands. “You were not here! We were alone!�

“Ororo…� Jean began. Storm brushed off her attempt at soothing.

“Where were you?� she demanded, her body still in contact with Wolverine’s. “Magneto…he took the adamantium from Logan’s bones. He is not healing.�

Twin gasps of shock reached her ringing ears as her friends digested what she’d just said. Storm looked up in time to see Jean collect a piece of the discarded metal, awestruck horror written clearly on her delicate features. Rage filtered in through her fear and pain.

“Put it down!� she screamed, her words echoing on a clap of thunder that surely shattered someone’s eardrums. “It belongs in here.�

Just as she touched Logan’s arm, the man’s eyes snapped open. With an enraged and feral scream, he struggled to sit up while spewing blood and spittle from his bruised lips.

Storm clasped her hands over her mouth, then reached for his shoulders, trying to force him back down. His eyes met hers and for the first time since they’d met, he seemed to not recognize her.

He was panting in his rage, the pain obviously sending him beyond the barrier he kept between man and beast.

“Logan, it’s ‘Ro,� she tried in a low tone. “It’s me.�

“’Ro?� the growl of her name was almost unrecognizable.

When she reached to touch his face, he snarled again. A grating sound filled her ears, familiar and yet wholly alien at the same time. She drew in a sharp breath, glancing down when she felt the pinprick sensation of long claws biting her flesh through the material of her uniform.

“What…?�

Scott was cut off when the strange claws slid back into Logan’s hands. He’d lost consciousness again. Storm wiped at the tears on her face, then turned to the policemen surrounding the X-Men.

“Do not just stand there,� she ordered briskly. “Get medical attention for the civilians. Magneto will not be returning any time soon.�

The gathered police dispersed, reminded of the jobs by Ororo’s words. By the time they returned to the demolished car, the mutant saviors were gone with all trace of the metal pulled from Wolverine’s body.

~**~

Arriving at the mansion was a blur to Ororo. She ran alongside of the stretcher they used to cart Logan’s bandaged body into the med-lab. Her fingers threaded with that of her best friend’s, clinging to him as though she could keep him alive through sheer force of will.

Jean ensured Rogue and Jubilee came down with Scott as she worked on Logan with the aid of Beast. The big, blue mutant arrived only minutes before the jet, having been alerted by Charles that they would need his help.

Ororo, still covered in Logan’s blood, pressed her hands to the glass of the observation window. She could not take her eyes from his tattered form. Though Jean never said it, she knew that Logan had not begun to heal himself.

Over the last few years, Wolverine had often joked about testing the limits of his healing abilities. She always brushed the idea off as ridiculous. Now, however, she wondered if Magneto had pushed it beyond that tenuous limit. Praying was always something Logan scoffed at, but her mind tumbled over a dozen chants in native Swahili as she watched Jean and Henry fight for Logan’s life.

Charles Xavier, the wheel chair bound benefactor of the X-Men appeared at some point during the long, storm-tossed night. When he tried to question Storm about the incident and the extent of Magneto’s injuries, her cold stare was enough to turn him away. She kept vigil by herself, struggling with fatigue and pain. No one bothered to ask if she needed medical attention, they knew her too well for that.

Hours later, when Jean and Henry had done all they could, they persuaded Storm to get her cuts cleaned, and a twisted ankle wrapped. Jean’s tender hands wiped away blood and washed the distraught woman’s hair in the med-lab sink. Once her friends managed to get her into a clean sweat suit, they closed up the med-lab, leaving Storm to keep her silent vigil at Wolverine’s bedside.

In the quiet of night, every light save one doused in the room, Storm took up Jean’s stool and sat beside Logan’s bed. His breathing was short and shallow, blood seeping slowly into his bandages. She could tell from the monitors that his heart was beating, though irregularly.

His hands were clammy and cold, but she clasped one firmly. Leaning an elbow on the edge of his bed, she dropped her head into her palm, watching him carefully.

It was no secret that Logan and Ororo were close. After their adventures in New York and Alkali Lake, the gruff mutant joined the X-Men on a permanent basis. As Jean and Scott prepared to marry, the two left out banded together. Many nights they could be found sitting on the rooftop of Storm’s boathouse, talking and sipping beer into the wee hours of the morning.

Five years had passed and every day they reaffirmed their friendship. She gave him someone to tease mercilessly and he became the devil on her shoulder, often getting them both into trouble. Pranks were pulled and laughter shared, giving way for long, heartfelt talks that were never repeated to others.

When he’d learned his real name, sending him on a trip through Japan and Canada, Ororo had gone with him. For eight months, they traveled as a solitary duo, content to need no one else’s help in their search. Returning to the mansion armed with more of Logan’s stolen memory, exactly no one was surprised when they’d gone from close to joined at the proverbial hip.

Storm treasured the friendship more than any other. While many believed he would stab Cyclops in the back for a shot at Jean, only Ororo knew how false that was. His love for Jean faded over the years, as the beach relents to the daily tide. He merely enjoyed raising Scott’s blood pressure, so the taunting innuendo continued.

They never breached the line between friendship and more, Storm believed their love was above all of that. Oh, she did love him. Her best friend, the keeper of all her secrets…and here she had allowed Magneto to destroy him.

Hot, silent tears trailed down her face as she stared at his bandaged face. There was nothing she would not do for him. She knew, without his ever saying, that the same sentiment was shared on his side. It was, after all, thanks to him that she still lived. Magneto was out for blood.

By stabbing their enemy and thereby invoking his wrath, Logan had saved her life. Perhaps even at the cost of his own.

Ororo reached up, drawing her finger lightly over her friend’s eyebrow. If she had to stay awake for the next two years, she would be here when his eyes opened. She would be the first thing he saw. She had to believe he would wake; the very thought otherwise nearly tore the heart from her chest.

So she stayed. Her tears dried and her hand went numb, but she waited.

Chapter Two: My Best Friend

You stand by me
And you believe in me
Like nobody ever has
When my world goes crazy
You're right there to save me
~Tim McGraw

October 5, 2002

The mutant called Logan stared at the file in his hands, stunned disbelief and unease warring inside him. They’d been in Canada only a few days, but the trip had been far from short. Traversing the snow-capped mountains wore him out when combined with a four-month stop in Japan. His companion never complained, but he knew she was as tired as he.

She sat at the table across from him, a bottle of chilled beer providing a tinkling sound as she nervously tapped her nails on the thick brown glass. They’d been sitting here for several hours, Logan unable to open the file they’d literally had to kill to get their hands on.

The guards were part of the now defunct Weapon X project, protecting the final remaining shred of evidence that held Logan’s stolen life. It took their combined forces – as well as thousands in American dollars – to secure this single manila folder. He knew she wanted the answers as much as he did. They were two of a kind, ‘Ro and Logan. The trip would have ended months ago, without the answers he desired, were it not for her loyal companionship.

He glanced up at her, noting the worried crease between her brows. She was worried that he would learn his identity, regain his memory, and bid her a bitter goodbye. No matter how often he told her that no memories or forgotten lives would ever cause him to abandon her, she still worried.

Drawing on his courage, he reached for his own beer, taking a long pull from it as he fought to keep his hands from trembling. The X-Men missed the Dynamic Duo, as they teasingly referred to far away Wolverine and Storm. If he wanted to be honest, he missed the sights and sounds and smells of home.

Once this was over, he planned on going right back to that life. The bunch of geeks at Xavier’s were the closest thing to family he could remember having.

“For the love of the Bright Lady, Logan!� Ororo finally hissed, slamming her fist on the table. “Open it or I will!�

Smirking at her impatience, he shrugged his shoulders. “Where’s your calm, cool head now, eh?�

“Shut up,� she snapped, eyeing the folder as though it would strike. “We have spent months abroad to locate that file. I want to know what it says.�

He turned the thick folder over in his hands. “Yeah, I kinda wanna know who I am, too.�

His friend shook her head somberly. “I know who you are, Logan. Whatever those papers reveal, trust that I know you.�

Strengthened by her sweet, honest statement, Logan unsheathed his fore-claw with a muted snikt!

“Here goes nothin’,� he muttered, slicing the sealed file open.

He heard her adjust in the rickety hotel chair, as though leaning over the table to peek at the neatly stacked papers he gingerly removed from it. Sitting back in his chair, he slipped the cover page which read: “Top Secret� from the stack and placed it on the table.

Upon the first line, below the standardized letterhead that identified the document as an original Weapon X file, was the “subject� name.

“James Howlett.�

“What?�

Ororo jumped out of her chair, coming around the old round table to crouch at his side. He shifted the files so she could ready them easily.

“James,� she murmured. “That is a good, strong name.�

He grunted again, pointing to his birth date. “March 4th, 1888.�

His companion gasped. “Logan, you are a Pisces!�

Logan had to smile at her joke; she was obviously trying to soften the blow. “A one-hundred and thirteen year old Pisces.�

He turned his head, meeting her soft blue gaze. She gave him a teasing grin. “Does that mean I can refer to you as “Old Man�?�

“Not if you expect an answer.�

Trusting her completely, Logan divided the stack of documents and handed one-half of them to her. She took them reverently, knowing what a shock it would be for him to learn of his true history. He had not even twenty years of memory and most of that was as a mutant named Wolverine.

“These are medical records,� she muttered after taking the chair next to him so they could show one another what they found. “You have a list of allergies that covers two full pages. Little James must have required extensive medical intervention.�

“Musta been before my mutation activated,� he said as his eyes found the names of his forgotten parents. “My mother’s name was Elizabeth.�

Ororo looked up at him, her eyes filled with sympathy. “That is a very pretty name. Does it list your father?�

“Jonathon,� Logan said, wondering why he’d remembered Logan as his real name.

When he mentioned this aloud, Ororo frowned. “Perhaps it was someone you were close to in your youth?�

The files did not give him an answer that contradicted her, so he accepted it as possible. Flipping through several more pages, he came upon something he never wished to see.

Photographs of the process which gave him the adamantium bonded to his skeletal structure glared up at him, bringing with them flashes of nightmarish memories. He dropped the files instantly, startling when his best friend reached for his hand.

Though he tried to hide the pictures, she used her skill as a pickpocket and thief to snatch them from his grasp. He watched, horrified, as those kind, sapphire eyes looked over each disgusting photograph. Rage and hatred, so alien on her dark and delicate features, clouded her face with each page she turned.

“Burn them,� she whispered finally.

“Knock yourself out,� he replied, touched in that small, light space on his soul that only she could reach unhindered. “Light ‘em up, darlin’.�

Ororo stood, crossing the small hotel room to the roaring fireplace. She tossed the stack of photographs into the orange flame, then wiped her hands on the ass of her leather trousers, as though trying cleanse them.

When she returned to the table, they swapped stacks of files. Logan looked over his medical reports from before, during, and after the process that stole his memory and forever altered his life. It created a roiling sickness in his belly, reading what they’d done to him in that cold, medical jargon.

“Logan…�

At Ororo’s shocked whisper, he brought his eyes back to her. She had the folder in her one hand, her other closed as though something lay in the palm. Her eyes rested on one of his papers.

“You were married.�

She opened her palm, revealing a thick circle of gold. A wedding band. He reached forward, taking the ring gently between his fingers.

“There is an inscription,� she said in a quiet tone.

He turned the band in his hand, swallowing hard. To James with all my love.

“What’s it say about her?� he inquired, not sure how he felt about this. No memory came to him, no snippets of conversations long forgotten or even the scent of perfume.

“Deceased, December 1931,� Ororo read from the file before looking up at him. “She is buried just outside of Ontario.�

Logan digested this, wondering what kind of woman had married him. Were they happy? Did they have children? Had he left her all alone?

The need to visit her burial plot, no matter what the circumstances had been, Logan swallowed hard, cleared his throat, and met the blue gaze of his friend.

“Feel like takin’ another trip?�

~**~

October 7, 2002

Snow had fallen sometime during the night, blanketing the world around them in a fresh layer of pure white. He and Ororo had spent two days traveling by train, wondering what they would find in the tiny village outside Ontario.

Ororo’s phone calls to the mansion revealed nothing to their awaiting friends, and he again reveled in the fact that she knew him so well. They never needed to say certain things, there was a simple, honest rapport between the two mutants that never needed the clutter of useless talk.

During the train ride, Logan had looked over the files again and again, until he had most of it memorized. He thought about his mother and father. What had they been like? Obviously, based on the estate Ororo had located under his father’s name back in the 19th century, they’d been rich as hell. She was still in the process of looking up his genealogy on the laptop computer she carried with her.

He returned from the club car, arms filled with sandwiches to feed his overworked friend. She was sitting on the long, cushioned bench, long legs stretched out in front of her. Logan handed her a plastic-wrapped sandwich and she looked up in surprise.

“Oh! There you are,� she smiled faintly. “Thank you.�

Logan sat beside her, nudging her in that friendly way he knew got on her nerves. Rewarded by her irritated sigh, he peeked onto her computer.

“I believe I have the answer,� she said around a mouthful of her egg salad sandwich. “Look.�

He took the computer onto his lap, scrolling down with the touch pad’s pointer to read an article from a French newspaper printed nearly ninety years ago.

The story detailed how a groundskeeper on Jonathan Howlett’s estate entered the master’s bedroom and shot him to death when Mrs. Elizabeth Howlett refused to leave the property with him. It seemed the groundskeeper had been fired just days beforehand.

Logan pushed the computer away, noting that the assailant had been found beside the murdered landowner’s body with three stab wounds to the chest.

“I believe,� Ororo said when he finished. “That may have been the incident that triggered your mutation.�

Snikt! Logan unleashed his claws, staring at the shining metal as the holes in his hands healed instantly.

“These are metal,� he replied obviously.

“Yes, thank you, Caption Obvious,� she replied tartly “But perhaps the claw mutation was natural and not a side effect from the Weapon X project as we assumed.�

“Think so?� he muttered, admiring the metal protruding from his hands.

“Perhaps,� she mused in a thoughtful tone before chewing another bite of her sandwich. “When the adamantium was grafted to your skeleton, it would have sheathed the claws as well.�

“That’s some theory.�

They rode the rest of the trip in thoughtful silence, each consumed by what only a few days told them. When they reached the bustling station in Ontario, Ororo secured them a rental car, driving them away from the busy city and into the sprawling white countryside.

Finding the cemetery where his wife was buried proved easy enough, but Logan felt nothing as they located the weather-tarnished headstone.

“Windsong Howlett-Reeves,� Ororo read the engraving. “Beloved wife and daughter.�

He heard Ororo’s boots crunch the snow under her feet as she looked around, calling out the names of the woman’s deceased family. No children under the Howlett name were buried here and none were named in the files. Logan assumed that meant he was still childless. At least he hadn’t fucked up too many lives.

He took the ring from his pocket, sniffing in the frosty Canadian air. Everything smelled of snow, the mountains jutting out of the horizon like the fingers of God. It was a beautiful place, one he was sure made a perfect place to spend the afterlife.

Taking a single step, Logan placed his wedding band on the bottom of his unknown wife’s grave.

“I’m sorry,� he whispered, feeling Ororo step up behind him. “If I did somethin’ wrong, I’m really sorry.�

Still, no pain or memory filled his mind. It was as though the woman did not exist for him. He turned to Ororo, an ache forming in his chest that he thought was homesickness. His beautiful friend stood stoic behind him, her long white hair fluttering in the cold breeze.

“Enough,� he told her, stuffing his hands into his pocket. “I’m ready to go home.�

Ororo nodded, smiling that soft, sweet smile meant only for him. “All right.�

When she paused, he raised a brow, urging her to speak.

“Do you wish to be called by your birth name or your true name?�

Logan smiled, shaking his head. James was dead, and there would be no bringing him back. He moved to walk past his friend, turning so he could reply while moving backward.

“What do you think?�

She began to follow him, that smile never faltering as they made their way back to the rental.

“Logan,� she said confidently. “Just as I thought.�

When she caught up with him, he threw an arm around her waist, leaning his head on her much taller form.

“I think you know me just a little too well, darlin’.�

“I know,� she quipped, wrapping her slender arm about his shoulder. “But I do enjoy that.�

~**~

Present

The memory still flooded his mind, even when the pain began to sink in. He tested the air, out of habit more than conscious thought, relieved to find the scent of rain-soaked earth surrounding him.

Every inch of him hurt and hurt to the bone. His befuddled mind could not remember why, but his instincts told him something was very wrong with his battered body. His eyes stubbornly refused to open, mind stuck on that memory of Ororo when they’d learned his birth name.

She was close by, wherever he was. He couldn’t detect any fear from her, so obviously there was no danger. He was on his back, lying on something hard. A medical bed, maybe? He could feel his body twitching from the inside out as his healing factor repaired what had to be extensive damage.

Warm weight kept his right hand from moving. He knew those fingers, that soft skin. Storm had hold of him, her grip almost painful. Damn, what happened?

Trying to wake completely could be likened to swimming in cold black water, the surface always just a little too far to break. Logan concentrated on opening his eyes. Slowly, other scents drifted to his sensitive nostrils. Metallic equipment, acrid cleansers, fresh roses, and printing ink all melded together atop the faint hint of blood.

Roses and ink told him that Jean and Hank were somewhere nearby or had been not long ago. The others pointed to the med-lab.

Cautiously, Logan pried one eye open. The med-lab was dark, save for a single, dim light. He spotted a crop of soft white hair lying beside his arm, the sound of deep, heavy breathing hinting that his friend had fallen asleep during her vigil.

Disoriented as to the time and place, he opened his other eye, glad that someone had the forethought to protect his vision from harsh fluorescent lighting.

When he regained enough control to turn his head, he did so, finding Ororo’s sleeping face turned toward him. Their hands were joined and she used them as a pillow. He frowned at the dark circles under her eyes, the hollow look to her cheeks. That normally perfectly coifed hair was tangled and fell from the loose elastic holding it back.

Logan squeezed Ororo’s hand, grunting through the pain. He could see bandages covering his arms and torso; from the feel of tape on his legs, he had them there too. Logan winced, tugging on Ororo’s hand as a flash of memory hit him. Pain. Blood. Screaming. Storm calling his name.

“Logan?�

He looked back down at her, the sleepy look to her eyes telling him she wasn’t quite awake. Managing the barest hint of a smile, he nodded.

“Ya look like shit, darlin’,� he rasped, his throat sore and dry.

That woke her up all the way. Ororo’s head popped up like that “Whack a Mole� game she loved at carnivals. She was blinking rapidly, her grip on his hand becoming even more intense.

“Hello,� she said, giving him that soft smile as she leaned closer. “Where did you go?�

“Canada,� he replied hoarsely. “With you.�

Ororo’s smile widened. “Was I dressed?�

He took the straw she lifted to his mouth with his lips, taking slow sips of cool water. It soothed his throat and after clearing it, his voice was almost normal.

“Yeah,� Logan half-grinned. “Gotta have a talk with my dream girl about that.�

“Hrmm,� she murmured, blinking tears away. “Yes, whip this dream girl into shape.�

“Stop it,� Logan grunted, trying to not laugh. “When ya talk like that, it turns me on.�

Ororo laughed, the sound just a little teary. He heard her sniffle and squeezed her hand.

“Hey,� he whispered, drawing her closer. “Hey, don’t go all girly on me.�

She kissed his forehead lightly, though he could feel a tear or two drop from her face onto his hair. Her slender body, usually filled with strength, seemed to tremble.

“I was afraid,� she whimpered, laying her head on his chest. “You frightened me.�

Worried at the broken hitch to her voice, Logan raised his free hand, placing it on her head and stroking her hair with his thumb. What had happened that frightened his friend so? She knew, better than most, what his healing abilities were. It must have been bad if—

Halting his train of thought, Logan stilled on the medical bed. He remembered, suddenly and with eerie clarity what happened. Magneto’s attack. Ororo held in the mutant’s magnetic field. Stabbing him. Die.

“He took it,� Logan said quietly. “He took my adamantium, didn’t he?�

The woman looked up, tears still standing in angry eyes. She nodded quickly, reaching to touch his chest.

“Yes,� she whispered. “All of it.�

“That’s why I feel…hollow,� he mused, surprised at how empty he felt. “I feel wrong.�

Ororo rubbed her nose with the back of her hand, sniffling. “I do not doubt it. You nearly died.�

“How long?� he questioned, knowing her appearance would not have deteriorated so much in a matter of hours. “How long was I out?�

“Three weeks.�

“Shit.�

“Your healing factor overloaded,� she explained as though the words physically hurt her. “Jean and Henry had you on life support for five days.�

“Damn,� he shook his head, the news shaking him. He’d lived over one hundred years and one mutant had nearly destroyed him.

Remembering Ororo’s fall, he looked at her sharply. “You ok?�

Her face took on an expression of confused surprise. “Yes. I bruised a few ribs and twisted my ankle, but I am quite fine. It is you I am worried about.�

Relieved that she’d not suffered worse, Logan nodding to his bandages. “Lets take a look, eh? I wanna see how bad it is, cause it hurts to the bone, darlin’.�

She nodded, leaving his side for a moment only to return armed with a pair of scissors. He watched her curiously as she gently cut a few of his bandages, peeling the gauze away to expose flesh.

Almost every inch of him was covered in angry red scars or deep purple bruises. Wincing at the sight of his mangled body, he was relieved to see many of the wounds had closed. Ororo’s tender hands traced a few of the marks, though she stopped the moment he winced.

“It’s ok,� he assured her. “Just…hurts.�

“Let me get Jean,� she offered. “She can give you something for the pain and assess how much longer you’ll need to stay here.�

Knowing it was selfish and that she desperately needed to care for herself, he caught her hand before she could move away. She turned that beautiful face to him, stepping back to the bed.

“You’ll stay?�

Her smile was like the sun coming up, bright and beautiful. “I will never leave you.�

“Yeah,� he muttered as she turned to the intercom to call Jean. “That’s what I love bout you, kid.�

~**~

“Remarkable,� Hank was muttering as he took Logan’s vitals. “You are well on your way to a full recovery.�

He glanced at Jean over Logan’s prone form. Ororo sat on the edge of the counter where Jean kept supplies, her hands gripping the edge as she leaned forward to watch them. True to her word, she’d not left the med-lab since he woke.

Jean revealed that, in fact, Ororo had rarely left the lab in the three weeks Logan fought to live. When she did leave, she returned within an hour, content to simply sit at his bedside and wait. That sort of loyalty was what kept Wolverine and Storm close. It seemed to baffle everyone else.

“How’s the pain now?� Jean asked, carefully adjusting the medication snaking through long hoses into his IV.

“Better,� he grunted. “Can’t you up the dosage a little?�

“I could,� the red head replied with a frown. “But as it is, the dose you have would kill Hank and I don’t want to push your healing factor more than I have to.�

“Yeah,� he replied, turning his head to look at his best friend. She gave him that small, private smile. “What’re you smirkin’ at, girlie?�

“A grouchy old man alive enough to be grouchy,� the dark beauty stated calmly.

“One for your side,� Logan gave her a mock glare.

She scrunched her face up and returned the gesture, which almost made him smile.

“Logan?�

Jean’s call brought his eyes back to her. She glanced at his hands, a pained look on her face.

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to analyze your claws.�

The sound of his releasing the claws from his hand was different. Bone scraping bone replaced the grating of metal on metal. He brought one hand up, gazing in a sort of horrified fascination at the thick bone protruding from his flesh.

They weren’t bad looking and slightly more terrifying than clean adamantium. He glanced at Storm, who was looking at his face, not his claws.

“Yer right so much, it’s fuckin’ sick,� he said, reminded of her theory that his claws were a natural part of him.

“I know,� Ororo quipped.

Jean used a small file to scrape some of the bone from his claw, capturing it on a sterilized slip of glass. When she was done, she and Hank moved to the microscope resting on the far counter with their chemistry equipment.

Storm hopped down from her place by the sink, moving toward him as he continued to stare at his claws.

“Are you all right?� she asked, concern furrowing her white brows.

“Dunno,� he answered honestly. “It’s like part of me’s missin’, even though I know I wasn’t born with the adamantium, it’s been there as long as I can remember.�

“I cannot say I know how it feels, but I understand,� Ororo answered truthfully. “But you will heal and then learn how to use these without the benefit of being unbreakable.�

He offered her a small smile, slipping the claws back into their dormant place in his forearms.

“Amazing!� Hank cried from the microscope. “This is a million times more dense than human bone.�

“It fits,� Jean chimed in. “The rest of your skeleton, Logan, seemed far thicker than we expected. Your bones were made to be nearly unbreakable.�

“Interesting,� Logan replied, unsure how he felt about this development. With Jean and Hank going nuts over him, he was reminded of Weapon X.

Had they found him just as interesting? Was that why they chose him? Uncomfortable, he looked at the ceiling, a scowl on his face.

“Could we move him?� Ororo was asking. “To the boathouse?�

He glanced at her, raising a brow. “Huh?�

“I believe he will need time before we expose him to the questions of the children,� Ororo ignored him, speaking directly to Jean.

When he turned to the others, he caught the look shared between them. He felt Storm stiffen and took her hand, shielding the intimate touch from the others with his body.

“We have more tests to run,� Hank began slowly, as though talking to a child.

“Medically or scientifically?�

Ororo’s harsh tone did not go unnoticed, and he noted with a bit of pride that both Hank and Jean looked slightly ashamed.

“That is what I thought,� she snapped. “Help me move him to my boathouse or I will do it myself.�

“Ororo…�

“Jean,� Storm shook her head. “He’s not a science project.�

Before anyone could move, Logan sat up, hissing through the pain. He reached over, releasing Ororo’s hand, and yanked the IV from his arm. She helped him peel the sticky monitors from his chest, back and forehead.

He wanted out before they could poke and prod him any more. Hank had just said he would recover. Ororo guessed right, as she tended to. He needed some time alone. And by alone, he meant ushered into the peace provided by Storm’s boathouse retreat.

After they successfully removed anything binding him to the machines, Ororo caught his arm over her shoulders and helped him down. Though his body screamed in protest, he stumbled to the wheelchair she led him to.

Once he was seated, the monitors beeping at the loss of Logan’s vitals, Jean and Hank began to sputter, trying to talk the annoyed mutants out of rash behavior. Logan was never prouder of his friend than when she got behind the chair and wheeled him out. Neither of them spared the doctors a glance.

Closing his eyes, safe in Ororo’s care, Logan let himself smile. She’d keep them all away; let him heal. Yeah, she was definitely a friend worth keeping.

Chapter Three: Boxing and Beer

Lying here with you
Listenin' to the rain
Smilin' just to see
The smile upon your face
These are the moments
I thank God that I'm alive
These are the moments
I'll remember all my life
~Sara Evans


Ororo’s boathouse was something out of dreams. She loved the peaceful quiet it afforded her when her teaching and mutant-rights work allowed it. The four-room space had been left to rot for many years and only after she rediscovered it was it put to good use. With Logan’s help one hot summer two years ago, she’d converted the house into her home.

Security panels linked her home to the mansion, but she could turn them off if she wanted to be left completely alone. That was the first thing she did when Logan was relocated. After tucking his weakened body into her bed, she’d activated her private security field and cut all contact with the mansion.

No one questioned her nor came to recover Logan. She let her friend drift into sleep while she kept careful watch on him.

The loft bedroom covered the entire second floor, the wide, open space protecting her from the constant grapple of her phobia. In this instance, she was able to watch Logan’s sleeping form while cooking or sorting laundry in the washroom by leaving the door open. Content that they would be left alone, Ororo went about her day.

A shower was in order, though she left the bathroom door ajar in case Logan required her help. She changed in her bedroom; even if her friend had woken, he’d seen her clad in naught but her skin enough times that modesty no longer befuddled the relationship.

She cooked, tidied up, and waited for him to wake again. He would need to eat soon, fuel was desperately required in his weak state. Ororo hated seeing him so tired, so broken. Though his body would heal with time, she knew the psychological repair could be months or even years off.

It did not matter, she would be with him for every step.

“’RO!�

Startling at the hoarse call of her name, Ororo turned her face toward the loft bedroom; jumping up from the chair she’d been patiently folding laundry in.

She could hear the rustle of her sheets and frantic, panicked panting. Ororo overturned the laundry basket as she vaulted over the chair, rushing for the rail-less staircase that would take her to Logan.

The sight that greeted her in the bedroom was heartbreaking. Logan’s half-nude form struggled in her tangled sheets, his entire body coated with sweat. She’d seen his nightmares before, but the look on his face was neither rage nor pain.

Almost able to feel his agony, Ororo leapt for the bed, clasping his flailing arms with her hands and dodging. It was not easy to bear the brunt of Logan’s hellish nightmares, but years together had taught her how best to avoid injury.

Unfortunately, time did not cease the ache in her chest at seeing him so afraid.

“Logan,� she called softly. “Logan, I am here.�

“Let her go,� he rasped. “No, don’t hurt her. Take me. Take ME!�

Heart all but bleeding, Ororo fought to keep Logan’s hands away from her, knowing any injury she might sustain would hurt him far worse than her. She called his name again. And again. Desperate to break him free from the hold of his inner demons, she was screaming seconds later.

“LOGAN!�

“NO! She ain’t dead! I don’t believe it, she AIN’T DEAD!�

“Goddess,� Ororo breathed, shifting so she could sit on the bed beside his thrashing form.

She knew this nightmare, intimately. Shortly after Logan and Ororo returned from Canada armed with his birth name, the X-Men were training in the Danger Room. An explosion courtesy of a faulty electronic coil sent many of the team members to a nearby hospital. Storm, unfortunately, had taken the brunt of the explosion.

When doctors pronounced her dead shortly after she arrived at the hospital, Wolverine flew into a rage. He frightened many of the X-Men in his grief-induced fury and was only stopped when Rogue stepped forward to absorb his powers.

Just moments after she was given a time of death, Ororo’s heart began to beat again. They never discovered why or how her life was spared, and she could not remember what happened in those brief moments. Neither she nor Logan questioned it, though she was certain Henry and Jean looked into it more than once.

Logan still dreamt of those few minutes, when he heard the doctors say, “We’re sorry, we lost her.� He spoke of the incident to her alone, refusing the counseling the Professor wished to give him. Her heart broke to hear him relive that terrible incident in his mind.

He would do anything – possible or not – to keep history from repeating itself.

“Logan, it’s only a dream,� Ororo tried to soothe her friend. “I’m here. Alive and well.�

Why was he not reliving the experience of Magneto removing his adamantium? Was that not the most recent horror? She vowed to question him and get answers, whether he wanted to speak or not.

A moment later, Logan’s eyes opened. She could see the barely controlled sheen of tears in his eyes as he immediately sat up, wrapping her in his arms. Relaxing against his chest, Ororo wove her arms around him, holding him closely.

“Fuck,� was the first thing he said. “That’s a new one.�

“Shh,� she soothed, kissing his temple gently. “Just relax, my friend, breathe.�

“It was a jumble,� he continued uneasily. “They were tellin’ me yer dead an’ the next thing I know, Magneto’s rippin’ my bones out an’ yer lyin’ on the floor.�

“It was a dream,� Storm said quietly.

“Yeah, an’ a fucked up one, damn it.�

She released him, tilting her neck so he could take in her scent, as he always did. For so long Logan was only assured of her status as alive and well when he could hear the beat of her heart and inhale her scent.

“Yeah,� he grumbled after a moment. “It’s you, but I ain’t goin’ back to sleep.�

“It is all right,� Ororo wiped the tousled locks of hair from his face. “It is not yet midnight. Why don’t you clean up and I will heat you a plate of dinner? We can stay up all night watching Westerns.�

“Ok,� he agreed, watching her carefully as she stood up from the bed. “Did ya wash my jeans?�

“Yes,� Ororo nodded, pointing to the closet. “Your usual cache is here. Tomorrow I will get your things from the mansion.�

“Good,� Logan grunted, giving her a small, tense smile. “Go fix me some dinner, woman.�

Shaking her head, Ororo moved back out of the bedroom and down the stairs. Once she heard the water turn on in her bathroom, coupled with the off-key sound of Logan singing his favorite Johnny Cash tune, she balled her hands into fists.

Rage and cold hatred filled her veins with the speed of light. She turned, in a fluid motion, and punched the wall leading into the kitchen. Still infuriated and pained, she followed it up with two more, leaving a score of indentations where her hands met drywall.

She kept her mutation in a tight check, even as she stared at her swelling hand.

Magneto had done this. He’d taken something from Logan’s body and instilled more fear inside of her friend. If she ever saw him again, she would kill him with her bare hands. Charles had let the mad criminal live too long as it was. If Logan had only killed him three weeks ago, none of this would have happened.

“If Charles had killed him years ago, so many lives would not have been lost,� she growled to herself.

When the water turned off above her, she took several deep breaths, calming herself. It would not do for Logan to see her so angry and filled with thoughts of revenge. She would take care of Magneto at the right moment.

No one in heaven or hell would stop her.

~**~

“Logan is in need of physical and psychological care, Ororo. You cannot shoulder this burden alone.�

Storm glared at Charles, who sat, dignified as ever, in his wheelchair as she faced him in the foyer. She’d only come to collect Logan’s belongings, not expecting Charles and Jean to waylay her as she left.

“Logan has never been and will never be a burden to me, Xavier,� Storm retorted hotly. “He does not wish to undergo any more experimentation.�

Her last comment was spoken as her gaze flicked to Jean, standing so serene and perfect beside her mentor. The woman’s green eyes held compassion and understanding, but beneath that Ororo found determination.

“We only want what is best for him,� Charles continued. “He should be observed by medical professionals.�

“He still retains free will,� Ororo replied, crossing her arms under her breasts. “And he wishes to remain at the boathouse.�

“Ororo…�

“Do NOT patronize me, Charles,� Storm shot back at his placating tone. “I am not a child and I am doing what I feel is best for Logan’s recovery.�

“How do you know what is best?� Jean piped up at last. “He’s healing, I agree, but the damage was extensive.�

“Yes,� said Ororo coldly. “Unlike you, I was there when it happened. I know, better than any of you, how extensive the damage was.�

“Please, be rational,� Charles tried again.

“Rational? How is it rational to give your family an order to not kill when your best friend wreaks havoc on the world around you?� her voice neared the level of a full-on shout.

For a moment, looking at the stricken expression on Charles’ face, she felt a twinge of shame. It was his failing, she thought, to see potential for hope and good inside everyone. She did love his unwavering faith in humans and mutants alike, but not at the cost of lives. Not when Logan’s life had nearly been taken from her.

“I know you are hurting,� he began, silenced when she held a hand up.

“No, you do not,� said the weather witch sadly. “And I cannot understand how you feel losing Magneto this way. But, Charles, he must be dealt with. You must allow us to terminate him.�

“Storm!� Jean’s shocked gasp went unanswered.

Charles pinned Ororo with his gaze, though they both knew neither would back down. He looked away a moment later.

“Could you do it?� he said in a quiet tone she’d seldom heard before. “If the tables were turned and you found yourself at odds with Wolverine, could you kill him?�

“Yes,� she admitted just as softly. “You taught us all that one person’s life should not be protected if innocents are in danger.�

For a moment, there was silence and Ororo sighed, shaking her head.

“Perhaps you are right,� Charles turned, as though to wheel away.

“You know I am, Charles. Your hypocrisy did this to Logan,� she said coolly. “Leave Logan alone until he is ready.�

She could not help but watch him wheel away, the slouch of his shoulders saying she’d struck an exposed nerve. Though she was slightly ashamed of her behavior, she could not take the words back or her feeling that she was right.

Collecting Logan’s battered duffel bag, Ororo turned to leave. Jean rushed forward, grabbing her arm and turning her by force.

“How could you say that to him?� Jean hissed angrily. “Do you realize how much you hurt him?�

Not surprised by Jean’s stubborn dedication to her mentor, Ororo sighed, slinging the bag over her shoulder.

“Jean, I love Charles, you know that,� she shook her head. “But this…I cannot forgive. Magneto has grown too powerful and it should have ended, at the latest, at Liberty Island.�

“Storm, it’s not that simple,� Jean’s green eyes plead.

Disappointed in her friend, Ororo gently shifted to remove her arm from her grasp.

“It should be,� she said quietly, opening the front door. “Logan will come next week for a checkup. You may want to call Angel and Psylocke back from England.�

“Wh--�

“I am taking a leave of absence until Logan has recovered.�

“Storm, you two aren’t an island,� Jean tried again. “You can’t do this alone.�

“We are not alone,� she replied with a small smile, kissing her friend’s cheeks. “We have each other. Give my best to Scott and ensure Rogue finishes her college applications, please.�

Before Jean could stop her, Ororo stepped out of the mansion, shutting the door quietly behind her.

~**~


Ororo balanced the bags filled with Thai food and dessert in her arms as she fought to open the boathouse’s front door. Two weeks had passed since she’d last spoken to Charles or set foot in the mansion.

Charles, it seemed, had taken Ororo’s leave of absence and parting words to heart. No one invaded the sanctuary of the boathouse and at Logan’s weekly medical checkups, they never tried to detain him or run scientific tests on him.

They got along fine, just the two of them. Wolverine was largely healed, but still bore great pain. His sore muscles had to be exercised every day, an excruciatingly slow process that consisted of cursing and Ororo dodging flying objects.

Logan was relearning to walk, much to his horror. His metal skeleton had weighed more than one hundred pounds and without it, his balance was altered. He could not take more than three steps without overcorrecting and landing on his backside.

The loss of the metallic sheathing on his bones was playing havoc on his senses as well. He described it as feeling “slightly to the left� at all times. He often sat with his head tilted, and even more often looked uncomfortable in his own skin. Ororo felt for him, though she attempted to keep him from wallowing in depression.

“Where the fuck ya been?� came the growling voice from in front of her.

She’d not even seen the front door open nor could she catch a glimpse of the speaker over the bags in her arms. Sighing, Ororo took a cautious step forward.

“You should be sitting down,� she chided the short man. “I have this.�

“Yeah,� he grunted. “And ya shoulda been back four hours ago. What gives?�

Nervous, Ororo glanced at the portion of tiny braids resting on her shoulder. He’d made her leave the boathouse for the first time today. Complaining about her desperate need for a haircut and inability to leave him alone, he’d pushed her out early that morning.

Ororo elicited his promise that he would work on his muscle exercises and left with a heavy heart. She spent most of the day pampering herself, as Logan insisted that if he did not smell the chemicals of a facial and shampoo from the hairdresser, he’d put her over his knee.

It was a common threat, but she knew he would make good on it.

So, freshly returned from a day of reveling in the fact that she was female, she’d stopped to get take out for them both, intending to spend the rest of the evening watching the boxing match with her friend. Of course, her trip to her hairdresser had taken far longer than usual. It was, after all, about time she did something drastic.

By memory, Ororo moved to the kitchen, depositing her armload of food onto the counter and setting her Neimen-Marcus bag on the floor. That, she thought, she was saving for Logan’s first trip out of the boathouse.

“Whoa.�

Looking up, she noted Logan staring at her. Trying to not blush, she raised a white brow, silently challenging him as he came around the counter, holding on to the tile so he would not fall over. Sharp dark eyes locked on to her hair and he reached forward, tugging a few of the teeny braids.

“That’s new.�

“Jenny and I thought something new was in order,� she explained as he moved behind her, looking at her hair carefully. “This is what took so long.�

“Damn,� Logan muttered, standing beside her again. “Looks nice. How long will it stay like that?�

“A while,� she grinned, her feminine side giddy at the compliment. “It is comfortable and easy to manage.�

“Good,� Logan began digging through the bags of food. “I did my exercises, Warden. And soaked in the hot tub for an hour.�

“Good. Here, boy,� Ororo whistled to get his attention, taking a pot sticker from the bag and tossing it at him as one would to a dog. He easily captured the hot item in his mouth, winking at her.

“Fight starts in ten,� her friend announced as he grabbed plates and flatware. “I put a hundred on Brock, so he’d better win.�

“Logan,� Ororo chided, though she knew his instincts were usually correct. “Have you no respect for Timur Ibragimov?�

“He’s a pansy.�

“Fascist.�

“Wuss.�

She turned as he left the kitchen, armed with another pot sticker. To her horror, Logan overbalanced, the plates falling from his hands to crash to the linoleum floor.

“Logan!�

Too late. The 200-pound mutant fell onto his stomach with a loud and sickening thud. Ororo jumped forward, spilling the contents of the pot sticker bag in her haste to assist her friend.

Logan did not move, but as she knelt at his side, he shrugged her away. Hurt, though understanding that his pride was more wounded than his body, she folded her hands into her lap. She would wait until he was ready to stand.

“This is fuckin’ ridiculous,� he snarled, muffled with his face pressed into the floor. “I’m a grown man can’t fuckin’ walk without a girl’s help.�

Her own pride stinging, Ororo immediately stood, stepping over his prone form.

“Fine,� she said coolly. “If you want to feel sorry for yourself, stay there.�

He did not reply as she hastily scooped up the dropped pot stickers. Like every recovering patient, Logan had his good days and bad days. There were times he did not want her help, choosing instead to attempt everything on his own. She knew Wolverine had a stubborn, rebellious streak. His traitorous body insulted that independent nature. Ororo, however, would not put up with it.

If Logan wanted to sulk, he always sulked alone. She was far too thankful he was alive to bother with feeling sorry for him.

She retrieved more plates, gathered up the food and stepped back over him into the sitting room. Laying everything out like a take-out buffet on the polished oak coffee table, she waited for her friend to either join her or ask for help. Once the television was switched on to the proper channel that would broadcast the HBO sponsored match, she prepared to take a seat, studiously ignoring Logan.

Just minutes after she sat, she heard a grunt come from the kitchen. The tinkling of broken glass and scattered silverware as Logan tried to stand. After several seconds, she heard him collapse again.

“Hey, ‘Ro?�

Without waiting for him to ask, she stood and came back into the kitchen. Kneeling beside him, she took his offered hand and pulled him to stand. He seemed so small now as she took on much of his weight as he stood. Without the adamantium, he felt as hollow as he claimed to be.

“Are we finished with the pity party?� she questioned, brushing the glass from his clothing and arms.

“Shut up,� snarled Logan in response.

Ororo grabbed his chin with her hand, yanking his face upward so she could look down at him.

“Am I your enemy? Do I deserve such treatment?� she demanded, knowing his weak spots intimately. “Have I, for one moment, treated you as an invalid as Jean would have? If you believe any of that, you can get the hell out of my house.�

For a long, tense moment, blue eyes locked onto dark brown, challenging him. She would not allow her friend to be lost to depression and pity. If she had to kick him in the ass – figuratively and literally – so be it. He would not find himself coddled in her presence.

“Sorry, darlin’,� Logan said at last. “I shouldn’t snap at ya.�

“No,� she agreed, wiggling under his arm after releasing his chin. “You should not. If you want to be babied, I will have you sent right back to the med-lab.�

“Yer mean, threatin’ me like that.�

“You are no angel,� she deposited him on the sofa, watching him settle in before she dropped into the space beside him. “You must give it time. Enjoy your vacation.�

“Yeah, yeah,� he waved her off, wiping away small bloodstains from his arms. “Give me the remote.�

She handed him the controls, taking a plate and fork so she could fill her plate with the richly scented food laid out before them. The main fight was a few hours off, but they could amuse themselves with the “smaller� fights leading up to it.

They ate in silence for a few moments, Ororo cheering on a few of her favorite medium and lightweight fighters. She did live for non-violence, but there was something about boxing matches that wound her up.

“Who do ya like for Julio versus Quintana?� he grumbled.

“Quintana,� she replied promptly, eyes glued to the screen. “He has more patience and power. He will draw Julio in, wait him out, and then pow.� Ororo punched the air for emphasis.

“Huh,� her companion grunted. “Could be right. Julio’s young, rash. But I still say Brock’s got the rights an’ Ibragimov just don’t got the defense.�

“I believe you count him out far, far too easily,� Ororo defended her favorite boxer. “Still, two of these men will walk out of that ring without their perfect 0’s.�

“Sad, sad day.�

When the Brock versus Ibragimov match began, Logan reached over, touching Ororo’s shoulder. She turned her head, swallowing a mouthful of rice with her eyebrow cocked.

“Ya know I don’t mean it,� he said quietly, heedless to the announcer blaring from the television’s speakers. “When I talk like I did.�

“I know,� she replied with a small smile. “I know you are impatient but taking it out on me will not help, nor will pushing yourself too soon.�

Logan nodded silently, then cleared his throat. “Ya know I wouldn’t hurt ya on purpose.�

“If I believed you capable of hurting me intentionally, you would still be at the mansion.�

They both nodded, the tinge of discomfort now gone between them. Many would have fainted at the very thought of Logan apologizing for anything, but Ororo knew him well. They rarely let anything come between them, preferring to keep their relationship in tact. They fought, often, about anything at all, and yet both were quick to heal any rift.

Ororo folded her legs under her backside, placing her now empty plate back on the table. She gasped as she remembered her “gift� for Logan, still waiting in the kitchen. Without a word to her friend, she hauled her body over the back of the sofa, ducking into the kitchen to retrieve a six-pack and cigar she’d purchased for him.

When she returned to the living room, she set both on the sofa beside him, then crawled over the back of it again to sit down.

“Ah hell,� Logan practically gushed. “Yer an angel, a goddess, I bow to yer greatness.�

“Yes, yes, I know,� she answered with a grin. “You are not only president of the Storm Fan Club, but also a member.�

Logan laughed as he twisted the tops from two beers, handing her one of them. Smiling at his reverent expression, she sipped calmly, sniffing at the scent of his cigar smoke.

“You’ll make some man a very good wife some day,� he said, blowing out a lungful of smoke.

“Very funny,� she retorted, wincing when Ibragimov hit the canvas. “Get up! Up! Up! Up! Timur, you are not a pansy!�

“Sic ‘em, Brock!� Logan countered. “Go for the body!�

“Traitor!� Ororo punched Logan in the shoulder, not turning to him.

“Ha! Yer jus’ mad that ya backed the wrong…oooh that’s gonna leave a mark!�

They continued cheering on their boxers for the next few rounds, Ororo growing more and more discontent with her favorite. In the end, Logan’s Brock took her Ibragimov down, leaving her to pout.

“Come on,� Logan chucked her under the chin, giving her a very fake pout. “Quintana’s up next and he usually don’t disappoint.�

Still smarting from the loss, Ororo scooted until she could lie down, resting her head on Logan’s massive thigh. As he usually did, one of his hands fell to her hair. She cuddled close, reveling in this peaceful and quiet moment, nearly purring when he stroked the braids covering her head.

“Feels weird,� he grunted, making her look up at him. “Interestin’ though. Makes yer eyes look huge.�

“Why, Wolverine,� she simpered, holding back laughter. “You will make me blush.�

“Hush, woman,� he tugged on a braid. “Watch yer fight.�

The Julio versus Quintana fight went much better than the previous match. Ororo and Logan cheered on their favorite, her head still resting on his leg. Her eyes began to droop as the hour wore late, but she was far too comfortable to even contemplate moving.

Logan continued to stroke her cheek and hair absently, giving her that warm, sleepy feeling one only has when completely safe and secure. It was a perfect night for the two of them. Eating and having a beer while watching boxing matches. That was, as a matter of fact, something they had originally become friends over.

Soon after the X-Men returned to the rebuilt mansion following the incidents at Alkali Lake, Logan had come upon Ororo hiding in the recreation room late one evening. She’d been watching a match without volume, silently cheering on de la Hoya when no one was around. Ororo was not considered one that would enjoy boxing, so she usually partook in her hobby when no one was around to ask questions.

That night, Logan simply sat beside her, asked which round it was in and watched with her. Since then, they took in a match whenever possible.

She drifted off shortly after the Quintana win, as Logan stayed awake to watch the interviews from the fights. Ororo felt him cover her with the blanket resting on the back of the sofa, but his hand immediately came back to idly stroking her cheek.

It was perfect. Home. And she fell into a deep sleep for the first time since the battle with Magneto.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I made a wallpaper for this fic and thought I'd share it for anyone who wants it. (I'm still working on one for To Survive.) It can be found here Have a good one everybody!

Chapter Four: Lunar Pull

And she gets sad sometimes
She'll never show it
You might make her mad
But you'll never know it
She don't wear her heart out on her sleeve
She only gets that way with me
~Toby Keith


Night had fallen some time ago, bathing the inky black lake and dark lawn in silvery moonlight. The boathouse was quiet as his housemate tidied up in the kitchen; her music of choice was something he recognized as popular among those in her age group. The sort heard in her nightclubs and on the Top 40 station. Tonight’s selection wasn’t too bad; a low, male whine accompanied a soft, throbbing tune.

Outside on the front porch, which faced the spots of light coming from the mansion across the lake, Logan sat in the porch swing he’d built for Storm’s house, his feet propped on the opposite armrest so he was sprawled comfortably.

She’d ushered him outside into the chilly evening, telling him that fresh air would do him some good. He knew the real reason, of course. With Logan’s improved mobility, he would start bugging her for something to do. Cleaning the kitchen was something Storm always did herself and would brook no interference.

Taking his beat up guitar, a steal at a pawnshop some time ago, he leaned back on the armrest of the porch swing, looking out at the ripe waxing moon. Everything at the boathouse was as its mistress. Serene, beautiful, safe, and filled with that soothing scent of rain and earth. Some of his best memories were of this house.

Idly strumming the guitar strings without any real tune in mind, he dropped his head against the back of the swing, staring up at the moon that seemed framed by the posts and railings of the porch. The bright moon outshone the stars, he could see far into that blue-black sky, the isolation of the boathouse providing little in the way of artificial light to obscure such a fantastic view.

While he sat alone, his mind drifted back to Magneto. In the six weeks since the attack, Ororo never mentioned him by name. In fact, Wolverine was starting to wonder how her mind was holding up. She withdrew from even him when questioned about her reaction to the incident.

Though he could not remember the actual process Magneto used to tear the adamantium sheathing from his bones, just imagining what his best friend had seen was painful. When he asked her to detail the memory, that beautiful face would crumble for a moment before she regained control.

“Now is not the time,� she would say, quickly changing the subject.

Logan put up with it because he loved her. It wasn’t a stretch for him to admit he loved the woman that acted as his savior, best friend, closest confidante, and personal bodyguard. They shared a companionship he likened to pack animals. They were the best kind of family, the sort you choose.

He could tell her things that no other would ever hear and the same held true for her. They kept one another’s secrets, helped when needed and delivered loving kicks to the ass when required.

So why wouldn’t she talk about Magneto? Logan pondered this while his fingers stroked the strings of his guitar, his eyes locked onto that striking moon.

The attack left him with some lingering emotional issues, he wouldn’t deny it. Every night, he told Storm a little more, let her in a little further. She knew about his physical recovery, had helped him every step of the way. When he’d wanted to drown in depression and maybe several bottles of Jack Daniels, she’d easily emptied all liquor from her house and guilt tripped him into staying with her.

Nothing on the planet would make him knowingly abandon her, even to mental illness. She knew that and exploited it, clever wench.

Nightmares were another constant companion. He told her about each nightly terror, revealed the fear he carried that someday someone would tell him she’d been killed. That was his motivation for jumping in when Magneto held her in his grasp. Logan’s often-feral mind would not allow anyone to harm her. That action cost the mutant a part of his body, his life.

Did she feel guilty about it? Sure, he knew her better than anyone, but she could still throw him for a loop. Especially when she kept changing the subject.

Shifting sore legs until they crossed at his sock-covered ankles, Logan pulled the guitar closer to his chest, playing the intro chords to an old Fleetwood Mac song. She’d worked him hard today, on the lawn of the boathouse. In that crisp autumn air, they sparred and exercised until he could almost take his friend down in a few moves.

His timing was still a little off, his center of balance just to the left. Storm insisted that his equilibrium would repair itself in time. His body was almost completely healed, though he tired easily. Ororo trained him with the compassion of an angel and the determination of a hell demon.

One day he’d get her to open up to him, he’d make sure she wouldn’t run off and do something stupid the moment she caught wind of where Magneto was holed up. They were very similar creatures, Storm and Wolverine. He knew if the tables were turned and it was he nursing Storm back to health, he’d thirst for vengeance as well. He would have to keep both eyes on her at all times.

Going up against Magneto alone was akin to suicide.

The music drifting from the open boathouse windows clicked off a moment later, a low humming echoing it. Logan allowed himself to smile, knowing she would appear any minute to hang with him in the chilled night.

Squeaking hinges and soft footfalls brought her to him and he tilted his head back, greeting her upside down. Ororo gave him that simple little smile he loved, placing what smelled like a cup of strong Turkish coffee on the small table beside the swing.

She came around him slowly, holding a cup of coffee herself. She was wearing an old sweatshirt of his, obviously stolen from his laundry. The garment was short on her tall frame, but she seemed to swim in the over-large arms, her shoulder bared by the wide neckline. On those impossibly long legs, she’d donned a pair of very short women’s sleeping boxers, the ass of them marked with “Very Sexy� written in an arch.

Impervious to the cold, she could get away with being barefoot as she moved to the porch railing. He watched in silence as she hopped up on the rail, using a thick post as a backrest while she stretched those dark legs out. One of her knees propped up to give her balance as she settled in, her face turned to the moon.

Now, Ororo was his best friend and he would never take advantage of that relationship in any way, shape, or form. But she was so attractive it sometimes knocked him momentarily stupid. Above all things, Logan was still a man and yes, he looked at her. Often.

Aware that he was almost drooling, Logan put his coffee cup down, enjoying the scalding his tongue received during his lingering stare. His hands went back to the strings of his guitar. His friend turned her head slightly, her dimpled cheeks giving away the profile of her smile.

“Beautiful night,� she said in that serene voice.

“Yeah, I was thinkin’ that,� he rumbled in reply.

“Play something,� Ororo said, shifting so she could turn her face to his fully. “Something lonely, mournful.�

“In that sorta mood, eh?� Logan nodded, tuning his instrument quickly.

“It is the night,� she replied. “I have always found the moon to be a lonesome creature.�

Raising a brow, Logan cleared his throat. “We havin’ an identity crisis, darlin’?�

“Hush,� Ororo gave him a mock glare, lifting her coffee cup to her lips.

Slowly, Logan began with a few bars of Johnny Cash’s “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry�, his now-lighter fingers stumbling for a moment on the strings. Ororo’s soft voice hummed with him, her knowledge of such old music a direct effect of Logan’s tutelage.

He’d once heard her say “And who is Johnny Cash?�. That was something he considered sacrilege and set out to school the woman properly.

Without really meaning to, Logan began to sing. He could feel Ororo looking at him, her braided head resting against the post. Instead of closing his eyes, he kept them open, watching the small smile appear on his friend’s face. She tapped her fingers on one dark thigh in slow time with his playing.

There, bathed in the light from that ripe moon, the pair of them listened to his song. Perhaps loneliness of a sort he could not alleviate touched her tonight. He knew something about that. Their relationship was nearly perfect, but that did not mean they weren’t prone to bouts of aloneness even in each other’s company.

When he stopped playing, she set her coffee cup on the rail between her thighs and clapped politely. He set the guitar aside, taking his coffee in his hands with a short bow of his head in thanks for her praise.

“Very lovely,� she said in a soft tone. “I do enjoy your Johnny Cash impersonation.�

With his voice purposefully dropped to a rendition of Cash’s, he placed a cocky smile on his face and nodded to her curtly. “Hello, ladies and gentlemen, I’m Johnny Cash.�

This brought forth peals of silvery laughter from the woman perched on the porch railing.

“Hey,� he chided her with a mock glare. “Yer s’posed to say “Hi an’ I’m June Carter!�

She nodded immediately, swinging her legs down so she could place a very fake simper on her lovely face. With an accent that would have made Rogue cringe, she batted those long white lashes.

“Hi, ya’ll, I’m June Carter!�

Logan roared with laughter. She joined him a scant second later, succeeding in nearly falling from her precarious perch on the railing. Their mirth bounced over the still lake, likely reaching anyone sitting outside at the mansion.

When they both calmed, that strange look crossed his friend’s face. This time Logan pounced, knowing her guard was down.

“What’s wrong, darlin’?� he asked carefully.

She shrugged one shoulder, occupying her hands by taking up her mug again.

“Come on,� he pressed. “You’ve been down for the last few days.�

Ororo turned her face over her shoulder, obviously using the pretense of looking at the moon for an excuse to not answer him.

“Magneto?� Logan growled, trying to get a rise out of her. She always let too much slip when he irritated her.

“No,� she responded immediately. “Not entirely.�

“Then, what? Gettin’ tired of babysittin’ this old man?�

The look she shot him was filled with annoyance and disbelief. “Do not ever think that.�

“Well, spill.�

She sighed and Wolverine inwardly danced with glee. He won.

“My leave is up next week,� she explained in a low tone. “But I am not ready to rejoin the team. Charles and I left things…unresolved.�

Wincing outwardly at the admission, Logan nodded while he processed this information. Of course, she’d told him all about her last confrontation with the X-Men’s benefactor. He understood both sides of the story. Unlike Ororo, he felt for Chuck. Logan didn’t think he’d have the balls to kill his best friend, no matter what the costs.

“Then resolve ‘em,� he grunted. “You love yer work too much to just walk away.�

Ororo went quiet for a moment, that crumbling look coming over her face. Logan sat up, facing her directly now.

“’Ro?�

“It is nothing,� she waved him off, collecting herself.

“Nuh-uh,� he shook his head. “Somethin’s wrong. What?�

She met his eyes, sucking her pouting lower lip between her teeth. Years of Storm-ology told him she was about to reveal something she did not want to. Logan braced himself.

“I do not settle blame on Magneto for your injuries,� she cleared her throat. “At least, not completely.�

Logan was more than a little surprised by this. He knew she’d told the older man that she felt Magneto should be terminated, but how deeply did this resentment go? Frowning, knowing that if he approached her she would only bolt on him, he inhaled deeply.

“You blame Chuck fer tellin’ us to not kill him?�

“Yes.�

“’Ro, ya can’t go around thinkin’ that,� Logan said soothingly. “What happened…well, it was Magneto. Don’t ya think Chuck’s carryin’ around enough guilt?�

“No,� she retorted sharply. “How many people have died because of Magneto and his delusions?�

“Ya can’t fool me, darlin’, I’ve known ya too long,� he countered. “This ain’t about innocent people or Magneto’s delusions. This is personal.�

“He dropped me!� she threw her hands up. “And tore your adamantium from your bones. I nearly watched you die because I was too weakened by him to intervene.�

Logan stood, all but shouting at her now. “Even if ya had intervened, what makes ya think he’d’ve stopped? Huh? Yer not all-powerful, Storm. Yer human, just like me.�

She leapt down from her place on the railing, her coffee cup shattering on the porch at the sudden movement. He saw the clouds roll above them, a warning that her hold on the elements was weakening. It equated to watching another woman’s eyes well up with tears.

“I should have done something,� she ranted over the boom of thunder. “Anything.�

“Hey, hey,� Logan shushed her, bringing her into his arms by force. She fought him for a moment, then collapsed even as the clouds released heavy raindrops. Against the splatter of wet sky on the roof of the porch, Logan rubbed her back comfortingly.

“It was terrible,� she whimpered, muffled by the sweatshirt he wore. “You were screaming, blood splashed on the ground and I could not move. I felt as though he were tearing me apart as well.�

“I know that feelin’, more than ya think,� he whispered, rocking her gently. “An’ you’ve spent all this time healin’ me when you need time, too.�

“I will be all right,� she sniffled stubbornly.

“Sure ya will, with more time,� Logan kissed her cheek, pulling back to look at her. “You’ll tell Chuck an’ One-Eye that you need more time off. Psylocke an’ Angel can help out a little longer.�

Before she could protest, he clapped a hand over her mouth. “Mind yer elder, girlie.�

Ororo chuckled and the skies began to clear. “A few more weeks, perhaps. But no more.�

“All right, all right,� he agreed, pulling her onto the swing with him.

She let him wrap her into his arm, her head resting on his chest. That simple, intimate touch was something she alone could ever do. He trusted her completely and with that trust came great privileges.

And so they sat in that gentle, companionable silence well into the night, staring up at the glowing moon until neither could hold their heads up any longer.

~**~

Logan was dosing in the hammock at the south end of Storm’s boathouse, his white Stetson pulled over his eyes. His workout finished, he was able to lie in the afternoon sunlight while Storm went to the mansion to square away her leave issue.

They’d not talked about it since the previous night. She’d simply gotten up this morning and run him back through his rehabilitation exercises. Once completed, Ororo told him she would spend an hour or so talking with Cyclops, so that pretty much left Logan to his own devices.

Deciding to surprise her, he’d started dinner early. His four-alarm chili was a personal favorite of his best friend and when coupled with homemade cornbread, she’d swoon like a teenager at a Backstreet Boys concert. Preparation was complete, so he stole a quick nap out on the hammock, listening to the distant sounds of birds and the washing machine churning inside.

His heightened senses detected her presence long before she announced herself. Stealing himself for the intrusion -- not surprised that she had waited until ‘Ro and Cyke were battling it out -- he waited until she was directly behind him.

Without so much as twitching, he spoke.

“Ya know she hates it when ya come over uninvited.�

Jean’s scent of fresh roses wafted toward him, surrounding him as it always did. There wasn’t anything particularly inviting about this scent. It was pleasant enough, but for some reason it lacked the personality that many carried. It was too clean, without any hints of natural undertones. In essence, whenever he was near Jean, she didn’t feel real.

That’s what made her safe, easy to toy with. While “pursuing� her, he avoided any other entanglements. All women that came to the mansion were told by any and all that Logan had a “thing� for Jeannie. This tiny little falsehood kept everyone, save Ororo, out of his hair.

“I know,� Jean was saying. “But I wanted to talk to you alone.�

“Now, that’s just gonna piss her off more,� Logan replied, still unmoving. “I know why yer here, Jeannie, there ain’t any reason to hide it.�

He heard her sigh, a frustrated puff of air forced through her lips. “You two shouldn’t be out here, hiding from everyone. Its not good for you.�

“Really?� He drawled the word, stretching it into three syllables. “Seems like we’re doin’ just fine all on our own.�

“I love Storm as much as anyone,� Jean continued stubbornly. “But she’s not a psychologist or a doctor. You both need counseling and medical care.�

With his hands still folded behind his head, he used one to tip his hat back so he could see her.

“I’m healed,� he said somewhat coldly. “She’s healed. As for the psych check, are ya outta yer fuckin’ mind?�

“Logan,� she sighed again.

Jean, as always, looked beautiful. All that fire-red hair was pulled away from her face in a loose ponytail. Her green silk blouse rippled a little in the autumn wind, her smart khaki pants pressed perfectly.

There was nothing wild about her. She was completely dominated by civilization and society. Logan thought to himself that if she so much as made out on the back porch, her delicate sensibilities would be mortally offended.

He couldn’t really remember when or why he went from thinking she was God’s gift to being annoyed at her mere presence, but it wasn’t a hard leap. Something in this woman just turned him off after a while. Logan once told ‘Ro that Jean’s effect just “wore off� after repeated exposure.

“I’m not goin’ back to the mansion til I’m good an’ ready,� he grunted, settling his Stetson back over his eyes. “An’ I’m not lettin’ you or Chuck poke around my head.�

“You’re being unreasonable,� she countered, jutting her jaw forward defiantly.

“Yeah, an’ technically, yer trespassin’.�

“I am not!� Jean’s voice immediately climbed several decibels. “This is the Professor’s land.�

“Uh-huh,� he muttered. “An’ he gave it to ‘Ro. She don’t want anyone botherin’ her right now.�

“Wolverine,� his irritating companion fought back. “She isn’t even here.�

“Yeah, but I am.�

She was quiet for a long moment and Logan assumed she would give up. He did not expect her to reach out, touching his forearm. Startling, he pulled the Stetson from his head and sat up, making the hammock swing slightly.

“Back off,� he ordered Jean in a gruff tone.

“I’m sorry, I…�

“What?� he snarled. “Forgot yer married? Ya don’t go touchin’ other men, especially ones that tend to not give two shits about marriage licenses.�

Her cheeks flushed, making her pale skin look almost sunburned. He always jumped when she touched him now, more because he feared someone besides ‘Ro would discover she no longer had any effect on him. His heart no longer leapt when she smiled, his loins never heated at simple contact. It was as though whatever hold she’d once had on him died, leaving no trace of it behind at all.

“I didn’t mean to,� Jean said, her eyes welling up with tears.

“Shut up,� Logan snapped, turning his head so that his ears faced the mansion.

He’d heard a familiar shout just seconds ago. Something was wrong at the mansion. Directing his hypersensitive hearing toward the building across the lake, he closed his eyes. Logan blanked out everything else as he directed his ears toward the enormous school.

There were sounds of electronics, the television had been left on…voices.

Concentrating harder, he honed in on those voices. Though he knew they were shouting, it came to him in soft, almost incomprehensible whispers.

“Storm! Oh, shit! Where’s Wolverine?� Rogue.

“Stop it!� Angel.

“Don’t! You might hurt her!� Cyclops.

“’Ro.�

Logan’s claws extended out of pure instinct, frightening the woman standing beside his hammock. Jumping out of the canvas quickly, he crouched to the floor. Pure rage colored his vision to a thick crimson.

“Logan?�

“Somethin’s goin’ down at the mansion,� he growled in reply to Jean. “Storm’s in trouble.�

~**~

A man possessed, Wolverine burst through the sliding glass door of the mansion with his claws extended. He sniffed the air, looking for Storm’s scent amid the fear and fury cloaking the school. She was close by; he could hear the sound of blows landing on metal, and the frantic shouting of what seemed to be the other X-Men.

Jean was still a ways behind him, but Wolverine left the kitchen area at a dead run. A quick search brought him to the living room, where dozens of mutants seemed to have gathered.

“MOVE!�

His shout dispersed enough of the crowd so that he could muscle through to the foyer. His eyes searched the frightened faces before they landed on the most terrifying scene he had ever before witnessed.

On the floor of the foyer lay a magenta-clad man, weakly holding his hands up in defense. Atop the folds of purplish robes, a fierce looking Storm was exacting her vengeance. She straddled her foe, legs locked about his thighs so that he would remain motionless. Logan had taught her that move, actually.

One bloodied fist raised and lowered with furious speed. The other gripped the fallen enemy’s shirt, pulling him up for each astonishing blow. She was shrieking curses, tears staining those lovely cheeks as she beat Magneto into a pulp.

“Wolverine!� Cyclops came up beside him as he retracted his claws. “He walked in the door and she just lost it.�

“You have to do something,� Angel chimed in, looking worriedly at the woman. “She’s hurting herself.�

“Logan.�

He turned from the frightening scene to see Professor Xavier watching it with a pained expression. Growling with barely-restrained anger, Logan marched to his wheelchair, meeting his eyes.

“Why haven’t you stopped this?�

Chuck’s eyes were more pained than Logan had ever seen them, which caught him completely off guard.

“Because if I interfere, she will never forgive me,� the bald man replied sadly. “Had she not surprised him, I fear Magneto may have killed her to protect himself.�

“Why isn’t he usin’ his powers?� Logan demanded.

“Her first blow nearly incapacitated him, I do not think he is able to use his mutation.�

“He’s lucky,� Logan grunted. “Cause if he had, I’d’ve killed him.�

“If someone does not stop this, she will.�

At Psylocke’s sudden comment, Wolverine turned his attention back to Ororo and Magneto. He knew she was hurting and that this old enemy was the cause, but he feared for her. If she managed to kill him, she would be breaking a vow she made to herself several years ago. Though she knew Magneto needed to be terminated, Storm was not the one with the emotional courage to withstand the aftermath.

“Yer gonna hate me, darlin’,� he whispered to no on in particular, nodding to Cyclops to disperse the crowd.

Logan approached the mutants slowly, noting that Magneto’s self-defense was almost gone completely. Ororo’s punches, however, had not lost their power. Blood stained her clothing and skin, some even finding it’s way into the snow-white of her hair. Her face, usually so calm, was twisted with pain, with rage. Wolverine had never seen his friend this way and for a moment, it terrified him.

Crouching over Magneto’s body, he came up behind Ororo. As though she sensed him, she punched Magneto harder.

“Stay back!� she cried through tears and anger.

“I can’t,� Logan replied thickly. “That’s enough, darlin’.�

“No!� she shook her head. “Never enough.�

“Shh,� he whispered, bringing his arms around her. “It’s all right, just breathe.�

His hands grasped her wrists, stopping the constant torrent of aggrieved blows. She slumped against his chest, letting him wrap her arms tightly with his. Slowly, Logan drew her back, stepping away from Magneto’s prone form.

“Shh,� Logan continued, pulling Storm back toward Jean. “I’m here, darlin’. Go with Jean. That’s it. Let’s get you looked at.�

As Jean pulled Storm toward the living room, Logan released her, turning back to where Angel and Hank were looking over Magneto.

“He gonna live?�

“Barely,� Hank replied promptly. “She dented the helmet, we will have to cut it off. So long as the internal bleeding is minimal, we will be able to restore him.�

Nodding absently, Wolverine approached the medical types looking over Magneto. In his nightmares, this aging mutant was larger than life, maniacal and malicious. On the floor of the foyer, he seemed nothing more than a bitter, wasted old man, not worthy of hatred or fear.

“Hey, Chuck?�

Xavier wheeled forward, pain still etched into his features. “Yes, Wolverine?�

“When he wakes up, make sure you tell him to stay the hell away from the X-Men. If he so much as breathes wrong at a human or mutant, I won’t stop ‘Ro an’ she sure as hell won’t stop me.�

“I understand, Logan,� Charles said in a weary tone. “Please, take her back to the boathouse. I believe she will be more comfortable at home.�

“Yeah,� Logan nodded, turning to Scott. “Her leave?�

“Effective until she’s ready to come back,� Cyclops clapped his shoulder in that strangely masculine manner that resembled comfort. “I’ll come by to talk to her tomorrow.�

“Right.�

Logan collected Ororo from the living room, letting Jean escape to the med-lab to grab her kit. Other than a few deep gashes on her fingers, Storm was relatively uninjured. Physically.

He wondered how much her impromptu brawl had helped her emotionally as he half-carried her back to their boathouse haven.

Chapter Five: History

Cause inside you’re ugly
Ugly like me
I can see through you
See to the real you
~Staind

June 1993

“Erik!�

Ororo raced down the stairs, stumbling twice as she tried to overtake the aging mutant heading for the front door. Panic nearly a living thing inside her chest, she tried to sidestep Cyclops. Her friend grabbed her arms, trying to stop her.

“Come on, Oreo, don’t let him do this to you,� he pled in a whisper. “He wants to go.�

“No!�

When she continued to struggle, wanting to reach Erik before he was gone forever, Scott released her with a heart heavy sigh. Ororo was instantly on the move again, the click of her heeled boots seeming impossibly loud on the hard wood of the corridor floors.

Her life in Xavier’s mansion was defined by its people. When Charles first brought her into the fold from the wilds of Africa, she’d resisted his insistence that she was not a goddess, but a mutant. Months of attempted escapes and all out brawling with the other students had nearly gotten her expelled. At first, she hadn’t cared, but during her second runaway attempt, she found this Western world so alien that it frightened her.

It was at a cold bus stop that Charles Xavier’s friend, Erik Lensherr, found her. He took her hand with an understanding smile, then raised them both into the clouds with his magnetic field.

“Free yourself,� he demanded of her. “Here, your power is limitless. Revel in that, my weather goddess!�

And so she had. High above the city with this old mutant as her companion, she rained the elemental destruction too far too hurt anyone below. Erik never once seemed to fear her, even when he lowered his magnetic field to ride on her winds alone.

Charles had spent so much time telling her the importance of restraint, that he had not seen it was slowly killing her. Erik, on the other hand, knew this intimately. It was he who showed her how easily she could revel in her element without the side effect of hurting an innocent person. He’d shown her how to be Ororo Munroe without losing her beloved Windrider. It was in that moment that the two melded as one, creating the mutant known as Storm.

Erik took her back to the mansion, back to the life she would lead. He, along with Charles, taught her how to balance the fury of her emotional link to mutation perfectly with the desires of a woman. Together, her two mentors birthed a mutant dedicated to the cause without sacrificing the girl.

Now, one of them was leaving her.

“Erik! Wait! Please!�

She caught him in the doorway. His Fedora was cocked ever so slightly on his graying head, his coat tossed over his arm and a suitcase clutched in one hand. He made as though to step away from her, but Ororo’s hand lashed out to grasp his.

“Wait.�

“I can’t, my child,� Erik’s voice was filled with sadness. “But, you could come with me.�

“Erik…� her heart hurt to refuse him, but she knew her place was with Xavier, fighting for his version of the dream. “You know I cannot.�

His handsome, lined face turned to her and she could see the pain reflected in those gray-blue eyes. Her hand squeezed his, hoping to give him some measure of comfort. She’d known that the two men she counted as her fathers had been fighting for some time. Recently, with several attacks on mutants in California, those arguments only got worse.

The children speculated as to why, but Ororo knew. Erik, a survivor of a terrible chapter in the history of humanity, wanted to strike back at all non-mutants, to take peace at the tip of a proverbial sword. Charles, ever the pacifist, wanted to forge peace through diplomacy and mercy.

She had always feared this day would come, when one of her beloved mentors would abandon her.

“Baba,� she pled again. “Please.�

Her face was not wet with tears, but a gentle rainfall suddenly overtook the clear, bright day, blocking out the warmth of the sun. Erik put his suitcase down, cupping her cheek in that wonderfully paternal manner she had missed all her life.

“Oh, my dear,� Erik stroked his thumb over her cheek. “No tears come from your eyes, but the heavens themselves weep for you. This is why I cannot remain. Charles places so much restraint on you, on all of you, that you cannot enjoy the gifts you have been given.�

“He only wants peace,� Ororo explained. “Without violence.�

“When in the history of humanity has there been peace without violence?� he countered gently. “We are the future, my Windrider, humans are the past.�

“I cannot believe that, baba,� she said, shaking her head. “This world is big enough for all of us.�

Erik disentangled her hand from his, taking her other cheek so he cradled her face in his strong hands. “Take good care of yourself, Ororo, remember to embrace your gifts, find release wherever you can. You will be needed in the upcoming war.�

“Erik…please, do not do this. Stay. Fight with us.�

“I’m sorry, my dear,� he whispered, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “But I fear the next time we meet, it shall be as enemies.�

“Baba, no.�

“Goodbye, my Windrider, may your gods and mine protect and guide you.�

“Erik!�

He released her, easily shaking off her searching hands as he collected his Fedora and suitcase. Ororo grasped madly for his hand, succeeding in clutching his fingers one, final time.

Erik’s face was wet with his tears and her sorrowful raindrops as he squeezed her hand. In his eyes, she could see his goodbye, feel the pain it caused him into the depths of her heart. When their hands parted, it was in slow motion, as though they both wanted to hold on as long as possible.

She crumbled to her knees when he turned his back on her, walking briskly through the rain-soaked drive to the cab waiting for him. Not once did he glance at her over his shoulder, even as her mourning reflected in the heavens above.

Her knees met the floor, her arms wrapping around herself as she stubbornly held back tears of her own. They would meet again, of this she was certain, but he was likely correct that this meeting would be as enemies.

The same cause fought for different reasons. Ororo shook her head as the cab pulled away from the drive, taking her beloved surrogate father away. Even when Jean appeared, wrapping her comforting arms around her, the wound was too deep to be healed. She feared there would never be a time when she stopped missing her mentor, her friend.

Charles appeared in the foyer a moment later, the feeling of his presence bringing Ororo’s eyes up from the drive as she turned to face him. Still clinging to her darling Jean, she met her other friend’s blue gaze. Any anger with him dissipated when she saw the tears standing in his eyes.

As one, Ororo and Jean stood, crossing to their mentor and wrapping him in two sets of feminine arms. Each of his hands found one of their shoulders and he leaned into the embrace, as though taking strength and comfort from his protégés.

Cyclops came a moment later, followed by Henry. Masculine arms covered and embraced the feminine, creating a warm circle that felt like family. As a group, the very first among to be labeled the X-Men, they reaffirmed their vow to peace and to each other. Come what may, they were a family and would ever remain so.

~**~

Present

Storm fought Logan the entire way back to the boathouse. He had to keep both arms around her, nearly dragging her taller form across the spacious lawns that surrounded the lake.

All she knew was rage, the pain Magneto inflicted on her cutting more deeply than anyone would ever understand. She had kept it all locked away, preferring to no longer think of the man as “Erik�, her baba. If she maintained that he was simply another renegade mutant, she might control the pain beating it’s way up from the depths of her soul.

Panting, her bloodied hands clenching and unclenching, Ororo sought for an outlet for her rage. She wanted to be let loose again. He had not yet paid for his actions. Something violent had woken from an ancient slumber within her the moment she spotted Magneto in the mansion.

“Jean! Hurry up!� Logan called over his shoulder.

Further enraged that her beloved friend dared call for another’s aid, Ororo renewed her fight against him. She kicked out both legs, managing to catch Logan’s shin and unprotected knee.

“Goddamnit!� he snarled, releasing her roughly.

Ororo fell several feet ahead of him, splashing in the rain-muddied ground. She forced herself to push up with her arms. Spitting mud onto the grass, she glared hatefully at her best friend.

“Ok, girl,� Wolverine growled. “Ya wanna fight? Lets go.�

“Do not tempt me, Wolverine!� Ororo thundered back, accompanied by a flash of lightning. “Because without the aid of your adamantium skeleton, I think I can take you.�

“Oh yeah?� he returned, motioning for Jean to stand back. “Bring it on. You’re askin’ for a decent whoopin’.�

“Am I?� Ororo flipped onto her back, thrusting her legs forward so she popped up from the ground. “You should not have interfered!�

“Yeah? Wanna end up dead, ya fuckin’ idiot?�

The grating sound of his claws released from the back of his hands echoed even above the scream of her storm. Momentarily startled that he was threatening her so, Ororo took a step back. Steeling her spine, she crouched low, in a starting position.

Logan advanced on her immediately, charging like an enraged bull. Jean was screaming for Cyclops and Psylocke. Storm easily dodged out of the range of Wolverine’s claws, delivering a stunning blow to the back of his neck with her elbow. Darting out of the way as he spun to attack, she flipped into a back flip.

“That’s it, girl,� he taunted her. “Get angry. Hit me. Come on.�

Storm saw red. She met him halfway, the two of them squaring off. She ducked and dodged fatal blows, coming up with stunning blows to his face and torso. Without his metal skeleton, her hands did not immediately break, but he was still very solid and her already wounded hands screamed in protest.

Blood pumped from the cuts on her fingers anew, whatever healing her body had already started completely undone with a few blows. Logan hit her on the nape of her neck with the back of his hand.

She went down instantly, rolling to avoid another of his clawed attacks. Her head swam dangerously, the upset in her equilibrium making her stomach roll with nausea. Not waiting for him to advance again, she brought her legs up sharply, wrapping them around his neck.

A sharp pull brought Logan onto his back and she flipped to straddle him. Her fists raised, but Logan caught her wrists in his hands.

“Who are ya really angry at? Huh?� he shouted. “Me? Fer nearly gettin’ killed?�

“No!� she shouted, hitting him in the face. “I want to kill him!�

“No ya don’t,� he countered her easily. “Sure, I bet ya do now, but what about when this mad you’ve got on fades?�

“Release me!�

“Sure.�

Logan released her arms, but his solid fist met her stomach immediately. The wind completely knocked from her lungs, she gripped her belly and fell over, gasping for breath. Betrayed by his easy end to their battle, she glared at him again, wanting to tear the rest of his bones out.

“God, ‘Ro,� he apologized, moving to pull her back into his arms as the rain fell more heavily around them. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.�

Still gasping, she tried to move from Logan’s strong hold as Jean advanced on them. Logan held her arm out flat, his thick legs keeping her from escape by wrapping about her waist. A pinprick and sharp burn told her she’d been sedated.

Seconds later, the world swam before her eyes and Ororo slumped in Logan’s arms as darkness overtook her.

~**~

When she woke, night had fallen around her. Sitting up in her bed, she glanced down at her hands. One was bandaged and the lack of pain said Jean had doped her up rather well. Cocking her head to the side, she detected the sounds of several voices chatting outside.

Slipping out of bed, she noted that someone – likely Logan and Jean – had cleaned her up and put pajamas on her. She crept toward the south facing window and quickly peeked through the clean glass. Ducking back in, she seethed.

Angel, Psylocke, Cyclops, Jean, Beast, Rogue, and Wolverine were all chatting outside, most of them with worried expressions on their faces. Without a doubt, they were talking about her. She wondered, for a moment, if she had indeed killed Magneto.

Twin sides of her warred between satisfaction and horror at the thought.

She needed to get out. So much of her rage and pain had just not yet found a decent outlet. Release clawed at her, begging to be set free. Sighing, Ororo turned her hand over and picked at the tape in her palm with a fingernail.

Unraveling the bandages took only a moment, revealing at least a dozen stitches keeping the back of her right hand and fingers from splitting back open. Gingerly touching the neat thread – this was the work of Henry – she allowed a small smile to cover her lips.

Two long cuts sliced diagonally across her ring, middle, and fore fingers. A third traversed the length of the back of her hand. It looked as though Logan had cut her, but she knew they had all been done by Magneto’s helmet.

After experimentally stretching her fingers and finding little pain, she marched over to the closet, shifting through hangers holding both hers and Wolverine’s clothing, she located a suitably daring outfit and pulled it on. Her hair was clean, most of the braids still completely in tact.

Once a light dusting of makeup was applied, she grabbed her car keys and wallet. Logan was usually very meticulous about stealing her keys when she was riled up. Noting that her conjured storm was beginning to rebuild, she stopped on the staircase and raised both hands quickly.

A brief call to the elements for order was answered instantly, leaving the night sky clear.

She contemplated slipping out of the back door, but decided she wanted them all to see her leaving. Logan knew she did not like having all of the X-Men in or around her home without her knowledge. They must have expected Jean’s drugs to keep her under for a bit longer.

Straightening her spine and slipping her key ring onto her uninjured forefinger, she slammed the screen door open and stepped into the chilly night.

Seven pairs of startled eyes swung to the woman standing in the doorway. Glaring at them all, Ororo remained where she was, wondering if they would try to detain her when she decided it was time to leave.

“Is he dead?� she asked bluntly, not really intending to.

“Not entirely,� Henry said in his diplomatic voice. “I believe he will recover.�

“Pity,� she said with no remorse. “If you will excuse me.�

Ororo jogged quickly from the door, across the porch, and down the wood steps until her feet met the grass. Most of the X-Men let her pass unhindered, but true to form, Logan grabbed her arm as she moved to pass him.

“Where ya goin’?�

“Out,� Storm spat. “Driving.�

The widening of Logan’s eyes told her he understood her meaning completely.

“Now?�

“Yes, now,� she said as though annoyed with him. “Are you coming or staying to whisper about my lack of control behind my back?�

The others caught her quick glance with shame-pink faces. She sniffed at them proudly, not caring if they decided she was losing her grip or completely out of control. Logan, however, grabbed his coat from the porch and returned to her side a moment later.

“We’ll be back,� he tossed to the other X-Men even as Storm strode away from them.

Together, they hopped into the Jeep Logan kept in the boathouse’s garage, with Storm behind the wheel. He pulled his seatbelt on as she roared the engine to life.

“Ya sure there’s even a track up tonight?�

“Yes,� she replied easily. “Lazy E told me they were having a competition this weekend.�

“Great,� he grunted as the Jeep shot out of the driveway and toward the smaller east gate.

They rode the rest of the way in silence. Storm wondered if Logan actually felt bad about subduing her with Jean’s aid or if he felt it was the right thing to do. He was the one that pulled those six-inch bone claws on her, after all.

It was no secret those on the original team that she’d once be very close to their former friend, Magneto. Cyclops had even questioned her a good deal after the incident at Liberty Island, wondering how she was holding up. They’d known he was behind it, but facing him again as an enemy was exceedingly difficult for Storm.

As she pointed the Jeep toward Manhattan, she looked at the stitches in her hand, which rested on the steering wheel. It had been such a shock, to come out of the kitchen with Scott, both of them munching on pilfered cookies Rogue was baking. She was laughing at her friend for burning his tongue, earning her a playful swat on the shoulder.

And then she’d seen him. He stood in the foyer of the mansion, dressed in his signature magenta. Psylocke was trying to get him to leave, Angel standing resolutely beside her. She never heard what the man said, but rage filled her veins. What right did he have to invade their home this way, especially after what he had done?

Her cookie was forgotten, Scott’s hissed warning fell on deaf ears. She’d often heard Logan describe his uncontrollable rages as his mind blanking out and red covering his vision. If asked to explain how she went from calm and collected one moment to pummeling her former friend with bare hands, that was as close a description as she could give.

In those moments, an animalistic simplicity controlled her. That being caused pain. She would kill him. It was bare handed and personal. This time, her hands had done something about that purple-bellied bastard. She’d felt him wither beneath her, his voice begging her to stop.

One sharp blow to his head had insured he would not use his powers. She’d hoped he would fight back, to make it more satisfying. Instead, Ororo was given the chance to simply exercise the right of a best friend to exact vengeance on behalf of their loved one.

All she knew in those moments was pain. All she saw was Logan’s shredded body. All she heard was his agonized scream. All she could think was how this man had caused her so much pain.

She had loved Erik once, just as much as she loved Charles. Now, all that love, all that trust had been betrayed and she wanted only to see him dead.

“Hurts, don’t it?�

Her companion’s gravelly voice brought her from her musings. Without looking at him, she flipped on the turn signal and exited the highway.

“What?�

Logan grunted. She could feel that penetrating gaze on her, the type that sent her senses into overdrive.

“Hatin’ someone so much it makes ya sick,� he continued. “Wantin’ ta hurt ‘em so bad the fury makes yer stomach clench up. When it makes things like love an’ trust an’ happiness seem fuckin’ fake…that’s real hate, darlin’.�

Ororo swallowed hard, glancing at him quickly. “Why are you telling me this?�

“Cause I saw yer face when ya hit Magneto,� he explained softly. “A lotta the X-Men think it was cause ya knew him an’ cause he hurt me. That you were hurtin’ inside. But that ain’t it.�

“Enlighten me, Wolverine,� she snapped nastily, annoyed that he knew her so well.

“Magneto’s the first person ya’ve ever hated. Really and truly hated,� said the older mutant quietly. “An’ that’s tearin’ ya up. Ya didn’t think so much hate was possible til ya felt it.�

For a moment, she was quiet, simply watching the road stretched out before them. He did have a point. Whenever he told her he hated someone – Sabertooth and Stryker for example – she always assumed he was simply hurt. She thought that the pain was easily covered up by hatred.

Now, however, she knew how wrong that was.

“I never expected ya to hate someone like that,� he continued after a moment. “I didn’t want ya havin’ this ugly thing inside ya.�

“It is too late, Logan,� said Ororo. “I have it inside me now and it will not go away on it’s own.�

“Nope,� he agreed.

“Then, what do I do with it?�

He shrugged a shoulder as they pulled into Lazy E’s garage. After unbuckling his seat belt, he turned to her.

“Use it, live with it, cause I ain’t found a way ta get rid of it.� His voice held that rough edge that told her he was speaking from the heart.

“Logan.� It hurt her, thinking she had somehow let him down. He depended on her to be his rock in the worst of his rages. His port in the storm. Now, however, she leaned on him. It did not seem fair to so suddenly change the dynamic between them.

“Listen, darlin’,� he cut in. “Ya mean more ta me than anyone else on this planet, ya know that. Do ya have any idea what it did ta me, seein’ ya beatin’ the livin’ hell outta Magneto?�

She was quiet, even as Lazy E opened the battered door that led from his garage to his home. He spotted them immediately, but obviously realized they were in deep discussion, for his pace slowed considerably as he neared.

“No.�

“I was terrified,� Logan admitted. “He coulda lifted one hand an torn all the iron outta yer blood, killin’ ya before I ever had the chance ta help ya. Sure, ya had him at yer mercy, but I’ll never get over that fear.�

“Logan…�

“Just promise me ya won’t do anythin’ that stupid again,� he commanded, dark eyes glinting when she met his gaze. “Ya already have somethin’ ugly in ya, don’t make yerself a murderer too.�

After a moment of silence stretched between them, she nodded slowly. “You have my word.�

“Good,� he grunted, waving at Lazy E to come over. “Still feel like drivin’?�

“Yes,� she smiled at the tall, handsome black man coming toward the Jeep. “I need something tangible. A storm will not do it this time.�

“Ok,� her friend nodded as E leaned into the Jeep.

“I heard there was a competition tonight,� Ororo waggled her eyebrows at her old friend, letting the adrenaline seep into her blood.

“Yeah, sure is, baby doll,� E replied quickly, giving her a kiss on the cheek. “3G buy in, four races, winner takes all.�

“Got the Mazda ready?� Logan asked as he hopped out of the Jeep.

“Polished up for our girl here,� E shouted to his mechanics, whom had gathered in the garage behind him. “Come on, boys, lets show those Japanese pros how our girl does it!�

There were several appreciative whoops of joy, many of the boys whistling as one turned up the stereo, which blasted some new rap song she was vaguely familiar with. The boys greeted Logan warmly, handing him a thin, sweet smelling cigar as he said hello to each in turn.

Storm slipped out of the Jeep, taking a deep breath. It had been months since she and Logan left the mansion to vanish into the world of underground racing. He loved to watch the precision driving, cheering her on from the sidelines as he had during their trip to Japan.

Ororo was the driver, addicted to the danger, the speed. It was an escape, losing herself a little more as the speedometer climbed higher and higher. Unlike the fury of her storms, this was human. She was not a mutant on that track, but a woman. She could forget about the war, her gifts, and the countless lives that counted on her. It was bliss.

Not a soul at the mansion knew where Wolverine and Storm disappeared to when life got a little rough. It was their secret, something they could share with no one else. Ororo was quite sure that had the others known about their little trips, it would no doubt make them all more wary. Storm was not known for her wild side; the side reserved for her best friend alone. It was best for all involved if the mansion were kept out of the loop

Logan came up behind her as she moved to the tan tarp covering her “baby�. Beneath it she knew was the Mazda 240SX she and Logan had rebuilt upon returning from Japan. Painted white with black trim, it was a beast on the track. Rear-wheel capabilities were almost unlimited, giving her the power she craved. She loved this car.

Her best friend appeared behind hr and suddenly reached around her body, pulling the cover off with her. The bittersweet scent of his cigar snaked around her as he growled into her ear.

“Lets go for a ride.�

Chapter Six: Turmoil

In your mind, she’s your companion
Vile instincts often candid
Your regret is all that’s left
~Creed

Logan stood on the side of the road, his sharp eyes watching every gut-roiling turn of ‘Ro’s white and black Mazda. The race wasn’t really a race. A Japanese design, it was called “drifting�. The friends had discovered the practice on Mount Fuji one fine evening, sending Ororo into a veritable frenzy.

He knew she was a car kind of girl, but this was crazy. She’d immediately “rented� a young man’s car and given it a try, while Logan tried desperately to not have a massive coronary.

The trick to drifting was simple. The drivers punched the gas on a quarter-mile stretch, gathering as much speed as they could. At the end of that stretch, there were a series of sharp turns. A driver would pull up on the emergency brake, loosening the rear wheels, and glide gracefully through the turn. The engine would be gunned again, spiraling the car into another sideways turn.

Judges never judged on who crossed the finish line first. It was a test of grace and control. The less a car nicked the walls or whatever barriers were erected, the more controlled the turn, the higher the score.

Of course, many inexperienced drivers ended up in ditches or smashed into a wall, but that was part of the thrill. Two professionals or experts would move through the turns as though perfectly synchronized, one unit instead of two.

Ororo was crazy about drifting. She’d won a nice little pile of cash in Japan and upon returning to the States, had her own car built. Lazy E, a mechanic friend and driver himself, helped her with the labor and got her races whenever she felt the need for speed. He housed the car for free, and drove it whenever he pleased.

Tonight, though, Storm was in perfect form.

Three races in, Logan watched her cross the finish line, the stench of burned rubber saturating the crowd around him. Cheers went up like mad, making his ears ring. That race had been brilliant; the other driver definitely a pro.

Both drivers returned to the “pit� – which was really just the side of the road as these races were highly illegal off of real tracks – and Ororo bounded out of her car with an enormous grin on her lovely face. She shook hands with the other driver over the hood of his turbocharged Nissan.

Logan moved forward, scooping his friend into his arms and placing a kiss on her forehead. She’d done well, so well that most in the crowd were muttering about a perfect score. Her opponent had shimmed a little on the final turn, which might hurt his score enough to send Ororo to the final competition.

“Well?� his friend demanded as Lazy E and his boys looked the car over quickly.

Cars were not made to go sideways, so drifting was extremely hard on both the engine and the tires. Only four runs could destroy a set of brand new, wide-track tires. The RMPS ran so high that engines were known to completely meld together if the car was not treated by professionals between each race.

Lazy E loved that Mazda like a child, so it never so much as trembled under Storm’s careful hands.

“Fuckin’ nice,� Logan told his friend as she popped several bones in her neck. “That second turn was poetic, girlie.�

She grinned, that happy, girlish grin he hadn’t seen in weeks. “It felt good. E has taken very good care of my baby.�

“Yeah, don’t hurt that yer channelin’ the wrath of God into yer drivin’.�

His friend shrugged, winking at him. “I have to do something with all that wrath.�

He caught her waist in the crook of his arm as the judges began raising the little chalkboard signs that scored the race. As expected, Ororo received 9’s and 10’s, while her opponent was out of luck with flat 7’s and 8’s.

“The next race is in five minutes.� An announcer shouted with a bullhorn.

Logan ensured Ororo sat down for a moment and took a long drink from a bottle of Gatorade he had waiting. She ensured him that she was fine, but he knew her pain medication was likely to wear off soon. If her hands started aching too badly, she’d lose control of her car.

The repercussions of that didn’t bear thinking about.

“I am not hurting, yet,� she said as though reading his mind. “I can get through another race without problem.�

“Ya sure?� he asked carefully. “It’s only an eight thousand dollar purse.�

“Hmm, I know,� she smacked her lips lustily. “I can buy those new boots I wanted.�

“Yer really gettin’ girly in yer old age, ‘Ro.�

He ushered her back to the car quickly, as the announcer warned that the drivers only had a minute left of their “break�. Logan got a quick look at the other driver, a woman. That surprised him. Many of the scantily clad skanks sniffing around races were simply there as eye candy, hoping to score a boyfriend with a better car than their last.

The girl was young and obviously American, decked out in a pink car with a Hello, Kitty symbol painted on the trunk.

“Don’t go too easy on ‘er, ‘Ro,� Logan said, leaning into the window of the Mazda as Storm strapped in. “Knock that cocky grin off her preteen face.�

“Anything for you, Old Man,� she winked, leaning up to receive a quick peck on the cheek for good luck.

Logan went back to the sidelines, ready to leap into action should something go wrong. Lazy E came up beside him, clapping his shoulder as engines revved and a girl in something way too short to be legal held her hands up to signal the start of the race.

“Is Roro all right, man?� E asked quietly.

“We’re havin’ some tough life issues,� Logan offered easily. “You know how she gets.�

“If you two need anything, you know where to find me,� their friend said with honesty in his tone. “Even if you just need to blow off some steam and get hammered at my place.�

“I’ll keep that in mind,� Wolverine gave him an appreciative smile as the cars just a few yards ahead squealed their tires and bolted from the starting line.

“Some kinda woman,� E said with a low whistle. “One of a kind.�

“Yeah,� Logan agreed, watching her car slide gracefully into the first corner. “Definitely irreplaceable.�

After several minutes of watching the cars, Ororo crossed the finish line first, easily leaving her younger opponent in the dust. She won the race by a landslide, jumping from the car to embrace Logan warmly.

“Now,� E shouted over the roar of cheering onlookers. “Party at my place!�

~**~

Logan watched Ororo made an idiot out of herself, and dimly wondered if he should stop her. Of course, it wasn’t really his place to tell her to unglue her body from that very tall, very dark man that entertained her on the dance floor. It also wasn’t his responsibility to point out that she’d downed about a bottle and a half of strong, imported vodka all by herself. It probably didn’t matter that she’d lost her shirt some time between Jello-Shooters and Quarters or that he could see things he probably shouldn’t through her sweat-soaked bra.

It was, however, his solemn duty as her best friend to make fun of her come morning. Often and with as much detail as he could.

Lazy E’s parties were something of legend among the racing crowd. It was how the mechanic met the two mutants he frequently entertained. Seemingly hundreds of people would pour into the large two-story house. Music was pumped through an elaborate speaker system loud enough to cause auditory damage. Liquor flowed and females typically wound up naked and dancing.

They would talk cars, women, cigars, and more about cars. Logan enjoyed these little jaunts into the underground world of racing, loved the freedom it gave him and his best friend. Over the throbbing beat of a rapper wailing about taking one’s clothing off, there was no pressure to save the world or keeping kids out of trouble. Logan and Ororo could be as young as they felt before returning to the “real� world.

Logan keyed into the boathouse just after dawn, his jacket thrown over one shoulder. Storm’s home was quiet, but he immediately spotted a trail of clothing leading up the stairs. A wolfish smile spread over his face.

“Somebody scored,� he whispered in a singsong tone.

All right, so it made him a little jealous when Storm found herself wrapped up in some random man for the night. Just a tiny bit. He wasn’t one to speak, having spent the evening in the bed of a very rambunctious young woman named Callie. Logan wasn’t made of stone and sometimes a man needed a warm, willing body to lose himself in. Callie was always willing and even a little hot.

Sniffing himself a little, he found the scent of her flowery perfume and the vibrant aftertaste of sex. The lax, lazy feel of being temporarily sated was a nice one, something he’d missed during his six-week rehabilitation. He was sore all over and slightly to the left again, but he felt it was worth it to feel like a man for a few hours.

He placed his coat on the hook beside Storm’s, stretching lazily in the early morning light. Coffee was definitely in order, so he ducked into the kitchen, knowing his best buddy would be up soon to usher her sleeping companion out the door.

Unlike Logan, Ororo always had a tinge of shame whenever she gave into letting someone hold her for a while. She seemed to forget that she was a woman, one with needs and desires that weren’t always fulfilled by work or her best friend. Logan was always rather proud when she let her guard down long enough to have a few orgasms not elicited by something running on batteries. It wasn’t healthy for her to stay buttoned up all the time.

His best friend was a beautiful, rather sexually charged creature. She knew she was desirable and reveled in it. But for some damn reason, acting on primitive impulses was something that she denied. He hoped her inner rage at Magneto was cooled enough now. A race, a few drinks, and some mattress screaming should have her calmed down.

“Logan?�

He glanced up and toward the staircase, then grinned. “Mornin’, darlin’.�

Ororo, looking flushed and well sexed, gave him a tiny wave. “Hello. I will be down in a moment.�

“No rush,� he called back, grinding coffee beans while whistling.

She reappeared a moment later, her tall, dark, and handsome playmate rubbing his eyes blearily. Ororo blushed under her cocoa skin while Logan leveled her with a pleased and proud smile. It still made his stomach clench a little, seeing her with this man. But at least she seemed composed now.

“Hey, Lo-man,� the young man shook Logan’s hand. “How’s it?�

“Good, Andy,� Logan replied, gesturing to the coffee pot. “This’ll be done in a minute, if yer stayin’.�

“Uh, naw,� Andy said with a smile, glancing at Ororo. “I think I should be getting home.�

“Would you take the car back to E’s?� Ororo asked, handing him the single key.

“Yeah, sure, baby,� he kissed her cheek, shrugging his jacket on. “You’ve got my number, right?�

“I do,� Ororo replied softly.

Peeking around the corner of the kitchen, he watched the two share a rather heated kiss. Surprised, as Ororo was usually “look but don’t touch� in the mornings, he raised a brow. It wasn’t very nice, him watching the couple this way, but he was intrigued. And a little annoyed, if he wanted to admit it.

Logan was not a man that liked sharing. Trying to share his best friend wasn’t on his list of things to do today.

When they broke apart, he ducked back into the kitchen, pretending he’d been readying breakfast the entire time. After a few moments of whispered goodbyes, the front door closed and Ororo moved back toward the kitchen.

Bacon already crisping in a frying pan, eggs cooking in another, Logan glanced at her sideways when she entered the kitchen. Her smile was serene, betraying none of her brutal attack the previous day. It was as if nothing had happened. As though she were trying to forget about it.

That, Logan knew, was dangerous.

As she fixed them both cups of coffee, Logan finished up their breakfast, clearing his throat.

“How’s yer hand?�

“Fine,� she replied swiftly. “I took the Vicadin Jean left on my night stand just a few moments ago.�

Logan grunted. “Hangover?�

“Just a headache,� his friend said flippantly, handing him his coffee.

“So, yer totally over the whole Magneto-beatin’ are ya?�

His friend was quiet for a moment, her back to him as he turned to face her. He noted with some disappointment that she’d not raided his side of the closet for clothing. Instead, she was dressed for training. The line of her back was stiff, telling him he’d struck a still-exposed nerve. He wondered just how long she wanted to play this way.

“I simply do not wish to discuss it,� she said at last. “After breakfast we have training to complete. Will you be all right alone this afternoon?�

Setting his jaw, Logan turned back to the stove, keeping a growl from escaping his tight lips by sheer force of will. “Yeah.�

“Good.� She collected plates from the cupboard as though nothing were wrong. “Andy and I are meeting to hit another race.�

“Again?� he questioned, taking the plates without meeting her eyes. “You sure that’s a good idea?�

“Yes.�

Her tone told him she would speak no more on the matter. He served their breakfast quietly, not wanting to say something he might regret.

And he really didn’t want her to know how much she’d hurt him by not so much as inviting him to the race.

~**~

“I fear that Storm’s sudden attitude change may be signaling something deeper,� Charles Xavier told the group of assembled mutants in his usual serious tone. “You say she completely dismissed the incident?�

“Not completely,� Logan grunted. “She said she didn’t wanna talk about it. The tone’s what got me.�

“Go on, please,� Chuck gestured a little.

“It was like she just didn’t care,� he said quietly, hating going behind his friend’s back. “I know it had to kill her, hurtin’ Magneto like that.�

“And how was her behavior last night?� Jean asked, her bright green eyes locked on Logan.

Evading an explanation on exactly where they went and why was difficult in a room with two telepaths, but he knew they would not scan him below surface emotions without permission. Crossing his ankle over his knee, Logan shrugged.

“Careful, controlled, precision,� he explained, hoping they wouldn’t ask him to elaborate. “Ya know how she gets when somethin’s up her ass, the more controlled her actions are the worse the issue is.�

“Yes,� Chuck mused aloud. “I am inclined to agree.�

“Well, we have to be somewhat understanding,� Cyclops interrupted for the first time. “Magneto was closer to her than any of us before he turned.�

“They were like father and daughter, I’ve never seen two people more devoted to one another,� Jean went on, smiling slightly to Logan. “Except for you two, maybe.�

He returned her smile, though his stomach rolled with the uncertainty. After training and seeing that Storm made it off the property to meet her “date�, he’d come directly to the Professor. They had elected to keep Angel, Psylocke and several of the younger team members out of the loop.

Only those very close to his Storm were allowed into the meeting: Jeannie, Cyke, and the Professor. Hank was at a local hospital to volunteer. If Storm found out about Logan’s betrayal, she was likely going to use him as a lightning rod. He couldn’t get over her chilled behavior to him that morning. After all they’d been through and shared, to be shoved aside like garbage was a blow he wasn’t sure he’d ever recover from.

Andy wasn’t usually Storm’s type, either. He explained the man as much as he could, being a friend that they knew from a nearby nightclub. Andrew Holden was a typically brash, impulsive idiot who burned many a brain cell on Bacardi and grass. Logan liked the man just fine, but he had the terrible feeling that he would only lead to trouble for his friend.

“How is Magneto?� Scott asked suddenly.

Logan felt a chill go down his spine, coupled with brief flashes of painful memory. He stopped breathing, waiting for the effects to leave his mind. Jean reached over and took his hand, a sympathetic smile on her pretty face.

“I’m sorry, Wolverine,� Cyke said immediately. “I wasn’t thinking.�

“Its fine,� he grunted in response, releasing Jean’s comforting hand. “Just can’t shake the memories sometimes.�

“Its understandable,� the leader of the X-Men said in his compassionate tone. For once, Logan didn’t feel like clawing the bastard for his sympathy.

With Storm flipping out on him, he felt very alone all of the sudden.

“He has yet to awaken,� Charles said in a clinical manner. “There was a good deal of damage to his frontal lobe from the force of Storm’s blows. I fear he may have lasting damage.�

“I’m torn between ‘That’s a shame’ and ‘Good’.� Jean’s honesty made Logan smile and Cyclops chuckle, covering it with a cough.

“Unfortunately, I agree,� said their benefactor with a small smile. “We will know more when he is conscious, but I would like to keep Storm and Magneto separated for as long as we can.�

“I don’t think that’ll be a problem,� Logan said, shaking his head. “I’ve never known her to hold a grudge like this.�

“You had to be there,� Cyclops replied without his usual condescending voice. “Storm never had a father past six years old, she gave Magneto all of her trust, her love. Only to have him defect and become our enemy.�

He’d heard the story once, with Storm into half a bottle of scotch. “Why didn’t she leave with him if they were so close?�

“She never agreed with Magneto’s vision,� Charles spoke up. “Ororo was never a violent person, and she felt war was not inevitable. Magneto did not press her to come with him, but he did offer.�

“Storm never really got over it,� Jean chimed in. “Until she met you, I really didn’t think she’d let anyone that close again.�

For a moment, Logan pondered this information, coming to the conclusion the others must have the night Storm attacked Magneto.

“Seein’ her dad, fer lack of a better term, go bad is one thing,� he said slowly. “Watchin’ him nearly kill her new best friend…�

“Is unforgivable,� Charles’ voice was tinged with sadness. “I have known her for nearly two decades and have never before seen her so enraged and hurt.�

“Damn it.�

Logan stood, pacing the floor in front of the Professor’s desk while running his hands through his hair. For the first time in years, he was completely at a loss. He did not know how to reach past that pain, the anger, the hatred that lived inside her to bring her back to him. There was the terrible suspicion that her need to be free from those emotions would wind up getting her killed.

Still lost in his thoughts, he almost missed the wail of Klaxons, alerting the X-Men that they were needed elsewhere.

“What is it?� Jean was questioning the Professor as he did a mental scan.

“Something…odd in Boston,� he replied quickly. “Scott, take a team.�

“What about me?� Logan asked instantly, wanting to be helpful to someone.

Cyclops eyed him carefully, an eyebrow rising above the edge of his ruby-quartz lenses.

“Think you’re ready for it?�

Logan released his claws immediately, letting the bone-on-bone scrape resonate through the suddenly silent room.

“Yeah.�

“Suit up and follow me.�

“I think I almost like you, One-Eye.�

“Goody for me.�

~**~

Wolverine and Cyclops led the team out of the jet in a suburb of Boston, trailed by Iceman, Rogue, and Shadowcat.

“Rogue, give us a bird’s eye.�

At Cyke’s quick command, Rogue pushed herself into the air. Her new powers, courtesy of an accident with another mutant, came in handy. Wolverine gave her a small smile as the super-strong woman spiraled into the air.

“Fan out, let’s see what we’re up against here.�

Wolverine took Iceman with him and headed to the west. The mission was still a little confusing, as no one knew what sparked an immediate and panicked mutant reaction. The Professor only said that something or someone was causing much distress in Boston. Logan was pleased to be on another mission.

He desperately needed something to pummel.

Vague scents of fear and many bodies reached his nose, the undercurrent of something else bringing him to one knee. Putting his nose closer to the ground, he inhaled deeply. Something acrid and metallic wafted his way, the irritating scent making him scratch at his nose.

“Something wrong?� ice-covered Bobby asked cautiously.

“Somethin’ ain’t right,� Wolverine replied, releasing his claws quickly. “Just don’t smell right here.�

“For anyone else, I’d totally think that was a figure of speech,� Drake quipped, touching his communicator. “Wolverine’s got a weird scent, anyone else?�

Cyclops came over the crackling line a moment later. “Nothing. Rogue?�

“Uh, Ah don’t rightly have an answer, sugah,� the Southern accent was filled with confused terror. “Might have tah see this with ya own eyes.�

“See what?� Logan questioned his companion rhetorically.

Just after his friend shrugged, Wolverine felt an alien presence at his back and whirled about.

“Halt, mutant!�

“Holy mother of God!�

“Son of a bitch!�

A sharp energy beam cut off the two masculine curses. Wolverine flipped out of the way, pleased to see Iceman create his signature slide to glide out of the way. He scrambled to his feet, looking up at the enormous robotic enemy. The thing had huge black slits for eyes, it’s red body seemingly impenetrable. Wolverine blinked at it, watching as Iceman whirled around it, keeping its attention.

“Claw something, Wolverine!� Iceman shouted, jumping from his ice slide and creating another for him to fall onto.

Wolverine snapped into action. With a feral shout, he vaulted toward the robot, tearing up the grass beneath his booted feet. He leapt into the air, caught on a jagged ice ramp. The ferocious mutant took his friend’s aid, using the ramp to rush into the chest of the beast.

Claws drawn, he shoved his fist at the monstrous being, screaming in pain when the action caused his hands to bleed from fleshy tears. His adamantium had never hurt this way, but the bone chipped as he ground the claws into metal.

“You ok?� Drake shouted over Logan’s enraged scream.

“Freeze this fuckin’ thing!�

He cried out when a laser blast sent him sprawling into the field surrounding them. Logan’s still-weakened body hit the ground hard enough to leave an indentation. He felt his bones scream in protest, but accepted sliding Iceman’s hand.

The younger mutant pulled him onto the ice slide, whipping them quickly out of the robot’s range. Other X-Men soon arrived, surrounding the robot quickly. Rogue’s punches left several seemingly devastating holes in the ugly creature, but she was swatted out of the sky as an annoying gnat.

Cyclops rolled on the ground, shooting his own laser beams while the robot was distracted.

“Kitty!�

Iceman scooped up his young girlfriend, trusting Logan to hold onto her as he thrust the three of them toward the weakening robot.

“Halt, mutants! Surrender or be destroyed,� the mechanical voice was starting to annoy Logan.

“Shadowcat, phase through its chest and see if you can short circuit the damn thing,� Drake was saying quickly. “Wolverine, you’re not indestructible, it’s got a weak point in its neck. Go get it.�

The other two nodded, crouching low to attack as the other two X-Men renewed their assaults. Shadowcat leapt easily when Drake instructed her to, slipping right into the beast’s chest through its metallic armaments. Iceman deposited Wolverine near its head, then turned his body into a back flip to escape a laser beam.

Rogue scooped him out of the sky easily, dropping him gently on the ground so he could attempt to freeze the robot’s feet. Wolverine perched on the robot’s shoulder, finding the thin armor of its neck. Hands still throbbing and equilibrium threatening to drop him several meters to the ground, Wolverine unsheathed three claws.

Clinging to the robot with one hand, he sliced through circuits and metal, nearly removing head from shoulders. Work done, he jumped down from his perch just quickly enough to dodge a laser blast.

As she had with Iceman, Rogue plucked him from the sky, dropping him when he was a safe distance. Rogue darted out of the way of a laser blast, even as the creature began seizing. Whatever Shadowcat was doing inside was affecting the robotic foe.

“Keep it up, Kitty!� Cyclops shouted, beaming the beast in the “eye� with a blast of his own.

Wolverine watched in horror as Iceman caught a laser beam in the chest, sending the young mutant flying back. He took off at a dead run, not caring that he would likely be injured. Sharp eyes calculated the distance and speed, and he caught Iceman before he could plunge headfirst into the ground.

Grunting as his still-battered body took the brunt of the boy's fall, he waited until he was able to move without blinding pain. Drake was alive and relatively all right; aside from the angry red burn that had torn his uniform open. Laying the unconscious boy on the ground, Wolverine turned his eyes back to the battle.

Shadowcat emerged from the robot’s chest, Rogue grabbing her hand on a swift fly-by. The mechanical voice sputtered several times, its huge body swaying dangerously.

“Take cover!� Cyke screamed, jumping out of the way.

Rogue and Shadowcat stayed aloft and wary of flying debris, Wolverine covered Iceman’s body with his. His hands covered the boy’s head as the deafening crash surrounded them. Looking up, he noted the robot had fallen just yards away.

“Sound off,� he heard Cyclops on the other end of the robot. “Who’s not dead?�

“Rogue and Shadowcat alive and uninjured,� the southern mutant said, placing both of them on the ground gently.

“Wolverine here,� Logan shouted back. “Drake’s just wakin’ up.�

Rising from his friend’s previously prone form, Wolverine smiled thorugh the pain in his chest, hands and back as the boy’s brown eyes opened. With a wary smile, Drake stood up, rubbing his head with one hand on his wounded chest.

Cyclops and the girls joined them, everyone watching the fallen robot as though it would jump to life again. Kitty was covered in what looked to be oil, but she rushed toward Bobby with fear in her eyes.

“Hey,� Bobby said slowly, blinking rapidly as he leaned on Kitty. “Robot’s down, no one out here but us chickens…we won, right?�

Wolverine had to chuckle at the kid’s humor, which was ever-present. “Yeah, kid, we won. Nice tactical job on yer part, too.�

Iceman blushed brightly, looking from Wolverine to an approving Cyclops. “Uh, I learned from the best.�

“We need to work on his sucking up,� Cyke said with a wry smile. “Don’t we, Wolverine?�

“Seems that way.�

Carefully hiding the pain, he joined the rest of the team now curiously looking over the fallen robot. Blood was filling the arms and chest of his uniform, but he hoped most of the healing would be finished before they got home. He should have known better.

Missions were out for him still. Especially these sort. That robot nearly had him more than once. Wincing at the admission that he was not as invulnerable as he had been, Logan agreed with Cyclops that they should take the circuit board and memory chip from the robot back to the Professor to be analyzed.

That was all he heard, aside from Rogue’s startled voice, before he passed out.

Chapter Seven: Release

Searching to find a love upon a higher level
Finding nothing but questions and devils
Cause I'm losing my sight, losing my mind
Wish somebody would tell me I'm fine
Nothing's alright, nothing is fine
I'm running and I'm crying
I can't go on living this way
~Papa Roach


Sweat soaked the sheets beneath her, the panting of her lover blowing air against the flesh of her neck. She arched up into him, accepting more, needing something to drive it all away. Sultry groans and grunts of a bastard form of her name spurred her higher toward release. Maybe this time it would succeed.

His hands groped and pulled; causing her body to react in ways she was steadily becoming better at acknowledging. This was not like her, but something needed to break free. Tension had coiled inside of her, the explosion of her climax bringing her peace for at least a moment.

Andy thrust against her, his back torn by her clawing nails. Ororo smiled against his cheek, sighing in a pleased manner. Never again would she fight Wolverine on his “causal sex� argument. He definitely had a point.

White-hot light flashed behind her eyes, the temperature of the room rising steadily before the heat wave broke. Andy’s pleasured moaning told her he had finished as well. Her legs fell from their place around his waist as he rolled away.

For a moment she contented herself by ooking up at the stucco of his ceiling. She should be at home, for it had been twenty-four hours since she walked out of the boathouse. An evening of racing and parties left her bank account well fed, but she missed Logan.

Thinking his name while still bearing the scent and sweat of sex made her uncomfortable, so she stood up, heading to Andy’s shower. He was already snoring by the time she turned the water on and stepped under the freezing spray.

Her mutation had made the room unbearably hot, but her lover scarcely noticed. That was her trademark during meaningless sex. The room she was in, sometimes even the entire area, would raise to sweltering temperatures. Her body was well cared for now, several orgasms over the last few hours keeping her loose and limber.

Andy was nice enough, she mused, avoiding wetting the tight braids of her hair as she lathered her body with his musky soap. He was polite and agreeable, though his intellect stopped at carburetors and exhaust pipes. She was happy to spend the day working on her car, getting grease and oil all over the jumpsuit she’d donned.

Racing, partying, engines, this could have been her life. She had even given in the previous evening and taken Lazy E’s Ferrari out for a spin. An impromptu drag race took place on the outskirts of Jersey, which she won while the men in the car cheered her on. She’d narrowly escaped a squad car, but the police had given her quite a chase.

The boys -- as she called them -- looked upon her as something just below an equal. She was still a beautiful woman and that made her a piece of eye candy, though she drove better than any of them. Rinsing soap from her body, washing away the scent of sex and liquor, she shook her head.

At least here there was not the constant threat of anti-mutant attacks and injury. She was happy to just let go for now. She still did not know how Logan would react when she saw him again. Never in all the years they had been friends had she taken off for so long without him. She wondered, in the snide, jealous part of her heart and mind, whether or not he had even noticed. No one else did, unless she was not there to play wet nurse to the mutant group.

Ashamed at her petty thoughts, Ororo turned the water off and stretched, reaching for a towel. After drying the water from her body, she glanced at the clock on Andy’s bedside table. It read just after one in the morning. She could slip back into the boathouse without a problem, so long as Logan had gone to bed.

Even if he was awake, she did not owe him an explanation.

Shaking her head again, she wondered what in the name of the Bright Lady was wrong with her. She always took Logan with her when she was feeling off. In fact, he usually suggested it before she knew something was wrong. He was an expert at reading her. Perhaps that was why she preferred being away from him right now. She did not want to be read like an open book.

Checking on the stitches in her hand, she scratched at the edge of the neatly sewn wounds, thinking again that it looked like one of Logan’s claw marks. Why was she here, getting drunk and sleeping with Andy when her friend likely needed her? He was still not fully recovered and after their tussle the other day…

A strange feeling of dread welled in her chest for the millionth time that day. She’d done well at ignoring it when Andy worked with her on the Mazda, the following race keeping her mind on the car and not that odd trepidation in her chest.

Ororo wrote Andy a quick note on the eraser board to call her when he woke. She did not bother to kiss his sleeping lips as she dressed and left his bedroom quickly. A party was still in full wing downstairs. She slipped outside without even bidding Lazy E goodbye. He was used to her arriving and leaving at her leisure. He would never hold it against her.

Climbing into Logan’s Jeep, she caught sight of herself in the rearview mirror and shoved it away viciously. She was slowly turning into something, someone else. Refusing to think about Magneto and Wolverine was starting to hurt her. She knew it. She hated it. She had not found a way to stop it.

If she thought about her best friend, she could only feel guilt for letting him get hurt, for losing her cool and abandoning him. When she thought of Magneto, twin sides of her warred. She hated him for what had happened to Logan, but in many ways he was still her baba.

Sighing at herself, she roared the Jeep’s engine to life and eased it out of the driveway. There was something eating away at her and rather than deal with it, she drowned it out. It was too much, too painful. Her hands ached whenever she remembered her brutal beating of Magneto. Logan had been right, had she killed him, it would have been something she regretted all of her life.

Turning onto the highway, she pointed the Jeep toward home, wondering if anyone had missed her. She sighed at herself, knowing it was a petty and selfish thing to think. They were likely going insane, wondering if she were hurt or angry with them all. No, she amended. If they believed that, the Professor would have contacted her already. He, above all others, could locate her in moments using Cerebro.

Ororo turned up the radio to full blast, bouncing her head to the throbbing voice of TLC. Singing along with the lyrics of an old favorite, she drove through the empty streets, drowning out the responsible voice in her head that continued to berate her childish behavior.

The station continued playing R&B the entire way home, keeping her mind from speaking over the generous tunes to which she knew all the words. Logan always teased her about singing with the radio, not really knowing why she did it. It was a defense against thoughts she did not want to dwell on. Her throat was sore by the time she reached the south gate of the mansion’s grounds. Punching in her code, she eased toward the boathouse.

“Damn him,� she hissed, noting most of the lights were on.

Though he had likely heard the Jeep, she blazed past the boathouse and parked on the other side of the lake, letting her head fall back. Most of the lights were off inside the enormous home, so she gathered her courage and opened the Jeep door.

Jogging across the short driveway, she stowed the keys to Logan’s Jeep into her pocket and slipped into the unlocked mansion. All was quiet, though she could hear George watching television. The boy rarely slept and the swift changing of the channels told her he was having just another fit of insomnia.

Not tired and unwilling to run into one of the X-Men, she slipped into the wide elevator that would take her below the surface. In the lower levels, she could head for the Danger Room to work herself into exhaustion or simply loiter in the War Room. She sighed in relief when the motion lights came on as she stepped out of the elevator.

Obviously no one else was wandering in the X-Men’s inner sanctum. Ororo wandered through the slick, metallic halls, no destination in mind at all. Within a few minutes, she found herself outside of the med-lab. Curious, she stepped inside the waiting room, glancing through the thick glass of the window.

Magneto was lying on the bed, his eyes closed. Unlike Wolverine’s recovery, there was no one sitting resolutely at his bedside. No one was here to wait for him to wake. Taking a deep breath, she opened the inside door, moving toward the prone body.

He was thinner than she remembered, his face covered with cuts and bruises, left by her hands. Her fingers trembled as she drew closer. He did not look like Magneto here, he reminded her intimately of Erik.

“Baba.�

“He cannot hear you.�

Ororo whipped around, hating herself for getting caught. Professor Xavier was sitting in the silent dark, his wheelchair rolled against the far wall as he waited for Magneto to recover. She had been wrong; someone did care if he woke up. For some reason, that was a comfort.

“Professor.�

“Ororo.�

Unsure what to do or say, she turned her back on him, intending to simply leave before he could question her. The man had an uncanny knack for wrestling the truth from her, no matter how badly she wanted to hide.

“He woke just a few hours ago,� Charles continued, making her halt immediately. “His injuries are more severe than we thought.�

She did not reply. Charles did not move.

“When he woke, he could not remember so much as his name nor that he was a mutant.�

A tear, unbidden and unwelcome, slipped down Ororo’s cheek. Sorrow, acute and strong, tore her heart within her breast. She wished she had stayed with Andy this evening, she did not want to face this. What had she done? Had she ruined her beloved Erik?

“The amnesia may not be permanent, but for now…� her mentor paused, sighing. “Ororo, he is lost and confused. He has no memory of attacking Wolverine or your brutal revenge.�

Another tear snaked down her cheek, her chin quivering with emotion. This was too much. She could not bear the disappointment and sorrow in her friend’s voice. She had loved Erik more than anyone and felt his betrayal directly to the depths of her soul.

“Do you honestly believe your behavior will make this all go away?� he said softly. “No matter how you run or seek to destroy yourself, you will have to live with your actions. Is your hate enough to sustain you alone?�

“What are you talking about?� she hissed, not liking the way her voice caught.

“Charles?�

A weak and weary voice broke between the mentor and student. Ororo’s eyes closed at the tone, the alien words seeming to dash any illusions about Magneto she may have carried. A wheelchair creaked as Charles moved closer to the bed. Ororo heard the sheets rustling and dared not turn around, fearful that she would only break further.

“Yes, Erik, I am here.�

“I had strange dreams,� the voice of Erik said softly. “But I cannot remember why they are important.�

“It may be your memory trying to resurface,� Charles soothed his friend.

Unable to remain, Ororo moved to leave the med-lab, surprised to find herself turning toward the two men. Her eyes shed more tears and she wondered if the heavens had opened for her. Erik had his hand clasped in Charles’, his usually cold eyes filled with fear.

Clutching her chest at the ache in her heart, Ororo gasped for breath. What had she done? What had she become?

I didn’t want ya havin’ this ugly thing inside ya. Logan’s words came back to her unbidden. Here, now, she saw the bitter fruit of that ugly part of her soul.

Without thinking, without a single care as to the consequences, Ororo moved to Erik’s bedside. She took up his free hand, giving him a teary smile as she brushed locked of silver from his forehead.

He turned to her in surprise, his unfamiliar gaze looking over every feature of her face.

“Baba,� she whispered, gently touching one of the stitched cuts on his cheek.

Erik’s gray-blue gaze met hers and he gave her a smile. It was not the cruel smirk of Magneto, but that familiar, paternal gesture that made her heartache even worse.

“You,� he whispered with sudden clarity. “I know your face.�

Startled, Ororo drew back, sobs caught in her throat.

“I know you, I do,� he continued, trying to tug her back. “My Windrider.�

“Oh, God,� Ororo gasped, a wracking cry escaping her lips as she shook her head. “Oh, Goddess, no.�

Heedless to both men calling her back, Ororo turned and fled from the med-lab.

~**~


She slipped into the boathouse near dawn; her clothing caked with mud and rain. Her eyes were dry now, though the guilt still wracked her body with seizure-like trembling. How could she have done that to Erik?

How could she forgive Magneto?

Putting her hands to her head, she fell against the closed door, unable to cope with what was happening in her head and heart. Two different men were one and the same. She had tried, over the years, to forget about the man she loved as a father. Believing him dead was better than dealing with his betrayal.

She did not notice that the boathouse was occupied as she fought with her inward grief and gut-wrenching self-loathing.

“Storm?�

Looking up sharply, Ororo leapt to her feet, only now noticing the many X-Men ensconced in her living room. Blinking rapid and attempting to draw her signature calm around her, she looked from one to the other.

Cyclops. Psylocke. Angel. Beast. Rogue. Iceman. Shadowcat.

“What are you all doing here?� she demanded sharply. “Where is Logan?�

“Funny you should ask that,� Scott said, his tone flat, even unfriendly. “Where in the nine levels of hell have you been?�

“Are you my father or my husband?� she shot back angrily. “I did not think so. Get out of my house.�

“No.�

Surprised that the single word came from sweet, adoring Angel, she glared at him. “I beg your pardon.�

“I said, no. Is that a hard word for you to understand?�

Shocked and completely confused, Ororo heard thunder crack above their head. No one even blinked.

“What is going on here?� Ororo demanded, not liking the way each of them looked at her as though she had just converted to evil and killed her best friend.

A cold shiver ran the length of her spine at the thought. Where was Logan? He should be here screaming at her.

“Where is Logan?� she demanded again.

“Why do you care?� Scott crossed his arms defiantly. “You’re going for the selfish bitch award today, so I figure you shouldn’t give a rat’s ass.�

“Cyclops…� Psylocke warned, looking startled.

“No, fuck that!� Scott nearly shouted. “She beats Magneto, takes off to God knows where and comes back looking like a well-fucked two dollar hooker and we’re supposed to care?�

“Whoa, man,� Angel said, taking Scott’s arm. “Overreaction much?�

“I believe Angel is right, Scott,� said Henry, speaking for the first time. “We must remain calm.�

Confused and more hurt by Cyclops’ words than she wanted to admit, Ororo looked to her big, blue friend.

“What is going on?�

“Logan was injured on a mission,� Henry said slowly.

Ororo felt her already wounded heart fall to her feet at Beast’s words. Unable to breathe, she put a hand over her heart, gasping airlessly.

“Ororo?�

She felt Scott take one of her arms and the furry claw of Beast take the other as she stumbled back. Lack of air was causing her mind to blank out for a moment before returning. She could not deal with all of this. First Magneto, then Erik, then Logan…it was simply too much.

“Breathe, Ororo,� Henry was saying soothingly.

“Next time you feel like going off,� Betsy said scathingly to Cyclops. “Don’t.�

“What?� Scott demanded of the telepath.

“Look at her! She’s obviously having issues!�

“STOP!� she shouted, the heavens screaming with her by way of rolling thunder. “Stop. Just stop. Where is Logan?�

“Upstairs,� said Iceman warily. “Jean’s with him.�

Ororo broke free of her friends and scrambled toward the stairs. Her muddy sneakers slipped several times, squeaking on the hardwood floor as she tripped. None of the others followed as she stumbled up the staircase, her breathing again restricted.

Jean was leaning over Logan’s still form, a stethoscope pressed against his chest. She could see the deep laser burn and several cuts and bruises on his bare torso. One of his arms was swollen and purple. As Jean shifted, she saw that Logan was awake, smiling slightly at the pretty redhead.

“Logan?�

Both mutants turned to look at the wet, dirty woman standing in the center of the loft bedroom. Jean whispered excuses to Logan and moved away, squeezing his hand gently before she turned from him.

The look Jean shot Ororo as she passed was filled with disappointment and sheer loathing. Ororo felt tears well up in her throat again, but she turned toward Logan as Jean stepped slowly down the stairs.

“Was it worth it?�

Startled and ashamed by his quick comment, she remained across the room.

“You won’t talk to me, gone more than a day so ya can avoid me an’ go get fucked in the middle of all this,� he continued harshly. “I’m askin’ ya, was it worth it?�

“Logan, please…�

“I’m not done, darlin’,� he continued as though he were drowning her voice out. “Not even close. It was so important ta run off, win a race, have a drink, and get off. Ya know how worried I was? I went to the Professor.�

She did not react to this; his talking to the Professor about her mental state was the last thing on her mind. Ororo watched Logan sit up and resisted the urge to move toward him.

“I told him how I was worried, how ya were actin’ like nothin’ happened,� he continued. “I went on a mission, got hit. Sucks, but I know my limits now. I waited for ya. I waited for ya to come home and make sure I wasn’t dead. But ya didn’t.�

“I did not know,� she attempted to defend herself.

“Yeah, figured,� Logan grunted. “I’m gonna ask this one time, Ororo, just once. Ya listenin’?�

She nodded silently, unable to think of anything to say.

“Why’d ya run from me?�

The simple hurt in those five words cut her deeper than any knife or claw. Whimpering at the pain and confusion in her head and heart, she sank to her knees, covering her face with her hands.

“I cannot think,� she ground out. “My mind is completely useless.�

“’Ro, baby, comere,� Logan said, his tone suddenly soft, gentle.

She only shook her head.

“We’re still at the ‘Pain bad. Rain pretty’ stage, eh?�

Ororo nodded, her mind shutting down. “Pain bad. Rain pretty.�

“Ok. Get undressed, come lay with me.�

His easy commands appealed to her weary mind and Ororo immediately moved toward him, stripping out of her wet clothing. She donned one of Logan’s old t-shirts, discarding her undergarments as easily as her shoes.

She slid into bed beside him, careful to not upset his injuries as she laid her head on the pillow beside his.

“Sleep. Talk tomorrow.� He continued with his simple demands, flipping the lamp beside the bed off.

In the darkness with Logan’s familiar, safe embrace all around her, Ororo slipped into a deep, coma-like sleep.

~**~


When she woke, it was slow, unlike the sudden shock she had expected. Warm, cheerful sunlight bathed the sleeping duo from her eastern window as she blinked. Her mind was groggy, though not from drink or coital afterglow. Everything was so jumbled, she felt as though her thoughts were in a language she could not understand.

Rubbing her forehead with her fingertips, Ororo looked toward the open window. How could so much be wrong with a morning like this one?

Grunting, she attempted to sit up, smoothing her palm over her hair. Unfortunately, a very heavy arm currently pinned her in place. There was no room to maneuver with Logan’s long limb tossed so nonchalantly over her midsection. Though it was painful to think of him, she resolutely turned her head.

He was deep in sleep, likely with the aid of Jean’s plethora of medications. Ororo reached toward him, gently tracing the line of his mouth. He’d had a bruise there, last night, but now it was gone completely. Only his smooth skin remained, unmarred and preternaturally beautiful.

Curious, Ororo let her hand drift down to the thick white bandage covering his burn mark. Pulling at the tape gently, she sighed with relief. The mark was gone, leaving only faded pink new that had grown back. She removed the bandage completely, tossing it away. Inquisitive fingertips traced the line that she knew would leave no scar.

He had scars, of course. Thin, silvery markings betrayed the places where is flesh had been torn during Magneto’s vicious assault. He had them on his chest and back, his skull, limbs, even hands and feet. They were barely detectable to one not paying attention, but Ororo knew. Each mark put a tear on her heart; one that bled freely every day.

“Ya know, I could scream rape,� Logan’s sleep-heavy voice did not startle her. “But that feels good.�

Keeping her fingertips on the healed flesh of his belly, Ororo kissed his whiskered cheek fondly.

“No one would believe you unwilling,� she teased softly.

“Huh,� Logan grunted, not opening his eyes. “Gotta point there.�

Ororo laid her head back on the pillow they’d shared the night before as his dark eyes opened. He winced at the bright light, so she slid carefully from the bed. Not bothering to blush that his t-shirt barely covered her backside, she closed the curtains. When he thanked her, Ororo came back to her bed, slipping under the covers with him.

Her pillow smelled of him, that sweetly spicy scent of old leather, cigars, and nature. She inhaled deeply, shifting so her legs brushed his.

“We over the ‘Pain bad’ stage yet?� he asked tiredly.

“Perhaps,� Ororo replied thoughtfully. “Logan, I am sorry. I should have been here to keep you from going.�

“Yeah, ya shoulda,� Logan agreed, yawning as he stretched like a cat. “But ya weren’t an’ I’ve got lots more free time now.�

“Logan.�

“Storm, what’dya want? Public flogging?� his tone was irritated, his left eyebrow sky high. That was never a good sign.

“Cyclops…he seemed to want more than that,� she whispered, lying on her back to stare at the ceiling.

“Scooter was worried and on edge, I’d leave it alone,� Logan replied gently, his rough palm swatting her bare thigh gently.

She fell silent, letting him take her stitched hand in his. He flattened her palm with his fingers, turning so he could inspect the back of her hand. Her eyes half-closed at his gentle attention, letting him trace the lines of her palm while she enjoyed true peace for the first time in days.

What had she been thinking? Sure, the sex with Andy had been fantastic, but this was true peace. Sighing contently, she watched him play with her hand.

“Why’d ya go an’ leave me, darlin’?�

Logan’s question was honest and heartfelt. She let her breath catch before she spoke.

“I wanted to stop,� she replied quietly. “My mind was so confused. Magneto…Erik…he is in my head and in my heart.�

Her last words were spoken in an emotional whine, though she had tried desperately to keep control of her pain.

“I hate Magneto,� she continued after several deep breaths.

“But ya still love Erik just as much as ya did the day he left,� Logan finished, holding her hand gently, staring at their linked fingers.

“Yes,� Ororo swallowed hard. “He has no memory, Logan.�

“What?�

He turned those dark eyes on her, dragging both of their gazes to the clasped hands held up before them.

“He remembered few things of his life,� Ororo explained. “I saw him last night. He knows nothing of Magneto or Erik…but he looked at me. He knew me.�

“Damn, ‘Ro,� her friend leaned closer, pressing their foreheads together. “That’s rough.�

“How can you say only that?� she demanded, using her free hand to scratch her nose.

“Huh?�

“He…after what he did to you.�

Logan shrugged at her. “Ya know, I don’t get it either. I should be ready ta kill him with my bare hands…but I’m not. When I saw ya beatin’ on him, I sorta decided that was enough. Ya took my vengeance out, too, darlin’.�

“What can I do?� Ororo pled, looking into those smoky eyes. “How can I live with what I have done? How can I hate someone with every fiber of my being and yet still believe that the man I called father still lives inside him? I cannot stop thinking of it, trying to put it all into logical order.�

“Stop it,� Logan whispered, kissing the tip of her nose. “Yer drivin’ yerself nuts, ‘Ro.�

“I know,� she nodded. “I need your help. Logan, I truly need you now. I do not know what to do.�

“I been waitin’ for ya to admit that, baby,� Logan pulled her into his embrace with his free hand, keeping the other joined with hers. “We need each other this time. I gotta heal my body, you gotta heal yer heart. We can do it together, like everythin’ else.�

Ororo dropped her head onto his chest, letting the beat of his heart soothe her as turbulent emotions finally quieted in her mind. Running from the mansion, from Logan, had only made things worse. He was right; they would find a way to heal.

Together.

Chapter Eight: Lists

It's amazing how you can speak right to my heart
Without saying a word, you can light up the dark
Try as I may I could never explain
What I hear when you don't say a thing
~Alison Krauss


Asking for help was not something either of them did well. In fact, Logan was not likely to admit to needing aid from anyone else. For someone that took care of everyone around them – like ‘Ro – asking for help for herself was worse than death. It was unthinkable.

She poured her heart out to him, begging for forgiveness he wasn’t sure was his to give. Cyclops’ comments seemed to have hit her the hardest. She respected Scott’s opinion more than many others. He was one of Storm’s oldest friends. Logan wanted to beat his face in for treating her that way, but grudgingly allowed other forces to intervene.

As was common when an X-Man had some sort of conniption, the group was gathered together the day after Storm’s return. Instead of the War Room, Xavier emptied out the recreation room, ensuring everyone would attend. The elder children watched after the younger while adults poured into the room like chastised offspring.

Logan refused help into the room, though Storm had held him up during the walk from the boathouse. He took a seat on the long sofa, giving the others a look that clearly said the space beside him was taken. ‘Ro had rarely left his side since her return and their answering machine overloaded with messages that went unanswered.

He had a long way to go with her. She rarely met his eyes and when she did, he could see the turbulent emotions she barely held in check. It was a mystery; how she had kept it all together before now. He thought, perhaps, that Magneto’s reappearance was the catalyst. She had spent her time helping Logan, free from thinking about what had happened.

Hurting the old bastard obviously flipped whatever mental switch she had depended on.

The other X-Men began to file into the room once Logan and Ororo were comfortable. He watched, worried, when Xavier and Storm refused to even meet gazes. The look on their mentor’s face spoke clearly of his pain. He wanted to help her, to forgive her, but until she ceased her emotional flogging, he doubted anything would be done.

Beast, Psylocke, and Angel all entered at once. The others trickled in a moment later, each taking up a position in the room. He noticed that even the couples seemed at odds together. The Magneto issue coupled with his and Storm’s problems seemed to have divided everyone. An invisible line was drawn in the sand and everyone was choosing sides.

Inwardly sighing, Logan shifted so he could put an arm on the back of the couch, an invitation for Storm to move closer as Betsy and Angel took seats beside her. Obviously, they were on Team Ro-Lo. He snickered at his private joke, then focused on the Professor.

“It seems,� the elder mutant began slowly. “That we have a series of problems to resolve, not only as individuals and mutants, but as a family.�

Ah, God. Logan thought, clenching his fists. Shrink speak. Again.

As though sensing his internal distress, Storm patted his thigh soothingly. He rewarded her with a small smile no one else could witness.

“This is a room without judgment,� Chuck said with meaning. “I will open the floor now. Who would like to speak?�

For a moment, every mutant in the room looked about, obviously unwilling to go first. Shaking his head at all of them, Logan raised his hand.

“Logan?�

I hate these flamin’ “tools�. Logan thought with venom, remembering to be polite at the very last moment.

He cleared his throat, then turned his eyes onto Cyclops. “My gettin’ injured wasn’t yer fault, bub. I went willingly. Shit happens. It’s no reason to blame anyone else but me.�

“Scott?� The Professor looked between the two men.

“Logan,� One-Eye said with a sigh. “I understand. As the team leader, I tend to take it hard when my teammates get injured. I will do my best to not feel guilty.�

“Do you, perhaps, blame yourself for Logan’s earlier injuries, Scott?� Chuck interjected quickly.

Logan almost laughed at the annoyed expression that crossed Cyke’s features. Jean caught his eye and they shared an amused glance before turning their attention back on the others.

“Yeah,� the mutant leader said with a nod. “I should have been there. I’m sorry it happened.�

“Logan, do you place any blame – any at all – on Cyclops for the incident?�

Grumbling to himself, Logan shrugged. “Yeah. Maybe a little. Like I said, though, shit happens. Magneto’s the one that went fer Storm an’ ripped the adamantium out. His fault. Not theirs.�

“Very good.� Chuck said, obviously pleased. “Is there anything else, Logan?�

“Nope.� He shook his head. “I’m done fer now.�

And I get good boy points. Ha! Take that, One-Eye! Logan thought smugly.

“Who would like the floor now?�

“I’ll go,� Jean chirped instantly. “Storm?�

Wolverine’s arm stiffened around Ororo, but she turned to look at the red-haired telepath smoothly. Her aloof exterior was a joke, Logan knew. Inside, she was screaming. They both hated these little “bonding� meetings. With a passion.

“Yes, Jean?�

Out of the corner of his eye, Logan caught Rogue rolling her eyes. The young mutant covered the expression quickly. Jean looked ready to burst into tears, which only made Logan want to leave the room before he clawed something. That girl was always crying.

“I’m sorry that I was so rude and close-minded the other night.� Her chin quivered dangerously. “I was worried and upset, but that is no excuse for my behavior toward you.�

He could almost see Ororo’s true comeback inside that brilliant brain. She would never actually voice the likely rude thoughts churning inside her. Not ‘Ro, she would take anything they had to say to her with grace, compassion, and humility. Later, when they were alone, she’d let it loose with only Logan as a witness.

It was how she worked. She only released her anger with him.

“I understand, Jean,� replied his best friend calmly. “We are all going through a difficult time now.�

Come on, girl. Logan inwardly shook his head. At least tell her ta back off!

“We are, but you and Logan have borne the brunt of it,� Jean continued, tears slipping down her cheeks.

“We have,� Storm responded somewhat icily. “I did feel betrayed, but I know it was because of your concern for Logan’s well being.�

Jean smiled. Logan was dying inside, trying to hold in the laughter. He knew what Storm meant. She wasn’t fooled by Jean’s seeming humble admission. If he could have let both girls loose, he was certain he’d need Jell-O or mud for the cat fight that would ensue.

Since the previous day, Logan managed to tell Storm about Jean’s approach to the hammock the day of the Magneto attack. Storm, as expected, was not amused.

“Storm?�

“I have no more lingering issues with Jean,� she said smoothly. “Cyclops?�

Ah, here we go.

As though reading his thoughts, Cyclops stood a little straighter in his khaki slacks and polo shirt. He really did look like a boy scout. The man’s ruby gaze landed on Storm and the woman stood up. Gulping, Logan watched as they met in the center of the room.

No one had expected less. Two dominant people with history such as Storm and Cyclops often argued. Loudly. He was surprised this had not come up sooner. Everyone was here, in actuality, to watch Cyke and Storm square off. It was usually insanely entertaining.

“Got popcorn?� Betsy whispered to Wolverine.

He winked at her, not surprised to see Angel giving them both long-suffering sighs. The duo had been closest to Logan and ‘Ro before heading to England to work there. As a quartet, they were often spotted on the pier at the lake, drinking and generally being friendly. With them back, Logan knew ‘Ro felt they had some sort of allies.

‘Ro and Angel had forgiven one another the instant after the incident in the boathouse. The two of them just never remained angry at one another.

“Your words in the boathouse hurt me deeply,� Ororo admitted to the pin-drop quiet room. “I felt attacked and my home invaded. I made mistakes, but I believe a human being is allowed that luxury.�

“I hear what you are saying,� Cyke replied, using the ‘tools’. “I felt you had abandoned Wolverine, and the X-Men. I jumped to conclusions and spoke without thinking.�

“Yes, you did.� Logan could see Storm restraining herself. “My personal life is private, to anyone. My presence was not required for a mission nor was I contacted for one. I am currently on personal leave and therefore not bound to the mansion or the grounds. Your verbal attack was uncalled for, and unseemly in the presence of the rest of the team.�

Scott managed to look as though she’d physically slapped him. Logan fought the urge to clap wildly and hoot in an imitation of Arsenio Hall. Ororo was still as collected as ever, even as the Professor frowned slightly and Cyke looked ready to bail.

“I understand your feelings and respect them,� the man ground out. “It is simply unlike you to leave without explanation for so long. I was worried and in a crisis, I turned that worry into anger. I apologize.�

Ororo nodded. “I understand your feelings that I abandoned the team and my friends. I assure you, I will endeavor to not repeat my actions without warning.�

“Good.�

“Fine.�

Logan let out the breath he had not known he was holding. Both Cyclops and Storm looked ready to go hand-to-hand, but he was sure the presence of everyone else halted the actions. Instead, they nodded to one another and ‘Ro came back to sit between Logan and Betsy. The women linked hands for a moment, but Ororo turned her attention to the Professor.

The elder mutant seemed unsure if things were resolved between his two protégés or not. He looked between them with a mixture of concern and bewilderment for several seconds. Logan raised a brow, shooting a glance to Angel, who shrugged lightly.

“Good,� Chuck said at long last. “Does anyone else have anything to say?�

“I do,� Cyclops said suddenly.

Shut up, One-Eye. Ya got off easy!

“Sir, this is for you,� the team leader’s voice was hard, which surprised many in the room. “What are we doing with Magneto?�

Several sharp intakes of breath sounded around the room, detectable by Logan’s acute hearing. He shot a glance around, noting every face seemed to dart looks to him and then the Professor.

“Magneto’s loss of memory poses a problem,� Chuck answered slowly. “Without his memory, which we cannot restore telepathically, he ceases to be a threat. However, I would like to hear opinions on this. Should we relocate him to Muir Island or keep him here?�

“He loses his memory and all’s forgiven?� Jean said suddenly. “I’m sorry, Charles, but that’s just…�

“Acceptable.�

Every eye in the room swung to Ororo at her soft interference. Logan, however, held her attention. She was searching his eyes, her pain evident. He wanted to scream at her, remind her of the hell he’d put them both through. He wanted to tell her that the idiot could easily be taken care of by a quick swipe of bone-claw. Her eyes pled with him, begging him to understand.

As usual, he broke under her pressure and nodded once. She took his hand in hers, squeezing lightly as she turned that blue gaze to the others. For a long moment, no one spoke. From the lack of breath in the air, he knew the room awaited her answer. More than anyone, Logan and Ororo’s opinions would be heeded in this situation.

Logan wanted to kill that old bastard, but the man ‘Ro had loved as a father was one and the same. He could not take that from her unless she asked.

“How can we punish him for crimes he does not remember?� She looked from Chuck to Jean and finally, to Scott. “It would not be justice, but revenge.�

“Storm…�

“I am sorry, Cyclops,� she cut in. “But I cannot condone harming him until his memory returns.�

“Are we even sure it’s real amnesia?� Psylocke chimed in.

“Fortunately, yes,� Beast replied, speaking for the first time. “The area of his brain that was damaged is exactly where memory is stored. The memories remain, yes, but the connection of his memory to conscious thought was injured.�

Logan held on to Storm’s hand, knowing the idea of how she had hurt her former friend was painful for her. She rarely spoke of it, even to him, but he knew from the look in her eyes how much it affected her. Nothing would make it right, in her eyes; just as nothing would make Magneto’s attack on Logan right. She was, as Hank would say, at an impasse.

“We should send him to Muir Island, into the capable hands of Ms Mac Taggart. Their facilities are more advanced than ours and if he does regain his memory, he can be confined there.� ‘Ro swallowed audibly.

For several minutes, no one spoke. Charles looked directly at Ororo and then Logan, as though trying to read them without his powers. It was obvious that they were directly responsible for whatever would happen to the amnesiac mutant terrorist. Logan trying to keep his reservations from his eyes, though he wasn’t certain he did.

“All right,� Charles said quietly. “All in favor?�

A surprising number of hands went into the air. Logan knew it was mainly because he and Storm had agreed. When the raised limbs were down again, Chuck nodded slowly.

“Magneto will be confined to Muir Island,� he said with an air of finality. “Does anyone else wish to speak on any other matter?�

When no one offered to speak – most of them too consumed with their most recent decision – Chuck called the meeting to an end. The group broke up quickly, soon leaving only Storm and Wolverine alone.

“Logan?�

“Hurt more than I expected.� He admitted, looking into that sapphire gaze. “But I think it’s right. Moria’ll help an’ if she can’t, at least he won’t do any more damage.�

“I am sorry,� she admitted softly. “I cannot…�

“Don’t worry bout it.� He stood with her help. “Lets go home and watch Die Hard.�

“All right.� Ororo took his arm, helping him into the hall before releasing him.

For a moment, just an instant, he believed ‘Ro loved Magneto more than he. It hurt deeply to think that if faced with a choice, she might choose someone else.

Damn. He thought with a mental sigh. We’ve both got miles ta go.

~**~

They were sitting together as the sun set on Xavier’s School. Atop the boathouse, which always felt like their own private world, working their way through a six-pack, two mutants were quiet. They faced the western sun; both of them sprawled comfortably on the rooftop.

Because Logan was still healing, Ororo had provided roof transportation, settling them both on the shingles as easily as a mother lifts a child. It had been several hours since the meeting in the mansion; neither of them were really up to talking about it. At ‘Ro’s silent suggestion – which consisted of her holding up a six-pack and glancing at the ceiling – he’d jumped at the chance.

It was uncommon for him to find a person, male or female, who understood the intricacies of a comfortable silence. It happened to be common knowledge that he did not like to speak if he could avoid it. For some reason, his trademark stoicism led many he interacted with to attempt filling up the silence. That really got annoying after a while. Why could people just not sit and be?

With ‘Ro, it was different. She could sit for hours upon hours without speaking. There was nothing she enjoyed better than a sunset on the boathouse with a beer. He glanced at her, noting the relaxed look on her beautiful face. It was the first time in the last weeks he had seen her at ease. Though they both had to talk at some point, about Magneto and her emotional troubles and his physical issues, at least for the moment they needed nothing, save the silence.

At some point, one of them might speak, of course. This was the place they told all of their secrets, revealed the places in their hearts and souls no on else was privy to. Here was where Ororo had picked apart his attraction to Jean. She’d carefully explained his own heart to him and won it as a reward.

“I slept with Scott,� she said suddenly, jarring him from his thoughts.

A spray of cold beer preceded his choking at her words. “What?�

‘Ro nodded, bringing her bottle back to her lips as she thumped him hard on the back to clear his airway.

“Uh-huh,� she replied, still looking at the multicolored sky. “It was some years ago, just before he realized that Jean was heaven personified.�

“Wow,� Logan commented, shocked at this particular revelation.

“It was only one night. I was lonely; he was…male. He was not all that bad, for a virgin. Very attentive.�

“’Ro,� he pled. “Stop before I vomit.�

Her slender shoulders rose and lowered again in a loose shrug. “I apologize.�

They sat together in their preferred silence for several minutes while he mulled this over. She had obviously not spoken of that experience to many people, and there had to be a reason she brought it up. He winced, but took a bracing draw from his bottle.

“What happened?�

Her expression did not change, though her eyes seemed more thoughtful.

“We were in the backyard, watching a sunset not unlike this one,� she continued without missing a beat. “He kissed me, apparently overcome by the romantic moment. The next thing I knew, we were without clothing and he had his hands in some interesting places.�

Feeling bile start to rise in his throat at the thought of Scooter nude – not to mention rutting into the woman that would become Wolverine’s companion – he swallowed thickly. By the twitch to the right corner of her mouth, he knew she was not finished. He did them both a favor and kept his trap shut.

“I thought, after a few more tumbles in the grass, that there might be something between us,� her voice struck a note of melancholy remembrance. “About two days later, he went to Jean professing undying love. He tried to tell me I had helped him see what was missing in his life.�

Ouch. Logan thought before speaking. “What ya heard was: ‘Sorry, ya were a nice lay, but ya made me realize how much prettier and sexier Jean is’.�

“Right in one.� Ororo saluted him with her bottle before polishing it off.

“That ain’t it,� Logan grunted. “She ain’t prettier an’ she definitely ain’t sexier.�

He was rewarded when she smiled at the swiftly setting sun. “I know that now. At the time, I wanted to claw her eyes out.�

Logan hissed like a cat, making her drop her head forward to laugh. “Reminds ya of it, don’t it? Whenever she gets all weepy an’ shit.�

“Oh yes.� Ororo brought her head back up. “She continuously reminds me that I was not the woman men want for life. I am the useable sort, good for a rough and tumble. I love Jean, dearly, but there are times I want to toss her into the lake and bring about a cold snap.�

Logan laughed, long and hard, over that mental image. Ororo punched him in the shoulder playfully at his obvious amusement. He felt, for the first time since the incident with Magneto in California, that this was just another night with his best friend. His loyal companion was smiling, relaxed, and making him laugh.

“It is ridiculous,� Ororo continued. “They deserve one another.�

“I wish ‘em hundreds of fat children.� Logan said sagely, controlling his laughter.

“I hope her hips spread and never return.�

“Someone’s a little catty tonight,� he grunted, grinning at her.

“I hate women.� She handed him her beer, smiling thanks when he popped a claw to open it. “I have much more fun with you.�

“Yeah.� He nodded, chucking his empty bottle into the air and waiting for the crash as it hit the ground. “An’ ya know I ain’t gonna steal Scooter from ya.�

She paused, then made a disgusted face. “I just went to a terrible visual place.�

“Hey, get that idea outta yer head!�

She laughed, holding her hands – beer and all – up in defense. “I apologize.�

They lapsed back into silence as the sun bid his final farewell, ducking below the line of the far off horizon. Dusk descended around them, but neither seemed in a hurry to move indoors. Even as the crisp fall evening chilled in the lack of light, they remained. He had brought his coat and she was immune to the cold. They could stay out a little longer.

Logan was holding onto this moment. He would not speak of Magneto yet; the need to simply reconnect with his friend overriding the impulse. Magneto had no place in their life. He knew ‘Ro understood that, no matter how she may have wanted him to be her Erik again. The very idea that Magneto had caused her pain filled his heart with rage, overwhelming whatever he felt personally.
He felt her come back to him with that admission. Deciding to return the gesture, he braced himself and spoke while looking at the gathering dark.

“I fucked Jean,� he admitted gruffly. “Just after Liberty Island.�

Silence. Logan glanced at his companion out of the corner of his eye. She was facing forward, the grip on her beer still light. He did not know why, but he had almost expected this confession to hurt her. Feeling it was safe to go on, he cleared his throat.

“I came on ta her, she accepted.� He shifted his booted feet, crossing them at the ankle. “Shocked the shit outta me. Wasn’t all bad, but I felt like an ass.�

Still, she said nothing, so he pushed on. It was odd, but he felt better telling her this, though it had been several years since the transgression.

“I didn’t even let her stay the night,� his voice was quiet. “I knew before she could say it. She still wanted One-Eye. I wasn’t enough fer her. Not the kinda guy a girl brings home ta Daddy.�

He heard his companion inhale, preparing to speak.

“Jean is a fool.� She took another swing from her beer. “She wants a man easily malleable, one that bends to her will. A woman who loves a man she can manipulate is either stupid or up to something.�

Logan turned his head, surprised to find her sapphire gaze meeting his. The honesty in those striking eyes was somewhat strange, at least to him. She was so loyal a companion, completely dedicated to him. He wondered, not for the first time, what he had done to deserve such faith from a woman.

“Ya don’t wanna man ya can manipulate?� His question left his lips before it solidified in his mind.

“No,� she answered immediately. “I want a man that can push me, fight me, respect me, and yet still show passion and dominance. Flash and fire. Kisses that leave me breathless.�

“That’s some list.� He took another draw from his bottle. “How’s Andy score on it?�

He watched her shrug.

“There is a reason I have ignored his messages.� She polished off another beer and tossed it easily, as he had done. “He was fun for a little release.�

“Not a keeper, huh?� Logan asked, pleased by this. He really couldn’t handle sharing ‘Ro right now, not when they had so much to deal with.

“Definitely not,� Ororo’s voice was strong, determined. “Have you heard from Callie?�

Logan might have been imagining it, but he thought he heard a touch of annoyance in her tone. He restrained his eyebrow from rising by sheer force of will.

“Naw,� he answered a moment later. “She knows the deal. We meet, have a roll in the hay, go on with life. She ain’t scorin’ high on my list.�

‘Ro smiled, a soft, teasing gesture that he returned. “You have a list?�

“Yup.�

“Well?�

“Not tellin’.�

His friend stuck her bottom lip out in a very adorable pout. He immediately looked away. That damn look could pry information out of James fuckin’ Bond. Though there was amusement sparkling in those amazing eyes, that full lip was something that yanked his armor down. While Jean’s quivering chin usually made him want to roll his eyes, ‘Ro’s just hit him in the gut.
“Fine!� He threw his hands up, sloshing beer on his jacket. “Stop poutin’ at me!�

She smiled triumphantly. It was so like their talks before that Logan momentarily forgot all about his injuries, Magneto, racing, and Ororo vanishing for a full day.

“I need someone warm, comfortin’,� he began, thinking on it. “She’s gotta be able ta handle the rage, the beast inside. Same time, she’s gotta look after the man, too. I want heat, an’ I don’t mean sexy looks. Heat like when ya connect with someone. When ya can sit in silence, like we do. She’s gotta be strong, maybe even willful, but she’s gotta bend every now an’ then. Greedy kisses. An’ hand holdin’. Gotta hold hands. I need forever.�

Ororo was staring at him in silence as he finished, something like admiration shining in her eyes.

“Logan.� She spoke after several seconds, in which he was steadily becoming uncomfortable. “You just described most women’s fantasy. Forever and hand-holding.�

He fought the urge to blush at her sweet and honest words. He doubted he would ever find a woman that would meet all of his criteria, someone that he could really see spending his life with. But there was hope that ‘Ro really knew what she was talking about. She was a woman after all.

For a moment, looking in the light of the rising moon, he realized he could be describing his best friend. That nasty, evil voice in the back of his mind chimed in that he checked off a good deal of her ‘list’ himself. Startled by the wayward thought, he turned his attention back to the ripening moon.

That wasn’t a good thought. They had enough to deal with. Unfortunately, his traitorous mind continued to poke at him while they finished their beers, falling back into that warm, familiar silence. He kept going over their friendship in his mind, almost scowling when his brain returned to their lists over and over again. If he didn’t stop this train of thought, he was going to find himself in serious trouble. Neither of them were at their mental peak.

When ‘Ro stretched and yawned, offering him a ride back off of the roof, he agreed, standing close so she could whisk them down. Once on the soft grass surrounding the boathouse, he bid her goodnight. Of their own accord, his eyes raked that beautiful form as she moved up the stairs. They were still sharing a bed. He would have to go up soon and lay with her.

Logan ran a hand through his hair, hating himself again. No good could come from this.

Chapter Nine: Erik

I’ve made a commitment
I’m willing to bleed for you
I needed fulfillment
I found what I need in you
~Staind

Ororo undressed quietly, not bothering to turn the lights on. She could see in the ripe moonlight pouring in through her wide windows. Everything was bathed in silver, like a dream you never wanted to wake from. She slipped into an oversized t-shirt and her “Very Sexy� boxers to sleep in.

Her hair was still braided, so she checked it in the mirror. Satisfied, she brushed her teeth, leaving the brush in the holder beside Logan’s when she was finished. All in all, she felt a lot better today. Her mental turmoil was quiet, allowing her time to simply sit with her best friend on the rooftop, sharing secrets and a six-pack.

Bracing her hands on the sink, she dropped her head forward. Her back arched in a stretch while her mind replayed the last half hour over. The sunset was beautiful, but not something romantic when shared between best friends. It was just another evening for them, as hundreds of others before it.

She’d been reminded of the incident with Scott and so she’d told her friend about it. Whenever Scott got overly leader-ish, she would recall that evening in their teenage years and mock him silently. Now, Logan could mock him with her.

The news that Logan had bedded Jean was not so surprising. She knew both of them and Jean was not the sort of woman that could resist so tempting an offer as their resident Wolverine. A part of her was jealous that Jean knew things about Logan that Storm would never know. Noises he made, facial expressions…she shared everything with Jean.

Jealousy made her grip the sink a little harder, making it groan under the pressure from her dark hands. Yes, jealousy. She was not thinking about her realization just before she offered to fly Logan down from the rooftop. There was no reason to think that he met all of her criteria. None at all.

She certainly was not thinking that she scored high on his list as well. No. That would only lead to badness. Logan was her best friend. Her pal, chum, buddy, companion.

Thinking otherwise would drive her already hurting mind – not to mention heart – to a place it was not prepared for. Ororo looked up into the mirror and winced. Even she could see that her emotional issues were beginning to show on her face. See? Logan would never even notice. Scott doesn’t. No one see me when Jean is near.

Goddess, I am turning into a high school girl, she mentally chided.

Cocking her head, she listened for sounds that her housemate was coming upstairs to get into bed. Tinkling of glass and running water said he was cleaning up in the kitchen, something she had left for later when they made their way to the rooftop. She had a few minutes before he came up to lie with her.

Unbidden, her mind ran over the last few days, concentrating on the Logan parts of it. She did that more often that she probably should. Something about that man always lingered. It was easy to concentrate on him, especially when he was being caring, concerned, and adoring. How many people knew how affectionate Logan could be?

She did. His best friend. She knew that he loved to be touched by soft, innocent caresses. They often held hand without thinking about it. In a movie theater, while walking in the woods surrounding the mansion grounds, watching a boxing match on HBO. It was as though he needed an anchor of some kind, for someone to touch him without pain or because they wanted something from him.

Contact. That was the word. Ororo understood a need for contact. That was the explanation for her little jaunt with Andy, wasn’t it? She needed contact, something to forget all of the bad. Concentrating on Andy was good. Very good.

Except that her traitorous mind whispered that a thousand orgasms with Andy could not accomplish what Logan would. Holding her best friend’s hand, letting him run a lazy thumb over her knuckles…there was nothing like it in the world.

“Damn it,� she whispered. Pushing away from the sink, she made her way into the bedroom.

After picking up the clothing on the floor, she heard the water downstairs click off. Logan would be coming up in seconds. Ororo quickly turned the bed down, trying to get a hold of her mind and hormones. She would never be able to tell him how his “list� had affected her. She could not reveal that for one instant, one impossible moment, she had wished he would compare her to that list. To find all others wanting and her the answer.

Shaking her head, Ororo smoothed her hands over the clean sheets, wondering how she would lie beside him tonight as though nothing had changed.

Had it? She told herself nothing was different. He was still her best friend. She was still just ‘Ro. Nothing was different.

Ororo actually believed that…for the next thirty seconds. Logan appeared in the loft, shrugging out of his t-shirt and kicking his boots off. Ororo had to forcefully clamp her mouth closed so her jaw would not hit the floor as some cartoon dog would. He moved past her, saying something about washing the dishes. It made no sense to her lust-addled brain, but she nodded anyway.

He stretched, revealing those thick ropes of muscle beneath taut, tanned flesh as he stepped into the bathroom. For the first time in their long friendship, Ororo’s mind utterly betrayed her. Flashes of what he would feel like – physically and emotionally – as a lover slipped into a movie-like show behind her eyes.

Aghast at further proof that she was losing her mind, as most of the mansion now thought, Ororo removed her earrings and slipped them into the ornate box Logan had carved for her two years ago. It was her birthday gift. Something made from his hands.

She touched the carving on the top as he brushed his teeth. Her name in a rolling, elegant scripted had been burned into the top, giving the box a beautifully colored opening. At the time, she recalled hugging him tightly and reverently holding the box while gift certificates and opera tickets were accepted with much less enthusiasm.

“Damn, my back’s killin’ me.�

Startled when he addressed her, she gave the box one last, loving glance. Turning to her best friend, she arched one white brow.

“Logan, are you fishing for something?�

He had the grace to look somewhat sheepish as he plopped his heavy frame onto the bed. She could not help but tilt her head, watching that gorgeous form sprawl out on her sheets. There was only so much any woman could take. Logan wearing only loose pajama bottoms would wear down any woman’s resolve.

Gazing at him was not a violation of the best friends rule. Right?

“I mighta been hopin’ for a world-renowned ‘Ro massage,� he glanced at her over his shoulder with a grin.

“You, my friend, are spoiled,� Ororo chuckled, moving across the room to him. She took a bottle of heated massage oil from her bedside table.

They kept it around for use after missions. One of them tended to pull something, which was easily worked free with a back massage while chatting quietly. Until now, she had never even thought of the sexual implication.

Apparently, having sex played havoc on her libido.

“If I’m spoilt, ya made me that way, girl.� Logan spoke as he folded his hands under his head on the pillow, turning so he could watch her.

As she had countless other times, she scrambled onto the bed. Ororo straddled Logan’s hips, resting on the back of his thick thighs. She had to wriggle a little, her legs aching in several positions as she shifted on his much-wider form. Finally, she was comfortable and Logan was not complaining about her bony ass or sharp heels digging into various spots on his back.

She smoothed a generous helping of oil on her hands, then let a bit more drip over his warm flesh. She fought mental visions of the room being filled by soft candlelight. Thinking of a lack of clothing was just as unhelpful.

Reigning in her hormones, Ororo leaned forward, gripping Logan’s shoulders and sliding her hands down. She kneaded him firmly, eliciting a groan when she hit several sensitive places. He felt different under her hands, softer, more malleable. She’d never expected that his metallic skeleton had kept the rest of his body tougher. Actually, he felt so damned human at the moment, that her protective side reared up. He was nearly vulnerable.

Slick fingers worked out several knots in Logan’s back, her shirt bearing oil marks from stretching over his form to work on his shoulders and neck. He groaned in pleasure that sent shockwaves through her feminine side. Really, she could have done without those.

“Am I hurting you?� Her voice had dropped to a husky whisper, but he did not seem to notice. Thank the Goddess.

“No,� he grunted a sleepy reply. “Feels good.�

She sat up again, bringing her oiled hands to Logan’s waist and working inward toward his spine. He nearly purred under her touch, which was nothing new. Why had she not noticed it before? Platonic as their relationship was – and would likely ever remain – those little growls and purrs would weaken any woman’s resolve.

The treacherous part of her mind snidely reminded her that Jean had likely heard those little, private noises at some point. That annoyed the hell out of Ororo. She fought to leave that thought alone, succeeding when Logan asked her to move just a little to the left.

Silvery light shifted in the darkness as the hour wore on and the moon rose higher in the blue-black sky. When Logan was no more than putty in her hands, his breathing deep and regular, she finally stopped tired hands. As she always did, she extended her long frame, fitting her body tightly against his.

A nearly perfect fit, despite the difference in their heights.

Setting her chin on his shoulder, oil absorbed by his flesh, she hugged her friend tightly. He smiled, kissing her cheek sleepily.

“Yer an angel.�

“I know,� she quipped.

He shifted, letting her tumble into the bed beside him now. She turned onto her side, letting him tuck the blankets around them. Logan promised a massage for her the following evening. Nodding her agreement, she waited until he clutched her from behind, as always.

They tumbled into sleep with his arm slung over her waist, bodies molded together and Ororo smiling slightly. It really was lovely to have such a friend.

Just a friend. She thought as sleep claimed her.

~**~

Ororo zipped up her uniform, ignoring Jean’s imploring glances. The two women and Cyclops were due to leave the mansion in just moments. They were taking Eri-Magneto to Muir Island. Ororo had insisted on going along. Charles agreed, but only because Magneto seemed to recognize her.

She had no idea what she would say to him. In the few days since she had seen him, heard him speak his nickname from so long ago, she had avoided the elder mutant. She did not want to have her mind take another leave of absence on her.

Logan touched her arm, drawing her attention as Jean scuttled across the room to Cyclops. Her friend wanted to see them off, or so he said. She knew him. He wanted to look this man in the eye, at last.

“Ya sure ya should do this?� Logan asked quietly.

“Yes,� she nodded. “I can…I need to tell him a few things. Logan, he has to understand.�

He nodded once, his dark eyes piercing hers. “Ya still love him, after all this.�

Swallowing hard, Ororo nodded. “Erik or Magneto, I cannot simply stop.�

“That’s some kinda love.� Her friend said, holding her gloves out so she could slip them on.

“I cannot help it,� she whispered. He touched her face once her gloves were secure, meeting her eyes earnestly.

“I know,� he grunted. “It’s ok. Cause I know ya love me like that. The “No Matter What� kind. It’s all right, really.�

She smiled sadly, kissing his whiskered cheek. “Exactly. The No Matter What kind.�

Logan gave her another smile, then squeezed her hand. “Be careful, all right? I’ll make dinner.�

“Chili?� She made a face for his benefit.

He swatted her arm gently. “Naw. I was thinkin’ chicken on the grill.�

Ororo smacked her lips eagerly. “Stop it, you’ll make me swoon.�

“Potato salad? Grilled peppers?�

This time, Ororo glared at him as her stomach rumbled. “That is not fair.�

“Storm? We have to go.�

Nodding her acknowledgement at Cyclops’ words, Storm met Logan’s eyes again. He seemed to understand her hesitation and smiled, squeezing her leather-covered fingers again.

They turned toward the other X-Men, Storm taking several deep breaths. Cyclops and Jean both looked immune to whatever was about to happen to Storm and Wolverine. She briefly hated them for their cold indifference. A wayward thought that she could freeze ice on both of their hearts made Jean look at her sharply.

“Stay out and perhaps you will not hear things that so offend,� Storm snapped.

Jean glared. “You are certainly in a mood.�

“Bite me.�

Both Jean and Cyclops stared at her in horror, even as Logan chuckled and snorted from behind her. Triumphant, she looked toward the hall, where the sound of footsteps and a wheelchair wafted toward them. Logan slapped Storm’s hand in congratulations behind her, careful Cyclops and Jean did not see them.

All merriment left Storm’s heart when Erik came around the corner. His face was healing, though still bruised in many places. His shining blue eyes lit up when he saw her and he immediately made his way across the room.

“Windrider! Oh, my dear, I was beginning to think I would never see you again.�

Her heart ached at his kind words, her hands suddenly captured in his. She glanced to Logan, who had stepped back and was watching cautiously.

“They are taking me away,� Erik said worriedly. “I do not know where, but…are you coming with me?�

“Erik,� Ororo began gently. “You do not remember how you know me, do you?�

A look of bewilderment crossed his face and he gently shook his head.

“No,� he admitted. “But I know that I love you, very much. Your face is the only familiar thing about this world. Though I wonder why you look upon me with such sadness and confusion.�

Storm took a deep breath, her mind threatening her conscious thought with turmoil again. She took Erik’s hands and moved him to sit on one of the benches. His eyes remained on her face, his fingers moving over hers in remembrance.

“Erik, you did love me,� she started haltingly. “ We were as close as father and daughter.�

“Yes, I know,� he agreed, smiling. “I do not know how, but I know.�

“But,� she stopped him. “You and I parted ways some time ago. We wanted different things. We became enemies.�

Erik startled visibly, jerking his hands away from her. “No!�

She glanced at Logan, noting the confusion on his face as he stepped between Erik and the others. Ororo watched him mutter to the others, hopefully telling them to not interfere.

“Look at me, Erik,� Storm demanded of the clearly baffled man.

When his eyes met hers again, she nodded slowly. “You know I would never lie to you. I have never, not once in the time you have known me, lied to you.�

“But…why?� he demanded in a broken tone, tears streaking his lined and bruised face. “Why would you become my enemy?�

Storm stood, taking his biceps in her hands. He seemed so weak and frail, so bewildered by the world around him. She had done this to him, destroyed the strength in a man she regarded as her father. It was true that in his current state he could not harm others, but the damage was too much. She wished again, for different reasons, that she had killed him.

This was a fate worse than death.

“Baba, you know you are a mutant, as we all are. You wanted to start a war, to prove that mutants are superior. I wanted peace, without violence. We parted ways.�

“NO!� he shouted, shaking his head again. “I would not betray you! I have loved you longer than I loved anything else!�

“Yes,� she agreed softly, blinking tears from her eyes. ‘But your convictions overrode that love. We were fighting for the same cause, but from different viewpoints.�

He was shaking from head to toe, his hands coming up to grip her arms for support. Unable to refuse him, Storm moved them both until they could sit on a bench.

“Why?� he asked quietly. “Who did this to me?�

Storm glanced at Logan. His eyes were fighting; she could see anger warring with uncommon compassion. He nodded once, encouraging her as he always did.

“I did,� she spoke to Erik softly.

His head snapped up and betrayal shone through his blue eyes.

“What?�

Ororo took a deep, calming breath and launched into the tale. She indicated to Logan, telling her beloved and broken baba about the adamantium, her dear friend’s near death experience and the vengeance she evoked in his name. Erik watched her face, taking in every word with a quiet despair.

Her hearted ached within her chest. The confessional was harder than she had expected. There was nothing in the world she would ever find more difficult. It was as though her Erik had returned and all she had to show him was horror and pain. Logan did not move from his place across the room, nor did he allow anyone else to interfere.

When, at long last, she was finished, Erik inhaled deeply. “I do not want to hear more.�

Concerned, Ororo reached for his hand. He shied away, standing and moving toward Logan. Storm was on her feet in an instant, moving to protect her beloved companion. Erik met Logan’s eyes as she sidled up to stand beside him.

“I am sorry for causing you pain. I will never be able to make amends.�

With that he looked to Charles. “I will go wherever you decree, Charles. I have caused enough problems for your family.�

He turned then to Ororo. His aged hands touched her face and he kissed her forehead in a way that he had not in several years. Tears stung at her eyes and distantly above, thunder rumbled forlornly.

“The heavens weep for you, though your eyes remain dry,� he whispered, oddly echoing his parting words years before. “This is goodbye, Windrider. For good.�

She was left standing in the hall, Charles muttering in her mind that perhaps she should remain behind. Cyclops, Jean, and Erik moved down the long corridor, leaving her behind. She watched his back retreat, old pain ripping her heart in two. He was just going to walk away.

Nothing had changed.

No matter what, Erik always left her. Ororo’s legs gave out. She would have crashed to the floor if Logan had not been waiting behind her. He caught her easily, holding her to his chest. She felt his tears wet the braids of her hair as he rested his chin on the top of her head.

“Breathe, darlin’,� Logan urged her, his voice thick with emotion.

She felt Charles touch her shoulder, that simple gesture bridging the gap between them. Ororo reached up, taking his hand with one and clinging to Logan with the other. They heard the jet take off several moments later, but they remained.

Erik. Magneto. Baba. He was gone.

~**~

Charles was bundled in his winter coat as he sat in his wheelchair on the porch of the boathouse. Logan manned the grill, his Stetson drawn over his eyes. Ororo had already made their side dishes and set the table. She was wrapped in a warm fleece blanket, not caring if she was immune to the cold or not. She had taken up residence on the wide, gliding porch swing, talking with Charles.

Logan seemed somehow freer. In the most confidential of moments, he had told her that Magneto was gone. He no longer existed for the Wolverine. If Erik regained his memory, he was fair game. But for now, he could be content. Ororo had exacted her vengeance for him.

The duo had invited the Professor for a quiet dinner in the wake of Erik’s departure. Charles had a weakness, as many did, for Logan’s patented grilled chicken, and Ororo could tell he needed to decompress as they did. He was, perhaps, the only X-Man that received invitations without reason. No matter their differences, Charles was a father to both Logan and Ororo.

“How are you holding up, my dear?� Charles asked of her in his rare paternal tone.

Ororo drew her thick blanket more tightly around her. “Wyatt, I am rolling.�

Charles chuckled softly at this, obviously remembering the time when she had fallen in love with the film “Tombstone� and continually quoted Doc Holliday. That had been a year before Erik left their midst.

“Perhaps it is for the best,� Charles said, still smiling.

“He ain’t exactly a threat now,� Logan chimed in from the grill.

He tilted his Stetson back with the neck of his beer bottle, watching his companions carefully.

“Oh, I daresay we have not seen the last of Erik or Magneto,� Charles said quietly. “He seldom does what is expected.�

Ororo had pulled the blanket over her mouth, so that her companions could only see her eyes and the top of her head. She pulled it down quickly to speak.

“If he does return, I am selling tickets when Logan…how is it Bobby says it? Oh, yes, ‘opens a can of whoop-ass’.�

The blanket came back up to her eyes again as Charles chuckled and Logan flashed her a toothy smile.

“She’s my number one fan, ya know.�

Storm winked at him in response.

“Yes, I know,� Charles said, smiling benevolently at them both. “If Magneto does return, I believe you both know your mission.�

Logan’s eyebrows shot up as Storm glanced from one man to the other. Her heart began to pound against her chest.

“Wanna run that one by me again, Chuck?� Logan asked gruffly, apparently not caring that the grill was smoking.

“Check your chicken, Wolverine,� Xavier said pointedly.

Once Logan had removed the thick chicken breasts from the grill and set them on a platter, he came around the grill and plopped next to Storm on the glider. The chicken was placed on the nearby side table, both mutants turning to their leader.

Charles pressed his fingertips together in a thoughtful steeple as he regarded them with serious eyes. Logan’s hand wiggled under the blanket until he could grasp Ororo’s fingers with his. She squeezed his searching limb comfortingly.

“I want you both to understand that this is an official order but held in the highest confidentiality.�

“We understand,� Ororo said, snuggling deeper into her blanket. She had a terrible feeling of what Charles was going to request of them both.

“Got it.� Logan grunted, sitting up to watch their benefactor.

“Should Magneto regain his memory, should he once again take up his ideal of mutant superiority and war,� Charles paused, inhaling deeply. Though she knew this was perhaps the most difficult decision he had ever made, Storm was unable to comfort him.

“You are both ordered to defuse Magneto. Permanently. By any means necessary.�

Logan and Ororo exhaled sharply. They looked to one another. Ororo could see the grim determination and relief in his eyes, wondering if hers betrayed her resolve and pain.

If they did, Logan replied to her with a soft squeeze of his hand.

“Understood.� He nodded to Charles.

“Yes, Professor.� Ororo confirmed, knowing Erik likely would regain his memory.

She would be prepared for that day. She would have to be.

“I am sorry to heap this on you both,� Charles continued. “But I feel I can trust no one else to carry this mission out. You both have much to lose and Magneto caused you great pain. Your leashes are off now.�

“It can’t be easy for ya,� Logan rumbled. “But it’s right. We’ll take care of it. Lets just hope we don’t gotta.�

“Agreed,� Ororo chimed in, pulling her blanket back up to her eyes. “I am sorry, Charles.�

He waved her off, though the pain was written clearly in his eyes. “It must be done. He cannot be allowed to harm more people.�

Wanting to change the subject, Ororo poked Logan with her foot. He turned to her, capturing the limb with his free hand and tickling the bottom. She giggled girlishly, trying to kick her way free.

Charles was smiling and shaking his head at them both.

“Are you planning on feeding me?� He demanded several second later, the pain fading on his handsome face, replaced by playfulness.

“Yes!� Ororo giggled breathlessly at Logan. “Me hungry. Find food.�

“Aw, God,� Logan shook his head. “I’ve made her all cavewoman-like.�

“Food!� Ororo continued, eliciting laughter from both men.

Logan released her hand, pulling her out of the glider. She unwrapped the blanket as he scooped up the chicken platter. Ororo grabbed the back of Charles’ wheelchair, pushing him into the house easily. Impulsively, she leaned down, kissing his bald head.

“I still love you,� she whispered, knowing Logan likely heard her anyway.

“I know,� he nodded. “As I love you.�

“And you will never leave me,� she continued as they reached the small dining area.

“Never.�

Chapter Ten: What the hell?

This is my life
Its not what it was before
All these feelings I’ve shared
And these are my dreams
That I’d never lived before
Somebody shake me
Cause I must be sleeping
~Staind

“All right, shut up!�

Wolverine glared at the gaggle of hormonal migraines that made up his afternoon mathematics class. Teenage mutants clamped his or her mouth closed, focusing their attention on him. Though it was his first week back, Jean had obviously let the idiots run amuck. Normally, Logan didn’t mind running or even a little muck, but this was completely unacceptable.

“Now, turn yer damn heads up here an’ let me see how much ya forgot while I was out,� he practically snarled.

He moved from behind his teacher’s desk to the blackboard, sniffing the air lightly. The scent of rain wafted toward him from the French doors leading into the southern wing. Glancing to the side as he took up a long stick of chalk, he glowered at his best friend.

Ororo was standing just outside the door, giggling. He normally didn’t mind her giggling, except was at his expense. While many people would flee for their lives under his peripheral glare, she merely cocked an amused brow and continued to watch him carefully.

Not wanting his students to see her and therefore assume their teacher needed help, he wrote a complicated Calculus problem on the board. Most of the teens groaned, obviously realizing playtime was over. When he finished writing out the problem, he grabbed his book and perched on the edge of the desk.

“Open yer books and turn ta page 234,� Logan’s voice rang out in the suddenly silent room. “We’ll be workin’ on chapter five through six this week an’ ya know I don’t cut any slack.�

He glanced up, noting that Jubilation Lee – not one of his highest scoring students – had her dainty hand raised.

“What, Jubi?�

The Asian girl blushed prettily and Logan inwardly groaned. He knew ‘Ro had seen that, which meant he was in for another evening of “Jubi loves Wolvie� torture when class was out.

“I’m glad you’re back and all grouchy,� the girl said cheerfully. “We missed you, Wolverine.�

Touched, though he covered it with a scowl, he nodded to her. A moment later, most of the students nodded, many of them smiling.

“Thanks. It’s…good to be back,� he admitted grudgingly.

A sharp whistle from the southern doors drew his attention. He barely turned his head and reached up with one hand to catch the apple Ororo tossed at him. Silencing any oncoming giggles or snickers from his class with a single look, he glanced up to see ‘Ro was gone.

He turned the apple over in his hand, finding a Post-It note stuck on one side. In Ororo’s elegant script was a single sentence that made him smile briefly.

Welcome back, Mr. Wolverine.

Setting the apple down on the desk, he looked back to his class. Several of the students bore knowingly smug looks. Logan schooled his face back into the customary scowl and indicated to the board.

“If you can’t solve that problem by the end of class, you flunk,� he snapped. “Got it?�

Audible gulps sounded from around the room. It was common knowledge that electing for Wolverine’s advanced mathematics classes was akin to Chinese Water Torture, but at least his students retained their knowledge beyond the mid-term exam.

He lectured for roughly half of the class period, then wrote examples on the board. As a group, they solved each of the complicated problems. Logan let his mind wander when the class broke into their study groups for the last fifteen minutes, most of them fervently working to solve his original problem before the period ended.

Teaching was something that, surprisingly, came naturally to Wolverine. ‘Ro had suggested that his “pack� mentality had something to do with it. He blamed her Psych major on that particular lecture. She had theorized that an alpha male usually taught the young ones how to survive. Logan grudgingly admitted that she might have a point.

There was something satisfying about teaching. He would never admit it to anyone, aside from Ororo, but he loved to watch knowledge absorbed into the minds of the kids. He knew that he was helping them, showing them how to retain what was learned and put it to practical use. It wasn’t as though he felt they would use Calculus in their everyday adult lives. The point was that his classes were tough and he forced his students to be inventive, resourceful, and even creative.

For some reason, it soothed him. He knew that these kids would not always have the luxury of safety that Xavier’s provided for them. With that knowledge, he and the other teachers did their best to prepare the children for the harsh realities life would throw at them, while giving all of the kids a chance to be kids.

Logan had no illusions. Ororo was directly responsible for his teaching. After a year of wandering the mansion aimlessly while she was busy with Sociology and History classes, she’d gently steered him toward teaching his own classes. Mathematics came easily to him, and after only a few weeks of studying various courses with the Professor, he was deemed prepared.

Ororo had led him gently by the hand, all the while letting him believe he’d come to the decision on his own. She’d begun by allowing him to help her keep track of her students’ grades, slowly walking him through the process of how they were calculated and collected. It appealed to his nature. Though he projected an aura of chaos, Logan was a meticulous person.

If ‘Ro so much as left a wet towel on the bathroom floor, he would grumble for hours. She teased him, constantly, about his case of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. He found it less than humorous.

A few students came up to his desk, quietly asking for help with a set of problems currently baffling them. He showed the duo how it was done, inwardly delighting when the little invisible light bulb went off above their heads when the answer dawned on them.

Ororo might have been responsible for his teaching position, but he reveled in it. Glancing to the apple she had thrown at him, he allowed a small smile. The twist of his lips turned into a frown a moment later.

Only yesterday Magneto had left them all. Ororo seemed content to work it out on her own, inside her head. Logan really did not want to spend any more time contemplating the whole Erik/Magneto issue. He still hurt a little deep inside, near his bones, when he was tired. His equilibrium wasn’t quite right yet. There was nothing to be done about it. Time would have to take its course.

He should have wanted to rip Magneto’s face off, and yet he couldn’t quite work himself into that kind of rage. Something terrifying had happened when he watched Ororo wail on the older man. Though he was injured, he wondered if it had been his place to exact revenge. Letting someone else take care of that problem had never really been in Wolverine’s nature, but this time it seemed oddly right. Magneto was dead to him. If he resurrected at some point with Erik regaining his memory, that would be different.

For now, he had a few other things to deal with.

The bell rang, jarring him from his thoughts. Chuck had soundproofed his room a little, so the shrill ringing would not hurt his sensitive ears. The students were alerted to the class letting out by a blinking red light above the clock. Logan could still hear the ring, so he glanced to his class.

“You’ve got the end of chapter problems to finish tonight, and turn in the problem on the board before you leave,� Logan ordered them as they prepared to leave. “Jubi, don’t ya even try to skip out without handin’ yer work in. I mean it.�

A grumbled, “ Aw, man� came from the direction of his student’s desk and he smirked. Caught again. Silly kid.

The kids filed up to his desk, dropping slips of paper into the awaiting tray while bidding him goodbye. They left in groups of two or three, chatting quietly as they filtered into the hall. Once the room was empty, Logan sat back in his chair to stare up at the ceiling.

He had a free hour before lunch and then two afternoon classes. ‘Ro was still in class, as she had a completely full docket every day. He didn’t know how she did it.

Thinking about her brought his eyes back to the apple resting so innocently on the corner of his desk. A shiver jolted up his spine without warning or welcome. If he thought about her hands on his back only two nights ago, he was likely to find himself stuck in the desk chair until evidence of that effect on him was gone.

Logan had no idea what in the name of hell his problem was. She’d massaged him a hundred times before. Never, not in all the years they had been friends, had it affected him quite like that. He’d never thought about the sensuality of that familiar, platonic touch.

He found himself putty in her hands, willing to give her almost anything. Desire flared up when he’d least expected it. For one moment when she’d flattened that succulent body against his back, he had been tempted to turn over and kiss her breathless. The very idea had thrilled and frightened him at the same time. ‘Ro was not the sort of woman he could have a quick tumble with and still like himself in the morning.

Why had whatever veil covering his eyes over the last few years been suddenly lifted? As they sat on the rooftop, talking and drinking quietly, it had not-so-slowly dawned on him that she was the perfect woman in many ways. That magical cross between Grace Kelly and that Tomb Raider chick. Feminine, sexy, strong, and soft. She had so many of the qualities he demanded in a woman that it momentarily stunned him.

With her hands on his skin, their bodies so close, he’d been reminded of every single moment like that one. Years of sleeping in the same bed, boxing matches on HBO, and drinking on rooftops suddenly seemed to hold a hidden meaning. His list could have read like a letter of recommendation for her. She met each of his criteria.

Flawed perfection. That’s what she was. Human and needy but otherworldly as the goddess she’d been in Africa. The depth of his own introspection humbled him.

Had he just missed something in all those years of friendship? What the hell was going on with him?

Sighing at the confusion clouding his mind, Logan scooped the papers from his tray and set to working on them. He’d think about this ‘Ro issue later.

Much later.

~**~

After their classes were let out for the day, Logan made his way through the mansion. He counted heads mentally, ensuring everyone was inside by curfew. Making sure everyone knew dinner would be in an hour in the main hall, he lit a cigar and settled in the mansion’s TV room. A few of the kids were watching an old rerun of the X-Files, which seemed slightly stupid to him.

A bunch of mutants watching a show about unexplained aliens. For some reason, it struck him as hilarious.

Shoving Rogue aside, he plopped into the seat beside her, watching the show with disinterest. That Scully chick was good-looking, something redeemable about the ridiculous show, anyway. The red hair was a bit of a turn off for him, though.

As if on cue, Logan’s ears twitched when Jean’s elevated voice drifted into the room. Turning his head slightly, he heard her stomp one foot in what seemed to be the foyer. Raising a brow, he glanced around the room. As Jean’s voice drew closer, several of the students inclined their heads to the sound.

Storm appeared in the hall. Logan could see her through the open door. He leaned over the back of the couch, Rogue and Iceman moving with him in unison. Something was about to go down if Jean was yelling at Storm.

“Don’t walk away from me, Munroe!�

Logan felt his eyebrows shoot up.

“I have nothing to say to you, Grey,� came the cool response.

Rogue, Iceman, and Wolverine all leaned a little further, watching as Jean appeared behind Ororo. To Logan’s shock, the small, red haired woman grabbed ‘Ro by the arm, turning her by force.

The woman’s face was red with anger, her free hand clenched into a fist. If she didn’t relax in about thirty seconds, she’d make herself bleed. Logan noticed Cyclops loitering in the corner, behind both women, confusion marking his face beneath the ruby-quartz of his glasses.

“What do you mean you have nothing to say to me?� Jean demanded, stomping her foot again.

“I mean that if you do not release my arm, I will remove it by force.�

Logan watched with pride when Jean recoiled slightly. ‘Ro could sound downright demonic when she put her back into it. Something had happened in the recent past that set her off. If Jeannie didn’t back off soon, Logan was relatively sure violence would ensue.

“You answer me,� Jean threatened somewhat ineffectually. “What did you mean?�

“I meant nothing, Jean,� Ororo said in a bored tone. “Run and play, girl, before you manage to upset me.�

That ain’t nothin’, Logan thought, wondering what had been said.

“I will not!� The other woman screeched. “Explain yourself!�

For a moment, Logan wondered if he should call 911 and alert them that a mutant had been killed before grabbing ‘Ro and making a run for Canada. No extradition for capital murder was a good thing if Storm really lost her temper.

“Kids,� Logan grunted instead. “Outside. Now.�

Without even a mutter at his sharp tone, all of the students cleared out of the sitting room. Most even vacated the recreation room just as quickly. Only the adult X-Men remained, giving both women a little more freedom.

Logan stood up from the sofa, tasting burning ozone on the air. Ororo’s mutation was slipping. Jean was seriously pushing her luck. There was no way the telekinetic woman would stand a chance if Ororo really let loose. Not even levitating weaponry across the room would save her when ‘Ro brought in an F-4 tornado.

“Did you sleep with Scott?�

Oh, shit.

“Yes.� Ororo nodded. “Are you satisfied?�

“Jesus, Storm!� Cyclops put both hands into his hair, turning away from them.

“Are you shitting me?� Jean hissed, looking between them. “When? WHY?�

“Several years ago, before you two fell in love,� Storm returned coolly. “If you would stop scanning surface thoughts of those around you without permission, you might find yourself in less of these situations.�

“Don’t you dare turn this around on me!� Jean retorted hotly, her grip on Storm’s arm tightening visibly.

Storm had obviously had enough. She reached up with her free hand and gripped Jean’s fingers. The red haired mutant cried out in pain when ‘Ro pried her fingers away. Though he could tell she wanted to let temper take her further, Logan breathed a sigh of relief when Ororo released her upset friend seconds later.

“Jean,� she said more patiently. “It was a wayward thought about something that happened when we were teenagers. How can you possibly be upset about it? Scott loves you, perhaps you should remember that.�

Logan winced, knowing his angered friend likely wanted to reveal something he would rather be kept between them. She glanced at him, her eyes swirling with white and blue.

Would they ever get a break from this mental and emotional turmoil? It was starting to wear on his already frayed nerves.

“Ororo,� Cyclops began as he came up to collect his fiancée. “I should have told her before.�

Ororo held her hand up, sighing. “Leave it alone, Scott.�

Logan came up to her, giving her a small half-smile. She really didn’t need this right now, neither of them did. He felt lucky as hell that his little affair with Jean had gone un-confessed. That was just a little too much right now.

“C-Charles is calling for me,� Jean stammered, pushing away from Scott.

No one bothered to follow or call after her as she escaped down the corridor. Logan rolled his eyes. She could be so damned dramatic. Storm moved a little closer to him as they both watched Scott run a hand through his hair.

“I’m sorry, Storm,� Cyclops apologized. “I don’t know what’s wrong with her.�

“She is jealous,� ‘Ro winked at Scott, some of their playfulness having returned over the last few days. “For once.�

Cyclops shook his head, though he chuckled. “Why don’t you guys head on home? I’ll take care of things here.�

“Yeah,� Logan grunted. “I owe ‘Ro a neck rub anyway. Danger Room tomorrow morning?�

“Yeah,� Scott nodded. “I think I’ll need it.�

~**~

Logan got Ororo back to the boathouse without incident. They cooked in relative silence, letting the CD player run on shuffle. Ororo’s specialty happened to be jambalaya, which was on the menu for the night. Logan tossed lettuce and raw vegetables for a side salad, keeping a close eye on his friend.

She had changed from her teaching clothes into a pair of those tiny women’s boxers and a way too tight tank top. He tilted his head, reading the writing on her bottom.

Bad Girl. God, I didn’t need that image.

By the time dinner was ready, he couldn’t keep his eyes off of her. The long, teeny braids of her hair fell over one shoulder, her lovely face devoid of makeup. Those endless legs were bare, giving his eyes something to feast on. Without even thinking about it, he licked his lips.

This was getting out of hand. ‘Ro was his best friend, loyal companion. There was no reason to be staring at her like a piece of meat. But by God, she was the sexiest thing on two legs. He’d known it, one some level, since they met. How had he gone so long without it affecting him?

Dinner was eaten in that same calm, comfortable silence. They cleaned up together, only speaking to have one move over so dishes could be put away. Once everything was cleaned to Logan’s specifications, they trooped into the sitting room.

Logan moved to the DVD holder, reading down the long list of titles she owned until he came to one he knew she would be unable to resist. She rewarded him with a grin when he flashed the box for Tombstone at her enticingly.

He put the movie on, coming to sit on the sofa with her. She indicated to the place behind her and though he knew it was not a wise choice in his current state, he climbed around her. ‘Ro settled into the space between this legs, resting her hands on his knees.

Unbidden, his hands moved to her neck. Finding her wound as tightly as he had thought, Logan wrapped his fingers around her throat, rubbing his thumbs down the bumpy column of her spine. Storm groaned appreciatively, dropping her head forward to give him better access.

Logan found himself unable to pay the movie even passing attention. He concentrated on her smooth cocoa skin, on working out the kinks and knots hidden beneath it. She wiggled against him and he had to force his mind to stop thinking about how good she felt against him.

Scooter in a Speedo. Scooter in a Speedo.

She smelled so damn good. His nose inhaled that scent eagerly, locking it away. Her neck was vulnerable to him, a classic sign of submission and trust. Thought they had sat in this position a hundred times, he had the overwhelming urge to bury his face in that sensitive flesh where her throat met her shoulder. He wanted to lick that smooth flesh, to feel her undulate against him again.

This was definitely something new. He was completely unsure of how he should be taking this. His body’s answer was to simply keep working on her tense back and so he listened to that urge. Dropping his hands to her waist, he ran eager fingers under her shirt. To his delight, she had not donned a bra when changing her clothes. Unfortunately, her top had one built in.

It kept him honest…or something.

He worked up from the base of her spine, making her lean forward further. He heard the change in her breathing, expecting it to slowly even out. To his shock, it quickened along with her heart. Thought he knew he shouldn’t, that it would only lead somewhere he was unprepared for, he inhaled quickly.

Catching the scent of arousal mixed in with her usual fragrance nearly snapped any responsible resolve he had. That same urge to turn her around and fuse his mouth to hers crashed over him. This wasn’t right.

It was too much.

That knowledge did not stop his hands. He worked her shirt up until it bared any flesh not covered by that little bra thing. Exploring fingers drifted lightly over the wealth of flesh exposed to his view. She shifted. Muscles flexed and released, fascinating him with how they moved under that dark skin.

How many times had he seen her naked while changing out of their uniforms? How often had they shared a bathroom? Why all this change?

Emotional strain often leads the mind and easily swayed heart into unknown and often forbidden territory. Storm’s voice drifted into his mind from a conversation years ago. Often someone will develop urges and feelings they do not understand or even like while the mind attempts to cope with stress. They usually fade, with time and understanding. However, they do not always. At times, these feelings will linger, open new doors otherwise ignored. Some things were never meant to stay the same.

His hands slid forward from her back, touching the impossibly soft skin of her sides and belly. ‘Ro purred under his touch.

She make that noise fer Andy? Cyke?

The random thought brought the beast slumbering peacefully in his chest to wakefulness. It growled unhappily, making Logan’s hands clench slightly on Ororo’s flesh. It had never bothered him that Storm had her sex with whoever she wanted. She was a grown woman with needs. Long as she got her itch scratched, what business was it of his?

The very thought of someone making her purr that way made him honest to God jealous. Appalled by the thought, he tried to shake it off. His betraying mind continued, however.

Did she get jealous when he spent the night with a woman? Did she sometimes want more between them?

He finally managed to control his hands and bring them from the warmth of her flesh. No more could be puzzled out tonight. His brain already hurt. Dropping a soft kiss onto the nape of Ororo’s neck, he pulled her shirt down. Wrapping her into his arms, he pulled her back against his chest.

She snuggled in as she always did. Gradually her breathing evened out, her heart ceasing to pound so recklessly against her breast. She draped her arms over his, locking their legs together so they touched at every inch.

So comfortable. Love and lust couldn’t be this comfortable. Maybe it was just emotional strain.

Yeah. That was it. It’d fade in time and everything would go back to being normal. Peaceful.

~**~

Nightmares pulled him from sleep late that same evening. No moonlight penetrated the dense clouds outside, so ‘Ro had slept with the lamp resting atop the beside table on. He often teased her about being afraid of the dark, though he knew her claustrophobia was to blame.

He was sweating. Panting. Crying out a name in the dark. Ororo’s scent surrounded him and he reached for her blindly. Her pliable form slipped easily into his embrace, whispered words of comfort drawing him from the pain of his nighttime terror.

“’Ro,� he whispered in the dim light. “Don’t go.�

“Logan,� she replied softly. “I am right here.�

Shaking his head, trembling from head to toe in fear of something he could not remember, he sat against the wooden headboard. Careful not to hurt her, Logan drew Ororo into his lap. She wrapped her lithe form around him, dropping her head onto his shoulder.

They swayed together, as a mother rocks a frightened child. Her gentle hand smoothed over sweat-slicked hair, trying to bring him from the horror of his inner demons. She settled in his lap, ensuring that her scent and touch were unavoidable. In their years together, she had learned how best to diffuse his nightmares.

“Can’t leave me,� he begged, without knowing why. “Ya can’t go.�

“I am not going anywhere,� she replied carefully.

“Don’t go,� he continued, not listening to her. “Don’t cha dare leave me alone in the dark.�

“Logan,� Ororo’s voice suddenly held fear. “I am not leaving you.�

“Don’t want ya ta leave,� Logan almost whimpered. “Please, stay here. With me. With me.�

“You are frightening me,� his companion sniffled. “I have not left your side in years, why would I do so now?�

“Don’t know,� he went on. “Just…afraid you’ll leave. Scares me. Don’t go.�

“Shh,� she soothed, shifting so her entire chest molded against his. “I will never leave you, tiba.�

“Sing me the song,� Logan pled, gripping her as tightly as he dared.

The world still spun around him. He had no memory of what he had dreamed. Only stark fear that Ororo was going to abandon him. Not once in their years as friends had that thought even…

It had. Just recently he had wondered if she would choose Magneto over him. Fear ripped into his heart again. He would never make her choose…would he? Even as Ororo began to sing a soft lullaby he loved in her native tongue, he wondered. Would she, if faced with such an impossible choice, decide he was expendable?

Feeling traitorous at the mere thought, he rested his cheek on her shoulder, letting her presence and voice soothe his fears. She felt so perfect in his arms, as though someone had him in mind when she was created.

Warring sides flew into battle inside of him, but he squashed the urge. Now was not the time. Fear that she would leave him and desire that threatened to spill over were calmed by that steadfast friendship they had forged over the long years.

For now, he would fall into that security net. He listened as she sang to him of savannahs and sunlight, beating back the darkness like a force of nature. Logan drifted back into sleep with Ororo still wrapped around him.

His last thought was that he wanted to fall asleep that way forever.

Chapter Eleven: Body Heat

No deceivin', nothin' up my sleeve, no teasin'
I need you to get up, up on the dance floor
Give that man what he askin' for
'Cos I feel like bustin' loose and I feel like touchin' you
And can't nobody stop the juice, so baby tell me what's the use
I said it's getting hot in here
So take off all your clothes
~Nelly


Ororo accepted the coffee mug from her friend, feeling just slightly guilty about all of this. It probably violated some best friend rule that she was completely unaware of, but in light of recent events, she really did not see any other choice. Stirring the strong coffee idly as Cyclops sat across from her at the table, she tried to order her unruly thoughts.

In two weeks, things had become rather strained at the mansion. Logan’s nightmares intensified and he steadfastly refused to allow Charles inside his mind. Every night, he awoke calling her name, trembling so hard that she feared fever. She would wrap her entire body around him, rocking him into sleep while singing several Tanzanian lullabies.

During the day, Logan seldom left her side. She had to ensure he was in class when she came to speak with Cyclops, knowing that her dear friend would likely put a stop to it if he knew. Ororo was not in the business of betraying confidences, but she worried continuously about Logan’s mental state.

“I do not understand it,� she said at last to her friend. “He was moving along just fine and now he cannot escape some obscure feeling that I will somehow abandon him.�

“That’s a bit odd,� Scott replied thoughtfully. “I mean, come on, you two have been attached at the hip for years. He doesn’t know why he feels that way?�

Ororo shook her head, braids flapping about her shoulders. “At least, none that he will speak to me of. Scott, I have never seen him this way. I have never, in all our years together, seen him so frightened.�

Her friend was quiet for a moment, looking pensively down at the coffee mug in his hands. Ororo dropped her gaze as well, not wanting to be caught staring. Along with Logan’s terrifying nightmares, things between Scott and Jean were nearly nuclear. Every time they were in the same room, one of them said something scathing. Ororo felt the problem went deeper than the teenage romp left un-confessed.

“Storm, there’s a lot that could be going on with Logan,� he said softly. “I mean, adamantium extraction aside, you two have gotten a lot closer. The whole thing with Magneto – losing his memory and all – I mean that’s taken a toll on you both.�

“I realize that, Cyclops,� she agreed with a nod. “But I fear…�

She stopped, swallowing thickly and averting her gaze. She did not want to admit that something was changing between she and Logan. Every time he touched her lately, he set her body on fire in a way that went far beyond the reaches of deep friendship and loyal companionship. There was just something there now when she looked at him. Something begging to be released.

No matter what they were doing, she felt her gaze linger on him a moment too long. He would hold her hand for a second longer than usual. He cuddled closer and closer still while they slept or cuddled on the sofa. Whatever was happening here…she knew she was not alone.

Ororo was still undecided as to whether or not she liked that idea.

“You fear with everything changing, you might be killing something else? That maybe he isn’t ready for this, but you don’t know how to stop it?�

“I hate it when you become astute,� Ororo teased with a small smile.

“Doesn’t take much, you know,� he countered with a slight wink. “There’s energy between you two now. The air crackles, it’s actually a fascinating thing to witness, not that I’d ever tell him that.�

“He would claw you into pot roast.� Ororo chuckled nervously, unsure how she felt about her friend’s comments.

“Look, just give it some time. Everything happens for a reason,� he reached over the table to squeeze her hand. “Maybe that’s what’s driving Logan a little nuts. Maybe he doesn’t know what’s happening here.�

He slapped his chest heartily to emphasize his point. Logan’s fear of abandonment could possibly be related to the changing friendship. Even if she did not want to admit it and was wholly unsure if she wanted everything to change, it was happening. She was not juvenile to deny it completely.

“Thank you, Scott,� she decided the talk was over abruptly.

“No problem,� he replied easily. He knew when she ended a talk it was over until she sought him out again.

A flash of red brought Ororo’s eyes up and she felt her brow raise as Jean entered the kitchen. The red haired woman ignored them both, grabbing a cup of coffee and fixing it slowly. Obviously, she was hoping to catch parts of their conversation.

Ororo watched the curiously straight line of her friend’s back, noting the spotty red marks on her face and neck that betrayed her emotions. Something kept making her cry. Ororo nearly moved to comfort her, until she caught sight of Scott’s face.

His jaw was set angrily and he glared at his lover’s back. Ororo blinked rapidly, nearly unable to believe what she was seeing. Scott only looked upon Jean with sickening devotion and undying love. What would have caused such a sudden change? She knew, more than anyone that Scott scorned was worse than any woman could imagine. He could click on his professional X-Man demeanor and make nearly anyone feel three inches tall.

Scott was an exceptional leader and he used that to keep his personal life orderly. Ororo, near to salivating with curiosity, shifted in her seat, though her facial expression betrayed nothing. Scott glanced at her, turning his head just a fraction of an inch to the left and right, silently telling her to hold her tongue.

Somehow the X-couple was in dire straits and Ororo had chosen a side without anyone telling her war was on. She thought about it, easily deciding Scott’s assumption was spot on. She would have sided with him, barring an unexpected slight on his part. Jean had driven her away easily, after all.

The red haired mutant left without saying a word, though Ororo could detect faint sounds of either crying or cursing coming from the hall.

Expectantly, she turned to Scott.

“She filed for divorce.�

Whatever Ororo had expected, that was not it. She sat heavily back in her chair, her expression an unattractive mix of dumbfounded astonishment and bewildered incredulousness.

“It wasn’t about you and me, but she said she’s been unhappy for a while now,� Scott admitted. “Then she told me about the little affair with Wolverine. When I refused to hear her reasoning, she slammed out of the bedroom. Last week she told me she’d filed.�

“My God, Scott.� Ororo reached across the table to squeeze his hand.

No matter how strong and purely angry he seemed, Ororo knew he was hurting deep inside. He had often told her that he never believed in soul mates until Jean. Though the couple had gotten together as a result of an outdoor romp with her, she had respect for a love that seemed so strong and all encompassing.

The idea that Jean had even told Scott about the affair with Logan was mind numbing. Ororo would have never guessed her friend would confess to that. She would have expected Logan to taunt Scott with it the next time their arguments turned flat out mean.
“Its ok,� Scott gave her a tight smile. “What’s meant to be will be, right?�

Ororo snorted derisively. “Who told you that?�

“You did.�

Scott stood up, taking his coffee and dropping a chaste kiss onto the top of her head. “I know where you are if I need you.�

“Anytime for any reason.�

“Yeah.�

With that, her friend left her alone in the kitchen. Thoughts of Jean and Scott and Logan swirled through her weary mind. At least something had finally driven away debilitating thoughts of Magneto away. She wondered if Jean would follow through with the divorce. If pushed, Jean could go for the jugular just as well as Logan. There was a mean streak in that woman, no matter how sweet and unassuming she appeared to be.

Sighing, Ororo glanced at the clock and decided all these thoughts could wait until later. She had a class to teach on the Civil War.

~**~

The club was throbbing with bass, walls and windows shaking under the constant bombardment. Ororo kept her hand in Scott’s as they picked their way toward the bar. She was woman enough to admit her friend looked wonderful. She was also intelligent enough to know he was proving a point, to himself and his wife.

Tight jeans molded to his long, thick legs. A tight black t-shirt only accentuated his muscular chest. His ruby-quartz glasses glinted in the flashing lights coming from the disc jockey’s booth. Scott kept her close to him, she could smell the intoxicating scent of his cologne.

If he wasn’t careful, she was likely to jump him before the night was out.

Her feelings for Logan aside, there was something inside of her that nursed an attraction to Scott. That was why his choosing Jean had hurt her so deeply. She hated to admit it, even to herself, but when Logan appeared some years ago to chase her friend’s wife, part of her hoped he would catch her. It seemed the door had been left open and she was not above stepping through it.

Most of the X-Men seemed to forget that their stoic and controlled weather witch was a woman above all other things. Logan had drilled into her head that she should not ignore the urges of her body, he continually told her that her heart would tell her what she needed.

Right now, she was telling her head to shut up. If Jean decided she wanted to be rid of Scott, there was no reason Ororo could not have some fun with an old crush.

The Professor had sent them on a mission earlier in the evening. The duo had recovered a young mutant and relocated her to the safety of the mansion. By midnight, the two were so wound up that Scott asked if she knew some place to party. Apparently, he was not as blind to her nocturnal activities with Logan as one would expect.

Scott tugged her toward the dance floor, grinning at her over his shoulder. His gaze lingered on her rather daring outfit, so she shrugged out of her leather duster, releasing his hand quickly. It might have been a trick of the light, but she was sure she caught a hint of drool coming from the side of his mouth.

She knew the song well, waving to the d-jay as she followed Scott. He waved back to her, spinning his records easily. Ororo let Scott pull her into the center of the dance floor. To her surprise he tugged her body flush against his. Their heights made dancing so close not only easy, but rather provocative. Scott’s hands found purchase on her hips and they swayed together in perfect unison.

Logan was going to kill her. And whatever was left of her body, Jean would eviscerate. Ororo turned her body so that her back was against Scott’s chest.

He dropped his face into the crook of her neck while his hands slid forward to flatten over her bare abdomen. Ororo wrapped her dark arms around his head, careful to not disturb his protective glasses.

“You know,� Scott whispered into her ear. “I was just jealous as hell that night.�

“What?� she questioned breathily over the throb of music.

“In the boathouse, when I was such a dick,� he continued, thumbs rubbing in circles over her skin. “I didn’t like it. None of these boys deserve you.�

Smiling triumphantly, Ororo turned her head to kiss his cheek. “Shut up and dance, Summers.�

They ground bodies together, bending at the knees for better contact. Scott’s “interesting� hands smoothed over curves she was sure he had long forgotten. They said nothing else as the music overtook them both. There was nothing against the friction between them. While one of her favorite male singers encouraged the club to take their clothes off, she turned to face Scott again.

His eyes, as always were hidden, but she knew his feelings from that simple grin on his face. If he was Logan, he would be able to smell the want and need pumping through her. She forced thoughts of Logan away. Thinking of him only confused her. She just wanted something to hold on to, from someone who was not reaching out for her help.

She was betraying her friend, but there was nothing she could do about it right now. She was caught up in the moment, Scott taking her back to teenage antics and the sting of a broken heart. This time, she was stronger and Jean was the odd woman out.

It would be different this time.

~**~

The sun had risen to mid-sky by the time Ororo slipped back into the boathouse. Half of her body was blessedly sore, in that positive-life-affirming way. Her clothing was in complete disarray, shoes clutched in her hands. She had no idea where her duster was and in the scramble to get out of the hotel room, she’d forgotten all about it.

Closing the boathouse door behind her, she peeked into the kitchen and sitting room, sighing in relief when Logan was nowhere to be found. She fought the lazy, sated smile on her face as she tiptoed into the boathouse. Guilt had not trickled into her thought process yet, but she was somehow sure it would make an appearance at some point.

She crept toward the staircase, dropping her shoes next to Logan’s boots. She should have noticed that none of his shoes were missing, but in reliving the previous evening, it was noted somewhere in the far back of her mind.

“Someone’s doin’ the walk of shame.�

“Logan!�

Started, Ororo looked up to see Logan leaning on the banister of the loft. He was shaking his head, grinning at her. She noticed with some trepidation that he was avoiding eye contact with her. Ascending the staircase easily, she set about unbuttoning her shirt.

“What? I was just sayin’ yer walkin’ like a fifteen-year-old sneakin’ back into her daddy’s house.�

Laughing softly, Ororo shook her head at him. Logan stepped from the banister, blocking her way from the rest of the loft.

“Logan, what are you doing?�

“Nothin’,� he said a little too quickly. “Jus’ happy ta see ya, is all.�

“Logan…� her tone held a hint of playful warning.

“Someone had a good time last night,� he teased, though his eyes still refused to meet hers. “Wasn’t that a new shirt?�

“Yes.� Her reply was curt, handing keeping the unbuttoned material closed.

“Tell me ya didn’t go all out fer Scooter?� Logan laughed heartily. “Where’d he end up when ya ditched him?

This time, she could not even bring her eyes to him. Whether she was ashamed or embarrassed or some other emotion she had yet to name, she was not sure. Logan reached out, touching her hands gently.

“Hey, what’s the…�

When he trailed off, it was to sniff slightly at the air. Ororo felt her back stiffen, knowing what was coming. It was then, however, that she realized the water was on in her bathroom.

“Logan, is someone here?�

“Forget bout that.� He grabbed her arm. “Why the hell do ya smell like Scotter?�

“Is there someone in MY HOUSE?� Ororo thundered, shrugging out of his grip.

They stood at the staircase, glaring at one another. Ororo felt her stomach sink. She had this terrible feeling that she knew exactly who was in her house, in her shower and where that woman had spent the previous night.

Ororo pushed past Logan, heedless to his soft call of her name. She let go of her shirt, letting it fall open as she found the pile of female clothing on the floor. Unable to believe her eyes, she moved toward the bathroom and pounded on the door.

“’Ro, this ain’t helpin’ anything.�

“Why? Why did you have to fuck her in our bed?� she demanded, pounding on the bathroom door again.

“Ya think I planned all this?� he replied hotly. “Yer one ta cast stones. Have a good time with yer legs around One-Eye?�

“Yes, I did!� she kicked the bathroom door, not caring that her foot screamed in pain. “But at least I respected your space enough to claw his back somewhere else.�

The bathroom door opened a moment later, revealing Jean Grey-Summers in nothing but Ororo’s blue bathroom. Her long hair was swept into a fluffy white towel and there was an astonished look on her otherwise beautiful face.

“Storm. Oh.�

“Oh?� Ororo asked, glaring at the woman. “Get out of my house. NOW!�

“Logan?� The woman addressed the man haughtily.

“Ya best leave, Jean,� he replied quietly.

“I don’t see why everyone jumps when she says to,� the telekinetic woman said as she brushed past both of them.

Ororo did not speak as Jean gathered her things and dressed quickly. Her eyes were locked onto the dark, seething orbs of her best friend. She had no right to be so upset by this, save for the fact that someone unwelcome was in her home without her knowledge.

But just the vague idea that Logan had spent the night with Jean Grey enraged her. She wanted to pummel the other mutant into dust. So violent was her reaction that it frightened her for a moment. Logan seemed teetering on the very edge of his control as well. He could likely smell the aftereffect of Scott’s presence on her.

Once she was sure Jean had left the house, Ororo took a deep breath.

“Don’t bother.� He stopped her quickly. “I’m movin’ back to the main house.�

Starting as though he had physically slapped her, Ororo reached for his arm. “No.�

“No?� he sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Somethin’ ain’t right ‘tween us anymore. Somethin’ I don’t know how ta fix.�

She nodded quickly, closing her shirt with her hands again. “I know.�

“Ya know?� He shook his head. “An’ ya think goin’ out with Scooter’s the answer?�

“Is sleeping with Jean?�

Neither of them spoke for several seconds. Ororo could feel space erupting between them with sudden and acute pain. Never before had he seemed so impossible to reach. So far and deep was the swift space between them that it seemed ever insurmountable.

“Sleep on it,� she said quietly. “Do not leave me alone. I swore I would stay with you, and I want the same in return.�

“We done fucked up, darlin’,� he responded before turning to sit on the edge of the bed. “Screwin’ a married couple? I mean, that’s gotta hold some kinda record.�

Chuckling a little at his words, she moved across the room to sit beside him. “I will admit that it was premeditated on my part. Part of me still wanted to get back at Jean.�

“Huh,� he grunted. “Shoulda expected that, ‘specially after she cornered ya couple weeks back.�

“What happened here?� she questioned softly. “How did you two…?�

Logan sighed, dropping his head into his hands. “Dunno, ‘Ro, that’s the bitch of it.�

“Go on.� She scooted a little closer, somewhat hurt when he flinched away.

“Sorry, darlin’,� he immediately apologized. “But smellin’ Summers on ya is doin’ wacky things to me. Jus’ don’t sit so close fer a while.�

Ororo stood and crossed the room to sit in the chair beside the window. As she buttoned her shirt back up, she watched her best friend struggle to speak.

“After ya went out with One-Eye, I sorta bummed around here, watchin’ a movie,� he swallowed hard. “Jean came up, startin’ goin’ on an’ on bout how she was leavin’ Scott. How good we’d be together, me an’ her. I tried ta tell her ta go home, wait fer her husband.�

“There is only so much a man can take,� Ororo finished for him. She sighed, sitting back heavily in her chair.

“Yeah.� He rewarded her with a small smile. “Next thing I know, she’s kissin’ me. Things got a little outta hand after that.�

“I am sorry,� she replied softly. “I was surprised and Jean just…�

“Makes ya crazy,� he answered. “If it’d been anyone else, ya wouldn’t have batted an eyelash.�

“Yes,� Ororo agreed. “I wonder what that girl was playing at.�

“She ain’t dumb, ‘Ro,� Logan warned. “She knew the second you an’ Scooter left that somethin’ would happen. Dunno how much of her shit I believe, but the part bout Scottie still wantin’ a roll wit you? I know it’s true.�

Ororo sighed this time, pushing the heels of her hands into her eyes. “We agreed that it was simply a one-night incident.�

“Can ya keep to it? That was some smile ya had on that face when ya came in.�

She might have been suffering from sleep deprivation, but Ororo was somehow certain Logan feared she would indeed abandon him. Did she want more from Scott? Not really. They had fun and she hoped she could convince him to let loose every now and then. But Ororo knew his heart still beat for Jean and Jean only. Once the two of them talked again, their marriage would be saved.

Or so she hoped.

Logan looked up to meet her eyes again. There was something unreadable just below the surface, something that made her heart skip and her breath catch.

“Somethin’s happenin’ between us, darlin’,� he said carefully. “Damned if I know what, but it’s there. We can’t just go on ignorin’ it, hopin’ it’ll go away.�

“We can try,� she said teasingly, giving him a faint smile.

To her pleasure, he returned the gesture.

“Sure we could, but we won’t.� He scratched at his nose idly. “Don’t want it to blow up on us while we’re workin’.�

“Hmm.� She hummed thoughtfully, then bit her lip. “What do you suggest?�

“What I’m suggestin’ can’t happen with ya smellin’ like Cyke,� he smiled to soften his words. “An’ I don’t mean that as a man thing.�

“I know.� She nodded. “We will have to wait.�

“Coupla days the scent’ll be gone, but til then…� he trailed off, sighing. “I’ve gotta sleep in the mansion. Somethin’ bout this just makes me wanna claw somethin’.�

“A-All right.� Ororo nodded, swallowing hard. She did not want to think about how lonely it would be in the boathouse without him.

She knew, however, that taunting the beast inside of him was deadly. In a few days, whatever Logan had planned would help them work things out.

What in hell was she going to do with Scott and Jean’s little mind games in the mean time?

Chapter Twelve: Landslide

Well, I’ve been afraid of changing
Cause I built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Children get older
And I’m getting older too
~Fleetwood Mac

The first thing she did was burn the bed.

Logan winced as he watched her from the back porch of the mansion. He was not ashamed when he snatched Peter’s bird watching binoculars to watch his best friend in her silent fuming.

She hauled that huge king sized bed out of her bedroom, box spring and all. Logan watched curiously as she brought lightning down on it, bursting the feather-soft mattress into flame. Obviously, he was right.

‘Ro was still pissed off.

Disgusted with himself, Logan returned the binoculars to Colossus watching as his friend headed back into the house. A couple of days alone would be good for them, or so he kept telling himself. They had both been through a lot, evidenced by their little tumbles with a married couple. Leaning on the railing of the porch, he dropped his head forward and arched his back, stretching from head to toe.

Whatever was happening around here was driving him insane. Pain was so alive inside of him that it nearly drove him directly back to ‘Ro’s boathouse. He was starting to not give a damn that she smelled like sex and Scooter. The beast roaring inside him begged to be released, to claim what was rightfully his. The man in him knew better.

Shuddering as he replayed the previous night in his mind, he felt the need to bleach his skin and take off the first several layers with a Brillo pad. What the hell had he been thinking? What had she been thinking? He was content letting Ororo have the evening out with Scott while he watched another action flick and worked his way through a six-pack. It was nice to have some alone time once in a while, after all.

Then Jean had knocked on the damn door. Had he not scented the salt of her tears on the air, he would have ignored the imploring call of his name and insistent knocking. Why hadn’t he just continued to ignore her?

Jean had plopped down on ‘Ro’s sofa, making him more nervous than ever. ‘Ro could handle seeing the Professor on her sofa, maybe even Scooter before the fight. Betsy and Warren were always welcome. Jean? Not so much. He knew he was playing with fire, and while he felt next to nothing romantic or lustful for the beautiful red head, he still had a soft spot for her a mile wide.

She’d gone on and on about her marital problems, which only made him more glad that he’d not put up a fight when Ororo said she and Scott were going out. With the benefit of hindsight, he should have. It should have been ‘Ro snuggling with him on the sofa. Jean never would have appeared late at night in the boathouse if she believed Ororo to be there.

Wait a sec…

Jean had known Ororo was gone, though she claimed that Scott had gone AWOL on her. If ‘Ro took five minutes to let Logan know where she was going, it was a fair bet that One-Eye hadn’t slipped out the backdoor either. The porch railing groaned under the pressure from Logan’s hands.

He’d been played. Masterfully. Jean had wanted to get back at Ororo just as his best friend was looking to get in a dig. He was caught in a feminine war that he’d never signed up for. What the hell was between those two?

Deciding he would go to the source, Logan pushed away from the railing and slipped back into the house. Warren and Betsy were in the kitchen and called a greeting to him. He grunted in response, knowing they would catch the hint that he wasn’t in the mood for shooting the shit with them. They would never take it personally.

Logan stomped through the mansion, continually sniffing the air. The rational side of him, that for some reason always sounded like Ororo’s voice, reminded him that he was a grown man and sleeping with Jean had been his decision. Logan’s snarling reply was that she’d gone and got naked before he could stop her. Any man had limits to his control.

The scent of roses took him into the private teacher’s lounge, which was Jean’s space when she wanted to be alone. Logan broke the lock with his fist. Anger boiled in his veins. One thing he could never take was the very idea that someone was playing games with him. It was something Ororo rarely attempted. The last time she’d toyed with his affections, she’d had to spend the next several weeks tracking him down in northern Canada. That trip was the catalyst. When they’d become best friends. He wasn’t losing her to some female mind game played between two women.

“Logan!�

“Shut up.� Logan barked at the red head, slamming what was left of the door behind him.

“What are you doing in here?�

“I said shut up,� he roared in reply.

She looked as innocent and sweet as ever. Logan snorted to himself. Jean was anything but innocent. He’d known his fair share of manipulative people in his life and Jean could top them all. He told himself that looking at her was an immediate path to madness.

Her long hair was free around her shoulders. That was his weakness; he loved long hair on women, something to bury hands in. His fingers clenched into tight fists, trying to not remember the previous night.

At least he’d retained enough of his dignity to not kiss her on the mouth. God, just the sight of her was turning his stomach. He really needed a shower.

“What the hell’s goin’ on, Jean?� he demanded, leaning on the table she sat at to pin her with his gaze.

Jean recoiled slightly, though her back stiffened. He could smell the vague hint of fear wafting through the fresh roses. There was a time when he thought her fear of him was because she felt something for him that wasn’t proper for an engaged – and later married – woman. Until recently, he never guessed that she was afraid he would snap or harm her in some way.

She didn’t know him at all.

“I don’t know what you mean,� she replied. Jean tossed her hair flippantly, which added fuel to his already flaming anger.

“Oh, I think ya do,� he growled lowly. “Ya don’t never come round the boathouse ‘less ya know ‘Ro ain’t there.�

“She went out last night, of course I knew that,� Jean said evenly.

“Uh-huh, an’ ya knew she was out with Scooter.� Logan leaned closer. “So, what was the game, eh? Thought ya’d get a decent fuck out of it jus’ ta get under ‘Ro’s skin?�

Her cheeks pinked slightly, giving her an air of innocence that was difficult to resist. Logan assumed she was still playing with him, a woman like that always knew how to make herself seem the innocent party. But the more Logan thought about it, the more he figured he and Cyclops were both on the wrong side of a war they would never understand.

“It wasn’t that,� she said, tears in her bright green eyes. “I thought you’d be pleased that I was choosing you.�

Logan blinked at her for a moment, then threw his head back and laughed. He slapped his hand on the table as his shoulders shook with uncommon mirth.

“If ya still think I’m competetin’ for ya, yer a worse telepath than Rogue.�

She startled as though he’d physically struck her. “Logan.�

“What?� Still laughing, he pushed away from the table to watch her carefully. “Jus’ cause I talk different don’t mean I’m slow, girl.�

Silence stretched between them as brown eyes locked onto clear green. A whirl of emotions she had not quite hidden flickered behind that emerald gaze. Logan could almost see her mind trying to work out a feasible excuse for her behavior. He knew exactly what she would come up with.

“You could have said no.�

He’d been exactly right, of course. Sometimes that woman was easier to read than a car part manual. “I haven’t wanted ya fer a long time, Jean. If ya’ve been scannin’ surface thoughts, ya know that. Best I can figure is ya knew Scott was gonna do ‘Ro, so you thought ya’d one up her.�

Jean dropped her gaze to the dinged and scuffed tabletop.

“I’m right, huh?�

“You could have resisted,� she defended lamely. “ To be honest, I thought you’d put up more of a fight.�

“Ouch,� he said sarcastically, putting a hand over his heart. “Come on. Ya stripped down an’ jumped me. Not many men can resist that an’ I’m more animal than most.�

The woman opposite him wove her arms over her chest, raising her gaze again to meet his. Logan detected faint hurt and bruised pride beneath all of her defensive posturing. He figured that Jean had always come first in the mansion. She was not used to being the one easily cast aside.

Though he hated to admit it to himself, ‘Ro had obviously gotten under the other mutant’s skin. Jean may have not wanted Logan, but she still wanted to be wanted by him. The feminine art of competition was something he knew he would never truly grasp. But Jean having both Scott and Logan’s affections had likely made her feel powerful.

In a short span of time, Ororo had completely undone years of her work. It pissed him off that ‘Ro would stoop to such a level. He had to remind himself of something he told his best friend all the time. She was a woman, pure and simple. Sometimes she needed to act the part.

Granted, this wasn’t exactly what he’d had in mind.

He sighed this time, running a hand through the wolfish peaks of his hair. Jean’s bottom lip was trembling in that irritating way, so he ignored her as much as he could while lost in his thoughts.

“Jus’…� He sighed. “I don’t want ya, Jean. I got over it a long time ago.�

“No one wants me,� she said forlornly.

“Scooter does,� Logan interjected pointedly. “Yer the one that started the mind games, you an’ ‘Ro.�

“So why aren’t you yelling at her?�

“Oh, I will.� He flashed her a feral grin. “Trust me on that.�

~**~

Logan’s first morning back in the mansion brought Westchester’s first snowfall of the season. Awaking to the bright sunlight reflected off of the thick blanket covering the grounds, Wolverine moved to the window to look out at it.

He always slept with the window open now. Years of falling asleep in Ororo’s boathouse had conditioned certain sleeping patterns. The window was always open, allowing whatever nature had decided was set for the day inside. ‘Ro would always smile in the cold, as though she thrived on it. Should there be wind and rain, her mood was slightly melancholy.

Though it was still early, most of the school’s children were outside in the weekend chill, rolling around in the snow like dogs. He smiled when Rogue and Iceman promptly started a snowball fight, succeeding in pelting one another in the face. They all looked so damned innocent playing in the morning air.

Yawning, Logan scratched at his elbow and moved into the bathroom he shared with Peter. The young man was likely in the training room already. Logan wondered if the kid even knew how to have fun. He always seemed so damn serious.

After brushing his teeth and taking a quick shower, Logan headed downstairs to see what he could find for breakfast. A sudden yearning for Ororo’s banana pancakes nearly sent him to the boathouse, but he was determined to give her another day or so. Much to his surprise, Betsy was already in a cooking frenzy when he reached the kitchen.

Blinking in surprise at plates of fat sausages, fried potatoes, eggs of every variety and thick slabs of buttered toast, he touched her on the arm.

“What’s goin’ on here, Bets?�

The Asian woman smiled warmly, her clipped British accent still seeming a little strange from such exotic features. “Breakfast. Get yourself a plate before the kids come in and eat it all.�

Logan gratefully loaded his plate with as much food as he dared, the slid into the stool at the breakfast bar to watch Betsy in action.

“Where’s Angelcake?� he asked around a mouthful of sausage.

“Outside,� she replied sweetly. “Making snow angels.�

Logan snorted at that mental image.

“I know, silly innit?� She laughed that soft, sweet laughter he knew well. “He’s having a good time, though, that’s what counts.�

He accepted the glass of orange juice she handed to him, washing down a hefty swallow of eggs and toast. “I guess.�

“You ok, love?� she questioned, taking several more sausages from a sizzling skillet.

Meeting her soft blue eyes over the feast spread out on the bar, Logan shrugged one shoulder.

“ Ponderin’ the mystery that is woman.�

“Ah.� Betsy turned off the rest of the stove burners, coming to sit across from him. “What have they got you turned round bout now?�

He contemplated not saying anything for a minute, but he knew Betsy. Four years ago, ‘Ro and Logan had accompanied Psylocke and Angel on a mission in Australia. The foursome had run into several problems, winding up out of contact with the X-Men and holed up in a mutant prison. Since then, he had always felt close to the other two X-Men, feeling their separation acutely when the couple returned to Britain.

“Tell me somethin’, Bets.� Logan watched as she loaded a plate for herself. “Why is it women have to play games with each other? Mixin’ up everyone else?�

Her blue eyes shifted from soft to sharp in an instant. She was looking at him with that same penetrating gaze that reminded him of ‘Ro. Betsy seemed to contemplate her answer, chewing daintily on a bite of her sausage.

“The need to compete is ingrained in us from birth, Wolverine,� she said at last. “We are constantly competing for men, for jobs, beauty. Even – perhaps especially – among close friends and siblings, that horrible need to be the best, brightest, most wanted, and lovely eclipses everything else.�

“Why?�

She shrugged one delicate shoulder. “I cannot say, really. If you find yourself between two strong willed women, things can easily spiral out of control. The important thing, mate, is to be sure you don’t get caught up in it.�

“I don’t know what the hell’s goin’ on, Bets,� Logan ran a hand over his hairy chin. “Ya talked ta ‘Ro yet?�

“Oh yes,� Betsy sighed. “I got the entire torrid story. She did not think you would mind.�

“Naw,� he agreed. “I don’t wanna relive it.�

“I do not blame you,� her voice held the hint of repressed laughter. “Ororo is perhaps one of the most restrained women I have ever known. After you were injured, at the hands of a man she once called father…�

“Ya think this is just a reaction?� Logan questioned incredulously.

“Yes,� Betsy stated immediately. “She is confused and has lashed out in every other way. Someone has to show her that she is worthy of love, and of life.�

More confused than ever, Logan leaned his elbows on the tiled bar to peer more closely at his friend. Betsy continued eating for a moment, as she normally did. His young friend seemed to adore pausing to ensure her words were penetrating whomever she was talking to.

“Ya think it’s a cry for attention?�

“No,� she replied sagely. “I believe your best mate is trying to find a balance. Neither of you have faced the fact that your nearly immortal arse was almost toast. Neither of you have dealt with the ramifications of Magneto’s attack outside of X-Men applications. She is lashing out externally. You are bottling everything up and truly believing that you have faced it all.�

Logan blinked at her owlishly. This was a little more in-depth than he had expected over breakfast. He suddenly felt as though he were talking to Hank instead of sweet Betsy. Shaking his head to clear it, Logan spread his hands.

“Huh?�

Betsy rolled her blue eyes, flicking a lock of that shiny black hair over her shoulder.

“You are both confused and acting out because you don’t have the bollocks to just admit that you aren’t immortal and she isn’t infallible.�

“What about Jean?� Logan questioned quietly.

“Not even I know what in hell that woman’s thinking on a good day. And Scott? He had a seven-year itch that Ororo scratched.�

Blood boiling at the crude comment, Logan shot the Asian woman a reproachful look. She shrugged one shoulder, clearly unperturbed by it.

“Well, o wise one, what do I do?�

“Go to the boathouse and shag Ororo senseless?� She smiled sweetly, making Logan smile even against his will.

“Think that’ll help the whole confusion thing, eh?�

“No, not really.� Betsy reached across the table to squeeze his hand. “Look, it’s not rocket science. She blames herself, Logan. Somewhere under all that ice cold exterior, she is looking for punishment and lashing out to make someone fill that need.�

Logan frowned thoughtfully. “The runnin’ off, screwin’ Scott…things that would make me mad at her. She wants me pissed off.�

“But perhaps she doesn’t know she is doing it intentionally. She is confused.� Betsy patted his hand. “The other two idiots just took advantage of the situation.�

He slid from the stool to kiss Betsy’s cheek, thanking her in a quiet tone. Knowing she wouldn’t think less of him, Logan headed toward the back door.

~**~

He snuck out to the boathouse late that same evening, still unsure of what he was going to do about all of this. Even armed with the information overload Psylocke had gifted him with, he wasn’t quite sure how to handle her.

But he couldn’t stay away. Logan perched in the thick oak tree that almost reached the wide windows of her loft. Ororo was cleaning, something she usually did to take her mind off something that was bothering her. She had one of her “New Age� discs in the stereo. Throbbing African drums and chanting were not something he considered music, but he knew it soothed her.

She was so damn beautiful. Watching her had been one of his favorite sports for some years now. He could see the soft sway to her body as she smoothed a mop over the hard wood of her floors. She had stolen more of his clothing, which made his smile widen.

In the last two hours, his best friend had folded laundry, cleaned the oven, and dusted the light sconces. So much attention to detail was usually reserved for spring, when she aired her home out after the long winter.

Tugging his coat more closely around him, Logan brushed a few snowflakes from his face, enjoying the cold even as it bit at his exposed flesh. He straddled the thick branch without problem, knowing that even if she caught him, he wouldn’t be in any trouble. Ororo was far more likely to join him than scream.

She made her way through the bedroom, easily cleaning the floors. Once she was finished, a warm breeze swept through the room, evidenced by the stirring of her clothing and braided hair. His friend put all of her things away, then climbed into the new bed she had picked up with Peter the previous afternoon.

Sharp eyes watched as she doused every light except the one on her nightstand. A book found it’s way into her long-fingered hands. She was rereading an old favorite, a fantasy novel he knew was from her favorite author: Terry Brooks. The binding of the hardcover novel was worn from numerous readings.

Ororo was smiling at the book and Logan recalled several occasions when she would read to him in the soft light, his head resting on her tummy. He missed that with an ache in his chest that eclipsed everything else. He yearned to be in that room with her, to feel that body against him.

Contact.

That’s what she had always given him. Someone to fight with, talk to, touch when the world seemed hell bent on swirling the drain. Ororo often referred to him as her port in a storm, but he conceded that it was probably the other way around. She was an anchor.

And he was watching her slip away from him. Every day, something between them died a little. He wanted her in so many ways it was insane. In the years before now, he never thought of this wonderful person as a potential mate. Now, that was all he could see.

Steadfast friendship and violent passion…such things were not supposed to exist in a world so jaded by mistrust and greed. But it was looking him in the face right now. He could live in this little house with this amazing person and never be left wanting.

“To hell with this.�

Logan grunted to himself, the stood on the branch on which he perched. The wide windows were open, as they were always. He hopped from the branch onto the thick ledge outside the window. The window opened outward, leaving him enough room to slide inside.

She did not even look surprised. Logan shrugged out of his coat, kicked off his boots and made his way toward the bed. The sheets were the color of dark chocolate, different than the light blue she normally selected. He decided it fit her, this rich, romantic hue.

Ororo smiled when he shimmed out of his pants, leaving him in only the t-shirt he’d donned that morning and a pair of loose boxers. He slipped under the feather-soft covers and shifted until he could lay his head on her belly.

One of those wonderful hands immediately began to stroke through the thick masses of his hair, and he wrapped his arms around her. She smelled of rain and the fresh scent of snow. Not even the harsh cleansers she’d been using could mask it. Sometime in the last few minutes, she had turned the stereo off, likely with the remote she carried around the house.

Without a word between them, ‘Ro began to read from her book, picking up without missing a beat. Logan let her soothing voice wash over him, the words from her favorite author barely penetrating the laze in which he lay with her. Nothing in the world could beat this moment.

The beast inside him slumbered, though it rumbled lowly that he had to claim her, that she was meant to be his. Logan knew they both had issues to deal with, but if there was one thing he was good at, it was putting things off. It could wait. He wanted one moment of peace with this woman.

His best friend. Companion. Love.

Above all things, Ororo had always been unfailingly loyal to him. She had faith in him, even at his darkest hour. That was something no other could ever give. He did not know what he’d done to deserve such a treasure, but he was not going to look that gift horse in the mouth.

Lulled by her voice, Logan drifted into sleep.

~**~

He woke with a start. The room was dark and for a moment, he didn’t know what had woken him. Shaking his head, Logan felt for the warm body that was supposed to be beside his.

Had it been a dream? He remembered coming to watch ‘Ro for a while, to see how she was doing. Was he outside?

No. The sheets were warm beside him and smelled of his best friend. So where was she?

Logan shot out of bed, fumbling for the light switch on the lamp beside him. It was rare that she so much as breathed wrong in her sleep without him knowing about it. On the few nights that his nightmares consumed him, she was always beside him when he woke. There were times – so few he barely counted them – that he slept so deeply, so peacefully that nothing could rouse him.

“’Ro?� He called into the darkness. “Darlin’?�

“Here.�

Her soft call came from the other end of the room, one shrouded with the thick shadows of late night. Fearing she was sick or hurt in some way, Logan scrambled across the room to her.

Ororo’s face was wet with tears and the cordless phone handset was clutched in white-knuckled hands. Logan cupped that beautiful face with his palms, his sharp eyes able to detect the quivering frown on those lush lips. Tears ran unchecked down her face.

“Baby? What is it?�

She tried to speak twice, succeeding in only whimpering. Logan shushed her, drawing her completely into his arms. He rocked her gently, rubbing her back and ignoring the fact that the phone was digging into his rib cage. Had Magneto regained his memory and escaped? Had something happened to one of the X-Men?

“Logan,� she whispered brokenly.

He pulled back to meet her eyes again. “What is it, baby?�

“I…� She swallowed hard. “It’s Charles.�

Chapter Thirteen: Grief

Nobody ever said that life was gonna be fair
You’re never going to get nowhere by running scared
If you look down deep inside you'll find
The faith to make you strong
Carry on
~Tim McGraw

“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pasture, He leadeth me beside still waters, He restoreth my soul. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his namesake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for thou art with me.�

Ororo stood woodenly, her hand gripping Logan’s to the point of pain. Though heavy clouds swirled above, darkening the sky and joined by distant rumbling of thunder, she would not allow her emotions to pour from the heavens. On the hilltop just north of the mansion, beneath his favorite sycamore, beloved friends and family gathered to bid their leader farewell.

“Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.�

When the prayer was finished, she could hear several of the gathered mourners sniffling weekly, some openly weeping. Grief was as thick on the air as the scent of rain before a storm. Nothing and no one seemed the same in the wake of such a tragic loss.

“We are gathered here together to pay final respects to Charles Xavier. Philanthropist, leader, beloved friend; Charles was a man of incredible vision and endless patience.�

As the preacher continued, Ororo chanced to look around at the assembled mourners. Many of the children had opted to take their Christmas vacation early, leaving those closer to Charles to mourn him in peace.

A thin blanket of snow still covered the ground, but Ororo ensured that her family would not become overly chilled in the winter day. They would all be provided with enough time to bury their mentor – the father of the X-Men and their dream – if it was the last thing she ever did.

Logan’s strength had not waned in the last week. Though their problems were only pushed aside in the aftermath of such tragedy, they would have to address them eventually. Now, however, was not the time. There was nothing either of them could say that would not be tinged by pain.

The night Logan had surprised her by appearing in the loft was remembered with both sorrow and relief. While he had slept so peacefully beside her, Scott and Jean were in deep discussions with the late Professor. They had spoken on all manner of topics that evening, from school business to the personal crisis his four core X-Men were currently enveloped in.

Nothing had prepared the Summers for the swift hand of death. As Scott later told Ororo in confidence, Charles had never even completed his final words.

“Scott, I believe the four of you should…�

That was the last thing he would ever tell them. No warning, no lingering to say goodbye to those he had loved throughout his too-short life. He merely grimaced and put a hand to his bald head. A moment later, Scott and Jean realized something was very wrong with their friend.

An aneurysm had apparently worked its way to Charles’ brain, leaving no symptoms or even hints that the fatal condition was even there. When it ruptured, the doctors told them all that Charles had been dead in the space between two heartbeats. There was nothing anyone could have done.

Of course, that knowledge did not stop each and every one of them for casting blame on themselves.

Now, gathered on this lonesome hilltop, they were made to say goodbye before they were quite ready. None of the X-Men had ever given a thought to what they would do should Charles leave them. Ororo herself had always seen him as larger than life, something no man or even God could take away. Her faith, what little remained after events of the last months, had deserted her.

She had only Logan to rely on. His massive hand squeezed hers as the preacher droned on. Glancing at him, she thought she caught the hint of tears in his eyes, but it could have been a trick of the light. Ororo weakly tightened her fingers around his, while her control slipped just a little more.

When she cast another glance around the assembled group, her eyes landed on Jean. While Scott moved to give his eulogy, Jean was left alone. That beautiful face was blotchy from frequent crying and Ororo knew this was not one of her friend’s games. Above all things, Jean loved Charles as she did; as the father neither had ever dreamed of having.

“I must go to her,� Ororo said softly to Logan even as Jean’s shoulders began to shake.

He glanced in the direction of Jean, sympathy written clearly on his rugged face.

“Go on, darlin’.�

Releasing his hand, Ororo slipped through the crowd until she came to the front row. Jean turned, as though sensing her, and it was as if nothing had happened between them. She allowed Ororo to take her into her arms, rocking her as those impossibly slender shoulders trembled.

Jean wept onto her shoulder and Ororo found herself unable to maintain her ruthless hold on the elements. Hot, salty tears slipped down her face and the accompanying rain drenched the area around them.

No one cried out in surprise or turned their attention from Scott’s broken voice as he told them all of Charles, of his love for the man that had molded him. Jean held on to her, though they were both soaked in mere seconds. She spoke quietly with her mind, apologizing for things Ororo could not understand as grief consumed her.

She knew only that, for a moment, she and Jean were as they once were. Friends, sisters, bound together by circumstance and love neither of them had ever addressed nor understood. Taking hold of that moment with both hands, Ororo tightened her grip, listening as Scott recounted some of Charles more shining moments.

Time slipped by her unnoticed. Jean was quiet at last, in her mind and vocally, though her violent trembling had not ceased. The rain did not pour from the skies, but drifted in a gentle drizzle, ensuring that the earth would not wash away as Charles was lain to his eternal rest.

Finally, as the preacher and mourners cleared away from the fresh mound, Ororo pulled back from her friend. Jean’s chin quivered helplessly and her eyes were filled with sorrow Ororo could only understand in her heart.

“I want him back.� Was all she could say before Scott appeared to collect her.

Logan’s hands found Ororo’s shoulders as she watched the troubled couple move away, their arms linked together intimately. The sight caused her more pain, knowing that their love could overcome any evil, any hurt.

She was not sure who Jean had spoken of. Scott? Charles? Did it matter? Overcome with sadness, Ororo resisted Logan’s entreating and comforting embrace to stare at Charles’ headstone.

The ornately carved marble seemed to mock her. Though she was alone with Logan on the sopping hill, she whispered as though telling a secret.

“You swore.�

A choked sob escaped her throat.

“You SWORE!�

She collapsed on the wet ground, not caring that her black dress was soon caked with mud. A shaking hand reached for the cold stone, upon which her beloved mentor’s name was so elegantly chiseled.

“You said you would never leave me,� she sobbed brokenly. “Come back. I promise, I will do anything you ask, just return. Charles…please.�

The weeping skies shattered with a resonating crash. Thunder boomed and echoed as lightning slashed the heavens. Heavy, fat raindrops fell in roaring harmony around the woman that controlled it all.

Losing Erik was hard. Parting with Charles was almost more than she could bear.

Two impossibly strong arms encircled her, an anchor on a hurricane sea. Turning toward Logan, she could only beg him in childlike whimpers to make it all go away, to take the pain from her wounded heart.

“Can’t do it, darlin’,� he replied in an emotion-thick voice. “But ya know I would if I could.�

“I cannot leave him.� She replied, scooting until she was cradled in his lap, forcing him to sit on the muddied ground.

“We’ll stay a while, ‘Ro.� He brushed his lips across her forehead. “I’m here. I won’t leave ya.�

He shifted her suddenly limp body until her back molded to his chest, so she could stare at the hateful mound of earth where Charles rested forever more. Logan rocked her softly, whispering consolingly into her ear as the rain fell around them.

~**~

The day following the funeral, Scott called the adult X-Men into the Professor’s office. Ororo had agreed with him; the terms of Xavier’s last will and testament would have to be made known sooner rather than later.

Lawyers had flooded the school early that same morning. Cyclops had called upon her, citing that Charles left instructions that the will was to be given to Scott and Ororo, his heirs.

Surprised that she played a role in Charles’ last wishes, she had come immediately from her seclusion in the boathouse, asking that Logan wait for her there. She knew her emotions were touch and go at best, but reading the final words of their mentor could not be borne alone.

Charles had, of course, left everything to Scott. The mansion, the school, the X-Men were all now his responsibility. This came as no surprise. Charles had never hidden the fact that he spent many years grooming Cyclops to take the reins when he passed on. No one had expected it to happen so soon, but she was sure he had made the right decision.

The boathouse and the land surrounding it were left to Ororo. Letters to each of his X-Men were to be distributed when they were informed of the particulars of the will. Ororo had hers in her pocket already, Logan’s clutched in one hand as Scott sent the message to meet him.

Scott had ordered the lawyers to begin the proceedings to put the school under his control, which would take a few months. Until then, they agreed that the school could operate, so long as regular progress reports were made. The teachers would likely escape a formal review, for Charles had a long arm, even in death.

Before the X-men assembled, Cyclops moved to the chair beside her.

“Erik will be allowed out of Muir Island, under heavy guard, to attend the public memorial for Charles next week. I think you should…�

“Stay here and behave myself?� she teased as lightly as she could.

“Well, I wasn’t going to come out and say that, but yes,� he said with a weak smile.

“I have no pressing need to watch politicians and other government officials pretend to mourn. I will remain here,� she agreed, clearing her throat.

“Thanks,� he sighed. “I don’t want to go, but I don’t think I have a choice.�

“You could call in sick.�

“Mental health day?�

“Exactly.�

Their banter, while easy and friendly as always, was still tinged with sorrow. Ororo looked back at her hands, shuffling Logan’s farewell letter with the deed to her very own property. Her blue eyes shone with unshed tears again.

For many years, she had told her beloved friend that she dreamed of owning her own home, her own land. When he had given her permission to remodel the boathouse, it was with the promise that one day she could buy the home and surrounding land from him.

Over the months and eventually years, the arrangement was forgotten, at least on her part. She had thought that, perhaps, he would will it to her. Evidence was as hard to take as the headstone the day before. She had her home; he had fulfilled that promise to her now.

“He always said he’d give it to you,� Scott said as though reading her thoughts.


“That he did,� she agreed softly. “And he nearly always kept his promises.�

Scott’s light brown brow rose above the edge of his ruby-quartz lenses.

“Nearly?�

She sighed, fingering the slim envelope bearing Logan’s name in that achingly familiar script. What had he said to Logan, knowing it would be the final words? What was so important that he needed to ensure Wolverine would one day know it, even posthumously?

“He promised he would never leave us. Me.�

Her friend surprised her, yet again, by scoffing loudly. “Not much for faith, are you?�

Ororo sighed, her heart and mind so tired from the last few months that she feared anymore pressure would cause spontaneous explosion.

“What do you mean by that?�

“He lives on, Oreo,� he said quietly, using a long-abandoned endearment. “In you, in me, those kids, this school…the dream. That’s what you need to hold on to. He’s still here, in some form. He loves us all too much to leave us unattended.�

Touched by such a spiritual sentiment from a usually grounded man, Ororo leaned over to embrace him quickly. He returned the gesture, holding her tightly, as though needing an anchor even with so much grim determination.

“Thank you,� she whispered, kissing his cheek.

“Anything for you, Storm. You know that.�

When they parted, Ororo shifted away, hearing the telltale sounds of the other X-Men – Betsy and Logan in particular – coming toward the office. Everything was muted in the aftermath of the Professor’s untimely death, even conversations were hushed, from respect or sorrow, she was unsure.

Before the others joined them, Scott took Ororo’s hand, making her turn to him curiously.

“Jean and I…�

She immediately held up a hand, old wounds bleeding into the new. There was one thing Ororo Munroe did well, and that was covering her feelings. Left raw by Charles’ departure, she was not eager to rehash everything between Jean, Logan, Scott and herself. Time would scab the wounds over again, leaving them forgotten for another decade or so.

Ororo was the master at hiding pain. She would push it aside, put on a smiling face and fool everyone…with the exception being Logan. Perhaps.

“I am glad you two have decided to give your marriage another chance,� she said, inflecting sincerity she did not truly feel into her voice. “You have not hurt me, Scott. I promise.�

Mentally crossing her fingers behind her back, she turned in her chair to greet her best friend as the office door opened. Scott need never know that a second rejection – at least that was how it felt in any case – was more hurtful than the first. He and Jean need never know that her torn heart could take no more and wanted desperately to simply ice over as a shallow lake in high winter.

No one need ever know the secrets of her heart. She would lock it all away along with Erik and Charles and her departed parents. It got a little easier every time.

Perhaps one day she would find a way to fool Logan. From the look on his beautiful face, he was not deceived in the slightest. He came across the room, flanked by Betsy and Warren, completely demanding that her attention on Cyclops cease immediately. Logan was nothing if not overprotective.

She allowed him his interference, slowly handing him the envelope bearing his name. He took it, a confused furrow creasing his brows until his dark eyes caught the elegant handwriting.

This time, it was not a trick of the light or her own heightened emotions playing tricks with her. Unshed tears shone in her friend’s eyes. Pain, so deep and profound she suddenly felt hers dwarfed completely, filled those ebony pools. Heart aching for him, she watched as he gingerly, lovingly folded the letter and placed it in his pocket for safekeeping.

He looked up when he was finished, giving her a mournful half-smile. Charles had touched him deeply, perhaps more than they had ever known. Logan once told her, on the long trip in Japan, that “Chuck� was the first person to ever treat him as a human being. At least to his shattered memory. Losing that link was a deep, bleeding wound, more painful than losing that metallic skeleton.

As his companion, she reached out to take his hand, hiding the rather public display of affection from the prying eyes of the X-Men. He caressed her fingers lightly, reassuring her.

They turned their attention to the meeting without a word between them.

~**~

“I can’t open it.�

Ororo looked up from the floor, where she was searching for an elusive pink bunny slipper. Logan sat on the edge of her bed, bare-chested and beautiful as ever. He stared in a sort of wondrous horror at the innocent envelope in his hands.

Half hidden by the bed, under which she could not locate aforementioned slipper, she grimaced. Logan confided in her just moments ago that no one he cared about had died, that he could remember. Charles was a lifeline between the often-ferocious Wolverine and the other X-Men.

From this wild man Charles had not-so-gently shaped a caring if somewhat gruff hero and school teacher. Through careful teachings and sometimes blunt behavior, Xavier gave her the best friend she could imagine and fitted the world with a man dedicated to a future he might never live to see.

Ororo knew something about that. But where she had decades under Charles’ subtle guidance, Logan was robbed of that time. As a clever fox in an unguarded henhouse, Death had taken away the only authority Wolverine answered to. Ororo grieved for him, knowing intimately the type of pain he would have to endure.

“No one says you must read it now, the pain is still fresh,� she said gently, abandoning her search for the missing slipper.

When she stood, Logan was sighing. His breath shook as it left his lungs and for one terrifying moment, Ororo realized she would witness him break. Hundreds of times she had seen Logan injured, incapacitated, without clothing. Now, she would see him naked. Vulnerable.

The very idea that he was as human and fallible as she was frightening.

And yet, part of her had waited for this moment since her tearful admission that night one week ago. She awaited the time when Logan’s resolve to seem aloof and apart would break, that he would reach for her to receive comfort, in lieu of giving. Though her mind had braced for this moment, the raw sound of Logan’s first sob broke her heart.

She was by his side in seconds, enveloping him in her arms and easing him back onto the bed. He curled into her embrace, still clutching that unread letter in massive hands. Wide shoulders shook with his grief and Ororo effortlessly stepped into the role those years together afforded her. She comforted him softly, crooning soothing words into his ears as his body wracked with pain against hers.

It took perhaps minutes, or hours, or even several days for the tide of Logan’s grief to ebb. She rocked him as gently as she could, ensuring that he could feel her presence both emotionally and physically. There would be nothing more between them; for this was the only side of her beloved friend that she had never seen.

He was raw. Fractured. Exposed for the world to see.

Ororo knew that he kept this side of him from her out of that soul-deep need to protect himself. Not a single part of her blamed him for that need. She understood something of hiding oneself from the world, after all.

When, at last, he was still in her arms, he propped his head on her shoulder. Those dark eyes held hers and he silently brought his letter up. Steady fingers reverently slipped the seal open, allowing him to remove the papers held within.

Without waiting for her to ask if he wanted to be alone, he began to read.

“Logan,

How does one begin a letter they know will be read by the addressee only after death? Perhaps I will simply begin by saying how very happy I am that you came into my life. Yes, I believe that is a proper opening.

I am more than happy to have met you, Logan. In all my years, I have met few mutants I wanted to help more. The woman beside you is one of them and I have never feared that either of you would be alone since your first meeting. I have such high hopes for you, my friend, and I do not doubt you will more than exceed my expectations.
I write this letter for one reason and one only. Perhaps I have said this by now, but in case I have not, I must say what my other X-Men – my children – have known for many years.

I have loved you as a son these long years, Logan. When I first located you, sent Cyclops and Storm to retrieve you, I never thought I would gain another family member. I will not have said this before, but I began your training as a selfish maneuver to repent for previous sins.

In the end, I learned so much more from you. I hope that I taught you many things and that even after my death, you will remain with those that count you among family. I entrust Scott with the school, but I trust only you to care for my family.

Take care of that family, Wolverine. Care for beloved Ororo as only you can. Even if the dream is abandoned, I hope that you can protect the family I have built and loved as no other.

You were wrong in the belief that none can love you. I did, I do, and that experience changed my life. I can only hope that you will understand that someday.

Be well, my son,

Chuck�

Stunned by her late mentor’s honesty, Ororo did not notice the tears wetting her face until rain pelted the open windows. She blinked, coming out of a stupor in which she imagined Charles’ face while writing such a loving letter. Glancing at her friend, she noted the soft, almost tender look upon his face and smiled sadly.

“He loved me,� Logan grunted after a moment.

“Of course he did.� She replied softly, tenderly stroking his cheek with the pad of her thumb.

“Never had anyone say that, dead or alive,� he went on. His eyes danced over the paper again, obviously rereading the contents.

“I say that to you,� she defended, nudging him playfully.

“Well, yeah, but yer a girl. Ya love anyone.�

Rolling her eyes heavenward, she shook her head. “You are impossible.�

“Read yers,� he nudged back. “I bared my soul, s’only fair.�

Ororo shook her head, looking toward the dresser where hers was safely tucked into the jewelry box Logan had carved for her.

“Not tonight, please,� she whispered. “I cannot.�

“Shh,� he nodded, kissing her cheek. “S’alright, we’ll save it fer later.�

He slid from her embrace, leaving her arms with an empty feeling. She watched as he moved across the room, opening the box bearing her name and slipping his carefully folded letter inside it with hers. Logan did not turn to face her for several moments, simply gazing out of the windows and into the starry night sky.

“I wish I had somethin’ ta fight,� he said gruffly. “This brain thing…it ain’t right. I’ve got nothin’ ta revenge against. Don’t feel right.�

Understanding more than he likely guessed, she slipped out of bed as well. Standing beside him, she rested her hands on the dresser as well. They stared out into the ink-black sky, as they had so many other times.

“Ain’t right, a man jus’ leavin’ like that,� Logan went on. “Didn’t get ta say goodbye or anythin’. I don’t wanna go like that. I wanna have time ta say what I need ta say.�

“We do not always have a choice, Logan,� Ororo replied softly.

“Yeah.�

They lapsed back into silence. Unfortunately, Ororo knew something was coming, so the silence on her end was less than comfortable. Logan never spoke such a way unless he was thinking about something unpleasant. Charles’ death took it’s toll on her, but she knew his faith was always fragile at best.

She hoped she could talk him out of anything rash.

“I’m resignin’.�

Hope dashed.

“What?�

He turned to face her, grabbing her arms roughly, though not painfully.

“I can’t do it,� he whispered hotly. “Knowin’ I nearly died, twice, on missions…that you woulda been left all alone? It tears me up. Ya lost Erik, ya lost Chuck, I ain’t goin’ out like that.�

Flabbergasted, Ororo immediately flustered, which was not something she was inclined to do. She reached up, allowing him to keep his hold on her arms as she touched his grizzled cheeks.

“What are you saying to me?�

“I’ll take Chuck’s place as the homebody,� he explained quickly. “No missions. I can’t do it. I can’t go out there with this…�

He joined their hands, putting them over his chest so she could feel the frantic tattoo of his heart as it beat against his chest.

“Its like fear only a hundred times worse,� Logan’s voice was broken, something that shook her to the core. “I remember that lost look on yer face when I woke up the first time, I can’t be the reason ya lose it cause I went an’ got killed.�

“Logan, you cannot…�

“Quiet, darlin’.� He touched her cheek with his free hand. “I can’t go out there like this. I ain’t no damn good when I’m too scared to get down an’ dirty. I’m puttin’ myself out here, ‘Ro. I’m too fuckin’ terrified ta set foot in goddamn Blackbird.�

Ororo had never seen him like this. The very idea that he could be frightened enough to leave the fighting to her and the others was something nothing could prepare her for. Why had she not expected this? Why did she allow herself to become so consumed with Jean and Scott and Erik that she could not see what was happening beneath the surface?

Charles death had been the straw to break the camel’s back. Logan’s mortality was something she never wanted to face, had never wanted him to face. And yet here it was, staring them both in the face.

“Sleep on it,� she pled, drawing him back toward the bed. “Do not make such decisions rashly.�

Something in her eyes must have touched a cord in him, for he ceased to fight her. They moved lazily toward her bed, lying together in the moonlit darkness as steady rain washed over the world around them.

She already knew it was too late. The X-Men had just lost their Wolverine.

Chapter Fourteen: Harder

The smell of your skin
The taste of your kiss
The way you whisper in the dark
Your hair all around me
Baby, you surround me
You touch every place in my heart
~Lonestar

Logan left Ororo in the house, letting her get back to her ritual mourning. He knew she wouldn’t read the letter from Charles alone, she didn’t work that way. Logan had a sneaking suspicion of what her mentor’s final words would be, but he didn’t want to tell her that.

The boathouse, while still his refuge, had subtly shifted again. There was tension between he and ‘Ro that had nothing to do with Chuck’s death. They both silently agreed that the problems lingering between them must be left for another time, knowing that neither of the duo was prepared to handle more emotional turmoil just yet.

But he could feel it seeping in between them, like a serpent’s poison. It was working it’s way through the ropes that bound them together, traveling toward the beating heart that was their friendship. He knew if the poison wasn’t stopped, if they didn’t take some time away from the X-Men and Chuck’s death for themselves, they might not recover.

Thinking about Chuck wasn’t doing him any favors. It was a surprise that the man thought enough of him to leave behind a letter. Nothing could have prepared him for what was written on such unassuming white stationary. He still felt that debilitating ache in his chest when he thought about it.

That man who had been the closest thing to a father to him actually loved him. Like a son, he’d said. Clearing his throat to get rid of the lump forming there, he pushed into the mansion, still lost in his thoughts. He missed that bald old man. “Wheels� wasn’t supposed to be suddenly missing. Chuck was supposed to be sitting in his office, waiting for one of his X-Men to come to him with a problem.

As he passed that office, he scented the air. Tears stung at his eyes and that damned lump reformed in his throat. Only a faint trace of Charles’ trademark smell lingered over the stench of acrid cleansers and slimy lawyers. He missed the aroma of old leather books and Old Spice that gave away Chuck’s presence.

He still half-expected to hear the whine of his motorized wheelchair if he let his mind wander. It hurt, more than he wanted to admit, to know he would never hear it again, never feel that benevolent presence in his mind.

This unwelcome and unexpected pain, when combined with his altercation with Magneto formed something strange in his chest. He thought it was fear. For the first time he was afraid of what would happen to him if he went on another mission. Betsy had been on the mark with that one.

He wasn’t immortal.

Without Ororo knowing, he had Jean perform a battery of tests on him. Hank and Jeannie ran his skeleton and tissue through so many examinations it was mind-boggling. He knew the medically trained duo were happy to finally study him, though they kept their excitement under wraps.

What they found was disturbing. Logan’s healing mutation was still taxed to the limit. Even a paper cut took several seconds to heal completely. Jean, whose eyes had still been red-rimmed from frequent weeping, said in her most solemn voice that she did not know what his weakened body could handle.

A careless laser blast could stop his heart forever.

That knowledge scared him shitless. For the first time in what little of his life he could remember, Logan knew true fear. Remembering that soul-crushing look on ‘Ro’s face when she heard about Charles…knowing how hard it would hit her if he didn’t come home one day.

There was no way he could throw himself into every mission, be of use to his fellow X-Men, until this thing was gone forever.

Carrying the typed paper in his hand, he forced himself to leave Chuck’s door and head down the hall to where Scooter was running things. He didn’t mind the other man taking the proverbial reigns, as he was the most qualified. The only other person worthy was ‘Ro and he knew she didn’t want it.

Ororo wasn’t pleased with his decision, but she supported him. She gave him the condition that he move into the boathouse on a permanent basis. He didn’t understand how that would help her, but he agreed. The boathouse was hers and in the spring, they’d start adding the new additions on; something they had planned last summer but never got around to.

Logan planned on turning the nearby stables into his personal space, since ‘Ro gave him permission last winter. It was a stone’s throw from her house, and when she started her garden, he could give her a hand.

Thinking about things like that kept her mind off of what he was doing with his X-Men position. When he’d left her in the house, she was already throwing herself into plans that wouldn’t come into fruition for several months. At least she would have something to do.

Logan pulled up short in the hall, realizing he’d gone two rooms too far. Sighing at his lack of concentration, he turned around to jog the last few steps to Scott’s office. Outside the polished oak door, he raised his hand to knock.

The sound of soft sighing and feminine giggling halted his hand instantly. Turning his over-sensitive ears toward the room behind the door. He made out two distinct voices, that of a newly reconciled married couple.

Suddenly wildly offended on ‘Ro’s behalf, Logan balled his hand into a fist and pounded upon the solid door. A male curse and female squeak betrayed their positions in the room, so he opened the door without another warning.

Closing his eyes so he wouldn’t see anything that would likely scar him for life, Logan stepped into the room. With the door still open and his eyes squeezed closed, he jabbed a thumb over his shoulder.

“Jean. Leave.�

“Logan? What’s the matter?� She asked in a voice that mirrored concern. Logan shook his head.

“I got business with Scooter. Get dressed and leave.�

“Hey,� One-Eye spoke up at last, accompanied by the sound of a zipper coming up. “Don’t talk to her like that.�

“You really wanna get into this with her in the room?� Logan allowed himself a feral smile and opened his eyes.

Scott was dressed already, though his clothing was more than a little disheveled. Jean was pulling her shirt on, her back facing Logan. He swept his eyes over them both, then focused on Scott.

The ruby-covered gaze betrayed nothing, but the firm set of the other mutant’s showed irritation and confusion. Logan was going to hit that bastard before the day was out, he knew it.

“Jean,� the other man said softly. “I think Logan and I need some privacy.�

He didn’t turn to look at the woman glancing between them, but he felt her rush from the room with as much dignity as she could muster. The door closed with a faint click behind her, but Logan waited several seconds.

Obviously he’d been right. Jean’s footsteps did not carry her down the hall, so he knew she was listening at the door.

“Keep on walkin’, girlie!�

His shout reverberated around the room, coupled by her muttering a moment later. He listened intently as her soft footfalls carried her out of the hallway, toward the kitchen.

Though he tried to keep his breathing short, he eventually inhaled deeply enough to scent the sex on the air. Logan’s resolve – what little remained – crumbled immediately. He stalked across the room, toward the new leader of the X-Men. Looking heavenward, he tossed up a quick thought.

Sorry, Chuck. He’s done had it comin’.

Logan could almost hear Charles’ aggrieved sigh in the back of his mind, knowing what his departed friend would think about the argument to come.

Scott, as though expecting it, stood stoic as Logan entered his personal space. Looking up at the much taller man, Wolverine brought a hand back, balled it into a fist and hit the X-Man directly in the nose with as much force as he could.

“That’s fer ‘Ro, ya sorry sack of dogshit!� Logan all but shouted, dropping his resignation letter on the floor.

“CHRIST!� Scott shouted, putting a hand to his suddenly bloodied face. “What the hell’s wrong with you?�

“What’s wrong with me?� Logan fought the urge to wail on the little bastard.

Instead, he kicked out the desk chair and shoved Scott into it. While the man pinched his nose, Logan fished around for something to stop the bleeding. He located something that looked like a pair of cotton women’s underpants and tossed them to his “friend�.

“Get comfy, boy, we’re about to have a love-overdue conversation,� Logan said as he fished a cigar from his pocket. “We’re gonna start with Jeannie.�

“Oh,� Scott said, his voice high pitched from the grip on his nose. “You mean the affair you’re having with my wife?�

“Hold on, son,� Logan replied as he lit the cigar. “The first time…yeah, it was all me. She coulda said no, but she didn’t. An’ that was a good while ago.�

“And the last time? What’s your excuse?� Cyclops demanded icily.

Wolverine shrugged one shoulder, sitting on the sofa across from Scooter. Realizing the scent of sex only got stronger; he leapt right back onto his feet and took a nearby chair.

“Don’t got one,� he admitted. “I didn’t expect it an’ I sure ain’t asked fer her attention. I told her to come back home, but she jus’ kept pushin’. Once she took her clothes off…�

He raised a brow. “Come on, yer a man, Scooter.�

Cyke’s face was still stained red with blood, but he took the cloth from his nose. He sighed, touching his nose tenderly. “Ok, you’ve got a point.�

They stared at one another in silence for several seconds, Logan’s cigar smoke swirling over their heads.

“Ain’t nothin’ goin’ on ‘tween us, Scott,� Wolverine said seriously. “I don’t want her.�

For another long silence, Scott merely stared at him across the wide expanse of his oak desk. Logan kept his eyes on him, wondering why he felt the need to reassure this man that he didn’t want his damn wife.

After a moment, Scott nodded. “Ok.�

“Good,� Logan smiled ferociously. “Now, we’re gonna talk bout ‘Ro.�

Scooter winced visibly.

“What do ya think? She’s expendable? Ya can just hurt her an’ sleep well at night? Are ya even fuckin’ human?�

Logan had not intended for his words to get away from him, or to sound so quietly enraged as they did. All he knew was that part of ‘Ro’s hurt was stemming from this damned mutant and his pretty wife. She thought she had Logan fooled, but he’d known her too long to fall for her bullshit. It was hurting her, being shoved aside for Jean again.

He should have cornered her about it, called her on that icy façade she liked to hide behind. This, on the other hand, was more satisfying.

“It isn’t like that, Wolverine.�

“Bullshit,� Logan fired back, glowering. “You fuckin’ known her how long? First ya get her hopes up when yer kids…an’ then ya take her back ta bed only to choose Jean again?�

“I talked to her about it…�

“No ya didn’t,� he thundered. “Ya tried to, she stopped ya, said it was all right. Ya let it go, thought it was best ta jus’ leave it.�

Scott had the decency to look somewhat ashamed.

“Am I right?�

“She’s a big girl, Logan, she doesn’t need you fighting her battles.� Scott stood up, moving toward the small bar to the right of his desk.

Wolverine watched him as he cleaned the blood from his face and hands in the tiny sink, glaring at the man’s back. He wanted to hit him again, harder. The bastard was lucky he hadn’t gotten a face full of adamantium. Damn Magneto.

“That’s where yer wrong,� Wolverine said stubbornly. “Someone needs ta put ya in yer place. Might as well be me.�

As Scooter dried his face, Logan got the satisfaction of seeing the man’s nose was already swelling, changing from his perfectly smooth flesh to a dark purple. It wasn’t broken, he observed with a bit of sadness. A broken nose was the least he wanted to do to the man. It was only out of respect for the recent dead that he refrained.

“I don’t know what you want from me.�

“Ya don’t know a damn thing,� Logan returned testily. “Ya can’t jus’ play with a woman’s affections, man. An’ don’t even bring Jean up, we covered that one already.�

Scott turned to him fully, that ruby gaze seeming to flash with annoyance. Logan stood slowly, challenging the mutant silently. Part of him hoped Scooter would rise to the occasion. He really wanted to break a few of the idiot boy’s bones.

No one -- no one -- toyed with ‘Ro and got away with it. Logan was more sure as the moments ticked by that the games had been played by the women and Scooter. The man wanted his wife back and played into her hands by cheating, by making her want to fight for him. Jean couldn’t take being replaced and the threat of that had sent her right back into her husband’s arms.

They were going to end up on Springer.

“You don’t understand,� Scott said quietly, the change in his tone making the hair on the back of Logan’s neck stand up immediately. “You can’t understand.�

He watched as Scott moved to the window, staring out of it. Logan knew it was the direction of the boathouse, where ‘Ro was ensconced in her serene privacy. A shiver flew the length of his spine. Part of him didn’t want to hear what was coming.

“I’ve loved her more than half my life,� he continued. “Longer than Jean. I just…I didn’t think I was worthy of her. I settled on Jean and eventually I fell for her. But nothing killed what was inside of me for Ororo.�

“Shit.�

Logan gaped openly at the man, moving only to snuff out his cigar on the finish of his desk. He hated Scott in that moment. The beast inside him roared to wakefulness, demanding that anyone or anything that threatened his non-existent claim on ‘Ro be dealt with fatally.

No one was taking her from him. Scott had Jean, Logan had ‘Ro. That was how it was supposed to be. The realization slammed into Logan with almost physical force. It nearly sent him sprawling back into the chair. For a moment, he contemplated divine intervention, as though this moment and all the long years leading up to it where preordained and carried out by the man so recently buried.

It had his fingerprints all over it.

“Ya can’t,� he finally ground out.

In two strides, he was across the room. With both hands, he turned Scott to face him, letting the other man see his determination and sudden, consuming fear.

“Ya may have loved her longer,� he said in a tone that brooked no argument. “But I’ve loved her harder.�

Confusion found it’s way to his friend’s face. “What?�

“Ya had yer chance,� Logan continued, not answering him directly. “It’s my turn. She’s mine, goddamnit.�

“Logan.�

“No. Don’t. She’s mine.�

“Hey.� This time Scooter’s voice was filled with concern. “What the hell just happened here?�

Logan stopped his suddenly shaking hands and took a calming breath. The weight of his realization was terrifying, but there was no way in the nine circles of hell he was leaving this room without knowing Scooter understood him. He grabbed the man by both biceps.

“You had yer fuckin’ chance, Scooter,� Logan growled. “Don’t make me kill you.�

“Whoa,� Scott said, taking a step back. “What the hell is wrong with you?�

“I don’t know,� Logan shook his head, releasing him.

He bent down, scooping up the resignation from the floor. “I’m takin’ more time from the X-Men, on a more permanent basis. Once school starts back up, I’ll take all my classes back.�

“Ok,� Cyclops said, though he still looked confused.

Logan strode to the door without another word. He wanted to get back to the boathouse. He needed to get back to the boathouse. To hell with his and ‘Ro’s unspoken agreement to leave their issues alone for a bit longer. Wasn’t going to work for him anymore.

She was his and by God, she would remain so.

He opened the door and took a step out of the room. An old memory resurfaced and he halted, turning toward to Scooter again.

“Hey, Scott?�

“Yeah?� replied the other mutant, looking up from Logan’s letter of resignation.

“Stay away from my girl.�

Logan thought he caught a slight smile on Scooter’s face as he slammed the door behind him.

~**~

The boathouse was filled with the sound of Deep Forest, which Ororo loved, when Logan finally got home. He had dodged a dinner invitation from Betsy and Warren, promising he and ‘Ro would go out with them another night. Warren seemed to take his innocent look at face value, but the shrewd look in Betsy’s eyes told him she knew something was up.

Logan keyed into the boathouse, searching for his friend. The upbeat drums were unexpected, but he was happy she seemed to have found some inner calm at last. Over the last week, he had begun to fear for her sanity. He thought that after the funeral she might get better.

He would be with her every step of the way, walking with her as she fought to lift herself from the numbing grief.

She was on the sofa when he entered, humming along with the music as she sketched on a wide artists’ pad resting in her lap. It wasn’t often that Ororo exploited her artistic talent, and when she did it was usually for some gardening or architectural plans she wanted.

Once, during that trip in Canada, she had sketched him. He still had that sketch in a frame in his mansion bedroom. He would have to find a new place for it in the boathouse until his home was finished.

The sight of her nearly took his breath away. At first, as he rounded the corner from the foyer, all he could see was her bare legs. Long, dark limbs stretched over the couch cushions. He noted with an odd attention to detail that she’d painted her toenails blue at some point during the afternoon.

She was wearing a pair of those boxer shorts she loved, topped with a loose t-shirt bearing the logo for the New England Patriots. Her braided hair was tossed over one shoulder, that beautiful face screwed into an expression of intense concentration. Her teeth had caught the edge of the pink tongue, making her seem somewhat childlike.

Logan’s heart fell to his feet. He hadn’t thought it would ever be possible for him to feel something like this. Without alerting her as to his presence, he pocketed his keys and crept toward her.

When he was close enough to smell the oranges in her shampoo, she finally looked up. Those sapphire blue eyes danced with a happy gleam when she spotted him, turning to confusion when he merely stared at her.

He leaned closer, and then closer still. He could hear the sudden catch in her breath, the quick tattoo of her heart as it’s pace multiplied. Logan reached for her with one hand, capturing her chin and caressing the cleft of it with the pad of his thumb.

“My God,� he whispered. “Yer a goddess.�

His lips caught any response she could have mustered. He brushed his mouth over hers softly at first, teasing her with gentle motions as his nose bumped hers playfully. He heard the drawing pencil hit the thick pad of paper and slide toward the floor before her hand reached up to cup the back of his neck.

Logan sank to his knees to reach her more easily, pressing their lips together more seriously. She responded eagerly, arching her body against his. He let his hands wind around her back, drawing her closer. She fit against him like a glove, that simple perfection quieting the voice in the back of his mind that screamed for caution.

Recklessly, he let his tongue swipe across her bottom lip, asking for entrance. She parted her lips eagerly, moaning against him in a gentle mewl. Logan’s hand reached for her braids, tugging them lightly so she would move her head back further.

Heat flashed inside of him at this simple, intimate contact. Her hands moving over his shoulders lit tiny fires that spread with an ungodly swiftness. He wanted to touch her in every way there was to touch another human being and when he was through, he would invent new ways.

“Logan…� her voice was breathy against his lips. “What…�

“Hush,� he quieted her instantly. “I ain’t done yet.�

“Done with what?� she continued, heedless to the tug on her braids.

“Fallin’ for ya.�

“Oh.�

He fused his mouth to hers again, pushing her back toward the couch cushions. She melted in his arms, wetting his appetite for dominance by unhindered submission. He growled quietly, nipping at her lips. Her nails dug into the flesh of his neck, making him groan at the sudden mix of pleasure and pain.

Up from his kneeling position, he covered her body with his, lying atop her on the couch. She giggled helplessly, reaching between them to discard the sketchpad still squashed between them.

Logan dropped his weight onto one arm, looking down at her smiling face. What the hell had taken him so long to see her this way? Beautiful, strong, stubborn, perfect… For too long, he’d been a frigging idiot.

“What happened at the mansion?� she asked quietly, touching his face with those impossibly soft hands.

“Found somethin’.� Was all he could say.

“What?� Her breathless voice was doing strange things to his head and heart.

“Dunno,� he shrugged. “But I ain’t lookin’ fer it anymore.�

Before either of them could move, the mansion’s proximity alarms began to blare. The couple sprang up from the couch, their moment forever shattered.

Ororo made a beeline for the security panel, Logan not two steps behind her. She flicked through the two-dozen cameras displayed until she found the source of the alarms.

“By the Goddess.�

“Holy shit.�

Chapter Fifteen: Heart and Body

Be careful with my heart
You could break it
Don't take my love for granted
Things could change
Sometimes I go insane
I played the fool and you'll agree
I'll never be the same
Without you here with me
~Ricky Martin


“By the Goddess.�

“Holy shit.�

Ororo stared at the security monitor in mute horror, one hand flying up to cover her passion-bruised mouth. Her head still swam from the unexpected kiss, from Logan’s sudden fervor just seconds ago on the sofa. It was unlike anything she had experienced before.

She wanted to go back to that moment, though her eyes were frozen on the figure currently thrashing the mansion’s electrified gate. From the camera number, she knew it was closer to the boathouse than the mansion, which meant she and Logan were to be the first line of defense.

Deciding to chance a glance at him, she swept her gaze to her companion. Logan’s hand had somehow made a grab for hers, entwining their fingers as they watched the figure pull out the enormous posts that held the gate in place. Ororo knew those went at least five feet into the earth. What sort of creature was this?

“Its robotic.�

Logan’s voice betrayed the same concern and troublesome fear that she found in his eyes. Confused, she darted her gaze back to the monitor before turning to him fully.

“What?�

“That’s the same thing we fought a while back,� he said quickly. “My first mission back.�

“When I was gone,� she added, trying to not think about that day.

“Yeah,� he nodded. “We’ve gotta stop it ‘fore it hits the school.�

“How?� Her word ended in a surprised squeak as Logan tugged on her hand, all but dragging her toward the boathouse’s front door.

“Slow it down an’ wait fer the cavalry.�

She swallowed air in an audible gulp, following Logan as best she could. If he knew this monstrous thing, perhaps there was a way to stop it altogether.

Outside, the snow bit into her bare feet, more from the sharpness of icy snow than the bitter cold. She could see the robotic menace from the porch of her home, but that did not reassure her in the least. Her mouth fell open in shock and she dropped Logan’s hand, halting dead in her tracks in front of her home.

Logan, seemingly noticing something was wrong, stopped on the porch stairs.

“You ok, darlin’?�

“It is huge.� She blinked, staring at her new enemy in the gleam of early morning light. “How can we defeat such a thing?�

“It ain’t so big, baby,� he said soothingly. “Come on, get yer ass in the air an’ make it a lot colder.�

Ororo nodded, shaking herself forcibly. They had fought more terrifying foes before, always returning victorious. Even if the robotic opponent did seem larger than life, she knew more than anyone that everything had a weak point. Everything could be killed.

“All right,� she swallowed hard, looking to Logan expectantly. “Weak spots?�

“Neck, mainly,� he replied promptly. She leapt from the porch, landing beside him as he began to run.

The grating sound of his claws releasing heralded battle, something Ororo had not heard or even wanted in months. But now, in this snow-blanketed afternoon, the thrill of combat slipped into her veins, pumping adrenaline through her system. Her heart rate increased as she and Wolverine bolted across the lawns spread between the lake and her boathouse.

It had finally completed it’s assault on the fence. Storm watched as it stepped over the remains, it’s enormous red eyes scanning the surrounding area.

“Halt mutant! You will be detained for processing.�

Storm raised one white brow, coming to a halt beside Wolverine when he apparently thought they were close enough.

“Yeah, yeah,� he was shouting toward the robot. “Halt mutant, my ass.�

She managed to smirk, lifting her arms and summoning the winds to obey her command. Wolverine glanced at her, blowing a kiss over his shoulder. Storm was shaking her head in mock dismay as the temperature around them plummeted.

“Come an’ get the mutie, bub,� Wolverine was still shouting; taunting the robot.

High aloft, Ororo could see the other X-Men coming from the mansion. Many of them had not bothered with their uniforms as well, but immediately flew into battle. Warren, who dove toward the robot at impossible speeds, distracting the monster for precious seconds while the others moved in closely, joined Storm in the air.

Iceman, completely covered with a thick shielding of frost, rode one of his “slides� toward the flying pair.

“Hey Storm?�

“What?�

“Drop the temp a lot more,� the young X-Man was saying breathlessly. “Lets take its legs out, work our way up.�

Biting at her lip, Ororo contemplated this. What Bobby proposed would likely work, but it would require below freezing temperatures. Each pair of blue eyes met, reflecting the concern and stubborn determination. They could do this and working in tandem would mean they would not overtax themselves.

“Angel.� She turned to the other man sharply. “Tell Psylocke and Jean to shield the X-Men as much as they can. It is going to be extremely cold for a few moments.�

“All right.�

In a flutter of feathery wings, he was gone, swooping through the chilled air toward the laser flashes and purple psi-blades of the others.

“Bobby, we have to do this fast.�

“I know,� he agreed. “We can handle the cold, but they can’t. Shadowcat was ordered by Cyclops to get inside of it, try to get some information.�

“Of course he did,� she said disdainfully. Shaking it off, Ororo nodded, raising her hands.

“GO!�

Iceman back-flipped off of the iceslide as she dropped the area’s temperature. Though the cold had no effect on her, in mere seconds icicles were forming on her hair and clothing. Sweat instantly froze to her skin, breaking out in many little cuts over her face and arms. Grunting with force, Ororo fought the coming snow, keeping the visibility of a clear day with temperatures more welcome in the Arctic.

She watched as her friends dodged in unison, evading the towering foe’s massive arms and the laser blasts coming from its hands. Logan had slipped from her sight, along with Kitty, making worry clench in her chest.

Bobby was in rare form. He slipped, slid, and glided along his iceslides, hand pointing toward the robot’s tree-trunk sized legs. Ice crept like wild ivy, halting the enemy’s progress in her family’s direction. Gritting her teeth with the effort it was taking to keep the cold from overwhelming her, she brought down hail the size of grapefruit. It was localized on the robot, though her friends only narrowly evaded it once or twice.

A laser blast came her way, but she darted sharply to the right. Lowering one hand, she barely restrained a lightning strike from escaping her control. Psylocke took a laser hit to the chest and Ororo had to calm herself by sheer force of will. Angel swooped in, collecting his beloved and whisking her to safety.

Satisfied that her darling Betsy was in good hands, Storm turned her attention back to the matter at hand.

She never saw it coming.

A whip-like tentacle lashed out from the robot’s hand, wrapping around her unprotected midsection like a vice. Breath was shoved from her lungs, her arms dropping in self-defense. The cold began to abate and though she felt as though the tentacle was squeezing the life out of her, she raised one arm, bringing back that biting cold.

“Get off of her!�

Not Logan’s voice, but Jean’s. Storm, unable to breathe, mentally screamed for help. Several red-hot optic beams tore at the mechanical whip holding her, but it did not loosen. Kicking her legs in a vain attempt to free herself, Storm could feel her hold on the elements weakening again.

“Ya heard the lady.�

That was Wolverine. Ororo glanced over her shoulder, noting he seemed to be floating beside her. Likely Colossus had tossed him into the air, keeping him aloft with Jean’s help. The slicing of metal against bone made her teeth ache, but she knew he was getting through.

Before the metal vice released her, a sharp pain bit into her belly. Gasping against it, she felt the grip weaken and she kicked the ropey metal away.

“I have her!�

She heard Peter’s booming voice a moment before she fell. Knowing he was below her, she kept her hold on the elemental cold. His massive, metal-plated body would be able to catch her without problem. She could still do her best to aid the others.

Raising both hands to the dead air, Ororo brought forth a cold front unlike any before. She heard Bobby exclaim with something akin to shock and appreciation. Cyclops was barking orders. Jean was rushing toward her. Everyone else was concentrating on their enemy.

Storm felt Peter’s metal body shift into flesh as he caught her, trying to soften the blow. The inertia still drove him back onto the snowy ground, but they were both safe. He cradled her against his chest, giving her weakened body strength.

Before her, she watched Iceman twisting his block of ice around the robot with the limitless grace of one in his element. Rogue had the monster’s metallic whips around her wrists, but it seemed that she wanted it that way. It really looked as though she was arm-wrestling with it.

Wolverine was perched on its shoulder, though he was not doing anything. Storm assumed he was waiting for Kitty. If Scott wanted information, it would be best to get it from within the beast itself. Keeping her control in place, she watched as the ice slid further and further up the terrible creature.

Finally, Wolverine and Shadowcat bailed off of the shoulder of the robot, landing safely in a net of telekinetic energy provided by Jean. Rogue gave a massive tug on the whips from its hands. Storm winced when the sound of scraping metal resonated through the cold air.

The X-Men had effectively torn the creature in half.

Red eyes flickered to black as the top half slammed into the unsuspecting earth beneath it. Storm flicked her hands, bringing the temperature sharply up, warming her family almost immediately. Slumping back against Peter, she watched as everyone gathered close.

“Angel has Psylocke in the med-lab,� Jean said quickly. “She’s got a few burns, but she’ll be fine.�

“Damn thing,� Wolverine snarled. “I’m glad she ok.�

“How are you doing?� Cyclops asked of Storm when he reached her.

The X-Men leader crouched beside her, concern furrowing his brow. She was still doing her mental inventory of family, but she managed to give him a small smile.

“I will survive, I think,� she turned to give Peter a kiss on his blushing cheek.

“That was righteous!� Bobby said as he bounced up. “Damn, Storm. That was awesome. I’ve never seen cold like it…it was alive. Wow. Whoa. Dude.�

“Bobby,� Kitty said gently. “You’re rambling.�

“Sorry. Wow. Dude. Seriously. Wow.�

The assembled mutants chuckled at his expense. Ororo shook her head at him, accepting Logan’s hands to stand up. She winced, looking down at her torn shirt and battered torso.

Jean came up immediately, lifting the shredded material and touching Ororo’s tender stomach.

“You’ve probably got some bruised ribs,� she said, wiggling under Ororo’s arm to help her walk. “To the med-lab with you. I want to make sure nothing’s broken.�

“Fine,� she agreed. “Can I have some morphine?�

“If you’re a very good girl, I’ll give you a lollipop.�

“Lucky me,� Storm said with a chuckle as the two women headed back to the mansion.

~**~

“Anythin’ broken?� Logan asked as she reentered the boathouse long after dark.

“No,� she smiled at him, loving the picture he made while cooking in her kitchen. He’d even donned her “To hell with the Cook, kiss the Dishwasher� apron to protect his flannel shirt.

“Several bruised ribs, a few scrapes and a lollipop,� she reported, taking the candy from her pocket.

“Good,� he grunted. “Dinner’ll be ready in a sec, so park yer ass in a chair.�

“Sir, yes, sir.� She saluted him sassily, delighting in the annoyed glance he shot at her through the open partition separating the kitchen from the dining room.

Ororo eased into her favorite chair, wincing even through the pain medication Jean had given her. Her stomach and ribs ached to the bone, but she knew she was lucky. If that robot had squeezed even a little harder, she would have likely required surgery and months of recovery.

Logan came into the dining room a moment later, carrying plates laden with roast beef, his famous mashed potatoes and fresh green beans. Ororo, suddenly famished, gave him an appreciative look over her steaming plate.

“You will make someone an excellent wife someday,� she said, echoing his familiar praise for her.

“Only if she’ll have me,� he said cryptically.

Though she wanted to press him about the nature of his observation, he had already begun eating. Need for sustenance outweighed her want for conversation, so she dug in as well. Everything was perfect. The meat tender, juicy, and spiced with fresh thyme. Logan’s potatoes were creamy and rich, making her wonder how much of them would land on her hips.

They ate in relative silence, though on her part it was because her mind kept wandering. She glanced at the sofa a few times, wondering if the events earlier that afternoon had been nothing but a dream. She wanted to explore Logan’s heady kisses, to ask what he meant by those few, whispered comments before the intrusion.

For some reason, neither of them spoke of the battle. Perhaps it was because their personal life had suddenly been thrust into the forefront. She knew that she didn’t give a damn where that robot had come from or what it wanted. She needed to know what Logan was doing when he kissed her that way, when it had seemed he was a breath away from stripping her down and taking her on the sofa.

Just the thought of his bare skin against hers was enough to send heat flooding through her system. She desperately wanted him and part of her wondered for just how long she had denied that simple truth. Ororo knew she was good at covering things, but had she really covered her attraction to Logan so well that even she was fooled?

When they finished eating, Logan told her to head upstairs for a bath. He was obviously taking command here, and Ororo bent to his will. Leaving him to clean the mess he had made of the kitchen, she headed upstairs. When the soft sound of Johnny Cash drifted up after her, she smiled softly.

After running a hot bath, she soaked in it eagerly, letting her sore muscles and bruised flesh rest after such a trying experience. She kept her bathwater plain, skin allergies not allowing for sweet smelling salts or fluffy bubbles. She was allowed a drop or two of essential oil, so as an afterthought she added in a bit of orange.

Her bathing ritual complete, she dried off and tucked the towel in around her naked body. Getting dressed was going to be difficult, as her sore muscles made it hard to so much as bend at the waist.

Logan was in the bedroom when she came out. He smiled at her, taking his t-shirt off and tossing it into the hamper. She blushed slightly, unsure how to feel about gaping at his bare flesh when she had come so close to enjoying it so intimately.

“Gonna need help?� he asked quietly, nodding to her towel-covered body.

“Yes,� she nodded, moving toward her dresser. She removed a long t-shirt and a pair of boxers, closing her eyes when she felt Logan behind her.

His sensuous mouth placed an innocent kiss on her bare shoulder, which sent shockwaves of gooseflesh over her entire body. One hand reached up to caress the flesh of her neck as the other took her shirt from her.

“Can ya lift yer arms?�

Nodding mutely, she lifted both arms as well as she could, holding back a wince at the slight pain. He unfolded her shirt and slipped it over her head, helping her with the armholes. Once she was inside of it, he smoothed the soft material down so it covered her, towel and all.

“Lean on the dresser.� He ordered quietly, taking her boxer shorts and crouching at her feet. She watched him with slightly hooded eyes, realizing that he meant to dress her without wandering hands or seeing her naked.

Part of her was disappointed. Part of her was touched by his thoughtfulness.

He spread the waist of her boxers, allowing her to step into them without straining her battered body. When she was secure in the leg holes, he slid the article up slowly, almost teasingly so. Ororo fought the urge to grab him by the hand and toss him bodily onto the bed.

Logan slipped her shorts under the towel, managing to only just brush her flesh. That simple, innocent touch sent fire all over her. When she was covered, he reached under her shirt to untuck the knot of her towel. He pulled it away and stepped back, tossing the towel into the hamper as well.

“There,� he said in a husky voice. “All done.�

Unable to help herself, wanting to drown in those impossibly deep kisses, she took a step toward him.

“Nuh-uh,� he shook his head. “Bed, woman. Now.�

“What?� She demanded, attempting to put her hands on her hips.

“Yer hurtin’, darlin’,� Logan said, his voice betraying slight strain. “We’ll wait til yer healed up. I’ll jus’ make ya sore again.�

A sharp stab of anticipatory lust slammed through her belly, making her clutch it with one hand. That look in his eyes was familiar; one of his beast grappling with the man for control. He did want her, but the very idea that he wanted to ensure she was unharmed by his passions made her fall a little deeper.

Ororo resigned herself to fate. It wasn’t just attraction or grief or any number of things a psychologist could name for this feeling inside of her. She was falling for her best friend. He had told her his own heart earlier; that he wasn’t done falling for her. She wanted to tell him she knew the feeling, but thought it was best saved for when she was able to show him without words as well.

“You will stay with me?� She asked, taking a backward step toward the bed.

“I ain’t never leavin’, darlin’,� he replied as he continued undressing. “Best get used to it.�

~**~


When Ororo woke, the sun was high in the sky. It was not the sunlight nor lingering pain that woke her, but exploring hands. Keeping her eyes closed, she leaned into the fingers massaging one breast beneath the material of her shirt. Sighing slightly, she rocked her hips, coming in contact with a straining erection pressed against her backside.

“Ya up yet?�

His voice was low, still laden with sleep. Ororo smiled, letting her legs shift as heat began to build inside of her.

“I think you are.� She rocked her hips again, drawing a light moan from her bedmate.

“Can’t help it,� he returned, rolling a bare nipple between his fingers. “I dreamed bout ya.�

“What did you dream?� Ororo asked, turning her head slightly so he could kiss her cheek.

“Lets jus’ say it’s not somethin’ meant fer kids.�

“That sounds promising.�

His free hand drifted from her hip forward. Ororo instinctively parted her thighs, letting his curious fingers slide under the material of her shorts. He toyed with the patch of white hair at the apex of her thighs, making Ororo gasp and arch against him, begging to be touched.

“Hit me yesterday,� he continued speaking. “I’ve always though you were beautiful, hot, damn sexy. But I’ve wanted ya…more than jus’ bein’ yer friend. Yer mine, Ororo.�

A shiver zinged through the length of her spine at his words. He rarely used her full name and the way it rolled from his tongue was doing strange things to her heart.

“Am I?� she returned breathlessly.

“Yeah,� he said even more confidently as his fingers probed further. “Yer mine, an’ I ain’t lettin’ go. I want you. An’ damned if I think I’m in love with ya.�

“Oh, dear,� she whimpered as his fingers brushed her already swelling clit. “Logan…�

“Shh,� he soothed her, pressing an open mouthed kiss to her shoulder. “I’ll take care of ya, I’ll always be here, ‘Ro. Don’t try an’ tell me it’s all cause of Chuck or Magneto or any of that bullshit. You feel it too, doncha?�

Ororo whimpered again, lifting one leg to hook over his, allowing him more access to the intimate parts of her. He accepted the invitation, his hand slipping deeper to part the slick folds between her thighs.

“Say it, ‘Ro,� he pleaded. “I saw it in yer eyes last night. Now I wanna hear it.�

“I love you,� Ororo said without pause. “I want you.�

“That’s my girl,� Logan whispered, nibbling on the flesh of her neck.

His fingers moved further, one plunging into her unprepared system. She groaned loudly, her entire body alive and begging for this man’s touch. Logan kept kissing her shoulder, working his fingers inside of her while his thumb brushed over her clit. His other hand, which hand wiggled under her sometime during the night, teased her breast again.

In moments she was rocking steadily against his hands, her own clutching the pillow under her head. Heart hammering against her chest, breath caught in her throat, it was all she could do to just hang on while Logan drove her to bliss.

With soft, entreating words, he urged her on. Ororo turned her head and shouldered until she could kiss him. His fingers probed her deeply, hitting every sensitive spot they could along the way. Her moans of his name were lost in his kiss, even as she tumbled headlong into orgasm. He held on to her, keeping her anchored to reality.

“God, yer fucking gorgeous,� he growled when their lips parted. “But I hope ya didn’t like these clothes too much.�

Before she could protest, head still swimming and body throbbing, Logan released his bone claws and deftly sliced her clothing off. With a soft laugh, she lifted her hips so he could peel the remains of her shorts away.

When she was bare, she felt his hard erection against the back of her thighs. Whimpering, all but delirious from want, Ororo arched her hips back toward him.

“Its ok, darlin’,� he soothed again, taking his hand from her center and grabbing one thigh. “Lift yet leg up like this…good. I don’t want ya to move to much an’ hurt yerself.�

Ororo did as he instructed, hooking her leg over his hip. He shifted behind her, until she could feel his cock against her wet core. One of her hands flew to his hip, her nails digging into his flesh as she prepared to take him inside of her.

“Take me, Logan.�

“Fuck,� he growled, using his hand to positon himself. “Ya smell so damn good, feel so good, God, I hope this isn’t another dream.�

She smiled to herself, leaning back to wrap him in another kiss. He rocked his hips forward, entering her in one stroke. Ororo pulled her mouth from his, groaning his name so that it echoed in her quiet bedroom.

His hand left her center to grab at her hip, so that their arms were crisscrossing. He pulled back to plunge inside again, his pace somewhere between languid and frenzied. Ororo clutched at her pillow harder, turning her head to muffle her moaning. Logan’s mouth latched onto the flesh of her shoulder, suckling and licking until he had definitely left a mark.

They moved together eagerly, each trying to reach that little slice of heaven. Ororo’s hand left his hip to fist in his hair, urging him on until he was pounding inside of her. The strange position left him little room to move, but he seemed to be having no problem with it.

Filled to perfection, Ororo gasped his name in an endless chant, letting his hands and mouth and cock work some kind of ancient magic over her. She had never felt sated and wanting at the same time, not like this. She wanted more, but found her body oddly satisfied. Logan fit inside her so well, in her body and mind and heart.

She was a fool for not seeing it sooner.

All too soon, she felt her body stiffen as her peak washed over her. Crying out Logan’s name, she arched into him, overcome with pleasure. He followed not a heartbeat later, a string of unintelligible curses growled into her neck.

They remained joined, touching from head to toe, as their breathing slowed and laziness overwhelmed them. Ororo’s heart, for the first time since Logan and Magneto’s altercation, did not consume her with pain.

“Where do we go from here?� She asked without meaning to.

“Dunno,� he admitted, toying with her braids and idly stroking her face. “But I’ll be with ya.�

“That is all I needed to know.�

Satisfied, both in her heart and body, Ororo cuddled closer to Logan and slipped into a deep sleep.

Chapter Sixteen: Smooth

And it’s just like the ocean
Under the moon
Well, it’s the same as the emotion
That I get from you
You’ve got the kinda lovin’
That can be so smooth
Give me your heart, make it real
Or else forget about it
~Rob Thomas


“According to the information we’ve uncovered since the attack yesterday, they are called Sentinels.�

Silence rang through the room with the eerie clarity of a resounding gong. The X-Men were gathered around the wide, polished table of the War Room, many of them still digesting the words from their fearless leader.

Beside him, Logan felt Ororo shift in her chair, one of those long legs brushing against his. It was playing havoc on his attention span, having her so close. Now that he knew how she felt, sounded, smelled at her most intimate of moments, he was having a real difficulty concentrating on anything else. He could have happily spent the remainder of his day getting to know more of them.

Summers had called them all in just after lunch, wanting to answer some of their questions about the enormous robotic menace that had threatened the school.

“From the computer chips Kitty got from the robot, we’ve been able to ascertain a close guess of what it is and how it operates. Kitty?�

The young girl stood from her seat beside Scooter, clearing her throat nervously. While she had a good handle on computer systems and all manner of electronics, Kitty was a shy person. Asking her to brief the entire team was a tall order. Sometimes Logan really wondered how the hell Cyclops made it through the day with so little common sense.

“Well,� the girl began with only a slight stammer. “It looks like someone has found a way to sort of scan for the X-Gene. The Sentinels are equipped with something like a metal detector, except it detects…us.�

“The theory,� Jean chimed in quickly. “Is that these robots are designed to apprehend mutants.�

“Why would someone do that?� Ororo asked, her brow furrowed with concern.

“That’s something we’re trying to figure out,� Cyclops told her in a gentle tone.

Something about that tone, the way Scooter’s eyes rested on Logan’s woman a moment too long, was bringing out his inner beast. Clearing his throat, Logan reached for ‘Ro’s hand under the table, glaring at Summers. He might have to give that dense excuse for a man another talking to.

“There are a number of reasons someone would want to detect mutants. Even the robotic voice saying mutants will be detained is some sort of clue. The mechanical creature was created to capture, not kill.�

Jean’s voice had gone flat, perking Logan’s sensitive ears. He chanced to shoot her a look, satisfied when her return gaze spoke of the same annoyance. Did Jean feel as he did? That though they each had their respective partners back, something was still between them?

The meeting continued, though Logan would never be able to tell anyone what else was said between the group of mutant fighters. His mind dwelled on the events of the past few days, hell even in the last years.

Falling for his best friend had either happened very slowly or way too fast. He couldn’t really decide which. In light of recent indiscretions on both their parts, it probably wasn’t the best idea to go jumping right in the sack…but he really couldn’t help himself.

Seeing her held up by the thing that nearly killed him, Logan’s heart had stopped in his chest. Their romantic and damn comfortable moment was shattered when the mansion’s alarms blared. He knew they had to hop to and render aid, but that wasn’t on his mind. He wanted to keep the woman he could call his own out of harm’s way. Forever.

As fate would have it, Ororo was one of two injured in that battle. Her bruised ribs would take some time to heal, but Logan knew just how much worse it could have been. Though he’d gone on to finish his job, confident that Jean, Cyclops, and Colossus would ensure she wasn’t too badly hurt, he had very nearly held his breath until she smiled at him.

A part of him was afraid that he would be reduced to that terrible, consuming fear whenever she was on a mission. It would live and grow inside of him until he either lost his mind or demanded that she give it up as well.

No. He could never ask that of her. His own personal demons aside, he knew what ‘Ro’s work meant to her. He’d no sooner ask Angel to chop his wings off.

When she’d come back from the med-lab, his relief would not show. He buttoned it up, along with his desires and did what she had always done so well. He took care of her. Where just months ago he’d been the one needing help to dress and required the comfort of her beside him as he slept; now he could provide that for her.

It probably hadn’t been a very good idea, breaking their unspoken vow to not make a move until after they were both out from under their current stresses. But he had to admit that he felt better today than in a long time. Waking with that warm body wrapped in his arms, knowing that his touch was both soothing and inflaming. That’s how it ought to be. Logan and Ororo.

As much as the words, the thought of them as a couple was fulfilling in a way that he hadn’t expected, it scared him shitless. Sleeping with any other woman – even Jean – didn’t have the repercussions that bedding Ororo had. She was his best friend, his closest confidante…if he ever needed to move a body, he knew he could count on her.

Screwing that up could leave him alone forever. Could he really ever find another woman that would not only put up with his “shit� but also believe it was something she loved about him?

So many questions…

He glanced at her again, noting how studiously she was paying attention to the briefing. Those huge blue eyes were trained on Scooter, one of her thin braids caught between two elegant fingers. She hadn’t bothered with makeup, so the shiner she’d received from their mechanical visitor shone right through. He’d rubbed the dark purple flesh with a tender thumb after they’d dressed, kissed it gently.

It was amazing to have that privilege. He could touch her in all those ways he’d wanted to for years without wondering if she would read into it.

Loss of adamantium, Magneto’s amnesia, Chuck’s death…he could bear it all just to touch her that way. Being her friend changed his life, turning into a lover might just save it.

“Logan.�

‘Ro’s sharp call of his name brought him swiftly from his musings. Startled by the sudden intrusion, he had to blink several times while his brain caught up.

“Yeah?�

She rolled her eyes and swatted his arm, shaking her head with that familiar and long suffering smile on her beautiful face.

“Were you paying attention at all?� She questioned as they stood to leave.

Logan involuntarily reached for her arm as she moved around her chair. A subtle wince told him her medication was wearing off. He had to get her back to the boathouse, make her rest for a while.

“Sure I was,� he said sweetly. “Scooter doesn’t know who sent those damn things or why.�

She scowled at him.

“What?� He asked, all innocence.

“You, my darling, are impossible.�

His heart tripped in his chest. “My darling� was not something anyone called him. Sure, she’d called him by many terms of endearment over the years, but there was something in the way she tacked the “my� onto it that was somehow different. Her tone was softer, her eyes a little warmer.

With his hand on her back to steady her slow steps, Logan led her from the War Room into the hall, where the other X-Men were milling about. Several of them cast curious glances to the oddly matched couple as they passed, but many simply chalked it up to the strangely close friendship the two had shared over the years.

The only ones who seemed to believe something was amiss were Scott, Jean, and Betsy.

Logan shook Bets off with a quick shake of the head, but he completely ignored the married couple still staring after him in surprise. He wouldn’t admit, even under torture, that Scott and ‘Ro’s little romp still got under his skin. Logan didn’t want One-Eye anywhere near Ororo.

“Wolverine?�

He and Ororo stopped as they reached the elevator. She nodded, carefully stepping from his embrace when he turned to face Jean. One glance at Ororo told him he was treading on thin ice. At least he knew she couldn’t physically hurt him while her ribs healed up. Lightning…was another matter altogether.

‘Ro entered the elevator once the doors opened, many of the others following her while caught up in their own conversations. Scooter was still in the War Room, so Logan was left with Jean all alone.

That wasn’t a good thing.

“How is she doing?� Jean asked coolly, weaving her arms over her chest.

“Better,� Logan grunted. “Hates takin’ meds, but she’s takin’ ‘em.�

“Hmm,� Jean hummed, her lips pulled into a taut line. “She needs to be careful over the next few days. Her ribcage was battered. Any strenuous activity could cause her more harm.�

Little warning bells sounded in Logan’s head, but as usual, he ignored them.

“What?� He baited her deliberately. “Why don’t ya just say what yer thinkin’?�

Her ruby red lips disappeared with how hard she seemed to be biting her tongue. For a moment, Logan wondered if he had pushed her a little too far. Her green eyes flashed and he could almost hear the distant caw of an ethereal bird.

“Well,� she sniffed haughtily. “Just make sure you don’t hurt her. I know how rough you can be.�

Logan’s fist made a dull ringing sound echo through the metallic corridor as he slammed it into the wall just inches from Jean’s head. He had frightened her, he could sense it in the stiffening of her posture, taste it on the air. Slowly, deliberately, he leaned closer until he could speak in a whisper.

“I told you once, Jeannie,� he rasped. “Don’t never think I’d hurt her. No one gets away with hurtin’ her, yerself included.�

“You’re scaring me,� she whimpered, looking past him as though in search of her husband.

“Good, at least ya ain’t lost all yer sense.� He replied harshly. “Stay outta my business, Mrs. Summers. Fer yer own good.�

With that, he pushed away from the wall and headed for the elevator. Maybe this time, she would get the point.

~**~
One week later…

Though his heart still ached to the point of physical pain when he dwelled too long on thoughts of Chuck, things had settled back into a sort of tepid calm. He and Ororo slipped into their new relationship with barely a hiccup, leaving their friends and family to draw their own conclusions.

It seemed almost too easy, but then being in Ororo’s life could be like that. Their friendship had begun the same way. One fine day, he just found himself eternally tethered to the woman, and he liked it that way. Now, things had continued in much the same way. There were numerous benefits, of course. Amazing sex was just one of them. Comfort was another. He felt, now, that nothing was off limits in their conversations.

That didn’t mean they ever spoke about Jean and Scott.

Logan was happy not talking about them. He noticed, with some pleasure, that ‘Ro made it her priority to never get Cyclops’ scent on her. She stood far enough away from him when talking and rarely could be found alone with him.

For his part, Logan avoided Jean like the plague. He didn’t actually want to be around her and just the scent of her seemed to turn his stomach. When he mentioned this to Hank last week, his friend theorized that part of Logan decided he was “mated� and in an animalistic sense, another “female’s� scent or close proximity was akin to unfaithfulness.

It made sense when Hank said it.

Logan looked over his shoulder at Ororo, finding her perched on the concrete barrier beside the raceway. Giving her a smirk, which earned him an air kiss from ruby-red lips, he flipped the visor of his helmet down and gunned the motor to his bike.

Cars were ‘Ro’s deal. Logan had his bikes.

A loud air horn sounded, and the yellow crotch-rocket shot away from the starting line. The kids he was racing against were left in the dust. Lowering his body to the bike, Logan leaned so close to the ground for a turn that his hair touched the pavement.

Somewhere over the screaming crowd, he heard Ororo whistle. Smirking to himself, he dipped into another turn. After circling the roundabout, he shot like a bullet toward her voice. Adrenaline pumped through his veins and he knew Ororo was in for some serious mattress dancing when they were done here.

Gravel and dust kicked up as he skidded through the finish line. His helmet was off a heartbeat later, expecting the warm, sinuous body that appeared scant seconds later. She slid onto the bike in front of him, kissing the race winner amid hooting calls and male encouragement.

Tonight was his first race since the incident with Magneto. His balance was returning, albeit slowly. ‘Ro had told him, without a doubt that she was deadly serious, that if she so much as saw the bike wobble, she’d fry him from the inside out.

He was still intent on her lips, keeping them both steady on the bike, when their moment was stolen away.

“Logan! Ororo!�

Storm pulled away from him as though something had bit her. The bike trembled dangerously as both mutants occupying the seat turned at the call of their names. A willowy red head and her ruby-gazed husband were pushing through the crowd.

In their pajamas.

Logan snorted, hiding it in Ororo’s hair. She patted his back soothingly, though he could tell she was holding in laughter by force.

“What are you two doing here? How did you find us?� The white haired mutant demanded when they reached them.

“Jean scanned for you,� Cyclops said immediately. “Sorry, but we need your help.�

Looking to the woman so sinfully occupying his lap, he raised a brow. Their secret was out now. ‘Ro shrugged, seemingly as confused as he was. She slowly, with teasing promises that he would definitely have her naked later, she slid from the bike seat.

Scott’s jaw twitched, his gaze following Storm carefully. Logan fixed him with a glare.

“Watch yer eyes, boy,� he growled for only the two of them to hear.

Cyclops looked away.

“There’s another sentinel, just a few blocks over,� Jean was explaining to Storm. “It hit a homeless youth center. When the kids ran, it started chasing them.�

“Can’t take it down ourselves,� Logan mused. He noticed Cyclops had vanished from the immediate area and looked around for him.

In his Smurf pajama pants and a plain white tee-shirt, the man was crouched beside a motorcycle that belonged to Lazy E. The black racer was laughing, nodding his head while One-Eye nearly went orgasmic over the shiny machine.

By the time he looked back to Storm, she was frowning.

“Logan?� At her call, he hopped off of the bike.

“Yeah?�

“We have to get this thing out of there. Jean is contacting the others, but I have an idea.�

Already knowing what was on her mind, he nodded. “I’ll take the bike. Bait an’ switch?�

She gave him a brilliant smile that made his heart flip-flop. “Yes. Scott?�

The other mutant pulled himself away from the bike he’d been admiring at the sound of his name. Logan chuckled inwardly at the slightly euphoric look on his face. If Storm and Wolverine were not careful, they would wind up with a partner in the racing business.

“Can you ride that?� She pointed one finger to the bike he’d been drooling over.

“Yeah. Definitely. Why?�

Storm’s grin went even wider. “Tell E I said you can borrow it. We’re going to distract the Sentinel so we can lead him to the rest of the team just outside the city.�

“What about Jean?� Scott asked, glancing at his glassy eyed wife.

“I will take care of her. Just stay with Logan and do as he says.�

With that, she turned fully to Logan. He smirked with deliberate sensuality a beat before she pulled him up for a kiss. Only letting himself sink into the sweet taste and heady scent of her for a moment, he nipped at her lips.

“Be careful,� she ordered sternly.

“You, too, baby.�

When they broke apart, he watched her lead Jean toward her Mazda. E came over with the bike’s keys, telling Scott that if he treated the “girl� right, she’d purr for him. Cracking up as that borderline orgasmic look came over Cyclops’ face again, Logan shook his head.

“Come on, boy, lets go have some fun.�

~**~

They pulled to a stop on a wide overpass, two black bikes waiting for the moment to rev into gear. Logan glanced through his visor at Cyclops, whom gripped the handlebars eagerly. After carefully sketching the plan out for him, they’d driven to the meeting spot at high speeds and completely daredevil maneuvers.

Cyclops now knew that bike as intimately as he knew his wife’s body.

Logan braced himself. This wasn’t going to be a fly-by-the-pants operation. The other X-Men were on their way, but they had to successfully get the Sentinel away from innocent civilians before someone got hurt.

“Where are they?� Cyclops said worriedly into the speaker of his helmet.

“She’ll be here. One thing ‘Ro knows how to do is drive.�

As if on some preordained cue, Logan heard the faint hint of music. A beat later, tires squealed. His eyes were glued to the road just below, where Storm and her Mazda should appear in seconds.

Amid the bouncing beat to what he identified as the Black Eyed Peas’ “Pump It� blasting from the sound system, Ororo’s car took a turn at, the very minimum, sixty miles per hour.

The engine of his bike revved as though in answer. He spotted her determined face, both hands expertly on the wheel as she shot beneath the overpass. Logan almost laughed out loud at Jean’s scream, at the four police cars chasing the white racecar.

Cyclops and Wolverine leaped into action. The tires of their bikes screamed against the blacktop as they turned. As a single unit, they parted to race down the exit and entrance of the overpass, easily taking position beside Ororo’s speeding Mazda.

When Logan was directly alongside her, she glanced out her window and beamed at him. Though she could not see his face, he grinned right back.

The Sentinel was flying. That was something new for Logan. It was behind the army of police cars, heedless to the whine of sirens and flashing lights. Logan fell back several meters, with Cyclops mirroring his every move.

The expected whizzing sound of the monster’s tentacle made them both sharply turn the bikes. They raced toward one another at dizzying speeds, catching the attention of the Sentinel with little problem.

Ororo’s Mazda squealed its breaks as she drifted around another corner. Cyclops popped the front wheel of his bike up, swinging it around so that the back tire batted the tentacle away.

Both drivers were out of range again in an instant. Following their “white rabbit�, they chased Ororo down the packed street.

“Fuck.�

“Logan, follow my lead!�

Shocked at Cyclops’ suggestion, keeping one eye on their rabbit, he watched as Cyclops jumped the curb. He easily, almost poetically dodged civilians, leaving Wolverine an easy path to follow. More police cars appeared, but Logan ignored them, surprised by the agility Cyclops had on E’s bike.

Ororo shot past them on the street a moment later, drifting sinuously through the traffic. The perusing police scattered like cockroaches. Logan’s heart almost stopped when he noted, via his rear view mirror, that Storm drove directly beneath the Sentinel.

It turned instantly, following as she screamed around another corner.

“Lets get the police!�

Grunting his agreement with Cyclops, trusting Storm to take care of herself and Jean, he followed Cyclops off of the curb. They danced between semi-motionless cars, taunting the police with their precision driving.

“Come on, you idiots. Take the bait.�

Logan grinned at Cyclops’ words. He easily popped up on his back tire, skidding past a police car as he did so. His visor flew up, allowing the female driver to gape at him. He winked at her. She scowled dangerously.

A beat later, every cop in twenty city blocks was on Logan and Cyclops. They wove together, so close Logan could almost smell Cyclops’ exhilaration, only to part again. The police were desperately trying to pursue, their clunky vehicles no match for the agile bikes.

It didn’t help that as they reached an intersection, Storm whipped past with the Sentinel hot on her heels.

Without even conferring with one another, Cyclops and Wolverine slammed on their brakes. In the center of the intersection, they turned as one to follow the white Mazda. Logan could hear Ororo laughing as she pulled her emergency brake to drift around a sharp corner.

He winced when the Sentinel tried to follow the near ninety-degree angle, succeeding in taking the street light and a building corner with him. There would be hell to pay for that little issue.

Storm was in rare form. He watched her maneuver that tiny car through impossible spaces between cars. She was almost to the meeting spot, where the remaining X-Men would be waiting. Logan would be happy to get out of this without going to jail.

The Sentinel was above them, the wail of police sirens telling him they were catching up. Cyclops darted in front of him, sharply turning as though to lure the police away again. Logan went the opposite direction, flying through an alley as though it were a walk in the park.

He popped out directly in front of Ororo’s car. Jean screamed again. But Ororo merely smiled as they narrowly, expertly shifted to avoid a collision. He jumped the curb again, effortlessly forcing civilians back into buildings from sheer fright. This cul-de-sac was about to be the scene of Mutant-Robot Smack Down, they needed to get out of the way.

Ororo’s car kicked up clouds of acrid smoke from burning tires as she drifted easily and controlled through the roundabout. She did this twice at high speeds, preventing any other vehicle from entering the area. Logan heard Cyclops coming up on the opposite side of the street, mirroring his quest to get innocents out of the way.

Then, the X-Men showed up.

Rogue flew directly at their foe. Storm’s car stopped and the two mutants inside leapt into the air, one wreathed in flame, the other held aloft by wind. Pulling his bike to a halt, Logan hopped off of it and charged into the building battle as the Sentinel swatted at Rogue.

They had this dance down to a science now. The robotic menace fell before the combined might of powerful mutants, crashing to the ground with a resounding and metallic crash.

The cheer that went up from the watching crowds nearly deafened him.

Battle won, Logan sought out Storm the second she landed gracefully beside her battered Mazda. Cyclops and Jean joined them, with the younger mutants coming up from behind.

“Where did you learn to drive like that?� Logan asked of Cyclops.

“She taught me,� he pointed to Storm with an easy smile. “Duh.�

Storm was grinning from ear to ear. “I knew my patience guidance would sink in eventually.�

“Wasn’t half bad, he’s got potential yet,� Logan teased as she wrapped his lover into his embrace.

She hummed happily. “He could clean up at the bike races. Tandem even, with you on the other rocket.�

Suddenly, Jean stepped between them all. Her face bore a slightly green color, her hair wild and tangled, hands on her hips.

“You are all INSANE!� she screeched. “I’ve never been more terrified in my life.�

“What?� Wolverine couldn’t resist. “Ya didn’t trust Storm?�

“It isn’t about trust! That was entirely unsafe and we could have hurt people! And the COPS were chasing us!�

Cyclops went to his obviously frazzled wife and pulled her into his arms. Logan could see the man wanted to throttle her, likely for ruining the speed-high, but he was tender all the same. Ororo was chuckling into Logan’s shirt.

“We’re all precision drivers,� he explained in a low tone. “We didn’t let anyone get hurt.�

Before Jean could rebut, Iceman tapped Cyclops on the shoulder.

“Um, speaking of cops…�

The four mutants turned in time to see several police officers approaching.

“You four!� the elder one said, hand on his weapon. “Hands up. You’re under arrest.�

As one, Cyclops, Storm, and Wolverine sighed. “Oh, shit.�

Chapter Seventeen: Competing

Just takes a little bit of this, a little bit of that
Started with a kiss, now we're up to bat
A little bit of laughs, a little bit of pain
I’m telling you, my babe, it’s all in the game of love
It’s all in this game of love
~Michelle Branch

Two mutant women occupied the cell on the eastern wall as dawn broke over New York. The elder curled up on one dirty cot, her back to the wall and knees to her chest. She was looking up, mindlessly counting ceiling tiles as she listened to the masculine laughter coming from Scott and Logan down the hall.

A red haired mutant had spent the last several hours crying. Her blotched face and tousled hair made her oddly endearing, but after no other sound save that bawling made Ororo want to punch her. It was not as though they would spend the rest of their lives in prison.

Jean was overreacting, like usual. Logan had called the girl a “killjoy� as he was tossed against the hood of the police car. Ororo, having just been slammed as well, had laughed heartily. It was only this laughter that kept her Wolverine from murdering the officers “frisking� her.

Now, she could almost imagine what Logan and Scott were talking about down the hall. She was glad that their tentative relationship was repairing. Goddess only knew how many hours they would spend in the garage, lovingly restoring old bikes. Perhaps everything that happened was a good thing.

For years Ororo told Logan he and Scott could be friends if they could see further than the women in their lives. She made a mental note to never interrupt their male bonding if she could help it.

As for Jean, Ororo had no idea how to handle her. The girl stubbornly refused to speak, likely embarrassed at being arrested on top of Storm scaring the living daylights out of her. Storm knew Jean was rather – how could she think it nicely? – a stick in the proverbial mud.

Killjoy.

She liked her high-speed chases on the six o’clock news, not in the passenger seat of a blazing Mazda. Ororo had been pushing the limit, leading that Sentinel around by his non-existent nose. But never, not for a single moment, did she lose control of her car. She would never put Jean in danger. Why couldn’t her friend understand that?

“Jean?� She tried again, glancing at the woman.

“This is all your fault, you know,� the woman shot back hotly. “And I am not a killjoy.�

Annoyed, Ororo whipped her head around, succeeding in slapping her cheeks with her braids.

“Slip into my mind, just once more, without permission and you will know have a first hand account of the interior of an F-5 tornado.�

Jean’s flashing green eyes met glowing white. Ororo lifted her chin, daring her.

The other woman looked away quickly, crossing her arms over her chest. They were both silent for several minutes. Ororo wanted to scream in frustration. The world as Jean knew it was supposed to revolve around men panting after her and women coddling. Ororo was tired of it. She’d been tired before Charles left them, before all of this started.

“How…� the woman’s voice was soft. Storm gave her the gift of silence as she obviously tried to collect her scattered thoughts.

“Where did you learn that?�

With a frown, Ororo gave her friend a questioning look.

Jean mimed a car moving sideways around a corner. Ororo smiled softly, remembering the exact time and place.

“In Japan, with Logan. Charles, of course, insisted Scott and I take high-speed driving lessons. I just took it further.�

“It’s illegal,� Jean said with that telltale quiver to her dimpled chin. “We’re in jail.�

She spoke the last word as though she were confessing mortal sins to a priest.

Ororo scoffed. “As though I have not been in jail before.�

Jean looked scandalized. Ororo could not help but laugh. She remembered, on several occasions, when she and Logan wound up behind bars. Usually, it was his fault. Bar fights, as his best friend, demanded she leap into the fray.

“In fact,� she chortled. “In Canada a few years ago, Logan and I spent a weekend in a provincial lock up. We destroyed a bar after a man punched Logan.�

“Why did he get punched?� Jean’s eyes were both fearful and enticed.

Recalling the memory, she chuckled a bit more. “A very long story. Suffice it to say, Logan won a boxing match, the man realized he was a mutant, and he was so far gone in drink he picked on Logan’s height.�

Ororo calmed a little, shaking her head while looking back up at the ceiling. Oh, the stories she could tell about her Logan. There were fights, all-night tequila binges, dancing in pulsing clubs. So much history and memory.

With a slightly girly squeal inside, she added to her inward dialogue that he was dynamite in bed and loved her as no other. Her Logan. No one else’s.

“How can you think that’s funny?� Jean demanded. “You can’t just break the law! I know we had to stop the Sentinel, but there were other ways!�

On a sharp exhale, Ororo turned to her friend. “How would you know? If you relaxed, for just a moment, you might learn that breaking the law can be a great deal of fun.�

“Oh, that’s rich,� the red head shot back. “Coming from a thief!�

Slowly, so slowly Ororo barely registered it, the taller mutant stood. She glared at the other woman, hurt and angered by her words at once. Jean jumped to her feet, looking terrified and stubborn as she faced down her friend.

“I may be a thief,� Storm said in a hiss. “But I am not a liar. I am who I am.�

“No you’re not,� Jean spat. “You’re who Wolverine made you. You’re his little puppy that he can drag around with him. Now you even sleep with him! He’s got you trained like a brood sow.�

That stung. Ororo stepped back as though Jean had physically struck her. Unwilling to back down completely, however, she took a deep breath. The laughter from down the hall had stopped. Logan and likely Cyclops knew something was going on.

“Jean,� Ororo began in a low tone. “Why don’t you just tell me whatever it is you want to? Something is eating at you from the inside out.�

“Like you’d listen!� Jean stomped her foot, looking curiously five-years-old for a moment. “Everyone loves Ororo. Isn’t she pretty? Isn’t she smart? I’m sick of it!�

“All about me?� Feminine pride hitched several more notches, and along with it, Ororo’s voice. “From the day I stepped into the mansion you have despised me. Goddess forgive anyone for loving me. You wanted to love me, but Scott, Henry, Charles…they all had to protect sweet, innocent little Jeannie.�

“Ha!� Jean was shaking with rage, her eyes suddenly flashing fire. “You wanted them all for yourself. Even Scott!�

“Oh, I had Scott,� Ororo said maliciously. “But he only has eyes for you. The pinnacle of perfection is beautiful and innocent Jean.� She mimed bowing at her feet.

“It wasn’t enough to have Logan?�

“You’re the one that adored his attention, especially after you were married,� Ororo was on a roll, so she jumped over that invisible line to continue. “Was it thrilling? Having a man like Logan panting after you? You could fuck Scott until the end of time, but you knew Logan wanted you. I bet you got off on it.�

Jean’s startled gasp only spurred her on. The other woman was making squeaking noises, filled with astonishment, as her mouth opened and closed.

“You have always had everything. Charles’ paternal pride, Scott’s undying love, Logan’s fiery lust. I bet you thought it would always be that way. Wake up, Mrs. Summers, the world doesn’t revolve around your pretty red head.�

“Well,� Jean said, as though her voice had returned. “You’re not much better. Between Magneto and Wolverine, I’ve just been waiting for you to betray us. You like the darker side, Storm, so why don’t you go for it? Break the law, kill innocent people, start a war. If you’re so superior to me, why not?�

“You’re a child, Jean,� Ororo said with disgust. “Your entire world view revolves around getting everything you wanted for Christmas. Grow up.�

“I’m the child? You’re the one playing cops and robbers at ninety miles an hour!�

Ororo smirked wickedly. “It kills you, doesn’t it? The very thought that I am actually better at something than you makes hell freeze over.�

She took two steps, moving until she was toe to toe with a woman she once loved as a sister.

“You’re just a cheap whore who likes to drive fast,� Jean’s words were filled with venom.

“And you’re a cheap whore dressed up as a respectable woman.�

Jean stuck her chin out. Ororo, glaring at the woman, was vaguely aware of a cell door opening down the hall. Most of the other prisoners – nearly all occupying the drunk tank – were dead silent. The two women had an audience and Ororo could not care less.

She was sick of avoiding Jean, turning her back on the issues between them. Charles’ death had created a short, rickety bridge between them. Now, they were quickly lighting fire to it. Storm hated the space between them, but it was too late to turn back now.

Jean wasn’t going to be handled with kid gloves any more.

In her friend’s eyes, she could see violence welling up. Ororo knew Jean would no sooner start a fistfight than Logan would take up yodeling, but it was there. Jean wanted blood.

Quietly, so no one would overhear, Ororo whispered in her ear. “You don’t want to tangle with me, little girl. You lose. Logan is mine and Scott is yours. Get that through your thick head.�

She could see, quite clearly, the thought that immediately flashed through Jean’s mind. The girl actually believed she could take Logan back while keeping her marriage in tact.

Completely repulsed by this, Ororo turned her back on the red haired mutant. No good would come from this. It was more of these stupid feminine mind games. Logan would never bed Jean again; he hadn’t wanted her for years. Scott…well, he wasn’t nearly as appealing now that she realized he had not chosen Jean as a consolation prize. He loved his wife and that was the end of it.

It would really be better for everyone if she and Jean could stop cat fighting over nothing. They were getting worse than Wolverine and Cyclops.

“Storm?�

Ororo turned at Jean’s call.

WHACK!

A sharp, open-palmed slap might have been expected several seconds ago. It happened, at times, in the heat of an argument. Ororo was not, however, prepared for the full on, balled-up-fist punch she received to her jaw.

Her head snapped back in surprise, blood pooling in her mouth. Astonished and a little amused if she wanted to admit it, Storm blinked at Jean in shock.

“Whoa, whoa, WHOA!�

Cyclops rushed into the room, pulling his wife away. Jean was screeching, but Ororo’s ears were still ringing from the force of the blow. Obviously, Jeannie had been working out.

“Darlin’?� Logan was pulling her toward the cot. “She gonna live?�

“Yeah, she’s fine.� Cyclops grunted his response.

Suddenly queasy, Ororo grabbed her beloved’s arms. “Logan?�

“What’s amatter?�

“Make the room stop spinning.�

“Uh, sure, baby.� He winced, checking her jaw. “Clocked ya good.�

“Uh-huh. Angry red head. World. Spin.� She blinked again, but Logan was still blurred to her trembling eyes.

“Not like ya didn’t deserve it,� he snarled under his breath.

“I know, I know.� She winced when the pad of his thumb traced the bruise she could feel forming. “How much did you hear?�

“Baby, even the cops were makin’ popcorn by the fourth sentence. Everybody heard.�

“Lovely.�

“Yer gonna live.� Her lover said as he mopped up blood with his shirtsleeve. “An’ Hank’s bailed us out.�

“Uh-oh, incoming lecture.�

Logan’s eyes were hard when they met hers. “Yeah, an’ when he’s done, you an’ are gonna have a nice long chat.�

Ororo immediately wished she hadn’t picked that fight with Jean. It was going to be a long day.

~**~


They were only allowed back into the boathouse after Henry verbally reamed all four of them. Jean unrepentantly had not even used the “But I wasn’t even driving� defense. She instead took the chiding with her little quivering chin before Scott ushered her upstairs.

Apparently, it was a new standing order that Jean and Ororo were not allowed in the same room together. Logan had asked Hank to ensure Storm was not concussed by Jean’s mean right hook. After the neurological tests pronounced her as bruised, but otherwise fine, Logan dragged Ororo toward the boathouse.

Exhausted, she moved toward the bedroom to change out of the clothing she’d worn out the previous evening.

Before Logan could even begin his tirade, she held up a hand. “Yell at me while I at least change into something comfortable and brush my teeth.�

With that, she marched up the staircase, leaving him in the foyer. As an afterthought, she tossed another warning over her shoulder.

“If you so much as think about defending Jean in any way that does not boil down to the fact that I could kick her ass without breaking a sweat, you can go sleep in her bed tonight.�

“Now, hold the fuck on.�

Ignoring him, Ororo swept into her bedroom, leaving a trail of clothing behind her. Though she loved her silver vinyl pants and matching, backless halter, it was far too uncomfortable after nearly twenty hours. She had worn the outfit for Logan to tear back off. That, of course, had not worked out exactly as planned.

“Don’t go puttin’ words in my mouth, baby,� her lover said as he trooped into the room.

Naked, she turned to him with her hands on her hips. “I am not proud of my fight with Jean, but I was not going to allow her to continue walking all over me.�

“No one walks all over ya, darlin’.� He sighed as he dropped her clothing into the hamper.

While he undressed, she pulled a pair of sweats and t-shirts out for each of them.

“I will say that, yeah, if it came down ta it, ya’d probably beat Jean black an’ blue,� his voice was muffled as he pulled a clean shirt on. “But that ain’t the point.�

“Well?� She demanded, shimmying into her black sweats with an X-Men logo on the hip. “What is the point?�

“The point is,� Logan’s back was to her as he spoke. “Ya gotta stop thinkin’ yer in competition with Jean. This ain’t a game, ‘Ro.�

Unable to help herself, Ororo began to laugh as she slipped her shirt on. “Are you, who competed for years with Scott over Jean, telling me to behave myself?�

“Watch it, Storm,� he said coldly, not turning to her. “Am I yer enemy? Do I deserve that?�

Having her own words thrown back at her brought Ororo up short. On a sigh, she moved to the bed and sat on the edge, pulling her legs up under her backside. “I’m sorry.�

Logan nodded, grunted, and faced her. “Baby, I love you, not Jeannie. There ain’t anythin’ ta fight over.�

“I know that,� she said with a small smile. “Something about her is getting under my skin lately. She has every right to be angry over my…indiscretion with Scott.�

“Yeah, but she ain’t an angel,� Logan replied, coming to sit beside her on the bed. “We scared her last night, I get that. But whatever’s brewin’ between ya is just mean.�

Ororo pouted slightly. “I would have never put her life in danger.�

Her lover was silent for a moment as he lay back on the bed. One of his impossibly strong hands reached up to rub her back soothingly.

“That hurt ya, didn’t it?�

Unable to lie, she nodded slowly. “I thought I had earned more of her trust than that.�

“She don’t like things fast, ain’t a secret.�

Shrugging, Ororo turned to look at his face. “Back when I first came here, to the mansion, Jean and I were the only female students.�

“Uh-huh, I know,� he nodded slightly. His free arm curled behind his head so he could see her properly.

“Well, Jean and I are both…stubborn…�

“Mules, both of ya.�

Ororo glared at him. He grinned. She rolled her eyes and continued while picking at a hole in his sweatpants.

“It became something like a game, between us. Who had the most Valentines, who got the most Christmas presents, but there was always a bond between us underneath all of that. When she and Scott fell in love, I was left out. Shuffled to the side with everyone else.�

Empathy flooded the dark eyes she knew better than her own.

“Since then, we have always competed on some level. It’s a long, mostly loving tug of war. But after everything with Magneto years ago and our friendship.� She gestured between them. “Jean pulled further and further away from me.�

“An’ now ya’re both ready to start pullin’ hair at the drop of a hat.�

Sadness came over Ororo’s face, clouding the previously bright winter morning. “Yes.�

“Come here, baby.�

When Logan opened his arms to her, she immediately snuggled into his chest, enjoying the feel of him against her. No matter what happened in her life, she always felt safe in his embrace. All he had to do was hold her and the troubles suddenly seemed very small.

“Just give it time, darlin’,� Logan whispered as he kissed her hair. “We’re all a little high strung.�

Wrapping her arm over his waist and tossing her leg over his thigh, Ororo nodded. “Just a bit.�

“Think of it this way,� he murmured. “At least we’re on speakin’ terms with Scooter.�

Ororo chuckled, leaning her head up to look at him. “When are you meeting to work on the bikes?�

“Coupla hours,� he grinned, obviously knowing she had discovered the change between the two men already. “Ya mind?�

“Me? Of course not,� she leaned up to kiss him quickly. “Go get all sweaty and greased up while drinking beer and talking about crazy women.�

Logan shifted, grabbing her by the hips and hauling her to straddle his thighs. She cocked a brow, bracing her hands on his chest to look down at him.

“Well, I was hopin’ I could relax ya before I go.�

At his mischievous smirk, Ororo shifted against him. “Oh? What did you want?�

“While yer up there,� he nearly growled. “I mostly want ya ta wriggle.�

Ororo grinned, flattening her body against his. She could feel the hard, heavy length of him against her belly. Just the vague idea of having her Wolverine naked and sweating was enough to make lust stab at her center.

Logan’s hands rocked her hips by force, making her rub along the arousal against her abdomen. She grinned, swooping down to capture his lips. He responded eagerly, his hands falling to her backside. Ororo parted her lips, allowing him to sweep his tongue inside hers.

She pulled his shirt off without pause, taking her lips from his only long enough to yank the material over his head. He copied her movement, tossing her shirt over the edge of the bed. Her lover sat up quickly, making her almost stand on the bedspread so she could remove her sweatpants.

Logan’s joined hers on the floor before she straddled him, this time with bare skin touching all over.

“Tell me,� she whispered before he could kiss her again. “Why did we get dressed only to undress again?�

“Yer askin’ me?� he teased while licking her bottom lip. “I had it my way, we’d never have clothes on.�

Ororo giggled softly, scraping her nails over his flat nipples. Logan groaned, his hands flexing on her bare thighs. She took a moment to let her eyes wander hungrily. With his sculpted muscle and thick hair over almost every inch of his body, he was truly the most delicious male she’d ever seen. He could easily tempt a virgin into sin with only a look.

“Like whatcha see?� His husky voice made her shiver.

“More than you know.� Ororo brought her hands toward her, dragging them lazily over his skin.

The flex of his muscles beneath her fingers brought her a thrill of feminine power. All thoughts of Scott, Jean, racing, and jail time were gone in an instant. She knew only passion, only the want of this man inside her. When they were joined, everything made perfect sense.

Ororo beckoned him closer with one crooked finger. He sat up, wrapping his arms around her. She brought his face up to kiss him, placing both hands on either side of his face. His kiss was heady, demanding, filled with primal lust and tender love. It made her want to dive inside of him.

Instead, Logan lifted her, bringing her already aching center down on his hard length. They sighed in unison, Ororo’s body claming down on him, trying to get him deeper. Neither of them moved, content to merely remain motionless for a few moments. She wanted to revel in this simple act, where nothing could touch them.

Logan, however, only had so much patience.

She did not notice they were moving until Logan had her on her back. She gasped when he thrust his hips sharply, burying himself more fully inside her. Ororo’s knees fell open, inviting him to take until he’d had his fill.

“I love you,� he grunted against her lips.

Ororo smiled softly, tracing the lines of his mouth tenderly. “Love you more.�

In answer, her lover rocked his hips, harder this time. Tenderness was gone in an instant. Ororo claimed his mouth violently, causing his entire body to tense. In seconds, he was pounding inside of her until she thought she would break.

Winds outside howled, the room’s internal temperature jumping several degrees. Logan fisted his hands on the edge of their bed, over her head. She gripped his suddenly sweaty shoulders, trying to find a decent hold on him.

He drove her harder, knowing instinctively how much she could take. Fire swept through her body, igniting every nerve ending as it went. She was smoldering, dying for more of what Logan could give her. He was swearing against her mouth, the words lost in throaty groans and heated kisses.

She heard his claws unsheathe and that only added kindling to the fire. Wrapping her legs around Logan’s waist, she squeezed him inside her. He groaned something that might have been her name, arching his back as the thrust of his hips found a faster rhythm.

The bed was moving along the floor, scraping the hardwood loudly. Ororo held on for dear life, begging her lover in a whisper for more. He obliged eagerly, pulling back only to slam home again and again.

She felt the tension coiling inside her as Logan trembled in her arms. Careful to not disrupt him, she reached between their bodies to manipulate her swollen clit. Logan’s dark eyes glinted with lust when he looked down her body.

“That’s fuckin’ hot,� he growled, watching her touch herself.

“Logan…�

“Jesus, ‘Ro.� He grunted, shifting his hips so he hit that perfect spot inside of her with every thrust.

Everything inside her seized a moment later. Arching her back into Logan’s hard body, his rhythm driving her higher, she climaxed in a flash of white light and a muttered curse. Somewhere in the other side of reality, she heard Logan call her name as his body stiffened.

They collapsed on the bed in a tangled mess of limbs and ragged breathing. Ororo curled into his side instantly, wanting to stay as close as she could. He kissed her hair, wrapping her in the sanctuary of his arms.

She was asleep in seconds. Upon waking later that afternoon, she found Logan gone. A note, however, was pinned to the pillow.

You shouldn’t fight over me. No one holds a candle to you, darlin’. Remember that. I’m in the garage, I’ll bring home dinner. Don’t you dare get dressed. I love you, Logan.

Chapter Eighteen: Slowing Down

I'm the one who gets that look in your eye
And I'm the one who feels you tremble inside
I'm the one who steals those kisses from your breath
Sometimes it's so good at night it scares me to death
Thinkin' what would I do if I didn't have you
I'm as strong, strong as I can be
But oh, baby you leave me weak
~Toby Keith

By the time Logan returned to the boathouse, Ororo was awake. He sniffed cautiously upon entering the home, careful to ensure he would not surprise his lover. With her nerves wound tightly, sneaking up on her was a recipe for badness.

Engine grease had found a new home on his clothing, but he wasn’t concerned about that. The soreness in his limbs was cause for concern. Something inside of him still felt wrong. While racing and the thrilling chase through New York streets had not further tortured his battered body, he felt a little off.

What he needed, he decided with a roll of his shoulders, was a scalding shower and a good night’s sleep.

Ororo had a pot of cooking meat and vegetables on the stove. Beef stew, if his nose was right. Licking his lips in anticipation, he ducked into the orderly space and quickly lifted the lid. Thick gravy and slowly simmering veggies made his mouth water instantly. From the flour residue on the counter, he knew she was making her thick buttermilk biscuits. Oh yeah, that was one hell of a woman.

“Baby?� He called into the otherwise quiet house, frowning when there was no return call.

Quenching the sudden flutter of panic that seized his heart, Logan took several calming breaths. Her car was still in the driveway and he hadn’t seen her leave the grounds on the wind. There were a number of places where his voice wouldn’t carry. The shower, the weight room…she was fine.

Logan removed his soiled shirt easily as he climbed the staircase to the loft. No water was running in the bathroom, but the set of sweats he found in the hamper while disrobing said that Ororo had recently bathed. Her scent still lingered on the air; she couldn’t be far.

After changing his clothes, Logan jogged back down the stairs. Following the soft scent of his lover toward the back of the house, he frowned again. Though the telltale sounds of combat training and the tang of sweat were no where near, he distinctly heard Ororo humming. What the hell was she doing?

Without announcing himself, Logan twisted the doorknob open and jumped into the room. He yelped, startled when he was met with dense fog and a warm, restraining breeze.

“Logan! Get out of here!� Ororo cried on what sounded like a giggle.

“What are ya doin’? Let me go!� He replied, straining against the winds.

“No!� She laughed. Paper rustled. “Get! I’ll be out in a minute.�

Feeling a little playful, Logan raised a brow, trying to find her form through the blinding fog. “Ya got another man in there?�

Her indignant snort was followed by a gust of warm wind. Logan found himself in the hall, laughing a little at getting her goat. Obviously she was up to something clever, as usual. He leaned against the wall, waiting for her to appear so she could explain herself.

The fight with Jean hadn’t ended well. Logan was unsure if those two would ever truly reconcile. Though Charles’ death brought them together, the battle between them raged on. Scott and Logan spoke briefly about it, deciding in the end to simply wait the women out. Everyone had their demons, but flushing them all out at once would likely get someone killed.

Ororo came from the weight room a moment later, an impish smile curving her beautiful mouth.

“Whatcha up to, darlin’?� Logan questioned after kissing her lips.

She melted into his arms, making him fall back against the wall to support their combined weight.

“Christmas wrapping, of course.�

Logan’s mind halted for a moment and an echoing “Oh, shit� ricocheted in his head. Christmas was usually a huge deal at Xavier’s. Students and teachers alike went a little batty as they gathered up gifts for friends and loved ones. The tree would be decorated after Hank and Logan retrieved an enormous pine from the woods surrounding the grounds.

“You forgot!� Ororo accused, bringing him from his thoughts. “You forgot your favorite holiday!�

Scowling playfully, he tightened the grip on her hips. “I’ve had a lot on my mind.�

Ororo, using those feminine wiles no man stood a chance against, raised her brow and pouted beautifully. Logan’s heart tripped in his chest, he wanted to kiss that pout away desperately.

“You haven’t gotten me a gift?�

Clever bitch, he thought with an inward smile.

“Course I haven’t.� Logan fell back on male defenses by lying through his teeth. “It’s not ready yet. I had it personalized.�

Her blue eyes were suspicious. “Liar.�

A falsely innocent look twisted Logan’s features immediately. “Would I do that?�

She responded by kissing him while her hand snaked around to swat at his backside. The oven’s buzzer sounded a moment later, making Ororo yelp before she bounded into kitchen. Logan waited in the hall, gently tapping his head on the drywall behind him.

This Christmas would be a special one, heaven help him if he fucked it up.

~**~

They sat together on the porch swing, steaming cups of coffee lying half-full on the table beside them. A warm wool blanket covered the silent couple as a gentle winter breeze rocked the swing gently. Hank Williams droned on about his cheating woman from the stereo inside. The night was clear, affording them a wonderfully uninhibited view of the waxing moon.

Deliciously filled from Ororo’s carefully prepared meal and an evening free from stress, he cherished this stolen moment. His lover shifted beside him, snuggling further into the curve of his arm. Here and now, the outside world didn’t matter. There were no court dates for reckless endangerment, no blood feuds with Jean or Scott, no Sentinels or Magnetos. Right in this spot, they were just ‘Ro and Logan, as they had been for years.

Her long, lean legs were tossed over his, giving his free hand something to methodically rub. Her socked feet tapped the air in time with Williams’ guitar. Logan, his head leaning back, glanced down at the siren lying so innocently in his arms.

“Hey, ‘Ro?� he asked, keeping his tone low to not disturb the quiet moment.

“Mmm?� She replied, her eyes still heavy lidded.

“I don’t think I ever thanked you,� he said as the thought hit him.

“Mm? For what?� Ororo asked, not looking up at him.

“Takin’ care of me, after the adamantium…thing.�

Now, she did turn her head. Glorious blue eyes reflected the swelling moon as she regarded him quietly. He knew by the slight crease to her brows that she was trying to decipher his meaning behind the unexpected words. Was he serious? Or was this all a joke with a punch line to be determined?

Apparently, she decided he was serious. Her lusciously dark lips pouted slightly as she exhaled the breath she’d held. Ororo turned her head toward the beautiful moon before she spoke, the slight tension in her body giving away the pain she found inside of her.

“When I was waiting,� she began with a gentle tremble to her voice. “I prayed. I kept praying until I thought my brain would explode. I kept telling the Goddess that I would give anything to see your eyes open again, to hear your voice. I was so afraid that if I took my eyes off of you, you’d give up completely and drift away.�

Logan’s throat swelled with emotion at the clear tone that wavered just so slightly with the pain and fear she had kept hidden all these months. He pulled her a little closer, choosing to remain silent while she spoke of those terrible weeks. Thus far, this was the most she had ever said of those days in the med-lab.

“Henry said you couldn’t hear me, but when I was alone I talked to you constantly.� Ororo inhaled deeply. “I begged you to wake up, threatened you when you didn’t. I watched your blood seep through bandage after bandage and each one was like a piece of my heart slipping away.�

When he moved to speak, Ororo squeezed his hand, effectively silencing him. “But the thing I said the most, even if I didn’t realize it at the time, was I love you. I kept thinking that if you realized someone in this world loved you, you’d stay.�

“I knew you loved me, ‘Ro,� he defended. “We’ve been stuck together like stink on shit for the last few years.�

“I know,� she agreed. “But you’re so damn stubborn!�

He chuckled, bringing his other arm under the blanket to wrap her entirely in his embrace. She snuggled closer, pulling her body over until she was in his lap. A few more seconds of shifting saw that Ororo straddled his thighs and Logan pinned the blanket around them both tightly.

Her forehead touched his, making him smile as she spoke again. “You are my best friend, Wolverine. No thanks are required.�

“Thanks, anyway,� he whispered back. “I love you, ya know.�

The smile she gave him was tender, sweet. For a moment, Logan wondered how someone so innocent could love him. He reminded himself, rather quickly, that she was about as innocent as a fox in a hen house. Ororo could be naïve at times, but she had her own bad streak.

During his internal debate, she had closed the miniscule space between them. Her pliable lips were warm on his, the intimate contact bringing his body temperature up several notches in the space between heartbeats.

A resounding crash echoed over the lake, sounding much like a bullet having left the barrel of a sawed off shotgun. Instinct overrode thought and Logan’s lap was vacated in an instant. Ororo crouched low on the wooden deck. Logan popped up, his claws releasing instantly as they searched for the cause.

“Oh, dear.�

At Ororo’s words, Logan followed her gaze. A long, lean body was flying somewhat haphazardly over the water. Without question, Logan knew it was Scott. He heard the distant screech of a female voice.

His lover was two steps ahead of him. She threw herself off of the deck, the burning scent of ozone heralding the weather manipulator’s call of the winds. Scott’s reckless fall was suddenly controlled as Storm brought him to the safety of the southern bank.

Sheathing his claws, Logan followed the floating form of his beloved as she rushed toward Scott’s form on the dark lawn. Inwardly wincing at what was to follow, Logan approached the man cautiously. Whatever had possessed Jean to throw him from the mansion was likely to ruin his carefree night.

“Scott?� Ororo landed soundlessly beside Logan as they approached the man.

Wearing nothing but his boxer shorts, Scott stood, carefully adjusting the ruby-quartz lenses that protected his eyes. “Jean’s a little…touchy tonight.�

“Touchy?� Logan snorted. “She tossed ya outta the mansion.�

“Yeah,� Cyclops sighed. “Nice catch, Storm.�

The white haired woman was sighing as well, shaking her head so that the braids whipped around his shoulders. “What happened?�

“Nothing.�

Cyclops and Wolverine locked gazes. Hundreds of things were explained in those moments without speech. Males could speak as well as females without words and Logan understood a wealth of information in the guarded look.

“Hey, ‘Ro?�

As though she sensed something was happening around her, she arched a brow in Logan’s direction. “Yes, dear?�

“Why don’t ya get us a coupla beers and give us a while alone?� He apologized with a soft smile. “Please?�

If she was angry with him, Ororo never let it show. She nodded once, giving them both a once-over before she ducked into the house. Logan led Scott onto the porch as Ororo returned with a pair of Logan’s sweats and a pullover sweater. She handed them each a beer, kissed Logan’s cheek, and slipped back into the house without a word.

“Some woman,� Scott commented as he pulled the clothing over his shivering body. “Thanks.�

“She is,� Logan agreed, watching Cyclops sit. “What’s up, man?�

Scott sighed as he perched on the railing of the porch. “Jean’s a little upset still.�

“I kinda figured that much. Why’d she toss ya out?�

“She said that if I had so much more fun with you and Storm, I should live with you.� Scott’s face turned as red as his glasses. “There were other things that I wouldn’t mention in front of Ororo.�

Logan caught on immediately. “Jean’s a sick woman.�

“Yeah,� Scott nodded. “Pity I actually love her.�

~**~

Cyclops slept on Logan and Ororo’s sofa that night. Come morning, he seemed much more in control of himself, though staying up with Wolverine into the wee hours of the morning left dark circles under his eyes. They’d gone through a case of beer together, talking quietly while Ororo slumbered in the loft.

Once his newfound friend returned to the mansion, Logan escaped from Storm’s entreating gazes and sought out Betsy. He dragged the unwilling telepath into the Jeep, with promises of presents if she behaved herself.

For the last few years, Christmas shopping was a ritual shared with ‘Ro alone. Before that, though, Betsy was his common companion. This year, he decided, he would revive that old custom. Once his friend realized what he was up to, she was all smiles and smart comments.

Several hours were devoted to finding gifts for the students. They were never difficult, seeing as each submitted a short list to the teaching staff around Thanksgiving. Each professor checked off what they purchased for each, to ensure that no one doubled up.

Betsy had bags of her own shopping slung over her arms, while Logan carted around his own purchases like a chastised child. He really and truly disliked shopping, but Betsy’s quick wit usually made the procedure somewhat less painful.

Of course, the flip side of it was that he had to talk. About whatever she decided was important. So, he ran through the events of the previous evening quickly. Betsy sighed, rolled her eyes, and ducked into a music shop to look for something with Logan in tow.

“Jean doesn’t know where she stands anymore,� Bets surmised as they flipped through racks of compact discs. “She lost your favor, years ago mind, but she’s only just realized it.�

“I really couldn’t care less what Jean thinks.� Logan grunted, smiling triumphantly when he located the music disc Kitty wanted.

“You should,� Betsy said from the other side of the rack. “Or Cyclops will spend more nights on your couch.�

“I don’t have the time or the energy to mollycoddle Jean-fucking-Summers.�

“None of us do, Logan. So why do we always do it? Hmm?� Betsy’s arched brow gave her a shrewd look all of the sudden.

He paused, considering her question. “I really don’t know.�

“Because she needs it,� his friend said confidently. “Angel needs to be told things gently, Beast needs logic, Bobby needs discipline, Scott needs freedom, ‘Roro needs danger, you need home. Jean, unfortunately, likes negative attention. It’s become habit for this odd little family to just give it to her, like we give everyone else what they need.�

Logan blinked at her. “Why’d ya major in marketing? You shoulda been a shrink.�

She smiled prettily. “Everyone needs something, Logan. Usually these little quirks don’t bother anyone, but recently Jean has come face to face with hard reality. It’s making her show her arse in big, bad ways.�

“Why now?�

Betsy rolled her eyes toward the ceiling again. “Oh, I don’t know. Charles just died, Storm shagged her husband rotten, you stopped chasing her and she noticed – finally – and to top it all off, you and ‘Roro fell madly in love.�

“Why should she care?� Logan came around the aisle, narrowly avoiding a teenager head-banging to something blaring out of the headphones he wore.

“Because it’s disturbed her view of how the world should be.� Betsy’s tone was filled with sorrow. “She’s convinced herself that Scott should be the doting husband, you’re the bad boy chasing her, Storm is the asexual workhorse, and the rest of us don’t matter.�

Logan groaned, stopping to drop his head onto her slender shoulder. He groaned like a sickly child, making her reach up to touch his cheek gently. “This is too damned complicated.�

“It’ll pass, my friend,� she said sweetly. “Jean just needs to accept that things change.�

“Do you mind if I don’t hold my breath?�

They walked together toward the counter, each purchasing their discs and sliding the bags into larger ones to consolidate their holdings. Logan led the way through the busy mall this time, deciding it was time to bite the bullet and select Ororo’s gift.

Betsy was less than helpful when he admitted to a certain nervousness at the prospect.

“Well, of course there’s more riding on it now,� she said with a derisive snort. “She’s not just you’re best mate, she’s your lover! This first Christmas gift will set the tone for the remainder of the relationship!�

Logan scowled at her unkindly. “No pressure, eh?�

“What?� She blinked innocently as they entered the jewelry store.

At once, Logan was set at ease. Inside the massive shop were at least a dozen other men with puzzled and fearful expressions on their faces. Betsy was giggling all the while, even when Logan hissed at her to shut her mouth.

They meandered through the expansive shop, each peering into the clean glass cases at things they liked. Logan immediately vetoed the locket idea Betsy tossed at him. It seemed very clichéd and not something Ororo would think came from the heart.

Instead, he concentrated on diamond tennis bracelets while Betsy tried on a pair of amethyst earrings that cost more than Logan’s Jeep.

“Hey,� he growled at her. “I thought ya were here ta help me.�

She gave him an imperious glare in the reflection of the mirror on the counter. “That does not mean I can not have some fun of my own, mate.�

He grumbled, but decided to let that pass.

A beat later, the tall, older man who ran the shop appeared behind the counter Logan was standing behind.

“May I help you, sir?�

Deciding he liked the open, honest expression on the shop keeper’s face and the mischievous twinkle in his light eyes, Logan dropped his shopping bags and sighed.

“I need a gift for my girl,� he explained. “But something meaningful.�

“Meaningful?� the man’s tone was thoughtful. “How so?�

Logan smiled briefly. “Let me see if I can explain… We were best friends for a long time and just a little while ago, I got hurt. She took care of me, like always and before I knew it, I realized I was in love with her. Imagine my surprise when she loved me right back. Now, my friend over there, chick with purple hair…�

Betsy waved from the mirror.

“She says the first Christmas gift has to be something special. I don’t really know what to do and Betsy is too busy admirin’ herself.�

The man grinned warmly. “What kind of woman is your beloved?�

Logan paused to consider this. “Amazin’. She’s stronger than steel, but still a little naïve. She’s a teacher to the core an’ so damn beautiful it makes my heart hurt. She won’t take shit from me an’ I love her for it.�

“Hmm.� The man seemed to be thinking hard on this. “Where is she from?�

“Grew up in Cairo, but spent a lotta years in Tanzania.�

“Interesting.� He smiled suddenly, beckoning Logan to follow him. “Is she in touch with her African roots?�

“Oh, yeah. Somethin’ I love about her.�

“Wait right here, sir.� The shop keeper ducked into the back of the shop.

Betsy bounced up a moment later. “Lo-Lo?�

He snarled. “I’ve asked ya a thousand times to not call me that.�

“I know,� she grinned slyly, showing off the dimples in her cheeks. “Remember when Angel asks you what I want that the amethyst earrings have a matching anklet.�

Logan rolled his eyes. “Yer bad.�

“I know, but Angel loves me that way.� Betsy adjusted the bags in her arms, peering curiously around at the jewelry in the glittering cases.

“Yer good fer him,� Logan observed suddenly. “He needs some mischief in his life.�

“Logan, you have no idea how good that man is to me.� Betsy said with complete sincerity. “I honestly think that if I asked for the moon, he’d get it for me.�

“That’s what we do,� Logan said without thinking as the shop keeper returned. “Anythin’ ta keep you girls happy.�

“Why is that?� His friend questioned as she eagerly awaited the shop keeper’s arrival.

Logan shrugged one shoulder, winking conspiratorially at the older man. “We have a thing fer smiles. Anythin’ ta make you girls smile like we done good.�

“Couldn’t have said it better myself,� the elder man grinned, showing off his wedding band. “Forty-three years and her smile still makes me feel like a teenager on his first date.�

Betsy blushed prettily before changing the subject. “What do you have there?�

The man’s answering grin was just plain wicked. “Something that will have this nice young man in his wonderful lover’s good graces for a very long time.�

Chapter Nineteen: Old Foes

I don't think you trust
In my, self rightgeous suicide
I cry when angels deserve to die
-System of a Down


Ororo was humming as she bent at the waist to retrieve a pan of cookies from the hot oven. The kitchen was filled to brimming with delightful scents. Cinnamon, ginger, and the barely detectable flavor of nutmeg heralded the fast approaching holiday.

There was nothing quite like Christmas at Xavier's. Though the man himself was no longer present to celebrate with them, something like spirit raced through the once-mournful halls as of late. It seemed as if Charles, even from the grave, would have no frowns during his favorite time of year.

She missed him. Every day she felt that undeniable little death that came with the loss of someone so beloved. It was like a papercut that admanatly refused to heal. While she ached to have that sense of death removed from her heart, she felt this constant reminder was the least she could do. Her torch would burn brightly within her breast until the ending of time. Charles deserved nothing less.

While her fabulous sugar cookies cooled on a nearby rack, Ororo glanced around her neat cottage with something like pride reflecting on her face. Everything was in it's place, even Logan's motorcycle catalogs were now resting in their own homes. It had taken the combined forces of Logan and Ororo the better part of three days to straighten their mess.

Between familial issues, teaching and racing, there was little time to clean up after themselves. Ororo concluded with a soft, naughty smile no one was around to question, that numerous romps between the still budding couple probably were not helpful.

Ororo tried to change her thought pattern, but concluded it was already too late. Teasing, delectable images of Logan's taut, masculine body against hers on the kitchen counter made her heart trip in her chest. Suddenly overly warm and short of breath, Ororo braced her hands on the marble countertop.

Get a grip, Munroe! She chided herself silently.

Her reactions to Logan had not cooled in the wake of several weeks. She feared, in fact, that they only became more violent, more demanding. She often likened the reaction to a meth addict in dire need of another hit. Logan was quickly becoming a drug she never wanted to be free of.

As though he had heard her mentally chanting his name -- or perhaps he had scented a sudden arousal through the back door where he was hanging Christmas lights -- the familiar stomping of boots echoed behind the slammed back door. Ororo shivered, licking her lips. Last time he had smelled her from the back yard, he'd nearly broken her hips trying to bring them both completion.

Oh, it had been more than worth it, in her opinion.

Logan grinned when he spotted her calmly sliding little gingerbread men into a homemade tin for packaging. He slipped his hammer into the loop on his belt and shifted the tip of his black Stetson up so he could look at her properly.

"Hey, baby." His greeting was light, casual. It gave her a little feminine thrill every time. "Got the lights up an' I didn't even fall off the ladder."

"Good boy," Ororo winked. She selected a fresh chocolate chip cookie and tossed it at him. She beamed beautifully when he caught it with his mouth.

He returned the affectionate gesture with a smile as he chomped on the still-warm sweet. Ororo went back to scooping dough onto the pans, pretending to forget Logan was in the room. He usually hated it when she casually dismissed him, even before they had crossed that line between friends and more.

Ororo could feel the weight of his stare on her. As in times past, her intimate knowledge of the animalistic man gave her insights. She did not have to even see his face to know he was watching her in quiet contemplation. Not annoyance or playful anger, just a soft, speculative gaze.

For some reason, that made the belly flood with easy, familiar warmth. Through all that had happened, Logan was still her best friend. She still knew him better than anyone else. There was a kind of comfort in that thought. Though she did love the changes to their relationship, just knowing that their history was not easily cast aside in the wake of it was soothing.

"I love ya."

The metallic scoop, filled with thick cookie dough, halted over the pan at Logan's sudden words. He had said it before, numerous times, of course. He said it as a friend, as a lover. Tonight, however, there was a sweet honesty to the phrase -- as though no language could ever quite convey his feelings, so those three would have to do. His tone, gruff with the barest hint of emotion, was softer than she could ever remember it being.

She turned to him, then. Dark eyes met across the Christmas-scented kitchen. The world reflected in those ebony pools. Something like forever shone back at her with complete and undeniable truth.

"I love you, back."

Logan smiled broadly. "Yeah, I know."

Moment now broken, he turned away from her. Ororo knew it was time for playing in the garage with Scott, so she let him go with only a slight shake of her head. That man was something else.

Something else indeed.

***

There was no pattern.

No pattern. No course. No reason.

Nothing in the streams of data bouncing relentlessly in her mind could tell her what she needed to know. It was as if the Sentinels relied only on the whim of whatever madman created them to locate targets. The very thought of that being the case worried Ororo more than she wanted to let on.

"Coming up on target in forty seconds."

Cyclops' quick, firm command brought her sharply back to the present.

"Preparing landing gear," Storm chimed in, checking her equipment quickly.

"Could use some cover," Cyclops continued, raising a brow in her direction. "If you're with us now, that is."

Somewhat embarrassed to be caught lost in her own thoughts while supposedly on duty, Ororo cleared her throat and walked through the landing sequence without comment. She heard Jean whisper something to Hank behind the pilot's seat. Storm chose to ignore it.

Though the rifts between Xavier's X-Men were far from healed, they had decided a quick trip to Washington was now in order. Henry had more than a few friends on various boards and committees, someone might know something about their robotic friends. Chances were slim, though Ororo agreed with Wolverine and Cyclops' assessment that sitting around waiting for another attack was just stupid.

THe Blackbird landed on the wet pavement with a gentle shudder. Storm unfastened her harness and turned to look at her teammates. "Everyone all right?"

"Fine." Jean gave her a small, tenative smile. Ororo returned it almost instinctively.

"Perfect as well." Henry gave her a knowing look and encouraging smile.

"Storm, perform the post-flight checks and get us refueled. If things head south, I want to know I've got an escape plan in my back pocket."

Scott's order was not unusal or even unexpected. Ororo nodded, waving goodbye to her friends as they filed out of the jet. Once the hatch was sealed tightly behind the telepath, furball, and one-eyed wonder, she flipped the jet's intercom on and let loose with Nelly Furtado.

Singing along with the music, which Henry would call an affront to ears everywhere, she took her clipboard to begin the meticulous survey of the jet. Any little problem could spell disaster, so she took her time with the checks, knowing Scott and the others were likely to be gone for some time.

Post-flight check done, Ororo turned her music down to order a fueling van onto the government runway they had used for landing. Satisfied that her duties were all under control, Ororo ducked into the small cargo compartment to grab her bag.

Though the uniform all X-Men wore was designed to keep them safe, Storm hated the damn thing. It was a little too small and itched everywhere. She pulled the accursed material off, yanking on a pair of soft sweatpants and matching sweatshirt.

As she adjusted the hood and zipped the front closed, she was suddenly aware of something or someone watching her. Keeping her movements calm, taking several deep breaths, Ororo contemplated her options.

Mutation and training aside, nearly every person on the military base happened to be human. If she injured someone, even in self-defense, it would be very bad for the X-Men.

"I hope I'm intruding."

Exhaling sharply, Ororo turned.

"Can I help you with something, Mystique? Or did you want to go directly to the fighting?"

Her eyes cold, Storm watched the woman step into the jet from the now-open hatch. Long, blue limbs moved with a kind of ethereal grace. Had the woman not dripped with malice and hatred, Storm might have found her inhumanly beautiful.

Those eyes, however, quickly killed any sort of budding sentiment.

"Where is Eric?"

Unsurprised by the woman's question, Ororo shrugged one shoulder with false calm. She knew, better than any other, that both women were poised for immediate and deadly action. Ororo wondered if Mystique was intelligent enough to realise who had the upper hand.

Though the confined quarters of the Blackbird were not ideal, Storm knew every inch of the plane, every nut and bolt. She could use that knowledge to her advantage.

"You know where he is," the blue-colored woman went on. Storm noted that her voice had gone up several notches.

She was angry.

"Perhaps," Ororo replied tauntingly. "Did you honestly think I would tell you?"

Mystique's yellow eyes narrowed. "What did you do to him?"

Unable to help herself, Storm raised one hand. With her palm facing inward, she wiggled her fingers gracefully. The long, red scars from her "fight" with Magneto glinted in the dimly lit cabin.

"We had...words."

Her tone was absolutely malicious. Ororo caught the hint of fear and sorrow in her foe's eyes before the shape-shifter could cover it. Storm felt that twinge of shame with only a passing acknowledgement. The longer Mystique and Eric were apart, the less likely the blue mutant had of awakening what now sleep peacefully in Magneto's injured brain.

"You fools."

Somewhat taken aback by her enemy's words, Storm slowly dropped her hand. "Excuse me?"

"You attacked him!" The other woman was nearly screaming. "He came with words of warning, of peace and you've done something to him!"

Alarmed, Ororo held both hands up to silence Mystique. When the simple gesture failed to halt the now building diatribe, Ororo slammed the Blackbird with a massive clap of thunder.

"Quiet," she ordered the other woman nastily. "What was Eric going to warn us about?"

Mystique only smirked knowingly.

Storm let her eyes change to white immediately, relishing how the skies darkened at her unspoken call.

"Tell me what you did to him and I'll give you the information he demanded you have."

Storm contemplated for only a moment. "We had an altercation, Eric and I. He is being treated for head injuries at Muir Island."

For the first time in their long history, Storm saw something human pass over Mystique's features. Something like relief and love reflected in those yellow eyes. In that moment, Ororo saw her old foe as a woman. Mystique covered her emotions quickly, but she seemed to know that Storm had seen too much.

"The Sentinels." The woman straightened her long body. "They're being tested."

Confused now, Storm crossed her arms over her breasts and waited for the woman to go on.

"The technology that operates their basic functions was developed here in Washington. For the last several years, various committees have been working at getting the funding to complete the project."

"To what end?" Ororo's question was quiet, though it seemed to reverberate off of the walls.

"Don't be stupid," Mystique rolled her yellow eyes. "What other possible reason is there to build gigantic robots intent on capturing mutants?"

Though the very thought was all most too much to bear, Ororo swallowed over the sudden lump in her throat. Had she not just realized how unpredictable the attacks could be? Since Charles' death, there had been several dozen throughout the world. Many of them had absolutely no provocation.

"They're going to collect us all, one by one."

"Good girl," Mystique nodded. "About three hundred thousand prisons have been built in the last two years. Many of them are on otherwise uninhabited islands, like Genosha."

"Round us up, toss us away."

"Out of sight, out of mind," the other woman agreed. "Eric feared another Holocaust."

"And it's staring us in the face."

Mind racing, Ororo forgot all about her defensive posture and reached for the communicator pinned to her discarded uniform. She called for Cyclops to come back to her, swearing when only static answered. Without another thought, she changed tactics and signaled the mansion.

"By the way," Mystique said as she turned to leave the jet. "I was sorry to hear about Charles. He was better than all of us."

Heedless to Logan's shout of her name in response to her emergency call, Storm met Raven Darkholme's eyes. The honesty and loss shining out of those yellow depths surprised Ororo. It reminded her that Charles touched people in so many ways. Even this mutant, filled with hatred, grieved his loss. No other could claim such a feat.

"He was."

As if she had done what she set out to, Raven turned to exit the jet. Ororo, her attention now on Logan, did not see the sunny sky suddenly blackened by shadow.

"Darlin'?" Logan's voice was tight with emotion.

"I'm here. I'm sorry. I was finishing up with a contact."

"What contact? What in the name of hell's goin' on?"

Smiling at his use of language, Storm shook her head. "A good deal, actually. As soon as I get Scott on the communicator, I will be bringing them home. I think I have found the answer to our Sentinels questions."

"Yeah? How?"

"HALT, MUTANT!"

The world seemed to spin around her. Storm turned her head in time to see the massive leg of a Sentinel stomp past her. Logan was shouting into the communicator that she needed to take cover, but all she could think of was the slender mutant outside of the jet.

"Raven."

With no thought to her saftey or to Logan's panicked cries, Storm dove from the jet and into the skies.

***

"Raven?"

She winced, blinding pain mixing with the discomfort of the unknown. If she opened her eyes, what would she see? Where was she? Who held her captive?

"Raven? It's all right to wake up." That voice. Oh, it was so kind. So entreating.

"It's ok, Raven. Just open your eyes. Nothing here will hurt you."

Grey.

Even as she thought the word, her eyes opened. Whatever the problems may be between the Brotherhood and Xavier's X-Men, Mystique knew it was against their nature to harm a fellow mutant. It went against their grain to even stand by when one needed help.

The light stung tired eyes, but the beautiful red haired pupil of Xavier was smiling kindly.

"There you are," she sighed, obviously relieved.

"How's she doing?"

Summers.

Unable to even think about moving without pain, Raven watched as the ruby-lensed Cyclops moved to her bedside. He and his wife talked quietly for a few moments, leaving the injured mutant to glance around the room with something akin to boredom.

Her eyes, however, seemed drawn to a large window on one side of her "room". Through the glass, she could see another room. Heart stuttering in her chest, Mystique realized almost instantly that someone was lying on that bed. A white-haired someone.

"S-Storm..."

Jean and Scott shared a look over the now-struggling mutant's body.

Beside the bed was a man, Mystique now noticed. His gruff exteroir seemed marred by the ravages of grief showing on his handsome face. Unchecked tears splashed down his cheeks and not even his advanced healing could take away the redness around his eyes.

"She'll pull through," Jean was whispering to Raven. "Just banged up. She'll be on her feet by Christmas."

Calming, thanks to something Scott injected into her IV, Raven lay back against the bedsheets. She gripped Jean's hand, struggling to speak.

"She came out to help me..." Raven choked. "Why?"

Cyclops swallowed hard, his eyes drawn to the window. "She's an X-Man. That's what we do."

Chapter Twenty: Christmas

Her book is lying on the bed
The two of hearts to mark her page
Now, who could ever walk away
At chapter twenty-one
So, she can't be really gone
~Tim McGraw


She was sleeping. Like a small child tucked into bed by a watchful mother, her breathing was slow, even. Her sleep was deep enough that she did not twitch when the chair squeaked loudly.

He shifted his numbing legs, eyes ever locked on that beautiful face. Few things in this world could capture a man’s attention as readily as her face. In him, she always had an enraptured audience.

Bruises had already formed beneath those cool blue eyes. Her cheeks were marred by stitches and reddened wounds. Her body had taken a beating at the hands of the robotic mutant-napper and yet, she had come out on top.

Logan guessed that not many forces in the universe could have withstood the combined might of Ororo and Mystique. Such a powerful duo was likely unmatched in the world. He would have paid good money to see the battle.

Of course, he probably would have had a massive coronary by the second blow. Sometimes Fate had a twisted sense of humor.

Jean assured Logan that his beloved Storm would recover. She did not, however, factor in the fact that Logan was likely to kill the woman the moment she did. How could she have been so stupid? Going up against a Sentinel like that!

Stupid, yes, but he could not see any other option for his beautiful Windrider. There was no way in the nine circles of hell she could have sat by while Raven was detained – or worse. It just wasn’t in her blood. Her training was too ingrained, too much a part of her.

She fought to protect mutants, even the evil ones if need be.

At least Raven had pulled her into the jet after the disastrous mêlée. Bleeding and broken, both women were able to hold out until help arrived. Logan knew the incident had taken several years off of everyone’s lives, but at least they were safe.

He heard the soft footfall and caught a whiff of roses before the door slid open with a muted hiss. Turning his head slightly, Logan greeted Jean with a grunt.

“Hi,� she said quietly.

He merely grunted again.

“I just want to check her vitals.�

Logan watched as the red haired mutant, clad in soft blue pajamas featuring a cheerful rubber ducky stretched across the breast, moved briskly toward the bio-bed. Her entire body betrayed tension, from the tightening of her brows to the set of her shoulders.

“She scared ya, didn’t she?�

Jean, for her part, did not even pretend she was surprised by Logan’s sudden comment.

“Of course she did.� The woman shook her head slight, taking up the clipboard with Ororo’s statistics scrawled on it from the foot of the bed. “I never wanted to see any of the X-Men that way.�

To ward off the telltale vice now forming in his chest, Logan looked back down at Storm. That same panic kept threatening to overwhelm him, even at the calmest of moments. His fear of being out in the field now warred viciously with his need to protect his lover.

Nothing seemed right with Ororo injured. She would be back on her feet in a day or so, sure, but that didn’t mean he would relax. This wasn’t a hair-raising ride through downtown New York or a face-on battle they had little time to prepare for…

While Logan sat at home, useless, Ororo fought for her life and that of her enemy. The sheer will in his beloved humbled him. He knew little of what it could be like to live every day with such conviction, such purpose. Ororo had her realized destiny coming out of her ears.

Glancing back at the mutant fussing over Storm’s IV, he wondered at how the slender telepath would recover from all of this. Though there were unresolved problems between the two women, Logan knew what bond lay beneath. Either woman would still take a bullet for the other without batting an eyelash.

That sort of loyalty could not be broken by several months of turmoil.

“Her vitals are up,� Jean reported. “Heart rate, neurological activity, lung function…she’s through the danger zone.�

Logan released the breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. Enjoying the slight head-rush from lack of oxygen, he gave her a small smirk. Having the good news confirmed was one good thing about having an anal retentive doctor on call. Logan could get updates at two in the morning without a hint of complaint.

“Well, hi there.�

Startled from his reverie by Jean’s voice, Logan blinked to clear his worry-addled mind. Jean was leaning over the bed, smiling tenderly at the woman upon it. Ororo’s lovely blue eyes were open to her long-time friend. A smile played about bruised lips.

“Did I miss ER?� Ororo asked in a croaking voice.

Jean laughed, though the sound seemed slightly hysterical. “I recorded it for you.�

He would have been annoyed by such a causal dismissal of Ororo’s injuries had he not seen the look pass between both women. Green and blue swirled with enough emotion to drown an army. Pain, despair, and something like love shone through so brightly, Logan feared he would succumb to the touching moment himself.

“Logan?�

When she called his name, it was all he could do to raise a single hand. Strong, familiar fingers gripped his instantly and her smile lit up like a Christmas tree.

“Where did you go?� He echoed her words from only months before, when he awoke in this very bed, terrified of what had happened to him.

“Japan,� she replied softly. “With you.�

~**~

Christmas morning at Xavier’s School was the stuff of legend. Gifts by the score were piled beneath an enormous tree. Mistletoe decked every doorway where teens lurked hoping for a Yuletide smooch with his or her sweetheart.

Music from the grand piano in the sitting room wafted through the mansion, accompanied by squeals of delight. No matter the pain of the last months, the spirit of the holiday was here en force. Children, after all, are children.

With the aide of a cane, Ororo came through the hall, flanked by several students. They were all speaking at once, seemingly all trying to make their teacher understand how much they loved her…but presents were more important.

The instant the tree came into view, her aides promptly abandoned her. Storm laughed heartily as they all gathered around the thick red carpeting that housed both tree and gifts. It was, after all, common knowledge that not a single Christmas gift could be opened until all occupants of the house were present and accounted for.

Though her body hurt all over, Ororo found moving around much easier than just the day before. Her numerous bruises were healing nicely, broken bones knitting themselves together slowly but steadily.

Her only complaint was the scar that would remain on her cheek, it was just…gross.

Logan, to her inner delight, had been nothing but attentive and sweet for the last few days. She knew how badly he wanted to scream at her for being so stupid as to rush off into a battle the way she had, and yet he restrained himself. That man could keep her guessing, even after all these years.

As though her thought had summoned him – again – a sprig of fresh green mistletoe appeared over her eyes. With a start, Ororo glance behind her to find Logan beaming up at her. The tiny branch was clasped in his thick fingers, a definite “come hither� in his gaze.

“It’s tradition, ya know.�

She could only giggle girlishly while he leaned up for a swift and sweet kiss.

“Merry Christmas, ‘Ro.�

Heart fluttering in her chest, Ororo whispered her reply. “Back at ya, baby.�

“Awwww,� a child groaned loudly from behind them. “Miss Munroe! Can’t ya save the kissin’ til after we open the presents?�

“Leave them alone, Guy,� Scott defended almost instantly from the other side of the room.

“Presents are better than kisses though, Mr. Logan.� Guy tried again, with obvious hope in his eyes. “Honest!�

“Depends on where yer kissin’.�

Logan’s reply was rumbled into Ororo’s ear, giving her spine a delicious shiver.

“Ok, everyone here?� Jean’s voice came over the many excited children and a moment later, Ororo felt the feather-like brush of her psi-scanning the room.

“Looks like it…� Scott glanced to his wife eagerly.

For what seemed like an eternity in the eyes of children, Jean seemed to contemplate her answer. This trick was used every single year, but they fell for it every time. Ororo and Logan shot one another amused glances, chuckling softly as he helped her to a nearby chair.

Tension off of the children was thick enough to stand on, each of them knowing the enjoyment that came from ripping wrapping paper to shreds was in the hands of a single red head. She, at that moment, was their best friend and most hated enemy.

Funny that Jean loved every moment of that.

“Go for it!�

At her command, there was not even the most brief of pauses. Children screamed, dove, and soon presents and names were being tossed everywhere.

Of all the traditions that surrounded Christmas, this was Ororo’s favorite. Watching as each present was sorted and handed off gave her a warm, sated feeling. Each child would soon find their own spot and surround their legs with each heavenly treasure. After they were each counted, the wrapping paper would fly.

As she did every year, Ororo sat back to watch this time-honored ritual. Few pleasures in life were as simple, as innocent as this one. She would remember every smile, every thrilled peal of laughter.

Only one thing marred her perfect morning. When she turned her eyes to the place beside the merry fire, she found it empty. Usually, Charles sat there now, a blanket over his lap and a bemused smile on his handsome face. Like herself, he enjoyed the merriment of the children, the celebration of good fortune.

I miss you, she thought with a glance to the heavens. Merry Christmas, Charles.

Logan, whom dove into the present-pile some time ago with Scott, now emerged from the general skirmish. He was grinning from ear to ear and panting as though he’d just run five miles. Ororo shook her head at him, shifting in her chair as he came closer.

“Presents for you,� he announced, dropping an armload of gifts into her lap.

Ororo clapped happily, reaching for the first as Logan turned back toward the tree.

“Wait, where are you going?� She demanded with a mock frown.

Logan gave her his patented “Well, duh, woman� look over his shoulder. “Gotta get mine now.�

Laughing again, Ororo shrugged her shoulders and tore into the pile of gifts now falling out of her lap. The first happened to be from Scott and the thin box contained several compact discs she’d wanted.

After thanking her friend over the deafening din, she ripped open the present from Jean. Cooing at the new riding jacket – complete with a hurricane embossed on the back – Ororo pulled it on quickly. The women carried on a shouted conversation over the piece as Logan returned to Ororo’s chair.

“Jesus, it’s like World War 3 in there,� he grumbled. “Almost lost an arm when I got my last one outta there.�

“Are the children picking on you again?� Ororo teased. “Should I beat them up?�

“Quiet, you,� he replied.

Her ferocious love plopped onto the carpet in front of her and tore into his gifts with all the gusto of a five year old. He inspected a silver cigar case carefully before opening a leather jacket that oddly seemed to match Ororo’s.

“Aww,� Scott joked as he walked by. “His and Her jackets. That’s a Jean move if I ever saw one.�

Logan ducked in time to miss the poinsettia the red head telekinetically tossed in her husband’s direction – though only because he had dissolved into laughter.

Gift opening took another hour or so to wind down. The children clustered together, showing off new toys and playing with their friends. No one had bothered to even dress, content to lounge about the fire-warm room in pajamas.

When Jean scurried into the kitchen to prepare breakfast, as always, Ororo decided it was time to give Logan her gift.

Reaching into her pocket, she removed a small gift box and tapped him on the shoulder. As he seemed deeply engrossed in his new GameBoy, it took her a minute to get his attention.

“What’s this?� He questioned, taking the box from her carefully.

Worried that he would not think her gift was appropriate, she swallowed her nerves and shrugged one shoulder. “Open it.�

He did so without another word. Inside the tiny box lay a thick silver chain. On the end of it, in lieu of a pendant, Ororo had placed a sliver of adamantium.

“Wha—?�

“It’s yours,� she explained, fidgeting with the sleeve of her new jacket nervously. “That day, when Magneto… you remember. Anyway, when I rushed to you, I slid. When I fell, I caught a piece of adamantium in my calf. I didn’t even realize it.�

He still looked utterly bewildered, so she rushed on.

“Jean took it out of my leg after they got you somewhat stable. I just stared at it for a while, then I held it. I thought…well, it was part of you. A part you lost.�

She finished in a whisper, unsure of herself now. “I just thought you might want part of it back. It’s a reminder that you didn’t lose everything.�

Though she wanted to continue, a very large man all but leaping into her lap and wrapping her into a searing kiss cut her short. Ororo grinned against Logan’s mouth, feeling oddly giddy at
his enthusiastic response.

“Kinda morbid,� he said when their lips parted. “But it fits.�

“Mmm,� she hummed in reply. “I thought so.�

He sat back on the floor and took the sturdy chain from its box. Ororo watched with feminine pleasure as he instantly clasped it onto his neck. The silvery metal flashed brilliantly against his bare chest, more so when he puffed his chest out to show it off.

As Ororo reached for her final gift, the one marked from Logan, she felt an odd chill pass over her. Looking about, searching for the cause of distress, she shook her head. Nothing was amiss, not on this perfect morning.

“Come on,� Logan encouraged her, obviously oblivious to her momentary unease. “Open it.�

Ororo shook off the strange feeling, though the hair on the back of her neck seemed to stand on end. It was such an odd sensation, as though cold suddenly seeped into her entire body. Like a pulse, it flooded into her veins and then back out.

Perhaps the morphine was wearing off.

With careful hands, her attention fully on Wolverine now, Ororo gently tore open the bright blue wrapping paper. It drove Logan wild to wait while she meticulously opened gifts from him, ensuring the paper was not torn too badly. She only preserved the paper because it tended to drive Logan up the wall. Theirs could be an interesting relationship.

When, finally, she found the sapphire blue jewelry box, she flipped it open without preamble. Jewelry demanded instant attention, after all, and it would be terribly rude to leave a pair of diamonds waiting.

Unfortunately, diamonds were not waiting at all. Inside the box happened to be two slender gold rings. Ororo felt her own eyebrows shoot up to her hairline, which made Logan reach for her hand.

“Don’t get excited.� He said with a smirk. “They’re both for you.�

Exhaling sharply, Storm winked at him. “Funny. What are they?�

Logan’s calloused fingers reached into the dainty box, lifting both rings carefully.

“One for each hand, fer balance.� He explained in a soft tone. “They’re made in Egypt an’ engraved with symbols.�

Curious now, Ororo took the rings, intently studying the thin bands. Engraved on the rings were several hieroglyphs.

“Wisdom,� she murmured. “Prosperity. Love. Honor.�

“Eternity,� he finished. His gentle hands slipped each ring onto a forefinger, bringing her hands up to his lips.

Ororo, moved by his thoughtfulness, leaned forward to embrace him. “They’re beautiful.�

“Aren’t they?� Betsy squeaked as she appeared, seemingly out of no where. “I about died when Logan decided on those!�

Not moving from Logan’s embrace, Ororo chuckled softly. “Of course you did. Now go away, Betsy.�

~**~

Well after midnight, Logan and Ororo sat on their porch swing, wrapped under a thick wool blanket. Snow fell in quiet beauty all around them, highlighted by what little moon shone through thick, wet clouds.

Serenity was the only word he could think of that fit the moment. Cool against his chest was the Christmas gift his lover had seen fit to give him. Just a symbol, really, off all lost and everything gained. Had he not lost the adamantium, would he and Ororo have taken those fateful steps into love?

If not, well, he felt the tradeoff was more than worth it. Snuggled together on the porch, still full from Jean’s fantastic Christmas dinner, everything seemed right in the world. Nothing could touch them here. For the first time since Magneto’s fateful encounter, Logan felt invincible.

True to form, Fate couldn’t let that one slide.

It happened in the blink of an eye. One moment he was listening to Ororo singing an old African lullaby and the next the boathouse exploded.

He came to across the lawn, gaping as fire wreathed the remains of the home he loved. Sirens were screaming all across the compound, a chorus of “Halt, mutant� broke the still night.

“’RO!�

Amid the blackened splinters of their home and the glinting white of snow, he could not find the telltale form of his beloved.

Wolverine leapt to his feet, claws outstretched as he raced through the wreckage. Mutants flooded the lawn, fighting back the five Sentinels that crashed the sweet afterglow of a holiday spent with family. He could hear Scott shouting orders, the cries of children too young to fight.

“ORORO!�

Logan’s feet bled as he stepped onto broken glass and torn wood, but he scarcely noticed. Their home was in pieces, scattered into the frigid night like leaves in an autumn wind. Nothing of it remained, save memories lovingly stored in his fractured memory.

When he came around the side of what had been his home, he caught a whiff of her scent. Blood tainted the sweet smell and his eyes were drawn to the flaming hammock he had spent so many lazy afternoons ensconced in.

There, on the freezing ground, lay Ororo. He ran to her, unable to even breathe. The world slid into slow motion and before he even reached her body, the terrible truth had already come over his broken heart.

“Ororo.� Logan scooped her lifeless body into his arms. “Baby, wake up.�

He shook her.

Blood filled his hands, oozing from wounds too numerous to name. He could hear no breath escape her lungs, no beating heart within her breast. A sob caught in Logan’s throat, one of pain so immense it defied description.

“’Ro, baby, don’t ya dare leave me.� He shook her again. “Come back, god damn it!�

He gathered her to his chest, hot tears slipping down his cheeks. The battle raged around him, but for Logan, time had stopped.

The mutant called Wolverine fell to his knees on the cold, wet earth. He clutched the body of his best friend and lover while a scream of unbearable loss tore from his throat. Nothing else in this world mattered now.

She was gone.

Chapter Twenty-One: Goodbye

When I woke up this morning
Wiped the sleep from eyes
I found a new day dawning
And suddenly I realized
You’re gone
~Travis Tritt

It was snowing.

Like that night, snow fell in soft, silent flakes. Everywhere they landed, specks of white clung like a frightened child. It blanketed the grounds, covering the remains of an old boathouse, sweeping onto the frozen lake.

Something so pristine, so beautiful… it was the kind of morning she’d loved. How many times had Logan awoken on a day like this to find his beloved weather mistress high aloft, reveling in that freezing air?

Never again.

No one had spoken in a long time. They were waiting for him to say something. They would keep right on waiting. He didn’t have anything to say to them. Not a damn word. Nothing would be enough. No one could know what she meant to him. Her heart, her wisdom, the soul that shone with the brightest light.

No one would ever know what a treasure they’d had under their noses all this time.

There was no casket, she wouldn’t have allowed it. They’d talked about it once, about their wishes should they fall in battle. She didn’t want to be put into the cold earth, alone and confined. Logan had promised her – promised he wouldn’t put her in the dark.

Instead, he’d constructed a bier, draped it in white silk. She lay atop it now, wrapped in the ceremonial cloths of her mother’s tribe. He stood beside her, where he’d been for so long. Her beautiful face still bore evidence of the explosion, but he barely saw it.

What he saw were years of laughter. Boxing and beer. Rooftop talks at sunset. Harrowing races through icy Japanese mountain passes. Making love in the bed they’d shared. The way her eyes turned ice blue when she was pissed off at him. Her smile reserved only for him.

Thousands, millions of memories seemed to come at him at once. Everything, every scent, sound, look…it was all in his mind. Those memories no one could take from him. They were all he had left.

He watched as each of her students, friends, and family members bid their goodbyes. Several of them, including Scott, Henry, and Jean kissed her dark cheek through the gauzy material covering her long, slender body. Logan could not move, even when the bitter winds tore at his flesh and clothing like an impatient lover’s hand.

Never again would he hear music on the winds or laughter in the rain. The world died when it took his ‘Ro away.

“I love you,� he said simply, so suddenly several mourners startled. “I love you, Ororo Munroe. I woulda spent my whole life provin’ that. I’ll miss ya. I’ll miss ya every minute of every fuckin’ day. Take care of Chuck fer us, baby.�

That was as much of a eulogy as anyone was getting. Ororo knew him better than anyone else on the planet; he didn’t need words.

He took the thick torch from Scott and stepped closer to the bier. A steady hand reached forward, touching the flame to the waiting woodpile. In seconds a roaring fire took to life, taking a thick column of smoke into the clear, winter air.

Soft crying joined the sound of the crackling fire, but Logan could scarcely hear it. All that mattered to the Wolverine was the death of his Storm, his own grief. For so long he had depended on her. His friend, his confidante, mate. To be so suddenly without his other half left him spinning.

Losing his adamantium was a garden party compared to this.

“Logan?�

Scott touched his shoulder gently. Logan resisted the urge to shrug him off. In truth, he felt so completely, utterly alone that the simple gesture was a welcome comfort.

“She’s really gone.�

His friend’s voice was tight with emotion. “I know.�

“Scooter?�

“Yeah?�

“Find me the bastard that did this. Now.�

~**~

Muir Island

He sat heavily on the chair before his desk, shaking hands held to his face.

“No.� He whispered in disbelief. “No.�

“I’m so sorry, Eric,� Moira said gently, crouching so she could touch his shoulder comfortingly. “I told ya as soon as I could.�

The woman’s thick Scottish brogue was normally comforting to the amnesiac mutant, but tonight he only wanted her to leave. Nothing could make this right and no amount of sympathy would bring her back.

Ororo Munroe. Dead.

His mind spun. Half-remembered memories warred with consuming grief. For many months now, his decimated mind seemed to heal. He recalled more and more of his previous life.

Most of it revolved around Windrider.

“She cannot be dead,� he said stubbornly. “Not Windrider. Not that beautiful child.�

“I’m sorry, Eric,� Moira repeated. “Do ya wanna leave for the ceremony?�

Tears slid down his aging cheeks as he brought a hand to his mouth. Pain, acute and overwhelming, spread from his heart to his entire being. He could remember, with such clarity now, what he had done to his Windrider and her beloved Wolverine. She had died believing him a monster.

What right did he have to mourn her loss beside that same lover?

“No,� he whispered, shaking his head slightly. “But please, tell me how.�

Moira perched on the edge of his writing desk, one hand still comfortingly on his shoulder. Eric could feel the rage begin to boil in his veins. Whoever had seen fit to murder that beautiful child would pay for it, with blood. He would see to it if it were the last thing he ever did.

“Sentinels,� his doctor replied quietly. “Several of them broke onto the grounds and one of them destroyed the boathouse. Logan and Ororo were on the porch when it happened.�

“Oh. God.� Eric covered his eyes with his hand, a fleeting image of his darling girl flung from her home amid fire and fear tore his heart open anew.

“Is there anything I can do for you, Eric?� Moira pressed, her lovely eyes dimmed with concern and grief.

“Leave me,� he demanded, turning away from her. “I need to be alone.�

Her footsteps carried her out of the room and down the hall. When he was alone, Eric covered his face with both hands and prayed quietly in Hebrew. He prayed for the safe journey of her soul, for the family she left behind. He prayed, and hoped with all his heart, that Ororo and Charles had found one another.

Oh, how he missed his friend. With the cherished memories of Ororo came a smattering of Charles. He recalled, with fleeting lucidity, how they forged such a strong friendship. He would have done anything for Charles Xavier, at one time. Had they been able to resolve their differences, he was sure they would still be sitting on the mansion’s porch together, sipping tea like all old men.

Instead, one was dead and the other vowed vengeance.

His heart ached within his breast. Violence mingled with grief inside him until he could no longer distinguish one from the other. Someone would pay for this terrible injustice, for this pain now visited upon the X-Men.

Eric dropped his tear-soaked hands from his face. They landed with a plop on the plastic desk as rage contorted his features.

“I will avenge you, my dear child. I swear it.�

~**~

Westchester

There wasn’t much to pack. A spare change of clothes and his X-Men uniform were about it. He had spare car keys in the garage, would grab some food on the road.

Logan moved through the mansion on quiet feet, mostly because he didn’t want to wake the children. Many of them still reeled from Ororo’s sudden death. Even as the New Year passed, there was little celebrating. A fallen X-Man would take years to recover from, especially one as adored as Ororo.

He stepped into the garage without so much as a glance back at the mansion. This, to his dismay, was not his home. Ororo’s boathouse, with its wide windows, secluded placement, and the memory of laughter, had been his home. That tiny house had kept him in place all these years.

It was gone now and with it, the woman he’d so readily given his heart to.

Nothing remained for him here. Scooter and Jean could run the school without him. Betsy and Angelcake would head back to London soon anyway. Logan felt alone here, lost in a crowd. He needed solace.

And blood.

Scott, though he obviously worried for Logan’s sanity, had done some checking. The thorough mutant finally located a company name, someone manufacturing parts for the Sentinels in southern Arizona. That was to be Logan’s second stop.

“I thought you’d be long gone by now.�

He didn’t bother to startle at her voice. The soft English accent came from the corner of the garage. Logan sighed, shaking his head as he walked to the white racing Mazda Ororo’s will designated as his.

“I can’t stay here, Bets.�

“Oh, I don’t blame you,� she responded. The tall woman stepped out of the shadows until she faced Logan on the opposite end of the car.

He inhaled deeply, unlocking the Mazda and tossing his light bag into the backseat. The scent of Ororo’s perfume hit him instantly, twisting the knife in his chest. He could almost see her behind the wheel of this beloved vehicle, screaming into the night like a force of nature.

Damn, he missed her.

“It hurts, Bets,� Logan offered, meeting her violet eyes. “I can’t even breathe.�

Tears sprang to those beautiful eyes, loss echoing in her every word. “I know. I keep expecting her to drop out of the sky with a huge smile, asking if I’d like a ride.�

Betsy sniffled and sighed, as though trying to shake off her pain for a moment. He watched her swipe at the tears falling from her eyes with an impatient hand.

“I just wanted to say goodbye,� she explained, coming around the car.

Logan wrapped her in a strong embrace the second she came into reach. Betsy had been his friend – and ‘Ro’s – for a long time. If anyone understood the way their relationship worked, it was the pretty telepath holding him at this moment. She would never judge them or expect anything.

He’d needed that right now.

“Take good care of everyone, Bets,� Logan demanded as he kissed her hair. “Make sure Scooter snaps out of it soon, yeah?�

“I will,� she promised. “Don’t worry about them.�

They parted quickly, each smiling somewhat sadly. Betsy stepped back as Logan settled in the car. He had to adjust the seat and squash the urge to scream at being inside her car without her. Betsy darted into the house with a small wave, closing the door behind her.

Almost the instant Betsy vanished into the still dark home, the passenger door opened. Logan jumped in his skin, testing the air and almost relieved when he realized the honey-blonde woman was Raven.

“I’m going with you,� she said in a tone that brooked no argument.

Logan sized her up for a moment before nodding. “Only as far as Arizona. Then, you’re on your own.�

“Fine.� She reached up to click her seat belt in place.

Logan tapped the garage door opener and rolled the Mazda into the night.

~**~

They took the fastest route to Scotland by stealing the Brotherhood’s jet. Mystique, while still a part of the organization, assured Logan that the interim leader would never allow her to take it. Ororo was an X-Man and to many that placed her firmly in the enemy category.

Mystique fired the jet up with Logan flying co-pilot. They left the base at Nova Scotia and headed toward the British Isles like beings possessed. Raven never explained – or even offered to – her insistence that she go with Logan. He didn’t need her to.

Storm had saved her life scant days before her death. Something like that stuck with a mutant like Raven. Her loyalty, while twisted and sometimes obsessive, was deep and true. Ororo had saved her life and for that, Raven would exact vengeance in her name.

He almost liked her for a moment.

She’d reverted back to her blue-scaled form once they left Westchester. For all her posturing, she obviously realized that it would be more of a hassle if they were outed as mutants before they left the country.

When they landed on the wide runway at Muir Island, Logan pulled on his uniform and turned to his unlikely companion.

“These people are trying to help Magneto, keep that in mind. Don’t hurt them.�

The order was clipped and gave her no doubt that he meant business. More innocent humans didn’t need to die during this little excursion.

“I know,� Raven nodded.

“Good.� Logan snarled as they moved toward the ramp to leave the jet. “Lets go get your boy.�

As they stepped onto the black runway, Moira appeared. Worry furrowed her brow, but Logan easily caught the suspicion in her scent. She was a pacifist, but not an idiot.

“Wolverine?�

“Moira.�

“Eric missed the funeral.�

“I know.�

Their eyes met across the precious meters separating them. Moira’s emerald green eyes flashed with something akin to precognition and before Logan even moved, she was shouting for her security guards.

Mystique, however, moved in behind the petite woman and easily hit a pressure point on the back of her neck. Moira went limp, caught by the metamorph’s slender arms and lowered gently to the ground.

Snikt. Logan allowed his claws to slip free from their natural hiding place, shoving aside memories and pain. He didn’t have time to mourn, not yet. There would be years for regret, for grief. Now, he had shit to take care of.

Black clad security guards, drawn by Moira’s half-scream, flooded the runway. Mystique shot Logan a teasing, wicked grin, to which he rolled his eyes.

“No killin’.�

She, to his great amusement, stuck her tongue out at him. “Spoilsport.�

Without another thought, Wolverine flung himself into the fray.

~**~

He felt her coming, as he always did. He didn’t know exactly who she was, only that he had been expecting her for some time. Fuzzy images of blue flesh and the feel of undying loyalty moved him toward the bolted door of his room.

She was coming for him, as she always did. They were rarely apart, rarely without the other in their thoughts. Who was this woman? Would we remember her on sight, as he had his Windrider?

There were similarities between the two, at least in Eric’s eyes. He had trained them both to embrace their gifts, to rise above what society drilled into their heads. They were beautiful, powerful creatures.

But Ororo chose one side of the line and this mystery woman the other. She became not only his student and friend, but a lover. Would Ororo have filled that place had she left Xavier’s mansion with him all those years ago?

No, he thought confidently. Her destiny was Wolverine all along. She’d fulfilled it as only she could have. This other, strange vixen was meant for him alone.

Sounds of gunfire and human screaming echoed down the massive white hallway. Eric could not see anything out of the tiny window in his door, but he knew they were coming closer. He drew himself up, taking in the metal atoms in the air, preparing himself.

All these months had taught him much about his gift, he could use it if necessary now.

“Eric!�

A masculine call of his name. An expected intruder.

“Here, Wolverine.�

The door slammed from its hinges scant seconds later and the feral mutant stepped into the room.

“Calvary’s here.� He grinned, the gesture somehow mad on his ferocious features, his eyes hollow with loss.

He looked like a man destroyed, hanging on to every breath for no other reason than blinding, maddening revenge. Magneto looked into the soul of his Windrider’s lover and saw how effectively the loss of her killed him. There would be no mercy from this beast, no quarter. He would kill prisoners, destroy civilizations if he had to.

His reckoning would shake the very heavens.

Eric looked into this man’s eyes and was humbled. Grief here knew no bounds, no limits. It consumed him until it became him.

As he mentally catalogued this awe-inspiring anguish, a long-limbed, blue-scaled woman stepped up behind Wolverine.

In a painful flash, Magneto remembered who she was and why he knew she was coming for him.

“Mystique.�

“Magneto.� Her smile was darkly enticing, speaking of whispered pleasures and dark delights. Oh yes, he remembered her now.

“Do we have a plan?� Magneto questioned, shoving aside sudden lust forcibly.

“I know where they’re buildin’ the Sentinels.� Wolverine offered, his voice rough. “I’m goin’ there. I’m killin’ the bastards behind that attack. I’m destroyin’ the base. You two can come along or get the fuck out. I only came here cause I know ya loved her too, an’ she’d be damn pissed if I left you behind.�

The simplicity in the man’s words, the emotion in them, was something Magneto would remember for the rest of his life. He had destroyed this mutant’s body, nearly killed him in the name of madness, and yet he had come to his rescue simply because he knew Ororo would want it. If Wolverine was to have his revenge, he assumed Magneto was entitled as well.

“Where is the jet, my dear?�

“Waiting on the runway,� she replied as the trio left the room.

He followed Wolverine with Mystique beside him. For a moment, everything seemed to slow, every step took an eternity. There was a new mutant force, neither Brotherhood nor X-Man. This trio worked only toward their own goal and that was blood for blood.

Magneto lifted his hands as armed security filled the hall before them. Mindful that these people had done nothing but help him, he gently lifted them by metallic pieces in their uniforms. A flick of his wrist deposited them in an open exam room and he welded the door closed.

The Sentinels would not be so lucky.

~**~

New York City

Lazy E couldn’t remember a party being so sad. Music was soft, kept at that curious level all people seem to think is respectful. Pictures of ‘Ro were all over the room, flanked by hundreds of candles.

Racers, mechanics, fans…they all gathered in E’s home to mourn. Anger was rife in the air, want for justice bubbling just under the surface.

His heart felt heavy in his chest. Just hearing the news, seeing her body burned, knowing how this was killing Logan had killed something inside him. Ororo and Logan were like a fairytale, in his mind. Friends that stayed true through thick and thin. Lovers unmatched in the world.

Now Fate saw fit to tear them apart. Had the cold-hearted bitch not realized what a terror she would unleash?

When the phone rang, he was relieved to hear Logan’s voice. The conversation was fast, clipped, and right to the point.

The instant E cradled the receiver, he glanced about the party and raised his voice.

“Who’s up for some tin-can-stompin’?�

Chapter Twenty-Two: Moving On

Everything I know
And anywhere I go
It gets hard but it won’t take away my love
And when the last one falls
When it’s all said and done
It gets hard but it won’t take away my love
~3 Doors Down

“Scott!�

He looked up from his meticulous work on Logan’s motorcycle, his hands covered in grease. He didn’t know if Wolverine would come back, but if he did, Scott wanted the bike ready to go for him. If he could only get some of the rust off of the starter switch, he’d be in business.

“SCOTT!�

At his wife’s second bellow, he raised his face to call for her.

“Yeah? In the garage.�

Rushed footsteps echoed in the concrete structure a beat before his wife’s panting breath alerted him that she was in the room. He continued working on the bike, unable to think about anything else yet. It still hurt, like a knife to the heart, to think about Storm.

Her death weighed heavily on both himself and his wife. He could remember, with such eerie clarity the way she had screamed when Logan appeared on the mansion’s steps with a lifeless Ororo in his arms. Jean had put her hands to her face and let loose her grief so that even the Gods would know her pain.

Scott, for his part, had merely fallen to his knees. Logan looked up at him, tears coursing freely down his cheeks, sorrow and rage burning in his dark eyes.

She’s gone. He’d said brokenly. She’s gone.

All he could do was touch her cold cheek, his heart shattering in his chest while Jean wept from the bottom of her soul.

“Scott.�

His wife’s third call was soft, filled with understanding. “I’m sorry.�

“Don’t be,� she insisted, coming around to kneel beside him. “It’s ok. I miss her, too.�

A tight smile was all he could manage before trying to lose himself in the methodical work on Logan’s bike again. Jean watched him quietly for several minutes before reaching out to touch his forearm lightly.

“Scott? Look at me, honey.�

He did so, only because he knew she wouldn’t leave until he did.

“You have to stop this,� she demanded. “You have to stop him.�

Knowing instinctively what and whom she referred to, Scott shook his head. “I can’t do that.�

“He’ll listen to you,� Jean pled. “Scott, he’s going to die.�

“No, he’s not,� Scott countered. “He’s going to kill that bastard Trask and destroy the Sentinel base.�

“How can you have so much faith in him? He’s only one man, Scott.�

Scott looked away, swallowing hard. “Magneto is with him, as well as Mystique.�

Jean’s eyes went as wide and round as dinner plates, her mouth falling open in complete shock. He had done well to shield his thoughts from her, hoping that by the time she pried Logan’s plan out of him, his friend would be too far to stop.

“Magneto? Mystique? Scott! Have you lost your freaking MIND?�

At her shrill tone, Scott reached up, taking her chin gently in his grease-slicked hand. She quieted at the intimate gesture, prepared to listen to him without comment for a moment.

“If our roles were opposite,� he began. “If I had come to Logan holding your body, do you think anything in heaven or hell could stop me from avenging you? If it was Kitty or Marie, do you honestly believe I would sit by and do nothing?�

Jean’s lovely green eyes filled with tears. “Scott…�

“They need to do this,� he said softly. “And I don’t blame them.�

“I’m worried,� she admitted tearfully. “We can’t lose another X-Man.�

“Have faith,� Scott said, uncharacteristically pious. “He does have Charles and ‘Roro looking out for him, you know.�

His wife rewarded him with a slight smile before leaning in to embrace him. They stayed that way a long time, waiting for news of their Wolverine.

~**~

“Their base isn’t nearly as impregnable as it seems,� Mystique told Wolverine and Magneto as they gathered around the holo-map. “There are several exposed entrances.�

Lazy E, having joined the unlikely trio during a quick stop in New York, raised a brow while he rubbed his bearded chin slightly. He’d learned a lot in the last half-hour, more than he could possibly process yet. All he truly understood was that these people were going to kill the bastard responsible for ‘Ro’s death.

Like his small army he’d thrown together, that was all he needed to know.

“The south entrance and the sewer drain are the easiest,� the blue-scaled mutant continued.

Logan nodded, looking through the holo-map to Lazy E. “Think your men can get through the south entrance?�

“Bang our fists on our shields, make some racket?� E teased his friend with a lazy smile. “Consider it done, man.�

“Mystique and I will enter from aloft,� Magneto said, shifting the map. “Wolverine…�

“I’m walkin’ through the fuckin’ front door.�

“Don’t ya love it when he goes all growly and mean?� E asked of Mystique, pleased when she grinned at him.

“Dispatch as many guards as you can before meeting here,� Magneto continued, showing E a long hall that opened into what looked like a vast factory. “This is where Trask will rush for cover and where his robotic breed sow – Mastermold – is housed.�

“Ok, what’s with the names?� E butt in again. “Do I get a name?�

“You’ve got one, Lazy,� Wolverine smirked. His face was still hollow, still gaunt with loss. E wondered if his friend would ever recover.

“Yeah, but it’s not as cool as yours,� E raised a brow, turning to Mystique. “Or hers.�

Magneto shot a look to Wolverine, whom merely shrugged a shoulder. “You wanted back up.�

“When the time comes,� Mystique went on, heading off any more arguments. “Your men are to fall back, leave Trask and Mastermold to us.�

“Yeah,� E agreed. “That ain’t a fight I want part of.�

“Good, now that we are all settled,� Magneto switched off the holo-map, gesturing to the rear of the jet. “Get some food and rest. We have a long day ahead of us.�

E clapped Logan on the shoulder before moving off. He wondered, in the back of his mind, exactly what they planned to do to Trask. After a moment, E decided it was probably better he didn’t know.

~**~

He was staring out of the window, into the dying light. Another day had died and she was still gone. It seemed surreal most of the time. The pain inside would ebb and for a few precious moments, she was alive.

I love you, Logan. The memory of her voice invaded his mind, filling his soul with an unbearable ache. She’d said that just moments before her death, sitting in the warm circle of his arms.

Does that mean I can refer to you as “Old Man�? Logan closed his eyes, seeing her warm smile behind his closed lids that fateful day in the Canadian wilderness.

I will never leave you. He reached into the top of his uniform, drawing out the sliver of adamantium and the rings he had given her for Christmas. Emotion lodged in his throat, making it difficult to swallow as he succumbed to memory.

He saw her in the med-lab after the battle with Magneto. She was sitting on the counter, watching Jean and Hank work on him, long legs swinging carelessly. He could remember her scent, her sound, the feel of her. He never wanted to lose that. He would keep her alive in his heart until he joined her.

“Logan.�

Wolverine did not turn as Magneto joined him at the window, though he did open his eyes.

“We are nearly there.� The old man spoke cautiously, as though he knew he was intruding on something deeply personal.

“Good.� Logan grunted, keeping his strange necklace in his hand.

“I’m sorry, Wolverine,� Magneto said quietly. “For everything. Nearly killing you and…the loss of our darling girl.�

“Don’t mention it,� Logan replied softly. “If ya hadn’t nearly killed me, I might never have known what it was like to be loved like that.�

“No regrets?� The other mutant asked simply.

“None.� Logan shook his head, tucking his talisman into his uniform and turning to face Magneto. “She was a gift, livin’ on borrowed time. I’ll see her again.�

“Faith, Wolverine?� Magneto teased almost fondly.

“Somethin’ she taught me,� he countered. “Can’t quite shake it.�

Magneto’s answering smile was all the confirmation Logan needed. The old man knew exactly what he was talking about.

~**~

The battle was quick and ugly. The well-organized team hit Trask’s desert facility like a force of nature. They had no time to respond to the three-pronged attack, even after Wolverine – claws extended – marched through the front door issuing challenges as profanely as he could.

Warm blood dripped from Wolverine’s claws as he pounced up to Magneto and Mystique. For their part, they looked as winded and satisfied as he felt. Mystique’s usually pristine form was disheveled and splattered with blood. Magneto’s face rivaled any evil Wolverine had ever seen, twisted metal all around them telling the others exactly how pissed off he was.

“He is inside.�

Wolverine merely nodded. Magneto yanked the bolted and bulletproof door from its hinges, the grinding of metal on metal resonating through the empty corridor.

“Slice ‘em for me, Logan,� Lazy E called from his position down the hall, an M16 in his hands.

The trio stepped over the threshold, somewhat surprised to find Trask waiting in the center of the massive room. Logan took immediate stock of the situation. Long rows of robotic Sentinels lined each enormous wall.

Woven through the red and black monsters were various cords and cables. Some hummed with electricity while others seemed to be part of the computer’s neural network.

There were hundreds of them. Though the X-Men had already destroyed a dozen, Wolverine quickly realized that they had not done enough. There was still far, far too much at stake here.

“Ah,� Trask said suddenly. “What can I do for you three?�

“Die,� said three enraged mutants in eerie unison.

Trask made a simple movement with his hand. Hidden soldiers flooded the center of the room, meeting the mutant trio instantly. Wolverine and Mystique crouched low, matching smirks covering their faces as Magneto raised his hands.

Crunching metal rang through the room; Sentinels were pulled into themselves under Magneto’s assault. Trask shouted in alarm. It was then that Mystique and Wolverine fell on his soldiers.

On a feral scream, Logan threw himself into battle. Memories of his beloved Storm filled his mind, fueling his rage. He disemboweled three soldiers before anyone even got a shot off in his general direction. Taking several gunshots to the torso only pissed him off.

Mystique darted around him, spinning with her martial artist’s skill. Bones crunched and cracked under her hands while Wolverine sprayed human blood all over the room. The men were screaming, some of them even fleeing from the three vengeful mutants.

Magneto’s powerful mutation tossed crumpled Sentinels out of the ceiling, bringing debris down on the massive room. Heeding his cautionary shout, Wolverine grabbed Mystique to protect her vulnerable body as metal and stone slammed into the concrete floor.

“Thank you,� she said simply and without ulterior motives.

“Welcome,� Logan replied.

They broke apart again, falling into the waves of human soldiers.

“Mags!� Wolverine called over his shoulder.

“Yes?� He replied calmly.

“Get these fuckers out of my way!�

Magneto chuckled. Wolverine readied himself again.

Suddenly, dozens of soldiers found themselves in the air, tossed almost carelessly across the room. They landed in a heap atop a pile of crunched metal.

The way clear, Wolverine fell into place in front of Mystique and Magneto. The three of them advanced on the now trembling Trask as a pack of wolves stalking prey. Wolverine knew there was hatred in his eyes as it bubbled to the surface inside of him. Roaring inside, he could feel the animal within screaming for blood.

“Mutants!� Trask shouted in terror. “You are all evil abominations. You will turn on all of humanity.�

“You have it all wrong, my boy,� Magneto countered easily.

“You killed someone,� Mystique continued. “A crusader for peace.�

“That made us mad.� Wolverine chimed in. “Very, very mad.�

Trask backed up quickly, almost running for what looked like a control panel. As he slammed one of the flashing buttons, Wolverine called to one of his partners.

“Mystique.�

She nodded and leapt into the air, landing gracefully directly in front of Trask. Though the hissing of hydraulics surrounded them, she pulled their foe away from the console and shoved him toward Wolverine.

As though by silent consent, Magneto and Mystique stood back while Wolverine met his love’s killer eye to eye.

The man shook violently as Logan gripped his shirt, bringing him down to the smaller man’s eye level. Wolverine’s mind swam with memories of his ‘Ro, mingling with the terrible recollection of her too sudden death.

“Why her?� He demanded on a heartbroken growl. “Why Storm?�

Trask, to his utter astonishment, looked confused. “Who?�

That, of course, only made Wolverine angrier. “Storm, you piece of shit! Mutant, controls weather. Why did she have to die?�

Confusion still marred the human’s dark face. Wolverine snarled, the sound caught wolfishly in his chest. Had Trask not singled her out? Had it really and truly just been a call of Fate? Logan didn’t know if his heart could take that knowledge.

“The house,� Trask said suddenly, recognition in his eyes. “The house on the school’s property.�

“Yeah,� Logan growled.

“They weren’t supposed to kill her,� Trask defended, swallowing nervously. “They weren’t supposed to kill anyone.�

“Well,� Logan swallowed thickly, emotion swirling in his eyes. “They did.�

“I’m trying to protect humanity here,� the man tried to defend himself.

A resonating crunch of metal brought him up short.

“Yeah?� Wolverine chuckled mirthlessly. “With hatred? Violence? He tried that.�

The feral nodded to Magneto, whom bowed his head somewhat demurely.

“She didn’t,� Wolverine continued. “She fought for non-violence and your damn robots killed her.�

Trask shook more violently. “No. Please. Have mercy.�

Logan snarled again, shifting his grip on the man’s shirt. “I don’t have any mercy. You killed that when you killed her.�

Without so much as a warning, Logan unsheathed his claws. Trask’s body shuddered violently as the lethal bone blades tore through his heart and lungs. Logan leaned forward, whispering against the man’s ear, enjoying the heavy weight of the man going limp over his claws.

“Rot in hell, you sadistic fuck. I’ll meet you there.�

Trask’s dark eyes reflected fear, true and stark fear, a beat before the life left them completely. Logan shoved the body off of his claws and stood, motionless for several seconds. He was finished. She had been avenged.

There was nothing left for him. His hatred and anger kept him afloat for so long that now, everything seemed even more hollow. He stared at the body for some time, not bothering to notice how bitterly silent the room had fallen.

Tears stung at his eyes, an image of his beloved Ororo fading from his vision. He fought the urge, looking up at Magneto and Mystique. They were, it seemed, waiting for his orders.

His eyes found the massive form of what he assumed was “Mastermold�. The robot that acted as a nearly sentient factory for creating Sentinels seemingly stared down at Wolverine with hooded, hollow eyes.

“Mags,� he said quietly. “Destroy that fuckin’ thing.�

“And me?� Mystique asked, raising a blue brow.

“Burn this place to the ground.�

“The men?� Magneto asked, gesturing to those still alive.

Wolverine felt himself slipping over the edge into darkness, but that did not stop him from turning his back on the injured. He walked toward the door, sheathing his claws quickly.

“If they can outrun the flames, let ‘em go.�

~**~

One week later…

He was tying the duffel to the back of his restored motorcycle as Cyclops came out of the house to him. His friend held a cup of coffee in one hand, pausing to listen as birds chirped in the early morning sunlight.

No one questioned him when he’d returned to the mansion with Magneto and Mystique. No one bothered to ask why he simply let Magneto go at the end of it all. He and the old man had an understanding, of a sort. He didn’t expect Magneto and Mystique to surface again for some time. They would go underground, for a while anyway.

Logan wondered if either of them would ever stop mourning for ‘Ro. He seriously doubted it, at least on Eric’s part.

When Cyclops reached him, the younger man smiled from beneath his ruby-quartz glasses.

“Morning.�

Logan returned the gesture as he pulled on the straps of his bag, tightening it to the seat carefully. “Mornin’.�

“Got everything?� Scott leaned against the garage wall, sipping his coffee carelessly.

“Think so. Wasn’t much left.� Logan replied, finishing up and facing his friend.

“I know,� Scott cleared his throat. “Um, I wanted to give you this.�

He reached into his back pocket, drawing out something that looked as though it had been burned. In a heartbeat, Logan realized it was Charles’ posthumous letter to Ororo.

“Where’d ya find this, One-Eye?� Logan took the letter reverently.

“On the porch,� he answered. “I think someone wanted you to have it.� He raised a brow, nodding to the clear blue sky.

Logan swallowed over the lump in his throat, carefully opening the letter. He didn’t mind that Scott was there and hoped his friend wouldn’t be offended if he did not read aloud.

My dear Ororo,

I miss you. Oh, how I know I will miss you. Don’t cry, my strong girl, waste no tears on a man who lived his life as fully as I have.

Though you no doubt find this letter writing of mine morbid and bad for my karma, I find that I have a something important I must say to you. Death, you have told me so often, is only the beginning of a new journey. I hope, in the wake of your grief, that you can understand this.

As I go on to my new adventures, I will say that I have loved you, my daughter. As I love Logan and Scott and Jean and all of my other children, I love you as well. You have been my companion these many years, leaving my side only to become the companion of a man that holds your heart in his hands.

Oh yes, I knew, even years before this letter, that you and the Wolverine were evenly matched. I have watched, with such awe, as you have found one another. I only hope that you have many years together or, at the very least, your time together is meaningful.

Take care of him, child. Our Wolverine desires love and comfort more than any other I have ever met. Should you have to leave him behind, someday, watch over him as I will.

I remember, so clearly, the night they told him you had died. Such fear and grief I have never felt from any living being. I knew then, when you came back to us, that you had been given another chance. I thank all the gods in the heavens that you did.

Take care of one another. I will be watching over you, my child, until you join me.

All my love,

Charles

Logan gently folded the letter and placed it back into the envelope when he finished. It shouldn’t have surprised him, how well Chuck knew them both. The man had been psychic, after all.

“Thanks, Scott,� Logan said gruffly. “Means a lot.�

“I know,� Cyclops replied, emotion tingeing his tone.

They regarded one another over the bike for several silent moments. History mingling with their memories of new friendship and heartbreak. Logan knew he would likely see Cyclops again, but it would never be the same. They both realized that Logan would never return to the X-Men. His life as a mutant rights crusader was over.

To his great surprise – and pleasure – Scott offered him a hand over the bike. Logan clasped it without pause, holding on to his friend’s hand for a moment longer than necessary.

“Take care, Logan.� Cyclops smiled again.

“Yeah, you, too.�

Their hands broke apart as Logan swung his leg over the bike seat. He roared the engine to life, easing the Harley out of the driveway without so much as a pause. Something told him Cyclops was watching as he rode into the bright sunlight, but he never turned around.

He said goodbye to the mansion, to the X-Men without words or gazes. He felt the break with clarity and ease. It was just…over. Just like that.

As the bike took the long, winding road through the forests of northern New York, Logan glanced over the edge, seeing the mansion sprawled below. His gaze was drawn to the heavens, to the wisps of cloud brushed through a sapphire sky.

Storm’s face seemed reflected there for a moment, and he smiled, the ache in his heart diminished for a moment.

“Come on, baby,� he said to the woman he knew was looking down on him. He gunned the bike’s engine until it screamed, pulling the front wheel off of the ground as speed surged in his veins.

“Let’s go for a ride.�