Something was tickling her arm.
Heavy lidded chocolate eyes parted ever so slightly to examine the cause of her wakefulness. Unblinking black orbs, framed by plush white fur, glittered down at her. Ororo picked the floppy eared stuffed animal up from her arm. Pushing her mussed hair from her face and rolling fully onto her back she gave Logan a quizzical look. “What’s this?”
“A rabbit.” Logan, unabashedly, and gloriously naked, crouched in front of her. Morning light gleamed against the dark ebony of his hair creating blue highlights. Tawny muscles rippled as he shifted position, momentarily causing Ororo’s brain to seize and her thoughts to scatter to the wind.
Noting her still perplexed look, Logan added, “Hank told me you liked rabbits.”
This caused Ororo to pause, glancing down at the stuffed bunny, her eyes momentarily widening before crimson flooded her cheeks. “Oh, God.”
Curious at her obvious fluster, Logan leaned forward. “What?”
Ororo shook her head, lower lip caught by pearly teeth as she tried ineffectually to contain her laughter. Her shoulders shook with it.
Crawling up the length of her body, Logan pinned her effortlessly to their makeshift bed on the floor. “Out with it,” he ordered.
Knowing he was unlikely to let her escape without explanation, Ororo slanted him a mischievous look. “Henry misunderstood.”
Logan cocked his head. “So, you don’t like rabbits?”
“Oh, no. I do. Adore them.” She paused for a beat. “Just…different rabbits.”
Something about the twinkle in her eyes told Logan he wanted to hear this explained--in detail. “Different? I think you need to elaborate.”
“I’m sure you can figure it out.”
“I’m dense, remember. Thick adamantium skull.”
She rolled her eyes.
He grinned. “I’m waiting.”
A soft puff of air passed her lips. “Ok, fine. If you really want to know, one girls night out, after a few too many, Jean and I started talking about…sex.”
One eyebrow shot up, interest clearly peaked. “Sex, huh? You and Jean?”
She swatted his arm. “It was talk only, pervert.”
“That’s too bad.”
“Do you want to hear this or not?”
He chuckled, nipping her shoulder. “I’m listening.”
Ororo sighed, enjoying the play of his lips on her skin. “Well, as it happens, Henry came upon us while we were talking about sex toys.”
Another bite and a rumble. “Sex toys?”
Ororo’s body began to move restlessly, instinctively seeking Logan. “Yes, sex toys.”
“Mmm.” He caught her earlobe between his teeth. “Go on.”
“Uhm…” She was at a loss.
“You were talkin’ to Jean about sex toys,” he prompted, licking the soft shell of her ear.
“Oh…yes…” She tried to relocate her lost train of thought. “He happened upon us as we..Ohhh…”
Logan grinned, fingers probing between her legs. “I’m listening,” he repeated.
Ororo’s knees bent, hips lifting, beseeching. She nearly swore when all Logan did was stroke the soft nest of curls. “We were discussing vibrators.”
“Vibrators? You?” He clearly seemed taken back by that.
She gave him a look. “A woman has needs, and since I don’t sleep around indiscriminately--”
“I wasn’t judgin’, darlin’.” Logan corrected with a sly grin. “So, this rabbit is a type of vibrator?” He gently parted her thighs.
“Yes!”
“Hnh.” The pads of his fingers hovered. “One that you enjoy?” Teasing strokes.
“Damn it, Logan.”
He cocked her an innocent look. “What?”
“You know what!”
“I’m afraid I don’t, ‘Ro.” His grin was complete devilish intent. “You’re just gonna have to explain to me what you want.”
“You cannot be that dense.”
He sat back on his haunches. “Maybe I am.”
“Maybe you’re full of shit.”
He blinked. Then sharp barks of laughter erupted from his chest. “Damn, I love when yer fiesty.”
Ororo couldn’t prevent her answering, throaty laugh. “You once would have called that ‘having my panties in a bunch’.”
Strong fingers stroked adoringly. “Yeah, but ya ain’t wearin’ panties now.”
“Neither are you,” she whispered, her own hands seeking.
“Hnh.” Logan closed his eyes, a shudder running through him. “How ‘bout that.”
“Yes, how about that…” The rest of their words died off as Logan lay claim to her mouth and followed suit with her body.
“I take it your evening went well.”
Logan glanced up from the motorcycle magazine he was browsing, earmarking the page with the black leather jacket he was certain would look damn fine on Ororo. Hank stood in the kitchen doorway, a quizzical look on his intelligent face. A nod was the only response to his inquiry Logan gave before resuming his reading.
Hank wasn’t about to let him off that easy. Striding into the room he took the seat directly across from Logan, leaning one elbow against the island. “Did you give her the chocolates?”
Logan recalled drizzling melted chocolate over taut nipples of the same dark color, licking and sucking the sweetness away. He cleared his throat, shifting position in his seat. “Yup.”
“And was the wine satisfactory?”
Open mouths sharing dark red liquid, a soft tongue lapping his navel…moving lower… “Jesus.”
“Pardon?”
“Yes.” Logan barked.
Hank blinked. “I apologize if my curiosity in the matter seems unwarranted.” He stood.
Logan ran a hand over his face. After a calming breath he said a bit less gruff, “Things went fine, Fur-ball. I appreciate the help. ‘Ro was thrilled.”
Hank was appeased. “Really?”
“Really.” Logan also stood. He swatted Hank on the arm with his magazine as he passed. “You were dead on about everything…’cept the rabbit.”
Hank‘s grin dimmed a bit. “That’s odd. I was certain Ororo had once expressed a sincere fondness for rabbits.”
“Wrong kind, Bub.” Logan provided as he left the kitchen, chuckling under his breath.
Hank stared at the swinging door, perplexed. Then, “Oh my stars and garters.” Face flushed, he began a robust laugh.
Ororo scribbled her signature across the bottom of the last of the checks she was mailing out, the bills paid for one more month. She sighed with satisfaction, noting with a fair amount of pride that for once Xavier’s was actually ahead of budget.
A soft rap on her door broke her moment. “Ororo, lass, are ye free?” A rusty head poked through the doorway.
“Of course, Sean, come in.”
Sean made his way towards her. “Dinnae mean t’ intrude but I thought ye might like t’ be aware that we’re being watched.”
Ororo shot up out of her seat. “What?”
“I was flying around fifteen minutes ago, down by the lake in the back and I noticed several tracks in the woods. They looked fresh and deep, like someone had set up some sort of camp or lookout. I may be mistaken, lord knows we got enough wandering students here.”
Remembering her suspicion the other day at the mall Ororo shook her head. “I’m sure your instincts are right. Did you see anyone?”
“Nae. But there were cigarette butts and a few candy wrappers too.” He pulled a plastic baggie containing said objects from his pants. “Thought maybe Henry could run an analysis on them.”
“Good thinking,” Ororo stated with genuine admiration. She also knew someone that should take a look at the items and the area Sean had spotted. With a calm she wasn’t certain she felt, Ororo ushered Sean towards the door. “Bring your findings to Henry, then Logan and I will meet you in the back of the mansion.”
“Gonna have the Wolverine do a bit of tracking? Breaking out yer old bloodhound?” Sean tried to lighten the subtle tension he felt in her.
Ororo felt her lips twitch. “He is the best there is at that sort of thing.”
“So I’ve heard, lass,” Sean added closing Ororo’s office door behind them.
Marie watched Raven maneuver around the pool table, her long creamy legs revealed by a too short red skirt, with disdainful eyes. The more she thought about what the older woman had said to her the other day the more confused, hurt and angry she became.
True, she felt abandoned by Logan, but did that really mean she was willing to help Raven? Was she that petty? She sighed, leaning back onto the couch, working her thumbnail with her teeth. If Raven succeeded in her manipulation, then Ororo and Logan would be no more, and Raven would more than likely be removed from the Mansion. Then what? Would she and Logan automatically resume their friendship? Would the bond still be there? She grimaced in frustration.
“Bug up your ass?”
Marie scowled up at the dark haired beauty. “Yeah, you.”
“Ah.” Raven leaned against her pool stick. “And what about me is up your ass?”
“I won’t help you,” Marie blurted.
Something akin to amusement flickered across Raven’s face. “No?”
“No.”
“Found your lost sense of X-Men nobility?”
Marie stood, her posture tense. “I won’t be responsible for hurting Logan.”
“Can he be hurt?”
Marie remembered how crushed he was when Jean had died--both times. She flinched. “Yes. And I won’t let it happen again.”
“Well, well, grew a pair, did you?” Raven smirked. “Given how much you loathe him and Storm together, I figured you’d be chomping at the bit to tear them apart. You can’t honestly tell me you think she’s the right woman for him.”
Marie frowned, her feelings mixed. “No, I don’t, but that doesn’t mean I think you’re a better choice.”
“If you didn’t have the stomach for the game, little girl, you shouldn’t have agreed to help me.”
“I won‘t--”
“What? Won’t let me?” Raven laughed throatily. “Consider it a favor. You stay clear and let me do the dirty work.” She ruffled Marie’s hair. “Before you know it Wolverine and Storm will be no more.”
Marie gnawed her lip. “You promise that all you want to do is break them up?”
“Of course.” Raven’s smile was falsely sweet.
“And what in the flamin‘ hell makes you think that‘s even remotely possible?” Logan was leaned against the entry, arms crossed over his massive chest.
Marie jumped nearly out of her skin. “Logan! How long have you--?”
His steel gray eyes flicked over her face and shone bright with disappointment. “Long enough, kid.”
Oh God. Marie reverently wished the floor would open up and swallow her. She tried to talk, choked, tried again, “Logan--”
“Save it,” he barked, his dark eyes on Raven. “You are one sick bitch, you know that. Trying to use her to get to me.” He straightened from the door, a snarl on his face.
Instead of being intimidated, Raven let out a sultry laugh. “What an ego you have. Eric was right, you think everything is about you.”
“Don’t fuckin’ pretend innocence.” Logan was nearly upon her.
Raven turned more fully to face him, almost eager for his crowding. “We both know I am no innocent.”
Logan halted, the scent of arousal snaking it’s way up to him. The bitch was excited. He shook his head in disgust. “I don’t know what game you two were plannin’, but it ends now.” He gave Marie a hard look. “Either of you try and come between me and ’Ro, and I’ll send you packin’.” He looked at Raven. “Or worse.” -SNIKT- With that he strode from the room.
Marie raced after him. “Logan! Logan, wait! I can explain!”
He didn‘t bother to halt his stride. “Give it up, kid. I ain’t in the mood for explanations.”
“Please, just hear me out.” Tears shone in her eyes, sounded in her voice. “Please.”
Logan sighed, running a hand through his hair, finally stopping. “What do you have to say?”
Marie swallowed. “You hurt me,” she began.
“What?” Logan looked incredulous. “When?”
“I can’t give you a specific date,” she stated. “But ever since you and Storm have become a…thing…it’s like no one else matters to you.” She wiped her eyes. “All you care about is her.”
Logan snorted. “Marie, you know damn well that ain’t the case. Storm isn’t the real issue.” He faced her directly. “Ever since the Cure you’ve been different. You took it, kid, you can’t change that. If you regret it, then I’m sorry, but that was no one’s decision but your own.”
Marie tensed. “I had no idea my being a non-mutant would get me removed from the X-Men! Or that Bobby would still be panting after Kitty! It was all supposed to be different!”
“That’s where this stems from?” Logan pinned her with a harsh glare, his sympathy running short. “Marie, grow up.”
Tears coursing freely now, she snapped, “Who are you to tell me to grow up? Huh? You play more games and have childish fits more than anyone. Jean’s cold in the ground and you’re screwing her best friend! Where is that undying love you supposedly had, huh? You‘re as inconsistent with that as you are with your friendship.”
Logan’s teeth bared in a snarl. “Anyone else would be through a wall by now, Marie.”
She laughed, the sound bordering on hysterical. “Tell me, Logan, do you love Storm as much as you loved Jean? Or is that relationship expendable, too?”
Logan fought down a growl. “First of all, Jean was never mine to ‘expend‘. Second, I loved her, yes, and I will always love her.” He swallowed the lump in his throat. “That hasn’t changed. That will never change. And third, what I have with Storm is none of your fuckin’ business.”
Marie winced. “It used to be.”
“No, that’s where you’d be wrong. My shit was never your business. I told you once I wasn’t your father, and I meant it.”
“You also told me that you’d take care of me,” she sniffed.
Logan felt his anger crumbling beneath her misery. She was just a kid, lost and confused. He could relate to that, he supposed. With a sigh he placed his hand on her shoulder. “I will always care about you.”
She blinked up at him. “But…?”
“But,” he continued. “There comes a time when you need to take care of yourself. You ain’t broken and bloody, you ain’t in danger, you’re confused. That isn’t something I can help you with, it’s something you need to work out on your own.”
Marie inhaled a shaky breath. “I know.”
“Good. Work it out, but in the meantime, don‘t let me catch you plottin‘ shit with that bitch again.”
Marie nodded. “So…are we okay?”
“We’ll see.”
She gave him a weak smile. “Fair enough.”
Their conversation was interrupted when Logan caught scent of rain and heard the clacking of small heels walking determinedly down the opposite hall. Wherever ‘Ro was headed, she was headed in a hurry--and she was anxious.
“You gonna be ok?” he asked Marie.
She shrugged. “Yeah. I think I‘m going to go find Bobby and have a talk.”
Logan watched her walk away for a moment, then headed in Ororo’s direction. “Hey!” he called when he caught sight of her snowcapped head.
She turned and waited for him. “Good, just the man I was looking for.”
He gave her a sly smile, hand on her hip. “Better be.”
She returned the smile, though hers was more tense. “We have a situation.”
The severity of her tone wiped the levity from him. “What’s up?”
Walking towards the rear of the Institute Ororo apprised Logan of everything Sean had told her. As she spoke Logan felt his pulse quicken and his adrenaline pump. His home, his territory, invaded. He growled.
Sensing his displeasure, Ororo placed her hand on his arm, absently rubbing, soothing.
“Logan.” Sean gave him a nod.
“’Ro says you spotted something’ you didn’t quite like.”
“That’d be the right of it. Something about it sits funny with me. Could be a couple o’ rebellious students, but I’d rather not take me chances, especially considering Theresa’s already been through enough.”
Ororo and Logan both nodded. Logan remembered all too well the terror the kids felt the night of Stryker’s attack. “Show me.”
Fifteen minutes later Logan had scouted the area, and logged away the unfamiliar scents he came across. Sean was right, whoever had been squatting in the woods wasn’t a teenager. Tobacco, sweat, gunpowder and traces of jerky were all military man give aways, but more than that--whoever it was, was smart enough not to close in too tight and trip the perimeter sensors.
“Well?” Ororo, hovering just above the tree line, watched the school and horizon like a hawk.
“No one goes out alone,” was Logan’s only response, and the only one Ororo needed to know that the threat was real. She lowered herself to the ground.
“The other day, at the mall, I thought I was being watched,” she told him.
“What?” Logan swung around, eyes narrowed. “And ya never thought to mention it?”
Ororo placed her hands on her hips. “As a matter of fact, no, I didn’t. I was distracted.”
“What the fuck kind of--oh.” Logan stopped, realizing just what had distracted her.
“Yeah, oh.” She gave him her haughtiest glare.
“Sorry, babe, I didn’t mean to--”
“Storm!”
They both whirled at Kitty’s frantic yell.
“Kitty, what is it?” Ororo asked, racing towards the girl.
“It’s Jimmy! There are some men here to take him away!”
Ororo’s eyes flashed stark white and thunder cracked like a whip in the heavens. “Like hell they are! Where’s Hank?”
“He’s with the men, going over some papers.” Kitty was near tears. “Storm, we can’t let them take him. We just can’t.”
“We won’t.” Ororo assured her, pulling her in for a hug. Over Kitty’s curls Ororo met Logan’s eyes, the look they exchanged was grave.
“Fly, I’ll catch up.”
Ororo nodded. Gripping Kitty around the waist she launched into the air, speeding towards the mansion.
“What’s goin’ on now?” Sean asked as Logan emerged from the wooded area.
Logan looked towards the mansion and the woman soaring above it. “Nothin’ good, I’m sure.” He began a jog after Ororo. After everything Ororo had gone through, Logan knew that she couldn’t lose Jimmy, it would destroy her.
Rain slammed into the ground with driving force. His jog became a flat out sprint.
