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The mansion was dark when Ororo arrived back, far later than the one o’clock curfew she gave the others. She reluctantly parked Wolverine’s motorcycle in the garage, having walked it up the winding drive as opposed to riding it, so as not to alert the others to her arrival. She half expected Wolverine to leap out of the shadows at her, nine inch claws extended, clearing her head from her shoulders for touching his bike. That’s if he even knew it was missing. Or that it was her that had taken it. She smiled thinking of him running around gasping for breath, crying for his baby. A low chuckle escaped her. She caressed the seat, still warm from the heat of her body, and a renewed smile touched her lips. That had been seriously fun. She ran her fingers through her windblown hair, humming to herself, making her way across the yard towards her balcony, clutching the surprisingly durable dozen roses Shinobi had given her.
Ororo glanced at the horizon, now slightly purple in anticipation of the sunrise and let her mind wander back to another early morning ride on that same bike. She closed her eyes, knowing it was futile to reminisce, but unable to prevent thoughts of Logan from entering her mind. She loved him, she knew. She hated him too. Her life was complicated enough, without adding him to the mix. Even now, Jean may be pregnant with Logan’s child and Ororo was thinking of how he made her feel. Ororo’s stomach turned and she was ashamed of herself. Lust was not something she permitted herself to feel, not that it had ever been an issue before. She had never wanted a man before. Ever. But now her days were plagued with memories of how his lips felt against hers, how her lower abdomen clenched and warmed when he was near, and the unbearable ache she felt almost constantly. Frowning at the direction of her thoughts she floated over her balcony railing, stepping through her glass doors.
“Gambit,” she whispered. “You awake?”
“It ain’t Gumbo, darlin’.”
“Wolverine.” Ororo gasped. “What are you doing in my room?”
“Waiting.”
Ororo clicked on her bedside lamp, illuminating the room in soft light. Wolverine was lounging in her bed, clad only in a pair of red boxer-briefs. Ororo took an involuntary step back. “Get out.”
Wolverine frowned. “Enjoy the ride?”
“Yes. Get out.” Ororo moved further away from him.
Raising his arms behind his head Wolverine watched her with predatory eyes. “I ain’t leavin’ until we talk.” He glanced at the roses cradled in her arms and instantly his face went dark. “Who the fuck gave ya those?”
Ororo glanced down, surprised. “None of your business,” she said angrily. “Now get dressed and get out.”
“Can’t say as if I’ve ever heard a woman utter those words ta me.” He said, still lounging against her headboard.
Ororo snorted. “I don’t imagine so, but as they say, there’s a first time for everything.” She moved into her private bathroom.
Wolverine heard water running and she reemerged with the roses in a vase. She set them on her bureau, blatantly ignoring him.
“Storm,” he said. “Look at me.”
She didn’t look at him, but said to the flowers, “Why are you still here?”
“We need ta talk. And who the hell gave you flowers?”
She almost smiled at his tone. Almost. “Wolverine, I am tired, and I want to go to bed. Please leave.”
He stood up, prowling towards her. “I ain’t leaving.”
Ororo swallowed nervously, but stood her ground. “Yes, you are. By choice or by force, it’s up to you.” Her eyes swirled white, the air thick with ozone. She tried not to notice how unbelievable he looked standing there in his underwear, his abdomen rippling as he moved, the muscles on his legs bunching as he walked. Her breath seemed trapped in her chest and it angered her that he had this effect on her.
“Ya can’t run from me forever, ‘Roro.”
“I’m not running, Wolverine. I’m going to bed.” She said through clenched teeth. “Don’t you have a pregnant girlfriend to be taking care of?” There it was out.
To his credit he actually winced. “Jean doesn’t know for sure if she is pregnant.”
Ororo rolled her eyes. “Of course not. Why be responsible and take a test, or wear a condom,” she glared at him. “When the emotional drama is sooo much more fun.”
Again he winced. “Hey, I ain’t saying I have no blame here, all I said was she doesn’t know yet.”
“The simple fact that there is even a remote possibility that you already have one woman knocked up, and the fact that you are in MY bedroom in your underwear does not speak well of your character. It seems you are as faithless as they come, Wolverine. Now get out!!” A gust of wind swept him off his feet, and with a wave of her hand she pushed open the balcony doors.
“Damn it, Storm. Put me down!”
“With pleasure.” A quick thought sent Wolverine tumbling over her balcony, landing with a dull thud on the grass outside. “Stay out!” She slammed the doors.
Not three seconds later her balcony doors swung open and Wolverine stood on the terrace glaring at her. He strode into the room, his lips curled back in an angry snarl. “I ain’t done yet,” he growled.
“Yes, you are.”
Wolverine advanced on her, “Yer gonna listen if I have ta hold ya down and make ya listen!” His hands grasped her upper arms, slamming her into the wall.
Real fear flashed in her eyes and Wolverine halted. “’Roro?”
“Get away from me.” she whispered. “Get away!” Her hair whipped around her head, her eyes white fire. “I do not like to be touched. Stop touching me!” A blast of air slammed him across the room, taking out her bedside lamp, plunging the room into shadows once more.
Pounding could be heard from her door and Gambit’s frantic voice, “Stormy!”
From her knees Storm called. “I am here, Gambit. I am fine. Just a bad dream.” She stared at Wolverine, “Please leave.”
“I didn’t mean--”
“Just leave.” Her voice was hoarse.
Wolverine nodded, picking up his discarded jeans and shirt and shoes, padding to the balcony, levering himself over the railing giving her a heavy look and was gone a moment later.
“Stormy! Open da damn door, or I swear I’m breakin’ it down!”
“On my way, Remy.” Storm took a deep breath, straightening her hair. She opened the door with a false smile. “Sorry to have disturbed you.”
Gambit strolled into the room, looking around. “Are you all right?”
“Of course, just a bad dream.”
“Don’ lie t’ me, Stormy.”
She didn’t respond, simply stared at his chest as opposed to the knowing look in his eyes. “I didn’t realize you had your own room now,” she said, as a distraction.
Gambit blushed. “I don’.”
“Oh, then where were…oh.” Storm’s eyes lit and she smiled broadly. “Well, well, well.”
“Hush, padnat.”
Storm laughed. “Remy Labeau, you scoundrel. Professing undying love to me, all the while chasing Alison.”
Gambit touched her cheek. “I do love you,” he said, quite serious.
“I love you too.” She murmured. He brushed her lips in a chaste kiss. “I’d like to go to bed now, Remy.” She began walking him back to the still open door.
“Do you wan’ me t’ stay wit’ you, chere?”
Ororo shook her head. “No. I’d really rather be alone.” Liar.
“Ok. But if you need me…”
“I know, brother. Goodnight.” She closed the door gently behind him, leaning her forehead against the cool wood. Goddess.


Early Morning

Ororo danced around the heavy bag, her taped fists connecting with hard jabs. She scowled, throwing in an elbow for good measure.
“Anyone I know?” Alison asked, sauntering into the workout room in her standard white tee and black pants. Her dark hair was not spiked, however, instead falling in soft ebony waves just below her multiple earrings.
Ororo turned the bag revealing a crudely drawn sketch of a man with winged hair. Alison laughed.
“So, I hear,” -punch- “you had,” -punch, punch- “company last night.” -kick-
Ali nodded. “Does that bother you?” she asked.
“Not at all.” Ororo jabbed the bag, followed by a knee. “I just don’t want it to effect the team.”
Alison thought for a moment, seemingly to genuinely consider that statement. “It won’t. At least not any more than Kurt and Kitty, or you and Wolverine.”
A full roundhouse kick separated the bag from the ceiling, sending it crashing to the floor.
“Ok, touchy subject,” Alison drawled. Ororo panted, unwrapping her hands. “Wanna talk?” Ali asked.
Ororo shook her head. “I appreciate the offer, but there’s not much to talk about. He has Jean and I need to focus on my assignment.”
“Speaking of which, I think I just saw the delicious Mr. Shaw’s Hummer outside.”
Ororo glanced at the clock. Damn. It was quarter past eight, she was supposed to meet Xavier at eight thirty. “Thanks, Ali.”
Alison watched her friend jog out of the room and smiled. “Have fun!” she called after her.
“Where’s she going?” Wolverine sauntered in from the weight room.
Alison gave him a sly glance. “Date,” she said, walking out. She’d have to tell Kitty and Kurt not to reveal Storm’s assignment to Wolverine. Served him right after all, Ali decided. Anyone who messed with her friends got messed with in return.
Alison liked Wolverine, she really did. He reminded her of a stray dog she had once. Wild and untamed, feral and mean, but there was something under the exterior that made you want to reach out. Only problem was, much like the stray, you usually got your hand bit off.
Alison sighed. You’d have to be deaf, dumb and blind not to notice the tension between Storm and Wolverine, and despite her wanting to mess with him, Ali believed the two of them…well, fit. There was no other way to describe it. Storm and Wolverine fit together. Two halves of one whole. It was a rare thing, but there you have it. Soul mates. She shook her dark head. One night with Gambit and she was a friggin’ romantic. A slow smile spread across her lips. Speaking of Yummy…

Loft

Ororo stood in front of her closet, appraising her limited selection of clothes. She finally decided on a long white sundress with spaghetti straps and a ruffled trim. She slid on a pair of white sandals and piled her hair atop her head with a butterfly clip. She ran her hands over her stomach, flattening her dress. Good enough, she thought.
*Storm, I believe Shinobi is waiting for you in the parking lot.*
*I thought we were meeting in your office.*
*Change of plans.*
Ororo shrugged making her way to the front of the mansion. Stepping onto the sun drenched porch she pulled up short, her mouth falling open and she collapsed to the stairs laughing.
“I’m glad I amuse you.” Shinobi Shaw, billionaire playboy, and leader of an elite group of mutants stood against his black Hummer clad in a red and blue schoolgirl uniform, complete with pleated skirt and pigtails.
Storm couldn’t stop laughing. He looked so ridiculous. “Oh, my…” She collapsed again, her eyes watering.
“Am I forgiven?” He asked, his own lips quirked.
Ororo nodded, breathless from laughing so hard. Shinobi stepped forward, helping her to her feet. “I…don’t know what to say,” she said, looking him up and down.
Shinobi smiled ruefully, “Say I can change.”
Ororo laughed again. “I don’t know. I kind of like this look on you.”
“If it keeps that smile on your face, I will suffer it.”
“No. I don’t think that’ll be necessary.” Her cheeks hurt from laughing. Without thought she reached up and tugged one of his dark pigtails. “I didn’t expect this,” she said.
“I hope to show you that I am full of many unexpected things.” His eyes danced and Ororo was momentarily caught off guard. She was actually enjoying this.
“Um, should we go?” she asked.
“Of course.” Shinobi glanced at the doorway where several others now lingered, staring at him with open mouths. “Your friends are more than welcome as well,” he offered.
Storm looked over her shoulder. In the doorway stood Ali, Gambit and Wolverine. Behind them were Jean and Colossus.
“I’m in,” Ali said, rushing forward. She winked at Storm.
“Dat means me too,” Gambit added.
Shinobi nodded to both of them as they piled into his stretch Hummer. “Anyone else?”
Ororo looked over at the yard where several of the younger children were playing. Without her asking Shinobi said, “Of course. They’ll love the menagerie. Excuse me.” he moved towards the children, his skirt bouncing as he walked and Storm was assailed by another bout of giggles.
“It looks like your date is turning into a field trip,” Alison said. “What’s up with the uniform? Is he a little…” She tilted her hand back and forth, “in the head?”
“It’s a long story.” Storm said. She climbed into the Hummer. She was reaching to close the door when a hand wrapped around the edge.
“Not so fast. Four more coming.” Colossus said. Jean entered followed by Bobby and Wolverine. Colossus finished them off.
“A bit crowded, non?”
Shinobi approached the door. “I’ve called in another vehicle for the children.”
“Great. Let’s ride with them,” Ororo said, exiting the Hummer. “If you don’t mind.”
He shook his head. “Not at all. It will give me a chance to change.”
“Nice skirt, bub.”
Ororo gave him a cold stare.
Shinobi glanced at Wolverine. “I don’t believe we’ve met.”
“Nope.” Wolverine glowered at him.
“Shaw. Shinobi Shaw.”
Wolverine grunted.
Ororo slammed the door shut. “Friendly fellow.” Shinobi said.
“He’s one of our ‘special’ students.”
“Oh.”





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