Author's Note: This story occurs the night that Forge proposed to Ororo. Of course, I can't think of the issue number, but it was close to #300 of Unc. X-Men. This is Ro/Lo, but more of a friendship story than anything else at the moment. If I get positive feedback, I might write some more, but as of now, I'm planning this as a one-shot.
Disclaimer: I don't own Wolverine or Storm, but someday I will…ok, probably not, but it would be nice.
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Love and Friendship
Logan was walking through the mansion, as was his custom late at night, when he heard it. He paused and strained his hearing, unsure of what he was hearing. He looked at Ororo's door and slowly opened it, listening. And smelling. The ragged breath and salt finally clicked in his mind. She was most certainly crying. And he had just seen Forge leave the mansion in a huff a few hours ago.
Sighing, Logan decided to do something that was very unusual for him. He decided to see if Ororo needed someone to talk to. And since he knew the rest of the house was sleeping except for Remy (he was out on the town), Logan decided to take the job on himself.
He quickly stepped in her doorway and pushed the door close. Quietly and somewhat stealthily, Logan walked up the stairs to her loft and could barely see her. The storm outside hid any moonlight, but he saw two candles lit. The flames flickered soft light onto her shaking form, as she lay curled on her bed with her back to the stairwell.
He silently approached her bed and watched her for a few seconds. He felt a wave of sympathy wash over him. Her heart was broken. He had been there many times before and he knew the pain well.
Logan then slowly lowered himself onto the bed, tucking one leg under his body. Ororo gasped and quickly whipped her head around, her hand flying simultaneously at the stranger in her room. Logan easily caught her hand and held it in his own.
At first, neither spoke. Logan looked at her with obvious empathy in his eyes and suddenly wanted to harm Forge in every way possible. Ororo's eyes were puffy and bloodshot. There were obvious tear tracks on her delicate cheeks and he could see the nail marks in her palms from clenching her fists together. Ororo pulled herself up into a sitting position and wiped her eyes with her free hand. Her teammate still gently but firmly held her other hand. She looked down at her legs, trying to hide from Logan as best she could.
"Hey darlin'." He finally said softly.
"Hey."
"Sorry fer scarin' ya."
"You did not. You just surprised me." She said, pushing some hair behind her ear.
"I'll leave, if ya wanna be alone."
Ororo didn't reply at first. She thought about his offer and decided she had been alone most of her life. Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to have some real company.
"No, you may stay." Ororo said softly. He could hear the strain in her voice that often comes from long periods of crying.
"What's got you so upset?" Logan asked, lifting her chin up.
Her chin trembled and she looked down at her hand that he was holding. He glanced down and saw the ring on her third finger for the first time. Logan silently cursed to himself for missing such a crucial thing.
"He…he proposed." She replied in an extremely raspy whisper.
"So I see."
"I was going to say yes." Ororo said, looking into his eyes. "I was going to leave and marry him."
"Why didn't you?" He asked when she didn't continue.
"He didn't give me the chance. He took it back. And he left me."
Knowing words wouldn't console her, Logan pulled Ororo into his embrace and she nearly collapsed into him. He felt a swell of anger and protectiveness fill him suddenly but he pushed it down. Those emotions wouldn't help right now.
"He's a fool." He said in her ear.
"No, I am the fool." Ororo said simply. "Only a fool would believe such a thing could happen to people like us."
"People like us?"
"Yes. X-Men don't get married."
"I almost did." Logan murmured.
"But you did not."
"Ya got me there."
Ororo only nodded and sighed deeply. She let out a shaky breath and Logan tightened his hold. He had seen many women cry in his lifetime and knew it was only a matter of moments before she broke down.
"Am I a cold person?"
"Whaddya mean, 'Ro?" He asked, confused.
"Am I cold, like stone?" She paused, taking a short breath. "Am I unreachable? Unlovable?"
"Of course not, 'Ro." Logan quickly replied, understanding what she meant. "Ya may seem a little distant at first, but anyone worth a damn would see different once they got t'know ya. I think yer one of the most caring people I've ever met, darlin'." He paused, glancing down at her face. "Yer a beautiful woman, 'Ro, and I don't just mean yer physical features."
Ororo found no words to reply to him. Instead, she turned her face into his shoulder and suddenly began crying. Logan simply held on to her and tried to rub her back as soothingly as he could.
They stayed like that for a long time and Logan found himself enjoying how close they were. While he considered Ororo one of his best friends, it wasn't often they were in physical contact that wasn't related to the Danger Room. Her skin was incredibly silky and her hair felt like he imagined a cloud might. It was soft and smelled wonderful. He truly enjoyed the scent she held. The other women in the mansion used perfumes but not Ororo. She used bath oils and skin treatments made from natural plants and it was a pleasant smell. Jasmine and sandalwood were the main scents she carried, along with the natural scents of rain and dirt. Unlike his other teammates, Ororo had a primal connection to the natural world, much like he did but it was different in certain ways.
Ororo suddenly pulled back, interrupting his line of thought.
"I am sorry." She said, wiping at her eyes.
"Fer what?" He asked, wiping her cheek. "Well, I guess ya did get my shirt a little damp."
She looked at him and quickly realized he was teasing her. Instead of replying, Ororo simply stuck out her tongue and Logan laughed.
"Ya should try that move in the Danger Room. I bet One Eye and the Prof would be duly impressed."
"I'm sure." Ororo rolled her eyes, laughing lightly.
"Did ya eat anything fer dinner?"
"In fact, I did not."
"Well, let's go make ya something." He said, standing up. She could tell by his body language that 'no' was not an answer he would accept.
"Let me wash up." Ororo replied, slipping on some slippers. Logan raised an eyebrow when he looked down at her feet.
"Fluffy pink slippers don't seem like your taste."
"Jubilee told me I needed more color in my wardrobe and handed me these hideous things. I dare not throw them away. I would not wish to see what else she would buy me to replace them."
"Good thinkin'."
"And if I recall correctly, I recall washing a pair of smiley face boxers that came from your laundry bag last month."
Logan's face turned bright red and Ororo laughed. She moved over to a small basin on a table and held her hand over it, clearly amused. A small rain cloud appeared and began filling the basin with warm water.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah." He mumbled, looking away from the weather goddess. "At least she didn't buy you a flamin' flowered shirt. She told me it was stylish. I told her it made me feel homicidal and then she quickly gave it to the Icicle."
"Ah yes. The green and blue Hawaiian shirt." Ororo nodded as she splashed water on her face. "I was wondering where Bobby had got that one."
Logan rolled his eyes and then led the way to the kitchen. Once there, he ordered Ororo to sit down while he made some dinner for the two of them. Surprised to see his domestic side, Ororo agreed and pulled out a bottle of wine.
"Please just make sure it is not mooing." She said, watching him pull two steaks from the refrigerator.
"Yeah, I know how you like yer steak." Logan replied, clearly disappointed. "Ya sure know how to ruin a good cut of meat."
"So you and Remy keep telling me." Ororo said, pouring two glasses of wine. "I just see no reason to eat meat that is still bloody."
Logan shrugged and turned on the oven to broil the steaks. Nearly fifteen minutes passed and they didn't speak. Logan was busy making sure her steak was cooked well done and Ororo was content drinking a second glass of wine. Finally, Logan tossed his steak in the oven and Ororo knew it would only be another five minutes or so until it was done.
"May I interest you in some wine?" She asked as he pulled the steaks from the oven a few minutes later.
Logan scrunched up his nose. "Nah, you go ahead and drink mine. I'll just have a beer."
"As you wish." Ororo said dramatically. Logan winked at her as she began sipping on the glass she had poured for him.
Soon the steaks were finished and Ororo was clearly feeling the effects of the wine. Logan wasn't one to stop a hurt woman from drinking, so he merely kept pace with her as he drank his beers.
"Let's go back upstairs." Ororo suggested after she placed the plates in the dishwasher. "It's much more comfortable there."
"No argument here." Logan replied, grabbing the wine bottle and his twelve pack of beer. Ororo gracefully picked up her glass and swayed out of the room. Making sure she wouldn't fall, Logan led Ororo to the elevator and they quickly reached the third floor. He tried to hide his smile as she tried to climb the stairs to the loft. She had to lean against the railing heavily but manages to make it without falling.
Logan followed her towards her large bed and sat on the edge of it as she made herself comfortable. Ororo lay on her side, propping herself up on one elbow while holding the wine glass in her other hand. He couldn't help but notice the cleavage that her nightgown was displaying but he kept his eyes locked on hers.
"I suppose I should get rid of this." She said, looking at her left hand.
"Yeah." Logan agreed. "It won't help t'keep it."
"I shall mail it to him." Ororo decided, slipping the ring off of her finger. "I do not want it in this house and it would be a shame to throw it away."
"I dunno. Might make ya feel better."
Ororo gave him a sly glance and winked. "Perhaps you are right."
He nodded and then took a long drink from the can in his hand. Ororo placed the ring in the drawer of her nightstand and then returned to her position on the bed.
"Do you think we'll ever find someone to make us happy?" Ororo asked after draining her glass.
"I dunno." Logan replied honestly. "I think you still have a shot. But me? I think I'm a little old to be playing that game."
"Do you truly believe matters of the heart are a game?"
"Sometimes."
"Then I would say it's a dangerous game." Ororo said, pouring another glass.
"Most games that are worth playing are." Logan stated as he leaned against the banister at the foot of the bed.
"I loved him." Ororo admitted, a sad smile on her lips.
"I know."
"Why would he hurt me?" She asked, looking down at the glass in her hand. "Why would anyone hurt someone like this?"
"People can be selfish when it comes to love."
Ororo looked up at Logan and noticed for the first time the sad look in his eyes. She suddenly wondered if she had caused it and regretted talking to him about these things. He had been hurt more so than she had. She had no right to dump her problems in his lap.
"Oh, Logan, I'm sorry." She said, frowning. "I did not mean to make you think of such things."
"What're you talkin' about? I'm the one who came to talk to you, not the other way around. Ya got nothin' to be sorry for."
"Yes I do. It's silly of me to complain about this when you have been hurt much worse than I."
Logan knew she was referring to Mariko but he couldn't bring himself to say her name. Instead, he looked down briefly and drank the rest of his beer.
"It's not silly t'complain when yer hurtin'." Logan finally said. "This is the first time yer heart's been broken. It's not somethin' to brush aside and ignore."
"But you never once mentioned your pain." Ororo said, looking at him. "You've never complained about the losses you have suffered."
Logan shrugged. "I guess I didn't have anyone t'talk to."
"You do now."
Ororo slid up into a sitting position and moved closer to Logan. She placed her hand on top of his and waited for some sort of a reaction.
"It's ok, darlin'." Logan said, pulling his hand away from hers slowly. "I'm fine."
"You are a terrible liar." She said firmly. Logan could smell the wine on her breath and knew she was slightly drunk. Maybe he would be lucky and she would pass out before she asked him the one question he hoped she wouldn't.
"Do you think of Mariko often?"
Too late, he cursed to himself. It hurt to hear her name spoken and Logan didn't reply for a long time. He closed his eyes and could see her face in his mind.
"Everyday." He said, more to himself than to Ororo. He opened his eyes to see Ororo move closer still. She squeezed his hand and then looked down.
"It is normal to miss the woman you loved." She said carefully. Logan didn't reply and Ororo took that as a cue to continue. "But it's been over a year. Perhaps it is time to move on, Logan."
He knew she wasn't saying it to be hurtful. He knew she was trying to help. But it hurt him to hear the words so he reacted the only way he knew how.
"Perhaps it's time fer me to leave." Logan said angrily, getting ready to stand.
"No!" Ororo said, gripping his hand fiercely. "No, I'm sorry, Logan. Please don't leave. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you."
He was caught off-guard by her outburst. She was acting like a frightened child almost, not the composed leader he knew her to be. So Logan didn't move.
"I…It's ok. I'm sorry, darlin'. I didn't mean t'overreact." He said honestly.
"I just meant that you should try to move on with your life, Logan. Not your heart." She explained. "I didn't mean to dishonor Mariko's memory."
"I know you didn't. It's ok, really."
Ororo nodded and then did something unexpected. She moved so she was curled up on her bed and then rested her head in his lap. Confused, Logan simply rested his hand on her head and waited for her to speak.
"Would you…stay with me tonight?" She asked timidly.
"O'course." He replied. "It's cooler up here than my room."
Ororo looked up at him and smiled briefly. She knew he was teasing her again but she was just happy he had agreed. "I just miss being held."
Before speaking, Logan felt his throat tighten slightly. "So do I." His voice sounded small and raspy, not confident and guttural like usual.
The honesty in his voice surprised Ororo but she didn't say anything. Ororo squeezed his leg slightly and took a deep breath. He looked down at her and simply marveled at her. She wasn't judging him and he wasn't judging her. They were being completely honest with each other and, while they never lied to each other before, it just felt different right then. He couldn't figure out why, it just did. After a minute or two, she lifted her head and sat up.
"Come. It is late. Let us get some sleep."
"'Kay." Logan replied, placing the beer and wine glass on the floor.
Ororo stood up and then pulled off her nightgown. Logan hid his surprise well as she slid under the covers naked. He leaned over and began to pull off his boots. Then he slowly stood up and pulled off his jeans, pausing slightly as he thought if he should sleep as he normally did as well. Pushing the thought aside, Logan decided sleeping in his boxers for one night wouldn't kill him.
"It is alright." Ororo said from behind him. She was watching him undress and knew why he had paused. "I will not judge you."
Logan didn't reply as he pulled off his shirt and then slid his boxers to the floor. Turning, he pulled back the covers and climbed into bed next to Ororo. She blew out the candles on her nightstand and then slid into his waiting arms. She rested her head on his chest and began swirling his chest hair with her nimble fingers.
With his arm wrapped around Ororo, Logan closed his eyes and let his other senses take over. He was surprised that he was not aroused and even more so when he realized Ororo wasn't either. He simply wanted to hold someone close and sex was, for once, not on Logan's mind.
"You have a very comfortable chest." Ororo said sleepily. He chuckled and she enjoyed hearing his laughter ripple through his chest.
"That's a first." He said, rubbing her back slowly.
"Hmmm. I'm surprised." She replied. "But I suppose you aren't usually holding women when you're in bed with them."
Surprised, Logan let out a short laugh and squeezed her slightly. "True enough."
Ororo sighed happily and closed her eyes then. Logan breathed deeply and smiled.
"You smell great."
"That's another first."
Logan could feel Ororo smile and he couldn't help but smile as well.
"It's the truth."
"Goodnight, Logan."
"G'night, darlin'."
Content in each others arms, they both quickly fell into a deep sleep.
~Finis~
So, what did you think?? Please R&R!
~*PAF*~
Jubes