Disclaimer: I do not own any of Marvel's characters just my own characters and all my work is fictional and for pure enjoyment. I make no money from any of it. Damn it!
Simple Dreams
Logan was pissed. Back and forth with Jean was making him crazy. She was always giving him the eye one minute then racing into Scooters arms the next. Whenever Logan got too close she ran. He was fed up with it and mostly mad at himself for being so enamored of the girl-child. She was all of twenty-six but acted more like ten. He sure as hell wasn't Elmer Fudd. He wasn't hunting rabbit. She would give him that come to her look one minute, then run like 'Bugs' the next. He wondered if he was in a Looney Tunes episode. She even did a little flirting back some days but when Logan advanced, she retreated. It was like she was bipolar. What the hell was wrong with her?
It was confusing as all hell to Logan. Her mixed signals were making him crazy, angry, pissed and frustrated as all Hell. It didn't help that he hadn't been laid in about three months. Which was strange for a man like Logan. The professor had them all on 'Lockdown'. Ever since the brotherhood had gone underground, that had meant no one could leave the grounds. Logan had to hide his beer with Hank in the med lab's locked fridge. He was now regulated to smoking his stogies out doors like he was doing now thanks to Storm. She was always lecturing him about Artie's asthma acting up. All thanks to Logan's smoking in his room.
Logan liked Artie. So he put up with Storm's mothering and fussy behavior. Hell she was confined to the mansion like the rest of them. She couldn't go off on her day junkets to her little café's that she liked. Logan had noticed in the year or two that he'd been there that Storm usually took off on her day's off. Driving her little mini-cooper or Chuck's blue Spider and heading to town. He never really paid her much attention and he noticed she did the same as him. Ignoring him completely. Whenever she was with Jean, and Logan would show up staring Jean down until he made her blush, Storm would just leave. Not even speaking to either of them as she left. She would either get up and walk away or just walk off never looking back once. Logan found that odd but he didn't care except for the fact that Jean would then fringe like she was upset, using that as an excuse to take off away from Logan. Scotty boy would then show up sometime after and then Logan would spot Jean running to Scooter if she couldn't find Storm.
He inhaled more puffs from his cigar as he sat in the woods by the old boathouse. He was enjoying the quiet of the day. Logan liked the light breeze that flowed from the lake. But this little back and forth with Jean was getting on his nerves. So, he was outside and away from the mansion. This game was getting tired and he was fed up with it. He wasn't ten and he sure as hell wasn't twenty-six. He had too many lines in his hard boiled face. Logan knew he had too many fringe memories showing him walking New York city streets in the nineteen forties. Not too mention some old photos from that era. Logan sat back against the tree's trunk and inhaled.
That's when the scent hit him. Fresh rain and sandalwood followed by Ole English and leather, plus a scent he didn't know. He got up quietly and headed for a large oak tree set right over the old boathouse. Climbing it quickly with his stogie hanging out of the side of his mouth. He got to a large high ledge and put out his cigar in the palm of his hand. He looked down as he saw Storm approach the old house followed by Chuck and a tall, skinny young man in an ill fitting suit. Logan sat back wondering what the hell they were doing out here. He listened as the professor started to talk.
"Well Mr. Handle as you can see the house is in dire straits and needs repair. Do you believe your company can fix the home up before the first winter snow?"
Charles Xavier sat in his chair studying the seemingly thin and tall young man as he looked about the old boat house. He noted Ororo had a slight smile on her face as she looked at the place. He smiled. The home was a gift for Ororo who had been asking for some time about having her own space. She loved the mansion but Ororo liked her solitude even more. Especially now since Jean and Scott seemed to be getting closer to making a commitment to each other; despite Logan's advances towards a confused but flattered Jean.
Ororo he noted stayed out of it as if she could catch a disease. He grinned. He knew Logan was in the tree above the house. He had sensed him as they approached but he was interested in why Logan wanted to stay and not just use this opportunity to go off and chase Jean again. He knew Scott was teaching his class at this hour and this was Jean's free time. Which she usually spent having her coffee in the kitchen. Charles grinned watching Ororo and the man go inside to inspect the home and see what needed to be done.
Charles' wheelchair made it impossible for him to follow them but he didn't mind as Ororo had given him a head nod letting him know she would be right back. Inside the home was in even more bad shape but Ororo just saw what could be and not what was. Mr. Handle looked around inspecting various aspects of the rundown home taking notes. He smiled faintly and Ororo noted he looked younger. She watched the serious expression that played across his face. He finally spoke after about twenty minutes.
"The way I see it, this home should take about five to six months to fix, but it needs a lot of interior and exterior work but with my crew it could be done before Thanksgiving." Ororo smiled.
Mr. Handle nodded his head excusing himself to go see Charles with his estimate and notes. Logan sat in the tree trying to figure out what Charles wanted to do with the boathouse being remodeled. As Mr. Handle walked away from the professor, he heard Chuck address a smiling Storm.
"Well my dear, what do you think? You shall have your own home before Thanksgiving." Ororo laughed as she kissed Charles' bald head and hugged him.
"Thank you Charles. I have wanted this for so long and to now finally see it happening…" She couldn't finish. Charles smirked as he laughed.
"Well my darling Ororo, no one deserves this more then you. You have been a great help to the school and the X-men. I'm glad I can give you something just for you. I know the greenhouse was supposed to be a gift to you but as is your nature you took it upon yourself to grow food for the school. Now hopefully with this home you will not be having extra rooms for students if you feel the dorms are too crowded." Ororo laughed.
"I will try not to harbor students in my home Charles, but sleep overs must be left up to my discrimination."
Charles chuckled as did Ororo which stunned Logan as he sat against the tree. Watching as Ororo walked with Charles back towards the mansion. Ororo needed her own house? He thought that strange, but figured she liked being alone. She was after all the ice queen. He noted she did tend to shy away from him and most of the other adults at the school. But the kids all loved her even Rouge who doted on Ororo when ever Logan was gone. Kitty he figured saw her as another mom.
He jumped down from the tree and lid his cigar again looking at the rundown shack. He pretty much ignored it whenever he came out here. It was okay, needed work, lots of it. He grinned the ice queen liked her privacy. He knew she had a huge room in the loft on the mansion's top floor but he'd never seen it. She never really spoke much to him and pretty much stayed out of his way unless it was about the kids, a mission or Rouge. Oh he forgot, now she was just Marie with him and everybody else when out of uniform. Rouge she had told him was her code name. Like Storm was Ororo's. Logan had laughed.
That kid worshipped the ice queen. He trotted back to the mansion realizing that Jeannie had about five minutes left to drink her coffee in the kitchen before she headed off to her afternoon class.
When Logan got to the mansion the squeals of delight nearly made him run for the hills. His ears nearly burst with half the schools female population yelling about Jean and Scott. The professor was holding a beaming Jeans' hand as Logan saw what had to be the biggest rock on her finger that he ever saw. He saw the smirk on Scooters face as he turned and gave Logan a sly grin. That nearly made Logan growl until he saw Storm who looked elated and winsome? Winsome? Logan didn't know where that word came from, but it fit.
Logan had never seen the Ice queen look so content and happy. She looked like she had just stepped from a cloud. Her face was so serene. She looked pleased for both her friends. She was hugging Jean and playfully kissing Scott. Who Logan swore was blushing. Jean just folded her arms and gave her new fiancé a look that made the three of them laugh. He headed for his room. Hell being on lockdown in this mansion was like prison and would be more so now that one-eye had finally popped the question. He knew just by Jeannie's beaming face she was pleased and happy. He locked his room's door when he got inside and laid down. He would skip dinner. He didn't want to hear the details on their wedding plans.
Four days had passed since Jean and Scott got engaged and Logan was stunned to hear the wedding date was set for June first, less then two months away. He went straight to work in the garage after spending nearly all of last night in the danger room. He didn't need sleep much and he sure as hell didn't need to be around the cuddly, kissing and getting married couple.
He was under the body of one of the older vehicles when a scent hit him. It was Storm's scent. Logan pulled out from under the car and looked up. Ororo was dressed in a form fitting dress that looked more like a tailored business suit. She wore the highest heels he had ever seen her in. She had her long hair fanning her back in soft waves that touched her butt. He was stunned. She looked hot and those legs. The dress came right to the very shapely calves of her legs and much to Logan's surprise the only thought that ran threw his mind was 'Smoking!'
Ororo seemed not to notice him as she was opening the blue egg shell colored sports car's door. Logan sat up and then got up walking right to her. Logan didn't remove his eyes from the dress and what was in it. Ororo finally turned to see him as she looked confused at the expression on his face.
"Logan?" He took a minute to acknowledge her as he traveled from her long shapely legs to her full and curvy hips, round and bountiful butt, small wasp waist and large melon sized breasts. Right up to her stunning face and those cat like eyes. He blurted out to her.
"Hey you got blue eyes!" Ororo looked stunned then anguished. She looked in the side mirror of the car.
"Oh I have forgotten my contacts and I'm already running late." Logan stared at her. Usually her eyes were brown.
"You wear contacts? Why in the hell would you want to cover your eyes? They're beautiful." Ororo was stunned at first but then spoke.
"Logan language please. There are young children here." She was wearing a half smile as she spoke.
"Oh and thank you for complimenting my eyes. To answer your question I like to avoid garnering more attention then I already do from non-mutants. They tend to stare or follow me around" Logan grinned.
"Just calling it like I see it. Oh and I don't think they're following you around just to look at your eyes." Storm grinned shaking her head as she opened the car door only to have Logan grab her hand.
"Where ya going Storm? Chuck has us on lockdown." Ororo sighed when she noted Logan still held her hand. She tried to get it back gently of course.
"I know but the professor has asked me to pick up his gift for Scott and Jean. He had it made for their engagement party tomorrow night." Logan grunted. He had forgotten that Charles had sent e-mails to every one asking that they keep quiet for the surprise bash. Logan had just deleted the message. He'd made himself scarce since the couple made their announcement. Ororo was staring at him as Logan looked at her. He grunted out.
"What?" Ororo glanced down at her hand. Logan still held it and was not letting go. Ororo gave him a look.
"Oh sorry." He nearly stammered and that shocked him. But damn she had baby soft hands and that shocked him even more. Logan had been with a number of women but none had hands like Ororo's. She smiled when he released her and as she was starting to get inside Chuck came in.
"Oh Ororo. I'm glad I caught you. It seems the store is staying open later tonight and frankly I would feel better if you went with an escort." Ororo huffed.
"Charles I can take care of myself." Logan grunted. Charles eyed him.
"I know this my dear but I would feel better due to the Brotherhood's numerous tricks." He smiled at Logan.
"Logan would you be adverse to going into town with Ororo?" Logan grinned. Ororo eyed the professor as if he'd lost his mind.
"Charles.." Ororo began but he held up his hand.
"My dear please humor an old man." Ororo relented as she eyed Logan. He then looked down at his attire.
"Give me ten." He growled. He took the back stairs to his room where he showered and changed faster then he had in months. The thought of getting into town was enough motivation for Logan. He thought of Harry's Hideaway and was taking the stairs by leaping down them. He had to laugh when he saw the stunned faces of both Ororo and Chuck.
Logan had replaced his worn and dirty jeans with a nice pair of black Dockers and his clean black biker boots replaced the worn torn-up pair he wore whenever he worked on the cars. A clean fresh white shirt replaced the grease stained tee he had on earlier. The shirt was one of several Anna Marie had given him last Christmas after she had pleaded with him to stay for the holiday and he had. He's been shocked at the amount of gifts he'd gotten; even Artie had a hand carved cigar box that he made for 'Mr. Logan' to store his cigars in.
It made him see that this mansion wasn't so bad after all. He had a mini-fan club of his own. He grinned as he saw the smile on Chuck's face and the shocked look on Storm's. She stood with her arms folded under her breasts and stared with her mouth wide open. He winked at her causing her to close her mouth and look elsewhere. Charles handed Logan a credit card. One that had an alias Logan used. He helped Ororo over to the passenger side of the car. She was glaring at him and then looking to a smiling Charles as she shook her head and sat down in the seat. Logan grinned at Chuck as he got in buckling up just as Ororo did and took off for town.
The gift gathering with Ororo went fast. She had the gift wrapped and placed in the trunk of the car in no time; but had a boat load of items to pick up or have delivered from the exceedingly long list she removed from her shoulder bag. Logan gasped.
"Did everybody in school know you were going out?" Ororo placed her big blue eyes onto Logan's grey ones.
"Yes." She merely answered. He groaned as they went to six more stores taking some items and having the rest be delivered by tomorrow. Finally after nearly four solid hours of purchasing things either for the school or for various students and faculty, Ororo was done. Logan sighed. He was beat and craving for an ice cold draft like mad. Ororo looked at him as she rose one eyebrow.
"A bar? You want to have lunch in a bar?" Logan grinned as he took her arm.
"Don't knock it till you tried it." He lead her to the car and drove the distance to Harry's Hideaway.
Ororo was shocked. She had relented and allowed Logan to pick the place for lunch since she had so much shopping to do. Now she wasn't so sure she should have allowed him to pick a place. The outside looked quaint almost like the shop fronts in the older part of town. There were even curtains gracing the front windows, but she did note the various motorcycles parked alongside the bar. Plus the fact that it was nearly two PM and the bar was faintly lit inside almost like it was later in the evening.
That made her feel a little uneasy. Logan just placed his hand at the small of her back and led her inside. The bar tender acknowledged him as Logan grunted a hello. Ororo found herself inside a clean and fresh smelling booth which shocked her. She did note several patrons smoking but the smell didn't hit her and that was when she noticed the overhead air ducts. Logan grinned as he looked at where her eyes had gone.
"Harry had them installed over a year ago. This way those who don't like the smell don't have to smell it." Ororo smirked.
"Perhaps we should install them in your room?" Logan grinned.
"Sure why not. Artie could breath and I could relax in my room more." Ororo glared and picked up the menu on the table. Logan smirked at her disapproving look. The server came and took their orders as the two ate in relative silence enjoying a pretty good meal.
When they returned to the mansion, the flood gates were opened. Ororo was surrounded by children all clamoring for the items she had picked up for them. Logan was amazed to see even Marie had a package that Ororo handed to her. He saw the relief that played across her face as she and Kitty ran back upstairs to their room. She had given him her smile as she greeted them both when she had arrived following the throng of kids Ororo had around her.
There was the newest one only five and already attached to Storm. Her name was Cherry and that was her bubbly little personality too. She gave Logan a brisk wave and her bright smile, as she took Ororo's hand and the two walked off towards Ororo's Loft.
Logan shook his head as he parked the car back in its spot. He noticed the bag that Ororo had placed under the compact back seat. He grabbed the bag and figured he'd just run it upstairs to her. He bounded up the flights like they were nothing and knocked after he took the last long stairwell to her secluded loft room. Cherry opened the door using both her little hands to open it.
Logan smiled at her sunny face as he took in the largest room he had ever seen in the mansion. The scent of rain hit him first along with the breeze coming from the large balcony doors both wide open letting in the cool, fresh air. The sun was lighting up the room so brightly it felt as if you were in heaven standing in a spotlight.
The room was painted all in white. The bed was huge too, a solid maple sled bed, bigger then a king. Above it was an oversized skylight and a huge seating area with a large overstuffed light brown buttery leather sofa and two white soft leather easy chairs all facing a large flat screen TV. She even had a walk in closet that had one of it's twin doors open. It was almost bigger then Logan's room. And man she had plants everywhere. Her room looked like a mini rain forest. Some green vine plants were all crawling across the walls and part of her ceiling. There was even hanging potted plants some with flowers and other potted mini trees from the size of them.
Storm came out of her bathroom having changed, she was dressed in a pair of worn Jeans and a small top that bared her taunt narrow midriff. She had abs Logan noted. Cherry giggled watching Logan taking in Ororo's very curvy figure. The grin sliding across his face. He'd never noticed the sway of her hips before. Ororo cleared her throat as Logan snapped out of it.
"Hey. Ya left this in the car." Ororo looked pleased.
"Thank you Logan." She took the bag and pulled out a doll encased in a box, as she walked over to Cherry.
"Now I think Ms. Barbie would love to have Mr. Ken over for supper tonight don't you?" Cherry squealed. Logan squinted.
Didn't females at this school ever not squeal. Cherry was doing that little shaky dance little girls did when they got something they really wanted. She hugged Ororo and kissed her cheek. Logan just smiled as Cherry walked over to him, pulling on his large hand until he bent down then she placed a soft kiss on his cheek. He grinned liking the warm feeling of having a little girl thanking him for bringing her a new doll. Ororo kissed Cherry as she waved and trotted off back out the door. Logan smiled.
"So that's why we had to stop at Kids R Us uhh?" Ororo just shrugged her shoulders.
"Cherry has been very good in school this semester and since her mother works as a maid fulltime, I just picked up the doll for her. She loves her mother as her mother loves her but her job eats up all of her time." Logan had heard about that.
Cherry Alexander was one of the young mutants whose mutation came at birth. She looked like a normal little five year old girl but she had the ability to ghost. She like Kitty Pride could faze through solid objects. To say the hospital she was born in was shaken when the new born fazed through the crib and nearly hit the floor; was an under statement.
Her mother was not a mutant. She was just a single mother whose family disowned her because she wouldn't give away her child. So Charles had assisted the young and proud woman by getting her a job at one of the school's benefactors homes as an upstairs maid. Apparently she loved her job and was making good money at it. Enough to pay the tuition for her daughter here and to get her on-line degree.
The only setback was that she had little time to see her baby. Logan recalled last Christmas when Cherry's mom came as a surprise on Christmas eve. The tears were flowing as mother and daughter greeted each other as she came from the limo Charles had sent for her. Logan noted that even as others cried openly; Ororo kept her cool but she did look misty eyed. Hank had explained later on that night, as he and Logan had duty as Santa's helpers putting together bikes for the kids, that Ororo's mutation was the ability to change the weather. She could cause storms that would result in numerous deaths and property damage if she let upset feelings lose. Being that her mutation was tied to her emotions she had to keep herself in check.
Now he stood looking over her room as she stood by her now open door staring at him. Finally she spoke.
"You have never been here before?" Logan nodded. She closed the door.
"All right." She did a 'Vanna White' hand gesture.
"Here are my dressers.." She did the hand thing like Vanna weaving both hands.
"Here is my walk in closet, the bath, my assorted plants, the seating area, my work area…" Logan hadn't even seen the computer desk with laptop and lamp. It was behind the large seating area in a small alcove with a large window behind it surrounded by potted and hanging plants.
"And finally my balcony." He laughed as she did a small bow and grand gestures with her hands and arms weaving very smoothly when she finished showing him her room. Logan stood out on her balcony. The air was fresh and cool. He liked it.
"I take it you are not in a hurry to race back to your room?" Logan smirked as he noted the three seat rocking chair and sat down.
"Naw I like your room. It's like being out doors. It feels good." Ororo was stunned as she lightly watered the over eighty plants in her room with the smallest of hand gestures. She stared at her bare feet and soon joined Logan out on the balcony.
"I take it you do not wish to see our happy couple." Logan grunted.
"I got no hatred for one-eye.. no more then I ever had, but no I don't want to see them."
Ororo sat back as she rocked in the chair and Logan sat back with her. They sat that way for a while. Neither speaking just enjoying the cool air. The sun was moving slowly across the great lawn. Ororo was stunned when after about an hour or so she noted Logan's breathing was heavy and his eyelids had closed. The man was asleep in her rocker and on her balcony. She slowly got up; careful not to wake him as she picked up the small light throw she kept on her sofa and placed it on Logan. Who never stirred. She shook her head as she whispered.
"You must like my room a lot." Then she left Logan on the balcony as she made her way downstairs.
In the kitchen hours later after a good dinner; Ororo was talking with Betsey. Jean was with Scott talking to her parents in Charles' office putting together their wedding plans. Betsey of course was having a glass of wine. Ororo was placing the pantry foods back in their places.
"So are you excited about the big day? Our resident 'It' couple are finally tying the knot and poor Wolverine will be heart broken if he isn't already." Ororo looked at Betsey.
"That is a bad thing to say. I know Logan has pursued Jean but she made her decision and if you have noticed he has kept his distance from her since the announcement." Betsey sipped more wine.
"Maybe but I don't believe it. Haven't you ever heard of a wolf in sheep's clothing?" Ororo smirked.
"You drink far too much wine." Betsey glared at a now laughing Ororo as Logan walked into the room.
"Hey why didn't you wake me up? I slept through dinner." Betsey perked up as she watched the exchange.
"You looked peaceful and I didn't want to wake you." Ororo spoke as she walked to the oven putting on oven mitts to take out a large dish.
"I kept your dinner warm since I noticed you did not come down." She placed the hot dish on the table by the window where Logan usually sat when eating or drinking. Setting out his table mat and flatware. Logan grinned.
"Thanks Storm..err..I mean Ororo." Betsey watched them both closely. Logan sat down to eat as Ororo poured him a glass of his favorite non-alcoholic drink. Sprite. Logan gave her a silent thanks. He sat eating his food. Ororo went back to putting the foodstuffs away. Betsey eyed both of them not speaking. Logan glanced up at her.
"What can't a wolf in sheep's clothing enjoy a good dinner." Betsey glared at him. "You have some pretty damn good ears. How in the world did you hear me?" Logan grinned.
"Part of my mutation, enhanced senses. You do know what those are don't ya?" Logan grinned.
Betsey gave him a glare and went back to drinking her wine. Logan ate up quick wanting to do more car work tonight. He finished up and placed his dish in the dish washer as he left. Betsey stared at Ororo who was taking down notes of the amount of food stuffs in the pantry.
"All right what the hell is going on with you and Wolvie?" Ororo turned to stare at her.
"Betsey you are consuming too much wine. Nothing is going on with Logan and myself." Betsey poured herself another glass.
"Right. You let him sleep uhh? Was that in his room or yours?" Ororo shook her head.
"Betsey he brought me a package that I left in the car. It was for Cherry and since he had never seen my room.." Betsey held her hand up.
"Wait he's been here for nearly two years and he's never set foot in your room. Even Warren has been in your room." Ororo looked dumbfounded.
"I hope you are not implying anything." Betsey laughed.
"Oh please Ro. You always have someone coming to see you mainly because you fix everyone else's problems and they seek you out. But not old Wolvie uhh. I guess he figured out the Jean and Scott saga himself." Ororo sighed.
"Betsey please stop drinking now. You always get so crazy when you drink too much." Betsey snorted.
"I do not. I can hold my drink better then most." Ororo gave her a look. Betsey giggled.
"Hey at least I'm not Remy. I don't fall down drunk like him." Ororo stared.
"At the rate that you're finishing that bottle of wine you will be." Betsey laughed. "Please. You should join me maybe we could get that Wolvie to show you just what old Jeannie Beanie saw in him." She wiggled her eyebrows at Ro who ignored her.
"Get him to shower his lust crazed attention on you." Ororo was putting away some hard baguettes' left out by Hank. He had rushed back to his lab in a hurry. She picked up one and threw it at Betsey. Who ducked just in time, barely missing getting a smack to her head.
"Hey! No rough house in the kitchen! I have wine." She held up her now full again glass. Ororo glared at her as she shook her head and Betsey started laughing nearly falling from her perch on the counter. Ororo walked over to her and pulled the nearly empty bottle from her hands and the glass.
"Make up with Warren tomorrow and go to bed now." Ororo poured the glass down the sink. Betsey pouted.
"Yes Mom. You're no fun when sober." Ororo pulled her off of her stool and pushed her towards the doorway as she put the cork back in the bottle placing the wine in the locked wine cooler and checked the kitchen before hitting the lights and going to her room. The mansion was quiet. The school year was ending in less then two months and most of the students were studying for semi-finals and already upstairs getting ready for bed.
Ororo took a quick shower, washing her hair and putting on a lose plain nightgown. She got into bed quickly. Knowing that once Jean asked her to be the maid of honor, she would be consumed with more duties and chores to do. Ororo sighed and closed her eyes seeing her little boat house finished like she wanted it to be. Seeing herself on her porch rocking in her chair, enjoying a sunny day. She smiled as sleep took her.