Disclaimer: I obviously don't own the show, an episode from One Tree Hill or the songs Drive by Incubus and The Chronicles of Life and Death by Good Charlotte so please don't kill me. It's been a year since I wrote a new fic of my OC character, Pep. The idea of writing this popped into my head when I was in Japan and every sequence started building up for the past months. I had second thoughts about writing this fic but I've finally got my ass to do it whoahahahahah! Go me!

Who is Pep? She ha been my O.C. since I first fic. Maybe if you'll have time drop by her story "The Beginning of a Young Mutant", pretty lame title eh…what do you expect from a 13 year old from two years back. My fics are usually full of comedy and drama and angst too…love it love it love it! Well I do recommend you also read "Quality time with Logan" it's a bonding fic. Anywayz, Pepper is my proud nine-year old redhead with red eyes to match who happens to be very energetic and restless. Her powers happened to emerge very early for her age and she can project radioactive waves causing anything to burn or explode through her thoughts and uncontrollable emotions…c'mon she's still learning. Just imagine her as your very own ideal annoying little sister with a mind of a teenager. Most of the time you can catch her happy go lucky attitude rather than her dark and cold one but once she's in a bad mood I suggest you just stay away from her. One thing she really hates is being treated like a kid…I mean it! What else, she can get very competitive and shows off sometimes but she still keeps her sweet and innocent reputation. Just read her past fics if you wanna get to know her more. Thanks.

I hope you really enjoy this. This is a pretty long chap for me…yeah. I used the idea from an episode in One Tree Hill. OTH fans might know the ep where Lucas got into a car accident and I really enjoyed it. The songs I used for this chap had to fit the story. It's tragic, its full of drama and angst. I'm actually reaching a new level and experimenting more…here it is!

SOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOS

Her mother ran into her room. Her face was pale and eyes had tears.

"Pepper…I should've told you this earlier."

"What!" the daughter screamed in pain.

"That, that you're…you're a..." She backed away from her.

"Mom don't leave me like this!" the child cried with flames growing in her
fiery red eyes. The room suddenly burst flames everywhere.

"That you're a...a...!"

SOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSO

"Pepper I'm so glad your alive!"

"I love you mom!" she hugged her mother who was lying on a stretcher.

"Its ok everything's gonna be ok. (I hope)" she said in her mind.

What happened, I remember you were trying to tell me something."

"Pepper listen, I want you to know this. Ever since you were born..."

"What!"

"It's a long story, but now that you're old enough to know…I've been
wanting to tell you that you're a...

"BANG!"

"A what! A what! No! Mom! Don't leave me please!" All of a sudden the
buildings and automobiles were on fire!

SOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSO

"Mom!" the frightened nine-year old suddenly woke up with warm tears swelling down from her bright red eyes that were as big as dollar pancakes. "Why mom…why did it have to be you?" I-i-i-t should have been me…not you." She wrapped her petite body in her blanket and tried to get rid of the nightmare but then again the awful flashback entered her disturbed mind. Flames grew in her eyes and flickered in the dark room. She knew her emotions were playing tricks on her and she didn't want to start another fire again for the…(poor kid, she must have lost count of how many times that happened). She tried to ignore the inner pain that was piercing her bleeding heart and slowly, shut her eyes and took deep breaths to concentrate to sub side the flames in her eyes and at the same time it calmed her. I guess the therapy sessions that she had been taking from Mr. Mcoy really was effective.

For some reason hunger took over and them grumbling noises from her tummy proved it. The anticipated red-head pulled herself out of her covers and jumped out from her bed with a thud. She paused for a while and made sure no one heard it; fortunately it wasn't

loud enough to wake up her next door neighbor who could be heard snoring from the next room. She got out of her room and tiptoed through the dark hallway and was actually familiar and used to walking alone in the darkness to grab a midnight snack or whenever she had those nasty sleeping disorders.

Finally she made her way to the kitchen and searched through the leftovers in the unorganized refrigerator. She usually did her routine, putting food in the microwave and heating it as long as she could because she enjoyed her meals hot and I mean steaming, boiling, deadly hot. The hungry hotshot decided to try the roasted chicken and mashed potatoes when she realized the she wasn't the only one in the kitchen.

"Ok Kurt for the last time I'm not stealing food, I swear I'm not!" she called the attention of the teleporter but there was no sign of him in the empty deserted place.

She felt a strong presence and the hair on her back stood in shock and just stood in place and froze. Suddenly someone grabbed her by the shoulder and she was face to face with a muscular figure. By now the kitchen could have been set in flames from Pep's surprised look but as much as possible tried not to release her emotions and practically succeeded except the smoke that was seen rising from the kitchen table and chairs in front of them.

"Easy kid…easy." A low and deep voice spoke.

"I-I-I'm sorry…" the frightened child stuttered.

"No I'm the one to blame. I scared ya didn't I?"

Pep quickly snapped out of it. "Me scared? No way!"

"Whatever kid." Logan rolled his eyes.

"It's Pep!" she corrected.

The Canadian chuckled and ruffled her bloody red hair. Pep looked uncomfortable when he did that but she was use to it since all the guys treated her like that.

"Whatcha doing here?" she suddenly asked.

"Question is, what are ya doin here?"

"What's it look like I'm doing? I'm getting myself a midnight snack."

"Really?" he raised his eyebrows.

"I can't seem to sleep with an empty stomach…duh. She rolled her red eyes.

"Ya sure or is it something else."

Pep didn't face him at this point. "It's nothing…nothing."

"Tell me kid…"

"Pep!"

"Pep, ya having any more of those nightmares cause…"

"It's none of your business."

"Look I really want ta help but I don't want ya ta start crying and all…"

"Crying is for babies." She folded her arms and still didn't face the concerned mutant.

"Look, yer not the only one who has those problems Pep." He faced the kid and kneeled down to her height.

Pep hated having eye contact with anyone especially if people around the institute would offer their help to her. Staring right into Logan's eyes made tears form in hers.

"You don't understand…you don't what I've been through!"

"I would if you would just allow me ta confront this. I'm not forcing ya or anything, I just want ta help ok." He explained in a calm matter.

It wasn't the first time this happened between the two because Pep had already told him about the flashbacks that had been haunting her ever since she received her powers on the same night her mother was murdered. She felt really blessed to have someone really concerned for, especially someone like Logan. Just a few months ago she had gotten over her fear of Logan and built a very tight bond with him as if he was her father. The thought of it made her very thankful to have someone love her and treat her like his own daughter and she had to respect that. She accepted Logan's offer and gave him a quick hug which she rarely did to anyone. Logan wasn't surprised at all and just smiled and wiped the tears from her eyes.

"Ya still hungry?" he changed the topic.

"Well…kinda."

"Say, ya wanna go out and eat somethin'?"

"Can we?"

"Course ya can?"

"Cool I'll go and get changed!"

"Wait there's no need…" he was already too late to stop her from running back to her room and hoped she wouldn't wake up anyone because if she did he would have to take them with him too. "Boy is Chuck gonna kill for this!" he walked to his room and got changed too.

In the garage…1:17am…

Pep was wearing the clothes she had worn for the day; a red sleeveless hoodie, cargoes and orange low cut chucks while Logan wore his motorcycle-looking outfit (third season attire). It was a miracle that no one woke up and it almost gave Logan a heart attack but was relieved at the same time.

"So are we gonna ride your motorcycle?" she beamed.

"Nah this baby is too valuable and sides you might set it on fire." he chuckled.

"So you're saying you don't trust me?" the nine-year old mutant folded her arms.

"Let's use it some other time kid…I mean Pep."

"So what are we suppose to ride Scotts's crappy car?"

Logan stared at the biggest vehicle kept in the garage. "Ya thinkin' what I'm thinkin'." He winked.

"Awesome!" they both got in and quickly started the X-van and drove out of the institute gates that automatically opened when Logan used a device and once they were out, the gates closed shut.

The last time Logan rode this vehicle was when he took Kitty out for driving lessons and didn't want the memories to haunt him. He drove smoothly through the neighborhood while Pep turned on the radio.

"Ey I love this song!" she squealed.

Sometimes I feel the fear of uncertainty stinging clear

And I can't help but ask myself how much I'll let the fear take the wheel and steer

It's driven me before, it seems to have a vague

Haunting mass appeal

The two sang the lyrics in chorus and Pep imagine herself playing the bass guitar.

Lately I'm beginning to find that I should be the one behind the wheel

Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there

With open arms and open eyes yeah!

Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there, I'll be there

So if I decide to waiver my chance to be one of the hive

Will I choose water over wine and hold my own and drive, oh oh

It's driven me before, it seems to be the way

That everyone else get around

Pep stopped singing because she was getting out of tune and listened to the driver who was singing it correctly and full enthusiasm. She never knew Logan could sing that well. She had never seen him sing at all and she didn't know how to explain this to the guys back at the institute. His smooth voice sailed in her head and allowed him to sing the song entire and he wasn't aware what was happening because he seemed to be concentrating on his own world. After the song was over, Pep turned off the radio and silence took place in the van…well not for long.

"So, um where we going, a bar?" she asked.

"Yeah sure Pep were goin' to a bar, no doubt."

"No really?"

"Shut yer mouth and you'll see." He smirked.

"Aw c'mon on…please!" she showed him her puppy red eyes.

"Not workin'."

Pep finally gave up and relaxed on her seat and kept quiet. How can anyone not fall for her adorable childish puppy eyes? They should never fail. But hey what can you expect from impatient and annoying kids…

"Are we there yet?"

There was no answer.

Pep could tell that he was ignoring her and tried again. "I said, are we there yet?"

Still no answer.

"You could at least say something."

"What would ya want me ta say?"

"Iono? You'd tell me to shut up or threaten to kick me out of this car or something?"

"Yeah I would have thought of doing that." Logan teased.

"Not funny!"

The van drove to a curve and into a dark place that wasn't very familiar to Pep and slowly a diner appeared in sight. So it wasn't bar at all.

"Are we…" she was cut off.

"Here already, yep." He parked the vehicle near the vacant parking spaces that was owned by the diner. Pep was able to get a better glimpse of the place. A lighted sign 'Annie's Diner' was visible from their point of view.

Logan escorted the energetic and hungry explosive girl inside the diner. A bell rang as the door pushed open ( a cow bell to be exact) and it happened to cal the customers attention but went right back to what they were doing after seeing the two who just entered. The fancy place was small but lively; everything was coated in baby pink including the tiles, tables, utensils, silverware, windows, ceilings…etc and the rest of the designs were all related to the vintage theme form the 70's and 80's complete with jukebox. The two unidentified mutants walked pass a bunch of humans and took their seats on soft cushion chairs (that was obviously pink) across each other.

"Ya like the place?"

"I've never been to a diner before." Her red eyes examined the place. "And for some reason pink aint so bad after all."

"Really? Let me remind ya again, that ya cannot blow anything up, got that!"

"Check."

"And one more important thing…be nice."

"Huh?"

Pep didn't understand what Logan meant by that vile word. Then a short, chubby woman approached them with a cheery smile and was ready to take their orders.

"Long time no see huh?" Logan greeted her.

"Where have you been all this time?"

"Around."

"Oh I see and who might this little cupcake be?"

Pep clenched a fist under the table and was force to give her a fake smile after taking a quick glance from Logan's serious face.

"Yup, poor kid couldn't sleep." He explained.

"I'm so sorry to hear that but I'm glad you're lucky enough to drop by my diner." She pinched her in the cheek, real hard."

Pep kept calm but she seriously wanted to punch her in return. This should be a new record especially in public.

"Uh huh thanks." She rubbed her cheek.

Annie leaned over to Logan and whispered. "Your daughter is so adorable? Can I have her?"

He didn't know how to explain that they weren't biologically related but he decided to keep quiet. He didn't know why?

"Can we order now?" the impatient kid interrupted.

"Go ahead squirt." He allowed her.

"Ooh gimme me a sec!" she grabbed a pink menu and browsed through it.

"While waiting what would you like to have?" Annie asked.

"Just a bottle of beer or too."

"Well you better take it easy big fellow. I'm not going to drive you home if ever you pass out again.

Pep rolled her eyes and finally found what she wanted. "I'll have a chili burger with extra chili sauce and hot, hot cocoa."

"I guess a growing child like you will need that. I'll be right back cupcake." Before leaving their table, she gave her one last hard pinch on the other cheek. Pep immediately stuck out her tongue when she was completely gone.

"You do that one more time and call me cupcake again I'll…"

"Now Pep, what did I tell you?"

"So that's what you meant by being nice." She slouched on her seat.

The service was surprisingly fast and the food arrived just in time Pep was going to mention all her childish complaints. In a split second she devoured her chili burger and gulped down every sip of steaming hot cocoa down her throat without burning herself. As a fire mutant, she was used to it. After Logan had finished his two bottles, he ordered more until he drank about seven or more. The two hardly spoke because Pep was getting drowsy that she had to lay her head on the table with her bright red eyes still halfway open.

"I'm so stuffed man."

Logan sipped the remains of he last bottle and rubbed his full belly afterwards. "Same here." He gave a burp.

"Ew!"

"Excuse me!" the two broke into laughter.

The bill finally came Logan paid it full and left a big tip for Annie. Pep ran to the door like there was no tomorrow with Logan following behind. He wasn't really looking where he was going so Annie had to help him out.

"You sure you're going to be fine?" Annie said was pretty worried.

"I'm fine ma'am…I really enjoyed it here." His vision was so blurry now.

"Well I do enjoy your visits for sure." She felt flattered.

"Thanks so much Annie! This place of yours rocks!" Pep interrupted.

"Are you sure you'll be alright because If not I would offer to take you home."

"No need ma'am, were fine." He finally came to his senses…well not really.

"What he said!" Pep smiled.

"Well I do hope you have you have a safe drive. It's pretty dangerous at this time." She warned.

"Are we going or not?" the girl lightly elbowed him in his big stomach.

"Oh yeah we better go before Chuck finds out that we've been gone. Bye Annie." He waved and watched as she went back to her diner. Pep ended up dragging him to the van. Once settled in Pep suddenly asked.

"What did she whisper to you about?"

Logan kept quiet and just smiled, a smile that made her uncomfortable.

"Lemee guess she said that I was the most adorable cupcake in the whole world and…I don't think I wanna know the rest." She looked disgusted.

"Ya sure?"

"Positive."

He started the engine and backed up the vehicle and was on their way back from their route they took to get there. Pep tilted her head and was watched as the diner slowly went out of sight and back in the dark streets. She had never felt so relieved and happy for once and it was all thanks to her guardian. She had never loved him so much and couldn't imagine how messed up her life would be if he wasn't around for her at times like this.

"Logan."

"Yeah kid?"

"Thanks for you know…this." She blushed.

"Anytime Pep." He ruffled her hair.

Then there was something very unexpected that happened. The child took his right muscular arm sort of hugged it with her head resting on it comfortably. It was a sign of gratitude and a touch of love that a kid to express. Logan lifted his arm and embraced her to his chest and whispered.

"I will do anything for ya kid." He said with tears forming in his serious eyes.

Pep ignored the smell of beer coming from his lips and warm tears also formed in hers. "You promise?"

"I swear I won't let anything happen to you." He said and slowly released her from the embrace so that he can concentrate back on the road. Pep was in a moment she would never forget but she mind quickly shift to something else when she noticed something with the driver.

"Dude you're not wearing your seatbelt."

"Seatbelts are for wimps." He grinned.

At the back of Pep's head she had a very strong sense that something was wrong. She knew Logan wasn't exactly himself and she started fearing something for the worst. He was drunk! Fire grew in her bright red eyes and as much as possible she tried to prevent that awful thought from entering her mind. She started singing Drive and by and by the flames disappeared.

Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there, I'll be there

So if I decide to waiver my chance to be one of the hive

Will I choose water over wine and hold my own and drive, oh oh

It's driven me before, it seems to be the way

That everyone else get around

A traffic light was ahead of them and she saw the light shift form green to yellow to red. She was relieved that the car was going to take a short stop so that she would relax.

Lately, I'm beginning to find that when I drive myself, my light is found

Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there

With open arms and open eyes yeah

Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there, I'll be there

Would you choose water over wine

Hold the wheel and drive

She immediately stopped singing when she saw that they went pass the traffic light and haven't stopped at all. 'Aw man what if the police saw them or better yet the freakin thing wasn't working at all or was it who she thought it was…she looked at her surroundings, there were no speeding cars visible. She took a deep breath and sighed. What a relief or was it just her when she saw a fourteen wheeler heavy loaded truck rushing towards the passenger seat! 'It's just a dream! I'll wake up any second…any second now.' She thought.

Reality bites doesn't it, when a loud honk, blinding flash and screeching tires hovered over them. The truck driver had already lost it's brakes and came crashing straight to the side of the X-van. The sight was horrible! The impact from it caused the van to tip over in mid air and did an unfriendly landing. Because of not wearing his seatbelt Logan flew out of the windshield and tumbled on the ground. His eyes opened and realized what had just happened.

He carefully lifted himself from the concrete road full of broken glass and noticed that blood was gushing fro all over his broad body but he didn't care because he knew that they would heal anyway. He started sniffing the air and a familiar scent came to him! He nose caught up the smell of oil leaking and smoke!

"What the hell!" he had completely forgot about Pepper and had to rush back to the demolished vehicle that was only a few feet away from him. The blades were released and he slashed his way through the drivers seat and made an opening. The passenger seat was facing the ground since the van was tipped over so you could have imagined how difficult that would have been for the terrified drunkard. He dove inside and saw s petite body still strapped to her seatbelt. Logan couldn't believe what his eyes revealed to him. Pep lay unconscious with blood flowing from her innocent face. He froze in terror as he saw how bad her condition was then the smell of fumes started up so he slashed the seatbelt and scooped the injured child and climbed out of the van and ran to safety.

It was just a few more seconds and the two wouldn't have made it. An explosion caused a scene to the public who lived around the area. Suddenly sirens were heard from a distance and through Wolverines super sense of hearing he realized there were police cars and an ambulance heading towards the situation. So with all his strength, he took a quick look at Pep and carried her in his bloody arms to make his way to the ambulance.

SOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSO

Bayville Hospital…3:36am…

"What happened to her!" A nurse gasped.

"Car accident…are ya gonna help her or not!" Logan has been carrying her for a long time.

"She needs to go through surgery immediately!" a male doctor came up to them.

"Now?"

"Precisely but we cannot start without you allowing us to do so."

"Then do it!" he commanded.

Pep was immediately placed in a bed wheels (I forgot what they call it?) and was heading straight to the O.R. (Operating Room).

One nurse took out a clipboard and filled out forms. "Her name please?"

"Pepper."

"Surname also."

"Rose. It's Pepper Novotna Rose." He recalled.

"Sir are you her father?"

The word 'no' was about to appear from him but thought it would make things more complicated. Yes…yes I am."

"Thank you Mr. Rose for your patience and do you mind if we check your wounds?" she then examined his arms.

"Forget about it!" he pushed her hands away. "I'm not leaving her sight." He followed after Pep.

"It was then the doctors and nurses noticed his healing factor processing on his wounds. It was obvious…they all knew!

"He's…he's a mutant!" they yelled in unison.

"So is her daughter!"

"Cancel the operation now!" the doctor earlier ordered.

"The hell is wrong with you people!" he roared.

"I'm sorry sir but this is a hospital for humans not for freaks like you."

The painful comment made the rage of the Canadian grow as big as Canada and he released his killer blades. One of the nurses and fainted at the sight of this.

"If you don't stop will call security!" the doctor sounded serious.

"Listen up Bub, you know damn right that this is a hospital! Whether mutant or not, she's still a child and it's you're job to treat her just like any other of your normal patients!"

He tried to ignore what he Logan had just said and took out his radio. "Security!"

"Please, please listen to me! You have no idea what kind of hell she's been through. Please doctor, she means so much to me!" Logan fell on his knees and begged with all his might and anger. He knew killing one of them wouldn't help Pep in any way so he was faced with no other choice.

The doctor fell silent and was petrified after seeing a full grown man causing a tantrum and pleading for him to save his daughter. His heart had softened for some reason.

"Doctor Gonzales security is on its way…Dr. Gonzales?" a male nurse appeared.

"Proceed with the child to the O.R. now." His lips trembled.

"But you said…"

"Perform the operation on her! Forget Security!" he ordered.

The nurses and doctors did as they were told and finally brought Pep into the Operating Room for her surgery.

"And as for you Mr. Rose…we'll try our best for your daughter." He forced a smile promising with trustworthy eyes.

"Thank you…I don't know what to say…really." Logan had never been so shocked but things were working out the way he didn't expect. At least Pep was allowed to get operated in a hospital…for humans.

"If you need anything…"

"No thanks doc."

""But how about you're wounds?" he pointed at them.

"They'll heal anyway, trust me."

"It's hard to believe this…"

"Oh wait! I need a phone. I-I-I- need to make a phone call."

"Certainly Mr. Rose. I'll let one of the nurses attend to you."

"Thank you, you don't know hoe much this means a lot to me."

"You're welcome, know if you'll excuse me I've got a patient to attend to." He then left in a hurry.

SOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSO

Professor Xavier room…4:00am…

An annoying ring had been repeating itself for several times now. Xavier got up and reached for the cordless telephone. "Now who in the world would be calling at this time?" he checked his watch.

"Chuck it's me!

"Logan where are you exactly?"

"Long story…there….there was an accident and…" he trailed off.

The telepath had been reading his mind the whole time. "Logan, no it…it can't be true…"

"And…Pep was in it…I'm sorry…"

SOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSO

In the O.R.

TODAY COULD BE THE BEST DAY OF…

Surgeons, doctors, and nurses were rushing with the operation as fast as they could!

TODAY COULD BE THE WORST DAY OF…

No one noticed that the pulse reader was detecting slower and weaker beats.

TODAY COULD BE THE LAST DAY OF YOUR LIFE…

Then the nightmare began…she faded away with one last rapid beat…

IT'S YOUR LIFE…IT'S YOUR L-I-I-I-I-I-I-FE! (PULSE READER FADES OFF…)

That's it! I'm done! I'm really really done..finally. Please bear with the spelling and grammar. Some might suck or not make sense…I didn't have time to edit some of them so I'm sorry…and if you fink Pep is dead…your guess is right…should I continue or end it this way? Please review…comments, suggestions, corrections or violent reactions just review…try not to flame too….thanx readers! You all rock! God bless!