Ororo knew this was a dream, yet that still didn't allow her to wake up. Or make the tunnel she was walking in feel any bigger.

Bamf!

"For once could the Morlocks maybe get a hideout in the mountains or something?" Kurt griped before the smoke from his jump even cleared. She recalled him saying that before and it hit her…

Right, not just a dream but a memory. Somehow just seeing Kurt and remembering that he would be with her for the rest of this adventure eased Ororo's breathing.

"Oh I don't find it so dark," Ororo said calmly to cover the fact that she had been on edge a moment ago. "In fact it just got much brighter."

"Mein eyes?" he questioned.

"No Herr Wagner, your smile." To this Ororo watched it grow twice as wide. His pearly fangs flashed for a moment before he tossed a flashlight at her. As they walked further down the path Kurt already started on distracting Ororo from her growing fears. He always could do it in way that didn't make Ororo feel weak for the need of it.

"New uniform mein frualine?"

"You like it?"

Ororo could feel both the tug of her lips curling into a smile and the heat of Kurt's playfully leering gaze. She knew he enjoyed curves, all the more if they were attached to a pretty face. Ororo didn't doubt her beauty like she once had that first time she asked him about it all those years ago. He was such gentleman about everything; even in his gaze Ororo couldn't be offended if she wanted to. Besides it was all just innocent fun. Witty flirting just came with the X-symbol.

"Schönheit, how is that your husband can be halfway around the world while you afford us the pleasure of your...company?" The word stuck as Ororo bent over to examine the ground below them, his night vision allowing Kurt not to miss the view.

"Oh, and I suppose if you were my husband I wouldn't be allowed to leave your side looking so divine?" she teased.

When Ororo rose from the ground she and the acrobat's faces were mere inches apart as Kurt hung upside down from the tunnel's ceiling. "Nein Ororo, if I were your husband I would never leave your side. Always would I wish to walk in step with you, so that I may worship your heavenly splendor," Kurt retorted. His golden orbs blinked with sincerity. "Whenever you and time allowed, as many times as I was allowed," he added with a roguish smile and matching wink.

It was one of the few times Ororo was left truly speechless by flattery; Kurt always had a knack for that as well. Damn, that silver tongue charmer. That was until the ground gave way underneath her.

"What the-?!"

Ororo was free falling but before she could process or take action she suddenly wasn't.

Bamf!

"Not to stress mein liebe!"

Bamf!

In the blink of her cerulean eyes she was safely on solid ground and in Kurt's arms. Ororo might have thanked her quick knight if he wasn't busy patting himself on the back.

"Ja! And the dashing swashbuckler saves another fair maiden! Your kisses and kind words are more than thanks enough. No need to say you'd be lost without me," he chuckled with his warm baritone over her shoulder.

Feeling indignant about being a dismal in distress she stepped out his embrace. "Hmm, not like I really needed saving. I would have flown if given another few seconds," Ororo scoffed with crossed arms and turned up nose.

To this her blue company frowned and pouted. "Oh well, if you really have no need of me!"

She was left with nothing but a deep indigo cloud of smoke indicating Kurt had teleported away from sight, away from her, leaving Ororo by herself.

Ororo was once again alone in the tiny oblique space, but she smiled all the same remembering that she had simply called Kurt's name and confessed she was only joking before he stepped out of the shadows saying…

"Not to worry Ororo. No forces on earth could make me leave your side at a time of need, not even you, or your stubbornness."

Relief washed over her at those words and his reappearance…

"Come on Kurt. I was only pulling your tail."

She waited a few heartbeats…Nothing. This time Kurt didn't reappear. His sulfur scented smoke faded into oblivion.

"Kurt? Please, I need you Kurt! And not just on missions, of course."

Ororo walked around trying to see if she would stumble on him hiding in the blackness.

"Kurt please come back," she whispered helplessly while one lone tear rolled down the apple of her cheek. But of course Ororo knew he wasn't coming back, because Kurt was gone forever and that truth became more terrifying than the fact she was still alone in the tunnel unable to wake up.

(*******************************)

Raucous thunder boomed in the still of the night waking Scott with a jolt as jolts of lightning lit the night's sky. He immediately knew the source.

Ororo fidgeted about in bed. Only when she felt a cool touch of a gentle caress did she awake. She blinked rapidly for a few seconds for her eyes to adjust to the lack of light.

"Scott?"

She was puzzled as to why he was in her room and was now too aware of the fact that he stood before only in a pair of navy boxers.

"You caused an electrical storm," Scott said softly not wanting to startle her.

"Did I damage anything?" she asked, concern already filling her face as she mentally chided herself.

"Not that I know of. I immediately came to check on you."

Ororo sat up in bed to offer Scott a seat at the foot of it as she turned on a lamp. Her comforter fell to reveal hints of her full mounds, her nipples stiff under her mint green silk gown. It was moments like this Scott was grateful for the other uses of his visor and sunglasses though his eyes stayed on Ororo's... Mostly.

"I was dreaming of Kurt again, of him dying. It's not like we've never lost friends and teammates before or even taken lives ourselves. But with Kurt..."

Scott laid a hand over one of Ororo's knees, rubbing circles with his fingertips. "It's different because of how much you cared for him. I know. I've spent many nights the same way because of Jean."

"Oh Scott," she reached out stroking a cheek, soft fingers on rough stubble. "I'm so sorry you suffered in silence. We all were impacted greatly from Jean's loss."

"It's fine. I'm fine. If you need some extra time in the morning to sleep in just let me know."

Ororo wasn't sure if it would be over stepping boundaries but ever since Kurt had left she felt lonelier than ever. "Scott could you possibly stay? I don't wish to be alone for the remainder of the night."

Cyclops ran his hand through his tawny hair. He had only shared his bed with three women before. Technically it's not my bed. Plus I'm just looking out for a friend. A good friend.

"Sure, if you think it will help."

He turned off the lamp then got into bed behind her, wrapping an arm around her. Muscular arms that protected others daily now shielded Storm from anymore nightmares. Scott analyzed the body next to him or rather the supple form pressed against him. The silk gown did nothing to diminish the curves it clung to. It would be easy to become lost in her long, shapely legs, rounded hips, fullness of her behind and breasts, even her natural scent of fresh rain and vanilla. However, Scott choose to stay perfectly still except for his heart that raced in his rib cage until he too drifted back to sleep.

(*************************************)

Sunlight filtered through the sheer blinds of Ororo's room. The light hitting her face caused her to stir. Scott who had already been watching the beautiful sleeping goddess now was captivated by platinum lashes fluttering while sapphire irises played peekaboo.

No secret why she was worshiped...

Her beauty was both completely natural yet otherworldly. It's amazing anything ever got done in those early days when she had a tendency for walking around naked in her down time. Before his mind could linger on the memory of her sauntering around the pool of the manor in all her glory Ororo gave him a raspy greeting.

"Mmm...Good morning."

"Uh, oh morning Ororo. Did you sleep well?"

"I did actually," she admitted sheepishly with a bit of rose flushing her cheeks. "Thank you, Scott."

"It was my pleasure Ororo- Uh, I mean...Anytime." Smooth Summers.

Goddess, what now?

She still remained Scott's muscular alabaster arms and had not felt the need to move. Although Ororo had just separated from her husband she hadn't shared a bed with anyone for some months. It felt nice to be surrounded by the warmth of another.

"Well...I guess I should get going," Scott stammered unsurely, secretly as reluctant to have her out his arms as she was for him to leave.

Her sleepy gaze trailed up til it reached the handsome chiseled face. He's kind of adorable with his rusty locks slightly messy.

"Yes, I suppose you should before the halls become full. People may not see the innocence."

"Innocence...Yeah, right," Scott sighed and wondered why he sounded disappointed by her words as he slid out the bed.

He took a glance behind him before turning the doorknob, watching as Ororo stood up and stretched her lithe body towards the ceiling like a flower greeting the sun. When she turned around realizing he was lingering Scott tossed out the first words that came to mind, "I was going to ask if you like to get some breakfast together, before the meeting with the builder for the new dorms?"

Having no plans and liking the idea of not eating alone she agreed, "That sounds lovely Scott."

"Great, so I'll swing by in about an hour," he said as he opened the door with a board grin. He looked about ensuring the coast was clear, or so it had seemed. He had gotten no more than ten steps when the prince thief's drawl halted him.

"Dat a real early mo'nin' briefin' chief," Remy remarked from the shadowed corner he was leaning on.

"Good morning Remy..." Scott replied flatly.

"Speakin' of briefs wha' was so important ya had to visit Stormy wearin' only yas eh?"

"I was just inviting her to breakfast," Scott replied, his tone a bit tenser.

"Did she invite ya up fo' a late night snack ta?" Gambit's playful smirk began to spread. Scott huffed, not feeling the need to answer the question.

Remy shrugged, "Hope Stormy had some clothes on. De femme often prefers ta sleep in de buff."

He didn't need to see for himself to know that Scott's eyes bulged behind his shades. Scott continued to walk down the hall, not caring to even glance over his shoulder when he heard the Cajun's chortle.

Gambit swung open her bedroom door to find Ororo standing only in her dainty undergarments.

"Ever heard of knocking?" she scolded.

"Ain't nuttin I ain't seen befo'e." An' Dieu do I love seein'.

"What are you doing up so early?" she inquired, skeptical of her best friend's new sleeping habit.

"I'm jus' gettin' in. Long night of poker playin'. So wha' was de boy scout doin' sneakin' out ya loft in only his underpants?"

Ororo zipped up a pair of jeans before responding, "I had a very horrible dream last night. Scott kept me company."

Gambit had more questions but knew not to press his best friend at that moment. Instead he bid her good morning as he left to catch some rest.

(************************************)

"That review was right, the veggie omelet was excellent. Thank you Scott."

Her company was pleased she enjoyed the meal. It was partially the reason Scott picked the restaurant. The other was due to it being off Utopia, away from work. There's nothing wrong or unusual with wanting to have alone time with a friend...Away from a bunch of prying eyes.

"Well, I'm trying to find time to try new places. Seems a shame not to get out more in such a vibrant city. I'm grateful you could join me."

"You're so right my friend," Ororo agreed reaching over the table to give his hand a squeeze. "We should do this more often."

Ororo felt at ease to be away from it all and chatting with Scott about other things besides work. With Emma pulling away after the break up Ororo had been steadily stepping up to give Scott a hand. She was glad to help and Scott seemed appreciative but it felt like a lifetime since Ororo was reminded of the man outside the X-Men. It was pleasurable to once again spend time with Scott and not Cyclops.

"You got Emma to go hiking? I don't believe it!" Ororo laughed so hard her sides were hurting picturing it.

"Not without a lot of work mind you, and the promise of jewelry," Scott said chuckling heartily himself. "Anyways I didn't exactly get to enjoy the view. So I'd like to go back."

"Oh, that might be a fun trip for some of the teens."

As soon as the word left Ororo's mouth she wanted to kick herself for being the first one to bring up work.

"Or I'd gladly go with you!" she offered as a makeup. Ororo could see Scott's brows shoot up from behind his ruby shades.

"Really? Well I suppose you are the most outdoor friendly woman I know. I just might take you up on that Ororo."

There was something in his bright smile that made her hope he really meant that. They continued to talk and enjoy eachother's company for as long as duty would allow before returning to work.