~After the Kidnapping Attempt~

Waking up in her pajamas later that night Joss moaned stretching out on her bed. Looking over she saw Logan snoozing in the chair next to her bed. 'Exactly how did I get into my night clothes...' Jossalyn thought to herself as she looked at the gruff man watching over her. Something in her head clicked when he woke and his blue eyes where staring into her silver green ones. "Thanks for taking care of me." Joss said sitting up and looking at Logan. Any injuries he had where already healed she knew but she still felt bad he got jacked in the jaw by Mystique's foot for her. "Not a problem kid." He said softly as he looked at her. Joss blushed softly rubbing her face and then the back of her neck.

Sitting there staring at him Jossalyn realized who he was. Those blue eyes where the same ones that she saw before passing out after the inhibitor had been removed. Logan was the man who saved her. The man she'd been dreaming of for a year. "Now that your up and clearly okay I think I'll go into my own rooms." Logan said his gruff voice sending shivers down her spine. "What time is it..." Jo asked looking around but her clock was turned around as usual. "About midnight Kid, go back to sleep." Logan got up and stretched, It was only then she noticed he didn't have anything but clothe pajama pants on. "You took quite a few hits to the head to knock you out. Rest some more, your father was worried so I said I'd watch over you." Jo nodded her head and laughed softly. "He does, ever since he adopted me he's been that way." She said standing, her nightclothes consisted of an old band t shirt and underwear. "Thanks for taking care of me." She said hugging him softly. "You should go get some sleep in a real bed." Joss followed Logan as he walked out of her rooms and stood in the doorway as he went to his rooms. Scott was coming to see her she could feel his mind searching for hers. But she stopped Logan. "I'm glad your back, I'm finally getting a chance to meet one of my fathers favorite people." Logan gave a small smile at that and nodded his head. "I'm glad I'm home too kid, and that I finally get to see your doing good." Logan walked into his rooms.

Scott came up grabbing her and hugging her. "Rachel told me you'd been hurt." He said softly brushing hair out of her face. "I'm fine Squeaky." Jo said smiling at her friend and hugging him back. "Logan saved me, and brought me here watching over me." Scott glared at Logan's door and sighed out. "You be careful around him Josie. He's not reliable." Joss made a face of unease when he said that, his arms still around her waist. "Scott, stop that. I understand your dislike of him, but I do not share it." Jo said pushing out of his arms and crossing her own over her chest. "I know your past you've shared it with me, But that does not mean I feel the way you do about people." Scott tried to pull her back in but she shook her head. "No Scott. I'm half naked and your not going to be coming into my room." She put her hand on his chest and pushed him back a little. "Go back to bed Summers, I'm fine." Jossalyn said softly and playfully shoving him in the direction of the stairs.

Joss watched as Scott left and then turned to look at the door across the hall from hers. Jossalyn sighed softly as she rubbed her face. She knew she'd have to talk to Scott soon, she refused to pull a Jean and be with one and forever lead the other on. Jo knew she loved Scott, he was a great friend but she wasn't in love with him. Maybe attracted to him, but she knew if he faced his fears he would see he was truly in love with Emma. She ran a hand through her honey colored curly shoulder length hair and cursed under her breath.

Walking back into her room Jo put on some sweatpants and then threw her hair up. Not to long after there was a knock on her door. Answering it she smiled seeing her little group of girl friends. Jubilee, Laura, and Rachel. "Happy Birthday!" They all said together and Joss laughed getting pulled into a huge group hug. Joss laughed at how all the misfits seemed to find each other. Her and Laura where experiments, Rachel was from the future and Jubilee just didn't like most of the other people. "We have a new tradition to start tonight, on this your first birthday..." Jubes said smirking and looking to Laura. "I've got the rum..." Then Rachel laughed. "And I have the cake." Jossalyn laughed and opened her door letting them all in. "Ice cream..." She asked and Jubilee brought some out. "Of course what kind of celebration would this be with out it." They all sat down on the living room floor and dug into the cake ice cream and coconut rum. It wasn't long before they where talking about boys, Jubilee's relationship with Bobby was going well, Rachel was interested in Kurt, and Laura was interested in Julian Keller. "You should go for him Laura. He's totally into you." Joss said nodding her head then sighing. "Yeah right why don't you go for Summers..." Laura asked arching her eyebrow and Rachel laughed. "Cause she's not into my dad like that." Jo just nodded her head as her friends talked. "Are you into ANYONE..." Jubilee asked wondering if their friend wasn't just asexual. "I am, attracted to someone but I don't know him very well and I'd like to get to know him before jumping all in there." Jossalyn said softly. Rachel's eyebrow raised as she looked at her friend. "That's a dangerous path to walk down Jo..." She said quietly. "Not as dangerous as saying I was once in love with Nathaniel Essex." They all nodded their heads and hugged her again. "At least you know now that, you didn't ever really love him." Jubilee said quietly rubbing Joss's back.

The girls had talked for a couple of hours before passing out together on the floor. It was around ten in the morning when they all woke up and decided to get ready for the day. Joss had no idea more was planed for her 'birthday'. It was one of the things her father had asked her about. She didn't remember having a birthday while in Sinister's cells and she didn't know when she was born, so they'd both chosen that her anniversary of waking up here would be her birthday. July 15th and through some tests to her body, they where guessing her at around early to mid 20s. They had decided that this would be her 24th birthday. Jossalyn took a shower reflecting on the last year she'd spent with her new friends and family. Taking a deep breath she let it out slowly, analyzing her feelings for Logan. Jossalyn knew she was extremely attracted to the older man, his scent his eyes his burly attitude. Getting out of the shower she dressed carefully in a pair of bell bottom jeans that made her butt look great and a graphic t that had a rainbow on it that said 'don't rain on my parade'. The shirt showed a little of her stomach and was a v neck so it showed off her other assets as well. She smiled in the mirror letting her hair fall down in a messy tumble.

Logan walked out of his room a gift in hand. Charles had told him it was Jossalyn's birthday and they where having a surprise party for her. When they talked about it the gruff wolverine asked his old friend what the young woman might want. Charles said she collected watches and Lockets. Logan had stopped at a flea market to look for something unique and found the perfect gift. A silver round locket the 'lid' of which had a rose on it, and it opened up showing a small watch on the inside, on the inside of the lid was an inscription, 'There comes a time in every life we find the heart we're looking for '. He smiled thinking about that quote. Normally he would have just put the necklace back because of the romantic inscription but it just felt that it fit for some reason. Slipping the gift into his pocket he went into the back yard with its tennis courts and basketball courts and swimming pool. And all the decorations for Joss's party.

Making her way down stairs she felt like someone was watching her but brushed it off, that was a feeling she frequently had in the mansion. Walking outside to the backyard she jumped when everyone yelled surprise and laughed. Gambit came up and hugged her twirling her around giving her a big old kiss on the lips. "Keep it in your pants Cajun." Jo said when he let go of her. "Here My Petite, a gift for the most kind and beautiful woman I know." Jossalyn smiled at Remy's thick accent. She unwrapped her first present and her head shot up. "Remy tell me you didn't..." She said looking at the box with a car key in it. "Ah Ma belle, Remy did not teach you how to drive all year just to see you walking everywhere. And this little thing is nothing compared to the wonders of Ma Belle, go on its right over there." He smiled as she turned around and saw not just any car but the one she'd been drooling over. It was a sparkly blue and silver camero ss. "Oh, Remy thankyou!" Joss hugged her friend and smiled as they all started giving her gifts. Charles gave her a braclet, it was a charm braclet, and she loved it. There was music and dancing and it was a whole day affair, the party never stopped and she loved it. Friends flew in from other places. Moira came to meet her finally and spend time with her father, So did Lilandra which made for a fun show to watch. Jossalyn was sitting down in a corner just enjoying the site of everyone having fun. Remy came over a few times and talked to her, danced with her but she liked observing her friends. Scott came up to her when she'd been alone for a while and held his hands out. "Care to dance..." He asked and she took him up on the offer. A slow song came on and they danced together Scott holding her close. After a few songs she sighed and moved back. "I need to go get a drink, thanks for the dances and the amazing camera." Jo said walking away. The sky was dark and the full moon high as she walked over to the punch bowl that never got warm thanks to Iceman.

After getting her drink Jossalyn found a quiet corner and hid from Scott. She'd asked people not to tell him where she was and she relaxed a little. Confronting him about his advances was something that she didn't want to have to do on her birthday. Especially since her birthday was turning out so amazing. Even Logan had joined in on the festivity. Logan was coming over to her and she smiled seeing him. ''I'm glad you decided to join in today Logan. Its good seeing you let loose a little after all the story's I've heard.'' Joss said quietly. Logan smiled at her, a genuine heart stopping smile that made her want to melt. ''I got something for you, nothing big I picked it up at a flea market on the way back here.'' Logan handed her a small box. ''Its not the car that pretty boy got you or the camera that Summers got you. But I thought you might like it.'' Joss nodded her head and opened the small box gasping when she saw the beauitful silver locket. When she opened it up her face flushed and she slowly smiled her eyes lighting up with affection. ''Logan its beauitful...'' Seeing the inscription she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him. ''This is the best gift I've gotten. Thank you so much, I love it.'' Joss blushed when she realized how close they where, that Logan's hands where on her hips rubbing slowly. ''Could you help me put it on please...'' She asked and turned around lifting her hair up.

Logan took the necklace and put it on her his fingers lingering on the jagged scar on her neck and back. He'd made that scar the night they'd rescued her to take the pain she'd been in away. ''I'm glad you like it. And I'm sorry about this...'' Logan ran his finger down the scar again and she turned around. ''Don't be sorry, I'd rather have the scar you gave me than the device that made caused me pain.'' Joss said. They stayed in the shadows talking till the party ended. Jubilee played one more song for just Joss, 'Saved' by The Spill Canvas. She smiled hearing it, no one else was around so she turned back to Logan. ''Dance with me...'' she asked holding out her hand. Logan knew he would make a fool of himself but since no one else was around, and this was the girls first birthday celebration he pulled her onto the dance floor and pulled her close. They danced well after the song was over, her head on his chest. After they came to a stop Logan lifted her head by the chin with just one finger and dipped his head kissing her. He'd wanted to do this for a year, ever since he saw her after she had woken up from her coma. Joss's arms went around Logan's neck and she let him pull her closer. When they finally broke apart she took a deep breath as he leaned his forehead on hers.

Emma saw them kissing but had to talk to Joss. ''I'm sorry to interrupt Jossalyn but I never got to give you your birthday present from me.'' She said watching Logan kiss Joss's temple as she came over to Emma. ''This is for you, for not taking the many chances you've had...'' Emma just left it at that it was a snowflake charm for her bracelet. ''You'll always have a friend in me Jossalyn.'' Jo smiled at Emma and hugged her. ''Emma, just tell him how you feel, and I'd never ever go for that. I love Scott but I'm not in love with him. And I know you are, and I know he's in love with you he is just scared.'' Emma hugged her back and smiled. ''You'd best get somewhere privet if you want to continue whatever you and Logan where doing. If Scott see's you right now he'll go ballistic on him.'' Joss nodded her in understanding as Emma walked away. Turning back to Logan she gave a little half smile. ''Wanna come watch movies with me...'' she asked softly fingering the necklace he had given her. ''Sure kid, lets go. Emma gave some good advice. I don't want to get into it with Scott anymore.'' Jossalyn fell into step beside Logan and smiled when he put his arm around her. ''Logan, Scott has no right to be angry when I end up dating someone other than him. I've made it clear that I'm not interested in him like that. But I guess I'll have to make it painfully clear.'' Jo laid her head on Logan's shoulder as they walked.

They spent the whole night in her room watching movies together. Logan had changed into a pair of sweatpants and Joss was in a long sleeved shirt and a pair of short shorts. After the first movie and a half Jo had fallen asleep curled into Logan's side her head on his chest with one of his arms wrapped around her. Jossalyn woke up early the next morning stretching out in Logans arms. Logan woke when he felt her doing that and grunted. ''Kid it is way to early to be up go back to sleep.'' He threw his arm over her stomach laying on his own his face towards her. Jo brushed some of his hair out of his face smiling softly. Logan lifted his head and growled moving and kissing her. Joss fell back against her bed her arms wrapping around his neck as they kissed. Apparently she wasn't the only one who felt the attraction between them. When Logan pulled back she stretched again and smiled sleepily. ''I think we should just spend the rest if the day in bed.'' Joss stated as she looked at the blue eyed man before her. Logan laughed and shook his head. ''As tempting as that sounds Kid I think we'd better make an appearance at some point.'' He said his hand had found her stomach and was rubbing her bare skin he watched as she squirmed smiling softly.

Scott walked in on the two of them in bed touching and threw the plate in his hands at the wall. ''Joss you don't even KNOW him...'' Scott yelled pointing at Logan a frown on his face shaking his head. ''Summers, I'm only going to warn you once, do not yell at her.'' Logan growled out standing up he wasn't nearly as tall as Scott but whenever they fought they did a good job of getting nose to nose. Joss jumped out of the bed and put herself between the two of them. ''Scott stop it. I do know him, I DO. Its not about knowing someones past Scott, he understands me, in a way you never could. Just like You understood Jean in a way he never could.'' Joss said looking at Scott her hand on his chest when he tried to take Logans hands off her hips she slapped him across the face. ''I've read your mind Scott, your going after me only because you saw the way Logan reacted when I was first brought to the house, how he stayed by my bedside and took care of me when I was in a coma, how he looked at me, you went after me to show him how it felt to have someone go after the woman you love. But if you don't get your head out of your ass and look across your own hall, Emma's going to be gone.'' Jo said pushing him away from Logan. ''You are my friend Scott, nothing more, we will never be anything more than friends. And if you stand in my way of seeing if Logan is the one for me I'll never forgive you.'' Scott was livid she could see it, so she made the choice in that moment to forget and forgive whatever he did next. ''He's an animal Joss, and I won't let him touch you again.'' Scott went after Logan but Jossalyn was in the way, Logan threw her on the bed to get her out of the way as him and Scott went at it.

Joss stood on her bed screaming at them both to stop. Jubilee Laura and Rachel ran into the room, Emma right behind them, but Emma soon left running to find Charles. ''Stop IT !'' Jo yelled trying to force the two apart with her powers but she couldn't. When a chair got thrown and nearly hit her Laura tackled her off the bed. Rachel used her telepathic powers to immobilized the two men in the room. Charles came in seconds later seeing the two in tatters he sighed. Joss walked over to her dad and he looked at her. ''Are you hurt Jossalyn.'' Charles asked softly and she shook her head. ''No I'm okay, I'm sorry dad, I didn't...'' Charles held up his hand to stop her from saying anymore. ''This is not your fault child.'' He said looking at the two men. He knew his next words would hurt his daughter as well but he couldn't have this infighting anymore. ''Both of you pack your bags and leave the mansion today. I turned a blind eye when you two fought over Jean and I shouldn't have. You will not come back to my house until you've learned how to work together and figured out the animosity between you that should have gone when Jean died.'' Charles turned his chair and wheeled out of the room having said the last word. ''And no one is to go with you...'' He knew Emma and Joss would have wanted to leave with them. 'You two are to stay here, those men need to figure this out for them selves. You two being there will only hinder the process not help it. Maybe when they come back they can live life's free of this constant fighting and hate.' Charles thought to Emma and Joss.

Scott and Logan both walked out of the room going to get there stuff. Once Charles laid down the law it was followed by those who respected him. Joss went to her closet and found something to give to Logan. Walking over to his room she knocked on the door. When he answered she sighed softly. ''Dad is right, you and Scott need to learn how to work together. Need to learn how to be civil.'' she said quietly. ''Here, this is for you.'' She handed him an mp3 player. ''It has all my favorite songs on it.'' Jo smiled and shrugged her shoulders. When he put his dog tags around her neck she looked up surprised. ''For you kid, I'll be coming back to get those, I'll do whatever it takes to be able to come back here.'' Logan dipped his head and kissed her on the lips then threw the bag over his shoulder and put the mp3 player in his pocket and walked away. Scott left without saying goodbye to her which she figured would happen. She could feel his shame and pain for what he'd done and said. Jossalyn only hoped they'd both come back to her and the team soon.