A/N: I have a picture! If the link doesn't work google me! (http):(/)alexmonalisa(.)deviantart(.)com(/)art(/)Whatever(-)It(-)Takes(-)170513328
Just remove the brackets
Marie felt like she had the headache of the century. Her stomach was in pain and her limbs felt stiff from abuse. Rolling her neck she was faintly aware that she was moving and yet comfortable. Rubbing her eyes, she opened them and looked at her surroundings. Clothes, boxes, beer bottles and other various items. She clenched and unclenched her hand, realising that something was missing. Noticing the bottle of water next to her, she picked it up and drank deeply, finishing it quickly.
Charlie!
She dropped the bottle and looked around. She was in a camper... and the cold that bit at her skin meant that she was still in Canada.
"Charlie! Charlie!" she called.
"Mom?"
Marie shot up from the bed and dashed to the front of the camper. Charlie smiled at her from her seat and waved. Marie threw her arms around her daughter and smothered her face with kisses before her legs collapsed under her.
"Whoa, easy there darlin'."
Marie's head shot up and she looked at the man that was driving. Wild hair, handsome face and very well built. Slowly, she stood up and sat next to Charlie before taking a deep breath.
"Mommy, Mr Wolverine gave us a ride, ... cool right?"
"At what cost?"
"None." Grunted the man.
"I'm Rogue."
"What kind of a name is Rogue?"
"I don't know, what kind of a name is Wolverine?"
"I'm Logan."
"Marie."
"You look too young to be a mother."
"I'm old enough."
"Really?"
"Yes." she hissed.
"Mommy, I saved you some food."
Marie turned her attention away from Logan and faced her daughter, putting an arm around her.
"Thank you sweetheart."
Charlie handed her the jerky and Marie ate two pieces before handing it to her daughter. Charlie shook her head and shoved it back.
"Mommy you have to eat."
"But-"
"Don't worry, we'll stop for breakfast. Eat up darlin'."
Marie nodded and finished the last few pieces. Sighing contently, she leaned back in her the seat and stroked her daughter's hair. A chill ran through her and she pulled one of her gloves off and rubbed her hand.
"Put your hand by the-"
She pulled her hand away, avoiding Logan's bare hand. She saw the look of pain flash in his eyes and pulled her glove back on.
"Look darlin' I ain't gonna hurt ya."
"It's nothing personal. Just... when people touch my skin bad things happen."
"Like what?"
"They get hurt."
"Fair enough."
Marie looked down at Charlie who had fallen asleep on her shoulder. Her gaze then turned to Logan's knuckles and a memory of claws surfaced to her mind.
"When they come out, does it hurt?"
"Everytime." He whispered.
Marie nodded and she closed her eyes, allowing herself to drift to sleep.
When she woke up it was morning and they were parked in front of a diner. For a moment she panicked when she realised Charlie wasn't next to her but Logan pointed outside where the girl was playing on a swing set.
"Kid needed some fresh air." Explained Logan.
"Oh... okay."
"When last have you eaten Marie?"
"Two weeks ago. I haven't slept in a month. I have two dollars left and Charlie needs to start school soon. Sometimes I wonder if maybe she might be better off without me."
"What's stopping you?"
"It's complicated."
"Okay. Well then let's eat cause I'm starving."
Marie nodded and they both climbed out of the truck. Charlie smiled and ran to Marie, hugging her tightly. Marie draped an arm around her and walked into the diner, following Logan to a booth in the back. Looking around she suddenly felt dirty in her old jeans and faded black shirt. Even her boots were wasting away at the soles. Rubbing her gloves frantically, she peered at the menu.
"Anything you want, I'm paying." Said Logan.
"Oh no you don't have to-"
"I want to." He said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Marie turned to Charlie who was peering at her hopefully. Marie sighed before nodding. Charlie clapped her hands and scanned her menu. The waitress came by soon and smiled warmly.
"Logan. You're back! The usual?"
"Yeah thanks Kate."
"No problem, and for your... friends?"
"Strawberries and pancakes please! And chocolate milkshake!" squealed Charlie.
"Alright hon."
Everyone turned to her and Marie viewed the salad list but before she could order a firm voice cut across her.
"Bring her the breakfast special."
"Alrighty, and to drink?"
"Whiskey, neat." Murmered Marie.
"You got any ID sweetheart?"
Marie glared at the waitress and pulled out her ID. Kate looked it over and her smile became over-friendly.
"Freshly turned twenty-one. Okay then, I'll be back with your drinks soon."
Kate then grabbed the menus and strode off. Marie sighed and looked up at Logan who was staring at her.
"You're twenty one?" he asked.
"Yeah, so?"
"And she's seven?"
"Six turning seven." corrected Charlie
"So-"
"Yes Logan, I had her when I was fourteen and no I don't want to talk about it."
They glared at each other for a few minutes before Kate returned and practically smashed the drinks to the table for attention. Marie shot her a glare while Logan growled. Charlie was totally oblivious and merely began drinking her milkshake enthusiastically. Kate sneered in Marie's direction and then sauntered off. Marie took a sip of her whiskey and smiled as it burned a trail down her throat. They all sat in silence, drinking their prospective drinks before Kate turned up again with their food. She once again slammed everything on the table before walking away. Marie rolled her eyes and then grabbed Charlie's hand before it reached the sticky syrup on her pancakes.
"Fork, Charlie-kins."
"Sorry mommy."
Marie smiled and watched as Charlie picked up her fork and dug in. Turning to her own plate covered in bacon, eggs and sausages, she took a hearty sniff before digging in. Opposite Logan was eating his steak and chips with surprising gusto. She grimaced at the amount of blood dripping from the meat. Then she realised he was a feral. Involuntarily, her hand reached out and touched his knuckles for a moment. Once she realised he was staring at her, she snatched her hand back and continued to eat. He was a mutant like her. But he had been experimented on. Meaning the rumours were true.
"Logan this is too much."
Marie looked around the clean motel room with twin double beds. She had to physically restrain Charlie who was one second away from bouncing on the nearest bed.
"Look Marie, you and your kid have been through a lot. I'm just trying to do a good thing. Let me help you."
Marie sighed and let Charlie go. The little girl immediately ran to the nearest bed and proceeded to bounce up and down.
"Thanks Logan." Muttered Marie.
"No problem."
Marie walked into the room and pulled out some clothes from the duffel bag Charlie had dumped on the floor.
"Come on kiddo. Bath time."
"But mom."
"Now!"
"But-"
"Charlotte Anne-"
"Okay, okay. I'm coming."
Charlie skipped to the bathroom and Marie followed. Once inside she locked the door and turned the taps on. She changed out of her clothes while the bath water ran and watched as Charlie did the same.
"Mommy?"
"Yes sweetie?"
"How long can we stay with Logan?"
"Maybe a week or until he gets tired of us... why?"
"I like him."
"You liked most of the people that took us in."
"I know but he's like you... he's got a curse too."
"I told you honey, mommy's is a curse. Everyone else's is a gift."
"Oh... is it because yours hurts people?"
"Yes."
Charlie moved closer and kissed Marie's forehead.
"It doesn't hurt me mommy."
"I know. That's why you're my special girl."
"Love you mommy."
"Love you too pumpkin. Now get in the tub."
Charlie giggled and climbed in. Marie stopped the water and followed her in. It felt like heaven to apply soap to her skin and it was even better to see Charlie clean and happy. Once they were washed and clean, Marie climbed out, dried off, dressed and then helped Charlie out. She smiled seeing Charlie in cute pink Barbie pyjama's. Unlocking the bathroom door, she stepped out and shooed Charlie to their bed. She noticed Logan's gaze on her and blushed trying to pull the small silk night gown further down. Logan eventually tore his gaze from her and stomped into the bathroom. Marie climbed in the bed with Charlie and put an arm around her.
"Night sweetheart."
"Night mommy."
Charlie frowned for a minute before lifting her head an inch off her pillow.
"Night Wolvie!" she yelled.
"Night kid." Came the muffled reply from behind the door.
