Author's Note: So here is chapter 3, finally...I apologize before hand for any mistakes; my spellchecker is broken, so I probably did not manage to get all the mistakes on my own. This chapter is longer than the others, and you can be sure that it is more interesting and intense. Once again, please review, even a couple words of encouragement helps with the process. Of course I am always open to constructive criticism as well, so feel free to throw whatever is bugging you out there. Otherwise, dig in and enjoy my what-happens-when-I'm-bored project, lol.
Chapter 3
Part 7
Kaylee spent the next week focusing on training for missions. She was beginning to learn how the team worked together and was starting to fit into the harmonious flow. She went to bed most nights exhausted from intense physical activity, but satisfied with her work. The more she trained, the better her defense and offense techniques became, rising to a higher plateau than she had thought possible under Scott's supervision. She did not see Logan very often and sometimes wondered if that afternoon they had spent together had been real. She did however hang around Kitty, who brought her to the mall shopping for new accessories and clothes. She liked being around Kitty because her energy level was so positive, and it did not seem to matter what mood she was in, Kitty always brightened it up with endless chatter. The rest of the time she spent with Gambit, who brought her to the only Cajun restaurant in town, the movies and the park, finally giving her the chance to brush up on her hurting French. Sometimes they would pair up with Bobby and Kitty, who were only too happy to get away from the mansion on their own for a while, and the four of them would have a blast roaming around the city always getting into hilarious felt herself truly starting to enjoy life, and she just could not get enough of laughing and sharing the companionship that had been forged between her and the team. It was a nice friendship, and Gambit was fast becoming her new confidant, it seemed that no matter what she had to say, when she had to say it, Gambit was always there, ready to listen. On her 9th day in the mansion, she saw Logan on his way out, and since she was directly in his path, there was no way he could avoid her. He gave a brief hello and a wave, but that was it. Kaylee wondered what she had done to cause him to avoid her, but coming up empty she eventually gave up, blaming it on his temperament. She realized that she was coming to love life at the academy, and for the first time in her life, she thought that she might be experiencing what it felt like to be safe, and accepted.
Kaylee woke up at 5 am on the tenth day to the sound of rain pouring down on the roof. The drops fell rythmically, dripping down the eaves trough and splashing to the ground. She had hoped to get a run in, as her wolf side was beginning to get antsy, and she did not want to risk keeping it locked up for too long for fear of losing control of it. She had been struggling with what to do about it, for she knew that it would destroy her right to be here, and even if the others pretended that it was fine, she would be able to see the new fear and untrust in their eyes. It was that fear that Kaylee could not stand to see, the fear that she only had used for self defense in the past, and the fear that said, "What is this freak capable of?" and that would forever cause her to be outasted and unwanted, just like her father had used to look at her, years ago. Looking out at the mess of snow and mud on the ground she thought twice about her decision. Weighing the risks out she decided that getting a bit wet wasn't such a big deal after all, besides, the wolf's thick fur would keep her warm, and if anything, the cool rain would be a relief. With that decision made, she opened up the window latch quietly and launched herself gracefully out, transforming in mid air. Her paws hit the ground, making thick imprints in the mud, and she used her hind quarters to propel her through it, sending sprays of dirt upwards. Accalia could feel the pent up energy of the wolf finally letting go, and she strained her muscles, pushing them faster then she had ever gone. She made it to the woods in not but a few seconds, the sights, smell and noise of the wilderness a gentle greeting to her animal senses. The scent of moisture from the rain clung to the delicious wood smells, hinting of spring and the light in the early morning barely illuminated the ground, as lighter blue rays filtered slowly through the dark shadows, giving the illusion of mist swirling through the air. The wind carried a hint of the smell of fresh water from the lake, and it tousled her fur as she ran. Letting out a wolfish bark, she allowed her animal's sense of exhilaration to take over, as trees and plants wiped by, the mansion becoming smaller and smaller behind her. She ran without stopping for a half hour, easily doging trees and leaping over bushes and ferns, before reigning herself in, and deciding that she had best make her way back, lest somehow should see her in the rising dawn. The sun's rays had just begun to tinge the clouds in the horizons with bright orange, red and pink, but their feeble light did not penetrate the dense woods yet. Mist from condensation started to creep along the forest's floor, and it masked the shapes of the trees, surrounding the area in a dense cloak of humidity, clinging onto the edges of Accalia's fur. Too caught up in the beauty of the moment, Accalia paid no attention to the familiar smell penetrating the wolf's nose, and did not hear the approaching sound of fluttering steel. Halfway through leaping over a fallen tree, Accalia heard the sound of an object flying in her direction and immediately threw herself out of the way, crashing into a nearby tree, splintering in on impack. With a surprised growl she jumped back up, and shook herself out, the fur on her back rising in anticipation. From her left came the approaching sound of heavy footsteps running across the snow. Before she leap out of the way, something sharp came whizzing at her, piercing through her fur and planting itself into her shoulder. The momentary distraction was enough to give the second attacker a chance, and they leaped at her, smashing into her side and knocking her to the ground. She felt the familiar sensation of claws sinking into her skin. So you're back for more, she snickered to herself, well bring it bastard, you ain't got nothin' on me. With that she let out a furious snarl, sunk her teeth into the large man's arm and flung him off her back, ripping out his claws in the process, and sending him smashing into the lower branches of a big pine tree. She heard with satisfaction the sound of a body crashing through tree branches, ending with a large thump at the bass of the tree. From her right she heard the sharp whistle of wind passing across metal, and turned to face the second attacker, oblivious to the blood dripping from her flanks. Flying swiftly at her was a man with metal wings, a blank look upon his face. Oh crap, she thought, this guy isn't here to play. With that she rolled to the left into a crouching position, narrowly avoiding the sharp blades being thrown at her. But the metal winged flyer was just as fast as her, and he threw a series of daggers while simultaneously turning around. Kaylee howled in pain as each of the daggers stabbed into her left shoulder and flank. Snarling with frustration, she leaped at the winged assailant, using a tree to gain extra air, blood spraying on the ground. She felt the satisfying feeling of her large sharp canines crunching on bones. She fell on to the ground, the assailant's leg locked firmly in her powerful jaw. She turned her head and bent his leg until she heard a snap, but was frustrated when no pain appeared on his face. Bunching her muscles together she planned to throw him into a boulder, but let her grip go when she felt the burning sensation of sharp claws being torn through her back hind quarter. She concentrated on staying alive and ignoring the searing pain, and readjusted her grip on the other man's leg, digging her teeth further into the soft flesh. In one movement she used the winged man as a weapon and pitched him at the man with the claws, tangling wings and claws in one mess. They both flew back, the wings on the empty man providing the perfect block to the other man's a distraction provided, she turned and fled, trying desperately to get her damaged body to move faster. As she fled, she heard the outraged sound of a man's yell echoing through the forest, fading into the distance.
She made it to the edge of the forest, transformed back, and painfully made her way back towards the mansion, holding her shredded sides, blood staining her clothes. Her fast healing had brought her past the moment of mortality, but she was quickly loosing grip on reality, and the stabbing pain remained. The mansion came into view, and she staggered towards the entrance where Logan had emerged from the door and was running to her, gritting her teeth to try to not faint. She stumbled on a rut in the mud, but was caught by Logan, who accidently gripped her wounds too hard, provoking a yelp of pain from Kaylee. He then carefully tried to pick her up, who protested, not wanting to appear helpless, pride preventing her from admitting that she was in pain. Grimacing, she spit out,
"Don't need to be carried, just help me up! Goddamn, and stop freakin' grabbing my sides, you're going to get blood all over your shirt and then you will be screwed, cause this stuff doesn't come out."
"Just shut up Kay, these are some pretty bad wounds and I have to get you to the infirmary before you lose too much blood. So deal with it, cause I ain't putting you down." Logan growled back, continuing to move quickly towards the mansion.
"Fine, break your damn back, see if I care." She mumbled back.
"This ain't the first time I carried you, didn't kill me before kid." He grinned at the look of surprise on her face.
Logan made it inside and rapidly clambered up the stairs, yelling to a horrified Gambit to go get Hank, and that it was an emergency. He made it into the infirmary and gently placed a grimacing and soaking wet Kaylee on one of the beds, who refused to lie down and stubbornly sat up, and rushed to the sink to grab some clean rags and a blancket. He wrapped the blancket quickly around Kaylee's shoulders as she started to shiver, more from the shock that the pain. He kneeled down by her and drew out one of his claws, using it to cut through the shredded remainder of the bottom of Kaylee's t-shir, blood from her wounds dripping down his claw. He then carefully pressed a clean rag to her wounds to try to stop the bleeding. His eyes met hers in a silent inquiry, gently trying to search her face for any indication as to who had done this and how much pain she really was in. She returned his gaze steadily, not divulging anything except for a brief spark of fear, immediately replaced by her usual zest and playful gaze, but it was strained, giving Logan a decently clear idea of how much pain she was actually in.
"Looks like your worrying more than I am about this. If I didn't know better I would have to say that you are beyond a doubt worried about me." She teased.
"Ya, maybe I am, and you should too, you were cut up pretty bad, and I got the feeling this ain't half as bad as what it was, judging by the blood stain. Now, you goin' to tell me what the hell happenend kid?" he said while changing the blood soaked rag for a new one.
Just then Hank came bustling in with Gambit hot on his heels, and they both stopped abruptly in their tracks at the sight of all the blood. Logan gave Hank a look that gave him a real idea of how bad it was, truly unmasking his concern for Kaylee for his friend to see. Gambit paled as he watched the exchange between the two, and rushed around to Kaylee's side, which had been mostly concealed by Logan. The shock on his face would have been comical to Logan, but he knew there was a reason for the shock, so he refrained from taken advantage of the opportunity to mock him.
"Merde Remy, on aurait dit que vous aviez vue un fantôme. Je ne suis pas mort bon dieu, juste un petit peu égratigné. *Shit Remy, one might say that you had seen a ghost. I'm not dead, good god, just a little scratched.*" Kaylee remarked upon seeing his expression.
"Hank, is there something you can do? I think I got most of the bleedin' stopped, but I can't be sure how bad it is, she's got fast healin' too, so you better disinfected before the wounds close up."
"Alright Logan, come on guys, give me some room here. Gambit, turn the lamp above you on so I can see what I'm doing. Kaylee, I'm going to have to put some antiseptic on, it might sting a bit, but be patient." With that he went over to the sink, put some gloves on, got a special bottle of some brand of antiseptic Kaylee had never heard of and a bucket of warm water.
"Sure Hank, can't be any worse than how these buggers feel. Lay it on me." Kaylee told him.
Hank walked back over and ran a fresh rag through the water so that he could clean the wounds up. Kaylee, independent to the last took the rag from him and quickly cleaned up the rest of the blood before it dried, grimacing as it ran over the deeper gashes. Once clean, she could see how fast the wounds were healing, they had been life threatening, but were now already at the point where several stitches would help heal. Hank sprayed some of the antiseptic on a cloth and started applying. A searing stinging sensation went through the cuts, lighting them with what felt like liquid fire.
"Geez Hank! Sting a little?! Thanks for the honest warning…" Kaylee grumbled through clenched teeth.
Grinning at her, Hank replied, "Hey, no problem, besides, sometimes when people know the truth they back out, I find a little white lie helps sometimes."
"Is she goin' to need some stichin Hank?" Logan asked the big furry man.
"No, I think since she heals so fast that I will just wrap them up and wait until they close up on their own, which at this rate should not take more than a few days." Hank said while gently wrapping Kaylee's sides and leg up in gauze, tugging firmly so that the dressing would not come undone.
"There you go my dear, all wrapped up, now take it easy for a while will you. I will keep the others out if you want to rest for a bit."
"Ya, suppose I should, that would be great Hank; thanks for not making me see any doctors." Kaylee answered, accepting Hank's offer.
"Alright then, come on you two," he said addressing Gambit and Logan, "let's leave her be for a bit."
With that Hank and Gambit headed towards the door while Logan walked over to her and handed her his plaid shirt and bent over quickly to whisper,
"I'll be back shortly Kay, I need to know what the hell happened out there. This isn't the first time you have been attacked, and don't deny it." With that he gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze with his rough hand and walked obediently out behind the others, closing the door behind him.
Kaylee waited for a few minutes, and then heard the approach sound of footsteps, ordinarily silent to the normal person's hearing, and smelled the deep woodsy masculine scent that was unique to Logan. He softly opened the door and came in, closing it quickly behind him before walking over to her and sitting beside her. He looked her in the eyes, and they both felt the connection so unique between them. Kaylee went to turn her head, but Logan took her chin in his hand and turned her head back towards him, his gruff hand warm against her skin.
"No Kay, I need to see your face for this. Now tell me, what the hell happened, and all of it. You can't go through whatever the hell is happenin' on your own, everyone needs help sometimes."
Kaylee took a deap breath , weighing the pros and cons, and told him about the man in her apartment, the fight that issued and that she had escaped it before running into him at the bar. She told him that she had been taking a jog in the forest, omitting the fact that she had been a wolf, and was ambushed by a the same man that had been in her apartment and by a metal winged man with empty eyes. She recounted the feeling of being starred at when she had fought at the docks.
"So that is it, I guess." She looked back into his eyes, hoping that he believed her. What she saw was concern, but there was also a tint of rage under the surface of his brown eyes. Fearing that the rage was directed at her she got up and turned towards the window and said angrily,
"You asked me to tell you the truth, if it pisses you off, then too damn bad, I didn't do anything wrong, so you take your anger and shove it where the sun don't shine, I don't need this crap."
Logan walked up behind her, took her softly by the shoulders and turned her around so that she could see his face. The rage in his eyes was masked, and in its place was a soft compassion, mixed with something else Kaylee could not pin point.
"Kay," Logan said gently, "I'm not mad at you, I'm mad at the son of bitches that did this to you. Don't worry, we will figure this mess out, you ain't alone in this anymore." He saw the relief in her face and wrapped his large arms around her, and felt her put her own arms around his neck and lay her head on his wide shoulder, grateful for the comfort. He squeezed her, careful not to squeeze to hard, and slowly rubbed his hands on the small of her back, feeling her muscles relax through the warm contact.
Kaylee relaxed into his hold, feeling their bodies melt together, his muscles rippling lightly under his shirt, and his hands massaging her back, working out knots that had been there for a long time. She enjoyed how his muscled arms surrounding her in their strength, a welcome blanket of warmth, and surrendered to the emotional vulnerability that she was feeling, letting the moment take over. She tangled her fingers through his thick black hair, enjoying its softness, and looked up to see him watching her, his usual 5 o'clock shadow along his solid jaw line, and she saw that the unexplainable look she had seen in his eye had taken over, and refused to put a name to the look.
Logan saw her gaze match his own, looked into the immense forest of diverse shade of greens, and traced her lips slowly with his eyes. He moved his hands to gently place them along the side of her face, brushing a stray hair away as he did. Kaylee leaned into his hand, a true sign of the trust that she had in him. He had been desperately trying to avoid her these last past days, hoping that what he had been feeling was nothing but a type of friendship with Kaylee. But now that he felt her in his arms, surrendering unconditionely to the offer of support, he knew that there was so much more to it than friendship. Instinct took over as Kaylee's lips parted in automatic response to his gaze, and Logan took it as an invite, and slowly bent forward…Then quickly shoved a dazed a highly confused Kaylee back on the bed, stepping away from her just as the door opened to reveal Professor Xavier. He rolled in with a slight smile on his lips, glancing between the two as if he knew he had walked in on something important intentionally. He nodded at Logan and then turned to Kaylee, open kindness and no judgment in his soft eyes.
"Hello Kaylee, I came as soon as I heard about the attack, and it appears like Hank did a good job with looking after what I was told was severe wounds," he said indicating her sides. "I was also told that you seem to possess the same type of healing factor that Logan does, do you have any idea where this may have came from? Well, no matter, what I need to know right now is how you are feeling, for you to tell me what happened and if you have any idea who did this. The why I will figure out, you can be sure of that dear."
Kaylee struggled to recover from what had happened between Logan and her, trying to focus on what Professor X had just asked her. Come on Kaylee, she pleaded; get your head screwed back on for Christ's sake. Finally opening her mouth, she answered,
"Uh, oh sure Professor, I am fine now, Hank knew exactly what to do, and if it weren't for Logan stopping the blood I think I would have been a lot worse off. As far as what happened, to be honest I don't know where to begin…It happened quite fast, and this has not been the first time."
"Nor will it be the last Kaylee, and if it makes it easier, you can show me what happened, don't worry, it's part of being a little telepathic. It won't hurt, you can trust me dear, just picture it in your head." He carefully suggested, guessing that she might be a little opposed to the idea.
Looking a little unsure, Kayle responded the suggestion with, "I guess it couldn't hurt, as long as you only look at what I show you, and I do not mean any disrespect, but I really don't want anyone digging around in my head, no matter how much I trust them."
"Not a problem my dear, I respect your decision, just start whenever you feel comfortable." He assured her, closing his own eyes in anticipation.
Kaylee left her own eyes open, like she had been prone to do when the teacher did relaxing mental imagery in class. She started by picturing coming back to her apartment, finding the place in a mess, letting a couple of the more human responses and feeling through, then moving to her fight with the clawed man, carefully covering transforming anything to do with her other form into a human respective. She then proceeded to visualize the morning's attack, once again working out anything to do with her wolf form. She shuddered slightly reliving through the experience, trying to find a reason behind the calculated attacks. I have never seen a man with such soulless eyes, she recalled as she remembered the metal winged man, it was like looking into an empty abyss. She stopped the images in her head when she reached the mansion, figuring that what she had shown Xavior was enough, if not too much. She broke the telepathic link as she came back to the present to find Professor Xavior starring intently at her.
"Humm," the professor mused in his strong voice, "Your experience has left me rather perplexed Kaylee, I know who attacked you, they go by the names Sabertooth and Archangel, and I suppose you can guess who each is. You're lucky to have made it out alive the first time, let alone twice. For now on, or at least until this matter is solved, I suggest you stay close to the mansion. The man these people work for, known as Sinister, has several other men and women working with him, and they are commonly referred to as Marauders in case you have ever heard mention of them. The two that came after you are the ones that only work the more important cases…I can't understand what they would want with you, not that you are not important of course, it's just that…" he trailed off, his eyes pondering as his brows dipped in concentration.
"Professor, I know of Sinister and his demented experiments, and have fought against some of these Marauders, but none have been as strong as the two that came after me, nor as, um, strange I guess, for lack of better words. I don't know what he would want of me either…" Kaylee lied, thinking of the other side of her mutation.
Logan sat quietly, knowing that Kaylee was not telling the whole truth to the Professor. What I don't get, he wondered, is why the hell Kay won't tell us about her real mutation. Then something clicked, and he understood what had been nagging at his mind ever since hearing of the attacks. Somehow Sinister got wind of her mutation, he realized, and he wants to use her to experiment on! Why hadn't I seen that before, how stupid can I be! He cursed himself for not linking the two together, starting already to blame himself for this second attack. He felt the animal rage boiling in him again at the thought of Kay being stuck in Sinister's labs, and he wished he had had the chance to kill his brother. I will kill you for this Victor, he decided, you have messed around enough with innocent lives, and now you are threatening Kay, you son of a bitch!
Sensing the other man's rage, Xavier turned to Logan and gave him a warning look, which worked better than any words could have done.
Turning his attention back to Kaylee, the professor said, "I will do my best to find out the cause behind these attacks Kaylee, but what matters for now is that you are safe. Just take the afternoon to relax a bit; you've been through a lot lately." With that he gave her shoulder a pat and left the room, heading out to look after business.
The room was silent after Xavier left, weighing down on Logan and Kaylee with a blanket of awkwardness and uncertainty. What was probably no more than a minute felt like hours to Kaylee, who was desperately trying to find the right thing to say, still slightly overwhelmed by what had happened. She felt pent up frustration over having been taken by surprise, and just wanted to get back to training to get rid of the restlessness burning inside her. The silence pinching at her patience, Kaylee finally said,
"You won't tell if I leave this room, will you? I can't just sit here, besides, my wounds are healing fast and I feel fine. Staying still has never been my strong point in life." Her face questioning, as she decided not to mention what had happened or had been about to happen.
"No kid, I won't tattle, just don't do anything extreme, ok?" Logan replied, readily accepting the change of topic and going back to his usual manner.
"Thanks Logan, I'll see you later then?"
"Hope so Kay."
Kaylee got up slowly, testing how far her wounds were healed. Satisfied that she felt no pain, she left the room, giving Logan a wave as they went in opposite directions.
Part 8
Kaylee thought back to the attack, trying to figure out a way to prepare herself for futures ones. That winged man is so new to me, I have no idea how to fight him, she worried, what if I meet him again and don't get as lucky? She remembered the danger room exercise, and wondered if the system would enable her to fight off individuals without completing a mission. She picked up the pace, deciding to look after the issue after a quick change of clothes. I guess I will have to be careful how I shower for a little while, she realized, I supposed a cloth with soapy water will have to do for now. She made her way to her room, once again testing the flexibility of her bandages, quickly striping once inside. She ran some water in the sink, using a cloth in warm soapy water to wash off any left over mud or blood, paying special attention not to wet her bandages. With that task done, she followed a similar proceedure for washing her hair, wetting it down using the tap, running some shampoo through it and rising in the same way. Thank God I use leave in conditionnner, she thought, 'cause this would be so much harder to do. With that she applied some Redken extreme damage control conditionner through her hair, enjoying the feel of her soft straight strands gliding through her fingers. She put on some long black yoga pants and carefully pulled a white tank down over her head. She slipped on a comfortable pair of white and light blue running shoes, which already followed the contour of her foot after all the training she had done in them.
She briskly made her way down stairs and peered into the control room to see if anyone was in it. Forge was no longer there, probably haven gone off to eat something, or to do whatever computer geniuses did in their spare time. Satisfied that no one would be there to witness her practice, she moved into the Danger Room, summoning up the holographic version of Archangel with her voice, the system quickly creating a scenery as Archangel fizzled into view. Kaylee felt humiliated that she had not seen them coming, and their attack had provoked old feelings of powerlessness and ineptitude. But no more, she thought furiously, time to learn how to bring this bastard down! With that, she voice commanded the computer to start the exercise, at once lowering into a crouch, ready to spring. The holographic Archangel sprung to life, the empty hollowness of his eyes incredibly real as he starred at her briefly, or more like through her, with blanck hollow eyes. He quickly flew up into his familiar attack position, rapidly spraying metal shards at Kaylee in the same motion. Kaylee was not in her wolf form, so was at a disadvantage from the start, but she knew this, and thought it was for the best. This way, she had figured, if I learn to defeat him partially incapacitated, when it comes to real life and my wolf form, getting rid of him should be a piece of cake. She rolled to the left, avoiding the shards as they sunk into the ground instead of implanting into her flesh. She used a large tree as her cover, observing her opponent, trying to figure out a weak spot. If she had been Accalia, she could have used her teeth to pierce his skin, but for now she realized she would have to work on avoiding his medal shards more than learning how to destroy him. Perhaps this was not such a great idea, she thought briefly. She heard several thumps as large shards hit the tree she was hiding behind, splintering pieces of wood which sprayed in all direction, scratching Kaylee's arms. She picked up a large stone to her left, a plan forming in her mind, and swiftly moved into the open to throw it, using the strong muscles built up in her arms. She did not use the stone as a weapon, but merely as a distraction, hoping to get a shot at the metal winged man.
Archangel showed no surprise when the stone hit his abdomen at full force, but the contact was enough to double him over as the impact disbalanced him. He landed on the ground, falling to his knees by accident, but the momentary clumsy act was enough for Kaylee to land a well rounded kick into the man's chest, her foot solidly connecting to its target. However, even with the wind knocked out of him, Archangel was quick enough to grad her ankle with his powerful hands as she kicked at him. Realizing that he intended to twist her ankle and break it, Kaylee flung her whole body into the twist, avoiding the attack. She landed hard on her side, the impact jarring at her rib bones. She turned and used her other foot to kick at his arm, hoping to break it and free her foot from his hold. She managed to make contact, but Archangel brushed it off, diverting most of the impact. The brief release of pressure on her foot was enough for her to wrench it out of his grasp. Instead of fleeing though, Kaylee slammed the palm of her hand into his nose, pushing upwards as the bone splintered. Dark red blood gushed out of Archangel's nose, driping down Kaylee's hand and smearing over Archangel's face, and his eye's connected with Kaylee's. She saw the tormented rage boiling admist the souless pit of his pupil, the first sign of emotion she had seen from him. Terror gripped her as he grasped her throat with his hand, standing slowly upwards at Kaylee desperately tried to kick out at him. Her air supply ran out, and she gasped for air while she was lifted of the ground and slammed into a tree. Archangel pulled a shard of metal out of his wing, placing it at her neck, the jagged edge skimming her skin, creating a horizontal cut across it. Blood dripped slowly out of the fresh wound, oozing over the shard, but Kaylee was too petrified to notice, hypnotized by the lack of emotion now reflecting back to her from black pools of ink. As Archangel was about to slice throung her necked, a loud panicked voice rang out,
"Terminate exercise now!!!"
The holograph faded just as Archangel was running the blade over Kaylee's neck, narrowly missing her skin. Kaylee crumpled to the floor, gasping for air as her wounds closed slowly up, her rapid healing already working. The door slammed open as Logan ran in, kneeling down beside Kaylee and helping her to lean up against the wall to open her breathing passages. Dried blood caked her neck, but he could see no other wounds.
"What the hell were you thinking?! Wasn't it enough that you almost got your ass kicked once today?" he demanded to know through clenched teeth.
Embarassement hit Kaylee as a slow but deep flush of red came to tint her cheeks. She was aware that she was blushing but was determined not to be made fun of, even if she knew he had a point.
"I was training so that next time I will know what to do to defeat this guy." She huffed indignantly.
"Well your training was a wasted effort kid, you ain't going to be ready for these guys until you can beat me, which I seriously doubt you can." He said confidently throwing out the underhanded challenge.
Kaylee knew that Logan was damn good at what he did and was probably not far from the mark when stating that she could not best him, but she could not let the challenge go lest she for go her dignity. Kaylee's dignity was something she took pride in, and during the hardest years of her life, she had clung to that one last thread. Staring Logan straight in the eyes, she answered unabashedly,
"That so hey? Go ahead and brag, but when it comes down to actions, I know I could kick your ass."
Logan let go a decisive snort and replied, "Well then, let's see you do it then, I'll show what it means to actually fight, unless you want to back down…"
"Hell no, bring it on old man!"
With that, Kaylee followed Logan out of the Danger Room, wondering what she had got herself into now. He led her further down the corridor and opened one of the double doors leading into a large gymnasium. The room was empty and well maintained, the lighting bright and clear, new basketball nets hanging at the opposite ends of the gym, pull out bleachers covered in immitation wood were neatly tucked into the wall, and the was air pleasantly deoderized with a scent of wax from the floor and some industrial air freshener. Blue mats were set up off the far corner of the gym, and she joined Logan on them, glad that at least she would be landing on something semi soft. Logan pulled off his shirt and carelessly threw it on a bleacher, showing off a white tank that clung to his well sculpted abs and giving her a better look at his arms which literally rippled with built up muscles. Dark hair rimed his forarms and she wondered if it was as soft as his tangled hair. Kaylee had not felt an interest in a man for so long that she was surprise at how difficult it was to tear her eyes away. Come on Kaylee, she scolded herself, stop acting like a brainless junior high girl who is crushing on the senior high boy that doesn't give a crap about her. She tore her gaze away, feeling a blush creeping back to her face. Damn, she cursed, what the hell is up with me? She seriously hoped that he had not noticed her staring and tried to focus on the task at hand.
"So, you plannin' to gawk all day or are we goin' to do this?" he mocked.
So much for dignity she mused, and responded out loud,
"Ready when you are."
She lowered herself into a crouch, coiling her muscles in anticipation as he took a similar stance in front of her. He took her off guard by playing the first move. With a speed she had not thought possible, Logan made to aim a kick to her rib cage but at the last minute crouched down and flung his leg under her ankles, knocking her flat on her butt. A cocky smile crept on his lips and Kaylee felt humiliation burning under her skin. She jumped quickly to her feet and spun in a 360˚ ark, slamming her left foot into his head. She landed agily on the ground, her back facing him and rapidly swung around to see surprise flickering in his eyes. However, it was once again replaced with a teasing spark, and he nodded his head slightly, as if to say "not bad, but is that all you got?" He started engaging in a series of precisely executed fist punches and chops, all aimed at her upper torso. Kaylee countered each attack with her own series of defence moves, receiving blows to her arms as she blocked each strike. She felt her defence slipping, weakness and a numbing pain travelling up her arms. Uh oh, she thought, I have got to break his attack, can't keep this up for long. Logan aimed another punch, but instead of blocking it with her arm, Kaylee leaned to the side and in one fluid motion, grabbed his wrist and elbow with her hands and used a move Slim Jim had taught her to flip him over her back, sending Logan slamming into the mats. She heard a grunt from him as the air flew from his lungs. But before she could plan her next move, he had grabbed her by the ankles, pulled her to the ground and pinned her arms behind her back in one fluid motion. She felt his body heat and stone muscles and she struggled to get an edge and throw him off, but to no avail. Logan tightened his hold on her arm, forcing her to stop moving.
"What was that about kicking my ass again? Guess you're not as tough as you pretend to be kid, s'okay though, we can work on that. You gonna yield or do I have to keep pushin' on your arm?" he said, open mockery in his voice as he lowered his head to speak into her ear.
Kaylee felt all the outrage, humiliation and fear from her attacks boiling to the surface, consuming her senses with a fight response. Adrenaline kicked in and the animal's rage that plagued her soared through her body, her veins pulsing with the sensation. Logan felt the change in Kaylee, but was to slow to move as he was pitched into the wall, Kaylee bursting into the animal she had been trying to tame for so many years. Accalia let out an ear splitting snarl as she barred her white fangs, the grey fur on her back standing straight up. She launched herself at Logan, unable to differentiate between him and her previous attackers, snapping at his throat, her claws gashing through skin. Logan pushed at the wolf, his hands burying into thick fur, trying to keep the large fangs from ripping through his throat. He felt his own resistance slipping under the immense wolf's weight and gave one last shove, managing to set Kaylee off balance long enough for him to sprint for the top of the bleachers, the wolf already close behind. He did not want to fight her, knowing that she had no idea who she was attacking, empathising with her for he knew all too well what it was like to lose control. He saw an opportunity to make it to the exit that lead outside, hoping that the open space might give him enough chance to break Kaylee's rage for a second. He leaped at the door, not bothering to open it as his adamantium claws sliced through the door, creating a conveniently fast escape route. Sorry Chuck, he thought, guess that's another thing to add to my tab. The exit led to the side on the mansion, and Logan hoped that no one was looking out the window. He could hear the sound of massive paws following rapidly but quietly behind him and he ran a little ways, trying to put distance between them and the school. He suddenly was crushed into the cold and moist ground as Kaylee slammed into his back through mid leap. He turned around and found himself starring into Kaylee's green eyes, surprised that even though she was in her wolf form, she still had the same colour of eyes. A tortured stare of hatred, fear and rage stormed in their depths, but underneath it all Logan saw the human fighting for control. He said calmly but firmly,
"Don't do this Kaylee, you're better than this, fight it off. It's part of you, control it, you know you aren't mad at me, fight it!" he said, keeping his gazed locked with hers. He let a sigh of relief go when he saw the rage dying down, a sense of realization returning to them.
Accalia swiftly jumped away from Logan, defeating shame replacing her rage. What have I done, she thought bitterly, I have no choice, I screwed up again. With that she turned her tail and fled back into the woods, heading towards the highway, a soft howl escaping her throat.
Logan POV
He saw the shame and guilt replace the rage in Kaylee's eyes, and he knew what she was feeling. It had not been that long ago that he had been exactly in her shoes, trying desperately to strike a balance between animal and man. He watched powerlessly as she turned her flanks and galloped into the woods, striking a parallel line to the highway, soft mud flying upwards as she ran. Knowing that she was running away to flee facing him, Logan headed sombrely back inside, hoping that the professor would be able to give some direction. He wanted to follow her, tell her that he could help and wipe the look of shame out of her eyes, but he had no idea where she was headed, and even if he tried following her on Scott's bike, he would not be able to catch up. He walked to the front doors and opened them quietly, willing the students to not be in the entrance way. He made his way in only to receive the curious stares of some young girls passing by that had been heading off to class. They stopped in their tracks, as if petrified that movement would provoke the wild man that stood before them. Logan made an attempt at smiling to them, only to be rewarded with frightened glances as they rapidly walked away. Huh, he wondered, what's up with them? He strolled by a mirror and caught a glance of himself in the glass. His black hair was flipped this way and that and stuck out at odd angles, there were large tears caked with flecks of dried blood with no wound to show for them, and parts of his jean were hanging in muddy shreds where the wolf's back claws had torn and his feat were devoid of shoes, which were still in the gym with his jacket. He heard movement to his left and glanced over his shoulder to find Remy leaning up against the wall and giving him a casual inquisitive glance.
"So what chou get into now? Had a fight wit' a papaw shreddaw?" he asked while chuckling, enjoying the dishevelled appearance of Logan.
"Ya, a really big one, don't you have something better to do Gumbo than to annoy people?" he grumbled back.
"Mais non, it's wha' I live for mon ami."
Logan directed a glare in his direction before turning around and heading purposely towards Xavier's study, thoughts of Remy and Kaylee laughing together. It had taken all his might during the past few weeks to not beat the Canjun to a pulp every time he was with Kaylee, and the thought of them spending so much time together burned his ass. He was starting to realize that he had grown attached to the green eyed woman, despite his best attempts at avoiding her. He pushed the thought out of his head as he approached the study door, and knocked on the polished surface. He heard Xavier in his head, telling him to come in.
"Hey Chuck, suppose you know what happened..." he greeted sheepishly, as if he had been the cause of the fight.
"I do, just like I know what you came to see me for. I can only help you track Kaylee, but the decision of coming back to the mansion is her own Logan, but that is not to say you can't help persuade her."
"Ya, I know, but she's been through enough, I don't want her to lose a good thing because she thinks we won't accept her. I can help her Chuck, you know that, if I could just get her to trust me like she does Remy..." he ranted.
"I agree Logan, and that is why I am assigning you to watch over her. I can't let another episode like this morning happen again, and there is no one better than you that know what they are dealing with. Until I figure out what Sinister wants with Kaylee, I can't risk having her alone too often. I wouldn't put it past him to try to break in to the mansion, so stay with her as often as you can."
"Aah Chuck, you know she don't need babysitting, 'sides I don't think she trust me enough to not suspect something."
"You'd be surprised Logan. Kaylee may have been through a lot, but I think she has a six sense like yours, she knows who she can trust. Now let's go see if I can find her."
They made their way into the basement using the professor's personal elevator and followed a brightly lit corridor to a round door with an "X" insignia. The security system identified the professor and they proceeded into the room. Logan had seen Xavier use Cerebro a few times, so the experience was nothing new. Placing the head device on, Xavier focused in on a multitude of bright red dots, all representing mutants, and zoomed in on a larger one. As Xavier came closer to the form, Logan could make out a wolf like shape running through a forest. He could faintly hear the sound of cars rushing by and figured she must be near a highway. The professor, having found what he was looking for, removed the head gear and turned towards Logan.
"I think she is heading towards the lake Logan, you might be able to catch up with her, but I must warn you, she is struggling with herself just like you used to, so be careful."
"Don't worry 'bout me Chuck, I can look after myself well enough."
The professor gave him a funny look and replied, "I wasn't talking about you, its Kaylee I am worried about. Now hurry up lest she reach the lake and leave before you get there."
"Thanks Professor, I'll bring her back..."
With that, Logan left and jogged to the garage, intent on reaching Kaylee before they lost track of her again. Halfway there, he ran into Scott coming from the garages where he had been cleaning his bike up.
"You seen Kaylee lately? Because Jean has been a little concerned about her" Scott asked.
"Oh, ah ya, saw her today. And thanks." He responded.
"For what?"
"Oh, for letting me borrow your bike."
"I just cleaned it Logan, keep your metal littered body away from it or I'll..."
"You'll what, blast me? Not in the mansion, Xavier would just love that. See ya'll later." Logan answered while gunning up the bike, tearing out of the garage and spraying a layer of mud over the clean surface, leaving an incredulous Cyclops behind.
Part 9
Kaylee's POV
Kaylee ran, an internal battle raging inside her body as she struggled to control the animal itching to escape. She payed no attention to where she was going, too busy feeling lost in a pool of emotions that threatened to override her sanity. Beautiful scenery whizzed by unnoticed by the large wolf, birds and small animals scattering in terror and the wind whistled as it passed through the forest, it's haunting but calming melody a welcome to Kaylee. She ran to try to leave her shame behind, she ran to exhaust herself, but mostly she ran to try to stop thinking, running to block her thoughts from over writing her mind. She refused to think about Logan, refused to relive the fear that she had seen in his eyes and shame that had burned through her body, guilt pinching at the edges of her mind. The shame had receded to a dull throb, jabbing her just when she thought she had gotten rid of it, perhaps serving as a reminder to tell her what she really was, an uncontrollable animal destined to be outcasted. And just when I thought I had something good going for me, she thought sarcastically. She slowed her pace, the adrenaline flow ebbing away and paused to observe her surroundings, the wolf's senses quickly adjusting to the environment. The wind continued to whistle through the trees that groaned and swayed like snakes to the sound of an exotic flute, and its melody rustled through her dense grey fur. She raised her head and caught a wiff of the air, trying to find a smell indicating a threatening presence. All that she could detect was the smell of pines, old moist leaves littly tinged with gas fumes, and wet pavement reminding her that she was close to the highway. Her ears picked up the slightest sounds, focusing clearly in on the branches rustling, small animals scurrying through the underbrush, the slow flapping of a crows wings and its caw echoing through the air, and the sound of a car passing by.
Nearby a brook flowed down an inclination, flooded with melted snow, ice garnishing its edges. Kaylee galloped lightly alongside it, following it to its source. She trotted for a couple minutes, enjoying the combination of the cool wind and the warm sun that reflected across her fur coat, until the brook grew wider and joined into a lake. She looked around, recognizing her surroundings as the ones she had visited with Logan. She skirted around the lake's extremities, watching squirrels scramble up and chatter madly, accusing her of disrupting their play. She huffed back up at them, but to no effect, they knew she could not reach them at such at height; none the less they scrambled up a few more branches just in case. But she did not rise to their challenge and continued on her way, her paws leaving thick imprints in the leaves, old ferns and cool mud. She made it to the clearing where Logan had brought them, settling down on the ground with her head on her paws. The cold moisture from the ground could not penetrate through the layers of her fur and Kaylee felt quite warm as she enjoyed the relaxing solitude of the lake in the setting sun. The orange and pink rays rose from behind the trees and shimmered brightly across the surface of the lake, barely reaching the shore line. The water was transformed into liquid fire and it burned under a sky filled with orange, pink and purple flames, small dark purple clouds decorating the horizon. Crows flew in the distance, the wind died down and she heard the distant cry of the loons echoing across the lake. The stress from the day finally hit her as her muscles untensed, and Kaylee was assaulted with a wave of exhaustion as her green eyes glazed over and she fell into an empty sleep.
Part 10
Kaylee awoke suddenly to the approaching sound of a motorbike and wheels crunching through dirt and mud. The musky smell of sweat and old spice drifted in the breeze, and she knew it was Logan riding down. Slowly rising and shaking herself off, Kaylee transformed back into her human form, the cold of the approaching darkness finally hitting her as she lost her fur protection. She shivered lightly, trying to ignore the damp coldness as it crept into the core of her bones. The headlights of the Harley appeared, shining directly into her face, she covered her eyes, which were used to the dimming light and opened them slowly, letting her eyes get used to the intrusion. With the bright lights shining her surroundings seemed so much darker, and the shadows of nature started creeping through the darkness, trying to penetrate the light. Logan parked the bike and shut it off, extinguishing the light with it. He walked towards her, and she pulled back further into the darkness, fearing what he had come to say.
"Don't, Logan, just don't. What do you want?" she asked wearily.
"For you to listen to what I have to say Kay, just for you to listen." He answered softly, stopping where he was in recognition that she was asking for space.
"Why should I? I saw the fear and disgust in your eyes, just like everyone I have ever known in my life. Not that I can blame you, monsters are pretty scary. So what have you come here for, to ridicule me, is that it? To call me a freak, tell me I am no longer welcome to stay at the mansion? So what will the excuse be for that one, that there is no room left? Well save it, I gave up putting up with that type of bullshit a long time ago, so just leave me the hell alone!" she reacted, anger and hurt streaming in between her words, tensing her muscles back up.
Though Logan coul not see her, he could feel the pain ringing with the words and could feel the waves of anger radiating from her body.
"No Kay, I was not scared, I was concerned, let me help you..."
"Let you help me! You sound like the goddamn MRD, like my parents and everyone else that felt like I needed to be cured! You can't help me, I don't need fucking pity from you or anyone!!!" she yelled back.
"No, that's not what I meant, I know what you're going through, I can show you how to deal with it. You're not a freak, and you don't need to be cured, none of us do. Just come back with me, no one is kicking you out." He pleaded.
"No! Screw you and everyone else, I don't need anyone, I have always managed on my own despite others' attempts at helping me, so take your damn pity and shove it."
"Goddamn it kid! I don't pity you, that's the last thing that ever came to my mind. The only thing I pity is how you can't see past your own fear and hatred to realize that maybe it has been your own choice to exile yourself. Maybe if you would stop wallowing in self pity long enough you would be able to see there are people that care, but I'll be damned if I know why. Wake up and smell the coffee, we are not all your dad!" Logan growled back, immediately regretting his choice of words.
Kaylee starred at him, her eyes throwing daggers into the night. "Like it has been my choice to be cursed with this mutation? Like it has been my choice that humans avoided me like I was some sort of plague? Like it was my own choice that my dad hated my guts and blame me for my mom's death? I can tell you one thing for sure, I ain't coming back, how's that for a choice?"
With that, Kaylee flipped around transforming instantly as she stole stealthily through the darkness heading for the comfort of the city streets that were so familiar to her. Logan watched her flee through the dark and saw the direction she was headed, and knew that he had to track her down less he loose her completely. Shit Logan, he berated himself, why the hell did you say that? He jumped back on his bike, gunned it on and sharply turned around as the bike roared up the dark dirt road towards the highway.
Part 11
Kaylee reached the northern outskirts of the city and transformed back into her human form, swaying on her feet as she tried to get accustomed to walking on two feet instead of four. She walked aimlessly through the dingy streets as street lights cast a dim dirty yellow light on the side walk. She grew wary of alleys and slipped into the old habit of paying attention to every little sound and movement. Drunk teenagers dressed in hoodies carrying beer in their hands passed her, yelling out random profanities as they stumbled by, but she payed little attention to them because she knew that they were no threat. As she walked, streets grew brighter and the buildings became newer and certainly cleaner. Most businesses were closed, but some late night movie and corner store outlets were still open. She strolled around the block, looking for a place where she could spend a few hours until she figured out what to do. Her apartment wasn't an option, and she had to find a place to hide out, because she feared that Sinister was still looking for her, and she was in no shape to deal with his soldiers tonight.
On the corner of 36th Street she encountered a dance club called the Fluid Lounge that did not look too out of shape and was fairly busy. She walked up, flashed her id to the large bouncer and strolled inside. She walked through the entrance and hung her jacket up in a metal rack, the heat of bodies hitting her. On her left was a lounging area set up with trendy red, black and white sofas, small black tables with glass counter tops and some exotic plants arranged on a patterned wall which featured various pictures of artists, done pop style, the lighting conveniently low. Couples lounged in the sofas, various excited conversations traveling to her ears. The large dance floor was crowded as the crowd pulsed to a song by Ke$ha being played by the DJ. Various lights flashed over the crowd, and over the top of them she could make out a modern bar. Walking casually around the crowd, she made her way to the bar and sat down on a vinyl red stool that adorned a black bar counter.
"What'll you have hon?" the young bartender asked her.
"You got some Captain Morgan lying around?"
"Honey, we got a bit of everything, want some coke and ice with that?"
"Sure, that'll be fine"
"The lady's drinks are on me Mark, and get me one of what she is having if you don't mind." A good looking man called out.
Kaylee turned around, ready to tell the guy off but stopped herself and took in the man that was openly admiring her. The guy was a decent height, around 5'11" she guessed, with short spiked up blonde hair and light brown eyes that were smiling at her. He had on a white shirt open to show off a blue tank and was wearing stone washed black jeans. He was fit, probably more of a jogger than a weight lifter she mused, but nicely built just the same. He gave her a dazzling white smile and said,
"Hey, haven't seen you around here before, I'm Anthony, but my friends just call me Tony."
Deciding to have a little fun, Kaylee took a sip of the cool drink, and replied, "My first time here, thanks for the drink and the name's Kaylee, but call me Kay."
Decisively content with being accepted, Tony proceeded to strike up a conversation with her as he chatted animatedly, and they flirted back in forth as they drank a couple more glasses of rum, enjoying the company. The more she drank, it seemed the more funny the man became, and before long she wished it was Logan that was sitting with her, not Tony. The music picked up as a new song blared out that she had not heard, and with her body feeling loose and the urge to just let go pulling at her, she dragged the half drunk Tony onto the dance floor. Their bodies moved together as they got lost in the crowd, and the music set the beat as the heat was raised. She could feel him moving with her as his hands slid down her body, sweat, perfume and cologne mixing into the dense air, intoxicating in its thickness. She turned around to face him and ran her fingers slowly across his chest bringing her hand to push under his shirt and around his neck, teasing him as droplets of sweat formed on his brow. Their breath came out heavily, and Tony leaned in to kiss her, but she pulled away at the last second, the kiss landing on her cheek.
The song finally ended and the DJ announced that he was slowing things down for the crowd. To Kaylee's surprise, and to that of the crowd, the DJ started playing an old song called Every Rose has its Thorn by Poison, its beautiful melody quickly entrancing the crowd. Tony moved to dance with her, but was suddenly yanked roughly backwards by rough hands as a voice growled threatingly,
"Move on bub, you're done here."
"Hey man, what the hell?" Tony replied indignantly. He was quickly silence by the glare Logan was giving him, and with one last pouting look at Kaylee, he sulked off into the crowd.
To Kaylee's shock, Logan took Tony's place, placing his strong arms around her waist as she instinctively placed her hands behind his neck. They moved to the melody, their bodies feeling as one, and Kaylee wondered why it felt so familiar, so right. She caressed his neck, running her fingers through the hair on the nape of his neck evoking a soft growl from within Logan throat. He pulled her tighter, trying to get as much contact as possible as if the comfort of it could erase past pain. Her stomach rested against his hard abs, their hips joint together as they swayed. He moved his hands further down her back, and she felt their warmth on her bare back as his thumbs made slow circles on her skin. The fight had been forgotten, lost in the moment of loneliness and apologies were made without words. Logan leaned down, brushing Kaylee's hair behind one ear and spoke, his lips brushing her ear lightly as his warm breath traveled down her neck.
"I'm sorry Kay, I didn't mean to sound so harsh, I just didn't want you to give up on us. You have to trust me when I say I know what you are going through. Come back with me, please."
Kaylee looked up into his face and nodded her head, already missing the comfort of the mansion and the feeling of belonging that she had experienced among the x-men and the students. The song came to a stop, breaking the reverie that had wrapped Kaylee and Logan. But before pulling apart, Logan racupped the side of Kaylee's face with his warm gruff hand, searching her eyes to see if she had really forgiven him. Content with the honesty shining back at him in deep green pools, he ran a finger down the side of her throat before pulling back. But instead of just letting her go, he draped a muscled arm around her waist, as if afraid that she would bolt, his heat surrounding Kaylee and travelling through her body. Kaylee let him lead her out of the club, still foggy from the alcohol, stopping to grab her jacket on the way out. Logan helped her with her jacket, letting his hands trail over her bare shoulders as he pulled it over her arms. Kaylee shivered, the light contact creating a trail of goose bumps up her arms.
Outside the air had cooled off dramatically, and their breath came out in an icy mist, evaporating into the night. They walked over to Logan's bike and Kaylee sat down automatically behind him, no hesitation this time. Placing her arms around his waist, she snuggled in closer to absorb more heat as they drove out of the parking lot headed back to the mansion.
Part 12
They made it back to the mansion around 1:30 am, Logan driving them straight to the garages. He manoeuvred his way around several cars, parking in his usual spot by the door that leads into the mansion. Kaylee got off much more smoothly than her first ride, her fast adjusting body already used to the feel of the bike. Her hair had been wind blown into a frenzy tangled mess, but then so had Logan's. So she didn't care, even when Logan smirked and stifled a chuckle upon seeing it.
"Laugh all you want, you don't have to deal with untangling it." She grumbled.
"Ha, good thing, cause I would just do it the easy way." He teased, extracting one adamantium claw.
"You wouldn't dare!" she said indignantly while landing a soft punch on his shoulder.
"Come on grumpy, I think you need to sleep." He replied, directing her towards the stairs.
"Sleep, ha, I laugh in the face of sleep, or mostly it laughs in mine..." she said, making an ungraceful walk up the stairs, Logan steadying her by the waist in case she should fall backwards.
"How much did you drink anyways Kay?"
"Oh, enough I guess, just a few glasses of rum here and there. Why do you ask?"
"Cause you're falling all over the place like some kid going through puberty."
"Oh shut up, don't tell me you've never been a bit tipsy after drinking your ass off. Sheesh, hypocritical-good-for-nothing-bloody..."
Kaylee was cut off in mid curse by the sight of Remy standing in the hallway starring at the pair with disbelieving eyes. Upon seeing his face, Kaylee was caught up in a fit of uncontrolable giggles and she flopped to the floor, her sides starting to ache snd tears coming to her eyes.
"Wha' did dyou do to her Logan?!" asked a horrified Remy over the sound of giggles.
"Me! I didn't do a damned thing, she took it on her own to go and get piss ass loaded drunk and as you can see, is having a jolly good freaking time of it. Now help me get her up before the professor wakes up Gumbo." He answered while slipping an arm under Kaylee's shoulder, who was still laughing to no end. Remy joined him, and they hauled her to her feet.
"You guys are great, you know that? Just great, like a bunch of mother hens." And at that Kaylee clucked her tongue and burst into a new fit of giggles, despite the incredulous stares her friends were giving her.
"Would you be quiet kid, you're going to wake the whole damn house up, and then we'll all be in trouble. Let's get her to her room."
With their efforts combined, Logan and Remy managed to get Kaylee up the stairs, who was finding everything about the situation hilarious. Once in her room they set her on the bed, trying to get her to calm down.
"Wow, it's not everyday that I get two good looking guys in my room at once, what an occasion. I propose a toast, bring out the rum!"
"Kay, you need to calm down, and we sure as hell ain't gonna drink anymore, you've had more than enough. If you don't settle down, me and Gumbo here are goin' to have to shove you head first under a cold shower, so sober up." Logan tried to scold while stiffling an amused grin.
"A cold shower?! Ok, well the idea is sobering enough, no need to make good on that threat. I'll be good-ish, I swear." Kaylee answered, her eyes growing wide with the thought of getting shoved under cold water.
"All right, Gumbo, thanks for the help, but Kay and I need to talk so..."
"So dyou want me to leave, I don' like it Logan but I respect dat I guess, so long as all dyou do is talk." Gambit accepted, walking from the room and shutting the door behind him.
"Listen, about what happened here today; I just want you to know that we are a school of mutants, so everyone here accepts each other. Your mutation doesn't make you a freak, and if you want, I can show you how to control it, and not let it control you. I hate seeing you hurting, and it is like I can feel what you feel, I dont know how it is possible but that's what has been happening. So if you need help, ask, that's all you have to do and I or someone from the team will be there. Don't suffer in the dark, I did it for so many years, it almost destroyed me and I can't stand to see that happening to you." Logan said, compassion and genuine concern lighting up his brown eyes. He sat on the bed beside her and layed an arm comfortingly over her shoulder.
"I know Logan, and I am so sorry for what happened, I just loose control and it doesn't matter who is in front of me, they are a threat. I hope I didn't hurt you, I was trying to control it, I swear, but it is so hard to do. Maybe I'm not a freak, but I am a danger and I really would like your help, I have been struggling on my own for so long that I have no idea what to do anymore. I can hardly even sleep a full night, these dreams plague my mind constantly and I have never felt terror like I have when experiencing them. If I don't do something soon, I think I am headed for a crash..." she snuggled in closer to him, smelling his deep woodsy aroma like that of late summer nights sitting around campfires and sighed, wishing he would stay.
"So that's why I keep waking up in the middle of the night, it was your terror that I felt. Why didn't you tell me about them?" he asked, tightening his grib on her so that her body seemed to melt to his, like a well worn shirt, he felt comfortable with Kaylee at his side.
"Well, I guess I have had to put on a strong face for such a long time, I don't actually know how to take of the mask. I hate admitting weak points, people in the past have always taken advantage of any sign of weakness, and I couldn't afford that to happen again, you know what its like, don't you?" Kaylee explained, looking up hopefully into Logan's eyes.
"I think most mutants do Kay, comes with being different than the rest of the population. I know exactly what it is like, did so much hiding myself that I grew hard and shut myself off from the world. You have to promise me that you will never do that; someone will always be here for you no matter what. So promise me this one thing."
"I can't promise things I might not be able to keep Logan. But I will try, I really will." Kaylee yawned, the stress from the day robbing her of her last adrenaline flow, the heat from Logan's body causing her to be drowsy.
Sensing that she was tired and falling asleep, Logan made a move to go, but Kaylee wrapped a hand around his wrist and pleaded,
"No, don't go yet, just wait, I know it sounds pathetic, but I don't want to be alone..."
"Nothing you say is ever pathetic." Logan said, knowing that for their sakes he should leave but in his heart, knowing that he could not do anything else but to whatever Kaylee wanted.
Not having the heart to leave, Logan let his senses overwrite his logic and lay down beside her on the narrow bed. Kaylee curled into him, her head laying on his arm and one hand ligtly resting on his chest. Logan laid his other arm over her waist, placing his hand on her lower back and pulled her closer, amazed at the vunerability and trust this woman had shown him. Kaylee's breathing came out regularily and Logan burried his nose into her soft red and blond hair, the haunting smells of sandalwood and jasmine teasing him. He had layed awake many hours, just remembering that smell, never quite being able to clear the image of Kaylee out of his head. He knew that if it came down to it, he would give his life to keep her happy and safe, and with his unintentionally new purpose in life found he fell into a peaceful sleep.
So ends chapter three, but if you want more, don't worry, there will be more coming. If you have any suggestions, comments, concerns or ideas, please message me, I check my messages fairly frequently, comes with being in college I guess. Thanks for beeing interested enough to read till the end, -Jen