First off i would like to think everyone for the kind words about my grandma they meant the world to me! Thank you thank you thank you! :) Also i would like to thank you all for being so patient with me as you waited for this next chapter, i made this the longest yet!
Keeps those comments coming guys I love hearing what you think about this story! :)
[Chapter 8]
Logan roughly pulled his shirt on over his head as he dressed in the locker room as replayed what had just happened in the D.R. with Ororo. He couldn't keep the memory of the way Ororo felt against his lips before she pushed him back with and angry scowl marring her face out of his head. Mentally kicking himself in the ass for not having better control over his actions, he slammed his locker shut and stormed out to the white lit halls cursing himself the whole way to elevator.
He stood waiting for the doors to open as he held an unlit cigar between his teeth. When the doors finally opened the halls were full of kids who had just returned from school, hustling and bustling about talking about their weekend plans. Logan rolled his eyes remembering that it was Friday so all the runts would be home for the next few days.
Jubilee came to skidding halt in front of him and popped a bubble before giving him a toothy smile "Heya Wolvie!"
"Kid…"
She shrugged him off "I know, I know, don't call ya that. My bad."
Logan gave her a half smirk and a grunt then made to continue his way down the hall, a long bike ride was calling his name.
"Heyyyy! Don'cha care what I got on my bio test? You and Ororo have only been pounding me to pass this class and all, ya know"
He stopped his movements and took a deep breath, he couldn't really take what happened early out the runt so he turned and faced her "That was taday?... Well? Ya gonna be free from Hank and 'Roro's sessions?"
Jubilee rummaged through her hot pink back pack and pulled out a slightly wrinkled piece of paper but when Logan went to take it she pulled her hand back "Just remember I tried okay?"
"Well tha grade will tell me how hard ya 'tried'" he took the test and flipped the page over and seen the grade. He arched one of his brows and rolled his cigar to the other side of his mouth.
Jubilee stood there holding her breath. Ororo was coming down the hall talking to Evan about going to visit his parents this weekend when she seen the young girl in the bright yellow jacket and smiled. She sent Evan to pack for his visit and stopped beside the teen, ignoring the man she was standing with.
"So how did your test go today? Were any the study behaviors I taught you of any service?"
Logan was having a hard time not looking her direction and was annoyed that she seemed perfectly fine now when she had looked like she was going to cause a hurricane when he had kissed her. Ororo on the other hand was not as calm and collected as she seemed in fact she wanted nothing more than to keep walking passed Jubilee and Logan but she knew she couldn't discourage the child by not asking how the test she had been studying for went.
"I think they might have helped some… I dunno…"
"Were you confident in answering? All that matters is that you tried and that your grade shows improvement. Did it?"
"Here. See for yerself" Logan held out the test towards Ororo, who took it without looking at him.
"hmm…" Ororo scanned the page and checked answers before looking up at the teenage girl before her and smiled "This is an excellent improvement Jubilation. You should be proud, I know I am"
"Really? Cuz I tried to get an A…"
"I don't expect straight A's just that you try your hardest and with this B- I can tell you did just that" Ororo pulled Jubes into a side hug which the she gladly returned.
"Yeah kid, big step up from that D on tha test ya brought home. Good job" he playfully nudged her shoulder, brushing his knuckles against Ororo's forearm as he did. He tried not to frown as Ororo pulled her arm back as though she was just burned.
"Thanks guys! I'm gonna go show Mr. McCoy!" and with that she took off down the hall
"No running!" Both Logan and Ororo yelled after her but their words fell on deaf ears
Once she turned the corner they were left both standing awkwardly next to each other, the halls were practically bare since all the kids were now starting their weekend. Logan rolled his cigar to the other side of his mouth and shoved his hands in the pockets of his jeans; Ororo looked down the hall to see Kurt and Bobby talking quietly as they head towards the girls 'dorms' with a grocery bag full at their sides. Without saying any words she turned from Logan and rushed down the hall.
Logan watched her leave and felt a pang in his chest as he did then he frowned and cursed the woman as he made his way to the garage. He threw his leg over his hog and revved the engine, he lit his cigar and puffed it a few times before he took off down the long drive way.
Ororo watched from her spot at the small table in the kitchen; she had sat down with Jean after putting a halt to the hair dye shampoo prank, a small smile tugged at her lips as she remembered the boys faces at being caught and her eyes flicked to the confiscated bottles sitting next to her. Then she heard the familiar rumble of Logan's engine which brought back the memory of him kissing her, her nose wrinkling at the thought as she unknowingly touched her lips.
"There is only one person I know that can make you turn your nose like that" Jean said as she realized her sister hadn't been listening to her for some time now "good thing what I was saying wasn't too important Rory"
"I'm sorry Jean. My mind has seemed to wander off elsewhere"
"Yeah, on the back of a Harley" the red head quipped
Ororo rolled her eyes "Oh please"
Jean laughed "I don't have to be a telepath to know who is on your mind"
"Jean…"
"All I'm saying is that…"
"So do you and Scott have plans for this weekend?"
This time Jean rolled her eyes "Subtle Rory, Subtle" when Ororo didn't speak she continued "and yes. We are going to actually go out on a date. I can't remember the last time that happened"
"Probably our senior year"
Both women started laughing before Jean spoke again "You're probably right. Where did the time go? Only seems like yesterday we were 10 years old and pining over the Backstreet Boys"
"Those where days weren't they? So much less to worry about" Ororo look back to the now empty drive way
Jean stayed quiet for a moment watching her best friend get lost in her own thoughts with a distant look in her eyes. After sitting quietly the red head took a sip of her water "So, anyword on Brennan's schooling?"
Ororo looked at Jean "Actually we meet with the principle on Monday and if we are lucky she will be able to start Tuesday"
"We?" Jeans eyebrows lifted towards her hairline
Rolling her eyes Ororo leaned her elbows on the table "Yes Jean. We."
"You and the Professor?" she asked knowing too well who 'we' actually meant
"You know exactly who I am going with…"
"You gotta date Ms. Munroe?" Kitty squealed as she bounced into the kitchen with Rogue following behind her
"Ah thinks that's great Ms. O. Everyone needs a little sugah in their coffee" Rogue smirked and wiggled her eyebrow's as she hopped up on the counter and Kitty's mouth dropped open at her words
"Anna Marie!" Ororo gasped and Jean nearly choked on her water as she laughed or at least tried not to
"what? Ah just meant that…"
"It does not matter what you meant, it was how it was said and there is not a shortage of chairs in the kitchen"
Taking the hint Rogue dropped from the counter and sat on the stool to her left with a bit of a pout playing on her lips. Kitty got over her mild shock and sat on the stool next to Rogue and swung her feet back and forth as she sat there "So, like, who's the lucky guy?"
"Yes, Rory who is the lucky guy?" Jean asked with a smirk
Ororo frowned at her best friend and opened her mouth to answer but Charles came in and interrupted them when he asked to see Jean and Ororo in his office. They both wasted no time in following the professor out of the kitchen.
"So, like, who do you think Ms. Munroe's boy toy is?" Kitty asked in a hushed voice, leaning towards Rogue just in case the adults weren't fully out of ear shot yet
"Heck if ah know Kitty. Ah didn't know Storm had time fer dating; Ah mean with taking care of all of us and being part of the X-men who could fit a guy in? And besides she didn't say she was seein' anyone" Rogue reasoned as she grabbed an apple from the fruit basket and took a bite.
Kitty jumped down from her stool "I know! But she didn't deny it either! OMG we totes have to tell Jubes"
"Ah don't think we… Hey! Kitty wait fer meh!" Rogue had to practically to run to catch up to her friend "Ah said wait" she caught up to Kitty who nearly bouncing with excitement of her new found gossip starter.
"okay, okay I'm waiting" she crossed her arms across her chest
"Ah was saying that maybe we shouldn't go 'round tellin' tales yet"
"Tales? She basically said so Rogue"
"Ah don't recall that" they made their up the stairs and Rogue ran her gloved hand along the banister as they went
"Lying by omission" Kitty said in a matter a fact tone.
"By what?" Rogue stopped in front of her room and leaned against the door looking at Kitty through the bangs that had fallen in her eyes
"You knooooowwww" she drawled out "Like what Professor said that one time lying by omitting the truth same diff as straight up fibbing"
Rogue put some thought into what her friend was saying and shook her head "Ah can see what ya sayin' but ah don't think that's tha case here"
"There you guys are!" Jubilee poked her head out of her room "Where have you guys been?"
Kitty bouced in her spot and clasped her hands together "You're like totally not gonna believe…"
"Kitty…"
The brown haired girl looked over at Rogue "It's Jubes. She won't say anything. Will ya Jubes?" she looked back to Jubilee who was now standing with them
"Ooooo juicy gossip? Spill!" Jubille popped her gum and looked between her friends and when neither made to speak she playfully pushed them both in the shoulders "Come on if I knew something you 2 would be the first peeps I would tell!"
Kitty looked to Rogue and widened her eyes and titled her head and Rogue threw her hands up in surrender "OH fine what do ah care? Go on tell 'er"
Logan was sitting at a the bar in Harry's; a place where the X-men had come to celebrate a special occasion or just unwind after a rough mission, the place was mutant friendly so they didn't have to worry above some dumb ass starting shit for no good reason except for the fact that they were mutants.
He tossed back the rest of his beer and flagged Harry over for a new one. Logan had only been there for a couple of hours and every other minute he thought about the one woman he was there to get away from and every minute in between that was filled with the thought of the open road and how he maybe needed to leave again. The beer wasn't doing the trick and he wanted to ask for the good stuff but stopped himself when he recalled the last time he drank whiskey.
Logan let out a growl 'damn woman is messin' with my drinkin' habits now'
"Problem there?"
Logan looked up and seen Harry standing in front of him cleaning out a beer glass with a white rag looking the part of a typical bartender "Ya could say that pal"
Harry watched as Logan wasted no time in polishing off his beer and slammed in it on the counter. He leaned so that his elbows resting in the bar in front of him then stared at the empty bottle.
"haha Oh man, I know that look. I see it 'round here more than you'd think"
Logan looked to the bartender with a raised eyebrow "Wuddya talkin' about?"
"You, friend, are wearing the look of women troubles" Harry popped open a new beer and placed it on the counter and took the empty bottle away "Though I never thought I'd see you wearing it"
"Yer crazy bub" Logan took a swig of his beer
Harry let out a chuckle and leaned on the back counter "Call me what you want but you haven't eyed any of the fine females in here this evening and trust me they've been looking at you" and with that he walked to the other end of the bar to help someone flagging him down.
Logan held his beer by the neck of the bottle and swirled it around watching the amber liquid swish about. He smelled her before she even approached him, a sickening sweet smell and stale cigarette smoke.
"You alone?" Her voice was high pitched and her words slightly slurred, she was wearing a short black mini dress that showed off way too much and left nothing to the imagination at least from what Logan noticed out of the corner of his eye.
"Ain't ma type Darlin'" he frowned as the moniker felt foreign rolling off his tongue for a stranger, that was 'Ro's name. 'Since when?'
"Well I could be your type…"
He finally looked at her and he was right about her dress, if you could call it that, barely covered her. It was low cut and extremely short. He could smell the product in her hair and let out a loud sniff to try and clear the scent from his nostrils.
'Why do these broads try so damn hard? 'Ro doesn't wear half as much make up and wears a helluva lot more clothes and still had this chick beat in the beauty department'
"Like I said, not interested" Logan stood up and tossed a fifty on the bar and headed to the door.
Once he was on his bike he fought with himself 'What tha hell? Get back in there! She was primed and ready to go!'
For a solid minute he debated going back but then decided to go back to the mansion because he had an early morning session with Jubilee or at least that's the reason he told himself. He started the engine and kicked off thankful for the fresh air in his lungs, gone was the stench of man-made perfumes and smoke.
On the other side of town Ororo was sitting down to a glass of wine with her sister, Vivian. Up until a year ago she had believed that she had no blood family left until they had a run in with a student at Bayville high school, Evan Daniels. As soon as Ororo encountered this young boy she immediately felt a connection that she couldn't explain, when she had shared her feelings with Xavier he decided to investigate further and it was discovered that Ororo's father had been involved with a women previous to her mother and that is where Vivian came in. David, Ororo's father, never knew of his first child.
Vivian watched her half-sister as she stared at her tall glass of wine "What's weighing on your mind this evening? You're here but your thoughts are not"
Ororo looked up and gave her sister a small smile and a sigh escaped her lips "It's nothing. I just have a list of things that need to be taken care of over the next few days" which wasn't really a lie but that wasn't what was taking over her thought's tonight
"Had I been any other person that excuse may have passed as the truth but I am your sister and I know when you're lying" she raised a manicured eyebrow as Ororo would have
Letting out a small laugh before taking a sip of her wine Ororo and took a moment to collect her thoughts about being called out be her sister "Honestly?"
At Vivian's nod Ororo continued "We have taken in a new student; she is all but 10 years old and has lost both her parents in a tragic car accident. She was trapped for hours before they were found."
Vivian stayed silent for a moment "And how did that affect you?" she asked with sincerity
"I feel helpless and angry." Ororo didn't even have to think about her answer the words just fell from her lips. She watched as her sister nodded and sipped her wine
"That little girl is lucky to have you to guide her in her time of need and what you are feeling is perfectly normal"
"Xavier has asked us to be her guardians of sorts. Since we were the first to interact with her she has taken to us and will only really listen to us" Ororo commented
"Us?"
"Hmm? Oh, yes. Logan and myself" Ororo replied nonchalantly as she tried not to think of the way his lips felt crushed against hers or the heat that came from his body it was close to hers in the Danger Room for the what felt like the hundredth time that night.
Vivian sat up at the mention of Logan "A man? Let's here the details and we are both grownups here so don't leave any of the details out"
"There is nothing to tell. Logan is an incorrigible brute who I could do without seeing for a while"
"From what I remember Logan is a looker. In a sexy lumberjack out of a harlequin novel kind of way" Vivian watched as Ororo straightened in her chair and opened he mouth to speak but took a gulp of her wine instead.
Ororo couldn't help the territorial feeling that washed across her when her sister mentioned Logan being 'sexy'. Logically Ororo knew her sister was married and happily so and was just commenting for kicks but that still didn't help the feeling that took over her mind.
"Yes, well then you can have him" she said stiffly hoping it would come out sounding sarcastic and loose.
"So, you have no feelings for this Logan of yours?"
"What about Mr. Logan?"
Both sisters looked to the backdoor in the kitchen and seen Evan and his father walking in from the backyard after their game of basketball post-dinner. Ororo finished her wine and stood, putting on her coat and grabbing her purse.
"Well I should get going. Hank is alone with the children tonight" she walked to Evan a hugged him then turned to her sister "Thank you for dinner"
"See ya later Auntie O"
Vivian walked Ororo to the front door and leaned the doorway as Ororo fished her keys out of her purse "Smooth Ororo"
"I'm sure I have no idea what you are talking about. Goodnight" she smiled towards her sister and made her way down the steps. She had just sat in her car when she received a text message
From: Viv 'tell Logan goodnight for me'
Ororo rolled her eyes and tossed her phone back in her purse and started the engine to her 67' convertible mustang and headed home for the evening hoping the kids didn't make too much of a mess.
She pulled into the garage just as Logan was hoping off his bike. He stopped to watched her park and leaned back against his Harley as she stepped from her car with a small smirk.
Ororo stopped just before she reached the door "Is there something you need?" she didn't turn to face him when she spoke but instead stayed facing the open door
"There's plenty I need but nothing you would want to do help with… again" he added the last word with a suggestive air about him. Logan had decided on the drive back that if Ororo was going to ignore him he might as well give her a real reason to.
She looked over her shoulder "You're a pig. That will never between us again" Ororo turned her head back towards the doorway
"Good cause from what I remember there ain't no need to revist that disaster" as soon as the words left his lips he wished the earth would open up and swallow him
His words were like a slap to the face; her voice wavered as she spoke "I am sorry that the memory of our night together burdens you. You can sleep well knowing that disasterous evening will forever be a regret for me as well, only I have the benefit of never having to remember it"
Her voice quietly cracked at the end and had it been anyone else they wouldn't have heard it but Logan did and that small hitch in her voice was like a kick to the groin. He watched her walk away and fade into the night, stuck to the spot where he standing his mind yelling for her to come back so he could make things right. Logan let out a slew of curse words as he stalked off towards the house, that's not what he had in mind when he thought giving Ororo a reason to ignore him. The words just fell from his mouth before he could stop them. 'Word Vomit' as Kitty called it one day when she told him about how she made a fool of herself in front of some cute jock. When he got to the back porch he sat on a stone bench there and looked to the night sky, letting the cool air hit his face as he closed his eyes. When he opened them he looked to the window behind him and seen Ororo in the kitchen talking to Hank, he had just said something that made her laugh, one of her arms wrapping in front of her holding her stomach and other went to rest on his arm and her eyes closed with laughter. Logan envied Hank in that moment, he wanted that moment, he wanted to be the one making her laugh instead making her hurt.
Logan watched as Hank put a finger under Ororo's chin to make her look at him and say something to her, she softly shook her head and gave him a smile that didn't reach her eyes and Logan knew he was the reason for that. Ororo hugged Beast and he returned it enveloping her in huge furry arms before she left the kitchen. He took that as his cue to enter.
Hank was rummaging through the freezer when Logan opened the door and walked in. The big blue man turned with a pint of ice cream in his hands "Ah, Logan care for some…" Hank looked down at the ice cream in his hands "Karamel Sutra ice cream?"
"No thanks Furball and 'Ro will kill ya when she finds out ya found her stash" Logan joked
Hank chuckled "I suppose you are correct but at least I will die happy and un-wanting"
"Yer funeral." Logan opened the fridge and eyed his beer then closed the door and leaned against the fridge "How was yer night? Runts behave?"
"There was a minor… incident but for the most part they were as all adolescents are at their age." he said scooping some ice cream onto his spoon
"Riighhtt. Well tha place is still standing so that's gotta be a record"
"Quite." Hank savored the tasted or carmel and chocolate "Something on your mind friend?"
Logan raised an eyebrow "What makes ya ask that?"
After another scoop of Ice cream he answered "For one you didn't grab a beer though that was your intention" he paused "And you never once ever ask me how my night went… that is until tonight"
Letting out a non-committal grunt Logan crossed his arm across his chest "Well I ain't thirsty no more"
Hank smirked and held his hands up in surrender "Alright. Logan?"
"What?" Logan sat at the counter, he was still able to pick up the faint scent of rain and vanilla in the kitchen
"Did you notice Ororo's mood? She seemed… unhappy. Anything happen…"
"Look Furball what happens between me an' "Ro is our business" Logan frowned at the man on the other side of the counter
"…while at her sisters?" Hank finished at the same time Logan went on his mini rant then cleared his throat at the awkward silence that took over the conversation.
Logans mouth was in a 'o' shape as he realized he put his foot in his mouth again that evening, he quickly recovered and stood from the counter leaving the kitchen with the poor excuse of going to bed early tonight for Jubilee's session in the morning.
Hank stood by himself in the kitchen after Logan left and wondered why those two were always at each other throats, though deep down he knew the real reason. Tonight was different though, tonight Ororo seemed dejected as opposed to livid with Logan but when asked about it she denied such feeling saying she was fine and that she was just tired from the long week. Letting out a sigh he put the cap back on his sweet snack placing it back in the freezer before heading down to the med lab to run some tests on sample of a new virus that was starting to show itself in the U.S.
It was about 8:10pm when Brennan entered her room after her shower, towel still on her head covering her wet locks. She looked at the time and flopped on her bed making the towel fall from her head and letting her wet hair splay across the bedspread. Lights out wasn't until 10 tonight due to it being the weekend and she bored but couldn't leave her room.
Then
Earlier that evening she had tried to find Jubilee and the girls but when she had they were all huddled together talking in hushed voices and she got the feeling they didn't want to be bothered so she wandered around the halls of the mansion looking for something to do.
Brennan turned a corner and ran right into Jamie who had multiplied at the jolt of being bumped into. She stared wide eyed at the 6 Jamie's in front of her who were all standing and brushing themselves off, some even apologizing for the collision.
"Holy moly!" Brennan watched as all Jamie's forms morphed into a single Jamie
He reached to rub behind his neck "Yeahhh, sorry 'bout that. It happens when I'm caught off guard"
"It's okay. It just took me by surprise. Jamie, right?"
The little shook his head yes "Yeah. Where ya headed?"
"I have no idea" Brennan let out a laugh "I don't think I have been down this hall before but who know they all look the same to me"
"Well we aren't supposed to be down this hall so…"
"Then what were you doing?" she questioned, her curiosity peaked
"N..nothing…"
"Awe, come onnnnn. I won't snitch ya out" Brennan rounded her eyes in hopes he would spill the beans
"Promise?" Jamie liked the idea that he had maybe just made a friend, everyone was nice here but no one was his age so that was always hard to get over.
"Totally!" she held out her pinky and Jamie hooked his with hers and smiled
Jamie looked down both ends of the hallway as if searching for eavesdroppers "I'm trying to find my way downstairs"
Brennan looked at like he grew another head "Uh, we are on the bottom floor"
The little boy smirked at her "That's what you think" and just like that Brennan was hooked and had to be part of this quest for the hidden floor.
After what seemed like hours of searching for the illusive entry to a secret floor Brennan stopped walking and looked at Jamie "I'm done. I don't think there is really a doorway"
Jamie nodded wildly "Uh huh. Bobby said so and I have even seen the jet!"
"Jet? Okay, it's official. You're craz…" She leaned against the wall as she spoke and heard click stopping her mid-sentence. She looked at Jamie then at the wall then stood straight no longer leaning and as soon as she did the polished wall slide opened to reveal a brightly lit elevator cabin.
"SEE? I told you!" Jamie practically bounced on the balls of his feet next to her
"OK, so maybe you're not crazy. I take it back"
They stood in the light of the elevator then looked at each other and smiled before stepping over the threshold. The doors slid closed behind them with a swoosh and it automatically started its decent. Once it hit the ground floor a voice played out loud on hidden speakers.
::unidentified persons – speak for voice recognition::
"Uh oh" Brennan said as she looked to Jamie "now what?!"
"I…I …I don't know!" Jamie looked for any sign of buttons to get the doors open
::unauthorized voice detected. Intruders detected.::
"Jamie…"
"Im trying. I'm trying! There's… there's no buttons" Jamie sounded as panicked as Brennan felt
::activating Phosgene oxime protocol in 10… 9…::
Brennan began to panic slamming her hands on the elevators doors "Hey! Anyone out there?"
::8… 7…::
Both kids were pounding their fists against the doors now, the lights in the cabin flickered and Jamie multiplied in sheer panic. Brennan started to feel like she couldn't breathe with all the of Jamie's forms crowding the cabin
::6… 5… 4…::
"Come on! If you can hear us we need help!" Brennan screamed as all 6 Jamie's hollered for help too, all of them pounding on the walls and door
::3… 2…::
Brennan slid to the floor and held her breath hoping that whatever was about to happen would be quick and painless. She noticed all the Jamie's had disappeared except for the real one who had slumped to sit next to her with his eyes screwed shut in expectancy.
::Intruder protocol deactivated::
They didn't move a muscle when the voice spoke, expecting the worse. They heard the cabin door slide open with a familiar swoosh sound and they let out a sigh of relief, thanking God for small miracles. Brennan opened eyes so see Mr. McCoy and standing with his arms crossed and angry looking Professor at his side, she tried to swallow the lump in her throat at their stern faces and silently wished the elevator had put her out of her misery.
"To your rooms. I want you showered and ready for bed by the time I come to speak with you" the tone in professors voice left no room for argument. Brennan could feel how upset he was, it was coming off him in waves and chose not to speak.
Jamie hung his head and sniffled beside her. They both stood slowly and Brennan chanced a glance at the professor again, he was still stoned faced as he looked at them.
"we…" she cleared her throat as her words got stuck "how do we…"
"Mr. McCoy will escort you both"
At the mention of his name Hank moved onto the elevator and the door closed with the Professor still looking at both of them. Mr. McCoy said his name out loud and the voice from earlier confirmed his voice. The elevator ride up was the eerily quiet and it seemed to take forever to reach to the top floor. When it final did Hank stepped out and waited for the two children to follow. He led them down the hall and up the stairs, first to Jamie's room, opening the door the small boy said nothing as he entered and closed the door behind him but not before glancing at Brennan and mouthing 'Sorry'. She knew he really was because she could feel his guilt and remorse flow through her so she gave him a slight shrug and smirk. Then she slowly followed Beast down the hall towards her room.
Once at her door Hank opened hers as well but she stayed at his side so he put a large hand between her shoulder blades and gave her a slight nudge. Brennan let out a sigh and dragged her feet as she walked into her room; she turned and stopped the door before it was closed "Wait…"
Mr. McCoy stopped his movements and looked down at the little girl with an expectant glance, his glasses resting on the tip of his nose.
"I'm sorry?" she offered as she looked at him with hope in her eyes
"As most are when caught. Though it seems you are sorrier for about being caught rather than the act itself"
Brennan slumped her shoulders "Ya gonna tell Ororo and Logan?"
Hank smirked this time "Laws are spider webs through which the big flies pass and the little ones get caught. - Honore de Balzac"
"huh?" she tilted her head in pure confusion
"Rules are placed by adults for many reasons that children will not understand until caught breaking them and being reprimanded for it"
"So…"
"In short. I am sure Charles will extend onto them what occurred this evening. I believe you have shower to take Ms. McHale" he gave her one last smirk before shutting the door behind him.
Now
So that's how she found herself laying in her room 2 hours before lights out waiting for the Professor. Brennan glanced at the time again, 8:15 pm, and cringed when she heard the rumble of motorcycle coming up the driveway. She rolled to the edge of the bed and reached behind her and grabbed her damp towel and began towel drying her hair trying not to think about how busted she was.
There was a soft knock at her door and she hesitated before calling out to come in. When the door was pushed open Ororo walked in giving Brennan a smile.
"Why aren't you downstairs enjoying the movie with everyone else?" Ororo sat beside Brennan and lightly took the towel from her and took over drying the little girls hair
Right away Brennan could feel the hurt feelings coming from the older woman and sighed when she felt a brush gently combing through her damp tresses. It reminded it her of when her mom used to comb out her hair before bedtime and they would talk about anything and everything until her dad would come in then they would both tuck her in for the night. The memory made Brennan lean back against Ororo, who paused her ministrations and welcomed the little girl in her arms.
"I… I… got in trouble tonight… well kinda" she didn't say it loud but just loud enough to reach Ororo's ears
Ororo loosened her arms and turned Brennan slightly so she was facing her and raised an eyebrow "Kinda?"
"Well… see me and Jamie…"
"Jamie and I." Ororo corrected out of habit
"Right, Jamie and I." Brennan began to pick at a piece of non-existent lint on Ororo's pants "We sorta maybe got the Professor mad at us…" she didn't look up and stayed fixated on what her fingers were doing
"Hmm well words like kinda and sorta normally translate to you did" She placed a hand over the small one in her lap to still Brennan's movements and put a finger under her chin to make Brennan look up
"We didn't do anything bad just did something we weren't supposed to" when Ororo didn't comment Brennan continued "I was exploring the halls and bumped into Jamie and he told me about a secret floor that Bobby told him about…"
At the mention of the sub-levels of the institute Ororo's brows creased slightly "Go on.."
"Well we looked and looked foorrreverrr and found nuthin' but more halls and empty rooms… Oh and giant library"
When Brennan didn't seem like she was going to continue her tale Ororo spoke "I have known the Professor for many years and I am positive he isn't upset over a little exploring"
Brennan winced "wellllll… we found a secret elevator..." immediately after she mentioned the elevator she felt Ororo's body stiffen and her mood went from feeling wounded to feeling anxious with maybe worry, Brennan decipher which emotion was stronger "We got…"
There was another knock at her door but it was pushed opened before both occupants could answer and Logan entered surprised to find Ororo sitting on the bed with Brennan. Logan got over his shock at seeing 'Ro so soon after the happenings in the garage and leaned on Brennan's dresser with his legs crossed at his ankles.
Both females looked at him with different expressions; Ororo with displeasure even though she wasn't looking directly at him and Brennan trepidation. Logan knew why the kid was nervous, he had run into Chuck in the hall after he had found him leaving Jamie's room and he had filled him in on the little run in the kids had had with the intruder protocol. He eyed Brennan for a moment with his mouth in a straight line before his eyes flicked to Ororo who made herself busy with Brennan's hair.
"Can I talk to you fer minute 'Ro?"
Her hand paused the brush for a second before she answered that she was busy at the moment without even looking at him. Logan held in his growl that bubbled to be let loose from his throat, he didn't blame her for not wanting to see him right now but this was about the kid not them.
"yea I can see that… but I need to speak with you about what happened tonight" when he seen her stiffen he had added quickly "While we were away"
She slid off the bed with such grace she made the movement look fluid. Ororo walked out into the hall without a word or eye contact. Logan eyed Brennan for a moment then followed 'Ro's lead, when he entered the hallway Ororo was waiting for him near a small table with her crossed defensively across her chest.
"I talked to Chuck ta'night…"
"Charles." She stood with one hip jutted out as she shifted her weight to one foot
Ignoring her correction he continued "Two runts found their way to the elevator in the east wing. Brennan was one of them."
"Yes, I know. I was informed of this already" there was as steel to her voice as she looked down the hall then she looked at him, her eyes hard "Was that all you needed?"
"Look 'Ro about…"
Ororo held up her hand to silence him "No. If this conversation is about anything besides Brennan then you can save your breathe"
When she went to pass him to return to Brennan's room he grabbed her elbow tightly, not enough to cause pain but with enough strength to top her "Tha kids almost got gassed ta'night" he spilled, knowing she was dead serious about only talking about Brennan.
The words made her freeze, her arm going limp in his hand. When he seen he had her attention he continued "Hank stopped the intruder protocol with a second to spare. If he hadn't already been near the control panel…"
He let the unspoken words hangs heavy in the air. Ororo turned to face him, still being held by him though his grip softened "How would you like ta handle this?" he asked her when they met eyes
Ororo knew the gas wasn't lethal per say but could be extremely painful when inhaled. The effects of the gas ranged from burned skin (similar to a bad sunburn), fluid in the lungs, to conjunctivitis. Just thinking about the one of the children being exposed to such pain made her stomach tighten.
"How was Jamie handled?"
"Charles," he emphasized the professor's true name "gave him a minimum sentence"
Ororo raised a brow; she didn't want to play this game with Logan right now, or ever, so she asked "Which means?"
"No T.V., early bedtime, and he has to write lines for the rest of the weekend" he realized he was still holding on to her arm so he gently released it
"Then the same shall happen to Brennan. No need in lessening or adding penances" she let her arm fall to her side and without another word she entered Brennan's room and after a moment Logan followed.
It was later that evening the Ororo was back in the kitchen cleaning whatever dishes were left in the sink. After their talk with Brennan, Logan and she had gone their separate ways. He stalked off down the hall without even looking in her direction and she made her way down to the greenhouse, that's where she would always go when needing to clear her head. It had become a habit of hers growing at the mansion when she needed solitude, the professor had basically let her take over caring for all the plant life in there.
Rinsing her final dish she turned to dry her hand on the dish towel lying near the sink. Ororo tried not to think about how Logan's words had stung her earlier but she was still feeling the smart of his words like a brand to her heart. It was rare for her to let anyone, except for those she grew up with of course but even then it took her some time. She had let guards down once when she was younger and thought she was in love but she was sadly mistaken and was hurt so badly because of it. Logan had hurt her with his words and she winced at how he called there night of drunken tryst a disaster. Ororo let a sigh fall from her lips at the memory and looked at the time, she tossed the towel back on the counter and headed to bed for the night.
5:00 the next morning Jubilees alarm blared and she nearly jumped out of bed. She turned and slammed her hand down on the digital clock next to her and groaned when she seen the time then fell back hard onto her pillow and closed her eyes but the words that drifted through her door had her leaping from bed to get ready her session with Logan.
"Kid, it ain't gonna be pretty if I hafta drag yer hide outta bed"
Jubilee all but ran to her closet to find a suitable out for the morning hell-a-thon she was about to be put through. She slipped out of her PJ's and tossed on some academy sweats then went to the bathroom to freshen up.
She found Logan at the bottom of the stair waiting for her in his own sweats and training shoes he didn't look too happy but then again he never did. Once she made it to bottom step she gave him a hesitant smile and said "Good morning"
Logan smirk "Ya won't think so in few minutes"
He walked towards the French doors that led to the backyard and Jubilee didn't bother holding in her groan as she followed her mentor.
The air was crisp and slightly damp since the sun had yet to really rise yet. They made their way down to the lake and Logan stopped to sniff the air when the winds shifted, he looked up towards the sky just as Ororo was making her decent to land gracefully on the tips of her toes next to Jubilee.
She was wearing black workout pants and a light weight teal shirt with long sleeves and matching Nikes. Her hair was up in a ponytail and she had her iPod strapped to her arm ready to go. If she was tired her face showed no trace, in fact it looked as though she had been for hours prior.
"Good morning" Ororo greeted as Jubilee gave her a smile, she looked to Logan briefly then down to her watch "Let's begin, shall we?"
After doing numerous stretches they began jogging around the lake. Jubilee's eyes practically bulged out of her head when she was told they were running the around the lake three times before training that morning.
Ororo was on her second lap when she heard footsteps coming up from behind her she tried not to roll her eyes at knowing who it was.
Logan caught up to Ororo and kept pace with her until the drumming of their feet on the earth were in sync as they ran "Didn't think ya were comin'"
"I am a woman of my word Logan. There was no valid reason for not to show" she kept her eyes forward as she jogged along the shore of the lake
He could tell by her distant tone she was not in the mood for him. Logan stayed at her side as they jogged; he glanced forward to Jubilee whose pace had slowed so he let out an ear piercing whistle and immediately the teens stride quicken. He smirked until he felt eyes on him. He turned his head to see Ororo frowning at him before she accelerated her tread as well leaving him behind a few paces.
Logan watched her as she caught up with Jubilee and ran beside her, her ponytail swishing back and forth as she ran. His eyes traveled lower on their own accord and he smirked at the sight before him before he jogged to catch up to the two females currently ahead of him.
About an hour later Jubilee slumped as she sat down on the bench between the row of lockers and groaned as her muscles protested the action "I'm never gonna walk straight again"
Ororo closed her locker and smiled at the younger girl who was currently massaging her own foot "Well let this be a reminder the next time you feel like leaving the premises without a consenting adults permission"
"Trust me after our talk the other night I am totally never doing that again!" she promised as she switched feet
The older woman sat on the bench next to the Jubilee and gave her sympathetic smile as she again moaned when she tried to bent forward to put her sock on. Ororo would give her life for any one of the children living at the mansion, she was lucky enough to see so many of them grow into the amazing beings they were today and she took pride in knowing she had a hand in that.
"Come, let us go and get something to eat before there is nothing left" Ororo stood and waited for Jubilee to join her bofore they made their way to the kitchen for breakfast
"Tell me about it! Bobby would eat the kitchen counters if he had his way!"
Ororo let out a sound of laughter as she held a mouth to her hand "I have no doubt in that child"
They stood waiting for the elevator up when Logan walked up to them, freshly showered "Ya fine ladies headed my way?"
"We're about to grub. I'm starving!" As if to prove her point Jubilee rubbed her belly
Logan tossed her a grin "Well workin' yer as…" At Ororo's look he changed his word "Uh, butt off will do that to ya"
The door slid open and they all entered, Logan standing back to let them on first.
"Are you sure we hafta do this again tomo?" the teen asked with hope lacing her words
Ororo raised her brows and Logan snorted "Wuddya think kid?"
"Awe, mannnn"
"Ya do tha crime, ya do tha time" he crossed his arms and gave her a look as if daring her to bother trying to change their minds
The doors swooshed open and Jubilee stiffly stomped into the hall way mumbling as she went.
"Watch the 'tude kid or yer gonna be sore fer a whole 'nother reason, wanna try me?"
Jubilee held up her hands in surrender "No, No I'm good" she gave him a sheepish smile and turned on her foot and booked it to the dining hall.
"kids." He grumbled as he watched her go
"Quite."
Logan looked to his right and realized 'Ro was walking alongside him the entire time. She had changed and was wearing dark slim fit jeans and a paisley print tunic. Her hair was down and held back with a bandana type thing and she was wearing simple slip on shoes.
He stopped walking in hopes she would also stop "Can I talk ta ya?"
"You are." Was all she replied as her movement showed no sign of slowing.
"You know damn well what I mean" he caught up to her and put his arm out to touch the wall and in the process blocking her path
She stopped walking to avoid toughing him and looked perturbed at the action "Remove your arm Logan"
"No. I wanna talk"
"Well I don't" she finally looked at him the eye and he seen her eyes had the familiar color of morning fog clouding her normally blue eyes.
"Well that's too bad" he glared at her and kept his arm up blocking her path. They didn't notice the halls had started filling with students heading to the dining hall for breakfast. Some just zipped passed them sensing the tension and others lingered to see the outcome.
"This is not the time or place" she said through slightly gritted teeth
"There ain't ever a time or place with you Storm" Logan didn't bother keeping his tone down
Ororo glared at the use of her code name and used her hand to help push her way passed Logan but he grabbed her elbow with a grip that left no room for further movement. Her eyes flashed and Logan could feel the static in the air "Unhand me"
The hairs on Logan's arms stood with the charge in the air surrounding them and it made his nose itch, he raised an eyebrow at the angry women before him and dropped his hand from her person, crushed.
She turned to the children in the hall "This does not look like the breakfast line to me"
Her tense voice left no room for argument and all of the kids took the hint and mad a bee line out of sight. Then she looked back to Logan with a dead serious tone she said "If you ever lay a hand to me again I will not hesitate to strike you where you stand"
Logan could tell whatever little progress they made her walls shut him out just like that; not that he blamed her, he had basically told her to her face that she was lousy in the sack even though he hadn't meant a single word of it and he now knew what true remorse felt like.
"Whoa… Hey… what's going on?" Rogue asked when she seen her two favorite mentors in the hallway "The tension in here is thicker than tha fog in tha Louisiana bayou after the fourth of July"
Logan took a step back from Ororo and looked to the teen what was coming up to them. Ororo cleared her throat and smiled at Rogue "Good Morning Anna Marie"
The teen raised an eyebrow and looked between both adults "Are ya sure 'bout that?"
"Don't ya have somewhere ta be kid?" Logan didn't take his eyes off Ororo as he spoke
"Ahlright, Ahlright ah know when ah'm not wanted" she tossed Logan a smirked and eyed Ororo for a moment before she left two adults alone again
"I'm an ass fer sayin' what I did last night… I don't know why I said it 'Ro" he used her nickname hoping it would soften her up "I didn't mean it Darlin'"
"Logan…" Ororo brought a hand to her forehead and shut her eyes
"I'm serious. That night was not a disaster… That night was…"
"There you both are" Jean said as she came around the corner "Logan, Charles would like to speak with you when you are finished with breakfast"
Logan gazed at Ororo for a moment "Talk to you later?"
All she could do at that moment was nod before he walked away. She released her breath she was unknowingly holding and then looked Jean "Was there something you needed?"
"Is everything alright?" The red head asked when she was sure Logan was out earshot
"Nothing I can't handle"
"You and Logan seemed pretty tense when I walked up…"
Ororo looked at her best friend "Jean…"
"Don't Jean me Rory. I don't have to a telepath to know when something is up with you two"
"What did the Professor want with Logan anyway? Is everything alright?"
Jean rolled eyes "You know one of the days I'm not going to let you change the subject so easily"
"I'll be sure to hold my breath" Ororo smirked when Jean smacked her shoulder
"And Charles didn't say. Just that he needed to speak with Logan." They walked in silence for a while and Jean looked over at her pseudo sister out of the corner of her eye, Ororo was looking ahead with her brow slightly creased and Jean could tell something was weighing on her mind.
"I have told you this many times before but I am going to say again for good measure, I am here to listen when you are ready to talk"
Ororo looked at her sister and smiled "I know and thank you"
Kitty was sprinting down the hall when Logan whistled at her "Where's tha fire kid?"
She slowed to a walk "Sorry Mr. Logan but Ms. Munroe and the gang are waiting for me and I am like totally lagging right now"
"Where ya headed?"
"That mall." She bounced on her feet. Kitty was anxious to get to the car but she didn't want to be rude "Oh hey! Like, you should totes come with us!"
"I don't think so half-pint"
She grabbed his hand and tried to drag him down the hall "You could, like, hang out with Ororo so she isn't the only adult"
Logan let himself be dragged out to the car and had to hold back the smirk at Ororo's face when she had seen him climb into the passenger seat. He knew she loved the kids too much to break the promise of taking them to the mall just because she didn't want to see him. It was playing dirty but oh well since when did Logan play fair?
"Couldn't say no to tha kid." He commented as they waited for the girls to buckle.
"Mmhmm" was all she said the entire ride to him on the way to the mall but she had no problem talking and joking with the four girls in the back seat of the van though.
Brennan held Ororo's hand as the group walked into the mall, she let herself be led to the benches near the entrance and looked around taking it all in. The mall had three stories and probably about a million stores, well at least that's what is seem like to her.
"Alright," Logan looked at his watch "It's 3:15 now we meet at the food court in 2 hours. Stay together and don't make me come lookin' fer ya"
The girls squealed at the thought of a unchaperoned mall trip. Jubilee grabbed Brennan's hand as they all took off towards the escalator but Logan hollered at them to come back.
When had all their attention he spoke "Ya know the rules. No strangers. No boys. No powers" the last word wasn't as loud as the other but thay all heard it. He looked to Brennan "Ya better stay by their side kid"
"I will Logan" the tips of her ears burned at the memory of wandering of in Vegas
He pulled his wallet out and handed her a ten "Don't make me regret letting ya run free today" he said as he gave all four girls a pointed look which was was met with 'you won'ts' "Alright scram"
They watched the girls leave for the first time without an adult "Logan I…"
"They'll be aright Darlin' we got the family locator on their phones. 'Sides they'll stick ta'gether" He looked at Ororo and smirked as held up his phone to show her his screen with 3 green arrows moving on it.
"When did you…"
"Something the furball and I did one night" they stood in silence "So…"
"What did Charles want?" she asked as she started walking through the mall. It wasn't the conversation he wanted to have but at least she was talking to him.
"Just a little pow wow on how to secure the elevators at the school and maybe adding a fail-safe for incidents like last night" He walked along side and noticed the man at the cellphone booth staring at her and he had to swallow the growl that wanted to make itself known.
"Well that's excellent. Though I hope we don't have another occurrence anytime soon or ever"
He gently grabbed her wrist and for split second though she would follow through with her earlier threat "I really didn't mean those words 'Ro ya got ta believe me"
Ororo brushed the hair from her face "Can we not here, Logan?"
"I just need ya ta know I didn't mean it"
"Your words hurt more than you will ever know…"
At that admission Logan wanted to lay down on a train track and wait for the steamer to give what he deserved "and I am sorry fer that. Look 'Ro that night… something happened I thought never would…"
"I can't do this with you Logan… not right now but your apology is accepted, if only for the sake of my sanity… and because I can see you mean it in your eyes"
"I'm an asshole"
"Tell me something I don't know"
When he looked up he seen her smirking and he couldn't tell by the airy tone that they were back on the path of making things right. He knew he had messed up and that she wasn't over it like she was making seem but he would take what he could get and work with it.
The rest of the afternoon was spent walking through shops talking and even joking around a bit. They made their way into a clothing store when he seen Ororo eyeing a dress in one of the windows and had to practically drag her into the fitting room. One thing he did notice about Ororo was she never did for herself ; it was always about the kids or the team, well he planned on changing that today.
Logan was sitting in one of the 'guy' chairs near the entrance of the fitting room; he figure it was the least he could do for what he had said. Watching a couple interact with each other when he noticed the boyfriends mouth hang slightly open, he followed his line of sight and landed on Ororo. She was wearing the dress from the window and putting to shame every woman who ever even considered trying that same dress on. It hugged her in all the right places, the dress wasn't scandalous by any means. The dress was a beautiful sundress with a sweetheart halter neckline and the hem hit a little lower then mid-thigh. Logan swallowed hard and came up to her with a canine bearing grin.
"This dress was made fer ya Darlin'"
Ororo hoped the blush she felt creep into her face wasn't was obvious as it felt "Thank you Logan"
"Ya getting' it?"
She turned to look in the 3-way mirror and let out a sigh "Maybe another time"
"Honey that dress is screaming your name" an employee said with a southern drawl
"We'll take it" Logan tossed the lady his card
"Now that's a man who knows how to pamper his woman" she said she walked away to ring the purchase
Ororo turned on her heel to face him ignoring the fact woman assumed they were together "Logan you will not be buying this dress"
"Too late." He smirked at her "Consider it a 'I'm sorry fer being as ass' gift"
"Logan…"
"Like I said it's too late" he looked around to make sure no one was looking and released a single claw quickly cutting off the price tag "There all set"
Ororo watched the admantium blade slid back in between his knuckles the skin and flesh already healing and without thinking reached out to wipe the small bead of blood there. Logan let her run her thumb softly between his knuckles where his claw had made its return and it took all his might not to pull hand away from her touch, he always had a tick in the back of him mind when it came to his hands.
When Logan didn't pull away Ororo linked their hands so that their fingers interlocked, each one of her fingers resting between his. She finally looked up to meet his eyes and let out a small gasp at the fact that he was staring at her with a look of wonder, his eyes a shade of gray she had never seen before.
"'Ro…" his voice was huskier than before and he held her hand a little tighter. He watched as Ororo took a small step forward and looked up at him through her long lashes.
All of sudden there came an obnoxious beeping noise, Logan tried to ignore the repetitive noise as he gathered his thoughts on what he was trying to say. He watched the corners of Ororo's lips slowly turn upward and a small wisp of laughter left her lips. 'that smile'
"That's our cue" she gently released his hand and at his confused expression she elaborated "You're cellphone is going off"
It took a second to catch on and he cursed under his breath as he reached in his pocket and pulled out his cell, it was the alarm to warn them it was almost time to meet the girls. He looked back up to see Ororo returning to the dressing room.
They sat in the food court and waited for the girls, neither one bringing up the little moment they had just shared.
"Thank you again for the dress Logan, it's lovely"
"Like I said it was made fer ya." He scanned the crowd for the runts "They are gonna regret if I have to look fer 'em"
"Yes, I am sure they will" she raised a brow at him
"Ain't gonna ever trust them alone on these outings again" at Ororos look he added "What? Kids, think tha word revolves around 'em, I got things ta do"
Ororo smiled at the way he was chalking up his looking up every 5 seconds to intolerance's but she knew it was the fact that it was 'his' girls first solo outing and he was anxious about their return.
"They still technically have…" she looked at her watch "3 minutes. They won't disappoint… and if they do we know they were not ready to be trusted alone quite yet"
Fifteen minutes later Ororo and Logan found themselves walking into a place called 'Howie's Game Shack'. There dozens of game consoles and computers lined up and there were kids everywhere but what caught their attention was Rogue's voice.
"Ah didn't break nuthin'!"
"Look ya little street rat your parents are gonna have to pay for this" an disgruntled employee replied as he pointed to a smoking PlayStation 3
Rogue stepped forward and Kitty put a hand on her arm "let it go Rogue. Let's just go"
Brennan was standing in between Kitty and Jubilee; she looked to everyone around her and felt so many emotions that it was starting to give her a headache. Guilt, anger, confusion, some stronger than others she took a step back when Jubilee took a step forward at the man calling her friend a street rat.
"Take that back you giant d-bag" Jubilee frowned at the man who was now using his walkie to call for security. She flicked her finger sending a small spark to his communicator, ignoring the looks she was receiving from Kitty and Rogue and watched as it shorted out mid-sentence.
He looked down at his now busted walkie then back up the girls "Mutants! You're mutants aren't you?" he pointed a finger at them in accusation.
"What if we a…"
"What seems to be the problem here?"
At the sound of Ororo's voice Jubilee snapped her mouth shut and stepped back with the girls. Ororo and Logan now stood with the group, Logan eyed Jubilee then other teens then frowned. He did another head count and came up one short.
"Be back."
"Logan… where…"
He didn't wait around he just sniffed the air and left towards the back of the store. Ororo couldn't help the annoyance she felt at being ignored as she watched his back when he left without an explanation.
"You in charge of these kids?" the man spat out
Ororo ignored how he enunciated 'kids' "Yes I am. What seems to be the issue here?"
"The issue is that that one" he point an angry finger at Rogue "broke this game and now she need to pay for it!"
"Ah told ya ah didn't break yer flippin' game!"
"It does not look broken to me" she said after inspecting the console, ignoring Rogues little outburst.
"Well of course it doesn't she fried the circuit bored then fried my walkie" the man's voice raised and was starting to bring attention to them
At the mention of a fried circuit board Ororo's eye flicked to the teen in the yellow jacket, who was looking anywhere but in her direction. The older woman let out a sigh "How much to replace the items in question?"
"For everything? You're looking at about 360 bucks"
"Yeah right! Ya money grubbing…"
"Anna Marie that is enough" The tone in which Ororo spoke left no room for debate and the young girl immediately closed her mouth. Looking at the man she added "Let's handle this debt so that we may be on our way"
Ororo looked back to the three girls "Stay put."
After paying for the damaged game and communicator Ororo walked back to the teenagers who were murmuring amongst themselves "Where is Brennan?"
All three girls looked down to their sides and panic flashed across their features when they realized she was no longer at their side.
"like, ohmuhgawd…"
"She was just here ah swear!"
After Logan had left Ororo had put two and two together and realized he went in search of their missing child. It was also helpful that he had messaged her while she was paying the man off that he had found Brennan and would be waiting at the van for them.
"Logan has found her and is waiting for us at the car."
The teens all looked relieved when they heard the good news and let out a breath of relief.
"Do not look so reassured at the moment there is still the fact of the matter that you were not keeping an eye her to begin with… not to mention the incident with the game console"
Ororo almost wanted to smile at how dramatically all their shoulder slumped and how they began practically dragging their feet when walking to the car.
Logan was leaning against the hood of the car with his arm crossed when they walked up. He was looking down at the little girl by his side and his lips were moving so Ororo knew they were talking. Brennan was holding a bag and was rocking it back and forth, her head drooped low and Ororo knew the talk was more than likely about her walking off on her own again.
Logan could smell her before he could see her and the corners of his lips tugged upwards at the scent, he looked up as Ororo unlocked the van and the girls piled in "How much?"
Ororo didn't even have to question what he meant "three hundred and sixty dollars"
Logan let out a long whistle "Damn darlin' ya couldn't hassle him down?"
"I could have paid him two hundred but…"
"but what? Would'a been a lot easier on yer wallet 'Ro"
"Giving a him my number was out of the question. I would have gladly…"
Logan stood up from the car and uncrossed his arms "That twerp asked fer your digits?" he took a calming breath "Well, I don't blame tha kid for trying" he gave her a smirk and walked to the passenger side door opening it before climbing in.
The drive home was quiet all 4 girls feeling contrite in the back seats, they shared glances to one another but no one spoke. They pulled into the garage around closer to 6 pm and Ororo turned back to look at them and told them to go and put their purchases in their quarters. All 4 girls new that was a nice way of sending them to their rooms so the quietly climbed out and made their way into the house.
Logan help Ororo unload the few purchases they had made and followed her to her room. Ororo pushed open the door and let Logan entered first then set the few bags he had on her bed. Once done he turned to see her hanging her dress in the closet then riffling some of the bags in her hands.
"Ya talk ta tha runts 'bout misplacin' Brennan yet?" he sat on the edge of her bed, it was the most comfortable thing he ever sat on
She looked up from her bags and raised an eyebrow at how at home he looked sitting in her bed, he had leaned back so that the palms of his hand resting on the bed behind him "No as of yet, no. That's why they are in their rooms. Though…"
She came to sit next to him slipping off her flats and tucking her long legs beneath her "Though, we can hardly blame them for Brennan's decision to leave their side. She is old enough to know better"
"Yeah, already laid that on her, said the emotions being tossed around gave 'er a headache"
"Hmm, well regardless she had been warned about wandering off before. I supposed we can extend the no television penalty a few more days" Ororo regarded Logan for his agreement
He nodded "So whuddya think Rogue should get fer breakin' tha game?"
Ororo furrowed her brow "I don't believe she did"
"Then tha guy blamed them fer nothin'?" This time Logan frowned and made to stand up but Ororo's hand on his shoulder stopped him
"No, I believe our young Jubilee may have had something to do with it. She looked undeniably guilt-ridden when the man accused Anna Marie but said nothing. I also find it hard to believe that the game console and the man's walkie talkie both shorted out" she let her hand rest on his shoulder for a moment longer then needed before dropping it to the bed.
Logan let out a grunt and contemplated what was said "So ya think Jubes used her power on purpose?"
"At first no but I do believe the second use was intentional"
"well let's get these talks outta tha way. I'm starvin'" he tossed her a smirk and she smiled back at him, meeting his eyes.
They stayed on the bed staring at each other for what felt like hours before Ororo was the first to bend and let her legs slide to the floor and stood, slipping her shoes back on she turned to find Logan still watching her. She gave him a small smile and then reached out to grab his hand to pull him from the bed but forgot to take into account his adamantium laced bones making him heavier than your average male and stumbled forward almost falling into him. The only thing that stopped her was the fact that Logan was quick enough to take hold of her waist, placing his hands on either side of her. Ororo braced herself with her hands resting on his shoulders, her legs between his, no words were said and neither made to move. Until Ororo found her bearings when she felt Logan's thumb caress hip.
"We have punishments to dole out" Ororo cursed when her voice sounded throaty
Logan continued to caress her hip with his thumb before she pulled back and cleared her throat as Logan stood beside her and reached for her arm when she went to walk towards the door "Hey…"
"No, Logan. The children come first." She didn't look at him as she pulled open the door and walked out leaving him her room before he rushed to catch up to her
It didn't take long to catch up to her she had just made it to bottom of the stairs "'Ro… 'Ro… dammit Storm wait"
Ororo slowed her steps looking put out at stopping for him "What?"
"I can't handle this hot and cold game you play anymore. I need ta…"
She frowned at him "There is no game Logan. It is all in your head."
"No, no… you know damn well what I mean" he stood in front of her "One minute ya hate me the next minute ya… ya…"
"I what?" she lifted her chin "What is it you want Logan? Huh? What is it that you are trying to accomplish here?" when he didn't say anything she continues "You are the one playing games. Holding out on remembering then throwing that night in my face that same night like it meant nothing to you."
"'Ro…" he knew she was pissed he could feel the static swirling in the air
Ororo held up a hand "No, I am trying here Logan. Trying to get passed what happened, what you said… It is not as easy as you make it seem. For the sake of the children I am trying… please don't make this more complicated than it already is" she ran a hand through her hair and sighed
He stood at her side now, speechless, he never thought she would let him know what was going on in her head; it's not what he wanted to hear but he would take it. The way her hips felt under his hands flashed through his mind making him thinking of their night of drunken bliss, the silkiness of her skin, the way she breathed his name.
"I didn't mean to make ya all hot n' bothered 'Ro I just…"
"Well now, Remy thought he was da only one to make his Stormy hot and bothered, no?"
Ororo turned her head so quick Logan thought her neck might have snapped. There standing in the doorway was a man Logan had never seen before. He was wearing a long brown trench coat a smirk that was aimed at Ororo.
"Remy?" Ororo all but jumped into this strange man's arms, who had no problem holding her to him as the greeted each other.
Logan tried not to growl when he slowly kissed her cheek a little too long for Logan's liking.
"Remy interrupting s'mthing chere?" he looked from Ororo to Logan. Giving Logan a glimpse of his eyes, red with black.
Ororo grabbed this new man's hand and smile "No, of course not. Here" she walked him over to Logan "Remy Lebeau , Logan. Logan, Remy"
"pleasure" Logan grunted out although he didn't seem too enthused
"Da pleasure be Remy's Homme"
Logan watched as the two interacted, they were leaning in close to each other as they spoke, foreheads almost touching. In fact it seemed the two couldn't go five seconds without touching each other. Ororo wrapped her arms around the swap rat's neck for what seemed like the dozenth hug.
"Stormy miss Remy?" he asked in think accent and a smirk
"Always… and don't call me that"
That's when Logan took his leave. It was clear he was no longer noticed in the room so he stalked out to the porch to light up a stogy. After a few minutes heard more than the two oice in the hall and looked through the window to see Jean and Hank greeting the man like old friends he also notice the man still had his hand on Ororo; this time he did growl.
