Rain
(not for those in a very good mood XD)

Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.

Sometimes she has to give herself a mental kick in the ass to remember that she's not the only one who's hurting. She's seen him break seven ribs and get back up in three days, she's heard him scream when training to get his anger out, she's witnessed the way his eyes dull like dying embers when her comments actually hurt. Yet, she knows he's only trying to prove that he's strong enough to protect her.

Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.

Tonight is different. The mission was supposed to be simple, something Wolverine could have handled alone. But they send back-up, and he tags along aware that she is already in the field. He's a puppy, almost, kind of, or maybe just too darn loyal, like a puppy, almost, kind of. She is supposed to die in that explosion, take the blow, a piece of scrap metal shoved through her heart.

Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.

But that puppy is over her, protecting her, holding her tight, holding her close. There's the metal wedged in his back, no, there are multiple pieces - blood, dripping, crimson, splashing, pooling beneath them. It's wet, leaking, the sound of metallic rain smashing against concrete, turning her stomach, dancing in the euphoria of pain.

You're safe, chère... I'll protect you.

He's not smiling, just... falling.

Beep. Beep beep beep beep beep.

The mansion is pummeled by the storm - the sky was supposed to be clear tonight, but Ororo is upset - with droplets drumming against the windows rhythmically. She can only think of him, hoping he'll be OK, praying he won't die for her own lack of situational awareness. She's stupid, he's hurt because of her.

Beep beep beep beep beep beep beep.

He can't protect her when he's dead, please don't die. Professor Xavier says he has a slim chance. She sits beside him, his heart unsteady on the monitor, maybe it will stop beating all together, I hope not. She's seen him get hurt, but never like this. He loves her so much he's going to protect her at the cost of his own life. She leans in, closer, taking his hand, her lips to his ear.

Ah know you will, you're strong like that.

Beep beep beep beep. Beep beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeee- CLICK.


A/N: ...I...uh... Fangirls, don't kill me. Gambit just died to protect Rogue :( I'm such a kill joy. But I promise, no more heartbreakers like this ever again!
You know the drill: final chapters - Get Well Soon, Mistle Toe, Strings.
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