A Start of Something New

by Frozen-Marvel-83

The final chapter is up! PLEASE R&R, I would really appreciate some reviews. Thanks.

13. XCiting XPeriences

Chapter Twelve

Three days had rapidly passed by and it's early Friday evening. Nothing much had happened within in those days. Though most of the residents at the institute had heard Ororo's and Logan's night of merriment and, aside from the teachers, the whole mansion was now talking about it. Jean and Scott heard it well since they were in her room right near Ororo's. They couldn't resist to pick at the older couple for being so loud. And Logan didn't hold back, he told them that they weren't exceptionally tranquil themselves. That made Jean blush and Scott's face even turned slightly pink. After that statement from Logan they hadn't bantered them any further. None of the other students dared to pick. But by now, it wore off some. However, Laura had heard it quite loudly and clearly. She hadn't said anything about it due to the fact that she was unable to find a way to do so yet. She didn't understand what had taken place between the two and she was highly confused over the whole ordeal. She didn't want them to think she was being intrusive for she knew it was private, even if she didn't comprehend it. Being shut out from the real world for her entire life until recently has done no good for her. Although she's getting a taste of what being a kid is and learning what love is she's still far from the ordinary teen.

This had been an exciting day for Jean. It was her last day of college until fall and she was very pleased with her grades. And even though she was unsure of some of her classes it turned out that she passed all of them and with excellent credits. There was no doubt that Scott would be excited as well. Now they could spend more quality time together, which they had already started. They had went out to a drive-in movie where you could see two movies for the price of one. Surprisingly, they actually decided they would watch the movies, and if they were up to it they would have their fun afterwards. They weren't sure if they'd go home to do so or go somewhere like the last time. Neither of them really cared if they were heard at home, at least not anymore, but it still felt awkward knowing that they were heard by their elders. And they may have never known if not for teasing Ororo and Logan. Even so, it didn't bother them too badly. Besides, Ororo and Logan didn't seem to care if they were heard.

Rogue and Remy had been spending even more time together. She still knows nothing of Remy's secret for the prom and he's hoping to keep it that way. He can't wait to see the look on her face when she finds out that he's her date. It'll be a Kodak moment for sure. Lately he's been thinking about going out again since he hasn't really been going out anymore. But only to have a few drinks. For him it was overly odd, but he had not one, single notion to have sex with, or even flirt with any women. His eyes, and thoughts, were only on Rogue. He knew he'd soon have to spill the beans for he was finding it so much more complicated to deny how he felt for her. And he was also sure that everyone that saw them together knew the truth. Not to mention, so many have more than likely noticed his change in habit; he rarely went out. When he did he'd be home extremely early. Even Logan couldn't argue with this since he's usually up late. He's noticed himself that Remy is home much earlier and he never smells of sex, only smoke and alcohol. Strangely though, the person Remy wants to know of his feelings may not have a clue, while everyone else seems to have at least some idea. He's just hoping that it will all come out on prom night, if not sooner.

Rogue is struggling with the same thing. It's becoming largely complex for her to deny her true feelings. It was almost painful now to hold it in. She knew that sooner or later she'd have to let it out. She has also noticed Remy's habitual changes, though she doesn't know how deep it really goes. And doesn't know if Remy has a even the smallest hint to how she feels for him due to the mask she tries to hide behind. It's clear to the others for sure. She only hopes she can find a way to tell Remy without chasing him away. Especially since she has no idea if he loves her or not. His past reputation makes her wonder and often makes her cringe at the thought of sharing this with him. But all she can do is bring up the courage to do so and pray he feels the same. She'll be astonished to find out the verity.

---

Outside Laura was sitting on the ledge of the fountain, just staring into the water. She was thinking about what she heard three nights ago. And try as she might she couldn't shake that out of her head. She was so unknowing in those areas.

Ororo had noticed her sitting out there from one of the windows downstairs and felt, from the way Laura appeared to be spacing out, that something was bothering her. Ororo's motherly impulses kicked in and she thought she'd give a go at it. After all, Logan was Laura's father now so that would make Ororo an instant mother figure. But even so, she couldn't sit back while Laura seemed to be troubled. She was always there to help any of the students in any way she could.

Ororo opened the door and walked out towards Laura, who snapped out of the daze she was in as soon as she heard the sound of approaching footsteps. She jumped up and protracted her claws, ready for whatever was to come. She then saw it was Ororo.

Ororo was shocked. "Laura, honey, it's okay. I saw you out here and you looked troubled. Can I be of any help?"

Laura felt stupid. She should have relied on her senses and smelt who it was. She retracted her claws. "I'm sorry, Ororo. I guess I'm still jumpy." She said apologetically. Then she said, "Yeah, I've had lots on my mind . . . ." She trailed off.

"If you need someone to talk to I'm here."

Laura was deep in thought. She was tossing things around in her head. "Should I ask her about that night? Or should I just leave it be?" She thought. But then she figured she'd never feel better until she got it out. She began, uneasily. "Well . . . I was, um . . . I - I heard you and Logan Tuesday night. W-why were you moaning and screaming like that? Was he hurting you? It was odd. That's all." She started out slowly and had trouble spitting out the words but she soon allowed them to come.

Ororo seemed shocked again, but in a different way. Then she smiled. This was bound to happen sooner or later. "Firstly, I want to assure you that he wasn't by any means hurting me."

"I don't understand. Then why were you making those noises?"

"Honey, it's clear that we have much to talk about." Ororo said.

"You two love each other, right?" Laura questioned.

"Yes, we love each other very much, and that's why we were doing that."

"But what were you doing?" Laura asked.

Ororo took a seat beside Laura. "I'll explain that soon enough. I want to make sure you know about other things before I explain more on that. It all ties together though." This was the first time that Ororo had to explain everything. She has discussed similar issues but never had to start at the beginning. She asked, "Do you know anything about the difference between girls and boys?" Ororo said.

"Uh, yeah, I do know the basics. But only by seeing the difference." Laura felt uncomfortable.

Ororo could see that and said, "I'm not trying to make you feel uneasy or anything of that sort. It's just that it looks as though you haven't only been cut off from the world but you have also been cut off from learning a huge bit of knowledge. Anything with emotions like love and so forth. It's something everyone has a right to know." She paused briefly then went on. "My next question is, not to be too personal but it's helpful, have you started your menstrual cycle yet also called a period?"

Laura looked at Ororo with a strange expression. "What's that?"

"They didn't tell her anything."Ororo thought with a hint of anger. She wanted to be certain that Laura knew the truth so she wouldn't withhold any information she needed to know. "Well, it looks as though you need to learn a lot. I'll answer your question soon, but I need to know if you know about the female anatomy at all. Do you?"

"Um, I know some." Laura felt like an enormous spotlight was shining on her. But she continued and brushed away the strangeness. "I know that these are breast." She pointed at her chest and Ororo's. "I know that this is a vagina." She pointed to her crotch. She was started to feel oddly nervous. "That's all I was told on that. And I have, before coming here, been bleeding monthly from down there. They only said that it happens to all girls when they reach puberty. Whatever that is. I know of nothing else." She was feeling even more weird every second she spoke.

"Oh heavens. At least you know the name of those body parts and where they are located." Ororo stated with a half smile. "It's a start, not much but it's something."

"Can you explain everything they neglected to explain? I've had so many questions about my body but they'd never hear any of it. Like I wasn't supposed to know or something. I wondered why exactly that I bled, and I still do." Laura scowled and was furious at the thought of not knowing.

"Of course, that's why I'm still sitting here with you . . . ." Ororo said and she placed her right hand on Laura's left shoulder.

Just then Logan was walking over to them. He had seen them sitting out there and was wondering what they were discussing. "Talkin' about me by any chance?"

"Oh, no. She heard us that night and had questioned me on it. I'm going to give her "the talk", pretty much. In a way it's so much more for they haven't told her near to nothing. She is completely clueless. She knows about some of the female anatomy . . . " Ororo was cut off.

"Okay. I'll let you females finish this." He said and was about to walk away.

"Sure, I know this isn't your cup of coffee." Ororo said grinning.

"Ya got that right, Ro." He said with a bit of a smile. He felt relieved that she didn't want him to stay and discuss this with them. He added, "And I'm sure ya know all there is about girls, and even boys. You're smart."

"Yes. I'll do fine." She told him, still smiling.

Logan gave Ororo a short kiss on the lips and Laura watched with interest. Shortly Logan had turned and left the two alone again. So Ororo went back to the discussion.

"Alright, I was about to say that the bleeding you've been experiencing is your menstrual cycle or period, whichever you prefer to call it. Most girls call it the curse."

"Oh, I don't blame them because it sucks to bleed from there. It's even sort of gross." Laura said.

"Yes, quite true, but most girls also experience cramping in their lower abdomen, headaches, backaches and other pains during it. Some have none of those, or a few, while others have them all. And it sometimes depends, one time the same girl may experience nothing, very little or a lot. Anyhow, now you know what that is. I suppose I need to explain why it is." Ororo took in a deep breath. "The reason is because you haven't become pregnant. Once a girl hits puberty, which is the term for all of these changes in your body caused by the female hormone called estrogen, they are capable of having children. Though they aren't completely matured enough to start at that young age. It all starts with a tiny egg called an ovum that travels down from the ovaries, in which they are stored, and through one of the two tubes called the fallopian tubes, which are about the size of the lead from a mechanical pencil. Very tiny. From there it travels to your uterus and embeds itself there waiting to be fertilized by a sperm, the male reproducing cell. It is even tinier than the egg. If the egg isn't fertilized you haven't became pregnant and that egg is released from your body along with a thin layer of the uterus wall, the uterus is also called the womb and it's were the baby survives until it's born. But that's what causes menstruation." She looked at Laura who was sitting there soaking up the new found knowledge.

Laura looked into Ororo's eyes. "Okay. It's sounds weird, but it makes sense."

"Yes, it is an odd thing. But it's nature. Okay, are there any more questions on that area? If so feel free to ask."

"Where do the sperm come from?" Laura felt ultimately awkward.

"Good question. A man has an organ called a penis and behind that they have two glands called the testis which are held within an outer skin called the scrotum. The sperm are stored in there, in both sides. When a man is engaged in any kind of sexual activity from sex to just masturbation, which I'll explain later, the sperm travel from there with a fluid called semen and move through a tube called the urethra and out of their body. We have a urethra too, and it's only for one purpose which is urinating. That's something I know you're familiar with. Anyway, that's where sperm comes from." Ororo thought for a moment then realized that she had forgot to mention some of the female sex organs. "And women also have, right near where we urinate from, a tiny erectile organ called the clitoris. It's used for sexual stimulation. The folds of skin are called the vulva: the outer and slightly bigger ones are the labia majora and the inner and smaller ones are the labia minora."

"This is a bit much to digest." Laura responded. She had been listening quite intently but knew she wouldn't remember all of the names.

"That is quite understandable. And it's no problem because I can give you extra lessons where it'll be just you and me, maybe Jean since she's a instructor. Would that make you uncomfortable?"

"No, she's a girl and she knows this all too."

"Also, she's studying medicine and learning to become a doctor, so she'll be learning this stuff all over again. It'll be fresh in her mind." Ororo explained.

"Do the breast have an odd names?" Laura asked curiously but with an odd smile. She rarely smiled but she was getting a kick out of all of the strange technical names.

Ororo laughed. "Well, they are called breast. The other parts aren't all that strangely named. The nipple is the nipple and the circular area that's slightly darker than your skin color is called the areola. But I'll explain much more in your lessons, okay. One more thing, do you even know what sex is?"

"Well, I've heard of sex."

"Do you know what takes place during sex?" Ororo asked, this entire time she felt like she was talking to a kid since Laura's comprehension on this subject was just as low and she was just as unknowing.

"Uh, I think. A man and woman are naked and they . . . um . . . ." Laura couldn't think of what to say.

"The man inserts his penis into the woman's vagina. Then they move causing skin on skin friction. That's basically what sex is. It's a great thing but it should only be done with someone whom you love."

"So, is that what you and Logan were doing? Having sex?" It just came to Laura. But then she thought for a bit. "Are you two trying to have a baby?"

Ororo's eyes widened some. "Oh, no. I forgot to say that you can have sex for the pleasure as well. Then you must use some kind of protection, which, as like other things here, I'll explain more thoroughly later in your lessons."

"When will these lessons start?" Laura was anktious to start.

"I was thinking Monday. And then you can have them all the way until Friday. They will be after your other classes. If I can't, for one reason or another tutor you I'm sure Jean will be able to fill in for. If that won't be uncomfortable for you." Ororo explained.

Laura thought for a bit. She knew Jean and knew she was very kind and sweet and that she was quite intelligent. "Okay. I don't think it'll be a problem."

"Good. I'm sure I'll be there but you never know when an emergency would come up. I suppose, to make it easier, that I'll speak to Jean about this beforehand. That way she can help out and know where we are. Sound good to you?"

"Sure. But, will I be learning this over the summer too?"

"It depends on how well you grasp everything. It very well may take a long time. But then again, you're a smart young lady and I'm sure you'll catch on quickly." Ororo was right. She wasn't stupid and with the right guidance she could learn pretty easily and perhaps even quickly. "Nonetheless, we will not rush this." Ororo made certain she had made her point. Her features were more stern.

"Oh, of course. I do want to learn this no matter how long it takes." Laura definitely understood that.

"Then, we'll start Monday?"

"Yeah. Thanks for everything."

"You are welcome, sweetheart." Ororo wanted to give Laura a hug but thought twice. She didn't want to startle her for she knew that Laura had never received the love that most children receive. So she waited to see what would happen.

Laura sat there silently for a while thinking. She seemed to have understood some of the things she was told, but she didn't understand everything by all means. She was really willing to learn though and was glad to finally know why she bled every month and to know some more than she had. Even if it was only a little for now. And she was also glad to know that she'd be getting lessons to fill in all of the gaps of confusion. Finally she would know everything there was to being an ordinary person. As ordinary as she could be. She's been learning what being a kid is, how love works and now about the birds and the bees.

Ororo figured she had said all she could for the time being. "Well, I suppose that's all. Unless you have any other questions."

"No, I'm fine." Laura didn't think she could withhold any more information at the moment.

Laura stood up and then Ororo did as well. She figured that all was said for that time. Laura thanked her again for sharing her knowledge and even did yet something else she rarely does, she gave Ororo a quick hug. Ororo had just enough time to return the move before Laura pulled away, not unkindly. Then just as quickly she ran off and into the house. Ororo stayed behind and smiled. She had a lot of work to do.

---

Jean and Scott had seen the second movie and were on their way back home. They loved going out to see movies and to dinner, things like that, so they'd never get bored with it. They weren't sure what they'd do next for Jean was kind of on the tired side. Scott thought that maybe they could go home and get ready for bed. Then they could cuddle up together and talk until they drifted off to sleep. Jean agreed with his idea.

"That sounds so nice." She said. "But you know what, we could take a shower together, instead of alone. We haven't done that yet."

Scott tossed the idea around in his head. "Hmmm, that definitely sounds nice." He said with a smile. He couldn't pass it up.

She grinned. "And just maybe we could have a quickie in the shower. I hope your rubbers work in water."

"They should, bu I thought you were tired?" He asked, not that he didn't like her suggestion. In fact, he love it.

"Well, yeah, but you'll be doing most of the work." She joked.

He laughed. "Really? It's more fun when you pitch in."

"I know, maybe I'll give some effort." She teased.

"It'll be more than some, believe me. You sure gave a good deal in the back seat, and even our first time." He said, knowing she couldn't keep herself from doing so.

"So true. Okay, we'll share the work evenly." She smirked.

He glanced over when he stopped at a red light with a grin on his face. "That sounds better. I give some, then you give some. And in between we'll do it together."

"You know what's funny here?" Jean just thought of their conversation.

"What baby?" He asked. Right at that moment it wouldn't be much longer before they were home.

"If anyone hears us talking they won't know what we're talking about."

"Good, because they don't need to know." He said smiling.

As the red light changed she said, "Oh, shut up and drive." She joked.

"You shut up, you're going to need to rest your voice or by tomorrow you won't be able to talk." He picked on her.

"Why, are you gonna make me scream so loudly that I'll go hoarse?"

"Maybe. I guess you'll have to wait and find out." He said as they neared the mansion gates.

Jean laughed and Scott ended up laughing as well. They couldn't help but goof around like that. Although, their conversation was pretty truthful.

After a few minutes Scott was driving towards the gates. Once they opened he pulled through, they closed behind him, and he drove on to the garage. When he reached it the door slid upward and allowed him to move in. Soon he was inside the garage and the door slid back into place.

Scott opened his door to get out. He looked over at Jean, who was about to do just the same. "Wait. Please allow me." He said.

"Oh, how kind of you." She said back.

He got out, shut his door and walked over to the passenger side. He opened the door and she got out. After he shut the door he caught Jean by complete surprise as he swooped her up in his arms and carried her bridal style.

"Oh, Scott. What's this for?" She asked. She wasn't complaining though.

"I figured it would be nice to give you an extra lift." He said smiling.

"Are you carrying me all the way upstairs?"

"Yep." He said. He then planted a soft, long kiss on her lips.

In no time Scott made his way through the garage and into the institute itself, with Jean still in his arms. Shockingly there was no one in the foyer or living room, but as he went past the rec room he noticed that Rogue and Remy were in there. They were throwing sly remarks back and forth, as usual. Also in there were Kitty and Kurt who were sitting on the floor working on a school project, and over sitting in one of the arm chairs was Warren, off in his own little world looking at a newspaper.

"Hey guys." Scott said.

Everyone looked over briefly and said "hi" then they all went back to what they were doing, except for Rogue and Remy. Remy couldn't help but make a comment about Scott carrying Jean.

"Well, I bet my cherie would love for moit' carry her 'round like dat."

"Maybe. But don't ask me ta return tha favor." She looked like she surprised herself. She actually made a joke.

"Good one, Rogue." Said Scott.

"Yeah, but I hope you don't want me to either." Jean said with a grin. "Unless by telekinesis. Otherwise there's no way I could lift you."

Rogue laughed at the thought of seeing Jean carry Scott. She got even more unpredictable as the days passed. "That would be somethin' ta see."

"You carrying Remy would be too." It was Jean's turn to laugh.

Scott and Remy just looked at one another. They knew it would be a funny sight though. And soon they were laughing about it. Kitty and Kurt were listening in, of course. They looked at each other for a split second and laughed. The four looked at them.

"Sorry, it's a funny picture." Kurt said with a wide smile.

"Oh my gosh, yeah." Kitty was giggling.

Warren finally looked over with a cocked eyebrow. "Pardon me, but I overheard the conversation. I guess it would be a strange thing to see." He didn't laugh as the others did, but he did smile at the idea.

"It's nice to see you down here, and smiling." Scott said.

"Yeah, you're usually off to yourself. But we have a few people here who prefer to be left alone, so it's not a problem." Jean added to Scott's statement.

"I'm still adjusting to being around so many people. But at least here I don't have to feel like I'm being judged. We all have something that placed us here so I also don't have to hide who I am amongst any of you. That's the best part."

Remy thought some then said, "An' it's odd dat a little over a year ago some of us were enemies. Now look at us."

"Yeah." Said Rogue. Everyone else nodded in agreement. "But some of us still don't see eye to eye. Logan doesn't like you, Remy."

"An' I don't like him much. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't want anyt'ing bad t' happen t' him. I jus' don't like 'im." Remy stated.

"Well, he is pretty hard on you." Said Jean.

Scott had to agree but he also knew he himself wasn't overly fond of Remy yet. "I do see where Logan's coming from, no offense. It's only the way he is."

They all did know how Logan was. He only did what he felt was right. And he felt the need to protect Rogue which made Remy a big problem for him.

Warren went back to his newspaper and Kitty and Kurt went back to their project while the other four made a little more small talk. Within that time Scott had put Jean down. As soon as they said there good nights he went to pick her up but she took him by surprise this time by jumping up into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. He grinned at her and she grinned back. Rogue and Remy looked from Jean and Scott to one another, they both recalled the time Rogue had done that to him. Rogue bit her bottom lip and gave him a sultry look of which he returned. No one else noticed because Jean and Scott were gone now and the others were busy with their own things. Rogue slid closer to Remy and laid her head on his chest. He didn't protest, he simply allowed her to do so. He placed his arm around her, planted a kiss on the top of her head and rested the side of his head on it. The two sat there and snuggled together. She was the first girl he's snuggled with, without sleeping with them first.

Meanwhile, Jean and Scott were upstairs prepping for their shower together. It was the first time for that. But even though they weren't worried about who saw them go in together or come out or what they may hear while they were in there - wink -, they were kind of nervous. It was a different place and it did bring some uneasiness for they weren't completely positive to where it would all go. Maybe they'd just shower and be done. Or perhaps they'd make out and end up having sex. More than likely they'd end up getting intimate. How could they resist it when they were both naked and in the shower.

Jean and Scott had went to their own rooms to strip down and put robes on. Scott grabbed one of his condoms to be on the safe side. This time Jean was going to stay in Scott's room so she had grabbed panties and PJs. They met up and headed for the bathroom. They were somewhat stunned to see that no one was in the hallway at that hour. They figured that some of the students may be in the kitchen snacking or something, not that they cared right now. Still they found it much less uncomfortable to see that no one had seen them get ready to go into the bathroom together.

They entered the bathroom, shut the door and locked it, just in case. Once inside Jean got the water ready and turned on the shower. After she and Scott disrobed they hopped into the shower together. They were still feeling the nervousness but it was wearing off slowly.

Everything they needed was in there so: shampoo, conditioner, soap/body-wash, etc. First they did what they'd do if they were alone, they took turns standing under the shower so they could rinse off and what not. Then once they had washed they ended up kissing, as they had no doubt they'd do. Soon the kissing became heavy making out and groping one anothers wet, naked flesh. They couldn't hold back even if they tried. The moment was set and it was entirely inevitable.

Within moments they were falling into an abyss of desire. They could no longer control the longing inside of them. Scott was very glad that he had remembered to bring protection. Without saying a single word the couple prepared themselves. Jean took the condom, opened it and place it over Scott's erection; he placed the wrapper on the side of the tub.

It wasn't long before Jean raised her right leg up and hooked it around Scott's waist and he entered her, making her gasp out of pleasure. They stayed in that position for as long as they could. He moved at a steady, fairly fast pace. She moved with him as much as she could given the way she was standing and moaned blissfully. After they went at it that way a while Scott lifted Jean up and she locked her arms around his neck and wrapped her legs around his waist, not unlike she did when he brought her upstairs. It was a little easier for her to join in with this position. She could bounce up and down with less difficulty. This particular position gave her more feeling and she felt fully intoxicated. Scott was experiencing all the same, except the feelings were different for him since he was a man.

They both were reaching their climaxes as they moved together fast but keeping a steady rhythm. Jean was nearly screaming as their bodies slammed together. Being in the shower made it so much more adventurous and erotic, so they've never felt anything like this until now. And they weren't regretting one bit of it. Jean was the first to reach her peak, arching her back, throwing her head back and letting out a cry of pure joy and pleasure. Soon afterwards Scott met his own, buried his face in Jean's neck and gently bit the soft skin and he let out a moan that said he was fully satisfied.

Jean then unwrapped her legs and lowered them down to the tub and they two shared a deep, passionate kiss before they turned off the shower and got out. They looked at each other and smiled. As they grabbed their robes and put them back on they could hardly keep there eyes off of one another. The only time their gaze broke was when Scott threw away the used condom.

Jean stepped close to Scott and presses her now covered body against his, which was covered too obviously. "That was the best sex we've had yet."

"I know. I guess it's because of the setting. A steamy shower. It made it so impulsive and daring. Anyone could have walked by." Scott said.

"Oh, and that makes it so much better. Although it was a tad bit unnerving knowing that anyone could have heard us."

"I'll have to agree on all of that. I hope no one did, now I don't care because we're done. But why don't we head to my room and get ready for bed." He said.

"Sure. Now I truly am exhausted." She stated.

The couple exited the bathroom and this time they weren't so lucky. Alex was standing outside the door. When he saw Jean and Scott his eyes widened.

"What?" Scott asked.

"Um, nothing. Were you two . . . you know . . . having sex in there?" Alex was feeling totally awkward already.

"Of course we were." Jean said smiling.

Alex looked at them. "I thought so. Sorry, but it's hard not to hear. I was walking by and heard noises. I knew it had to be you two."

"And why would it have to be us?" Scott asked, of course he began to feel just as Alex was.

"Because if it was Ororo and Logan everyone downstairs would have heard. Plus they're down there. And I don't think anyone else is banging here yet."

"True. So you caught us." Jean joked. She could sense the strangeness between Scott and Alex and she completely understood. It would be odd if it was her little sister who walked by.

"Well, I'll let you two go. Next time inform me, that way I won't have to hear you two. If you weren't my big bro Scott I could care less." Alex stated half jokingly for he knew it could be nigh impossible for them tell him when they were going to have sex.

"Oh, I understand. We'll try to let you know." Scott played along.

"Well, 'night."

"Yeah, same to you little bro."

"Goodnight." Jean said.

Then Alex went his way and Jean and Scott went their own, the two brothers still felt weird. It was overly awkward that he was the one out there but not bad. At least it wasn't the Professor for even though he wasn't of relation he was still a fatherly figure to them.

Jean and Scott entered his room and closed the door. Jean put on her panties and PJs while Scott just pulled out a pair of boxers and put them on. The young couple crawled into his bed and cuddle up together, as they planned originally.

"That was weird." Jean commented about Alex.

"Yeah, extremely. But I have a feeling that one day it'll be the one on the outside of a door. I can't say I'm looking forward to that day." Scott didn't want to think about his brother having sex. Who would? And that thought made him understand one-hundred percent how Alex had just felt.

"I know. I would find it weird if I knew my sister was having sex. She better not be, she's only 14. I'd kick her butt."

Scott laughed. "Alex is 16, but still I hope he'll wait until he's at least 18. But I think I'm okay, he's not even dating anyone yet."

"Neither is Sara, well that I know of." Jean stated.

They talked a bit more and shared a kiss. Soon they were laying there in silence just relishing each other company. About five minutes later they were drifting off into a deep and peaceful sleep.

---

Rogue and Remy had been hanging around each other all evening and he enjoyed every moment of it. However he needed to get out for a couple hours. He has been debating with himself for quite some time now. But this outing had nothing to do with getting laid, strangely. He only needed some time away to have some drinks.

"I wish I could go." Rogue said. She really did want to but she was underage. "Why can't ya go somewhere I could go? Ya know, places that eighteen-year-olds can go as well?"

Remy gave her an odd expression. "Oh, I'm sorry, Cherie. But I jus' wanna get out for a bit. Only a couple hours."

Rogue knew they should probably spend time apart. She was only afraid he'd go back into his old ways. "OK."

"Don't worry, mon amour, I won't be too late. So you can wait up for moi. If you'd like."

"Are ya gonna be plastered."

"Remy won't be."

"Promise?"

"I promise. I'm only havin' a few drinks. I'll be lucky if I get a buzz."

"Alright. See ya later then." She wanted to say 'I love you'.

Rogue threw her arms around Remy's neck and pulled him close. They hugged for a while. And then before he left he kissed her long and passionately. He was beginning to debate again whether he should go or not, but he had to.

"I'll come t' you when I get back. Unless you wanna wait down here."

"I'll wait on tha couch."

"Tres bien." He kissed her again and then they separated.

Rogue didn't know why she had a bad feeling about him going out, but she did. Maybe she was just worried that he'd meet someone he'd find interesting and he wouldn't come home until the early hours of the morning. She didn't know for sure what it was but it felt odd to feel that way. She tossed the uneasy feeling aside and curled up on the couch, staring through the big window across the room. It was dark but she wasn't necessarily looking out it for the scenery anyhow. These worries made her realize that she had to tell him how she felt, very soon.

Remy had already gotten his motorbike and started riding off into the night. It was a beautiful night too. He felt bad for leaving Rogue at the mansion on such a night. It would have been great if he could have taken her along. He made a mental to note to make sure he did so in the future,even if they couldn't find a club that allowed people under twenty-one he 'd find a way. He was Remy LeBeau and he always found that the saying "if there's a will there's a way" always worked for him.

After driving for about fifteen minutes he arrived at a place he used to go a lot when he first came to New York. It wasn't bad and there usually wasn't much trouble. People seemed to be just happy-go-lucky. But as he parked his bike and began walking towards the entrance he felt this weird feeling that someone was watching him, and perhaps even following him. He looked all around but found no one. Not one glimpse.

"You're losin' it." He mumbled to himself.

He entered the club and went straight to the bar to order a drink. Much has changed since the last time he was there. Of course it's been quite some time. He took a seat at the bar and waited for his drink. He decided to try a Rum and Coke.

As he sat there he glanced around the club. Some of the people there he had never seen before. Others he had seen very often. The bartender had brought him his drink while he was looking around and sat it in front of him.

"Thanks." He said as he paid him.

"You're welcome."

He drank about half of it by the time he saw some girl he knew he hadn't meet or even seen before who was moving towards him. She was tall and well toned, from what he could see of her, and she had a full bust. Her hair was strawberry blonde, with more red than blonde, and she was very attractive and beautiful. He couldn't help but notice her.

"Do you mind if I take a seat beside you?" She asked.

He looked at her oddly but said, "I don't t'ink it'll hurt."

She sat down and faced him. "I haven't seen you here. And I know I'd remember those eyes and that accent. I love them both."

"Well, I never saw you when I came here either." He said. There was something weird about her. Not many people loved his eyes. Lots of women had said they love his accent though. But for some reason he began to feel the way he felt when he was outside.

"I just started coming here a few weeks ago. How long has it been since you've been here?"

"Months." He replied.

"You're very handsome, and sexy." She said seductively.

"Have you had many drinks tonight?" He asked. He only wanted to make sure she wasn't drunk, not that he hasn't be hit on before.

"No. I only had one and then I've been getting water. I'm not a big drinker. I just think you're hot."

Remy couldn't help but smirk. Normally he would take that as a green light and he'd flirt back. Then soon he'd be doing the girl somewhere. Either in one of the bathrooms or outside somewhere. This time he felt differently. All he could think of was Rogue. He ended up saying something he never would have said before.

"If you're lookin' t' have sex wit' me den look elsewhere. I have someone." He couldn't believe he said that.

"Then why isn't she here with you?"

"She's only eighteen."

"Oh. I guess that makes sense. But I wasn't exactly looking to have sex, maybe just some good, clean fun." She stood up right in front of him, standing between his legs.

The old Remy would have taken her just like that. "What're you doin'?" He asked.

She said nothing she leaned in and kissed him. He tried to pull away but she held tight. But soon he managed to.

"What de hell is your problem?" He said with some anger. He didn't want to cause trouble at that place. "I really did change." he thought.

"What's yours?" She retorted.

He got up, finished his drink in one big gulp and walked away from the woman. She looked irritated. He didn't even bother to look back, he kept walking. However, the woman followed him out and all the way to his bike in the parking lot. And he felt that someone was there so he turned. But when he did so he didn't see the woman he spoke to, he saw Mystique. She was furious.

"So, you're tryin' t' pick Remy up, non?" He said casually with a grin.

"No, just trying to sweep you away from my daughter." She said with a voice so cold it was almost frightening.

"Well, keep tryin' but you ain't gonna win." He told her never losing his grin.

"That's what you think. I've still been watching you and Rogue. I'll figure something out." Her voice was even colder.

"I don't care, watch us. Maybe sometime you'll get a good show. But no matter what you do or try you can't keep us apart." He stated with a hint of annoyance in his voice.

She smiled menacingly. "What are you going to do about it? You're nothing but a low-life, good for nothing swamp rat. You have no right to be around her, especially the way you have been. I've seen you two all over each other."

"An' you have no right t' tell us what t' do. She doesn't have t' listen to a damn t'ing you say. Neither do I." He was about to put on his helmet and get on his bike when she grabbed the front of his shirt and harshly pulled him to her so that his face was inches from hers.

"Stay away from her." She said with complete hatred.

"Non, you stay de hell away from us both." He grabbed her hand and roughly removed it. "An' keep your hands to yourself."

She seemed to be fuming. "You keep your dirty hands off of my daughter."

"You're really pissin' me off." He said and his eyes flashed red.

Mystique grinned. "Good. That's what I want."

"Why would you want dat?" Remy asked.

"Wouldn't you like to know? Sorry, I'm not telling you. Just keep away from her, unless you must be with her in those stupid, psycho lessons you're all being taught at Xavier's." She said more coldly than the last time.

"De only way you can keep us apart is if you are constantly wit' us. Otherwise, you might as well leave us alone. This is a battle you ain't gonna win."

She laughed again as she did before. "You don't get it. I'll do whatever it takes to separate you. And I do mean 'whatever it takes'. You'd be unwise to not listen. Keep that in mind."

"An' keep dis in mind, nothin' you do will do such a t'ing. She cares 'bout me. An' I actually care 'bout her." He admitted he cared but still couldn't say he loved her.

"No, you just want to f-ck her. I know people like you. You disgust me." She spat.

"Dat is not true. I do care 'bout her, for more than dat. Otherwise I would have had her by now. Believe me."

"You're not saying you love her, are you? Because I do not believe you're capable of that emotion." She said with a horrible, cruel tone in her voice.

Remy was getting even more angry. "How would you know? Like you ever showed dat you loved anyone, even your own children. I don't t'ink you even know what love is, Mystique."

"How dare you." She scowled at him.

"I'm only sayin' what I believe t' be true. Who in their right mind would treat their kids dat way? I know how it feels."

"You asshole." She was getting more and more angry herself.

"What, can't handle de truth. Oops, my bad. Now jus' make like a tree an' leave. I'm done wit' dis conversation an' I'm not havin' it again. You know where I stand, an' where Rogue stands. If you ever want her t' be 'round you den you have t' start bein' a better mother an' show her you care." He said this as he put his helmet on.

Mystique looked at him with malice. She was infuriated. "Stupid punk?" she thought.

After a brief moment of glaring at him, she tried to strike him in the face but he was too quick and he caught her hand. She glared at him viciously and pulled it away. They stared at each other with pure disdain. After a moment she thought she'd be able to take him off-guard and kick him in the stomach, but again she failed. He caught her foot just as swiftly. She glowered at him.

"This still isn't over." She snarled and she looked terribly heinous.

"It is for moi. See you 'round." He said with a smirk. He loved the fact that he could push her buttons so badly.

Mystique was beyond reasoning now. She was more furious than she had been in a long time and at that moment she would murder someone without a single thought. "I don't know who the hell you think you are but in my eyes you're nothing. Nevertheless, if you want to play it the hard way then so be it. I'll be keeping my eyes on both of you. If you make one wrong move on her I'll kill you with my bare hands. And don't think I won't." Her words were as cold as ice and she made sure she left by going past him so she could push him. She shoved him harshly and stalked off away from him. Soon she was out of sight. He couldn't help but pity anyone who had to deal with her that night.

"Seriously, what's dat woman's problem?" He murmured as he mounted his bike, revved up the engine and sped off towards the mansion. He was telling Rogue about what had happened. She had every right to know. And he even figured that maybe he should share a few other things too. He was having trouble concealing his feelings lately.

---

At the institute all was mostly quiet. It was nearly 12:30AM and nearly everybody was in bed. Logan normally would have been out or downstairs but lately he's been sleeping with Ororo. She still needed him with her, even though Charles had helped her and she no longer had nightmares. All the same, she was a little nervous anymore about being alone at night. Jean and Scott were obviously asleep in his room. They've been out for hours now. Rogue had told Kitty that she would be late coming to their room, unless she ended up staying with Remy. Kitty just said "Okay" with a smile, she completely understood. So the only person at the mansion, aside from Rogue who was still on the soffa, that wasn't in bed was Laura. She, like Logan, had much trouble sleeping. She's been through so much in so little time. She spent most of her nights awake for the most part. It's not as bad now since she doesn't have to worry about as much. But still the old demons had never entirely left. She still had an uneasiness about Hydra finding her and trying to take her. She knew that it was illegal for them to even get near her but she also knew how those people are. That wouldn't stop them.

Laura had recently walked downstairs to get a glass of water. She figured that if she couldn't sleep she might as well get something to drink, for her throat felt dry. Ever since earlier that day she's been thinking about what Ororo had gone over with her. Lots of it still felt foreign to her, but in time she'd grasp the knowledge and she knew she would.

She made her way to the living room so she could get comfortable. She had no idea that anyone else was down there. But when she came near the room she saw that a dim light was on and as she entered she smelt someone. After a second she recognized it to be Rogue. Laura walked over to the couch and saw that she was curled up and asleep. Apparently she had fallen asleep. Laura didn't didn't want to wake her but she decided she should. Maybe she fell asleep accidentally and didn't want to be asleep.

Laura placed her hand on Rogue's shoulder and shook her. Rogue started. "Huh . . . what is it?" She jumped in an upright sitting position.

"Um, sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you." Laura said, her face revealed no emotion.

"Oh, it's OK. I musta fell asleep." Rogue said as she began to come to.

Laura said, "Yeah. Why were you down here though?"

"I'm waitin' for Remy ta get back. He went out for a bit."

"Why are you waiting for him?" Laura asked.

"Well, I told him I'd be here." Rogue answered.

"But why?" Laura was almost like a small child in that stage where they keep asking "why".

Rogue smiled slightly. She understood that Laura wasn't used to any of this so how could she know. "It's hard ta explain, sugar. Hopefully one day you'll understand." She didn't know how to go about with it.

Laura raised an eyebrow and then looked into Rogue's eyes and within them she saw the same look that she saw in Ororo's when she spoke of Logan. Laura knew that Ororo and Logan were in love so she just happened to ask, "Is it because you two are in love?"

This caught Rogue completely off-guard. What could she say? How could she respond to something like that? She figured the only way was to be honest, at least from her own side of it. "Truthfully, I love him. So you're half right. I don't know how he really feels. By his actions it seems he feels tha same but it's hard ta tell. How could you tell?"

"I've seen the look in Ororo's eyes when she talks about Logan. You had that same look. So I thought I'd ask."

"Ya know, ya could take a seat." Rogue suggested.

Laura gazed at Rogue but said, "No thanks. I wasn't going to stay down here long. Besides, I hear Remy's motorcycle. He'll be back soon and I assume you want to talk alone. He's a good person, but I don't trust him. So be careful."

Rogue laughed. "Don't worry, I will. Just don't attack him like Logan did."

"Do not fear. I won't. But if he hurts you I may have to." Laura said and a hint of a grin formed on her lips.

"I love you too." Rogue said. And she decided to add something. "Hey, if ya ever need someone else ta talk to other than Ororo, just ta get somethin' off your mind, feel free ta come ta me."

"Will do. But I better get going. The Cajun will be in here soon. Good night."

Rogue smiled. "OK. Good night."

Laura always felt oddly when she acted affectionate but lately she's been getting more and more used to it. She gave Rogue a quick hug, which Rogue returned, and she left the room. Rogue sat there and watched her. It was weird but Rogue kind of looked at Laura like a little sister. Although, Laura could definitely fend for herself and she was just as protective over her as Logan. Rogue grinned at the thought.

As Rogue sat there Remy strode into the room. "Good, you're still awake."

"Yeah well, Laura woke me. I did doze off." Rogue admitted and she glanced at the clock. "You're home early."

"I had a distraction, so t' speak." Remy's eyes narrowed and he walked over and sat right beside Rogue.

She looked into his stunning eyes. "What kind of distractions? You're OK, aren't ya?" She was worried.

"Oui, Remy's fine. Jus' a bit irritated." He had no idea where to even start.

She gazed deeply into his eyes. "Ya sure you're OK? Ya seem tense."

"Yeah, I'm fine . . . . " He trailed off. But then he figured it's now or never. He had to tell her about the 'woman' and that it wasn't just any woman, it was Mystique. "Alright, listen - dis woman hit on me . . . ." He was cut off.

"Remy, ya sleazy swamp rat." Rogue said crossly.

"No, no, it's not'ing like dat." He said but she wouldn't let him go on.

"Yeah, sure it's not. I seriously thought ya had . . . ." This time he cut her off by placing his right index finger softly her her lips.

"Easy there, chere. You didn't let me explain. I actually turned her down." Rogue's eyes widened and he removed his finger. "I couldn't believe it b'cause she was smokin', but you're even more so mon cherie." He took her hand and kissed it, hoping to calm her more.

It worked for she smirked at him. "OK, so what happened then?" She folded her arms and tilted her head slightly, waiting.

"Dat woman was Mystique."

"What!?" She said a bit louder than she intended to. "Mystique?" she lowered her voice. "But what did she want? Why would she make a move on ya."

Remy rolled his eyes. "She's still tryin' t' keep us apart. I put it out quite clearly dat it wasn't gonna happen. I guess she was hopin' I'd have flirted back an' maybe even f-cked her so she could tell you dat I was still a player or somet'ing like dat. But her plans were foiled - again. She was furious."

"Why didn't ya go with her, before ya knew who she was of course?" Rogue asked. She was angry about Mystique but she was more happy to hear that Remy didn't act on it. Months ago he would have without one single thought or regret.

"I've been workin' so hard t' be a better person an' not messin' wit' a bunch of women is part of it." He wanted to tell her his feelings, but again he froze up.

Rogue gazed deeply into his eyes. "But that was just one woman. And ya haven't went out in a long time. So most likely ya haven't had sex in a long time" She was puzzled. "There's somethin' more. There has ta be. Doesn't there?"

Remy gazed back. "Jus' tell her de truth. Tell her you love her." he thought. He took a deep breath, "It's now or never." he thought. "Fine, t' be honest, Rogue, it was b'cause all I could t'ink 'bout was you. No matter how attractive de women were de one I thought 'bout was de one at home . . . you. An' in my mind you're de most gorgous and attractive woman I've ever laid eyes on, an' not only on de outside."

Her eyes watered some. "What are ya sayin' Remy Lebeau?"

"I guess I'm sayin' dat I - I . . . ." He had trouble getting it out. He had never said the words, aloud, in his life. He took in a deep breath. "Je t'adore de tout mon coeur." He decided it would be easier to say it in French. And it was.

Tears streamed down her face, but they were happy tears. "Oh, Remy. Moi aussi. Je t'adore cheri."She felt it was right, and easier herself, to respond in French. It always sounded so romantic.

He smiled at her and cupped his hands over her cheeks. With his thumbs he wiped away her tears. Then he leaned closer and they gazed deeply into one anothers eyes, until he pressed his lips to hers and then their eyes shut. She kissed him back and the kiss deepened. They had finally told each other the truth about how they felt for each other. Something they both had wanted to do for so long, but couldn't. And now that it was out they felt so relieved and that pressure released.

They kept on kissing for minutes at at time, their hands roamed some but they focused more on each others lips. It felt so good. And for Rogue just being able to touch someone or kiss someone felt amazing. She could do it forever.

When the kiss ended Remy looked into her beautiful eyes again. "How long have you felt dat way?" He was curious.

"For a while. How 'bout you?"

"Same here. I jus' had no idea how t' tell you. I'm not good wit' dat kinda t'ing. An' I know you aren't either. But we finally spit it out an' if feels wonderful. I've never felt dis way for any other woman in my life. An' you are de first person I've ever said dat to, English or French."

"Wow. I guess I should be thrilled, sugar." She smiled and this time she cupped her hands over his cheeks and caressed his face with her thumbs. "Oh, I love ya so much." She was no longer afraid to say it. She then captured his lips with her own and they shared another long, passionate kiss.

Soon they stretched out on the sofa with her laying on him between his legs. His arms were both around her, his right hand stroked her hair. Her head was on his chest just below his chin and her left arm was somewhat around him while her right arm was over his. She held on to his arm. As they laid there they both thought the same thing but Remy said it first.

"So, what 'bout Logan? When he sees us in de mornin' he'll gut me."

"I was kinda thinkin' tha same thing, but no he won't. At least this time we're not in your room." She said.

"Yeah, so we should be good den." He stated and he kissed her head.

"Mmm-hmmm." She planted a single kiss of affection to his neck.

It didn't take long for them to fall asleep. They knew they'd be seen but they could care less. Neither of them felt like getting up and out of the position they were in. It felt extremely good to lay like that. Now they no longer had to hide their feelings from one another. Life would be a better journey.

---

Early Saturday morning nearly all of the mansion's residents were asleep. Rogue and Remy had awaken and all they could do when the looked at each other was smile for they remembered everything that took place before they fell asleep. They had decided on heading upstairs to their rooms unnoticed but their plan was obstructed before they got close to the stairs.

"Hey. Have a nice night?" Came a gruff voice from behind them causing them both to jump. And if they had had to use the bathroom they may have had an accident.

"Oh, hi Logan. Yep, it was great." Rogue said nervously.

"Yeah, it sure was." Remy stated.

"Good, 'cause in a couple hours I'm givin' a training session. Be suited up and ready. And Gumbo, Xavier wants to see you in his study pronto. Hank's there too." Informed Logan. Remy and Rogue gave him an odd look.

"I didn't plan this. He just told me to let you know as soon as you woke up."

Remy looked at Rogue. "Well, I'll see you in a bit den."

"Why can't I come with ya?" She asked suspiciously.

Logan actually lent a hand for Remy. "Chuck only wants him Stripes."

Remy gave Rogue a hug and a quick kiss on the lips and took off. He knew exactly what he was wanted for and, in a way, he couldn't wait to get there. Hank and Charles have been working almost steadily on his special contact lenses.

Rogue watched him dash off with a look of confusion and a hint of suspicion in her expression. Every time she thought she had him figured out something would happen that put her in the dark again. But she realized that he'd share whatever it was with her as soon as he could.

Logan picked up on everything from the expression on her face. "Don't worry, it's nothin' bad." He could hardly believe he was helping Remy. But when he thought about it he was actually helping Rogue. He knew how much this whole prom thing would mean to her with Remy taking her. He sure didn't want to blow the cover.

"Then why can't I know?"

"Listen, you'll find out soon enough." Logan placed his right hand on Rogue's left shoulder.

"But . . . wait, you know?" She was truly lost.

"All of us teachers do. Nuff said." With that Logan turned. "Remember, be suited up in two hours. Make sure Kitty's up and ready." And he was off.

Rogue was now alone and deeply confused. "Maybe it's somethin' 'bout his past that he doesn't want me ta know quite yet. Yeah that's it." she thought, hopefully. Although she wasn't fully convinced by her thought she allowed it to assure her some. She then made her way upstairs.

In Professor X's study Remy had already seated himself. He was excited to see their work. Even if he didn't like the idea of concealing his eyes. He used to hate them but he's grown to love them.

"So, whatcha got?" He asked.

"Will you do the honors Hank?" Xavier said gesturing to a small plastic case with a little bottle that resembled that of an eyedrops bottle.

"On it." Hank said back and he picked up the case and the bottle and moved over to Remy. "Here are the contacts. And this is an extra strong contact solution, since these cover your entire eye. It will prevent any kind of irritation to make wearing them as comfortable as possible." Hank handed the two things to Remy. "Go ahead. Touch them, see how soft and flexible they are."

Remy did just that. He opened the case and on each side were the contacts, resting in an indention that fit perfectly to them. And they looked so realistic, like a set of brown eyes starring back at him. He removed one and felt it; Hank was right, they were quite soft and very flexible. They felt as if they would be extremely pleasant to wear. He looked up at Hank.

"If you want you can test them now. That way we'll know if they work. You should be able to see clearly and they should move with your eyes." Hank handed him a hand-held mirror. Remy took it.

Xavier sat behind his desk and watched. After they new if the contacts worked well he could tell Remy more about prom night. He needed to be acknowledged further about Principal Kelly. And he needed to be reminded that no matter what he couldn't cause any sort of commotion.

Remy placed the one contact back into its spot and laid the mirror over his lap with the case and bottle. He then picked up the bottle, untwisted the cap and put a couple drops into each eye. Then he picked up the mirror with his left hand. In a matter of seconds he had both contacts in his eyes. He moved his eyes as one normally would, in all different directions to see how the reacted. He couldn't even tell he had put them in. They were indeed comfortable.

He looked into the mirror and moved his eyes again, this time he could see how they moved. It was like they were his eyes entirely. He looked at Hank and then the Professor with a grin on his face. "Eclatant! Dese are wonderful." He exclaimed.

"I'm glad you like them. So they feel comfortable?" Hank said.

"Oui, very. I can't even tell I'm wearin' dem. "

"Great. My job is done here then. Now I'll let you take over, Charles"

"Yes, thank you Hank."

As Hank was leaving Remy thanked him for the contacts. He wondered why he still had to stay in the room though. But his question was soon answered.

"Remy, you're wondering why you are still here, aren't you?" Xavier asked and he steepled his fingers same as always.

"A little."

"Well, I had received a phone call from Principal Kelly a few days ago and he had dug up your whole history, criminal records and all. He was against allowing you to attend but I talked him into still letting you. Still there are some matters I must discuss with you. He's planning on giving you a thorough search: metal detectors, frisking and etc. So be warned. And you are prohibited to bring playing cards." Xavier still couldn't help but smile and Remy's lips formed a grin. "I know that would sound bizarre but given what you do with them, well you know where I'm going. But, even without those you could cause a problem if you choose to use your powers. So no matter what don't."

"I know, you've went over all dat b'fore. What if it's for good?" Remy said.

"If you must use them to help someone then that's completely different standards. In that case use them, but I advise you to use them carefully and as discreet as possible."

"OK. Is dat all?"

"Yes. If anything else comes up I'll inform you. But, may I suggest that before you leave that you remove the contacts and place them into the case." Xavier said with a grin.

"Oh, yeah. I don't won't Rogue t' see dem. Not yet." Remy then took them out, placed them back in their case and closed it. Soon the case and drops were in his pocket. "Thanks." He said before he left.

"You're welcome." Professor X said.

Remy was gone in an instant and Charles remained where he was for the time being. He trusted that Remy would do well at the prom. But he felt uneasy about Principal Kelly. That man was a problem, though not one that couldn't be solved. Either way, Xavier knew Rogue would keep Remy's head on straight.

---

The two hours had just about passed and it was nearly time for Logan's training session. In this session everyone would be taking part, except for Xavier, although he'd be running it and monitoring from above. Most of the students were talking about it. It may be a little chaotic with everybody, but Logan figured that the new recruits were ready. He decided he'd split them up into teams, he wasn't sure yet to how many. He'd have to figure that out when the time came.

At this moment they were all in their uniforms and heading to the Danger Room. Laura was listening to all of the talking and she kept hearing some of them complain about "Logan Sessions". She caught on quickly and realized it was just the name they gave to Logan's training sessions. It really didn't take a rocket scientist to work that out though. The title was pretty self-explanatory. She didn't know the whole story to it, but soon enough she would.

As they all entered the Danger Room Scott was talking to Logan. He was wondering if Laura was going to use any code-names since most of them did. Logan told him he wasn't sure because he had mentioned the idea to her before but she hasn't said anything more about it. Scott told Logan he'd check in with her. All Logan did was nod.

Scott looked around and after a bit he finally spotted her. She and Jamie were standing facing one another and talking. Laura didn't hang out with anyone really, though if she did it seemed like she leaned towards Jamie for some reason. Maybe because they are the only two who are being taught at the mansion instead of going to high school. That would make sense at least. But they've become good friends.

Scott weaved his way through the crowd towards Laura and Jamie. When he was almost there he noticed Jean. She looked over and saw him coming that way.

"Hey. What's up? I haven't seen you since this morning." Jean said.

"Oh, nothing at the moment. Just preparing for another "Logan Session". And I'd like to speak with Laura for a sec." He said back.

"Same here, except for the talking to Laura part. Why do you need to speak with her though?" She same smiling.

"Well, I was wondering if she wants to use a codename. Logan said he's mentioned it to her but she hasn't gotten back. Either she doesn't want one or she is finding it hard to come up with one. Or perhaps she hasn't said anything yet. Who knows. I figured it would be nice to know since when we train or when we're actually in a battle we use them. You and Rogue being the exception, you two choose to be odd." He said then he had to pick some at the end. Unfortunate for him Rogue was walking by at the same time. So he got looks from her and Jean. Nothing angry however.

Jean hit Scott playfully on the arm. "I just never found one that worked." She laughed at his teasing though.

"Uh, and 'Rogue' pretty much is a codename. I only choose ta use it as my overall name. Gotta a problem with that, leader man?" Rogue joked, once again, and she too hit him playfully.

"No. And what's with all of the joking lately?" Scott asked, not that he didn't like it. It was great to see Rogue happier.

"Bein' able ta touch lifted my spirits I guess."

"Yeah, and being able to touch Remy probably helped a good deal." Jean stated with a smile and a wink. Scott and Rogue both looked at Jean. "What?"

After a moment Rogue said, "Yeah, but we didn't get busy yet."

At that particular time Remy came striding over. "Busy wit' what?"

Jean and Scott glanced at him and Rogue spun around. "Never ya mind."

Scott kissed Jean. "I better get over there before the session starts. See you all later." He smiled. He then turned and made his way over to Laura and Jamie.

Rogue, Remy and Jean talked a little. Mainly about the training. Logan was unpredictable and they were all wondering what he had in store for them this time. They knew, nonetheless, that it would be hard. It always was. But it paid off quite well and they were glad of that.

Scott stood by Laura and Jamie. They both stopped talking and their eyes automatically were on him. Jamie because Scott was the leader but Laura more so because she smelt him and she saw him out of the corner of her eye.

The first thing that came out of Jamie's mouth was, "Are we in trouble?"

Scott raised an eyebrow. "No, but should you be?"

"No." Jamie spit out.

"OK then. I wanted to speak with you, Laura. Nothing bad." Scott said. "Jamie, you can stay if you'd like. It's not personnal either." He added as Jamie was about to leave them alone.

Laura seemed confused. "What is it about then?"

"I was talking to Logan about a codename for you. Most of us have one but Rogue and Jean don't, so you don't have to. It's only an option." He explained.

Laura stared at him briefly, appearing to be deep in thought. Shortly she said, "Hmmm, yeah. He has mentioned it and I have been thinking. Does it matter what it is?"

"Not really, as long as it goes with your powers and such."

"Yeah, I've noticed. Well, I was kinda thinking along the lines of something that went with my claws. . . ." She paused but Scott didn't say anything, allowing her to take her time. Finally she went on. "The name 'Talon' sorta popped into my head. Positive or negative." She said.

Scott thought a bit. It did fit her. "Sounds good, so I'd have to say positive. And it sure fits, but let me inform Logan and then he can announce it before training begins. OK."

"Will I be using that from now on when we train and whenever we'd fight? Unless you all can come up with something better." It was almost as if she were testing him.

"Well once your idea's announced we'll see if anyone has any suggestions and take it from there." He said knowing there would, most likely, be other ideas.

"I'm sure I like Talon, but I'm open to suggestions. Is that all you needed?" She said.

"Yes. Except, good luck with the training."

"Oh, don't worry, I'll do well. Remember, I am Logan, so to speak." She said with a hint of a smile.

Scott laughed. "You'll do splendidly." He patted her on the back and left to find Logan.

He soon found Logan and told him of Laura's codename and that she'd at least hear other suggestions. Logan took a moment to contemplate it then he said, "Talon does seem to fit extremely, so it definitely works. But it's good she's open to options."

Laura and Jamie made their way towards Logan as he attracted everyone's attention and made the announcement. He stated the name she chose and asked if anyone had any other possible code-names. He hoped this would go well.

Jamie was the first to speak. "Well, how about just using X23?" He regretted what he said as quickly as he said it.

Laura narrowed her eyes and grimaced at the name. "No way! I never want to hear that name again. Ever." She made it perfectly clear that that name was out of the question.

"I'm sorry I upset you." Jamie felt a little scared at how angry she got.

She calmed herself as much as she could. "No, I'm the one who should be sorry. You only made a suggestion. That name, well, it's just horrible and now that I don't have to use it I won't. And just hearing it makes me feel . . . I don't know, it's hard to explain how it makes me feel."

"So we're cool then, no hard feelings?" He asked nervously.

She nodded and he smiled with relief. The way he reacted actually made her flash a small, nearly unnoticeable smile. She knew she could really frighten people though, even if she didn't mean to.

Logan made sure that was truly settled, then he said, "Anything else, of no offense?"

There was silence for a moment or so, for most were a bit afraid to speak. However, Jubilee decided to speak up. "How about 'Claw'. I know it's basically the same thing, but it's a thought."

"Hm, not too bad but I don't know. It is nearly the same." Laura said. It did sound nice but so far she liked Talon better.

"Any more?" Logan asked with a strange grin. He knew most were worried they'd say something wrong.

"What do you think about 'Cougar'?" Kurt offered.

Laura really thought about that one, for several moments to be exact. "You know, Cougar sounds awesome. I just don't know if I feel it's me."

No one else had any ideas. So they all waited upon Laura to make a decision. It was kind of a hard one too make and it took some time. Though everyone waited patiently.

After a while of tossing Claw and Cougar around in her mind she came to a conclusion. Claw was pretty much the same as Talon and Cougar did sound cool, but she still didn't feel it fit. "Well, no offense or anything to either of you," she said to Jubilee and Kurt. "But I'm sticking with Talon. I think it has a nice ring."

Jubilee and Kurt both assured her that they weren't offended by any means. After all, those names were only suggestions. And her own idea did fit quite well.

"So I guess that's settled. Laura will be called Talon during training and battle." Logan paused briefly. "Alright, listen up, it's time to get things going."

There was some groaning among the students. Logan couldn't help but smile, he knew most of them hated his sessions. But he also knew they appreciated them. If it weren't for the hard training they'd be out of shape and would find it harder to use their powers properly.

Logan continued. "There will be three teams: Storm and I are the leaders for team one, Jeannie and One-eye are team two and Blue-boy is team three. Any questions?" He asked and when no one asked any he said, "Good, I didn't feel much like answerin' any. Now, Storm's and my team are: Iceman, Berzerker, Boom Boom, Shadowcat, Havoc and Gambit. Jean and Cyclops' team is: Rogue, Angel, Jubilee, Wolfsbane, Multiple and Colossus. And last but not least, Beast's team is: Spike, Magma, Talon, Nightcrawler, Sunspot and Cannonball. Now, any questions before we split off?" Again there wasn't any, only some whining because he had separated most of the ones who hung together. He knew very well he did that. He knew they trained better when they were split up that way. "I guess we are ready then. My team come over with Storm and me. The rest of ya go to your leaders."

Everyone hurried to their places. The majority weren't too unhappy with where they were placed, except for being separated from the ones they hung out with most of the time. But that didn't bother them all that much for they got along with everyone fairly well. Though as Remy made his way to Ororo's and Logan's team he felt oddly. "Why'd he put me on his team? Sure, I know he didn't want Rogue an' me on de same team, but he coulda placed me wit' Beast." he thought. Then he thought, whatever because he'd do his part either way. But being on the same team with Logan was weird. And when Remy thought over it more it made no sense whatsoever. He would think that Logan would want him on a separate team. No matter, he went as everyone else had.

Once the teams were all gathered Logan spoke again. "OK, good, everybody's in place. Now, Red and Vizorboy, take your team to the other side of the room. Fur-ball, you take yours to the middle. And Storm's and my team will start right here." He stated. He got some strange looks for the nicknames but none were bad. They were used to it. And the newer ones were getting accustomed.

After everyone got into their places Logan annouced one last thing. "This session was put into teams for more than one reason. One, it puts us on different levels. Two, it will show how well we work with others. And three, I've designed this to look like an old, wrecked building. My team has to reach the roof, Jean's and Scott's team must make their way to the front and out and Beast's team has to find a secret passage on the roof and exit from the back of the building. Let's try to end this session in one piece. The only dangerous parts will be from the machines, so everyone be careful and always stay focused and alert. One more thing, don't worry about the other teams. Only pay attention to your own."

He gave a few moments for them to let the information sink in and then he looked up to where Professor X was and gave him two thumbs up, which was the signal for the program to be started. Charles nodded and started the simulation.

They all watched as the room changed into a whole different environment. It surely did appear that they were at a run-down building. Each group was in a completely different location, as Logan had hinted at. Ororo's and Logan's were in the front of the building by stairs and two big doors at the top of them, Jean's and Scott's were behind the building standing in front of a back entrance and Beast's was on the roof. Not too long after everybody started to move and look around the machines began to go off. The machines were similar to the ones they used before, some with lasers and others with sharp metal disks that were thrown out.

As Logan began to direct his team into the building he looked at Ororo. "Ro, be careful in here. We'll be here for ya but I'm just warnin' ya."

Ororo gazed at him with an expression of fear. "Logan, I can't deny that I'm uneasy about this." She didn't like the fact that the team she was on would have to go inside of a building that gave the impression that it could collapse at any moment.

"I'm sorry darlin'. But, as I said, we won't let anything happen to you. If something does we'll be there. Just be cautious."

She took in a deep breath. "Okay. I know I can do this. I've been in worse situations than this and I came out alive." She gave a weak smile.

"That's the spirit." He said back with a half-smile.

Logan gave her a quick kiss and she smiled at him. Then they had to dodged out of the way of one of the metal disks. Ororo lifted herself up and Logan moved off to the side. But as more came he popped out his claws and struck them causing them to split in half and fall to the ground. Ororo used her powers and caused wind to blow them off course and against the wall away from her teammates. When they got near Bobby he froze them, sending them to the floor quickly. Ray sent electricity towards them which took them off course and made them crash into a corner. Tabitha and Alex weren't weren't paying attention and nearly got struck. But Kitty grabbed Tabitha's arm and the disks went through them and stuck into the celling and Remy shoved Alex to the ground and the disks flew past and hit the wall on the other side of the room. Tabitha and Alex thanked their rescuers with gratitude.

"Wonderful team work Half-pint and Gumbo. Keep it up. Boom Boom and Surfer Boy, stop goofing around. This isn't a game. Ya coulda been killed." Logan commented.

Meanwhile Hank's team had made their way into the back of the building where lasers were going off like crazy. Hank did a somersault to get out of the way more than a few times already. The only problem here was that most of the team couldn't use their powers to fight the machine's lasers. They couldn't be stopped by anything but destroying the machine itself and in this session that wasn't to be done. They had to basically use their fighting skills. Although Roberto and Amara used their powers because if they'd accidentally get hit it shouldn't do much harm to them since he was like fire and she was like molten lava. This team was doing much better considering everyone was staying alert. Only once Laura had to push Kurt out of the way for he just dodged one laser and yet another came his way and he didn't notice in time. He thanked her gratefully.

On the roof Jean and Scott's team were getting both metal disks and lasers and it was outrageous. This team was a little of everything since some of their powers took benefit well: Piotr transformed his entire body into his metal form leaving him indestructible and Jubilee could use her powers to slow the disks and stop them. She could even slow the beams until that particular one shut off. Rogue could do any of this but chose to stick to her martial art skills and just move away, unless she desperately had to borrow someones power. Rahne transformed herself into her half human, half dog form, resembling a werewolf, which gave her more speed and agility. Warren took flight at times. And Jamie pretty much used his fighting skills because his powers wouldn't do much for this. The only problems that occurred here was that if not for Piotr jumping in the way Warren would have been injured by both a laser and a disk. The disk would have scraped his right side while the laser would have shot his left wing, both would have been quite painful and weakened him. And then Rogue had to get Jamie out of the way, which caused her to fall down on top of him. For some reason he froze and a laser beam almost struck him in the back. Apparently too much was happening and he couldn't keep up with it.

Hank said, "Fantastic Colossus and Rogue. But you're all doing great." Just as he finished his sentence he had to back flip out of the way of two disks. "This is tricky."

Each team was making adequate progress. Logan's team had found stairs so they could make their way to the roof, Jean's and Scott's team had gotten into the building and were nearly to the area where Logan's team was and Beast's team had found the passageway. The machines had died down some so that now most of the session was to get to their appointed destination safely. Of course there were obstacles. The steps that Logan's team ascended gave way in the middle causing them to come to a halt. Bobby used his powers to make ice so that they could continue up. He was thanked by them. Luckily no one had been where they steps gave way. A wall came crashing down near Hank's team, blocking their way to the front. Kurt could have teleported them but he thought of it as if it were a real life situation and went against it. In real life he wouldn't want to tempt teleporting to a place he didn't know. So Amara used her powers and melted a hole in the wall. Laura used her claws to help widen the hole. Those two were thanked and soon they were all through it. Jean's and Scott's team hadn't ran into anything while going down the passageway, however once they came out of it a huge metal ball rolled towards them. Everyone managed to get out of the way, one way or another.

Logan's team made it to the roof while Beast's team made it to the front and got out. The only team left was Jean's and Scott's. But they didn't have much more to go. Jubilee was the first one to see the exit. Once she had pointed it out they all moved towards it, half running. In a matter of minutes they made it, but the door was locked somehow. Piotr, still in his metal form, plowed right threw the door. Everybody thanked him and exited. Now they all had gotten to their destination. Slowly, the program began to shut down and the building disappeared.

The whole time the program was running Xavier had been watching overhead. He seemed to be happy with what he saw. Although, he knew they could have done even better.

Once all was back to normal Logan looked at everyone. "Well done, for the most part. But some of ya need to try a little harder. And some of ya need to pay attention to your surroundings." He looked at Alex and Tabitha.

"Sorry." They both said.

"Yeah, well, ya coulda been real sorry." Logan stated seriously. "This isn't real but the machines are. The dangers are as well. All in all, ya did well, but there's still room for improvement." He looked around at everyone again. "I guess this session is over."

Professor X talked to them through the intercom. "Yes, you all did well. But there was some carelessness on the behalf of a few of you, I'm not giving any names for you know who you are. The next time, be more serious and alert. That's all I had to say." He said.

They all gradually exited the Danger Room. Most were exhausted while others were just tired. It was a good session, not as harsh as they usually are but still fairly hard. Logan made it a bit easier that time since it was the first time they'd all be together. The next one would be harder. And they'd get even more harder as they went along.

---

Everybody had finished brunch and some of the girls (Kitty, Tabitha, Amara and Jubilee) were scattered around in the rec room trying to talk Laura into going to the mall with them. They figured it would be nice for her to get out and experience what ordinary teenage girls experience. It would be a huge step and she was disregarding the idea before they could even go any further.

"Oh, come on girlfriend. It'll be fun." Tabitha said enthusiastically.

"Yeah, and you'll be with us the whole time. We'll have your back, and you ours. If necessary." Amara stated.

Kitty added, "But let's hope nothing happens."

Jubilee didn't know what else to say to convince Laura. She only said, "You could use a little time away from this place. And isn't learning to be an ordinary teen what you're trying to do?"

Laura sat there thinking. Everything they had said was running through her head and what Jubilee said really hit her. "Well, yeah. But, I'm not sure it's my thing. The mall. Do I really look like a mall person?"

"No, but you've never seen it or anything. Your opinion could change. If not you don't have to go again." Kitty said. "If it makes you feel any better, Rogue hates the mall. Though not as much as before she could touch."

"It doesn't. Besides, what's so great about the mall anyway?" Laura replied.

Kitty gazed at her with her mouth open. "Oh my God! It's awesome. It's kinda hard to explain it. The mall is something you'll have to take my word on. Maybe it won't be your thing, maybe it will. All I know is there's a lot of clothes and most girls love clothes as much as they love the mall. Plus we all get to hang out together, usually without the guys. Don't get me wrong, they're great to chill with but sometimes we need a break from them. Know what I mean?" No one thought she'd ever stop talking.

Once Laura was sure Kitty was done she said, "No, I don't know what you mean."

"Oops, my bad. You will one day, believe me."

The other girls agreed with her. Surely the guys thought the same thing though. Girls needed time with the girls and guys needed time with the guys.

Rogue happened to be walking by the room and she heard her name before Kitty went on and on. "I heard ya say my name, Kit. Why?"

"Oh, I was just telling Laura that you're not one for the mall."

"No, I'm not. It's not so bad anymore but I still don't care for it. Too many people." Rogue said. Then she raised an eyebrow. "How come I was brought inta this conversation?" She was curious.

Jubilee looked at Rogue. "We were trying to get her to go with us. Only to check it out. We figure it would be good for her to see what most teenage girls do. And she's trying to be like one so . . . "

Rogue knew they were right. However she could totally understand why Laura didn't want to go. She didn't know what to say for a while. But despite her feelings for the mall, for Laura's sake she said, "Ya know, Laura, maybe I could go. I know ya feel more comfortable around me. Right?"

Laura looked at her. "Yeah, a little more. I feel I know you. Probably because of being Logan's clone." She thought a long minute and then said, "Alright. Fine. I'll go, but I'm not saying it will be pretty the whole time."

Rogue smiled and the other four girls cheered. They were all excited. Laura had to say something else before this carried on any further. "I do need clothes, so that's the main reason I'm deciding to go." She looked at how Kitty, Amara, Tabitha and Jubilee were dressed. "But I don't want to look too girly."

"I'm sure Rogue can help you with that." Kitty said smiling.

"Sure can." Rogue said. "I know how ya feel there, sugar."

Laura flashed a hint of a smile. "Oh, and I don't want to look too Goth either."

They all thought the same thing "Did she actually make a joke?".

"Don't worry. You browse and pick what ya want then try it on. OK." Rogue said.

Laura nodded. "Good."

The girls all went to get their money and so forth. Once they were all downstairs they realized that they needed a driver. Amara and Jubilee didn't drive or have permits yet. Tabitha could drive but not legally. Kitty had her permit, but her driving was far from perfect. And Rogue only had a motorcycle license.

"So, now all we need is someone to take us." Jubilee stated.

"I can . . . " Kitty started.

Everyone, even Laura who had a slight taste of Kitty's driving by now, yelled, "NO!" at the same time.

"No offense, hon, but you're drivin' sucks." Rogue told her.

"Some best friend you are." Kitty said a little hurt.

Rogue put her arm around Kitty's shoulder. "I'm sorry, but ya do drive horribly. I've experienced it, remember?"

"Yeah, you're right." Kitty said and she couldn't help but smile.

"So who's going to take us?" Tabitha asked. She looked at Rogue.

"I can't. I don't have a regular license yet. And y'all won't fit on tha back of my bike."

Logan happened to pass by the foyer and he glanced at the six girls with an odd expression. "So whatcha girls up to?"

"Oh, we're just trying to figure out who can drive us to the mall." Amara said.

"Don't look at me." He said and then he noticed Laura. "You're goin' with them?"

"Yep. I need clothes. And they think it could help me understand more of what being a teenage girl is like. If I like it I like it and if I don't I don't."

Logan seemed a bit worried, so Rogue said, "She'll be fine. I promise. And she'll be with us tha entire time."

"Ya better stay with them." He ordered, not harshly though.

"I will. Do you think I'd want to run off by myself in a place I could seriously get lost in? Around a bunch of people I don't know?" Laura pointed out.

Logan thought about her words. "I guess not. Just be careful. All of ya. This anti-mutant crap is still poppin' up every this way and that."

They all said they'd be careful. He was hoping that nothing would happen. But being at the mall, anything could.

"Do you know where Jean is?" Kitty asked.

"I think she's in her room."

"Is she alone?"

"Probably 'cause Scott went out to take care of some things"

"Great!" Kitty dashed off and up the steps to Jean's room as quick as she could. Soon she was outside the door, which was partially open.

Jean felt Kitty's presence. "Yes Kitty."

"Man, you and Professor X can freak people out that way."

Jean grinned. "Sorry. It's sort of a habit. So what's up?"

"You mean you don't already know?" Kitty teased.

"Ha-ha. No, I don't."

"Well, some of us girls want to go to the mall . . . "

"And you want me to drive you all there?" Jean finished her sentence without even having to read her mind.

"Like, yeah. Could you?"

"I'm not really busy, so I suppose I could. How many of you are going?"

Kitty thought and said, "Six. That's too many though. Maybe Rogue can take someone on her bike?"

"Wait, Rogue's going?" Jean was shocked.

"Yeah, but only for Laura. She's going so she can have some along that she feels closer to. And, Laura is going because Tabitha, Amara, Jubilee and I talked her into it. Rogue helped some. She understands the reason." Kitty explained.

"Oh, I imagine it would help her get the feel of being like the rest of you. I used to love the mall. Not that I hate it now."

"Yeah, you used to . . . until you got old." Kitty picked.

"Girl, you wait." Jean picked back. "But for now we had better get down there."

Jean and Kitty made their way down to the foyer. The girls were talking. Laura didn't say much but she was talking more than she used to.

"So . . . only four of you will fit in my SUV. Rogue, would you do the honors of transporting one of the girls?" Said Jean.

"Yeah. Who's comin' with me?"

Kitty was going to but she told Laura she could. She knew Rogue better and it was only fair. Plus she'd have enough time with the other girls once they were all at the mall.

"Kitty, Amara, Tabitha and Jubilee, come with me." Jean said as the girls she was taking gathered near her.

"Are you going to actually hang out with us?" Amara asked.

"I don't see why not. I miss hanging with the girls at the mall. I still remember, quite clearly, all of the fun you, Rogue, Kitty, Tabitha and I had when we were the Bayville Sirens." Jean said.

Laura was at Rogue's side as the girls headed to the garage. But she looked at Jean with a strange expression when she made her statement. "The Bayville Sirens?"

"Yeah, us five girls," Rogue said while pointing at herself then to the other four girls, "got that name a long while back. We dressed up in leather-like clothes and fought crime."

"We did it without the help of any man." Tabitha added.

"Oh, we sure did." Stated Jean with a smile.

Laura had no choice but to allow a small smile form on her lips. "So, you girls did some major ass-kicking?"

They all looked at her for a moment for that was the first time they heard her say anything like that. It wasn't bad though and no one really said anything about it. They just went on filling Laura in on it. Jubilee could only say what she was already told about it.

In a matter of seconds all of the girls were where they needed to be and situated. Jean's four were seated and buckled in, along with herself, and Rogue and Laura were on her bike with helmets on. Soon Jean pulled out of the garage followed by Rogue and they were through the gates. Within minutes they were travelling on the road to the mall.

---

The girls had made it to the mall. Jean and Rogue parked their vehicles and they all walked into the building. Being a Saturday there was a ton of people. Most of the girls were fine with that, however Rogue still felt unnerved in crowds and Laura seemed to be nervous. Who could blame either of them; Rogue wasn't altogether comfortable with it since she spent most of her youth keeping away from people, especially once her powers kicked in, and Laura never experienced anything like this since she was never allowed to be like an ordinary kid. She's never been around nearly that many people at one time. But because of the others she was able to handle herself. Otherwise she would have tweaked out.

Rogue had hooked her arm with Laura's so they wouldn't get separated. At first Laura looked at Rogue oddly, until she realized what the gesture was for. The other girls did this too, or held each others hands. It was easy to get lost in the mall, especially on a busy day, and with all of the anti-mutant stuff going on they preferred to stay together.

Shortly they were at the first store and Kitty, Tabitha, Amara and Jubilee all hurried to start looking around. Jean stayed behind with Rogue and Laura. If Rogue and her hadn't worked things out this would have been extremely weird. However, Rogue did wonder why Jean hadn't went with the others.

"So, why aren't ya runnin' 'round this place like a chicken with it's head cut off?"

Jean laughed. "Well, I'm out of that stage. Just a little. Plus I figure you two wouldn't mind the company. If you want I could let you be."

"No, it's fine. I was just wonderin', that's all."

Jean looked at Laura who automatically gave her own reply. "I see no problem with it. Maybe I'll get to know you more."

Jean smiled. "That would be great. You've been living with us for a while now and we still barely know one another. That happens a lot at the institute though."

"Really?" Laura asked.

"Yep. It's only that some people prefer to be off to themselves so you really don't get to know them." Jean said and she gazed at Rogue for a moment.

Rogue said, "I know, I was one of those. But that was 'cause of my, ya know." She didn't want to say 'powers' for she didn't know who knew who they were and who didn't.

Laura nodded. "So, we can't say . . . " she lowered her voice to a whisper, "Powers in public?"

"We could but we choose not to. See, we try to keep it on the down-low. Unless someone knows about us already, then there's nothing we can do." Jean explained.

"That makes sense. We don't need any extra issues." Laura stated.

"Ain't that tha truth." Rogue agreed.

"Well, are we going get this over with or not?" Laura questioned. She just wanted to look around, do what she needed to do, be done and get out.

"Of course, sweetheart." Jean said smiling.

Laura still wasn't used to being called things like that, but she wasn't going to complain about it. It actually felt good. When she first arrived she kind of scoffed at it but now she was beginning to like it - a lot.

The three girls began to browse. Jean and Rogue both lent a hand here and there to help Laura. Jean tried to pick less girly things while Rogue tried for less gothic things. It was tricky but they managed to get a few outfits. And Laura even found one on her own.

Jean found one thing that Laura thought to be strange. "What is that supposed to be anyways?"

Jean laughed. Though she figured that Laura most likely hasn't seen them before. "Oh, it's a thong."

"What's that?"

"Underwear, panties, whatever you want to call them."

"Those are underwear?! I might as well wear nothing underneath." Laura gawked at the thong oddly, with a raised eyebrow and her head slightly tilted.

Jean and Rogue laughed. It was funny. They sure knew what she meant for they've had a few pairs and knew how little they covered.

"You two actually wear those?" Laura asked.

"I do, once and a while. Manly for Scott." Jean said and Laura looked confused. "You'll understand one day."

Laura figured it had to deal with being in love or something along those lines. So she turned her gaze to Rogue and said, "I suppose you were them for Gambit?"

Rogue's face turned as red as Jean's hair. "Um . . . well . . . not exactly. But I do have some." Jean was laughing. "Oh, shut up." Rogue said but she ended up grinning. It was funny.

Before Laura went and tried things on they went to look at the regular underwear, like low-rise and bikini. And they even helped her with getting some bras. After that Laura, with the help of Jean and Rogue, picked out a few more things.

The most fun they had were with the bras because when Laura tried on the very first one she stepped out of the dressing room without any shirt on. Rogue's and Jean's eyes had widened and they told her to just cue them to come over and peak inside. Laura actually blushed some when she found out she wasn't supposed to come out that way. But she liked how the bras made her look. She wasn't fully developed but she had enough to flaunt, and these bras made her appear like she had more.

It seemed that most of the clothes were darker colors which Rogue found comical considering that Laura didn't want to be gothic looking. She had no pinks at all. The only things that weren't dark were a white tee-shirt and one pair of khaki colored pants. She mainly had black pants and camouflage pants.

Laura went into a dressing room and came out to show the two how the outfits looked. Jean had told her that that's usually what girls do. The first one she came out with was the white tee-shirt with black jeans. It all looked pretty good together.

"Nice." Jean complimented.

Rogue looked at it for a second longer. "Yeah, it does look really good. Though, not to be rude or perverted but make sure ya were a bra with that shirt."

At the time Laura didn't have one on. She had taken it off since some of the shirts were sleeveless and had shelf bras. Plus she had previously been trying on bras and forgot to put her own back on. Jean just noticed what Rogue was talking about and said, "Oh my, yes, do wear a bra."

Laura didn't know what they were talking about for she thought she had put it back on. "I am."

Jean looked at her. "No, you're not."

Rogue told her to go into the room and look into the mirror. She did so and peaked back out. "Thanks. I'm not making that mistake again."

Once more she embarrassed herself. But this was all new to her and the girls didn't make her feel stupid. They stuck by her and gave her tips. She was very grateful to have them helping her.

The next outfit she came out with was horrible for her. One it wasn't really her. She had decided upon picking a tank top with lace around the top of the bust area. The shirt was black and it looked cute on the hanger, but when she put it on it looked silly. And the pair of khaki pants didn't quite fit. So they told her to go a size smaller.

"I'm not doing lace ever again. Yuck!" She commented before going back into the room.

Jean and Rogue didn't blame her. It may not be her thing - ever. Rogue actually didn't mind lace. With her and Remy being together now she may be getting even more found of it. Plus it was just pretty. But it's not for every girl.

Now Laura came out with a reddish sleeveless shirt and dark blue jeans. This looked outstanding on her. There was nothing wrong with it at all. She then went to the camouflage pants and all of the other things. Everything else fit nicely. So now she had some new clothes. And the best was she could mix/match them up. Jean was the first to point that out to her.

They definitely picked out wonderful articles of clothing. Only a few things didn't quite fit; either slightly big or slightly small. And a couple didn't look right; the lace shirt and the khaki pants.

The last place they went to were where the shoes were. Laura went on her own with this. She browsed a little while and came back with two pairs; sneakers, which were mainly black but they had a silvery design on them along the sides, and combat boots. She already had a pair but they were so worn and old.

Jean and Rogue gave her a thumbs up. But Rogue couldn't help but say, "I thought ya weren't goin' Goth, sugar?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, ya sure got lots of dark stuff."

Jean looked back and forth at them. "Yeah, you did. But hey, that's cool."

Rogue said, "Now, all ya have ta do is let me help ya with make up." She joked.

Jean laughed. "Yeah, all we need is two of you, Rogue." She picked.

Rogue smacked Jean on the arm. "Very funny. I forgot ta laugh. No, maybe she should die her hair red and be like you. We definitely could use that." It was a sarcastic, yet not rude, comment.

Jean hit Rogue back. "Now it's my turn to laugh. Ha-ha."

Of course both girls did end up laughing. Neither of them could believe how well they were getting along. It was like they've been friends forever. No one, including Rogue, could believe how much she's been laughing lately. But her life had been getting better and better, how could she not be happy? Laura didn't know what to do so she just watched them and listened.

Soon they went to checkout and wait for the other girls, who were still shopping. Go figure. Jean and Rogue did tell Laura that if she happened to want to try make up that they could help out. Although, even Rogue admitted that Jean would be the best one for that. She could give Laura just the right amount so it would look natural. Of course, Rogue could do that, but she didn't like it for herself.

Laura said to Rogue, "Why do you wear so much make up? No offense, if any was taken."

"I don't know. I just do tha Goth thing. I've done it most of my life. And I pretty much have been doin' my make up like this ever since I was allowed ta wear it. I guess it's who I am. Most of that came from bein' antisocial, I didn't really get out much and when I did I stayed to myself. Then I got these 'abilities' and it made me hide more. I seriously don't know why I'm still like this. I suppose it's a habit that I can't break. It's me." Rogue explained as well as she could.

Jean already knew all of this but Laura obviously didn't. "Wow. We have some in common. Neither of us were allowed to be social."

"Yeah, but if not for what was ta happen ta me I probably would have been allowed. You had no choice at all." Rogue only wondered where she would have been if she wasn't a mutant. And she ended up cringing at the thought. Even though she was curious she was a bit afraid to know. She began to love being who she's become.

Laura grimaced. "Tell me about it. Still there's some similarity. You've changed some though now that everything's under control. I just hope I can be more social."

"If you think about it, you are. You never would have even considered doing this when you first arrived." Jean jumped in.

"That's true. I would have been like 'Go away!' or something like that."

Jean, Rogue and Laura saw the other girls and they were finally done. While they were checking out Jean had an idea for Rogue that just sort of popped into her head. She wasn't sure what she'd think but she went with it anyway.

"Rogue, since we were on the subject of make up, I was thinking that maybe for the prom you could do something different. Just for that special occasion."

Rogue cocked an eyebrow. "What makes it so special? I'm goin' with Kitty and Kurt. I'll be like a third wheel."

"They've already said you could dance with them."

"Yeah, wouldn't that look weird." Rogue said. "But, what's you're idea?"

"I was thinking that you could lighten up your make up. You could stay dark on the eyes but do a deep pink or light red on the lips. Or maybe just a tinted gloss." Jean waited for Rogue to completely flip or do something showing that that suggestion irritated her, but that didn't come.

Rogue stood there thinking it over. It wasn't a bad idea. And if she didn't like it she'd never have to do it again. It would only be for the prom. "That actually does sound nice."

Jean smile. "I'm sure Kitty will help you there, considering that you'll be getting ready together and everything."

"Yeah, I'm sure she can. But she had better not use a girly pink on me."

All three girls laughed. As the other four made their way over they all gave Jean, Rogue and Laura strange looks. Of course with being apart they had no idea.

"So, what's so funny?" Tabitha opened her mouth first.

"We were talking about Kitty helping Rogue with makeup for the prom." Jean answered still half-laughing.

Kitty's eyes brightened. "Really? Rogue, you're going to let me help you with makeup?"

Rogue rolled her eyes at how excited Kitty got. "Yeah, but there are limits. It's only my lips. And girl I ain't wearin' nothin' too girly - pink is out. I'll do my eye makeup and you can make suggestions for lipstick or lip gloss or whatever ya got."

Kitty still looked quite enthusiastic. "Okay, that's fine. Don't worry, I do have darker pinks. I'll let you take a look before the prom so you have an idea."

Rogue agreed. And as the girls all made their way back thought the mall the same as they did heading to the store Jean, Rogue and Laura filled the other four in on what happened on their end. Kitty, Tabitha, Amara and Jubilee did the same. Jean and Rogue knew how those girls were so it wasn't nothing new.

Now, they had all made it to the parking lot. Jean and her group got into her SUV, got seated and put on their seat belts. Rogue and Laura put on their helmets and hopped onto her bike. Within no time at all they were off and back on the road. Only this time they were heading back home to the institute.

---

It was much later that day. In fact it was now late evening. Jean and Scott were upstairs in her room, and for those who were upstairs too there was no mistaking at what those two were doing. Rogue and Remy were in the rec room sitting together on a chair. She was sitting between his legs and his arms were around her. They were peaceful. Ororo and Logan were out in the kitchen standing around talking. Logan wanted her to go out with him again. And he was trying to talk her into having at least one alcoholic drink.

"No." She protested.

"Why? You afraid you'll jump me in the parking lot?" He teased with his gruff voice.

She grinned. "No, I just don't drink."

He gave her an odd look. "You mean to tell me that you've never touched alcohol in you life?"

"Well, I have, I only prefer not to."

"How come? One or two drinks can't hurt ya, darlin'."

Ororo thought about it a while. He was right. "Okay, fine. One, maybe two. That'll be all though. And, under one condition."

"What would that be?" He had a feeling she was up to something.

She revealed a playful grin. "When we leave the bar we come home but don't go into the mansion right away."

Logan grinned back. "O.K. So where exactly will we be goin' then?"

"Into the wooded area. We'll still be on the premises but we'll have some privacy."

He knew where this was heading. "Ooh, gettin' a little kinky there. I like it."

She smiled. "Well, we're both tuned in with natural so why not."

"I have to say, I love this side of you." He said with another grin. He then slapped her butt playfully and squeezed it.

She smiled but said, "Logan, someone could have seen that." She may have a wild side but she still kept herself together.

"So what if they did. Like some of them aren't smackin' asses and what not."

She laughed. "True. But still . . . ."

"I know." He said. He then looked at the clock. "It's almost 10:00. We should leave now."

"Okay. Let's go." As they left the kitchen and made their way to the front door she was thinking about what she'd drink. "Logan, I don't have to have beer, do I?"

"No, 'course not. You can have whatever you want." He told as they exited the institute and headed for the garage.

"Good. I'm not too found of it."

"That's fine. I like it but you don't have to." He stated.

Now they were in the garage and before the did anything else they shared a quick kiss. Subsequently he put on his helmet and handed her the extra one. When hers was on they seated themselves on his motorcycle. Her arms were wrapped securely around his waist, which he loved; so did she. It wasn't much longer before he rode out of the garage and out through the gates. They were on their way.

The couple didn't really talk much along the way. Every so often they'd have a little converstion, nothing that big. She spent the time resting her head on his shoulder and loving how it felt being a passenger on his bike. No matter how many times they went places together that way she loved it as if it were the first. And all was the same for him. He loved having her holding onto him so tightly. It was a great feeling.

At last they were at a small bar. It was a different one from the other times. Logan hasn't been to that one for a long time and decided he'd like to check it out. If it wasn't much fun they could always leave and go where they usually went.

Logan parked his bike in the parking lot and the two got off of the bike. Before they entered the bar Ororo remembered she didn't bring any money. She knew Logan paid her way when they went out but she still felt bad having him do so. She usually had her own money, even if she didn't get to use it.

"Logan." She said.

"Yeah, Ro."

"I didn't bring any money." She had an idea to what response she'd receive yet she still made her statement.

"Oh darlin', don't worry about that. I'm the one who's takin' you out. So no matter what if I'm takin' you then I'll pay for you." He told her as he placed his arm around her waist affectionately. He then added, "But if you ever take me out, you can pay for me."

She laughed and placed her arm around him. "Okay. I knew you'd say something like that. Still, it just feels awkward having someone pay my way."

"I understand. But like I said, don't worry. I gotcha covered."

They entered the bar. It looked a bit bigger from the inside which was almost insoluble. They glanced around the place and then headed to the bar. Expectantly, Logan got a beer. Ororo had to think for a moment. She finally decided upon trying a strawberry Smirnoff. Oddly, those are beer drinks but taste nothing like it. So she liked the drink very much, even after only one sip.

Since they had there drinks they went to find a seat. They found a table towards the back that was empty so they seated themselves side-by-side. So far the place seemed to be quite nice.

"I haven't been to this place for such a long time." Logan stated.

"Really? Why did you stop coming here?" Ororo replied.

He thought for a second. "There was some trouble and I figured that if I kept comin' I'd get caught up in it. I don't need any excess trouble."

"No. None of us do." She commented.

"I'll drink to that, Ro." And he did. He nearly gulped down the rest of his beer.

"It's a good thing that alcohol has little or no effect on you." She laughed.

"Thankfully 'cause I'm just gettin' started." He quipped.

They both couldn't help but laugh. Logan may have been almost ready for a second but Ororo was still only half-way through her first. But she thought about having a second at some point.

As they sat and talked two men were watching them closely. Regardless they hadn't took notice to it just yet. They were too busy with conversation and every now and then sharing a kiss. Now they were locking lips again and the kiss was getting pretty intense. Before it got too far they pulled apart. They didn't want to start something they couldn't finish.

"Well, darlin', I'm ready for another. Wanna come with me, or do ya wanna wait here?"

"I'll wait. That way no one will take our seat."

"Yeah, true. Are ya gonna be OK though?" He asked with concern.

"Sure. You'll only be gone for a short bit." She assured him.

He nodded. Before he went for his second he asked, "Do you wanna another." He pointed at her drink.

She thought about it. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt. I don't have much left."

"I'll be back then." He kissed her quick on the lips and headed over to the bar.

Ororo sat there and looked around the place. She saw the two men and they were still watching the table. It looked like they were talking about her and Logan. She wasn't sure what about though. Whatever it was she turned her attention away. If they were up to no good and any problems were caused she sure as hell wasn't going to be the first to start it.

Within no time Logan returned with another beer and a Smirnoff for her. When he sat down she was finishing her first drink. He opened her second for her.

"Oh, thank you."

"You're welcome, darlin'."

He then slid the empty bottle off to the side of the table. Now he saw the men, whom were still gawking at them and talking and even pointing. He raised an eyebrow.

Ororo noticed that Logan had seen them. "Pay no attention to them. They've been staring over here since you left. Maybe even beforehand. Ignore them, honey."

"I won't strike unless they strike first. I promise." He knew very much not to initiate a fight. Maybe it was nothing anyway. Plus he wanted Ororo to have as good of a time as she could.

Logan drank some of his beer and was about to the half-way point already. Ororo had only been sipping hers, as she did before. And they talked about things at the mansion and their relationship. They completely forgot about the two men. But that would soon change for the men stepped over towards them.

Logan smelt them and he looked over and up. "Whatcha want?"

The one man looked at him. "You're a mutant!"

"Yeah, what about it?"

The other man said, "Well, we don't care much for your kind."

"Is that so, bub?" Logan had an idea where this would be going.

The first man said as he looked at Ororo, "What's a beautiful woman like you doing with a freak like this?"

Logan stood up. "Ya gotta problem with me?"

Both men stepped back some. Ororo stood up behind Logan. She didn't want him to do something stupid. And she didn't want to cause any trouble. Nevertheless, she wasn't afraid or ashamed to say what was on her mind at that very moment. She no longer felt the need to hide who she was. "As a matter of fact . . . ." She began, but Logan cut her off.

He quickly turned to her. "No, Ro. They don't need to know you're a mutant too." He whispered, for he figured they'd have enough problems already. He didn't need them to be at her as well.

She nodded and picked up her drink, finishing it off. Then she said to Logan, "Let's just get out of here before something else happens."

He didn't hear her for the second man was talking. "Yeah, we both do . . . ." He drifted off.

"Yeah, you don't belong in here, freak."

Logan was fuming now. "People like you are what pollute this world."

The first man went on. "No, it's the other way around. All of your kind should be locked away and destroyed in a slow, painful death."

Logan had heard enough and he punched him straight in the mouth causing his mouth to bleed. He may have even knocked out a couple of teeth. Ororo wasn't liking where this was going. "Logan, come on." She pleaded.

The other man glared at Logan. "You son-of-a-bitch! You'll pay for that."

Logan growled, "Really? Whatcha gonna do? Call security?"

At that moment another man came over. He heard what was going on. "Oh, it's okay. I know who those two are. That gorgeous lady is a mutant freak as well, so it's fine for them to pair off. At least they'll be keeping their diseased blood to themselves." He paused briefly then went on. "Haven't you seen them on TV. They're part of some mutant group that call themselves 'the X-Men'."

The other man said, "Now that you mention it, I do recall seeing something on the news. There's a whole bunch of freaks walking amongst us every day, pretending to be normal." He glanced at Ororo as he said that last part.

The man who recently got punched was surprised. "I can't believe I gave a nice comment to a mutant. You people make me sick." He too looked at Ororo as he said it.

Logan popped out his claws, on both hands. "Ya care to get more than a bloody mouth, punk, 'cause I'll do much more if ya don't shut that hole in your face." He threatened, but it wasn't only a threat. He would do more.

Ororo feared what would come if she didn't step in. She moved in front of him, but kept a close eye on the men. "Logan, don't. Let's leave. Please."

He gave all three of the men a venomous look. Ororo grabbed his arms. "Come on. Let's go." She insisted.

"Fine, I think we had better before I turn these pricks into a nasty pile of gore." He retracted his claws, picked up his beer and gulped the rest of his it down. "Ya better watch your backs." He threatened again. He couldn't resist it.

Ororo and Logan grabbed each others hands and headed, as quickly as possible, out of the bar. That's one place they would never return to. And Logan wouldn't ever step foot in that place, even alone. If those were the kind of people that occupied it now he'd stay clear of it.

"Thanks for pullin' me outta there, darlin'. If not for you it woulda got messy. Real messy."

"No problem. I'm glad you finally listened. Even though those kinds of people are horrible, we still must stay as calm as possible. We have to set an example to try and prove that while some mutants may be a threat others are not. We aren't. There's good and bad in all beings. I just hope that one day Charles' dream comes true and both humans and mutants can live together in peace." Ororo stated.

"I don't know how ya do it. I know you're right though. But I can't always control my temper." How she could remain so calm was beyond his comprehension. "I hope his dream comes true also. But I have my doubts 'cause of moments like that."

"You know, I had half a mind to give those creeps a taste of my own wrath. But someone had to stay focused. And I must keep my emotions in check." She said.

"Yeah, and it definitely wasn't me. I just can't stand people talkin' trash about others. Rather it's us or not." He said back.

The couple shared a peck on the lips and they put on their helmets. Once they were situated Logan pulled out of the parking lot and sped off. He wanted to get away from that bar as fast as he could. Who could blame him?

---

A bit later Ororo and Logan had reached the mansion and he parked his bike in the garage. Even though they were home they weren't calling it a night quite yet. Despite the incident at the bar they still wanted to have some privacy.

Logan was all for getting it on outside, even if it was still on the property. But the wooded area was the perfect place. Now that it was completely dark it was even better. They shouldn't have to worry about anyone hearing them, not that it mattered all that much. It was only natural. And they were tapped into everything natural.

The couple had just made it into the woods and Ororo lead him to the place she had picked out earlier that day. They both stopped and looked around. It was a bit creepy with how dark it was but it didn't bother them one bit. She even had a blanket laid out over the grass.

"Nice." Was all Logan could say. But he grabbed Ororo and pulled her against him. He then captured her lips with his own and kissed her with animalistic passion.

Ororo returned the move with the same force. She didn't know how it happened but he just drove her crazy. When moments like that came she could never control herself around him anymore. Although this would only be their second time together, they both knew there would be so many more.

The kiss broke and Logan said, "But what's with the blanket?"

She grinned at him, seductively. "Well, I assume we'll be in many different positions. I find it would be more comfortable when I'm on my hands and knees."

"What am I goin' to do with you, Ro?"

"This . . . ." She trailed off and crashed her lips against his.

They began to make out like crazy, madly kissing and groping each other. And they wasted no time to start pulling the clothes off. They heatedly removed them one by one until they were almost naked. All that remained was their underwear. Logan began to kiss her neck sending wonderful sensations all through her body and causing her to moan. And when he trailed his lips down her neck and to her breast she gasped. He was rough yet gentle. It was an odd but good feeling. And hard to explain. Even though he'd bite a little he never did it too hard. It seemed to push her over the edge.

After Logan played around with Ororo's upper body for a while, she took over. She decided she'd show more of her wild side and she backed him up against a tree. Then she began to kiss him hungrily. She spent little time on his lips at that moment. Instead she moved to his neck, where she kissed him, and even bit him some. He wanted her to bite harder than he did to her. But of course he could endure it. It was apparent that he enjoyed it.

Soon they were locking lips again, tongues dancing together. Their hands wandered almost endlessly over each other almost nude bodies. His hands moved down her back and to her butt. He squeezed which made her moan into his mouth. It didn't take him long to slide one hand around to the front and slip it down inside her panties. She was already breathing substantially. He gently stroked her private area. Now her hands did some more travelling of their own. She moved hers down from around his neck, over his chest and to his hips. She kept her left hand resting there while she moved her right one down and over his hardened maleness. Then she slipped her hand into his boxers and squeezed gently. He growled into her mouth, for they were still kissing.

They were both going nuts. Within barely any time at all the remaining clothing was removed in an unhinged manner. Now they were completely naked. And they didn't wait much longer to get intimate. But this time Logan had condoms. They stopped kissing so he could prepare himself. Once he put one on and all was good he hitched her left leg up and around his waist. She hooked her arms around his neck and lifted her right leg up and around the other side. His hands rested on her hips momentarily as he entered her. She moaned already, but more or less into his ear. This caused him to growl in pleasure and he began to go at her like crazy. She scratched her nails down his back.

They had sex like that for a while. But before he met his climax he slowed down and, with her still attached to him, walked over to where the blanket was. He lowered himself and started up again, with her beneath him. She was screaming and panting. He was growling and breathing heavily. And they were beginning to sweat up a storm.

The couple switched it up as Ororo straddled over Logan and moved up and down. Her hands were rested on his manly chest and his were moving back and fort from her boobs to her butt. He loved to squeeze at both places for his intensified her movements and moans. She ended up reaching her peak; her back arched, her head flipped back and she cried out in pure exhilaration. Although he allowed her to climax and he held back for one more round.

He moved out from beneath her and she got on all four, arching her back slightly which gave him a great view of her nice, firm butt. He groaned and he got onto his knees and positioned himself behind her. He placed his hand on her hips and soon he was doing her again. In this particular position they felt like two animals in heat. And they acted upon those instincts by going all out. He growled and she screamed. She stimulated herself some as they had sex.

In a matter of seconds Ororo climaxed again, letting out a final cry of great ecstasy and clutching at the blanket. This time she nearly collapsed to the ground. Logan finally had his release and he pretty much howled as the feeling swept over his body.

She actually did collapse once he moved and flopped down on the blanket beside her. They both laid there in silence for a bit until they caught their breath. They were soaked in sweat but they felt amazing. He had removed the used condom, tied the top into a knot and shoved it into his jeans pocket for the time being.

After about a minute or so Ororo said, "Oh - my - goodness. That was marvelous." She was still slightly panting.

Logan grinned. "Sure was, darlin'. And they'll be many more moments like this."

"I sure hope so. But, I also love to just, you know . . . cuddle." She replied.

He laughed at how she said it. "Oh, 'course. Well, we can do that now." He reached over and pulled her half-way on top of him.

She smiled and laid her head on his chest. "But, let's not fall asleep. Alas you want the students and other staff to see us like this in the morning."

"I have nothin' to hide." He said and then he chuckled once he saw the expression upon her face.

"I really don't want any of them to see us naked in the middle of this wood."

"Why not? You definitely have nothin' to hide." He looked down her body and brought his gaze back to her face.

She swat him on the chest and smiled. "Logan."

He laughed. "No, seriously, we'll just lay here little. Then we'll get dressed and head inside."

"My room or yours?" She questioned.

"Ya want more?" He asked.

She laughed. "No, not tonight. But I do want you to be with me."

"Well, I like your room."

"Then my room it is."

The couple laid there for a while longer. Soon they got up and put all of their clothes back on. Ororo grabbed the blanket and her and Logan walked, with his arm around her, into the mansion.

No one was awake, that they knew of. Either way they made their way upstairs and into her room. She removed most of her clothes and decide she'd sleep in her underwear and a tank top. He removed everything except for his boxers. And when they were both ready they hopped into bed and got comfortable. She snuggled up so close to him, but of course he didn't mind one bit. They shared a romantic kiss.

"Goodnight my darlin'. I love you." He didn't say it much, and never in front of anyone but her, however she knew he loved her either way.

"Goodnight. I love you too, honey."

They laid there until sleep found them. They were both quite content, and worn out, so it didn't take too long. In short time they were fast asleep wrapped up in one anothers arms.

---

Translations: (Hopefully I got all of the new ones)

Je t'adore de tout mon coeur - I love you with all my heart

Moi aussi. Je t'adore, cheri - Me too. I love you, sweetheart

Eclatant - Brilliant

---

Well, there was my new chapter and I hope y'all like it:) I know it took a while. I was just trying to get it as good as I could possibly do:) Plus for a few days I didn't have a computer. It had this nasty virus that downloads itself into the computer and acts as a file, so I couldn't get rid of it with my anti-virus program. I hate those things!!! Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this:) I would like to have the next chapter finished and posted much sooner; wish me luck:) Thank you for your reviews:) And again, a special thanks to Slickboy444 for all of the help and support:D You rock:D But until the next time, take care:)