A/N: OK, real quick I just want to thank everyone who PM'd or reviewed with their opinions on the individual shout-outs. I decided I am going to keep doing them (one because I love you guys so much, and two because it's kind of my way of thanking you for reading), but now they'll be at the END of each chapter. I hope this is a good compromise! So now, onward to the story!
Previously: "Now, I would like to have a private discussion with Mr. Creed to establish some ground rules during his visit. Who would like to escort him to my office?" The Professor asked the X-Men standing before him.Chapter 13
Revelations
Just as the last words left Xavier's lips, a shy knock came at his office door. All heads turned. "Come in, my dear," Charles invited.
The door opened to reveal and hesitant and slightly embarrassed looking Rogue. "I, I'm sorry tah interrupt. I didn't mean tah eavesdrop but I was waitin' outside for our session Professah, an' since absorbin' Wolverine, well, sometimes I can't seem tah help overhearin' everybody," the teenager ventured.
"What is on your mind Rogue?" Xavier asked the young woman.
"I wanted tah say I'd do it. I'll fetch, Victor for ya'll. Bring 'em here. I really don't mind. I mean, after listenin' tah yah explain everythin', well, I woulda done the same as him! I understand why he took me, an' I don't blame 'im none for it. I was jus' a job, a way tah get his family back." The beautiful young mutant stood before them blushing but keeping her chin high.
Sabertooth may freak her the heck out, but she'd learn to deal with it…She would do this, do it for her friend, for a woman she's only known for a few short weeks, but someone she'd come to look up to and care for deeply. Late at night, the southern girl liked to imagine the female feral was her mother, or at least her older sister, occasionally a long lost aunt. Secretly at times, Rogue had also wished Lupa and Logan would get together, in order to keep them both near her (though of course she was pretty sure they'd have been happy together too).
The good thing about that plan had been the fact the teenager was pretty sure Wolverine would have been 100% on board with her scheme, he seemed like he a had major crush on his female counterpart after all. But even Rogue could see Lupa appeared completely oblivious to anything related to romance or love. She treated Jimmy as a best friend, or even as a brother, not as someone she looked upon with any kind of…desire. The teen didn't think Lupa even recognized the look in Logan's eyes either, his own desire for the female feral.
Now Rogue figured the Wolf Girl's lack of interest in Wolverine was explained by Sabertooth. It explained everything. And the poisoned skin girl figured if Lupa and Victor really were mates, well then they should be together. But if he wasn't welcome at the mansion because of her kidnapping, Lupa would surely leave with him. Rogue desperately hoped that if the adults present in Xavier's office saw she didn't have a problem with Victor, they'd be more willing to allow him to stay, thus hopefully keeping Lupa at the school as well.
"Besides, Lupa's my friend an' if he's gonna be in her life, then I'll jus' have tah get used to 'im, right?" Logan felt a rush of pride for his Stripes, while at the same time feeling a stab of fear. Could Sabertooth be trusted around the kids? Was Jean right? Well, he sure as hell wouldn't test it with Rogue. This girl was akin to a daughter or a sister to him and he knew she felt the same about him. They were something like a family and had swiftly adopted Lupa into their fold as well. Wolverine opened his mouth, prepared to holler out a resounding 'No!'
But before he, or any of the teachers could burst out and reject their student's offer, Charles raised one hand to stall them.
"Thank you, Rogue. You are very kind and brave to make such an offer. But I am afraid I am going to have to decline it. I would prefer it if Cyclops and Storm handle this. Later though, I am sure Lupa will want to introduce you to Victor. It is entirely your decision whether or not to meet him however. It may seem odd, but I do believe that once he sees how she cares for you, he will be…accepting of your relationship. I would also not be surprised if he takes you under his protection somewhat. From what I saw of Mr. Creed's mind earlier, 'pack' is very important to him, and you are part of Lupa's 'pack,'" Xavier smiled a bit, trying to lighten the mood.
"Why don't we reschedule our session for tomorrow, once we return from the museum. We can work on your feral hearing then," The Professor proposed.
Rogue grinned and nodded once, "OK. Tomorrow then, aftah the field trip. Thanks Professah!" She turned gracefully, winked at Logan and then exited Xavier's office.
All the teachers exhaled in relief knowing the teen wouldn't be Victor's escort, each having been caught completely off guard at her offer. Both Ororo and Charles were pleased with the girl's acceptance of the presence of her one-time kidnapper, while Scott remained determinedly Not Happy. Logan, who had long ago learned never to place a bet on a woman's actions (they were simply too damn contrary), just smiled. Pleased with his kid's maturity and especially with Chuck's smooth and gentle rejection of her offer. Jean was strangely torn between shock and horror at her student's actions and a general feeling of anger at the day's overall events.
"Before Storm and Scott go, I want to explain the rules I will be setting out for Mr. Creed. One, he is restricted to the teacher's wing, the kitchen, the gardens and the Danger Room, though he may only be there with two X-Men chaperones. Two, unless he is sparring, he will not direct violence or verbal threats toward anyone during his stay. Three, he is not allowed to speak to the students except for Rogue if she so chooses. Four, he may not contact any employers or associates nor conduct any business during his stay here. Does anyone have any suggestions or comments?" Xavier asked.
"How long ya gonna let him stay?" The Wolverine ground out.
"I will give him five days before he must move on, with Lupa or without her."
Logan nodded, as did all the other teachers. The chosen two emissaries looked at each other before leaving their former teacher's office. Dr. Gray swiftly made her own exit to the labs, head down and lost in thought. As Logan turned to leave as well, Xavier called out to him, "James, will you stay for a moment? I thought you might like to speak further on this matter."
"As long as he behaves I won't…give 'im a hard time, OK?" The slightly disgruntle Wolverine promised. He began to pace again, up and down the carpet, "I still don't know if I believe that he's her, mate. An' I doubt she knows about what kinda man he really is, 'bout his past an' all."
"Your past, you mean? You spent approximately 150 years with him, I would say you have a shared past," Charles countered.
"Well then what about the last 20 years? Fuck! What he's done jus' in the last couple decades, huh? We all know his reputation. We've all heard the stories and the rumors! We know what he's capable of!" Logan's arms were tensed straight against his sides with clenched fists, he wasn't exactly angry at the Professor, Chuck just happened to be talking, and in the area.
"I do not condone what he has done, I have read all the police reports, the eyewitness statements, the military records and seen the photographic evidence of his crimes. He has done many evil things. Both in war and in his quest to find you and Lupa. I am merely asking you to acknowledge the fact he is your brother. Your only remaining blood family. He is only one who can truly answer your questions. And if he is Lupa's mate, I do not think she will choose to separate from him. If you wish to remain a part of her life, you will need to accept his presence in it," Xavier gently explained, trying to make the Wolverine understand.
"Yeah, well, we'll see I guess. I'm gonna go check on Rogue, make sure she's really OK with him bein' here. I'll see ya at dinner, Chuck," Logan grumbled as he left the office.
OoOoOoOoO
Laying on the bed, just as he was wondering which of the X-Men would show up as ambassador/escort/guard, Victor's enhanced hearing picked up the sound of approaching footsteps falling on the outside hallway carpet. Creed was torn between smirking because his instincts were dead on once again, or scowling because he'd have to leave Lupa's side. She needed to heal up fast so he could get her to one of his hideouts. That meant no stressful meetings, no angry confrontations, no interrogations and her eating and getting a shitload of sleep.
Victor's inner debate was interrupted by a very polite knocking. If that didn't give her away, the smell of lighting bolts and rain seeping from underneath Lupa's door certainly did. A male scent was present too - intense heat without flame and desperate earnestness. Not Logan, but Summers.
The male feral looked over at his baby girl, she was still deeply asleep. Regretfully drawing back from her warm, soft body, Victor stood and slipped on his dark jeans and undershirt before walking to the door. Even though he knew it was for the best and that this meeting had to happen, Sabertooth hated leaving his mate behind, alone and unprotected. But he bottled those rebellious feelings, this shit had to be done and that's all there was to it.
Victor opened the door with a sinister grin and casually leaned against the door frame. He towered more than a foot over the diminutive Weather Witch and had at least five inches over a good sized Cyclops. The lightly bloodstained white wife beater and revealed fangs did nothing to lessen his overall menacing appearance. The mercenary held one clawed finger up to smirking lips, "Shhh." A mocking warning not to disturb the sleeping woman behind him.
"Hello there kiddies. What can the Big Bad Sabertooth do for you today?" Creed drawled out, his voice low and even.
"Professor Xavier would like to speak with you in his office if that is acceptable to you," Ororo pleasantly - and quietly - replied. She refused to be ruffled by him. Storm believed she now understood what made him into the man he was today, and that insight made her feel confident and secure in how to handle him: with respect and directness.
Scott stayed mute, standing just behind his fellow teacher. He maintained a neutral expression but was trying to discreetly see if he could spot Lupa from behind the enormous feral blocking her doorway. So far, no luck, the man was too damn big.
Victor's eyes snapped over to the obviously snooping Cyclops. "She's sleepin'," he growled, not eager to share any information on the Wolf Girl. "Took a nasty hit from your boy Wolverine," Sabertooth folded his arms over his chest, his cocky grin turning into a fierce scowl at the memory of her injury, at the memory of his fear and her pain.
"Bastard," Scott spat out under his breath, he planned on having words with Logan after delivering Creed to Xavier. He was lucky he hadn't killed Lupa with that stunt!
Surprisingly, Cyclops' comment restored Victor's smirk. He was pleased to see someone else besides him was pissed at the Runt. Plus young Scotty had hit the nail right on the head with his chosen expletive. "Gimme a sec," Creed husked as he firmly, but noiselessly, shut the door in the teachers' faces.
The Sabertooth held in a snarl as he looked over his woman still sleeping blissfully unaware of the drama brewing outside her door. He hated to leave her alone and unprotected but nothing could be done. Quickly Victor threw on his boots and draped his black coat over his mate's prone body. If she woke while he was gone, he wanted her to know he'd be back - the coat hopefully would reassure her of that. He leaned down to brush his lips against her own soft mouth, tucked an errant curl behind her ear and then stalked out of the room.
The two X-Men were waiting beside a large old fashioned grandfather clock, a few feet from the doorway. Storm smiled a little, "I don't think we've ever been formally introduced, Mr. Creed. I am Ororo Munroe and this is Scott Summers. If you'll just-"
Completely dismissing the woman speaking, Victor turned his attention to the clock next to her. It had to be near 500 pounds and stood maybe nine feet tall. It'd do in a pinch. He strode forward, wrapped his arms around the wooden body and carried it over to block Lupa's doorknob. It'd take a super-strong mutant or at least three human soldiers to move that puppy. Either way, moving it would make enough noise to alert his mate of intruders.
Finished and satisfied at his work, Victor faced the dumbfounded X-Men and barked, "Well, let's get goin'. I ain't leavin' her alone here fer long, that'd be jus' askin' fer trouble. Who knows what kinda fuckin' people ya let inta this damn school?" Sabertooth snickered heartily at his own little joke, enjoying the look of barely suppressed fury warring with indignation on Cyclops' mug. He knew that one at least must of put up a fuss at having the Evil Victor Creed over for a play date.
"Of course, Mr. Creed. Just follow us this way," Storm continued as if without interruption, a small amused smile on her face. She was pleased to see the Sabertooth at least had a sense of humor, it bode well for her friend Lupa's future.
OoOoOoOoO
As Victor was escorted back to Lupa's room by Laser Beam Boy and the Weather Witch, he couldn't help feeling satisfied with his hour long chat with Charlie Boy. They'd both agreed their mutual priority was the Wolf Girl, her healing up and her making her own decisions regarding her future. For Sabertooth this meant his baby girl wouldn't be stopped when she left with him, while for the Professor it meant Lupa could freely choose to continue staying at the school. As for the rules Xavier had come up with for him, they weren't too bad, Creed reflected. Not to mention kind of flattering in a fucked up kind of way.
Being forbidden to interact with any of the vulnerable little students was easy, he had no desire to talk to any of the weak midget freaks he could smell stinking up most of the mansion. In fact he'd prefer to avoid them at all costs, so the first rule of staying in the approved areas and the third rule of no corrupting the kids, were no problem. A little annoying, but no problem.
Sabertooth figured the second rule of no threats or violence would be dealable, especially if they were gonna let him play in the Danger Room with some of the X-Men. He could hold his temper 'til then. Probably.
The fourth rule – how had Charles put it? Victor was not to conduct any 'business' during his stay at the school – well, that wasn't an issue either. Now that Lupa was found, Creed had no business to conduct. His entire career as a mercenary had been designed for two purposes. One, to gain information on his mate's location and two, expend some of his built up violent energy and bitter rage. The first reason was obsolete, Lupa was in his arms again, safe and protected. The second, his near omnipresent need for destruction, his thirst for violence, seemed to have faded away once he held her again. The furious, roaring, hungry fire that had burnt inside him for so long had diminished into smaller, flickering flames and glowing, bright orange coals. Ever ready to be stoked back into a raging bonfire, but for now content in their calmer, quieter smoldering.
Victor had never really sat down and planned for his life beyond finding Lupa, yet he'd always harbored a kind of far fetched fantasy of the two of them living out in the wilds, somewhere isolated but beautiful. Away from all the people who could stab you in the fucking back, the overwhelming scents and deafening noises, all the ugly confusion of civilization and humanity. Just the two of them. Creed even had a place in mind, a sweet spread of land in northeastern Canada he'd bought after they'd beaten those asshole Nazis. The brothers had chosen to separate for a few months then. Both had needed some time alone to get their heads back in order before meeting up again in Maine to be Forest Rangers of all things (Jimmy's idea) for a few years before getting run out of town (Victor's fault). Sabertooth had bought the land and built a small three room cabin before all that though. The long days and physical labor made him too tired to dream of Omaha Beach or the Blitz or last but not least of the horrors of that particular war, Stutthoff*.
Victor had made sure to return to the cabin every five to ten years for repairs and upkeep, using it as a kind of favorite solitary retreat. He kept it secret from Jimmy, one of the very few he did. Now he hoped to take Her there after she'd recovered enough. Sure Xavier said he had five days, but Victor didn't want to be here that long. Screw rebuilding some bullshit brotherly bond with Jimmy Runt, She was all he needed.
Finally the odd threesome was again outside the only bedroom door with a grandfather clock guarding it. The two X-Men stepped aside as Sabertooth lifted and moved the enormous antique away from the Wolf Girl's door, and back to it's original location.
"Dinner is in a little less an hour, at 6:30. I'll bring some plates up for you both, I'm sure Lupa won't feel like getting up tonight. Do either of you need anything in the meantime, Mr. Creed?" Ororo asked, with genuine interest. Neither Victor nor his beast knew exactly what to make of her. There wasn't a hint of deceit or dis-ingenuousness in her scent only earnestness and worry. Plus her eyes practically radiated understanding and kindness when she spoke. It was because of her authenticity and his own confusion towards it that Creed held in a rude, barking response. Well that and her honest concern for the welfare of his mate. Irritated the shit out of him though – not knowing her agenda or angle. Was the good Samaritan act for real?
"We're good. An' drop the 'mister' bullshit. Call me either Victor or Creed," Sabertooth husked as he opened the door and stepped halfway inside. Slyly he glanced over at Cyclops and smirked, his fangs fully exposed. "Thanks fer the tour kid, I'll be sure to tell the bossman how helpful ya were," then with twinkling eyes, he shut the door in their faces.
OoOoOoO
Victor leaned against the door, his girl was still asleep and clutching his overcoat to her. He could only see her face from her closed eyes up, the rest was buried in black fabric. Feeling like a weight had lifted off his chest and he could suddenly breathe easier, Creed tugged off his boots and blue jeans and gently climbed back under the bed covers, making sure to take the side closest to the room's only entrance point. He sat up against the headboard and as if she could sense his presence Lupa released the coat and snuggled forward until she found his warm bulk. She released a contented sigh and rested her small hands on his muscular torso. Creed allowed himself a discreet smile as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder, holding her close to him.
A few minutes passed before he felt Lupa start nuzzling him and making tiny little satisfied sounds. Victor felt her little fingers rub small circles on his stomach, it was soothing and sexy at the same time. Slowly, silver eyes framed by long sooty lashes opened. She drowsily grinned at him and in response he quickly snatched her by her arms and pulled her up to rest on top of his chest. Lupa giggled which showed her long white fangs and to Creed, she seemed to glow with happiness. He bared a wolfish grin of his own.
Their eyes met and the moment became heavier, laden with deeper feelings. Still staring into his blue eyes, ever so slowly Lupa leaned down and hovered her lips centimeters above his own. Not letting her hesitate any longer, Victor closed the distance. The kiss started out gentle and soft, but soon escalated into intense passion. Lupa's lips were tingling and heat pooled in her belly as she felt her mate slide his hands to caress her face then down lower to her breasts and waist, deftly avoiding her wounds. She in turn ran her fingers through his cropped dark hair, using black talons to tease the skin on the back of his neck. Lupa was in heaven, she had never felt such pleasure in her life before! It was amazing, he was amazing.
They were both flushed and quietly panting and moaning as they explored each other. Lupa's hands slipped under Victor's shirt and traced the defined muscles of his abdomen and chest. The male feral released her lips, making Lupa momentarily whimper in disappointment, until he started sucking and kissing her neck. He ran his teeth over the smooth, tender skin and bit down just hard enough for the Wolf Girl to softly cry out his name. He groaned at the sound of it on her lips and at the salivating aroma of her innocent arousal flooding the room. Sabertooth wanted nothing more than to rip her clothes off and make her scream out his name. Mark her as his.
But then his head snapped over to the door, he could hear light footsteps approaching outside, along with the scent of lighting strikes and hot food. That Storm chick must be back with dinner, Sabertooth cursed. He looked up at his dazed mate who seemed to have melted into him, and smiled once before brutally kissing her again. "Storm's on her way with food," he informed the trembling Lupa. "We'll finish this later, baby girl."
Lupa nodded but bit her lower lip – something that Victor found incredibly sexy as well as very endearing. He growled slightly out of irritation and frustration, yet he knew it was for the best, she needed to recover before they could go any further.
OoOoOoO
They had just finished the steak and vegetables Ororo brought up from the dining hall, and were getting comfortable on the bed again when there was a timid knock at the door. Creed held in a snarl when he caught the scent of the visitor. Lupa immediately knew who it was and grinned brightly. "That is my friend Rogue, I would love for you two to meet," the Wolf Girl ventured. She tried not to look too eager, knowing how uncomfortable Victor was at the mansion, but couldn't help herself. He of course couldn't say no when it was such a simple and earnest request, she wanted him to meet probably one of the first friends she'd had since Zsiga back in Budapest in '45.
"Fine, but she ain't staying fer long. Ya need yer rest," Sabertooth grumbled out. This was going to be bad, how the hell was Lupa going to react? Would Rogue come in with accusations and warnings? Victor could feel his stomach tightening up, could he lose her over this? Would she really understand? Would it really not matter?
As he questioned himself, Lupa gingerly got off the bed and made her way to the door, ever mindful of her wounds. Opening the door, she pulled her guest into a hug. "Rogue! I am so happy you came, I want you to meet Victor," the female feral uncharacteristically gushed, holding tightly onto the teenager's gloved hand. This small gesture cemented Marie's determination to welcome Victor. Only a very few people ever touched her willingly, even though she wore long sleeves, multiple layers and gloves. Lupa never hesitated, not even after learning of Rogue's power. In fact, if anything the Wolf Girl showered more physical affection on the teen after finding out; hugging her, holding her hand, tickling her. Treating her normally. Yes, Rogue would accept the Devil himself for Lupa's sake. And perhaps that was just what she was doing now.
Creed stood up off the bed and seemed to tower over the two women, he stared at the poison skinned girl and nodded once before speaking, "We've met before."
Marie forced a smile, "Well, not officially. My name's Rogue, it's nice tah meet you Mistah Creed."
Lupa looked between the two mutants who both seemed awkward and strained. "How did you meet?" She asked, head tilted in confusion, her smile dimming a bit. She stayed next to Rogue, holding the girl's hand but was looking at her mate.
Neither answered right away. Marie because she wasn't sure exactly how to explain and Sabertooth because he was dreading the explanation. Then the strangest thing happened. Victor felt the girl's eyes on him. He turned and saw that she was looking for direction from him, for guidance in what they should say. A lot was communicated between the two of them in that moment, and both found common ground in the other. Victor could see in the teen's face that she loved Lupa immensely and only wanted her friend to be happy, even if that happiness was with him. That she didn't want to distress the woman or possibly worsen the situation by saying the wrong thing. And that she would back Creed up in whatever he chose to say.
In turn, the untouchable teenager thought she saw a flash of something in Victor's eyes, a hint of the emotions he so skillfully kept hidden. A brief glimpse of the fear and near-panic he felt at the possibility of losing Lupa over what happened at Liberty Island, because of what he'd done to Marie. And something else, a peak at his intense need for the female feral. His drive for her safety, for her happiness. This was a man who would do anything for the injured woman standing before him, perhaps even leave her if she should demand it. But then again, most teenage girls are overly romantic creatures.
Yet if nothing else, Rogue and Victor had their love for Lupa in common.
It startled the Sabertooth that the girl should trust him to fix the situation, especially since the only times she'd seen him thus far had been very bad experiences to say the least. But maybe whatever the teenager had seen in his gaze was enough. But what the hell was he going to tell Lupa? Fuck it, he'd try the truth. Didn't have much of a choice with at least two X-Men eager to spill the beans about his ugly past to his mate.
"'Member that last job I told ya 'bout? The one that's got Jimmy Runt so pissed at me? Erik needed someone, a mutant with particular powers. It was her, yer friend Rogue. He needed her fer some big plan of his an' in exchange I got some Intel on where ya were bein' held. I tracked her, found her and took her. Brought her ta Erik. I didn't care why he wanted her, didn't even ask. Jus' took the files he handed over. Whatever he did ta yer friend woulda killed her, but the Runt an' company got her out jus' in time from what I heard later. I was too busy fallin' a few hundred feet offa ole Lady Liberty after letting' Jimmy get the jump on me," Victor huffed out loud when he admitted that last part.
Creed hated this, confessing to Lupa his sins and doing it in front of someone he'd sinned against. But he'd been as truthful and straight forward as possible with her. Both Victor and his beast seemed compelled to be honest with his mate and not make some lame ass, pussy excuses. It could have been because of the bond that connected them, or maybe it was because he wanted her to have all the facts before she picked either him or the X-Men. Perhaps he did it so that should she choose him, he would always know she accepted everything about him, so he would never have any nagging, vicious doubts plaguing him. For whatever reason, unconscious or not, he'd thrown all his chips on the table and it was too goddamn late now to take it back. Victor felt the beginnings of a black hole start in his stomach and spread up to his chest. Had he just royally fucked himself over? Ruined any and all chances with his Lupa?
The Wolf Girl's sterling eyes were wide in disbelief, she released Marie's hand and sat down at her desk's chair."Is this- is that how it happened, Rogue?" A more than stunned Lupa asked her friend.
"I, I didn't know the reason he was took me was because Magneto had information on yah, but yeah, the rest of it's true, sugah. But it – it don't matter! I don't care about that! I know why he did it and I wouldah done the same as him! He did it tah save yah and I-I forgive him!" Rogue passionately defended, surprising both herself and Victor with her earnest vehemence.
Lupa was silent for several long moments.
"Baby girl?" The male feral cautiously prompted.
"I'm sorry. It is just quite a lot to take in all at once. I think, I think I'd like to go for a little walk by myself. Just in the gardens for a few minutes," the Wolf Girl answered quietly, haltingly. She was still sitting and staring blankly ahead of her, an odd expression on her pretty, scarred face.
"No. You need ta rest. I'll leave, give ya some space an' you'll stay-" He started to say.
"NO, Victor! Don't go! Don't leave me again!" Lupa cried out desperately, rushing over to him and grabbing his rough, clawed hands. Tears flooded her eyes and threatened to overflow as she pleaded with him. She had worked herself up into a frenzy and Creed cursed both himself and the world. He felt like an idiot, of course she'd have issues with separation anxiety and abandonment, she'd spent the last 20 odd fucking years living in a goddamn cage as a science experiment!
Victor wrapped his arms around his angel's waist and clutched her to him. "Alright, alright. Don't worry, 'm not going nowhere," he comforted as best he could. Lupa began to softly cry, completely overwhelmed by the day's events. She had been reunited with her mate and stabbed in the chest by her best friend, not to mention this newest revelation. Sabertooth looked over to Rogue and jutted his chin towards the door, trying to politely hint for the girl to make tracks. Finally the teen caught on and slipped out of the room to give the ferals some privacy. He lifted Lupa up bridal style and deposited her back on the bed where she proceeded to curl up at his side.
"I'm sorry Victor, I'm just so tired and confused. So much has happened today," His baby girl apologized. She felt ashamed at herself for the way she had acted, so weak and pathetic, but honestly couldn't muster up enough energy to give much of a damn right now.
"Don't worry 'bout it. Get some sleep, things'll be clearer in the mornin'," Victor ordered. He softly started stroking her long curly mane and listened to his mate quietly slip into a deep, healing sleep, her fingers wrapped up tight in his shirt.
oOoOo
*Omaha Beach was an invasion point during the Allied invasion in Normandy, France. (Remember the first 20 minutes of Saving Private Ryan?)
*The Blitz is a term coined to describe the German bombing of London during WWII. It wasn't just one raid however, but many spread over a period of several years, which devastated the city of London and it's inhabitants.
*Stutthoff was the last concentration camp to be liberated by the Allies on May 9th 1945, at the tail end of WWII. It was actually liberated by Soviet forces, but for the sake of the story we'll pretend Logan and Victor's unit was involved as well.
A/N: OK, next chapter I'm going to start incorporating events from X2, plus Victor and Logan finally get to duke it out in the Danger Room! Review if want a cupcake!
Thank you to
Masked Revolt – Yay! So happy the last chapter was a success, hope this one's lives up to expectations too!
Obscure Stranger – LOL, glad you liked the X-Holes joke, I thought it was pretty funny myself. ;-)
Porcelain Destiny – Whew! I'm happy that I did the X-Men's personalities well, I had fun writing them actually.
Devil0Child – Here's your 'more'! Hope you like it!
WhiteChocolat123 – Oh W.C., how I love reading your reviews. They always make me so happy! Thanks again for the great comments!
booksmartblonde333 – Yeah, I kinda want Storm and Victor to get a long too, they could have a interesting 'friendship' maybe. Let me know what you think about how they interact in this chapter!
wolviegurl – Glad you like the shout-outs and the way I portrayed Storm. She totally rox, doesn't she?
HP – OK, so this chapter is the longest I've written yet, it took longer (duh) but I hope the length is good!
My Beautiful Ending – I'm glad you like the shout-outs, I really appreciate all the effort my readers put into their reviews so I like to do something nice in return as a thanks!
mandya1313 – Dank U! (Flemish)
GhostAuthor – Dun, Dun, DUNNNNN! It was Storm and Scottie Boy! Surprise! ;-)
QuirkyCullen –Darling Quirkster, thanks for the input, I'm glad you like the replies!
Kai-Qui – Next chappie will have the big confrontation between Logan and Victor, I'm kind of nervous about it. Got any ideas/requests for the big dust up?
xPrincetonx – OK, I'll keep the shout-outs, but JUST for you! ;-)
ROGUEFURY – LOL, unfortunately I think a hatchet may be involved when Logan and Victor have their little chat. But we'll see. Thanks for reviewing!
Lil Mizz Blondi – I like it when he calls her 'his Lupa' too, makes me all giggly, LOL.
Black Rose Kalli – Glad you liked the way I portrayed the X-Men, sometimes in stories I find them to be too perfect, you know?
Kori Namida – OK, so no Logan/Victor talk yet, but next chapter will have it, I promise!
ninjamonkey20 – here's another update for my favorite primate martial artist! ;-)
Bre-Wolf666 – Yeah, I wanted to make Victor sort of more understood, but not make him into something he isn't. He can definitely still be a bastard, but never with Lupa.
HelHound – Hey thanks again for catching the plot hole in the last chapter regarding Victor's enhanced hearing. Totally blanked out on it!
LiveFreeDieWell – Yeah, things have been a little slow the last couple chapters, but I hope this chapter and the next speed things up!
kungfupandabear – So glad you liked the update, I was kind of nervous about that last chapter.
chrissyissy – Nope, not Rogue but that'd be a great plot twist! And I adore Rogue, she was always my favorite!
Masanya – Thanks for the support, I think I'll keep doing the shout-outs just cause they're fun and I like to show people I appreciate them reviewing!
Also thanks to Devil0Child, Aurae Riordi, kierra666, ROGUEFURY, unseenpunkgirl, darklittleangel93, BrownEyedDevil and Captain Ricciondel for favorting/alerting!