TrunksGirl – I did know about Mariko, but he doesn't meet her until after he joins the X-Men. I do know that he lived in Japan before he met the X-Men so that's what all the stuff in his chapter will be about. Mariko may come later or not be mentioned at all. I'm still thinking about it.
Wolviesfan – Thanks for the info… ^_^
Solitaire – LOL, it seems you're a fellow Polak. Nice to meet you. Yup, all the stuff that you mentioned is true, however, aside from traditional polaks such as you and me, no one noticed. Another little thing is that we don't know just how German Kurt's family is. As an author, I took the liberty of giving Kurt some Polish background, even if it as minor as the food his family prepares at Christmas. Mostly, it was just my Polish roots showing through…
rogue star – Thanks for reviewing!!! ^_^
ishandahlf – Your going to kill me. There is no Romy in this chapter… *hides*
RogueLVR – LOL, love your review. Short sweet, and to the point.
Spirit Star – Glad you think it's cute. ^_^
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The day came when all the students, regardless of what they celebrated, exchanged gifts. Tomorrow morning would be the day they all left for winter break…. Well most of them. Tabitha, Rogue, Hank, and the Professor would spend the holidays together at the mansion.
Ororo had woken up early to make a special breakfast and start on the turkey dinner, but much to her dismay, her heart wasn't into it. Usually cooking made her feel better, but all it did today was remind her that Evan was stuck in the sewers and most likely not eating anything half as good as she was. And that thought just make her feel guiltier.
But such thoughts weren't productive, and Ororo needed to get this holiday dinner done. Pushing her emotions aside, Ororo put her sole attention to the task at hand. This, of course, made cooking feel like a chore, but Ororo didn't care. She had told every one she would do this and she would. Come hell or high water.
****
Logan was the last to come down for breakfast. He knew he should have come down earlier to set an example and all that other shit Xavier keeps talking about at the 'teacher' meetings, but he had never been a morning person. Besides, he had to wake up early to drive the kids to school every other day anyway. He deserved his sleep.
Coming into the kitchen, he was bombarded with the smell of food and the sight of Ororo's butt. Naturally, both attracted his attention in different ways.
Watching Ororo take out a big pot, rather ungracefully, Logan contemplated helping her, but decided she had it under control.
Looking at the kitchen table, he noticed that at the place where he usually sat was a plate of pancakes. Sitting down, he proceeded to inhale them.
Damn, this woman sure knows how to cook a meal.
He smiled contently; his stomach finally sated. Logan then proceeded to curiously watch as Ororo manhandled the turkey. She was currently stuffing it – rather violently too – with none of her usual grace.
Logan was rather amused and dubbed the scene "Ororo vs. Turkey". Ororo seemed to be loosing if the pieces of stuffing in her hair and on her clothes were of any indication. However, if one were to consider that the turkey was ready to burst then it would be more logical to assume that the turkey was loosing….
And while Logan was musing over the winner of the match, Ororo had dumped the turkey in the pot, plopped it into the oven, and turned around to notice her companion.
"Good morning, Logan." She stated.
"Hey Ro. So who won, the turkey or you?"
Ororo blinked at Logan a few times, tired to understand his logic, failed, and decided that it was a guy thing. "I was not aware that the turkey and I were competing."
"Um."
A pregnant pause settled over them as Logan scrambled to think of something more intelligent to say. Unfortunately, nothing came to mind.
Deciding to take pity on him, Ororo changed the subject. "Would you like to help me? I have yet to start the-"
"Actually I need to finish wrapping up the presents. See ya Ro." And with that, Logan left, remembering what happened last time he helped Ro with dinner. Cold showers weren't in any way comfortable and preferably avoidable.
"Men." Ororo muttered rolling her eyes. "You'd think they would be grateful to help, especially since they are going to eat it… but no…"
****
As it drew dark outside, the students drifted into the living room and at promptly 6 o'clock exchanged gifts. Everyone ohed and ahed and generally had a very good time. While it would take too long, not to mention be extremely boring, to go through what everyone got, sufficed to say, all were perfectly happy with their gifts. That is all but one.
****
Ororo had given out all her gifts except one. Deciding it was now or never, she approached Logan-who was currently standing by the wall watching everyone.
But before she could open her mouth, Logan beat her to it.
"Happy Kwanzaa Ro."
He held out a neatly wrapped package. Surprised he remembered, Ororo was just about to hand Logan his gift, but curiosity getting the better off her. Ororo put the basket on the side table nearby and gently unwrapped the gift. Opening the velvet casing, she was stunned momentarily speechless.
"It's beautiful Logan. Thank you." Overcome with emotion, she gave him a spur of the moment hug.
Stunned by her actions, Logan stiffened. However, Ororo smiled into his distinctively shaped hair as she felt him gingerly return the embrace. She allowed herself to remain in his arms for another few blissful seconds before breaking the hug.
"If that's the reaction I get when I give you gifts, I should give them to you more often."
"Maybe next time I'll give you a kiss." Replied Ororo playfully.
"Is that a fact?" Logan asked suggestively.
"Maybe." Answered Ororo mischievously while getting the basket and handing it to Logan.
"Merry Christmas Logan."
Logan carefully looked through the contents of the basket. Through the chocolate he spotted something metal. Drawing it out, and putting the basket back on the side table and examined the dagger.
"Damn, ain't this a good imitation of the Ming Dynasty…" Suddenly, Logan's eyes grew bigger; the dagger slid from his grip and fell soundlessly to the carpeted floor. Without another word he turned on his heel and left the room.
Startled by his abrupt departure, Ororo stood rooted to the floor. It took her a few seconds to regain her bearings before she gave a short moan and followed him.
By the Goddess, I knew I should not have bought it…I am such an idiot.
Running after him, Ororo call out to him, but he ignored her. It was only when she put a hand on his shoulder did he stop walking and turned around to face her.
"Oh Logan, I am so sorry about the dagger. I did not mean to upset you, please believe me."
"It ain't your fault Ro. I didn't mean to make you feel bad. It's just…. aw, forget it."
But Ororo would have none of it. Her present had made him upset and she would know why, damn it.
"I will not. You cannot just expect me to buy your excuse. This has obviously upset you and I want to know why Logan." And in a gentler voice she added, "Please Logan, just tell me."
Looking into Ro's baby blues, Logan found himself unable to refuse her.
"Dammit Ro, that dagger... I knew everything about it, everything. And then it somehow became bloodstained. Which is all fine and dandy considering I probably killed for a living. And the worst part is that I don't know how I know. Blood I can handle, but knowing things out of thin air is just so fucking frustrating. Shit, I want more than anything to just fucking remember, but all I ever get is fucking little scraps." With that, Logan closed his eyes and looked away, afraid that he would cry.
Ororo looked at the man in front of her. He was hurting, she could clearly see his pain. It was in the set of his shoulders, in the way he refused to look at her, and she didn't know how to make it better. So she did the only thing she could think of. She hugged him.
A single tear rolled down Logan's cheek as he hugged her back.
****
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