disclaimer: The X-Men don't belong to me and neither does any of the songs
I've used. I thought it sounded like a neat idea, anyway, this is my first
fan fic so please be kind, and enjoy.
~ Part Five ~
Scott looked up at Lizzy startled by her actions. She just walked right into his room, shut and locked his door. He smiled. "Are you all right?"
"Why does everyone keep asking me that?"
He shrugged. "We're worried about you."
"Don't. Look, I don't mean to snap at you or anything, but today I realized something."
"Oh?"
"There is nothing between you and I. You've been sending the signals all week and I just wasn't paying attention. I'd convinced myself that you were just under stress or something."
"Is that what Logan told you."
Lizzy stared at him. "I don't need anyone to tell me anything! Ever since you found out I was the professor's granddaughter, your attitude toward me changed. You've been distant and closed off. I liked being near you before, but I can't even laugh with you now. It's like the closer we get, the further you push me away, even Logan isn't that bad! Being away from here and everyone else's opinions is what helped me."
He studied her. "The professor's always been like a father to me. It's just a shock to hear that you're his granddaughter."
"Come on, Scott! Be honest with yourself, even if your not with me. You owe it to yourself to be brutally honest! You might not have been the one in here making out with Jean, but you wish you were. You love her."
He was quiet at first, then he nodded.
"For how many years? Since you laid eyes on her, right?"
"Yeah," he admited almost bitterly.
"Then tell her. You have no idea the kind of effect those three little words would make on her. And after your past history, it'll change her. She's already changed. Her eyes are only on you."
"That's why she was making out with someone else?"
"Don't you get it, Scott Summers? She's acting out because you and I have been spending a good share of time together. She's terrified that she's gonna lose you forever. She already knows apologies and begging don't work. She figures if she can scare me away, then maybe she can get back in your good graces, because I won't be here to get your attention. A desperate woman, does stupid and crazy things. Things she often regrets, but they make perfect sense to her when she does them. Believe me I know."
Scott studied her. "You're in love with Logan."
Lizzy licked dry lips. "I wouldn't exactly say I'm in love. In some ways Logan's like a shot of morphin in a time of pain."
"Pain? You've found your grandfather."
"He's not the only thing in my life, you know. As crazy as Logan can be, and even as mean as he can be, to be able to understand him, and to connect with this teddy bear that hides inside of him, is what it's all about. When every man in my life turns his back on me, I'll always remember that this Tough Guy, trusted me enough to reveal the teddy bear that he hides away from everybody. Do you understand?"
Scott nodded. "I think I do. I think I understand why Jean was so attracted to him too."
She nodded. She didn't want to talk about Jean's past with Logan. "Good night, Scott. Remember what I said, she's in love with you, that's why she acts so crazy."
"Lizzy."
"Yeah?"
"How can I be sure that she loves me? She said it before, and she was ready to jump into bed with Logan."
Lizzy jerked at the thought. "Take a good look at him, Scott. All that testosterone. What woman wouldn't be effected by that? And then there's this lost little boy inside, that every girl wants to comfort. . . . She messed up, and she's admited it. There's a lot of good things about you too, Scott. One of the most attractive is the mystery of those glasses. Girls are affected by you too, just not the same way. A woman looks to you for a lasting relationship, for a husband, that's not what a woman wants from Logan."
"Thanks, Lizzy," he whispered around a forming lump in his throat.
She knew then just what kind of effect her words had had on him. They made him feel better about who he was. "You no longer have anything to worry about from Logan. She hasn't even given him the time of day."
"And why is it that I don't have to worry about Logan? How can you be sure he won't try it again?"
"Because I do." She touched her temple. "Goodnight."
~ ~ ~
Lizzy walked into her room, and leaned against the closed door. She closed her eyes, tears forming in the corners. She hadn't meant to reveal so much to him.
"What happened," came Rogue's soft southern drawl.
Lizzy looked at her startled, then released a deep breath. "The biggest mistakes of my life."
Rogue stared at her as she walked over and got her PJ's out of the drawer. "What do ya mean?"
"Let me get a hot bath, okay? I need to relax."
Lizzy filled the jet tube with hot water and bubble bath. She slid into the hot water and allowed the sensations to envelope her. The heat of the water only served to remind her of the time she'd spent in Logan's arms. She could never tell Rogue what happened, it would break the girls heart. She knew about the history between Logan and Rogue, she also knew that Rogue still loved Logan, though she was sort of involved with Bobby and with Remy. Rogue's mutation was now under her control, not controlling what she did. Lizzy covered her face with her hands and slid further into the water. The tears she'd fought all evening fell from her eyes now. She'd never forget what she shared with Logan, or that he'd been her first, but she'd always regret that there would never be anything more than a one night stand between them. It would be pure torture to live here with him every day. What had she been thinking? She knew better than to just jump into bed with someone! Her grandmother and her mother were perfect examples of why sex before marriage was STUPID! As the water grew cold, Lizzy wrapped herself in her bathrobe, then walked out into the bed room. To her surprise Rogue wasn't waiting for her. She turned and walked back in the bathroom grateful that she didn't have to face her now. She changed into her silk lounge pants and blouse, then walked back into the room. She stretched out on her stomach on the bed with her favorite book. A little good literature never hurt anyone. Maybe it would help take her mind off of her troubles. She could only hope.
The door opened and Rogue came back in the room. She smiled at Lizzy. "Are ya feeling better?"
Lizzy looked up, and accepted the soda Rogue offered. "Yeah."
Rogue sat down on her bed. "Ah thought Ah'd give yah some peace, since yah looked like hell."
"Thanks."
"Yah wanna talk about why Jean and Scott have locked themselves in his room, and where you and Logan were?"
Lizzy looked over at her, then sat up. "Not really, but I know you. I know I ain't got much of a choice. You won't leave me alone until I tell you."
"Ah'll take that as a compliment."
"Just as I meant it," Lizzy said, as she tipped the can to her lips.
As several moments passed Rogue stared at her. "Ah'm waiting."
Lizzy smiled half-heartedly. "Scott and Jean are admiting their love for one another. They've never stopped loving each other, you know?"
"Ah figured."
"Logan and I went to New York for a while."
Rogue stared at her. Was that all she was gonna say? "And?!"
"And what? What do you think happened?"
"Ah don't know; that's why Ah'm asking yah!"
"What do you want, Rogue?"
"Tell me what happened! Why are yah so quiet? Did yah Logan rob a bank, er save a drownin' kid, er did yah jump his bones er somthin'?" Lizzy's face turned red and Rogue stared. "Yah did! Oh Ma Gawhd! What happened?"
Lizzy closed her eyes letting her hair fall in her face. She hadn't meant for Rogue to find out. She hadn't meant for anyone to ever find out. It was something she and Logan shouldn't have done, but they had. She lifted her head. "Are you mad?"
"Why would Ah be? There could never be anything between Logan and Ah. Ah know that, besides Ah like Piotr. Ah had a crush on him, but that's all. He's just not what Ah need. Come on spill it, Ah wanna know everything."
Lizzy lifted the can to her lips again, bothered by the conversation. She knew it would involve more tears, and Logan's room was next door to hers. She hoped he was alseep by now. He hated to hear her cry. She glanced at the wall that seperated them.
~ ~ ~
Logan lay in his bed listening carefully to Lizzy and Rogue, though it was hard to hear them over Jean and Cyclops and the music playing in their room. The song on the radio was an old one even he knew. Natural Woman. He heard Lizzy giggle. "This song," she was saying, "-is perfect."
Rogue laughed. "Really?"
"I feel like a natural woman. I do!" Logan had to smile at that. He could live the rest of his life knowing he'd made her feel that way.
"I thought I loved Logan before, I don't know why I ignored it . . . yes I do. The point is, I'm head over heels for him."
Whoa! Wait a minute! Though it felt good to be loved the thought terrified him. He stared at the wall seperating their room. He hadn't really taken her seriously before now. She was head over heels? Didn't that mean that she was IN LOVE with him? Whoa! He didn't know if he could deal with that!
"We both know there's no chance for us, but I love him. God, help me but I do."
"Ah know, Mojer." Mojer? Where did that come from? Since when did Rogue speak spanish? She'd been spending too much time with Lizzy! "Maybe you and old Grumpus in the other room there, oughta give it a try."
He heard Lizzy laugh a less than amused sound and it bugged him. "I'd give anything for that from him."
"But?"
"He's made it perfectly clear he doesn't do lasting relationships. And I know that what happened between Logan and I today shouldn't have. Besides, we all know that I can't stay here forever. A member of the team or not. Logan's always coming and going, and I've got a father to find. I gotta know why my mama left him. I deserve to know who he is."
"So, we'll find him. Ah'll help yah."
Logan slammed his head against the pillow wishing he was a different man, and that he could change things. He hated to hear the pain in her voice. Why so much about her affected him, he didn't know. He wasn't the true fall in love kind. He fell for women he couldn't have, and once the chase was over, he was bored. Why did she have to bother him? She was different, he knew. Another song came on their radio. Hero by Enrique Iglesias. As the words flowed Logan knew the pain. He felt it to his soul. He'd teased Amethyst on their way back to the mansion, but if he could be her hero, then he'd kiss away her pain. And she already took his breath away. It'd be like that song, for them, but that wasn't real. He shouldn't be listening to them. He grabbed his pillow and laid it over his head trying to drown out the sounds of Lizzy and Rogue talking. He screamed into the pillow.
~ ~ ~
"What was that," Rogue asked jumping to her feet.
"It sounded like it was coming from Logan's room."
Lizzy and Rogue left their room abandoning their talk and headed for Logan's room. They didn't bother to knock, only flung the door open. Logan lay on his bed with the pillow over his face screaming into it. Lizzy looked at Rogue, then back at Logan. "Are you all right?"
Logan didn't bother to move the pillow off his face. His senses told him everything. "Get out!"
"Answer the question. Are you all right," Lizzy asked.
"Both of you get out!"
"Fine with me, Mr. Grinch!" Rogue turned then and left, but Lizzy just closed the door behind her.
Lizzy walked over and jerked the pillow off his face. "I got something to say to you, Logan. I ain't gonna take this crap attitude from you, especially after what we did."
He looked up at her. Suddenly he grabbed her, pulled her down on the bed beside him and kissed her. His mouth rolled over hers wet and deep, and her arms rose to circle his neck. His hands rested momentarily at her waist. He pulled back and brushed his lips over hers teasingly before meeting her gaze. "You and me ain't over, Darlin'. You got that?"
She stared up into his hazel eyes.
He peeled her arms out from around her neck. "Now go on, before your grandfather finds out you was in here."
~ ~ ~
It was around three A.M. and Lizzy and Rogue hadn't gone to bed yet. They'd stayed up to talk. Two days had passed and Logan had hardly been seen. "Ah love this song," Rogue said. "Ah loved the Rocky movies."
"Me too," Lizzy said. The song was Eye Of The Tiger by Survivor.
"Risin' up - - back on the street, Did my time, took my chanced. Went the distance now I'm back on my feet. Just a man and his will to survive - - So many times, it happens too fast, You trade your passion for glory, Don't lose your grip on the dreams of the past, You must fight just to keep them alive- *It's the Eye of the Tiger, It's the thrill of the fight, Rising up to the challenge of our rival, And the last known survivor Stalks his prey in the night, And he's watching us all With the Eye of the Tiger.* Face-to- face - - out in the heat, Hangin' tough, stayin' hungry. They stack the odds still we take to the street. For the kill, with the skill to survive - - * * . . ."
"This is so Logan," Lizzy said.
Rogue laughed. "Fer real. But Ah couldn't see him being like Rocky Balboa."
Lizzy arched a brow. "In a lot of ways he is. His energies are focused on saving the world, not boxing. That and Rocky's need for Adrian and his family, are about the only differences."
"And Logan's grumpy disposition. He's a grouch . . . or was. He ain't been as grumpy lately."
"I noticed," Lizzy said.
"Risin' up - - straight to the top, Had the guts, got the glory Went the distance, Now I'm not gonna stop. Just a man and his will to survive - - * *."
Rogue jumped up and headed for their door. "Midnight snacks," she said as she opened their bedroom door.
"Sh," Lizzy said. "There are light sleepers in the mansion. Besides Logan being right there."
"Ah know," Rogue said as they tip toed down the hall and the stairs like a couple of young teenage girls.
"Home safe," Lizzy said as they walked into the dark kitchen.
Rogue flipped the light on then opened the refridgerator door. "Let's see. Cold pizza? Cold cuts? Pickles? Grapes? Sausage links? Oh and ice cream."
"I want grapes and rocky road ice cream."
"Yah and your sweets. Ah think Ah want some meat roll-ups."
"Ooh, that sound good!"
Rogue smiled as she got the stuff out of the refridgerator. "Yah get to cut the pickles."
"Anyone ever tell you, that you two are the noisiest people in the world," Came the sound of Logan's gruff voce.
Lizzy turned to look at him. "Only you. What are you doing up?"
"Eavsdroppin'." He walked over and leaned in to kiss her ignoring the fact that Rogue was standing there.
Lizzy's eyes got huge, but she didn't push him away. His lips grazed hers then he opened the refridgerator door. She looked at Rogue kind of surprised.
"What are you two making?"
"Meat roll-ups," Rogue said. She tossed the jar of pickles at him, and he caught them. "Yah can help."
Lizzy bit her lip and took over the task of spreading the whipped cream cheese onto the slices of deli meat. She glanced over at Logan when she'd finished. "Did we keep you up?"
"No. Only woke me up." He pulled a pair of ear plugs out of the pocket of his drawstring pants. "I learned a thing or two having a room next to yours."
"What are yah gettin' at, Hoser?"
Lizzy laughed at the look on Logan's face. She said nothing but it was funny.
After they had finished eating and cleaning up after themselves, it was around four A.M.. Lizzy stretched while yawning. "I think it's time we went to sleep, Mojer."
"No doubt," Rogue said around a yawn. "Ah'm gonna go on up. Someone else can make breakfast this morning."
Lizzy smiled as she left the room. Two strong arms curled around her waist and she leaned into them. "Come up to my room. Rogue'll be out the minute her head hits the pillow."
Lizzy closed her eyes a moment then nodded.
~ ~ ~
Lizzy took a moment and popped in on Rogue. Just as Logan had said she was out. She walked over and covered her up. "Night, Mojer."
"Night, Mojer," Rogue mimicked opening one eye. "Ah ain't gonna say nothing."
"Thanks."
Logan was sitting on the bed when she walked in his room. She smiled timidly at him, then pushed his door closed. He lifted the blanket, meaning for her to curl up in the bed with him. She walked over and sat down with him, and he threw the blanket over her legs. "I feel so weird sneaking into your room."
Logan arched a brow as his fingers touched her face. "And you didn't sneaking into a hotel room?"
"It's not like this. Anyone could walk in here."
"There's a lock on the door, Darlin'. And if they got passed that, I'd take care of 'em." He brought his claws out.
She reached up and touched his hand. "No. Just trade places with me and I'll feel better."
He did as asked, his back to the door. If someone opened the door after breaking the lock, they'd see Logan's back. He smiled as he lay propped up on his elbow as she lay on her back on the bed. His fingers traced a line across her collar bone, as he watched her eyes. Purple they were, but with every new place he touched their color changed, whether it darkened or lightened depended on her body's reaction. He leaned down and brushed kisses across her face. Lizzy closed her eyes, as he moved into a more comfortable position. She had to wonder if he wanted her here in his bed because he liked making love to her, or if he loved her. She doubted it was the latter . . .
Logan lay with his face buried in the curve of her shoulder. Her arms wrapped around him, as she held him close. "Darlin', I . . . I need you."
Lizzy fit back the sob that threatened to escape her throat, but was unable to prevent the tears that pooled in the corners of her eyes then spilled over. She tightened her arms not daring to speak. She knew it took a lot for him to say that, but was it enough? Was his need, a need for her love, or her body? What was it that he needed? She couldn't lay here any longer without getting cleaned up. Too much risk was involved. She pushed him away, wrapped herself in her robe and walked into his bathroom.
Logan stared at the bed where she'd been. He got up and walked over to the door. It wasn't locked, so he pushed it open, and tossed an article of garbage into the open trash can. Lizzy was slightly bent over the sink, running a wash rag under the water. "Are you all right, Darlin'?"
Lizzy looked at him, and nodded. She finished rinsing the rag, then threw it in the hamper, before washing her hands really well. She looked him in the eye, as she dried her hands on the towel. "Just had to take care of a little business. Don't want any accidents," she whispered. "Come back to bed with me."
He grinned and followed her back into the bedroom. She'd jumped up to make sure that she didn't end up in her mother's predicament. She hadn't gotten up to take care of that their first night. He wondered why. They'd been careful, just as they had been tonight. He curled up with her in the bed. His arms wrapped around her tightly. He loved holding her. And he'd love waking up to her in his arms.
~ ~ ~
Lizzy and Rogue laughed as they made breakfast, something they did together a lot. Despite their decision not to they were up and making breakfast with very little sleep. They had grown to be like sisters over the time that Lizzy had been at the mansion, and with sharing a bed room, they could talk all night if they wanted to, and sometimes did, as Logan could attest to. He'd had to listen to them on several occasions. It had only been three days since they'd run to New York, but they'd been very careful to keep their developing relationship a secret. Rogue was the only member of the team who knew what was between them, and she wasn't talking. The song Two Less Lonely People by Survivor played on the radio. Logan stood just outside the kitchen listening to them again. The song playing made so much sense. "I was down, my dreams were wearing thin When you're lost, where do you begin? My heart always seemed to drift from day to day, looking for the love that never came my way. Then you smiled and I reached out to you, I could tell you were lonely too. One look, then it all began for you and me. The moment that we touched, I knew that there would be two less lonely people in the world, and it's gonna be fine. Out of all the people in the world, I just can't believe you're mine. In my life where everything went wrong, something finally went right, Now there's two less lonely people in the world tonight. Just a peak at what I might have missed. Looking back, how did I exist? I've dreamed but still I never thought I'd come this far, but miracles come true. I know 'cause here we are. Two less lonely people in the world and it's gonna be fine. Out of all the people in the world, I just can't believe you're mine. In my life where everything went wrong, something finally went right, Now there's two less lonely people in the world tonight. Tonight I fell in love with you and all the things I never knew seemed to come to me somehow. Baby, love is here and now there's two less lonely people in the world and it's gonna be fine. Out of all the people in the world, I just can't believe you're mine. In my life where everything went wrong, something finally went right. Now there's two less lonely people, two less lonely people. Two less lonely people in the world tonight."
Lizzy smiled slightly lowering her head. Logan's thoughts came at her. Like their first evening, he was giving her song lyrics. Strange as it was and guilty as she felt for being with him, it was so neat to have that connection with someone.
"Good morning, Logan," Xavier said, then wheeled his way into the kitchen. "Good morning, girls."
"Mornin', Professor."
"Good morning, Grandpa. Logan."
Logan grumbled his usual sounds. He never had liked mornings much.
"Could you fellas watch this while we get changed," Lizzy asked.
"I think we can manage," Xavier said.
"We'll only be a couple of minutes," Rogue said.
Lizzy brushed against Logan on her way out, but not too obviously. Logan grinned as she walked away. She had to have the sexiest walk he'd ever seen. It being an unforgettable fact that a man's testosterone levels were higher in the morning, he hated that they weren't alone in his room right now. But she'd left him almost an hour ago to get a shower then help Rogue with breakfast. He liked waking up next to her.
"I'm glad we got these moments alone, Logan."
Logan looked at the professor, startled. "Oh?" He poured himself a cup of coffee and one for the professor.
"I asked Evie to marry me last evening. She said yes. I wanted to know if you'd stand up with me. I'd like you, Beast and Scott to stand with me."
Logan stared at the professor. "I'd be honored to." He couldn't exactly tell him no, right?
"Good."
"I'm happy for you, Chuck. You deserve some of the happiness you've given us."
Xavier looked at Logan. "How long have you known?"
Logan looked at him, startled again. He wasn't a morning person and a conversation before at the bare minimum of three cups of coffee was dangerous. He liked to have at least a twelve cup pot of coffee gone first. But as he looked at the professor he knew what he meant. Xavier knew that he'd known before he'd announced it, that Lizzy was his granddaughter. "It's a DNA thing, I guess. I can smell the body chemicles. It took being in the danger room with her for me to realize. It's something in the sweat."
Xavier studied Logan carefully. Logan and Lizzy had worked together the first time in the danger room, a week after she arrived. He'd known for over a year and a half now? So much time had passed, since the girl had come to them for help. "Then you know who her father is as well?"
"Yep."
"Then you know why it's been so important for us to be careful?"
"Yep. Don't worry, Chuck. I've been keeping my eyes peeled."
"Thank you, Logan. I've noticed that you and Lizzy have become good friends. She admires you greatly."
If only he knew just what it was that she admired so much. Logan looked down at the professor, hoping he hadn't caught Lizzy's behavior just moments ago, or his thoughts. "She's wise for someone her age. She's seen my worst and it doesn't even startle her. I respect her courage and her compassion."
"I've noticed."
Logan arched a brow. "I know she's a kid, if that's what you're getting at."
"I wasn't worried about that. I have noticed that she takes to older men, as she's taken to you. I'm not concerned with that, I am concerned with you."
"What about me? And she's your granddaughter."
"I know that and you've got quite a past. And a reputation for falling in love with women you can't have. I don't want to see you hurt again, Logan."
Logan turned around completely to look at the professor. "What is it that you're telling me? She's got a boyfriend? Maybe a husband?"
"We both know the answers to those are no. Lizzy's never had a father, I fear that's what she's looking for in you. I know you would never bring harm to her or jeopardize my family, but I do not wish to see something develop there. It would only bring pain to both of you."
'Too late, Chuck,' he thought. 'Something's already developing between us.' But Logan didn't dare say that to the professor.
"I'm not saying that you can't make a woman happy, Logan; I'm not even saying that you couldn't make my granddaughter happy. But right now, I fear that she's only looking for the father that she's never had."
"Chuck, you ain't gotta explain yourself. I get it. She's off limits. I told ya, she's just a kid. I done the stringing Rogue along while chasing after Jean. I ain't making that kind of mistake again. Scott's become a friend now, though we don't see eye to eye very often."
"Evie does wish for her to get together with Scott. There's quite a bond forming between them."
"Good. Maybe your granddaughter, and your favorite X-Man will give you great grandchildren before you're too old to appreciate them." Logan smiled at the look on the professor's face. "It was a joke, Chuck. You gotta lighten up. I have."
Xavier shook his head as he watched Logan walk away.
~ ~ ~
Logan's head ached almost as much as his heart at the professor's word. How could Xavier be so blind? He couldn't see that Jean and Scott were carrying on a relationship? He wasn't seeing what was between Lizzy and him. What did he mean that he couldn't make a woman happy? Though he'd swore that wasn't what he was sayin' Logan doubted it. He fired up the danger room and went a couple of rounds, before hitting the showers. From the showers he went up to his room. Solitude would be nice, and maybe the answer to his problem. As he entered his room, he found Lizzy stretched out on her stomach on his bed, reading a magazine. D---, why did she have to be here waiting for him? She looked up at him and smiled. "I hope you don't mind, but Rogue and Jubilee needed to have a heart-to-heart and the last thing I needed was to be in the middle of everyone, so I figured I'd be okay hiding out in here."
He shook his head. "Why should I mind?"
She shrugged as she got to her feet. She shut the door with her telekinesis, as she came toward him. She grabbed the lapels of the button down shirt he wore. "Two less lonely people, huh?"
Logan's hands brushed over her arms, and he looked her in the eye. He hated to do it, but here went everything. From Logan to Wolverine. His hands dropped at his sides and he stepped away from her. "I can't."
"What?"
He looked into her amethyst eyes, and a curse fell from his lips. His look was soft and sorrowful, despite the cold demeanor he was putting forth. "You're the professor's granddaughter."
"What are you talking about?"
"This! You and me! It would never work, kid! It was a mistake!"
She stared at him horrified at first, then nodded slowly. "Right!" She moved away from him, her hands folded over her middle. She ran both hands through her hair as her eyes filled with tears. "Why does every man in my life have to do this to me?!"
"D---it, you should have known better than to get attached to me. I don't do relationships! I thought you had that all figured out."
She met his gaze, everything inside her beginning to go haywire with her emotions.
"Chuck, trusts me. He's asked me to stand up with him when he marries your grandma. How can I betray him, by taking his granddaughter to bed? It wouldn't be right!"
"Well, praise be to Logan for his loyalty and dedication to Professor Charles Xavier!"
"It was good while it lasted, kid!"
"Maybe for you, Old Man," was her response. Lizzy was shaking as she grabbed the door knob and walked out.
Logan punched first the wall and then kicked the door. He wanted to smash everything in sight for hurting her like that. But it all made sense. He couldn't stay with her and be her grandfather's best man, it just wasn't right! Chuck's thoughts of her just looking for a father, bugged him. He couldn't believe that was true, though it did feul the fire in him now.
Lizzy flung the door open to the room she shared with Rogue. Rogue and Jubilee looked up at her surprised. "I won't be but a minute," she promised as she reached into her underwear drawer, where she kept her stash of money and credit cards. She pulled out all the money and credit cards she kept hidden as well as her bank book and tucked them into her jeans pockets. She grabbed her leather blazer coat from the closet and walked out the door.
"Where are you going," Rogue asked running after her.
"As far away from here as I can get!"
Everyone in the mansion could hear them and came running, including Logan. "What's going on," Charles asked as he came out of his office. The shouts shook him from his thoughts.
Lizzy looked at him, his chair blocking her path. She hated to lose her grandfather, but right now, she blamed him as much as she did Logan for this horrific pain running along with her blood. If he wasn't running this school, she wouldn't be here and going through this pain ! She never would have met Logan, if not for Xavier and his X-Men! "I'm leaving the X-Men." She spared a glare at Logan.
Xavier stared at her. "Why? Where are going?"
"Maybe I'll have better luck with my father," was all she'd say. Just that quick, in that stunned moment, she stepped around his chair and walked out the front door.
Logan ran after her so fast he practically flew. "You can't go anywhere! You don't even know who your father is!"
She spun around and looked at him. Fire flashed in her dark amethyst eyes making them look almost a purply red, it was so intense. "Eric Magnus Lenshure. I believe he goes by the name Magneto! You're not the only one who's thoughts I can hear!"
"Don't do it!"
"What do you care, Wild Boy? You already got what you wanted!"
He growled. "That isn't fair!"
Her eyes searched his as she stood there. "Life isn't fair, get over it!" She turned then and useing a gift she'd kept hidden, flung the gates off their hinges and walked out of the lives of Logan, and the X-Men forever.
~ ~ ~
Rogue packed a suitcase full of clothes, and slipped out of the room, only to run into Logan. She looked up at him. The attitude she'd ditched resurfacing quickly. She didn't like the problems between them or that Logan had run Lizzy off with whatever it had been that he said.
"What are you doing, leavin' too?"
"Maybe." She walked past him and headed down the stairs. "And yah had better not follow me, Wild Boy. Ah've had all Ah can take of you for one day!"
Rogue found Lizzy in the hotel room she'd told her about. She was waiting there for her. Rogue handed her the suitcase. "Are yah sure yah have to go?"
"I can't stay, Rogue. Not after what happened. Nobody know's you left, right?"
"Logan does. Don't worry Ah put your clothes in a seperate suitcase and it'll just look like Ah changed my mind when Ah get back. Logan thought Ah was taking off too. Maybe Ah should get out of there for awhile. Wouldn't hurt to get a vacation, from them."
"That's up to you. I'll warn you I ain't gonna be good company."
"Where yah going?"
"Austria. Kurt said I could come stay with him for awhile. The other monks won't care, as long as I stay in the little suite they've set aside for healing strangers. You're welcome to come along, but I can't guarantee I'll be very nice. I'm sorry, Mojer. I just . . . I can't be near him. Not after the last couple of days."
Rogue pulled Lizzy into her arms in a sisterly hug as she began to cry. "I know, Gal. Just let it go. Logan's a dork!"
~ Part Five ~
Scott looked up at Lizzy startled by her actions. She just walked right into his room, shut and locked his door. He smiled. "Are you all right?"
"Why does everyone keep asking me that?"
He shrugged. "We're worried about you."
"Don't. Look, I don't mean to snap at you or anything, but today I realized something."
"Oh?"
"There is nothing between you and I. You've been sending the signals all week and I just wasn't paying attention. I'd convinced myself that you were just under stress or something."
"Is that what Logan told you."
Lizzy stared at him. "I don't need anyone to tell me anything! Ever since you found out I was the professor's granddaughter, your attitude toward me changed. You've been distant and closed off. I liked being near you before, but I can't even laugh with you now. It's like the closer we get, the further you push me away, even Logan isn't that bad! Being away from here and everyone else's opinions is what helped me."
He studied her. "The professor's always been like a father to me. It's just a shock to hear that you're his granddaughter."
"Come on, Scott! Be honest with yourself, even if your not with me. You owe it to yourself to be brutally honest! You might not have been the one in here making out with Jean, but you wish you were. You love her."
He was quiet at first, then he nodded.
"For how many years? Since you laid eyes on her, right?"
"Yeah," he admited almost bitterly.
"Then tell her. You have no idea the kind of effect those three little words would make on her. And after your past history, it'll change her. She's already changed. Her eyes are only on you."
"That's why she was making out with someone else?"
"Don't you get it, Scott Summers? She's acting out because you and I have been spending a good share of time together. She's terrified that she's gonna lose you forever. She already knows apologies and begging don't work. She figures if she can scare me away, then maybe she can get back in your good graces, because I won't be here to get your attention. A desperate woman, does stupid and crazy things. Things she often regrets, but they make perfect sense to her when she does them. Believe me I know."
Scott studied her. "You're in love with Logan."
Lizzy licked dry lips. "I wouldn't exactly say I'm in love. In some ways Logan's like a shot of morphin in a time of pain."
"Pain? You've found your grandfather."
"He's not the only thing in my life, you know. As crazy as Logan can be, and even as mean as he can be, to be able to understand him, and to connect with this teddy bear that hides inside of him, is what it's all about. When every man in my life turns his back on me, I'll always remember that this Tough Guy, trusted me enough to reveal the teddy bear that he hides away from everybody. Do you understand?"
Scott nodded. "I think I do. I think I understand why Jean was so attracted to him too."
She nodded. She didn't want to talk about Jean's past with Logan. "Good night, Scott. Remember what I said, she's in love with you, that's why she acts so crazy."
"Lizzy."
"Yeah?"
"How can I be sure that she loves me? She said it before, and she was ready to jump into bed with Logan."
Lizzy jerked at the thought. "Take a good look at him, Scott. All that testosterone. What woman wouldn't be effected by that? And then there's this lost little boy inside, that every girl wants to comfort. . . . She messed up, and she's admited it. There's a lot of good things about you too, Scott. One of the most attractive is the mystery of those glasses. Girls are affected by you too, just not the same way. A woman looks to you for a lasting relationship, for a husband, that's not what a woman wants from Logan."
"Thanks, Lizzy," he whispered around a forming lump in his throat.
She knew then just what kind of effect her words had had on him. They made him feel better about who he was. "You no longer have anything to worry about from Logan. She hasn't even given him the time of day."
"And why is it that I don't have to worry about Logan? How can you be sure he won't try it again?"
"Because I do." She touched her temple. "Goodnight."
~ ~ ~
Lizzy walked into her room, and leaned against the closed door. She closed her eyes, tears forming in the corners. She hadn't meant to reveal so much to him.
"What happened," came Rogue's soft southern drawl.
Lizzy looked at her startled, then released a deep breath. "The biggest mistakes of my life."
Rogue stared at her as she walked over and got her PJ's out of the drawer. "What do ya mean?"
"Let me get a hot bath, okay? I need to relax."
Lizzy filled the jet tube with hot water and bubble bath. She slid into the hot water and allowed the sensations to envelope her. The heat of the water only served to remind her of the time she'd spent in Logan's arms. She could never tell Rogue what happened, it would break the girls heart. She knew about the history between Logan and Rogue, she also knew that Rogue still loved Logan, though she was sort of involved with Bobby and with Remy. Rogue's mutation was now under her control, not controlling what she did. Lizzy covered her face with her hands and slid further into the water. The tears she'd fought all evening fell from her eyes now. She'd never forget what she shared with Logan, or that he'd been her first, but she'd always regret that there would never be anything more than a one night stand between them. It would be pure torture to live here with him every day. What had she been thinking? She knew better than to just jump into bed with someone! Her grandmother and her mother were perfect examples of why sex before marriage was STUPID! As the water grew cold, Lizzy wrapped herself in her bathrobe, then walked out into the bed room. To her surprise Rogue wasn't waiting for her. She turned and walked back in the bathroom grateful that she didn't have to face her now. She changed into her silk lounge pants and blouse, then walked back into the room. She stretched out on her stomach on the bed with her favorite book. A little good literature never hurt anyone. Maybe it would help take her mind off of her troubles. She could only hope.
The door opened and Rogue came back in the room. She smiled at Lizzy. "Are ya feeling better?"
Lizzy looked up, and accepted the soda Rogue offered. "Yeah."
Rogue sat down on her bed. "Ah thought Ah'd give yah some peace, since yah looked like hell."
"Thanks."
"Yah wanna talk about why Jean and Scott have locked themselves in his room, and where you and Logan were?"
Lizzy looked over at her, then sat up. "Not really, but I know you. I know I ain't got much of a choice. You won't leave me alone until I tell you."
"Ah'll take that as a compliment."
"Just as I meant it," Lizzy said, as she tipped the can to her lips.
As several moments passed Rogue stared at her. "Ah'm waiting."
Lizzy smiled half-heartedly. "Scott and Jean are admiting their love for one another. They've never stopped loving each other, you know?"
"Ah figured."
"Logan and I went to New York for a while."
Rogue stared at her. Was that all she was gonna say? "And?!"
"And what? What do you think happened?"
"Ah don't know; that's why Ah'm asking yah!"
"What do you want, Rogue?"
"Tell me what happened! Why are yah so quiet? Did yah Logan rob a bank, er save a drownin' kid, er did yah jump his bones er somthin'?" Lizzy's face turned red and Rogue stared. "Yah did! Oh Ma Gawhd! What happened?"
Lizzy closed her eyes letting her hair fall in her face. She hadn't meant for Rogue to find out. She hadn't meant for anyone to ever find out. It was something she and Logan shouldn't have done, but they had. She lifted her head. "Are you mad?"
"Why would Ah be? There could never be anything between Logan and Ah. Ah know that, besides Ah like Piotr. Ah had a crush on him, but that's all. He's just not what Ah need. Come on spill it, Ah wanna know everything."
Lizzy lifted the can to her lips again, bothered by the conversation. She knew it would involve more tears, and Logan's room was next door to hers. She hoped he was alseep by now. He hated to hear her cry. She glanced at the wall that seperated them.
~ ~ ~
Logan lay in his bed listening carefully to Lizzy and Rogue, though it was hard to hear them over Jean and Cyclops and the music playing in their room. The song on the radio was an old one even he knew. Natural Woman. He heard Lizzy giggle. "This song," she was saying, "-is perfect."
Rogue laughed. "Really?"
"I feel like a natural woman. I do!" Logan had to smile at that. He could live the rest of his life knowing he'd made her feel that way.
"I thought I loved Logan before, I don't know why I ignored it . . . yes I do. The point is, I'm head over heels for him."
Whoa! Wait a minute! Though it felt good to be loved the thought terrified him. He stared at the wall seperating their room. He hadn't really taken her seriously before now. She was head over heels? Didn't that mean that she was IN LOVE with him? Whoa! He didn't know if he could deal with that!
"We both know there's no chance for us, but I love him. God, help me but I do."
"Ah know, Mojer." Mojer? Where did that come from? Since when did Rogue speak spanish? She'd been spending too much time with Lizzy! "Maybe you and old Grumpus in the other room there, oughta give it a try."
He heard Lizzy laugh a less than amused sound and it bugged him. "I'd give anything for that from him."
"But?"
"He's made it perfectly clear he doesn't do lasting relationships. And I know that what happened between Logan and I today shouldn't have. Besides, we all know that I can't stay here forever. A member of the team or not. Logan's always coming and going, and I've got a father to find. I gotta know why my mama left him. I deserve to know who he is."
"So, we'll find him. Ah'll help yah."
Logan slammed his head against the pillow wishing he was a different man, and that he could change things. He hated to hear the pain in her voice. Why so much about her affected him, he didn't know. He wasn't the true fall in love kind. He fell for women he couldn't have, and once the chase was over, he was bored. Why did she have to bother him? She was different, he knew. Another song came on their radio. Hero by Enrique Iglesias. As the words flowed Logan knew the pain. He felt it to his soul. He'd teased Amethyst on their way back to the mansion, but if he could be her hero, then he'd kiss away her pain. And she already took his breath away. It'd be like that song, for them, but that wasn't real. He shouldn't be listening to them. He grabbed his pillow and laid it over his head trying to drown out the sounds of Lizzy and Rogue talking. He screamed into the pillow.
~ ~ ~
"What was that," Rogue asked jumping to her feet.
"It sounded like it was coming from Logan's room."
Lizzy and Rogue left their room abandoning their talk and headed for Logan's room. They didn't bother to knock, only flung the door open. Logan lay on his bed with the pillow over his face screaming into it. Lizzy looked at Rogue, then back at Logan. "Are you all right?"
Logan didn't bother to move the pillow off his face. His senses told him everything. "Get out!"
"Answer the question. Are you all right," Lizzy asked.
"Both of you get out!"
"Fine with me, Mr. Grinch!" Rogue turned then and left, but Lizzy just closed the door behind her.
Lizzy walked over and jerked the pillow off his face. "I got something to say to you, Logan. I ain't gonna take this crap attitude from you, especially after what we did."
He looked up at her. Suddenly he grabbed her, pulled her down on the bed beside him and kissed her. His mouth rolled over hers wet and deep, and her arms rose to circle his neck. His hands rested momentarily at her waist. He pulled back and brushed his lips over hers teasingly before meeting her gaze. "You and me ain't over, Darlin'. You got that?"
She stared up into his hazel eyes.
He peeled her arms out from around her neck. "Now go on, before your grandfather finds out you was in here."
~ ~ ~
It was around three A.M. and Lizzy and Rogue hadn't gone to bed yet. They'd stayed up to talk. Two days had passed and Logan had hardly been seen. "Ah love this song," Rogue said. "Ah loved the Rocky movies."
"Me too," Lizzy said. The song was Eye Of The Tiger by Survivor.
"Risin' up - - back on the street, Did my time, took my chanced. Went the distance now I'm back on my feet. Just a man and his will to survive - - So many times, it happens too fast, You trade your passion for glory, Don't lose your grip on the dreams of the past, You must fight just to keep them alive- *It's the Eye of the Tiger, It's the thrill of the fight, Rising up to the challenge of our rival, And the last known survivor Stalks his prey in the night, And he's watching us all With the Eye of the Tiger.* Face-to- face - - out in the heat, Hangin' tough, stayin' hungry. They stack the odds still we take to the street. For the kill, with the skill to survive - - * * . . ."
"This is so Logan," Lizzy said.
Rogue laughed. "Fer real. But Ah couldn't see him being like Rocky Balboa."
Lizzy arched a brow. "In a lot of ways he is. His energies are focused on saving the world, not boxing. That and Rocky's need for Adrian and his family, are about the only differences."
"And Logan's grumpy disposition. He's a grouch . . . or was. He ain't been as grumpy lately."
"I noticed," Lizzy said.
"Risin' up - - straight to the top, Had the guts, got the glory Went the distance, Now I'm not gonna stop. Just a man and his will to survive - - * *."
Rogue jumped up and headed for their door. "Midnight snacks," she said as she opened their bedroom door.
"Sh," Lizzy said. "There are light sleepers in the mansion. Besides Logan being right there."
"Ah know," Rogue said as they tip toed down the hall and the stairs like a couple of young teenage girls.
"Home safe," Lizzy said as they walked into the dark kitchen.
Rogue flipped the light on then opened the refridgerator door. "Let's see. Cold pizza? Cold cuts? Pickles? Grapes? Sausage links? Oh and ice cream."
"I want grapes and rocky road ice cream."
"Yah and your sweets. Ah think Ah want some meat roll-ups."
"Ooh, that sound good!"
Rogue smiled as she got the stuff out of the refridgerator. "Yah get to cut the pickles."
"Anyone ever tell you, that you two are the noisiest people in the world," Came the sound of Logan's gruff voce.
Lizzy turned to look at him. "Only you. What are you doing up?"
"Eavsdroppin'." He walked over and leaned in to kiss her ignoring the fact that Rogue was standing there.
Lizzy's eyes got huge, but she didn't push him away. His lips grazed hers then he opened the refridgerator door. She looked at Rogue kind of surprised.
"What are you two making?"
"Meat roll-ups," Rogue said. She tossed the jar of pickles at him, and he caught them. "Yah can help."
Lizzy bit her lip and took over the task of spreading the whipped cream cheese onto the slices of deli meat. She glanced over at Logan when she'd finished. "Did we keep you up?"
"No. Only woke me up." He pulled a pair of ear plugs out of the pocket of his drawstring pants. "I learned a thing or two having a room next to yours."
"What are yah gettin' at, Hoser?"
Lizzy laughed at the look on Logan's face. She said nothing but it was funny.
After they had finished eating and cleaning up after themselves, it was around four A.M.. Lizzy stretched while yawning. "I think it's time we went to sleep, Mojer."
"No doubt," Rogue said around a yawn. "Ah'm gonna go on up. Someone else can make breakfast this morning."
Lizzy smiled as she left the room. Two strong arms curled around her waist and she leaned into them. "Come up to my room. Rogue'll be out the minute her head hits the pillow."
Lizzy closed her eyes a moment then nodded.
~ ~ ~
Lizzy took a moment and popped in on Rogue. Just as Logan had said she was out. She walked over and covered her up. "Night, Mojer."
"Night, Mojer," Rogue mimicked opening one eye. "Ah ain't gonna say nothing."
"Thanks."
Logan was sitting on the bed when she walked in his room. She smiled timidly at him, then pushed his door closed. He lifted the blanket, meaning for her to curl up in the bed with him. She walked over and sat down with him, and he threw the blanket over her legs. "I feel so weird sneaking into your room."
Logan arched a brow as his fingers touched her face. "And you didn't sneaking into a hotel room?"
"It's not like this. Anyone could walk in here."
"There's a lock on the door, Darlin'. And if they got passed that, I'd take care of 'em." He brought his claws out.
She reached up and touched his hand. "No. Just trade places with me and I'll feel better."
He did as asked, his back to the door. If someone opened the door after breaking the lock, they'd see Logan's back. He smiled as he lay propped up on his elbow as she lay on her back on the bed. His fingers traced a line across her collar bone, as he watched her eyes. Purple they were, but with every new place he touched their color changed, whether it darkened or lightened depended on her body's reaction. He leaned down and brushed kisses across her face. Lizzy closed her eyes, as he moved into a more comfortable position. She had to wonder if he wanted her here in his bed because he liked making love to her, or if he loved her. She doubted it was the latter . . .
Logan lay with his face buried in the curve of her shoulder. Her arms wrapped around him, as she held him close. "Darlin', I . . . I need you."
Lizzy fit back the sob that threatened to escape her throat, but was unable to prevent the tears that pooled in the corners of her eyes then spilled over. She tightened her arms not daring to speak. She knew it took a lot for him to say that, but was it enough? Was his need, a need for her love, or her body? What was it that he needed? She couldn't lay here any longer without getting cleaned up. Too much risk was involved. She pushed him away, wrapped herself in her robe and walked into his bathroom.
Logan stared at the bed where she'd been. He got up and walked over to the door. It wasn't locked, so he pushed it open, and tossed an article of garbage into the open trash can. Lizzy was slightly bent over the sink, running a wash rag under the water. "Are you all right, Darlin'?"
Lizzy looked at him, and nodded. She finished rinsing the rag, then threw it in the hamper, before washing her hands really well. She looked him in the eye, as she dried her hands on the towel. "Just had to take care of a little business. Don't want any accidents," she whispered. "Come back to bed with me."
He grinned and followed her back into the bedroom. She'd jumped up to make sure that she didn't end up in her mother's predicament. She hadn't gotten up to take care of that their first night. He wondered why. They'd been careful, just as they had been tonight. He curled up with her in the bed. His arms wrapped around her tightly. He loved holding her. And he'd love waking up to her in his arms.
~ ~ ~
Lizzy and Rogue laughed as they made breakfast, something they did together a lot. Despite their decision not to they were up and making breakfast with very little sleep. They had grown to be like sisters over the time that Lizzy had been at the mansion, and with sharing a bed room, they could talk all night if they wanted to, and sometimes did, as Logan could attest to. He'd had to listen to them on several occasions. It had only been three days since they'd run to New York, but they'd been very careful to keep their developing relationship a secret. Rogue was the only member of the team who knew what was between them, and she wasn't talking. The song Two Less Lonely People by Survivor played on the radio. Logan stood just outside the kitchen listening to them again. The song playing made so much sense. "I was down, my dreams were wearing thin When you're lost, where do you begin? My heart always seemed to drift from day to day, looking for the love that never came my way. Then you smiled and I reached out to you, I could tell you were lonely too. One look, then it all began for you and me. The moment that we touched, I knew that there would be two less lonely people in the world, and it's gonna be fine. Out of all the people in the world, I just can't believe you're mine. In my life where everything went wrong, something finally went right, Now there's two less lonely people in the world tonight. Just a peak at what I might have missed. Looking back, how did I exist? I've dreamed but still I never thought I'd come this far, but miracles come true. I know 'cause here we are. Two less lonely people in the world and it's gonna be fine. Out of all the people in the world, I just can't believe you're mine. In my life where everything went wrong, something finally went right, Now there's two less lonely people in the world tonight. Tonight I fell in love with you and all the things I never knew seemed to come to me somehow. Baby, love is here and now there's two less lonely people in the world and it's gonna be fine. Out of all the people in the world, I just can't believe you're mine. In my life where everything went wrong, something finally went right. Now there's two less lonely people, two less lonely people. Two less lonely people in the world tonight."
Lizzy smiled slightly lowering her head. Logan's thoughts came at her. Like their first evening, he was giving her song lyrics. Strange as it was and guilty as she felt for being with him, it was so neat to have that connection with someone.
"Good morning, Logan," Xavier said, then wheeled his way into the kitchen. "Good morning, girls."
"Mornin', Professor."
"Good morning, Grandpa. Logan."
Logan grumbled his usual sounds. He never had liked mornings much.
"Could you fellas watch this while we get changed," Lizzy asked.
"I think we can manage," Xavier said.
"We'll only be a couple of minutes," Rogue said.
Lizzy brushed against Logan on her way out, but not too obviously. Logan grinned as she walked away. She had to have the sexiest walk he'd ever seen. It being an unforgettable fact that a man's testosterone levels were higher in the morning, he hated that they weren't alone in his room right now. But she'd left him almost an hour ago to get a shower then help Rogue with breakfast. He liked waking up next to her.
"I'm glad we got these moments alone, Logan."
Logan looked at the professor, startled. "Oh?" He poured himself a cup of coffee and one for the professor.
"I asked Evie to marry me last evening. She said yes. I wanted to know if you'd stand up with me. I'd like you, Beast and Scott to stand with me."
Logan stared at the professor. "I'd be honored to." He couldn't exactly tell him no, right?
"Good."
"I'm happy for you, Chuck. You deserve some of the happiness you've given us."
Xavier looked at Logan. "How long have you known?"
Logan looked at him, startled again. He wasn't a morning person and a conversation before at the bare minimum of three cups of coffee was dangerous. He liked to have at least a twelve cup pot of coffee gone first. But as he looked at the professor he knew what he meant. Xavier knew that he'd known before he'd announced it, that Lizzy was his granddaughter. "It's a DNA thing, I guess. I can smell the body chemicles. It took being in the danger room with her for me to realize. It's something in the sweat."
Xavier studied Logan carefully. Logan and Lizzy had worked together the first time in the danger room, a week after she arrived. He'd known for over a year and a half now? So much time had passed, since the girl had come to them for help. "Then you know who her father is as well?"
"Yep."
"Then you know why it's been so important for us to be careful?"
"Yep. Don't worry, Chuck. I've been keeping my eyes peeled."
"Thank you, Logan. I've noticed that you and Lizzy have become good friends. She admires you greatly."
If only he knew just what it was that she admired so much. Logan looked down at the professor, hoping he hadn't caught Lizzy's behavior just moments ago, or his thoughts. "She's wise for someone her age. She's seen my worst and it doesn't even startle her. I respect her courage and her compassion."
"I've noticed."
Logan arched a brow. "I know she's a kid, if that's what you're getting at."
"I wasn't worried about that. I have noticed that she takes to older men, as she's taken to you. I'm not concerned with that, I am concerned with you."
"What about me? And she's your granddaughter."
"I know that and you've got quite a past. And a reputation for falling in love with women you can't have. I don't want to see you hurt again, Logan."
Logan turned around completely to look at the professor. "What is it that you're telling me? She's got a boyfriend? Maybe a husband?"
"We both know the answers to those are no. Lizzy's never had a father, I fear that's what she's looking for in you. I know you would never bring harm to her or jeopardize my family, but I do not wish to see something develop there. It would only bring pain to both of you."
'Too late, Chuck,' he thought. 'Something's already developing between us.' But Logan didn't dare say that to the professor.
"I'm not saying that you can't make a woman happy, Logan; I'm not even saying that you couldn't make my granddaughter happy. But right now, I fear that she's only looking for the father that she's never had."
"Chuck, you ain't gotta explain yourself. I get it. She's off limits. I told ya, she's just a kid. I done the stringing Rogue along while chasing after Jean. I ain't making that kind of mistake again. Scott's become a friend now, though we don't see eye to eye very often."
"Evie does wish for her to get together with Scott. There's quite a bond forming between them."
"Good. Maybe your granddaughter, and your favorite X-Man will give you great grandchildren before you're too old to appreciate them." Logan smiled at the look on the professor's face. "It was a joke, Chuck. You gotta lighten up. I have."
Xavier shook his head as he watched Logan walk away.
~ ~ ~
Logan's head ached almost as much as his heart at the professor's word. How could Xavier be so blind? He couldn't see that Jean and Scott were carrying on a relationship? He wasn't seeing what was between Lizzy and him. What did he mean that he couldn't make a woman happy? Though he'd swore that wasn't what he was sayin' Logan doubted it. He fired up the danger room and went a couple of rounds, before hitting the showers. From the showers he went up to his room. Solitude would be nice, and maybe the answer to his problem. As he entered his room, he found Lizzy stretched out on her stomach on his bed, reading a magazine. D---, why did she have to be here waiting for him? She looked up at him and smiled. "I hope you don't mind, but Rogue and Jubilee needed to have a heart-to-heart and the last thing I needed was to be in the middle of everyone, so I figured I'd be okay hiding out in here."
He shook his head. "Why should I mind?"
She shrugged as she got to her feet. She shut the door with her telekinesis, as she came toward him. She grabbed the lapels of the button down shirt he wore. "Two less lonely people, huh?"
Logan's hands brushed over her arms, and he looked her in the eye. He hated to do it, but here went everything. From Logan to Wolverine. His hands dropped at his sides and he stepped away from her. "I can't."
"What?"
He looked into her amethyst eyes, and a curse fell from his lips. His look was soft and sorrowful, despite the cold demeanor he was putting forth. "You're the professor's granddaughter."
"What are you talking about?"
"This! You and me! It would never work, kid! It was a mistake!"
She stared at him horrified at first, then nodded slowly. "Right!" She moved away from him, her hands folded over her middle. She ran both hands through her hair as her eyes filled with tears. "Why does every man in my life have to do this to me?!"
"D---it, you should have known better than to get attached to me. I don't do relationships! I thought you had that all figured out."
She met his gaze, everything inside her beginning to go haywire with her emotions.
"Chuck, trusts me. He's asked me to stand up with him when he marries your grandma. How can I betray him, by taking his granddaughter to bed? It wouldn't be right!"
"Well, praise be to Logan for his loyalty and dedication to Professor Charles Xavier!"
"It was good while it lasted, kid!"
"Maybe for you, Old Man," was her response. Lizzy was shaking as she grabbed the door knob and walked out.
Logan punched first the wall and then kicked the door. He wanted to smash everything in sight for hurting her like that. But it all made sense. He couldn't stay with her and be her grandfather's best man, it just wasn't right! Chuck's thoughts of her just looking for a father, bugged him. He couldn't believe that was true, though it did feul the fire in him now.
Lizzy flung the door open to the room she shared with Rogue. Rogue and Jubilee looked up at her surprised. "I won't be but a minute," she promised as she reached into her underwear drawer, where she kept her stash of money and credit cards. She pulled out all the money and credit cards she kept hidden as well as her bank book and tucked them into her jeans pockets. She grabbed her leather blazer coat from the closet and walked out the door.
"Where are you going," Rogue asked running after her.
"As far away from here as I can get!"
Everyone in the mansion could hear them and came running, including Logan. "What's going on," Charles asked as he came out of his office. The shouts shook him from his thoughts.
Lizzy looked at him, his chair blocking her path. She hated to lose her grandfather, but right now, she blamed him as much as she did Logan for this horrific pain running along with her blood. If he wasn't running this school, she wouldn't be here and going through this pain ! She never would have met Logan, if not for Xavier and his X-Men! "I'm leaving the X-Men." She spared a glare at Logan.
Xavier stared at her. "Why? Where are going?"
"Maybe I'll have better luck with my father," was all she'd say. Just that quick, in that stunned moment, she stepped around his chair and walked out the front door.
Logan ran after her so fast he practically flew. "You can't go anywhere! You don't even know who your father is!"
She spun around and looked at him. Fire flashed in her dark amethyst eyes making them look almost a purply red, it was so intense. "Eric Magnus Lenshure. I believe he goes by the name Magneto! You're not the only one who's thoughts I can hear!"
"Don't do it!"
"What do you care, Wild Boy? You already got what you wanted!"
He growled. "That isn't fair!"
Her eyes searched his as she stood there. "Life isn't fair, get over it!" She turned then and useing a gift she'd kept hidden, flung the gates off their hinges and walked out of the lives of Logan, and the X-Men forever.
~ ~ ~
Rogue packed a suitcase full of clothes, and slipped out of the room, only to run into Logan. She looked up at him. The attitude she'd ditched resurfacing quickly. She didn't like the problems between them or that Logan had run Lizzy off with whatever it had been that he said.
"What are you doing, leavin' too?"
"Maybe." She walked past him and headed down the stairs. "And yah had better not follow me, Wild Boy. Ah've had all Ah can take of you for one day!"
Rogue found Lizzy in the hotel room she'd told her about. She was waiting there for her. Rogue handed her the suitcase. "Are yah sure yah have to go?"
"I can't stay, Rogue. Not after what happened. Nobody know's you left, right?"
"Logan does. Don't worry Ah put your clothes in a seperate suitcase and it'll just look like Ah changed my mind when Ah get back. Logan thought Ah was taking off too. Maybe Ah should get out of there for awhile. Wouldn't hurt to get a vacation, from them."
"That's up to you. I'll warn you I ain't gonna be good company."
"Where yah going?"
"Austria. Kurt said I could come stay with him for awhile. The other monks won't care, as long as I stay in the little suite they've set aside for healing strangers. You're welcome to come along, but I can't guarantee I'll be very nice. I'm sorry, Mojer. I just . . . I can't be near him. Not after the last couple of days."
Rogue pulled Lizzy into her arms in a sisterly hug as she began to cry. "I know, Gal. Just let it go. Logan's a dork!"