The Fur Shall Fly

Essex's efforts to fend off Creed were not entirely fake; in between growling various threats the feral was purring and gazing at her lovingly. The kisses themselves weren't too bad but were it really necessary for him to give her those affectionate licks, particularly given his habit of eating raw meat and hardly ever brushing his teeth. Sinister gave a little shriek and struggled fitfully although the urge to giggle was almost uncontrollable. Also his sideburns were tickling his nose and she felt she was going to sneeze at any minute. Creed growled again and Sinister screamed piercingly noting to her relief that Hank was now almost upon them.

"Now remember what I said about throwing the fight and not badly hurting him. Creed, kindly remove your hand from my thigh this instant or I shall be forced to result to crude physical violence against your person."

"I love it when ya talk dirty darlin," purred Creed.

Trish Tilby was in heaven, a battle between Hank and Sabretooth to rescue a beautiful woman from death was sure to be a headline story. There was Hank bounding into action and Trish found herself lost in admiring his beauty. Having discarded his jacket, the short sleeved white shirt contrasted nicely with the blue fur, Trish found she couldn't tear her eyes away from watching the muscles ripple in his forearms. The look of steely determination in his blue eyes, the glint of fang as he flashed a grin to the watching humans, the way the tight shirt showed off his muscles. Trish knew she was falling in love with him all over again and once this fight was over, she'd tell him that and then they'd be together again.

"Hey here kitty, kitty, kitty," hollered Hank hoping to distract Creed from his prey. The feral's mouth was agape and he was bending towards her, doubtlessly about to rip the woman's throat out (or kiss her like she'd never been kissed before), well he would save her. The first taunt hadn't worked so he would try out another.

"I tawt I taw a puddy tat, I did, I did taw a puddy tat," called Hank.

"Yer so going ta regret that bub," growled Creed releasing Natalie and turning towards Hank.

Snarling he rushed towards Hank and slashed wildly with his claws. Hank twisted managing to mostly dodge the blow, escaping with a ripped shirt (which delighted Trish and quite a few other women) and a few scratches to his side. His return blow was a good solid punch to Creed's nose. Creed snarled and punched Hank back, remembering that Sinister had told him not to use the claws. Hank grunted as his ribs creaked with the blow but now that Creed was at close range he might have the advantage. Wrapping his long muscular arms around Creed's chest he squeezed hard, forcing the breath out of Creed's lungs. Creed struggled frantically to get free and finally sank his fangs into Hank's arm. Yelping in pain Hank released the feral who gasped for breath.

Hank was taking advantage of the momentary break to reflect his amazement at still breathing, he'd have expected to be eviscerated by now or at the least far more badly injured than a few scratches, some bruises and a bite. For some reason Creed seemed to be holding back, perhaps he was toying with Hank wanting to prolong his enjoyment of the fight. Well Hank decided that it was time for the kid gloves to come off; Creed was one enemy he didn't have to hold back against. With his healing factor he would recover from any punishment Hank dealt out to him and Hank would need to go all out if he wanted to put down Creed.

"Had enough yet fuzz-ball, I'm going ta go easy on ya if ya surrender," snarled Creed.

"Stars and garters, I can hardly believe this, have you gone soft in your old age?" chuckled Hank.

Predictably enraged Creed snarled, growled and charged blindly at Hank, slashing with his claws but Hank was dodging easily using his superior agility to literally run circles around Creed. The claws ripped fabric, fur but not skin, he got a few more superficial scratches to add to his collection but that was all. Sabretooth howled in frustration and charged, Hank was taken aback by the ferocity of the assault and a roundhouse punch to his jaw sent him staggering back. He recovered quickly and this time it was Creed who was astonished as Hank leapt forward like a blue furry torpedo and slammed into Creed's chest. While the feral was still stunned Hank grabbed him bringing them both down to the ground. They rolled over and over, a tangle of blonde and blue and Hank was grinning, he was actually winning this fight. A few more punches came but it was clear the feral was almost spent. Hank broke the grapple and rose smoothly to his feet, while Creed was still struggling to rise Hank grabbed the astonished feral by the collar and lifted him into the air.

"Hey put me down," growled Creed.

"I can bench press three thousand pounds Creed and you weigh only a fraction of that amount. Let's see how far I can throw you."

With a yelp Creed was flung straight through the air to crash heavily next to Trish Tilby. As he lay in a groaning heap Trish bent down and held out a microphone. She'd finally broken out of her entrancement at the fight, she'd been drooling every time Hank's shirt got ripped and had been heard muttering 'just look at those muscles'. Now like all good reporters she decided it was time to conduct a little interview.

"So tell me Sabretooth how it feels to know that you're such a loser and that you just suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of that gorgeous blue hunk over there. I mean when all is said and done he basically whipped you and made you seem like a kitty cat. Guess you're just a paper tiger," sneered Trish.

"I'm going ta make ya eat that microphone ya freaking frail, after I've ripped yer throat out," snarled an enraged Creed as he crushed the microphone in his hand.

Trish shrieked as Sabretooth leapt towards her claws extended but then a large blue furred hand reached out and grabbed Creed's ankle stopping him dead in his tracks. Creed turned to see Hank snarling and realized he'd just made a major error. There was absolutely no mercy in Hank's eyes and the fang filled snarl was enough to send a chill into even Creed's heart. He could only watch as Hank drew back his fist and punched him in the jaw with all his strength. Lifted right off his feet Creed flew through the air, crashed against a wall and slumped to the ground in a heap.

"Ya hit even harder than the runt," growled Creed before lapsing into unconsciousness.

"Oh my hero, you saved me you handsome hairy hunk of a man, oh I must reward you," simpered Sinister rushing over to Hank, flinging her arms around his waist and kissing him firmly.

Hank was still a little stunned at just how violent he'd been he'd almost gone berserk just like Wolverine. When he'd though Trish was going to be killed something just snapped inside him. Now this woman was kissing him and there seemed something awfully familiar and even sinister about her. Hank gently disengaged from her grasp.

"I love you," whispered Essex.

"No ma'am you don't love me. You're mistaking gratitude for me saving your life for love. I don't want to take advantage of you, using you like that wouldn't be fair. Maybe some other time," murmured Hank apologetically.

"Oh Hank, I just want to say that I've never been prouder of you, saving us all from Sabretooth was the bravest thing I've ever seen. You looked so handsome as well and well I guess I was just crazy to dump you like that. I want us to get back together," Trish was practically bellowing right in his ear.

Hank accepted her kiss and allowed her to ruffle the fur on his arm, wincing only slightly. Taking stock of his injuries he noted deep bruising, that bite on his arm, numerous scratches and possibly a cracked rib. Still he'd gotten off lightly. He kissed Trish back and went over to the unconscious Creed slinging him over his shoulder. A quick trip to the nearest dumpster to deposit Creed and he came back to the anxiously waiting Trish.

"Trish when you dumped me I was extremely upset and I still feel hurt. I'm not angry with you but well I'm just not sure about us getting together. Maybe if you apologized in front of all these people I'd agree to get back together."

Hank blinked his blue eyes mildly at Trish and there wasn't a trace of guile on his furry blue face. The crowd was muttering in agreement, his bravery still fresh in their minds meant that for once just about everyone was on the mutant's side. Trish was obviously desperate now for them to get back together because she went down on bended knee in front of him. Cynically Hank thought that reconciliation with her heroic savior would probably make an already strong headline just perfect.

"Hank please forgive me, I was stupid, insensitive and cruel and I hurt you. I'm sorry for this and would you find it in your heart to forgive me."

"Of course I'll forgive you Trish," said Hank gently and she smiled.

"So how about dinner tonight then Hank, now we're back together?"

"Trish I said that I forgive you, however I'm not ready to renew our relationship yet, I said that maybe I'd agree and perhaps I still will. Just not today Trish, goodbye,"

Hank gave her a friendly wave and felt only slightly guilty at the look of hurt and disappointment on her face. Well now she knew how he'd felt and Hank true gentleman that he was had forgiven her and perhaps another day he would be ready to renew the relationship. For now though it wouldn't hurt for her to be the one left waiting. Maybe next time she'd consider his feelings a little more.

"Oh well you win some you lose some, still we've got a great story here. Hey what do you mean, the camera got smashed by Sabretooth?"

Hank meanwhile found Bobby waiting for him at the gates, he raised an eyebrow at seeing Hank's somewhat battered state and then he gave his old friend a gentle hug. Hank hugged Bobby back and after giving him a pleading look he got Bobby to scratch him gently behind his ears. Relaxed Hank began to purr and he was purring even louder when Bobby told him a piece of great news.

"Stars and garters, Cecilia is back, well that's great news. That fight with Sabretooth took a lot out of me, but now that she's back I feel bouncing and blue and good as new," purred Hank.

"Yeah but I'll tell her you need some urgent medical attention, I'm sure she'll be more than happy to give you plenty of tender loving care," said Bobby with a rather knowing grin.

"My what a filthy mind you have Bobby,"

A nearby dumpster

"Oh why does he have to be such a gentleman, I was so sure this plan would work," wailed Natalie Essex, tears coming to her eyes.

Creed woke up when he heard her crying and dragging himself painfully out of the dumpster gave her a comforting hug and a kiss.

"Hey darling, at least ya still got me," he gave a startled grunt as Essex shoved him back into the dumpster.

"Get off me you filthy animal, you've just ruined my dress and I'm going to have to shower like for hours now. Oh well I've just thought of another plan. I'll pay a visit to the mansion, say that I want to express my gratitude and that I'm a mutant, yes that will work," purred Natalie smiling once again.

The mansion

Hank was feeling a much happier man now, relaxing on the sofa with Cecilia sitting next to him. He was allowing her to gently stroke his soft blue fur just the way he liked it. It turned out as well that he hadn't had a broken rib and with his resilience and quick healing he'd probably be fine in a day or so. Hank thought this was a good thing, especially given what Cecilia had planned for him. Actually there were some things they would both have liked to be doing now but Jubilee and Bobby were both present which rather put a dampener on things.

"So are you going to tell me just how you managed to beat up Creed Hank? I've got to tell the story to Wolvie, I bet he's going to be really jealous that he missed out," said Jubilee giving him a scratch behind the ears.

"Actually I already spoke to Logan and shared my suspicions with him about Creed holding back. He agreed to me that there's something rather strange going on. Somehow as well that woman seemed dangerous to me and I could swear we've met before."

Hank shook his head and helped himself to another Twinkie.

"Still no need to worry now Hank, you just rest and let me look after you. Personally I think you were very brave and you'll always be my hero," Cecilia smiled and kissed his furry cheek.

"Hey we'd better put the TV on or we're going to miss the start of Buffy," called Bobby.

"Stars and garters, we can't have that," gasped Hank in mock dismay.

Hank settled down with his friends to begin a pleasant evening of well deserved rest and relaxation. He purred contentedly as Cecilia began ruffling the fur on his shoulders. This felt very nice indeed.

Meanwhile Remy had just answered a knock at the front door and was surprised to see a rather beautiful woman who seemed somehow familiar. Suddenly he felt an overwhelming urge and next thing he knew he was kissing her deeply and passionately and without even knowing why. If he'd known he was actually kissing Sinister he would have had a cardiac arrest. At the same time Natalie Essex was considering having one herself.