"I've got to say, " Rogue says loudly to Romana who is in the shower,
"Kurt's been in a funk for quite a while. It's nice to see him smiling
again." Rogue sifts through her closet and pulls out various outfits.
"I am happy I could do it," replies Romana as she rinses her hair. "I
care for Kurt immensely, but my feelings aside, I am concerned he is
happy with his life. It tears me apart to see him carry the guilt of
the world on his shoulders." Romana reaches out for a towel and turns
off the water. "He feels so helpless sometimes.he doesn't realize how
much good he has done for people, and is still capable of doing for
others."
"I guess that's partially our fault," Rogue whispers to herself. Kurt
has become much more than a comedic sidekick, but that's still the way
he gets treated most of the time. No wonder he left for so long.
"So," Romana says as she wraps a towel around her and steps out of the
shower. "Have you had any luck with the clothes?"
"I bought this outfit when I was in New Orleans.I just couldn't resist
it at the time, even if I only get to wear it in the mirror. I think
you would look beautiful in it." Rogue says as she sweeps her hand
over the outfit on the bed.
"Oh my," says Romana as she looks at the off-shoulder barmaid blouse
with ruffled cuffs, the corset-styled belt, and a green, gold, and
black batik broom skirt straight out of a gypsy fantasy.
"Am I good or what?" Rogue says with a grin.
"So, fuzzy. What's the story?" mutters Logan as he sits on the stairs
in the main hall.
"Romana is a dear friend. She helped me a lot after I left der X-Men."
Kurt answers from his perch on the banister. "She has helped me face
my fears und deal vith many of der problems I have kept locked
inside.und you know, Logan?" Kurt asks as he hops off the banister to
face him. "Ven I am around her, I'm not afraid to anymore."
Logan stands up and looks into Kurt's eyes for a long moment. "Bout'
time." He growls.
Kurt is about to retort when he looks up to see Romana coming down
the stairs, dressed like a seductive fortune-teller from his homeland.
His gaze travels up from her wispy skirt to her hourglass waist
cinched in the corset, the blouse falling off her shoulders, and her
hair done up in large ringlets falling around her neck. "Mein Gott,"
Kurt whispers as Logan turns around to see Romana beam at Kurt.
"She cleans up nice," Logan says reluctantly.
"Zat she does, mein freund." Kurt says as he walks up the stairs to
Romana and kisses her hand. "You are an exotic vision of loveliness,
Romana. It vould do me a great honor if you would let me escort you
around der estate." He holds his crooked arm out to her.
Thank you Rogue! Romana curtseys as she looks at Kurt dressed in black
pin-stripe pants with suspenders and a button down white shirt -Not
bad yourself, Kurt!-- "It would give me no greater pleasure, kind
sir." She takes his arm and they walk down the stairs to Logan. "I
apologize for my remark earlier," Romana says as she holds out her
hand. "It has to be hard, protecting your friends all the time."
Logan grunts in surprise and shakes Romana's hand. "Somebody's gotta
do it. Check you later, elf."
"Auf Wiederzehn, Logan." Kurt says as they continue down to the
elevator. "I believe Hank is in der library. He is an incredible
scientist und literate man, who just happens to look like a Muppet.
Remind me to thank Rogue for der outfit," Kurt says as they step into
the elevator. "Even though you vould look beautiful in a paper sack,
liebling."
"Goodness, Kurt," Romana says with a smile as she tries to hide her
blush. "I haven't felt like a schoolgirl for over 600 years."
Kurt smiles to himself as the doors open. Who says I've lost my touch.
They step out into a hallway and Kurt opens the double doors to a
large library. "After you, meine fraulein." Romana looks around and
marvels at the rows upon rows of books around her. Kurt scans the
books and says, "Ach, zere he is. Hold on, Romana, and I vill
introduce you!" Romana wraps her arms around Kurt and with a 'bamf'
they are up on the second floor balcony.
"By that odiferous entrance, I can assume that my associate Kurt is
nearby," says a voice, but Romana is unable to spot the body.
"You didn't say he was invisible too." Romana whispers. Kurt opens his
mouth to explain when.
"Bless my stars and garters, you didn't say you brought a visitor,
Kurt." With that, two big, blue, furry and clawed hands reach up on
the railing and heave over a large but hunched furry blue man with
feline features. " Don't let my animalistic visage frighten you,
madam," Hank says as he holds out a large hand. "My name is Hank
McCoy, but I am otherwise known as the Beast."
A Muppet indeed.how could anyone be afraid of the Cookie Monster?
Romana takes his hand and smiles. "On the contrary, your appearance
does nothing of the kind. While I have met all sorts of incredible
people today, it does my heart good to know that even though I have
been around for 700 years, there are still things that are new to me.
My name is Romana Verone. Pleased to meet you."
"Ah. so you are the one I have heard so much about. All good, I assure
you." Hank winks at Romana, who smiles at a very embarrassed Kurt. "So
what brings you to our humble abode?"
"Romana is staying as my guest for dinner, Hank, und I thought I would
introduce her to der rest of my teammates zat are here at der school.
Have you heard anything about der others on Muir Island?" asks Kurt.
Hank frowns. "It is a long and hard road to recovery, my friend, but
they are still on the path. We can only do what we can to help them
along. If only they all had the healing power of Wolverine."
"Amen to that, meine freund. I am sure ve alles have vished to have
Logan's abilities one time or another.I am glad zey are all still
recovering. Ven it is possible, I would like to go and visit them."
Kurt says, as Romana gently squeezes his hand and smiles at him in
support.
"I will be sure to let you know, Kurt. It was a pleasure to meet you
my lady," Hank says as he takes Romana's hand. But I am sure there are
others of us that would like to meet you as well. Alas, I must get
back to my studies."
"Vill you be joining the rest of us for dinner?" asks Kurt.
"While these ancient tomes fill my soul, they don't do much to
fill my stomach," smiles Hank. "I will be there. Until then." Hank
then jumps over the railing onto the tall book ladder he was perched
on below.
"By the vay, Hank," Kurt says as he leans out over the balcony.
"Have you seen 'Ro?"
"I believe she is perusing her perennials in her greenhouse." answers
Hank.
"You have a greenhouse here too?" asks Romana in wonder as she wraps
her arms around Kurt's neck and rests her head against his shoulder.
"If I could, I vould teleport you everywhere if it meant holding you
like zis, liebling." and with a 'bamf' and a whiff of brimstone, they
appear outside in front of a large glass structure.
"It doesn't take inter-dimensional travel for that, iubirea," Romana
says with a smile as she holds him tight. Kurt holds her for a long
moment in silence, inhaling the delicate smell of heather in her hair
as his tail gently sways against her skirt.
"Kommt, Romana," says Kurt as he gently disengages from the embrace
and takes her hand. "I vant to introduce you to Ororo, our local
veather vitch." Kurt opens the door for Romana and they step into a
steamy world of exotic flowers. As they make their way down a path,
Romana can hear a voice singing. They round the corner and she sees a
beautiful African woman with long flowing white hair gently cupping an
orchid and singing to it. Such amazing people.it is a shame that Kurt
doesn't feel at home even here.
As the song finishes, Kurt announces them by saying, "Ro', please
pardon the interruption, but I brought a dear friend vith me, und I
vanted to introduce her to you." Ororo turns to the both of them and
smiles as she holds her hands out to Romana. "Zis is Romana Verone,"
Kurt says as he gently places his hand in the small of Romana's back.
"Und zis is Ororo Munroe, otherwise known as Storm."
Ororo smiles at Kurt and then takes Romana's hands in hers. "I am
pleased to meet you, Romana. Kurt's words haven't given you justice. "
"I'm afraid I know so little about all of you." Romana
says as she playfully ribs Kurt in the side. "But I can see why the
Morlocks would speak of you so highly. I have been constantly amazed
at the diversity and expanse of the school and it's members. You all
should be very proud at what you've been able to accomplish."
Ororo's smile fades briefly as she says, "It is a hard road we have
chosen, but we stay strong for the children. I did what I could for
the Morlocks, and now Callisto must teach them all I could not."
Way to go, Romana. Jump right in on a touchy subject."I noticed some
of the flowers on the way in are from overseas," says Romana, quickly
trying to change the subject.
"Yes," Ororo smiles again. "Whenever I get a chance when we are done
with a mission, I like to collect a flower for my garden. Kurt was
kind enough to bring me those 'princess slippers' from Bavaria when he
joined our team."
"I am never one to pass up a chance to give flowers to a schone
fraulien," Kurt says with a smile. "In fact, if I may ask to partake
of one of your lovely roses."
"But of course, Kurt," Ororo says as she walks over to a section of
peach roses tinted with red along the edges and trims one of the buds.
"I believe this one will go well with her coloring," she says and
hands the bud to him.
"If I may, liebchen?" Kurt asks, and with Romana's nod he places the
rose carefully in her hair. "A rose by any other name may smell as
sweet, but in your hair it smells divine." Kurt says, as he inhales
the fragrance of the rose combined with the smell of Romana's hair..
Ororo smiles at the exchange and says, "I must finish my time with my
flowers, but I will join you all later for dinner, Kurt. I am glad you
enjoy my roses so much. "
Romana giggles at Kurt and then turns to her. "Thank you so much,
Ororo. It was a pleasure to meet you. If you do not have them, I shall
have to bring some clippings from some of the flowers I brought with
me from Romania. I am sure they would flourish under your tender
care."
"Thank you, Romana." Ororo says. "I look forward to that day and
talking to you again soon."
As they leave, Romana can hear Ororo begin her singing again. "She
truly loves her flowers doesn't she?" Romana asks.
"Ve all have our singular passions, liebling. Ororo's is flowers,
Hank's is books, and Rogue's is clothes." Kurt begins as they leave
the greenhouse and walk through the woods.
"And what's yours, Kurt?" Romana asks, knowing that it is not an easy
answer for him to give.
"There vas a time ven I vould've easily spouted 'swordplay und
vomen,' und another ven I vould've said 'my dedication to God'.but now
zings aren't so easy anymore." Kurt says with a sigh as he sits on a
bench beneath a large maple tree. " I have come to terms vith der fact
zat dere are many things zat have been missing from my life as I have
tried to fit in. From my times vith der circus, der X-Men, Excalibur,
der church, und you, I know now zat I can't just pick one aspect of my
life und hide from der rest. Zere must be a way zat I can combine my
friends, my eternal soul, and my heart together, so I may be whole."
Kurt looks at Romana pleadingly and she quickly sits beside him and
holds his hand. "Ah, my iuberia, I share your pain. As much as I wish
you and I could live our lives in peace together, there is much more
for you to do in this life. Maybe there is a way you can blend your
needs into one." Romana thinks for a moment."Is there a law that says
once you become a priest that you can't be a part of the X-Men? Maybe
you could be a 'mutant missionary' of sorts.bringing the word of God
to those who feel they have been abandoned by him." Romana turns her
head away from Kurt and mutters, "It just figures you had to be a
Catholic."
Kurt thinks about her words for a long time and then brightens. " You
are a bloody genius, liebling!" -It is no wonder that I love you so-.
Kurt kneels in front of her and takes her hands. " I have been reading
about der different sects of der faith as of late, und have read about
der Unitarian Universalists, a very open minded und progressive sect.
Zey have programs dedicated to reaching out to all of us who don't fit
in," Kurt says with a wry grin, "so maybe I can continue my studies
vith zem, und apply vat I learn to mutants und vat I do vith der X-
Men!" Romana grins, but Kurt can detect the small hint of sadness
within her eyes. "Und, liebling, if I am accepted." Romana shivers and
closes her eyes as Kurt continues in a whisper her ear, "If I am
accepted, zey have no laws against their priests having a monogamous
relationship of zer own."
It takes a moment for Kurt's words to break through the sensations
running down her spine, and then she quickly opens her eyes. "What?
Are you serious, Kurt? I would stay by your side if you became the
next Pope, so tell me you didn't make this decision on a whim.please?
As much as I love you, I don't want you to regret anything."
"Ease your heart, Romana." Kurt says as he stands and pulls her up to
him. "I have been thinking about der choices I have made for a long
time now, since before I left der X-Men. I felt incomplete, und I have
been looking for a vay to fill zat gap. At first it vas vith der
adulation of der circus, der adventure vith der X-Men, my misplaced
heart vith Excalibur, und zen der guilt und penance of Catholicism.
It just happens zat now, vith you in my life, I have found zat gap to
be much smaller, und der choices I had thought about making before
seem much clearer and easier. " Kurt gently places his hand under her
chin and lifts her tear-filled eyes to meet his. " You vant me to be
happy vith my life und der decisions I make.vell I have made one,
liebling. I have found a path that vill enable me to serve my God,
help my friends, und be vith der one I love.if she'll have me."
Tears of happiness flow freely down Romana's cheeks as she says, "As
if you have to ask, silly. Nimic peste putintã la dragoste se-ntelege.
love will find a way."
"Ich liebe dich, Romana." Kurt says with a sigh as he bends his head
and brushes her lips in the softest of kisses, his tail gently
caressing her back. Romana moans softly into his mouth as he carefully
nibbles her bottom lip with his teeth. Her hands travel up his chest
and around into the hair at the back of his neck where she gently runs
her fingers through it, causing shivers to run down Kurt's spine. He
begins to deepen the kiss when.
**"Dinner is ready!" **
The brief mental message breaks the mood as Kurt groans and rests his
forehead against Romana's shoulder. "What is it, Kurt?" Romana asks.
"Jean's total lack of timing with her mental dinner bell." bemoans
Kurt. " Ach, it's just as well, liebling. We probably both look like
we've had quite the tussle." Kurt tenderly kisses her cheeks and wipes
the tear tracks away. They both straighten their clothes and hand in
hand, head back to the mansion.
" Tomorrow I am going to visit der church und talk to zem about my
decision.but for now let us keep it quiet from der rest, liebchen."
Kurt says as he wraps his arm around her waist and they head inside.
"Mmmm. it smells wonderful," exclaims Romana as they get closer to the
school and the smells of baked chicken and sweet yams fill the air.
"I agree," Kurt says as he catches the smells of dinner. "Jean is
outdoing herself to try und make zis place feel like a home again."
They walk into the dining room where Hank is already seated at one end
of the table and talking to Ororo. Kurt pulls out a chair for Romana
next to Hank and makes sure she is seated before he says, "It seems
funny to ask a telekinetic if she needs a hand in der kitchen, but I
should at least offer, nein? I won't be long." Kurt smiles and goes
into the kitchen.
"I tried to offer my services," Hank says with chagrin, "but Jean said
something about 'a bull in a china shop' and escorted me out of her
domain."
"That gives me the opportunity to ask the two of you a question then,"
Romana says as she leans toward the two of them. "Does anyone know
when Kurt's birthday is?"
"Kurt's been in a funk for quite a while. It's nice to see him smiling
again." Rogue sifts through her closet and pulls out various outfits.
"I am happy I could do it," replies Romana as she rinses her hair. "I
care for Kurt immensely, but my feelings aside, I am concerned he is
happy with his life. It tears me apart to see him carry the guilt of
the world on his shoulders." Romana reaches out for a towel and turns
off the water. "He feels so helpless sometimes.he doesn't realize how
much good he has done for people, and is still capable of doing for
others."
"I guess that's partially our fault," Rogue whispers to herself. Kurt
has become much more than a comedic sidekick, but that's still the way
he gets treated most of the time. No wonder he left for so long.
"So," Romana says as she wraps a towel around her and steps out of the
shower. "Have you had any luck with the clothes?"
"I bought this outfit when I was in New Orleans.I just couldn't resist
it at the time, even if I only get to wear it in the mirror. I think
you would look beautiful in it." Rogue says as she sweeps her hand
over the outfit on the bed.
"Oh my," says Romana as she looks at the off-shoulder barmaid blouse
with ruffled cuffs, the corset-styled belt, and a green, gold, and
black batik broom skirt straight out of a gypsy fantasy.
"Am I good or what?" Rogue says with a grin.
"So, fuzzy. What's the story?" mutters Logan as he sits on the stairs
in the main hall.
"Romana is a dear friend. She helped me a lot after I left der X-Men."
Kurt answers from his perch on the banister. "She has helped me face
my fears und deal vith many of der problems I have kept locked
inside.und you know, Logan?" Kurt asks as he hops off the banister to
face him. "Ven I am around her, I'm not afraid to anymore."
Logan stands up and looks into Kurt's eyes for a long moment. "Bout'
time." He growls.
Kurt is about to retort when he looks up to see Romana coming down
the stairs, dressed like a seductive fortune-teller from his homeland.
His gaze travels up from her wispy skirt to her hourglass waist
cinched in the corset, the blouse falling off her shoulders, and her
hair done up in large ringlets falling around her neck. "Mein Gott,"
Kurt whispers as Logan turns around to see Romana beam at Kurt.
"She cleans up nice," Logan says reluctantly.
"Zat she does, mein freund." Kurt says as he walks up the stairs to
Romana and kisses her hand. "You are an exotic vision of loveliness,
Romana. It vould do me a great honor if you would let me escort you
around der estate." He holds his crooked arm out to her.
Thank you Rogue! Romana curtseys as she looks at Kurt dressed in black
pin-stripe pants with suspenders and a button down white shirt -Not
bad yourself, Kurt!-- "It would give me no greater pleasure, kind
sir." She takes his arm and they walk down the stairs to Logan. "I
apologize for my remark earlier," Romana says as she holds out her
hand. "It has to be hard, protecting your friends all the time."
Logan grunts in surprise and shakes Romana's hand. "Somebody's gotta
do it. Check you later, elf."
"Auf Wiederzehn, Logan." Kurt says as they continue down to the
elevator. "I believe Hank is in der library. He is an incredible
scientist und literate man, who just happens to look like a Muppet.
Remind me to thank Rogue for der outfit," Kurt says as they step into
the elevator. "Even though you vould look beautiful in a paper sack,
liebling."
"Goodness, Kurt," Romana says with a smile as she tries to hide her
blush. "I haven't felt like a schoolgirl for over 600 years."
Kurt smiles to himself as the doors open. Who says I've lost my touch.
They step out into a hallway and Kurt opens the double doors to a
large library. "After you, meine fraulein." Romana looks around and
marvels at the rows upon rows of books around her. Kurt scans the
books and says, "Ach, zere he is. Hold on, Romana, and I vill
introduce you!" Romana wraps her arms around Kurt and with a 'bamf'
they are up on the second floor balcony.
"By that odiferous entrance, I can assume that my associate Kurt is
nearby," says a voice, but Romana is unable to spot the body.
"You didn't say he was invisible too." Romana whispers. Kurt opens his
mouth to explain when.
"Bless my stars and garters, you didn't say you brought a visitor,
Kurt." With that, two big, blue, furry and clawed hands reach up on
the railing and heave over a large but hunched furry blue man with
feline features. " Don't let my animalistic visage frighten you,
madam," Hank says as he holds out a large hand. "My name is Hank
McCoy, but I am otherwise known as the Beast."
A Muppet indeed.how could anyone be afraid of the Cookie Monster?
Romana takes his hand and smiles. "On the contrary, your appearance
does nothing of the kind. While I have met all sorts of incredible
people today, it does my heart good to know that even though I have
been around for 700 years, there are still things that are new to me.
My name is Romana Verone. Pleased to meet you."
"Ah. so you are the one I have heard so much about. All good, I assure
you." Hank winks at Romana, who smiles at a very embarrassed Kurt. "So
what brings you to our humble abode?"
"Romana is staying as my guest for dinner, Hank, und I thought I would
introduce her to der rest of my teammates zat are here at der school.
Have you heard anything about der others on Muir Island?" asks Kurt.
Hank frowns. "It is a long and hard road to recovery, my friend, but
they are still on the path. We can only do what we can to help them
along. If only they all had the healing power of Wolverine."
"Amen to that, meine freund. I am sure ve alles have vished to have
Logan's abilities one time or another.I am glad zey are all still
recovering. Ven it is possible, I would like to go and visit them."
Kurt says, as Romana gently squeezes his hand and smiles at him in
support.
"I will be sure to let you know, Kurt. It was a pleasure to meet you
my lady," Hank says as he takes Romana's hand. But I am sure there are
others of us that would like to meet you as well. Alas, I must get
back to my studies."
"Vill you be joining the rest of us for dinner?" asks Kurt.
"While these ancient tomes fill my soul, they don't do much to
fill my stomach," smiles Hank. "I will be there. Until then." Hank
then jumps over the railing onto the tall book ladder he was perched
on below.
"By the vay, Hank," Kurt says as he leans out over the balcony.
"Have you seen 'Ro?"
"I believe she is perusing her perennials in her greenhouse." answers
Hank.
"You have a greenhouse here too?" asks Romana in wonder as she wraps
her arms around Kurt's neck and rests her head against his shoulder.
"If I could, I vould teleport you everywhere if it meant holding you
like zis, liebling." and with a 'bamf' and a whiff of brimstone, they
appear outside in front of a large glass structure.
"It doesn't take inter-dimensional travel for that, iubirea," Romana
says with a smile as she holds him tight. Kurt holds her for a long
moment in silence, inhaling the delicate smell of heather in her hair
as his tail gently sways against her skirt.
"Kommt, Romana," says Kurt as he gently disengages from the embrace
and takes her hand. "I vant to introduce you to Ororo, our local
veather vitch." Kurt opens the door for Romana and they step into a
steamy world of exotic flowers. As they make their way down a path,
Romana can hear a voice singing. They round the corner and she sees a
beautiful African woman with long flowing white hair gently cupping an
orchid and singing to it. Such amazing people.it is a shame that Kurt
doesn't feel at home even here.
As the song finishes, Kurt announces them by saying, "Ro', please
pardon the interruption, but I brought a dear friend vith me, und I
vanted to introduce her to you." Ororo turns to the both of them and
smiles as she holds her hands out to Romana. "Zis is Romana Verone,"
Kurt says as he gently places his hand in the small of Romana's back.
"Und zis is Ororo Munroe, otherwise known as Storm."
Ororo smiles at Kurt and then takes Romana's hands in hers. "I am
pleased to meet you, Romana. Kurt's words haven't given you justice. "
"I'm afraid I know so little about all of you." Romana
says as she playfully ribs Kurt in the side. "But I can see why the
Morlocks would speak of you so highly. I have been constantly amazed
at the diversity and expanse of the school and it's members. You all
should be very proud at what you've been able to accomplish."
Ororo's smile fades briefly as she says, "It is a hard road we have
chosen, but we stay strong for the children. I did what I could for
the Morlocks, and now Callisto must teach them all I could not."
Way to go, Romana. Jump right in on a touchy subject."I noticed some
of the flowers on the way in are from overseas," says Romana, quickly
trying to change the subject.
"Yes," Ororo smiles again. "Whenever I get a chance when we are done
with a mission, I like to collect a flower for my garden. Kurt was
kind enough to bring me those 'princess slippers' from Bavaria when he
joined our team."
"I am never one to pass up a chance to give flowers to a schone
fraulien," Kurt says with a smile. "In fact, if I may ask to partake
of one of your lovely roses."
"But of course, Kurt," Ororo says as she walks over to a section of
peach roses tinted with red along the edges and trims one of the buds.
"I believe this one will go well with her coloring," she says and
hands the bud to him.
"If I may, liebchen?" Kurt asks, and with Romana's nod he places the
rose carefully in her hair. "A rose by any other name may smell as
sweet, but in your hair it smells divine." Kurt says, as he inhales
the fragrance of the rose combined with the smell of Romana's hair..
Ororo smiles at the exchange and says, "I must finish my time with my
flowers, but I will join you all later for dinner, Kurt. I am glad you
enjoy my roses so much. "
Romana giggles at Kurt and then turns to her. "Thank you so much,
Ororo. It was a pleasure to meet you. If you do not have them, I shall
have to bring some clippings from some of the flowers I brought with
me from Romania. I am sure they would flourish under your tender
care."
"Thank you, Romana." Ororo says. "I look forward to that day and
talking to you again soon."
As they leave, Romana can hear Ororo begin her singing again. "She
truly loves her flowers doesn't she?" Romana asks.
"Ve all have our singular passions, liebling. Ororo's is flowers,
Hank's is books, and Rogue's is clothes." Kurt begins as they leave
the greenhouse and walk through the woods.
"And what's yours, Kurt?" Romana asks, knowing that it is not an easy
answer for him to give.
"There vas a time ven I vould've easily spouted 'swordplay und
vomen,' und another ven I vould've said 'my dedication to God'.but now
zings aren't so easy anymore." Kurt says with a sigh as he sits on a
bench beneath a large maple tree. " I have come to terms vith der fact
zat dere are many things zat have been missing from my life as I have
tried to fit in. From my times vith der circus, der X-Men, Excalibur,
der church, und you, I know now zat I can't just pick one aspect of my
life und hide from der rest. Zere must be a way zat I can combine my
friends, my eternal soul, and my heart together, so I may be whole."
Kurt looks at Romana pleadingly and she quickly sits beside him and
holds his hand. "Ah, my iuberia, I share your pain. As much as I wish
you and I could live our lives in peace together, there is much more
for you to do in this life. Maybe there is a way you can blend your
needs into one." Romana thinks for a moment."Is there a law that says
once you become a priest that you can't be a part of the X-Men? Maybe
you could be a 'mutant missionary' of sorts.bringing the word of God
to those who feel they have been abandoned by him." Romana turns her
head away from Kurt and mutters, "It just figures you had to be a
Catholic."
Kurt thinks about her words for a long time and then brightens. " You
are a bloody genius, liebling!" -It is no wonder that I love you so-.
Kurt kneels in front of her and takes her hands. " I have been reading
about der different sects of der faith as of late, und have read about
der Unitarian Universalists, a very open minded und progressive sect.
Zey have programs dedicated to reaching out to all of us who don't fit
in," Kurt says with a wry grin, "so maybe I can continue my studies
vith zem, und apply vat I learn to mutants und vat I do vith der X-
Men!" Romana grins, but Kurt can detect the small hint of sadness
within her eyes. "Und, liebling, if I am accepted." Romana shivers and
closes her eyes as Kurt continues in a whisper her ear, "If I am
accepted, zey have no laws against their priests having a monogamous
relationship of zer own."
It takes a moment for Kurt's words to break through the sensations
running down her spine, and then she quickly opens her eyes. "What?
Are you serious, Kurt? I would stay by your side if you became the
next Pope, so tell me you didn't make this decision on a whim.please?
As much as I love you, I don't want you to regret anything."
"Ease your heart, Romana." Kurt says as he stands and pulls her up to
him. "I have been thinking about der choices I have made for a long
time now, since before I left der X-Men. I felt incomplete, und I have
been looking for a vay to fill zat gap. At first it vas vith der
adulation of der circus, der adventure vith der X-Men, my misplaced
heart vith Excalibur, und zen der guilt und penance of Catholicism.
It just happens zat now, vith you in my life, I have found zat gap to
be much smaller, und der choices I had thought about making before
seem much clearer and easier. " Kurt gently places his hand under her
chin and lifts her tear-filled eyes to meet his. " You vant me to be
happy vith my life und der decisions I make.vell I have made one,
liebling. I have found a path that vill enable me to serve my God,
help my friends, und be vith der one I love.if she'll have me."
Tears of happiness flow freely down Romana's cheeks as she says, "As
if you have to ask, silly. Nimic peste putintã la dragoste se-ntelege.
love will find a way."
"Ich liebe dich, Romana." Kurt says with a sigh as he bends his head
and brushes her lips in the softest of kisses, his tail gently
caressing her back. Romana moans softly into his mouth as he carefully
nibbles her bottom lip with his teeth. Her hands travel up his chest
and around into the hair at the back of his neck where she gently runs
her fingers through it, causing shivers to run down Kurt's spine. He
begins to deepen the kiss when.
**"Dinner is ready!" **
The brief mental message breaks the mood as Kurt groans and rests his
forehead against Romana's shoulder. "What is it, Kurt?" Romana asks.
"Jean's total lack of timing with her mental dinner bell." bemoans
Kurt. " Ach, it's just as well, liebling. We probably both look like
we've had quite the tussle." Kurt tenderly kisses her cheeks and wipes
the tear tracks away. They both straighten their clothes and hand in
hand, head back to the mansion.
" Tomorrow I am going to visit der church und talk to zem about my
decision.but for now let us keep it quiet from der rest, liebchen."
Kurt says as he wraps his arm around her waist and they head inside.
"Mmmm. it smells wonderful," exclaims Romana as they get closer to the
school and the smells of baked chicken and sweet yams fill the air.
"I agree," Kurt says as he catches the smells of dinner. "Jean is
outdoing herself to try und make zis place feel like a home again."
They walk into the dining room where Hank is already seated at one end
of the table and talking to Ororo. Kurt pulls out a chair for Romana
next to Hank and makes sure she is seated before he says, "It seems
funny to ask a telekinetic if she needs a hand in der kitchen, but I
should at least offer, nein? I won't be long." Kurt smiles and goes
into the kitchen.
"I tried to offer my services," Hank says with chagrin, "but Jean said
something about 'a bull in a china shop' and escorted me out of her
domain."
"That gives me the opportunity to ask the two of you a question then,"
Romana says as she leans toward the two of them. "Does anyone know
when Kurt's birthday is?"
