Disclaimer: Do you really think that I own these characters? Come on.
A/N: Oh, my gosh, another chapter. Yes, it has taken forever, but the story's not dead! I started writing and couldn't stop.
Chapter 4: Addition and Division
____
Ororo's face contorted as she impatiently shoved the last bit of her clothing into her suitcase, zipping it up angrily. Remy had gone off to make arrangements while she packed her bags, and she couldn't wait to leave the Xavier Institute and the man called Forge.
"You're leaving, Ororo?" A voice called from the door. Ororo spun on her heal to find Jean standing there, her hands on her hips, a sad smile on her face.
"Yes. Remy and I…can't stay here." Ororo stated, slightly sad to leave Jean, and the several friends that she had made there. Jean nodded, before walking over to Ororo and sitting down on the bed. Ororo sat next to her.
"We'll be sad to see you go." Jean said after a moment. She sighed. "You were my best friend, Ororo. Before everything that happened with the Phoenix, the Hellfire Club, Nanny, and Forge, we were almost sisters. Yes, Sarah was still alive at that point, but you and I were closer than that.
"I guess I just wanted to tell you that I'll miss you, and that I wish the best for you, no matter what happens." Jean concluded, her eyes moist with unshed tears. Ororo simply nodded, unable to speak. Jean stood up and walked over to the window, looking down at the ground far beneath them. "You know, I remember sitting right here with you, years ago, drinking tea, or hot cocoa, just talking. I would tell you about growing up, my sister, my parents. You would tell stories about growing up in Africa and about your parents. You always thought they were boring stories, and half the time I would have to slip some brandy in your drink just to get you to open up. But I found them fascinating."
"Thank you." Ororo smiled; she quirked an eyebrow, thinking of the brandy comment. "I think."
"You're welcome." Jean laughed lightly. Ororo stood, walking over to Jean. She hugged her tightly before speaking.
"Jean…would you mind very much if I decided to stay…for a bit longer?" Ororo asked, her cheeks tinted red. "I would really like to get reacquainted with you, and the others… I always wanted a family, and I guess this s as close to one as I will get.
"As long as Forge stays away from me." Ororo smiled.
"I think we can arrange that."
- - -
"So, you guys are staying a bit longer, huh, swamp rat?" Logan asked, digging through the refrigerator in a vain attempt to find the last can of beer.
"What you talkin' bout, Wolverine?" Gambit asked, glancing around Logan, grabbing the can of beer from right in front of Wolverine's nose. He opened the can, taking a long swig of it before turning back to Logan. The Canadian glared at Gambit, who just shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly.
"'Ro decided to stick around for a bit." Logan stated, attempting to ignore the murderous thoughts running through his head regarding the Cajun and the last can of beer. Gambit rolled his eyes and ran a hand through his shaggy auburn hair. "What, you're not happy about the free rent an' food?"
"Tha's not it. I wan' O to be happy. I just wish she's make up her blasted mind about dis." Remy stated, feeling a headache building. "Dis got anyt'ing to do wit' the Maker?"
"Nah… I wouldn't worry about Forge. As hooked as he is on our Windrider, she doesn't feel the same about him. It's obvious. I don't think she felt that way even when they were seein' each other. Ya ain't got anything to worry about."
"I hope y'r right." Gambit took the last gulp of the beer before tossing the empty can into the recycling bin. "I'm gonna go talk t' our girl, here."
"Have fun, Cajun."
Gambit walked out of the kitchen, heading up to his and Storm's loft, his mind moving at the speed of light.
We're stayin' now? This girl's gotta get her head on straight…
"Hey there, Gambit." A feminine voice called from behind him. He turned to see Rogue standing in the doorway that led to the library. She strode over to him, a seductive smile on her face. She placed a hand on his chest, running a finger from his neck to his navel. "So, are you an' Ororo gonna be stayin' or what? She really should make up her lil' mind, huh?"
"This is a big deal for O, an' I ain't gonna mess it up for her. If she needs time t' make up her mind, an' find out what she wants t' do, an' where she wants to go, I'm gonna let her. That's what y' do when you love someone."
"But how long's it gonna take fer her to realize who she wants t' be with?" Rogue asked, pulling Gambit into the library, shutting the door softly behind her. Remy stood by the window, glaring daggers at the 'southern belle.' "You know that she an' Forge were in love… I mean, ah was there when they met. Talk 'bout sparks."
"Spark's m' ass. He made th' gun that that Gyrich guy made t' shoot her!" Remy bellowed, remembering both the stories of it on the news and the stories that Jean, Logan, and various others had told him. "There was nothin' romantic about it."
"Don't believe everything you hear, Cajun." Rogue scowled, a pout on her face. "We'd be perfect together, swamp rat. Why don't ya see that?"
"Weren't you an' 'Ro friends before all o' dis?" Rogue nodded. "Yeah, tha's what ah thought.
"You'd bettah stay the hell away from me an' Ororo, do you hear me? If you do anythin' to mess up her an' I, you'll regret it." Gambit stormed from the library, slamming the door shut behind him.
---
Ororo
walked slowly through the gardens, a small smile playing at her lips. She called upon a small rain cloud to water
the rose bushes.
"You used to love doing that,
Ororo." Ororo took a deep breath before
turning to see Forge standing behind her.
He reached out to one of the rose bushes, plucking a perfect white rose
from it. He cut the stem and placed it
in Ororo's hair; he ran his free hand down Ororo's face, his demeanor very calm
and placid.
"Forge, what are you doing?" Ororo asked, starting as he leaned down, ghosting a kiss upon her lips. She pulled away violently, taking to the air. She hovered several feet above the ground, ripping the rose from her hair. She threw it at Forge, a snarl on her face. "Maker, stay the hell away from me. People wonder why I want to leave! Goddess! Between you and Rogue trying to get Remy, it's any wonder that I'm still here!"
Ororo flew quickly up to the house, slamming the door behind her as she entered. Forge turned towards the woman approaching him.
"Forge, ah think we could make a deal right here…"
- - -
To Be Continued…
