Torture

Logan couldn't believe he'd kissed her. It was only two weeks to her eighteenth birthday, and he couldn't wait. The opportunity was there, and he took it. Of course it had been beyond wonderful, and that was precisely the problem. He had tasted heaven, but had to wait. Two weeks. Eternity. Now that Marie knew their attraction was mutual, she had been bolder with her flirting. She was going to kill him.

He thought about taking a brief road trip. Staying away for a couple weeks would make it easier to behave. But now he was forced to stay. Logan knew he wasn't the only one with designs on Marie's affections. He wasn't sure yet just where her feelings were. That snotty Cajun was sure giving her enough attention. Frosty and Matchstick were having all sorts of impure thoughts and conversations about her. Though not in the lounge where they might be overheard, Logan thought with a smile.

No. Logan couldn't leave her alone with all that competition. The problem was he was having a hard time keeping their relationship platonic. That kiss was his undoing. Marie had him, and she knew it. Logan cringed. Two endless weeks of relentless torture.

Scott was not a happy man. One week in the doghouse. One week of the cold shoulder. Day upon relentless day of 'Scott, really, they're students!' Yes, they are, and I don't have a problem. I thought you could read minds…! It was the pranks, Rogue's suggestive, raging hormone, 'come on guys notice us' girl pranks.

The pranks have been increasing. Rogue started a Yoga class. Every morning at six, the girls took their mats out onto the patio, and …posed. Technically it was exercise, but isn't it funny how early the boys were getting up? She's doing it on purpose. Jean was not happy, and it's all Rogue's fault. The constant taunting has to stop. Jean was torturing him.

"Okay, Chica, you have got to stop evading the question," Jubilee ordered. "We set you up, what happened?"

"A lady never kisses and tells," Rogue said nonchalantly.

"No way! He's like a hundred years older than you," Kitty said in horror.

"His memory only goes back about sixteen years, so in a way, I'm older," Rogue reasoned.

"Girl, if that helps you sleep at night, you hang on to that logic," Jubilee said sardonically.

"Yesterday you were all for it, what's with the 180?" Rogue asked.

"You're legal in two weeks. You better be sure you want him, because on your birthday, everything is going to hit the fan," Jubilee said seriously.

"Jubes, I'm sure in that bizarre unknown universe that is your mind that statement makes sense. Could you make it a little clearer for the studio audience?" Rogue said with a frown.

"Rogue, you haven't been paying attention, have you. The Rogue charm worked. He wants you real bad, and he acts like he's going to skewer any other guy that comes near you," Kitty explained.

"Chica, you better make up your mind now while you have the state on your side because Wolvie is on the prowl," Jubilee said humorously.

"Was it the belly dancing or the pool game?" Rogue asked.

Just then, Scott came around the corner and glared at the three girls. Well, they assumed he was glaring by the way he stood with his arms crossed, and his jaw set. He stood there for a moment, let out a long sigh, and finally spoke.

"Girls, these pranks really need to stop," he said seriously.

"What pranks?" Jubilee asked with her sweetest voice and most innocent smile.

"Don't play innocent with me; I know you are plotting again," Scott accused. "What's with the Yoga?"

"Scott, if you want me to talk to Jean…" Rogue began, trying to keep a straight face.

"Don't even start with me Rogue, just who are you trying to impress with all this drama?" Scott demanded.

Rogue went pale, and didn't answer, Jubilee took in a sharp breath, and Kitty's eyes got big as saucers as Logan walked through the other door.

"Hey," Logan said, "what's up?"

It didn't take a genius to see he'd gotten his answer. "Oh, never mind," Scott said in a very annoyed tone. Then he turned on his heels and stalked out of the room in a huff. Figures!

"Hi, Wolvie," Jubilee said with a bright smile, "Wanna play Truth or Dare?"

"Sure kid," Logan said flashing Rogue a smile. "If I remember right, that's a very enjoyable game."