Alright, chapter 2 is now up and running! Enjoy....
It had been sixteen days since Gabby's call, and all of the students, including the X-Men and the Pack, had been working vigorously to get the mansion in top order for the sixth of the month. They were finishing their cleaning and pruning outside, and were working on the inside of the mansion where the largest part of the party was to be held, and the main gardens around the mansion were trimmed brightly as well.
Hunter was pleased by the willingness of everyone to help him welcome his sister. He was also grateful that the professor had allowed him to have the party, and that the professor had supplied what was needed. Only five more days. Saber was helping him prepare the last available guest room for Gabby.
"What time will she be arriving, Sean?" she asked, while turning up the bed sheets and fluffing the uniquely designed pillows.
"About six-thirty, or seven. Somewhere in there. I was going to go pick her up at the airport, but she said she wanted to ride in an American taxi cab."
Saber laughed, " So what is your sister like? Anything like you?" Sean sat down next to her on the bed.
"Well, she is kind of spirited. Maybe like...I don't know... a mix between you, dear Saber, Morgana, and maybe a little bit of Shadow."
"That's.....interesting," she said, laying a white hand in his. They just sat there, reveling in the joy that they found in each other's presence. This joy was because of the closeness they shared even before they joined the Pack. She laid her head on his shoulder. He bent and kissed it softly. As she looked up at him, he replied with another kiss, on her lips. A few peaceful moments passed between the two lovebirds. Rogue, walking in the hallway outside the room, stopped at the open door and noticed the scene taking place. She let out a heavy sigh. "Oh to love so freely..," she thought. Remy had just caught up to her and witnessed the scene, too. Wrapping her in his arms, he said, " Ah, Lovu." she looked over her shoulder at him and smiled. He took her gloved hand in his, and they walked on, leaving the other two to privacy.
Hearing loud, thudding footsteps, Hunter and Saber watched as Shadow ran by screaming, "Hi guys!" with Wolverine in hot pursuit. They got up off of the bed and walked out before anyone noticed.
Quinn and Morgana had just come into the main foyer from the dining room, and watched as Storm was nearly run over by Shadow and then Wolverine. "Get back here you little scamp!," Wolverine yelled as he chased Shadow.
Quinn turned to Morgana, "Wonder what she did this time?"
"Probably stole his razor or something," she replied.
"I heard that she had taken his bike for a little joy ride," Storm informed them as she passed by.
After sharing a deep laugh, Quinn and Morgana walked through the door and onto one of the many paths leading to the gardens. A few minutes later into their walk, they came upon a bench and sat down. He put his arms around her, and she cradled up next to his side. "Umm, this is nice," Morgana said, breathing in the fresh spring air.
"Yes it is. It's so nice to get out of that madhouse sometimes," Quinn replied, while his charmingly characteristic smile appeared on his face," Though, it is fun to see Logan chase Shadow."
"Yeah, this party that Sean and the professor are throwing will be fun. So," she cackled evilly, "who are you taking to the dance?"
"Well, I was thinking of taking Betsy or Jubilee," he replied, with an elbow in his ribs, "Just kidding, Sweet." She turned toward him, and he wrapped his other arm around her, holding her close. "Morgana, sweet, will you do me the honor of accompanying me to the dance?"
"Oh, so formal, Alex." She smiled, running her finger down his cheek. "I would be honored." He laughed and bent down to kiss her, when they heard a rustle in the nearby woods. The noise was followed by Shadow.
"I think I'm ahead," Shadow said practically to herself," or possibly very far behind." She looked up and down the path, noticing the bench. "Has he come this way?" she asked.
They had quickly separated before she could notice, "We haven't noticed."
"Alright," she said, and was off again, running back towards the mansion.
"Where does she get her energy?" Morgana questioned.
"I don't know, but no matter what is going on, she can definitely ruin the mood," Quinn said gruffly.
Shadow, meanwhile, made her way back to the safety of the mansion. It was as she reached the door, that she noticed Logan emerging from the woods and coming her way. "What's a girl got to do to lose this guy," she yelled, frustrated. In a flash, she was through the door and flying through the door to Jean's room, and picking up a bottle of perfume that had not been used much. "Hey, do you like this at all?" she questioned Jean.
"No, not really," Jean replied confusedly.
"Then, I am going to borrow it," Shadow stated before bolting out of the door. At that moment, Logan caught up to her.
"You can run, but not hide. Anywhere you go, I can find you!" he growled. Quickly she splashed herself.
"Is that so?" she replied, and quickly splashed the perfume's contents onto his face. "Try to track me now!" she taunted as she bolted back out the door.
"That...that...girl!" Logan bellowed, rubbing his face and trying to get rid of the smell. "What is this?"
"A summer's day," Jean answered, walking out of her room to see what was going on. "I see why she asked if I liked it. Are you OK?" Jean asked, half giggling.
"Yeah, I think so, but all I can smell is roses and grass and nothing else, it's overwhelming." he spat.
"I think that was the idea. Come on, let's go downstairs until it wears off." Jean laughed.
"No! I am going to take a shower to try to get this stench off," he grumbled as he walked off.
Shadow, however, did not stop running until she got outside, making sure that her trick had worked. When she noticed nobody was behind her, she slowed down feeling proud of herself. "All of this over a dumb ride?" she sighed looking at the setting sun. Yawning, she realized she has worn herself out, and wondering down the path. She thought about where to sleep.
Quinn and Morgana had returned from their stroll and were now heading to one of the many sitting rooms in the mansion. This one happened to be on the second floor, filled with dinner and wine awaiting them. As they walked there, they passed the room Hunter had taken as his own. He was in there now with company, they stopped a second and watched as their Russian and Irish friends sat closely on the bed watching a movie. "Good move, Sean," Quinn thought, seeing Sean haven wrapped his arms around the small white frame.
Not realizing the congratulations Hunter was receiving, Morgana looked on. Saber and herself had become very close lately, especially with their ages being so close. "Good for her, Good for them," she thought, then silently and swiftly caught Quinn's hand. She motioned for him to keep moving, and Quinn immediately obeyed.
They continued on down the hall, stopping in front of a closed door. Quinn carefully pulled a long, black satin cloth from the back pocket of his jeans. "Why didn't I see that earlier," Morgana thought. "Black cloth, black jeans," he interrupted her thoughts by lifting the folded piece over her head. "Alex!" she screamed catching the material before blindness enfolded her.
"Morgana, sweet, you'll ruin the surprise," his deep tenor voice with its recognizable accent, played games in her ears. A sound she very much liked. With no more questions, he gently tied the blind, making sure she couldn't see. He opened the door, stepped in, and turned on soft music and lights, then returned to Morgana. Softly, he took her in his arms and carried her over to a small table in the center of the room. Setting her down, he removed the blind and pulled her seat out.
She looked around the dimly lit room. There were candles lit, throwing off soft light everywhere they were. A dinner for two was laid out beautifully with the finest silverware, and rose petals were scattered on the tabletop.
"Alex, this is wonderful! How did you have all of this set up?" she could barely get her words out without gasping.
"James does come in handy, doesn't he?" he stated over his shoulders, "please, sit down." and she did, with him pushing in the chair. He poured wine into their glasses, then sat down. Unfolding his napkin, he laid it on his lap and started lifting up the lids off of their plates. "Fresh venison steaks in cream of mushroom gravy and sautéed onions, and later we have pecan pie."
"Umm, my favorites. Alex, how did you know?"
"Believe me, Morgana," he said taking her hand, "I know more than you think." Their eyes were locked on each other. Four green orbs holding, trying to keep the truth inside.
"What am I doing? He's a thief!" These thoughts shot through her head so fast, she barely caught them. Afraid that he would notice, she looked down at her meal. "We should eat before this goes to waste." With that, they spent the next several minutes enjoying the food and the company they shared.
_________________________________________________
Shadow had avoided Logan by throwing the perfume in his face; she had caused him to lose his scent. Thanks also to the quick splash on herself. She had stayed out in the gardens a few hours, but now wanted to return to a soft bed or chair inside. The warm weather still hung on, but was slowly starting to leave.
She left her hiding place atop a tall tree and ran back. She figured that Logan would either be waiting for her at the entrance (too easily susceptible) or in her room (again, too susceptible) she ran along the outside, found her target entrance, and began to climb to the second level.
Dodger had just gotten out of the shower, and was now brushing his teeth in the bathroom. His hair was soaking wet. His thoughts drifted back and forth to Shadow during the evening. He wondered if her little trick had worked. "I wonder if she will ever calm down," he said aloud.
"Thanks for the confidence Dodge." He whirled around in the bathroom, nearly losing his towel.
"Jeez, pet, I'm not dressed for entertaining." he non-chalantly stated re- tucking the end of the towel. He finished and left the bathroom. Shadow had settled herself in the middle of his bed, and curled up reading a magazine. "Make yourself comfortable, pet."
"I did," she stated flatly.
"Well, I'm just going to get dressed now."
"Okay."
"Aren't you going to leave, or turn around?"
"No."
"Suit yourself."
"Hey, Dodger, can I use your shower?" Shadow asked.
"Sure, go ahead. Here." He handed her his shirt. "Something to change into."
"Thanks." A few minutes later she came out, wet hair, and in his shirt. He had settled into bed, reading. She came over, climbed in, and asked, "What are you reading." Before Dodger could reply, Shadow was fast asleep on his arm.
End chapter two. Three coming shortly.
It had been sixteen days since Gabby's call, and all of the students, including the X-Men and the Pack, had been working vigorously to get the mansion in top order for the sixth of the month. They were finishing their cleaning and pruning outside, and were working on the inside of the mansion where the largest part of the party was to be held, and the main gardens around the mansion were trimmed brightly as well.
Hunter was pleased by the willingness of everyone to help him welcome his sister. He was also grateful that the professor had allowed him to have the party, and that the professor had supplied what was needed. Only five more days. Saber was helping him prepare the last available guest room for Gabby.
"What time will she be arriving, Sean?" she asked, while turning up the bed sheets and fluffing the uniquely designed pillows.
"About six-thirty, or seven. Somewhere in there. I was going to go pick her up at the airport, but she said she wanted to ride in an American taxi cab."
Saber laughed, " So what is your sister like? Anything like you?" Sean sat down next to her on the bed.
"Well, she is kind of spirited. Maybe like...I don't know... a mix between you, dear Saber, Morgana, and maybe a little bit of Shadow."
"That's.....interesting," she said, laying a white hand in his. They just sat there, reveling in the joy that they found in each other's presence. This joy was because of the closeness they shared even before they joined the Pack. She laid her head on his shoulder. He bent and kissed it softly. As she looked up at him, he replied with another kiss, on her lips. A few peaceful moments passed between the two lovebirds. Rogue, walking in the hallway outside the room, stopped at the open door and noticed the scene taking place. She let out a heavy sigh. "Oh to love so freely..," she thought. Remy had just caught up to her and witnessed the scene, too. Wrapping her in his arms, he said, " Ah, Lovu." she looked over her shoulder at him and smiled. He took her gloved hand in his, and they walked on, leaving the other two to privacy.
Hearing loud, thudding footsteps, Hunter and Saber watched as Shadow ran by screaming, "Hi guys!" with Wolverine in hot pursuit. They got up off of the bed and walked out before anyone noticed.
Quinn and Morgana had just come into the main foyer from the dining room, and watched as Storm was nearly run over by Shadow and then Wolverine. "Get back here you little scamp!," Wolverine yelled as he chased Shadow.
Quinn turned to Morgana, "Wonder what she did this time?"
"Probably stole his razor or something," she replied.
"I heard that she had taken his bike for a little joy ride," Storm informed them as she passed by.
After sharing a deep laugh, Quinn and Morgana walked through the door and onto one of the many paths leading to the gardens. A few minutes later into their walk, they came upon a bench and sat down. He put his arms around her, and she cradled up next to his side. "Umm, this is nice," Morgana said, breathing in the fresh spring air.
"Yes it is. It's so nice to get out of that madhouse sometimes," Quinn replied, while his charmingly characteristic smile appeared on his face," Though, it is fun to see Logan chase Shadow."
"Yeah, this party that Sean and the professor are throwing will be fun. So," she cackled evilly, "who are you taking to the dance?"
"Well, I was thinking of taking Betsy or Jubilee," he replied, with an elbow in his ribs, "Just kidding, Sweet." She turned toward him, and he wrapped his other arm around her, holding her close. "Morgana, sweet, will you do me the honor of accompanying me to the dance?"
"Oh, so formal, Alex." She smiled, running her finger down his cheek. "I would be honored." He laughed and bent down to kiss her, when they heard a rustle in the nearby woods. The noise was followed by Shadow.
"I think I'm ahead," Shadow said practically to herself," or possibly very far behind." She looked up and down the path, noticing the bench. "Has he come this way?" she asked.
They had quickly separated before she could notice, "We haven't noticed."
"Alright," she said, and was off again, running back towards the mansion.
"Where does she get her energy?" Morgana questioned.
"I don't know, but no matter what is going on, she can definitely ruin the mood," Quinn said gruffly.
Shadow, meanwhile, made her way back to the safety of the mansion. It was as she reached the door, that she noticed Logan emerging from the woods and coming her way. "What's a girl got to do to lose this guy," she yelled, frustrated. In a flash, she was through the door and flying through the door to Jean's room, and picking up a bottle of perfume that had not been used much. "Hey, do you like this at all?" she questioned Jean.
"No, not really," Jean replied confusedly.
"Then, I am going to borrow it," Shadow stated before bolting out of the door. At that moment, Logan caught up to her.
"You can run, but not hide. Anywhere you go, I can find you!" he growled. Quickly she splashed herself.
"Is that so?" she replied, and quickly splashed the perfume's contents onto his face. "Try to track me now!" she taunted as she bolted back out the door.
"That...that...girl!" Logan bellowed, rubbing his face and trying to get rid of the smell. "What is this?"
"A summer's day," Jean answered, walking out of her room to see what was going on. "I see why she asked if I liked it. Are you OK?" Jean asked, half giggling.
"Yeah, I think so, but all I can smell is roses and grass and nothing else, it's overwhelming." he spat.
"I think that was the idea. Come on, let's go downstairs until it wears off." Jean laughed.
"No! I am going to take a shower to try to get this stench off," he grumbled as he walked off.
Shadow, however, did not stop running until she got outside, making sure that her trick had worked. When she noticed nobody was behind her, she slowed down feeling proud of herself. "All of this over a dumb ride?" she sighed looking at the setting sun. Yawning, she realized she has worn herself out, and wondering down the path. She thought about where to sleep.
Quinn and Morgana had returned from their stroll and were now heading to one of the many sitting rooms in the mansion. This one happened to be on the second floor, filled with dinner and wine awaiting them. As they walked there, they passed the room Hunter had taken as his own. He was in there now with company, they stopped a second and watched as their Russian and Irish friends sat closely on the bed watching a movie. "Good move, Sean," Quinn thought, seeing Sean haven wrapped his arms around the small white frame.
Not realizing the congratulations Hunter was receiving, Morgana looked on. Saber and herself had become very close lately, especially with their ages being so close. "Good for her, Good for them," she thought, then silently and swiftly caught Quinn's hand. She motioned for him to keep moving, and Quinn immediately obeyed.
They continued on down the hall, stopping in front of a closed door. Quinn carefully pulled a long, black satin cloth from the back pocket of his jeans. "Why didn't I see that earlier," Morgana thought. "Black cloth, black jeans," he interrupted her thoughts by lifting the folded piece over her head. "Alex!" she screamed catching the material before blindness enfolded her.
"Morgana, sweet, you'll ruin the surprise," his deep tenor voice with its recognizable accent, played games in her ears. A sound she very much liked. With no more questions, he gently tied the blind, making sure she couldn't see. He opened the door, stepped in, and turned on soft music and lights, then returned to Morgana. Softly, he took her in his arms and carried her over to a small table in the center of the room. Setting her down, he removed the blind and pulled her seat out.
She looked around the dimly lit room. There were candles lit, throwing off soft light everywhere they were. A dinner for two was laid out beautifully with the finest silverware, and rose petals were scattered on the tabletop.
"Alex, this is wonderful! How did you have all of this set up?" she could barely get her words out without gasping.
"James does come in handy, doesn't he?" he stated over his shoulders, "please, sit down." and she did, with him pushing in the chair. He poured wine into their glasses, then sat down. Unfolding his napkin, he laid it on his lap and started lifting up the lids off of their plates. "Fresh venison steaks in cream of mushroom gravy and sautéed onions, and later we have pecan pie."
"Umm, my favorites. Alex, how did you know?"
"Believe me, Morgana," he said taking her hand, "I know more than you think." Their eyes were locked on each other. Four green orbs holding, trying to keep the truth inside.
"What am I doing? He's a thief!" These thoughts shot through her head so fast, she barely caught them. Afraid that he would notice, she looked down at her meal. "We should eat before this goes to waste." With that, they spent the next several minutes enjoying the food and the company they shared.
_________________________________________________
Shadow had avoided Logan by throwing the perfume in his face; she had caused him to lose his scent. Thanks also to the quick splash on herself. She had stayed out in the gardens a few hours, but now wanted to return to a soft bed or chair inside. The warm weather still hung on, but was slowly starting to leave.
She left her hiding place atop a tall tree and ran back. She figured that Logan would either be waiting for her at the entrance (too easily susceptible) or in her room (again, too susceptible) she ran along the outside, found her target entrance, and began to climb to the second level.
Dodger had just gotten out of the shower, and was now brushing his teeth in the bathroom. His hair was soaking wet. His thoughts drifted back and forth to Shadow during the evening. He wondered if her little trick had worked. "I wonder if she will ever calm down," he said aloud.
"Thanks for the confidence Dodge." He whirled around in the bathroom, nearly losing his towel.
"Jeez, pet, I'm not dressed for entertaining." he non-chalantly stated re- tucking the end of the towel. He finished and left the bathroom. Shadow had settled herself in the middle of his bed, and curled up reading a magazine. "Make yourself comfortable, pet."
"I did," she stated flatly.
"Well, I'm just going to get dressed now."
"Okay."
"Aren't you going to leave, or turn around?"
"No."
"Suit yourself."
"Hey, Dodger, can I use your shower?" Shadow asked.
"Sure, go ahead. Here." He handed her his shirt. "Something to change into."
"Thanks." A few minutes later she came out, wet hair, and in his shirt. He had settled into bed, reading. She came over, climbed in, and asked, "What are you reading." Before Dodger could reply, Shadow was fast asleep on his arm.
End chapter two. Three coming shortly.