Storm swept through the mansion, holding her head. Of all people, Charles had to put his head into the room. He had to see her playing that game. He had to be the one to find her.

Sure, they'd been spending a lot of time together lately as friends, especially since he'd been healed. There was no problem with that. Except...

Storm had been telling herself a lot lately that Charles was a good friend. More than would be needed for simple affirmation. Then, when she saw him there and the crowd had called for her to say why she'd choose him...it burst through her like one of her floods. She wanted him, as more than just a friend.

She was also embarrassed. Yes, it was just a silly game and she wouldn't really take any of them there as a lover...yes, she was drunk, but still...what if he thought she was serious? What if he thought she was…

Storm? Are you all right? A gentle touch inside her head, tinged with concern...damn Charles and his telepathy anyhow.

Yes. Let him accept it. Goddess, let him believe me.

I think I should make sure. Would you meet me in my office? He was still worried about her.

Give me a few minutes. She turned and nearly ran down Wolverine.

"Hello, Ro." He lit one of his awful cigars.

"Must you do that?" she asked, coughing.

He shrugged. "If you'd rather have me keep smelling you without a filter..."

"No. That's all right. Why are you here?" She hugged her chest with her arms.

He cocked his head. "You run off, panicked, embarrassed, and excited, and you have to ask?" He tapped her arm lightly. "Wanted to see if you're okay."

"I'm FINE," she said emphatically.

He nodded to the left, toward the front door. "Blizzard outside says you're wrong."

She forced her shoulders to relax. She breathed in and out four times. Others should not be endangered because she played a game on New Year's. "It and I will calm down."

"Good." He pushed away from the wall. "Talk to him about all of it. It isn't doing you any good to keep it locked inside."

"What?"

"There have been rumors, Storm, about you and the professor." He turned and looked back at her. "I'm the kind who doesn't pay attention to rumors normally, but you just confirmed every one tonight." He walked away jauntily.

Rumors? She walked slowly, trying to calm the storm within and without. It was absurd. There were rumors about everyone. No one took them seriously.

Charles was standing near his window, watching the snow fall outside. He smiled as she entered. "Please close the door," he said softly, still staring out the window.

She did, and he turned toward her. "I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable."

She shook her head. "It was just a silly game. It meant nothing to me."

"No doubt." He took a step in her direction. "Games like that have been played for years, here and other places, and they usually mean little."

"It was just...you startled me." She paused.

"I know." He was closer to her. Had he moved, or had she? You were leaking all over, Storm...I wasn't sure you weren't speaking out loud at first. His eyes were deep, fixed on hers.

Was I? She put a hand in front of her, half to touch him and half to keep him away. He took it gently.

I liked some of what I heard. Charles never looked at her like that before, but she didn't mind.

He did? He did...well. Maybe we should re-evaluate our... His lips touched hers, and Storm gladly engaged in another old New Year's tradition, kissing in the New Year.