A/N - Okay, I'm sorry about the double or triple chapters! Who would have
thought proxy error meant the chapter was uploaded? I don't even think the
author alert was working as I didn't get my usual 'hey Darlin's updated' e-
mail. I sound like I'm complaining I guess but it's sometimes a little
annoying. Anyway thank you to all who reviewed and may yet review.
BLuemist HeatherfieLd I hope this update's fast enough for you and thank you for the kind words. TigerStorm I hope this doesn't leave you hanging quite as much. ;D Skyz thank you, I didn't know how the scene between Ororo and Jean would work but I guess it did okay now. Thank you, Verena for always being there to review and what a nice review too! Chapter fourteen should be out by next week - hopefully.
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Chapter Thirteen - Homecoming
With the violent change in weather the few students that were at the school were all gathered in their rooms for the night so no one was around to welcome the cause of the maelstrom. Thus Ororo was able to enter her attic sanctuary without notice. The same, however, could not be said when Jean returned. She came stumbling up the front steps, no car keys, no house keys, which she'd left in the car in her confusion, and of course no car. She had actually spent much effort attempting to lift the car and carry it home via her telekinesis but to no avail. She had been left completely spent just trying to survive Ororo's fury and her powers were nearly drained. Leaving the car to its fate she had walked for miles until her feet, clad in high heels, were too sore and blistered to go on. She had then used what was left of her telekinesis to carry herself the rest of the way. Now she arrived disheveled and completely exhausted.
Sensing a distinct disruption in the calm atmosphere that she had worked so long to restore Ororo peeked out a window and wasn't surprised to see the red head sprawled out on the steps to the mansion. She surmised that Jean had been using her powers to get back which would explain the unnatural shift in the atmosphere. Without a moment's hesitation Ororo walked to the front door determined to answer it before anyone else could. As she came downstairs she was pleased to find the sound of the doorbell still resounding throughout the mansion.
"Oh, thank you . . ." Jean's words died on her lips when she saw who had opened the door for her.
Her eyes couldn't have gotten any larger at the sight of a refreshed and very calm Ororo standing before her. The two stared at each other without moving. Somewhere in the mansion a child's muffled laugh sounded, too distant to concern them and then it was quiet again as the women eyed each other, one wary and afraid, the other tired from the drama but still defiant.
"Do we understand each other?" Ororo asked.
"I - yes."
Nothing else was said. Ororo turned her back on Jean knowing full well that she was possibly ending a friendship that they had never thought could be sundered. What remained was an unusual and uncomfortable silence between the two former best friends that lasted through the next day. It didn't help matters when the Professor called to report that Yukio had given them a tip and Logan was now headed to Europe with Kurt. Nor did it get better when the Professor, Scott, and Peter came home a week later.
A week turned into another week and soon a month had passed. School began and the halls were once again teeming with activity. Ororo grieved silently for the loss of her best friend but she went about her teaching duties as if nothing were wrong. No day was any different than the other, each day blending into the next as if nothing would ever change. And to Ororo nothing did change. She went about her business ignoring the prevailing silence in her life, ignoring the pointed looks from her friends, the staff and many of the children whenever she and Jean were in the same room. She said nothing, giving no indication that anything was amiss, leaving it up to Jean to answer the unspoken questions about the distance that had grown between them.
There was nothing she desired to explain to anyone and no one dared to question her for though she was still the same Ororo they all knew and loved she had changed. She was more reserved than usual true but it was more than that. Despite the uneasiness with Jean she felt an overwhelming peace and happiness that she had never felt before. They say when one is very happy or with child they actually glow and so it was for Ororo. She shone with a brilliance that none could understand. Ororo was in love. Moreover she felt loved and knew the man she loved would return to her - to her alone.
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"Saved by the bell," Ororo murmured under her breath when she heard the lunch bell ring. She smiled brightly as she dismissed her students, glad for the free hour she would have.
Chairs were scraped back and the teenagers nosily stomped out of the classroom their high pitched voices sounding like a wild cacophony of unearthly sounds to one who was so attuned to nature. She rested her head in her hands feeling ill, her head aching.
"Can't you kids turn it down a level?" Someone else bothered by the noise shouted in the hallway.
Ororo looked up anxiously then she heard a scream followed by several shouts. Her heart stopped for a split second as she listened to Rogue and Jubilee calling out Logan's name. He was back.
Headache forgotten, heedless of who saw her she hurried to the door. There standing in the middle of Rogue, Jubilee, Kitty and Bobby stood the tall handsome man whom she had missed more than she had ever imagined possible. He looked up when he caught a whiff of Ororo's distinct scent and his eyes met hers causing her heart to stop again. The children continued bombarding Logan with questions but they fell on deaf ears.
"What was Europe like?" Kitty asked.
"You still didn't tell us if you found anything!" Rogue pouted.
"Did you bring us back anything, Wolvie?" Jubilee asked for the tenth time.
"Um, yeah. Don't you kids have classes?" Logan asked.
"It's lunch time," Jubilee informed him.
"Eat with us!" Kitty begged.
"I just got back, kids. I need to unpack."
"Unpack what?" Bobby asked looking around for something more than the backpack slung over Logan's shoulder.
"Its lunchtime everyone! Run along and eat and give Logan a chance to settle in," Ororo said quietly shooing the teenagers away.
They found themselves alone in the elegant old hallway and for once the silence that accosted Ororo was full of promise. Ororo tried not to grin like a Cheshire cat and Logan attempted to act quite casual but neither cared to pretend for more than a few moments.
"You're back!" Ororo said, stating the obvious, her smile full strength.
"Yeah."
"So . . ."
"So . . ." He grinned at her.
"So I missed you," Ororo laughed.
"Did you?" His grin grew wider.
"We've all missed you."
"That's not what I asked," Logan said pulling her to him, his backpack falling to the floor.
"Yes," she sighed falling into his strong, safe arms.
"How much?" He whispered in her soft silky hair.
"As much as you missed me," Ororo stated with a smile.
"Then you missed me a lot," Logan said before his lips met hers.
"Logan, you are back! And I see you two are at it again," Kurt said when he bamfed into the hall way by Ororo's classroom.
Ororo pulled away from Logan reluctantly.
"Mind your own business, Elf and beat it," Logan said.
"It is good to see you too, Logan," Kurt laughed.
Logan grinned at his friend and clasped the three fingered hand Kurt held out to him.
"Just messin' with you, Kurt," Logan chuckled.
"I did not mean to intrude but it is very good to see you again."
"Logan!" Jean shrieked as she came down the hall at a fast pace. "The kids said you'd returned!"
"Jean," Logan nodded cordially.
"Well it's good to have you back!" Jean smiled turning to include Ororo and Kurt in her happiness. "I know Ororo missed you very much didn't you Ro?"
The air was thick with tension that both Kurt and Logan sensed. Kurt hadn't seen the two women speaking to each other since he'd returned but he hadn't wanted to intrude so he'd said nothing to either of them but Logan could literally feel the tension coming off of them as if something had happened before his return.
Ororo didn't bother to smile or speak, she simply pulled Logan to her and kissed him deeply, full of passion. Only when they heard Kurt clearing his throat did they break away. If Jean hadn't believed that Logan had deep feelings for Ororo before she did now.
"It's good to have you back, Logan," Jean said quietly before she headed back in the direction she'd come from.
"I think the kids vould say 'get a room' you two," Kurt teased before he too left them to themselves.
"Hmm, you really did miss me," Logan said with a pleased smile.
"And I was worried about you," Ororo said quietly.
"Healing factor, claws - usually helps me survive anything - but good girl," Logan teased.
"That's not funny, Logan!"
"Kiss me," he said, effectively cutting her off as his lips found hers again.
"Hmm, I see you really missed me too - good boy," Ororo smiled up at him then laughed.
"What did you just call me? Hey I've got your boy right . . ."
"Ororo, Logan please meet me in my office. I . . . have some news that may concern you both," the Professor's voice was loud and urgent inside their minds as he spoke to them through his telepathy.
Looking at each other somewhat nervously they both hurried to his office. When they arrived they saw Scott sitting in a chair. Just what we need, thought Ororo, more tension, but Scott merely nodded to Logan who returned the nod seeing no need for words.
"Scott, what I have to say to Logan is . . . private," Charles said.
Scott frowned. "I thought you said what you'd learned concerned us all?"
"It may indeed affect us all but I think Logan has the right to be the first to know."
"Ororo stays," Logan said as Scott stepped past him none to pleased.
"I thought you would say that," Charles said, his voice more strained than usual.
"What is it?" Ororo asked.
"Logan . . . I've . . . discovered who has been leading you on this wild goose chase," Charles let out a long breath then continued - "You have a wife."
The gasp that left Ororo's throat left her speechless. She stared at the Professor who looked at her regretfully.
"Married? Are you sure, Chuck?" Logan barked.
"I am positive. Her name is Mariko. She is the leader of the clan Yashida in Japan. It's the clan that the Silver Samurai works for. From what I've been able to deduce she fled the country though why I don't know. She's been attempting to reach you without being directly involved. I believe Yukio was one of her messengers though I doubt Yukio was aware of it."
The door opened and Jean entered without waiting for permission. Scott followed her along with Kurt.
"Jean I would have preferred that you had waited a few minutes more," The Professor said.
"Can you not tell us vhat is going on, Professor?" Kurt asked.
"Logan?" The Professor raised his eyebrows waiting for Logan's permission.
The look on Logan's face was almost feral as he was still digesting the news but he looked around the room at his friends, his teammates and nodded slowly.
"I've discovered that Logan is married. Actually it was his wife who contacted me. She . . . is arriving today."
"Yeah!" Scott shouted then caught himself, covered his mouth and coughed. "Um, excuse me - sorry," he added though he was still obviously pleased.
"Oh no! Charles, are you sure?" Jean asked.
"I've looked into the matter and verified that she is indeed his wife. The papers are in order and the marriage is legal and binding."
Joy, confusion, sorrow, compassion, and anguish and were written clearly on Scott's, Jean's, Kurt, Charles', and Ororo's respective faces. Logan felt the urge to yell or to rip something or someone apart. Looking at Ororo only made it worse.
"It ain't a death sentence or something," Logan snarled.
"It is just - to find out you are married and - vell, you do not remember her even," Kurt said sadly.
"I-I wonder what she looks like," Jean said.
"When will she be here?" Scott asked.
"After dinner," Charles said.
"Vhere vill she stay?" Kurt asked.
"Here if it's all right with you Logan. I've already arranged for her to have one of the empty rooms."
"Here?" Logan asked. This was happening too fast he thought.
"In the room next to yours," Charles said.
There was a painful lump in Ororo's chest that felt as if it was rising up into her throat and she couldn't speak, could barely swallow.
"Well, that's all. Now if you would kindly continue what you were doing before I asked you to meet me here I would appreciate it," Charles said.
"You bet!" Scott said enthusiastically.
"What's her name," Jean asked Logan who only stared blankly at her.
"Mariko Yashida," Charles answered.
"Markio," Logan repeated the name, his voice a bare whisper, the name completely unknown to him.
"It's a lovely name," Ororo managed to get out, surprised to hear her voice sound so natural. She was even able to smile though it only lasted a moment before she opened the door and let herself out.
Logan looked at her, his mouth opening but no words forthcoming. The door shut behind her but Jean quickly opened it again and ran after her. Scott felt great. He gave Logan a friendly smack hard on the back.
"Congratulations, Logan. A wife! Who would've thought?"
A growl rumbled deep within Logan's throat but Scott didn't stay to taunt him further. Kurt sighed. He didn't know what to say. It didn't seem like a happy discovery to him and he wondered why Scott would think it was.
"I - I . . ."
"Don't say anything, Kurt. There's nothing to say," Logan said as he too left the office.
"Vhat vill he do, Professor?"
"I wish I knew, Kurt. I wish I knew," Charles said with a small shake of his head.
BLuemist HeatherfieLd I hope this update's fast enough for you and thank you for the kind words. TigerStorm I hope this doesn't leave you hanging quite as much. ;D Skyz thank you, I didn't know how the scene between Ororo and Jean would work but I guess it did okay now. Thank you, Verena for always being there to review and what a nice review too! Chapter fourteen should be out by next week - hopefully.
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Chapter Thirteen - Homecoming
With the violent change in weather the few students that were at the school were all gathered in their rooms for the night so no one was around to welcome the cause of the maelstrom. Thus Ororo was able to enter her attic sanctuary without notice. The same, however, could not be said when Jean returned. She came stumbling up the front steps, no car keys, no house keys, which she'd left in the car in her confusion, and of course no car. She had actually spent much effort attempting to lift the car and carry it home via her telekinesis but to no avail. She had been left completely spent just trying to survive Ororo's fury and her powers were nearly drained. Leaving the car to its fate she had walked for miles until her feet, clad in high heels, were too sore and blistered to go on. She had then used what was left of her telekinesis to carry herself the rest of the way. Now she arrived disheveled and completely exhausted.
Sensing a distinct disruption in the calm atmosphere that she had worked so long to restore Ororo peeked out a window and wasn't surprised to see the red head sprawled out on the steps to the mansion. She surmised that Jean had been using her powers to get back which would explain the unnatural shift in the atmosphere. Without a moment's hesitation Ororo walked to the front door determined to answer it before anyone else could. As she came downstairs she was pleased to find the sound of the doorbell still resounding throughout the mansion.
"Oh, thank you . . ." Jean's words died on her lips when she saw who had opened the door for her.
Her eyes couldn't have gotten any larger at the sight of a refreshed and very calm Ororo standing before her. The two stared at each other without moving. Somewhere in the mansion a child's muffled laugh sounded, too distant to concern them and then it was quiet again as the women eyed each other, one wary and afraid, the other tired from the drama but still defiant.
"Do we understand each other?" Ororo asked.
"I - yes."
Nothing else was said. Ororo turned her back on Jean knowing full well that she was possibly ending a friendship that they had never thought could be sundered. What remained was an unusual and uncomfortable silence between the two former best friends that lasted through the next day. It didn't help matters when the Professor called to report that Yukio had given them a tip and Logan was now headed to Europe with Kurt. Nor did it get better when the Professor, Scott, and Peter came home a week later.
A week turned into another week and soon a month had passed. School began and the halls were once again teeming with activity. Ororo grieved silently for the loss of her best friend but she went about her teaching duties as if nothing were wrong. No day was any different than the other, each day blending into the next as if nothing would ever change. And to Ororo nothing did change. She went about her business ignoring the prevailing silence in her life, ignoring the pointed looks from her friends, the staff and many of the children whenever she and Jean were in the same room. She said nothing, giving no indication that anything was amiss, leaving it up to Jean to answer the unspoken questions about the distance that had grown between them.
There was nothing she desired to explain to anyone and no one dared to question her for though she was still the same Ororo they all knew and loved she had changed. She was more reserved than usual true but it was more than that. Despite the uneasiness with Jean she felt an overwhelming peace and happiness that she had never felt before. They say when one is very happy or with child they actually glow and so it was for Ororo. She shone with a brilliance that none could understand. Ororo was in love. Moreover she felt loved and knew the man she loved would return to her - to her alone.
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"Saved by the bell," Ororo murmured under her breath when she heard the lunch bell ring. She smiled brightly as she dismissed her students, glad for the free hour she would have.
Chairs were scraped back and the teenagers nosily stomped out of the classroom their high pitched voices sounding like a wild cacophony of unearthly sounds to one who was so attuned to nature. She rested her head in her hands feeling ill, her head aching.
"Can't you kids turn it down a level?" Someone else bothered by the noise shouted in the hallway.
Ororo looked up anxiously then she heard a scream followed by several shouts. Her heart stopped for a split second as she listened to Rogue and Jubilee calling out Logan's name. He was back.
Headache forgotten, heedless of who saw her she hurried to the door. There standing in the middle of Rogue, Jubilee, Kitty and Bobby stood the tall handsome man whom she had missed more than she had ever imagined possible. He looked up when he caught a whiff of Ororo's distinct scent and his eyes met hers causing her heart to stop again. The children continued bombarding Logan with questions but they fell on deaf ears.
"What was Europe like?" Kitty asked.
"You still didn't tell us if you found anything!" Rogue pouted.
"Did you bring us back anything, Wolvie?" Jubilee asked for the tenth time.
"Um, yeah. Don't you kids have classes?" Logan asked.
"It's lunch time," Jubilee informed him.
"Eat with us!" Kitty begged.
"I just got back, kids. I need to unpack."
"Unpack what?" Bobby asked looking around for something more than the backpack slung over Logan's shoulder.
"Its lunchtime everyone! Run along and eat and give Logan a chance to settle in," Ororo said quietly shooing the teenagers away.
They found themselves alone in the elegant old hallway and for once the silence that accosted Ororo was full of promise. Ororo tried not to grin like a Cheshire cat and Logan attempted to act quite casual but neither cared to pretend for more than a few moments.
"You're back!" Ororo said, stating the obvious, her smile full strength.
"Yeah."
"So . . ."
"So . . ." He grinned at her.
"So I missed you," Ororo laughed.
"Did you?" His grin grew wider.
"We've all missed you."
"That's not what I asked," Logan said pulling her to him, his backpack falling to the floor.
"Yes," she sighed falling into his strong, safe arms.
"How much?" He whispered in her soft silky hair.
"As much as you missed me," Ororo stated with a smile.
"Then you missed me a lot," Logan said before his lips met hers.
"Logan, you are back! And I see you two are at it again," Kurt said when he bamfed into the hall way by Ororo's classroom.
Ororo pulled away from Logan reluctantly.
"Mind your own business, Elf and beat it," Logan said.
"It is good to see you too, Logan," Kurt laughed.
Logan grinned at his friend and clasped the three fingered hand Kurt held out to him.
"Just messin' with you, Kurt," Logan chuckled.
"I did not mean to intrude but it is very good to see you again."
"Logan!" Jean shrieked as she came down the hall at a fast pace. "The kids said you'd returned!"
"Jean," Logan nodded cordially.
"Well it's good to have you back!" Jean smiled turning to include Ororo and Kurt in her happiness. "I know Ororo missed you very much didn't you Ro?"
The air was thick with tension that both Kurt and Logan sensed. Kurt hadn't seen the two women speaking to each other since he'd returned but he hadn't wanted to intrude so he'd said nothing to either of them but Logan could literally feel the tension coming off of them as if something had happened before his return.
Ororo didn't bother to smile or speak, she simply pulled Logan to her and kissed him deeply, full of passion. Only when they heard Kurt clearing his throat did they break away. If Jean hadn't believed that Logan had deep feelings for Ororo before she did now.
"It's good to have you back, Logan," Jean said quietly before she headed back in the direction she'd come from.
"I think the kids vould say 'get a room' you two," Kurt teased before he too left them to themselves.
"Hmm, you really did miss me," Logan said with a pleased smile.
"And I was worried about you," Ororo said quietly.
"Healing factor, claws - usually helps me survive anything - but good girl," Logan teased.
"That's not funny, Logan!"
"Kiss me," he said, effectively cutting her off as his lips found hers again.
"Hmm, I see you really missed me too - good boy," Ororo smiled up at him then laughed.
"What did you just call me? Hey I've got your boy right . . ."
"Ororo, Logan please meet me in my office. I . . . have some news that may concern you both," the Professor's voice was loud and urgent inside their minds as he spoke to them through his telepathy.
Looking at each other somewhat nervously they both hurried to his office. When they arrived they saw Scott sitting in a chair. Just what we need, thought Ororo, more tension, but Scott merely nodded to Logan who returned the nod seeing no need for words.
"Scott, what I have to say to Logan is . . . private," Charles said.
Scott frowned. "I thought you said what you'd learned concerned us all?"
"It may indeed affect us all but I think Logan has the right to be the first to know."
"Ororo stays," Logan said as Scott stepped past him none to pleased.
"I thought you would say that," Charles said, his voice more strained than usual.
"What is it?" Ororo asked.
"Logan . . . I've . . . discovered who has been leading you on this wild goose chase," Charles let out a long breath then continued - "You have a wife."
The gasp that left Ororo's throat left her speechless. She stared at the Professor who looked at her regretfully.
"Married? Are you sure, Chuck?" Logan barked.
"I am positive. Her name is Mariko. She is the leader of the clan Yashida in Japan. It's the clan that the Silver Samurai works for. From what I've been able to deduce she fled the country though why I don't know. She's been attempting to reach you without being directly involved. I believe Yukio was one of her messengers though I doubt Yukio was aware of it."
The door opened and Jean entered without waiting for permission. Scott followed her along with Kurt.
"Jean I would have preferred that you had waited a few minutes more," The Professor said.
"Can you not tell us vhat is going on, Professor?" Kurt asked.
"Logan?" The Professor raised his eyebrows waiting for Logan's permission.
The look on Logan's face was almost feral as he was still digesting the news but he looked around the room at his friends, his teammates and nodded slowly.
"I've discovered that Logan is married. Actually it was his wife who contacted me. She . . . is arriving today."
"Yeah!" Scott shouted then caught himself, covered his mouth and coughed. "Um, excuse me - sorry," he added though he was still obviously pleased.
"Oh no! Charles, are you sure?" Jean asked.
"I've looked into the matter and verified that she is indeed his wife. The papers are in order and the marriage is legal and binding."
Joy, confusion, sorrow, compassion, and anguish and were written clearly on Scott's, Jean's, Kurt, Charles', and Ororo's respective faces. Logan felt the urge to yell or to rip something or someone apart. Looking at Ororo only made it worse.
"It ain't a death sentence or something," Logan snarled.
"It is just - to find out you are married and - vell, you do not remember her even," Kurt said sadly.
"I-I wonder what she looks like," Jean said.
"When will she be here?" Scott asked.
"After dinner," Charles said.
"Vhere vill she stay?" Kurt asked.
"Here if it's all right with you Logan. I've already arranged for her to have one of the empty rooms."
"Here?" Logan asked. This was happening too fast he thought.
"In the room next to yours," Charles said.
There was a painful lump in Ororo's chest that felt as if it was rising up into her throat and she couldn't speak, could barely swallow.
"Well, that's all. Now if you would kindly continue what you were doing before I asked you to meet me here I would appreciate it," Charles said.
"You bet!" Scott said enthusiastically.
"What's her name," Jean asked Logan who only stared blankly at her.
"Mariko Yashida," Charles answered.
"Markio," Logan repeated the name, his voice a bare whisper, the name completely unknown to him.
"It's a lovely name," Ororo managed to get out, surprised to hear her voice sound so natural. She was even able to smile though it only lasted a moment before she opened the door and let herself out.
Logan looked at her, his mouth opening but no words forthcoming. The door shut behind her but Jean quickly opened it again and ran after her. Scott felt great. He gave Logan a friendly smack hard on the back.
"Congratulations, Logan. A wife! Who would've thought?"
A growl rumbled deep within Logan's throat but Scott didn't stay to taunt him further. Kurt sighed. He didn't know what to say. It didn't seem like a happy discovery to him and he wondered why Scott would think it was.
"I - I . . ."
"Don't say anything, Kurt. There's nothing to say," Logan said as he too left the office.
"Vhat vill he do, Professor?"
"I wish I knew, Kurt. I wish I knew," Charles said with a small shake of his head.
