My Heart My Home - by
Darlin
A/N - Thank
you to those who reviewed.
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Chapter Eighteen - Grumpy and Grumpier
"Abrupt and to the point," Scott muttered as he stared at Keniuchio
Harada.
The large Japanese man had just ordered them to take him to his sister, Mariko.
Scott caught Ororo's eye tilting his head slightly at Keniuchio. Ororo's
screwed up her face and rolled her eyes as subtly as she could. Neither of them
liked the tone in the man's voice. Charles threw them both a look and extended
his hand to their visitor.
"We'll be glad to take you to her, Mr. Harada but first let me introduce
you to everyone."
Keniuchio bowed his head slightly and allowed Charles to make polite introductions
but it was obvious that the man was not interested in anyone there. When the
Professor asked Scott to take Keniuchio to Mariko's room Scott begrudgingly
agreed and led him out of the office.
"Charles, what do we know about this man?" Ororo asked as soon as the
door closed behind them.
"Only that he's Mariko's half brother."
"What do you make of him?"
"He's on a mission to find Mariko at all cost but more than that I'd have
to probe deeper and you know that's against my ethics. However, it's unlikely
he's a danger to his sister."
"Still, he was able to get past our defenses. I think we should have
someone with him at all times or at least until we can determine what he
wants," Ororo said.
"That's a wise precaution. I'll let Scott know," Charles said and he
closed his eyes as he made contact with Scott telepathically.
"Can ve go now?" Kurt asked.
"I think that would be best," Charles agreed though he knew Ororo was
reluctant to do so. "Perhaps Yukio can tell us something about Mr. Harada
that will give us a better idea of where he's coming from, Ororo."
There was no disputing that. Ororo knew that despite Yukio's peculiar ways the
woman would have been keeping up with any news that would have pertained to Logan. As much as she
didn't want to think about him and his wife it seemed as if everything always
wound its way back to the man. Ant then there was Kurt, eager to go, falling in
love if not already in love with a woman that was so unpredictable that it made
no sense to even attempt a relationship. Just like Logan, she thought
miserably. Without argument she led the way to the hangar.
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Scott had found conversing with Keniuchio was pretty much futile and so he had
stopped trying to make conversation and quickened his pace through the winding
passageways. For once it was with great relief that he spied Logan who was
sauntering down the hallway looking as if he were deep in thought; however
Keniuchio's reaction was baffling.
"So it is true! You still live! I thought - where is Mariko?"
Keniuchio bellowed at Logan.
"Who the hell are you?" Logan asked.
Keniuchio looked long and hard at Logan before he answered.
"Do not play games with me, gaijin!"
"Bub, I asked a question. Do I look like I'm playin' games?"
Keniuchio shoved Logan against the wall, pining him with his large hands.
"Yes, you do and I do not appreciate it!"
The growl that escaped Logan's throat sounded more
feral than Scott had ever heard Logan sound before. Feeling
things were getting out of hand he attempted to pull the two apart. Keniuchio,
however, seemed glued to the spot and did not budge. Logan casually brought his
hand up to Keniuchio's face releasing two claws that settled on either side of
the taller man's face and he grinned rakishly.
"I got three of 'em, bub
an' just in case you can't count you just met two of 'em.
You feel ready to meet the third one just say the word. I'll be more 'n happy
to oblige ya," Logan spoke quietly, no
bluff in his words.
Keniuchio's actions spoke volumes as the man moved away from Logan, his face blazed with
anger. Scott had to admire Logan's control. If it had
been him this guy was trying to intimidate he was pretty sure he would have
acted the same way but Logan was so unpredictable
you could never tell what he'd do. That was one of the reasons he disliked him
so much, that and Logan's interest in Jean.
"So it's safe to say you know Logan but he doesn't know
you and there's a reason for that," Scott said glibly.
"What lie is this?" Keniuchio demanded.
"It's simple; Logan's memories were wiped
clean. He doesn't remember anyone or anything about his past," Scott
informed him.
"More lies!" Keniuchio spat out.
Scott ignored him and knocked on Mariko's door. Logan was still sizing the
larger man up, still showing remarkable restraint. He felt as if he were being
pulled apart, on one end Mariko, his wife, and on the other end, Ororo who
meant more to him than he'd ever known, and now here was this arrogant stranger
wanting a piece of him. He was more than ready to let out his anger on this guy
and he had a sneaky suspicion that Scott wouldn't even try to stop him. That
was a scary thought; him and Scott agreeing on something. Still, he wanted to
see what Mariko's reaction would be when she saw Keniuchio and he needed to
find out who this man was to her. To Logan, Keniuchio had all
the makings of a jealous boyfriend or maybe an enraged husband but he wasn't
going to bet on either the way his luck was running lately.
"Yes?" Mariko opened the door looking at Scott curiously. She had met
some of the X-Men last night but there had been so many she didn't remember
him.
"You got a guest," Logan snapped.
"Harada-san! You here -
how?" Mariko gasped and paled visibly at the sight of her half
brother standing in the hallway.
Keniuchio seemed not to notice his sister's reaction. He stepped forward and
bowed low at the waist, lingering respectfully for a long moment. Logan watched his wife back
away from Keniuchio in a state of confusion. That is until she saw Logan watching her every
move. She quickly gathered herself and smiled as pleasantly as possible
returning her brother's bow those hers was less deep and only seconds long.
Despite her smile Logan could read clearly
shock and fear in her actions and in her scent.
"Sister, when I heard you and Yoshida-San had found your
. . . husband I had to come."
There was no need," Mariko said.
"Who is this lunatic, Mariko?" Logan asked.
"Logan-San this is Keniuchio Harada, my father's son. He - I . . . Logan do you
remember?"
"The gaijin claims not to know me! Is this true?"
"It is true," Mariko admitted. "Nor does he remember me or
Shiro."
"How can this be?"
"It does not matter now. My husband is alive and will rule at my
side," Mariko said with resolve.
"Rule?" Both Scott and Logan asked as one.
"I am head of my clan and as my husband so you will rule beside me."
"I think we're getting a little ahead of ourselves here lady," Logan said.
"Oh. Yes, of course. This is not the time or place to discuss this. You
will excuse me. I must change then we can talk," Mariko bowed briefly then
shut her door to the three men.
"What lies have you made her believe?" Keniuchio asked.
"It's true," Scott said as he stepped between the two men. "It's
not a lie. It's complicated."
"Uncomplicate it!" Keniuchio snapped.
"I don't have time for this," Logan said. "If you
got something against me then we can take it outside later but right now I've
got somewhere to go."
"You will not leave!" Keniuchio yelled.
"You an' what army're gonna stop me?" Logan laughed. "But
don't get your panties in a twist; I know where to find you."
"Keniuchio!"
All eyes turned to the slender man who was coming down the hall.
"Yoshida-San," Keniuchio smiled for the first time and he bowed.
Shiro returned his bow watching the man with wary eyes.
"I will wait here for Mariko," Keniuchio said.
"As will I," Shiro said.
Neither Scott nor Logan knew what to make of this. Logan was torn. He felt he
should stay but he knew he had to find Yukio and more importantly he wanted to
make sure that Ororo was alright. Scott, on the other hand, was really enjoying
the turn of events. Seeing Logan in the unusual role
of victim, actually being bullied made Scott feel, well it made him feel good
and he didn't mind admitting it to himself. It somehow justified his own
feelings of mistrust towards Logan.
That Keniuchio was clearly not intimidated by Logan or anyone else made
things quite interesting. It was almost amusing except for the fact that the
man had bypassed all their security systems which had been updated after
Stryker's attack. Of course Keniuchio could be an expert thief and Scott
realized he hadn't had Ororo attempt to get past their new system which was
part high tech part alien tech. It was an oversight he was now regretting and
it left him with only one option and that was to keep tabs on Keniuchio. Having
made that decision he resigned himself to playing escort.
"You go, Logan. I'll stay too,"
Scott said quietly.
Logan shrugged and turned on his heel. If the Boy
Scout was going to stay he wasn't worried. No matter how badly the younger man
rubbed him the wrong way he knew Scott could usually keep any situation under
control. Overall he just really didn't care if his wife and her family members
were having problems. More importantly he felt if Yukio had flown in from Japan she must have found
out something that he needed to know. Mariko's relatives didn't even bother to
watch Logan go so intently were
they watching each other.
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Thanks to the Blackbird's transonic speed and stealth mode the Professor,
Ororo, Logan, and Kurt were able to reach La Guardia airport quickly. And
thanks to the Professor's ability to control what people saw, did, and
remembered they very easily were able to traverse the concourses unmolested. No
one was permitted to leave or enter and all flights, arriving and departing,
had been canceled. Airport security and the National Guard had set up
checkpoints throughout the airport and soldiers were still searching for, they
presumed, Yukio.
"Professor, can you sense her?" Kurt asked, his own eyes scanning the
area.
"A moment," Charles murmured, one hand to his temple as he concentrated.
Though Kurt was impatient to wait any longer his trust in the Professor won out
and so he wheeled the Professor through the airport without further comment
allowing him to telepathically search for Yukio.
"So, Ro . . ." Logan tried to find
something to say to Ororo as they trailed after them but couldn't.
Peering around at the crowd, Ororo ignored him. She was beginning to regret
agreeing to accompany Kurt. She was beginning to regret a lot of things.
"Psst, over here!"
"Yukio?"
"The one and only," Yukio winked as she sauntered up to the
small group dressed in full military regalia.
"Vhat? How did you get
that uniform?"
"Easy as cake or is it pie? I forget. Hmm. Oh well.
Lucky for me I found a less than brilliant soldier lady who was in desperate
need for a little nap," Yukio laughed.
Logan chuckled though Kurt looked perturbed.
"She's just locked in a janitor's closet is all, Kurt. Lighten up why dontcha?"
"If you will permit me to scan your mind briefly you should be able to
stop your little charade, Yukio. Do I have your permission?" Charles
asked.
"Sure, go ahead."
After a brief silence Charles smiled then said, "It's as I suspected - you
meant no harm. You were perhaps over armed but no matter. I have ensured that
no one will take notice of you or even remember that they were looking for
you."
"But vhat about the
cameras?" Kurt asked.
"That is indeed another matter but I believe that can be taken care of
with a simple call to S.H.I.E.L.D."
"You've got ties with S.H.E.L.D.?" Yukio asked.
"Yukio show us where you hid the guard so we can fix that too," Ororo
ordered.
"Sheesh, what a grump!
But hey, anything for you Wind-Rider and, oh - it's nice seeing you too."
Ororo sighed. Yukio grinned and took Kurt's hand then led them to the small
cleaning closet. As the poor woman was still out cold Yukio and Ororo were able
to put her clothes back on fairly quickly while the men waited outside.
"So, long time no see, Wind-Rider."
"My name is Ororo."
"Same stuffed shirt 'tude I see," Yukio commented.
"And you, I see, are the same irrelevant, careless . . ."
"Ah, sticks and stones," Yukio shook her head and wagged a finger in
Ororo's face.
Ororo made an effort to ignore Yukio's bizarre behavior and asked, "Do you
know a man called Keniuchio Harada?"
"Mariko's brother. A big galoot with an ego the size of
Jupiter, what of him?"
"He just arrived at the school."
Yukio shrugged as she finished lacing up the woman's combat boots. "Don't
know much about him other than that. He keeps to himself, stays out of the
limelight."
"That's what we came up with," Ororo admitted though she still felt
uneasy about the man.
The guardsman was now fully dressed and they managed to get her out into the
corridor. Ororo placed a hand over the woman's head and a tiny thunder cloud
appeared causing a small rainstorm.
"Man that's wicked wild!" Yukio gushed and Ororo couldn't help but
smile.
Cold water doused the female, effectively waking her from her imposed nap. She
looked around frantically, obviously confused. Seeing the little group of
people gathered around her a small squeak escaped her lips and she moved away
in fear. Suddenly her face clouded over and she immediately strode off walking
confidently as if nothing were unusual.
"Although it's good to see you again, Yukio, removing everyone's memories
of this whole ordeal for the past few hours and keeping them from noticing us
is rather straining so I suggest we leave as soon as possible," the
Professor said.
"Sure, no problem and thanks for coming to the rescue although I could've
probably gotten out on my own."
"You're very welcome, that's what friends are for"
"Tell us what're you're doing here, Yukio - spill it," Logan demanded.
"Still as friendly as ever I see, Grumpy. You and your girlfriend make a
cute couple - so much alike. Grumpy and Grumpier."
"Just tell me why you're here," Logan said quite brusquely.
"Well now I know how you got through security with all that metal they put
in you. Memo to self - look into getting own personal handy dandy telepath so I
can sneak shurikens and knives through American
security. Definitely will save time," Yukio said, blatantly ignoring him.
Logan's glare was enough to quail any sane person
but Yukio merely laughed and took the liberty to kiss him on the cheek.
"Fortunately handy dandy telepaths aren't readily available," Charles
said with a grin. "Now would you like to tell us what brings you here or
would you like me to have the honor?"
"It's nothing really. Man, how much did you get out of my head,
Chuck?"
"I try never to impose beyond need," Charles assured her.
"Well, I missed Kurt and thought I should tell Logan the Silver Samurai's
in New York too."
"How'd you find that out?" Logan asked.
"From a stooge that works for Matsu'o Tsurayaba. In fact, I think I know what's going
on," Yukio said and nodded to herself.
"And that is?" Logan asked patiently.
Yukio looked at him thoughtfully then said, "Matsu'o's making a play to be
number one and I mean the number one dude in town. He wants to control the Hand
and I think he's the one after you."
"Me? Why? What do I have to do with the Hand and this Matsu'o guy?"
"I'm not sure really. I mean you were married to Mariko but she doesn't
have anything to do with that stuff."
"That doesn't make any sense then," Logan said.
"It gives us food for thought," Ororo said.
"At last someone's beginning to appreciate me!" Yukio joked.
"I appreciate you very much," Kurt said warmly.
"And I know how you can show me just how much, Kurt."
"Oh!" Kurt was thankful that he couldn't blush but he could still
look embarrassed.
"Look, Mariko's got a cousin with her, Shiro something or 'nother and now her brother, a Kennny
Harada - guy's a jackass. You know anything about them?" Logan asked.
"I've already asked her," Ororo said.
"Yeah? Well?"
"You didn't ask about Shiro," Yukio said. "You two obviously
woke up in the wrong bed this morning. But to answer your
question, yes and no. They're all family. Shiro's
cool. Kenny," and here she laughed. "That's funny. Keniuchio's a bit
of a mystery though."
"Then we better get back," Logan said reluctantly.
"Well, I've done my part. I don't see why I have to go anywhere,"
Yukio said.
They were outside on the tarmac now.
"And just where are you guys going?" she asked, looking around at the
commercial jets that lined the runway.
"Our jet is parked here," Kurt said.
"You guys got a jet too? Man where do I sign up?"
"I thought you didn't want to come along?" Ororo asked.
"Well maybe to see what you guys are up to but then I really have to book.
I kinda thought you might want to hang out with me,
Kurt."
Kurt grinned and nodded.
"Don't be all bashful and crap," Logan muttered in Kurt's
ear. "She might be crazy but the woman's crazy about you too."
Kurt gave Logan a look that only made
him grin. Ororo tried not to block out Logan's voice. She was
getting more and more irritated by the minute. She still hadn't been able to
get the image of Logan's lipstick smeared
face out of her mind and now with Yukio thrown into the mix anything could happen.
With a sigh of deep consternation she closed her eyes, honing in on her mutant
weather abilities, and in a few seconds the runway was covered with a thick fog
that concealed their movements from all.
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Outside Mariko's room three men were still waiting, albeit somewhat
impatiently, for her to join them; Scott, leaning against the wall, Shiro and
Keniuchio talking quietly in Japanese. Hank, in the control room, was
monitoring their conversation through Scott's com link but so far he had found
nothing to cause alarm after translating. Inside the room Mariko sat, head
resting in her hands, crying. On the bedside table were the remains of a
destroyed box, plastic wrap thrown carelessly beside it.
Once again a loud knock sounded at her door and she could hear Keniuchio's
harsh voice demanding that she come out. In one swift angry motion she swiped
the contents off the table and threw herself onto the bed. The pregnancy
testing paraphernalia lay spewed over the floor, a small plastic indicator
clearly revealing the results and the results had not changed since last month
except now Mariko was two months pregnant. She buried her head in her hands
again to muffle the cry of anguish that threatened to consume her. It was not
of her choice. She had been forced - raped by a man of no consequence - a man
that she would have Logan kill.
Discovering that Logan was still alive had
been a miracle and it would save her way of life. She did not relish the
thought of having to yield her hold of the clan Yeshiva to her brother
Keniuchio and if it hadn't been for the Yuma family she would have
been forced to accept her disgraced fate. Still it had taken too long to track Logan down, almost too late
in fact. But now that she had him she would do every thing within her power to
keep him and see that vengeance was served.
Her plan was simple. She needed Logan now more than ever
for in her eyes, and in the eyes of those that mattered to her, she would be
dishonored if it was made known that she was carrying another mans child. A bastard. Now all she had to do was to sleep with her
husband and then claim that he, her lawful husband, was the father. No one
would dispute her or if they did she could and would take care of them. It
would be an easy matter with Logan at her side.
With great determination Mariko swept the tell-tale box into the trash and went
into the small bathroom. She would take her time, bathe, powder, dress in the
appealing way of the Westerners so she could greet Logan as he deserved. He
had loved her deeply once and she would make him love her again. If he resisted
she had learned many things since his 'death' and she would prevail.
When the men outside her door heard the shower start they all stared at the
door in frustration.
"Then she will not come out," Keniuchio said with certainty.
"Give her time and she will," Shiro said with equal certainty. They
were still speaking in Japanese as if Scott, standing nearby was of no
consequence.
"Well, it's obvious she isn't coming out fellows," Scott said. "How 'bout a drink - something to eat maybe?"
Both Keniuchio and Shiro turned to look at him.
"Yes," they both said and followed him when he eagerly took off.
"So you say she did not say why she left the ancestral seat in Agarashima?" Kenuichio spoke
quietly to Shiro.
"As I have said, she told me that she knew Logan was alive and in Canada but that search
proved futile. We went back to Japan after hearing he had
been sighted there but by then he was gone. It was obvious that someone did not
want her to find her husband, however, since he was with Charles Xavier we were
able to find him here."
"So you think it was Matsu'o who led you on this wild chase?"
"Perhaps."
"All right, guys don't you think you're being a little rude
here?" Scott asked abruptly as he came to a halt in the foyer.
"My apologies," Shiro bowed.
Kenuichio merely looked at Scott not deigning to
respond.
"I believe Mariko is not feeling well and needs to rest but as you see our
cousin is eager to see her. It is a family matter," Shiro said smoothly.
"Right," Scott said doubtfully. If Mariko was sick it was only
because the sight of her brother had nearly given her a heart attack.
"Greetings!" Hank met them in the foyer, his
image inducer turned on. He gave an eloquent bow which was returned by both men
then he began to drone on in Japanese which clearly surprised them all,
including Scott. After about five full minutes Kenuichio
shifted his large weight uncomfortably but nodded slowly. Shiro too gave an
affirmative nod.
"Um, Hank what did you just say?" Scott asked.
"Well, It's not been since college that I've spoken Japanese since most
Asians, and Europeans as well, are often bilingual or multilingual so I thought
to practice to some extent with our honorable guest thus I greeted them in
their language and, hopefully waxing wisely if not poetically, I introduced
myself to our latest arrival as I met Shiro along with the lovely Lady Mariko
last night. I then explained that I've spoken to Mariko and confirmed that she
was indeed ill. After I heard, rather saw you gentlemen depart from her
corridor as I was endeavoring to join you I felt a call was in order so I rang
her room to see if she was well. She confirmed the supposition and requested
that I inform everyone that she will wait for her Logan before attempting to
join us. . ."
"Oh . . ."
"But there's more," Hank smiled then continued. "Jean's informed
me that Ororo reported in and they'll be arriving shortly."
"Did you tell them that?" Scott asked with a pointed look at the two
men who were absorbing every word.
"Affirmative."
"If the gajin is back that is good,"
Keniuchio said with a grin.
"You have given your word," Shiro hissed.
Keniuchio spared his cousin a brief glance before he snorted and turned his
back to him.
Scott threw up his hands. He was tired of babysitting a pompous giant and
Shiro, though much more polite, was no help.
"Hank, can you take them to get something to eat?" he asked.
"But of course. Won't you follow me, kind sirs?" Hank spoke
eloquently, clearly a man who truly enjoyed the English language.
"Maybe now we can get some answers," Scott muttered as he headed for
the underground hangar.
It was with great relief that Scott saw Jean waiting in the hangar and with
even greater relief when the Blackbird settled down. He came up beside Jean and
draped his arm around her shoulders.
"Is it me or is this situation getting out of hand?" he asked.
Jean laughed. "It's way out of control," she
said. "I mean who would have thought Logan was married? And now
the wife and her family have practically moved in. I don't know what to
think."
"We need to sort this out as soon as possible or put them all up in a
hotel."
"Somehow I don't think Logan's going to agree with
that," Jean said.
"How could I forget that? When does he ever agree with me?"
"Better buck up, honey - here they come," Jean warned as the
Blackbird touched down.
"I don't think I can take anymore of this!" Scott groaned as he
watched the crew disembark.
"How about a vacation?" Jean mumbled.
"I think we could all use one about now. I wish Thanksgiving wasn't so far
off."
"A mini vacation?" Scott asked with a smile.
"Maybe Reno or Vegas?"
"What did you just say?" Jean asked,
her eyes wide.
"Ah . . . nothing," Scott said before he strode forward to greet the
Professor.
"Anything new here?" Logan asked before anyone else could speak.
"Not really. Your wife's in her room same as when you left and she refused
to come out till you got back. Hank says she's claiming to be sick but she
looked fine to me," Scott informed him.
"She can wait," Logan muttered as he headed after Ororo who had
already left, leaving the debriefing and introductions up to Charles and Kurt.
"Ro, wait up!"
Ororo didn't stop or turn she just kept walking but Logan quickly caught up to
her falling in step with her.
"I - this isn't making any sense."
"Very true," Ororo said.
"Yeah."
They passed the elevator and when they reached the door to the stairs Logan
reached out and opened it for her. Ororo frowned slightly but thanked him and
started up the steps. Logan put his hand on her arm but she pulled it away and
turned to face him.
"What do you want, Logan?" she asked not unkindly.
"To talk."
She waited a long moment before she nodded and said, "Then talk."
All of a sudden Logan felt nervous, even foolish. He searched for words but
finding none he took her hands in his and looked at her almost pleadingly.
"I really don't have all day. I'm tired, Logan
and I just want to rest. Can we talk later?" Ororo remarked as she tried
to pull her hands away.
"Why're you so angry now - I mean what did I do?
What's different from yesterday?" Logan asked, keeping a firm hold on her.
"I'm not angry," she lied, immediately feeling stupid when he looked
at her pointedly. "All right, I'm a little upset. Okay, I'm mad. I'm mad
and hurt and there's no reason why I should feel that way. She's your wife. I
just feel so stupid. I want you to be happy but seeing you two together and you
had lipstick all over you - it hurt. I can't change how I feel. Maybe we should
just keep our distance at least until you work things out with your wife."
"Ororo, I wished I'd never even found out I had a wife. I wish she'd never
come here but I can't change that either. What's done is done but give me a chance. I know things are crazy - some woman
coming out of the blue saying she's my wife when you and me were just getting
together but you gotta know I don't want her."
When Ororo didn't look at him he released her hands and turned her face up so
she had no choice.
"I thought I needed to know my past - who I was,
where I came from, but maybe you were right - this is my home, this is my
family, where my heart is. Ororo, you're my heart, my home."
"Logan . . ."
He shook her head, silencing her. "It's you I want - you I love, Ro. I'm gonna ask her for a divorce."
Ororo was stunned. "But you might end up losing any clues about your
past!"
Pulling her close he whispered, "All I need is right here."
"Logan, I can't let you do that," Ororo said as she pushed away from
him.
"You don't have any choice. I'm a grown man."
"I think I do have a choice, I'm a grown woman," Ororo replied.
"So what're you trying to say? Are you telling me you don't want to be
with me?"
"No - no, I'm not saying that but . . ."
"Then you got no argument. I don't love her. I don't know the woman and
don't want to know her. It's that simple."
"But . . ."
"I don't want to hear anything else you have to say about it, okay?"
Ororo shook her head but Logan smiled then his lips met hers giving her no
chance to argue. Only when they heard the sound of heavy footsteps coming down
the stairs did they part.
"Wolverine and Storm sitting in a tree," Jubilee chanted in a sing
song voice while Rogue, coming up behind her giggled. "K
- i - s - s - i - n -
g!"
"Can it, Jubes," Logan warned.
"That's enough," Ororo said sternly. "Why are you children down
here? You know this area's off limit."
"Um, it's my fault," Bobby said as he came running down the stairs
after the girls.
"Shoulda known," Logan muttered.
"It got too cold for them outside and everybody was bored so I thought we
could play a little game," Bobby admitted.
"Just what kind of game are you playing?" Ororo asked.
"Hide and seek . . . with powers," Rogue said, hoping Logan wouldn't
be so mad if he heard it from her.
"Great - go play," Logan said and dismissed the kids with a careless
gesture.
The teenagers took off back up the stairs running as fast as possible before
Ororo said anything but Ororo had other things on her mind. Logan took her
hands in his again holding onto them tightly.
"What're we going to do?" Ororo asked.
"Do you love me?"
"I - yes. Yes I do."
"Then say it."
"I love you, Logan."
He stooped to kiss her again. For a minute he felt like staying in the
stairwell for the rest of the day just as long as he could be alone with her,
Mariko a forgotten memory.
"Now what?" Ororo asked when they came up
for air.
"Now I tell Mariko."
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Gaijin - Foreigner
