AN: Yes, I know, there are many stories with mall trips. Unfortunately, since Sarah didn't have any decent clothing, this mall trip is necessary. Anyway, I'm trying to be a bit different, but it's not easy. Hope you like it.
Sarah exited the car, stretching her back out as she walked towards the mall. Ororo climbed out as soon as the van had stopped, looking like she was almost looking forward to the shopping trip. Dustin looked like he wanted to kill someone and Logan, well, he just looked like he was being tortured. Sarah smiled to herself thinking about how much fun it was gonna be to drag Dustin around the mall with her. Suddenly, she realized that she was being left behind and so ran to catch up.
A couple hours and many clothes later, Sarah had gotten to the one part she really didn't want to have to do with Dustin. It was bad enough that she had to buy underwear with someone she didn't know that well, like Ororo, but having Dustin tag along was adding a whole other level of discomfort. Sarah steeled herself for pretty well anything as she entered the store.
Sarah had been trying on bras when the trouble started. She had finished checking out and was going to find Dustin, Ororo already being with her, and leave the store. As she neared the section where most of the men were milling around, (AN: You know, the section were all the lacy, frilly, satiny, skimpy sleepwear is that you'd only buy something from if you either were a girl who wanted to impress her significant other or a guy who wanted to buy something for a significant other) she could hear Dustin's voice loud and clear and what she heard made her wince inwardly.
"Hey, I don't think they make that in your size." Dustin mocked the man he recalled fighting earlier.
"For your information...this is for my wife, and...hey...wait a minute!" Scott replied, "You're the one who..." He let the sentence trail off.
"Yep...that's me." Dustin replied cheerfully.
"Why you...I ought to..." Scott yelled through gritted teeth.
"Come on Scott...you don't want to do this...I know you are better than that." Ororo said placing a hand on his chest to restrain him.
"He might not want to but I sure as hell do." Dustin remarked.
"Kuku*! Dustin, can't I leave you alone for one minute without you picking a fight?" Sarah replied exasperatedly as she stepped in between Dustin and Scott.
"Aw, come on Sarah, I had so much fun when I beat him up last time!" Dustin whined.
"Grow up Dustin. Don't you remember that's the reason I beat you up?" Sarah replied.
"You're not letting me have any fun!" Dustin complained.
"Keep talking and I'll make sure you get yours in the end." Scott threatened as he fumed behind Ororo.
"Any time." Dustin replied.
"Let me go Ororo...I'm not gonna do anything while we're in a mall." Scott promised.
"All right. Both of you should know better. Next time you might want to try behaving like gentlemen instead of children." Ororo scolded.
"If you two have caused enough attention to be drawn to me for one day...I think I'm finished shopping." Sarah ground out sarcastically as she walked out of the store with her purchases.
"Sarah...I'm sorry." Dustin said trying to sound meek.
"Save it Dustin. I can't believe you'd bait him like that. As I recall when we showed up he was about to kick your ass." Sarah remarked curtly.
"Come on Sarah...I didn't mean anything by it." Dustin begged.
"Ok, ok, I forgive you but grow up for crying out loud!" Sarah exclaimed fighting a smile.
After another half hour, they were ready to head back. Sarah wasn't too sure about some of the purchases Ororo had recommended she buy but then again she had felt like she couldn't refuse her. After all, it was her money that was paying for it all.
When they got back to the mansion Sarah ran out of the car as fast as her legs would carry her.
"I'm such a bad owner! I can't believe I forgot Austin!" Sarah half yelled half groaned.
At the sound of his name Austin came running up, happier than ever to see his owner. Sarah was about to thank the man who had walked out of the house, as he obviously had taken care of Austin when she noticed exactly who he was.
"U-uncle? W-what are you doing here?" Sarah asked alarmed and confused.
Dustin stepped in between her and her uncle glaring his hatred for the man who had kept him captive for five years.
"I'm glad you asked that Sarah. It turns out that you're worth something to your aunt and I after all." Sarah's uncle replied smoothly.
"If you think I'd ever help you...you're wrong!" Sarah spat out.
"I do not know who you are, but I suggest you leave and cease to threaten this girl." Ororo stated flatly, conjuring a breeze to emphasize her point.
"I don't really know her that well but I sure as hell ain't gonna let you just take her with you, whoever you say you are." Logan stated, unsheathing his claws.
"It appears that everyone is set against me. Although Dustin, I noticed you've remained unusually silent. Don't you care about Sarah?" Sarah's uncle asked.
"Didn't think I needed to say anything to an asshole like you –sorry Sarah—Figured you'd know what I'm gonna do." Dustin remarked.
"Ah...I do indeed, which is why I brought this." Sarah's uncle countered pulling a small gray box from his coat pocket.
"What the? dajko* Pandi?" Sarah asked, confused.
"I see you don't remember what this is. Allow me then to demonstrate. I believe the memories will come back to you." Pandi replied with an eager light in his eyes.
AN: Oh my! I left you with a cliffie! I'm so evil!
*Kuku means "God damnit" or "Oh God" in Albanian. Dakjo means uncle in Albanian. And yes, Sarah is half Albanian though I didn't mention it before.
