Thanks again for the reviews! Here are some of the answers you
were looking for...but of course it will just lead to more
problems...we've only just begun...by the way, in response to one
particular review, I guess the aspirin is a fanfiction thing.
I'm pretty sure that's where I read it. Oh, also, I understand
the one reviewer's concern that Storm's first reaction would not
be that she was raped. I guess I was thinking more
realistically, rather than canonically. And as far as her
thinking it was Remy...well, I think she does have a lot of
respect for him. If you just found out that you were pregnant
and had no idea how, than you probably would not be thinking
clearly either. She knows that he would never do something like
that. Sorry if I sound defensive. I didn't mean to. But it's
important to me to sound realistic and Storm and Gambit's
relationship is something I care about (fictionally speaking,
that is). Anyway, hope you enjoy...and thanks again.
* * * * * * * *
A few minutes later, Ororo, Jean and Charles sat in his study, along with Remy and Logan. None looked particularly happy to be there, but all were anxious to hear what Jean had to say.
"I hardly know what to say," Jean said nervously. "I mean, where I should begin."
Charles leaned forward in his hoverchair, studying her. "Perhaps you should start at the beginning. Take your time, there is no hurry."
Jean nodded, glancing at her friends. "Well, this all began a little more than a month ago. Logan, you and Remy had went out to Harry's for a few drinks that night."
"Wait a minute," Remy interrupted. "I don't remember that. Logan and I ain't been to Harry's in longer then a month."
Logan nodded in agreement. "Yeah. He's right."
"Please, let Jean finish," Charles interjected. "There will be plenty of time for you to speak after she is done."
Jean continued, "Ororo, you became worried when it began to get late and they didn't come back. Well, actually, you were kind of mad. You said that you were sick of them going there and trying to drink each other under the table, and then coming home wasted. You said you were going to put a stop to it. You asked to borrow my car to go and get them. I don't remember when you three came home, but you told me the whole story later. All three of you were drunker than sin."
"What?!" Storm exclaimed. "I was drunk? But Jean-I don't remember any of this!"
"That makes two a'us." Logan growled.
"Make that three." Remy added. "What is this, Jeannie?"
A dramatic grin passed over her face as she turned a color that matched her radiant head of hair. "I should not have done it, professor, without consulting you first. But at the time, I thought I had no other choice."
"Done what?" Ororo said, her voice rising several octaves. "I want some straight answers here, Jean! No stalling! Just tell me what you did!"
Jean turned to her, shaking her head sadly. "Alright, Ororo, I will. I used my powers to erase the events from all three of your minds for that entire night."
For a second, no one spoke. Logan, Remy, and Ororo glanced at each other, obviously surprised, and then at Jean. None seemed exactly sure what to say. The professor finally broke the silence. He cleared his throat and said, "Why would you do that Jean?"
Jean, however, directed her answer to Storm. "Because you asked me to."
Remy shook his head in confusion. "Why would she do that?"
"Because, Remy, she wanted to spare the both of you a lot of unnecessary guilt." Jean replied. "You see, it seems that after she got drunk, the three of you, um...got pretty close."
"What?!" Logan exclaimed. "You mean the three of us had sex?!"
"Um...yes." She turned away quickly from his penetrating gaze.
"Mon Dieu," Remy mumbled. "I don't believe it."
Jean turned back to Storm. "Like I said, if I had been here yesterday, I could have explained everything. You came to me late that night, and told me the whole story. You said that you didn't want this to affect your friendships. That you had made a big mistake. I just wanted to help you, so I suggested the memory erase."
"I think we understand that this is not your fault, Jean. You were obviously just trying to offer Ororo a way out." Charles said, and turned to the others. "The memories of the events of that night are still in your minds, simply blocked off. If you wish me to, I could remove the blocks and you will remember everything." He stopped and cleared his throat, normally pale cheeks reddening slightly. "However, if you would rather not remember...
"I, for one, wanna know." Logan said without hesitation. He folded his arms, and glanced at the others to see if they would object. "I have to know what the hell happened that night."
Remy scowled for a minute before nodding. "Me too. No matter how much I may hate myself later." He turned to Storm, and took her hand. "How 'bout you, chere?"
She wasn't sure what to say. Part of her did want to know what had happened, but part of her didn't want to. Outside, she noticed that the sky had grown overcast, as huge gray clouds promised rain. Storm realized that her mood was most likely responsible for it, but she didn't try to change it. Much like herself, the weather looked as if the sun would never shine again. She couldn't look her friends in the eye when she responded with a quiet "yes."
Charles nodded, and said, "Very well. Try to clear your minds of all other thoughts, and relax." His face changed from a look of concern mixed with curiosity to utter concentration. Eyebrows furrowed, and lips pursed, Ororo could almost feel him enter her mind. Although she didn't know how it was possible to actually feel anything change mentally, she felt a sudden surge of mental flashback, like a flashlight shining directly into her mind. Harry's Hideaway bar, late at night. Inside, the place is well lit, and clean, as bars go, but the only customers appear to be a tall, lanky man in his early twenties with long auburn hair, and a short, muscular man with a most unusual hairstyle. He looks as if he is in his early forties, but appearances can be deceiving. Remy and Logan, of course, and they are obviously drunk. Ororo walked in over to where they are sitting at the bar. She hears the sounds of the jukebox playing a country song. Although not particularly a fan of country music, she recognizes the song "Cowboy, Take Me Away," by the Dixie Chicks. Standing over her two drunken friends with her hands on her hips, she is too angry to speak. Remy looks up and flashes his stupid grin. At least, it looks stupid on a man who can hardly sit up without falling over, and who reeks of Jack Daniels. "Stormy!" He said excitedly, as if he made some great discovery. "Look, Logan, it's Stormy!"
Logan looked up, and grinned. Because of his healing factor, it was much harder for him to get drunk, not to mention stay drunk. Very rarely did he have to worry about such things as hangovers. Still, he looked as smashed as Storm had ever seen him. "Hey, darlin". Whatcha doing here?" His speech is slurred slightly, making him sound utterly ridiculous. If she had not been so angry, Ororo might have laughed.
"Yes, it most certainly is me. And the reason I am here is to take you two...imbeciles home. Do you know how juvenile and stupid it is for you to be here poisoning your bodies with alcohol? Not to mention inconsiderate. What if something had happened tonight, and we had needed the both of you?" Logan and Remy glanced at each either, and laughed. "I think Stormy mad at us, Logan."
"She's needs a drink to cool down."
Storm glared at them, trying not to let the anger get the best of her. "I can see that neither of you is rational enough for me to discuss this with. For right now, I will simply be happy enough having you home where I don't have to worry about you."
Remy grinned up at her. "But we ain't ready to go home yet, Stormy. Why don't you have a drink with us first? The night still young, chere!"
"No, I am not having a drink, and yes, you are coming home. Right now!"
"Come on, Ro. Don't be such a prude," Logan said. He offered her an unsteady hand holding a shot glass filled to the brim with scotch. "Have a drink, and then we'll go home."
"Logan..." Storm began, but stopped and sighed. What was the point in arguing with them? She certainly couldn't drag the both of them out of the bar kicking and screaming, as much as she wanted to at the moment. "If I have one drink, do you promise you will come with me?" She felt like she was negotiating with children.
Remy nodded emphatically. "Thieves honor, chere." He said, and laughed.
"That does not exactly fill me with confidence." She sat down on a stool. "Alright, let's get this over with."
Logan grinned, and chuckled. It sounded like a cross between a hyena and fingernails on a blackboard. "Here ya go, lady. Bottoms up."
She took the shot glass he offered, and quickly drank down its contents. As she did, she could feel it burn like fire all the way from her throat to her stomach. "Gughya!" She gasped, her throat closing. She was not used to drinking, and now she knew why. "That is the most horrible stuff I have ever tasted in my entire life!"
Remy and Logan both cracked up. "S'not that bad, sister." Logan said, swallowing another round. "Ya get used to it after a few times."
"I do not believe it is anything I want to get used to. Now, may we leave?"
"Aw, Stormy," Remy whined, "we don't wanna leave yet. You jus' got here. Why'ncha have 'not'er drink?" He drunkenly waved the half-empty bottle of scotch in front of her.
"We had a deal, Remy." Even her normally tranquil voice could not hide the obvious irritation that was growing within her. "And you are going to honor your part of it. We are leaving right now." She grabbed his arm to pull him off the barstool. It was clear that he must know she wasn't messing around. Remy toppled over, a quick grab of Logan his only saving grace from the hard floor. "I think she serious, homme. Maybe we better listen to 'er."
Logan nodded. "Yeah," he replied sarcastically. "I guess yer right. Ro's too much of a hard-ass to stay and have a few drinks with us. It might involve actually having fun."
She dropped Remy's arm and glared at Logan. So the truth finally came out. He thought she was a hard-ass who never had fun? "Is that what you really think about me?"
Logan shrugged. "Don't go getting all defensive, darlin'. Some people, like you, for instance, just don't know how to have a good time. I ain't saying it's yer fault. But face the facts, Ro, yer kinda, well..." he paused, and turned to Gambit, "Help me out here, Cajun."
"Boring." Remy supplied.
"Yeah."
Storm turned to Gambit as if she had just been stabbed in the back. He was supposed to be her best friend, and he thought she was boring. "How could you say such a thing?" .
He did at least have the decency to look slightly ashamed. "Sorry, chere. But he's right. You can be kinda boring. I mean, I love you to death and all. You my best friend. But don't you ever just wanna go out and have a good time wit'out worryin' 'bout the consequences?"
For a second or two, she didn't reply. Logan and Remy glanced at each other, wondering what she would do. "Don't be mad, chere." Remy said.
Finally, she spoke. "Boring, huh? I'll show you boring." She swiped the bottle of Jack Daniels out of Logan's hand, and poured herself a drink. After she drank that one down, she poured another, and then another. "I'll show the two of you who doesn't know how to have a good time." She turned to Harry, the owner of the bar, who had watched the whole scene from across the room. Not wanting to interfere, he had remained quiet. The people from Xavier's school were some of his best customers after all. "We'll be needing another bottle of this...uh," she glanced at the bottle, but her faculties were already beginning to be effected. "This stuff, whatever it is." She waved the almost empty bottle in the air
"Um, Stormy," Remy began, "you might wanna take it a little slower. You not 'xactly used to all this alcohol."
Storm grabbed him by the collar of his jacket, and pulled him hard until they were face-to-face. "How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that?" She said with a strange giggle. "Now, shut up and have another drink, swamp rat." She turned to Logan. "You, too, runt."
"Swamp rat?" Remy exclaimed at the same time Logan yelled, "Runt?!" Both turned to Storm with expressions ranging from anger to curiosity. "What?" She asked. "It was just a joke. I was having a good time."
Remy and Logan laughed and sat back down to have some more drinks.
Storm turned to the professor. "I do not believe I need to see any more. I can quite imagine what happened from then on." She felt as though the huge weight of burden that had been bothering her yesterday had returned ten full. What have I done? She thought. First, I accuse my friends of raping me, and then I come to find out that I got drunk and slept with my two best friends. What kind of person am I?
Charles studied Storm closely, and let the psychic link between the four of them brake. "Well, at least now we know how this whole thing came about." That was of little comfort to the three of them, though. Ororo looked as though she wished she could melt away, obviously embarrassed about her actions that night. Logan stood with his arms crossed, a pillar of stone. He was angry, Charles knew, probably mostly at himself, though. Remy looked embarrassed, something that Charles was not used to seeing from him. He avoided eye contact, tapping his foot at a pace that would have been impossible to keep up with. The professor was certainly not relishing in the task that lay before him. It was up to him to help the three of them through this. "Perhaps I should speak to Ororo alone for a minute."
Logan walked over and leaned on the professor's desk. It was obvious that he was pretty upset, and his icy blue eyes blazed as he spoke. "Wait just a flamin' minute here, Chuck. I don't know 'bout Gumbo here, but I for one, am pretty pissed off about this whole thing." He turned to Ororo. "You had no right to have Jeannie here go into my mind, sister, and erase my memory. Now, I realize that this was just as much our fault as yours, probably more, but to go and play around with my memories and then to make crazy accusations about bein' raped. That's just over the line."
Remy turned to him and stood up angrily. "Damnit, Logan, you ain't makin' this any easier for her! I'm jus' a shocked as you that this happen, but you don't have to go makin' it worse."
Logan snorted and narrowed his eyes at the Cajun. He wasn't really as angry as he was acting, but everyone in the room realized what the worst part of it was for him. People in his past had played around with his mind and memories before, and had left him more animal then man. Needless to say, he was a little weary of anyone messing around inside his head. He glared at Ro for a second without speaking, and then turned and stomped out of the office.
Jean watched him go. "I should talk to him," she said. "I'm partly responsible for this, and I think I can get him to listen to me."
Charles nodded his head. "Yes, that would be a good start, Jean. Remy, I think you should go as well."
He started to object, but Storm held up a hand. "He is right, Remy. Please go. I will speak to you later."
He frowned, but reluctantly stood up. "If that's what you want, chere." He mumbled. As he and Jean walked out, she put her arm around his shoulder. "It will be okay. She just needs some time."
Time will not change what has happened. Storm thought, turning to the professor. She felt like crying, or better yet, just flying away. Maybe if I can fly far enough and fast enough this whole thing will go away.
Charles gave her a reassuring smile. I think you know better than that.
The words echoed in her mind as soon as he sent them telepathicly. "You were reading my thoughts." She said, but not accusingly.
"Forgive me. But I believe I know you well enough to say that you are not the kind of person who tries to run-or fly away from their problems." "I have never faced a problem quite so monumental before, Charles." She whispered. "What should I do? I have alienated my friends, angered Logan, and jeopardized my responsibility to the team. Not to mention that I still have a baby to consider."
"As for Logan, Remy, and the rest of the team," he said reassuringly, "I have every confidence that they will forgive you and learn to except that yes, you made a mistake, but that you are only human. Human's make mistakes." He folded his hands, and leaned back in his chair. "As for your baby, the decisions you have regarding it can only be made by you. I, and I'm sure the rest of the team, will support whatever decisions you make."
Storm felt as if her innards were being crushed. "I am not sure what I should do. The situation is much different than it was yesterday. It is not a decision that I must take lightly. A child, my child is depending on me."
Charles nodded. "Don't forget, Ororo, that this child is just as much Logan or Remy's. You should let them in on what you decide to do."
Her mind closed at that realization. I cannot imagine raising a child with either one of them. It is not that I do not trust them, I care very much for the both of them, but I cannot imagine either one of them as a father. She stood, heading for the door. What she needed more than anything was just some time to think. "Thank you for understanding, Charles. I appreciate you not judging me for the inconveniences I have caused the team."
He smiled sincerely. "Sometimes we need some inconveniences around here. Ones that do not involve risking our lives, I mean."
* * * * * * * Snow was falling so hard around him that even Logan was having a hard time seeing. Bits of ice stuck to his clothes and the exposed skin of his face, stinging his eyes. His breath came out in short frozen puffs, sticking to his nostrils and lips, making it very hard to breathe. His toes had already gone numb, and due to his short frame, the drifts were up to his waist. And he loved it.
Squinting, he struggled to see in the empty waste land of Alberta that he had created, trying his best to fight off snow blindness. There was nothing to see but snow, ice and an occasional glacier. He sniffed the freezing air, trying to pick up some sort of scent. He couldn't smell anything, but he could feel the hair on his back stand on end. He was near. Like a wild animal, possibly the very ones that he had derived his code name from, he was on the hunt. And there was nothing he enjoyed more then the sight and smell of prey. Especially this one, that he had been hunting for as long as he remembered, which, all be it, was not very long.
He sniffed again. He knew he was near. He felt the snow crunch beneath his boots, and he kept his eyes and ears open. It was futile, he realized, to look for tracks. They would have been almost immediately covered up by snow. He growled impatiently. The wind howled in his ear like a wolf, confusing any possible chances of telling where the scents were coming from. "I know yer here Creed!" He yelled into the wind. "And I'm gonna find ya!" He jammed his claws deep into the side of a solid glacier of ice, meaning to climb it, hoping that at the top he might be able to see better.
He never got the chance. From above, a huge animal let out a bestial roar, and tackled Logan straight to the ground. Landing in the soft snow, he could hardly feel the huge man on top of him, but his weight caused him to be nearly suffocated beneath the much larger man. Logan didn't have to worry for long, though, for a huge paw of a hand grabbed him, and threw him straight at the rock- hard glacier full force. He felt himself hit it, pain surging up his spine. Any normal person would have probably broken every bone in their back. But Logan merely shook it off, and got to his feet.
"You wanted me, runt, and you got me!" Creed's eye's burned into the blinding storm, bright yellow cat eyes. They reminded Logan of a rapid dog. His long time enemy, Victor Creed, also known as Sabretooth, stood like a giant savage creature, too animal- like to be human. But then, Logan had often been mistaken for an animal himself. He let out a yell, and charged at the seven and a half foot tall man, more than two feet taller than himself. But he didn't let that stop him. "You're mine, Creed!"
Amidst the snow and ice, the two landed like two wild animals locked in a battle to the death. Logan felt claws slash at him, and he pushed down with all his strength, trying to keep the man down. Laughter rang out in his ears. "You can't win, runt! You never could, and you never will!" Sabretooth's laugh was like poison, and Logan could see his pointy yellow fang-like teeth. He was close enough to smell his reeking breath, and the man beneath him felt real enough. But, of course, he was not. Logan let out one last scream, and drove his claws hill deep into the hologram. Realistic blood splattered on him, and the creature let out a horrible shriek of pain. Logan felt his face as it was sprayed with spit, and he twisted his claws into the creature's abdomen, enjoying the feeling of his innards being rearranged. The holographic Sabretooth let out one last cry, and shuddered before falling still. Logan sneered with satisfaction, and stood up, ignoring the pain that coursed throughout his body. His healing factor would eventually take care of his injuries, but he was going to hurt for awhile. He gave the body of his foe one last kick, wishing that it was the real Creed.
Suddenly, the body was gone, followed a second later by the snow and the blizzard. Logan was left standing alone in the Danger Room, with only his wounds to show for what had happened. "What the Hell?" He said aloud. He hadn't stopped the program, so obviously someone else had. "What's goin' on?" He yelled, his voice echoing around the now empty steel room.
"It was me, Logan." He heard a voice call. "Computer, lights."
The computer complied, and Jean stepped into the room. Logan growled softly, but resheathed his claws. "What'er you doin' here, Jeannie?"
"Well, for starters, I was wondering what you are doing down here training with the safety restrictions off."
Logan grabbed the towel she offered him, and wiped the sweat and blood of his face. "I can take care of myself, lady. What do you think you're doin' overriding my program?"
Jean frowned at him. He could be so hard-headed. "I had Scott override your program. In case you can't tell, I was worried about you. Even you can be hurt, or killed, without safety restrictions."
He threw the towel on the floor, and headed for the door. "Like I said, I can take care of myself."
Jean followed him. "Logan, wait! I need to talk to you."
He stopped and turned. "About what?"
"I think you know what about."
He snorted and continued walking. "Ain't in the mood, darlin'."
Jean froze him using her telepathic powers. "Hey!" Logan yelled. "Knock it off!"
Standing in front of the man, she raised her eyebrows. "Not until you agree to talk to me."
"Damnit, Jean!" He swore through clenched teeth.
"It's your choice, wild man."
He sighed, and rolled his eyes. "Alright, you win. Start flappin'."
Jean released her mind, and Logan stumbled back, off balance. He raised his eyebrows, waiting for Jean to begin.
"Logan," she said. "I know you're upset. With Storm, with me, and with yourself. But locking yourself in the Danger Room isn't going to solve anything. Oh, God, you're bleeding!" She suddenly exclaimed.
"Huh?" Logan asked. Jean immediately ripped off what was left of his body armor, to reveal several very deep gashes. Blood dripped from them freely, and Jean gasped.
"You need to have those looked at, Logan. You could lose a lot of blood by the time your healing factor takes care of them."
He shrugged. "Not that bad." But then, and idea flashed in his mind. "Uh...maybe your right, darlin'. Wouldn't wanna get blood all over Chuck's carpet after all. I'll got see Hank. You can yell at me later for be an insensitive asshole."
Jean cocked an eyebrow. "Well, alright. But you go straight to Hank, you hear me?"
Logan grinned. "Yes, mother."
* * * * * * * *
"Ororo?" Jean called. "Are you here?" She stepped into her loft carefully, unsure as to what kind of mood she would be in. Storm's loft was dark, but Jean suspected that she was here.
"Hello, Jean," came a voice. "Please, do come in."
Jean let out a breath of relief. She seemed to be handling the situation better. She made her way through the jungle of plants to where Ororo was peering out the window. "Dinner is ready. I came to see if you would be eating with us."
Storm pulled herself away from the window. "Yes, I believe I will. I must speak to the rest of the team. I must apologize for my actions yesterday."
Jean shook her head. "That's not necessary. They know that you were just upset."
"Still, it is something I must say."
"You're a very brave person, Ororo. I admire you for your strength in this situation." Her hand was warm upon her friend's shoulder.
Storm smiled. "Thank you, my friend. It helps to know that I have friends like you."
The two women made their way down to the dining room. Everyone was already there, a strange silence following over them when Storm walked in. She was determined not to let that stop her, though. She stood beside her chair in her usual place next to Remy, and looked around the table at her friends. Rogue had cooked, and the unmistakable smell of fried chicken filled the air. "All right," she announced. "Chow down, everyone!" Rogue set a huge pan on the table, and removed the foil covering it.
"All right!" Bobby exclaimed, swiping several pieces. "Fried chicken! My favorite!"
"Hey!" Jean said. "Last night, you said my meat loaf was your favorite."
"It was," he replied with a mouth full of chewed meat. "Last night, that is."
Ororo cleared her throat. "If everyone does not mind, before we eat, I have something to say."
Everyone glanced at each other, and the rattling of pots and pans ceased. Bobby swallowed, and set his chicken down. "Uh, sure Storm. Just don't let the grub get cold." Jean whacked him on the arm, however, and he got the message to shut up. His body was going to be a massive mess of bruises if he didn't learn to hold his tongue.
Ororo took a deep breath. "I just wanted to tell all of you that I am very sorry about yesterday. I jumped to some wild conclusions, and I had no right to. Now that I know what really happened, I am able to think about this much clearer. I hope in time that you can forgive me." With a breath of relief, she sat down. There, short and sweet. An immense feeling of relief washed over her.
For a second, no one spoke. Then, almost on cue, they all began speaking at once. "We forgive you, Ro." Warren said.
"Your feelings were very understandable." Bishop added.
"I am happy that you have the answers you need." Kurt said.
"As am I." Hank agreed. "Yeah," Bobby interjected, "It's gonna be kinda cool having a little kid running around." He stopped and cleared his throat. "Um...you are going to keep it aren't you?"
Once again, the conversation ceased and all eyes turned to Storm. She felt Remy take her hand, and squeeze it reassuringly. "Well, Robert, it is something I will have to consider further. But, most probably, I will be keeping it. That is, if the Professor and everyone does not object."
"Of course we don't." "That is so cool." "It'll be neat to have a child around here." "Hey, I'll baby-sit anytime." Various positive responses echoed through the room. Storm smiled happily, glad that her teammates were being so supportive.
"'The babe in arms is a channel through which the energies we call fate, love, and reason visibly stream.' Ralph Waldo Emerson." Hank said, grinning broadly. Bobby rolled his eyes, but knew that if he commented it would mean another whack from Jean.
"Yes, I agree, Hank." The professor said. "Having a child around would make our dream seem more real. After all, he or she may be the next generation of X-Men."
The gray of the sky was already rapidly turning back to late- August bright blue with only Ororo's happiness to guide it. "Thank you all for your support. It means a lot to me."
"Me, too." Remy added. "Since the baby may be mine."
"I am sure our friend Logan will come to see that as well." Hank said. Suddenly, everyone looked around, realizing for the first time that he was missing.
"Hey, speaking of Logan, where is he?" Warren asked.
Scott snorted. "It's not like him to be on time for anything, you know."
"He's never late for my fried chicken, though." Rogue pointed out.
"He was supposed to go and see you, Hank, almost an hour ago," Jean informed them. "He had some pretty bad cuts that needed medical attention."
Beast shook his furry blue head, confused. "I am afraid that I have not seen him all day. If he was indeed headed to see me, he never arrived."
"It figures," Scott grumbled. "You know how he is when it comes to following orders. Even if they're for his own good." No one replied, but they knew he was right. Logan had butted heads with everyone at one point or another when it came to doing something he didn't want to do.
"I will get him." Kurt offered, and before anyone could say anything else, he teleported from his seat in a cloud of smoke.
"Man," Bobby said, shaking his head. "That dude is so lucky. That is like the coolest power ever."
"Yes, I agree," Hank said, glad to divert the team's attention away from Logan momentarily. "In my spare time, I have been trying to work on a device that will, in essence, duplicate our comrade Nightcrawler's teleportation powers. I feel that they could be an invaluable contrivance to the team. I also sense that I am very close to a breakthrough."
Storm poked at her dinner, listening as the professor and Hank went into a very technical and hard-to-follow discussion on how something like that would be accomplished, and what techniques Beast had tried so far. Not being the science geniuses that they were, she had no idea what they were talking about. All she could think of was how to make Logan understand that she was not angry with him, so there was no point in being angry with himself.
After a minute or so, Kurt returned amidst another puff of smoke. He shrugged his shoulders. "He is not in his room. And what's more, most of his clothes are gone, as is his jeep, I checked the garage."
"What?" Scott exclaimed. "He just took off like that, without telling anyone!"
"It wouldn't be the first time." Jean pointed out.
Everyone began talking at once. Ororo shrank back in her seat. Feelings of guilt and anger passed through her. How could he leave at a time like this? How could he be so insensitive? She turned to Remy and shook her head.
He gave her a small smile. "Don't worry, chere. Logan'll be back eventually. Probably jus' needed some time to think."
"Yes, I am sure you are right." But inwardly she had to wonder if maybe the possibility of being a father had been too much for him. She knew that he had helped to raise several other children throughout the years, but that was different from having one that you helped create. That you were legally and biologically bound to. And certainly, the circumstances of this child being created were not the best imaginable. One thing was for sure, it was going to be a long couple of months. If only she knew now whether Remy or Logan was the father. She spent the rest of dinner silent, listening to her friends discuss her baby, and Logan's leaving. Had her life really changed so much so quickly?
Please stay tuned for chapter five...and review! Thanks!
* * * * * * * *
A few minutes later, Ororo, Jean and Charles sat in his study, along with Remy and Logan. None looked particularly happy to be there, but all were anxious to hear what Jean had to say.
"I hardly know what to say," Jean said nervously. "I mean, where I should begin."
Charles leaned forward in his hoverchair, studying her. "Perhaps you should start at the beginning. Take your time, there is no hurry."
Jean nodded, glancing at her friends. "Well, this all began a little more than a month ago. Logan, you and Remy had went out to Harry's for a few drinks that night."
"Wait a minute," Remy interrupted. "I don't remember that. Logan and I ain't been to Harry's in longer then a month."
Logan nodded in agreement. "Yeah. He's right."
"Please, let Jean finish," Charles interjected. "There will be plenty of time for you to speak after she is done."
Jean continued, "Ororo, you became worried when it began to get late and they didn't come back. Well, actually, you were kind of mad. You said that you were sick of them going there and trying to drink each other under the table, and then coming home wasted. You said you were going to put a stop to it. You asked to borrow my car to go and get them. I don't remember when you three came home, but you told me the whole story later. All three of you were drunker than sin."
"What?!" Storm exclaimed. "I was drunk? But Jean-I don't remember any of this!"
"That makes two a'us." Logan growled.
"Make that three." Remy added. "What is this, Jeannie?"
A dramatic grin passed over her face as she turned a color that matched her radiant head of hair. "I should not have done it, professor, without consulting you first. But at the time, I thought I had no other choice."
"Done what?" Ororo said, her voice rising several octaves. "I want some straight answers here, Jean! No stalling! Just tell me what you did!"
Jean turned to her, shaking her head sadly. "Alright, Ororo, I will. I used my powers to erase the events from all three of your minds for that entire night."
For a second, no one spoke. Logan, Remy, and Ororo glanced at each other, obviously surprised, and then at Jean. None seemed exactly sure what to say. The professor finally broke the silence. He cleared his throat and said, "Why would you do that Jean?"
Jean, however, directed her answer to Storm. "Because you asked me to."
Remy shook his head in confusion. "Why would she do that?"
"Because, Remy, she wanted to spare the both of you a lot of unnecessary guilt." Jean replied. "You see, it seems that after she got drunk, the three of you, um...got pretty close."
"What?!" Logan exclaimed. "You mean the three of us had sex?!"
"Um...yes." She turned away quickly from his penetrating gaze.
"Mon Dieu," Remy mumbled. "I don't believe it."
Jean turned back to Storm. "Like I said, if I had been here yesterday, I could have explained everything. You came to me late that night, and told me the whole story. You said that you didn't want this to affect your friendships. That you had made a big mistake. I just wanted to help you, so I suggested the memory erase."
"I think we understand that this is not your fault, Jean. You were obviously just trying to offer Ororo a way out." Charles said, and turned to the others. "The memories of the events of that night are still in your minds, simply blocked off. If you wish me to, I could remove the blocks and you will remember everything." He stopped and cleared his throat, normally pale cheeks reddening slightly. "However, if you would rather not remember...
"I, for one, wanna know." Logan said without hesitation. He folded his arms, and glanced at the others to see if they would object. "I have to know what the hell happened that night."
Remy scowled for a minute before nodding. "Me too. No matter how much I may hate myself later." He turned to Storm, and took her hand. "How 'bout you, chere?"
She wasn't sure what to say. Part of her did want to know what had happened, but part of her didn't want to. Outside, she noticed that the sky had grown overcast, as huge gray clouds promised rain. Storm realized that her mood was most likely responsible for it, but she didn't try to change it. Much like herself, the weather looked as if the sun would never shine again. She couldn't look her friends in the eye when she responded with a quiet "yes."
Charles nodded, and said, "Very well. Try to clear your minds of all other thoughts, and relax." His face changed from a look of concern mixed with curiosity to utter concentration. Eyebrows furrowed, and lips pursed, Ororo could almost feel him enter her mind. Although she didn't know how it was possible to actually feel anything change mentally, she felt a sudden surge of mental flashback, like a flashlight shining directly into her mind. Harry's Hideaway bar, late at night. Inside, the place is well lit, and clean, as bars go, but the only customers appear to be a tall, lanky man in his early twenties with long auburn hair, and a short, muscular man with a most unusual hairstyle. He looks as if he is in his early forties, but appearances can be deceiving. Remy and Logan, of course, and they are obviously drunk. Ororo walked in over to where they are sitting at the bar. She hears the sounds of the jukebox playing a country song. Although not particularly a fan of country music, she recognizes the song "Cowboy, Take Me Away," by the Dixie Chicks. Standing over her two drunken friends with her hands on her hips, she is too angry to speak. Remy looks up and flashes his stupid grin. At least, it looks stupid on a man who can hardly sit up without falling over, and who reeks of Jack Daniels. "Stormy!" He said excitedly, as if he made some great discovery. "Look, Logan, it's Stormy!"
Logan looked up, and grinned. Because of his healing factor, it was much harder for him to get drunk, not to mention stay drunk. Very rarely did he have to worry about such things as hangovers. Still, he looked as smashed as Storm had ever seen him. "Hey, darlin". Whatcha doing here?" His speech is slurred slightly, making him sound utterly ridiculous. If she had not been so angry, Ororo might have laughed.
"Yes, it most certainly is me. And the reason I am here is to take you two...imbeciles home. Do you know how juvenile and stupid it is for you to be here poisoning your bodies with alcohol? Not to mention inconsiderate. What if something had happened tonight, and we had needed the both of you?" Logan and Remy glanced at each either, and laughed. "I think Stormy mad at us, Logan."
"She's needs a drink to cool down."
Storm glared at them, trying not to let the anger get the best of her. "I can see that neither of you is rational enough for me to discuss this with. For right now, I will simply be happy enough having you home where I don't have to worry about you."
Remy grinned up at her. "But we ain't ready to go home yet, Stormy. Why don't you have a drink with us first? The night still young, chere!"
"No, I am not having a drink, and yes, you are coming home. Right now!"
"Come on, Ro. Don't be such a prude," Logan said. He offered her an unsteady hand holding a shot glass filled to the brim with scotch. "Have a drink, and then we'll go home."
"Logan..." Storm began, but stopped and sighed. What was the point in arguing with them? She certainly couldn't drag the both of them out of the bar kicking and screaming, as much as she wanted to at the moment. "If I have one drink, do you promise you will come with me?" She felt like she was negotiating with children.
Remy nodded emphatically. "Thieves honor, chere." He said, and laughed.
"That does not exactly fill me with confidence." She sat down on a stool. "Alright, let's get this over with."
Logan grinned, and chuckled. It sounded like a cross between a hyena and fingernails on a blackboard. "Here ya go, lady. Bottoms up."
She took the shot glass he offered, and quickly drank down its contents. As she did, she could feel it burn like fire all the way from her throat to her stomach. "Gughya!" She gasped, her throat closing. She was not used to drinking, and now she knew why. "That is the most horrible stuff I have ever tasted in my entire life!"
Remy and Logan both cracked up. "S'not that bad, sister." Logan said, swallowing another round. "Ya get used to it after a few times."
"I do not believe it is anything I want to get used to. Now, may we leave?"
"Aw, Stormy," Remy whined, "we don't wanna leave yet. You jus' got here. Why'ncha have 'not'er drink?" He drunkenly waved the half-empty bottle of scotch in front of her.
"We had a deal, Remy." Even her normally tranquil voice could not hide the obvious irritation that was growing within her. "And you are going to honor your part of it. We are leaving right now." She grabbed his arm to pull him off the barstool. It was clear that he must know she wasn't messing around. Remy toppled over, a quick grab of Logan his only saving grace from the hard floor. "I think she serious, homme. Maybe we better listen to 'er."
Logan nodded. "Yeah," he replied sarcastically. "I guess yer right. Ro's too much of a hard-ass to stay and have a few drinks with us. It might involve actually having fun."
She dropped Remy's arm and glared at Logan. So the truth finally came out. He thought she was a hard-ass who never had fun? "Is that what you really think about me?"
Logan shrugged. "Don't go getting all defensive, darlin'. Some people, like you, for instance, just don't know how to have a good time. I ain't saying it's yer fault. But face the facts, Ro, yer kinda, well..." he paused, and turned to Gambit, "Help me out here, Cajun."
"Boring." Remy supplied.
"Yeah."
Storm turned to Gambit as if she had just been stabbed in the back. He was supposed to be her best friend, and he thought she was boring. "How could you say such a thing?" .
He did at least have the decency to look slightly ashamed. "Sorry, chere. But he's right. You can be kinda boring. I mean, I love you to death and all. You my best friend. But don't you ever just wanna go out and have a good time wit'out worryin' 'bout the consequences?"
For a second or two, she didn't reply. Logan and Remy glanced at each other, wondering what she would do. "Don't be mad, chere." Remy said.
Finally, she spoke. "Boring, huh? I'll show you boring." She swiped the bottle of Jack Daniels out of Logan's hand, and poured herself a drink. After she drank that one down, she poured another, and then another. "I'll show the two of you who doesn't know how to have a good time." She turned to Harry, the owner of the bar, who had watched the whole scene from across the room. Not wanting to interfere, he had remained quiet. The people from Xavier's school were some of his best customers after all. "We'll be needing another bottle of this...uh," she glanced at the bottle, but her faculties were already beginning to be effected. "This stuff, whatever it is." She waved the almost empty bottle in the air
"Um, Stormy," Remy began, "you might wanna take it a little slower. You not 'xactly used to all this alcohol."
Storm grabbed him by the collar of his jacket, and pulled him hard until they were face-to-face. "How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that?" She said with a strange giggle. "Now, shut up and have another drink, swamp rat." She turned to Logan. "You, too, runt."
"Swamp rat?" Remy exclaimed at the same time Logan yelled, "Runt?!" Both turned to Storm with expressions ranging from anger to curiosity. "What?" She asked. "It was just a joke. I was having a good time."
Remy and Logan laughed and sat back down to have some more drinks.
Storm turned to the professor. "I do not believe I need to see any more. I can quite imagine what happened from then on." She felt as though the huge weight of burden that had been bothering her yesterday had returned ten full. What have I done? She thought. First, I accuse my friends of raping me, and then I come to find out that I got drunk and slept with my two best friends. What kind of person am I?
Charles studied Storm closely, and let the psychic link between the four of them brake. "Well, at least now we know how this whole thing came about." That was of little comfort to the three of them, though. Ororo looked as though she wished she could melt away, obviously embarrassed about her actions that night. Logan stood with his arms crossed, a pillar of stone. He was angry, Charles knew, probably mostly at himself, though. Remy looked embarrassed, something that Charles was not used to seeing from him. He avoided eye contact, tapping his foot at a pace that would have been impossible to keep up with. The professor was certainly not relishing in the task that lay before him. It was up to him to help the three of them through this. "Perhaps I should speak to Ororo alone for a minute."
Logan walked over and leaned on the professor's desk. It was obvious that he was pretty upset, and his icy blue eyes blazed as he spoke. "Wait just a flamin' minute here, Chuck. I don't know 'bout Gumbo here, but I for one, am pretty pissed off about this whole thing." He turned to Ororo. "You had no right to have Jeannie here go into my mind, sister, and erase my memory. Now, I realize that this was just as much our fault as yours, probably more, but to go and play around with my memories and then to make crazy accusations about bein' raped. That's just over the line."
Remy turned to him and stood up angrily. "Damnit, Logan, you ain't makin' this any easier for her! I'm jus' a shocked as you that this happen, but you don't have to go makin' it worse."
Logan snorted and narrowed his eyes at the Cajun. He wasn't really as angry as he was acting, but everyone in the room realized what the worst part of it was for him. People in his past had played around with his mind and memories before, and had left him more animal then man. Needless to say, he was a little weary of anyone messing around inside his head. He glared at Ro for a second without speaking, and then turned and stomped out of the office.
Jean watched him go. "I should talk to him," she said. "I'm partly responsible for this, and I think I can get him to listen to me."
Charles nodded his head. "Yes, that would be a good start, Jean. Remy, I think you should go as well."
He started to object, but Storm held up a hand. "He is right, Remy. Please go. I will speak to you later."
He frowned, but reluctantly stood up. "If that's what you want, chere." He mumbled. As he and Jean walked out, she put her arm around his shoulder. "It will be okay. She just needs some time."
Time will not change what has happened. Storm thought, turning to the professor. She felt like crying, or better yet, just flying away. Maybe if I can fly far enough and fast enough this whole thing will go away.
Charles gave her a reassuring smile. I think you know better than that.
The words echoed in her mind as soon as he sent them telepathicly. "You were reading my thoughts." She said, but not accusingly.
"Forgive me. But I believe I know you well enough to say that you are not the kind of person who tries to run-or fly away from their problems." "I have never faced a problem quite so monumental before, Charles." She whispered. "What should I do? I have alienated my friends, angered Logan, and jeopardized my responsibility to the team. Not to mention that I still have a baby to consider."
"As for Logan, Remy, and the rest of the team," he said reassuringly, "I have every confidence that they will forgive you and learn to except that yes, you made a mistake, but that you are only human. Human's make mistakes." He folded his hands, and leaned back in his chair. "As for your baby, the decisions you have regarding it can only be made by you. I, and I'm sure the rest of the team, will support whatever decisions you make."
Storm felt as if her innards were being crushed. "I am not sure what I should do. The situation is much different than it was yesterday. It is not a decision that I must take lightly. A child, my child is depending on me."
Charles nodded. "Don't forget, Ororo, that this child is just as much Logan or Remy's. You should let them in on what you decide to do."
Her mind closed at that realization. I cannot imagine raising a child with either one of them. It is not that I do not trust them, I care very much for the both of them, but I cannot imagine either one of them as a father. She stood, heading for the door. What she needed more than anything was just some time to think. "Thank you for understanding, Charles. I appreciate you not judging me for the inconveniences I have caused the team."
He smiled sincerely. "Sometimes we need some inconveniences around here. Ones that do not involve risking our lives, I mean."
* * * * * * * Snow was falling so hard around him that even Logan was having a hard time seeing. Bits of ice stuck to his clothes and the exposed skin of his face, stinging his eyes. His breath came out in short frozen puffs, sticking to his nostrils and lips, making it very hard to breathe. His toes had already gone numb, and due to his short frame, the drifts were up to his waist. And he loved it.
Squinting, he struggled to see in the empty waste land of Alberta that he had created, trying his best to fight off snow blindness. There was nothing to see but snow, ice and an occasional glacier. He sniffed the freezing air, trying to pick up some sort of scent. He couldn't smell anything, but he could feel the hair on his back stand on end. He was near. Like a wild animal, possibly the very ones that he had derived his code name from, he was on the hunt. And there was nothing he enjoyed more then the sight and smell of prey. Especially this one, that he had been hunting for as long as he remembered, which, all be it, was not very long.
He sniffed again. He knew he was near. He felt the snow crunch beneath his boots, and he kept his eyes and ears open. It was futile, he realized, to look for tracks. They would have been almost immediately covered up by snow. He growled impatiently. The wind howled in his ear like a wolf, confusing any possible chances of telling where the scents were coming from. "I know yer here Creed!" He yelled into the wind. "And I'm gonna find ya!" He jammed his claws deep into the side of a solid glacier of ice, meaning to climb it, hoping that at the top he might be able to see better.
He never got the chance. From above, a huge animal let out a bestial roar, and tackled Logan straight to the ground. Landing in the soft snow, he could hardly feel the huge man on top of him, but his weight caused him to be nearly suffocated beneath the much larger man. Logan didn't have to worry for long, though, for a huge paw of a hand grabbed him, and threw him straight at the rock- hard glacier full force. He felt himself hit it, pain surging up his spine. Any normal person would have probably broken every bone in their back. But Logan merely shook it off, and got to his feet.
"You wanted me, runt, and you got me!" Creed's eye's burned into the blinding storm, bright yellow cat eyes. They reminded Logan of a rapid dog. His long time enemy, Victor Creed, also known as Sabretooth, stood like a giant savage creature, too animal- like to be human. But then, Logan had often been mistaken for an animal himself. He let out a yell, and charged at the seven and a half foot tall man, more than two feet taller than himself. But he didn't let that stop him. "You're mine, Creed!"
Amidst the snow and ice, the two landed like two wild animals locked in a battle to the death. Logan felt claws slash at him, and he pushed down with all his strength, trying to keep the man down. Laughter rang out in his ears. "You can't win, runt! You never could, and you never will!" Sabretooth's laugh was like poison, and Logan could see his pointy yellow fang-like teeth. He was close enough to smell his reeking breath, and the man beneath him felt real enough. But, of course, he was not. Logan let out one last scream, and drove his claws hill deep into the hologram. Realistic blood splattered on him, and the creature let out a horrible shriek of pain. Logan felt his face as it was sprayed with spit, and he twisted his claws into the creature's abdomen, enjoying the feeling of his innards being rearranged. The holographic Sabretooth let out one last cry, and shuddered before falling still. Logan sneered with satisfaction, and stood up, ignoring the pain that coursed throughout his body. His healing factor would eventually take care of his injuries, but he was going to hurt for awhile. He gave the body of his foe one last kick, wishing that it was the real Creed.
Suddenly, the body was gone, followed a second later by the snow and the blizzard. Logan was left standing alone in the Danger Room, with only his wounds to show for what had happened. "What the Hell?" He said aloud. He hadn't stopped the program, so obviously someone else had. "What's goin' on?" He yelled, his voice echoing around the now empty steel room.
"It was me, Logan." He heard a voice call. "Computer, lights."
The computer complied, and Jean stepped into the room. Logan growled softly, but resheathed his claws. "What'er you doin' here, Jeannie?"
"Well, for starters, I was wondering what you are doing down here training with the safety restrictions off."
Logan grabbed the towel she offered him, and wiped the sweat and blood of his face. "I can take care of myself, lady. What do you think you're doin' overriding my program?"
Jean frowned at him. He could be so hard-headed. "I had Scott override your program. In case you can't tell, I was worried about you. Even you can be hurt, or killed, without safety restrictions."
He threw the towel on the floor, and headed for the door. "Like I said, I can take care of myself."
Jean followed him. "Logan, wait! I need to talk to you."
He stopped and turned. "About what?"
"I think you know what about."
He snorted and continued walking. "Ain't in the mood, darlin'."
Jean froze him using her telepathic powers. "Hey!" Logan yelled. "Knock it off!"
Standing in front of the man, she raised her eyebrows. "Not until you agree to talk to me."
"Damnit, Jean!" He swore through clenched teeth.
"It's your choice, wild man."
He sighed, and rolled his eyes. "Alright, you win. Start flappin'."
Jean released her mind, and Logan stumbled back, off balance. He raised his eyebrows, waiting for Jean to begin.
"Logan," she said. "I know you're upset. With Storm, with me, and with yourself. But locking yourself in the Danger Room isn't going to solve anything. Oh, God, you're bleeding!" She suddenly exclaimed.
"Huh?" Logan asked. Jean immediately ripped off what was left of his body armor, to reveal several very deep gashes. Blood dripped from them freely, and Jean gasped.
"You need to have those looked at, Logan. You could lose a lot of blood by the time your healing factor takes care of them."
He shrugged. "Not that bad." But then, and idea flashed in his mind. "Uh...maybe your right, darlin'. Wouldn't wanna get blood all over Chuck's carpet after all. I'll got see Hank. You can yell at me later for be an insensitive asshole."
Jean cocked an eyebrow. "Well, alright. But you go straight to Hank, you hear me?"
Logan grinned. "Yes, mother."
* * * * * * * *
"Ororo?" Jean called. "Are you here?" She stepped into her loft carefully, unsure as to what kind of mood she would be in. Storm's loft was dark, but Jean suspected that she was here.
"Hello, Jean," came a voice. "Please, do come in."
Jean let out a breath of relief. She seemed to be handling the situation better. She made her way through the jungle of plants to where Ororo was peering out the window. "Dinner is ready. I came to see if you would be eating with us."
Storm pulled herself away from the window. "Yes, I believe I will. I must speak to the rest of the team. I must apologize for my actions yesterday."
Jean shook her head. "That's not necessary. They know that you were just upset."
"Still, it is something I must say."
"You're a very brave person, Ororo. I admire you for your strength in this situation." Her hand was warm upon her friend's shoulder.
Storm smiled. "Thank you, my friend. It helps to know that I have friends like you."
The two women made their way down to the dining room. Everyone was already there, a strange silence following over them when Storm walked in. She was determined not to let that stop her, though. She stood beside her chair in her usual place next to Remy, and looked around the table at her friends. Rogue had cooked, and the unmistakable smell of fried chicken filled the air. "All right," she announced. "Chow down, everyone!" Rogue set a huge pan on the table, and removed the foil covering it.
"All right!" Bobby exclaimed, swiping several pieces. "Fried chicken! My favorite!"
"Hey!" Jean said. "Last night, you said my meat loaf was your favorite."
"It was," he replied with a mouth full of chewed meat. "Last night, that is."
Ororo cleared her throat. "If everyone does not mind, before we eat, I have something to say."
Everyone glanced at each other, and the rattling of pots and pans ceased. Bobby swallowed, and set his chicken down. "Uh, sure Storm. Just don't let the grub get cold." Jean whacked him on the arm, however, and he got the message to shut up. His body was going to be a massive mess of bruises if he didn't learn to hold his tongue.
Ororo took a deep breath. "I just wanted to tell all of you that I am very sorry about yesterday. I jumped to some wild conclusions, and I had no right to. Now that I know what really happened, I am able to think about this much clearer. I hope in time that you can forgive me." With a breath of relief, she sat down. There, short and sweet. An immense feeling of relief washed over her.
For a second, no one spoke. Then, almost on cue, they all began speaking at once. "We forgive you, Ro." Warren said.
"Your feelings were very understandable." Bishop added.
"I am happy that you have the answers you need." Kurt said.
"As am I." Hank agreed. "Yeah," Bobby interjected, "It's gonna be kinda cool having a little kid running around." He stopped and cleared his throat. "Um...you are going to keep it aren't you?"
Once again, the conversation ceased and all eyes turned to Storm. She felt Remy take her hand, and squeeze it reassuringly. "Well, Robert, it is something I will have to consider further. But, most probably, I will be keeping it. That is, if the Professor and everyone does not object."
"Of course we don't." "That is so cool." "It'll be neat to have a child around here." "Hey, I'll baby-sit anytime." Various positive responses echoed through the room. Storm smiled happily, glad that her teammates were being so supportive.
"'The babe in arms is a channel through which the energies we call fate, love, and reason visibly stream.' Ralph Waldo Emerson." Hank said, grinning broadly. Bobby rolled his eyes, but knew that if he commented it would mean another whack from Jean.
"Yes, I agree, Hank." The professor said. "Having a child around would make our dream seem more real. After all, he or she may be the next generation of X-Men."
The gray of the sky was already rapidly turning back to late- August bright blue with only Ororo's happiness to guide it. "Thank you all for your support. It means a lot to me."
"Me, too." Remy added. "Since the baby may be mine."
"I am sure our friend Logan will come to see that as well." Hank said. Suddenly, everyone looked around, realizing for the first time that he was missing.
"Hey, speaking of Logan, where is he?" Warren asked.
Scott snorted. "It's not like him to be on time for anything, you know."
"He's never late for my fried chicken, though." Rogue pointed out.
"He was supposed to go and see you, Hank, almost an hour ago," Jean informed them. "He had some pretty bad cuts that needed medical attention."
Beast shook his furry blue head, confused. "I am afraid that I have not seen him all day. If he was indeed headed to see me, he never arrived."
"It figures," Scott grumbled. "You know how he is when it comes to following orders. Even if they're for his own good." No one replied, but they knew he was right. Logan had butted heads with everyone at one point or another when it came to doing something he didn't want to do.
"I will get him." Kurt offered, and before anyone could say anything else, he teleported from his seat in a cloud of smoke.
"Man," Bobby said, shaking his head. "That dude is so lucky. That is like the coolest power ever."
"Yes, I agree," Hank said, glad to divert the team's attention away from Logan momentarily. "In my spare time, I have been trying to work on a device that will, in essence, duplicate our comrade Nightcrawler's teleportation powers. I feel that they could be an invaluable contrivance to the team. I also sense that I am very close to a breakthrough."
Storm poked at her dinner, listening as the professor and Hank went into a very technical and hard-to-follow discussion on how something like that would be accomplished, and what techniques Beast had tried so far. Not being the science geniuses that they were, she had no idea what they were talking about. All she could think of was how to make Logan understand that she was not angry with him, so there was no point in being angry with himself.
After a minute or so, Kurt returned amidst another puff of smoke. He shrugged his shoulders. "He is not in his room. And what's more, most of his clothes are gone, as is his jeep, I checked the garage."
"What?" Scott exclaimed. "He just took off like that, without telling anyone!"
"It wouldn't be the first time." Jean pointed out.
Everyone began talking at once. Ororo shrank back in her seat. Feelings of guilt and anger passed through her. How could he leave at a time like this? How could he be so insensitive? She turned to Remy and shook her head.
He gave her a small smile. "Don't worry, chere. Logan'll be back eventually. Probably jus' needed some time to think."
"Yes, I am sure you are right." But inwardly she had to wonder if maybe the possibility of being a father had been too much for him. She knew that he had helped to raise several other children throughout the years, but that was different from having one that you helped create. That you were legally and biologically bound to. And certainly, the circumstances of this child being created were not the best imaginable. One thing was for sure, it was going to be a long couple of months. If only she knew now whether Remy or Logan was the father. She spent the rest of dinner silent, listening to her friends discuss her baby, and Logan's leaving. Had her life really changed so much so quickly?
Please stay tuned for chapter five...and review! Thanks!