A/N: I'm so sorry this chapter took so long. I was out of town. And homework has been hell. FORGIVE ME!!
Chapter Eight
Sealing a Vow
PART ONE
Dr. McCoy feared Logan wouldn't be revived in time for the mission, but the Wolverine proved him wrong. He was up and ready to kick ass as the rest of the team begrudgingly hauled themselves away from their mattresses. They had all been up for hours since Rogue's cries for help.
The sun hadn't thought of rising as Cyclops wandered into the holding bay. The leader was sullen, looking haggard with his pale complexion and unruly hair. Behind him, Bobby's bloodshot eyes were droopy as he staggered toward the jet. He glanced to his left at Nightcrawler to see the transporter dragging his blue tail. Beside Kurt, Storm – usually poised and suave – walked with a shuffle, her eyes puffy. Rogue was nowhere to be seen.
Xavier rolled out in the hanger. "Rogue isn't feeling well. You'll be going without her."
Logan, just about to ascend the steps, snapped his body around. Did the professor know why she was really begging off? He caught the telepath's eye and anxiety leapt ten more levels: dangerously close to the heart attack zone. Obviously, Logan had to have been touching Rogue for her to drain his life force. Yet, did the old man have any inclination of the truth behind their skin-to-skin contact? What would he do if he were aware of their passionate kiss?
Logan, Xavier's calm voice intruded in his mind. I want you to focus on the mission. Rogue will be fine. Please help the others find the disc. It is imperative it doesn't fall into the wrong hands.
Logan nodded his acceptance – his unease still raging. What does he know?
Xavier watched as one by one his "children" boarded the aircraft. They were a courageous, talented, and worthy group. In his own way, he loved each one of them with the devotion of a proud father. It was because of them that he never regretted not having any of his own.
"Hey, wait up!"
Xavier secretly smiled, recognizing her voice. "Ah, Rogue, feeling better?"
She raced toward the jet. "Yeah. I think I can handle it." She came up from behind him, smiling warmly. "Besides, this mission is too important."
He smiled gently in return. "You'll do fine."
She paused, reflecting on her mentor before sprinting up the ramp as it began to close. She hustled to her seat next to Logan, glancing awkwardly at him. "I'm glad you're ok." She looked nervously away, buckling herself in.
Logan cleared his throat, shifting his attention to Storm's seat in front of him.
PART TWO
"Oh look," Logan mused in lighthearted sarcasm. "Its yet another warehouse."
At moments like these, Cyclops wished he could toss Logan the roll of his eyes. Instead, he pursed his lips together and sighed through his nose. Beside the leader, Nightcrawler turned reflective. "It tiz true," the transporter added thoughtfully. "We are alwayz in de warehouse."
Bobby snorted. "Hey, Logan, it looks like you've got an ally – other than Rogue." He glanced teasingly at his ex-girlfriend. Things were no longer strained between them. In fact, their friendship was blossoming into more than either of them had dared to hope.
Rogue forced a smile, refusing to meet anyone's eyes. "Yeah, I guess," she murmured. She could feel the heat coming off her face and prayed no one noticed her flushed cheeks. "So, where is this disc supposed to be? We aren't walking in here blind like last time, right?"
"Xavier said that a package is supposed to be delivered here at three a.m.," Cyclops provided. "Weren't you paying attention at all?"
Rogue shifted her weight, defensively crossing her arms. "Yes. I must've just missed that part." Or more like missed the whole spiel. It had been difficult sitting on the couch between Logan and Storm as the professor explained the plans. The intoxicating smell of Logan's shampoo, after shave, and cigar smoke had assaulted her. She kept replaying their kiss over and over in her mind, wondering what might have happened if her mutation would have lay dormant.
She finally peered up at him and her breath caught in her throat. He was gazing at her with a blank expression, but the emotions in his mystic hazel eyes engulfed her. She was suddenly submerged into the murky depths and for a brief moment she forgot she was a twenty-one year old with deadly mutant powers. Instead, she felt she was the only woman he had ever desired.
The spell was harshly shattered when Logan snapped his head to the left, nostrils flaring. The hunter in him took over as he scrutinized the room with his trained eyes and animalistic senses. "Watch out," he hissed. "We've got unfriendly company."
"What a surprise," Bobby griped sardonically. "Don't we always? Do these missions ever go smoothly?"
"The ones you kids ain't here," Logan replied gruffly, unsheathing his claws.
Rogue narrowed her eyes at him, seething. How dare he! Logan looked her way mockingly and she growled. "Bastard."
His smirk blazed into a cross sneer. "You want to get something started, kid?"
The others watched with mixed awe and mortification. Logan and Rogue rarely fought. They had their share of bickering – both being stubborn and passionately opinionated, but she'd surely never called him a bastard. She idolized the Wolverine; and – in turn – the gruff cage fighter held her precious life like a priceless crystal. He would sooner die for her than allow any pain to touch her.
"Yeah," she snapped. "Maybe I do, Logan!" She stepped closer and the fire in her eyes ignited, the white lock of hair falling like a stream of snow over her pale complexion. "Maybe I want to get something started! What are you going to do about it?"
The muscles in his jaw clenching, he leaned forward and his breath tickled the hair resting along her neck. His mouth was centimeters from hers and he glowered at her. "Nothing," he hissed, his voice deep and raspy. "Because we're not going to start any damn thing, kid."
"Fine," she retorted hotly.
Unknown to everyone else, the two had just made a vow to never attempt a romantic relationship. It wouldn't even be spoken of.
NOTES: Ok, I obviously can't get Kurt's accent down, but I'm trying. So, yeah, his dialogue isn't full of typos. I'm purposely spelling it wrong, trying – and failing – to emphasize on his accent. Oh well. Live with it! Lol. PLUS, I know this was short, but I'm so short on time!
End Chapter Eight
Blue: I truly appreciate it. Your review was a great uplift. I hope you continue to read and like it! SasheGrey: Wow, that was very sweet of you. And I feel the same about how some authors "force" the relationship, making it seem unreal. I'm glad you approve of my style. Oh, plus, it's great that your cool with her "spontaneously developing the ability to fly." Some diehard fans can't handle stuff like that. Galxychld: Ah, I understand completely. I usually won't read a fic unless there is some sort of intimacy between them. They don't necessarily have to be "dating", but at least be close. Immortalatk: Lol. It seems most – if not all – of the reviewers really enjoyed that kiss. Maybe I will add a few more like them: JUST FOR YOU GUYS! Terminatrix T-X: Thank you very much. I hope you continue to like it. Miko of Ice Warrior of Heart (MIWH): Yeah, I like romance, but I don't particular for mushy either. Roguechere: Yeah, I went read it to check on my grammar/spelling and realized there were quite a few errors. My defense? I always write late at night because that's the only time I have free. Lol. Kryptonite: What can I say? I can be evil sometimes! AsderBlair: Yeah, they do tend to get shorter and shorter as go. I'll try and see what I can do about that. LadySilverDragon2: Sorry that you had to wait. Angelica: Aww, thank you so much! I hope to write more, too. Substantivo: I totally understand about the homework bit. You're talking to a college freshman. Anyway, you're little method didn't scare me. It was…uh…enlightening. Lol.