Chapter Twelve
One Step Forward
Part One
------
Logan opened his mouth then closed it. He watched as she walked away, the urge to say something overwhelming him to the point that he couldn't form any words. Desperate, he went to cry out her name, but instead: "I love you, Marie!"
------
Part Two
"'If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies.'"
Logan glowered and took another long drag of his nearly finished cigar. "What the hell are you talking about, fuzz ball?"
Hank, his large blue body not able to hide his gentle spirit, shook his head. "She's a butterfly, Logan. So is your relationship."
With his eyes narrowed, Logan tossed aside the butt of his cigar and watched it land in a flowerbed. Was it anyone's business how his and Rogue's relationship was changing? It irritated him; and so did Dr. McCoy. Logan had come out onto the open-aired, first floor patio in hopes of clearing his head, but the doctor's comments only emphasized his dilemma.
"I am sure," Beast continued casually, "that she's told you about her progress?"
Progress on what? "Yeah, what of it?"
"It's amazing…a miracle; don't you agree?"
"Yeah," Logan replied indifferently. "It's great."
"My point is, Logan: let her grow. Change is the only constant in the world."
Logan stalked away.
Part Three
Rogue was sprawled on her bed, headphones secured over her ears and her feet bounced to the music. She jolted when her bedroom door abruptly swung open and Logan marched in, his jaw clutched. She rolled onto her stomach and pulled the headphones around her neck, the sound of Vertical Horizon's The Best I've Ever Had blasting from the speakers.
"I don't appreciate being cornered, Rogue," he verbally attacked, his eyes flaring.
"I don't know what you're talking about." She crawled up into a sitting position, one of the speakers getting caught in her auburn hair. "And I don't appreciate being accused of things, especially when I don't know what my supposed crime is."
"Dr. McCoy!"
"What about him?
"You damn well know what!"
"Enlighten me!"
"You've been talking to him!" Logan stormed closer. "Our personal lives ain't none of his damn business!" He was so infuriated, his claws instinctively popped out and he risked a brief glare at them: curing their existence.
"Logan," Rogue said soothingly. "I didn't tell him anything. Doctor McCoy's been studying my mutation, but that's all. I swear I've told him nothing about us. I wouldn't do that."
It was her tone that caused him to take a mental step back. Her accent was thick, dripping with the desperate need to be believed. He nodded gruffly. "Alright." He turned and walked out, feeling foolish.
"Logan, wait." Rogue chased after him: her white streak flying over her emerald eyes. She was disappointed when he wouldn't meet her gaze. "Do you want to grab something to eat? I think there's left over lasagna in the fridge."
"Don't be ridiculous," Logan scolded, rejecting her offer. He sensed her embarrassment at being rejected, and flashed her a hard look. "Go get your coat, kid. We're taking the bike out for pizza – and it's on me."
Rogue wanted to jump for joy. She raced off to grab the leather jacket he bought her last Christmas. Logan was defenseless against the wave of pride and delight at the sight of her glee. He'd made her happy; and – in the end – that was all that mattered to him. In truth, he wanted to make her happy for the rest of her life. But what did that imply?
NOTES: He, he, he…so don't she hear his exclamation of love or didn't she? You'll find out in the next chapter! Also, I don't know who said the butterfly quote. If you know, please pass the knowledge over to me. Thanks.
End Chapter Twelve
Drgnfly: Sorry that I missed you last time. I received your review after submitting. Anyway, thank you so much for the compliments. I hope you keep reading!
Roguechere: What can I say? I loved the image of him sipping Koolaid too much to pass it up.
Venus Smurf: Sorry, but I submitted BEFORE getting your Chapter Ten review. I didn't forget you!! Anyway, /takes a bow/, thank you, thank you!
Boredwithreality: /helps you up off the floor/ It's ok! BREATHE BUDDY!
Wapps921: WOO HOO a review! Lol.
Substantivo: I'm sure it is hard to do. I mean we are talking about you here. (I'm SOO joking. I don't even know you!)
Galxychld: Wishes can be granted…for a price.
Cassandralee1984: Thanks and…uh…THANKS!
Jo: Hey, you learn something new every day, right?
NoviceAngel: Now if I can only keep you hooked…
Gabriela13: If only we could really get inside his thoughts!
Snooboostoo: Thanks!