Settling In
The next week was taken up with getting settled into life at the mansion. Logan had his classes to teach and training sessions to catch up on. Dani had to get back into the groove as well, or for the first time actually. Her memories were sketchy at best, but she distinctly remembered being an active part of the team, and she wanted that back. While Logan was busy torturing his students in the danger room, she met with the professor.
"I want to start training for the team right away," Dani said. "I have a lot of catching up to do."
"Your skills are a great asset, but with your current condition, I hesitate to allow you to start training hard," Xavier said. "I would like you to see Dr. McCoy for a check up as soon as possible."
"I'm sure everything is fine," Dani said lightly. "I'm serious about the team. I want to be Supernova again."
"That name does suit you, Danielle, but this is a matter to discuss with the entire team," Xavier said. "How does Logan feel about you joining us again?"
"We haven't talked about it," She admitted. "This is my decision. It has nothing to do with him."
"I believe it does. He has lost you twice and may not be as willing to see you in the line of fire again," Xavier said seriously.
"As a mutant, sooner or later I will be in the line of fire, will I not? I refuse to be unprepared, and I refuse to be the one adult living here that can't protect the students. I have made up my mind. I will work under Hank's supervision, but I will start training," Dani said firmly. "Schedule me in. I want to start today."
Xavier frowned, but knew she was right. She would be joining the team again sooner or later, it was inevitable. He simply didn't want to rush things. She and Logan needed time to adjust to this renewed relationship. It isn't every day that someone starts over like this. She also had to realize that she was not the same person as she was before. He'd known her only a short time, but he could see that.
"Your training can begin after Dr. McCoy releases you, and only what he agrees you are able to do," Xavier said. "I will be discussing this with the team, and I suggest you tell Logan before I do. He may not like hearing it from anyone else."
Dani sighed, "Fine."
Xavier smiled, "Good. Now, how are you adjusting?"
"I feel like two people," she said in frustration. "I don't like it."
"Relax and be yourself as you are this moment, not what you think we are expecting," Xavier said. "Even Logan knows you are not the same."
"I'm tired of the distinction… me before and me now. I'm just Dani, and the confusion is wearing me out. I'm just tired of it," she said.
"Try to get past that," Xavier said. "All we expect is that you be yourself, whoever that may be today."
Dani laughed, "That will have to do. Today I feel like I want a job. Got one?"
"Music or Art might be a good start for you," Xavier suggested. "Painting classes perhaps?"
"I'm not…"
"Neither are most of the teachers here, Danielle. Your skills at art are adequate for an elective course," Xavier assured her. "Logan also said that you would like to continue your education."
"I was in art school back in San Francisco," she admitted. "I thought that was what I wanted, but now I know I just want to be a part of things here."
"And that you are," Xavier said. "We can talk about art school later. Perhaps you should go down to the infirmary. Dr. McCoy is free."
Dani sighed. She wasn't concerned about the pregnancy. She was a self healer, what could possibly go wrong? But she conceded and just orbed herself down to the hall outside Hank's lab. She stuck her head in and he looked up from his work and smiled. There was something strange about seeing a large furry blue man with glasses on the end of his nose. What can you say to a sight like that but…?
"Hi, Hank," Dani said as she entered.
"Danielle," he said. "How nice of you to drop in."
"This is an official visit, Xavier's orders. I need a check up before he'll let me start training," Dani said.
"Ah yes, the pregnancy," Hank said as he stood from his computer desk. "Here is a gown and you can change over there. I'll just go wash up."
Dani remembered Hank's bedside manner as being professional but comforting. He was still that way, and after all the usual tests and exams, he left her alone to dress again. Then he returned he gave her his assessment.
"You may train, but under strict guidelines of no contact. Combat training exercises are all right, but no sparring, especially with Scott, Remy or Logan. You may use your energy as much as you like, it will not harm you or the child. Just be sure to stay well charged," He said.
"Why no sparring with the guys, they'd be careful," Dani said.
"That is the problem, they would hesitate, and you would get hurt more from that than actual fighting," Hank said. "Trust me, and don't argue. You need to get the basics down first anyway."
"But I remember…"
"No," Hank said firmly. "You are not the sum of your memories; you are who you are right now. All new members train and it will be the same for you."
"Fine," Dani agreed, "Have it your way."
"I will and usually do," Hank said. "Now, your energy is rather low, so I'd like you to draw some juice so I can monitor the changes."
Dani frowned and then blushed. "Right here, right now?"
"That is what I said," Hank clarified.
"I usually pop into the power plant for a moment," she said but realized protesting was useless. "Okay." She pulled a charge from the wall outlet and a bolt of electricity shot across the room into her hand. The lights flickered, and Hank just studied his instruments and made a few notes. He watched her glow a moment and then, when she absorbed it and her eyes looked normal again he gave her a smile.
"Thanks," he said. "I'm all finished."
"Good, I'm going to lunch," she said and left. Charging in front of people still bothered her, but there was little she could do about it. She'd have to get used to it here. She wondered what he was looking for.
Logan ran his students through their paces hard that morning. There was the usual grumbling, but he didn't' care. In his mind he was helping them become the best they could be, just like the lame Army ads. He didn't want to see any of his kids get hurt. Only hard training would prepare them for a world that hated them.
It was nearly lunchtime now, and he headed upstairs to find Dani for lunch. He made it halfway down the hall when he ran into her, coming from the infirmary.
"Hey baby," Logan said as he put an arm around her and walked with her to the elevator. "What'd Beast say?"
"I'm healthy and can start training for the team immediately," she said with a smile.
Logan halted in the elevator with an unreadable expression. "He said what?"
"I can train, just no sparring for a while," she said.
"But the baby," Logan said seriously.
"Will be just fine, Logan. I have managed a lot worse while pregnant. Training is nothing," she said.
"You are not the same as before, Dani. For one, you're more pigheaded, and for another, you didn't know you were pregnant when all that happened. You were lucky then, you almost died. I am not going to watch you suffer again, Dani. This time you're going to take care of yourself," Logan said.
"I don't answer to you," Dani said angrily. "I want this, and you are just going to have to deal with it."
"Oh, is that so?" Logan asked. "You have to get the approval of the rest of the team, and you already got one vote against you."
"Fine, Logan. I'll get in without you," she said angrily and orbed herself out of the elevator.
Logan swore angrily, "Damned stubborn woman!"
The elevator door opened and he quickly calmed down in front of the students that were waiting there. Rogue stood with her arms crossed and a cocked brow.
"Hi Logan, everything okay?" she asked.
"Just fine, kid," Logan said as he brushed past her to head to his room. He hoped Dani was there. He wasn't finished talking to her about this. He was getting more and more pissed by the second for her disappearing in the middle of an argument. He opened her door and strolled in. She was sitting on the bed glaring at him. He just closed and locked the door.
"We used to have an understanding about that little power of yours. No orbing until the argument was over," Logan said. "Why is this so important to you? Why are you in such a hurry to be on the team?"
Dani sighed, "I want to feel like I belong again. It is important to me to fit in again. Everyone looks at me funny and it's driving me crazy. I'm still me, and that's not so different as before."
Logan sat beside her and pulled her into his arms, "You belong here, Dani, right here in my arms. You don't need to wear black leather to fit in. You've only been here a couple of days, give it a little time."
"Logan, I still want to train," she said. "Hank said it's okay, and I won't be allowed to go on missions for a while. I just want to get back into the groove; I need to be doing something."
Logan sighed, "You can join Scott's karate class, the beginning class. If you are up to it, you can do Phys Ed with my class in the mornings. But I can't go easy on you, it would spoil my image."
Dani smiled, "That's okay, I like it when you're hard."
Logan laughed at the suggestive comment and kissed her hungrily. She was playful, and he loved it. In a fit of spontaneous passion, he forgot their argument and thought only of her sexy body.
"I'm getting hard now," he said against her neck as his hands roamed over her breasts. "So what do you want to do about it?"
Dani just smiled and they were surrounded by a flash of light. Their clothes were now in a pile on the floor and he basked in the feel of her skin against his. He'd never tire of that trick. He laid her back on the bed and covered her.
"I love you, Dani," he said seriously. "Please don't fight me on joining the team. It's not just that you're pregnant, you're not ready."
"I promise," she said. "I still want to train, though."
"Under the strictest guidance of Hank," Logan said. "I don't want any accidents."
"I don't either," Dani said. "It's my baby too."
Logan kissed her again, but more tenderly this time. He loved that she carried his child. He knew she'd be a good mother, and he couldn't wait for the wedding. She wasn't showing yet, but he could tell a difference. Her belly was ever so slightly rounded, and her breasts seemed a little fuller. He'd be picking up the ring in a few days and he would propose more formally. Then he and Chuck could work out the details for the wedding. They'd have it here at the mansion and all the students would be invited of course. He could almost see her in a fancy white wedding gown.
Dani wrapped her arms around him and clung to him. She didn't like fighting, it was pointless. He was right; there was no way they would let her wear a uniform while she was pregnant. But at least she could train. She ran her fingers through his wild hair and teased one of his sideburns with her fingertips. He groaned with pleasure and ground his hips into hers.
"Oh, god, Logan!" she said breathlessly.
He smiled and rubbed his erection against her feminine flesh and then pulled away. "So, are you going to use your powers against me again?"
"I didn't use them against you, Logan. I just…" Dani protested as she tried to arch closer to him.
"Uh-uh-uh," he said as he shook his head at her. "Orbing away from me during an argument is using an unfair advantage. So, are you going to use your powers against me?"
"Logan, stop teasing me!" she said.
"Oh, you wanted something?" he asked with a cocked brow as he ground himself against her again. It was killing him to not bury himself in her right now, but he was making a point here. "I will have your word, no more running from me."
"I didn't run…"
"Your word," Logan said, starting to get a little irritated. "Give me what I want, and I'll give you what you want." Logan bent down and took a nipple in his mouth. Dani gasped in pleasure, and he gently nipped at the little pink bud before releasing it and looking into her dreamy eyes. "You used to trust me, Dani."
"I trust you now," she said. "I promise, no orbing to get out of an argument."
"No orbing to get away from me for any reason," Logan amended for her. "Say it."
"I give you my word, Logan. I won't do that again," Dani said.
Logan smiled in satisfaction and sheathed himself within her. Her head fell back against the pillow as she gasped in pleasure. Logan loved watching her like this. He wrapped his arms around her and lifted her off the mattress as he sat back on his knees. She sat, straddling his lap and the angle was very good. She rocked into him, and the pleasure began to build. Her head fell back, revealing her long sexy neck to him and he kissed and nibbled at it. He rocked with her, and they were swept up in a dance of pure passion. Logan's hands roamed over her possessively, caressing and teasing. But his mind was focused on her warmth that surrounded him and the friction of her movements as her inner muscles clenched his throbbing manhood. He lowered her back to the mattress as the passion pushed him over the edge. He felt Dani's legs wrap around him and heard her moans of pleasure.
"Oh, Logan…" she said breathlessly.
Logan's head was spinning and he thrust into her with all his strength, showering her face with kisses. Their bodies rocked into each other with desperation, and when they came, Logan had to stifle the growl that burned in his throat. Dani buried her face in his shoulder and gasped as the pleasure rippled and crashed over her. Logan's lovemaking was the most awesome experience she'd ever felt. No memory she had could compare to it.
"So," Logan rasped between ragged breaths, "Should we call this argument settled?"
"Yes," she said. "We're good."
Logan smiled, "Good. Now, sex makes me hungry. Let's get dressed and go to lunch. We can pick up with round two later."
Scott and Jean were seated at lunch when Logan and Dani walked in. Jean glanced up and blushed, and Scott noticed.
"What?" Scott asked.
"Some days I wish I wasn't a telepath," she said.
Scott looked at where her attention had gone and he frowned. "Logan thinking something rude again?"
"Oh, nothing rude," Jean said as she turned her attention back to her lunch. "X rated maybe…"
Scott's frown darkened, and he glared at Logan in annoyance. "He's too damn lucky for such an ass hole. What does she see in him that he managed to steal her heart in two lifetimes?"
Jean looked at Scott in shock, "You're a married man there, Cyclops."
Scott shook his head, "You know me better than that, Jean."
"Yes, well, your memories were much more detailed than mine," she said in annoyance. "I distinctly remember you and Logan fighting a lot."
"We do that anyway, it had nothing to do with Dani," Scott said.
Jean rolled her eyes, "No of course not."
Logan and Dani sat down with them, trying to make some semblance of normalcy in their routine. Jean gave Dani a cordial smile and Scott greeted them.
"So, Dani, are you getting all settled in again?" he asked.
Logan, still annoyed by Scott's familiarity answered for her, "Danielle is settling in great, and will be moving into my room today, get the picture?"
"Cool it, children," Dani said. "Whatever rivalry you two still have, don't drag me into it, please. Scott, I am feeling more comfortable here, thank you."
"That's good to hear," Jean said. "How about a check-up for our new mom-to-be?"
"Already done," she said lightly. "Beast has given me a clean bill of health and only minor restrictions to training. I'll be in the danger room bright and early tomorrow for Scott's class."
Jean was a little miffed at Dani's snub of her medical skills. "Hank is a scientist, I am a doctor."
"Hank was always my doctor," Dani said. "I think it's the blue fur, it puts me at ease."
Logan smirked but said nothing. It had always been a sore subject between them before. Jean had ego issues.
"Well, I look forward to having you in class," Scott said. "What are the restrictions?"
"No sparring," she said, "But I'm not ready for that anyway so it's no big deal."
Scott nodded, "Not to sound insulting, but I'll put you in with the beginners for now."
"No insult taken, technically, I am a beginner," Dani said.
The rest of the conversation was less business and more gossip. Dani learned that Rogue and Gambit were a hot item around school, and that she had permanently inherited more powers. She was just on the verge of being accepted as a full time member of the team along with Bobby and Peter. Kitty was still under age along with Jubilee, but their skills were improving greatly. Dani felt like a novice and it irritated her. She'd be training very hard to get caught up. She wanted to be a force to be reckoned with by the time the baby came.
After lunch, Dani was informed that the team was holding a meeting so she went in search of the art supplies in one of the classrooms. She found more than enough to keep her occupied and took an easel, a new canvas and an assortment of paints and orbed herself outside in the back yard. She was still in sight of the house, but far enough away to have privacy. She set up and went to work. She never knew what she would paint until that first stroke went on the canvas. Oh, yes… that was just the thing.
"Non, da petit is not ready to join the team," Remy said.
"Really? Well you fight her then and prove it," Rogue said angrily.
"This argument could go on all day," Scott said. "She won't be going on missions until after the child is born, so I say put off the vote until then. Let her get a little training time in and just get settled into life here."
"I hate to say it, but I agree with Scooter," Logan said. "When she's ready, I'll be the first to vote her in, but not now."
"Is that the consensus?" Xavier asked.
Rogue frowned, but grudgingly agreed. She thought Dani could do it now. Her powers were an incredible advantage, but she understood the reasoning behind waiting.
With everyone in agreement, Xavier moved on to other subjects. "Now, there is the business of the Brotherhood invading the grounds. Danielle was able to escape, but I am concerned with security beyond the woods. Are there any suggestions?"
"Yeah, keep the kids closer," Logan said.
"Other than confinement," Xavier clarified.
"Fences?" Kurt asked.
"Ineffective," Scott said. "Magneto can destroy it with the snap of his fingers."
"Not without making a little noise," Gambit said.
"Surveillance cameras?" Jean suggested, "Along with fences?"
Hank shook his head, "It is a start, but the fact of the matter is, if they want to get in, they will find a way."
"Indeed, but let us see about making it a bit more effort, shall we?" Xavier said.
"I'll get on that," Hank said.
"Excellent," Xavier said with a smile, "Now if there is no further business…"
"There is one thing," Logan said. "I have a little mater of a wedding to plan, and I want it to be rather soon."
"Have you two set a date yet?" Storm asked.
"No, I am picking up the ring tomorrow, and want to ask her more formally when I present it to her. I was hoping for like… next Saturday," Logan said.
"You want to plan a wedding in just over a week?" Jean asked, completely horrified.
"In Vegas you can plan a wedding in like ten minutes," Logan said. "All you need is a dress and a cake."
Scott bit his lip and stifled a laugh, but Gambit surprisingly spoke up.
"You should let her plan it," Remy said. "It is a woman thing."
"She will," Logan said. "I just want to get the ball rolling here. She's… well, I just don't want her to…"
"Yes, Logan, there is no need to explain, we understand the situation," Xavier said. "Certainly there are none present who can condemn your actions. Indiscretion is a common thread in the team," Xavier said, glancing at Rogue and Gambit.
"I suggest you gain Dani's approval of a date first, then we will all pitch in to make it happen, no matter how fast that may be," Xavier said. "Now, is that all?"
There was apparently no more new news, so the meeting was concluded. The team broke up, and Logan went in search of Dani. He looked in all the usual places with no success. He finally found her on the back lawn, painting. She looked up from her canvas as he approached and smiled.
"How was the meeting?" she asked.
"They won't vote until after the baby, that was unanimous. You are to train, however, under the doctor's guidance," Logan said. "When you're ready, I'll be in your corner, I promise."
"I know," she said lightly.
"So, what are you painting?" Logan asked, as he started to walk around to look.
Dani stepped in front of him, "Oh, no. Not until it is finished."
Logan cocked a brow, "What is this, keeping secrets from me already?"
"No, I'm just an eccentric painter," she said. "It's not ready to be shown, so back off."
Logan laughed, putting up his hands in resignation. "Fine, show me first, though."
"You got it," she said. "It was for you anyway."
Logan smiled," So, you need a break, baby? I thought you and I could get back to what we were doing before lunch."
"Arguing?"
"No, making up," Logan said with a wolfish grin.
Dani smiled, "That is a great idea. Let me put all this away quick."
Logan watched her cover the canvas and pack up the paints. She set it all together in a pile and orbed it somewhere out of light. Then she strolled right up to him and hooked her fingers in the belt loops of his jeans, and gave a little tug. Logan stood firm, knowing nothing could make him move if he didn't want to. But this game he liked, so he went along with it. He stepped closer, leaving no space between them, but kept his hands at his sides. Dani's hands slipped from his belt loops around to grasp his derriere and Logan growled softly. She wrapped one leg around his and his arms wrapped around her possessively and he kissed her.
"You are playing with fire, Dani," Logan said. "I'm close to taking you right here on the lawn."
"The hedges are high enough over there," she said with a sly smile. "No one would ever see us."
Logan hoisted her up into his arms and headed for the tall hedges. He was reminded once again of just how much he loved this woman. Two centuries and a reincarnated lifetime later, she was still the best damned lover he'd ever had. He couldn't wait to make her his wife again. If his memory served him right, once she was married, she was even more aggressive in bed. God, he couldn't wait!
