Sidekick
Chapter 2
Jubilee wanted to be anywhere but there. She fought the churning in her stomach as she stumbled on the ankle breakers that she was wearing. She could hear Storm's voice and Jean's telepathic chiming in her head.
"Leave me alone Jean! I don't wanna talk!" She said aloud. Her pace quickened as she shoved the doors open and burst into the parking lot. Something inside her boiled to the surface and she tromped over to Bobby's dodge Dakota sport. Angrily she picked up a rock, and considered throwing it at the extra lights on top.
It flew from her fist, but flew well past its mark. Angrily she picked up another and threw it. The smashing of glass eclipsed her choked sobs, and then she tripped and her knees contacted the gravel. She choked off her scream of pain as her hands dug into the stones. Jubilee squeezed her eyes shut, and bit off her cries.
"Don't let 'em hear, don't let 'em hear," she begged. Footsteps sounded, and she heard Rogue and Jean's voices. She crawled over on the side of the truck, willing a barrier in her mind to try and keep Jean's thoughts out.
Stumbling she rushed into the line of trees out of the line of sight, wanting to put as much distance between her and Harry's Hideaway as possible. "Son of a bitch," she gritted, feeling her knees stinging and the chilly air whizzing past.
The sounds of voices echoed, and she felt as if she wasn't alone. A smell of cigars and leather met her nostrils, and she turned in panic at the feel of a hand on her shoulder. Her fingers raised as a discharge of pink and purple energy exploded like a Roman candle in whoever's face.
"Cripes kid, it's me," Logan's voice gritted as he rolled over and out of the way.
"Ohh god Wolvie I'm so sorry!" Jubilee got out as he picked himself off the ground and shook his head.
I didn't know it was you!"
"S'okay, Jubes," he said quickly. "Figured you were out here…"
"Yeah, just needed some personal space," she muttered. "Who sent you out here to come get me?"
"I sent me," he said. "An I didn't come out to bring ya anywhere, darlin. I came out for a smoke… actually…"
"Uh huh," she said, choking back her anger at bobby as she saw him fumbling in his pockets for a stogie.
"Ya mind kid?"
"Sure," she muttered, paffing the end of his cigar with a controlled burst, and he swirled the smoke in his mouth before letting a cloud of it curl towards the stars. He made no move towards her, but she could see the outline of his head and shoulders, including the leather jacket and the cowboy hat he was fond of wearing. She hugged herself as she turned her back, and waited for him to say something. But the silence crept by, and she only heard the scrape of a steel toe kicking gravel.
"Ya forgot yer jacket," he said.
"Yeah," she muttered.
"Take this, you need it more than me," he said as she heard rustling, and felt him drape his leather coat around her shoulders. Gathering the ends around herself she held it shut, and turned to look at him.
"Thanks Wolvie," she muttered, and choked back another round of sobs.
"So, what are you planning t' do first? Find a few more rocks and put out a few more lights?" he asked, neutrally.
"Actually I was thinking of short sheeting his bed… or something worse," Jubilee laughed bitterly. "I'm so stupid…"
"No yer not," Logan said with a chuckle. "He is."
"Lucky me," Jubilee muttered. "I was such a butt head in there… everyone saw me… god, I'm so mortified…"
"It'll pass, darlin," he said quietly. "Usually does…"
"Yeah, right," she muttered. "And I'll wish for a pony…"
"I'd figured you'd want a BMX or a Harley, actually," he teased. "You tol' me you hated those my little ponies… a couple o' em were melted puddles on yer driveway…"
Jubilee giggled, and then felt the tears leaking down her cheeks. IT wasn't fair, she told herself. Bobby Drake liked her, she was sure of it. And right in front of the whole world he made a fool of her. "Good going Jubilee, just dig a hole deeper…"
"It hurts darlin' but it's his loss," came Logan's answer.
"Ya think?" she asked. "So why am I feelin' like I wanna die?"
"Yer growin' up, maybe?" he answered. "Even if they don't wanna know it, you are. An' don't worry; I think he's got the message…"
"You're not gonna hurt him too bad, are you, Wolvie?" Jubilee joked.
"I'm still deciding, darlin," came Logan's reply, and she heard the 'snickt' sound of claws unsheathing, and then the 'snackt' as they retracted. She lost her last shred of control, and laughed hysterically.
"This is just perfect, you know. Are we the biggest pair of losers or what?" she said sarcastically.
"Misery loves company if that's the case," he shrugged.
"Story of my life," she snorted, looking up at the stars and then back at him where he was puffing away on a cigar. She squeezed her eyes shut, and felt the tears coming. She didn't want to turn around and have him see her cry. Silently she willed herself not to, when she felt his hand on her shoulder. Jubilee didn't' push away when he stroked her back and she buried her head in his flannel shirt. She came to his chin in height, and made no noise when she sniffled, and gripped his shirt between her hands. He made soft shushing noises as he hugged her, and she rocked against him.
"He's not worth it, Jubilee," came his gruff voice, comforting nonetheless.
"Is this where you tell me that I'm gonna know what it's like in a few years, cause if you are, just don't okay?"
"I wasn't gonna say that, darlin'. Seems like ya know it already. Anyway, if ya did, I don't wanna be around for that paff…"
Jubilee snorted and laughed despite her tears, and felt his kiss on the top of her head. She accepted his comforting fatherly hug, and sniffled into his shirt one last time before she pulled away, and looked down at her feet. His arm held her to his chest, and she drew in a resigned sigh. "I guess they're gonna be sending the cops out after me if we don't' go back, huh?"
"Pretty much by now," Logan said as he looked at his watch. "Are you gonna let that joker ruin your fun?"
"Actually I was thinking maybe I've had enough fun for one night," Jubilee said. "I kinda would like wanna go home…"
"Actually, I've got a twenty an' a table with our name on it. Besides, someone's gotta show the Cajun he's' all hot air…"
"Okay, maybe one more game," Jubilee sighed, but as he walked back to the building, she rushed after him, and the choice was put off till much later.
By the time they returned, Jubilee was feeling marginally better. She glanced over to see that a small band was playing, and the tables had been cleared from the dance floor. Warren was slow dancing with Betsy, which consisted of swaying back and forth from foot to foot. Jubilee rolled her eyes and felt a fresh crop of tears when she saw Bobby taking Lori's hand and putting her hand on his hip.
Storm was sitting with Jean and Rogue, while Gambit tossed cards into a salad bowl. He lit a smoke and leaned over to say something as Wolverine and Jubilee approached their table. "Jubilee, are you all right?" asked Storm.
"She's fine," Logan answered, glancing at Jubilee to see if it was okay if he answered on her behalf.
"Why don't' you sit down with us…" Storm suggested.
"Actually we were gonna kick Gambit's butt," Jubilee snickered, wiping the vulnerable look off her face as she looked at Gambit.
"Come back for more, petit?" he winked. She saw his eyes take her in, and blushed when she realized he was looking at her in the way that she wished Bobby were. But that was nuts, he was just humoring her. Rogue thumped his arm and said, "C'mon Remy, let's oblige 'em…"
"Actually Cherie, they're playin' our song…" he said. "Care t' dance…"
"Ya gotta be kidding me," Rogue rolled her eyes, but let Remy take her onto the dance floor.
"Such youth," said Storm as she smiled.
"So much for our game," Jubilee shrugged and sat down.
"Care to dance, 'ro?" Logan asked, and Storm blinked.
"If Jubilee does not mind," Storm said.
"Sure, go cut a rug," Jubilee laughed.
"Jean," said Scott as he walked over and held out his hand. She took it and looked at the three of them with an apologetic glance.
"Ororo, may I?" asked Logan as he reached out his hand.
"Have fun kiddies," she grinned as she leaned back and watched Storm and Wolverine clasp hands and walk over to join the others. Storm towered over him, but he led her in a slow two step that had more history and penuche then the swaying excuse that Bobby was showing Lori. Gambit and Rogue were making a fair effort, while Jean and Scott were doing the same. Rogue whispered to Gambit, and he walked over to extend his hand to Jubilee.
"Petit? Do me the honor of joining us…"
"But Rogue…"
"Don't worry Sugah, I'm siting this one out," Rogue chuckled as she sat down next to Jubilee. Gambit reached out and took Jubilee's hand. She smiled as he squeezed her fingers and led her out with him. He positioned her hand on his lower back, and clasped her other hand.
"Follow me, petit… it's easy… Gambit will show you…"
"I'm so not sure of this," she muttered as Gambit swayed to the music. Storm had taken a similar position with Wolverine, and they seemed strangely right as they glided effortlessly across the floor. Jubilee had that goofy look on her face as she mentally chanted 'go Storm'. It was like some kid wanting her widowed daddy to dance with her favorite teacher. Bobby glanced at Jubilee and Gambit moving so rhythmically and Lori had to step on his foot to get his attention as Gambit slid past.
Scott and Jean held one another close as the music ended, and Storm saw Wolverine's gaze toward them. He let a low growl in his throat as he saw them, and she felt his body stiffen. Jubilee shook her head, realizing the pain that Wolverine was feeling was an echo of her own. There was some major undercurrent still going on since Jean had become Phoenix, and then been resurrected. All the X-men there on the moon had given a portion of their life force to save her, according to Logan. He'd volunteered his life for Jean's. Jubilee wished someone would feel that deeply about her someday.
"Wish I was ten years older," she muttered. Wait a minute! What am I thinking? This guy was like her stepdad for cryin' out loud!
"Gambit wish petit was ten years older too," Remy teased.
"Shaddup, yer making Rogue jealous," Jubilee laughed him off. As the music wound down, Warren leaned down to kiss Betsy's lips. They moved in their own universe as Jean and Scott followed suit, and Bobby and Lori were experimenting as well.
Gambit leaned down and gave Jubilee a peck on the cheek, whispering, "Merci petit, for the dance…"
"You're welcome," she said. If Gambit were a few years younger, and I was older… he'd make a great boyfriend as well. He probably was only ten years older than I am, and maybe… oh heck this stinks! Rogue would KILL me if she even THOUGHT I had a crush on GAMBIT!
Storm leaned down and gave Wolverine a kiss on the cheek, and he did the same as he stood up on tiptoes. "Thanks darlin," he said.
"My pleasure…" Storm said, and glanced at her watch. "Although I must apologize… it grows late, and I promised Mjnari I'd call before midnight…"
"Go on an' have fun…" he said as she looked at him, conflicted. It seemed strange to smell the wisp of scent that wafted from Ororo that moment. She actually seemed somewhat… interested?
Leaning down, Storm brushed her lips against his, and hugged him. "My thanks again, Logan, for an interesting dance… I had not realized how fun it was…"
"Me neither, 'Roro," he said quietly as he looked at her. He helped her into her jacket. She walked out of the bar, and was soon gone.
Jubilee saw as Gambit reached out to take Rogue's hand, and she sat at the table. Swirling her ice in her glass, she watched the other couples on the dance floor. Disappointment filled her when she saw Storm leave, and Wolverine glancing after her. "Ah man, Storm… it was just getting good!"
She was surprised to see someone give Ororo a hug as she laughed, and they walked out. Squinting she got up from the table and wandered over, curious. Ororo was laughing as a young African/native American man was helping her into a coat, and talking softly to her. She leaned up to kiss the man's cheek. Shaking her head, Jubilee wondered what this was all about.
She didn't care to see the look of whistfulness on Logan's face as she glanced back. Wolverine wandered back to the bar, and perched on a stool, watching Ororo leave with the new strange person. Jubilee could swear she'd seen him at the library and the botanical gardens from time to time. Some dude named Forge? But how could that be, because he was at a training camp last time they met, with Bobby's ex girlfriend Lorna Dane? It had been a few months since then, and already Bobby had almost vaulted over her when he met Lori, a fellow college student and brought her to the School for the Gifted for training. Heck must have frozen over for he was soon reinstated as an X man, along with newcomers Angel and Psilocke.
"God Storm, you are so dense," Jubilee mumbled as she wandered back towards the table, and happened to walk past the couples who were still moving on the floor effortlessly. She ignored Bobby and Lori, and watched Gambit and Rogue slowly moving in a waltz. Not to mention Scott and Jean who were in their own world as they moved to the music, and stopped short of where Wolverine sat nursing his beer.
"How tacky is that," she thought to herself. Walking quickly she moved up and perched on the seat next to him.
"Hey," she said as she held up her finger and paffed his third cigar that night.
"Hey yourself," he muttered back, staring past her.
"Party's getting kinda lamo, doncha think?" Jubilee suggested. "Wanna go get some pool?"
"Only if ya want to, darlin," he said absently, still gazing at Jean and Scott wistfully. He swigged down half his beer, and Jubilee snorted.
"Actually, I was wondering how you and Ororo managed to look anything but major dweeb on the dance floor… I mean you made slow dancing look lame… an' that's pretty out there…"
"It's called dancing, Jubilee," he said with a half laugh. "Back from the days when everyone actually knew what real dancin' was like…"
"You mean Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers style dancing?" Jubilee asked. Logan lifted an eyebrow and put his cigar into the ashtray, astonished mildly that Jubilee actually knew who those names were, or even expressed an interest.
"Depends," he said. "You've been watching AMC again? I'm glad to see you've got more taste in movies than most kids your age… shows there's some hope for you yet, darlin!"
"You gotta admit Bobby and his girl look pretty lame just movin' back and forth," Jubilee said. "An I was wondering if it's that hard to actually LOOK like you're doing something other than…"
"You challengin' me kid?" he asked with a twinkle of amusement.
"I mean since Gambit's mooning over Rogue, and Storm's gone bye bye," Jubilee shrugged. "Or maybe you're too cool to show a kid like me how to…"
"You're on," he said as he reached for her hand, and set his jacket and hat aside with hers. "Easy enough… it's on this side if I lead, especially if you've seen that dirty dancing movie…"
"Hand on the hip, and hand up here, I gotcha… I saw it, remember… I am sorta a dweeb when it comes to old movies…" she said as she let him direct her. It was endearing and funny to have him show her something other than fighting. But the long hours in the danger room proved they moved well together. It was nice to have a dance partner that he didn't have to stare up at, Logan decided. It wasn't that long ago when Kitty and he were on the same floor when Peter had dumped her.
Jubilee laid her head on his shoulder as they continued, and pretended it was Bobby, or anyone else that'd take the time. Granted it wasn't what either had expected, it was mutual father/daughter sort of comfort or big brother little sister. Anything else seemed crazy or off the wall.
"She's not worth it, you know," Jubilee whispered.
"Who's not, Jubilee?" he asked.
"You know whom," she pointed with her head.
"She was, once," said Logan sadly as he glanced at Jean and Scott, walking hand and hand out of the club.
"Man, that sucks," Jubilee muttered. "But ya got me as a dance partner. I mean you're one of the few people I'd be caught DEAD doing this with…"
"Yeah, lucky me," he chuckled, with a wistful sigh.
Jubilee knew he wasn't the sort that openly shared his feelings. Neither was she. At that moment he looked so miserable she didn't know what else to do. So she let go of his hands and gave him a hug. Logan let her, and rested his chin on her head. He held her tightly and was thankful someone understood.
"I'm not gonna bail on you," Jubilee said as she leaned her head against his.
"Yeah, how about that," he muttered, wondering what that meant, but not bothering to question it. She was 15 after all. And he wasn't blind or stupid not to know that she had a crush on him. But there were some lines people didn't cross, and she knew it.
"C'mon let's go get that pool table, before we get mushy," Jubilee nudged him.
"Best offer I had all night, darling," he said as he patted her on the shoulder, and she slugged him on the back. Together they walked towards the pool table. She still felt puzzled about why Storm would just suddenly up and leave, but figured it was nobody's business. If she stuck her nose into things she usually had the situation explode in her face like one of Gambit's charged cards. Seeing the pool tables all occupied, Wolverine assessed the situation.
"Aw man, everybody and their brother's playing…what is this?"
"You any good at darts, Jubes?" Wolverine asked, scratching his chin and glancing thoughtfully in the direction of a dart board set to one side of the long mahogany bar.
"I can just see someone getting one stuck in their butt now," she muttered as she glanced back at Bobby and Lori dancing.
