Of God and Man
Disclaimers: Everybody but Carolyn belongs to Stan Lee and Marvel. I ain't making a dime from this.
A/N: Thanks to my reviewers, especially dizi.
Feedback and archiving: You may archive if you wish but please tell me where. Feedback is gratefully appreciated. Just push the little button on the bottom of the page and tell me what you think.
Chapter 9: The Dating Game
Charles sought out Carolyn the next day and apologized for what he had said during the meeting. Scott had already told her about the new plan and she agreed that she could live with it. She couldn't drive so whenever she left the grounds, she had company. Now she just had more company.
The first time Logan sent her inside when he smelled the changes in her hormone levels was incredibly embarrassing. Most of the mansion was outside playing basketball or lounging on the grass. She was playing guard on his team when he stopped the game suddenly.
"You need ta go in Carol," he told her.
"But we're winning," she protested. "I can't quit now."
"If she leaves, homme, you forfeit," Remy said twirling the ball on one finger.
"Go inside Carol," he said through clenched teeth.
"But Wolvie," Jubilee whined. "We'll loose the game."
"Why do I have to go in?" she demanded.
"Yer ovulatin'," he growled.
An uncomfortable silence fell over the group. She gave a small embarrassed laugh. "Game called on account of hormones. This has to be a first." She ran to the mansion blushing redder than she ever had before.
Logan chased her in and caught her in the hall outside of her room.
"Sorry 'bout that," he said. "Next time, do what I tell ya ta do."
"Why didn't you just whisper in my ear?" demanded Carolyn.
"Two reasons," he said. "First, the team needed ta know. We'll increase out security inside and out. The second is 'cause I like ta rile ya."
"Very funny," she told him sourly. "What kind on security measures are you implementing."
"Increased patrol on the grounds. I'm gonna set up camp fer a few days in the woods. Cerebra's gonna run mid level systems durin' the day and lock down max at night fer three days. Chuck had gene scanners installed in all the entrances. Two people watching the monitors instead of one. Things like that. The one thing yer gonna hear about from the kids is that curfew is exactly at ten. Anyone outside after ten except me is gonna be targeted by the lasers and cannons so everyone's gotta be back on time."
"But it's Saturday," she objected. "Some of the kids have dates."
"Their gonna hafta cancel or be back early," he growled testily. Jubilee was one of those who had plans for tonight. He didn't like her dating, especially when he hadn't had the chance to give the guy a sniff.
"What are you going to do if they decide not to come home until the morning?"
He growled menacingly.
"Doesn't Jubilee have a date tonight?"
The pitch of his growls deepened and became more threatening. Carolyn felt the hairs on her arms rise.
"You'd better talk to her Logan. She's ornery enough to say 'Screw you' and stay out all night."
He was breathing hard. Jubilee was a pack mate and still a pup. He never reacted well when she went out on dates. He knew he was too riled up to talk to her and still make sense.
"Gimme a shot of calm," he told her. Carolyn directed a thread of calm into his mind, obliterating his anger.
"I said a shot, not a bucket," he said as his anger was erased and replaced by calm.
"You need as much calm as you can get when talking to Jubilee," she laughed. "Don't let her get you angry again."
"I ain't angry at her," he protested.
"No," she agreed, "you're angry at the lone male who invades your pack to sniff around one of your pups and you're transferring your anger to her. Don't let it get to you, Logan. She's nineteen. Give her a chance to find her own mate. She's a smart girl and she loves you. She won't pick someone who doesn't meet your high standards. She knows that if her marriage doesn't work out, she'll be a widow before she's a divorcee."
"I wouldn't..."
"Yes, you would," she stopped him. "You're more protective of her than any other child in the mansion. You have a long history with her." She opened her door and stepped into her room. "Go on, get it over with." She closed the door in his face.
He stood outside her door with a scowl on his face. He hated it when people had more insight into his feelings than he did himself. He felt the anger rise again and just as quickly, drain.
"Stop that," he growled through the door.
"I knew you'd start thinking again," he heard her say. "Go talk to her. This time, don't dwell on loosing her. She's not leaving you. And don't you dare loose your temper with her."
He took a deep breath and let it out in a woosh. His feet took him down the hall to Jubilee's room. He steeled himself and knocked on the door.
"Come in," Jubilee yelled.
He opened the door and went in. The room looked like it had been bombed. She had clothes strewn all over the room.
'Ya shouldn't just yell 'come in' Jubes," He frowned. "Ya need ta get in the habit of answerin' the door yerself or askin' who's there."
"In my own home Wolvie?" She was going through her wardrobe, looking for and outfit to wear on her date.
"Best ta get in the habit in the safety of the mansion than ta get yer ass kicked after ya get yer own apartment."
She stopped what she was doing and looked at him in surprise.
"You'd let me move out?" she asked, astounded.
"Don't look so surprised," he smiled. "I'm gonna hafta kick ya outta the nest soon but I need ta teach ya a few more things like how ta harden yer apartment and how ta shake a tail and evade capture when yer drivin'. Ya still got more ta learn from this old cannuckle-head."
Jubilee launched herself at him with a shriek and gave him a big bear hug. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close, his heart breaking. "Yer growin' up, darlin'," he told her, his voice rough with emotion. "I don't like it but I can't stop it from happenin'. It's gettin' ta be time fer ya ta find a man and settle down ta raise a family. I want ya ta be sure of yer choice 'cause I'll hafta kill the bastard if he hurts ya. Yer my lifeline Jubes. I want ya ta be happy, even if it means I gotta let ya go."
"Oh Wolvie," she sniffled. "I love you too."
They stood there, in each others arms, for quite some time before Logan cleared his throat and spoke.
"Jubes, about yer date tonight,"
"I know Wolvie," she stopped him. "I need ta be in by ten. We're just going to the arcade to play some games. The mall closes at ten. I'll be home before then, I promise."
He exhaled in relief. "I figured you'd be mad," he said.
"Nah," she told him as she pulled out of his arms. "Mike's a friend. I just wanted some time away from the mansion. Anyway, Carolyn's safety is more important than a date."
"I want ta meet him before ya go," he growled.
"I'm not planning on sleeping with him Wolvie," she teased. "I'm just going to the mall with him."
"That doesn't mean he ain't plannin' ta sleep with you," he cautioned. "I've lived with teen aged boys long enough ta know how they operate."
"You don't think I can take care of myself if he gets horny?" she demanded, her hands on her hips.
"I know ya can take care of him if he gets ta be too much but I'd feel better if ya know ahead of time if he wants ta get inta yer pants."
"Oh for heaven's sake Wolvie. He's a teenage boy! Of course he wants to get in my pants. I'd be concerned if he didn't. That doesn't mean he will. Give me some credit."
"Humor me Jubilee."
"Oh, alright," she gave in to him. "You get to sniff him but no claws. I don't want you scaring him off. He's a good friend."
"Thanks Jubes. If ya run inta any trouble or he ditches ya, call the mansion. One of the flyers'll pick ya up. If they can't come and get ya, go ta Jenny's place. She'll bring ya back in the mornin'. Just make sure ya call in. Ya got yer cell and money fer a cab?"
"Cell in my pocket and money in my shoe," she told him. "Don't worry Wolvie. It's not like this is my first date."
"I can't help it, darlin'."
"I know," she said, kissing him on the cheek. "Now get out so I can change. Mike will be here at six."
Jubilee kept her promise and returned home with ten minutes to spare, as did most of the others. Two of the other girls, figuring out they couldn't get back on time, checked into a hotel for the night. They were responsible enough to call the mansion and check in. One student decided to try to sneak in at midnight. He was caught by Wolverine but not before sustaining an ugly laser burn to his chest. By the thunderous expression on Wolverine's face when he handed the student over to Cyclops at the door, the guy knew it would be a long time before he saw the outside of the mansion again.
When Kitty and Kurt returned from XSE, Ororo left. She had been away from her team for too long and wanted to go back. Her exit was mourned by the X-Men but mostly by Carolyn and Logan. Carolyn was sad to see her teacher go. She had helped her so much in controlling her emotions and had become a very close friend.
Ororo appears cold to people who don't know her well. Carolyn had initially thought the weather witch didn't like her but, over time, she came to understand just how much Ororo cared. Storm's powers were driven by her emotions and made it necessary for her to have absolute control at all times. After getting to know her, Carolyn found that she had a wicked sense of humor and a caring heart. The fierce loyalty she had to her friends rivaled Logan's. She would do anything short of murder for a friend and was a lioness when it came to protecting the children in her charge.
Logan would miss her for a completely different reason. After Carolyn made it clear that their relationship wasn't going beyond friendship, he had taken a closer look at Ororo. She had been a friend for many years and he could count on her in battle. She was stunning, kind, gentle and loving. Everything he wasn't. He had always been attracted to her but he felt that his rough edges would disgust her. He was wrong. She had made the first overture and he went with it. It had taken several months for Logan to screw up the courage to invite her into his bed and he was surprise when she accepted.
Ororo was not an overly experienced woman; the only other man she'd been with was Forge. Logan was happy to teach her. Their lovemaking was usually sweet and satisfying for them both but, occasionally, the animal would get the best of him. Then it became wild and mind blowing. She would take everything he had and give him back more. He had fallen deeply in love with her. Her return to XSE was killing him.
With the return on Kurt, Carolyn's bedroom became very crowded each night. She had Rogue, Kurt, six of the students and herself kneeling around her bed and praying the Rosary. When three more students and Scott asked to join them, it became necessary to find another room. Charles offered a small parlor near the front door for their use and she accepted. Scott, Jean and Carolyn found antique pews in a shop in Boston, brought them home and Scott and Logan installed them in the parlor.
Fr. Ryan came once a week to say Mass in the mansion and found the little chapel charming. He 'lost' a portable alter there on one of his trips. He blessed a number of candles for them and brought a small braiser lit from the Paschal candle at St Agnes for them to use to light the candles for Mass. The chapel was not consecrated so the host could not be kept there but it functioned well for the residents and for Fr. Ryan.
I was necessary for the day of Mass to change every week. No one was informed until the day before, when there was going to be Mass. It was never the same day or time as the previous week. Reconciliation was monthly and was announced when Fr. Ryan arrived at the mansion. If Mass fell during the three days of highest security, it was canceled. Fr. Ryan was not allowed access to the X-Men during those three days.
Life fell into a comfortable routine for the residents. Several times, Carolyn was left behind as the team did it's job and saved the world. It was during one of those time that she noticed a change in Kitty's behavior. She seemed more relaxed and happier since her return. She finally admitted that she and Kurt had formed a bond and she was genuinely happy now. She also admitted that she still found Logan attractive but she was happy with Kurt and didn't want to jeopardize her relationship with him.
"He's with Ororo now," Carolyn told her one day when the team was off on a mission. "He loves her and seems to be happy now."
"I'm glad," Kitty told her. "He deserves to be happy. Too many people have shit on him over the years."
"Me included," Carolyn said.
"What do you mean?"
"He wanted me first and I rejected him, calling on my vows to shield me. I hurt him. I'm beginning to think I was wrong to wrap myself in the vows of sisterhood for so long after I was thrown out. I accused the convent and Charles of isolating me and putting me in a prison when it was me doing the isolating all along. I built my own prison and it's up to me totear it down."
"Don't do anything rash," Kitty cautioned.
"I'm not about to jump into bed with the first guy who asks but I'm going to date again."
"You've dated? I thought you went into the convent as a child."
"I did. I took Logan out to dinner not long after you left. It was horrible, Kitty. The food was awful and the service worse. The waitress kept coming on to Logan and ignoring me. And to top it all off, the car was stolen while we ate and we had to call home for a ride."
"Wow!" she said. "I don't think I've ever had a date go that bad. I mean, I've had a crazy mutant crash through the wall of the restaurant or attack a concert I've been at but I kinda expect things like that. The food's usually been great and the music awesome."
"Well, I haven't been brave enough to do it again," Carolyn said. "I've been out with Logan to Harry's but only as a group with Remy and Rogue and sometimes Jubilee but not an actual date, just me and him, a nice dinner and a movie or play."
"First thing we have to do is find you a guy," Kitty said as she made plans. "Logan and Remy are taken. How about Bobby?"
"I'd prefer someone a little more mature than the teenagers I teach all day."
"You can't have Kurt," Kitty told her, her eyes narrow.
"No," she laughed, "Kurt's yours. He's like a brother anyway."
"I know," she said excitedly. "Steve Rodgers."
"Captain America?" Carolyn squeaked. "I can't go out with him!"
"Why not? He's a sweet guy and he's single."
"He's Captain America! He's way above me. Anyway, I don't even know him."
"I do," Kitty told her with a sly look. "Come on Carolyn, let me invite him over. He's a nice guy and he won't demand sex on the first date. He's perfect for you."
"How can you be sure of that?"
"He's Logan's age. He was raised with different values than guys our age."
"That didn't keep Logan from trying to jump my bones."
"Steve's different. He's a gentleman. He won't do anything you don't want. Let me invite him over and you'll see."
"A blind date? I don't know about that Kitty."
"It won't be a date. I'll invite him over for a dinner with the X-Men so you can meet him. If you don't like him, you don't have to go out with him. If you want to go out with him, great. If you don't, that's great too, but you need to at least meet him."
"What if my powers scare him off?"
"If that happens, you can always give him an inferiority complex." Kitty knew she was weakening.
"If things go wrong, I get to smack you around a bit."
"Deal," Kitty agreed.
"You're so lucky," Jubilee told her as she dressed for dinner.
"Lucky?" she said distracted. She was trying to put her earrings on with shaking hands. She couldn't believe how nervous she was.
"Yeah," Jubilee sighed. "Kitty invited him to meet you. He's handsome. He's nice. He's Captain America for God's sake."
"It doesn't mean he's right for me, Jubes."
"Are you kidding? He's perfect."
"Ya decent in there?" Logan called through the closed door.
Jubilee jumped up and let him in. He had, for once, abandoned the jeans and flannel and was wearing green chino's and a ecru shirt. He had gone all out for her. She was touched.
"I'm always decent," Carolyn teased. "But I'm also ready. You look very handsome."
"Ya look great yerself," he told her. She was wearing a sapphire blue silk dress that draped her form to perfection. Silver shimmered on her ears and wrists. Her crucifix was nestled between her breasts. Her hair was pulled into a ponytail that fell past her shoulders in a riot of curls. She was breathtaking. Logan felt a pang of regret that they had been unable to make a match. Cap's a lucky guy, he thought.
"Hey," Jubilee called. "What about me?"
"Ya look terrific in anything, Jubes," he told her.
"What about my outfit?" She twirled to show off her red sequined mini and low cut tank top. She liked this outfit. It made her look sexy.
"Not enough fabric," Logan scowled.
"You're so old fashioned Wolvie," she giggled. "This is what all the girls are wearing now."
"Ya ain't 'all the girls', yer my girl," he growled. He saw the look of disappointment on her face and regretted his words. "Ya look beautiful darlin', just don't wear that in public unless I'm there ta protect ya from the wolves."
"Party pooper," she mumbled crossly as they went downstairs for dinner.
Dinner that night was very different than the usual dinners in the X-mansion. It was totally non powered. Plates went unfrozen and food was sent around the table by hand rather than by telekinesis. The candles were lit by matches instead of paffs. The students had eaten earlier so there were no loud arguments to break up and no food fights to shield from. All in all, it was a pleasant evening for all.
Carolyn found that Steve was everything Kitty had said he was. He was kind, a gentleman, didn't swear and only drank one glass of wine with dinner, preferring to stick with water. He was genuinely interested in her as a person rather than a body only good for sex. She was honest with him and told him that she had been a nun and why she had left the convent. He expressed his outrage at her treatment and told her that if she needed help to call him. By the end of dinner, it was Carolyn and Steve rather than Ms. Gibson and Mr Rodgers.
After dinner, Jean and Carolyn went into the kitchen to set up the coffee and dessert trays and Logan pulled Steve aside for a talk.
"She's been very sheltered Cap," he told him. "She's still a virgin and she's only had one date. It didn't go very well fer her. Ya hurt her bub, and I'll gut ya."
"I like her Logan," Steve told him. "She's bright, funny and beautiful but her life is too complicated right now. She's not ready for sex yet and I have no intention of pushing. If we have a physical relationship, it will be on her terms, not mine."
Logan was satisfied with his answer. Rodgers was a good guy. He knew the rules when it came to Logan's female friends; no touchie without his permission.
"So," Jean was saying in the kitchen, "what so yo think of him?"
"I like him," she sounded surprised. "He's a nice guy. A little white bread, but sweet."
"He is, isn't he? Most superheros are pretty full of themselves but not him. Steve's always had his feet firmly planted on the ground."
"You know him better than I do."
"Do you think you can be comfortable enough to date him?"
"I think I can. The only problem is that, until the nuts quit chasing me, we'll have to stick to the mansion, where we'll have the X-Men looking over our shoulders, or his place, where we'll have the Avengers doing the same thing. That kind of atmosphere isn't conductive to romance."
"Oh dear," Jean looked stricken. "I hadn't thought of that."
"Don't worry," she reassured the tall redhead. "If it's going to happen, it will. I've been around sneaky teenagers long enough to know their tricks. When I'm ready, I'll make sure we have privacy."
Carolyn walked Steve to the door at the end of the evening.
"I had a good time," he remarked.
"I did too," she said suddenly shy.
"Listen," he said after clearing his throat. "Would you be interested is going out for dinner and a play some night?"
"I'd love to," she smiled at him, "but Charles won't allow me to go out in public without at least two alpha level team members tagging along."
"Why?" he asked in confusion.
"I have a number of powerful mutants trying to get me," she explained. "There have been several attempts in the past year and one was here at the mansion."
"Why would they want you? Are you that powerful?"
"I'm an empath. I can control the emotions of just about anyone."
"Oh," he said thoughtfully. "How about the Avenger mansion? We could have dinner and talk. It's almost as secure as here and there are quite a few super powered residents. It's also close to XSE headquarters."
"I'd love to."
"Next Saturday?"
"Not next week," she told him as she ran some calculation through her head. "We should be in lock down next weekend." She saw his eyebrow rise in question. "I can't explain now. I need to ask Charles first if I can tell you everything."
"Far be it for me to try to get secrets from the X-Men," he laughed. "How about the Saturday after?"
"That would be great," she told him. "Just make sure the transportation meets Logan's high standards."
"I will," he said and kissed her cheek. "Good night."
"Good night Steve." She watched as he went to his car and drove off.
"He likes ya," Logan said from the shadows as she closed the door. She stopped being startled by his sudden appearances a long time ago.
"And I like him," she told him, heading for the stairs. He fell in beside her.
"Don't let him talk ya inta anything," he warned.
"Believe it or not, Logan, it's not always about sex. Sometimes it's about being with someone you care for."
"I know," he said sadly.
She stopped at the top of the stairs and looked at him.
"You miss her, don't you?"
"Yeah," he mumbled.
"Why are you still here then? You can transfer to XSE."
"I can't leave ya here unprotected."
"Unprotected? In a house full of powerful mutants?"
"It's not that darlin'. I made ya a promise and I intend ta keep it. Ya know the others won't do it and neither will Cap."
"I know," she said quietly. "At least take a few days and go and see her. She has to be a miserable as you." Indecision flitted across his face. "Go and see 'Ro and make sure you give her my love." She kissed his cheek and went to her room. He left the next morning.
