Title: Sirens' Song
Author: Sinayah
Disclaimer: I don't own any characters from Buffy, Angel, or Xmen. They belong to very rich people who don't appreciate them as we fanfic writers do.
Disclaimer 2: The Chapter Title and Lyrics belong to Avril Lavigne.
Authors Note: Many heartfelt thanks to my muse Zenura, without her I wouldn't have had the guts to write. If you like this story please review or send me an email, I'd really appreciate hearing what you think. Enjoy!
Chapter 14: I'm with You
"Take me by the hand take me somewhere new, I don't know who you are but I'm,
I'm with you. I'm with you…"
The next morning started a few new trends at the mansion. Serena woke early out of habit, but instead of jumping up to get her morning routine done so that she could be downstairs with breakfast waiting for the kids; she snuggled back down into the warm body that was holding her. She spent a few minutes just looking at Logan, his strong features softened in sleep, ocean blue eyes closed so that the thick black lashes swept his blade like cheekbones. His full lips, usually set in a stern frown, were slightly parted and tilted up at the corners. The softest of snores issued from him as he slept, the sound more soothing than annoying.
Unable to resist the temptation, Serena brought her lips to his, and woke him in the fashion he'd expressed a desire for the previous night. Logan woke slowly, a 'huh' sound on his lips, as his bed partner delicately licked at his mouth trying to get a reaction from him. Realizing that he was in Chattys' bed and that the small woman was kissing him awake, Logan closed his eyes again and pulled her tighter against him. He kissed her back with lazy passion, his tongue duelling with hers until they had to part for breath.
"Now that's the way I wanna wake up." The big man stated as he stretched his heavily muscled frame. He'd worn only his boxer shorts to bed and was now treating Serena to a free show. The womans golden eyes roamed over his body, lingering on his furry barrel chest and…lower portions. Logan looked like a big cat as he stretched, arching his back off the mattress and curling himself in various positions. A growly yawn made its way out of him, the low sound almost a purr.
"Morning Wolvie, glad you liked it. Too bad we can't stay in bed and enjoy waking up a while longer. The kids will be getting up soon and I need to have their breakfast ready." A soft sigh issued from her lips as she continued, "The last thing we need is Kurt getting in trouble for being late; if I don't feed him he'll stop at that rat stand for one of his 'burger bombs'." Serena got up and returned Logans' earlier favour by stretching languorously.
Logan grunted at her, and started to get up, but was stopped by the site of his dark haired bed mate walking to her dresser and bending over to pull out some clean clothes. He growled, "Keep showin me that curvy little ass and we will be stayin in bed; probably for a month or two. Gawd woman!" Serena, still bent over her dresser, looked back at the big man. She saw that he was staring; mouth agape, at her rear. Giggling at the evil thoughts in her mind, she faced the dresser again and wiggled her derriere.
Her teasing actions sparked the same kind of response in her friend. Logan stood and crossed the room, coming up behind Serena as she stood. He took her by the shoulders and spun her around, then kissed her thoroughly. Pulling back to look into her clouded eyes, he smirked and proceeded to swat the woman on her backside, twice. "That's for teasin me; and that's for stealin my shirts to use as p.j.'s. Didn't think I noticed did ya?"
Serena made a face at the man and rubbed her stinging butt. "No I didn't, but since you know, I'll just nick a couple more next time I do your laundry. They make great pyjamas; now go on back to your room and let me get dressed." Logan leaned in and kissed her once more, his large hand coming around to join hers in rubbing the soreness from her behind. When he finally turned to leave, the evil glint was back in Serenas' eyes and she swatted his rump with a fair amount of strength. "That's for my sore arse."
The two grinned at each other and Logan quietly left the room, shutting the door behind him. As the raven haired man walked down the hall, he heard the first alarm clock go off. Knowing that his charges would be up and about in a few minutes, he quickened his pace. 'Have to keep up appearances; the brats expect you to be downstairs frowning at the newspaper by the time they come in for breakfast. Don't know about the frown, but I'll be in the kitchen alright. Gotta pay Chatterbox back for the smack on my ass. Damn but that woman is fun to be with.' He mused as his bedroom door closed behind him.
Half an hour later the six teens plodded, teleported, or phased downstairs. It took them a moment to realize that this was no ordinary morning. There was food on the table, and their surrogate parents were in the room, but those were the only things resembling normalcy. Logan and Serena were standing next to the window seat, making out. All six would swear that they had seen Logan actually grin; not his normal sardonic smile or evil smirk, but a big goofy grin; when Serena patted his denim covered butt. As a chorus, they'd all said, "Huh?"
"Oops. Bloody hell Wolvie, I knew I shouldn't have let you in the kitchen this morning. Go sit down, I'll bring you some coffee. Morning kids, did you all sleep well?" Serena took no notice of her charges shocked stares, they all knew she and Logan were close, and it didn't matter to her if they knew that the two were now an item. When no one responded she continued, "Oh quit acting as if you'd never seen two people kissing before. Sit down and have your breakfast."
Trying and failing to wipe the grins off their faces, the teens sat, and Scott was the first to comment. "So Evan, who has today in the pool?" The group laughed, even when Logan growled and held up a fist at them. Serena chuckled and told the laser eyed boy that she believed today was one of Kurts'. This sent the teens into another round of laughter. They hadn't thought Serena and Logan knew about the betting.
The room quieted after that, and Serena brought out coffee for she and Logan. The pair sat in the window seat, listening to their friends chatter. Rogue informed Serena that she'd closed the curtains in the second floor hallway so that Spike could move around when he woke up. The woman thanked her friend, remembering that she'd have to close some on the first floor so that the vampire could get downstairs.
After breakfast Jean, Rogue, Kitty, and Scott piled into the convertible and drove off. Evan was right behind them on his skateboard. Kurt planned to teleport to school, so he had some time before he had to leave. He talked with Serena and Logan for a couple minutes, then said goodbye and vanished in a puff of fragrant smoke.
"Well Chatty, now that the kids are off to school, why don't we pick up where we left off?" Logan grabbed his little woman and pulled her into his lap. Serenas' laugh was muffled against her companions' lips. Knowing that they had some time before duties called them away from each other, the pair relaxed into a lengthy, passionate embrace.
Charles and Ororo, who were taking a morning stroll through the gardens, passed by the kitchen window and saw the pair engaged in a tender moment. Logan had leaned back against the wall and bent one leg up, booted foot resting on the seat. Serena was curled between the mans thighs, her upper body cuddled against his muscular chest and her long dark hair fell loose and wild over the arm that held her. Logan was pressing soft kisses against her face as she ran her fingers through his hair.
"They look very good together, I am happy that they've finally decided to start a relationship." Storm commented as she and the professor stopped to watch the cheerful scene. The weather witch had hoped that her friends would become a couple. They made each other happy.
Charles agreed, "Yes, they compliment each other well. I've known Logan for many years now, and I've never seen him as light-hearted as he is with Serena." The telepath was mildly tempted to scan Logan's thoughts, to experience for a moment the tender passion his old friend was giving and receiving with the little hypnotist; but he resisted the urge, unwilling to intrude on his friends mind.
In the kitchen, Serena pulled back and rested her head on Logans' shoulder. Looking out the window, she spotted Charles and Ororo under a tree and commented to the big man, "Take a look outside Wolvie, we've got a couple of peeping toms." Her tone was amused, and Logan raised his gaze from the top of her head, glancing outside.
"What say we join em Chatterbox? Have a little walk before we have to get to work." Logan offered, though as far as he was concerned the rest of the world could go to hell while he stayed in the window seat with Serena. She nodded consent, though her mind was in full agreement with Logans'. He ran one long fingered hand through her mane of dark hair, and kissed her kiss bruised lips once more before they got up and went outside.
The morning passed quickly as the older members of the Xmen walked through the gardens, talking about this and that. When they returned to the house Ororo pushed the professors' wheelchair into his office and stayed there with her mentor, helping him with the day to day paperwork. Logan and Serena parted at the front door with a last heated embrace. "See you later Sweetheart. I'm gonna go work on the bike, call me when the bleached guy gets up and I'll show him the Danger Room."
"Have fun Wolvie, I'll get you when Spike wakes up. Try not to get too filthy working on your baby, the grease is a nightmare to get out and I want that shirt for a nightie." The woman replied cheekily. When Logan gave her a look she interpreted to mean 'I'm gonna spank your butt again' she turned and trotted away quickly, grinning at him over her shoulder as she went back into the kitchen to clean up the breakfast mess.
* * * * * * * * * *
Morning also passed quickly at Bayville High. The tension that normally lay between the Xmen and the Brotherhood was almost completely gone after their get together the previous evening. Lance passed by Scott in the hall between classes, and instead of stopping to insult each other, they just nodded politely and kept walking.
Kurt and Todd shared second period and usually glared at or insulted each other, but today the black haired teen voluntarily sat next to the Brotherhood member and they talked a little when the teacher wasn't looking. Rogue had some trouble with her locker and would've been late to home room if it hadn't been for Freddy, who gave the locker a light punch on his way past to unstick it. The redhead shared her first class with the huge boy and offered him a 'thank you' when she sat at her desk just before the tardy bell rang.
A few minutes after the bell for lunch break sounded, Evan and Pietro were nowhere to be found. A note left in the white haired boys' locker between classes had asked him to meet Evan in Forges' old lab at lunch. The speedster had tried extremely hard not to rush to the building as soon as the bell sounded. Even without using his sonic speed, Pietro arrived a few minutes before his crush.
Just as Pietro was starting to get nervous, Evan arrived. In the dark skinned boys' arms was the reason for his lateness. The boy had brought both lunch and a daisy to his new boyfriend. He set his offerings on the ground and faced the angel faced teen, "Hey 'Tro." He greeted with a nervous smile.
"Look man, I'm not quite sure how this works. You're the first guy I've ever been with and I don't really know what to do with you. If you were a girl it'd be easy, I bring you a flower," he held up the daisy, "I get a smile. Add in some chocolate," A chocolate bar came out of his pocket. "I get kissed." The dark boy babbled.
Evan looked down at the small gifts in his hands and shrugged before meeting Pietros' eyes again. "But you're a guy, and I realized last night that while I may like you, a lot, I don't know much about you. I don't know what to give you to make you happy. You're gonna have to give me some clues on how to go here." When he finished explaining, Evan held out the tokens he'd brought, hoping that Pietro would appreciate the fact that he'd tried.
The snowy haired boys face lit with delight, and the grin he offered was genuine. He came forward and took the flower and candy, then pressed a kiss to Evans' cheek. "Thanks Ev. I'm not really the flowers and candy type, but it's the thought that counts. You didn't have to bring me anything to make me happy, I'm just glad that you came, that what we started yesterday meant something."
"Ok, no more daisies or chocolate, but can I get a kiss anyway?" The dark skinned blond asked, a teasing smile on his handsome face. Pietro nodded and pressed his lips to Evans. Drawing back for a much needed breath a moment later, he took his boyfriends' hand. Pulling the blond behind him, Pietro picked up the food and led Evan over to the wall of the building.
"Sit down Ev, let's have lunch. Thanks for that too by the way." Pietro said. Evan sat down on the dusty floor, crossed his ankles, and reached up to take the food from the white haired boy. Pietro gave him the bag, but didn't sit down. He crouched instead and shook his head, then took hold of the dark boys' foot and pushed his legs apart. When Evan arched an eyebrow at him, he smiled, and quickly settled himself into the newly cleared space.
When he was situated comfortably, his back pressed to Evans' chest, Pietro sighed contentedly and said, "Here's a clue, I like to cuddle." Evan laughed lightly, relaxing. He kissed the snowy hair and wrapped one arm around the teens' stomach. Pietro grabbed a sandwich out of the bag and started eating. Evan followed suit and the new couple enjoyed a quiet meal.
After they'd finished eating, Evan said, "'Rena knows, about us I mean. Man she scared the hell out of me last night. She came into my room and asked me straight out what was going on between us." The dark skinned boy chuckled at the memory.
"I figured she knew, she's the closest thing to a real mom I've ever had, and it shows; she sees and hears way too much. Is she ok with it, with us?" Pietro responded, dearly hoping the raven haired woman would understand and accept them. He'd only been reunited with his old friend for a week, but his love for her was as strong now as it had been when he was a child.
Evan nodded and explained, "She's fine with the idea, and happy for us. She told me some things about you, when you were little." He grinned at the thought of a small Pietro and continued, "She really loves you man, not just the kid she remembers either, she loves who you are now too." The dark boy finished speaking and ran his fingers softly over Pietros' cheek and through his silky white hair.
Pietro smiled, knowing what his boyfriend said was true, he'd felt Serenas' love from the moment she set eyes on him in Mystiques' office that day. "I know she does, 'Rena loves everyone. Well except for Mystique and my father. What did she tell you about me? Please say she didn't translate my nickname for you. I love it when she calls me that, but man if anyone found out what it means I'd never be able to show my face at school again." His speech became fast as he spoke, his nervousness over his nickname becoming apparent.
"I asked, but she wouldn't tell me. Said you'd have her head if she told and that I should ask you if I really wanted to know. Must be really embarrassing huh? She told me a couple of things, mostly to help me understand you." Pietro gave him a confused look; he didn't think he was that hard to understand.
"She said you wear your heart on your sleeve, but you've learned to hide it behind the bad boy attitude. She also told me that you care for me a lot, but were afraid to tell me yourself because I might be playing with you." Evans' tone was serious, and before he continued he took Pietros' chin between his fingers and lifted the young mans head so that he could meet the silver blue eyes.
The snowy haired boy was tense now, not knowing what to say. It was all true, he did care for Evan, and he was scared to tell him. Magneto had taught him that showing your feelings, even having feelings, made you vulnerable. Evan saw that the boy in his arms was getting skittish, and he soothed away the tension, "I'm not playing with you Pietro. All those bad feelings I had for you are gone; I like you, and I want to be with you. Whatever we have here, it's just the beginning. I'm telling you the whole truth man, and I hope it helps."
Evan turned Pietro in his arms and placed the boys' hand on his chest, over his heart. Still looking into the whirling blue grey eyes he continued, "I trust you with my heart Pietro; I believe Serena and I think you'll take good care of it. I told her last night I wouldn't hurt you, and I'm telling you the same thing now. I won't hurt you 'Tro, not intentionally, and if I do it on accident I'll do whatever it takes to make it better."
Listening to the boy he had adored for so long tell him all the things he'd never thought to hear brought a warm rush of joy to Pietros' heart. As his emotions got the better of him, he wrapped his arms tightly around Evans neck and buried his face in the boys' shirt. He felt Evans' arms come around him and the dark skinned boy held him close, rocking slightly.
Pietro eventually loosened his hold on Evans' neck, but he kept his face hidden in the boys chest as he said, "I trust you too Ev, I was just scared to tell you. You and 'Rena are the only people who've ever cared about me. After my father took me away from her, I wouldn't let anyone near me; I didn't want to love anyone and lose them like I did before. When I met you, I had to try really hard to be mean and nasty to you. I liked you even then, but I didn't want to get hurt."
Evan smiled and kissed Pietro gently on the lips before replying, "I know, when 'Rena was talking to me last night, she made it all seem clear, and I could see what she did. Next time I go to pick flowers for you, remind me to give em to her instead, I've got a feeling I owe her a lot."
Thinking of Serena brought the scene that morning to mind and he was eager to tell his boyfriend about it. "Oh, that reminds me. You'll love this, I came down to breakfast this morning with the gang, and we all caught 'Rena and Logan making out in the kitchen. Looks like Kurt won the pool. Man, even though we were expecting it, it was freaky seeing 'em making out. Logan actually grinned when she patted his ass."
The couple enjoyed some light laughter at their friends' expense and then cuddled close together to talk about lighter subjects until the lunch period ended. Before the break ended they'd decided that the abandoned lab would be their regular meeting place, and they would have their lunch there in private whenever they could. The boys were making out when the bell rang, and by the time they realized it was time to go not even Pietro Maximoff; the fastest teenager on earth, could make it to class on time.
* * * * * * * * * *
Back at the mansion, Serenas' chores kept her busy most of the day. Professor Xavier had a cleaning service that came in three times a week to clean the mansion, but when the hypnotist had moved in, she'd taken over some of the duties. She didn't like the idea of strangers cleaning the personal bedrooms of the residents, so she did it herself. She also took care of the daily nuisances, household laundry, and the cooking.
Since she'd been gone for two days, taking half the residents with her, things had only piled up a little, but there was still work to be done. She'd just finished changing clothes at three o'clock when Spike poked his head out of his bedroom. Seeing that the hallway was darkened he walked down to Serenas' room and made himself at home.
The hypnotist had done a good job decorating her suite. Spike saw many of the gifts he and Drusilla had given her over the years scattered around the room. On the king sized bed was a beautiful, hand made goose down comforter that he'd bought in Russia just a few weeks after meeting her. The old wooden chest at the foot of her bed was the trunk she'd taken on their travels. Sitting in a rocking chair was Isabella; one of Drusillas' favourite dolls that she'd gifted Serena with when they parted in New Orleans.
When Serena came out of the bathroom Spike commented, "You've got a touch with decorating Nymph. This place looks better than your flat in Louisiana. Did you really bring all those bloody trunks and trinkets of mine up here?"
"Of course I did. As soon as I knew I was going to stay here I took a quick trip back down to New Orleans and shipped everything. You left your things in my care Spike; I wasn't just going to leave them. You've got a regular treasure trove stored away, all those years of collecting things like a pack rat. I bet the kids would be thrilled if you showed them some of the stuff in those trunks." Serena replied. The vampires had shown her the contents of the trunks when they brought them to her. Inside were stored a century and a half of mementos from both their lives. She even had a few trunks of Angelus' things that Spike had kept after his sire was cursed.
"We'll go through them later, the brats can help. Is there a clear path for me to get down to the hospital room? Need to get some breakfast before the kids get home." Serena nodded and led the vampire downstairs where she had closed enough curtains to make a darkened path to the elevator.
She left the vampire to go get his blood, and went out to the garage. Logan had finished with his motorcycle, and was now lying underneath the X van doing something that would no doubt leave him filthy and smelly. Serena nudged his hip with her boot and he slid out from under the van. "Hey there Grease Monkey, whatcha doing?"
Logan offered her a grin and replied, "Just changin the oil Chatterbox. How come you're all dressed up?" He stood up and stretched after he finished speaking, trying to work the kinks out of his massive shoulders. He laughed out loud when his girl gave him a once over and shuddered at the state of his clothing.
"I'm going to grab a couple of the kids when they get out of school and do some shopping. The cupboards are nearly bare and I need to pick up some blood for Spike. He's up and about by the way, so if you're finished playing in the dirt you can show him around the lower levels." Serena chastised her Wolf. In truth she thought Logan was the sexiest thing on earth, even covered in filth. But she wasn't going to tell him that.
The greasy man gave Serenas' outfit another glance; to him it looked too dressy for shopping with a couple teenagers. The lovely woman preferred dresses and skirts as pants prevented her tail from morphing into place if the need arose. Today the skirt was long and airy, floating around her legs to mid calf, its deep wine color accenting her pale skin. A cream coloured sweater covered the generous mounds of her breasts, though a good amount of cleavage was visible where the neckline dipped into a deep vee. "One day I'm really gonna have to try that potato sack. Woman you look too damn good."
"Potato sack, Logan? I think not. Thanks for the compliment though. Do you want me to pick up anything special at the store?" Serena asked. She planned to pick up a few things at the mall after the teens inevitably ditched her, and picking something up for Logan would leave the kids more time to have fun.
Logan thought about it for a moment. 'Let's see, you can get all the condoms they have, and some whipped cream, and some chocolate sauce. Massage oil would be good, and maybe some little nothin to wear that costs a fortune.' The images that came with his wayward thoughts had his already tight jeans cutting off circulation in an instant. Aloud he shrugged and replied, "If you pass by a department store you can go in and get me some new shirts. The laundry monster seems to have stolen half of mine."
Serena went into a fit of giggles and Logan joined her. A moment later she said, "I have three Wolvie, so if half of your shirts are missing you better go down to the laundry room and kill the monster." While the big man chuckled over her comment she came close and took his chin between two delicate fingers. Pulling him down to her level, Serena brushed her lips over his and backed away. An evil smile graced her lips as she whirled suddenly, making her skirt flare up and out to display the long length of her legs all the way to the tops of her thighs.
"Jaysus H. Christ Chatty, you tryin to kill me?" Logan called after her, once he'd rolled his tongue back into his mouth. 'Right, that skirt goes on the 'not to be worn outside the bedroom' list. Along with that whatever the hell it was she wore that first night in California.' He mused as he lowered himself back onto the dolly and slid underneath the van to finish his oil change.
Spike was in the professors' office when Serena came back in the house to get her purse. She said a quick goodbye to the men, and told Spike that Logan would be in soon to show him around the lower levels of the mansion. Charles offered her a small pile of money to pay for the groceries, but she waved him off. Keeping the mansion stocked with food was just one way she could repay the man for all he'd given her.
By the time she got back to the garage, Logan had left to clean up. Serena grabbed a set of keys off the wall and hopped into the minivan she'd bought after moving to the mansion. It took only a few minutes to make the drive to the high school, and she parked near the front entrance just before the final bell rang.
Standing next to the van, the Xmen and Brotherhood teens saw her as they came out of the school building. They all came over to greet her, some wanting to know why she was there, and some just wanting to say hello. She greeted them all with a smile, "Hey kids. I need a couple volunteers for grocery shopping, there's a trip to the mall and twenty bucks in it for anyone willing to help an old lady keep you all fed."
Kitty and Rogue answered by jumping into the van, not willing to give up a mall trip with money to spend. Kurt climbed in as well, always willing to spend time with his friends. "Anyone else?" Serena asked, her eyes on the four Brotherhood boys, including them in her offer as if they were already part of her team.
"Sure, why not." Lance replied as he slid in next to Kitty. While the teen wasn't particularly fond of grocery shopping, he was fond of both money and Kitty. Since the older woman had made the offer while looking at him and his friends, he wasn't going to turn her down. Twenty bucks was more than good pay to help her with her groceries.
"That'll do. And at least one of you could've said I wasn't an old lady. See you later kids." The raven haired woman said cheekily as she rounded the front of the van and climbed behind the wheel. "Lance you might want to give one of your friends the jeep keys so they don't have to walk home." She added. Lance tossed his keys to Freddy, who was closest, and they were off.
* * * * * * * * * *
Serena headed to the mall first, and as expected, the four teens ditched their chauffer. Kitty dragged Lance along with her to the music store, Kurt wanted to check out a computer program Willow had told him about, and Rogue headed into Bloomingdale's to look for any new clothes that might suit both her needs and her sense of style.
The older woman followed Rogue, needing to pick up some clothes for Spike and Logan. Joining the girl in the young women's section, she saw that Rogue was casting wistful glances at the skimpy clothing worn by other girls her age. As the two women chatted about clothing, Scotts' girlfriend Taryn and three of her friends walked by. The comments of the dim witted but popular girls reached their ears.
"Look at that Goth wannabe and her sister Miss Priss. I can't believe that girl, she bleaches those streaks into her hair, and tries to wear the clothes, but she keeps herself completely covered, I mean she even wears gloves. And that black haired bitch is no better, with her old maid sweater and skirt." Taryn gossiped.
The trio of minions nodded and one blond replied, "Didn't Scott say that Rogue girl had a skin condition? How gross is that, I mean, eww. And did you see the way everyone flocked around his house mother after school? Like, Mama's boys much? Even Lance and Pietro went over to talk to her."
The group passed by before any more of their comments could be heard, but the damage they left in their wake was evident in Rogues jade eyes. The redheads' shoulders had slumped, and Serena could see that her friend was fighting back tears. "Sometimes, it sucks having to be mature. If I was your age I could get away with the things I'd like to do to that bunch. What Scott sees in Taryn I'll never know. Come on Rogue, don't pay attention to them. They're petty, jealous morons, and we have a variety of gorgeous men at home who think we're Gods' gift to the male gender. I'll take a handsome mans opinion of my looks over theirs any day."
Rogue nodded, knowing that Serena was right. She thought of Spike, how the blond treated her like a queen, and told her she was a 'cute little spitfire'; but the remarks of her peers still cut. Looking in the direction they'd gone the girl quietly told her friend, "I wish I could be like them Serena. Just for one day, one moment, I want to be able to wear something skimpy and sexy and not have to worry that I'll hurt the guys who'd want to touch me. It's not too much to ask for is it?"
"No Rogue, it's not. You should be able to wear what you want and not have to keep your skin covered. But life's a card game and we'll play the hand we've been dealt Sweetie. Eventually the house has to lose doesn't it? It did for me when the professor found the loophole in my mutation, and I swear some day soon I'll help you to get that moment you want so much." Serena vowed, aloud and inside her mind, that she would make her friends' wish come true, very soon.
Rogue stayed close to Serena for the rest of the shopping trip. The older woman was her best friend and out of all the mutants she knew only Serena, Scott and Kurt had dealt with the same problems she had. The hypnotist had given up her voice for almost half her life, Kurt had to hide behind a hologram just to be accepted into society, and Scott couldn't look at anything without his ruby shades. 'They get through; even with the limits and rules they have to follow. How can I do any less?' The younger girl mused as they strolled arm in arm through the mall, picking up a variety of things for their friends.
An hour later the women gathered their missing friends and left the mall. Grocery shopping was an easy task, only taking an hour and two shopping carts to make sure that the Xmen and Brotherhood would be well fed for another week. As they exited the supermarket Serena handed the keys to the minivan over to Kurt, and told him to take Rogue and Kitty and get the groceries stowed away. Lance started to follow the other teens, but the older womans' hand on his arm stopped him.
"Not so fast Lance honey, I've got a little test for your manhood." The rock tumbler gave her a confused look and she pointed to a shop on the other side of the parking lot. "You, are going in there, with me." When Lance saw which shop the woman was pointing to he tried to back away, shaking his head in an emphatic 'no'. Serena nodded her head in an even more emphatic 'yes' and dragged the teen over to the arts and crafts shop by the arm.
When she had the boy inside the store, she released his arm and said, "Don't worry Lance, you don't have to do anything except carry heavy objects back to the car for me." The teens chocolate eyes lost their panicked glint, and he followed Serena to the back wall of the shop where the large bolts of material and sewing machines were kept.
Lance leaned against the wall with his muscular arms crossed defensively over his chest and watched as Serena commandeered a sales lady and ordered the most expensive sewing machine they carried. 'Holy shit! She's spending six hundred bucks on a sewing machine? What the hell for?' he thought, shocked at the amount of money he'd seen her spend so easily.
Serena saw the dark haired boys' utter shock and confusion and decided to explain. "Sewing your own clothes is fast becoming a lost art. I learned when I was a little girl and I used to sew Pietros' clothes. Now I need a new machine so that I can make something special for Rogue, and if you tell her I'm making her something I'll make sure you regret it." She shook one finger at him as she commanded his silence.
While the sales lady was retrieving the machine Serena wanted, the woman looked over the large selection of material the store carried. A crooked finger brought Lance to her side and she loaded his arms up with a variety of fabrics. "Rogue's gonna wear plaid flannel?" the boy asked when she put a couple bolts of the thick material in his arms.
"No Silly, Wolverine is." A minute later she gestured to a row of gauzy, sheer, elastic material in several different colours. "This is what Rogue will wear. I think we'll get some of each color." Lance looked at the material and made a face, some of the colours were awful. He shook his head and remarked, "Nuh uh, most of those colours are just nasty."
Serena chuckled silently at her small manipulation. She'd wanted the boy to help her pick some colours that would look good on her young friend, and knew he wouldn't cooperate unless the situation was dire, and she had to admit that some of the colours in that pile were drastic, to say the least. "Alright, which ones do you think would look good on our Rogue hmm? Tell me the four best and that's what I'll get."
Lance set his pile of fabric down and took the time to inspect the prettier materials. He quickly pulled out the bolts of black and white, and then added the girls' trademark green, but he puzzled over the last choice. "Can I ask what you're gonna make for her? Some of these would look nice if there was just a little of it, but if there's gonna be a lot of this stuff then I'd choose something else."
"I can't tell you exactly, it would ruin the surprise later. But there will be a lot of the gauze." While Lance debated over colours, Serena wandered around, picking up a few more bolts of material. When she came back and added them to the large pile the teen was still lost. "Just grab both and add them to the pile." The boy gave her a relieved smile and grabbed the light tan and royal blue gauze. The older woman nodded approval of his choices.
The rock tumblers' arms strained under the weight of the huge pile of materials Serena had chosen, "You're not really gonna buy all of this plus the sewing machine are you?" The small woman shook her head and led him to a large table where the sales lady from earlier met her.
Serena gestured to the boy to set his burdens on the table and told the woman, "Cut me four yards of each please. I'll be back to collect them and the machine in a few minutes." She typed into her computer. With an empty armed Lance trailing behind her, the raven haired woman wandered through the isles, collecting needles, pins, some ribbon and lace, tiny seed beads, and spools of thread.
"Wow, I didn't know there was so much stuff in these stores. Does anyone else from the mansion come here?" Lance asked. Some of the wood and porcelain sculptures looked like they'd be fun to work with, not that he would actually buy the things and do the projects.
The small woman nodded and pointed to various types of crafts. "Ororo, she likes to paint the sculptures. Look around the mansion sometime and you'll see a few of her pieces. Kitty weaves with thread and beads; Rogue makes the pretty sun catchers over there. Logan sometimes works with wood, but he goes to the lumber yard like a 'real man' and carves it himself, with his claws. The boys aren't too big on the hobbies, only Kurt comes in here with me; he likes to build the models like the ones on that wall."
"Cool. One of my foster mothers used to do the yarn stuff, and the canvas, you know what I mean?" The teen was taking a closer look at some of the model ships, fingering the twenty dollar bill in his pocket. Most of the models were upwards of thirty bucks, but he could save the extra ten pretty easily if he pretended the jeep was out of commission.
"Needlepoint, crochet, and knitting. I can do those, but they take a lot of time. You like the models Lance? Which is your favourite?" Serena asked, noticing the boys' interest. Having grown up with a mother who enjoyed working with her hands, she thought everyone should be able to do some kind of craft. Lance pointed to the replica of a submachine that was actually supposed to work once you put it together. "Why don't you use the twenty I gave you and put it on lay-away? You can pay it off fairly easily."
Lance shrugged and said that he'd think about it and the pair went back to the sewing section to pick up Serenas' purchases. After the woman had paid, using a platinum credit card, she sent Lance to the car ahead of her, pretending a sudden interest in one of the displays near the door. When the boy was out of sight she ran back to the models and grabbed the one he'd pointed to.
Taking it to the counter she convinced the more than willing sales lady to let her purchase the model now, and pick it up the next day. If she remembered right, Lance had a birthday coming up the next month, and this could be his gift from her and the other girls at the mansion. With a pleased smile on her elfin face, Serena left the store a few minutes later.
The last stop for the day was on the outskirts of Bayville. Serena parked the van and turned to face the teens. "You kids stay in the car and don't unlock it. I'm going into the butcher shop to get Spike some blood. If anyone comes near or tries to open the door you honk the horn to let me know." Leaving the curious but cautioned teens in the van, the older woman got out and walked into the butcher shop.
Bayville was small compared to the other suburbs of New York City, but it had a small vampire population. The shop where she would regularly buy cows blood for Spike was patronized by vamps, and the owner knew that these special clients were not normal. Serena allowed her eyes to blacken and her fangs and claws emerged. Inside the shop she didn't bother with pleasantries, just handed a folded piece of paper with the amount and type of blood she wanted on it. The man took one look at her and filled the order as fast as possible.
Back in the van a few minutes later Serena drove back into the main part of town. She dropped Lance off at the boarding house, thanking him profusely for his help. The teen blushed faintly and waved it off as nothing. The other three teens waved goodbye as she pulled back out onto the street and drove home.
* * * * * * * * * *
Logan and Spike came out to greet Serena and the teens when they pulled into the garage. The dark haired woman gave the vampire his cooler of blood, and told him his very own mini fridge would be delivered the next day. She called for the teens that hadn't gone shopping and set them to putting the groceries away.
Logan hauled out the sewing machine and tossed the large bag of material and other items to Spike. "Sewing again Nymph? At least you bought a machine this time, took you bloody months to make that dress for Dru last year doing it all by hand. Who's getting new clothes? You better not be thinking of making me any, I like my clothes straight from the factory; had enough of hand sewn clothes when I was alive."
Serena groaned, remembering the long hours of hand sewing she'd done to make a gown for Dru. "Mostly Rogue, but that's a secret and I'll lace your blood with holy water if you say anything to her about it. I also got some material to make a couple shirts for Wolvie and a new dress for each of the girls."
"You're gonna make my new shirts for me? I thought you were gonna buy em. Where'd ya find this woman Spike? All we need now is to get her barefoot and pregnant and she'd be the perfect woman." Logan teased, grinning happily. Spike laughed and was about to comment when Serena scowled and flipped them both off, then stalked into the house, leaving them to bring in the bags of stuff she'd bought.
When he'd calmed down a bit Spike nudged his new friend, "We're bloody screwed now Logan. She's a devious little witch, my Nymph is; she'll get us both back for that comment." The dark haired man nodded in silent agreement, loading up his massive arms to bring Serenas' purchases into the house. Spike followed, also loaded down with bags.
They dumped their burdens in a corner of the rec room to be sorted through later and Logan took the sewing machine up to the little hypnotists' room along with her bags of material. Serena was lounging in her rocking chair when he entered. "Where should I put this Chatty?"
"Just set it on the floor for now Wolvie. I need you to haul my sewing table up here from the storage room in the hangar. Might wait till Saturday to do it, Freddy can bring it up while everyone else carries the trunks I brought with me." She rocked back and forth lazily, eyes closed. Serena was feeling languid, content to just sit quietly and rock for a while until she had to go prepare dinner for the kids.
Logan sat on the bed and watched the woman for a long while, listening to the rhythmic creaking of the chair and the soft melodious hum coming from the little gypsy. Their quiet moment was broken when Jean knocked on the door to ask Serena what she wanted left out for dinner. "Don't worry about it Jean, I'll be down in a minute." The woman answered, getting out of her chair and retreating to the bathroom to change back into her sturdy jeans and sweatshirt.
After dinner everyone retired to the rec room and Serena handed out the things she'd bought that afternoon. Logan got a pair of his favourite flannel shirts, and Spike got a new wardrobe of black and blue jeans, black tee shirts, and red silk button down shirts. The professor had a couple new books for his library, Ororo got the lily bulbs she'd asked for, and the teens got a variety of new things that they'd needed.
The teens all went upstairs to do their homework a little while later, leaving the adults alone to chat for a while. Charles retired to his office to look over his new books, and Storm left to take a walk through her gardens. Spike, Logan and Serena were left to their own devices until the kids came back down to watch television and play games. When Logan went upstairs for a few minutes to put his new clothes away, and Spike took the opportunity to talk seriously with his friend.
"Nymph, if I wasn't sure in California, I am now. Your Logan is the same demon hunter I killed forty odd years ago. Everything about him is the same; the looks, the voice. I drained the Hunter, and Logan has his blood. You say he doesn't remember his past; I've got a part of it. We need to tell him Luv, he has a right to know." Spike said, his tone serious. Spending the last few hours in the man's company, the blond had felt guilty for withholding the information he had; a key to the past.
Serenas' whiskey hued eyes were troubled, but she nodded and replied, "Yes, we need to tell him. Logan's been looking for his past for a long time. Do you think that between us we could get some more information from the demon world? We could go into the city, use our reputations to make a few of the older demons talk."
Spike was in the middle of agreeing to the trip when Logan came back into the room. The big man took one look at the delicate face of his girl and knew something was up, "What's goin on you two?" He asked, wanting to help with whatever it was. Spike had told him a couple stories about his travels with the Chatterbox, and the big man figured his friends were planning some kind of prank.
Logan meandered over and sat down beside Serena. The tiny woman lifted his arm and situated herself under it, leaning her dark head against his chest. The big man squeezed her shoulders and smiled at her proprietary actions. But his smile faded into a serious frown when Serena spoke quietly, "Logan, I'm sorry we kept this from you for so long, but we had to be absolutely sure before we could say anything. Go ahead Spike, tell him."
Two pairs of blue eyes met across the short distance, and the vampire took an unnecessary breath before saying, "I've been around a long time Logan; travelled all over the world more than once. Forty odd years ago, I was in Canada with Dru. We were settling down for a while in Quebec when I heard that we had a demon hunter after us. I don't know his real name, he was only called Hunter."
Spike paused for a second, trying to find the right words, "Hunter was bloody good at what he did. He'd become a legend in the demon world. He'd killed demons that even a slayer stayed away from, and it was well known that he couldn't be killed, that it took a hell of a lot to even hurt him. I didn't take Dru and run when I heard he was after us, though there wasn't a demon around who would've faulted me for it. I was already a legend myself, and I wanted a chance to increase my reputation by killing the unkillable Hunter."
The vampire finally got around to the point a moment later, "The bloke caught up with us soon enough, and I fought him. We tangled for hours; each of us was just too quick and cunning for the other to get in a fatal blow. Near dawn, it looked like the Hunter was gonna get me; caught between him and the sun. He let his guard slip a little, and I managed to get a hold on him. I broke his neck and drained him, then left the body in the field where we'd fought. I never knew someone who could get up and walk away from a broken neck, not to mention the massive blood loss. But Hunter bloody well did, and he's sitting right in front of me now."
Logan sat in shocked silence, processing the news. Between the end of the war and the eighties, his mind was a complete blank. He'd found no trace of his past until the microchip in his head was activated just a few months ago. Now this vampire, Serenas' demonic friend, was offering him part of the puzzle. "You're sure Spike? There's no doubt I'm the guy you thought you killed?" He asked, needing to know what this wasn't another false lead.
"Not a single one mate. I knew you were familiar the minute I saw you at the watchers. Once the Nymph explained that you were a lot older than you look, the memory came back to me. She told me to wait until I was sure, so I waited. I looked at you closely, watched the way you move; and it's the same. I listened to your voice, and that's the same too. The last test was your blood; I drank it this afternoon, and except for an overly metallic tang, it was the same." Spike explained clearly.
Serena pulled away from Logan a little, and took his large hand in her small one. "We can find out more Wolvie. Spike and I will go into the city this weekend and talk to some of the older demons. Someone in the demon world will be able to give us the details of your life as Hunter, at least your real name. If you need to confirm his story, I'll call Dru now. She can tell you if she recognizes your voice."
Logan shook his head in the negative and sat still, wracking his brain for some memory to get through the amnesia. The woman and the vampire sat with him; one presence offered comfort to his troubled mind, the other he knew was offering friendship and would try to answer any question he wanted to ask. After a long while, Logan stood. "I need to think for awhile, I'm gonna go wander around outside, maybe take the bike out. I'll be back before the kids' curfew."
He pressed his lips into Serenas' dark hair, and paused for a moment beside the vampire. Laying a hand on Spikes' shoulder he said, "Thank you Spike. No matter what we do with the information, I'm glad to have it. I won't even fault ya for 'killin' me." That said, he strode out of the mansion and into the night, leaving his friends to wonder what was going through his mind.
* * * * * * * * * *
Curfew came and went without Logans' reappearance. Spike took over the big mans bed check, poking his bleached head through each door to say goodnight after Serena had made her rounds. The vampire was only mildly worried about Wolverine, knowing the man would be back eventually. He noticed that Serena was agonizing over her loves disappearance though.
He'd been listening in the hallway while she spoke to the teens, and her usual enthusiasm was gone. Not even Kurt could cheer her up, with his news from Willow that the Sunnydale team had averted an apocalypse that night. Evans' news that he and Pietro had had a long discussion on their feelings also went by without much of a response from the small woman. After he finished the bed check, the vampire peeked into Serenas' room. "You okay Nymph? Your Wolf will be back Luv; he just needs to think for a while."
"I know, but I can't help being worried. I doubt the life of a demon hunter was the past he was hoping to find. I hope he hasn't gone into the city to try and find out for himself, he doesn't have the contacts you and I do, and no one's going to believe he's Hunter. I'm going to go take a walk, would you like to join me?" Her tone was melancholy, and Spike knew she was hoping he'd refuse; she wanted to be alone.
"Nah Luv, think I'll just sit in the lounge and take a closer look at the plans Logan showed me earlier for the Danger Room. You enjoy your walk. If he comes back while you're gone I'll send him down to you." The blond replied. He knew she would remain fairly close and if he opened a window he would be able to listen to her song.
His nymph was predictable when it came to her emotions; no matter what they were she wanted to express them in song. He could picture her in his mind, walking along the beach with the breeze tossing her hair around, singing whatever song suited her mood. The dark haired woman nodded and said she'd be back soon, and then wandered outside.
* * * * * * * * * *
Rogue made her way quietly downstairs a little while later. She shut the back door softly behind her, and pulled a crumpled pack of cigarettes out of her pocket. Shaking one out, she reached for her lighter and held it near the tip of the cigarette. 'Damnit! Work you stupid thing. Just my freaking luck, I finally get a chance to sneak out and the lighter won't work.'
Giving up on the useless lighter a few minutes later, she expressed her frustration by throwing it across the yard. She was about to go back inside to risk lighting her cigarette on the stove when she heard a low chuckle sound a few feet from her. Rogue whirled around and came face to face with Spike, who was walking toward her from his place against a nearby tree.
The vampire offered her a smile and flicked his Zippo lighter, igniting it. "Need a hand there Spitfire?" He teased gently. The redhead flipped one white forelock away from her face and leaned forward to light her cigarette. She watched as the handsome blond lit another for himself before quietly informing her, "That was the Nymphs' work, your lighter. She took the bloody flint out of it. She's tried that a few times to get me to quit smoking."
"That figures; she and Logan have been trying to get me to quit for months. They take my pack every time they find it; I just go buy another one and tell them if I'm old enough to have this mutation I'm old enough to smoke." Rogue replied after she'd taken a lungful of nicotine. A sudden breeze made her shiver with cold; her pyjamas weren't really suited for being outside in the early spring chill.
Spike shrugged out of his heavy duster and offered it to the girl, "Silly chit, couldn't take a second to grab a coat on your way out? Put this on before you get sick." He helped bundle her into the too big coat and chuckled at the sight she made. She'd had to bunch up the sleeves to bring her hands out, and the bottom of the coat dragged on the ground. She said thank you and leaned against the wall of the house.
The pair smoked in silence for a while, until Spike heard the sound of his nymphs' humming. "There she is, wondered when she'd start that. Logan had better get his arse back here soon."
Rogue cocked her head, not hearing anything. "What's going on? Is Serena out here too? She was acting strange earlier, kinda blue; is anything wrong?" She kept her ears open, wanting to hear what her companion was listening to. Serena singing was not an event to be missed; the older woman had the most beautiful voice Rogue had ever heard and the girl would be content to listen to her friend for hours.
Spike explained about the information he'd given Logan earlier, "The big mutt went off to think for a while, get things sorted in his head. Nymph's just worried about him; she'll cheer up when he comes back. Let's go back inside and leave her to it, she'll turn me into ashes if she comes back and finds you out here smoking."
Instead of going back upstairs to bed, Rogue followed Spike into the rec room where he was looking over the plans for the new Danger Room workouts. She curled up beside him to watch, using his duster as a blanket. Her tiredness soon overcame her though and she fell asleep. Her upper body slowly leaned sideways until her head came to rest against the vampires' shoulder. Smiling down at her sleeping face, Spike wrapped his arm around the girl and cuddled her into his chest before turning his attention back to the notes he was making.
Serena walked along the cliff that marked the edge of the mansions property. The wind coming off the ocean whipped her long hair around, and she hugged herself tightly to ward off the chill. She hummed softly to herself as she walked, her mind troubled with thoughts of Logan and what he might be doing at the moment.
A light rain started to fall, and still she wandered; though her hair and clothing became soaked. At one point she turned and started back toward the mansion; not hurrying even as her skin pebbled into goose bumps from the cold. As she neared the mansion again she paused under an old pine tree and faced the cliff, looking down at the ocean as the waves broke and crashed at its base. A memory came to her unbidden, of Logan standing in a dirty alley, holding his hand out to help her. With the image came the words of a song and she sang it loudly, hoping that her love was close enough to hear.
I'm standing on a bridge
I'm waitin in the dark
I thought that you'd be here by now
There's nothing but the rain
No footsteps on the ground
I'm listening but there's no sound
Isn't anyone tryin to find me?
Won't someone please take me home?
It's a damn cold night
Trying to figure out this life
Won't you take me by the hand
take me somewhere new
I don't know who you are
but I'm, I'm with you…
Spike raised his sapphire eyes to the window when he heard Serenas' voice near the back of the mansion. 'Bloody hell but that little Nymph has a voice on her.' He mused, cocking his blond head to one side to listen more carefully to the words of the Avril Lavigne song. A stunning smile lit his angular face when he heard another sound; a motorcycle was coming up the driveway at a fast pace. 'Wolf's back just in time. Wonder if he'll notice she's singing for him.'
Knowing he'd better get Rogue back into her bed before the pair came inside Spike stood and lifted the lovely redhead into his arms. He carried her up the stairs without waking her; nudging the bedroom door open with his hip. The vampire bent over and laid his warm burden in her bed, tucking the edges of his duster around her. Pale, slender fingers threaded through the white forelocks as he laid the hair over her pouty lips and pressed a gentle kiss to them. "Good night Luv." He whispered. As silent as a shadow, Spike left the room and its sleeping beauties.
I'm looking for a place,
searching for a face.
Is there anybody here I know?
Cause nothings going right,
and everything's a mess,
and no one likes to be alone
Isn't anyone tryin to find me?
Won't someone please take me home?
It's a damn cold night
Trying to figure out this life.
Won't you take me by the hand,
take me somewhere new
I don't know who you are
but I'm, I'm with you…
Logan parked his bike in the garage and took off his helmet. His keen ears heard the voice of his Chatterbox, singing loudly somewhere out in the rain. He followed the sweet sound, listening to the desperate tone of the song and the lyrics that seemed to have been written for him. He found the raven haired siren standing at the edge of the cliff, giving her song to the roiling sea.
She'd brought him to this spot once, he remembered as he hid himself in the trees. Serena hadn't been with them long before she found out about his amnesia and ongoing search for his past. She'd taken him by the hand a while later and brought him out to watch the sun set over the ocean. Her computerized words from that day came back to him.
'Like you, the sea had no memory my friend. It's too vast, too deep, and too ancient. The sea knows all, and remembers nothing, but is content to live in the moment. I hope you find your past some day Logan, and that what you find is what you wish to know. But if it never comes, or is not all you had hoped; remember the sea, and maybe you'll find your peace within it.' She'd wrapped her arms around his waist when she finished, and he'd hugged her back and watched with her as the sea swallowed the sun.
As the last verse of the Sirens' song came to him on the wind; Logan took her words, both past and present, into his heart. Serena seemed too wise for her meagre years; sometimes her golden eyes carried a look as ancient as her ocean. But her words were always the simplest of truths, even if the person she was speaking to didn't want to believe her wisdom.
Oh why is everything so confusing
maybe I'm just out of my mind
yea yea yea
It's a damn cold night
Trying to figure out this life
Won't you take me by the hand
take me somewhere new
I don't know who you are
but I'm, I'm with you
Take me by the hand
take me somewhere new
I don't know who you are
but I'm, I'm with you
I'm with you
Serena let the last note fade away slowly, her mind easing in its worries. As the troubled thoughts cleared away she took in her cold, wet, trembling state and ran for the house. She didn't notice Logan watching from the darkness of the trees, his blue eyes shining brightly, a single tear mixing with the rainwater to run down his ruggedly handsome face.
Logan watched her hasty retreat back into the warmth of the house. When she'd disappeared through the back door he walked slowly to the spot where she'd been standing and looked out into the inky blackness of the sea. His voice came quietly as he spoke to the wind and rain, sand and sea. "She says I might find some peace with you, but we both know she's wrong don't we? My peace is with her." Receiving no answer, yet knowing he was right, Logan followed in the footsteps of his love, going back into the mansion.
Spike met him at the door and offered him a towel as he'd done for Serena a few minutes before. "You alright mate? Nymph's been worried about you; she just came in herself, soaked to the skin." The two men spoke briefly and said goodnight, then Logan went upstairs. He showered and changed into a pair of sweat pants, and then walked quietly down the hall and entered Serenas' room.
He found the tiny woman sitting again in her rocking chair, her dark hair curling damply around her face. She'd changed into her nightwear, one of his shirts, and was looking out the window as she rocked back and forth. Logan padded across the hardwood floor and knelt at her side. Serena turned her head and let her deep gold eyes roam over his face. A delicate, long fingered hand ran through his black hair and cupped his cheek. "I'm glad you're back. Are you alright?" she whispered softly.
Before answering, the big man stood and lifted the small woman into his arms, carrying her to bed. When he'd laid her down under the thick blankets, he crawled in beside her and rested his head against her breasts. Her hand lifted and went again to caress his face, and he placed a gentle kiss on her palm. "I'm just fine Sweetheart, I'm with you." He spoke softly, his last three words mimicking the ones she'd sung for him earlier.
His arms held the woman close, and she returned the embrace; one hand cupped his shoulder as the other rubbed his bare back in a soothing manner. He snuggled down against her returning warmth and nuzzled his face against the soft fabric that covered her breasts. As they fell asleep together, the rain outside the window slowed and stopped, and the peace they'd both sought settled over them.
Take me by the hand
take me somewhere new
I don't know who you are
but I'm, I'm with you
I'm with you
I'm with you...
Author: Sinayah
Disclaimer: I don't own any characters from Buffy, Angel, or Xmen. They belong to very rich people who don't appreciate them as we fanfic writers do.
Disclaimer 2: The Chapter Title and Lyrics belong to Avril Lavigne.
Authors Note: Many heartfelt thanks to my muse Zenura, without her I wouldn't have had the guts to write. If you like this story please review or send me an email, I'd really appreciate hearing what you think. Enjoy!
Chapter 14: I'm with You
"Take me by the hand take me somewhere new, I don't know who you are but I'm,
I'm with you. I'm with you…"
The next morning started a few new trends at the mansion. Serena woke early out of habit, but instead of jumping up to get her morning routine done so that she could be downstairs with breakfast waiting for the kids; she snuggled back down into the warm body that was holding her. She spent a few minutes just looking at Logan, his strong features softened in sleep, ocean blue eyes closed so that the thick black lashes swept his blade like cheekbones. His full lips, usually set in a stern frown, were slightly parted and tilted up at the corners. The softest of snores issued from him as he slept, the sound more soothing than annoying.
Unable to resist the temptation, Serena brought her lips to his, and woke him in the fashion he'd expressed a desire for the previous night. Logan woke slowly, a 'huh' sound on his lips, as his bed partner delicately licked at his mouth trying to get a reaction from him. Realizing that he was in Chattys' bed and that the small woman was kissing him awake, Logan closed his eyes again and pulled her tighter against him. He kissed her back with lazy passion, his tongue duelling with hers until they had to part for breath.
"Now that's the way I wanna wake up." The big man stated as he stretched his heavily muscled frame. He'd worn only his boxer shorts to bed and was now treating Serena to a free show. The womans golden eyes roamed over his body, lingering on his furry barrel chest and…lower portions. Logan looked like a big cat as he stretched, arching his back off the mattress and curling himself in various positions. A growly yawn made its way out of him, the low sound almost a purr.
"Morning Wolvie, glad you liked it. Too bad we can't stay in bed and enjoy waking up a while longer. The kids will be getting up soon and I need to have their breakfast ready." A soft sigh issued from her lips as she continued, "The last thing we need is Kurt getting in trouble for being late; if I don't feed him he'll stop at that rat stand for one of his 'burger bombs'." Serena got up and returned Logans' earlier favour by stretching languorously.
Logan grunted at her, and started to get up, but was stopped by the site of his dark haired bed mate walking to her dresser and bending over to pull out some clean clothes. He growled, "Keep showin me that curvy little ass and we will be stayin in bed; probably for a month or two. Gawd woman!" Serena, still bent over her dresser, looked back at the big man. She saw that he was staring; mouth agape, at her rear. Giggling at the evil thoughts in her mind, she faced the dresser again and wiggled her derriere.
Her teasing actions sparked the same kind of response in her friend. Logan stood and crossed the room, coming up behind Serena as she stood. He took her by the shoulders and spun her around, then kissed her thoroughly. Pulling back to look into her clouded eyes, he smirked and proceeded to swat the woman on her backside, twice. "That's for teasin me; and that's for stealin my shirts to use as p.j.'s. Didn't think I noticed did ya?"
Serena made a face at the man and rubbed her stinging butt. "No I didn't, but since you know, I'll just nick a couple more next time I do your laundry. They make great pyjamas; now go on back to your room and let me get dressed." Logan leaned in and kissed her once more, his large hand coming around to join hers in rubbing the soreness from her behind. When he finally turned to leave, the evil glint was back in Serenas' eyes and she swatted his rump with a fair amount of strength. "That's for my sore arse."
The two grinned at each other and Logan quietly left the room, shutting the door behind him. As the raven haired man walked down the hall, he heard the first alarm clock go off. Knowing that his charges would be up and about in a few minutes, he quickened his pace. 'Have to keep up appearances; the brats expect you to be downstairs frowning at the newspaper by the time they come in for breakfast. Don't know about the frown, but I'll be in the kitchen alright. Gotta pay Chatterbox back for the smack on my ass. Damn but that woman is fun to be with.' He mused as his bedroom door closed behind him.
Half an hour later the six teens plodded, teleported, or phased downstairs. It took them a moment to realize that this was no ordinary morning. There was food on the table, and their surrogate parents were in the room, but those were the only things resembling normalcy. Logan and Serena were standing next to the window seat, making out. All six would swear that they had seen Logan actually grin; not his normal sardonic smile or evil smirk, but a big goofy grin; when Serena patted his denim covered butt. As a chorus, they'd all said, "Huh?"
"Oops. Bloody hell Wolvie, I knew I shouldn't have let you in the kitchen this morning. Go sit down, I'll bring you some coffee. Morning kids, did you all sleep well?" Serena took no notice of her charges shocked stares, they all knew she and Logan were close, and it didn't matter to her if they knew that the two were now an item. When no one responded she continued, "Oh quit acting as if you'd never seen two people kissing before. Sit down and have your breakfast."
Trying and failing to wipe the grins off their faces, the teens sat, and Scott was the first to comment. "So Evan, who has today in the pool?" The group laughed, even when Logan growled and held up a fist at them. Serena chuckled and told the laser eyed boy that she believed today was one of Kurts'. This sent the teens into another round of laughter. They hadn't thought Serena and Logan knew about the betting.
The room quieted after that, and Serena brought out coffee for she and Logan. The pair sat in the window seat, listening to their friends chatter. Rogue informed Serena that she'd closed the curtains in the second floor hallway so that Spike could move around when he woke up. The woman thanked her friend, remembering that she'd have to close some on the first floor so that the vampire could get downstairs.
After breakfast Jean, Rogue, Kitty, and Scott piled into the convertible and drove off. Evan was right behind them on his skateboard. Kurt planned to teleport to school, so he had some time before he had to leave. He talked with Serena and Logan for a couple minutes, then said goodbye and vanished in a puff of fragrant smoke.
"Well Chatty, now that the kids are off to school, why don't we pick up where we left off?" Logan grabbed his little woman and pulled her into his lap. Serenas' laugh was muffled against her companions' lips. Knowing that they had some time before duties called them away from each other, the pair relaxed into a lengthy, passionate embrace.
Charles and Ororo, who were taking a morning stroll through the gardens, passed by the kitchen window and saw the pair engaged in a tender moment. Logan had leaned back against the wall and bent one leg up, booted foot resting on the seat. Serena was curled between the mans thighs, her upper body cuddled against his muscular chest and her long dark hair fell loose and wild over the arm that held her. Logan was pressing soft kisses against her face as she ran her fingers through his hair.
"They look very good together, I am happy that they've finally decided to start a relationship." Storm commented as she and the professor stopped to watch the cheerful scene. The weather witch had hoped that her friends would become a couple. They made each other happy.
Charles agreed, "Yes, they compliment each other well. I've known Logan for many years now, and I've never seen him as light-hearted as he is with Serena." The telepath was mildly tempted to scan Logan's thoughts, to experience for a moment the tender passion his old friend was giving and receiving with the little hypnotist; but he resisted the urge, unwilling to intrude on his friends mind.
In the kitchen, Serena pulled back and rested her head on Logans' shoulder. Looking out the window, she spotted Charles and Ororo under a tree and commented to the big man, "Take a look outside Wolvie, we've got a couple of peeping toms." Her tone was amused, and Logan raised his gaze from the top of her head, glancing outside.
"What say we join em Chatterbox? Have a little walk before we have to get to work." Logan offered, though as far as he was concerned the rest of the world could go to hell while he stayed in the window seat with Serena. She nodded consent, though her mind was in full agreement with Logans'. He ran one long fingered hand through her mane of dark hair, and kissed her kiss bruised lips once more before they got up and went outside.
The morning passed quickly as the older members of the Xmen walked through the gardens, talking about this and that. When they returned to the house Ororo pushed the professors' wheelchair into his office and stayed there with her mentor, helping him with the day to day paperwork. Logan and Serena parted at the front door with a last heated embrace. "See you later Sweetheart. I'm gonna go work on the bike, call me when the bleached guy gets up and I'll show him the Danger Room."
"Have fun Wolvie, I'll get you when Spike wakes up. Try not to get too filthy working on your baby, the grease is a nightmare to get out and I want that shirt for a nightie." The woman replied cheekily. When Logan gave her a look she interpreted to mean 'I'm gonna spank your butt again' she turned and trotted away quickly, grinning at him over her shoulder as she went back into the kitchen to clean up the breakfast mess.
* * * * * * * * * *
Morning also passed quickly at Bayville High. The tension that normally lay between the Xmen and the Brotherhood was almost completely gone after their get together the previous evening. Lance passed by Scott in the hall between classes, and instead of stopping to insult each other, they just nodded politely and kept walking.
Kurt and Todd shared second period and usually glared at or insulted each other, but today the black haired teen voluntarily sat next to the Brotherhood member and they talked a little when the teacher wasn't looking. Rogue had some trouble with her locker and would've been late to home room if it hadn't been for Freddy, who gave the locker a light punch on his way past to unstick it. The redhead shared her first class with the huge boy and offered him a 'thank you' when she sat at her desk just before the tardy bell rang.
A few minutes after the bell for lunch break sounded, Evan and Pietro were nowhere to be found. A note left in the white haired boys' locker between classes had asked him to meet Evan in Forges' old lab at lunch. The speedster had tried extremely hard not to rush to the building as soon as the bell sounded. Even without using his sonic speed, Pietro arrived a few minutes before his crush.
Just as Pietro was starting to get nervous, Evan arrived. In the dark skinned boys' arms was the reason for his lateness. The boy had brought both lunch and a daisy to his new boyfriend. He set his offerings on the ground and faced the angel faced teen, "Hey 'Tro." He greeted with a nervous smile.
"Look man, I'm not quite sure how this works. You're the first guy I've ever been with and I don't really know what to do with you. If you were a girl it'd be easy, I bring you a flower," he held up the daisy, "I get a smile. Add in some chocolate," A chocolate bar came out of his pocket. "I get kissed." The dark boy babbled.
Evan looked down at the small gifts in his hands and shrugged before meeting Pietros' eyes again. "But you're a guy, and I realized last night that while I may like you, a lot, I don't know much about you. I don't know what to give you to make you happy. You're gonna have to give me some clues on how to go here." When he finished explaining, Evan held out the tokens he'd brought, hoping that Pietro would appreciate the fact that he'd tried.
The snowy haired boys face lit with delight, and the grin he offered was genuine. He came forward and took the flower and candy, then pressed a kiss to Evans' cheek. "Thanks Ev. I'm not really the flowers and candy type, but it's the thought that counts. You didn't have to bring me anything to make me happy, I'm just glad that you came, that what we started yesterday meant something."
"Ok, no more daisies or chocolate, but can I get a kiss anyway?" The dark skinned blond asked, a teasing smile on his handsome face. Pietro nodded and pressed his lips to Evans. Drawing back for a much needed breath a moment later, he took his boyfriends' hand. Pulling the blond behind him, Pietro picked up the food and led Evan over to the wall of the building.
"Sit down Ev, let's have lunch. Thanks for that too by the way." Pietro said. Evan sat down on the dusty floor, crossed his ankles, and reached up to take the food from the white haired boy. Pietro gave him the bag, but didn't sit down. He crouched instead and shook his head, then took hold of the dark boys' foot and pushed his legs apart. When Evan arched an eyebrow at him, he smiled, and quickly settled himself into the newly cleared space.
When he was situated comfortably, his back pressed to Evans' chest, Pietro sighed contentedly and said, "Here's a clue, I like to cuddle." Evan laughed lightly, relaxing. He kissed the snowy hair and wrapped one arm around the teens' stomach. Pietro grabbed a sandwich out of the bag and started eating. Evan followed suit and the new couple enjoyed a quiet meal.
After they'd finished eating, Evan said, "'Rena knows, about us I mean. Man she scared the hell out of me last night. She came into my room and asked me straight out what was going on between us." The dark skinned boy chuckled at the memory.
"I figured she knew, she's the closest thing to a real mom I've ever had, and it shows; she sees and hears way too much. Is she ok with it, with us?" Pietro responded, dearly hoping the raven haired woman would understand and accept them. He'd only been reunited with his old friend for a week, but his love for her was as strong now as it had been when he was a child.
Evan nodded and explained, "She's fine with the idea, and happy for us. She told me some things about you, when you were little." He grinned at the thought of a small Pietro and continued, "She really loves you man, not just the kid she remembers either, she loves who you are now too." The dark boy finished speaking and ran his fingers softly over Pietros' cheek and through his silky white hair.
Pietro smiled, knowing what his boyfriend said was true, he'd felt Serenas' love from the moment she set eyes on him in Mystiques' office that day. "I know she does, 'Rena loves everyone. Well except for Mystique and my father. What did she tell you about me? Please say she didn't translate my nickname for you. I love it when she calls me that, but man if anyone found out what it means I'd never be able to show my face at school again." His speech became fast as he spoke, his nervousness over his nickname becoming apparent.
"I asked, but she wouldn't tell me. Said you'd have her head if she told and that I should ask you if I really wanted to know. Must be really embarrassing huh? She told me a couple of things, mostly to help me understand you." Pietro gave him a confused look; he didn't think he was that hard to understand.
"She said you wear your heart on your sleeve, but you've learned to hide it behind the bad boy attitude. She also told me that you care for me a lot, but were afraid to tell me yourself because I might be playing with you." Evans' tone was serious, and before he continued he took Pietros' chin between his fingers and lifted the young mans head so that he could meet the silver blue eyes.
The snowy haired boy was tense now, not knowing what to say. It was all true, he did care for Evan, and he was scared to tell him. Magneto had taught him that showing your feelings, even having feelings, made you vulnerable. Evan saw that the boy in his arms was getting skittish, and he soothed away the tension, "I'm not playing with you Pietro. All those bad feelings I had for you are gone; I like you, and I want to be with you. Whatever we have here, it's just the beginning. I'm telling you the whole truth man, and I hope it helps."
Evan turned Pietro in his arms and placed the boys' hand on his chest, over his heart. Still looking into the whirling blue grey eyes he continued, "I trust you with my heart Pietro; I believe Serena and I think you'll take good care of it. I told her last night I wouldn't hurt you, and I'm telling you the same thing now. I won't hurt you 'Tro, not intentionally, and if I do it on accident I'll do whatever it takes to make it better."
Listening to the boy he had adored for so long tell him all the things he'd never thought to hear brought a warm rush of joy to Pietros' heart. As his emotions got the better of him, he wrapped his arms tightly around Evans neck and buried his face in the boys' shirt. He felt Evans' arms come around him and the dark skinned boy held him close, rocking slightly.
Pietro eventually loosened his hold on Evans' neck, but he kept his face hidden in the boys chest as he said, "I trust you too Ev, I was just scared to tell you. You and 'Rena are the only people who've ever cared about me. After my father took me away from her, I wouldn't let anyone near me; I didn't want to love anyone and lose them like I did before. When I met you, I had to try really hard to be mean and nasty to you. I liked you even then, but I didn't want to get hurt."
Evan smiled and kissed Pietro gently on the lips before replying, "I know, when 'Rena was talking to me last night, she made it all seem clear, and I could see what she did. Next time I go to pick flowers for you, remind me to give em to her instead, I've got a feeling I owe her a lot."
Thinking of Serena brought the scene that morning to mind and he was eager to tell his boyfriend about it. "Oh, that reminds me. You'll love this, I came down to breakfast this morning with the gang, and we all caught 'Rena and Logan making out in the kitchen. Looks like Kurt won the pool. Man, even though we were expecting it, it was freaky seeing 'em making out. Logan actually grinned when she patted his ass."
The couple enjoyed some light laughter at their friends' expense and then cuddled close together to talk about lighter subjects until the lunch period ended. Before the break ended they'd decided that the abandoned lab would be their regular meeting place, and they would have their lunch there in private whenever they could. The boys were making out when the bell rang, and by the time they realized it was time to go not even Pietro Maximoff; the fastest teenager on earth, could make it to class on time.
* * * * * * * * * *
Back at the mansion, Serenas' chores kept her busy most of the day. Professor Xavier had a cleaning service that came in three times a week to clean the mansion, but when the hypnotist had moved in, she'd taken over some of the duties. She didn't like the idea of strangers cleaning the personal bedrooms of the residents, so she did it herself. She also took care of the daily nuisances, household laundry, and the cooking.
Since she'd been gone for two days, taking half the residents with her, things had only piled up a little, but there was still work to be done. She'd just finished changing clothes at three o'clock when Spike poked his head out of his bedroom. Seeing that the hallway was darkened he walked down to Serenas' room and made himself at home.
The hypnotist had done a good job decorating her suite. Spike saw many of the gifts he and Drusilla had given her over the years scattered around the room. On the king sized bed was a beautiful, hand made goose down comforter that he'd bought in Russia just a few weeks after meeting her. The old wooden chest at the foot of her bed was the trunk she'd taken on their travels. Sitting in a rocking chair was Isabella; one of Drusillas' favourite dolls that she'd gifted Serena with when they parted in New Orleans.
When Serena came out of the bathroom Spike commented, "You've got a touch with decorating Nymph. This place looks better than your flat in Louisiana. Did you really bring all those bloody trunks and trinkets of mine up here?"
"Of course I did. As soon as I knew I was going to stay here I took a quick trip back down to New Orleans and shipped everything. You left your things in my care Spike; I wasn't just going to leave them. You've got a regular treasure trove stored away, all those years of collecting things like a pack rat. I bet the kids would be thrilled if you showed them some of the stuff in those trunks." Serena replied. The vampires had shown her the contents of the trunks when they brought them to her. Inside were stored a century and a half of mementos from both their lives. She even had a few trunks of Angelus' things that Spike had kept after his sire was cursed.
"We'll go through them later, the brats can help. Is there a clear path for me to get down to the hospital room? Need to get some breakfast before the kids get home." Serena nodded and led the vampire downstairs where she had closed enough curtains to make a darkened path to the elevator.
She left the vampire to go get his blood, and went out to the garage. Logan had finished with his motorcycle, and was now lying underneath the X van doing something that would no doubt leave him filthy and smelly. Serena nudged his hip with her boot and he slid out from under the van. "Hey there Grease Monkey, whatcha doing?"
Logan offered her a grin and replied, "Just changin the oil Chatterbox. How come you're all dressed up?" He stood up and stretched after he finished speaking, trying to work the kinks out of his massive shoulders. He laughed out loud when his girl gave him a once over and shuddered at the state of his clothing.
"I'm going to grab a couple of the kids when they get out of school and do some shopping. The cupboards are nearly bare and I need to pick up some blood for Spike. He's up and about by the way, so if you're finished playing in the dirt you can show him around the lower levels." Serena chastised her Wolf. In truth she thought Logan was the sexiest thing on earth, even covered in filth. But she wasn't going to tell him that.
The greasy man gave Serenas' outfit another glance; to him it looked too dressy for shopping with a couple teenagers. The lovely woman preferred dresses and skirts as pants prevented her tail from morphing into place if the need arose. Today the skirt was long and airy, floating around her legs to mid calf, its deep wine color accenting her pale skin. A cream coloured sweater covered the generous mounds of her breasts, though a good amount of cleavage was visible where the neckline dipped into a deep vee. "One day I'm really gonna have to try that potato sack. Woman you look too damn good."
"Potato sack, Logan? I think not. Thanks for the compliment though. Do you want me to pick up anything special at the store?" Serena asked. She planned to pick up a few things at the mall after the teens inevitably ditched her, and picking something up for Logan would leave the kids more time to have fun.
Logan thought about it for a moment. 'Let's see, you can get all the condoms they have, and some whipped cream, and some chocolate sauce. Massage oil would be good, and maybe some little nothin to wear that costs a fortune.' The images that came with his wayward thoughts had his already tight jeans cutting off circulation in an instant. Aloud he shrugged and replied, "If you pass by a department store you can go in and get me some new shirts. The laundry monster seems to have stolen half of mine."
Serena went into a fit of giggles and Logan joined her. A moment later she said, "I have three Wolvie, so if half of your shirts are missing you better go down to the laundry room and kill the monster." While the big man chuckled over her comment she came close and took his chin between two delicate fingers. Pulling him down to her level, Serena brushed her lips over his and backed away. An evil smile graced her lips as she whirled suddenly, making her skirt flare up and out to display the long length of her legs all the way to the tops of her thighs.
"Jaysus H. Christ Chatty, you tryin to kill me?" Logan called after her, once he'd rolled his tongue back into his mouth. 'Right, that skirt goes on the 'not to be worn outside the bedroom' list. Along with that whatever the hell it was she wore that first night in California.' He mused as he lowered himself back onto the dolly and slid underneath the van to finish his oil change.
Spike was in the professors' office when Serena came back in the house to get her purse. She said a quick goodbye to the men, and told Spike that Logan would be in soon to show him around the lower levels of the mansion. Charles offered her a small pile of money to pay for the groceries, but she waved him off. Keeping the mansion stocked with food was just one way she could repay the man for all he'd given her.
By the time she got back to the garage, Logan had left to clean up. Serena grabbed a set of keys off the wall and hopped into the minivan she'd bought after moving to the mansion. It took only a few minutes to make the drive to the high school, and she parked near the front entrance just before the final bell rang.
Standing next to the van, the Xmen and Brotherhood teens saw her as they came out of the school building. They all came over to greet her, some wanting to know why she was there, and some just wanting to say hello. She greeted them all with a smile, "Hey kids. I need a couple volunteers for grocery shopping, there's a trip to the mall and twenty bucks in it for anyone willing to help an old lady keep you all fed."
Kitty and Rogue answered by jumping into the van, not willing to give up a mall trip with money to spend. Kurt climbed in as well, always willing to spend time with his friends. "Anyone else?" Serena asked, her eyes on the four Brotherhood boys, including them in her offer as if they were already part of her team.
"Sure, why not." Lance replied as he slid in next to Kitty. While the teen wasn't particularly fond of grocery shopping, he was fond of both money and Kitty. Since the older woman had made the offer while looking at him and his friends, he wasn't going to turn her down. Twenty bucks was more than good pay to help her with her groceries.
"That'll do. And at least one of you could've said I wasn't an old lady. See you later kids." The raven haired woman said cheekily as she rounded the front of the van and climbed behind the wheel. "Lance you might want to give one of your friends the jeep keys so they don't have to walk home." She added. Lance tossed his keys to Freddy, who was closest, and they were off.
* * * * * * * * * *
Serena headed to the mall first, and as expected, the four teens ditched their chauffer. Kitty dragged Lance along with her to the music store, Kurt wanted to check out a computer program Willow had told him about, and Rogue headed into Bloomingdale's to look for any new clothes that might suit both her needs and her sense of style.
The older woman followed Rogue, needing to pick up some clothes for Spike and Logan. Joining the girl in the young women's section, she saw that Rogue was casting wistful glances at the skimpy clothing worn by other girls her age. As the two women chatted about clothing, Scotts' girlfriend Taryn and three of her friends walked by. The comments of the dim witted but popular girls reached their ears.
"Look at that Goth wannabe and her sister Miss Priss. I can't believe that girl, she bleaches those streaks into her hair, and tries to wear the clothes, but she keeps herself completely covered, I mean she even wears gloves. And that black haired bitch is no better, with her old maid sweater and skirt." Taryn gossiped.
The trio of minions nodded and one blond replied, "Didn't Scott say that Rogue girl had a skin condition? How gross is that, I mean, eww. And did you see the way everyone flocked around his house mother after school? Like, Mama's boys much? Even Lance and Pietro went over to talk to her."
The group passed by before any more of their comments could be heard, but the damage they left in their wake was evident in Rogues jade eyes. The redheads' shoulders had slumped, and Serena could see that her friend was fighting back tears. "Sometimes, it sucks having to be mature. If I was your age I could get away with the things I'd like to do to that bunch. What Scott sees in Taryn I'll never know. Come on Rogue, don't pay attention to them. They're petty, jealous morons, and we have a variety of gorgeous men at home who think we're Gods' gift to the male gender. I'll take a handsome mans opinion of my looks over theirs any day."
Rogue nodded, knowing that Serena was right. She thought of Spike, how the blond treated her like a queen, and told her she was a 'cute little spitfire'; but the remarks of her peers still cut. Looking in the direction they'd gone the girl quietly told her friend, "I wish I could be like them Serena. Just for one day, one moment, I want to be able to wear something skimpy and sexy and not have to worry that I'll hurt the guys who'd want to touch me. It's not too much to ask for is it?"
"No Rogue, it's not. You should be able to wear what you want and not have to keep your skin covered. But life's a card game and we'll play the hand we've been dealt Sweetie. Eventually the house has to lose doesn't it? It did for me when the professor found the loophole in my mutation, and I swear some day soon I'll help you to get that moment you want so much." Serena vowed, aloud and inside her mind, that she would make her friends' wish come true, very soon.
Rogue stayed close to Serena for the rest of the shopping trip. The older woman was her best friend and out of all the mutants she knew only Serena, Scott and Kurt had dealt with the same problems she had. The hypnotist had given up her voice for almost half her life, Kurt had to hide behind a hologram just to be accepted into society, and Scott couldn't look at anything without his ruby shades. 'They get through; even with the limits and rules they have to follow. How can I do any less?' The younger girl mused as they strolled arm in arm through the mall, picking up a variety of things for their friends.
An hour later the women gathered their missing friends and left the mall. Grocery shopping was an easy task, only taking an hour and two shopping carts to make sure that the Xmen and Brotherhood would be well fed for another week. As they exited the supermarket Serena handed the keys to the minivan over to Kurt, and told him to take Rogue and Kitty and get the groceries stowed away. Lance started to follow the other teens, but the older womans' hand on his arm stopped him.
"Not so fast Lance honey, I've got a little test for your manhood." The rock tumbler gave her a confused look and she pointed to a shop on the other side of the parking lot. "You, are going in there, with me." When Lance saw which shop the woman was pointing to he tried to back away, shaking his head in an emphatic 'no'. Serena nodded her head in an even more emphatic 'yes' and dragged the teen over to the arts and crafts shop by the arm.
When she had the boy inside the store, she released his arm and said, "Don't worry Lance, you don't have to do anything except carry heavy objects back to the car for me." The teens chocolate eyes lost their panicked glint, and he followed Serena to the back wall of the shop where the large bolts of material and sewing machines were kept.
Lance leaned against the wall with his muscular arms crossed defensively over his chest and watched as Serena commandeered a sales lady and ordered the most expensive sewing machine they carried. 'Holy shit! She's spending six hundred bucks on a sewing machine? What the hell for?' he thought, shocked at the amount of money he'd seen her spend so easily.
Serena saw the dark haired boys' utter shock and confusion and decided to explain. "Sewing your own clothes is fast becoming a lost art. I learned when I was a little girl and I used to sew Pietros' clothes. Now I need a new machine so that I can make something special for Rogue, and if you tell her I'm making her something I'll make sure you regret it." She shook one finger at him as she commanded his silence.
While the sales lady was retrieving the machine Serena wanted, the woman looked over the large selection of material the store carried. A crooked finger brought Lance to her side and she loaded his arms up with a variety of fabrics. "Rogue's gonna wear plaid flannel?" the boy asked when she put a couple bolts of the thick material in his arms.
"No Silly, Wolverine is." A minute later she gestured to a row of gauzy, sheer, elastic material in several different colours. "This is what Rogue will wear. I think we'll get some of each color." Lance looked at the material and made a face, some of the colours were awful. He shook his head and remarked, "Nuh uh, most of those colours are just nasty."
Serena chuckled silently at her small manipulation. She'd wanted the boy to help her pick some colours that would look good on her young friend, and knew he wouldn't cooperate unless the situation was dire, and she had to admit that some of the colours in that pile were drastic, to say the least. "Alright, which ones do you think would look good on our Rogue hmm? Tell me the four best and that's what I'll get."
Lance set his pile of fabric down and took the time to inspect the prettier materials. He quickly pulled out the bolts of black and white, and then added the girls' trademark green, but he puzzled over the last choice. "Can I ask what you're gonna make for her? Some of these would look nice if there was just a little of it, but if there's gonna be a lot of this stuff then I'd choose something else."
"I can't tell you exactly, it would ruin the surprise later. But there will be a lot of the gauze." While Lance debated over colours, Serena wandered around, picking up a few more bolts of material. When she came back and added them to the large pile the teen was still lost. "Just grab both and add them to the pile." The boy gave her a relieved smile and grabbed the light tan and royal blue gauze. The older woman nodded approval of his choices.
The rock tumblers' arms strained under the weight of the huge pile of materials Serena had chosen, "You're not really gonna buy all of this plus the sewing machine are you?" The small woman shook her head and led him to a large table where the sales lady from earlier met her.
Serena gestured to the boy to set his burdens on the table and told the woman, "Cut me four yards of each please. I'll be back to collect them and the machine in a few minutes." She typed into her computer. With an empty armed Lance trailing behind her, the raven haired woman wandered through the isles, collecting needles, pins, some ribbon and lace, tiny seed beads, and spools of thread.
"Wow, I didn't know there was so much stuff in these stores. Does anyone else from the mansion come here?" Lance asked. Some of the wood and porcelain sculptures looked like they'd be fun to work with, not that he would actually buy the things and do the projects.
The small woman nodded and pointed to various types of crafts. "Ororo, she likes to paint the sculptures. Look around the mansion sometime and you'll see a few of her pieces. Kitty weaves with thread and beads; Rogue makes the pretty sun catchers over there. Logan sometimes works with wood, but he goes to the lumber yard like a 'real man' and carves it himself, with his claws. The boys aren't too big on the hobbies, only Kurt comes in here with me; he likes to build the models like the ones on that wall."
"Cool. One of my foster mothers used to do the yarn stuff, and the canvas, you know what I mean?" The teen was taking a closer look at some of the model ships, fingering the twenty dollar bill in his pocket. Most of the models were upwards of thirty bucks, but he could save the extra ten pretty easily if he pretended the jeep was out of commission.
"Needlepoint, crochet, and knitting. I can do those, but they take a lot of time. You like the models Lance? Which is your favourite?" Serena asked, noticing the boys' interest. Having grown up with a mother who enjoyed working with her hands, she thought everyone should be able to do some kind of craft. Lance pointed to the replica of a submachine that was actually supposed to work once you put it together. "Why don't you use the twenty I gave you and put it on lay-away? You can pay it off fairly easily."
Lance shrugged and said that he'd think about it and the pair went back to the sewing section to pick up Serenas' purchases. After the woman had paid, using a platinum credit card, she sent Lance to the car ahead of her, pretending a sudden interest in one of the displays near the door. When the boy was out of sight she ran back to the models and grabbed the one he'd pointed to.
Taking it to the counter she convinced the more than willing sales lady to let her purchase the model now, and pick it up the next day. If she remembered right, Lance had a birthday coming up the next month, and this could be his gift from her and the other girls at the mansion. With a pleased smile on her elfin face, Serena left the store a few minutes later.
The last stop for the day was on the outskirts of Bayville. Serena parked the van and turned to face the teens. "You kids stay in the car and don't unlock it. I'm going into the butcher shop to get Spike some blood. If anyone comes near or tries to open the door you honk the horn to let me know." Leaving the curious but cautioned teens in the van, the older woman got out and walked into the butcher shop.
Bayville was small compared to the other suburbs of New York City, but it had a small vampire population. The shop where she would regularly buy cows blood for Spike was patronized by vamps, and the owner knew that these special clients were not normal. Serena allowed her eyes to blacken and her fangs and claws emerged. Inside the shop she didn't bother with pleasantries, just handed a folded piece of paper with the amount and type of blood she wanted on it. The man took one look at her and filled the order as fast as possible.
Back in the van a few minutes later Serena drove back into the main part of town. She dropped Lance off at the boarding house, thanking him profusely for his help. The teen blushed faintly and waved it off as nothing. The other three teens waved goodbye as she pulled back out onto the street and drove home.
* * * * * * * * * *
Logan and Spike came out to greet Serena and the teens when they pulled into the garage. The dark haired woman gave the vampire his cooler of blood, and told him his very own mini fridge would be delivered the next day. She called for the teens that hadn't gone shopping and set them to putting the groceries away.
Logan hauled out the sewing machine and tossed the large bag of material and other items to Spike. "Sewing again Nymph? At least you bought a machine this time, took you bloody months to make that dress for Dru last year doing it all by hand. Who's getting new clothes? You better not be thinking of making me any, I like my clothes straight from the factory; had enough of hand sewn clothes when I was alive."
Serena groaned, remembering the long hours of hand sewing she'd done to make a gown for Dru. "Mostly Rogue, but that's a secret and I'll lace your blood with holy water if you say anything to her about it. I also got some material to make a couple shirts for Wolvie and a new dress for each of the girls."
"You're gonna make my new shirts for me? I thought you were gonna buy em. Where'd ya find this woman Spike? All we need now is to get her barefoot and pregnant and she'd be the perfect woman." Logan teased, grinning happily. Spike laughed and was about to comment when Serena scowled and flipped them both off, then stalked into the house, leaving them to bring in the bags of stuff she'd bought.
When he'd calmed down a bit Spike nudged his new friend, "We're bloody screwed now Logan. She's a devious little witch, my Nymph is; she'll get us both back for that comment." The dark haired man nodded in silent agreement, loading up his massive arms to bring Serenas' purchases into the house. Spike followed, also loaded down with bags.
They dumped their burdens in a corner of the rec room to be sorted through later and Logan took the sewing machine up to the little hypnotists' room along with her bags of material. Serena was lounging in her rocking chair when he entered. "Where should I put this Chatty?"
"Just set it on the floor for now Wolvie. I need you to haul my sewing table up here from the storage room in the hangar. Might wait till Saturday to do it, Freddy can bring it up while everyone else carries the trunks I brought with me." She rocked back and forth lazily, eyes closed. Serena was feeling languid, content to just sit quietly and rock for a while until she had to go prepare dinner for the kids.
Logan sat on the bed and watched the woman for a long while, listening to the rhythmic creaking of the chair and the soft melodious hum coming from the little gypsy. Their quiet moment was broken when Jean knocked on the door to ask Serena what she wanted left out for dinner. "Don't worry about it Jean, I'll be down in a minute." The woman answered, getting out of her chair and retreating to the bathroom to change back into her sturdy jeans and sweatshirt.
After dinner everyone retired to the rec room and Serena handed out the things she'd bought that afternoon. Logan got a pair of his favourite flannel shirts, and Spike got a new wardrobe of black and blue jeans, black tee shirts, and red silk button down shirts. The professor had a couple new books for his library, Ororo got the lily bulbs she'd asked for, and the teens got a variety of new things that they'd needed.
The teens all went upstairs to do their homework a little while later, leaving the adults alone to chat for a while. Charles retired to his office to look over his new books, and Storm left to take a walk through her gardens. Spike, Logan and Serena were left to their own devices until the kids came back down to watch television and play games. When Logan went upstairs for a few minutes to put his new clothes away, and Spike took the opportunity to talk seriously with his friend.
"Nymph, if I wasn't sure in California, I am now. Your Logan is the same demon hunter I killed forty odd years ago. Everything about him is the same; the looks, the voice. I drained the Hunter, and Logan has his blood. You say he doesn't remember his past; I've got a part of it. We need to tell him Luv, he has a right to know." Spike said, his tone serious. Spending the last few hours in the man's company, the blond had felt guilty for withholding the information he had; a key to the past.
Serenas' whiskey hued eyes were troubled, but she nodded and replied, "Yes, we need to tell him. Logan's been looking for his past for a long time. Do you think that between us we could get some more information from the demon world? We could go into the city, use our reputations to make a few of the older demons talk."
Spike was in the middle of agreeing to the trip when Logan came back into the room. The big man took one look at the delicate face of his girl and knew something was up, "What's goin on you two?" He asked, wanting to help with whatever it was. Spike had told him a couple stories about his travels with the Chatterbox, and the big man figured his friends were planning some kind of prank.
Logan meandered over and sat down beside Serena. The tiny woman lifted his arm and situated herself under it, leaning her dark head against his chest. The big man squeezed her shoulders and smiled at her proprietary actions. But his smile faded into a serious frown when Serena spoke quietly, "Logan, I'm sorry we kept this from you for so long, but we had to be absolutely sure before we could say anything. Go ahead Spike, tell him."
Two pairs of blue eyes met across the short distance, and the vampire took an unnecessary breath before saying, "I've been around a long time Logan; travelled all over the world more than once. Forty odd years ago, I was in Canada with Dru. We were settling down for a while in Quebec when I heard that we had a demon hunter after us. I don't know his real name, he was only called Hunter."
Spike paused for a second, trying to find the right words, "Hunter was bloody good at what he did. He'd become a legend in the demon world. He'd killed demons that even a slayer stayed away from, and it was well known that he couldn't be killed, that it took a hell of a lot to even hurt him. I didn't take Dru and run when I heard he was after us, though there wasn't a demon around who would've faulted me for it. I was already a legend myself, and I wanted a chance to increase my reputation by killing the unkillable Hunter."
The vampire finally got around to the point a moment later, "The bloke caught up with us soon enough, and I fought him. We tangled for hours; each of us was just too quick and cunning for the other to get in a fatal blow. Near dawn, it looked like the Hunter was gonna get me; caught between him and the sun. He let his guard slip a little, and I managed to get a hold on him. I broke his neck and drained him, then left the body in the field where we'd fought. I never knew someone who could get up and walk away from a broken neck, not to mention the massive blood loss. But Hunter bloody well did, and he's sitting right in front of me now."
Logan sat in shocked silence, processing the news. Between the end of the war and the eighties, his mind was a complete blank. He'd found no trace of his past until the microchip in his head was activated just a few months ago. Now this vampire, Serenas' demonic friend, was offering him part of the puzzle. "You're sure Spike? There's no doubt I'm the guy you thought you killed?" He asked, needing to know what this wasn't another false lead.
"Not a single one mate. I knew you were familiar the minute I saw you at the watchers. Once the Nymph explained that you were a lot older than you look, the memory came back to me. She told me to wait until I was sure, so I waited. I looked at you closely, watched the way you move; and it's the same. I listened to your voice, and that's the same too. The last test was your blood; I drank it this afternoon, and except for an overly metallic tang, it was the same." Spike explained clearly.
Serena pulled away from Logan a little, and took his large hand in her small one. "We can find out more Wolvie. Spike and I will go into the city this weekend and talk to some of the older demons. Someone in the demon world will be able to give us the details of your life as Hunter, at least your real name. If you need to confirm his story, I'll call Dru now. She can tell you if she recognizes your voice."
Logan shook his head in the negative and sat still, wracking his brain for some memory to get through the amnesia. The woman and the vampire sat with him; one presence offered comfort to his troubled mind, the other he knew was offering friendship and would try to answer any question he wanted to ask. After a long while, Logan stood. "I need to think for awhile, I'm gonna go wander around outside, maybe take the bike out. I'll be back before the kids' curfew."
He pressed his lips into Serenas' dark hair, and paused for a moment beside the vampire. Laying a hand on Spikes' shoulder he said, "Thank you Spike. No matter what we do with the information, I'm glad to have it. I won't even fault ya for 'killin' me." That said, he strode out of the mansion and into the night, leaving his friends to wonder what was going through his mind.
* * * * * * * * * *
Curfew came and went without Logans' reappearance. Spike took over the big mans bed check, poking his bleached head through each door to say goodnight after Serena had made her rounds. The vampire was only mildly worried about Wolverine, knowing the man would be back eventually. He noticed that Serena was agonizing over her loves disappearance though.
He'd been listening in the hallway while she spoke to the teens, and her usual enthusiasm was gone. Not even Kurt could cheer her up, with his news from Willow that the Sunnydale team had averted an apocalypse that night. Evans' news that he and Pietro had had a long discussion on their feelings also went by without much of a response from the small woman. After he finished the bed check, the vampire peeked into Serenas' room. "You okay Nymph? Your Wolf will be back Luv; he just needs to think for a while."
"I know, but I can't help being worried. I doubt the life of a demon hunter was the past he was hoping to find. I hope he hasn't gone into the city to try and find out for himself, he doesn't have the contacts you and I do, and no one's going to believe he's Hunter. I'm going to go take a walk, would you like to join me?" Her tone was melancholy, and Spike knew she was hoping he'd refuse; she wanted to be alone.
"Nah Luv, think I'll just sit in the lounge and take a closer look at the plans Logan showed me earlier for the Danger Room. You enjoy your walk. If he comes back while you're gone I'll send him down to you." The blond replied. He knew she would remain fairly close and if he opened a window he would be able to listen to her song.
His nymph was predictable when it came to her emotions; no matter what they were she wanted to express them in song. He could picture her in his mind, walking along the beach with the breeze tossing her hair around, singing whatever song suited her mood. The dark haired woman nodded and said she'd be back soon, and then wandered outside.
* * * * * * * * * *
Rogue made her way quietly downstairs a little while later. She shut the back door softly behind her, and pulled a crumpled pack of cigarettes out of her pocket. Shaking one out, she reached for her lighter and held it near the tip of the cigarette. 'Damnit! Work you stupid thing. Just my freaking luck, I finally get a chance to sneak out and the lighter won't work.'
Giving up on the useless lighter a few minutes later, she expressed her frustration by throwing it across the yard. She was about to go back inside to risk lighting her cigarette on the stove when she heard a low chuckle sound a few feet from her. Rogue whirled around and came face to face with Spike, who was walking toward her from his place against a nearby tree.
The vampire offered her a smile and flicked his Zippo lighter, igniting it. "Need a hand there Spitfire?" He teased gently. The redhead flipped one white forelock away from her face and leaned forward to light her cigarette. She watched as the handsome blond lit another for himself before quietly informing her, "That was the Nymphs' work, your lighter. She took the bloody flint out of it. She's tried that a few times to get me to quit smoking."
"That figures; she and Logan have been trying to get me to quit for months. They take my pack every time they find it; I just go buy another one and tell them if I'm old enough to have this mutation I'm old enough to smoke." Rogue replied after she'd taken a lungful of nicotine. A sudden breeze made her shiver with cold; her pyjamas weren't really suited for being outside in the early spring chill.
Spike shrugged out of his heavy duster and offered it to the girl, "Silly chit, couldn't take a second to grab a coat on your way out? Put this on before you get sick." He helped bundle her into the too big coat and chuckled at the sight she made. She'd had to bunch up the sleeves to bring her hands out, and the bottom of the coat dragged on the ground. She said thank you and leaned against the wall of the house.
The pair smoked in silence for a while, until Spike heard the sound of his nymphs' humming. "There she is, wondered when she'd start that. Logan had better get his arse back here soon."
Rogue cocked her head, not hearing anything. "What's going on? Is Serena out here too? She was acting strange earlier, kinda blue; is anything wrong?" She kept her ears open, wanting to hear what her companion was listening to. Serena singing was not an event to be missed; the older woman had the most beautiful voice Rogue had ever heard and the girl would be content to listen to her friend for hours.
Spike explained about the information he'd given Logan earlier, "The big mutt went off to think for a while, get things sorted in his head. Nymph's just worried about him; she'll cheer up when he comes back. Let's go back inside and leave her to it, she'll turn me into ashes if she comes back and finds you out here smoking."
Instead of going back upstairs to bed, Rogue followed Spike into the rec room where he was looking over the plans for the new Danger Room workouts. She curled up beside him to watch, using his duster as a blanket. Her tiredness soon overcame her though and she fell asleep. Her upper body slowly leaned sideways until her head came to rest against the vampires' shoulder. Smiling down at her sleeping face, Spike wrapped his arm around the girl and cuddled her into his chest before turning his attention back to the notes he was making.
Serena walked along the cliff that marked the edge of the mansions property. The wind coming off the ocean whipped her long hair around, and she hugged herself tightly to ward off the chill. She hummed softly to herself as she walked, her mind troubled with thoughts of Logan and what he might be doing at the moment.
A light rain started to fall, and still she wandered; though her hair and clothing became soaked. At one point she turned and started back toward the mansion; not hurrying even as her skin pebbled into goose bumps from the cold. As she neared the mansion again she paused under an old pine tree and faced the cliff, looking down at the ocean as the waves broke and crashed at its base. A memory came to her unbidden, of Logan standing in a dirty alley, holding his hand out to help her. With the image came the words of a song and she sang it loudly, hoping that her love was close enough to hear.
I'm standing on a bridge
I'm waitin in the dark
I thought that you'd be here by now
There's nothing but the rain
No footsteps on the ground
I'm listening but there's no sound
Isn't anyone tryin to find me?
Won't someone please take me home?
It's a damn cold night
Trying to figure out this life
Won't you take me by the hand
take me somewhere new
I don't know who you are
but I'm, I'm with you…
Spike raised his sapphire eyes to the window when he heard Serenas' voice near the back of the mansion. 'Bloody hell but that little Nymph has a voice on her.' He mused, cocking his blond head to one side to listen more carefully to the words of the Avril Lavigne song. A stunning smile lit his angular face when he heard another sound; a motorcycle was coming up the driveway at a fast pace. 'Wolf's back just in time. Wonder if he'll notice she's singing for him.'
Knowing he'd better get Rogue back into her bed before the pair came inside Spike stood and lifted the lovely redhead into his arms. He carried her up the stairs without waking her; nudging the bedroom door open with his hip. The vampire bent over and laid his warm burden in her bed, tucking the edges of his duster around her. Pale, slender fingers threaded through the white forelocks as he laid the hair over her pouty lips and pressed a gentle kiss to them. "Good night Luv." He whispered. As silent as a shadow, Spike left the room and its sleeping beauties.
I'm looking for a place,
searching for a face.
Is there anybody here I know?
Cause nothings going right,
and everything's a mess,
and no one likes to be alone
Isn't anyone tryin to find me?
Won't someone please take me home?
It's a damn cold night
Trying to figure out this life.
Won't you take me by the hand,
take me somewhere new
I don't know who you are
but I'm, I'm with you…
Logan parked his bike in the garage and took off his helmet. His keen ears heard the voice of his Chatterbox, singing loudly somewhere out in the rain. He followed the sweet sound, listening to the desperate tone of the song and the lyrics that seemed to have been written for him. He found the raven haired siren standing at the edge of the cliff, giving her song to the roiling sea.
She'd brought him to this spot once, he remembered as he hid himself in the trees. Serena hadn't been with them long before she found out about his amnesia and ongoing search for his past. She'd taken him by the hand a while later and brought him out to watch the sun set over the ocean. Her computerized words from that day came back to him.
'Like you, the sea had no memory my friend. It's too vast, too deep, and too ancient. The sea knows all, and remembers nothing, but is content to live in the moment. I hope you find your past some day Logan, and that what you find is what you wish to know. But if it never comes, or is not all you had hoped; remember the sea, and maybe you'll find your peace within it.' She'd wrapped her arms around his waist when she finished, and he'd hugged her back and watched with her as the sea swallowed the sun.
As the last verse of the Sirens' song came to him on the wind; Logan took her words, both past and present, into his heart. Serena seemed too wise for her meagre years; sometimes her golden eyes carried a look as ancient as her ocean. But her words were always the simplest of truths, even if the person she was speaking to didn't want to believe her wisdom.
Oh why is everything so confusing
maybe I'm just out of my mind
yea yea yea
It's a damn cold night
Trying to figure out this life
Won't you take me by the hand
take me somewhere new
I don't know who you are
but I'm, I'm with you
Take me by the hand
take me somewhere new
I don't know who you are
but I'm, I'm with you
I'm with you
Serena let the last note fade away slowly, her mind easing in its worries. As the troubled thoughts cleared away she took in her cold, wet, trembling state and ran for the house. She didn't notice Logan watching from the darkness of the trees, his blue eyes shining brightly, a single tear mixing with the rainwater to run down his ruggedly handsome face.
Logan watched her hasty retreat back into the warmth of the house. When she'd disappeared through the back door he walked slowly to the spot where she'd been standing and looked out into the inky blackness of the sea. His voice came quietly as he spoke to the wind and rain, sand and sea. "She says I might find some peace with you, but we both know she's wrong don't we? My peace is with her." Receiving no answer, yet knowing he was right, Logan followed in the footsteps of his love, going back into the mansion.
Spike met him at the door and offered him a towel as he'd done for Serena a few minutes before. "You alright mate? Nymph's been worried about you; she just came in herself, soaked to the skin." The two men spoke briefly and said goodnight, then Logan went upstairs. He showered and changed into a pair of sweat pants, and then walked quietly down the hall and entered Serenas' room.
He found the tiny woman sitting again in her rocking chair, her dark hair curling damply around her face. She'd changed into her nightwear, one of his shirts, and was looking out the window as she rocked back and forth. Logan padded across the hardwood floor and knelt at her side. Serena turned her head and let her deep gold eyes roam over his face. A delicate, long fingered hand ran through his black hair and cupped his cheek. "I'm glad you're back. Are you alright?" she whispered softly.
Before answering, the big man stood and lifted the small woman into his arms, carrying her to bed. When he'd laid her down under the thick blankets, he crawled in beside her and rested his head against her breasts. Her hand lifted and went again to caress his face, and he placed a gentle kiss on her palm. "I'm just fine Sweetheart, I'm with you." He spoke softly, his last three words mimicking the ones she'd sung for him earlier.
His arms held the woman close, and she returned the embrace; one hand cupped his shoulder as the other rubbed his bare back in a soothing manner. He snuggled down against her returning warmth and nuzzled his face against the soft fabric that covered her breasts. As they fell asleep together, the rain outside the window slowed and stopped, and the peace they'd both sought settled over them.
Take me by the hand
take me somewhere new
I don't know who you are
but I'm, I'm with you
I'm with you
I'm with you...
