Chapter 18


A few days later:

Jubilee felt the tension in his body, and knew he was traveling down memory lane. While she partly resented being sidelined the last week, and missed him when he had to go with Northstar for backup, she knew why. She was in no shape to fight after the plasma burns. Even with Logan's added supercharge of her healing, her mind was still reeling from the emotional shock of seeing Dmitry again. Not till she had full control of her powers would Logan allow her to even think of rejoining full time duty. This time she let him take care of her, because she knew the significance of the dogtag necklace that was chilly between her breasts.

"Are you SURE that they're not gonna give us the third degree?" Jubilee shouted over the noise of the Harley.

"Nah darlin', it's just dinner," Logan laughed as she hugged him close to conserve body heat. Cold Canadian spring burst through even the thick thermal pants Jubilee wore, and she swore as she buried her chin in his neck. If not for the man before her she would have become a 'jubesickle' a long time ago.

"I thought Heather was on the trail of Sabretooth," said Jubilee. It was two days after she had recovered from her plasma fire.

"Trail ran cold. They grabbed the goons, but nothing happened… remember?"

"I know, but I kinda feel like we got gyped…"

"You know Heather n' me figured you should take it easy…" Logan said. "And it's not OUR fault Nick Fury came in and grabbed a piece of the action for himself…"

"Old glory hog…" Jubilee grumbled. "Just HAD to waltz in and take over from Alpha Flight…"

"Heh, if I'd been there… I'd have loved to see the look on Heather's face when they almost ran into each other. Needless to say, Alpha Flight DID raise the bar…"

"I know, but all that training with Northstar, I feel like it was wasted," Jubilee pouted. "And YOU only just got back last night! I was getting lonely!"

"Sorry about that, darlin… hope this makes up for it," Wolverine said. "Besides, with Shaman in charge at the Alpha Base we're all due for a break. Haven't had dinner with Heather and Mac for ages…"

"If I didn't know better I'd say you were pushing me to the side," Jubilee half-joked.

"Only cause yer still getting used to your powers again, and I don't want anything t' happen to ya. Shaman himself said he thought you weren't nearly ready to face Sabretooth…"

"I know Logan, I just… damn…"

"It's only cause I want ya to be at yer best when ya go back on the team full time. I don't wanna lose ya now that I have ya, darlin'," Logan said.

Jubilee still felt chills up her spine and lay her head on his shoulder. "I forgive you then… but you're playing dirty with all that mush, dude…"

"Dude… I'll dude you, darlin," Logan griped good-naturedly.

Jubilee laughed and snuggled up to him, and Logan sighed in pleasure at the feel of her hands gliding up and down over the front of his alpaca lined jacket. He pulled into the upscale townhouse subdivision of Toronto that Heather and Mac Hudson called home. Memories flooded back and he swallowed hard, realizing he had spent some of the best and worst times here.

"I don't want to screw this up," Jubilee whispered to herself.

"Huh?" Logan asked as the scoot abruptly stopped, tossing her lightly into his back. "Didja say something?"

"Nothing Logan," she said dismissively, and he let the engine die. She glanced at the driveway they had pulled into, seeing the SUV that Heather and Mac drove, with the handicapped sticker on the back bumper. She giggled, realizing that it looked so normal. Except for a white picket fence, the townhouse was five floors, with an entry and garage on the first, and the second was the actual living room. The third was a study and bedroom, while the fourth was the guestroom, and the fifth was attic storage space.

Logan had described in great detail the layout of the house, and Jubilee almost wondered if he was giving her a briefing. "I lived here a good number of years darlin," he said as he kicked the stand down and got off. He extended his gloved hand and she took it, climbing off the scoot.

"Don't forget the goodies," Jubilee said, reaching for the saddlebag. She pulled out a six pack of Molson golden, and a bottle of wine. Passing them to Logan, she then grabbed a box containing a dozen almond cookies she had whipped together in the Alpha Base common kitchen.

"Thanks… so, relax Darlin… this ain't no big deal…"

"Why do I feel like I'm meeting your 'rents?" Jubilee joked, taking his hand and walking alongside him up the stone pathway. Though blanketed in a small dusting of snow, the setting sun was already giving it a golden hue. Canadian winters lasted well into spring, and she still shivered though she was bundled up in a parka, thermal pants, and tall boots.

"Heh, never thought of it THAT way," Logan blushed awkwardly, and Jubilee chuckled at how rare that was. Especially the sheepish look on his sideburned face. "C'mon… let's do this…"

"Where's the 2.4 kids and the dog?" Jubilee joked.

"They could never have kids, actually," Logan said quickly. "Figured she had told ya…"

"No, she never did. I never asked, cause I figured it was none of my beeswax," Jubilee said. "Thought they mighta skipped the rugrats cause they were both superheroes…"

"Mac n' Heather tried for years," Logan said as he let go of her hand, and pressed the doorbell under the ceramic tile painted with the house number. "God knows they did, but never worked out… an' I guess that didn't help matters when I…"


The door jerked as the bolts were unlocked, and they saw Heather's face blurred behind the beveled glass. She swung open the door, and smiled brightly at them, shivering in the cold. "Come in you two… we've got a fire going…"

"Hey," Jubilee grinned as Logan urged her inside, and was quickly behind her. Coldness clung to both of them as they stood in the foyer, and Heather helped them off with their coats. IT took a few minutes as she greeted both, and Logan hung Jubilee's layers on the large clothes tree with the antique mirror and cane and hatstand just inside.

"Good to see you… traffic wasn't too bad, I hope," Heather said, and Jubilee blinked for a moment.

"Um yeah… too bad we didn't fly here, but ya know…"

"Gotta keep the scoot in shape," Logan joked. Heather hugged Jubilee quickly, kissing her on the corner of the lips while Logan walked into the house.

"Where should I dump the brews? Fridge?"

"Hullo Logan, good to see you," Mac's voice spoke from inside.

"C'mon… come in," Heather said as she slid her arm around Jubilee's shoulders and walked her up the stairs to the second floor, which was actually the living room. A small elevator had been added to the stairs, to accommodate Mac's condition. He and Logan were shaking hands and slapping one another on the back.

"Jubilee, nice to see you…" Mac said as he opened his arms and smiled warmly at her. For a moment she choked, thinking he looked like a young Professor X. She smiled and walked over, leaning down to press a tentative kiss on his cheek. He returned that corner-of-the-lips kiss and hugged her, patting her back gently.

"Same here, you doing ok?" Jubilee asked brightly.

"Sorry, forgot my manners Red," Logan joked as he kissed heather chastely on the cheek, and she hugged him back.

"Not a problem… we're just glad to have BOTH of you here," Heather said, out of breath from the bear hug Logan had given her.

"Nice place," Jubilee whistled. "I like it… it's WARM…"

"Just a place to keep the snow and rain out," Mac shrugged. Despite how stern and harsh he sounded on the videoscreen, he was much gentler in person, in the refuge of his own home.

"Built one of your famous fires, huh?" Logan asked as he released Heather and moved over to slide his arm around Jubilee's waist to reestablish his territory.

"Yep, and you both should warm up…" said Heather.

"Do you need any help in the kitchen?" Jubilee blurted out, dusting off years of social graces from her So Cal days, and socialite days with Dmitry. He was good for SOEMTHING, she reflected sadly.

"Sure, that would be great of you," Heather said as she saw Logan's look of surprise, and Jubilee's smirk.

Both women disappeared into the kitchen, leaving a perplexed Logan rubbing his sideburns. "Don't that beat all…" he mumbled.

"Not used to your woman in the kitchen, are you?" Mac asked as he lay his hand on Logan's forearm.

"Nah… I mean she DID cook now and again, but I swear there's a whole other side of her I just am getting' used ta…" Logan blinked as he walked alongside the whirring Jazzy. Both men found a place in the large living room, where a hickory fire roared cheerfully in the large stone fireplace. Logan sat down on the sofa, sitting on the edge as he laced his hands and twiddled his thumbs. There was a nervous energy and he looked on edge.

"Relax Logan, you always could before," Mac said neutrally.

"Lot of bad blood between us I guess I'm regrettin," Logan mumbled.

"That's the past. I thought we hashed it out," said Mac. "Sure we were pissed when you didn't write or call… but that was almost seven years ago. We've gotten over it, and you should believe me when I say I understand…"

"You of all people," Logan laughed nervously. "Never thought I'd see the day… guess I'm still getting' used to the idea of you two lettin go…"

"Logan, do yourself a favor and drop it," Mac said with a momentary stern look. "Heather and I realized about the same time that we were just acting like parents… you're close as family to us… and we screwed up when we did what we thought was best for you…"

"I know, but dammit, coming back here… there's a whole lotta hurt still," Logan shook his head, shivering.

"That's why we want to make some good memories, Logan," said Mac gently. "And we can start by you getting us both one of those beers…"

"Sounds good," said Logan. Before he could get up, he saw Heather and Jubilee emerge from the kitchen, carrying two beers and a tray of chips and vegetable dip.

"Here you go, guys," Jubilee said as she sat the tray down, and Logan glanced up at her, still perplexed. Was this HIS jubilee, the tomboy who was suddenly a socialite?

"Hey, aren't ya gonna come jaw with us a bit?" Logan asked as he caught hold of her hand. "I just got into…"

"No, you two catch up," Jubilee said as she handed him a beer, frosty with condensation. "I'm just taking in this place… it's sweet…"

"But it's for you to enjoy too," Logan started.

"I am enjoying it…" Jubilee whispered as she leaned over and kissed his cheek. "I haven't cooked or done gal pal stuff for ages… it's okay…"

"Come back soon darlin," Logan whispered almost inaudibly as he kissed her briefly on the lips, and let her go. Mac and Heather exchanged wistful glances and small smiles.


Jubilee followed Heather into the kitchen, where she could smell the pot roast cooking in the oven. The boiling potatoes on the stove blasted Heather's face with steam when she checked them and Jubilee grabbed the handle of the fridge and opened it.

"Salad, salad, where the heck are ya already, jeez…" she mumbled.

"Third bowl on the left…"

"Ah one of these CRISPER things? These are so totally OLD," Jubilee joked as she pulled out the container and plunked it on the counter. Reaching up she grabbed four ceramic bowls and set them down. Tearing off bits of lettuce she arranged them into the bowls and grabbed the box of cherry tomatoes that was sitting already on the counter.

"Well, I can't bring myself to part with it. It's more expensive to buy bagged lettuce."

"Tell me about it," Jubilee laughed, biting into a cherry tomato, sweet and tangy. "Hey, is the corn almost done?"

"I think so. I appreciate your help…"

"Logan was kinda weird though. He looked at me like I came from MARS…" Jubilee mumbled. "What's his deal? You think he's freaked cause I can't cook or something?"

"He's just being a man," Heather chuckled. "He's used to you being a teammate, so when you put on an apron and roll up your sleeves he has to get used to Jubilee the woman…"

"I thought he HAD," Jubilee mumbled, plunking the bowls to the side as she grabbed plates down and stacked them on the center island.

"Some aspects maybe, hon," said Heather gently. "But have you ever cooked for him?"

"Not really, I mean other than microwave popcorn, and there were the times I helped prepare some of my Chinese stuff that aunt Hope showed me," Jubilee said. "But I guess he's still wierded out that I just jumped right in instead of hanging with the guys…"

"Give him time. That's exactly why I invited both of you. If we're going to get used to one another, why not have some girl time…" Heather said as she walked over and slid her arm around Jubilee's shoulder.

"You're so totally right," Jubilee said as she glanced up. "This feels really cool actually. Never thought I'd get into the whole hostess thing, but it ain't so bad…"

"Doesn't mean you're any less of a strong hero because you decide to show your feminine side," said Heather with a smile.

"That's what I dig about you," Jubilee said as she munched on a sour cream chip. "You're so totally badass but you still act like you're female…"

"It's hard to do," said Heather. "And Logan cares enough about you to accept you however you are. Nothing wrong with taking care of HIM like a mature grown up woman should…"

"Been doing that a lot before I left actually," Jubilee mumbled. "Wonder if he thinks I'm still brainwashed from Dmitry…"

"You don't give him enough credit. You two are best friends… and who knows you better?"

"I'm just worried, I mean like you and Mac are great, but the X men are gonna freak when they get used to Logan n' me bein' a couple…"

"If they care truly, they'll accept it. We were angry with Logan for just up and leaving Alpha Flight with no explanation…"

"Huh, sounds familiar…"

"He's like that. It's like dealing with a teenager, sometimes," said Heather. "Even though he IS grown up, he acts like a child nine times out of ten…"

"You guys are like his parents, ya know," Jubilee chuckled, washing her hands free of lettuce particles. "Like Jean n' Scott are to me, or were…"

"Your parents died when you were young, you said," said Heather softly. "You're like Logan. Both orphans…"

"Scott n' I dig each other. He's like me… and he was like kinda a big brother. Prof. X was the closest I had to a dad… and Storm was a big sister. But Jean was like my mom I guess…"

"You miss her?"

"I guess I know why Logan's got a jones on redheads," Jubilee joked, hoping Heather wouldn't think it was in bad taste.

"Well, I've had theories on that," Heather laughed. "I've seen pictures of the X men, and I'm not surprised that Jean Grey was a huge crush of his…"

"Is THAT like why he left, cause he had a Jones on YOU?" Jubilee asked.

"Yes," Heather said as she sighed.

"Sorry… I've got a big mouth," Jubilee apologized.

"No, you're right. You're a bright woman, Jubilee. Nothing gets past you, does it?"

"So, like Mac n' him were like him and Scott arguin," Jubilee shook her head. "It's so totally like the X men… it's almost so not funny…"

"Well, I'm glad to see him here. It's good having him back…" Heather sighed. "But I know in some ways he's running away from the X men…"

"It's me," Jubilee said softly. "He's doing it for me… I know it's cause the X men still resent the fact I didn't keep in touch with them, and turn to 'em when I had my problems… Dmitry pretty much screwed THAT up…"

"They are your family, Jubilee. As much as Logan is part of ours. He's also and X man, but it doesn't hurt for him to come home once and a while…"

Jubilee felt her eyes misting over, and Heather saw her turn away. "Shit, here I go again…"

"Shhh, it's okay," Heather urged as she hugged Jubilee, and the girl sniffled into Heather's shoulder. The red hair was so like Jean's in texture and she let the tears flow again.

"I feel like so totally bad for running away, and yet I had to go…"

"You aren't running away. Not from your true feelings. You've loved him a long time, and you're afraid it's going to be taken away from you," Heather whispered, rubbing Jubilee's back.

"I can just see Scott throwing a shit fit at us together as a couple… and Storm… I guess the only one who'd get it would be Jean…"

"If they are your friends and family then you know they'll have to accept it. Look at us with Logan… I never thought we'd see him again for what we tried to do, but here we are laughing about how stupid and bullheaded we were…"

"I know," Jubilee sighed. "I thought I'd never have a chance in HELL of ever telling him how I felt…"

"But he already knew, didn't he?" asked Heather.

"Yeah I guess. When Scott n' Jean got married he was miserable. But he got over it in a way… "

"You know, the best marriages start when both are best friends. Mac and I were never 'hot and heavy' at first. We were close friends for years before he got the courage to ask me out… and I was afraid that he'd never see me as anything more than the smart girl who helped him through biology class…"

"You'd love to meet Hank," Jubilee chuckled, nibbling on a cookie.

"I'm sure… I've corresponded with Dr. McCoy professionally at many a conference. Before I became Guardian…"

"I just don't want to lose him, like I lose everything else," Jubilee muttered.

"Then let's go out there and have some time with our men," said Heather as she urged her out. "Go see if they need another brew or so…"

"Knowing Logan he'll be banging the empty bottle by now," Jubilee said.

"I can handle things in here. Go out to him," said Heather as she shoed Jubilee out of the kitchen with a pair of beers. Jubilee yelped as she shot out the door.


"So, you remember the time that you ended up slicing Chasin's tie?" asked Mac with a laugh.

"Yeah, the bum was livid…"

"I thought it was great though. He always DID have it coming to him," said Vindicator.

"So where's the egg sucker now?" Logan asked, finishing his beer.

"He's out of the service. After they transferred him, he dried up and went away."

"You were a better choice in his place, Mac," Logan nodded.

"Yeah, but there's only so much you can do from a desk…"

"I know ya loved the superhero stuff, Mac…"

"Heather's actually a far better leader than me," Mac said with a whisper. "But you didn't hear it from me…"

"Brew?" asked Jubilee and Logan glanced up at her.

"Thanks darlin… you were beginning' t' worry me there…"

"Mac?" asked Jubilee.

"No I'm fine," Mac waved her away. Logan grabbed Jubilee about the waist and pulled her onto his lap.

"Missed ya," he whispered in her ear, making her shiver all over.

"What am I gonna do with the extra beer, dude… Hey," Jubilee yelped as he chugged a few sips, and then gave her a kiss that tasted of Molson golden, and his own flavor.

"He'll give it a good home, don't worry," Mac joked. Heather strode out, and carried a bottle of wine on a tray with several glasses inverted.

She set it down, and Mac grasped her arm. Pulling her down, he pecked her cheek, and then kissed her lips briefly. "You're lucky I wasn't carrying the bottle first…" she breathed.

"Just reminding you that I miss you too, dear," Mac winked at her. She leaned over and kissed him back, then took the corkscrew and twisted it to pull out the cork. She poured two glasses, and handed one to Mac, and then glanced at Jubilee.

"Maybe ya'd like to give this brew a home?" Logan said as he glanced at Jubilee. She raised an eyebrow in surprise as he set his down, and then twisted the cap off the other.

"Jeez the world's comin' to an end…" Jubilee joked.

"Less alcohol in beer," he whispered to her, and she groaned.

"Thanks a heap, Logan," she groaned. Still she accepted the beer, and gave him a grateful look that showed he was actually not throwing a fit at her having a loaded beverage.

"Shall we make a toast?" Mac asked. "Since we are all holding a beverage?"

"Go ahead, knock yourself out," Logan said.

"To good friends, new and old," Mac said. "And to the lovely couple…"

"Aw hell," Logan groaned.

"Shut up," Jubilee blushed. However they all clinked beer bottles or wineglasses and sipped thirstily.