Chapter 8
"Yeah, whadda ya want? You got somethin' to say to me, Cyke?" Logan asked, not turning to face him.
"What was that little outburst about?" Scott rested a hand on his uniformed hip.
"Do ya really have to know, Summers?" Logan mumbled.
"Scott, he did have a valid reason," Jean said. "Didn't you, Logan?"
"Such as?" Logan lifted an eyebrow. "Thought by now you two knew me pretty well…"
"We know your protectiveness towards Jubilee. But if she is to be treated as an adult, you have to stop trying to fight her battles for her," said Scott. "And you shouldn't have dragged Psilocke into some scheme just so Jubilee could go run off for an hour with…"
"You sayin' she's irresponsible? From where I stand, you're presumin' an awful lot… and you embarrassed the hell outta her in the War Room, and I ain't too pleased about THAT little stunt. You've got some tall apologizin' to do, bub… cause she was with me the whole time…"
"That only goes to prove that you should be a better role model, Logan," said Scott sternly. "She looks up to you. And you of all of us should know when to act like an adult…"
"Slim, lemmie tell ya something… I've been pretty damn patient up till now, but how you treated Jubilee almost flamin' near pushed me over the edge. You have NO right to speak to any X man with that kinda disrespect got it? No matter what, Professor X NEVER came off like some anal-retentive killjoy in front of the entire flamin' team like you just did! Not even when he was carvin' up the Popsicle. You really blew it bigtime, bub."
"Logan… I apologized… but I'm supposed to set an example, and you are too. And sometimes you have no room to talk when it comes to respect, buster…" Scott snapped.
"Then treat us like adults, Slim, got it?" Logan asked. "Not like goddamn school kids."
"If I wasn't treating you like an adult, I'd be asking you why the two of you were out all night without telling, but since you are, it seems obvious… for someone who doesn't know his own age, you sure as hell go out of your way to act like you're some little kid…"
"Does it?" he asked. "Funny you should bring that up, pa. Why should ya blow a damn fuse, if she was in good company? I ain't no wet behind the ears pup who don't know how to protect a lady… and I sure as HELL ain't gonna have YOU lecturin' me on how I should treat one…"
"Scott, Logan, PLEASE," Jean sighed.
"Jean, excuse us for a moment. Wolverine, I know you want to help Jubilee but you can't replace the Professor as a father figure. Maybe to some extent, but coercing her to stay out all night is not the best example to set…"
"Oh for cripes sake," Logan rolled his eyes. "You're so off beam it ain't even FUNNY…"
"Scott, that's not what's going on here," Jean said warningly. "Is it Logan…"
"Jeannie… all due respect, this is between me an' leader man. So if ya don't mind, could ya tell Red that she doesn't' need to hear the two of us cutting into each other?" Logan asked. "I don't think ya wanna play den mom to your hubby an yer best friend, do ya? We're two grown men an' it ain't yer job to babysit us…"
"You're right Logan. I'll speak to you later, Scott. And you know where to find me if you need to talk, Logan…" Jean nodded slowly. She got up and exited the room, knowing it was best to follow Wolverine's advice. Last thing either man needed was another reinitiating of the bizarre triangle that had almost dissolved itself.
"Why don't you figure it out," Logan asked petulantly. "Since yer already jumping to conclusions anyway, and what we do on our private time ain't yer business… cause we sure as hell didn't ask STORM an' Hank, or Gambit an' Rogue about what THEY were doin…"
"You weren't doing something you SHOULDN'T do, were you?" Scott asked.
"Next you'll be askin' me why I made ya wait up all damn night," Logan shook his head. "Are ya the leader of the X men or are ya tryin' to be Dad or something?"
"Logan, I don't normally pry into personal matters…"
"Ain't that just what yer doin, bub?" Logan asked, folding his arms across his chest.
"Okay, let me try another angle. Jubilee is young and impressionable… I know she seeks comfort from your friendship… but…" Scott trailed off.
"Is it cause she's 18?" Logan asked. "Cause it ain't what ya think. An' nothing happened that wasn't appropriate…"
"I didn't think THAT," Scott rolled his eyes. "For heaven's sake, that's out of the question…"
"Is it?" Logan asked, narrowing his eyes. "This canucklehead's got an adamantium skull, but YERS is made of lead… CONCRETE reinforced!"
"Wolverine… that's NOT funny…" Scott snorted. "Look what is going on between you and Jubilee? Something that SHOULND'T be?"
"Depends on what yer thinking I think yer thinking, mister answer man…" Logan shook his head. "Sheesh, now I know why ya rely on Jeannie so much t' get yer spectacular people skills. Without her, you wouldn't even have a CLUE."
"Are you going to give me a straight answer, or not, mister?" Scott summers demanded, staring down at him through the ruby quartz glasses. "Or am I going to have to go a few rounds in the danger room to get you to drop that attitude!"
"And I thought you were the strategy genius," Logan shook his head. "An here ya can't even put two an' two together…"
"Logan, are you… actually INTERESTED in the kid in some way other than… a platonic… I can't believe… because why else would you be out unless…"
"Then ya got yer answer I guess," Logan shrugged. "Is there anything ELSE ya wanna ask me, pops?"
"Wolverine, whatever is or isn't, I'm assuming you're going to act in an appropriate manner, and set a good example like you've always done. She listens to you, and you know that can be a two edged sword, so watch your step…" Scott said sternly, leaning over and pushing his nose right in Logan's face.
"I don't make mistakes as far as Jubilee is concerned, Slim," said Logan in a deadly calm voice. "An' if it's any of yer flamin' business, I'm an old fashioned kinda guy. Considering I'd GUT the first son of a gun who'd look at her cross-eyed, do you THINK I'd be STUPID enough to dishonor the girl in any way? She means a helluva lot to me, an'…"
"You'd better make sure of that, wolverine," said Scott angrily. "I can't afford any emotional messes…"
"You're not helpin' with yer nasty attitude, there," Logan growled. Cyclops took a step back; hands at his sides as Logan advanced and leaned up, poking his chest with one finger.
"Look in a mirror, Wolverine."
"Ever since the Professor left you've been actin' screwier then me on my WORST days," Logan grunted. "First yer on this whole 'downtime' kick, an' then ya swing a total 180 degrees and it's Sergeant Slaughter. If ya ask me, I ain't the one causin' emotional messes… if ya get my drift…"
"That's out of line."
"Is it? Then why did Storm haveta blow the whistle on all of us like some blamed schoolteacher, huh?" Logan asked with a triumphant smirk. "When it comes t' military matters, I at least remember enough of my own capers to know when a leader's taken on too much of a load. And bub, someone's gonna think yer name's ATLAS, instead a Cyclops…"
Scott's lips pressed in a firm line, his arms crossed over his chest. That deep voice irritated him, but he could not help but listen to the stern authority present in the veteran X man's voice. After all, Wolverine had at least half a dozen lifetimes of experience scrambled up in that brain of his. Bits and pieces of decades going back to the turn of the century all fell into ever rearranging patterns, and it still stunned him what memories bubbled up from Logan's past given the circumstances. That and pure instinct told him that Wolverine was right about his recent outbursts.
"Yer wound tighter than a spring, an' yer taking it out on the X men. You've got no call to do that. If you want my respect, don't step on Jubilee's, Jean's or ANYONE's toes like ya just did… or else you don't deserve t' lead this team…"
"You think it's so easy, YOU try babysitting this mess," Scott snapped.
"If ya can't hack it, hand it over to someone like Storm. She's got what it takes…"
"Excuse me, but is everything all right? I heard shouting," Storm said as she poked her head in.
"Just a little disagreement, Ororo," said Wolverine slowly.
"I'll be done in a moment, Storm. Then we can talk," Scott said quickly. Storm nodded, and closed the door behind her.
"Am I done here, or can I go speak to Jubilee?" Logan demanded.
"There's no need to be sarcastic Logan, but I'm hoping you're getting the gist of what I'm saying… regardless of what anyone thinks, you'd better be careful…"
"Speak for yourself. Like I said before, you should know me well enough by now, an' if this isn't necessarily team related active duty X men stuff, I've got business elsewhere…"
"Well that sounds more like it," said Scott. "I'll see you later then?"
"Later, Cyke. Gotta keep the team rolling, right an' all that good stuff," Logan saluted. "See ya, leader man…"
"Fine, Wolverine. I'll expect a full report at the end of the afternoon…" Cyclops grunted, sensing Logan was falling into line.
Jubilation Lee walked quickly out of the Medlab, wiping away angry tears. She stormed past Bobby and Morph, who cleared quickly out of the way. Bobby teased, "Hey, where's the fire, Jubester…"
"Why don't you go blow some snow at it," she snarled, brushing past.
"Hey… lighten up…" Bobby said. "I know you're in a bad mood cause of us but we just wanted to help out…"
"Be careful Bobby," Morph cautioned. "How would YOU feel if Cyclops just came down on US like the parents from hell?"
"D'oh," Bobby said.
"I think I know why she's upset. Maybe we can somehow make it up to her…"
"I got it. A night out with her friends… you make some reservations at Side Pockets… and I'll round up Jubilee, and some of the others…" He rushed after Jubilee, whose footsteps were thumping up the stairs on the way to the sleeping wing off the main house.
"Leave me alone Drake, I'm not in the mood for your jokes," Jubilee pushed his hand away as she stormed towards her door.
"C'mon, you know I'm a big goofball. I'm sorry… look if you need to talk…"
"I'm sick of talking," Jubilee snapped, turning on him. "Scott did ENOUGH of that! That's all anyone DOES around here is ask if I want to TALK. What is there for ME to talk about, when SCOTT snapped my damn HEAD off?"
"Sheesh… temper," Bobby whistled. "Look, why don't we get a few vids, and order a pizza, and you can forget all about Mr. Apple Polisher…"
"Please Bobby, I just wanna be alone, okay," Jubilee sighed deeply. "Before I end up destroying something, and you happen to be in the way…"
"And I thought Wolverine had the destructive tendencies," Bobby joked.
"That's SO not funny, Drake," Jubilee yelled at him. "Don't EVEN go there!"
"What did I say… hey…?" Bobby asked as she shoved past him and slammed her door.
"Nice goin' mes ami, got any other death wishes?" Gambit asked as he sauntered past.
"Like YOU'RE any help, French," Drake turned on him. "At least I was trying to help cheer her up, not sneaking around the dorms… I didn't see YOU breaking down the medlab door to see if she was okay…"
"Petit needs alone time. Remy knows better then t' be in da way when she in a mood. Leave her alone… she come to us when she ready…"
"That's all anyone ever does around here when they're ticked off. Become some kind of hermit crabs… what happened to the X men, are you all the ANGST patrol or something?" Bobby snorted. " I know she's upset Scott chewed her out, but he chews all of us out!"
"Idiot," Gambit mumbled.
"Okay, so tell me why she's got her panties in a wad, Mr. Know it all!" Bobby interrupted, jumping in his way. "You're supposed to be her buddy. I only wanna HELP her, cause I CARE… and you're all with the lone stranger bull…"
"She's in love, Bobby," said Gambit.
"With WHO?" asked Bobby.
"Remy not sure, but it look like she likes da Wolverine…"
"That old guy, come ON!" Bobby chuckled.
"Shh," Remy hissed as he pulled Bobby away alongside him. Yanking him by the arm, he pulled Iceman into his bedroom and hissed for silence.
"You're kidding me… Jubes and Wolvester… unreal!" Bobby chuckled. "He's so ANCIENT… and she's 18… you gotta be…"
"Remy saw dem pretty close n' personal in da kitchen de other night."
"Oh right… I just thought she was all pissy cause I forgot to tell her that Morph an' me…"
"You coulda told her that you swung da other way," said Gambit quietly.
"Well I didn't think she was even INTERESTED in me till Morph said something, and I was thinking that I could help her cheer up by hanging out with her…"
"Maybe that not such a good idea…"
"Why not? I mean who wouldn't want a nice greasy pizza, a whole bunch of movies… and all the junk food you can eat? Especially if it's just buds, and no date stuff… I thought she liked hanging out with the guys…"
"She does, but not right now. She needs to blow off da steam first… and den come find us…" Gambit said. "Remy knows her well enough to leave her alone…"
"Now that you mention it, she DOES have the same hair trigger temper that short hairy Swiss army knife dude does," Bobby snickered. "This is pretty rich. But are YOU SURE…"
"Gambit knows," Remy sighed dramatically. "No account for taste…"
"Tell me about it. But since we're her buds, shouldn't we plan some way to get her OUT of that room, and maybe into the arms of her so called Jones so she can get some good loving and stop snapping our heads off? I hate seeing her so bummed," Drake elbowed Gambit in the ribs. "I mean COME on, you hate seeing her so upset when she could be cutting up an' carrying on with the rest of us over some stupid stuff…"
"You be askin' for trouble," said Gambit.
"I got an idea… if we can just get her OUT of that room and into the hall…"
"Don't like interferin'… but Remy hates to see Petit upset…" said Gambit.
"YOU not interfere? Come ON! I heard the low down about how you got Hank and Storm to ride in Rogue's car… you and your girlfriend were BOTH were in on it from the start!"
"I think you have the wrong guy. Maybe I'd do?" said Gambit as he shifted into Morph.
"You jerk, you were HIDING from me! What were you doing in Gambit's room?"
"He told me that I could borrow some of his DVDs… so… what do you have in mind…"
"Well you help me get her out of that room… and then we can convince her to join all of us for a round of pool at Harry's or something. I'm sure we can drag the hairy dude along for the ride, if he's so stuck on her… and then she'll forget all about Slim and his stupid stuff… and you can work on Wolvester…"
"All right… but how are we going to get her out?" said Morph.
"Well if she wants to be alone, I can help with that…" Bobby grinned. "And MAYBE someone might come to her rescue…"
"Ohhh… you mean…"
"Jubilee was quite distressed… despite my best efforts… I thought it best simply to let her go back to her room for some privacy," Hank said softly to Warren.
"Poor kid. Scott had a point, but he royally messed up. I think he's getting way too uptight with this leader business…"
"His mood swings have been rather severe as late…" Hank said. "I must ask for your assistant in this next phase… I am going to suggest to Storm that we encourage Scott to apologize to Jubilation in private, to smooth over ruffled feathers…"
"While we're at it, why don't you suggest he join you in the sick bay, and get some help while he's at it. I should know what it's like to be obsessed with one thing… and have it destroy everything around me…" Warren nodded. "Becoming type A almost cost me my life…"
"Scott is taking on much… I will require Storm's help in this… ah… there she is… by the War room… but I hear a considerable amount of shouting.."
"Hold on…" Warren cautioned.
Warren and Hank were waiting around the corner of the main access hallway. They ducked just out of sight when they glanced to where Storm was standing, closer to the War Room Door. Storm saw Logan opening the door, and walking out, anger filling his face. "Logan what just…"
"Personal business, Roro," he said quietly. "I think ya need to have a little chat with Summers. He's actin' really screwy."
"Logan, you know he's under a GREAT deal of pressure…"
"Who isn't, Storm," Logan mumbled. "Look, don't you admit that he was pretty rough how he just handled that meeting?"
"Yes, I share your concern… I heard both of you halfway down the hall…"
"Better ask Hank to give him a physical. I don't like it when people embarrass or hurt my friends. An' Jubilee didn't deserve to be hollered at like that. Maybe I did, but he stepped over the line…"
"I'll speak to him," Storm said as she watched him stalk out of the War Room area. Jean Grey passed him on the way out, seeing Storm standing there with her arms crossed.
"Storm… you're worried, aren't you?"
"Yes, Jean. Scott's scaring me…"
"I'll speak to him… I couldn't help but hear him myself…" Jean said, entering the War room.
Scott turned to her, and embraced her tightly. "Jean, I know what you're going to say…"
"I know you're concerned about us all, most of all Logan… did he tell you WHY he was out late?"
"No… unless YOU know something that…" Scott said. He turned to Jean, and raised an eyebrow in query. She said nothing, but hugged herself and paced the War Room slowly while Scott rubbed his chin.
"Scott, we can all hear you halfway down the hall. People are wondering if…" Warren said quietly, standing near Storm.
"Is everyone listening at that door?" Scott exhaled.
"Scott, dear, I think you really should let Hank check you out," Jean said softly, wandering back into the room and leaning her head on his shoulder. "You haven't been yourself lately."
"Professor X is GONE, how do you expect me to cope?" Scott said bitterly.
"Better than this, my friend," Storm said curtly, hands at her hips. "We can understand the pressure you must bear, but when your actions start influencing your judgement… as today, and right now… perhaps it would be wise to step aside… and let others take over till you resolve your inner demons…"
"What makes you think that you'd do any better, any of you," Scott said quietly, glancing at her.
"My friend, you are not thinking clearly," Storm answered. "And as Deputy Leader, I feel it's imperative that unless you can calmly address any one of us on matters team related and personal, especially under such stress, that you pass your duties to me…"
"Scott, I think she's right," said Jean gently. "I know you're upset… but you can't replace Professor X. None of us can. And you've been trying too hard… you have to stop beating yourself up…"
"Jean... I… look Logan I just…" Scott sighed.
"Scott, perhaps they are right… I just completed an exam of Jubilee, and she's in tears considering your recent outburst…she's very inconsolable right now," said Hank.
"I can't believe what you're saying… both of you…" Scott shook his head, as he leaned heavily on the desk. "I never meant to…"
"Scott, please, why don't' we go have Hank examine you…" Storm said.
"You're suffering from extreme emotional fatigue and overworking," Hank interrupted. "Please…"
"All right. Storm, you're in charge till I sort this out with Hank. But I still disagree that…"
"Scott, please…" Jean said. "What was THIS all about with Logan… is THAT what was making you upset…"
"Me being irrational. It's nothing. I'm sorry I blew it…" said Scott. "Hank, I'll be by the medlab in a minute. I need to speak to Jean…"
"We'll be waiting for you," said Hank. Storm nodded, and Jean glanced to her with a look that clearly meant that she needed to speak to Scott alone. Warren and Hank slipped out, with Storm close behind them. Tension crackled in the War room, and Scott breathed in and out.
When Jean sensed he was ready to talk, she asked, "Seems pretty big for a nothing… or is it personal business between you two…" Jean asked.
"Logan's got me worried… and I know from that look you just gave me that you're thinking the same thing…" Scott said. "But it just seems so far fetched…"
"It may be less ridiculous than you think Scott. It's just… well Jubilee is lonely…and so is Logan… and she IS 18…"
Scott chuckled. "Jean, you don't seriously expect me to believe that… no… Logan's old fashioned. He'd NEVER… that's RIDICULOUS and you KNOW it Jean… I just told him that if he even…."
"Maybe so," Jean shrugged. "But they were awfully familiar with each other…"
"She's a teenager… a young woman," Scott said. "Logan just told me that he had nothing beyond that in mind. And I have to take him at his word, because right now I can't even think of him being so stupid as to… maybe I'm just jumping to conclusions…"
"Maybe to you and I, but she HAS grown up. And she always WAS wise beyond her years… as you well know," Jean said. "Her heart and mind were forced to mature quickly, far too quickly because of being an orphan. You of ALL people Scott should know what that does…"
Scott sighed, knowing that he had the same realizations, but wanted to force them away. Logan was rude and crude, and showed some lapses in sanity, but he was always a man of high honor. Storm's interruption proved how volatile things were getting, and he needed to try and reign himself back in. So taking a deep breath, he decided to take Logan at his word, and push away any assumptions for now. "I do, Jean. And I also know that Logan's kind of the same way. And even though I'm angry about his lapse in judgement, I HAVE trusted Logan to do the right thing. Like I trusted you or any of the other X men… that's why he needs to set a good example. And since I WAS out of line and did over react, I need to give Jubilee the benefit of the doubt, and butt out of her private life. She wants to be treated like an adult; I'll trust her not to make a stupid mistake. And if and when she does, you and I will deal with it, as the Professor did."
"She looks to us as her parents now," Jean said softly. "And everyone ELSE is going to assume the same role. You know that."
"More group dynamics?" Scott chuckled, attempting to lighten the serious mood with humor, though he really did not feel extremely jovial. Years of being an orphan taught him how to push aside his emotions, and he struggled hard to maintain that control again after losing it with Logan.
"Being the only married couple? Surely you're typecasting us… aren't you, Mrs. Summers?" Scott cracked a crooked smile. Green eyes sparkled when Jean sensed what he was attempting to do. Right now he was swallowing a lot of pride, and she wanted to do her best to push him in the direction of that distraction humor could provide. Whistling in the dark, it was called.
"Perhaps, Mr. Summers," she said, threading her arm through his. "But you must notice everyone pairing off here… and we all are emotionally vulnerable, and it's human and mutant nature to seek comfort in romantic encounters…"
"Jean, I made the mistake just now of butting into our private lives. Professor X did so only when he thought it was appropriate. And so far, the only thing I've seen is that Jubilee tags along with Wolverine, and sometimes she has a way of convincing him to do some pretty stupid stunts. But nothing that would suggest anything other then him being like some sort of big brother, or mentor… if anything… and right now, we need to back off and see what happens… and if anything DOES happen that shouldn't, we'll deal with it…"
"Right Scott, right," Jean said slowly, leaning her head on his shoulder.
"I lost it back there. Logan was right, and I hated to admit it. He said a lot of things that I resented just now, but I need to get hold of my emotions. I can't let my judgement be clouded by wild unfounded rumors… I should TRUST Logan at his word…"
"You should, but at the same time… we should continue to get the whole story, from both of them if those gut feelings continue, sweetheart," Jean agreed.
"She's an adult, I'll treat her like one. And then go from there," Scott murmured. "I owe her that, after losing my control…"
"Yes you do," Jean said. "Now why don't we go take a walk… to the Medlab… and maybe let Hank convince me to loosen up a bit before I end up with a case of major Type A again…"
"Where's Jubes?" Logan asked as he approached the Med Lab, and then stopped. Nobody's scent was current, except for those of Hank and Jubilee. Her own scent seemed to trail out the other way, and he was sure it was leading in the direction of the dormitory.
"Ask a stupid question," he mumbled. Tracing the outward scent, he tracked it upstairs, where it mingled with two others. Bobby and Morph, no doubt. Hank's scent had trailed off towards the War room, and the distant sounds of the sleeping area occupants told him the answers he sought.
Ever stronger her scent grew when he approached the second floor, and saw her door was shut tightly. It was just across from his room, while Gambit's was up the other way, near the room Morph now occupied. Four suites occupied each floor of the dorm wing. On the third floor was Rogue's from Psilocke and Warren's and Hank's. Storm had the attic room of course. Scott and Jean were downstairs in a suite of their own, essentially an apartment of their own. Scents of Bobby and Morph were intense, indicating they had just stood outside Jubilee's door only minutes before. Their voices chattered and whispered, while he heard loud rock music blaring from behind Jubilee's closed door. She was obviously trying to block out the world in a cacophony, and he wondered if he should wait a bit till she felt like talking and seeing visitors.
The rooms on the outer edge had small bathrooms with showers, including his own and Gambit's. Jubilee's and Morphs on the inner wing were smaller and had their own powder rooms and a large bathroom and shower was just up the hallway towards the stairs due to the nature of the house. Sighing, he entered his room and closed the door, to formulate something to say to help her cheer up. Maybe there was time in the evening to grab a few people and head out for pool at Harry's.
But before all that he figured a shower and shave wouldn't hurt his case. Still he hadn't changed from the night before, and if he were going to go anywhere in public with her or anyone else, it would be in a fresh change of clothes with a minimum of bodily odor. In fact he guessed she would most likely have the same idea as he, and would be heading towards the hall bathroom to freshen up within the hour having exhausted her need to pump loud music into her ears.
Peals of laughter from Bobby sounded in the hall, when he started to unbutton his shirt. A minute or so later he heard loud thumping and banging on a wooden surface, suspiciously like someone's door. What the hey, he wondered, grabbing some towels and throwing them onto the bed.
"Hey let me out!"
"I thought you wanted to be alone!" Bobby called. "So we're just doing you a favor…"
"Drake… is THAT you… what the HECK are you pulling!" Jubilee's voice came, muffled
"Well we could get Wolverine to melt you out, if you REALLY wanna get out of there… but I dunno… you were pretty determined…"
"Bobby Drake, you are SO dead!" Jubilee shouted. "You open this door RIGHT now or I'll.."
"Logan… hey Logan! We need a hand?" Morph called.
"Morph? Are you out there! Get me out of here!"
"I don't think I'm convinced she wants to really leave, do you, sweetie?" Bobby chuckled.
"Those two are asking for trouble," Logan mumbled to himself. In the background he heard a scream followed by a thump, and then a loud PAFF. Acrid smoke tinged his nostrils, mingling with the smell of charred wood and metal.
"You are SO DEAD!" came her outraged scream.
"Cripes," he mumbled, grabbing his doorknob and jerking the door open to see why Jubilee had made such a noise.
Snow melted in the hallway, and smoke hissed out of the smoking remains of Jubilee's door. Ice dribbled down from the wall, making a huge wet spot on the carpet. Her lock was a puddle of molten metal, while her fingers fizzled with plasma sparks.
"Well you wanted to be alone, so we figure we'd help," Drake chuckled.
"Jubilee… what's goin' on here?" Logan snapped, rushing over to where Jubilee was glaring daggers at Bobby and Gambit.
"Logan, good you showed up! We were just trying to get your attention. Figured the only way to get her out was to have you come to the rescue… but then we forgot Jubilee could free herself…" the shapeshifter chuckled as he shifted from the form of Gambit to that of himself.
"Morph, Popsicle, what in flamin' heck are ya pulling?" Logan demanded, getting between them and a very outraged Jubilee.
"These JERKS iced my DOOR!" Jubilee gritted as she dodged around Logan.
"Sorry petite we make it up to you… maybe treat you to dinner at…"
"I'm gonna FRY you for that, dweeb… what are you THINKING?" Jubilee yelled.
"Easy darlin, that's my buddy Morph," Logan said, blocking her advance with quick reflexes. Folding her in his sturdy arms, he restrained her hands from sending a blaze of energy at Morph and Iceman.
"Logan, good timing… maybe now that we're all here we can…" Bobby started.
"Don't EVEN start with me, bub. You've pulled some STUPID stunts, but that takes all! Mind telling me why I shouldn't let her melt ya into a puddle?"
"Logan, let me go…" she gritted.
"Gladly… if he doesn't cough up a good excuse for this…" Logan growled.
"Hey… easy… it was only a joke…" Bobby said. "Hey… I guess he WAS right when he said you two had something goin' on…"
"What has THAT got to do with anything?" Logan demanded.
"Mind your own business Drake…" Jubilee yelled.
"Kiddo… we're only trying to get you to come out of that room so you wouldn't be in the pity party…"
"On second thought…" Logan said as he released her. Jubilee burst out of his grasp, her fingers crackling and hissing with sparks of power. Bobby barely managed to throw up a wall of ice to divert the sizzling blaze that shot forwards. Morph shifted into the form Longshot, and dodged out of the way, but the wall of ice exploded into splinters, knocking Iceman over.
Logan stood back and watched, arms folded across his chest. Bobby spluttered as another paff slammed him into the far wall, making a dent. Morph rolled to his feet, and stepped towards Jubilee.
"Don't EVEN come any CLOSER!" she snapped at Morph, fingers blazing.
"Kiddo… relax… we only trying to help…" he gasped, shifting form into Colossus.
"Morph, because we're buds, I suggest you start fessin up. What were ya thinking, letting this joker ice her door?" Logan barked, moving over and grasping Jubilee's shoulder.
"Um… I think this wasn't such a good idea, hun," Morph turned to Iceman. Slowly he was picking himself up, shaking his head. Only the icy coating shielded him from becoming black and blue all over from his impact with the far wall.
"You JERK! Were YOU in on this too?" Jubilee yelled at Morph, shaking with anger.
"Easy darlin'. Besides, yer gonna have to take a number cause I've got an urge to carve me an ice sculpture," Logan mumbled, pushing Jubilee gently behind him, and whirling on the two tricksters. Morph stepped back, when he heard the rasp and saw Wolverine's claws flash out of their housings. No sooner had Drake tottered to his feet then he stumbled quickly towards the stairs.
"Wolverine… now come on… we didn't mean to… Jubes… call him off…" Drake stammered, seeing a three hundred-pound X man barreling down the hall towards him.
"Stay OUTTA this MORPH!" Logan roared. "Or you're next!"
"I think we blew it…" Morph mumbled, leaping out of Wolverine's way. While he was worried about his lover's safety, he knew Logan well enough to know that his friend was only scaring Bobby to prove a point. Besides, the crushed look on Jubilee's face made him feel a wave of guilt. It confirmed what he had suspected, that Logan really had a thing for the teenager turned young woman.
He flipped over and landed in front of Jubilee. "Don't come a step closer, jerk… or I'll… I'll sizzle you!"
"Jubes, I'm so sorry… he didn't… Bobby said since you wanted to be alone, he was thinking would get your attention when you tried to come out… an then Logan would get you…"
"Save it!" she yelled, hands raised. "I THOUGHT you were my friend! Why did you let him… you…"
"I'm sorry… I…" Morph pleaded, circling around her warily. He really did not wish to have several holes paffed in his nice armani jacket or leather pants. His hand extended in her direction. Burying her head in her hand, she turned her back to him. Softly she began to sniffle, prompting Morph to take a step towards her.
"Just… leave me alone before I lose it… I'm SO not happy about this Morph…" she sniffled. Slowly she walked back in the direction of her room. A loud snarl startled Morph from following her, when he saw Wolverine rounding the corner. That wild angry gleam in his eyes did not bode well, especially when he saw Jubilee stumbling back to her room in tears.
"Um… I'm terribly sorry, Wolverine… we didn't mean to…"
"Back in yer room NOW Morph, before ya need some new threads…" Logan growled. Still he had not retracted his claws on his left hand. He maneuvered himself between Morph and the retreating Jubilee, his claws held vertically with the back of that hand facing Morph.
"I'm so sorry Logan I didn't mean to…" Morph said quickly, face crumpling in shame at the anger and dissapointment on his friend's face.
"I'm dissapointed in ya, kid. I thought ya had more maturity then that…" Logan sighed deeply, retracting his claws with a scrape of metal into their housings.
Jaw wobbling, Morph mumbled another apology, "Jubes, Logan… I… I know it was stupid I…"
"Don't, please don't!" Jubilee blurted out, miserable. Logan turned his back to his friend, and slid his arms around Jubilee. She buried her face in his chest, sniffling agaisnt his flannel shirt. Angrily she cursed whoever for not minding their own business.
"I can't believe they… I thought Morph was my friend… I expected this from Bobby but…" she sniffled.
"Shh, easy there…" Logan soothed. He rocked her against him, massaging her scalp. Frustrated tears soaked his shirt, and he rubbed her back with firm strokes to remove the tightness.
"C'mon, let's go get you something to drink, an' relax a bit…" he suggested, walking her back towards her room. Most of the door was gone, judging from the gaping hole.
"Stupidgarbadgelackoprivacy," she groused, arm around Logan's waist as he lead her inside. Only the door had suffered any major damage, but there were a few scorch marks singing the walls immediately around the door frame. Essentially it was a loss of privacy, and would take some time to replace the plaster, let alone get a new door.
He led her over towards the bed, and sat her down. Settling next to her, he wrapped his arms around her to resume his comforting embrace. Tears continued to soak his flannel shirt while Logan hugged her. Soft kisses on her forhead soothed her anger, and slowly her jagged breathing settled into a steady pattern. This indicated the frustration and anger had abated, but he still felt the tension in her neck mucles telling him that she was not going to forgive Morph and Iceman any time soon.
"Why doncha get yerself a change of clothes, an' some towels an' go ahead an' freshen up. You can change in my room," he suggested. "I'll just see if I can do somethin' about telling someone to get a work order to get this door fixed up… an' tell Scott about this little prank before they end up with two pincushions…"
Jubilee nodded miserably. He slid his fingers under her chin, and tipped her face upwards. Softly he kissed her lips, momentarily distracting her with their contact. IT was brief, yet sweet, and had the desered effect for Jubilee returned it eagerly. A small smile crept over her lips when he released her, and sat back. She murmured, "Thanks…"
"That's better, right? Lemmie see a smile, darlin…"
"You should have seen the look on his face when I saw you chase him down the hall, Logan," Jubilee giggled. "He looked like he was ready to wet his pants!"
"He almost darn near did," Wolverine snickered, hiding his laugh behind his hand. "If he hadn't slid out on an ice ramp down the stairs… he'd be cold shishkabab by now…"
"Well you didn't have to gut him…"
"I wasn't REALLY gonna… just scare the hell outta him so he'd think twice before messing with ya like that again…"
"I'm more upset at Morph. He should know I HATE practical jokes when I'm in a bad mood… it's one thing if I'm in on it, or I'm like okay, but he almost NEVER pulls a stunt like that to make me happy… I mean like he coulda picked some flowers or come to my room with some chocolate ice cream…"
"Cut him some slack. He's temporarily insane outta bein' in love, like the rest of the bunch," Logan shook his head. "From that death ray stare ya gave him, and the way he backed off with his tail between his legs, I know he's sorry. Incredibly STUPID of him, but I guess his heart was in the right place… but man…"
"Yeah I know… but jeez Logan… he just…"
"Lemmie know what ya want me to grab for ya to change into… go ahead an' get that shower…" he urged.
"There's some jeans I guess in the closet, and maybe a T shirt… just grab any ol' thing… it'll be okay," she said without thinking. Logan nodded and walked her towards the hall bathroom.
"Wait, just use mine. Save ya the trouble. Take yer time an' relax… should be nice an clean enough… I'll just throw yer things on the sofa…"
"You sure?"
"Yeah. Knowing our luck, some dimwit might have boobytrapped the hall bathroom…" he mumbled. She nodded, heading across the hall to his room. He opened the door for her, and gently closed it behind her. Then he crossed back over to her room to find her a change of clothes.
Slowly Morph's door creaked open, and he noticed Jubilee entering Wolverine's room. Despite his guilt he felt a small smile creep onto his face. Perhaps this wasn't such a badly botched trick when it sent her towards the object of her affections. The mere fact that Wolverine had 'defended her honor' at least got him over whatever shyness about hiding his feelings in front of his teammates. Judging from what he knew about Wolverine, the Canadian was tight lipped when it came to his personal life. If he was going to have any relationship with a team member he would have to be out in the open about it. Bobby had just confirmed what they had all suspected. Just what would become of it was anyone's guess…
