A/N: Thanks for all the great reviews! I'm glad so many people are enjoying this story. I'm having fun writing it, so it's nice to see that my joy isn't wasted. This is a tad short, but I'm working on chapter 14 so I should have some more up in the next few days…

Disclaimer: Sadly, the X-Men are not mine…


PART 13: What's the Story, Morning Glory?

As the sun rose over the hill, Ororo stood outside, looking at the damage she had caused. Trees were twisted and broken. One of the fountains had been blow to bits by a strong blast of lightening. Shingles were ripped off the roof. What on earth was the matter with her? She had never lost control so easily before. And all over an argument that was could've been resolved without this horrible violence. Ororo had never felt more ashamed of herself. Perhaps this relationship with Logan wasn't such a good idea after all.

And then she had practically attacked Logan in the elevator while her best friend was in the Med Lab with what seemed like serious injuries. What kind of friend was she, if Jean's injuries didn't stifle her sudden urge to be with Logan? And why on earth had that happened in the first place? She had been crying as they left the Med Lab and then locked in a passionate kiss three minutes later. Ororo pinched the bridge of her nose, feeling a headache coming on. She was so confused. Maybe a talk with Jean when she was feeling better would help.

At least Jubilation hadn't been seriously hurt, she thought. But the fact that she had hurt Jubilee at all bothered her immensely. She treated the young woman as a surrogate daughter, as did most of the other women in the house, and Ororo attacked her without rational thought.

Thank the goddess that Rogue was able to take control of the situation, she reflected. Rogue had been training with all of the other X-Men in using their powers over the past few months and it appeared as though it had been a good idea after all. Most of the team had been against the idea, but Professor Xavier had declared it was of utmost importance that Rogue be able to handle everyone's powers in case of an emergency. If he only knew how right he had been, Ororo mused. She remembered voicing concern over the idea and was glad she had been wrong. Many of the other X-Men had said they didn't want anyone absorbing their thoughts and she couldn't blame them. It was unnerving to know someone would experience everything you had with a simple touch. Her mind drifted to that meeting and smiled at the irony. Logan had been one of the only X-Men to fully support the idea and it was his simple argument that finally won over the majority.

"If I trust Rogue with my memories, none of you should have any problems."

Ororo could tell Logan was still angry with her over her actions and the injuries she caused, particularly those to Jubilee. When she asked him about it this morning, he had told her that they would talk about it after they went to the meeting and checked on Jean. He was just happy she was back to herself and in control again. While he said those comforting words, Ororo could read his body language like a book and knew she was in for an angry conversation later on.


"You destroyed the grounds." Scott's angry voice boomed in the War Room. "More importantly, you injured Jubilee and Jean is still in a coma. What, exactly, happened last night?"

It was just past seven in the morning and the team was assembled, mostly in pajamas, in the War Room underneath the mansion. Rogue was wrapped in an ankle-length bathrobe and Remy was lounging back in sweat pants and a plan tank top. Betsy was wearing a short silk robe, showing her legs to everyone who was looking. Bobby sat in his snow-man decorated flannel pants with a long-sleeved shirt on. Jubilee was sitting next to Logan, looking groggy and wearing flannel pajamas. Warren, on the other hand, was fully dressed, as was Scott. Wolverine was also dressed, having been awake for nearly an hour already. Hank was still in the Med Lab watching over his patient, Jean Grey.

Charles was still visiting Muir Island to work with Moira McTaggert on finding a cure for the Legacy Virus. Otherwise, he would've been holding the meeting instead of Scott Summers.

Ororo stood at the other end of the table wearing her uniform. The cape that usually accompanied the white outfit was left upstairs.

"I lost control." She said simply. There was no quiver in her voice when she spoke, which was common when she addressed the team.

"I know that, Storm." Cyclops said, clearly annoyed. "What caused you to lose control?"

"Personal problems." Storm replied coolly. "Do not concern yourself with how I lost control, as that is not the issue. I will repair the damage outside."

"That's not good enough, Storm." Scott snapped. "You injured two people. Based on that, I think the reason you lost control is important."

"I disagree." Ororo said. "As I share the responsibility of leadership, my opinion carries as much weight as your own. It is enough that I lost control, is it not? Henry is confident that Jean will fully recover once she awakes and Jubilation only suffered minor injuries."

The two team leaders stared at each other while her words hung in the air. Tension was mounting and the other team members exchanged glances.

"This has to do with Wolverine, doesn't it?" Cyclops spat. Logan kept his face neutral, letting Storm handle the issue as she requested earlier.

"It does not matter if it does or not." Came her calm reply. "You are angry because Jean is injured. Do you think I am not angry with myself as well? She is my best friend, Scott."

"And boy do I have a headache."

Everyone whipped around to the doorway to see Jean sitting in a wheelchair with Hank next to her.

"Ms. Grey insisted upon coming down here, against medical advice." Henry said, giving Jean a sideways glance.

Smiles spread on everyone's faces and Ororo stepped forward to her.

"I am so sorry, Jean. Are you alright?" She asked, crouching down.

"I'm a little sore, but nothing time won't heal." Jean replied smiling.

The meeting ended unofficially as other teammates stood to greet Jean, happy to see her awake. Without asking for permission, most of the team then headed upstairs to the kitchen for breakfast.

Scott scowled at Logan and Ororo as they left the War Room. They followed Hank and Jean back to the Med Lab with Scott on their heels.

"Please, Jean needs her rest." Hank said, pausing at the door. Logan and Ororo took the hint and stepped back.

"I shall visit you later." Ororo promised, squeezing her friend's hand.

"I'll see you later." Jean replied, still smiling.

"Jean?" Scott asked, stepping forward.

"I'm fine, Scott. A broken rib and a hairline fracture in my skull isn't something to get so worried about. I'm just tired now." The redhead said confidently.

"I'll bring you some lunch later." He promised, kissing her cheek lightly.

Logan and Ororo began walking towards the elevators as Scott caught up to them.

"I certainly hope your personal relationship won't affect this team in the future." He said, crossing his arms.

"Listen, One-Eye, why don't you mind yer own business?" Logan growled. Ororo placed her hand on his arm in an attempt to calm him.

"When it concerns how this team operates, it becomes my business."

"Scott, please." Ororo said in an annoyed tone. "When you and Jean argue, no one bothers you despite the damage that sometimes accompanies it. I have apologized and have taken full responsibility for the damage I caused. I believe the issue is now over."

Scott didn't reply as Logan and Ororo stepped into the elevator. He didn't follow, but watched them as the doors slid shut with a frown on his face.


I'm sorry it isn't very long, but I wanted to post a little something today while I worked on the next part. I'm not sure how many more chapters this particular story will have, but we'll see.

What did you guys think??

PAF

Jubes