Chapter 12
"Anybody got the antidote to the train running through my head?" asked Storm.
"Wie bitte?" Nightcrawler asked, as he teleported into the kitchen. Ororo coughed and sputtered the smell of brimstone as effective as any type of smelling salts.
"Something to work against a hangover," Storm clarified, rubbing her eyes and sitting down at the kitchen table. Pots and pans clanged as Nightcrawler pulled them out of the overhead and bottom compartments.
"Nein, perhaps 'hair of the dog'," he suggested, teleporting over to the fridge and rooting through. "Where are those eggs…"
"By the vegetarian cheese," Storm mumbled. "Here, lemmie help you with that…"
"Danke," he nodded as Storm dug out the orange juice, and the milk. She plunked both on the table.
"Coffee's a must," she said as she hunted around for the can. Head pounding she felt Kurt slap the can opener into her questing hand, and scoot the coffee just in front of her. The floor seemed pixilated under her feet, and she blinked with ultramarine eyes at Nightcrawler cheerfully cracking eggs into a bowl, then finding the bisquick mix.
A loud yawn erupted, and they turned to see Colossus standing in the doorway, tying his long red bathrobe around his hips. It came to his mid knees, and he rubbed his dark hair, blinking at Storm. "Maliska… good morning…"
"Good morning, lil brother," she yawned back. "Should I ask where Kitten is?"
"You may ask," Piotyr yawned, striding into the kitchen and blinking. "Allow me to help you with that… Malishka… sit down… you appear as if you need this coffee more than I…"
"Thanks," Ororo sighed as she flopped into a chair and let Piotyr and Kurt putter around. "Amazing how you two are so damn cheerful… what's your secret, huh?"
"Experience, Malishka," he said with a knowing smile. "And a drinking age that is rarely observed, nepradva li, Kurt?"
"And perhaps a bit of mother's milk… in the form of Dinkle Acker… most people my age consume alcohol on a regular basis," Kurt said. "But I'm guessing you're not so innocent yourself…"
"Jean and Lorna are way more corrupted than me," Ororo chuckled. "Just remember they were sucking down those mixed drinks… all they needed was a funnel…"
"Here you are, Malishka," said Piotyr, setting a steaming mug of black coffee before her.
"I'll be damned," Storm muttered as she rubbed her head and hunted for the syrup.
"Liebchen, you don't look so good," Nightcrawler said as he teleported over, carrying a stack of pancakes. "Perhaps some carbohydrates?"
"Hand em over here, fuzzy," Kitty Pryde said. Hands thrust into the pockets of her sweatpants and baggy T-shirt she sat down next to Ororo. Another one of the bright-eyed bushy tailed club, thought Storm with disgust.
"Here you are," Kurt said as he put a plate before Ororo, then one before Kitty. Piotyr poured two more mugs of coffee before he sat down on Kitty's other side.
"Thanks, big guy," Kitty smiled. "Knew I could count on ya…"
"Da, Katya. You know now why I forbade you to drink… nepradva li?"
"Yep, Pete, and you are right…"
"You're all a bunch of big weenies," Jubilee said as she sauntered in, and sat at one of the breakfast tables. "Leaving ME out of the game…"
"That's because Wolverine would skewer us if we let you," said Kitty. "You're the youngest…"
"Still, you were there," said Jubilee as she grabbed the box of Lucky Charms and poured herself a big bowl. "Okay, who took the chocolate milk?"
"Here it is, kleinchen," said Kurt as he pushed it over towards him.
"Knock it off with the diminutives, Fuzzy," Jubilee winced. "Just cause YOU got back before the fun last night…"
"So, where is Logan? I owe him some beer. I've got some Dinkel acker…" Kurt said.
"Don't mention beer again," Storm moaned.
"Hey, relax," said Kitty, patting her on the back. "You can just join the ol' soft drink kiddie club with Jubilee and me…"
"Says you," Jubilee muttered through a mouthful of cereal.
"Good morning all," Gambit yawned as he entered the kitchen, and sat down. "Mes ami, you are a sight for da sore eyes…"
"Make that majorly sore eyes," Jubilee joked as Gambit sat next to her. Rogue scrubbed at her eyes and sat on Gambit's left. His black silk robe came to his knees, and his lean legs were visible as he walked over and gave Storm a kiss on the cheek
"What are y'all staring at? Ah don't look THAT bad," Rogue exclaimed.
"Cherie, you be a sight for sore eyes," Gambit said as he moved over to territory that wasn't claimed.
"Yeah, right," Storm laughed to Kitty. Both girls giggled as Gambit put the moves on the Southern Belle and directed her to share a chair.
"Okay, who's got the coffee… ah need it NOW!" she grumbled.
"Here Cherie," Remy said, snagging it from Piotyr, who grabbed it from the counter. Gambit already had two mugs that he plunked down, and fixed two cups for himself and Rogue.
"So, where's fearless leader?" Rogue asked, yawning. She blew steam off her coffee and sipped it, rolling the mug between her hands.
"That's what Remy'd like to know. Perhaps making time nes pa?"
"Whatever," Jubilee mumbled. "Gimmie some of that stuff okay? An the first person to give me crap about me being too young…"
"Of course not, petit, we are all civilized…" Gambit chuckled, reaching out with one long arm to snag another mug that Kurtpulled down from the cabinet. The coffee carafe made its way over.
"How many cases is it now?" Colossus asked. "That Logan owes you, Kurt?"
"Ten," Storm said as she rubbed her head.
"Hangover?" Rogue asked Storm.
"Mmm," Storm groaned, sipping more coffee. "That's the last time I drink anything YOU suggest…"
"Aww c'mon, it wasn't THAT bad, Roro," Rogue laughed.
"Stuff it Marie," mumbled Jubilee as she rolled her eyes.
"I could use a bit of help," Kurt said.
"I'll help, if it'll stop ya bitching," Jubilee mumbled as she climbed out of her chair and moved over to glance at what he was making.
"So, where's the others?" asked. Gambit grabbed a frying pan and started clanging pots and pans as he hunted for items. Kurt maneuvered over and reached ingredients out of the fridge. Rogue was stuffing her face with cereal while Kitty sipped on orange juice.
"You don't have to do that," said Storm.
Gambit said, "Since the cooks not on duty, Remy says just deal with it…"
"What is THAT?" Jubilee held her nose when Gambit hunted through the fridge and grabbed Tabasco sauce, eggs, and other weird things. He started cracking them into a glass and adding various ingredients that made Jubilee put her hand over her mouth and plunk down in her seat.
"Here's something for you, Cherie," Gambit said, putting a glass of some strange liquid before Storm.
"Hangover remedy?" asked Kitty.
"Absolutely," Gambit said as he poured the pancake batter, and Kurt helped to put more toast into the toaster oven. Between them they brewed fresh coffee while Storm rubbed her brow. She held her nose and chugged down the remedy. Making a face she coughed and Piotyr slugged her on the back.
"The others are hung over, probably," said Kitty. "I know Alex and Lorna are. And then Jean is… she slipped into Scott's bedroom with a bottle of tequila…"
"I won't ask where she found that," said Rogue with a chuckle. "I guess ol' Charley's gonna have words with golden boy when he gets back."
"Hey, any grub around here?" groaned Alex Summers as he dragged in, alongside Lorna. She looked a bit worse for wear.
"Coffee, pancakes?" asked Kurt.
"Hey," Alex said. "What's up, nightie?"
"Let me help you with that," Lorna said as she saw Gambit rushing about with the plates.
"Merci, Cherie… a lovely lady's help is always welcome…"
"Shuddup and park it, swamp rat," Rogue said as she grabbed Gambit and planted him on his seat. "An eat something before ah shove it down yer throat…"
"Temper, temper…" Kurt said.
"He always messes around in the kitchen, them complains he hadn't got anything to eat," said Jubilee. "Let 'em go…"
"Thanks," Storm said as she leaned back and grabbed the cup. The pot made it around the table before a blue furred paw took it.
"May I trouble you ladies for a morning repast…"
"Watch out blue boy, your IQ's going up with your fur color," Jubilee joked.
"Since when did he start talking like a dictionary, or a thesaurus?" Kitty whispered.
"Oh, he's doing that to impress Ororo," Colossus whispered to her.
"These are good, Kurt, and Lorna, thanks," said Alex as he drowned his pancakes in syrup. Jubilee and Kitty exchanged questioning glances when they happened to see Bobby's watchful eye on her more than usual.
"So, where's Logan?" Kitty trailed off.
"Beats me," Jubilee nodded, grabbing the coffee before someone again reminded her of her junior X man status. Colorful robes, pajamas, and boxers were all the fashions everyone sported. Wolverine and Michelle were nowhere to be found.
"Perhaps it is best to just not ask why," Colossus said. "After all…"
"Is it just me, or is Logan extremely late, considering the morning hour?" Kurt whispered to Ororo.
"I think he got lucky," she said with a smile.
"Doesn't he usually on Friday nights?" Kurt grinned.
"Da," said Piotyr. "So what is the question? After all, we know his routine…"
"But you guys fixed him up with…" Kitty trailed off before Colossus leaned over and she felt a syrup laden kiss grace her lips.
"Whoohoo way to go," Jubilee clapped.
"Peter…" Kitty gasped.
"Do not ask silly questions, Katya," he winked. "Logan is legal. We should not ask why…"
"Ours is not to reason why, ours is just to do or die," mimed Kurt with a chuckle.
"I saw them leave together, and then…" trailed off Kitty.
"They didn't come back, did they?" asked Storm. "I mean Jean and I went looking, and then I stopped Jean from looking when I saw Logan grab his bike and go…"
"It's a 'scoot,'" Jubilee corrected her. "It ain't a bike. He calls it a 'scoot'. Get it right, sheesh!"
"Whatever," Kitty mumbled. "Look, what happened to Michelle?"
"Perhaps we shall find out," said Kurt. "Maybe he found her… and they will…"
"That's what I'd like to know," Storm said with a half smile. "This is going to be interesting…"
"Maliska, Logan's business is his own. We shouldn't stick our noses into it…" said Piotyr with a hiss as he intimated Alex and Lorna there.
"Ohhh…" Storm said. "Well, I think that I'd like to see if Hank here wants to join me and you for another round of nineball?"
"You gotta be kidding me," Kitty chuckled. "After YESTERDAY…"
"Pool is our game of choice, is it not?" Hank asked. "Or perhaps foosball?"
"Foosball rocks," Jubilee laughed. "C'mon…"
"At least he's not pining over Jean…" Kurt nodded as he leaned over and whispered to Piotyr.
"About time, nepradva li?" Piotyr nodded.
"Yeah, took him long enough," Kitty whispered. "But…"
"So, Remy's not the only one getting up late, eh Ororo?" Gambit asked.
"Get out of here," Ororo muttered. "You smell like cheap whisky… get outta here…"
"Breakfast prepared by two lovely ladies," Gambit rubbed his hands together as he finished his stack of pancakes. "But you forgot the spices… may I kiss the cooks?"
He moved over to Lorna, and Alex said, "You do and you get more than spice, Mr. Marde Gras!"
"Ohhh well, we can't have that…"
"What's cooking good looking?" Bobby asked as he wandered in. "Hello nurse," he said.
"Pancakes?" Lorna winked.
"Heck yeah… by the way I'm sorry about last night I um… acted like a jerk…"
"Thanks Bobby, and it's okay," she said as she walked past with a fresh plate of hotcakes, bacon and sausage. Alex grabbed Lorna as she went by, and put her on his lap. Hank sat next to Ororo and kissed her cheek.
"Let the cooks sit down…" Jubilee said. "C'mon, fuzzy do we have to glue ya to a chair?"
"He's right, why not take the load off," Rogue said as he caught her hand and kissed it.
"So… where's Shelly and Mister Happy?" Bobby yawned.
"That's what we'd like to know," said Rogue.
"Mind your own beeswax, okay?" Jubilee said. "I mean c'mon… like we don't ask what YOU two do…"
"Yeah, you seem pretty… familiar… you two…" said Bobby as he looked at them, blinking.
"None o' your business," Rogue said. Bobby snickered, as he watched Gambit and Rogue feeding each other, and the attention had shifted to Kurt telling about his latest exploits on the mission he was taking with Angel and Psilocke who were still probably in bed. Kitty began to feed Piotyr some of the food from her plate, and he playfully ate it from her fork and fingers. He fed her in turn,and laughed as he licked syrup off her fingers.
"Kitty and Petey sittin' in a tree… k-I-s-s-I-n-g," joked Bobby.
"Ignore him, he's just jealous," Piotyr whispered as Kitty gave Bobby a nasty look.
"I'm to believe that you two are in a relationship?" Beast asked.
"Who us?" asked Kitty.
"My congratulations then," Hank said. "You're a fortunate man…"
"Sweet," said Storm.
"I think so," Jubilee nodded. "Although if it gets as mushy as THOSE two…"
She nodded towards Alex and Lorna, who were kissing one another between bites of food. Colossus and Kitty were also nudging one another with bites of food and whispers as they looked in Logan and Mariko's direction. Even Gambit and Rogue were in on the spring fever, whispering and joking to Alex and Lorna.
"But weren't we talking about Logan… and a certain Japanese girl you know?" asked Bobby.
"Yeah," Rogue said. "Where are they?"
"Give it a REST," Jubilee snorted. "I mean shut up…"
"Jubilee relax," Bobby said as he nudged her.
"Shut up Drake or I'll show you some fireworks…" Jubilee said.
"Now now, children," Kurt said. "We shouldn't discuss the private business of people who are not here…"
"Why not?" asked Rogue. "Ah mean you do want to know… ah mean c'mon now, last we saw of 'em Shelly ran out and then…"
"Jean pursued her," Hank said. "With Logan close behind her. He almost knocked me over when he demanded to know where she was…"
"Don't that beat all," Rogue whispered. "Those two…"
"I guess," Alex blinked. "Does this mean you'll stop giving her the evil eye? Now that she's shagging the Wolvester?"
"Can you be any more crude, mes ami?" Gambit made a face. "We don't know for sure, do we?"
"Aw come on, Remy, you know an afterglow when ya see it," Rogue rolled her eyes.
"Remy can only hope… although breathing with twelve inches of adamantium is difficult… non?" he sighed wistfully.
"Wonder what Jean's gonna think?" Rogue smirked.
"I think Scott wouldn't mind," whispered Lorna. "He's going to be relieved…"
"But how long will it last?" asked Alex. "Michelle and he are teammates… if he dumps her…"
"Guys, they only just got together. Besides, they're happy so who cares? Why don't' we mind our own business for a change?" Kitty asked.
"I agree. Leave them be…" Storm nodded. "Be happy for them…"
"Hey!" Jubilee's voice cut in. A crackle of fireworks popped and everyone glanced in her direction.
"What?" asked Rogue.
"Let's all vote on it. All those in favor of shutting our traps about Logan's new love life… around the breakfast table, say AYE!" Jubilee said.
"Hey, can ya change that to, not in public and we'll vote on it?" Bobby joked.
"Drake…" Kitty grumbled.
"I agree. Those in favor of leaving them alone, hands up," said Alex. A forest of hands rose.
"Those against?" asked Jubilee. "Nada, zip zilch, so that's it… we zip our lips…"
"Right, at least in mixed company," Gambit winked.
"Or else you'll end up shish kabab," Jubilee chuckled.
Silver light gleamed off a triple set of blades. A shout of 'timber' echoed and a small tree crashed to the ground. Mariko blinked in the mid afternoon, slipping her feet into her wooden gatas and clomping out onto the porch with a cup of coffee in hand. Logan was swinging one set of claws in glistening arcs as he chopped the tree into smaller bits, and then tossed them on the firewood pile. Sweat soaked through his wifebeater, and the sheen glistened on his back and arms.
"Could I trouble you to join me for coffee?" she called.
"Sounds wonderful, darlin," he said as the claw retracted with a mental command. Something hit him in the face, and he saw it was a towel. Gratefully he sponged off, and watched as the vision in soft muted silk strode up and passed him the mug.
"Slightly white, no sugar," she said. "Right?"
"You know it," he said. "Hey, since WHEN are you going around serving ME… this is my chance to…"
"Do me a favor and let me, since YOU cooked breakfast," she said as she moved over. A hand shot out and he pulled her close to his hips. Sweat soaked through the silk of the kimono and his arm holding the coffee swung round her.
"How about I take something ELSE instead?" he joked. She tasted coffee on his lips as they closed over hers. For a long minute she lost herself in the scent of sweat, musk, and pheromones. A crisp chill to the air and a distant sound of engines droning on a highway reached her ears. However the pounding of his heart against her chest drowned it out. She slid her arms up and down his back, deepening the kiss to its natural conclusion.
Till both of them parted for air, slightly giddy. Her eyes were half closed, and he stroked her cheek with the back of one hand. She had relaxed considerably, and he knew that his approach was paying off. Whatever hell she had been put through at Creed's hands, the memories seemed to be hazing over.
"They'll be wondering about us," she said.
"So?" he joked. "What else is new?"
"True… but we will have to go back…"
Wolverine felt Mariko squirm in his arms. He slid his hand over hers and said, "I know it sucks to think about. Thought of being around all those people makes me s…"
"If you like," she said. "But I guess they're already wondering if we're going to come back, and if so, together…"
"Let 'em wonder. Do we care? Nah," Wolverine shrugged.
"I care," she said, tracing her finger up and down his arm. "I hope you aren't angry…"
"Why should I be? You got a point. But they need to mind their own flamin' business…"
"True," she said. "But don't you just wonder what the look will be on their faces, for your own sense of curiosity?"
"Mmm, it'll be pretty interesting," he said, seeing the mischievous glint in her eye.
"I mean Gambit and Bobby will be crushed… but the others…"
"Storm'll have the sense to see that you an me belong together…"
"But how will they take…" she trailed off. "Shh darlin, we'll just have to decide how to break it to them…"
"Not us I mean… I mean who I really…" she protested till she felt his lips touch hers.
"Ix nay darlin," he whispered. "You don't have to tell them anything you don't want them to know. It's your business…"
"Very true. How much do they really know about YOUR past," she chuckled.
"Could be just like me, darlin'. If I don't remember half of my past, you could claim the same thing… they don't haveta know…"
"Feels wonderful," she murmured as his hands traced up and down her back.
"No argument here," Logan answered, pulling the hairclip out and letting her dark hair tumble around their faces. He gave her another kiss, this time increasing in firmness. So far their kisses had been soft and gentle, while he nudged her back toward the cabin and inside. It was two in the afternoon, and firewood chopping had taken a back seat to just enjoying each other alone.
Now they were sitting on the sofa, in front of a fire, just running their hands over one another's hair. He struggled to hold back the obvious reaction his body was having to her ministrations. She let his hands wander over her robe and touch previously forbidden territory. When he diverted his grasp 'accidentally', she flinched. Then taking his hand she placed it where she wanted it to go.
Perhaps it was the difference between chugging beer and sipping a fine whisky, Logan chuckled to himself. Jean was a fast flash in the pan, a quick appetizer that was sweet and tasty and something to devour. But Mariko was far different. He wanted to keep from rushing too fast, because his instincts told him that he would miss something important if he did. That giddy out of control feeling of his animal side was roaring at him to grab her and take her into the bed or in the woods. Hell her body was responding to him, and the soft sounds from her throat were almost like purring.
But he was also a human being, wasn't he? Why was this so darn important? Granted he couldn't remember when he really was last IN Japan except for some mission. How he'd learned the language he couldn't answer. Snippets of memory, which could be implants, were evading him. Yet he recalled being there, flickers of memory of something like an old war movie, and then something else that was more recent. The X-5 team together as they ran through the woods:
X-1, a.k.a. Kestrel, X-2 a.k.a. Sabretooth, X-3 Wolverine, X-4 Maverick, and X-5 Fox. They were the cream of Weapon X's crop, the prototypes which were the high rankers. Those like X-23 were also up there, but there was no replacing the originals. Again he blinked remembering strange snippets that swirled and he recalled those odd days that brought him to the woman in his arms.
X-30's needed some 'incentive' to discipline them. Whose sick idea it had been to use pain and sex negative reinforcement was debatable. Probably the General. The same guy who let soldiers get their kicks emptying whole rounds of ammo into his chest while he was shut in a cage.
"I ain't goin along with that shit, Creed," he remembered saying. "You ain't gonna screw with them… that's just plain WRONG!"
"C'mon, ya want some pussy or not? These girls are HOT…"
"Shut the hell up before I bust ya up, asshole," he snarled.
"Break it up you two! I agree this isn't the first choice, but we don't have to screw up this chance," X-1 had said. "This doesn't give us license to abuse our charges. But we have the right to use whatever means to reinforce discipline including sexual…"
"Shut up you horehounds," came a loud disapproving voice. "Can't you keep your sick hormones to yourself?"
"If it ain't Pocahontas," laughed Creed. "Whatsamatta, da shores a gitchgumie ain't sweet enough for ya?"
"If you weren't the favorite of the general I'd put a mortar through you, you pile of walking garbage," Fox snorted as she hefted her gun. "But since we have to get along..."
"Stuff it honeybunch… name a place an…"
"You try, and you die," Wolverine growled.
"Enough with the futzing around… we got WORK to do…" said Kestrel. "The General's on his way in…"
"Boohoo, I'm so scared," Creed snickered.
"Someone shut him up," Maverick snorted. "Before I do it…"
"Anytime sonny, anytime," Creed motioned with his hand.
"Is he sane?" Fox whispered to Maverick.
"I heard that, squaw… wanna try getting into my head? Wouldn't you LIKE That…"
A sickening crack came as Silver Fox swung her gun butt and clipped Creed on the side of the head. "Shut up…"
"Why you…"
"The lady said SHUT up, so do I have to remind you?" Wolverine asked, the rasp of metal on metal that indicated the claws were out. A loud fireburst exploded in their heads and all five of them dropped to their knees. Images flickered through their minds, of blinding pain. The most painful memories were dredged up out of the filth that had been their conditioning. Loud screams that tore at their ears till a voice through the miasma of pain reached them.
"Are you through arguing?" came the General's voice. Logan blinked up to see Creed staggering, and Silver Fox curled up, whimpering. He reached over to touch her.
"Don't TOUCH me," she hissed. "Hands OFF!"
"Excuse me," Logan mumbled, staggering to stand. Kestrel and Maverick tottered to their feet as Creed stumbled and steadied himself.
"Yeah, yeah, we get the message, we'll behave…" Creed mumbled. "I ain't the one who started it…"
"I don't care WHO did. You are ALL pissing me off," said the General. "Time for you to get to your charges. All of you…"
Fox mumbled as she strode forwards, and Logan remained where he was. The others advanced on their proteges, but Logan shook his head. "I ain't gonna do this. It's sick and wrong…"
"Did I hear you correctly, X-3? Are you refusing a direct order?"
"I'm not gonna resort to raping and pillaging and terrorizing someone just cause they don't tow the line! You know that ain't part of the rules! Since when…"
"Since when did YOU get squeamish, Wolverine?" asked the General. "Don't make me laugh… such privileges are only necessary if your charge gets out of hand. You have the PERMISSION to use whatever means necessary to break the X-30 series…"
"Count me the hell out…" Logan snarled.
"Then you just lost your cozy little room…"
"Like I give a shit anymore," Logan snarled. Something shot out and prodded him. Blue sparks crackled from the pain stick that was shoved into his gut. He felt nausea overcome him and growled, popping his claws as he fought back.
"Logan chan…" Mariko urged as she prodded him. He snarled and she rolled away, looking at his wide-eyed glance of fear and anger.
"Shit… don't do that…"
"I'm sorry," she said, glancing at him. "I should know better than to touch you without you knowing…"
"No I should be sorry, baby," he said, his eyes wide with fear at what he'd almost done. "I had no business snapping at you…"
"I'm not the only one with flashbacks, am I?" Mariko said.
"Baby, please come over here, I promise I'll behave… I'm sorry…." Logan said as he reached out to her. She moved towards him and lay against his chest, on her side. Logan ran his hands through her hair and leaned down to kiss her softly.
"I don't want to pry… but what was it this time?"
"You aren't prying. Some memory about when you guys first came… I didn't go along with the program, you know that…"
"That was why you were in that cage to begin with," said Mariko.
"But if I had, I could've been with you, instead of Creed…"
"Don't Logan-chan you didn't know… no more than Shiro did when he was assigned to Silver Fox…"
"Did you say Fox?"
"Yes… she was assigned to Fox…" said Mariko.
"Damn…" he shook his head. "Frickin figures."
"She was someone else you had a relationship with?"
"Yeah, I think… wait I'm not the hell sure… for all I know… I was married and dint' even know it…" Logan sighed. "That's why I don't even bother to think about the past. It makes you nuts…"
"I agree," she said, leaning over to stroke his face gently. "And I'm very glad to be here with you now…"
"M'iko," he murmured, reaching for her cheek. He angled his lips to kiss her, his hand poised at the back of her neck. His arms closed around her protectively and their lips were about to touch.
Logan, you are needed….
"Aww cripes," he groaned when they parted.
"It seems that we're no longer alone," said Mariko as he closed his eyes in frustration.
Am I to understand that you have gone in search of Michelle?
"Yeah, yeah… and she's FINE…" Logan blinked as he rolled over and she released him. "I found her…"
Good work. Jean had expressed her concern… as did Scott. She requested not to be followed…
"Professor I'm here," said Mariko. "I apologize for worrying all of you… I'm safe… Logan found me and we're about to return…"
I see. I apologize for interrupting whatever you were…
"Chuck, this ain't the classroom and…
Whatever did or did not happen between you is not my concern when you are not in the school. However if it adversely affects the team it becomes my concern. Just return as soon as you can, please Michelle and Logan.
"It'd better be private," said Logan.
"Logan, easy, it's all right. Professor… we ARE allowed to have privacy are we not?"
Always, Mariko. I allowed you that privilege. And that remains the case. I only wish to learn details if it means a significant difficulty is in store for the team. Are you two…?
"Maybe, maybe not," Logan said, turning red. "Dammit Chuck…"
"We are interested in doing so," said Mariko. "But we are both adults."
That is all I need to know. Please be discrete. I can trust you to do so upon your return. This will remain between us. That is all. I look forward to your safe return.
"Thank you and goodbye," said Mariko. Logan exhaled and glanced miserably down at his feet.
"He sure can kill a friggin mood," Logan cursed.
"I'm sorry…"
"What for?" Logan asked. "He ain't gonna say boo, as long as we play by the rules… besides Red and Slim can play pattycake so why can't we? Only thing is that we've got that both feet on the floor rule when the hall monitor makes his damn rounds…"
"I don't want to leave here any more than you do, Logan," she whispered.
"This ain't the only time we'll have darlin'," Logan said as he kissed her briefly on the lips. "Guess we'd better get our stuff packed an' get on the scoot…"
When they turned onto Greymalkin lane, she saw the Mansion come into view. Logan gunned the motor to a slow crawl, and followed the circular driveway around to the garages. The engine died, and they heard laughter and loud rock music playing.
"Guess ol' Chuck's not home yet," muttered Logan as he pushed the kickstand down.
"There you ARE!" Jubilee yelled as she rushed forwards, gliding on her rollerblades toward them. "You won't believe how worried sick I was."
"Here's the welcoming committee," Mariko joked as Logan groaned inwardly. He climbed off the 'scoot and helped Mariko to climb down as Jubilee pulled to a halt.
"Hey kid, where's everyone?" Logan asked. She threw herself into him for a hug, and he patiently endured it.
"Shooting some hoops and getting drunk off their asses before the Professor comes home," Jubilee rolled her eyes. "Did you two have FUN?"
"Tell me where Chuck is and I MIGHT let ya in on a secret," Logan said quickly.
"Hi Shell," said Jubilee as she threw herself at Mariko. The two women hugged tightly. She kissed the youth on her forehead as Logan grabbed his battered leather bag and hefted it. He reached for his helmet, pulling it off.
"Hello yourself. Would you mind letting us in on what's going on here? We got a call from the Professor but it appears he's not here…"
"Everyone's wondering when you'd get back. But we took a vote to mind our own beeswax… Storm's idea… so Hank got the whole mansion to play a game of hoops, and then Bobby an' Gambit challenged the girls to a drinking game…"
"Kid, yer dangerous," Logan groaned.
"I'm not sitting around with those dweebs getting tanked," Jubilee laughed. "Don't give me that sourpuss look okay? Anee way… Dr. MacTaggert's boyfriend Sean Cassidy came by, and they got in on the little game… and we found out the Professor will be home tomorrow… in the afternoon…"
"This is very… interesting…"
"Where's Scooter and Reds?" asked Logan, catching the helmet Mariko threw him. He strapped both to the Harley's seat, and started to walk it into the garage.
"Oh, they're playing 21 questions and taking bets when you two are coming home…"
"Oh no," Mariko groaned.
"Easy, what do we care?" Wolverine asked. "So where IS everyone?"
"Girls are inside, guys are still playing hoops," said Jubilee. "I'm the lookout. Wanted to find you guys first before the reception committee screwed up you coming…"
"Thanks kid, I owe ya one…"
"Why doncha come with me, and then Wolvie can go hang with the guys," said Jubilee. "In case there's some secret…"
"Slow down, short stuff, you're making me look bad," Logan urged as he caught her and ruffled her hair. "Is there any food left in this joint?"
"Some in the kitchen," said Jubilee.
"Why don't you go have a smoke, Logan-chan, and then we'll meet up in front of the stairs?" she asked.
"Sounds good t' me," he said, looking at Jubilee.
"Hey, I'm cool guys, you know it," she laughed. "C'mon… let's hurry before they come looking for ya…"
"Later darlin'," Logan said as he watched Jubilee rush off with Mariko in tow. He loved that kid's style. She had more sense than most of the older teens put together sometimes.
"So, who has bets on when they'll come back…" asked Bobby.
"Who?" Gambit pretended to look innocent. The Cajun held a cigarette in his hand, the smoke slowly curling up towards the sky.
"You know who," Bobby whispered. "Mister Sunshine and Madame Butterfly…"
"Oh…" Gambit said as his eyes widened.
"Da," said Colossus as he yawned. Snagging a cigarette he lit one and inhaled deeply, to Bobby's surprise. The Russian X-man exhaled a large cloud that mingled with Gambit's.
"Since when did YOU smoke?" Bobby asked, halfway between disgusted and amazed.
"None of your business," Piotyr said. "Which is how you should behave when it comes to Logan's love life…"
"Hey guys, you can't tell me that you don't WONDER," said Bobby.
"Logan's my friend. And his business is his own. It's that simple," said Piotyr. "He doesn't go digging about YOUR conquests…"
"Don't gimme that crapola," Bobby snorted. "We're buds…"
"Drake's right," said Gambit. "After da card game disaster, we only worried 'bout da Cherie's welfare…"
"That is NOT your concern. She is old enough to make up her own mind," said Piotyr firmly. "And I'm warning you now, if they ARE in a relationship, Logan will not enjoy hearing you making comments about it. Not if you want to remain in one piece…"
"You're kidding me, right?" Bobby laughed.
"Try me," Piotyr said. "IT is not I that you need to concern yourself with. But Logan."
"Oh, so if we say BOO he's gonna carve us, like RIGHT!" Bobby joked.
"Do you want to risk finding out?" Gambit asked, tossing his cigarette butt into the ashtray. "We don't know if dey're seeing each other. Till dey come back. Dis discussion is pointless. Remy's not gonna give up just cause…"
"Rogue's your girlfriend you dumb ass," Bobby snorted. "Are you fuckin blind?"
"Remy's business is HIS own," Gambit said. "WE agreed t' leave da Wolverine and da Cherie alone…"
"C'mon guys that doesn't mean we can't TALK about it…"
"Talk is cheap," said Piotyr. "Excuse me…"
"What is HIS deal?" Bobby asked. "And yours?"
"Dey best friends," said Gambit. "Not smart t' spread da rumors. Gambit's your buddy d'ough."
"But you said…"
"Dat just around him, nes pa?" Gambit whispered. "Remy's interested in any dirt you heard…"
"Well from what Kurt was talking to Hank about, Jean was pretty pissed," said Bobby. "And she was all huffy and shit when she came out, and Hank says Logan almost knocked him on his ass…"
"And…" Remy said. "Logan rode da Harley cycle into da woods. And he don't come out. Dat means he don't want no interruptions. And da belle is nowhere. So dat means dey together? But knowing Logan, he only spend one night per lady…"
"So… you think they DID score?" asked Bobby.
"Gambit knows Logan's pattern. Soon da belle be cryin' and she come to Remy or you. We be dere t' dry her tears… if Logan break her heart…"
"Sweet… so it doesn't MATTER if they?"
"Remy da king of fixing broken hearts. And he knows dat you like Marie, no?"
"If that's her real name," said Bobby. "You mean you're actually gonna give ME a crack at her?"
"Why not? Al's fair in love an war. Best man win."
"But dude, she ain't leftovers, I mean isn't that kinda cheap?"
"Don't you like da hookups?" Gambit winked. "Remy never said he take Marie's heart."
"You're a big flirt ya know…" Bobby chuckled. "But just so long as Rogue doesn't kick my ass…"