(Four)
Logan spent the night in the infirmary. He would tremble and shiver as he slept, moaning softly and at times, tears leaked from his eyes. Karen stayed with him, curling her body around his and laying his head against her chest so he could hear her heart beating. When he would shake and whimper in pain, she whispered to him softly and he would quiet, rubbing his nose against her to smell that she was real and not just another voice inside of his head.
Jean lay on the bed opposite them, keeping Karen company and watching with a telepathic eye over her beloved teammate. She and Logan may never have settled down with one another, but she loved him dearly and hoped he would pull through this. They had no idea what had happened to him, only that he had obviously been kidnapped and suffered some kind of breakdown. She was grateful Karen was here to give him the comfort she could not. Jean smiled up at Karen now, watching as Karen teased a lock of Logan's hair in her fingers. "I'm glad you're here," she said, "I've never seen him break down like this. I've known him a long time, and I've never seen him cry. Not like this."
"Men are so silly, don't you think? They hold it all inside until it rips them apart. They've never understood the value of a good cry."
Jean laughed. "Too true, too true."
She stayed a while longer then left when Karen herself fell asleep.
Logan woke in the morning. The curtain screen had been pulled around the bed and it was warm and private here. He felt Karen near him and another tremble took him, this one not from fear of the unknown, but from fear of her love. She was here, all around him and unafraid. She had seen him at his worst and was still here, her hands in his hair and her breasts rising and falling gently against him as she slept. It had been a long time since he dared anyone to ever love him. So far, romance had been nothing more than a string of disappointments and heartbreaks for him. His dangerous life just didn't allow for success, really. He knew he should leave again and stay away long enough for her to just forget him, but he didn't want to. He felt a surge of selfishness, he wanted this, consequences be damned. He gripped her tightly and she stirred, laughing softly when she saw he was awake.
"You okay?"
"Yeah." It was all he would say.
She snuggled against him and felt his desire. It didn't scare her. "You wanna get out of here?" she asked, wrapping her legs around him and making him shiver again.
He didn't answer her but kissed her gently, with passion, laying her over onto her back. She held him tightly and he smelled her consent, her wish for this. He was a fool for doing this, he told himself. He had just been ripped apart, he wasn't himself. The excuses piled up quickly and were as swiftly discarded.
"Let's go," she whispered again and he laughed, letting her take him.
Henry watched unseen as Karen and Logan got up and walked out. He probably should stop them, he thought, but let them go. She had medicines far more powerful than any chemical in his arsenal. He clicked the intercom and gave a message to the Professor that Logan was awake and okay and that he had left in the company of the good psychologist. Charles didn't comment but gave his approval and said he would be alert to any disturbances in the house if Logan should break down again. It didn't happen.
(break)
Logan leaned in the doorway of the open slider, his naked body damp from the sweat of his passion. Being a senior X-man had its privileges, he had a decent sized room with a balcony and a sliding glass door. He loved the scents of the night and often left this door open most of the year. It was dark both in the room and outside so he wasn't the least bit concerned about being seen.
They had stayed in here all day, making love and whispering softly to one another. He wouldn't venture out, he wasn't ready. She brought them food and coffee, happy that he had finally let all of his guards down to her. She was lightly dozing now, sprawled out across his bed, her naked skin gleaming in the dim.
He told her most of what had been done to him. What he saw. She had listened and promised to tell no one, not even the Professor. She would leave that up to him. He didn't tell her about Crazy John, however, he just couldn't. He just wasn't ready to go there or think about Kimble right now. He had enough guilt and pain to wallow through. There would be time enough for the rest later.
He did say he believed Jael had kidnapped and put an end to poor Joseph. Jael said he was dead and he had no reason to doubt it. Charles agreed and all searches for the Clansman were put to an end.
Wolverine closed his eyes and breathed in the smells of the Mansion around him. He could smell Karen all over him. It wasn't just the smell of her sex, although that was wonderful and intoxicating, but it was her perfume, her soaps, everything about her. He shuddered involuntarily as he realized he was treading on very serious ground here. He was in love and that was a dangerous thing. Women he loved had a way of dying horrible deaths, he didn't know if his heart could take another. What if Creed found out? What if he came here to kill her and Molly both?
A funny thing happened then. The words of the man who had done this terrible thing to him came back to him, offering him more comfort and support than he would dare to admit. "Life is very precious, you have more of it than most of us. Don't waste any opportunities that present themselves. Truly live, Logan. That is what we are here for after all."
He rubbed his face with his hands and left them there, smelling Karen on him again. This was the real deal, Logan, he whispered to himself. This wasn't just making up for not having Jean, what he felt for her paled in comparison to this wonderful, crazy, runaway passion. This he could actually have if he allowed it. His desire for it was more powerful than he could ever have imagined. It made him think of Kimble which surprised him even more. Kimble's fear of losing another person he loved had almost been as a strong as his. It had been enough for him to try and destroy himself. The guilt washed over him again and he cried out softly.
"You okay?" Karen asked from his bed.
It was so strange for him to have a woman here at the house. It might even be the first time. "Yeah, darlin'. I'm fine."
"Then come back here and lay down with me. I want you next to me."
Logan couldn't control the shudder of pleasure her words sent right through him. Karen wanted him. She loved him even though she knew him for the man he was. No illusions here. He pulled himself away from the open door and came to her. He allowed her arms to wrap around him and give him the comfort he so desperately needed. He had been given something very precious here, all right. This is what Kimble had desired most and it had been ripped away from him. He had wronged Kimble badly with his lack of understanding and unforgiving nature. He resolved then to try and make this up. He would find Kimble and then he would find Remy. They would bring him home together. He would fix this, oh yes.
(break)
Wolverine strolled into the lab, looking for Henry. He found the big blue doctor in his office, sitting at his computer with Seth. The young pilot was still wrapped in a blanket, he was having some trouble adjusting his temperature to the surroundings around him. He always felt cold and so covered up. Logan could see Seth was working on the computer, scanning Internet files.
"What's up, guys?" Logan asked softly, not wanting to startle them.
Henry looked up with a smile. "It's good to see you, my friend. Come out of hiding or just come up for air?"
Wolverine smiled. He and Karen had been granted some breathing room and had been hiding themselves away over the last few days. She was helping him heal in the best way possible and it showed on every inch of Logan's face. He grunted a laugh and said the reason why he had come down. "We have to find Gambit."
"And how do you purpose to do that? When he doesn't want to be found, he's quite slippery."
"You up for a challenge?" Wolverine asked Seth. "Heard you been catchin' up quick on our technology."
Seth just smiled at him. The young Siskan had come out into this strange new world with an insatiable new hunger. He demanded books with all the arrogance of a talented child and Henry gave them to him with a laugh, recognizing in Seth himself as a boy. He had wanted to learn it all at once, too. Henry was blessed to have gone to special school for the gifted, Seth wasn't so lucky. Beast did his best to organize Seth's education and was very pleased with his progress. Seth read for hours and hours, consuming it all with enthusiasm. He hardly slept, something it had taken Fallen a long time to get used to. This she hadn't really seen while he was in the system. She never realized how active he really was all the time.
Seth read his books and learned with lightning speed. He dove into this planet's Internet and learned its languages and paths to travel. He combined this new knowledge with his own of Dognan Internet type communications and was proving his value time and time again by improving the system in the Xavier complex.
On this third night out of the system, Fallen had taken him up to the widow's peak for his first sunrise. It had overwhelmed him and then he bawled uncontrollably, mourning the absence of his brother. Kimble's absence was a constant pain in his heart. All these new things he had wanted to see and discover with Kimble. Fallen was unable to console him and he moped for days, recovering only after he had drowned his sorrow in book after book on Shi'ar technology and Blackbird propulsion and maintenance.
He became Henry's most willing and apt pupil, hounding the poor doctor with question after question. Fallen purchased for him a powerful laptop computer and he carried it with him constantly. If he wasn't downstairs in Henry's lab, he was up in the Professor's huge library. He read to learn, but also read for pleasure. He especially loved books and stories on history, it helped him to understand this world and why people did what they did.
He had thought he had seen all the cruelty humans could muster against themselves from watching the Clan. He was sadly mistaken. Just a few days ago, this world had erupted in chaos when Al Queda terrorists had flown two planes into twin towers located not far from where he lived now. It was all over the news. At first people thought it was Jael and a good number of mutants were attacked and killed before Bin Laden finally came out and told the world this attack had been his. In this alternate universe, the terrorists had to clamor over one another to be heard.
The bombings affected almost everyone in the house, but especially one of the newer kids that had just come up from the school. His name was Neal Sharra, a plasma producer not unlike Leon. He was a native of India whose parents had brought him here to help control his powers. He was a devout Muslim and took great offense to what Bin Laden had done in the name of his religion. Seth watched in horror as Neal grew angry and lost control, melting part of the lower level until the Professor managed to talk him down and get him back under control. Neal left shortly afterwards to return to India for a short while. He wanted to go on a Muslim pilgrimage and try to find some answers for what happened.
They wouldn't come easy. Seth had been appalled by the damage, it was broadcast constantly on the news and he couldn't get away from it. He wept as the replay of the towers falling was played over and over again over the next several days. He saw the bodies being dug up and Fallen had to tear him away because he was sobbing so loudly. She kept him away from television after that and forced him to work on more important things, namely his coordination.
He was flexing his mind with ease, but still found great difficulty moving around. He walked very slowly and sometimes used a cane for balance. Often times, when they were in a hurry, Fallen still carried him piggyback. Some of it was for speed, but they both liked to be close like that. He loved to smell her hair and touch her skin, he wanted his hands on her all the time, even if he wasn't always so obvious about it.
Seth really struggled to orient himself in space and often bumped into things. He learned to stay away from the fragile glass antiques that adorned the house and always handled dishes with care. He was learning a lot about food and found many things he enjoyed, especially sweet things. He had discovered the joy of Coke and Twinkies as Kimble had.
One area of activity he did have some measure of success in was making love with Fallen. If he thought it was a trip and half in the Black Room, it was a trip around the world in real life with all of his senses in full gear. The first time left him breathless and quivering, gasping for air. Afterwards, Fallen had touched him gently and calmed him with soft words. He had cried, he couldn't help it. There was nothing that compared to this, nothing. There was no greater bliss, no higher form of communication he could have shared with his Mistress.
He wanted so much to have Kimble here, to talk to him about this, but his brother was gone. He didn't feel comfortable discussing it with anyone so he just kept it to himself. He practiced often with Fallen, not that he had to twist her arm around for it.
Seth didn't share Kimble's empathy, he did not see the shines. That's not to say he wasn't aware of the emotions of others. He might not feel the vibrations, but he still had a Courtesan's innate ability to read people by their body movements and tone of voice. He retained his intense dislike for violence and avoided angry people or even loud conversation, it frightened him.
Speaking of angry people, he had gotten used to Wolverine finally. He soon learned there was no hostile intent to be directed at him. Logan regarded him as some sort of strange child, an innocent. He always spoke softly around Seth, watching his tone of voice, and was never openly violent. He was patient and kind when Seth didn't understand something because he was so new to this world and the things in it.
Karen had mellowed Wolverine and that helped a lot. That and what had been done to him. Logan had a new found peace and serenity that made him cautious around the young pilot. He challenged Seth, giving him small assignments to research on the computer. After Jael's attack, Logan now had to revamp all of the security systems for the house. He didn't want that asshole - his words, not Seth's - coming in here and making a mess of things. Seth enjoyed the work and he and Logan got along well enough.
Logan had been the one to give him first paycheck. It had freaked him out because he still didn't think in terms of himself being real. Logan gave him the packet of money and he stared at it, bewildered. "What's this?"
Wolverine just grinned. "Yer first check, son. You earned every penny. Prob'ly deserve more considerin' all the help you've been givin' us. Maybe later when ya get more comfortable, you should ask Charlie for a raise."
Seth started to cry. He did this all the time and it infuriated him, but he couldn't help it. The emotions he felt were always so powerful and not so easy to control. This small thing was a token of acceptance Kimble had never received. Logan knew it and gave his head a gentle pat before quietly slipping away.
Seth had been accepted quickly and easily, he didn't suffer as Kimble had. Of course, he didn't get into trouble either. He wasn't flirtatious or obnoxious. He was Siskan but made passes at no one. Not a single dirty joke passed from his lips though he remembered many Kimble had told. He was very lovey towards Fallen, but didn't publically hang on her. He didn't want to risk the fallout Kimble had suffered by being publicly affectionate. He had no way to protect himself.
Seth had no powers other than his ability to feel some vibrations by touch. He had no control over this at all and it wasn't all the time, it was only if the emotion was strong or violent. He couldn't fly, he couldn't phase. He couldn't even take Ristle from Fallen's skin, he had to use the cubes. Knowing this, Seth had to carry the cubes wherever he went. He was researching their construction and had plans to make cube stations all over. He needed them for the lab, the library and the Dragon. He had the two cubes Fallen started off on, but was close to building two more. It wouldn't take him long.
Back in the Lab, Seth was curious about Logan's offer of a challenge. He had no idea how a computer could find their missing thief. "What did you have in mind?"
"The Cajun ain't been gone long, but he'll show. I want you set up a search that flags any new house robberies, particularly of any suspected drug dealers in this area. Scratch that, do the whole New England area. He might go, but he won't go far. Think you can handle that?"
Seth smiled. "Like Kimble always said, 'I just loves a challenge.' "
Logan snickered and walked out. He had no reason to doubt Seth would do as he requested. It hadn't taken long for it to get around Seth was just as good at sneaking around on computer systems as promised.
Henry watched as Logan walked out. He hadn't spoken much of what happened at Jael's, but had confirmed Henry's DNA findings with his own memories. In spite of the way it was done, Henry was relieved that Logan knew Sabretooth was his brother. He had no idea how Logan was going to take the news of his new family relation and was happy he didn't have to be the one to tell him. Logan said nothing to Molly, but smiled at her strangely once when he thought no one was looking. Henry had seen it and understood what it meant - in this world, Wolverine was now no longer truly alone. Molly was his niece. It may not seem like much, but when you have nothing, sometimes that one small thing can really change your outlook on things.
(break)
Seth stepped outside onto the grass and looked up at the stars. He had been searching for Remy as Logan requested, but he was also looking for Kimble. It disappointed him that after an exhausting but still continuing search, there still was no trace of either of them. No one had any idea where they had gone and time seemed like it was slipping away.
It was a warm summer night, now the middle of September. It was so beautiful out here. Seth had never envisioned a place so wonderful. His world had drastically changed in a very short period of time, sending him new surprises at every turn. All things considered, he was tolerating it better than he expected.
Fallen came out onto the grass from the house and embraced him. She was never one to leave him on his own for long, something he didn't mind one bit. "What are you doing?"
"Looking at the stars. Looking for Kimble."
She sighed softly and he sensed it again, her pity for him. He knew his intense love for his brother was something Fallen would never truly understand. She felt bad that he grieved, but she had already set it in her mind that Kimble was gone. She had moved on with her life and set Kimble aside. He was not forgotten, but Anya's words had struck home. The Kimble they knew was gone and Fallen had already accepted it. Not Seth, he refused. He would hunt Kimble down if it took the rest of his life. What he felt for his brother was a kind of love so vast, he wondered if anyone else had ever felt something so intensely real. Kimble's absence was a big black hole in side his soul, one that would never be filled by anyone else.
"Come inside now," Fallen said gently and kissed him. He felt her love and her desire for him.
"Take me to the flower field," he said. "I've never seen it at night."
That was their new favorite place. It was the field where the Clansmen had been buried. Fallen had taken him there a couple of days ago and he was overwhelmed when he saw all the pretty colors there. The reds and yellows and pinks were a endless rainbow he couldn't wait to dive into. He couldn't stop himself from taking off at a run and plowing through them. He wanted to see if their pretty colors would pour into his body if he touched them. Of course he tripped and fell, landing with a thud and sending a cloud of pretty petals into the air around him. He laughed and laughed, drunk on all the sensations pouring into his body. The colors were bright and the smell was like a heady perfume, making him dizzy. Fallen stood over him and laughed. He was a child to her and she loved every moment of his discovery.
Fallen tightened her grip on him now and lightly jumped into the air. She had flown him a couple of times and he liked it as long as she didn't go too fast. He closed his eyes and put his arms out, trying to envision what it would be like to really fly. He relaxed and it wasn't so scary, this movement through the air. How could it be with Fallen's arms so secure around him?
She took him to the flower field and to the large tree that was in the center of it. Everything looked different out here at night, but it was still lovely. The sky was clear and the moon almost full. They sat up against the tree and Fallen knew why he had wanted to come. He lay her down and kissed her, wanting to make love out here in the flowers at night. He would never have been so bold in the daytime, he was much too paranoid about being seen and being punished for it.
Too bad for him. Neither one of the two pilots was aware that they were not alone. Wolverine had gone out for a stroll and had climbed up into the tree so he could look out across the field and smell the night around him. Imagine his surprise when Fallen dropped down out of the sky with her precious cargo. Oh, well. Guess he was in for a little show. He was aware of Seth's fear of censure and wasn't about to break them up. He knew where Seth's insecurity came from and he felt a little bad about it. He himself approved of Seth and Fallen's relationship and of the young pilot Seth as well. What a good kid he was turning out to be. He was gentle and kind and more intelligent than he would ever be.
Logan watched as Seth carefully worked his mate, saw the tenderness and love there. It amazed him how well Seth was doing considering how klutzy he was around the house. He guessed some things were inherent to these Siskan 'grams and Seth was doing okay with it. More than okay, actually. He could sense Fallen was close to her climax, coaxed there from Seth's careful touch and soft whispers of love. Fallen cried out, arching her back and Logan couldn't help but shiver. He couldn't smell Seth at all, but Fallen was coming through loud and clear. Oh, Karen. This is your lucky night, he was thinking. He was going to have to work this off, definitely. His pants were much too tight now and he wanted desperately to adjust himself to relieve some of the strain but didn't want to risk giving himself away.
Seth gasped and shivered, finishing himself now that Fallen was done. He shook and shook and shook some more. It was like he would never stop and Logan had to suppress a giggle that desperately wanted out. Man, he had never seen anyone who expressed it so openly and without restraint. It would be ridiculous if he thought for a moment that Seth was faking it. He knew better. He might not be able to smell the boy, but he could hear him well enough. There was no mistaking the heavy breathing of a man who was having a damn good time.
"You okay?" Fallen asked softly.
"Uhhnn...Fallen..." It was all he could manage. Tears leaked out of his eyes, he just couldn't help it. This happened to him every time.
She laughed and petted him, holding him close. "You are so funny."
"Wh-what? 'Cause I shake like the whole world coming down?" he asked, using one of Kimble's favorite expressions.
"I've never had a man that shook like you do."
"Is that bad?" he asked, suddenly insecure.
"No, my love. It's good," she replied and kissed him again.
He chuckled, happy now and nuzzled her gently.
"Let's go in and have a nice cool bath, it's sweltering out here," Fallen suggested. It was late September, but still warm now. That and the mosquitoes were out with a vengeance. They didn't bother with Seth, but they found her easily enough.
"All right."
Fallen dressed and they flew off. Logan hopped down out of the tree and stretched, grateful to be free. He shook his body, flexing and cracking his back. It felt good to be out here. It felt good to be alive. It felt good to be in love.
Oh, yeah. Karen. Heh heh heh.
Logan took off for the house at a fast trot, unable to stop the smile from spreading across his face.