The nightmares had been bad last night, and it took her a long
time to finally get back to sleep. So when she finally woke up it was past
10. Breakfast had already been served, classes were already in session.
Most of them were fairly relaxed from what she noticed. Sitting around the
library discussing literature, walks around the extensive gardens for
science. It was not like any school Hannah had ever heard about. But then
Hannah had always had special attention at the prestigious schools she
attended, until her touring didn't allow her to have a regular school
schedule and she had a tutor for the later part of her teen years.
Her stomach rumbled as she headed towards the kitchen. She was surprised to find Logan standing over the stove tending to a frying pan full of bacon and eggs. He had heard her footsteps and smelt her distinctive smell, some English soap, before she even entered the room. He didn't seem to be overjoyed with her presence, so she went to the refrigerator and found an orange juice. She decided it was probably best to go back to her room, and made her way back to the door when she heard his mumbling.
"Hey" He glanced over at her briefly, surprised that she was ignoring him.
She turned to face him, with a quizical expression, "Are you talking to me?"
"I don't see anyone else around do you?"
She looked around and shrugged her shoulders, "I guess you're right" She held up the juice, "I got what I came for. Have a nice breakfast."
"You got to eat, don't you? Or are you one of those females who are obsessed about their weight and dieting."
She stopped at the door, looking back at him, "Hardly, if anything I could afford a few pounds. My parents were very strict with my calorie intake."
He motioned to a chair, "Sit down, and I'll give you a proper American breakfast, greasy, fattening, high in cholesterol. Delicious." He smiled, in a Logan sort of way, more like a smirk. Raising his eyebrows.
She didn't want to come across pleased with his invitation so she tried to to hide a smile as she sat down at the table, and he served up two plates. He was silent as he sat across from her digging into the food. She broke the silence, "Don't you have to teach too? It seems like all the adults here teach."
He hated this game of 20 questions, she seemed curious about everything, but if he didn't answer she would only badger him more. "I'm hardly a teacher." She stared intently at him, looking for more of a response, so he continued, "No, I'm just passing through."
"Like me."
He was a little surprised by her remark, "You thinking about leaving?"
"It's a possibility. What's here for me?' She looked down at the plate of food and pushed it around the plate.
"The professor." He took a bite of eggs and watched her reaction.
"don't make me laugh. I want to see what it's like out there. This is no different that what I've been used to back home. A prison." She started to raise her voice, finding herself becoming angry. She noticed Logan glaring at her, and she took a deep breath, calming herself down, " So I wanted to ask you about Salem City. What it's like?"
"You're better off here."
"Don't tell me what's best for me, Logan." He had now riled her up, and there was an edge to her voice, angry, frustrated, determined. Logan wondered what had happened to the sweet quiet woman he had brought back from London only a few days ago. " Obviously there's something better out there. Since you don't stick around for long."
"What's good for me, isn't necessarily good for someone like you."
"Where do you go in town?"
He furrowed his brow at her. He didn't like talking about himself. She could see he wasn't going to divulge this information. And she knew how to play it, "I'm not going anywhere, okay? I'm going to be a good girl, and talk to my godfather and play the piano. I promise. So can you just tell me a little about what's out there at the end of the road."
He was a little leery, not knowing whether to trust her. She went back to her eggs. And he watched her for a few minutes before he spoke, "I'll take you one day. You get an okay from the professor and it's a done deal."
"Will you take me to a bar? Like the ones you go to?"
He smiled, "No. I'll take you to a coffee shop. There's a nice one on main street, checkered table clothes, flowers, the smell of freshly brewed coffee."
"I bet you've never been there."
"Can't say that I have, but it looks real nice."
"I want to know about where you go. What its' like."
"Why are you so interested?"
"I know all about nice things, Logan. Where things are false and fake. That's what my whole life has been like. They kept me away from everything real. I think where you go is real."
He kind of chuckled "It's real alright. Smoky, a bunch of loud mouth factory workers playing pool. A bartender that consumes more beer than his customers. A nasty brawl nearly every night, usually over a lady. Not a nice place."
"Sounds exciting, please take me there." She looked over at him with pleading eyes. Logan felt a bit uncomfortable as Hannah looked at him in such a way. His fork pushing bits of egg across the plate, he averted his eyes from her gaze and noticed the mess he had just created with his food. He quickly snapped back to his old self.
"I said no, now stop talking and let me eat." He resumed his eating, ignoring her gaze. Hannah knew there was no point in taking this discussion any further. He had his instructions just like all the others in her life had. They continued to eat in silence. When she finished she took the plate to the sink. Logan watched her as she left the room her head down. He didn't want to get involved but he was pretty sure he already was. She had opened up to him. She wanted a friend, and he had to treat her like a child. He slammed his hand down onto the table, and cursed under breath, "Damn you, Chuck."
Jean passed Hannah in the hallway and Hannah didn't even acknowledge her. She kept her head down and walked towards the conservatory where she could once again connect with the piano. Jean then heard the clatter in the kitchen and walked in on Logan attempting to wash the dishes.
"This is very domestic of you, Logan." She couldn't help but notice two plates, two sets of utensils, "Cooking and Washing up, should I get you an apron?"
He turned around, feeling incredibly agitated but when he saw her face smiling at him, he let it go. "Why aren't you in class?"
" I was just going to get a couple things for a science project." She went inside the walk-in cupboard, returning with flour and salt. She had to admit she was curious. "So you had breakfast with Hannah."
He once again turned to her and furrowed his brow, "Can we not mention that name right now?"
"She's taken to you." She teased.
"Jealous." he said snidely.
"Of course not."
"Good. Because as I recall you gave me the shove last week." He roughly placed the dishes in the drainer, making a hell of a lot of racket. He didn't turn to look at her as he grabbed a dish towel off the rack and began to dry his hands.
"Logan, what's wrong?" Jean watched as he rubbed his hands on the towel, , his hands now in fists, she saw his shoulders tense, she watched the tension lines increase on his forehead. Then he turned and the anger evident as he spoke.
"She is what's wrong. The professor needs to deal with her, because I am finding her continuous questions annoying and tiring. She's not my responsibility. So talk to him, Jean. Do something soon, because I've had enough." He threw the dish towel down, and stormed past her.
Jean felt there was more to it than that. Could he possibly be falling for her? She knew better than to try and read his mind. It was something Logan couldn't tolerate and she respected his privacy. What had this woman done to him?
* * * * * * *
After getting her aggressions out on the keyboard for over an hour, Hannah headed down the hall. Passing the study, the door opened, she noticed Storm teaching a music appreciate class. It interested her to some extent, the variety of kids, the atmosphere. She didn't think anyone had noticed her, then she heard her name.
"Hannah, come in , we were just finishing up in here." . She wanted to run, but everyone had turned to look at her and she had no choice. Storm was hoping to get Hannah to open up more to the idea of sticking around the mansion. Get to know some of the kids. Maybe even help out teaching music in time. Hannah shyly entered and stood at the back of the class, motioning for Storm to go ahead. Storm gave out the homework assignments and then the children started gathering their belongings and filing out of the room.
Hannah was very aware of the whispers. Why did she feel so self conscious in front of these people when she could sit in a room with Logan and feel like she could say anything. Rogue was just picking up her books, and she saw the reaction Hannah was receiving from some of her fellow classmates. She also remembered her brief discussion with Logan. She was really no different from the rest of them.
Hannah felt the stares and just wanted to go back to the piano, she took a deep breath. She wasn't going to let this situation get to her, she didn't want the headaches again. She didn't want to see the words in her head if she could help it, but they seemed to come whenever she was upset. Her thoughts were interrupted by one of the girls, "Hannah."
Hannah looked up and Rogue gave her a sincere smile, "I'm Rogue. It must be weird for you here. It was weird for me here at first too, but it's really a cool place. I've heard you play the last few days, it's amazing." Storm walked up beside them.
"It would be wonderful if we could get you to come into the class sometime and play for us. The students would love it." She smiled at Hannah and then at Rogue, giving her a nudge.
"Oh, yeah, that would be great. You could probably even teach piano...couldn't she Storm?"
"Not a bad idea at all. I could run it by the professor." Just the very mention of the professor seemed to set her off. Why hadn't he even acknowledged her presence? Kitty came up to them.
"Miss Monroe, I am really unclear about the essay assignment, could you explain it to me?"
"Of course, Kitty. Excuse me, Hannah, Rogue."
She walked away and Rogue continued the conversation, "You know, you should have lunch with me..and my boyfriend, Bobby. I can explain a lot of things. About the Xmen and such. It's all rather exciting. But I guess you know about a lot of that, since they brought you back from London."
"the Xmen?" Hannah looked very confused.
Rogue looked her over, the clothes were so outdated. She had a pretty enough face, but a little makeup would bring out some of her better features, she grabbed her by the elbow, "You're coming with me...I will fill you in on everything, And you know what, you're about my size, I wonder if we could find something a little more trendy for you to wear."
Hannah wasn't so sure, but she was nice enough and what else did she have to do. She turned to Storm who gave her a reassuring smile. This was a start getting to know some of the kids. Be a part of the school. Storm was all for it. Draw Hannah out of her shell. Hannah found herself being reluctantly dragged to one of the girls dorm rooms where Rogue was excited about her new guinea pig.
The dorm rooms were of a good size, 4 girls shared this room. Rogue found Hannah a tight pair of stretch jeans, and a long sleeve fitted blouse, in a dark purple. Then she applied makeup. And let Hannah's hair down, "You should always wear it down. You're got incredible hair. So tell me about the boys in London. Those wonderful accents and such gentlemen I imagine. Did you have lots of boyfriends?"
"I've never had a boyfriend." Hannah looked down at her feet. Never having had a girlfriend in the last 10 years of her life, this conversation felt awkward. She was pretty sure, Rogue had more experience at everything in comparison to Hannah.
"Ever?" Rogue seemed surprised.
"No. I was too busy performing, and practicing"
"But there must have been someone you were interested in."
"No." Hannah nervously paced the room. She was beginning to feel agitated. In London, everyone had always kept her on an even keel concerning her emotions and temperament and here she felt out of control. Her contact with others continued to jar emotions and feelings she didn't understand. The continued questioning wasn't helping matters.
Rogue decided to drop this subject since it was obviously making her feel uncomfortable. She looked at the time, "We should go meet Bobby. I don't know about you but I am starving.." Hannah was staring in the mirror at this person she no longer recognized. Rogue stood behind her, "Do you like it? I didn't think it should be to drastic, you know. And to be honest you are my first guinea pig."
Hannah wasn't sure how she felt about it. It was such a change. It looked like too much makeup, but what did she know about these kind of things. She looked younger that was for sure. The dowdy clothes she had been accustomed to had added 5 years to her own 25, at least. "I do like it, it might take some getting used to."
"You just wait, the men will come crawling now." Hannah was still looking in the mirror. Was that true, would men notice her now? Not once had she felt anyone had ever been interested in her..excpet for her piano playing. Rogue noticed her daze, "Are you coming?
"I'm not really hungry, I had a big breakfast." Maybe she felt a bit self conscious. Did she really want anyone to see her just yet? "Thanks, Rogue. This means a lot."
"Don't mention it. I'll see you around." Rogue made her way down to the dining hall.
* * * *
* * *
Hannah was restless all afternoon, she played briefly but for the first time it wasn't enough. Did it have something to do with this new look. She wanted to be somebody's type, maybe she could be now. Logan seemed to think she couldn't handle anything. Well, she was going to show him. She walked around the garden, it was quiet. Kids were still in classes, she walked quite a ways, and realized she was at the main gate of the school, the house now quite a ways in the distance. She looked out onto the road, she wanted out. She wanted some freedom. Just then a delivery truck pulled in,used a code to open the electronic gates and headed down the drive. Hannah had an idea. It was time to spread her wings.
* * * *
* *
Charles headed to the conservatory, it was approaching the dinner hour and he decided there was no time like the present to get to know his goddaughter. He had planned to have a quiet dinner in his study, just the two of them. But, as he opened the door, he knew right away she wasn't there. For a moment he thought she might be in her room. That wasn't the case either, he sensed something wasn't quite right. Jean and Strom entered the room behind him ladened down with bags from their shopping spree. They were both laughing til they saw Charles' concerned gaze.
"She's gone." Charles said, turning his chair to the two women.
"What do you mean she's gone? How? And where? Where would she go?"
"She doesn't understand the danger. I must get to cerebro, to locate her. Storm find Logan. She trusts him, he'll be able to bring her back." It was the first time the two women had seem him so agitated, and not the composed Charles they were used to.
"But professor..." Storm began to speak.
Before she said anything, he could already read her mind. "He has washed his hands of her....don't believe that for a second,Ororo. I think you'll find him in the danger room."
She went off one direction while Jean followed Charles to cerebro.
Logan was in the danger room with Rogue. He wasn't much of a teacher, he didn't have the patience to explain. Not much of a talker, but Rogue appreciated any input he had, and he was able to show her a few moves, that she picked up pretty quickly. She especially liked the kicks. After accomplishing one, on a adversary, she smiled confidently at Logan, "That is so cool. Now I can kick some butt."
Logan laughed, "You have a long way to go."
Storm entered the control room and took over the intercom, "Logan, I've come to fetch you."
"I'm busy." Then a familiar voice entered his head, I need you Logan. You are the only one here who can bring her back. He looked around startled, as always. It was something he never got used to.
"I got to go meet Bobby for dinner, he's free, Storm." Rogue gave him a tender look of thanks before she rushed past him and out of the room.
Logan entered the control room and faced Storm, "When he says her, who does he mean? Obviously not Rogue, I think she's pretty content here...she's not going anywhere...let's see, could it be Jean. Maybe she's wised up and decided to leave Scott high and dry. And if that's the case, well, I don't think I'd bring her back." he said with a twinkle in his eye.
"It's Hannah, she's gone."
"What do you mean she's gone, where would she go? That kid hasn't a clue about the outside world. It will eat her alive." he seemed truly concerned about her dissapearance.
"So the professor was right, you do care."
"That's not what I'd call it. But you believe what you want." Hiding any kind of emotion, he went to the control panel and began to fiddle with various switches shutting down the program he had been working on with Rogue.
"So are you going to help?"
"It's not like I have anything better do now, is it." He turned abruptly from the control panel and stood up.
"You know, Logan, I'm not sure why you're hanging around. Jean has made her choice. You've gotten Hannah out of England, saved her life....it would seem like the perfect time for you to run again."
"I don't run. I just get restless in one place, always have. And as for Jean's choice, it's not set in stone."
"You're determined to get what you want aren't you?"
"And what is that Storm?" he leaned in closer to her, and practically snarled. "You seem to know me so well."
She knew when to stop. He strutted past her and down the hall towards cerebro.
Jean and Xavier stepped out of the large dome shaped room that housed cerebro, and met Storm and Logan outside, "I can't place her. She could be anywhere."
This surprised Logan, "That's impossible." The man was always able to place any mutant at any given time. His powers were so great. So Logan couldn't fathom this bit of information. Why all of a sudden was he having problems?
"It's not impossible, Logan, it's extremely rare but it does occur." Jean knew when it occurred, when there was a genetic connection. She had been studying the whole telepathy process down to every little detail. Was the professor hiding something from all of them? She decided to keep this fact to herself at this time.
Logan was a bit confused. He couldn't help but notice Jean's expression as the professor revealed this new detail. But he also knew there was no time to waste, he thought about the brief conversation with Hannah this morning. Her questions about Salem City, her interests in the bars, "I know where she is."
Jean looked surprised, he looked straight at her, and then back to Charles, "She wants to be normal, god, help her when you tell her about her mutancy. She really thinks she has a whack at it."
"Well, what are you waiting for? Every minute she is out there the more danger she is in. I have every reason to believe there are British intelligent agents in the vicinity. She isn't safe."
"I have one stipulation, Chuck. I bring her back, you tell her everything. Remove the mind block as well. Don't let her suffer anymore. And that means get her off my back. She's becoming a nuisance."
Charles knew enough about Logan to know what he really meant. He was beginning to care about her. He came across tough and unfeeling for the most part, but he did care, he had shown that with Rogue. Taking her under his wing. "I was going to talk to her about her mutancy this evening, then I found her missing. The mind block is another story. That will take some time." Logan didn't really like that answer, but he headed for the elevator that took him back up to the main floor, Jean ran to catch up with him, he was surprised as the door was beginning to shut and Jean squeezed through. He smiled at her.
"Couldn't pass up the chance to be alone with me, could you?"
"Give it a rest, Logan." She didn't seem to be able to look him in the eyes. "So where is she?"
"I'll bring her back, you don't have to worry." He averted his gaze from her, what was the point. She had made it perfectly clear last week where he stood.
"I'm not worried, I just wondered how you know."
"She talks to me, I don't know why. Why are you so interested?" He now looked her straight in the eyes, making Jean feel a bit uncomfortable.
"She's a strange one." she managed to say, looking at the lit up panel, the elevator making it's wait to the main floor.
"Aren't we all?" he said cynically. He was glad when the elevator stopped and the doors opened, he had to admit he found Hannah interesting, he couldn't pinpoint it. Maybe it was her similarities to him, her loneliness, her bitterness, her not knowing about her past. He didn't want Jean to see this interest, He had built up a resilience to everything. Vulnerability wasn't suppose to effect him. Caring about someone, the way he felt about Jean, about Rogue, and now these feelings for Hannah, which he didn't understand.....Jean stepped out of the elevator with him and he turned to her, "I'll see you later, tell Scott thanks in advance for the use of the cycle....again."
"Logan." Their eyes met and he still felt the intense chemistry between them.Neither one of them saw Scott approaching from the back of the house. He was well aware of the look passing between them.
"Hey, what's going on? I was wondering where everyone dissapeared to."
Logan didn't even acknowledge him and just headed for the door, "Got to run."
Scott looked after him, "Why is he in such a hurry?"
"Hannah's missing. He's going out to look for her." Jean's gaze still focused on the front door.
"Really, that's interesting?"
She turned back to Scott, "Why would you say that? It's serious, Scott."
"It's interesting that he is so fascinated by her, as I recall only last week it was you he wanted."
"Stop it. He's doing this for Charles."
"He's doing it for himself ,Jean. Logan does everything for himself." After he said it he knew it was not the right approach. His jealousy showing through again. "hey, I'm sorry. You're right, he saved Rogue....and he was a lifesaver in London. I guess I'm feeling threatened in more ways than one. He not only wants my girl, he has become an asset to the Xmen, making me pretty much obsolete."
'That isn't true,Scott and you know it. Charles relies on your steadiness, your loyalty."
"But he's sending Logan out to find Hannah."
"Because they've connected. He won't admit it, but they have. You have to admit the other night you didn't charm the socks off her."
"Do I still charm the socks off you, because that's all that matters to me."
She smiled and gave him a hug, "Definitely. You know I was thinking, how about dinner in our room, I've missed you today."
"Charles doesn't need you?"
"He knows where to find me." That was for sure, Scott thought. The way he was known to pop up into her head at any given time. He couldn't keep track how many times their love making had been interrupted. She took hold of his hand, and pulled him into the elevator, he forgot all about Logan as she nuzzled up to him, tenderly giving him a kiss as the elevator door closed behind them.
* * * *
* *
Hannah's adventure began in the back of the delivery truck and as she snuck out the back when it stopped at the loading bay, she found herself in not the best part of town. They had been in the van for only about 20 minutes and from what Logan had told her this morning. This had to be Salem City. It was like nothing she had ever seen. She was used to posh London townhouses, and this was in an industrial area. She didn't realize that her dress was not appropriate for a woman alone in this part of town. And wolf calls and whistles followed her as she headed down the street. She wasn't frightened but overwhelmed with the sights and sounds she was observing. Then a sign that said food, was flashing above her, she didn't even have to think about it, she wanted off the street, and she was hungry. She quickly pushed open the door, and found herself confronted by a smoky dark bar, and it's inhabitants all male. Could this be where Logan went every night? Was this the real world she wanted to experience? They all stared at her until she started to feel uneasy and uncomfortable. This wasn't much better than the atmosphere outside. But it was time to face the music as they say, and she tried to pluck up some courage and headed towards the bar.
The bartender was friendly, but she couldn't help but notice he was eying her too. She really thought Rogue's clothing was an improvement on her previous attire, but what did she know about anything. She had been shut away for so long.
He placed a cocktail napkin in front of her, "It's a bit early in the day, little lady, but believe me you're a welcome sight. What can I get you ?"
Hannah had no idea what he meant, but as she turned around she saw all the men looking at her, smiling. "A sandwich would be great, if it's not too much trouble." her mind once again took on that strange feeling of being on overload with too much information and the headaches began. Ever since the arrival in the US they had become increasingly more frequent.
The bartender couldn't believe this one. She was obviously new at this. The English accent, the politeness, but the outside package was all that was important with his clientel. The ladies usually didn't show up til later, this one obviously wanted an early start, and he was only to willing to let her do her thing here, because it got the boys to lay down a little extra money buying drinks.
"Ham sandwich okay, darling? I think I can manage that." Hannah nodded, and he stepped into the back, briefly. She looked around her, and the next thing she knew she had company. An older man, a receding hair line, mustache, wearing a suit, his tie loose to her left, on her right, a younger man in jeans and a plaid shirt, a headfull of sandy color hair, bad teeth, five o'clock shadow. They both smiled at her. Hannah tried to return the gesture. They both looked friendly enough, what could possibly go wrong. And didn't she want to experience the outside world? Well, no time like the present.
The younger one spoke up,"Where have you been all my life, sweetie."
Hannah was not used to this kind of talk, but stupidly she heard herself say, "I've been in England, actually."
The young man laughed, "looks and a sense of humor, a winning combination, let me get you a drink."
Hannah had only ever drank wine, usually with dinner, or champagne on special occasions, and then only in very small quantities. She eyed the various bottles behind the counter, and blurted out, "a scotch. I'd like a scotch, please."
"Straight?"
"Why of course." she tried to sound assured but wasn't sure she was pulling it off. She was quite proud of her self actually. The bartender had reappeared with the sandwich, that looked like it was on stale bread, and Hannah turned up her nose and grimaced, then noticed the bartender's reaction, she quickly changed her tune, "This is lovely, thank- you."
The two men ordered her drinks. The first one was hard to get down, but after the 3rd or 4th she felt as if she was drinking the American version of Lemonade, allowing her to loosen up quite a bit. She smiled at her the two companions, this wasn't going to be so bad after all.
Salem City wasn't a large town, part of it had the quaintness of something you'd find nestled in New England somewhere, but there was the industrial side where a lot of working class men traveled from neighboring areas to work. And there was one bar that most of these men frequented. Logan had found the place much to his liking. He could be alone, in the back, in a booth, where no one would bother him, he rarely spoke to anyone except the bartender and some of the ladies when he felt like it. They knew to leave him alone. He had been involved in a few fights but soon the word was out, don't mess with this guy. And they didn't.
He wasn't incredibly surprised Hannah ventured here on her own, she had been pretty determined this morning. But he knew that she was no way prepared for what she would find inside. But she was stubborn, very much like himself. He tracked her here, from the laundry loading bay. Standing outside he heard the incredible sounds of boogie woogie piano coming from the place. That was odd. He recalled the upright piano, tucked away in the back past the pool tables, but it had always looked as if no one had ever touched it. From what he had observed about her in the last few days, the piano seemed to be her safe place.
The piano enticed her, like it always had, always would. Even after a few drinks, she was drawn to the white and black keys that gave her so much happiness. It was also a way to get away from the pawing hands of those guys. So far she had held her on, but the whole scenario was now not so fascinating. She sat down and picked out a boogie woogie and everyone in the place was shocked. She delve into her own world and became oblivious to the glances of the men around her, as her fingers flew across the keys.
Logan stood outside listening for a few seconds, it was incredible. Her music seemed to have an effect on him, for a moment he forgot the reason he was here and what Hannah could be experiencing behind these walls. He quickly snapped out of the daze and refocused entering the bar. The bartender acknowledged him right away. , "Hey, Logan, the usual?'
Logan was sensing out the place, and he felt her there, but as he looked around the place he didn't see her. The music had stopped, and he didn't like what he was feeling. The bartender watched as Logan sniffed the air, like an animal, "Yeah, the usual." He answered and took the beer from the man's hand, "I'm sure I heard someone playing the piano as I walked in. Private party in back tonight, Mack?"
From where Logan stood he couldn't see what was going on back there, but he heard men's laughter, and he was starting to be a bit concerned. he put down a few bills and the bartender answered, "I suppose you could say that. Never seen her in here before, She's an interesting one. Never heard anyone play the piano like her. Doesn't make sense her coming in here to pull a few tricks. All that talent, what a waste, but I suppose she has talent in other ways as well, if you know what I mean."
"I'm going to have a look for myself, if you don't mind, Mack"Logan knew whatever he was about to witness he wasn't going to like,
"Hey, it's a free country, pal. But I'll forewarn you. Those guys have been drinking since lunchtime. I would stay out of their path." Mack had seen the few scraps Logan had caused in the bar, and knew the guy could hold his own with anyone, but he didn't like when the guy went crazy, which he tended to do, on the turn of a dime.
Logan ignored the last comment. Getting in their path was exactly what he intended to do. He strutted straight to the back.
While playing Hannah had been able to hold the guys off. They had hooted and hollered and got into the lively boogie woogie piece she had pulled out of her head. But she had now been playing nearly a half hour, and the natives were getting restless.
"Hey, baby, we want to see your other talents." An older gentleman reached from behind her grabbing hold of her breast. Hannah gasped, not expecting this kind of physical contact.
The others egged him on, as he continued to grope at her breasts, she tried pulling away, only to cause the blouse to rip and then she lost her balance. stumbling and falling off the back of the bench. Her head bit the hard wood floors with a loud thump, knocking her out momentarily.
, "Yeah, that's more like it, flat on your back, sweetie." He leaned over her,and started kissing her neck and then down her chest, her eyes flicked open and the sight of this disgusting creature on top of her made her began to kick and she made an effort to push him off her. But her reflexes seemed slow, and the headaches were getting worse.
"Please get off me." she didn't want to get upset. Certainly this guy would listen. At least that's what Hannah thought. It would only make her head feel like it was exploding.
The guy laughed, "That's not what you really want now is it?"
A few of the guys made wolf sounds as he forced his lips over hers, one even shouted, "Lyle, come on stop with all the foreplay, we want our turns."
He reached his hand towards her jeans, and then noticed the shadow cast over him, the whole room had gone silent for a brief moment.
"Hey, bub, I think the lady said get off. And she did say please."
Hannah recognized the voice, it was Logan, but this guy was blocking any view. Relieved she began to relax, Logan wouldn't let anything happen to her.
But the guy didn't budge, just turned and looked up at the snarling face of the man standing over him, "Go find your own, buddy. This one is mine."
Logan grabbed him by the back of his coat, "Not tonight, bub, not tonight." and then proceeded to throw him across the room. A few of his friends, moved towards him, they had obviously not heard about this guy. But they felt they could take him on easily.
"Hey, that was out of line, mister. She is fair game in this place, and you know it. If you like what you see, you wait your turn. I'm sure there is plenty to go around."
"If there is, it's not coming your way." He didn't want a fight, and helped Hannah up. She felt embarrassed and didn't want to meet his gaze, but he was surprised by her appearance. This wasn't the same woman he had last seen in the morning. But right now, he just wanted to get her out of here without a fight.
But now there were 5 guys, Hannah stood behind Logan, cowering, he quickly pushed her against the wall. Pointing his finger into her face, "Stay put." She did as she was told, as he turned back to the men, "I don't want any trouble, fellows." he said it light heartily but he knew there would be trouble. Logan always seemed to find trouble.
"Well, you've already given our pal a splitting headache." Logan looked over at the guy against the wall. And realized these guys weren't to happy with him. "And that just isn't very nice." One guy gave Logan a push with both hands, but Logan barely budged. And then he grabbed him by the jacket.
"I don't think you want to do that, friend." Logan hated to be touched and he felt the berserker rage inside him surfacing, as his knee came up and got the guy right in the groin. The guy let out a scream, feeling like a metal bar had just been slammed between his legs. Another guy came around the back, and Logan swung at him, a fist slamming him in his face.
Hannah watched the fight from the corner, and thinking there was no way Logan could come out the victor against these guys, she squirmed every time a punch was executed. Then watched as he was thrown across the pool table, pulling himself up, Hannah noticed the cut above his eyebrow, he was bleeding. He must have hit the corner of the table. He stood silent for a few seconds, twisted his neck, like he was getting a creak out of it and Hannah watched in amazement as the cut began to disappear. She was not the only one watching, The 2 guys still standing, gawked open mouthed at the sight.
"Hey" the younger man looked towards the bartender, "this guy is a mutant. Since when do you allow mutants in here?"
"You have something against mutants, bub?" Logan slammed the guy against the wall, and his two outside claws on his right hand sprung out, just skimming the guys chin. The whole bar went silent. "Apologize to the lady, or the other one comes out and I don't think you want that to happen."
The bartender stepped into the room, "Hey, Logan, no trouble tonight....of course they'll apologize to the lady."
Logan waited, the guy was shaking, "Hey, I'm sorry pal, she's all yours."
"I said apologize to the lady." Hannah stood up against the wall, Logan noticed her hand rubbing her temple, he didn't know what her mutation was, but she always seemed to be having headaches. He wondered if it had anything to do with it.
"I'm sorry." Logan's claws retracted and he then pushed him against the pool table, quickly grabbing Hannah by the arm.
"Come on, let's get out of here." He turned towards the bartender as he pulled her out of the bar, stuffing a few bills in his shirt pocket, "Hope that will cover the mess, Mack." He then pushed open the front door, the bike parked right in front.
He got onto the motorcycle and she just stared at him. "Are you going to get on?"
"Why should I go back there with you? Maybe that's not what I want." For some reason she couldn't fathom a thank you.
Logan was a bit surprised by her attitude,"Be my guest, rejoin your drunken companions then. Is that you want?"
She shook her head, "Fine, then get on the back of the bike. You do realize what could have happened in there if I wouldn't have shown up?"
"I am sure I could have handled it."
He chuckled, "Oh, right....you were handling it just perfect. In a few more minutes, there would have been one serious gang bang taking place in there....probably right on top of the pool table, for all to witness."
"What are you talking about?" Hannah didn't understand the lingo whatsoever.
He shook his head in disbelief, "You have a lot to learn about men."
"They were being nice. They bought me drinks."
"To get you drunk, Hannah those guys wanted one thing, they thought you were a hooker. And I can see why, what the hell is this crap all over your face?" He ran his thumb across her eyelid and then down her cheek, smudging the makeup. Then looked down at her attire, the tight jeans and form fitting blouse, showing off the incredible figure this woman had. Something he had been oblivious to in the dowdy clothes she had been in before. "A woman doesn't walk into a place like that, looking like you do right now, alone. It's only asking for trouble."
"It was Rogue's idea." she responded, feeling incredibly foolish.
Logan couldn't help but laugh, "Oh, I see, and was it also her idea to go pick up guys in a bar? She's 16, Hannah. Her perceptions of the outside world aren't much clearer than yours."
"That's an insult. And I wasn't picking up anyone in a bar. I was hungry." she raised her voice, now angry at the way he was treating her.
"Yeah, that's what they all thought too....you were hungry, and it wasn't for a bite to eat."
"Stop treating me like a child, I'm not a child."
"That's right, you aren't. So let's stop behaving like one shall we." He noticed her blouse was ripped and took his jacket off holding it out for her to put on. Maybe he was being a bit rough on her, he changed the tone of his voice, "Put this on." . She looked leery of him, and then allowed him to slip the jacket over her, she looked down at the front of her shirt. She really wasn't aware of what had just happened, but her shirt was ripped. Her breast nearly exposed. Logan was right, she knew nothing about men. She wanted to be like everyone else, and she thought she was doing just that in there. She slowly mounted the bike behind him, ashamed.
"I just wanted to see what it was like, you know." she felt like crying but held it back.
"A bar, with a bunch of sleazy guys in it. That's what you wanted to see?"
"I wanted to see why you liked it there. So do you go there to pick up hookers too?"
He wasn't about to take that bait. "Put your arms around me, I want to get you back to the mansion in one piece." she did as she was told and he started the bike.
Logan saw Chuck at his picture window as they pulled up. He pulled into the garage. She got off the bike and pulled Logan's jacket closer to her, wrapping it around her. There was a nip in the air. Logan looked at her, the smeared makeup, the ripped shirt and tight jeans. A reunion at this point probably wasn't the wisest of choices.
"Hey, why don't you go pop in the shower, I'll tell the professor that you've had enough for today." he still talked to her like she was a child. But at this point, she was just glad he was talking to her at all.
"I have a lot of questions."
"That can wait til tomorrow."
"Thanks, Logan."
"Thanks? You mean you actually can speak those words. I am surprised." he said sarcastically.
"You think I'm a spoiled brat don't you? You don't like me much."
"What I think isn't important. You have a lot to learn and I hope you don't go and do any more stupid stunts like this evening. Because if I wouldn't have shown up...well, I would hate to think what would have happened." For a brief second there was something in behind his eyes, a concern...She smiled at him, he did care about her. "And wipe that smile off your face. You definitely haven't made points with me tonight"
He headed for the elevator, holding the door open for her, "Come on, I don't have all night." She quickly got in and she put her head down, not looking at him. He knew he was being a bit rough on her, but somebody had to do it.
The dorm rooms were on the 3rd floor, but Charles' study was on the 2nd. Before he got out he stopped. He was concerned about her, "You going to be okay?"
She nodded. She started to take off his jacket and he stopped her, "I'll get it in the morning"
"I'm sorry,Logan, really....we just seem to be getting off on the wrong foot..you and me."
"Just promise me one thing."
"What's that?"
"Stick to the piano playing, you make a pathetic lady of the evening" She managed to smile, "And you played one hell of a boogie woogie in there."
"Thank you. It's my favorite type of music, but my parents discouraged it."
"No disrespect for your parents, but they really had no clue about raising a daughter did they?"
She shook her head, she felt a little bit sad. She had not cried about her father dying. She felt guilty she was almost glad he was dead and that she was here. She thought she might cry. And that wasn't something she would do, not in front of anyone.
Logan couldn't help but notice her holding back tears. "hey, if it's any consolation, I think my parents didn't have a clue either If they did, they might have tried to have found me at some point in my life."
"Where are they?" she questioned.
"Like you, I have only recollection of the last 15 years. I don't know who or what I was before that time. You at least had family to fill in the missing pieces."
Hannah thought about what he said. Her family had never talked about her childhood. If they did it was general, and nothing personal. She noticed Logan becoming a bit moody, and he had obviously said more than he intended. "You can talk to me, Logan. If you ever want to."
"I have nothing to talk about."
He finally let go of the elevator door, and she watched as it started to close,
"Goodnight, Logan." She quickly said before the doors shut, and she was alone. But if anything she had learned a lot tonight. She learned that she had a friend in Logan.
* ********** * *
A tall dark haired man, dressed all in black made his way towards the bartender, who was cleaning up the mess caused by Logan and the others. They had all quickly dispersed after the fight, and the bar seemed back to it's old atmosphere, a few ladies hanging around the jukebox, the men eying them.
"So that was quite a little ruckus I witnessed earlier. And I had the distinct impression that Salem City was such a quiet little town."
The bartender looked up from his broom, after hearing the gentleman's English accent. 2 in one night, that was so strange. He was not the typical customer, his clothes looked expensive, he had an elegant way of speaking. "Ah, this is nothing. I'm used to it."
"And the fellow that caused this mess? A mutant."
"As far as I'm concerned he's a paying customer like all the rest. He has a temper granted, but for the most part he keeps to himself. Obviously there was something about this girl."
"Oh,yes, there was definitely something about the girl." The man unfolded his paper and showed him the story...."She is a world class pianist, kidnapped from her home in London."
"I have a hard time believing that. She knew Logan, she left with him willingly. I think this this rag of yours has got it all wrong."
"And what's to say she hasn't been brainwashed. These mutants they are capable of just about everything from my understanding."
The bartender was now questioning him with his eyes. He had a point there. But he liked Logan, claws or no claws, the guy was halfway decent. One of the only customers he had that was.
The man took hold of the bartenders hand and opened it, then slipped $100 bill inside it, before closing it up, he smiled at him, "So what can you tell me about Xavier's School for the Gifted? And about the mutants that seem to run the place, especially Professor Charles Xavier and the one who frequents your establishment..the one called Logan?"
"
Her stomach rumbled as she headed towards the kitchen. She was surprised to find Logan standing over the stove tending to a frying pan full of bacon and eggs. He had heard her footsteps and smelt her distinctive smell, some English soap, before she even entered the room. He didn't seem to be overjoyed with her presence, so she went to the refrigerator and found an orange juice. She decided it was probably best to go back to her room, and made her way back to the door when she heard his mumbling.
"Hey" He glanced over at her briefly, surprised that she was ignoring him.
She turned to face him, with a quizical expression, "Are you talking to me?"
"I don't see anyone else around do you?"
She looked around and shrugged her shoulders, "I guess you're right" She held up the juice, "I got what I came for. Have a nice breakfast."
"You got to eat, don't you? Or are you one of those females who are obsessed about their weight and dieting."
She stopped at the door, looking back at him, "Hardly, if anything I could afford a few pounds. My parents were very strict with my calorie intake."
He motioned to a chair, "Sit down, and I'll give you a proper American breakfast, greasy, fattening, high in cholesterol. Delicious." He smiled, in a Logan sort of way, more like a smirk. Raising his eyebrows.
She didn't want to come across pleased with his invitation so she tried to to hide a smile as she sat down at the table, and he served up two plates. He was silent as he sat across from her digging into the food. She broke the silence, "Don't you have to teach too? It seems like all the adults here teach."
He hated this game of 20 questions, she seemed curious about everything, but if he didn't answer she would only badger him more. "I'm hardly a teacher." She stared intently at him, looking for more of a response, so he continued, "No, I'm just passing through."
"Like me."
He was a little surprised by her remark, "You thinking about leaving?"
"It's a possibility. What's here for me?' She looked down at the plate of food and pushed it around the plate.
"The professor." He took a bite of eggs and watched her reaction.
"don't make me laugh. I want to see what it's like out there. This is no different that what I've been used to back home. A prison." She started to raise her voice, finding herself becoming angry. She noticed Logan glaring at her, and she took a deep breath, calming herself down, " So I wanted to ask you about Salem City. What it's like?"
"You're better off here."
"Don't tell me what's best for me, Logan." He had now riled her up, and there was an edge to her voice, angry, frustrated, determined. Logan wondered what had happened to the sweet quiet woman he had brought back from London only a few days ago. " Obviously there's something better out there. Since you don't stick around for long."
"What's good for me, isn't necessarily good for someone like you."
"Where do you go in town?"
He furrowed his brow at her. He didn't like talking about himself. She could see he wasn't going to divulge this information. And she knew how to play it, "I'm not going anywhere, okay? I'm going to be a good girl, and talk to my godfather and play the piano. I promise. So can you just tell me a little about what's out there at the end of the road."
He was a little leery, not knowing whether to trust her. She went back to her eggs. And he watched her for a few minutes before he spoke, "I'll take you one day. You get an okay from the professor and it's a done deal."
"Will you take me to a bar? Like the ones you go to?"
He smiled, "No. I'll take you to a coffee shop. There's a nice one on main street, checkered table clothes, flowers, the smell of freshly brewed coffee."
"I bet you've never been there."
"Can't say that I have, but it looks real nice."
"I want to know about where you go. What its' like."
"Why are you so interested?"
"I know all about nice things, Logan. Where things are false and fake. That's what my whole life has been like. They kept me away from everything real. I think where you go is real."
He kind of chuckled "It's real alright. Smoky, a bunch of loud mouth factory workers playing pool. A bartender that consumes more beer than his customers. A nasty brawl nearly every night, usually over a lady. Not a nice place."
"Sounds exciting, please take me there." She looked over at him with pleading eyes. Logan felt a bit uncomfortable as Hannah looked at him in such a way. His fork pushing bits of egg across the plate, he averted his eyes from her gaze and noticed the mess he had just created with his food. He quickly snapped back to his old self.
"I said no, now stop talking and let me eat." He resumed his eating, ignoring her gaze. Hannah knew there was no point in taking this discussion any further. He had his instructions just like all the others in her life had. They continued to eat in silence. When she finished she took the plate to the sink. Logan watched her as she left the room her head down. He didn't want to get involved but he was pretty sure he already was. She had opened up to him. She wanted a friend, and he had to treat her like a child. He slammed his hand down onto the table, and cursed under breath, "Damn you, Chuck."
Jean passed Hannah in the hallway and Hannah didn't even acknowledge her. She kept her head down and walked towards the conservatory where she could once again connect with the piano. Jean then heard the clatter in the kitchen and walked in on Logan attempting to wash the dishes.
"This is very domestic of you, Logan." She couldn't help but notice two plates, two sets of utensils, "Cooking and Washing up, should I get you an apron?"
He turned around, feeling incredibly agitated but when he saw her face smiling at him, he let it go. "Why aren't you in class?"
" I was just going to get a couple things for a science project." She went inside the walk-in cupboard, returning with flour and salt. She had to admit she was curious. "So you had breakfast with Hannah."
He once again turned to her and furrowed his brow, "Can we not mention that name right now?"
"She's taken to you." She teased.
"Jealous." he said snidely.
"Of course not."
"Good. Because as I recall you gave me the shove last week." He roughly placed the dishes in the drainer, making a hell of a lot of racket. He didn't turn to look at her as he grabbed a dish towel off the rack and began to dry his hands.
"Logan, what's wrong?" Jean watched as he rubbed his hands on the towel, , his hands now in fists, she saw his shoulders tense, she watched the tension lines increase on his forehead. Then he turned and the anger evident as he spoke.
"She is what's wrong. The professor needs to deal with her, because I am finding her continuous questions annoying and tiring. She's not my responsibility. So talk to him, Jean. Do something soon, because I've had enough." He threw the dish towel down, and stormed past her.
Jean felt there was more to it than that. Could he possibly be falling for her? She knew better than to try and read his mind. It was something Logan couldn't tolerate and she respected his privacy. What had this woman done to him?
* * * * * * *
After getting her aggressions out on the keyboard for over an hour, Hannah headed down the hall. Passing the study, the door opened, she noticed Storm teaching a music appreciate class. It interested her to some extent, the variety of kids, the atmosphere. She didn't think anyone had noticed her, then she heard her name.
"Hannah, come in , we were just finishing up in here." . She wanted to run, but everyone had turned to look at her and she had no choice. Storm was hoping to get Hannah to open up more to the idea of sticking around the mansion. Get to know some of the kids. Maybe even help out teaching music in time. Hannah shyly entered and stood at the back of the class, motioning for Storm to go ahead. Storm gave out the homework assignments and then the children started gathering their belongings and filing out of the room.
Hannah was very aware of the whispers. Why did she feel so self conscious in front of these people when she could sit in a room with Logan and feel like she could say anything. Rogue was just picking up her books, and she saw the reaction Hannah was receiving from some of her fellow classmates. She also remembered her brief discussion with Logan. She was really no different from the rest of them.
Hannah felt the stares and just wanted to go back to the piano, she took a deep breath. She wasn't going to let this situation get to her, she didn't want the headaches again. She didn't want to see the words in her head if she could help it, but they seemed to come whenever she was upset. Her thoughts were interrupted by one of the girls, "Hannah."
Hannah looked up and Rogue gave her a sincere smile, "I'm Rogue. It must be weird for you here. It was weird for me here at first too, but it's really a cool place. I've heard you play the last few days, it's amazing." Storm walked up beside them.
"It would be wonderful if we could get you to come into the class sometime and play for us. The students would love it." She smiled at Hannah and then at Rogue, giving her a nudge.
"Oh, yeah, that would be great. You could probably even teach piano...couldn't she Storm?"
"Not a bad idea at all. I could run it by the professor." Just the very mention of the professor seemed to set her off. Why hadn't he even acknowledged her presence? Kitty came up to them.
"Miss Monroe, I am really unclear about the essay assignment, could you explain it to me?"
"Of course, Kitty. Excuse me, Hannah, Rogue."
She walked away and Rogue continued the conversation, "You know, you should have lunch with me..and my boyfriend, Bobby. I can explain a lot of things. About the Xmen and such. It's all rather exciting. But I guess you know about a lot of that, since they brought you back from London."
"the Xmen?" Hannah looked very confused.
Rogue looked her over, the clothes were so outdated. She had a pretty enough face, but a little makeup would bring out some of her better features, she grabbed her by the elbow, "You're coming with me...I will fill you in on everything, And you know what, you're about my size, I wonder if we could find something a little more trendy for you to wear."
Hannah wasn't so sure, but she was nice enough and what else did she have to do. She turned to Storm who gave her a reassuring smile. This was a start getting to know some of the kids. Be a part of the school. Storm was all for it. Draw Hannah out of her shell. Hannah found herself being reluctantly dragged to one of the girls dorm rooms where Rogue was excited about her new guinea pig.
The dorm rooms were of a good size, 4 girls shared this room. Rogue found Hannah a tight pair of stretch jeans, and a long sleeve fitted blouse, in a dark purple. Then she applied makeup. And let Hannah's hair down, "You should always wear it down. You're got incredible hair. So tell me about the boys in London. Those wonderful accents and such gentlemen I imagine. Did you have lots of boyfriends?"
"I've never had a boyfriend." Hannah looked down at her feet. Never having had a girlfriend in the last 10 years of her life, this conversation felt awkward. She was pretty sure, Rogue had more experience at everything in comparison to Hannah.
"Ever?" Rogue seemed surprised.
"No. I was too busy performing, and practicing"
"But there must have been someone you were interested in."
"No." Hannah nervously paced the room. She was beginning to feel agitated. In London, everyone had always kept her on an even keel concerning her emotions and temperament and here she felt out of control. Her contact with others continued to jar emotions and feelings she didn't understand. The continued questioning wasn't helping matters.
Rogue decided to drop this subject since it was obviously making her feel uncomfortable. She looked at the time, "We should go meet Bobby. I don't know about you but I am starving.." Hannah was staring in the mirror at this person she no longer recognized. Rogue stood behind her, "Do you like it? I didn't think it should be to drastic, you know. And to be honest you are my first guinea pig."
Hannah wasn't sure how she felt about it. It was such a change. It looked like too much makeup, but what did she know about these kind of things. She looked younger that was for sure. The dowdy clothes she had been accustomed to had added 5 years to her own 25, at least. "I do like it, it might take some getting used to."
"You just wait, the men will come crawling now." Hannah was still looking in the mirror. Was that true, would men notice her now? Not once had she felt anyone had ever been interested in her..excpet for her piano playing. Rogue noticed her daze, "Are you coming?
"I'm not really hungry, I had a big breakfast." Maybe she felt a bit self conscious. Did she really want anyone to see her just yet? "Thanks, Rogue. This means a lot."
"Don't mention it. I'll see you around." Rogue made her way down to the dining hall.
* * * *
* * *
Hannah was restless all afternoon, she played briefly but for the first time it wasn't enough. Did it have something to do with this new look. She wanted to be somebody's type, maybe she could be now. Logan seemed to think she couldn't handle anything. Well, she was going to show him. She walked around the garden, it was quiet. Kids were still in classes, she walked quite a ways, and realized she was at the main gate of the school, the house now quite a ways in the distance. She looked out onto the road, she wanted out. She wanted some freedom. Just then a delivery truck pulled in,used a code to open the electronic gates and headed down the drive. Hannah had an idea. It was time to spread her wings.
* * * *
* *
Charles headed to the conservatory, it was approaching the dinner hour and he decided there was no time like the present to get to know his goddaughter. He had planned to have a quiet dinner in his study, just the two of them. But, as he opened the door, he knew right away she wasn't there. For a moment he thought she might be in her room. That wasn't the case either, he sensed something wasn't quite right. Jean and Strom entered the room behind him ladened down with bags from their shopping spree. They were both laughing til they saw Charles' concerned gaze.
"She's gone." Charles said, turning his chair to the two women.
"What do you mean she's gone? How? And where? Where would she go?"
"She doesn't understand the danger. I must get to cerebro, to locate her. Storm find Logan. She trusts him, he'll be able to bring her back." It was the first time the two women had seem him so agitated, and not the composed Charles they were used to.
"But professor..." Storm began to speak.
Before she said anything, he could already read her mind. "He has washed his hands of her....don't believe that for a second,Ororo. I think you'll find him in the danger room."
She went off one direction while Jean followed Charles to cerebro.
Logan was in the danger room with Rogue. He wasn't much of a teacher, he didn't have the patience to explain. Not much of a talker, but Rogue appreciated any input he had, and he was able to show her a few moves, that she picked up pretty quickly. She especially liked the kicks. After accomplishing one, on a adversary, she smiled confidently at Logan, "That is so cool. Now I can kick some butt."
Logan laughed, "You have a long way to go."
Storm entered the control room and took over the intercom, "Logan, I've come to fetch you."
"I'm busy." Then a familiar voice entered his head, I need you Logan. You are the only one here who can bring her back. He looked around startled, as always. It was something he never got used to.
"I got to go meet Bobby for dinner, he's free, Storm." Rogue gave him a tender look of thanks before she rushed past him and out of the room.
Logan entered the control room and faced Storm, "When he says her, who does he mean? Obviously not Rogue, I think she's pretty content here...she's not going anywhere...let's see, could it be Jean. Maybe she's wised up and decided to leave Scott high and dry. And if that's the case, well, I don't think I'd bring her back." he said with a twinkle in his eye.
"It's Hannah, she's gone."
"What do you mean she's gone, where would she go? That kid hasn't a clue about the outside world. It will eat her alive." he seemed truly concerned about her dissapearance.
"So the professor was right, you do care."
"That's not what I'd call it. But you believe what you want." Hiding any kind of emotion, he went to the control panel and began to fiddle with various switches shutting down the program he had been working on with Rogue.
"So are you going to help?"
"It's not like I have anything better do now, is it." He turned abruptly from the control panel and stood up.
"You know, Logan, I'm not sure why you're hanging around. Jean has made her choice. You've gotten Hannah out of England, saved her life....it would seem like the perfect time for you to run again."
"I don't run. I just get restless in one place, always have. And as for Jean's choice, it's not set in stone."
"You're determined to get what you want aren't you?"
"And what is that Storm?" he leaned in closer to her, and practically snarled. "You seem to know me so well."
She knew when to stop. He strutted past her and down the hall towards cerebro.
Jean and Xavier stepped out of the large dome shaped room that housed cerebro, and met Storm and Logan outside, "I can't place her. She could be anywhere."
This surprised Logan, "That's impossible." The man was always able to place any mutant at any given time. His powers were so great. So Logan couldn't fathom this bit of information. Why all of a sudden was he having problems?
"It's not impossible, Logan, it's extremely rare but it does occur." Jean knew when it occurred, when there was a genetic connection. She had been studying the whole telepathy process down to every little detail. Was the professor hiding something from all of them? She decided to keep this fact to herself at this time.
Logan was a bit confused. He couldn't help but notice Jean's expression as the professor revealed this new detail. But he also knew there was no time to waste, he thought about the brief conversation with Hannah this morning. Her questions about Salem City, her interests in the bars, "I know where she is."
Jean looked surprised, he looked straight at her, and then back to Charles, "She wants to be normal, god, help her when you tell her about her mutancy. She really thinks she has a whack at it."
"Well, what are you waiting for? Every minute she is out there the more danger she is in. I have every reason to believe there are British intelligent agents in the vicinity. She isn't safe."
"I have one stipulation, Chuck. I bring her back, you tell her everything. Remove the mind block as well. Don't let her suffer anymore. And that means get her off my back. She's becoming a nuisance."
Charles knew enough about Logan to know what he really meant. He was beginning to care about her. He came across tough and unfeeling for the most part, but he did care, he had shown that with Rogue. Taking her under his wing. "I was going to talk to her about her mutancy this evening, then I found her missing. The mind block is another story. That will take some time." Logan didn't really like that answer, but he headed for the elevator that took him back up to the main floor, Jean ran to catch up with him, he was surprised as the door was beginning to shut and Jean squeezed through. He smiled at her.
"Couldn't pass up the chance to be alone with me, could you?"
"Give it a rest, Logan." She didn't seem to be able to look him in the eyes. "So where is she?"
"I'll bring her back, you don't have to worry." He averted his gaze from her, what was the point. She had made it perfectly clear last week where he stood.
"I'm not worried, I just wondered how you know."
"She talks to me, I don't know why. Why are you so interested?" He now looked her straight in the eyes, making Jean feel a bit uncomfortable.
"She's a strange one." she managed to say, looking at the lit up panel, the elevator making it's wait to the main floor.
"Aren't we all?" he said cynically. He was glad when the elevator stopped and the doors opened, he had to admit he found Hannah interesting, he couldn't pinpoint it. Maybe it was her similarities to him, her loneliness, her bitterness, her not knowing about her past. He didn't want Jean to see this interest, He had built up a resilience to everything. Vulnerability wasn't suppose to effect him. Caring about someone, the way he felt about Jean, about Rogue, and now these feelings for Hannah, which he didn't understand.....Jean stepped out of the elevator with him and he turned to her, "I'll see you later, tell Scott thanks in advance for the use of the cycle....again."
"Logan." Their eyes met and he still felt the intense chemistry between them.Neither one of them saw Scott approaching from the back of the house. He was well aware of the look passing between them.
"Hey, what's going on? I was wondering where everyone dissapeared to."
Logan didn't even acknowledge him and just headed for the door, "Got to run."
Scott looked after him, "Why is he in such a hurry?"
"Hannah's missing. He's going out to look for her." Jean's gaze still focused on the front door.
"Really, that's interesting?"
She turned back to Scott, "Why would you say that? It's serious, Scott."
"It's interesting that he is so fascinated by her, as I recall only last week it was you he wanted."
"Stop it. He's doing this for Charles."
"He's doing it for himself ,Jean. Logan does everything for himself." After he said it he knew it was not the right approach. His jealousy showing through again. "hey, I'm sorry. You're right, he saved Rogue....and he was a lifesaver in London. I guess I'm feeling threatened in more ways than one. He not only wants my girl, he has become an asset to the Xmen, making me pretty much obsolete."
'That isn't true,Scott and you know it. Charles relies on your steadiness, your loyalty."
"But he's sending Logan out to find Hannah."
"Because they've connected. He won't admit it, but they have. You have to admit the other night you didn't charm the socks off her."
"Do I still charm the socks off you, because that's all that matters to me."
She smiled and gave him a hug, "Definitely. You know I was thinking, how about dinner in our room, I've missed you today."
"Charles doesn't need you?"
"He knows where to find me." That was for sure, Scott thought. The way he was known to pop up into her head at any given time. He couldn't keep track how many times their love making had been interrupted. She took hold of his hand, and pulled him into the elevator, he forgot all about Logan as she nuzzled up to him, tenderly giving him a kiss as the elevator door closed behind them.
* * * *
* *
Hannah's adventure began in the back of the delivery truck and as she snuck out the back when it stopped at the loading bay, she found herself in not the best part of town. They had been in the van for only about 20 minutes and from what Logan had told her this morning. This had to be Salem City. It was like nothing she had ever seen. She was used to posh London townhouses, and this was in an industrial area. She didn't realize that her dress was not appropriate for a woman alone in this part of town. And wolf calls and whistles followed her as she headed down the street. She wasn't frightened but overwhelmed with the sights and sounds she was observing. Then a sign that said food, was flashing above her, she didn't even have to think about it, she wanted off the street, and she was hungry. She quickly pushed open the door, and found herself confronted by a smoky dark bar, and it's inhabitants all male. Could this be where Logan went every night? Was this the real world she wanted to experience? They all stared at her until she started to feel uneasy and uncomfortable. This wasn't much better than the atmosphere outside. But it was time to face the music as they say, and she tried to pluck up some courage and headed towards the bar.
The bartender was friendly, but she couldn't help but notice he was eying her too. She really thought Rogue's clothing was an improvement on her previous attire, but what did she know about anything. She had been shut away for so long.
He placed a cocktail napkin in front of her, "It's a bit early in the day, little lady, but believe me you're a welcome sight. What can I get you ?"
Hannah had no idea what he meant, but as she turned around she saw all the men looking at her, smiling. "A sandwich would be great, if it's not too much trouble." her mind once again took on that strange feeling of being on overload with too much information and the headaches began. Ever since the arrival in the US they had become increasingly more frequent.
The bartender couldn't believe this one. She was obviously new at this. The English accent, the politeness, but the outside package was all that was important with his clientel. The ladies usually didn't show up til later, this one obviously wanted an early start, and he was only to willing to let her do her thing here, because it got the boys to lay down a little extra money buying drinks.
"Ham sandwich okay, darling? I think I can manage that." Hannah nodded, and he stepped into the back, briefly. She looked around her, and the next thing she knew she had company. An older man, a receding hair line, mustache, wearing a suit, his tie loose to her left, on her right, a younger man in jeans and a plaid shirt, a headfull of sandy color hair, bad teeth, five o'clock shadow. They both smiled at her. Hannah tried to return the gesture. They both looked friendly enough, what could possibly go wrong. And didn't she want to experience the outside world? Well, no time like the present.
The younger one spoke up,"Where have you been all my life, sweetie."
Hannah was not used to this kind of talk, but stupidly she heard herself say, "I've been in England, actually."
The young man laughed, "looks and a sense of humor, a winning combination, let me get you a drink."
Hannah had only ever drank wine, usually with dinner, or champagne on special occasions, and then only in very small quantities. She eyed the various bottles behind the counter, and blurted out, "a scotch. I'd like a scotch, please."
"Straight?"
"Why of course." she tried to sound assured but wasn't sure she was pulling it off. She was quite proud of her self actually. The bartender had reappeared with the sandwich, that looked like it was on stale bread, and Hannah turned up her nose and grimaced, then noticed the bartender's reaction, she quickly changed her tune, "This is lovely, thank- you."
The two men ordered her drinks. The first one was hard to get down, but after the 3rd or 4th she felt as if she was drinking the American version of Lemonade, allowing her to loosen up quite a bit. She smiled at her the two companions, this wasn't going to be so bad after all.
Salem City wasn't a large town, part of it had the quaintness of something you'd find nestled in New England somewhere, but there was the industrial side where a lot of working class men traveled from neighboring areas to work. And there was one bar that most of these men frequented. Logan had found the place much to his liking. He could be alone, in the back, in a booth, where no one would bother him, he rarely spoke to anyone except the bartender and some of the ladies when he felt like it. They knew to leave him alone. He had been involved in a few fights but soon the word was out, don't mess with this guy. And they didn't.
He wasn't incredibly surprised Hannah ventured here on her own, she had been pretty determined this morning. But he knew that she was no way prepared for what she would find inside. But she was stubborn, very much like himself. He tracked her here, from the laundry loading bay. Standing outside he heard the incredible sounds of boogie woogie piano coming from the place. That was odd. He recalled the upright piano, tucked away in the back past the pool tables, but it had always looked as if no one had ever touched it. From what he had observed about her in the last few days, the piano seemed to be her safe place.
The piano enticed her, like it always had, always would. Even after a few drinks, she was drawn to the white and black keys that gave her so much happiness. It was also a way to get away from the pawing hands of those guys. So far she had held her on, but the whole scenario was now not so fascinating. She sat down and picked out a boogie woogie and everyone in the place was shocked. She delve into her own world and became oblivious to the glances of the men around her, as her fingers flew across the keys.
Logan stood outside listening for a few seconds, it was incredible. Her music seemed to have an effect on him, for a moment he forgot the reason he was here and what Hannah could be experiencing behind these walls. He quickly snapped out of the daze and refocused entering the bar. The bartender acknowledged him right away. , "Hey, Logan, the usual?'
Logan was sensing out the place, and he felt her there, but as he looked around the place he didn't see her. The music had stopped, and he didn't like what he was feeling. The bartender watched as Logan sniffed the air, like an animal, "Yeah, the usual." He answered and took the beer from the man's hand, "I'm sure I heard someone playing the piano as I walked in. Private party in back tonight, Mack?"
From where Logan stood he couldn't see what was going on back there, but he heard men's laughter, and he was starting to be a bit concerned. he put down a few bills and the bartender answered, "I suppose you could say that. Never seen her in here before, She's an interesting one. Never heard anyone play the piano like her. Doesn't make sense her coming in here to pull a few tricks. All that talent, what a waste, but I suppose she has talent in other ways as well, if you know what I mean."
"I'm going to have a look for myself, if you don't mind, Mack"Logan knew whatever he was about to witness he wasn't going to like,
"Hey, it's a free country, pal. But I'll forewarn you. Those guys have been drinking since lunchtime. I would stay out of their path." Mack had seen the few scraps Logan had caused in the bar, and knew the guy could hold his own with anyone, but he didn't like when the guy went crazy, which he tended to do, on the turn of a dime.
Logan ignored the last comment. Getting in their path was exactly what he intended to do. He strutted straight to the back.
While playing Hannah had been able to hold the guys off. They had hooted and hollered and got into the lively boogie woogie piece she had pulled out of her head. But she had now been playing nearly a half hour, and the natives were getting restless.
"Hey, baby, we want to see your other talents." An older gentleman reached from behind her grabbing hold of her breast. Hannah gasped, not expecting this kind of physical contact.
The others egged him on, as he continued to grope at her breasts, she tried pulling away, only to cause the blouse to rip and then she lost her balance. stumbling and falling off the back of the bench. Her head bit the hard wood floors with a loud thump, knocking her out momentarily.
, "Yeah, that's more like it, flat on your back, sweetie." He leaned over her,and started kissing her neck and then down her chest, her eyes flicked open and the sight of this disgusting creature on top of her made her began to kick and she made an effort to push him off her. But her reflexes seemed slow, and the headaches were getting worse.
"Please get off me." she didn't want to get upset. Certainly this guy would listen. At least that's what Hannah thought. It would only make her head feel like it was exploding.
The guy laughed, "That's not what you really want now is it?"
A few of the guys made wolf sounds as he forced his lips over hers, one even shouted, "Lyle, come on stop with all the foreplay, we want our turns."
He reached his hand towards her jeans, and then noticed the shadow cast over him, the whole room had gone silent for a brief moment.
"Hey, bub, I think the lady said get off. And she did say please."
Hannah recognized the voice, it was Logan, but this guy was blocking any view. Relieved she began to relax, Logan wouldn't let anything happen to her.
But the guy didn't budge, just turned and looked up at the snarling face of the man standing over him, "Go find your own, buddy. This one is mine."
Logan grabbed him by the back of his coat, "Not tonight, bub, not tonight." and then proceeded to throw him across the room. A few of his friends, moved towards him, they had obviously not heard about this guy. But they felt they could take him on easily.
"Hey, that was out of line, mister. She is fair game in this place, and you know it. If you like what you see, you wait your turn. I'm sure there is plenty to go around."
"If there is, it's not coming your way." He didn't want a fight, and helped Hannah up. She felt embarrassed and didn't want to meet his gaze, but he was surprised by her appearance. This wasn't the same woman he had last seen in the morning. But right now, he just wanted to get her out of here without a fight.
But now there were 5 guys, Hannah stood behind Logan, cowering, he quickly pushed her against the wall. Pointing his finger into her face, "Stay put." She did as she was told, as he turned back to the men, "I don't want any trouble, fellows." he said it light heartily but he knew there would be trouble. Logan always seemed to find trouble.
"Well, you've already given our pal a splitting headache." Logan looked over at the guy against the wall. And realized these guys weren't to happy with him. "And that just isn't very nice." One guy gave Logan a push with both hands, but Logan barely budged. And then he grabbed him by the jacket.
"I don't think you want to do that, friend." Logan hated to be touched and he felt the berserker rage inside him surfacing, as his knee came up and got the guy right in the groin. The guy let out a scream, feeling like a metal bar had just been slammed between his legs. Another guy came around the back, and Logan swung at him, a fist slamming him in his face.
Hannah watched the fight from the corner, and thinking there was no way Logan could come out the victor against these guys, she squirmed every time a punch was executed. Then watched as he was thrown across the pool table, pulling himself up, Hannah noticed the cut above his eyebrow, he was bleeding. He must have hit the corner of the table. He stood silent for a few seconds, twisted his neck, like he was getting a creak out of it and Hannah watched in amazement as the cut began to disappear. She was not the only one watching, The 2 guys still standing, gawked open mouthed at the sight.
"Hey" the younger man looked towards the bartender, "this guy is a mutant. Since when do you allow mutants in here?"
"You have something against mutants, bub?" Logan slammed the guy against the wall, and his two outside claws on his right hand sprung out, just skimming the guys chin. The whole bar went silent. "Apologize to the lady, or the other one comes out and I don't think you want that to happen."
The bartender stepped into the room, "Hey, Logan, no trouble tonight....of course they'll apologize to the lady."
Logan waited, the guy was shaking, "Hey, I'm sorry pal, she's all yours."
"I said apologize to the lady." Hannah stood up against the wall, Logan noticed her hand rubbing her temple, he didn't know what her mutation was, but she always seemed to be having headaches. He wondered if it had anything to do with it.
"I'm sorry." Logan's claws retracted and he then pushed him against the pool table, quickly grabbing Hannah by the arm.
"Come on, let's get out of here." He turned towards the bartender as he pulled her out of the bar, stuffing a few bills in his shirt pocket, "Hope that will cover the mess, Mack." He then pushed open the front door, the bike parked right in front.
He got onto the motorcycle and she just stared at him. "Are you going to get on?"
"Why should I go back there with you? Maybe that's not what I want." For some reason she couldn't fathom a thank you.
Logan was a bit surprised by her attitude,"Be my guest, rejoin your drunken companions then. Is that you want?"
She shook her head, "Fine, then get on the back of the bike. You do realize what could have happened in there if I wouldn't have shown up?"
"I am sure I could have handled it."
He chuckled, "Oh, right....you were handling it just perfect. In a few more minutes, there would have been one serious gang bang taking place in there....probably right on top of the pool table, for all to witness."
"What are you talking about?" Hannah didn't understand the lingo whatsoever.
He shook his head in disbelief, "You have a lot to learn about men."
"They were being nice. They bought me drinks."
"To get you drunk, Hannah those guys wanted one thing, they thought you were a hooker. And I can see why, what the hell is this crap all over your face?" He ran his thumb across her eyelid and then down her cheek, smudging the makeup. Then looked down at her attire, the tight jeans and form fitting blouse, showing off the incredible figure this woman had. Something he had been oblivious to in the dowdy clothes she had been in before. "A woman doesn't walk into a place like that, looking like you do right now, alone. It's only asking for trouble."
"It was Rogue's idea." she responded, feeling incredibly foolish.
Logan couldn't help but laugh, "Oh, I see, and was it also her idea to go pick up guys in a bar? She's 16, Hannah. Her perceptions of the outside world aren't much clearer than yours."
"That's an insult. And I wasn't picking up anyone in a bar. I was hungry." she raised her voice, now angry at the way he was treating her.
"Yeah, that's what they all thought too....you were hungry, and it wasn't for a bite to eat."
"Stop treating me like a child, I'm not a child."
"That's right, you aren't. So let's stop behaving like one shall we." He noticed her blouse was ripped and took his jacket off holding it out for her to put on. Maybe he was being a bit rough on her, he changed the tone of his voice, "Put this on." . She looked leery of him, and then allowed him to slip the jacket over her, she looked down at the front of her shirt. She really wasn't aware of what had just happened, but her shirt was ripped. Her breast nearly exposed. Logan was right, she knew nothing about men. She wanted to be like everyone else, and she thought she was doing just that in there. She slowly mounted the bike behind him, ashamed.
"I just wanted to see what it was like, you know." she felt like crying but held it back.
"A bar, with a bunch of sleazy guys in it. That's what you wanted to see?"
"I wanted to see why you liked it there. So do you go there to pick up hookers too?"
He wasn't about to take that bait. "Put your arms around me, I want to get you back to the mansion in one piece." she did as she was told and he started the bike.
Logan saw Chuck at his picture window as they pulled up. He pulled into the garage. She got off the bike and pulled Logan's jacket closer to her, wrapping it around her. There was a nip in the air. Logan looked at her, the smeared makeup, the ripped shirt and tight jeans. A reunion at this point probably wasn't the wisest of choices.
"Hey, why don't you go pop in the shower, I'll tell the professor that you've had enough for today." he still talked to her like she was a child. But at this point, she was just glad he was talking to her at all.
"I have a lot of questions."
"That can wait til tomorrow."
"Thanks, Logan."
"Thanks? You mean you actually can speak those words. I am surprised." he said sarcastically.
"You think I'm a spoiled brat don't you? You don't like me much."
"What I think isn't important. You have a lot to learn and I hope you don't go and do any more stupid stunts like this evening. Because if I wouldn't have shown up...well, I would hate to think what would have happened." For a brief second there was something in behind his eyes, a concern...She smiled at him, he did care about her. "And wipe that smile off your face. You definitely haven't made points with me tonight"
He headed for the elevator, holding the door open for her, "Come on, I don't have all night." She quickly got in and she put her head down, not looking at him. He knew he was being a bit rough on her, but somebody had to do it.
The dorm rooms were on the 3rd floor, but Charles' study was on the 2nd. Before he got out he stopped. He was concerned about her, "You going to be okay?"
She nodded. She started to take off his jacket and he stopped her, "I'll get it in the morning"
"I'm sorry,Logan, really....we just seem to be getting off on the wrong foot..you and me."
"Just promise me one thing."
"What's that?"
"Stick to the piano playing, you make a pathetic lady of the evening" She managed to smile, "And you played one hell of a boogie woogie in there."
"Thank you. It's my favorite type of music, but my parents discouraged it."
"No disrespect for your parents, but they really had no clue about raising a daughter did they?"
She shook her head, she felt a little bit sad. She had not cried about her father dying. She felt guilty she was almost glad he was dead and that she was here. She thought she might cry. And that wasn't something she would do, not in front of anyone.
Logan couldn't help but notice her holding back tears. "hey, if it's any consolation, I think my parents didn't have a clue either If they did, they might have tried to have found me at some point in my life."
"Where are they?" she questioned.
"Like you, I have only recollection of the last 15 years. I don't know who or what I was before that time. You at least had family to fill in the missing pieces."
Hannah thought about what he said. Her family had never talked about her childhood. If they did it was general, and nothing personal. She noticed Logan becoming a bit moody, and he had obviously said more than he intended. "You can talk to me, Logan. If you ever want to."
"I have nothing to talk about."
He finally let go of the elevator door, and she watched as it started to close,
"Goodnight, Logan." She quickly said before the doors shut, and she was alone. But if anything she had learned a lot tonight. She learned that she had a friend in Logan.
* ********** * *
A tall dark haired man, dressed all in black made his way towards the bartender, who was cleaning up the mess caused by Logan and the others. They had all quickly dispersed after the fight, and the bar seemed back to it's old atmosphere, a few ladies hanging around the jukebox, the men eying them.
"So that was quite a little ruckus I witnessed earlier. And I had the distinct impression that Salem City was such a quiet little town."
The bartender looked up from his broom, after hearing the gentleman's English accent. 2 in one night, that was so strange. He was not the typical customer, his clothes looked expensive, he had an elegant way of speaking. "Ah, this is nothing. I'm used to it."
"And the fellow that caused this mess? A mutant."
"As far as I'm concerned he's a paying customer like all the rest. He has a temper granted, but for the most part he keeps to himself. Obviously there was something about this girl."
"Oh,yes, there was definitely something about the girl." The man unfolded his paper and showed him the story...."She is a world class pianist, kidnapped from her home in London."
"I have a hard time believing that. She knew Logan, she left with him willingly. I think this this rag of yours has got it all wrong."
"And what's to say she hasn't been brainwashed. These mutants they are capable of just about everything from my understanding."
The bartender was now questioning him with his eyes. He had a point there. But he liked Logan, claws or no claws, the guy was halfway decent. One of the only customers he had that was.
The man took hold of the bartenders hand and opened it, then slipped $100 bill inside it, before closing it up, he smiled at him, "So what can you tell me about Xavier's School for the Gifted? And about the mutants that seem to run the place, especially Professor Charles Xavier and the one who frequents your establishment..the one called Logan?"
"