In the Twilight Hours – By Darlin

Chapter Three – Something's Are Never Easy

Bunking with Ro, it's an easy choice. Don't plan on sleeping' in the kids dorms or in any of the tents with the Sentinel Squad playing guard or in the med center on a cot for that matter. Ro's got a couple of big couches, nice waterfall – reminds me of being outside in a way. 'Course if it were up to me I wouldn't be crashing on any couch.

By time I get a few things from my gym locker, few tee shirts, sweats and stuff – don't need much – Creed's back. Standing around leering at everyone. He don't look happy. Mystique starts in on him right away wanting to know where'd he go, didn't he smell the fire and why he didn't get back sooner from his so called "walk". He ain't paying any attention to her. He's watching me. No, it ain't me he's starring at. It's Ro.

I figure he feels he's got a score to settle with her, another reason for me to sleep at the boathouse. He's just starring at her watching every little move she makes. But when she takes my hand and we lift off the look he gives me . . . I ain't sure but I think it's envy. Throws me for a loop. That why he was messing with Ororo? He didn't know about the fire so what was he doing out on a deserted road so late? With the school's reputation most people avoided it, too close to Xavier's. He'd have known she'd be coming that way. Was he waiting for her? Hoping to catch her alone?

Not knowing what he's up to irritates me but I remember how she fried him – wish I could've seen it – an' I'm feeling a lot better. Ro don't need me to protect her, she's a one man – make that one woman army. Definitely my kind of woman.

Rain's stopped. Night air smells good. Ro smells good. Kids are safe, no real harm done, nothing we can't fix. I can still hear Scott barking orders right and left even up here. Everything's under control. If all I got to worry about is Creed I can sleep easy tonight. Besides, he shows up a little tussle before going to bed'll be good for me. I always sleep better after a work out.

The boathouse is quiet when we get there. No one home, still at the mansion. Ro's acting casual as all get out, tossing blankets and towels my way. I've got a better idea of where I can bed down for the night but I can tell she's tired – real tired. She calls first dibs on the shower. I don't even want one.

Bishop and Sage give us a look I'm not sure I appreciate when they come in a little after us. I wonder why they haven't gotten together yet. They're perfect for each other but then again maybe Lucas might be into Warren's old girlfriend, that cop, Charlotte Jones. She's one ballsy lady. Would make sense I guess. You snooze you lose but it ain't any of my business.

Sage looks preoccupied and Bishop starts going on about how he thinks the fire started. That's his line. Me, I don't care as long as I can get forty winks and some quiet but he keeps going on. I ask him where was Creed but he's got no answers. Ain't that suspicious enough? I got a feeling Victor might have a thing for Ro. Either that or he's nuttier than I thought. Then again maybe he was makin' a run for it – tryin' to get away from us do gooder's. Doesn't matter either way I'm here tonight an' she's safe.

xox

It's nice every once in a while to leave Scott to handle the complicated messes we X-Men get into. Besides he revels in taking charge. It's the last thing I want to do especially after the events of tonight. I feel as if every muscle in my body is sore. I need a long hot bath then a long deep sleep. Carrying passengers on my winds is a strain but Logan is more so – he weighs a ton. Solid muscles and adamantium. Hard. Firm.

I have to force myself to pull my thoughts out of the gutter. How they slipped so much I have no idea. I can usually put him out of my thoughts with little effort after he flirts and tempts me. Lately however he has been more persistent. Perhaps the warmth from the shower will help me relax. Luxuriously soothing. My soft featherbed mattress will be ever so nice tonight.

I'm not surprised when I hear the door open, my privacy ignored. I seldom lock my door because most know not to invade my privacy because I cherish it. Most. There are a few that disregard my needs feeling free to barge in any time of the day or night. Tonight it's not whom I expected. It's Remy and he's full of suave pleas.

Rogue and he need a place to spend the night. Of course I of all people should understand how they prefer not to suffer the close quarters of the med center with Scott and Emma along with Mystique's charming presence. The others are pitching more tents but Remy claims he's not the outdoors type. This I already know. Betsy seems to enjoy tempting the Sentinels so I understand why she might want to live in a tent for a few days but never Remy or even Rogue for that matter. I'm thankful Kitty chose to go into New York along with Peter. I love her much like a daughter but with Remy and Rogue not in the best of moods of late it's better not to overcrowd ourselves.

How can I resist him when I have an extra sofa? He's full of sincere gratitude and the kiss he gives me makes me smile. Sometimes I wonder about him but I love him and suppose I always will. I am, however, curious how Remy and Rogue plan on sharing the one remaining sofa. Without touching? But it is none of my concern. I'm just thankful my bed is waiting. Oh my. Waiting it is and with a half naked Wolverine in it!

I'm stunned. Can't hide it. Why should I? He's sprawled out on my bed as if he owns it. Wearing only boxers. Who does he think he is? That thick hairy chest of his! I want it back – empty and waiting for me alone. Powerful muscular legs. Out! Biceps any man would die to have. Now! But he laughs at my out burst. No room in the Inn he says drolly. I'm not amused. Too bad, I tell him, I fully expect him to sleep downstairs. There are two sleeper couches down there! Rogue claimed one, Remy the other he remarks with a smirk I'd like to wipe off.

Very well. I give in. Two can play his game. I tell him the couches may be taken but the floor is still free. There's that deep throaty chuckle of his. It appears Kurt and Rachel have joined us he tells me and before I can even suggest that he room with Lucas he tells me Warren and some of the other guys are coming over. I offer him the use of my floor but he shakes his head, that infernal grin still bold on his face.

Before I can think of a reply a thud on the skylight startles us both. For the second time tonight Sabertooth is staring at me – no, leering at me through a glass window. A savage grin spreads wide across his face as he swivels his head back and forth slowly looking from me to Logan. Bizarre man.

xox

I'm really getting sick and tired of this tool. What the hell's his problem? And what the hell's Ro's problem? I'm expecting another bolt to send him packing but she's all polite and stuff wanting to know what he wants. She even opens the skylight for the flea bag. I got a real good idea what he wants and I know he knows I know but she's clueless. No where to sleep he says. Same line I pulled 'cept it was nearly true for me – after I made a few phone calls. This yahoo can sleep in the woods like he usually does.

Even as polite and business like she's acting I'm thinking she's thinking the same thing I am but she ain't. Fact is she ain't thinking at all. Tells him he can bunk downstairs with Remy and Rogue. He don't look so happy but I know I do – till she tells me I can too, to go downstairs and let him in and stay down there. I can handle being thrown out as I was just messing with her, though I was kind of hoping she'd go along with it, but letting Sabertooth in that's like letting a lion in with the sheep. Maybe that ain't the right metaphor but what's she thinking? Rogue and Remy ain't gonna be any more pleased than me. What the hell?

And what's he up to? Why all this attention all of a sudden? Popping out of nowhere and scaring Ro twice tonight. What's that all about? But she's giving me that look, her I'm the boss and I'm in charge so you better do as I say look, so I get up and go down and let him in. I ignore the look he's giving me like he just won a prize or something. Rogue and Remy are already bundled up on the pull out sofa. She's had one too many and Remy's smoking a cigarette. Ro ain't gonna like waking up to the smell of stale cigarette smoke. One look from me and he reluctantly stuffs it out between his fingers then tosses it in a glass of water. I still don't know what Ororo saw in Gumbo but after all this time I trust him as well as most of the others. Maybe not entirely but mostly.

xox

This can't be happening to me. First Rogue ain't mad at me and then I get to sleep with her. We're getting along, laughing and even making bets – looks like I win. The day Stormy lets the Wolverine sleep in her bed this ol' Cajun's gonna have to eat crow. Maybe Rogue known her longer but I know Stormy. She sent him packing just like I knew she would. Problem is now he's giving me that look. What? I can't talk to Stormy when she's in the bathroom? Don't matter to me how the old man looking at me, trying to make me feel guilty is he? Course it could be the cigarette I just lit up. Yeah, I know Stormy don't like it when I smoke inside. Gotten where the world looks on us smokers like we're criminals!

Downstairs Rogue's already got the settee pulled out, bed made up and even though I can't touch her I get to lie close to her tonight. I know it ain't much but it's enough for right now. But wouldn't you know it my luck don't hold up. Who should pop in to ruin a good night? Besides Logan. He actually stomps down the stairs and lets Sabertooth in!

The way he's eyeing Logan I know we're in for a long, long night. Rogue don't seem to mind, pulls the covers over her head and I think I hear her snoring in less than thirty seconds. Could a man have worse luck? My girl's sound asleep and Victor Creed's going to be sleeping on the other settee? I might've been able to fool around a little even though I can't touch skin but not with a crowd and definitely not with the woman sleeping.

Okay, who am I'm trying to fool? It would've been me begging for something I can do for myself anyway. What we had is over with now. Maybe never get it back. But at least we had it and she's over the crap with Mystique and we're still together. Trying.

Yes I know I sound pathetic but it's more than I can say for Logan. He don't look like he's even going to try again with Stormy. Every opportunity he passes up like he's clueless. Make me wanna teach him some moves. Course I won't. My moves no man could handle and survive. Women be tryin' to break the doors down to get to you. No one got moves like Remy LeBeau.

I'm gonna kill me a Sabertooth if he don't stop lookin' at Rogue like that.

xox

This is going to be a long night. I can hardly close my eyes. Keep racking my brain trying to figure out what he's up to? Could've slept outside or anywhere else so why here? What gives? He knows I'm not asleep, knows I'm watching him so he doesn't even bother to try to sneak off. Tells me he's got to take a whiz. Like I'm buying that! I follow him. Wait for him. Says he didn't know I cared when he comes out. I know he didn't expect me to let him have the run of the house. He eyes the stairs for a long minute an' then I know what he's up to. He knows.

Just like that. How he knows I can't figure. No one knows. I've kept my feelings bottled up for so long even when Ro and I go out she doesn't know. But Creed, he knows. He's messin' with me, yanking my chain, trying to be funny. Fire or no fire he saw a chance to get to me – through her.

That's a dangerous situation. Something I never wanted to be in. You can't have feelings for someone in this business. They become bait. You become vulnerable. You can't live like that.

We watch each other in the dark. Don't know if he knows I know he knows but even if he does don't matter. His little game's over. I shake my head and go up those stairs he's eyeing like they lead to every wish he ever had. They do for me. Got no reason to pretend it doesn't now.

xox

I want to ask him what took so long when he enters. I'm not so sure I should have let Victor in. I don't fear him but he's – something's not right with him. Whatever game he's playing at I don't like it. He locks the door behind him and I feel safer already. It's an odd feeling. I seldom feel anything less. I can take care of myself amazingly well usually.

What is it that makes a woman warm and fuzzy and slightly dizzy when a man takes control? I don't mind when he slides in beside me but I do mind when he crosses his arms behind his head and looks up at the skylight. He looks as if he'd rather be anywhere but here. What's he thinking about? Who is he thinking of?

I dislike feeling this way. It leaves me disorientated. It makes my temper flare. I want to send him away but I refuse to give in, to show him how angry he's made me. Perhaps if nothing else Sabertooth will not be bothering me with Logan here.

But how does this look? Sage will think – goodness! Everyone will think – even Sabertooth! Think the worse – that . . . when we aren't even . . . not even slightly and yet here he is in my bed. Do I really care what they think? They know Logan and I have been seeing each other. We've even double dated with Kurt. Still . . .

He's watching me I notice now and I realize he's been watching me ever since I became angry. He looks as amused as usual. What, pray tell is so funny? Am I that laughable? It seems he doesn't wish to share. He's smiling at me in silence. A slight smile. A tentative smile?

I slink under my covers and turn my back to him. I pretend I don't care one way or another and close my eyes trying to will myself to sleep. Of course sleep does not come. It's not as easily summoned as a rain shower. Worse of all he knows I'm struggling. I know he can feel my tension and most likely my anger. Simmering.

xox

I'd like nothing more than to touch her smooth skin, feel her warm body, pull her to me and do things I shouldn't be thinkin' about. Not about her. In the back of my mind I know I want to go back down there smelling of Ororo an' me. Like a teenager showing off. It's stupid but it's a tiny urge I control for the most part. After all I don't want Victor getting the wrong idea about Ororo an' me.

Then why did I come up here?

Good question. Stupid move. Looks more than anything like there's something going on. The crazy thing is there isn't anything going on an' Creed's gotta know that. Yeah, right. He doesn't know because if I'm honest with myself there is. If that makes sense. Does to me. Took that lug to open my eyes. So now what?

I'm justifying my actions now thinkin' he's part of the team, he knows about Scott an' Emma, Warren an' Paige, pretty much every soap opera drama going down at the school – what's one more? It ain't like I can't protect her if the need arises. It ain't like I can't whoop his ass and hand it to him on a silver platter. Hell, it ain't like she can't hand it to him with sparks flying.

I stop thinking all these crazy things when she turns to me. Her eyes are dark in the night. I remember holding her on the dance floor. We reach for each other at the same time. She's laughing as I hold her. What's so funny?

xox

I'm afraid everyone will have the wrong idea after tonight. Logan and I are friends. Nothing more. But he feels so good next to me. I love being in his arms. I crave being in his arms. I want to feel him like I felt him on the dance floor.

His kiss surprises me. So gentle. Nothing like the passionate lone kisses he's plastered on me before. He tells me he doesn't want Sabertooth to get the idea that there's anything going on between us. I stiffen. What is this? What does he expect? He can not possibly think he can lie here with me, kiss me and then say there is nothing between us.

He looks surprised when I pull away. I'm ready to sleep in the bath tub after his declaration but this is my room. Pride keeps me from speaking my mind. I struggle with the right words to maintain my dignity. None come.

Of course there's nothing going on with us so why am I so bent out of shape? Why am I so angry and flustered? Perhaps because I wish there was something between us? Would I dare risk our friendship?

He seems hesitant. I don't blame him. It's obvious I'm upset. If he knew what was best for him he'd crawl out of my bed and seek sanctuary any where else but here. But Logan has not always been known to do the wisest thing. Instead he studies me as if contemplating his next heartless speech, contemplating further ways to hurt me.

xox

She doesn't understand and I guess I don't blame her. I stuck my foot in my mouth with that remark. But to open up and tell her why? I can share things with her I'd never share with anyone else but to tell her I'd be sick to death if anything happened to her if we were together. How do you tell someone you love that and expect them to want to be with you?

Even though she comes willingly into my arms when I pull her to me muttering that I didn't mean it the way it sounded the way it came out I can still feel she's stiff and reluctant. I tell her I don't want her hurt, don't want to hurt her, don't want anyone to hurt her because she was with me – if we were together. Don't feel her body relax any. I'm talking, wasting breath in her hair. It's still damp and smells like rain, looks like ice on snow in the dark.

She's coming around. I think. Wants to know what I'm talking about. At least she wants to communicate. I take that as a good sign and I tell her the truth. With a kiss. Deep. Never-ending. It's like being lost in a dream. I've wanted to kiss her like this for a long time now. I can't believe how good it feels to hold her like this and kiss her the way I've wanted to all this time – ever since I knew there wasn't anyone else for me here like I used to think when I first joined up with this crazy band of mutants.

We've got all night. Maybe. Someone's knocking at the door. Now what? No one says anything. Ro looks at me and I shake my head. Whoever it is let them wait. All night for that matter. I just kiss her again, pulling her close. She feels good in my arms just like she always does.

Outside I can hear raised voices. Creed. LeBeau. Scuffling noises. There's a muffled shout, an explosion then a chorus of angry yells as the boathouse comes alive. Someone's taking a beating. Nothing's ever simple when you're an X-Man is it? I can hear Sage, she's angry, sounds like she just woke up. I hear Remy siccing Rogue on Sabertooth. Good news, sounds like they're playing tag team and they're winning. Sage must've figured it was under control, I hear a door slam and more angry grumbling from down the hall. Bishop. He wouldn't be so cranky if he had a woman. Sometimes that's all a man needs to keep his head on straight. The right woman. Like Ro.

After a good fifteen minutes the ruckus settles down I'm still kissing Ro and to tell the truth I don't ever mean to stop. I don't.

Everything about her is right. We fit somehow. Her body curved into mine pressing up against me like she wants me as bad as I want her. Her breasts are firm and soft responding to my every touch. I haven't felt this right, this good in a long, long time. What is it that she does to me? And am I really ready to risk her?

xox

I'm melting. I'm dripping with desire. I don't care what he said before. All I know is that he wants me as much as I want him. Maybe he's right to worry. I don't understand his reasoning however. I am not a helpless child and can defend myself quite well but his sentiments, though old fashion, are sweet and make up for his verbal ineptness. All I know is that his hands on my body are the only thing I want to think about and if he doesn't take me soon I may swoon from this never-ending kiss.

The noises in the hall are irrelevant – yet I catch snatches. Curious.

xox

"What you t'ink you doin' homme?"

". . . you, Cajun!"

"You dun want ta be tryin' my patience, Vic."

". . . and your little girlfriend too."

"Boys, can't a girl get some rest? . . . why can't y'all get along, huh?"

"Shut up out there!"

I am positive that last comment was Sage.

More demands of the same from Lucas though less vehement. He sounds lonely.

"Ah'll show you who wears the pant's you piece of . . . "

A shriek. A thud. Laughter. More thuds. Finally! Silence. And then – bump . . . bump . . . bump . . . bump . . .

Surely they are not dragging Sabertooth down the stairs?

Bump . . . bump . . .

So they are. I can picture it in my mind and I have to chuckle and so does Logan but we're still connected, still kissing – slow, explorative, needful but careful too. It's so good I don't ever want to stop not even when his fingers move lower. Oh . . . my.