AN: I don't own any of the X-Men Characters. I do own Kelpie, however, Gerri, Aunt Erika, Kelpie's foster family, the story-line, and all animal characters she converses with, including the gang members :P. Vixen belongs to one Melody S. (an ex-friend of mine), Aquifer belongs to Rob G. (soon-to-be famous fantasy writer!), Sensherak (aka Alan) belongs to an ex-online/rpg-bf whom no longer speaks to me, Jonny LeBeau belongs to an ex-online/rpg-acquaintance. Phew! If I've missed anyone, let me know :P

If any of you have read my bio, you'll know that I'm not fluent at Gaelic at all, I only know a few words and phrases. If any of you happen to know Gaelic, and I make a mistake, please, let me know, it's the only way I'm gonna learn! There are some Gaelic words in here that I've acquired through reading and such. Diolain means bastard; Mionnaich is just a curse word, with no real specific meaning; Mac an donais means damnit; Tapadh leat means thank you (informal); Tha mi duilich means I'm sorry; Caidil gu math means good night (strictly translated it means sleep well);and Thoir an t-siteagort means get out. Again for this chapter, I've added a few French/Cajun words for Jonny LeBeau: mon amí means my friend; Bon means good; Bonne nuit means goodnight; Ouí means yes, and cherè means dear; Je suis désolé means I'm sorry.

Please review, guys, as it keeps me in good spirits and in the writing mood. At the moment, I'm merely doing this as a pastime because I'm bored outta my mind, but monday I'll be going back to school and I'm going to need some motivation to keep posting :P

CHAPTER 10

The next couple weeks went well for Kelpie. Jonny and she seemed inseparable. They spent as much time together as possible, Jonny even going so far as to join Kelpie for her weekly sessions with Hank. Hank wasn't very happy with their dating, but he never said anything to discourage it after that first date.

Between spending time with Hank and Jonny, Kelpie rarely ever saw Aquifer or Sensherak except in her classes. Even then, it seemed she never saw Sensherak. Kelpie had the impression that he was avoiding her. When in class, he would ignore her, his excuse being he was listening to the teacher or doing his homework. He was the last to class and the first to leave. She couldn't understand it.

While all her classes were going well--she was even getting a B in Chemistry--she couldn't seem to grasp math at all. She was so far behind that Xavier appointed her a tutor. Hank had offered, but even their weekly sessions were down to a half-hour or less. Their schedules clashed and there just wasn't enough time. And Vixen was not happy on who Xavier picked.

One night, around eight, Jonny knocked on her door. Kelpie opened it and smiled when she saw him. "Ey, Jonny. Let me grab my books."

"Actually," said Jonny as he stepped inside. "Ah thought we could just stay and study here tonight. It just gets so crowded in the Library and Ah think it's distractin' ya." He placed his books on her bedside table.

"Well, I dunno--" Kelpie started.

"Ah, come on, cherè," Jonny said as he placed his arms around her waist. "Ah want ya payin' attention ta me and your studies, not what's goin' on around ya."

"I'm sure that with yer arms around her waist, that's hard to do," came a voice in the doorway.

Kelpie groaned and Jonny let go of her. "What d'ye want, Vixen?" she asked.

"I want ya two to get yer asses down to the Library and study there."

Sighing, Kelpie picked up her books and said, "Come on, Jonny."

Vixen followed them down to the Library and stood watching them the whole hour to make sure they stayed there. As Kelpie tried to work out a division problem, she made a sound of frustration and threw her pencil down. "I'm neva gonna get this," she groaned, placing her aching head in her hands.

Jonny took one of her hands and brought it to his lips. "Of course ya will, cherè. Ya'll get the hang of it."

"No, I willna," she said, putting her hands down and looking away. She caught sight of Vixen watching them with a none-too-pleased look. Kelpie made a face at the woman who's answer was to deepen her frown.

Jonny squeezed her hand and Kelpie looked back at him. He was smiling softly. "Ouí, ya will. Believe me, yer not the only one's had troubles with math before. Why else do ya think Xavier didn't ask Vixen to be your tutor? It's obvious it's not cuz she's busy," he said, smirking.

Kelpie gave a small smile. "I'm surprised she's not, considerin' she 'as tae put up with Wolverine."

Jonny gave a mock frown. "Really? I thought he had to put up with her."

Kelpie giggled, glancing at Vixen out of the corner of her eye. From the look on Vixen's face, Kelpie could tell that she had overheard them. She laughed aloud, saying, "I think we betta go before she gets over 'ere."

Laughing, Jonny nodded and they grabbed their books, hurrying out of the Library. They were still laughing when they reached the barn, arm in arm. Smiling, Kelpie turned to Jonny and he pulled her close, kissing her gently. Pulling away, he put his hand to her cheek and caressed it, smiling softly into her eyes. She leaned her cheek against his palm and put her own hand over his. Looking in his eyes, she whispered, "I love ye, Jonny."

His smile faded abruptly and his fingers stopped.

She immediately dropped her gaze and stepped back. What was she thinking!? It was too soon! "Tha mi duilich…I didna…I dunno why I said that. Goodnight," she said, turning away and reaching to open the door.

But he grabbed her wrist and pulled her back, cupping her neck in his hand, his smile back in place. "It's okay," he whispered and lowered his head to kiss here again, wrapping his arms around her waist.

"Knock it off, ya two," came Vixen's voice once again. "Get back ta yer room, Jonny."

Kelpie rolled her eyes, sighing heavily.

Jonny gave a small chuckle and kissed her once more. "Bonne nuit, mon cherè," then left her side and walked toward the barn exit. "Good night, Vixen," he said as he passed her.

"It's Professor Smith ta ya, kid," she growled at him.

Jonny left, chuckling.

"Canna ye learn tae mind yer own business, Vixen?" Kelpie asked, annoyed.

Vixen smirked somewhat cruelly. "Sorry, kid, ain't in my nature." Then she became more serious. "Kelpie, ya gotta stop this thing with Jonny--"

"I ain't listenin'--"

"Cuz yer only gonna get hurt," Vixen finished, raising her voice above Kelpie's.

Kelpie sighed. "Caidil gu math, Vixen." Then she closed her door before Vixen could say another word.

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Late that night, Kelpie was awakened by a noise at her door. Peeking through the vines, she saw the door shut softly and a dark figure move toward her bed. Panicking, she waved her hand gently and a vine wrapped itself around the intruder's leg, tripping them. She was on her feet instantly, her ring dagger unsheathed and ready. She dropped to her knees beside them, holding one of their shoulders down and placing the dagger at his neck. "Oo are ye, and whadda ye want?"

"Kelpie, it's me, Jonny."

"Jonny!" The dagger disappeared and she got to her feet, flipping on the light. "Jonny, what the 'ell are ye doin' 'ere? Mionnaich, ye scared the shit outta me. I coulda killed ye!"

Jonny smiled sheepishly. "Je suis désolé, cherè. Ah didn't mean ta scare ya." His arms stole around her waist and he rested his forehead on hers. "Ah just had ta come and see ya again."

"Ow'd ye get in 'ere anyways?" she asked, glancing at the door. It seemed unharmed.

He smirked. "Ya ain't the only ex-thief 'round here. Mah brother, Remy, taught me a few things." He lowered his head and kissed her, taking her arms and wrapping them around his neck. Then his hands moved to her waist and pulled her to him, deepening the kiss.

She allowed it until she felt his hands slide under her nightshirt, tickling her sides. She may be uneducated, but she wasn't stupid in the ways of men and women. After all, she had grown up on the streets of New York. She knew what would happen next if she permitted it. She slowly pulled back and put her hands on his to stop him. "Jonny, ye should leave."

Jonny smiled. "Don't worry, cherè, Vixen ain't gonna walk in on us this time," he said as he leaned back in for another kiss.

She moved her head to the side so he got her cheek instead. "I mean it, Jonny. Ye've gotta leave. 'Tis a school night and ye shouldna be in my bedroom this late anyway."

He frowned, looking hurt. "But this afternoon…ya said ya loved me."

She stepped up to him, placing her hands on his biceps, her heart soaring. "Oh, I do, Jonny. I do love ye, but--"

His smile was enough to light up the whole room and he suddenly leaned forward and kissed her hard, devouring her mouth. Kelpie started to melt, but then remembered where this would lead and pushed at his chest until he lifted his head. "Jonny, no. Ye've gotta leave."

"If ya love me--"

"Tis not that I dunna love ye, Jonny, cuz I do. I'm just not ready--"

He laughed as if that were a joke. "Course ya are," he said, grasping her by her hips and pulling her to him, kissing her deeply again.

She struggled against him and shoved him away, her eyes wide with fear. "Jonny, I said nae! Now get out--"

He grabbed her by her arm and jerked her. "Ah'm not leavin'--"

"Jonny, stop," she said, panicking, trying to pull her arm free. "Yer 'urtin' me arm!"

He jerked her again, harder this time and she gave a cry of surprise and alarm. "Ya listen ta me--"

She raised her voice above his. "Nae, Jonny! Ye listen tae me! Get out now. Don't make me 'urt ye, cuz I will."

He laughed again but it was broken off by a growling that came from the corner of the room. A pair of yellow eyes appeared in the shadows. They came forward, slowly, stalking, and stepped into the light. It was a Bengal Tiger and it was obviously mad by the snarl on it's face.

"Get out now, Jonny. Dunna make me do this."

Glaring at the tiger and then at her, he shoved her away and she fell to the floor. He left, slamming the door behind him.

Kelpie didn't bother to move other than to curl into a ball. Tigre lay next to her, curling his body around her protectively and licked her cheeks as the tears flowed.

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The next morning, Jonny didn't come to accompany her to school and he avoided her in the halls in between classes. Her guilt at turning him away so harshly laid heavily on her shoulders and on her heart. At lunch, when Aquifer came to sit with her, she asked, "Ave ye seen Jonny? I 'avena been able tae speak with 'im today."

Aquifer frowned. "Is something wrong?"

Kelpie shrugged as if her heart weren't down in her stomach. "We 'ad a bit o' a fight yesterday. 'Ave ye seen 'im?"

He nodded. "Just a little bit ago I saw him heading into the garden maze. I thought it was strange he'd do that when he usually comes to sit with us for lunch."

Kelpie smiled. "Tapadh leat," she said and got to her feet heading for the garden. She should really apologize for using Tigre last night to get him to leave and for being so rude. As she entered the maze, she didn't call out his name, thinking that if she did, he would leave through the back to avoid her. So she walked around, going deeper and deeper into the maze. Just when she began to think he had already left--she was nearing the end of the maze--she heard something ahead and smiled broadly. There he is! She jogged around the corner, the smile still in place. It disappeared just as quickly as she stopped in her tracks. Her hands went to her mouth and she let out a small sob.

There on the ground was Jonny and Gerri, kissing heavily, his hand in her unzipped jeans. At her sob, they both turned to look. Jonny swore.

Kelpie took a step backward, her eyes tearing up. "I…um…I'll just leave ye two alone," she said and started to turn away.

"Kelpie, it's not what it--"

"Shut up, Jonny!" Kelpie shouted, turning back. "Mionnaich, just…shut up," she said more softly. Then she turned and ran back through the maze the way she had come, tears blurring her vision. As she burst from the maze, she ran full force into a body. Strong arms caught her before she fell and steadied her. "Kelpie?" asked Alan. "What's wrong? What happened?"

She shook her head, tears rolling down her face, trying to pull away, but he refused to let her go. "Kelpie, tell me what's wrong."

"Nae!" she shouted, trying to push him away. "Just leave me alone!"

"Kelpie!" Jonny called, bursting out of the maze. He stopped, panting, when he saw her with Alan. Alan looked from Kelpie to Jonny, his eyes narrowing. The air darkened considerably and Kelpie took her chance, jerking herself free and running across the school grounds toward the barn.

"What's goin' on here?" Vixen asked as she and Wolverine came running. "I heard Kelpie scream, is she okay?"

Sensherak was glaring at Jonny. "She ran into me when she came racing out of the maze, crying so hard she could barely see. I think Jonny-boy here knows what happened."

Jonny didn't have time to react when Sensherak moved forward suddenly, grabbing Jonny by the scruff and lifting him off the ground. His fist raised, he said softly with menace, "Tell me what you did or I'll make sure another girl never looks at you again."

"Wait!" said a female voice. All four looked up to see Gerri come jogging out of the maze, face flushed and her hair a mess. "It wasn't his fault. It was mine."

Sensherak narrowed his eyes at Gerri then turned hate-filled eyes on Jonny. "You didn't…"

Jonny swallowed loudly and nodded. Sensherak's fist pulled back but a hand closed around his wrist, holding him steady. He looked back to see Wolverine behind him. "Let go," he growled to the older man.

Wolverine shook his head. "He deserves it, but yer not the one to punish him, kid. Let him go."

Glaring at Jonny again, he shoved him away and the boy landed with a grunt against the ground. Vixen grabbed Jonny by one arm and jerked him to his feet. "Remember what I told ya when ya first started datin' Kelpie?" she asked, "Well after Xavier's done with ya, it's my turn. And I don't give lectures." Then she dragged him behind her as she headed for the mansion. Over her shoulder, she called, "Go and get Kelpie before she hurts herself."

Wolverine looked to Sensherak. "She's talkin' to ya, kid. Kelpie won't listen to me. Just be careful with her or we'll both hafta deal with her," he said gesturing to Vixen.

Sensherak nodded and headed off in the direction Kelpie had gone.

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Kelpie slammed her bedroom door behind her and leaned against it, sobbing. She slid to the floor and brought her knees to her chest and buried her head into her knees, wailing her grief.

She jumped when someone knocked on her door.

"Go away," she said, wiping her tears away.

"Kelpie, it's me. Let me in."

"Go away, Alan. Just leave me be."

"Kelpie--"

"Go away, mac an donais!" she shrieked, the tears coming back.

He was quiet and she buried her head back in her knees, letting the tears flow.

She heard a bamf and smelled smoke. A hand grasped her shoulder gently and she sprang up, her dagger unshiething.

Sensherak put his hands up in defense. "I'm not going to hurt you, Kelpie."

She turned away, putting the dagger away. She had forgotten he could teleport. Wrapping her arms around her own waist, she tried to sniff away her tears. "Go away, Alan. I'd rather ye not be 'ere."

He placed a hand on her shoulder again, but she shrugged it off, stepping further away from him. He stepped forward, grabbing her arm gently, but firmly. "Kelpie, I'm not going to hurt you, I'm just here to help."

She tried to pull her arm away, the tears leaking out and down her cheeks, but he held firmly.

"Let me go!" she sobbed.

"Kelpie, listen to me--"

"Thoir an t-siteagort! Let me go and get out!"

He wrapped his arms around her, holding tight as she struggled. "Kelpie--"

"Nae!" she sobbed. "Just…let…me…go." Her knees gave way and he knelt with her as a torrent of tears flowed down her cheeks. With her still wrapped in his arms, he rocked her gently. "Shh," he whispered against her hair. "Everything's going to be alright."

She shook her head, still weeping, but she couldn't get any words past the sobs wracking her body.