Hi, everyone! The second chapter is here! Many thanks to all who set up alerts to follow the story!

Logan's Wolverettes: Yep, the Wolverettes have been busy leaving reviews again, for which I am truly grateful! Major Kudos to Sniktchick, Sarra Ambrai, MidLifeCrisis, nileena, FrozenVoices and Laudine! Your input is wholeheartedly welcomed!

And now, without further ado, the story continues ......!

ooXoo

2. Resistance is Futile

Dressing in a pair of comfortable pants and a crop top, Kristi pulled her damp hair back into a loose pony-tail and left it to dry naturally, trusting in its inherent ability to provide her with a mass of loose curls. After smoothing her bed into some form of order, she slipped out into the hallway and down to the kitchen in search of breakfast, pausing only to listen briefly at Logan's bedroom door, but hearing no sounds of movement from within. She guessed he was either sulking quietly or had taken himself on one of his early morning runs around the mansion grounds. The bond was quiet and gave no clue as to his whereabouts.

The kitchen was empty apart from Jean, who was sitting at the table, nursing a mug of coffee. She smiled brightly as Kristi entered.

"Morning! Sleep well?"

"Not really." Kristi helped herself to a mug of coffee and stirred in two spoonfuls of sugar, thoughtfully. "I've been a bit …… restless since we got back from Magneto's base. And then Logan wanted sex this morning ……"

The words were out before she could stop them and she jumped as Jean spat a mouthful of coffee across the kitchen table.

"Oh, geez, Jean, I'm sorry! Hang on, I'll get a cloth."

Jean wiped her chin as Kristi mopped the table. "Well, I guess I asked for that, didn't I? Perhaps I ought to be a bit more careful with the questions I ask first thing in the morning."

She was providing Kristi with an excuse for blurting out her feelings and the young mutant wasn't slow to realise this. She sighed as she tossed the cloth back onto the sink. "I'm sorry, Jean, I wasn't thinking. I guess I'm a bit more attuned to Logan this morning than I thought. I haven't been sleeping well lately and it just sorta …… slipped out."

Jean smiled and patted the seat next to her. "Come on, bring your coffee over and sit down. Let's talk." She waited until her young team-mate had settled herself and smiled, warmly. "You know, when I offered to help you with your Logan problems I had no idea you'd sort them out yourself so quickly. And I must admit, I'm rather envious. Most of the females in this house, myself included, would love to have a gorgeous feral in their beds. You're a lucky girl, Kristi."

Kristi looked back at her over the top of her coffee mug and then suddenly blushed furiously as she realised what Jean was implying. "Oh, no, Jean, I haven't …… we didn't …… I mean ……"

Jean quirked an eyebrow at her. "Why do I get the feeling we're talking on cross purposes here? This is more confusing than one of Henry's medical lectures."

Kristi sipped slowly at her coffee to cover her embarrassment. "Nothing happened, Jean. I mean, it did, but not what you think."

"Do you want to talk about it?" asked Jean, softly, sensing that there was more to the situation than met the eye.

Kristi nodded and lowered the mug, slowly. There was something about the red-headed telepath that she trusted, implicitly, and it wasn't the first time she had felt the need to pour out her problems to her fellow X-Man. It probably wouldn't be the last, she told herself, pointedly.

"I suppose it would be best if I started at the beginning?" Jean nodded, sagely. "Well, I had a dream – a nightmare – last night." She left out the fact that she'd had a similar one three nights in a row, figuring it would only complicate matters. "Logan sensed it and came to comfort me, but I didn't want to be alone and he ended up staying the night. That was okay, but this morning he …… Jean, he ……" She faltered, unable to find the words.

"He wanted to make love to you?" prompted Jean, gently.

"Yes." Kristi blushed again.

Jean smiled. "Well, that's only natural, Kristi. You're a pretty young woman and Logan is obviously very much in love with you." She hesitated, surprised by how childlike Kristi seemed this morning. The young mutant had progressed from strength to strength during her relative short tenure with the team, becoming stronger and more confident in herself and her abilities. Her bond with the team's feisty feral bruiser had opened up a whole new range of possibilities for the pair, not the least of which was the unique ability to link and, in effect, become one mind. Because of this, it was easy to overlook the fact that Kristi was still relatively young – only twenty-one – with all the insecurities and fears that came with such a young age. It didn't help that Kristi had also manifested much later in life than most mutants, resulting in her withdrawing from social circles and therefore missing out on the first tentative steps into the discovery of boys that all teens went through, usually with a gaggle of girly friends to compare notes with. If she had manifested earlier, she would have gone through this stage of her life at the mansion, surrounded by fellow mutants and friends to help and encourage her, but late manifestation had robbed her of this vital period of awakening sexual awareness and now her relationship with Wolverine had effectively dropped her right in at the deep end. Far more sexually aware and experienced than Kristi, Jean hoped that Logan's worldly attitude to matters of love and mating wouldn't frighten the timid girl off.

Kristi nursed her mug for a moment, thinking something through, and then set it down on the table with a thump. "Honestly, Jean, I feel such a fool!" Aha! There was the feisty newcomer Jean had come to know and respect over the last few months. "I love Logan so much and he …… he excites me in ways that I've never felt before. But when I felt his …… you know ……. against my leg this morning, I just panicked."

Jean hid her surprise that Logan had been so obviously turned on by the girl. And the way Kristi couldn't bring herself to name the part was cute, in an endearing kind of way. Not usually the kind of girl Logan was drawn to, but she could definitely see the attraction.

"Why do I keep pushing him away, Jean, when I want him so badly?"

"You're scared, honey, that's all. It's nothing to be ashamed of. Hell, I was just the same when I met Scott." Jean smiled at the memory.

"What happened?"

"I was young and foolish, Kristi. Barely sixteen. And Scott was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen." Jean smiled wistfully. "It was love at first sight for both of us, but it was years before we admitted this to each other and plucked up the courage to take the next step." She giggled, suddenly feeling young again. "I was so scared, I almost forgot how to breathe. And Scott? He was shaking so badly I thought he was going to have a heart attack, the poor boy! But it was wonderful. And I shall never forget that night as long as I live."

Kristi hugged her mug to her chest. "That's exactly what I want, Jean. And I've been this close ……" - she held her thumb and forefinger apart, with the barest space between them - "…… twice. I have all these memories from the 'other time'. Memories of myself and Logan …… together. But they're not real. I know that, but it doesn't make it any easier. When I close my eyes, I can still see us – loving each other – being a family. It …… it hurts, Jean."

"Oh, honey, I know." Jean reached out to enclose Kristi's hand with hers, knowing that nothing she could say would ever make it easier. She and Scott still had each other both during and after the 'other time', but Kristi and Logan had lost so much – their children and, in a way, each other. They still had so much to live for, but so much more would never be. Magneto had thought he was providing them with a perfect life, but all he had done was cause more heartache.

Kristi stared into her mug as though expecting to find all the answers she sought floating around in her coffee. "What should I do, Jean? I have all these questions bouncing around inside me and I feel so muddled. Should I give in to Logan and allow him to have me? Will it hurt? I've heard that it does …… the first time. Will Logan be satisfied with me? I know he's had women before me, Jean – many women. They're bound to have been more experienced than me. How will I ever be able to compare with that?"

"Oh, honey, you shouldn't try to compare yourself to other women. Logan loves you – he would never do that. And I can't lie and pretend that your first time won't hurt, because it probably will, but if Logan is a considerate lover – and I'm sure he is – he will do everything he can to make things easy for you. As for the other stuff, Kristi, don't 'give in' to him just to get it all done with and out of the way. Your first time should be more special than that. The best advice I can give you, is to stop worrying and let things happen naturally. You'll know when the time is right. And all your worries will simply melt away and your first time together will be the most beautiful thing in the world. I guarantee it."

Kristi gazed wistfully into her coffee and Jean smiled, the action unnoticed by the younger X-Man. She just couldn't shake the feeling that, for all her power and new found confidence, Kristi was still just a child at heart.

Coming to a decision, she stood and moved to the sink, rinsing out her mug and placing it on the drainer before turning once more to face her companion. "Kristi, why don't you help me make some pancakes for breakfast? I haven't had them for absolutely ages and I always loved them as a child. I'm sure we've got some maple syrup here somewhere and …… oh!"

She broke off suddenly as a familiar tingling in her head heralded a mental summons from Charles Xavier.

*X-Men, meet me in the War Room in fifteen minutes*

"Guess the pancakes will have to wait, huh, Jean?" Kristi grinned as she moved to the sink to wash out her mug. "Pity."

"Don't panic, I haven't given up on them yet," retorted Jean, as she led the way out of the kitchen. "And if we play our cards right, we may just get the boys to wash up for us afterwards ……"

oooOOOooo

By the time Logan had cut his run short and jogged back to the mansion, Xavier's meeting was already under way. Knowing that the telepath would take it badly if he stopped off to take a shower, the feral simply raided a storage closet on the way down to the lower levels, and had the satisfaction of setting several female hearts aflutter when he entered the War Room a few moments later wearing only shorts and a pair of sneakers, with a towel draped rakishly around his shoulders. Momentarily drawing all eyes as he crossed the floor to stand behind Kristi's chair, he placed a hand on her shoulder, squeezing gently to let her know he harboured no ill feelings. Her opposite hand alighted gently on his and he felt her love nudge with a feather light touch against the bond, as his heartbeat pulsed softly in time with hers, re-affirming the connection between them. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Armor nudge Iceman in the ribs, drawing the young X-Man's attention to the feral's uncharacteristic behaviour, but he ignored them, simply pulling out the empty chair next to Kristi and sitting with a grunt, folding his arms over his sweaty chest, stretching out his legs and crossing them at the ankles.

Scott stared at him for a moment or two before turning back into the conversation. "So how extensive are the repairs, Professor?"

Logan turned his attention to the War Room conference table, currently showing a schematic of the mansion.

Xavier took a heavy breath. "I am afraid the damage caused by Blizzard's incursion team was substantial, Scott. As you can see, almost the entire student's residential level was destroyed by fire." Logan snorted at that. The students had been re-housed in the teacher's wing, resulting in far more disturbance to his sensitive hearing. "Many of the other hallways were damaged during Hammer and Blaze's attempts to draw the survivors out from hiding. Even the lower levels were not exempt. As you know, the hanger was damaged when they broke in and took you and Rogue, Scott. The med-lab and the Danger Room also suffered lesser damage when they cornered Iceman and the other trainees." Logan spared a glance for the younger X-man. He and Hisako – Armor – had been unofficially promoted to the elite team following the debacle with Magneto. The Professor seemed to think that they were worthy of the added responsibility. Logan merely wished the telepath would make up his mind whether they were on the main team or not, so that he could arrange their training regime accordingly.

Storm sat forward, studying the schematic closely. "But what about the work Henry has already carried out while we were …… away, Professor?"

Xavier nodded. "While I applaud Henry's attempts to effect repairs in our absence, Ororo, I am afraid the damage was too widespread for just one man to effectively cover. However, thanks to his diligence, the med-lab, at least, is back to peak efficiency and will hopefully remain so, barring any unforeseen occurances."

"So what are you proposing, Professor?" This from Jean, sitting inevitably next to her fiancé.

Xavier considered Jean's words carefully before answering. "With the damage as extensive as it is, Jean, it is unavoidable that the repairs will cause considerable disruption to both the School and the students. I have therefore decided to close the School for the next three weeks and allow the students to go home if they wish."

"Close the School?" Scott's brow was furrowed in confusion above his ruby glasses. "But, Professor, what if there's an emergency?"

"I said, close the School, Scott, not disband the team. The X-Men will still be fully operational, but I cannot allow the students to be endangered while the repairs are in progress. One stray misuse of a particular ability or even a student in the wrong place at the wrong time could be catastrophic. It is far safer to close the School for the foreseeable future and recall the students when all is safe once more."

Hisako raised a tentative hand. "What about me and Bobby, Professor? Are we X-Men or students?"

Xavier smiled, warmly. "Let's just say you have both earned your place on the team, Hisako. You and Robert may remain at the mansion with the team, if you wish."

"Yes!" Bobby punched the air, triumphantly.

Rogue leaned forward, attracting the Professor's attention. "Professor, is there any reason for all the X-Men ta remain at the mansion? We haven't had any free time in months an' ah'd kinda like ta go home myself."

"No, Rogue, I'm not forcing anyone to stay if they have somewhere else they'd like to be." Xavier looked around at his team. "That goes for all of you. If you would like to go home, or take some leave, then now is the time to do it."

Logan felt the first stirrings of interest coming from Kristi and he glanced sideways at her. Kristi grinned back in response.

"However," continued Xavier. "If you decide to leave the mansion, I would ask you to take your commlinks along. If there is an emergency, I would prefer you to have some other means of contact with you, rather than just rely on Cerebro. We may have to take some of the circuits offline during the repairs."

There were nods all round the table.

"Henry has graciously agreed to remain at the mansion and supervise the repair work." The Beast acknowledged his sacrifice with a nod. "Warren and a team from Worthington Labs will be arriving the day after tomorrow, and the repairs will commence as soon as the students have left. I have arranged suitable transport for any who wish to travel, so we should be good to go by Saturday afternoon, at the latest. If you would like to vacate the mansion yourself, I would appreciate it if you could come and see me in my office this afternoon and I will make the necessary arrangements. Any questions?"

There were none, so Xavier cancelled the schematic and wheeled away from the table. "Thank you for your attention, X-Men. Don't let me keep you from your breakfasts any longer. Jean, I understand you and Kristi were going to make pancakes ……?"

Kristi hung back as the others filed out of the door, and Logan waited, sensing that she needed to talk. When there was just himself and his mate left in the room she turned to him, her eyes wide and hopeful.

"Logan, this is perfect! I've been looking for an excuse to go home and see mom and dad, and now here it is!" She leaned closer, the sweet scent of her making Logan's head swim. "Will you come with me, Logan? I'd really like you to meet my family!"

Logan shook his head, hesitantly. "I dunno, Kris. I ain't exactly the social type ……"

"Oh, Logan, please!" She put her hand on his chest and Logan felt his heart jump at her touch. He stifled the groan that welled up in his throat. Did she not realise what she did to him? - the effect she had on his entire being? When she looked at him with those chocolate brown eyes, she made him want to throw caution to the wind and do anything she asked of him. Christ, she had him twisted around her little finger!

"Kris ……," he growled, trying to regain some self dignity.

"Please, Logan?" she whispered, and Logan felt himself drowning in the wave of hope and desire rolling through the bond. He shook his head in denial at the same time as he heard himself say "Okay."

What the hell ……?

"Oh, thank you!" Kristi threw her arms around his neck and kissed him soundly on the lips. Logan responded quickly to the stimulus, his arms coming up to encircle her waist as he sought to deepen the embrace. But Kristi pulled away just as things were getting interesting and he growled softly at the affront.

"Don't get all growly, Logan! You'll have a great time, I promise, and you'll get a kick out of meeting my brother and little sister! They'll love you! I'm gonna go and call mom! Let her know we're coming!"

Kristi turned and all but ran from the War Room, leaving Logan leaning against the table with a bemused expression on his face. Slowly, he pulled the towel from around his neck and absently wiped his sweaty chest with it, wondering just where and when he'd allowed himself to become such a pansy-ass where women were concerned. No, not all women, he amended quickly. Just one. The one with the liquid eyes and the bond that whispered all sorts of desires to him in the dark. He was a total lost cause. One look from those sultry eyes and he could deny his bond-mate nothing.

Scott would have a field day if he knew.

"Always a sucker fer a pretty face," he growled good-naturedly to himself and stalked out of the room.

Now seemed as good a time as any to kill something in the Danger Room.

oooOOOooo

"…….. Hello, mom? …….. Yes, it's me …….. How're you doing? …….. And Nikki? …….. Oh, that's great! Listen, mom, I'd like to come home for a couple of weeks. Is that okay? …….. No, I haven't been kicked out, mom, it's just …….. Well, there's been a fire and the School's having to close for repairs …….. No, nobody was hurt …….. The X-Men are fine, mom. Nobody was hurt, I promise …….. So, is it okay? …….. About coming home, mom, I've just told you …….. No, just for two weeks or so …….. Really? Oh, that's great! Can I ask a favour? …….. Yes, another one, mom, I know …….. Are you listening to me, mom? I'd like to bring a friend with me, if that's okay …….. No, he's a resident here, that's all I can tell you …….. Yes, mom, he's a 'he' …….. What makes you think he's the cleaner? …….. No, mom, I've got lots of friends here. And what's wrong with a cleaner anyway? …….. Yes, I've got 'girl' friends too, but this guy is …….. well, I'm not going into it now, I'll tell you when we get there, okay? …….. So, we can come? …….. Great, I'll tell him! …….. No, we're gonna travel up by car. I hate trains …….. We'll set off on Saturday, mom, but we'll probably have a stopover on the way …….. No, that's okay, we'll see you late on Sunday then …….. Say 'Hi' to dad for me! And hugs to Nikki! …….. Oh, and how's David? …….. Oh, that's great! …….. See you on Sunday then. Bye, mom!"

Kristi sighed as she snapped her cell phone closed. As much as she loved her mother, speaking to her on the phone was like going through a major interrogation. She always seemed to want to go off on a tangent and it was often an effort to keep the conversation on track. But this time, at least, her mother had been distracted by the fact that Kristi was bringing a man home and suspected she'd granted the request only because she was curious. But whatever the reason, Kristi was excited at the prospect of introducing the man she loved to her parents. The one fly in her mental ointment was the bond and to whom she was bonded to. She knew her parents – or more correctly, her mother – had been reluctant to allow her to attend Xavier's once it became clear who else would be in attendance. They knew of the X-men and they were genuinely supportive of their daughter's desire to become one of the team. But they also knew of Wolverine, thanks to a propaganda news report that had exposed his animalistic nature and portrayed him as a bloodthirsty killer. Only Kristi's insistence that she would avoid the feral mutant had finally convinced her parents to allow her to attend the School. And now, here she was, not only bonded to the man they saw as danger personified, but she was planning to take him home to meet them. It was a situation guaranteed to make a saner person run for the hills, screaming.

But Kristi was willing to take the chance, if only to convince them that Wolverine was nothing like the news report had made him out to be. Once they had met him and seen for themselves how much he loved her, and she loved him, she was sure they would change their minds.

After all, she had, hadn't she?

God, she hoped he was on his best behaviour, or they were all doomed ……..

She almost dropped her cell as Jubilee barrelled into her room, as usual without knocking. The young X-Man's face was flushed with excitement and she flopped down on Kristi's bed, hugging a teddy she had taken to keeping by her pillow.

"Kristi, Wolvie's just told me about the trip to your parents'! Major excitement, huh? When do we set off? What should I pack? Y'know, you've never told me where you live – should I pack a bikini or wet weather stuff? A clue here, dude! Oooh, it's ages since we had a holiday, this is awesome! I gotta tell Remy!"

And with that, Jubilee flung the teddy aside, hopped off the bed and hurtled from the room. Kristi winced as she heard the firecracker calling the news to the mansion's resident Cajun.

"Oh, crap …….."

She really couldn't tell Jubilee the trip had only been planned for herself and Logan – it would break her friend's heart. In hindsight, she realised she should have considered Jubilee straight away – she and Logan were all but inseparable – it was only natural for her to consider that any plans that involved him would include herself also.

Sighing, Kristi flipped open her phone and dialled the familiar number. "Hello, mom? …….. Yes, it's me again …….. There's been a change of plan …….."

NEXT: Even the most best laid plans sometimes go awry ……. !