Marvel owns the X-men, no profit is to be made from this work.
Not for the first time in so many days she woke to find herself in a bed that wasn't hers, a long moment left wondering how she got there and just where she was until those foggy memories came at last. Layla had been robbed, but Bobby and Kitty had taken care of her and had taken her home to Abby. It had been the only thing that had kept her from just catching a cab over to that horrid part of town the poor woman lived in, instead of finishing her move like she somberly done.
Marie remembered the trip home vaguely after a while, bumped and jostled at times to rouse from a restless slumber only to be told time and again to go back to sleep. How she and Jubilee had ever managed wedged in between the likes of Logan and Pete she still didn't know, but somehow she had slept through the worst part of that long drive back. Looking around the room she couldn't believe how Spartan it really was, the walls bear with little on the dresser beyond her keys, wallet and change, and just a cigar box.
"Cigars?" Marie asked aloud, pulling the blankets near to draw in their scent.
They smelt of him, surprised to think that she still knew just how he smelt after all the years apart. Cigars, just a hint of gasoline and exhaust likely from his roving trips on his bike, and just the right mix of that sweaty musk she always recalled from those exercises in the Danger Room or when he'd simply work himself weary chopping wood in that way that he always said relaxed him. Flopping down, she stared up at the ceiling and wondered just where he was if she was in his bed.
"Logan?" Marie called quietly, the hour early with the first hints of the new day piercing the blinds.
Curious and a touch worried she threw the blankets off, finding herself dressed just as she had been with just her socks stripped free. Her mouth tasted fuzzy, swearing her first order of business after finding her stuff would be a good brushing and a long, long and hot shower. Taking a moment to right her clothes that had twisted and shifted in her sleep, she padded off to the door to peek past. In a small sitting room lay a sofa within sight with an arm dangling over the top awkwardly. Tiptoeing up, she found him laying there with a blanket wrapped about himself and a throw cushion for a pillow.
"Morning." Logan said with an eye cracking open.
"I...you...bed?" Marie asked feeling flustered and lost.
"You said somethin' about wanting to give Layla and Abby some time alone last night, I told ya you could crash with me." Logan remarked, rolling up to sit on the couch and stretch, the crack and pop of his unbreakable bones a sound indeed.
"You slept out here the whole night?" Marie asked, joining him on the couch.
"Well I couldn't go sleepin' with you could I? Didn't think that'd be gentlemanly of me." Logan rumbled, drawing her close.
Marie found herself thinking at that, the picture it painted one she couldn't shake for a long while. They'd kissed, how they had kissed she mused, she'd even slept at his side but to sleep with him would be something else even if all she sought in his arms was a nights rest.
"I..." Marie started, her mouth running faster than her mind as the words died upon her lips.
With a squeak and squawk she was pulled into his arms, Logan tumbling back against the couch to hastily wrap the blanket about her. Laying there with him, she felt safe and secure in his embrace.
"Marie..." Logan said softly.
"Yes?" Marie asked, rolling against his chest to look up to him.
"We've always been friends even when ya had to take some time to yourself, never looked at you in that kid sisterly way you always joked about either. Right now I'm finding I'm looking at the beautiful woman you are. Just wanted you to know I don't got any doubts about this, and I'm happy to let you lead. Like I said Darlin', all...the time...in the world." Logan whispered, holding her gaze in his own and placing a promise with the last words spoken strong and slow.
"You mean...?" Marie asked, staring deep into his steely grey eyes and finding so much unspoken laying within their depths.
"Always loved ya, always will in a special way, so you don't gotta worry about that. But what I'm sayin' is, if you're looking for that something ya looked to be trying to find in all those girly books...I'm up for the challenge." Logan softly said with a kiss.
She couldn't believe what she was hearing, but the words he spoke the night of that first kiss came back to her, he wouldn't lie to her.
"I feel the same way...I never thought I would, but I do..." Marie said, feeling some weight lifted as all doubts were dispelled.
"That being said..." Logan started, hastily climbing to his feet with her in his arms.
"I think we both could use a shower and some breakfast before we go check in with your friends." Logan finished with a teasing smile.
"Well...you know how that would go in those books don't you?" Marie asked teasingly, Logan looking down to her with a smirk.
"Followin' your lead Darlin'..." Logan replied, walking up to the en suite bath with her still in his arms.
"Rain check Sugah, all...the time...in the world." Marie replied a touch sultry, pecking kisses to his lips between the last words spoken.
They weren't alone walking down to the carriage house, Pete and Jubilee joining with Illyana between them holding their hands, Ororo and Betsy alike in the company of Theresa, Kurt even tagging a long joined with some of the younger students who as they had said 'Wanted to see their friend.' It seemed two had beat them to it, Bobby sitting with Kitty on the porch swing, the door to the house open with just the old style screen door latched.
"Hi..." Marie softly said to the two who just gave small waves to them.
Knocking at the door, Abby raced to it and threw it open welcoming everyone in. Layla sat by the fireplace, some boxes sitting untouched along the far wall, joined by her daughter who practically tackled her to be stolen into her mothers arms. That she had been crying was clear, but just as Marie had known, her daughter was both smart and loved her mother to bits.
"Hi..." Layla whispered, dabbing her eyes again as she looked up to the crowd of people coming in, so many faces already friends.
Standing at the front, Marie felt a hand on her shoulder and looked to see Ororo there looking to Layla. With a gentle pat she walked past to sit with her at the sofa, offering her hand in greeting.
"I apologize in meeting under such sad circumstances, I am known to most as Headmistress Munroe, but you can simply call me Ororo. I'd like to personally assure you that you have nothing to worry for, that you are welcome here and welcome to call this place home as so many of us have come to." Ororo said quietly, fresh tears falling from Layla then.
Marie joined her friend, settling down at the head of the sofa to vie for space with Abby in hugging her. She knew her friend wasn't crying for grief, but relief, her lips struggling to smile only to twist as sobs broke free. Few said anything, finding places to sit or just standing solemnly. Marie caught the unspoken meaning, that they were in this together and that none were alone. Coffee was made and passed about, tea brewed for some, in time the tears finally spent and dried.
"Thank you, thank you everyone..." Layla said, accepting her own cup of coffee and taking a much needed sip.
With the kids racing off, resilient as ever with the changes to their lives, the rest found another in the living room of the carriage house listening to their voices carrying from outside.
"Hey girl, you need a job or anything, you come talk to me first. I know peeps and I know what it's like to be chillin' here bored while everyone gets their educate on." Jubilee pointedly said to Layla to receive an appreciative thanks.
"I thought you were the school mechanic now?" Marie asked from past her cup of coffee.
"Ugh, yeah and like the fleet is mint between me and Logan when he gets bored. Only so many times you can do an oil change or a tune up, thank god Pete wants to go talk to Barry about that truck or like I'd probably just be looking for on the side work in town." Jubilee grumbled.
Spying the look Ororo had then, Marie had to wonder at it with the way she looked to Jubilee and then back to herself with a touch of a smile she hid behind the rim of her tea cup.
"Actually, there was something else I wished to talk to you both about, but I had long since wanted to talk to Miss Barnes first to welcome her. Marie...?" Ororo asked.
"Yes Miss...I mean, Ororo?" Marie asked, almost thrown back to the years before when she had been a student.
"I've been busy, but I haven't been so busy to not see how well you've been handling everything. From helping Abby when she manifested, caring enough to help Jubilee with something she had been struggling with, and taking the time with a student to make friends when he needed one." Ororo explained, pausing to let it all sink in.
"Yes?" Marie asked, wondering at it and knowing it was just everything she had to do, they were her friends or just people who needed help.
"There is a formal title, but simply I would like to invite you to do just as you have been doing, helping people even if all it means is they need someone to talk to. Would you like to join the staff, to help us and formally become the Guidance Counsellor?" Ororo asked.
Shocked so much to nearly dropping her cup, Marie found her grip, hardly believing what she was hearing. Around her everyone looked expectantly to her, some like Kitty and Bobby cheering her on under her breath, but it was Logan who just had a knowing look in his eyes and she had to wonder just how long he'd known. Thinking of it all, the answer was clear.
"Yes...yes Ororo I'd be..I mean wow.." Marie said, feeling deep down every time she helped someone just how it made her heart soar.
"Thank you, for now just do as you have been. I'll take some time with you to help you settle in later. In other business..." Ororo said looking over to Jubilee.
"Uh...if you're trying to get me to teach auto shop, no way no how. I like playing with the kids sure, but I ain't teaching them. Leave that to tall dark and growly over there." Jubilee said in her defence, many laughing.
"Actually no, but...I'd like to expand your responsibilities too." Ororo said, giving her former student a moment to think.
"Uh... what do you mean by that? Like, more cars?" Jubilee asked.
"You might look at it like that, though you'd be apprenticing again in this case. As you know Hank and some others generally come to service much of what needs to be maintained, I'd like you to work with them towards the goal to take over those duties." Ororo explained, Jubilee's eyes going wide as her jaw fell.
"You..you..mean...the uh...plane? And...and the other stuff...?" Jubilee sputtered, some around looking just as surprised as her.
"Yes, the plane and other stuff. That should keep you from being bored shouldn't it?" Ororo asked, a fast repetitive nod her answer.
"Wonderful, when you're ready come find me so I can help you with your new role." Ororo said.
Marie knew exactly what plane was meant, as well as what other stuff. It seemed Jubilee had just found herself looking towards eventually being responsible for the lower levels as well as the maintenance of the Blackbird. She'd be apprenticing with the geniuses who kept everything that let the X-men protect the believes they fought for, and to defend people just like they had those years before with Logan and herself. That her friend looked overwhelmed was understood, but with how eager she looked Marie knew Jubilee like herself was up to the challenges posed to them today.
"Truly a pleasure to meet you Miss Barnes, I wish I could stay longer but unfortunately I have a class to teach soon. Do you not yourself Logan?" Ororo asked, excusing herself with a friendly hug.
"Yeah, I suppose I should get going. Kids will probably try that whole five minute rule nonsense if I'm late." Logan said, climbing to his feet.
"Miss Mun...Ororo? Please, Layla is fine. Thank you." Layla said, joining them and with so many others showing them off.
Lingering at the door and watching the kids protest and complain at being called back to class, they bid goodbye to them all and Abby in particular before following off after the Headmistress and Master. Staying behind, Betsy looked to Abby and smiled, some unspoken conversation passed between them as the girl raced up looking eager.
"If most of you could excuse me, I'd like to begin my lessons with Abby and her mother." Betsy said, taking the girl's hand in her own to lead her back into the house.
Marie joined the rest in passing off hugs and promises to Layla and Abby alike, wandering off to leave them in the care of the beautiful telepath. Walking along just as lost to her thoughts as Jubilee surely was, she looked up after a time to see Bobby and Kitty at her side helping her along. Pete helped shepherd Jubilee along with Theresa, and thinking back now she was sure she had heard a distinctive Bamf at one point that explained the lingering trace of brimstone in the air.
"Do you think I get a raise?" Jubilee inquired, looking about in askance.
"I'd be more worried about them taking anything you break outta your pay." Bobby teased.
"You don't think they'd do that?" Jubilee asked with her voice growing to a squeak.
Laughter came with the worries of the usually self assured Jubilee, Marie finding some herself but knowing just as someone else had said to her today, she was up for it. While nothing like she ever imagined, her friend was finally out that horrid apartment in that nasty neighbourhood, somewhere safe now to begin her life anew with her daughter.
"I wouldn't have believed it last night, but I think we should celebrate." Marie said, looking to her friends.
"Roadhouse?" Jubilee asked, Kitty glaring at her.
"Roadhouse." Marie said, knowing just who she wanted to sit with tonight at the bar.
The day had passed in a blur, so much change happening all too quick. Only a week ago she had been working cash at the grocer, and now here she was sitting at a simple desk in a comfortable chair watching Ororo leave what was now...her office. She had homework too, and courses to take and so much other stuff to make it official, but all Ororo had really asked her to do was just to be herself.
Hearing some grunts and groans in the hallway with two quarreling Marie sped off to the door to find instead of students fighting, maybe needing her help, to see Bobby and Pete wrestling with a large sofa.
"Uh, Ororo said you might need this." Bobby said, walking backwards with many a glance to the door as he tried to keep all his digits from being bashed.
Watching them manage to fit it through though she had first thought it impossible, they set it down in the one corner with a much relieved sigh from both as they caught their breath. Walking up to the pair, she pushed them both until they caught the hint and collapsed on the very thing that had tired them out, joining them in between.
"It's nice." Marie said, surprised at how soft the old leather chesterfield really was.
"Yeah, they had it up in storage...we had to, ah whatever. It's down now." Bobby started only to realize it didn't matter what it had taken to wrestle it down, well worth it.
"Thanks, I owe ya both a drink at the bar tonight." Marie said with a promise of payment for their efforts.
"You're welcome Marie." Pete said, looking about the office with a critical eye.
"What?" Marie asked.
"It's missing something, maybe later when you have time you can come see my studio, find something for the walls." Pete said, going so far to hold out a thumb.
Blushing at the thought of having some of his art on the wall, she threw her arms about him and hugged him hard. Doing in kind for Bobby as he looked to theatrically pout, she sat were she was as they left her alone once more. It was still a few hours until they planned to leave for the bar, of all the invites only herself, Lee and Kitty, Pete, Bobby and Logan seemed to be coming. Ororo and Betsy alike had politely declined, Theresa just saying she had a call she was expecting.
Speaking of calls Marie thought, reaching for her phone to dial a friend she had been meaning to for hours. On the third ring Abby picked up, the household intercom of a loud Mom yelled bringing Layla to the line.
"Hey...you okay?" Marie asked, always secretly worrying and simply unable to fight that side of herself.
"Yeah, I, I got everything important." Layla said over the phone, Marie easily picturing her with a look to her daughter then.
"I'm glad, look. We're going to the bar tonight...did you want ta come along?" Marie asked with her final invitation she had yet to give.
"Not tonight, thanks though. I, I still have to make that call, and I promised Abby we'd have Illyana and some others over to watch some movies. I think Kurt is supposed to be coming too." Layla explained, the evening sounding just as entertaining then as a trip to the bar.
"Okay girl, you just remember you're talkin' to the school Guidance Counsellor now, I'll be makin' sure everyone knows that just ain't for the kids alright?" Marie said, so taken by her new role the more she thought of it.
"Thanks, and Marie...congratulations, they're all lucky to have you, we all are." Layla said, the two bidding their wishes to another before hanging up.
Looking to the pile of books on her desk, she bounced to her feet to dare and find one that didn't look too intimidating. With one in hand at last she turned back to her comfortable sofa and fell into it, kicking her feet up and flipping through the first pages. The language was dry, but the topics addressed interesting. Sitting in silence, she knew she'd have to fix that soon enough, wanting this place to feel as welcoming and comfortable for any who needed a place to come to, to talk or just sit or even just hide as Tim had sought to do.
The knock at the door came an hour later, her phone sitting perched nearby playing some music with a pile of books she'd browsed to find they would be the very first to read in full. Looking up, her thumb marking her page as she shut the latest, she was hardly surprised to see him darkening her door.
"Hey." Marie said, Logan just tilting his head to take her in as she reclined on the sofa.
"Lookin' like you're getting all cozy in your new office." Logan said, still standing in the door.
"You're welcome to come in, open door policy and all that." Marie teased, throwing her book down with the rest.
"Eh, bit o' business I have to do first." Logan said, only then did she see the took bag he had in hand.
From it he pulled out a plaque, not brass but looking to be stainless steel, her name in it with a title beneath. Leveling it, he pulled a drill out and in short order had it fixed in place. Stepping back he held a hand in show of it, packing up the few tools he had needed before finally walking on in.
"Had one o' the kids in shop class make it up, didn't have any brass but...I think it looks good." Logan said, a last look thrown back to the door.
"It really does." Marie said, joining him in admiring it.
Joining her at the sofa he slipped in past her legs to take them in his lap, eyeing the books piled up on the floor before leaning back with his arms behind his head.
"How long did you know?" Marie asked the question that had been on her mind for a while now.
"Somewhere between memory lane and taking my three little reindeer out for a sleigh ride." Logan said, alluding to the day she'd been taken to the office.
"Not long." Marie said, seeing him shrug in reply.
"Long enough, long enough to know you're gonna do a hell o' a job. We try, but well, I think a lot of the kids get kinda intimidated when they figure we're out runnin' around in leather at some odd hours of the night." Logan explained.
"Thanks, I mean I woulda thought maybe Theresa though..." Marie started, catching a look from Logan then, "What?"
"She only just graduated last year so I think a lot just look at her like another student, that and well...between you and me she's got more than a few boys and such smitten with her." Logan said in quiet conspiratorial voice.
"Really?" Marie asked thinking of the Irish lass breaking hearts about the school.
"That's just between you and me, way I hear it though she's also lookin' at heading off to teachers college in the fall. Took some time to herself to work through a few things." Logan said quietly.
"What sort of things...?" Marie asked, so very interested only to get a look from Logan just as he had given her back at the bar nights before.
"Oh fine, you don't gossip so I'll go barkin' up my own trees." Marie grumbled, making a promise to start barking tomorrow.
"Anyway, I need to go get a shower. Got a good bit o' dust on me after shop class, and between gym and auto I think I might be smellin' a touch ripe." Logan remarked, getting to his feet only to see Marie joining him.
Leaning near, she wrapped her arms about him and drew him close, one gentle and long kiss shared. He smelt just the way she liked, parting with a playful slap of his butt as he passed earning a questioning eyebrow thrown her way.
"I'll see ya soon enough Mare." Logan said, Marie looking at him.
"You know what a mare is right?" Marie asked, having settled for his nickname for her but suddenly curious.
"Yep, and you're a might fine Filly, even if I call ya Mare." Logan said, a wink thrown before walking off.
Blushing at the compliment, she fell back on the sofa looking around the office thinking of where just to put up a bookshelf. He might be up for the challenge, but she'd be the judge of that thinking she might just have to curl up with one of her girly books as he called them, any thoughts of her homework dispelled with with thoughts of her evening ahead.
The one thing to be said about getting ready for a trip to the Roadhouse, it was fast. Even a shower, by the looks of most of the patrons she'd seen on her sole visit to date, might well be considered dressing up for it. Meeting out at the garage, Bobby and Kitty were the first she saw, just dressed as they always were this trip around. Pete came next much as she'd seen him that night when she'd barely recognized him, Jubilee racing out after. Try as she might she couldn't stop the laugh.
"Oh my god what are you wearing Lee?!" Marie asked, Kitty turning to look and joining in barking laughter.
"Oh shut up you, I make this look good." Jubilee said, spinning about for show.
Dressed in cowboy boots, a pair of Daisy Dukes with a flannel shirt tied off showing all kinds of midriff, she had her short hair tied off in tiny pig tails looking different to say the least. Looking either likely to try and start a career in New Country music or go trick or treating, Marie really couldn't decide which just then.
"I thought the Mason Dixon line was further south! Right Marie?" Kitty cat called, walking up next to Marie for a verdict from the genuine article.
"Yep." Marie said, still sputtering giggles at the sight.
"Whatever, Pete thinks I'm hot and the boys all get a hoot outta it. Beats my coveralls I'd usually be wearing after work stopping for a couple o' suds before coming home." Jubilee remarked, stealing a kiss with Pete.
"Here we see the elusive So Cal Mallrat trying to camouflage itself..." Bobby said in a faux narrators voice, earning a rude gesture from the specimen in question.
Hearing the door open to the garage, Logan came dressed out sans Stetson that she knew had been gifted to Abby. He didn't look bad, quiet the opposite as Marie found he looked all the better without that hat just as he had that first trip around.
"What? Not gonna call him on it?" Jubilee asked pointing to Logan, the man just staring her down.
"I'm Canadian. Nuff said." Logan replied, ambling off to the work bench where a startlingly pink helmet sat.
"I thought we were taking your Jeep?" Jubilee asked spying her helmet.
"You are, I figured I'd take Mare out for a ride, ya mind?" Logan asked, holding up the helmet in askance.
"Oh, no...no, don't mind at all." Jubilee said, a look between herself and Marie ending in a shared smile.
Having shared the details of that first kiss with Jubilee alone in thanks for the confession that night in town, Marie caught the way Kitty was looking back and forth between them in wonder. Pointing a finger to Marie herself and then Logan, Marie just had to nod knowing her blush told all, Kitty's jaw dropping. Spotting Logan heading off into the garage, she took her retreat even as she heard Kitty whispering to Jubilee who sounded to be shrugging the line of inquiry off.
"Remind me to get a proper helmet for ya, sooner rather than later." Logan said, handing off the pink one.
Looking to the Harley, she had to agree even as she put it on, feeling a touch foolish and utterly girly in a bad way then. Logan walked the bike out, climbing on and waiting, Marie slipping onto the back. She'd never been on the bike before, always too scared when she was as she still thought of it, cursed. Now as she wrapped her arms about him holding tight, her feet finding the rests, she had to agree there was something so thrilling about being on a bike as it came to life with the distinct rumble.
"Ya ever get pulled over for not having a helmet?" Marie asked, Logan more likely to dent the pavement than suffer much in the way beyond a moments burning pain.
"Not around here, we've come to a bit o' an understanding, the local police and myself." Logan explained, easing the bike out to the drive.
Pulling ahead of the Jeep, Logan pushed the engine and sped on down the road on a straight stretch before slowing down a touch. Thrilling at the danger but still knowing she was safe, Marie held tight as he raced around a corner, both leaning into the curve. She could tell he was having fun, catching the looks he threw her occasionally before pulling another bit of mischief if she was any judge. There was surely something to be said for the wind whipping against her and tearing at her clothes.
A moment of panic came as he raised his hand free of the handle to point off to the brush aside the road, looking there for what he might have seen. Racing along side with it's tongue lolling out of it's mouth was a coyote of all things, marveling at it for the moment until they pulled past. In time the bar finally came in to sight, nowhere near the number of trucks or bikes parked out this night but still a sizeable lot. Finding a place at the end, Logan threw out the kick stand and cut the engine.
"Wow..." Marie said, taking his hand as he helped her off.
"Thought ya might like that." Logan replied, helping her with the helmet and throwing it on the back of the bike.
"Uh...shouldn't we take that..." Marie asked, Logan just leveling a look to her.
"Who'd want a pink helmet?" Marie asked.
"That and everyone 'round here knows who it is, course she'll just toss it in the Jeep when they're done playin' catch up. C'mon." Logan said, throwing an arm along her shoulders to lead her on in.
Nowhere near as busy as the Friday, Marie looked about to see just a mix of bikers, some farmers and likely just the everyday sort of gent who needed a pop before heading on home after a days work. The same waitress as nights before was there, smiling warmly spotting them and setting down two beers on the bar, a Blue and a Corona without a lime.
"She remembered?" Marie asked, settling down on a stool with Logan.
"She's good like that, Beth...like ya to meet Marie." Logan said in introduction.
"Hey hun, friend of Sweet Pea's right? She doing okay? Fred said she had one of those restrainin' order things done. Heck, I coulda just told the boys to have a talk with that punk but I guess it's nice having it all good and proper like." Beth asked, leaning down the bar for a chat.
Marie found herself having an instant liking of the woman just as much as the last time she saw her. There was something motherly about her, in the way of a matron who might well wield a cast iron skillet if someone got out of hand.
"She's fine, should be along soon. Thanks, but...I have to ask...Sweet Pea?" Marie asked, Beth just giving a right southerly laugh with a guffaw ending in a tee hee.
"Oh she's just cute as a button that girl, playing with the big boys like I used to play with all my big cuz's. They always called me Sweet Pea back then so well, I just thought I'd pass it along Hun." Beth related, glaring at a regular after for daring to interrupt her for an order.
Giggling at the image, Marie let Beth go to tend bar right along with the woman's muttering at the man who longed for a cold brew.
"She reminds me of..." Marie started, almost saying home until she just found the words didn't feel right.
Looking at how the lady chatted up all the patrons while passing off bottles and glasses of beer. She did remind her of the world renowned Southern Hospitality, treating everyone like family and expecting the same. Often to the point of kicking feet off chairs as she passed, the patrons just looking to her with a laugh and a smile.
"If I recall right I think she's from somewhere in Tennessee, you'd have to ask her." Logan said, a sip of his beer stalling any further questions as Marie turned on him.
Soon enough Beth came back, settling down at a barstool next to her and Logan, cracking open a beer herself to take a long swig. Marie had to admire the woman, carefree maybe, but without a doubt having a big heart.
"Break time." Beth said, tipping her beer in toast, Marie joining her with a clink and a sip.
"Now, why don't you tell me where your from girl, I tell ya I keep thinking Mississippi and if you tell me no, well I'll just call you a liar." Beth asked.
"Meridian." Marie replied, Beth laughing aloud.
"Damn girl, we''re neighbours! Knoxville! Well, close enough in these parts. I knew I ecognized that sound o' home. Gosh that brings me back, gonna have to head on down for a visit this summer." Beth said with a cheer, slapping her hand on the bar in triumph.
"You reminded me too..." Marie said, shaking her head and taking a sip of beer.
"Ah, don't you worry none hun. I see home might make ya a bit sad, you just let me deal with that now. It's nice to have another Southern Belle up this side of the line, let me tell you. Figures I'd have to go fall for a Yankee." Beth said, reaching to pull Marie into a hug with a kiss on the cheek.
"You're all a bunch of Yanks far as I'm concerned." Logan casually remarked, though by the look in his eye he was up to a touch of mischief.
"Logan, those are what we call fighting words. Now you take that back, or I swear I'll cut you off ya damn Hoser! And yes you heard me right, damn Canucks I will tell you they can be right uppity." Beth ranted, reaching past to smack Logan upside the head.
Laughter broke out in the bar, everyone watching the two past their drinks. Feeling a touch in the middle just then, Marie slipped out to let the two stare another down, spotting Jubilee at last as the rest walked on in. A chorus of Sweet Pea was called out, Jubilee rushing up to the bar to tackle Beth in a hug.
"Sweet Pea, you're going to have to tell that ornery friend of yours there that he owes me an apology." Beth said in a wounded voice, sniffles and a playful sob added for effect.
Every bit of the five foot and petite excess inches of Jubilee stalked up to Logan, a finger stabbing at his side as she leveled him with a glare. Nearly crying at trying to keep the giggles in, Marie watched as Logan just took another long sip of his Blue. Just as quick though it was torn from his hand, Jubilee pounding it back with him looking at her in question.
"If you want another ya gotta say you're sorry, or I just might have to find out just who really is the bare knuckle champion in this neck of the woods." Jubilee said, her fists on her hips glaring at him.
"I'm sorry for calling you a Yankee Elizabeth May, may I please have another beer?" Logan said to end with a question after a long preamble of working his jaw.
"Well sure thing Sugah. Break times over, what are y'all havin'!?" Beth cried joyfully, popping off the barstool to head on back behind the worn counter.
Taking her seat back next to Logan, Marie found herself in the company of Kitty with Bobby on the far end, Jubilee and Pete off to play a game of pool it seemed. Playing pool seemed to involve a lot of Pete showing Jubilee everything he knew, leaning over her and holding her hand to guide her cue, whispering all the while.
"So, you...and him...and kissy time?" Kitty asked bluntly, pointing to both Logan and Marie herself with a bottle.
Working her own version of the infamous eyebrow, Marie had to wonder just where Kitty was drawing her romantic knowledge from.
"Logan and myself happen to be two adults in an adult relationship, that includes romantic interludes when we're not getting interrupted by fireworks." Marie explained civilly with a sip of her beer.
"Oh give me a break, I'd kill for fireworks if I was making kissy time, you're just lucky Lee is her own fireworks factory complete with the might explode unexpectedly warning." Kitty said.
Smiling, she had to admit that it did add to that moment in the field, still wondering just when that certain grease monkey had learned that. Last she ever thought of Jubilee, it was strange bolts of electricity arcing at times when she got worked up on the few field trips she'd been on with her. Turning back to the other part of that adult relationship, Marie leaned close to place a kiss to his lips as he met her mid way.
"Doubles?" Logan asked with a nod to the one pool table.
"Doubles." Marie answered, finishing her beer to leave the bottle behind.
As they neared Pete seemed to be whispering advice, a shot taken only to run errant as balls scattered. With the example they had, doubles sounded to be fun and so very intimate, Marie leaning over the table to stare down the competition.
"Oh, Roguey thinks she's got what it takes to beat Pete and me huh?" Jubilee asked, the first volley of trash talk thrown.
"Just thinking you're lucky ya don't got much to worry about spillin' out with how low that shirt is cut." Marie threw back, leaning over with her own Southern Charms standing out, the volley met with a tactical nuke.
"Oh it is on!" Jubilee threw back, Pete just grinning himself.
Feeling Logan slide against her back, a cue slipped into her hands, if there was one thing Marie knew it was pool. Lonely as she had been having found herself alone looking for a life away from the M Word and everything it contained, she had gotten good at the game playing alone in the bar near the hotel. Truthfully it gave her an excuse to have Logan sidle up to her, lean over her and to feel his hot breath against her neck as he worked the angles.
The bills were thrown on the table, the hustle begun, Marie fudging the first break to have Jubilee look cocksure even if Pete just looked wary. Whispers were passed, but Marie knew she had her own cheat in that, recalling just how well Logan could hear in this moment. The first ball fell, sunk below the felt with Jubilee taking another aided shot only to have the ball bounce and miss.
"Dammit!" Jubilee hissed, rolling her back against the table to kiss Pete.
Marie lined up her shot, called it and sunk it, nothing too ambitious yet. Feeling Logan kiss the base of her neck sent a shiver through her spine, blessedly he hadn't done that when she had a shot ready, taking time to rein it all in before taking her next shot to bank it off a bunker and run errant.
"Our turn!" Jubilee chirped, walking around the table looking for any angles.
Standing with Logan, she held her cue and looked around the bar, the regulars there already taking notice of the game. With the talk between them and the bills thrown on their tables, she had to guess they were taking bets on them, wondering then just who the house favourite was.
"Okay, here goes." Jubilee said, chalking her tip before leaning in, Pete joining her and nearly dwarfing the petite lady.
The game aside Marie had to enjoy just how easily the two melded together, the cue working flawlessly for the crack of balls to announce another heart hammering moment watching for the called shots. With one spinning at the edge, Marie giggled despite Jubilee's curses.
"Better luck next time Lee." Marie teased, leaning over the table with Logan slipping up against her.
He whispered his advice, finding it just exactly what she was thinking as she called the shots. Snapping the cue, the balls cracked and shot about the table, all but two sinking with her first honest failed shot of the night. Jubilee looked pleased, bouncing over to fetch her beer, a long swig taken before leaning against the table.
"You better not be hustling me Lee, yours might be bigger, but mine's meaner." Marie said, a jest at their amorous accompanying gentlemen.
"Oh just keep telling yourself that sweetie, or was it Tweety?" Jubilee teased, snapping the cue with a sudden display of talent as the balls sunk.
"Bitch." Marie hissed, laughing all the same.
"Girl, you work with mechanics for three years and tell me you don't spot a hustle when ya see it. Lemme guess, paid rent that first few months till ya scared 'em all off despite your ladies?" Jubilee said, a nod to Marie and her Southern Charms.
"It was four months, but I still got free drinks." Marie replied, feeling the possessive arms wrapping about her then.
Sure enough the game was on for real, Jubilee sinking balls until but a few hard shots were left. Taking her turn Marie looked at it, calling only a single ball, sinking it with but two remaining.
"Lets make this interesting." Jubilee said, staring at the balls.
"Oh?" Marie asked, her eyes open after being closed for so long with Logan working his hands against her shoulders.
Jubilee whispered to Pete, the all American boy of two Russian immigrants looking to blush. Whatever it was Marie knew it had to be good, Pete just nodding finally with as much steel in his eye as he usually sported when he called on that gift of his.
"You win, you get a peek at the...ahem...latest in a series." Jubilee said.
"You mean?" Marie asked, a nod from both promising to see a work in progress that had yet to be deemed perfect.
"And if I win...I never have to call you Marie, deal Roguey?" Jubilee asked, holding out her hand.
Shaking it, the bet was on, the stack of bills on the table suddenly meaningless. Everything counted on the next shot, her heart simply racing and hoping that somehow Jubilee would fail. After a heart pounding moment the shot was taken, a ball sunk only for the final ball to hand in a hard place, the last taken with no chance of it sinking.
"Dammit, dammit, dammit!" Jubilee swore again and again.
Marie looked to her, a feral smile she felt would look well on Logan just then. Lining her shot up it sunk, as many cheers in the bar then as curses, looking to see money changing hands with drinks passed.
"You can still call me Roguey, or Rogue...but I get to see that painting alright?" Marie asked, Jubilee looking all the happier with her nickname still held, the two shaking hands again to seal the deal.
"Yeah...its..." Jubilee started, Pete silencing her with a kiss.
"Good?" Marie asked, giggling at the sight of them and knowing it couldn't be anything but.
"So, does that mean I get to see it too?" Logan asked, still holding Marie close.
"No!" Jubilee and Marie shrieked in unison, rivals the moment before now joining to lay a smack down on the Canadian.
Fun and games and the bounty of the game of pool spent on rounds found them all in a booth, Marie nestled near Logan with her drinks of choice now just the closest Beth could come to a cocktail, a whiskey sour with sprite.
"A toast." Kitty started, raising her bottle of bud.
"To?" Jubilee asked, looking for her bottle of MGD to find it empty, waving for another.
"To me never getting in the Blackbird again!" Bobby started, raising his coke and whiskey.
"Oh you did not just go there Drake, I know where you sleep." Jubilee growled.
Laughing as the two broke out into an argument, Marie looked up to Logan thinking of her own toast then. Waiting for Beth to come by, fresh drinks were passed around with peace finally coming if only because everyone was too busy drinking.
"To..." Logan started, leaning in to kiss Marie.
"Friends, friends who are family, and to home. To tryin' damn sure to make sure everyone o' those kids feels the same, and to wondering just what that noise or bit of a bump is the next time I'm flyin' the Blackbird!" Marie toasted, raising her whiskey sour up.
"Oh kiss my ass." Jubilee said with a laugh, raising her fresh beer.
"To pains in my ass, even if I wouldn't have it any other way." Kitty added, a look to Jubilee that was returned with a smile.
"To family, close and far, they're never out of our hearts." Pete said, kissing Jubilee atop her head.
"To it all, and everything else." Logan finished, the clink of glasses sounding the call to take a sip or in some cases a swig if not completely pounding the drink back.
Author's Note : Hope you all ring in the New Year with friends and family, with another down all we can do is hope to learn from it and carry the fondest of it forward. Happy New Year.