Chapter 9

Ororo sat on her bed Indian style, folding the babies latest load of laundry.

The amount of laundry that piled up within a day astounded Ororo.

How could such small beings go through so much clothing?

Ororo paused for a moment to rub a soft hand over her weary eyes, then down to her neck to massage the muscles there.

Ororo loved being a mother, but she never realized just how much work it would be.

She had help, of course.

Scott and Jean would alternate helping her with changings and feedings, but she took on the bulk of responsibility for them herself.

Ororo sat up a little to peer into the double bassinet that Papa Magnus had made for the twins.

No matter how much she protested, Magnus could not help but spoil them just as he done Ororo.

Zaria and Zander were still wide eyed, making happy baby noises when they saw her face hovering above them.

She gave them a loving smile, let out a sigh, and went back to her duties.

In the past two and a half months since their birth, Ororo learned to sleep when they slept, and do her chores while they were awake.

Hopefully they would fall into slumber.

It would be nice to rest for awhile, she mused.

She was exhausted.

"Good ta know ya finally came to yer senses." came a gruff voice from the open balcony doors.

Ororo jumped to her feet in a defensive stance, ready to protect her young.

Her heart was beating in her chest as her eyes had glazed over to pure white.

She was so focused on their safety, that it took a moment for her mind to register who the intruder was.

Sabertooth!

Ororo immediately moved in front of him to block his access to the twins.

"What in goddess name are you doing here? How did you even get past the gates!" she demanded.

Sabertooth gave her a toothy grin.

He thought it was kinda cute when she tried to act so tough.

"I'm a natural born assassin, gal. Ain't a security system around that's able ta keep me out if'n I want ta get in." he sneered.

Ororo's stance shifted from defensive to angry.

"Why on earth are you here? You most certainly have some kind of death wish." her voice rising as her temper flared.

Sabertooth seemed to be considering her questions for a few seconds, but decided to brush her aside and make his way towards the bassinet.

Ororo eyes began crackling with electricity as she quickly moved to once again step between him and her children.

"Just what do you think you are doing? Stay away from them! You have no right to be here, so get out!"

Sabertooth watched with slight fascination as twin balls of pure electricity formed in her palms.

The hair on his body stood at attention.

He had no doubt that if he made one wrong move…

Princess was gonna fry his ass.

No doubt he would survive electrocution, but it hurt like hell and the smell of burnt flesh was a turn off when trying to get a piece of ass.

Maybe I should proceed with caution, he thought.

"Now just hold on there princess. I aint come here lookin fer no trouble. Just came ta see tha pups." he motioned his head towards the squirming infants.

"Pups?" Ororo questioned with an incredulous look on her face. "Surely you are not referring to MY children? And what possible interest do you have in them?"

"Yer "children" be my kin. Hell, if it weren't fer me, ya never would have birthed em."

"Excuse me?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Figures he wouldn't tell ya it was me that told metal head ta bring ya back ta yer Pa. Ya was sick as a dog and them babies wasn't gonna make it. I could smell it." his tone told her that he was very serious about what he had just revealed.

Ororo took a step back in shock, turning her gaze to the infants.

Sabertooth smiled at her wonderment.

"Yeah, that's right. Tha cold blooded killer ta tha rescue. Ya can thank me later." he finished with a wink.

Zander chose that moment to make a noise that sounded like purring.

Sabertooth chuckled lightly.

"See, even tha pup recognizes me as kin folk. Now, ya wanna move out my way, little gal?"

Knowing he was going to find a way to see them whether she wanted him to or not, she ignored his question, but not in his entirety.

"I am hardly a "little gal", Sabertooth." Ororo mumbled under her breath.

He laughed heartily at her defiance.

"Ya kidding me right? I bet I got undies older than ya." Then he leaned down to whisper in her ear.

"If'n I had some on, I'd show ya."

Ororo grimaced in disgust as he swiftly moved around her to get closer to the bassinet.

"And since we're setting tha record straight, Ororo.." he said over his shoulder. "tha names Victor."

Ororo's mouth opened in surprise by such a revelation, however he was not paying her much attention.

His focus was on the babies.

A light growling noise rose up out of Sabertooth's…no Victor's mouth.

It was a sound Ororo would have never imagined he could make, even though she could not put a name to it.

It was both gentle and soothing.

Not a purr, but not a growl either.

Whatever it was, Zander seemed to be reacting to it.

Ororo moved closer to Victor, and could see that the movement of his little arms and legs had increased, almost as if agitated.

She was ready to scold him for upsetting the baby, but when she got a look at Zander, he was anything but agitated.

His tiny mouth was formed into a smile showing his pink gums.

A string of wet baby grunts and babble bubbling out of his mouth.

Victor reached down to pluck him out of his bed, but Ororo's small hand grabbed his wrist to stop him.

She realized instantly the movement was useless, as her fingers barely met the sides of his massive wrist.

If he wanted to, he could have easily shook out of her hold.

But he stopped, wanting her to feel comfortable with him being there.

"Please…" is all she said, but her meaning was loud and clear, as expressed in her worried orbs.

Do not hurt him.

Ororo could see in his eyes that he understood her concern, and amazingly, with a slight nod of his head, put her fears to rest.

Slowly, she released her useless hold on him and silently giving permission for him to continue.

Victor swiftly turned back to his task and plucked Zander out of his bassinet.

Ororo watched carefully to observe what Victor would do next.

Victor could smell waves of nervousness coming off of Ororo.

Normally, he would ignore it, but he knew he would not get his time with tha pups if she kept acting like this.

"Don't worry, Princess. I know how ta hold a cub. I ain't come here ta start no mess. Just wanted ta get a look at them."

Victor turned to look at her and could see that she believed his words.

He heard the sigh of release that escaped her full lips.

Victor turned his attention back to Zander, sniffing him from head to toe in order to familiarize himself with his scent.

It also gave Zander an opportunity to sniff him in return.

Victor gave an approving nod towards the infant.

"Yup" Victor proclaimed out loud. "This one here is gonna be big and strong like his uncle.

He turned to catch Ororo's eyes to make sure she was listening.

"Ya gonna have ta keep an eye out fer him. He gonna develop faster than a human and most mutants. Gonna like ta run and climb high. Don't know if he got tha healing factor, but ya'll find out soon enough." he spoke with nothing but pride in his voice.

He nuzzled baby Zander gently before placing him back in his bed and turning his attention to Zaria.

Zaria had been quiet during the whole exchange.

Eerily quiet.

Her eyes had followed every single movement Victor had made while he was in her sight.

When he moved out of her field of vision, she tilted her head in the direction of his voice.

She was, in fact, studying him.

Before he could stop himself, Victor said "She looks just like ya. Beautiful."

Ororo was taken aback by his comment, as well as the tone of his voice.

It was almost reverent.

Realizing he let his guard down, he cleared his throat and made sure not to look in Ororo's direction.

"What's their names?" he asked, changing the subject.

"Zander and Zaria." she waited for the snide comments about their names.

But she was in for another surprise.

"I like em. Jimmy will too." he answered casually.

Ororo's perfectly manicured eyebrows rose in question.

"Jimmy?" Ororo inquired.

"Jimmy. James Howlett. Ya know, yer babies daddy." he answered like she should have known this information.

"I had no idea that was his birth name." she admitted.

Goddess, she has slept with the man.

Had his children.

And she did not know his name?

"Yeah, well neither does he. But that story can wait." Victor said breaking her thoughts.

Just as he did with Zander, he plucked Zaria out of her bed.

Zaria was startled by the quick movement.

Her lips formed into a pout and her eyes began to water.

Zaria's crying spurred Ororo into action.

Ororo moved to take her from Victor, hating to hear her children cry.

But he kept Zaria out of Ororo'sreach.

"What ya think yer doin'?" he demanded as he looked down on her.

"She is crying. You scared her." she said accusingly.

"Gal, ain't nothing wrong with tha kitten. Leave her be. It's good fer babies ta cry. Clears out their lungs. Besides, ya jump every time they cry, they gonna grow up ta be spoiled brats." he gave her a pointed look.

"I am not spoiled." she argued while crossing her arms in annoyance.

"Maybe not, but ya sure as hell is a brat. Now stop interrupting us." he turned further away from her.

Ororo went over and picked up Zander before taking a seat in her rocking chair.

Who the hell was he to come into her home and tell her what to do with her children.

And why was she allowing it?

Zaria continued to cry for a few more minutes, and Ororo could stand it no longer.

She was just about to demand her child back when Zaria suddenly stopped crying.

Then she heard it.

She stood up and moved towards Victor.

Her face registered unbelief.

"Victor, are you…are you purring?"

He just shrugged his shoulders.

"It's working ain't it?"

Ororo let out a light chuckle.

"It most certainly is. How did you know it would calm her so?"

Victor had a haunted look in his eyes when he answered.

"Ya don't get ta live over a hundred years without experiencing some things." the loss evident in his voice.

"Victor, did you have-" but he cut her off.

"Like I said, gal. Another story fer another day."

Zaria was once again studying her uncle with intelligent eyes that were wise beyond the age of a 2 month old.

"This kitten right here gonna take after her momma. Might have some feral in her, but nothing like her brother. She's tiny like ya. But don't make the mistake of underestimating her. She gonna be cunning, clever… and dangerous."

He went through his ritual of smelling and nuzzling her before putting her back down.

Zander had fallen asleep in Ororo's arms so she placed him back in the bed also.

Ororo assumed he would just turn and leave just as he had come, but that was not so.

"Guess this means ya ain't told him yet?" accusation clear in his voice.

Ororo stopped her movements.

It was something that she debated daily since she knew she was going to keep them.

"No, I have not." then she did something she never ever thought she would do.

Sought his advice.

"Do you think I should?"

She expected him to be flippant and harsh in his response, but to her amazement he did not speak right away.

Instead, Victor turned to walk out onto the balcony, knowing she would follow him.

"Ya'd be surprised at how much better I know Jimmy than he know his own self. I don't rightly know what caused him ta loose his memory, but tha one thing he does remember is that I killed tha woman he loved. That's why he always trying ta kill me."

"You act as though he has no reason to be upset with you. You killed the woman he loved!" she exclaimed.

Before she could blink, she found her arms being held in a powerful grip.

Victor leaned in so close to her face, that she could feel his hot breath.

"Ya know why I killed that gal? Cause she was a pawn sent ta lure Jimmy ta Stryker. She was bringing him ta his death. But see, he don't know none of that. When our paths first crossed after all them years, I tried ta tell him. He just started slashing at me. Damn near cut me from head ta dick."

"Well you do nothing to try to get through to him. In fact you seem to goad him on."

Victor gave her a toothy grin.

"Shit, kid. We could fight all day and we'd still be alive. Figure I let him work out his anger, and I get a good workout. Ain't everyday I get ta beat up on somebody and they still keep coming at me. Keeps me light on my feet and it's good for my figure." he released her with a toothy grin.

"You are a complete bastard!"

"Naw, actually Jimmy's tha bastard. My parents was married. My asshole Pa and Jimmy's whore of a momma? She was just fucking tha help." his voiced laced with disgust.

"Do not speak in such a manner with the children present!"

"Yeah. Anyway, back ta yer question. Ya do what ya feel is right, Princess. But I can tell ya, when Jimmy finds out…and he will find out, he ain't gonna be happy ya kept this from him."

Ororo looked out over the yard of the mansion.

"He may be angrier when I tell him. It was just supposed to be one night, nothing more. Now…I just do not know." her voice was just above a whisper.

"Look. We ferals, we mate fer life. I'm not talkin bout tha ones we bang out in tha alleyway. I mean tha fer keeps ones. Tha ones wit good breeding and strong genes ta ensure healthy offspring. He's gonna want ta be here with ya and them pups. It's in his nature, and I don't care what he can't remember, he can't escape that part of himself. Yeah, he will be angry at first, but he'll get over it." he tried to assure her.

"I do not wish for him to be here out of obligation." Ororo countered

"Obligation? Gal we ain't talking bout child support payments. He ain't gonna stay here ta save face or cause he feel guilty. He gonna want ta be here because now ya'll belong ta him."

"I am not his possession."

Victor came very close to her face, almost causing her to back up in fear.

But she refused to give him any ground.

"Oh yes ya are girl. Ya see, ya done had his pups. They carry his scent and so do ya. Jimmy is an alpha male, just like his dear old brother. And let me tell ya, if some man come sniffing around yer skirt or take them pups…if his position is threatened…"

"What…" she asked, although she did not know if she would like the answer.

"He's gonna kill em. No question about it." Victor answered matter-of-factly.

"He would not do such a thing? Goddess…"

Victor backed up out of her face and took in her stunned expression.

"Oh yeah he can. And he will."

He waited for her to say something else, but she only backed up to the balcony hugging herself with her arms.

"Well, Princess, I gotta be heading out. Now remember what I told ya now. Choice is yers, but he's gonna be back."

"How can you be so sure?"

Victor openly studied her from head to toe.

"I know. Oh, by the way." Victor pulled two small stuffed animals out of his pocket.

"Got these fer tha kiddies. Can ya believe they make lil stuffed animals of us? I got them both tha Sabertooth ones." He held them up to each side of his face. "Cute ain't they. Look just like me." he grinned and handed them to her.

Ororo found herself laughing at his silliness.

"And here." he handed her a small piece of paper. "If ya need something, just call that number and put in yer code. I'll know it's ya. I'm trusting ya not ta give that ta anyone else. Memorize it then throw it out, understand." he looked at her pointedly.

Ororo was confused as she looked at the numbers on the paper.

"Why can I not just call Magnus to get you?"

"Where ya been, princess? Most of tha brotherhood done went their own way. We only get tagether when we need ta. Ya need ta get out more."

Victor hurled himself over the side of the balcony.

"Be seeing ya, gal."

Then he was gone.

/

"I can't believe she is still awake." Scott said as he picked up his squirming niece.

"I know. I am a bit worried that she will be off schedule for her feedings. I do not look forward to having to wake up for nighttime feedings more than necessary."

"I'm sure half-pint will sleep just fine. She already sleeps better without the apnea machine.

Scott was not exaggerating.

Though it was a necessary requirement for her being able to leave the medlab, it was quite a nuisance. It would go off several times a night, waking all three of them from slumber.

Not only that, but each time it screeched, Ororo's heart would drop to her chest.

"Very true Scott. Sleep is important for her to continue to build up her strength. She is still so tiny."

"Don't worry so much, kiddo. She is going to grow up and be strong, just like her mommy. Isn't that right half-pint?" He said softly to the baby as she smiled and blew bubbles out her mouth at him.

The same sentiment she heard only hours before.

Ororo watched Scott talk softly to Zaria, taking note of the look of pure joy and love on his face.

The look that came to his face each and every time he was with the twins.

She silently wondered if Logan would look at his children with much the same joy.

There was only one way to find out.

"Scott, if you would not mind watching over Zander, I need to speak to daddy about an important matter."

"Sure, Ro. What about Zaria?"

"I believe I shall take her with me for the walk. Maybe seeing her Papa will calm her some, yes?" she said, reaching out for her daughter.

Charles always had a soothing effect on the little girl.

Scott placed a gentle kiss on the baby's forehead before handing her to her mother.

"Be good for your mommy, half-pint." then he leaned over to kiss Ororo on her cheek.

"Go take care of your business. I'll stay until you get back."

Ororo leaned in to reciprocate the kiss he had given her.

"Thank you Scott. I shall not be long."

"Take all the time you need."

/

Ororo walked into Charles suite without bothering to knock, since she was positive he already sensed her coming.

Sure enough she found him in his kitchenette getting ready to prepare his nightly tea.

He turned to greet them.

"Well, what do I owe the pleasure of this late hour visit? I would have thought you to be asleep, young lady." he said to Zaria as he held out his arms for her.

Ororo gently placed the squirming baby in his loving arms.

Zaria was definitely her Papa's little girl.

As soon as she was placed in Charles' arms, a string of giggling babbles filled the room.

Tiny hands and feet were waving everywhere as Charles laughed heartily at the baby's antics.

He held her up in his hands to face him. "What exactly is it you are trying to tell me, little one?"

Just then, Zaria put her lips together and blew a raspberry, lots of drool included, right into Charles face.

"Zaria." Ororo gently chided as she grabbed a towel on the counter.

"Here, daddy, let me wipe your face."

"It is quite alright, my dear. Zaria is just fine. No harm done, right sweetheart?" he said softly to the baby.

He was answered with another raspberry.

"Would you like some tea, Ororo?" He asked as he moved to get a mug.

"Daddy, I will prepare your tea for you. Why do you not take Zaria into the sitting room. I will be with you momentarily."

"Very well, dear." he turned and made his way to sitting room.

By the time Ororo made her way to the sitting room with the serving tray, Zaria had dozed off in the comfort of her Papa's arms.

Ororo shook her head as she placed the tray on the table in front of Charles.

"I am still at a loss as to how you do it. Scott and I have been trying to get her to fall asleep for hours." her statement ending in a tired sigh.

Charles looked at his daughter, taking in the slight frown upon her lips, and the tenseness in her shoulders.

"My dear, it is quite simple. Babies can sense our emotions. I am calm and relaxed. You on the other hand are anything but, which is the reason you are here. So now, why do you not tell me what is troubling you, child?"

"I should put Zaria down first." she tried to stall and moved to take the baby out of his arms.

Charles held her at bay with a raised hand. "That is unnecessary, Ororo. I would not miss on any opportunity to hold her. Now, take a seat next to daddy and tell him what is the matter."

Ororo wearily sat down beside Charles and placed her head on his shoulder.

With a slim hand and a gentle touch, she ran a single finger down Zaria's downy soft cheek.

Ororo exhaled a deep breath she was holding and closed her eyes before speaking.

"I…I had a visitor today." she said barely above a whisper.

She could feel Charles looking at her so she opened her eyes.

"A visitor?" he questioned, although he did not sound surprised.

"Yes, a visitor." she confirmed.

Charles did not say anymore, waiting for Ororo to reveal what was wrong.

With a frustrated sigh, Ororo sat up.

"It was Sabertooth. Or rather Victor."

Charles did not say a word. Just took a drink of his tea as if she had said nothing.

"Daddy? Did you hear what I said? Sabertooth came here to see the children!"

"I know."

Ororo jumped up out her seat, her voice raised in irritation.

"You know! You, you knew he was here and did not warn me first? You knew…of course you knew! I do not even know why I am surprised." her voiced raised in exasperation.

"Ororo, do calm down. You are going to wake Zaria."

Ororo moved to sit in the recliner on the opposite side of the room, attempting to calm herself.

"So then you know what we spoke about?" she asked accusingly.

"Actually, no. I sensed his presence on the grounds. I alerted the X-Men of his presence, but I did not sense any animosity from him, only concern. I had everyone on standby just in case that changed, but other than that I allowed you both privacy."

Ororo nodded her head. "Because you knew I would come to you, yes."

Charles smiled. "Yes, sweetheart. Now, tell me what is troubling you."

"He thinks I should tell Logan about the children, sooner rather than later."

"And what about you?"

Ororo rose up from her seat and began to pace.

"Once I knew that I was going to keep them, I played around with the idea of telling him, but with Zaria still in the medlab, I just put it out of my mind. It was not a priority to me. However, since she has been released, I have been giving it more consideration."

"What, may I ask, is stopping you from telling him?" Charles inquired.

"I am scared of how he will react. I am scared that he will not want them."

"Ororo, come here."

Ororo resumed her place beside him and placed her head on his chest. He draped his free arm around her shoulders and placed a kiss on her mop of white hair.

"Sweetheart, there is nothing wrong with being scared. The problem arises when you allow your fear to stop you from doing what is right. You are a highly intelligent girl, you know the right thing to do."

Ororo was quiet for a long time.

She knew Charles and Victor were right.

Logan deserved the truth, and her children deserved a chance at having a father.

Removing her head from his chest, their eyes met.

Despite all they had been through, she would not trade any of it if it meant not having Charles as her father.

"Daddy, will you find him for me?"

Charles smiled at her and kissed her nose.

"Of course I will. I have 2 very important meetings in the morning, but after I am finished, I will start looking for him. Now, dear, it may take a little longer to find him. You know that his psi blocks are just as impenetrable as yours. However, I will find him." he assured her in only the way he could.

Ororo cupped his cheek and placed a gentle kiss on it.

"Thank you Daddy" she whispered, her voice laced with relief and a weariness.

Charles sat quietly, Zaria asleep in safety of one arm, Ororo asleep in the other.

He hated to see his daughter so tormented by this demon any longer.

Charles could not watch her go through another moment of pain.

Enough was enough.

Charles had had enough.

Tomorrow, he would search for Logan.

Tomorrow, it was all going to end.

"TBC"