Title: Hope

Note I'm sorry my stories haven't been updated as much as I promised. But I am trying!

8:39am

Staircase

With his hands stuffed in his jeans pockets, Logan strolled down the staircase in the mansion...only to hear the weather witch and Domino entering the enterance hall below him. Quickly, Logan stopped moving.

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8:39am

Bottom of staircase.

Ororo let out a frustrated sigh and stared intensly at Domino. "Didn't I tell you to quit?"

Domino's smile was unbarably sweet. "Moi? Stop? Are you kiddin'?"

"Can't you go bother Hank?"

Domino shook her head. "He's not as fun. And besides, you haven't told me why you're so gloomy."

"I'm not gloomy!" Ororo protested.

Domino raised an eyebrow. "Uh, yeah." She pointed out the window. "The clouds don't lie."

Ororo looked out the window to see grey clouds over head. "Oh, shut up." She snapped at the younger woman.

Smiling, Domino said, "I will once you tell me what's bothering you."

"No."

"Please?"

"No!"

"Pretty please?"

"NO!"

Domino crossed her arms. "I'm just gonna keep bothering you until you do."

'Ro narrowed her eyes. "If I tell you will you back off?"

Domino nodded.

Storm took in a deep breath and let it all out. "I don't know if I can take the pressure of being the head of the mansion. I don't know if I can be a leader like Charles was. Logan left, and he has no idea how much that hurt...the kids. Hank is continuously working and never gets any sleep. You're out and about at all hours. In fact this is the first time I've seen you in three weeks! These children are looking up to me to protect them and teach them and guide them and all I can think about is that I'm going to ruin everything that Charles and Scott and Jean worked for! There's nothing more frightening to me than disappointing my students!"

"Whoa, whoa!" Domino held up her hands before Ororo went on. "Chill, seriously. 'Ro you're doing great! And Hank is just trying to build back what Xavier built, just like you are." She squeezed her friend's arm. "Would you feel better if I promised to help out?"

"What would you do?"

Domino shrugged. "Whatever you want me too. I'm pretty good at flying the jet. I could do that."

Nodding, Ororo smiled. "Thanks."

"No problem." Domino said. As the two started to walk into the living room, she saw the uneasy look on Ororo's face. "Don't worry, I won't leave again. I promise."

From above, Logan watched as the two women entered the living room. "Me either." He said quietly. He hadn't even thought of the pressure 'Ro must of been going through. But after hearing his friend rant and seeing her on the verge of tears, Wolverine promised he wouldn't be leaving...

...Not until things got settled again, at least.