I would first like to apologize for not updating sooner. Midterms are going on and I have a lot of work to finish so I might not update until mid May. Anyways this took a long time for me to write for the simple fact of a bad case of writer's block. Anyways thanks to everyone who's been reading this story even after I didn't update for such a long time. That really touched me, thanks so much! I hope you enjoy the update R&R I love it when I get your opinions! Thanks again!
P.S. I don't own the characters except for a few. I also don't own the art joke (found it on the internet thought it was extremely funny). I also don't own All my Life by KC and JOJO even though it's a fantastic song. Thanks for reading!
~Iggypop
"I think we should protest" Layla said to her mother as they walked through the mall together. Ororo smiled as she held Kaylin's hand. Ororo knew it was risky going to the mall with the kids during the uprising of the AMC but she decided to play it safe. She had wanted her children to experience life to the fullest. She had wanted to take her twins shopping for their big dance and that was what she was going to do. So she had taken her old wigs out from the trunk for her and Layla. They were lucky that they looked human and could hide their mutation unlike some of their close friends. Connor remained silent however. She knew he protested to the camping trip but never voiced it at least not when he was around Layla. Actually the two of them hadn't been speaking much which was unusual especially since they were twins she thought.
"Layla, it's going to be so much fun!" exclaimed Kaylin as she ate her ice cream.
"Doubting it…" Layla muttered as the three of them entered a store. Connor remained silent and turned on his ipod heading for the men's suites.
"What's going on with you two?" asked Ororo as she followed Layla toward the woman's dresses. Layla shrugged as she looked through the dresses. Ororo sighed and sent Kaylin to go with her brother.
"Honestly Layla, why haven't you and your brother spoken five words to each other all week?" She asked arms crossed. She was determined to fix this.
"He needs to let me live my own damn life."
"Language! And tell me this isn't still about Alex." Layla stared shocked at her mother.
"How did you even…"
"Please Layla, I'm the principle and people do talk." She wasn't going to let a boy come in between her family.
"It's not about that…it's just that ever since when we found out I wasn't…'special' everyone has been trying to protect me." Ororo could see where her daughter was coming from truly she did. Layla was capable protecting herself physically from any danger that would come her way that she knew, of that she made sure of. When it came to her emotions however she feared it was the complete opposite.
"Well he is your brother…"
"Yeah looking out for my best interests I hear you." She said as she picked out a black dress with the back completely exposed. Ororo snorted, took the dress and put it back on the rack.
"Your father would kill you." Layla shrugged and continued to look through the dresses.
"I do miss him mom. I miss talking to that annoying jock of a brother, but he has to accept that even though we're twins we have our own separate lives. Besides I've never disagreed with anyone he's ever dated before." Ororo nodded this was true. Layla had always accepted Connor's girlfriends no matter what. She could see why she would want the same from him. Not a second later did Connor come back with Kaylin holding up a dark blue suite and white shirt with a black tie.
"Mommy, Connor's got a date!" exclaimed Kaylin as she ran up to her mother.
"Kaylin, I told you it was a secret!" Connor said his eyes glaring at her then quickly looked to his sister then to his mother. Kaylin covered her mouth quickly realizing she had spilled the beans on her brother.
"That's nice. Who's the lucky girl?" asked Ororo as she picked out a dress for Layla to try on. Connor mumbled so low that it was impossible for either Layla or Ororo to hear.
"What?" asked Layla as she picked out another dress for the dance.
"I'm going with Heather Mills."
********
Logan was enjoying his day off from work and all the stress of family life by watching the game on his flat screen at home. It was the perfect Thursday afternoon he had figured the kids would be gone all day with Ororo and he could have a cigar (the first since Kaylin had been born) and a nice cold beer. It was going to be his day, no drama, no fighting, no yelling and no punishment. It was going to be peaceful for once in the Howlette abode; until he heard his wife's care drive up and the slamming of two doors. Logan quickly put out his cigar with his shoe, sprayed some Lysol in the air and quickly sat back down on his lazy boy.
"I can't believe you! Heather Mills! The most self-centred bitch of the universe!" Layla yelled as she and the rest of the family walked into the house.
"Layla I told you language!" Ororo hissed.
"I'm sorry Layla, was I supposed to run it by you first? Next time I'll make sure to ask you if it's ok to go and take a leak when I feel the urge to go to the bathroom!" He yelled back.
"Hey! Enough of that! Both of you to your rooms now! You know better to talk like that in this house, especially in front of your sister!" Layla and Connor glared at each other as they took their attire for the dance the next day to their rooms. Ororo sighed as she lay down on the couch, reached over and chugged the rest of Logan's beer.
"Kaylin, go upstairs and play. I need to talk with mommy." Kaylin nodded and ran upstairs. Logan sat next to his wife and put her feet on his lap.
"Stressful day Darlin'?" he asked as he massaged her feet. Ororo looked up at him and raised her eyebrow.
"Well after Connor had revealed to us that he was in fact taking Ms. Mills to the dance they proceeded to have a fight in the store. To which the owner said he'd give us the dress and the suite for free if we'd leave. Logan, I've never been so humiliated in my whole life." Ororo said then laid her arm over her eyes.
"I'm sorry you had a bad day baby." He said his eyes were now starting to wonder her body as she lay still. His eyes remained on her chest watching it go up and down with her steady breathing.
"So how was your day?" she asked after a while and sat up.
"What?" asked Logan being taken out of his trance.
"How was you're alone time."
"Oh you know…same old." He said as he leaned forward. Logan then started to kiss her neck and shoulder. Ororo closed her eyes and moaned loving his lips on her skin.
"I could take all that stress away" he said in between kisses. She gave him a seductive smile and ran her hands under his shirt and up his chest.
"Maybe later, you have too much work to do" she said as she got up and headed towards the stairs.
"Work? I don't have any work." He replied confused.
"Oh yes you do sweetheart. You'll be way too busy with getting that cigar stain out of my carpet." Logan gave her a guilty look as she laughed walking up the stairs.
********
She had decided to end the feud. Ororo was sick of the silent treatment her twins were giving each other for the whole week. The silence in the house was unbearable. It was time Connor, Alex, Heather and Layla made amends and move on with their teenage lives. College was just around the corner and she didn't want her children to regret anything they had done in high school. That was why she had decided to invite Heather and Alex to dinner at their house just before the dance. The kids would feel better about themselves having resolved their issues she thought. It was an awkward dinner. Maybe the dinner idea wasn't such a good plan after all. Connor had been giving Alex dirty looks the entire time while he continued to smile and flirt with Layla to Logan's dismay. Layla had ignored Heather the whole evening while Heather tried her best to get as close to Connor as possible.
"So…Alex, have you figured out where you'll be attending college?" asked Ororo as she continued to eat dinner.
"Not yet Mrs. Howlette, I've been considering NYU one of Layla's options." He said receiving a growl from both Logan and Connor.
"And you Heather? What college do you think you'll be attending?" Ororo asked wanting to change the topic.
"Columbia. Both my parents attended." Ororo nodded in agreement.
"Which programme?"
"Visual Arts." She smiled with pride.
"Just because no one understands you doesn't mean you're an artist" Layla replied smirking. Ororo glared at Layla which made her wipe the smirk from her face. Logan smiled. Yup he thought that was his daughter. Connor sighed and got up from the table and walked towards the front door.
"Connor where are you going?" asked Logan.
"To take out the trash, you coming Alex?" He asked as he pointed to the door.
"Enough! Just go! Go to the dance!" Ororo yelled as she pointed to the door. Not needing to be told twice all four teenagers ran out the door. Logan smiled and reached for the camera on the kitchen counter.
"What? No pictures Darlin'?" he asked with a huge smile on his face.
"Shut up!" she yelled as she stomped towards the bathroom for a relaxing bubble bath. Logan smiled after her and looked down on his youngest daughter.
"Looks like it's just me and you kid."
******
The dance was in full swing by the time the foursome arrived at the school. The couples separated to the opposite sides of the ballroom.
"You look so hot." Alex yelled in Layla's ear over the loud beat of the music. She smiled sheepishly. Alex was getting a little too close to her liking but she couldn't show it. She wouldn't give Connor the satisfaction. She could feel Alex's eyes rake up her body. She shivered uncomfortably. Maybe asking him to the dance wasn't such a good idea.
"Wanna dance?" he asked swaying to the beat. Layla shook her head no. She was never a good dancer. Connor on the other hand was an awesome dancer. She had remembered when they were younger and the moves he used to show off in the rec room when there was nothing for the younger ones to do. Layla spotted him on the dance floor with Heather. If only I didn't have two left feet she thought, I could be just as good. As time passed she could tell Alex was becoming bored. She felt bad about him not having a good time so she allowed him to dance with other girls. Layla sighed and looked up at the clock that hung right above Xavier's portrait. It was already eleven thirty and the dance would be over in thirty minutes. Layla sighed in relief; all she wanted to do was get this dance over with. Taking off her shoes she walked on to the balcony for some much needed fresh air.
"Tired from the festivities?" Layla turned around to find Kyle on the wall smoking his cigarette.
"Smoking causes cancer." She said as she walked over towards him, took the cigarette from his mouth and put it out.
"That was my last one" he pouted. Layla rolled her eyes and sat on the bench opposite to where he stood.
"Having a good time?" She asked without enthusiasm. Kyle shrugged and sat next to her.
"I danced with a couple of girls."
"Yeah I saw that move you played on Juliet." She nudged him. Kyle smirked.
"Jealous Lays?" He asked as he swung his arm around her shoulder. Layla laughed and punched him in the rib playfully.
"Wow, not even. I don't dance." Kyle gave her a shocked look. Not dance? He had always thought that she had been a good dancer since Connor had proved to be one of the best in the entire school. The last song of the night started to play. Kyle stood up and stuck out his hand.
"What are you doing?" Layla asked giving him a confused look. Kyle rolled his eyes and pulled her up on her feet.
"What does it look like?"
"Are you serious? To KC and JoJo?" she asked.
"You need to dance at least once tonight." He said as he placed his hands on her hips. Layla shivered at his touch then backed away.
"I told you I don't dance…" she said as she went back to sit. Kyle twirled her in a circle back into his arms effortlessly.
"I'll teach you" he smiled back at her. Kyle held her close and started to sway to the music.
Said I Promise To Never Fall In Love With A Stranger
You're All I'm Thinking Of
I Praise The Lord Above
For Sending Me Your Love
I Cherish Every Hug
I Really Love You
All My Life (Ohhhh..Baby, Baby)
I Prayed For Someone Like You
And I Thank God
That I...That I Finally Found You
All My Life
I Prayed For Someone Like You
And I Hope That You Feel The Same Way Too
Yes, I Pray That You Do Love Me Too
"Where did you learn how to dance?" She asked as the two of them swayed to the music.
"I've taken ballroom since I was four. My parents were dance instructors." Kyle had never really been this close to Layla before. He felt a warm heat from the very pit of his stomach that was alien to him but he found himself liking it.
You're All That I Ever Know,
When You Smile All My Face Always Seems To Glow,
You Turned My Life Around,
You Picked Me Up When I Was Down,
You're All That I've Ever Known,
When You Smile My Face Glows
You Picked Me Up When I Was Down
Say...You're All That I've Ever Known
When You Smile My Face Glows
You Picked Me Up When I Was Down
And I Hope That You
Feel The Same Way Too
Yes, I Pray That You Do Love Me Too
And All My Life
I Prayed For Someone Like You
And I Thank God
That I..That I Finally Found You
All My Life
I Prayed For Someone Like You
Yes, I Pray That You Do Love Me Too
"Heard about the dinner" Kyle said as he twirled Layla around then brought her back into his arms. Layla laughed, it was ridiculous for their mother to expect everyone to get along as if nothing happened. Kyle smiled back at her.
"You have a beautiful smile." Layla blushed at his statement and looked down.
"Wow do you use that line on all the girls?" She asked.
"No, just you" he said serious. Layla looked away and smiled. It was amazing how she and Kyle and never really had a real conversation in all the years she had known him. He had changed a lot over the years. That shy twelve year old boy she had known so many years ago had turned into an outgoing, strong, muscular, sweet…wait this was Kyle, her brother's best friend. He did have beautiful green eyes though…
All My Life
I Prayed For Someone Like You
And I Thank God
That I ...That I Finally Found You
All My Life
I Prayed For Someone Like You
Yes, I Pray That You Do Love Me Too
And All My Life
I Prayed For Someone Like You
And I Thank God That I...That I Finally Found You.....
Alex had been looking for Layla to dance with for the last song. She would come around for him he would make sure. He looked through the whole ballroom and didn't see her anywhere. She was starting to be a pain in the ass he thought to himself. It would be worth it in the end when he would tap that and see the look on Connor's face when he would find out he told himself. Just when Alex was about to give up on the search just as the last song was about to end he found Layla outside dancing with Kyle. Alex's fists balled up and he could feel his anger rising. He'd be damned if Kyle got to her before he did. Alex stormed out of the ballroom and onto the balcony. Layla was so lost in the moment she was sharing with Kyle that she didn't even notice Alex grabbing her arm to pull her away from her trance. Now realizing that Alex had actually put his hands on her she swiftly pulled her arm back.
"What do you think you're doing?" asked Alex as he looked at her disgusted.
"I could ask you the same thing!" she accused him of how he handled her.
"There a problem Gerard?" Kyle intervened. When Alex had put his hands on Layla like that he almost lost it. He had to keep cool though he reminded himself. He couldn't get into trouble with the cops, not again.
"Yeah, you were putting your filthy hands on my date" Alex said stepping up to Kyle. Kyle smirked and got into his face.
"I don't see a ring on her finger."
"In a couple of minutes you won't be able to see after I'm done with you." Alex said shoving Kyle. Layla rolled her eyes and got in between the two boys.
"Hasn't there been enough fighting these last couple of weeks?" She asked crossing her arms. If she saw one more fight she thought she was going to go insane. Still the two of them didn't move. Kyle looked like he was going to turn into the Hulk any minute. She knew he was trying his best to restrain himself.
"Alex, why don't you walk me home?" she asked as she tried to pull him away. She needed to take away the strain away from Kyle even if it meant walking away with Alex. There would be no more fighting, not on her watch. Alex hooked his arm with hers and started to walk away with a smirk on his face. Layla looked back at Kyle one last time mouthing the words sorry and continued on to walk with Alex. What she didn't see was the sad look in Kyle's eyes as she walked away with the enemy.
********
He was running shirtless in the forest. This was his element. This was where he belonged. Here he could be his inner beast and not worry if he would hurt someone. Logan ran in the woods next to the institute as fast as he could. It had been a while since he done this he thought as he felt the chill of the autumn air. Summer had been his last run. Running gave him time to think. He never thought this life he was sharing with Ororo was ever possible. He wasn't supposed to be this content with life. In all his years of living being with her were his favourite years he had ever known. Logan ran until he reached the border of the forest before he entered some else's property. He hated that he thought. He hated it when someone overstepped their bounds. It was a territorial thing. Logan looked down at his watch. It was four in the morning. He'd have to get back before Ororo got worried. As he started to run back to the house he smelt something. It was a scent unfamiliar to him, that he didn't like. He had come to know every smell in the institute and around his house and this; this wasn't something he was used to. As Logan came closer to it he identified it as a human. Logan ran faster to his house and with every stride he scent was getting stronger. Panic hit Logan and he ran as fast as he could not caring that the tree branches were slapping his skin like a whip. When Logan got to his house he sniffed the air. Someone had been there, been inside. Logan kicked down the front door and bounded up the stairs and swung open his bedroom door.
"Dear Goddess! Logan what do you think you're doing?!" yelled Ororo as jumped out of bed ready to attack.
"Where are the kids?!" He demanded as he walked to each of their rooms.
"They're their rooms." Ororo said as she followed Logan to Connor's room. Logan opened the door only to find his only son sleeping heavily half on and off the bed. Logan closed the door then walked to Layla's room.
"Logan what is this?" she asked still following. Logan opened the door where he found Layla asleep. Logan closed the door and finally headed towards his youngest daughter's room.
"I smelt something." Logan opened the door and was relieved to find Kaylin asleep with her stuffed rabbit . Logan sighed in relief.
"What do you mean you smelt something?" she asked following him inside Kaylin's room.
"I thought I smelt someone…" Logan stopped in mid-sentence and smelt the air again. A deep growl erupted from Logan's chest. He walked towards her window and flew it open.
"Bastard!" he yelled. Someone had come into his house, into his daughter's room. He was livid. Logan bounded down his stairs and followed the smell until he reached the lake six miles from the mansion. When he lost the scent Logan roared in frustration and unsheathed his claws. Someone had invaded his territory, took advantage of his family. When Logan got back to the house he found the whole family in Kaylin's room. Logan walked up to Kaylin and examined her. Kaylin squirmed uncomfortably as her father inspected her.
"She's fine Logan" Ororo said taking her in her arms. Logan sighed and put his hand through his hair.
"Did he…" he couldn't bring himself to ask.
"No, no. She was asleep the whole time. He didn't tough her. Smell her for yourself." Logan took a whiff of his daughter's hair. Ororo was right the bastard didn't lay a finger on his daughter.
"We're going to stay at Xavier's for a couple of days." He said as he opened Kaylin's closet door and threw a few of her clothes on her bed.
"But dad, why-"started Connor before he was cut off.
"Just do it!" he yelled back. The twins stood back automatically at their father's enraged voice. Both Layla and Connor looked to their mother. She nodded to the two and they walked off to their rooms to pack their things. Kaylin in the mean time cowered in her mother's arms. Noticing his daughter's petrified form he gently placed a hand on her head.
"I'm sorry that I yelled baby girl. Daddy was just scared." He confessed as he moved to sit on the bed next to his wife. Kaylin looked up at her dad in wonder.
"YOU were scared daddy? But you're the wolverine." Logan smiled and kissed the top of her head. Ororo cuddled beside him while she held Kaylin in her arms.
"Even the wolverine gets scared sometimes." He said as he looked back at Ororo. The guy was lucky this time thought Logan. Next time when he found him though he was going to make sure this stranger wouldn't be able to mutter the words personal space.
******
"You've infiltrated the wolverine's dwelling?" asked Vilmer to one of his many followers a former navy seal. Grayson nodded. He was happy to help the cause in anyway possible. He had joined the organization two years ago and only days ago he was called by Vilmer himself to break into the wolverine's home. What he found there was the most valuable information that would head start Vilmer's plans. Vilmer tapped his foot impatiently.
"And?" He asked frustrated.
"The wolverine appears to have three pups of his own sir." Vilmer rolled his eyes. He had learned all this information when Todd had called.
"Are you wasting my time with information that is already processed Mr. Grayson?" he asked. Vilmer almost reached for his gun then decided against it. He'd have to stop killing his followers he told himself, or he'd have no one to do the dirty work. Vilmer rubbed his temples in frustration.
"Is there anything else?" he asked.
"Yes, sir." Vilmer waited but he received no response. Idiots, he was dealing with a bunch of idiots he thought to himself.
"Well?!" he yelled. The large group of people stopped their work and watched their frustrated leader.
"He's married sir, to another mutant. I took a photo from the living room." Grayson handed the picture Vilmer. Vilmer studied the photograph. So the wolf found himself a mutant mate he thought to himself. Wise he thought very wise. His children could be the most powerful mutants to come in contact with he thought.
"Mr. Heenly!" he called. Jackson ran up to Vilmer and listened intently for his next assignment.
"Do research on this woman. I want to know everything about her. I want a full background check on her tomorrow morning." Jackson nodded nervously, took the photo from Vilmer and ran to his computer. Vilmer walked past the isles of computers, picked up a few papers from different desks and observed them while Grayson followed him the entire time. Vilmer looked up from his work and gave him a questioning look.
"Can I help you Mr. Grayson?" He asked.
"There's just one thing sir…" Grayson said nervously.
"Yes?"
"I think…I think he knows I was there sir." Vilmer gave him a blank stare. Grayson took this as his cue to keep going.
"After I left the house sir, when I was about five miles away I heard him growl from his house. I left my vehicle on the side of the road but I knew he'd track me. To lose his scent I jumped into the lake. He knows we were there sir." Grayson waited no one ever knew what to expect from Vilmer. A loud gun shot sounded in the room. Everyone turned to see Grayson lying on the floor dead from a gun shot to the head. Idiots Vilmer thought he was working with a bunch of idiots.
"Someone get rid of that Goddamn truck before the wolverine finds it!" He yelled as he walked on top of Grayson's body and down the isle.
"Alright people! Thanks to Mr. Grayson we have to work swiftly. The Annullo project is approaching and we're barely prepared. I need that solitary chamber completed with the modifications, I need weapons, I need every assignment completed within the week, I need training up to date and I need our lab testing done by Friday. Do I make myself clear?!" he yelled.
"Yes, sir!" the room responded. Vilmer smiled finally he thought in just a few days his plans would come into effect. In just a few days he would change the world.