Hi, everyone. Just wanted to put this little disclaimer out there. X-Men do not belong to me. However, Natasha Greshnev in all of her gorgeous spunkiness belongs to me. Hope you like her.

Summary: From the time she was ten, Natasha Greshnev was a tough cookie to crack and grew up to be a sarcastic, cold assassin with a hidden mutation. But when Professor X calls her back to the mansion, Natasha finds herself growing fond of a new mutant that reminds her of her, dangerously attracted to the infamous Wolverine and thrown into the war looming ahead against Magneto. It's been a long time, but can Natasha still fit the X-Men suit? Or has her heart become too tainted with the blood she's shed?

So…um…I am not a huge fan of Jean Grey, but because I know my character's relationship to Jean, I can't exactly bash her as much. So, I hope that when I write about her, no one hates her.

I used to like her, even adore her…once upon a time.

Bold – Professor in people's heads.

Bold Italics – Natasha in people's heads

Bold Underlined – Jean in people's heads

Italics – Normal people thoughts

Lost

Jean Grey sighed in exhaustion as the metal doors closed behind her. She had a science test to administer today, to teach a seminar about chemistry, oversaw a training session in the danger room, and spent an entire hour trying to contact Senator Kelly, who hasn't been seen in the last few days.

To say she was an exhausted was an understatement.

Jean swiped a stray strand of ruby-red hair that fell from her bun from her face and stared down at the handsome stranger Natasha brought with her. Thinking about her sister, Jean frowned. Natasha hadn't even called for three months and just randomly showed up with more than the person the Professor asked her to bring. Always the rebellious one, Jean thought as she shook her head.

But Natasha did bring back a looker. Jean hardly looked at other males since she began dating Scott two years ago, but this Logan was…he was definitely something.

Jean moved the needle with her mind, grasping it when the needle was in proximity. Smiling, she felt Logan's muscled arm for a vein. Once she felt one beneath the very warm skin, Jean gently stuck the pointy object into him, sliding the needle in slowly –

Logan's other hand shot out and wrapped itself around her throat. He let out a roar as he leapt off the table behind her, tightening his grip on her throat and pulling her flush against him. Jean couldn't breathe, but something told her to attempt to relax against Logan.

Wolverine sniffed the air and snarled. He hated hospitals and labs just brought a bad memory. This place was foreign and it set Wolverine on edge. And this woman was not his mate. Wolverine took another whiff and relaxed his hold on her body, but not her throat. She did smell somewhat like his mate, like vanilla. But other than that, there was nothing.

Logan could feel her throat constricting beneath his hand and felt bad momentarily. She wasn't posing as a threat. Besides, she wasn't his main concern. He needed out of this place and to have Natasha and Marie with him. Now.

Jean fell to the floor in a heap of flesh and red hair, gasping heavily for air and coughing as Logan walked out of the lab. If he had held on any longer, Jean would have lost all breath. And she was so close to going behind him and giving him a piece of her mind when the Professor popped into her brain.

Patience, Jean, he told her mentally and she sighed, pushing herself on her feet. He's lost. Let him find what he's looking for.

Which is? Jean inquired and the Professor chuckled in her head.

Your sister, he replied.

X

Logan whirled around in the white hallway, not trusting anything but his instincts. There was a door with a huge X on it, but he didn't think that was the exit.

No. Not that way.

Logan looked all around him, on edge at the voice that entered his head. It was a calming voice…or was meant to be calm. But all it did was make Logan anxious and suspicious. So, in response, Logan slammed his back into the wall, peering around the corner.

He didn't smell anyone or see anyone. Growling loosely, Logan's head snapped to the right as a drawer opened, revealing sweat pants and a t-shirt. Glancing around him, he yanked the rest of the patches from the lab off of his body and yanked the clothing on. Hurrying back to the corner, Logan glanced out to see a door open.

Cursing in his head, he rushed down the hall quickly, glancing back occasionally to make sure there was no one there. Leaning against a wall, Logan gasped as it opened behind him to reveal an elevator.

Don't worry, Wolvie. It's safe, the familiar and calming voice whispered in his head and Logan obediently – but still cautiously – entered. The button to the next floor going up was pushed suddenly and Logan was left staring as the elevator door slid to a close.

As Logan stepped out of the elevator, the school bell rang loudly, startling his sensitive ears. He faintly heard a familiar giggle and a corny joke about puppies, which made him growl. Quickly, he slid behind a wall as a group of kids emerged from the staircase.

This way, Logan, the sweet voice beckoned and Logan hurried towards the nearest door just as another one was about to be opened. Acting quickly, he turned the knob and threw himself into the room, surprising himself when he came face-to-face with a small group of kids. And this bald dude in a wheelchair.

And a grinning Natasha.

"You found me," she exclaimed and the kids snickered. Logan stared at her only, anxiousness and mistrust slowly melting away by her calming presence. And come on, the girl was exceptionally gorgeous right now.

Natasha wore a dark purple camisole that accented her impressive bust and slim waist. A sliver of smooth tummy was seen before Logan's eyes fell on a light, flowy bohemian skirt that sat low on her hips, revealing the top of what appeared to be a tattoo. The skirt was quad-colored, ranging between dark blues and even darker purples. Accents of silver sequin shimmered in the sunlight from the window onto the skirt. She had some sheer material of the same colors around her arms and sandals on her feet.

Under the beaming sunlight, Natasha's fair skin seemed softer and radiant. Her eyes were deeper, framed by dark lashes. She was practically glowing and her pouty, tempting lips glistened in the light. To say Logan was entranced was the biggest understatement of the year.

"Alright, children," Professor X started, glancing between the other two adults with a knowing smirk. "Get to class. We'll finish our discussion tomorrow." The kids hurried out. The girls took a little longer, staring at Logan before bursting into a fit of giggles when he glanced at them.

"Where is she?" Logan demanded, looking right at Natasha.

"In a classroom. Being normal," she replied with a smile. "She's fine." Logan visibly relaxed and Natasha hid a smile. He was already attached to Marie, just like she was.

"Where the hell are we?" Natasha quietly flicked her gaze to the Professor, who leaned back in his wheelchair.

"You are at Xavier's School for Gifted Children, home to what the children affectionately call the X-Men," Charles Xavier exclaimed, staring up at the intimidatingly infamous Wolverine. Professor momentarily glanced at the door, hearing the thoughts of his team members and smiled. "And here comes our team."

Storm walked through the doors first, stark-white hair blowing behind her as she stepped. She smiled at Logan softly, brown eyes softening before she winked at Natasha and perched herself on one of the small tables. Scott followed in his normal stoic way, nodding to Logan before standing in front of the door to wait for his girlfriend. He only glanced at Natasha, but she smirked in return.

"This is Storm and Cyclops," Professor X introduced and Logan glanced at both nonchalantly. "They were the ones that rescued you. " Jean came in soon after, brushing past Scott with an affectionate smile. Logan really felt bad when he noticed a small bruise forming on her throat, but she only smiled at him before standing beside Natasha.

And while both women were exceptionally gorgeous, he could immediately tell who the youngest was.

"I'm sure you've met Jean," the Professor observed and Jean smirked sheepishly while Natasha fought back a giggle which got cut off when Jean elbowed her. "And we're all aware that you know Natasha." Logan and Natasha exchanged a smirk to each other, which did not go unnoticed by Jean and Storm. Scott simply didn't care. He just wanted to know how the hell Jean got bruised. "You're safe here."

Logan scoffed to himself. Safe? When wasn't he safe? Logan could damn sure take care of himself. Sure, that Sabretooth guy caught him by surprise. Once. That was it.

"So, let me get this straight? You run a school for mutant kids? And what, parents just willingly send their kids here?" Logan inquired, tone sarcastic and skeptical.

"Yes, actually," Professor X replied. "This is a chance for the children to have a somewhat normal life with kids just like them. And to one day be able to enter the adult world or stay and become our X-Men." Logan actually chuckled.

"You do know that this is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard., right? X-Men. Ha!" Logan gave a small laugh before glancing at the team. "And these codenames…Storm right?" Storm nodded, biting her lip to hold back a giggle. The nicknames were kinda absurd, but fitting. He smirked at Xavier. "And what do they call you? Wheels?" He glanced at Jean and Natasha, who couldn't help but giggle.

"I don't have one," Jean replied to his stare. Natasha raised an eyebrow.

"Do we really need to go there?" She shot back and Logan wasn't about to go there with her. At least…not right now. Logan chuckled again and turned around to face the door. He stared up at Scott, who wasn't that taller than him.

"Cyclops, right?" Scott just stared down at the more muscular man, not fazed. "Wanna move outta my way?" Natasha clutched the window's curtain, tense. She did not like where that was going. Scooter would always be a boy scout in her mind, but he wasn't some pansy ass. Scott could kick some ass when he wanted to.

"Are you going to make me?" Scott retorted and Logan had to give the stiff-ass some credit. He had balls, that was for sure. Jean visibly flinched when Logan grabbed Scott roughly by his collar and pulled the guy closer, actually lifting Scott off his feet a little.

"Wanna find out?" Logan growled and Scott tilted his head to the side, staring directly at Natasha. She could tell he was raising an eyebrow at her.

Wanna come control your dog, Tasha, Scott thought inquiringly and Natasha mentally chuckled.

Why? Afraid his bite's bigger than yours, she shot back and Scott scoffed. The Professor interrupted them with a small cough.

Now is not the time for your teasing, Natasha. I'm afraid that while I am the only one other than you in this room that Logan will listen to, you are the only that can calm him down, the Professor pointed out and Jean hummed in agreement. Taking a step forward, Natasha bit her lip.

Being angry and aggressive doesn't change anything, Logan. You're still lost, she started in his head, not sure if she was going in the right direction. But then he turned around, glaring at her.

"Get outta my mind, woman. You don't know shit," he snarled and Natasha stopped herself from flinching, trying to remain calm and somewhat neutral. She took a few more cautious steps, knowing that Wolverine was on edge. He wouldn't hurt her, but that didn't stop her heart from racing.

You're right. I don't know anything, Natasha relented, hoping that would calm Logan down somewhat and make him listen to her. He did. But you don't either. Your mind is a box that even you can't open with all of your brute strength. You're always questioning why…or who…and sometimes even what. You don't even know how the hell you got that metal inside of you.

Jean watched the interaction, listening to what Natasha was saying and noting Logan's reaction. She was surprised, to say the least, that Natasha was this observant about him. She was faintly wondering what this Logan meant to her sister. Natasha had few soft spots and they ranged from her to kids and sometimes the Professor. But somehow, Logan snuck his way into that category.

I know I run away from here a lot and that has nothing to do with anyone here. But the one thing I do know is that I always come back. And it's not just because of my sister. In a way, I'm…Natasha didn't know if she wanted to be this open with Logan, but seeing his hazel eyes soften at her, the words came out. I'm just as lost as you are, just in a different sense. And this is the only place I know to be home.

"And…I know for a fact that above anyone else, you can trust the Professor," Natasha promised him quietly. Logan stared into those gorgeous, mesmerizing green eyes, lost in a sea of emerald. "And you can trust me."

Logan didn't trust a lot of people. And he damn sure didn't trust this Professor guy. But he knew one thing for sure. He trusted her.

"I do," he said softly and Natasha gave him the prettiest smile he'd ever seen.

X

"So, am I the only one that wants to talk about what happened in that room?" Storm said as the trio stepped into one of the parlor rooms. Jean sat on one of the sofas, pulling her feet under her body comfortably. Scott made his way over to the cabinet.

"What? That the Professor is in out of his mind for letting that brute stay here?" Scott inquired, already pissed. Who the hell did that Logan prick think he was grabbing Scott like that? The only reason Scott didn't fry his ass was because of the Professor.

He prided himself on having control, but Logan…Logan really tested that. Storm chuckled at Scott as he poured scotch into three glasses.

"You've seriously let this Alpha thing you got going on get to your head," Storm pointed out with a smirk as he handed her her cup.

"And you've seriously been hanging with Natasha for far too long," he retorted. Jean smiled as Scott sat beside her, handing her a cup and wrapping an arm around her.

"But seriously. Am I the only one who noticed what happened?" Storm asked again, staring right at Jean. This was the girl's sister. She had to have noticed.

"That Natasha has a soft spot for Logan? Yes, I noticed," Jean said, chuckling. "I think we all noticed it."

"Don't you think you should to talk her about that?" Storm inquired, sipping the liquor. Jean shrugged, staring down at the golden liquid.

"Natasha hasn't talked to me in the last three months and she's been avoiding me ever since she came home." Scott chuckled to himself.

"Isn't she always avoiding you when she comes home?" Storm laughed and Jean couldn't help but smile at him.

"She didn't come to Dad's funeral and she thinks I'm angry with her," she replied softly before frowning and staring back into the liquid. "She was right when she told Logan that she was lost…just like him. And she buries herself in her work so much that…" Jean trailed off, thinking about her sister's "work." If you could call being an assassin work, she thought to herself. "That I'm afraid she still hasn't found who she really is."

Storm sighed. She knew that despite how many times Jean has probably chastised Natasha or antagonized the girl, she loved her little sister. They were all they had ever had and were always close. She hated seeing Natasha push Jean away.

"Well, we better get going. I have a class in fifteen minutes."

X

"I'm not liking this," Natasha whispered to Logan.

While giving Logan a tour with the Professor, Natasha stopped outside of the biology class that Storm was teaching. Marie was seated somewhat in the back, doing work with one of Natasha's favorites, Jubilee. Suddenly, without warning, Bobby Drake started talking to Marie, making the girl blush. And then John made her blush more.

"Neither am I," Logan replied, glaring at the two boys as they secretly tried to win Marie's attention. He wanted to talk into that room and push Marie as far away from those boys as possible. She was young. She didn't need some boys vying for her affection. "She's only a kid."

"On the contrary, Logan, she's fifteen," the Professor decided to point out, amused. They were acting like a married couple witnessing their daughter gain a boy's attention for the first time. Logan was the over-protective father and Natasha was the cautious mother. Both Logan and Natasha glared at him over their shoulders simultaneously.

"She's still a kid," they both said and turned back to see John create some fire. Bobby slowly turned it into ice before morphing it into a rose. He presented it to Marie, who blushed even more. Even Natasha had to admit that that was cute.

"Welcome to Mutant High, Rogue," Logan heard the kid say before somehow, the ice sculpture fell to the floor and Bobby snapped back into his seat properly as Storm turned around. As Storm reprimanded the kid, Logan glanced at Natasha, who was trying to keep a straight face.

"Did you do that?" Logan asked and Natasha grinned, eyes twinkling with mirth and mischief.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Wolvie," she replied and pushed herself away from the door, walking back behind the Professor to push his wheelchair. Logan followed suit, chuckling.

"You're going to stop calling me Wolvie," he told her and Natasha raised an inquisitive eyebrow.

"Or what?" She inquired, daring him to try anything. Logan stared down into those gorgeous eyes, his own promising things only he could do behind closed doors.

"Or we'll never finish this tour because of your constant flirting," Professor X said and Natasha blushed, looking away from Logan.

Fifteen minutes into the tour of downstairs, the Professor felt an old presence. He glanced at Natasha, who obviously didn't notice. She was too busy telling Logan about Hank and the Black Bird. But the Professor knew what he felt and coughed to interrupt them.

"I'm afraid, dear, that an old friend is requesting your presence," he told her and Natasha stared into blue eyes curiously.

It seems your favorite teacher is in town. He wishes to discuss something with you, Professor X said mentally and Natasha didn't argue with him. She turned to Logan with a soft smile.

"Looks like I have another mission," she told him and then smirked. "But…if you behave, I might just bring you back a beer." Logan chuckled. She already knew him well

"I might just do that, darlin,'" he replied and she grinned, walking away.

"We'll see."

Natasha made her way to the garage, pulling on an old leather jacket of Scott's. Grabbing keys to a nice Jaguar, she was just about to unlock the car when Jean came into the garage.

"Where are you going?" Jean asked and Natasha rolled her eyes.

"Out," was her reply as she sat in the car. Jean stepped to the driver's side door as her sister pulled down the window. Long red hair cascaded over her shoulder as she leaned down. Natasha could feel Jean trying to pry into her mind and pushed her out roughly. Natasha tried to ignore Jean's hurt look as much as possible, but found herself speaking. "I'm not…trying to push you away, Jeanie. I…just can't…live up to your expectations."

"I'm not expecting anything from you other than for you to still be my sister at the end of the day," Jean told her, clutching the window to stop Natasha from rolling it up and closing her out. All Jean ever wanted was for Natasha find her own happiness and purpose.

"Stop lying," Natasha snapped and Jean flinched. "You're expecting me to come back and become an X-Men like you. And Jean…" Natasha actually turned to her big sister with teary eyes, surprising Jean and causing a lump of emotion to form in her throat. "What if I'm not meant to play the good guy role?"

Jean smiled sadly, wiping a stubborn tear from Natasha's cheek when it fell. It was rare when Natasha showed her an inkling of emotion like this. To see her sister still struggling with something that Magneto made her question years ago hurt and Jean didn't know if she could make Natasha see the light.

"Then…at the end of the day, you'll still be my sister and I will always love you," Jean promised and Natasha stared at her, shocked. "You're still lost, Tasha, and I'll wait as long as you want me to until you find yourself. Just know that this is home. Home is where the heart is." Natasha smiled softly, starting the engine.

"I know," she replied. "I'll be back. I promise." Jean grinned.

"Of course you will. You will always come back to me," she said and Natasha felt like she needed to get the hell outta here before she really started bawling. And that wasn't exactly an attractive sight. But she smiled even brighter at her sister anyway.

"Because my heart is always with you."

X

"I didn't think you'd come," he said as she slid into the booth. Natasha clasped her hands together, staring at the man expressionlessly. They were seated in a classy café in Rochester, New York, only fifteen minutes east of the mansion.

"I didn't either," she admitted before staring into light blue eyes. "What do you want, Magneto?" Erik Leshnerr chuckled, grinning at her formal tone and tense shoulders. Natasha was always ready for battle. That was one of the things he loved about her.

"Come now, child. We're past this icy stage, don't you think?" Natasha rolled her eyes and she shook her head at the waitress who was bringing over a pot of coffee.

"Alright, Erik," she said sharply. "What do you want?" Erik had to grin. Ever still the firecracker, he mused.

"This is why I've always favored you, Natasha. Jean was exceptionally strong as a child and grew to be this outstanding woman. But you…I think you've lived in your sister's shadow for far too long." Natasha raised an eyebrow, daring him to continue. "You have a fire about you that is admirable and strength that most work all their lives to acquire. You're sharp and cunning and one of the most intelligent people I know."

Natasha scoffed. Erik was playing his infamous game with her, goading. It was a trick she learned he used solely with her. Before, when he was trustworthy, it worked. Hell, he almost goaded her into joining his brigade years ago.

"Flattery will get you nowhere with me. You of all people should know that, Erik," she reminded him and Erik sipped his coffee, still smirking. God, Natasha had spent too much damn time with him. He smirked almost as much as she did. "Did you know that Senator Kelly went missing the other day?"

"I'm sorry to hear that," Erik said sincerely. "It would be a shame if anything horrible were to befall him." Natasha narrowed her eyes at the old man. The fucker knew something. There was no way in hell that he didn't. She knew that twinkle in his eyes well.

"I wouldn't be surprised if you had anything to do with it," Natasha said. "After all, all you have to do is snap your wrinkled fingers and your little pet does everything you ask on her knees." An attractive, curvy blonde plops herself beside Erik, smirking at Natasha.

"Ouch," she said and Natasha grinned.

"Stop pouting, Raven. It's not attractive in a woman your age," Natasha commented and the older woman bristled, golden eyes glowing. Erik smirked at her, leaning over slightly.

"If I were up to something, dear, you'd know it," Erik promised and Natasha stared at him impassively.

"Then what are you up to, Erik?" She inquired and he chuckled. The girl knew him well.

"You'll know in due time," he swore and Natasha rolled her eyes. This was going nowhere fast. "Just know that my offer still stands." Natasha scoffed.

"Not interested in stealing your affection from your favorite little pet," she said, giving Raven a disgusted look. "And if we're done, I have somewhere I need to be." Natasha stood and was about to walk away, but Raven hurriedly stood in her way, standing directly at her height.

The two women always had it out for each other, especially considering that Natasha knew Raven was insecure about her. Erik and Xavier worked together closely for years and Raven had always been with him. But Natasha, at such a young age, captured his attention and affection. He treated her like a daughter, just like Xavier, and Raven never forgot that.

"Mystique, you wanna move out of my way?" Natasha hissed and the older woman moved aside, smirking all the while. Natasha walked past her and was at the door when she turned to both adults, who were still smirking at her. Freaks, she thought, but didn't voice that. Instead, she remarked, "And FYI, you both should stop smirking. Your wrinkles are showing."

With that said, Natasha slammed the door behind her.