Title: Tiger By the Tail
Authors: M. Edison and Christina A.
Fandom: X-Men
Pairings/Characters: Scott/Jean, Logan/Lana (OC),
Ororo, Professor Xavier, Mystique
Disclaimer: The only one we own is Lana.
Archive: At Ink-and-Quill
Summary: One lesson that everyone should learn: Don’t Mess With Logan’s Loved Ones.
Tiger by the Tail
by Christina A. and M. Edison
Leaning against the brick of the school’s outer wall, Logan watched as Lana conducted her class on the back lawn. The wind ruffled her curls and when she laughed at something a student had said, he smiled as well. She was beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.
He folded his arms across his chest and settled back.
She was teaching Coleridge. Always one of her favorite subjects, mostly because of the man’s personal life. They were studying ‘Kubla Khan’. Bobby had taken it upon himself to read his portion with a flourish, making everyone laugh. It was when she chose Marie to read next that she spotted Logan watching. She gave him a wink and offered for him to join them.
He grinned lopsidedly at her. Busted.
Ambling over, he leaned in to kiss her with a languid possessiveness then whispered. “Hope you’re not plannin’ on tryin’ to make me read.”
The kids snickered at the kiss and Lana turned about three shades of red. “I will if you don’t sit down and behave yourself.” She looked at the kids who managed to try to stop snickering. “Sit over there,” she pointed to the empty space next to Marie. “Now where were we… Ah yes! Who would like to read the next five stanzas?”
Leaning back next to his friend, Logan greeted her then locked his eyes on Lana, doing his best to look like the perfectly obedient student while ideas of what he’d very much like to be doing with her under that tree danced in his head. A fact that had to be reflected in his intense gaze.
As the next volunteer finished, she asked for another one. When one wasn’t forthcoming, she chose and shot Logan a look. Incorrigible. She loved him though, even when he was being incorrigible.
They continued to read and managed to get through the poem and get their homework assignment before the bell rang. “Good work, guys,” she encouraged.
He watched them go before reaching up to tug her down onto the grass with him. “Anybody ever tell you that you’re damn sexy when you’re teaching?”
“Um… no!” she answered with a laugh. “I’ve been called a lot of things but not sexy. Let me ask you this… did you retain anything from the poem? Or were you concentrating on the lone fact that you found me ‘sexy’?” She leaned into him, wrapping her arms around his torso.
“I was concentrating on how good you smell today.” His nose ghosted along her skin, followed by his mouth. “Good enough to eat.”
“Logan…” She was torn between enjoying this and propriety. “What are you up to? We can’t do this here.” She sighed and didn’t try to pull away. She should though. This was a school after all.
“Awww…come on, Teach,” he mumbled against her neck. “Live a little. Fun to be bad now and then.”
“I’m not arguing that, Wolverine. But there are children here… young ones. And though yes, we have a healthy relationship, I’m not sure Professor Xavier would like us showing them how healthy it is.” It took a lot of will power, but she managed to stand and reach for his hand. “C’mon, school’s over. We have a few hours before dinner is served.”
He pushed himself up and took the hand she held out to him. “I know. Gives you plenty of time to get dressed.”
She furrowed her brows at him, misunderstanding him apparently. “Logan, it’s not a formal dinner tonight. I believe it’s just cheeseburgers and French fries. No real reason to dress up. You know I’ll just get ketchup on my shirt anyway.” She laughed as she led him toward their room.
“Actually…I was hoping’ you’d want to go into the city for dinner. Professor said it’s fine by him. You need the night out.”
She faltered for a moment… rushed by an immediate sense of panic. “Out… outside. You want to go out into the… the city. I…” She paused and got herself together. Mutants who left the protection of the school found life very hard. She was very afraid of going out. But when she thought clearly, she knew Logan wouldn’t let anything happen to her. Still, she had to ask, “You think it’s safe? The city… it’s a big place.”
“Just a restaurant, Lanie.” He quirked a grin at her and pulled her close. “Not going to go to a baseball game. Just a quiet little corner of a nice little bistro somebody recommended.”
“I can do that,” she said, more to assure herself than him. Holding him tightly, she agreed, “Ok, let’s go. You’re right; it’s just a little restaurant. And nothing bad will happen so long as you’re with me.” And that she knew was the truth… he was a walking tank after all.
“You got it, darlin’,” the Canadian agreed with a possessive growl. “Anybody tries anything with you’ll lose body parts.” He grinned. “Important ones.”
“My hero,” she hugged him closely. He knew she was afraid of it, but she also had to get to the point where she could leave. She couldn’t stay here forever… even if she wanted to.
“You know it, Lanie,” he echoed, kissing her temple. “And we’ll have a nice dinner then come back here for dessert.” The last was said with a teasing growl.
“Dessert, huh? Why is it I get the distinct impression that you are the kind of person who prefers dessert first?” She couldn’t help but chuckle as she opened the door to their room. “Should I dress up for dinner?”
“Wear that red dress of yours.” Logan grinned possessively. “You look great in that one.”
“Red it is!” Reaching into the closet, she grabbed the dress and picked up her matching shoes. “How about I take a quick shower first?”
“Take as long as you want, darlin.” He moved over to slide his arm around her waist. “Want company?”
“I never turn down company.” Since both her hands were full, she could only lean into the touch. “Did you have to make reservations? Will we be late if you join me?” Not that she wouldn’t mind having to alter plans; she was worried about leaving the safety of the school. It was a duality with her. She knew he’d take care of her, but she’d heard the stories of what humans had done to mutants. They’d done things to her before she came here. She didn’t want to go through that again.
“Naw, no reservations. It’s a small place. Not usually much going on there this time of the week.” He nipped at her earlobe. “And I know the owner. We’ll get a table no matter what time we show up.”
“Mmm…” she said dropping her shoes and then her dress onto the floor. Her arms went around his shoulders as she said, “I was going to ask you who recommended the restaurant to you.” Scott and Jean were the only ones who seemed to go out on a regular basis and she couldn’t help but wonder if he’d recommended the restaurant to Logan. She could always hope they’d find a way to get along.
“Naw, haven’t had a chance to ask them yet.” He slid a hand along her back, tugging her closer. “Figured we’d start at this place then see what they’ve got on their little list of ‘romantic getaways’.”
“Who’s list?” she sighed into the touch as her hands tightened around his neck.
“Jeannie and Skippy’s.” His mouth found her neck. “But I figure we’ve got other things on our minds right now, huh?”
“You asked him!” She was surprised for a moment and intent on talking about it until his mouth found her neck. “Geez, Logan, I can’t believe you said anything to him.” Her hands went into his hair and she chuckled. “Though you’re right, you can explain it to me later.”
“Thought so,” he mumbled against her skin, walking her toward their bed. “Rather let somethin’ else do the talkin’ now.”
“Mmmm… me too. Though, this really isn’t the way to the shower.” Her lips sought out and found his ear. Kissing it, she whispered, “Though you won’t hear me complaining.” Her mouth continued its work.
“Atta girl.” He pressed her down onto the bed, working on removing her clothing. “And if I have my way, you’ll be doin’ somethin’ else. Shower can wait.”
She giggled, working his shirt off of him to get at the chest underneath. “So long as I have time to shower before we leave.” She found his nipples and moved so she could take one in her mouth. He had the hairiest chest she’d ever seen, and she loved every ounce it.
“We’ll shower after.” Logan grinned wickedly. “If we get out of bed.” Growling at the sensations she was evoking, he reached down to let his hands cup her breasts, stroking his fingers across the nipples.
She nipped him lightly in response before pulling away to smile up at him. Her hand grasped the top of his and she squeezed. “That would be fine with me. I’d rather spend the evening in bed with you anyway.” She definitely wouldn’t complain. Meant she didn’t have to leave the school.
Her lover smirked. “We’ll see. Sometime soon you and I are having dinner outside this building. It’s ‘bout time we had a ‘normal’ night out. No mutants or students or anything along those lines to worry about. Just you and me.”
That struck a chord in her. She was simply so used to being here. The noise… the sheer number of people didn’t affect her at all. It felt normal to her. But Logan, he was a loner… so of course this would be uncomfortable to him. Leaning up, she kissed him passionately before pulling away. She left little room between their lips as she said, “I think I’d like that more than anything in the world actually.”
His lips ghosted over hers as he added. “Good. Cause bein’ alone with you’s somethin’ I crave.”
Kissing him three times quickly, she said, “Then alone with me is something you’ll have. Spring Break is coming up soon, how about we go to that little retreat then?”
“Sounds good to me.” He moved to nibble on her ear. “A nice cabin or somewhere quiet.”
“A nice cabin in the middle of nowhere where you can fish for our dinner.” She couldn’t help but giggle. Of course, that completely contrasted with the sensations he was causing elsewhere.
With a chuckle and a typically Logan smart-assed reply, he ended the conversation, his mouth covering hers in a deeply passionate kiss. He lingered there for some time before moving on to other parts of her body, which he kissed, caressed and thoroughly loved.
The first time around he loved her intensely and
passionately, letting her get caught up in a maelstrom of sensation, being swept away by it before coming back down and cuddled close in his arms.
They made love several times that night, each time different but no less intense. Each time was a chance for Logan to demonstrate his feelings. He wasn’t the most vocal of men, he certainly didn’t talk about feelings like some men did, but he felt nevertheless and in the act of making love he found an outlet for those feelings. A way to show her, to prove to her, what he felt. How much he loved her.
—–
Lana wrapped the robe tightly around her and made her way down the back stairs toward the kitchen. Logan was sleeping, but she was starving. She’d gotten her wish and hadn’t had to leave to get dinner… but she hadn’t gotten dinner period. She padded her way over to the refrigerator and opened the door. “Food,” she said softly to herself.
“Best thing to have.” Scott replied from where he sat at the table. “Midnight snack time, huh?”
Lana jumped and cried out, her hand going immediately to her chest. “Scott Summers, darn you. You scared the bejesus out of me.” Taking her sandwich supplies over to the table, she sat down across from him. “I missed dinner.” She blushed. “What are you doing down here?”
He held up his mug. “Hot milk. Couldn’t sleep so I thought why not try it?” He smiled. “You and Logan spent the night…in bed huh? No food.”
She smiled, piling the fixings on high. “It wasn’t the intent. He wanted to take me out *there*. So I had to distract him.” She took a bite of the sandwich before looking at him. “Why can’t you sleep? Something wrong?”
“Nope. Just one of those nights. You know everyone gets one now and then.” Scott frowned. “Out there…Lana…you can’t hide here forever.”
She set her sandwich down and looked out the window. “Why not? Everything I need is here. I’ve been out there. And I hate it. So, I’ll delay it as long as possible. I just can’t deal with the hatred.” She shrugged and reached for his milk. Taking a drink, she gave it back and said, “Everyone I love is here. There’s no reason to leave.”
“Not everyone hates us out there, that’s a blanket assumption and you know it.” Scott frowned at her. “It’s not fair of you to say that and you know it.”
“How many friends do you have out there? Mothers pull their children away from you for fear. You’re right, it isn’t everyone. I’ll give you that. I’ll even give you that the majority don’t care. But when it does happen, it crushes you. I understand what you’re saying, but you know that ‘few bad apples’ theory. The ‘Senator Kelly’s’ of this world make it very hard for me to believe.” She felt tears welling in her eyes. “All I want is to be accepted for who I am… not what I am.”
“I know you do. But you do realize that you’re doing the same thing to them that they do to us? Tarring them all with the same brush then intellectualizing about it?” His voice was gentle as he continued. “That’s what the Professor’s always tried to teach us. Hate gets us nowhere. Judgments get us nowhere. Rising above it’s the only way. Proving men like the Senator wrong is the only way.”
“I’m not like you. I can’t go out there and fight the fight. I wish… I wish I could.” She bit her lip and stared down at her knees that were drawn up to her
chest. “And there are some people you can’t prove
wrong, no matter what you do.” She knew it was also the professor’s biggest worry about her. She wanted to be like the rest of them, but she was by far the most afraid.
“You prove them wrong every time you ignore a snub or an insult. By simply not judging you prove them wrong. Even if they don’t want to hear it.” He reached out to touch her hand. “You don’t have to fight, Lana. But you can’t hide either. Sooner or later it will find you. Wouldn’t it be better to meet it face on?”
She turned her hand so it was squeezing his. He’d been her best friend for over fifteen years… and this was why. Choking on a cry, she said, “I don’t think I could do it alone. I’m terrified just thinking about it.”
“You don’t have to do it alone,” Scott disagreed softly. “You have all of us to help. That’s why we’re here, Lanie. If we band together, it’s not as hard because we share the pressure.”
Her free hand hugged her knees. “I know. In my head, I know. But my chest is tight and my stomach hurts. It may not be right, but I’m terrified.” She sighed and looked up at him. “Somehow, I don’t think this is what you had in mind to help you sleep. I’m sorry, Scottie.”
“You don’t have to apologize for this.” He reached out to touch her face. “You’re more important than a few hours of sleep.”
She closed her eyes and cried softly. “I’m just…” She took a deep breath… “Just used to being he…
the one you guys come home… home to. You… you know?”
“I know.” He nodded. “We’re not asking you to go out on missions with the X-Men, Lana. Just to remember there’s a world outside these walls and locking yourself away from it isn’t going to do anyone any favors. Especially not you.”
“But… but why is it such a… a big deal now? I’ve been content for months with not leaving. And it’s not like I haven’t gone longer than that. I’m not phobic, I just chose not to leave. Why now?”
“Because if you don’t do this soon, it will become phobic.” Scott sighed. “Think about it, Lanie, you’re to the point where you’ll do anything or say anything to keep from having to go outside. If one of us even suggests an activity outside the school, you come up with an alternative or a reason why you can’t go. It’s becoming a problem for you and if you don’t head it off soon, you may not be able to.”
Her eyes studied his face for the longest time. In her mind, she went through each of those times. Logan had hinted at this, Scott came right out and said it. Both were right. Finally she sighed, “You’re right. Logan wants to take me away over Spring Break. I think I’ll let him.”
“You should,” he agreed with a smile. “And if he’s planning to take you where I think he is, you’ll enjoy it. Not everyone out there is a monster, Lanie. Some of them even like us.”
“I’ve only met the monsters.” Impulsively, she moved forward and hugged him tightly. “Thank you. What would I do without you?”
“Run off with Logan to parts unknown.” Scott chuckled softly, hugging her in return. “But you’re welcome.”
When she pulled away, she beamed a smile at him. “Like you’d let that happen. I’m very pleasantly surprised that you suggested this retreat to him… of course, I’m even more surprised that he came to you. But I am very happy nonetheless.”
“I’m glad,” he replied with a smile of his own. “And I wasn’t surprised he came to me; I was shocked. But he’s very serious about making you happy. Serious enough to swallow any smart mouth comments and ask for my help.”
“I told you he was a good guy. Just doesn’t like for that knowledge to get out. You going to be able to get some sleep tonight?”
He nodded. “Milk’ll work. It always does.”
Her look turned a little wicked as she teased. “There are other ways of tiring yourself out too. And I don’t think I need to describe them to you!”
“Lana!” Scott did his best to look horrified. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying? Whatever happened to that innocent little Lana we love so much?”
She giggled. “I met this crazy mutant by the name of Wolverine. His mutation was the ability to corrupt shape shifters. Innocence doesn’t stand a chance.”
“I’ll believe that one,” Scott agreed with a smirk.
“I thought you would.” Sitting back, she said, “You want to share my sandwich. You’ll need your strength.”
He waved her off. “No, I’ll grab a few cookies or something before I go back upstairs.”
“What? My sandwich not good enough for you. I put four pickles on it and let some of the juice dribble in the mayo just like you love it.”
He laughed. “Ok! Ok! I’ll take a bite. But just one.”
“Just one?” She handed him the sandwich. “That’s got ham AND turkey. Very little lettuce so that the flavor of the meat is not overwhelmed. Ketchup, mustard, and a thin slice of cheese. How can life get any better?”
He took a bite, chewing slowly. “I would say but it’s not for polite company.”
“You are decidedly evil,” she teased. “But that’s what I’ve been telling you. You shouldn’t be down here drinking milk and eating sandwiches. Get that cute butt up there where it belongs.” She loved teasing him… if for no other reason than to see him blush.
And blush he did. “Lana!!!!!! What’s gotten into you?”
“Truthfully,” she smiled, taking a bite of the sandwich before passing it back to him. “Love. I never thought it would happen to me.” ‘At least in the requited sense,’ she added to herself. For secretly, she’d loved Scott for years. “And then to have him literally fall into my lap. People don’t get that lucky. I did. And I’m thankful.”
“Good.” He smiled. “We’re happy to see you this happy too. Even if it is with… Logan.”
“Ouch… I bet that one hurt, didn’t it?” She left him the sandwich. Standing, she gave him a quick kiss and another hug. “Thank you,” she said again, “for saying the things that no one else could. For loving me enough to take off the kid gloves.” She gave him a squeeze for emphasis.
“Hey, if you need it, you get it. I promised that,” Scott replied with a squeeze of his own.
Con’t Next Chapter
Chapter Two
*-*-*
Lana pulled the second waffle out of the toaster and set it on the plate. She poured herself some juice and then moved to the table. It was Saturday. No classes. She covered the waffles in syrup and began eating. She’d left Scott her sandwich last night… so she was really starving.
“You do intend on leaving the plate I assume?” the Professor teased, guiding his chair into the kitchen.
She stopped with her mouth full and her fork on the way to her mouth. Swallowing quickly, she said, “I didn’t eat dinner last night, and Scott claimed my midnight snack. I’ll leave the plate if I must, but I’d rather not. It’s all covered in syrup.”
“Indeed, but consuming that would most likely lead you to spend your weekend in the infirmary.” He chuckled. “Which would put a cramp in your reunion I suspect.”
She blushed a bright pink. “You think shards of glass would…” She started to say ‘mean I didn’t have to leave and go on vacation’. But she stopped herself, knowing he probably read her thoughts anyway, she offered a smile. “I’m trying. Scott read me the riot act last night. I’m making an effort.”
“So I hear.” Pouring himself a cup of coffee, he moved to join her at the table. “It will not be easy to take those steps, Lana, but you must. You know why this place exists and it isn’t to cause isolationism among mutants.”
Taking a sip of her juice, she nodded. “I know. But you more than anyone know why I do it. It scares me how enraged I get. Scott and the others don’t know about that. Just you.”
“Don’t be so sure,” Xavier disagreed. “They know you, Lana. Sometimes better than you know yourself.” He set the cup on the table and looked at her seriously. “They worry. You stay here too long without seeing how most humans see us, you’ll become the very thing we’re trying to prevent. You know that as well as I.”
She set her glass down and looked out the window. She didn’t want to admit that… not even to herself, but it had every possibility of being true. Still looking out, she sighed, “Sometimes, I think it’s not true. I don’t even swear, how could I ever be like Magneto… Mystique… or the others? But every time another runaway or another unwanted comes to this school, I get angry… Angry at the people who abandoned them.” She finally looked at him. “You’re right. I do need to learn that all humans aren’t like the bad ones. Right or wrong, I find very few qualities in humans to like. And that’s not right. Wordsworth was a human… so was Coleridge. And their words touch me in ways few other things can. If there’s good in them, there has to be in others.”
“Precisely,” the Professor encouraged with a smile. “I care for you a great deal, Lana. I would very much hate visiting you in a cell as I’ve visited Eric.” He sighed. “Hating them all simply proves prejudice humans right, in the world’s eyes at least and we must be careful to avoid that.”
“Are you disappointed in me?” she asked, almost warily. He was the father she always wanted. And all she’d ever wanted was to make him proud. She had a long way to go, she knew that. But she still hated the thought that she’d disappointed him.
“No. I could never be that. But I am worried about you. You’ve begun down a dangerous path and I pray you turn back before it is too late. Hate is never justified, Lana. Never.”
“I know,” she held back a sniffle and continued, “I just don’t think I’ll ever get over that day I was brought here… or what those people in my hometown did to me. I believed I was a freak and they continued to beat me down.” She wiped at her eyes. “Logan’s taking me away for a week. We’re going to try Scott and Jean’s favorite vacation spot. I’m giving it an honest effort. I have to.”
“Yes, you do,” he agreed firmly. “And you will succeed, my dear. I know you too well to believe otherwise.”
“Thank you.” She shook her head clear and managed a tease. “What is it with you and Scott and not letting me eat?”
He smiled. “We find you more malleable when you’ve been deprived of food.”
She laughed. “Food deprived. That’s what I am.” She finished her juice and returning to some seriousness, she said, “I could handle just about anything in this world except disappointing you. Anything but that.”
“Then simply strive not to become as Eric. *He* has truly disappointed me.” Xavier reached for his
coffee. “He was a wonderful friend long ago but not anymore. Not anymore.”
She nodded in agreement. “No matter how desperate one is… killing is never the way to get people to see your point of view. I may have prejudices, Professor, but I loathe the thought of killing people.” She looked down at her plate and played with her food before saying, “I have to believe there’s hope. Most days it’s all that keeps me going.”
“There’s hope, Lana. There is always hope. It’s the one thing no one knows how to kill. It’s the most resilient of feelings.” He smiled gently. “And your hope is strong. I see that quite clearly.”
“I believe in you. That’s the one thing that’s never been shaken.” She didn’t say it, she didn’t have to. But he was a father to her. Perking up a bit, she asked, “You want something to eat? I can microwave something for you.”
The Professor shook his head. “No, I’m not hungry just yet. When I am, I’ll have something brought up to my office.”
She laughed. “Be nice. I’m not the best of cooks but I can microwave like a demon. And that toaster and I are best friends.”
“So I am aware.” He chuckled. “I’m told you’re particularly good with pop tarts.”
She nodded. “Though not as good with the frosted as I like, but Logan and Scott are happy to be my guinea pigs. Ororo likes the s’mores. Jean likes blueberry. We should find you a favorite. Even Brits like pop tarts!”
Xavier laughed aloud at that. “If anyone can do it my dear, I am quite sure it will be you.”
“I am nothing if not determined. You kind of look like a Frosted Strawberry to me. Like you’d sit in your office and lick it off when no one is looking.” She was feeling a bit better about life. Talking to Scott and Xavier helped immensely.
Another laugh and he shook his head. “Lana, you are incorrigible! You must never change that.”
“I won’t if I can help it.” Leaning forward, she rested her elbow on the table and put her chin in her hand. “So, what are you going to do today?”
“I have a new novel I plan on reading,” he replied with a smile. “I’ve been meaning to for weeks. quiet day, hopefully. You and Logan, I presume, will be anything but quiet.”
“Professor!” She turned a bright shade of red. “I think he’s harassing Jean right now, actually. He and Marie are going to a movie. I, myself, plan on trying some new things with my mutation. I was almost able to hold myself in two different forms last weekend. I don’t know when it could ever be useful… except for practical jokes… so it’s worth the time and effort.”
“New forms.” Xavier leaned forward with interest. “Perhaps, when you’ve perfected them, I may be privy to a demonstration?”
She smiled. “Of course. I was able to shift my arm into a dog paw, but couldn’t hold it very long without either shifting into the dog or returning to my true form. It’s takes a great deal of concentration… to stop the transformation mid-stream. I’m still trying to develop that.”
“Well that is a skill that could be of great use,” he agreed with a nod. “Practicing it is a good idea.”
“I don’t know how it could be of use. But it’s a challenge. And with Logan gone most of the afternoon… I need to amuse myself.”
“You’d be surprised how it could be of use,” the Professor pointed out. “And perhaps, you, Jean and Ororo should do something together. Shopping? I know they rather enjoy it.”
Her immediate response was to panic. As she told him earlier though, she was trying to change. So instead of immediately saying ‘no’, she said, “It’s an idea. I know Ororo wanted to try and find some new pants. She likes to be able to move in them.”
“So she does. And I suspect you may find you enjoy it.” He smiled. “And for the day, take my credit card, enjoy yourself.”
That caused a look of sheer bliss to cross her face. Mutations forgotten, she stood and bent down to hug him tightly. “I think I will. Thank you.”
“You’re quite welcome.” He hugged her back. “And I expect you to come back with several new outfits.” Holding up a finger, he smiled. “And at least one must be for Logan’s eyes only.”
She blushed a deep crimson again. “I wouldn’t even begin to know about buying such things. Jean will though, and I’m sure neither will have a problem with giving their opinions. They treat me like the little sister.” She smiled at him brightly.
He chuckled. “So I’ve seen. I’m sure you’ll enjoy whatever they come up with.”
“Like I’d have a choice.” She hugged him again and kissed his cheek. “I’m going to go find them… unless of course, you decide to make it easy on me and tell me where they are.”
“In the library,” he replied. “Returning a few books I believe.”
“Thank you,” she said as she started off toward the library and stopped. She’d forgotten something. “Um… professor…”
He chuckled. “Quite right. Here you go.” He held out the card. “Enjoy yourself.”
Con’t Next Chapter
Chapter Three
*-*-*
“So the Professor just handed over his credit card.” Jean grinned. “Maybe I should get up earlier and have coffee with him…” Holding out the sweater, she eyed it, and Lana critically. “This color’s perfect for you.”
Lana looked down at it speculatively while Ororo voiced her agreement. “It was a bribe. The one way he made sure I left the school.” She turned to face herself in the mirror. “It is very soft.”
“Try it on.” The taller woman decided and smiled. “I think you’d look great in it.”
Lana paused for a moment. That, of course, meant she’d have to talk to the female store clerk. She swallowed hard and said, “O-ok. I’ll b-be right, b-back.” Like a prisoner walking to the electric chair, she made her way to the store clerk.
Jean watched her go, silently rooting for her friend. She had to learn to do things like this and she was learning. That was the best part. Lana was making wonderful progress and she noted such to Ororo as the other woman walked back toward them.
“It fits,” she said, not nearly as nervous as she was before she left. “But did you see how much it costs? The professor would die of a heart attack.”
“Nonsense,” Ororo said, “he gave you the card, not a spending limit.”
“Precisely,” the woman between them agreed. “And besides, one sweater isn’t anywhere near going to bankrupt him.”
“No,” Lana protested, “but he said several outfits *and* gave me specific instructions to buy,” her voice grew soft, “lingerie. I just about died right on the spot.”
Her friends laughed.
“He’s a matchmaker to be sure,” Jean agreed with a nod. “And you won’t bankrupt him with a few outfits, he’s fifthly rich if you hadn’t noticed.”
“I hadn’t. Thanks for telling me.” She paused as she noticed Ororo raise a brow. “Sorry, Logan’s rubbing off on me or something.” Turning secretive again, she said, “He’s a little late for the matchmaking. But girls aren’t supposed to talk about things like that with their fat… benefactors.”
Neither woman missed the slip but they chose not to comment. Instead, Jean smiled. “You didn’t. He just strongly implied. Besides, he’s a telepath…he knows full well none of us are exactly celibate.”
Lana laughed. “True. Secrets really aren’t something we can keep. Seriously messed with my pranking abilities though.” She moved to the skirt rack to try to find a skirt to match the sweater.
“He does kind of ruin it,” the redhead agreed, reaching out to hold up a skirt.
“Like the time he knew I’d scattered the test papers and not that the window was left open,” Ororo said before adding, “I like that skirt.”
Lana smiled. “Or the time I posed as Scott and ransacked the girls’ dorm room. No fun at all.”
“Oh I don’t know.” Jean grinned. “The flabbergasted look on Scott’s face was worth it, I thought.”
“No one knew he actually wore panties on his head. I tried to tell people, but they didn’t believe me. Of course, I wasn’t expecting Professor Xavier to catch me either.” She took the skirt Jean handed her and held it against the shirt.
“But it was funny,” she countered with laugh.
“I didn’t think Scott could turn so red,” Ororo added in.
“His skin color matched his glasses,” Lana said. “But he paid me back tenfold. Now we know why the professor is bald. He lost his hair because of us.”
They laughed wickedly.
“And what little he has, we turned silver.”
“Our mission is accomplished,” Lana said dramatically. Looking at the skirt in her hand, she asked, “You like?”
“It’s perfect!” both women proclaimed with firm nods.
“Great. One down. Where should we go to next?” She started to lead them toward the counter but turned quickly almost running into Jean. “Sorry,” she laughed. “But the professor said we were to have lunch on him.”
The tall woman grinned. “And we can’t argue with that now can we?”
Ororo shook her head, her long white hair flowing around her. “We cannot. But the question remains… where to go?”
Lana paid for the clothing and shrugged. “I don’t know. I haven’t been out in a year or so. Since the last time we went shopping.”
Jean considered it. “How about that café down the street? It looked like it had good food.”
“So long as I get to eat. I’ve tried twice since yesterday afternoon. And both times were complete failures. Needless to say, I’m starving.”
Ororo smiled. “Great because the Victoria’s Secret is right around the corner from the café. And I hear that Logan likes red.”
Leaning around Lana, the telekinetic woman nodded. “He does. You should see the latest dress he brought her. It’s fire engine red…probably looks sinful…the good kind.”
Lana laughed. “I wouldn’t know. We were supposed to go to dinner last evening, but we didn’t quite make it. The dress is still in the closet.” A man walked closely into her proximity and she almost jumped out of her skin, but she didn’t cry out. “S-still, we’re going to try again over Spring Break.”
“That’s wonderful.” Jean decided, reaching out to touch the other woman’s arm comfortingly. “It will be good to spend some quiet time with him. I know he’s been looking forward to it.”
Ororo had to chuckle. “But I can’t see him with the zinc on his nose. No matter how hard I try.”
That caused Lana to laugh as well. “He could use some sun. Though we’re going north. Place came highly recommended by some friends of ours.”
“Then I bet you’ll both love it!” their companion added with a grin. “And I think we should go swimsuit hunting. You’re going to need a phenomenal one to knock him silly.”
“Sillier,” Lana said, opening the door to the café. It was crowded. More crowded than any place else they’d been to today. “There’s a lot of people here,” she said a bit nervously.
“They won’t bother us,” Jean assured. “Why would they? We’re just three women out shopping. They can’t spot a mutant on sight, Lana. Don’t give them the power to scare you when there’s no need to be scared. Most people actually have no strong feelings toward us whatsoever. It’s the lack of information that scares them.”
“I know. I mean… I’m trying.” Still, she moved a bit closer to Jean as she talked. They were seated rather quickly and Lana tried to keep busy talking so she wouldn’t feel so exposed. “Logan says this inn is very secluded. Very out of the way.”
“That’s good. You should relax on vacation,” the elder woman affirmed. “Just remember, when you feel this way, to put yourself in their place. It’s natural to be uneasy about something you don’t understand. But that doesn’t easily translate into hate. Remember that,” she reassured with a smile.
She should have known Jean would be determined to talk about it. “If I ever doubted that you and Scott were meant for each other, I have no doubts now. You two even think alike. It’s not hate for me really… intense fear. But I’m scared of my own shadow.”
“You’re braver than you think. Stronger than you think. You’ve just got to tap into that strength and use it.” She looked at Ororo who was nodding her agreement.
“I get angry sometimes,” Ororo admitted.
“That’s just it. At home, I can be angry… out here, I just clam up.” She shrugged. She seemed to be explaining herself a lot lately.
“Which is understandable,” Jean agreed. “I just hope you learn not to let it rule you. Either the fear or the anger.”
“I doubt that will happen. I have at least five people who will all but beat it out of me if it does.”
“We can advise you all we like,” the other woman disagreed. “But at the end of the day, the choice is yours and yours alone. If the Professor could have stopped Eric years ago, by sheer will, he would have. It’s a personal choice we all must make.”
Lana smiled. “I choose to eat. Everyone seems determined that I don’t. Then we have more money to spend.”
Accepting the conversation was at an end, the women ordered their meals and dug in quickly once they had arrived. Shopping did tend to work up quite the appetite and they needed their strength for the shopping they had yet to do.
Lana couldn’t believe how quickly she devoured her food. She even ate two desserts. “I keep this up, I’m going to look deplorable in a bathing suit… let alone lingerie.”
“The way you two…act,” Jean responded diplomatically, mischief lurking in her eyes. “You’ll
work it off in no time at all.”
Lana turned bright red. “Jeannie!!!” She laughed. “You’re right though,” she said, fanning her face.
The other two women shared a laugh and rested their chins on their hands in identical poses. “Don’t
suppose we can pull any details out of you?”
Lana’s brows perked up. “Only if we swap stories.” Ororo had her share of men… one rather serious as of late. “Logan…” she smiled, “can stop your heart with a look.”
“Well we knew that already,” Jean pointed out with a chuckle. “We’ve seen the ones he’s sent your way.”
“He’s the one. So very opposite me in a lot of ways. But he’s the one. How did you know that Scott was the one?” She sipped at her drink. She’d been loath to admit it about Logan for a while because of the way he came and went, but she couldn’t deny it anymore.
The other woman lifted a shoulder in a shrug. “I’m not sure. I just… know.” She laughed softly. “Not the most eloquent of answers but it’s true. I just have that feeling when he walks in a room. I know what he is to me and that it’s never going to wane. Only deepen.”
Ororo smiled. “It’s like a bolt of lightning when it happens… you don’t know what’s hit you.” She laughed. It’s seemed like the perfect metaphor coming from her.
Lana smiled. “That’s it exactly. Everything charges within you. And when he leaves, a part of me wants to die.”
“As it does for him,” Jean replied in a subdued tone. “He can’t even hold his head up or look back. I’ve seen him go. It always kills a small part of him.”
Looking at her glass, Lana continued, “It’s because of that I’ve been reluctant to let myself admit things. But this last time, he was gone so long. When he came back, we had a long talk. I don’t think he’s staying away that long anymore. And we’re going to celebrate that.”
“Good,” both women agreed.
“That’s a big step for you two. It’s very good to hear,” Jean added with a smile.
“You think it’s ok to let someone become that much a part of you? I’m a dependent by nature.” She didn’t have to say that. She was so dependant on Scott before her relationship with Logan began. And who knew that better than the women at this table. “I don’t want to get obsessed.”
“A little obsession’s a good thing,” the other woman teased but she nodded. “You keep your independence, Lana. This is love not slavery, there’s just more of you to work with now. And more of him too since you’re a part of him as well.”
“If only we could cut through some of that gruffness. You know he actually growled at the new boy’s parents. He growled!!”
“It’s who he is.” Jean laughed merrily. “As someone once told me, ‘don’t expect to change a man unless he’s in diapers.’ Logan’s Logan. He’s protective by nature and pointing out who’s ‘in charge’ as it were is a part of that. Just wait until someone threatens you. Then you’ll see gruffness in the extreme.”
“Well, it goes a long way toward explaining his relationship with Scott. They are both like that… having to be ‘in charge’. And you’re right about protective. But he’s protective of you, Ororo, and Marie too.” She raised her hand. “I know you’re going to say I’m different, and maybe I am, but for all his gruffness, he cares deeply about the people in his life. All of them.”
“But with you… it *is* different. Argue or not. It is.“ She reached for her water glass. “With you it’s more intense, more obvious. You’re the most important thing in his world. We all figure into it, but you’re the one he’s sharing his heart with. That’s *different* in a way we can’t touch.”
Lana nodded. “I know. As I feel for him in a way I feel for no one else. It’s like there’s no choice. No thought. If he asked me to move to the Antarctic with him, I would.” She mock shivered. “Though really, how cold would it be?!”
“Shift into a polar bear,” Jean teased. “You’d be toasty warm.”
Ororo laughed. “That would come in handy for both of you. Logan could snuggle.”
Nodding, Lana said, “It would give an entirely new meaning to the term ‘bearskin rug’. I could catch our dinner too.”
“With his,” she gestured to indicate claws, “he could clean and cook it nicely too.”
Lana looked around instinctively. “He could also cut the firewood,” she joined in the teasing.
“Do they *have* firewood in the Antarctic?” Jean questioned with a laugh.
Lana snapped her fingers. “Point! Drill for oil then?” She laughed. “Though knowing him, he’d fuel his own fire.” She’d said that before she thought and caused herself to blush.
As expected, Jean and Ororo nearly roared with laughter at that slip, managing to catch themselves before catching the attention of too many of their fellow diners. That had been the funniest thing to come out of Lana’s mouth all day and one for blackmail purposes later to be sure. “I didn’t think it was his fire he’d be fueling,” Jean responded between giggles.
If Lana could have crawled under the table and died, she would have. Instead, she put her hands to her face and laughed so hard she cried. Moving them just enough so she could be heard, she said, “He puts them out and rekindles.” Her hands went immediately back over her face.
That sent her friends into near hysterics, they laughed so hard. It wasn’t so much the humor, though there was no shortage of that, it was more *who* was saying it. Somehow, sweet innocent Lana saying such things was the funniest thing they’d ever heard.
Lana got control of herself and finally faced them. “So anyway… I can’t believe I just said that. I’m sure it’s all his fault!”
“It always is,” Jean agreed. “Men are usually at the root of all problems.”
“Right! Even when it isn’t their fault… it is,” Ororo piped in. “Now, ladies, we should continue our shopping. Somehow I think we’d have Logan to answer to if we kept his kindling out too long.” She couldn’t help but laugh at her own joke.
Jean snickered. “So we would.” She signaled the waiter to return and took the Professor’s credit card from Lana. “I think he’d be pleased we’re having this much fun with this thing, don’t you agree?”
Chapter Four
*-*-*
Hands full, Lana fairly bounced back into the house. The shopping spree had been more than successful and all of the women had hands full of packages. Each of their men were going to be thanking the Professor profusely for this trip.
“You look like the cat that ate the proverbial canary.” Scott greeted his friend with a grin.
Standing on tiptoe, she quickly kissed his cheek and smiled. “Actually, I ate pasta. Jean had chicken but that’s not quite a canary now is it.” Conspiratorially, she whispered, “And you’re gonna love what she bought you.”
His grin widened. “Am I?” A pause then. “Any hints?”
“White and lacy. That’s all you get, scoundrel.” She patted his cheek and stepped away. “Have fun.”
“Well, glad to hear Skippy’s in for it.” Logan’s voice reached her ears and he moved forward from where he’d been standing. “Have fun darlin’?”
She moved from Scott’s space and wrapped one bag filled arm around Logan’s waist. “Not as much fun as you’ll have,” she whispered, hardly believing her boldness. Turning just a bit serious, she said, “I managed to forget that I was away from the school. A big first step I think.”
“No thinkin’ about it,” he agreed with a smile. “It’s a *definite* big step.”
“We shopped, ate lunch, found this really great lingerie store. Then Jean decided we should treat ourselves to pedicures. The Professor’s credit card has been run through the ringer and he has three daughters that he never knew he had.” She looked back at her partners in crime. “I’d say it was a most successful venture.”
Logan sent a grateful look at Jean and Ororo before tugging Lana closer. “Lemme look at what you bought… then I’ll decide if it was a success or not.” His grin was decidedly wicked.
Pushing some of the bags into his hand, she laughed lightly. “And since when did you become a connoisseur of apparel?” Still, she couldn’t help but like the thought that he was taking such an interest. “Still… it wouldn’t hurt you to peek.”
Logan took the bags with one hand and tossed her over his shoulder with the other. “Peek? Who said anything about *peeking*?”
“Oh my God, Logan, put me down this instant.” She was seized with instant embarrassment. This man was so… so… He did this every chance he got cause he knew what it did to her. “You are so infuriating!”
“And you love it,” he told her with a chuckle, waving back at the others as he carried her through the door.
Lana didn’t look up, barely even acknowledged the laughter of the others as they moved away. Oh, they were going to have a lot to talk about, she was sure. “I most certainly do not!” she tried to protest. It should be illegal what this man did to her. In some states, it probably was.
“Yeah you do,” he argued evenly, carrying her up the stairs.
“Oh yes,” she said somewhat sarcastically, “I just love the fact that everyone knows what you’re dragging me up here to do.” She smacked his rear. “Not that I mind *that*, but you are such a Neanderthal sometimes. And to think, I bought a red negligee for you.”
“Red, huh?” His eyes gleamed. “And who cares? You think Skippy isn’t gonna pull Red aside first chance he gets? I got news for ya, Darlin’, he’s gonna wear out his sneakers getting her up the stairs.”
“Really?” She seemed almost thoughtful. “I’d never thought him the type for flinging a girl over his shoulder like the cavemen supposedly did. Thought you were unique in that world.” She smacked his rear again for the fun of it.
Logan laughed. “He ain’t gonna drag her up there but trust me, she’ll be there before too long.”
“Ah, just saved my faith in him,” she teased, now playing a neat little tune on his rear end. “I wanted to have the only barbarian in the house.” Giving him a little pinch, she laughed. “Makes me unique.”
“You got it, Darlin’.” Once in their room, he kicked the door shut and set her on the bed. “Now…you said red lingerie?”
“I said that?” she smiled sweetly. “Did I say red? I meant kind of a pale red… almost pink. Or perhaps I was referring to the maroon one that can look almost black if the light hits it right. And neither one have much material… well there’s a little in a few places.” She was playing coy… but what was good for the goose was good for the gander, though he was actually strutting around like a peacock.
Popping a claw, he lifted one of the bags before her. “Show it.” He smiled wickedly.
“Make me,” she said, sticking out her tongue. Life… it couldn’t get any better than this.
“Gladly.” He dropped the bag, upending the contents onto the bed next to her then eyed her form. “Where to cut first?” He mused aloud.
“Evil, evil mutant,” she said with a laugh. “I wouldn’t change you for the world. Change into you, yeah. Want some help cutting?” she teased.
Leaning over, he kissed her slow and sweet. “Wanna save that clothing?”
She looked down at the dress she was wearing and smiled up at him sweetly. “Yes please. Someone very near and dear gave it to me.” Reaching up, she touched his face. “Someone I love very much. So yes, I want to save it.”
His mouth found hers again, lingering this time. “Then you’d better take it off and put one of those on.” His grin was almost tender. “Wouldn’t want you to ruin it.”
“How about a partnership? You take off… nicely… and I’ll put on.” Her mouth covered his ear as she whispered, “I love it when you undress me.”
Logan growled in response, his claws sheathing once more and his hands reaching for the hemline of her skirt. “Yes ma’am…”
“Mmmm…. Red, you’ll definitely get red.” She let her eyes slide closed and her head fell backwards, exposing her neck. “Definitely red.”
He growled again, a low rumble in his throat, sliding his hands along her skin slowly as he pulled the dress from her body.
She definitely had to make a mental note to thank the Professor for the shopping trip. If she knew that it would get Logan worked up like this… “I’m leaving the school more often,” she said softly.
Pulling back, he touched her cheek. “I’m glad. You need it, darlin’.”
“Naw! I have all I need right here. But I like the greeting I get when I come home. That alone is worth braving the outside.” She smiled, the twinkle touching her eyes.
“You’ll get this greetin’ every damn time if you want it,” he told her seriously.
“I do.” She couldn’t have said that any more seriously had she tried. It meant so much on so many levels. Lightly fondling a long sideburn, she brought herself up and kissed him deeply… affirming what she had said.
“Then you get it,” he replied when they’d parted. “Now, red?” He grinned.
“Top box,” she said, hardly able to move with him pressing against her. “I think you’ll like. Want me to surprise you? Or do you want to put it on and then take it off?”
“Surprise me,” he told her with a grin.
“Move off me, then,” she countered.
“Yes ma’am,” he drawled.
She slid off the bed and grabbed the top box, giving him a perfect view of her wiggling backside as she went into the bathroom to change. She loved moments like these. They were few and far between.
”Minx,” he rumbled in amusement, reclining on the bed and staring at the door expectantly.
“You love it! Now be good!” Of course, when was he good? Never! She didn’t take too long to get dressed before stepping back out. “Here’s your gift,” she said softly.
“Darlin…” he murmured quietly, his eyes taking in the sight of her. “Darlin’….”
Moving toward him, she smiled. “You called. I went shopping today and found this for you. Jean wanted to get a bow but Ororo talked her out of it. I think I’m grateful she did.”
Logan grinned wolfishly. “Smart girl. Might ruin the view.”
“Flatterer,” she teased. “It will get you everywhere, of course.”
Moving closer, he tugged her into his arms and gave the lingerie the Logan Seal of Approval after a *very* careful examination. Removing the silky material, he let his hands and body do the talking; moving against her with the most reverent of movements. There was a time for rough-and-ready passion but this wasn’t it.
As he made love to her, Lana literally melted. She’d never really felt complete until he wandered into her life, and when he held her like this, she knew beyond a doubt that she was the center of his universe. It was a coveted position and one she held him in as well.
Chapter Five
*-*-*
Lana looked up from her book and gazed at the sun. It was getting warmer out, drifting from late summer into early autumn. Her favorite time of year. And what wasn’t to enjoy about it. Life was good right now.
Her gaze wandered to the reflecting pool before turning back to her book. She only had about a half hour left of lunch and she was getting to the good part of the book.
“Good read?” Logan asked, walking up behind her.
Smiling down at her page, Lana nodded. “It is… or it’s going to be. First couple chapters are only background anyway.” Glancing up, she had to squint because of the sun. “What are you doing out here? Thought you were messing around on Scott’s bike?”
“Was,” he replied simply. “Got bored.” He crouched next to her. “Decided to come see what my favorite teacher was up to.”
She raised a brow. “YOU got bored with the bike? I didn’t think that was mutantly possible.” Shrugging, she glanced back at her book before closing it. “I was reading. Taking in the sun while the kids ate lunch. Mystery meat today. I couldn’t bring myself to eat it.”
“Wouldn’t blame you.” The other mutant grunted. “Stuff smells funny.” He looked around. “Wanna go grab a bite? Can promise real food.”
“I only have a half hour. Though we might be able to sneak into the kitchen. Cook likes you anyway.”
“I was thinkin’ a diner near here.” His smile widened. “Great burgers.”
She set the book down on the side of the pool and stood. “Ok, but I can’t be late. Bobby’s in my next class and Lord only knows what he’ll do if left to his own devices… probably freeze the entire class or something.”
“You’ll be back in time,” Logan reassured. “C’mon…”
Moving toward him, she took his hand and smiled. “I have no doubts that you’ll get me back.”
Keeping a tight grip on her hand, he led her toward the car. As soon as they were out of view of everyone else, he turned to face her…and became Mystique.
Before she could react, blue-skinned mutant knocked her out and dragged her into the car. Quick as a wink, she shifted into Lana and got behind the wheel, driving away from the school and any hope of rescue for her victim.
*-*-*
Something was wrong.
Pushing his chair toward the window, Xavier stared out at the skyline. Something was wrong. He could feel it resonating in him. Deep in his soul.
Something was wrong.
Storm quietly entered the office. She had originally entered to discuss one of the students with him, but seeing him looking out the window caused her concern. “Are you ok, Professor?”
“Something isn’t right.” He turned the chair to regard her with a troubled expression. “I’m not entirely sure what it is, but something feels off.”
She looked around the office as if thinking for a moment. Returning to look at him, she said, “Do you think it’s something to do with someone here or outside the school?”
“Here,” he replied, guiding his chair forward. “Something’s happened.”
Setting her folder on the desk, she asked, “Do you want me to go get the others? Maybe between all of us, we can figure it out.”
“Indeed.” The Professor nodded. “I’ll go down to the lower level, Jean may have something to say as well.”
Storm nodded and headed off to find Cyclops, Wolverine, and Lana. When the Professor had a feeling, something was definitely wrong. And with the intensity of his words, it really had to be something bad.
*-*-*
“You felt it too?” Jean questioned as soon as her mentor’s chair carried him into the room.
“Something…”
“Is missing,” the redhead finished with a nod. “Someone?”
“Lana.” The Professor frowned deeply. “She isn’t here.”
“Where is she?”
“That, it appears, is the question.”
*-*-*
Storm found Cyclops and the pair went looking for Wolverine. “Where we find Wolverine, we’ll find Lana. This search should be easy.”
“Depends.” Scott smiled teasingly. “Are they on the outs?”
“You wish,” Storm retorted. “Professor says something’s wrong. I hate it when he gets those feelings.”
“You and me both,” he agreed with a sigh. “And if the Professor says something’s wrong, and we can’t find Lana…” He trailed off, not wanting to finish the thought.
Storm stopped in her tracks and turned to look at him. “Not Lana. Ok. Anyone but her.” She shook her head, not willing to let her thoughts run that way even as she feared Cyclops was right. “Let’s find Wolverine, ok?”
“Ok.” Scott nodded, understanding her reluctance to face the possibility. He didn’t have much choice. As team leader, he had to face all the unpleasant thoughts. No matter how hard it was to think about. “Last I saw of him, he was in the garage.”
Moving a little faster than was her norm, Storm headed toward the garage and didn’t miss a beat as she entered. Scanning, she quickly found Wolverine… but no Lana. “Where is she?” she asked very curtly.
“Where’s who?” the Canadian asked, straightening up with a frown on his face. “Somethin’ wrong, you two?”
“We can’t find Lana,” Scott interjected. “Have you seen her?”
“Not since before class this morning.” Concern and worry began to color the other man’s features and he stalked past them. “Where’s the Professor?”
“Downstairs,” Storm said, following the other mutant as best as she could. “He sent me for you, says something’s wrong. God, what if it is Lana?”
“We find her,” Wolverine replied bluntly and with a tone that brooked no argument.
“We find her? Easy for you to say.” She fell back a bit not understanding how he could be so emotionless. “She’s all alone out there.”
“We find her,” the Canadian insisted. “No other option and no other way of going about it. I ain’t gonna stop until I do. No matter what’s happened. If she’s gone, I’m going after her.”
“And you won’t be alone,” Scott agreed. “Not for a second.”
Storm nodded. “If it takes everything I have.”
*-*-*
When the others joined them in the security room, Jean looked up from the monitors with an intense expression. “You should see this,” she told them in a soft voice. “We think we know what happened.”
Storm let the men lead the way. A part of her was afraid to see what had happened. Lana, who had been so afraid to leave the school because of the dangers of the outside world, had been taken from the one place where she felt secure. It was almost too much for the sensitive mutant to think about. “What is it?” she asked.
“Mystique.” The Professor sighed heavily. “Unless of course, Logan has developed the ability to be in two places at once.” He gestured to the screen. “While one camera shows him working on the bike in the garage, another shows him meeting Lana on the grounds…”
“And since no one’s seen her since she left with that ‘Logan’, it stands to reason that it was Mystique,” Jean added, watching Wolverine’s eyes narrow and his fists clench.
“Shoulda killed that bitch when I had the chance,” the mutant rumbled out.
“For once,” Scott sighed. “I think I agree with you.”
Storm’s hand went to her mouth and she inhaled sharply. “We have to find her. What would they want with her anyway? She’s of no use to them. She and Mystique have virtually the same mutation… Lana’s is a bit more advanced, but still… no real difference.”
“She’s bait.” Scott realized.
“Leverage,” the Professor corrected. “But for what… that remains to be seen.”
“We have to find out. If nothing else, we need to find out where they are taking her. And we’re wasting time standing around talking about it.” She glanced over at Wolverine who had gone deadly quiet. She had to admit it scared her.
Staring at the screen, the silent mutant’s rage was apparent. If Mystique survived this encounter…she would be miraculously lucky.
“I’m sure she’s headed to whatever lair Eric once used,” the Professor told them briskly, snapping everyone – Logan included – out of their brooding thoughts. “We must find them before they reach it. Once there, I’m not sure Cerebro will be able to locate them.”
“Then let’s move,” Storm said. She was just as emotionally attached to Lana as the others, but someone had to get them to stop talking and start moving. She headed for the door and opened it, waiting for them to follow. “Every second we wait takes her farther from us and closer to the hideout.”
“Indeed.” The Professor moved his chair forward, pleased when the others fell into line and followed.
*-*-*
When he emerged from Cerebro, the older man’s face was set into a concerned expression but there was hope in his eyes. “She’s with Mystique. They’re about an hour’s drive from here and heading away at a steady rate.”
“Then we move,” Storm said. “We can track them in the plane. They’ll never know we’re following them.” For the first time since she set out to look for the guys, she felt hope. “We’ll find her and take out Magneto’s group all at the same time.”
“Indeed,” the Professor agreed.
“Let’s go,” Logan said without hesitation, heading straight for the dressing room. The faster they left; the faster they could get to Lana.
“Right behind you,” Scott agreed, hurrying after, Jean at his side.
Storm waited a beat, watching the Professor. “Try not to worry. We’ll bring her home.” That said, she went to change as well.
“I pray you do,” he murmured, watching them go.
*-*-*
Lana pressed herself against the passenger side door. She had been a fool. All along afraid of humans, but it was another mutant who ended up threatening her. “Wh… what do you want with me?” she asked, trying to cover the quiver in her voice.
“You’re useful,” Mystique replied dismissively, not even bothering to glance in her direction. “Weak… but useful.”
Lana closed her eyes. Mystique was right. She was weak. Logan would come for her. “You have no idea what you’ve done,” she tried for false bravado. “But you’ll realize. It will be too late, but you’ll realize.”
“If you’re talking about your friends, they and I have met already.” The other woman smirked. “I survived then too.”
For some reason, the woman’s smugness irritated Lana. “You may have. But those who do not learn from their mistakes are destined to repeat them. Kidnapping Rogue angered Logan. Kidnapping me will enrage him. He’ll cut you to shreds and there’s nothing that you will be able to say or do to stop him.”
“You are assuming he’ll get close enough to try,” Mystique countered smoothly. “I’m certainly not doing this alone. Besides, he tries anything…and your pretty little head will part company with the rest of you.”
Lana wasn’t shaken that easily. “Then I’ll have outlived my usefulness and you’ll have no leverage. Nice try, Mystique. I’m not buying.” She gained a bit of confidence as she smiled slightly. “Besides, you’ll have to figure out how to keep my head still first, won’t you? You seem to forget, we have the same ‘gift’, you and I.”
“So we do,” she agreed. “But you can’t shift when you’re unconscious.” Glancing over, she smirked. “Having the same gift means we know each others weaknesses, and I can assure you, we have planned accordingly for yours. And if you believe we won’t kill you in a second, then you overestimate your importance to the plan.”
“You make no sense. Then you waste your time in kidnapping me. You should have taken someone of more import then. It is yourself you are fooling. I thought you were smarter than that.” She swallowed thickly. What was she trying to do here? Anger Mystique. Force her hand. What could she do now to help things along? Shift? Into what?
“You were the easiest to retrieve. Anyone else would be noticed as missing too quickly,” the blue-skinned mutant noted in irritation. “Now, are we done with questions? Or do I have to knock you out again to get some quiet.”
“Doesn’t make a difference. You’re going to knock me out anyway, aren’t you?” She really loathed this woman. It was mutants like her that gave all mutants a bad name.
“Keep quiet and I might not.”
“Yeah. And honesty is such a strong suit of yours.” Lana turned to look out the windshield. One thing her parents taught her was when to keep her mouth shut. She wasn’t the type to push and she’d pushed Mystique farther than she’d pushed anyone. Still… she had a lot of questions.
And no answers.
Con’t Next Chapter
Chapter Six
*-*-*
“Logan, flex those claws one more time….”
Cyclops’ warning had no real effect on the other man, unless you counted a glare as an effect.
“We there yet?” the Canadian asked bluntly.
“No.”
Storm glanced over at her female counterpart. “Can you pick up on her? Do you have anything?” Jean wasn’t as strong as the professor, but Storm had a feeling that they were getting close. Very close.
“Not yet,” the redhead replied, her eyes closed tightly as her mind searched for her friend. “But soon I think…”
“I could slow them down,” the white-haired mutant offered. “Blanket the area in fog? Would that help?” she proposed to Cyclops. She was almost as anxious as Wolverine.
“Not yet,” he replied over his shoulder. “We can’t take the risk of warning her.”
Storm crossed her arms. “Not that much of a stretch,” she muttered. “Already cloudy.”
He sighed. Everyone was wound tight on this, he kept reminding himself of that, and Storm’s response came from the tension.
“Jean?” He glanced back. “Anything?”
“Maybe…” His love replied absently. “It seems…It’s her.” She nodded. “Below us.”
Storm almost broke her neck craning it to look down below them. “That’s the car!” She looked back at Wolverine who was still oddly silent. “It’s Lana.”
He didn’t acknowledge anything or anyone around him. His eyes were trained on the car, his mind focused on what he had to do next. His senses straining for any sign that she was ok. Nothing else mattered.
“I’m taking us down,” Cyclops noted to no one in particular. “I’ll cut them off.”
Storm returned to look out of the window. She wanted to be ready for anything.
*-*-*-
Mystique never had the chance to get out of the car.
Without waiting for the others, Logan sprinted to the vehicle and slammed a fist through the glass on the driver’s side; connecting firmly with the side of her head.
With nary a whimper, the blue skinned mutant collapsed into unconsciousness while her attacker grinned ferally.
Damn but that had felt good.
Lana sat stunned. Mystique, who two seconds ago was extolling the virtues of her plan, was now passed out cold. Lana couldn’t think, couldn’t move. Just sat in the passenger’s seat shaking.
Leaning in, Cyclops opened the door. “Lanie?”
“Sc… Scott?” She managed to turn her head and look at her best friend. “Scottie? She… She…” She was buckled firmly in or she would have launched herself into his arms. Instead, she wrapped her arms around his neck. “She came to the school!”
“She did,” he affirmed, reaching around to unbuckle her and lift her from the car. “She won’t do that again.”
“You don’t know that. She can be… anyone.” She wasn’t the strongest of people anyway. She’d did her best to be strong in the car, but all her strength left her. “She came to my home.”
“She did,” he repeated. “Trust me, Lana, she won’t do this again.”
She held on as if her life depended on it, wanting desperately to believe him… needing to. If she couldn’t be safe at the school, where would she be? “She was going to kill me.”
“She never got the chance. She needed you,” Jean pointed out, watching Logan move around the car to wait for his turn.
“Not really. I was…” She finally lifted up her head and looked around. “What happened?” It was then that her eyes found him. “Logan? Was that you?” Fresh tears fell down her face. “She…”
He didn’t say anything, just took her from Scott’s arms, carrying her back to the Blackbird, sitting down with her in his arms. “S’over,” he told her finally.
Clinging as if her life depended on it, she closed her eyes tightly. “It’s really you,” she whispered.
“It’s me,” Logan agreed gruffly, watching Scott toss Mystique’s unconscious form in the back of the Blackbird, restraining her appropriately.
The others returned to the jet as well before it lifted off.
“You’re ok,” he added belatedly.
She relaxed only a bit, her grip still strong. “I know. I just…” She opened her eyes and found Mystique’s form. She couldn’t help but recoil. “She going to stay unconscious?”
He grinned ferally, popping a claw. “Hope not. One punch ain’t enough to satisfy me.”
Looking up, she ran her hand down that arm and carefully took that powerful hand in her small one. “I don’t want to know. I just want…” she took a deep breath, “I want it all to go away.” Still holding his hand, she looked at all of her friends. “Thank you,” she said softly, shedding even more tears.
They smiled at her before turning away to offer some privacy.
“Let’s go home,” Logan decided, holding her close.
Returning to the closeness of him, she nodded vigorously. “Please.” If she could bury herself in him, she would. Just the thought of what the enemy had planned for her caused her to shake… and she knew she was in the safest place in the world right now.
“Let’s go, Skippy,” he ordered, settling back.
“Home. Got it,” Scott agreed, not even objecting to the nickname.
Lana didn’t even hear the name. Normally, it was followed by a ‘Be nice’ from her. But at the moment all she could do was lose herself. The strong arms around her… the facial hair brushing against her forehead… the movement in his throat when he swallowed… She moved her arms off his neck and burrowed into the sensations. She needed to get lost in him right now.
Sensing the need, the man who held her pulled her even closer and angled their bodies so none of the others could see her face. Offering her privacy and a chance to calm herself before having to face the others at the school. Or even face the others on the plane. She was Logan’s first priority and that was exactly how he would play it out.
He knew her all too well. It was tearing her apart to be this afraid. That woman had far too easily penetrated their defenses again. And this time she’d taken the form of the person she trusted most and used it against her. Lana would never tease with those kinds of shifts again. It seemed cruel. When the shaking started again, it was in earnest. The last place she wanted to be right now was on this plane with everyone knowing what she was going through.
*-*-*
When they got back to the school, Logan picked Lana up into his arms and shielded her from view as he carried her through the tunnels, intent on getting her to their room.
Jean wanted to examine Lana, make sure she was all right, but the Canadian mutant held firm. Lana’s mental state was his main concern and he wouldn’t stop until he was sure she was safe in the security of their room.
“Wanna hot bath?” he questioned, kicking their door shut behind them.
She had to think for a long moment. Did she? She shook her head and softly said, “Not…” She cleared her throat and tried again. “Not yet.”
Sitting down on the edge of the bed, he held out a hand. “C’mere.”
She wiped her sweaty palms on her pants and reached a hand out to his. The sight of seeing him there caused the dam to break. “She… sh- she used you… you a-against me.”
“Ain’t the first time she’s tried that one Darlin’, using us against each other, but I’m sorry that y’had to experience.” He pulled her close and held her against him again.
“Any…” She folded herself into the comfort of his strength and tried again. “Anyone else and I… I could handle it. But you… I should have known.” And there was the root of it all. She should have known.
“How?” he questioned. “You ain’t a mind reader ’n your senses aren’t enhanced enough to smell the difference. So how were you supposed to know?We get fooled sometimes, Lanie, and Mystique’s an expert on capitalizing on that.”
She shook her head. In her mind, she couldn’t let herself believe that she was faultless in this. “What makes you who you are to me, isn’t how you look? That’s all she can copy. Your looks, not your soul. I should have known it wasn’t you.”
“Lanie, stop blamin’ yourself and start blamin’ her! She’s fooled Rogue, Skippy, hell she would’ve fooled me if I couldn’t smell the damn difference. Stop takin’ it on yourself. You’re human, darlin’, not a god.”
She nodded. No way was she going to make him understand that Mystique could duplicate the body but not the soul. To Lana, it was his soul that made him special to her. “I just feel so ridiculous,” she said softly. “This is insane.”
“Ain’t ridiculous to be human,” he told her seriously. “And it’s possible to be fooled, Lana. Quit tryin’ to delude yourself into thinking it isn’t. She only fooled y’for a few minutes. That was all she needed. If she’d tried to keep it up longer, you would’ve noticed. Realized.”
It was possibly the first time that her eyes actually met his since all this happened. It was then that she saw the affect it had had on him as well. “You think?” She closed her eyes for a moment before moving in to hug him closely. “Yeah, I would have. No one can act like you for long. You are unique.”
“Dunno if I’d call that a compliment or not, but I’m glad y’see it that way,” he told her quietly.
She smiled. “It was a compliment. At least that’s how I meant it.” Hugging him again, she softly said, “Thank you… for saving me.”
“You’re welcome, darlin’,” Logan murmured quietly. “You’d do the same.”
“Well… I don’t think they’d be stupid enough to try anything with you.” She shrugged. “If you…” She swallowed and tried again, “If you want to go deal with Mystique, I’ll understand.”
“Naw.” He decided. “Skippy wanted to do that. ‘Bout time I let him be a man.”
“Be nice,” she whispered, though there was no hint of correction in her voice. “I’m glad you’re staying here.”
“You and me both, darlin’,” he told her seriously. “You and me both.”
“Can I have that bath now?” she asked. She couldn’t help but feel that now that she had settled a bit, a nice hot bath and a night alone with Logan would be the world of difference for her.
“You can have whatever you want, Darlin’,” Wolverine agreed with a smile. “Whatever you want.”
“I’d like that bath.” She thought for a moment or two before offering, “And maybe just to stay here forever with you?”
“If I can manage it, then you get it.” He nodded.
She bit her bottom lip. She’d never actually asked forever of him before. She wasn’t sure if she should have now or not. But there it was… and she wasn’t taking it back. “That’s all I can ask,” she said, pressing her cheek against his heart.
“Then I’ll do whatever I can to give it to you,” Logan vowed, lifting her up.
Automatically, her arms went around his neck. “Logan?” she softly asked, “Are you ok? You seem… I mean… if you want to go talk to her you can. I’ll be fine while you’re gone.”
“Ain’t got nothin’ to say to her,” he replied honestly. “She’s nothing.”
She nodded. “Ok. But you didn’t answer my question. Are you ok?” She didn’t know if it was her own concerns being projected onto him or maybe there was something wrong, but she couldn’t help but worry.
“I’m fine, Lanie,” Wolverine replied with an amused grin. “Stop worryin’ and accept that it’s over.”
“Can’t help it,” she smiled even though she didn’t look up, “I worry. It’s who I am. And it may be over, but you know that group, they aren’t done yet.”
“No. They’re never done,” he replied, setting her down and turning on the water. “But we’ll handle ‘em when they try again. But now they ain’t gonna be able to use Mystique. We have her.”
Pulling her knees up to her chest, Lana nodded, “True. They’ll come up with something worse. Think I’d rather have Mystique grab me than that big, ugly one.”
“The big, ugly one ain’t gonna ever get near you.” Logan growled, his tone short when he thought about the other mutant. “Not a damn chance.”
Her chin rested on her knees. Ororo had told her about her confrontation with that one. “True.” She looked over at him as he prepared the bath for her. “Logan, come here.”
Turning, he looked at her. “What?”
Smiling slightly, she said, “Please, just come here for a second.”
Moving closer, he looked down at her, reaching to help her with her clothing.
She took his large hands with her small ones and moved them from her clothing. “In a second,” she softly said. “This first.” Her hands moved to the back of his head and brought his head down to rest forehead to forehead. “We’re fine. You and I.” That said, she gently kissed him. “Just fine.”
“Knew that,” he murmured gruffly. “Glad you’re startin’ to realize it.”
Her smile almost returning to her old self, she laughed lightly. “Well, sometimes you need to hit me over the head with a sledgehammer. I freaked a bit.” She shrugged. “But I always find my way back.”
“Glad to hear it.” He decided, kissing her hair. “Don’t know what I would do if you didn’t.”
“I have the perfect reason to,” she added, “you.” Glancing quickly at the tub, she gave him a wink. “Tub’s full.”
He grinned wolfishly. “Not yet it’s not.” He held up a hand. “You partial to those clothes?”
Lana looked at him from underneath her lashes. “With you around, I’ve learned not to be partial to my clothing.”
“Smart little girl aren’t ya?” Her lover growled huskily, trailing one claw along the front of her shirt, popping buttons.
“In some ways,” she said coyly. Her hand trailed up his arm, moving up to stroke his long sideburns. “Smartest thing I ever did was fall for you.”
“Not exactly what I was thinkin’,” he grinned, his claws retracting as he slid his hands along her legs, lifting her up so he could pull her pants off. “But ok.”
“Oh yeah?” she asked, enjoying the pampering. Traumatic didn’t even begin to describe what she’d went through. Mystique had used Logan against her, but Lana knew without a doubt, that *her* Logan, though gruff on the outside, was kind and tender when it came to her. And that tenderness, it was something she craved right now.
“Yeah.” He carefully removed her underwear then set her in the tub. As quickly as he could, he slipped out of his own clothing and eased into the hot water with her. Pulling her back against him, he wet her hair then reached for the shampoo. “Stay still, now. Don’t wanna get any of this in your eyes.”
Her hands rested on his knees as she closed her eyes and tilted her head back slightly. His hands were strong and the affect they were having on her was immediate. She swallowed and relaxed even more into the touch.
Stroking his hands through her hair, Logan contented himself with the scent of her body and the feeling of her against him. She was alive. She was safe. She was back with him. “You’re beautiful,” he told her quietly.
“In your eyes,” she said softly. “I’m just thankful to be back here where I belong. Even through the arguments with Mystique, I wouldn’t let her make me not believe that you wouldn’t rescue me. It’s what kept me going.”
“I’ll always find you,” Logan vowed, rinsing the shampoo from her hair. “Always.”
With the shampoo gone, she was able to fully rest her back against his chest. “I know.” Her hands drew his arms around her and she let herself feel his strength. The man seemed to radiate it. And right now, he was all she needed in this world.
Reaching out, he took the soap and sponge and worked them together for a moment then began to work them across her body. “Good.” His voice was unnecessarily gruff but he knew she’d understand. She always did.
She took the cloth and slowly turned around to face him. “I know,” she said softly. Reaching out, she tenderly placed her hand on his cheek. “I know. And I’m here. Thanks to you. I’m here.”
Capturing the hand in his, he drew her close for a long and deep kiss. “You’re not going anywhere either,” he told her firmly before kissing her again.
Forehead rested firmly on his, she smiled. “No, nothing could pull me away from you.” Blessed. That’s what she had been. Her entire life she’d been left pining… pining for something she thought only a select few would have. How wrong she had been! For here, in his arms, she had everything and more.
Like the man who held her, she had the world.
Finis
Tags: aliana edison, alternate universe, drama, het, jean grey, logan/lana, logan/wolverine, original character, professor xavier, rating: nc-17, romance, scott/cyclops, scott/jean, team