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Ultimate Coverup	By : Polymer Category: X-men Comics > Het - Male/Female Views: 1569 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own X-Men comics, or any of the characters from it. I make no money from from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 11
- 12
- 13
Chapter 12

"Anybody got the antidote to the train running through my head?" asked Storm.

"Wie bitte?" Nightcrawler asked, as he teleported into the kitchen. Ororo coughed and sputtered the smell of brimstone as effective as any type of smelling salts.

"Something to work against a hangover," Storm clarified, rubbing her eyes and sitting down at the kitchen table. Pots and pans clanged as Nightcrawler pulled them out of the overhead and bottom compartments.

"Nein, perhaps 'hair of the dog'," he suggested, teleporting over to the fridge and rooting through. "Where are those eggs�"

"By the vegetarian cheese," Storm mumbled. "Here, lemmie help you with that�"

"Danke," he nodded as Storm dug out the orange juice, and the milk. She plunked both on the table.

"Coffee's a must," she said as she hunted around for the can. Head pounding she felt Kurt slap the can opener into her questing hand, and scoot the coffee just in front of her. The floor seemed pixilated under her feet, and she blinked with ultramarine eyes at Nightcrawler cheerfully cracking eggs into a bowl, then finding the bisquick mix.

A loud yawn erupted, and they turned to see Colossus standing in the doorway, tying his long red bathrobe around his hips. It came to his mid knees, and he rubbed his dark hair, blinking at Storm. "Maliska� good morning�"

"Good morning, lil brother," she yawned back. "Should I ask where Kitten is?"

"You may ask," Piotyr yawned, striding into the kitchen and blinking. "Allow me to help you with that� Malishka� sit down� you appear as if you need this coffee more than I�"

"Thanks," Ororo sighed as she flopped into a chair and let Piotyr and Kurt putter around. "Amazing how you two are so damn cheerful� what's your secret, huh?"

"Experience, Malishka," he said with a knowing smile. "And a drinking age that is rarely observed, nepradva li, Kurt?"

"And perhaps a bit of mother's milk� in the form of Dinkle Acker� most people my age consume alcohol on a regular basis," Kurt said. "But I'm guessing you're not so innocent yourself�"

"Jean and Lorna are way more corrupted than me," Ororo chuckled. "Just remember they were sucking down those mixed drinks� all they needed was a funnel�"

"Here you are, Malishka," said Piotyr, setting a steaming mug of black coffee before her.

"I'll be damned," Storm muttered as she rubbed her head and hunted for the syrup.

"Liebchen, you don't look so good," Nightcrawler said as he teleported over, carrying a stack of pancakes. "Perhaps some carbohydrates?"

"Hand em over here, fuzzy," Kitty Pryde said. Hands thrust into the pockets of her sweatpants and baggy T-shirt she sat down next to Ororo. Another one of the bright-eyed bushy tailed club, thought Storm with disgust.

"Here you are," Kurt said as he put a plate before Ororo, then one before Kitty. Piotyr poured two more mugs of coffee before he sat down on Kitty's other side.

"Thanks, big guy," Kitty smiled. "Knew I could count on ya�"

"Da, Katya. You know now why I forbade you to drink� nepradva li?"

"Yep, Pete, and you are right�"

"You're all a bunch of big weenies," Jubilee said as she sauntered in, and sat at one of the breakfast tables. "Leaving ME out of the game�"

"That's because Wolverine would skewer us if we let you," said Kitty. "You're the youngest�"

"Still, you were there," said Jubilee as she grabbed the box of Lucky Charms and poured herself a big bowl. "Okay, who took the chocolate milk?"

"Here it is, kleinchen," said Kurt as he pushed it over towards him.

"Knock it off with the diminutives, Fuzzy," Jubilee winced. "Just cause YOU got back before the fun last night�"

"So, where is Logan? I owe him some beer. I've got some Dinkel acker�" Kurt said.

"Don't mention beer again," Storm moaned.

"Hey, relax," said Kitty, patting her on the back. "You can just join the ol' soft drink kiddie club with Jubilee and me�"

"Says you," Jubilee muttered through a mouthful of cereal.

"Good morning all," Gambit yawned as he entered the kitchen, and sat down. "Mes ami, you are a sight for da sore eyes�"

"Make that majorly sore eyes," Jubilee joked as Gambit sat next to her. Rogue scrubbed at her eyes and sat on Gambit's left. His black silk robe came to his knees, and his lean legs were visible as he walked over and gave Storm a kiss on the cheek

"What are y'all staring at? Ah don't look THAT bad," Rogue exclaimed.

"Cherie, you be a sight for sore eyes," Gambit said as he moved over to territory that wasn't claimed.

"Yeah, right," Storm laughed to Kitty. Both girls giggled as Gambit put the moves on the Southern Belle and directed her to share a chair.

"Okay, who's got the coffee� ah need it NOW!" she grumbled.

"Here Cherie," Remy said, snagging it from Piotyr, who grabbed it from the counter. Gambit already had two mugs that he plunked down, and fixed two cups for himself and Rogue.

"So, where's fearless leader?" Rogue asked, yawning. She blew steam off her coffee and sipped it, rolling the mug between her hands.

"That's what Remy'd like to know. Perhaps making time nes pa?"

"Whatever," Jubilee mumbled. "Gimmie some of that stuff okay? An the first person to give me crap about me being too young�"

"Of course not, petit, we are all civilized�" Gambit chuckled, reaching out with one long arm to snag another mug that Kurtpulled down from the cabinet. The coffee carafe made its way over.

"How many cases is it now?" Colossus asked. "That Logan owes you, Kurt?"

"Ten," Storm said as she rubbed her head.

"Hangover?" Rogue asked Storm.

"Mmm," Storm groaned, sipping more coffee. "That's the last time I drink anything YOU suggest�"

"Aww c'mon, it wasn't THAT bad, Roro," Rogue laughed.

"Stuff it Marie," mumbled Jubilee as she rolled her eyes.

"I could use a bit of help," Kurt said.

"I'll help, if it'll stop ya bitching," Jubilee mumbled as she climbed out of her chair and moved over to glance at what he was making.

"So, where's the others?" asked. Gambit grabbed a frying pan and started clanging pots and pans as he hunted for items. Kurt maneuvered over and reached ingredients out of the fridge. Rogue was stuffing her face with cereal while Kitty sipped on orange juice.

"You don't have to do that," said Storm.

Gambit said, "Since the cooks not on duty, Remy says just deal with it�"

"What is THAT?" Jubilee held her nose when Gambit hunted through the fridge and grabbed Tabasco sauce, eggs, and other weird things. He started cracking them into a glass and adding various ingredients that made Jubilee put her hand over her mouth and plunk down in her seat.

"Here's something for you, Cherie," Gambit said, putting a glass of some strange liquid before Storm.

"Hangover remedy?" asked Kitty.

"Absolutely," Gambit said as he poured the pancake batter, and Kurt helped to put more toast into the toaster oven. Between them they brewed fresh coffee while Storm rubbed her brow. She held her nose and chugged down the remedy. Making a face she coughed and Piotyr slugged her on the back.

"The others are hung over, probably," said Kitty. "I know Alex and Lorna are. And then Jean is� she slipped into Scott's bedroom with a bottle of tequila�"

"I won't ask where she found that," said Rogue with a chuckle. "I guess ol' Charley's gonna have words with golden boy when he gets back."

"Hey, any grub around here?" groaned Alex Summers as he dragged in, alongside Lorna. She looked a bit worse for wear.

"Coffee, pancakes?" asked Kurt.

"Hey," Alex said. "What's up, nightie?"

"Let me help you with that," Lorna said as she saw Gambit rushing about with the plates.

"Merci, Cherie� a lovely lady's help is always welcome�"

"Shuddup and park it, swamp rat," Rogue said as she grabbed Gambit and planted him on his seat. "An eat something before ah shove it down yer throat�"

"Temper, temper�" Kurt said.

"He always messes around in the kitchen, them complains he hadn't got anything to eat," said Jubilee. "Let 'em go�"

"Thanks," Storm said as she leaned back and grabbed the cup. The pot made it around the table before a blue furred paw took it.

"May I trouble you ladies for a morning repast�"

"Watch out blue boy, your IQ's going up with your fur color," Jubilee joked.

"Since when did he start talking like a dictionary, or a thesaurus?" Kitty whispered.

"Oh, he's doing that to impress Ororo," Colossus whispered to her.

"These are good, Kurt, and Lorna, thanks," said Alex as he drowned his pancakes in syrup. Jubilee and Kitty exchanged questioning glances when they happened to see Bobby's watchful eye on her more than usual.

"So, where's Logan?" Kitty trailed off.

"Beats me," Jubilee nodded, grabbing the coffee before someone again reminded her of her junior X man status. Colorful robes, pajamas, and boxers were all the fashions everyone sported. Wolverine and Michelle were nowhere to be found.

"Perhaps it is best to just not ask why," Colossus said. "After all�"

"Is it just me, or is Logan extremely late, considering the morning hour?" Kurt whispered to Ororo.

"I think he got lucky," she said with a smile.

"Doesn't he usually on Friday nights?" Kurt grinned.

"Da," said Piotyr. "So what is the question? After all, we know his routine�"

"But you guys fixed him up with�" Kitty trailed off before Colossus leaned over and she felt a syrup laden kiss grace her lips.

"Whoohoo way to go," Jubilee clapped.

"Peter�" Kitty gasped.

"Do not ask silly questions, Katya," he winked. "Logan is legal. We should not ask why�"

"Ours is not to reason why, ours is just to do or die," mimed Kurt with a chuckle.

"I saw them leave together, and then�" trailed off Kitty.

"They didn't come back, did they?" asked Storm. "I mean Jean and I went looking, and then I stopped Jean from looking when I saw Logan grab his bike and go�"

"It's a 'scoot,'" Jubilee corrected her. "It ain't a bike. He calls it a 'scoot'. Get it right, sheesh!"

"Whatever," Kitty mumbled. "Look, what happened to Michelle?"

"Perhaps we shall find out," said Kurt. "Maybe he found her� and they will�"

"That's what I'd like to know," Storm said with a half smile. "This is going to be interesting�"

"Maliska, Logan's business is his own. We shouldn't stick our noses into it�" said Piotyr with a hiss as he intimated Alex and Lorna there.

"Ohhh�" Storm said. "Well, I think that I'd like to see if Hank here wants to join me and you for another round of nineball?"

"You gotta be kidding me," Kitty chuckled. "After YESTERDAY�"

"Pool is our game of choice, is it not?" Hank asked. "Or perhaps foosball?"

"Foosball rocks," Jubilee laughed. "C'mon�"

"At least he's not pining over Jean�" Kurt nodded as he leaned over and whispered to Piotyr.

"About time, nepradva li?" Piotyr nodded.

"Yeah, took him long enough," Kitty whispered. "But�"

"So, Remy's not the only one getting up late, eh Ororo?" Gambit asked.

"Get out of here," Ororo muttered. "You smell like cheap whisky� get outta here�"

"Breakfast prepared by two lovely ladies," Gambit rubbed his hands together as he finished his stack of pancakes. "But you forgot the spices� may I kiss the cooks?"

He moved over to Lorna, and Alex said, "You do and you get more than spice, Mr. Marde Gras!"

"Ohhh well, we can't have that�"

"What's cooking good looking?" Bobby asked as he wandered in. "Hello nurse," he said.

"Pancakes?" Lorna winked.

"Heck yeah� by the way I'm sorry about last night I um� acted like a jerk�"

"Thanks Bobby, and it's okay," she said as she walked past with a fresh plate of hotcakes, bacon and sausage. Alex grabbed Lorna as she went by, and put her on his lap. Hank sat next to Ororo and kissed her cheek.

"Let the cooks sit down�" Jubilee said. "C'mon, fuzzy do we have to glue ya to a chair?"

"He's right, why not take the load off," Rogue said as he caught her hand and kissed it.

"So� where's Shelly and Mister Happy?" Bobby yawned.

"That's what we'd like to know," said Rogue.

"Mind your own beeswax, okay?" Jubilee said. "I mean c'mon� like we don't ask what YOU two do�"

"Yeah, you seem pretty� familiar� you two�" said Bobby as he looked at them, blinking.

"None o' your business," Rogue said. Bobby snickered, as he watched Gambit and Rogue feeding each other, and the attention had shifted to Kurt telling about his latest exploits on the mission he was taking with Angel and Psilocke who were still probably in bed. Kitty began to feed Piotyr some of the food from her plate, and he playfully ate it from her fork and fingers. He fed her in turn,and laughed as he licked syrup off her fingers.

"Kitty and Petey sittin' in a tree� k-I-s-s-I-n-g," joked Bobby.

"Ignore him, he's just jealous," Piotyr whispered as Kitty gave Bobby a nasty look.

"I'm to believe that you two are in a relationship?" Beast asked.

"Who us?" asked Kitty.

"My congratulations then," Hank said. "You're a fortunate man�"

"Sweet," said Storm.

"I think so," Jubilee nodded. "Although if it gets as mushy as THOSE two�"

She nodded towards Alex and Lorna, who were kissing one another between bites of food. Colossus and Kitty were also nudging one another with bites of food and whispers as they looked in Logan and Mariko's direction. Even Gambit and Rogue were in on the spring fever, whispering and joking to Alex and Lorna.

"But weren't we talking about Logan� and a certain Japanese girl you know?" asked Bobby.

"Yeah," Rogue said. "Where are they?"

"Give it a REST," Jubilee snorted. "I mean shut up�"

"Jubilee relax," Bobby said as he nudged her.

"Shut up Drake or I'll show you some fireworks�" Jubilee said.

"Now now, children," Kurt said. "We shouldn't discuss the private business of people who are not here�"

"Why not?" asked Rogue. "Ah mean you do want to know� ah mean c'mon now, last we saw of 'em Shelly ran out and then�"

"Jean pursued her," Hank said. "With Logan close behind her. He almost knocked me over when he demanded to know where she was�"

"Don't that beat all," Rogue whispered. "Those two�"

"I guess," Alex blinked. "Does this mean you'll stop giving her the evil eye? Now that she's shagging the Wolvester?"

"Can you be any more crude, mes ami?" Gambit made a face. "We don't know for sure, do we?"

"Aw come on, Remy, you know an afterglow when ya see it," Rogue rolled her eyes.

"Remy can only hope� although breathing with twelve inches of adamantium is difficult� non?" he sighed wistfully.

"Wonder what Jean's gonna think?" Rogue smirked.

"I think Scott wouldn�t mind," whispered Lorna. "He's going to be relieved�"

"But how long will it last?" asked Alex. "Michelle and he are teammates� if he dumps her�"

"Guys, they only just got together. Besides, they're happy so who cares? Why don�t' we mind our own business for a change?" Kitty asked.

"I agree. Leave them be�" Storm nodded. "Be happy for them�"

"Hey!" Jubilee's voice cut in. A crackle of fireworks popped and everyone glanced in her direction.

"What?" asked Rogue.

"Let's all vote on it. All those in favor of shutting our traps about Logan's new love life� around the breakfast table, say AYE!" Jubilee said.

"Hey, can ya change that to, not in public and we'll vote on it?" Bobby joked.

"Drake�" Kitty grumbled.

"I agree. Those in favor of leaving them alone, hands up," said Alex. A forest of hands rose.

"Those against?" asked Jubilee. "Nada, zip zilch, so that's it� we zip our lips�"

"Right, at least in mixed company," Gambit winked.

"Or else you'll end up shish kabab," Jubilee chuckled.

Silver light gleamed off a triple set of blades. A shout of 'timber' echoed and a small tree crashed to the ground. Mariko blinked in the mid afternoon, slipping her feet into her wooden gatas and clomping out onto the porch with a cup of coffee in hand. Logan was swinging one set of claws in glistening arcs as he chopped the tree into smaller bits, and then tossed them on the firewood pile. Sweat soaked through his wifebeater, and the sheen glistened on his back and arms.

"Could I trouble you to join me for coffee?" she called.

"Sounds wonderful, darlin," he said as the claw retracted with a mental command. Something hit him in the face, and he saw it was a towel. Gratefully he sponged off, and watched as the vision in soft muted silk strode up and passed him the mug.

"Slightly white, no sugar," she said. "Right?"

"You know it," he said. "Hey, since WHEN are you going around serving ME� this is my chance to�"

"Do me a favor and let me, since YOU cooked breakfast," she said as she moved over. A hand shot out and he pulled her close to his hips. Sweat soaked through the silk of the kimono and his arm holding the coffee swung round her.

"How about I take something ELSE instead?" he joked. She tasted coffee on his lips as they closed over hers. For a long minute she lost herself in the scent of sweat, musk, and pheromones. A crisp chill to the air and a distant sound of engines droning on a highway reached her ears. However the pounding of his heart against her chest drowned it out. She slid her arms up and down his back, deepening the kiss to its natural conclusion.

Till both of them parted for air, slightly giddy. Her eyes were half closed, and he stroked her cheek with the back of one hand. She had relaxed considerably, and he knew that his approach was paying off. Whatever hell she had been put through at Creed's hands, the memories seemed to be hazing over.

"They'll be wondering about us," she said.

"So?" he joked. "What else is new?"

"True� but we will have to go back�"

Wolverine felt Mariko squirm in his arms. He slid his hand over hers and said, "I know it sucks to think about. Thought of being around all those people makes me s�"

"If you like," she said. "But I guess they're already wondering if we're going to come back, and if so, together�"

"Let 'em wonder. Do we care? Nah," Wolverine shrugged.

"I care," she said, tracing her finger up and down his arm. "I hope you aren't angry�"

"Why should I be? You got a point. But they need to mind their own flamin' business�"

"True," she said. "But don't you just wonder what the look will be on their faces, for your own sense of curiosity?"

"Mmm, it'll be pretty interesting," he said, seeing the mischievous glint in her eye.

"I mean Gambit and Bobby will be crushed� but the others�"

"Storm'll have the sense to see that you an me belong together�"

"But how will they take�" she trailed off. "Shh darlin, we'll just have to decide how to break it to them�"

"Not us I mean� I mean who I really�" she protested till she felt his lips touch hers.

"Ix nay darlin," he whispered. "You don't have to tell them anything you don't want them to know. It's your business�"

"Very true. How much do they really know about YOUR past," she chuckled.

"Could be just like me, darlin'. If I don't remember half of my past, you could claim the same thing� they don't haveta know�"

"Feels wonderful," she murmured as his hands traced up and down her back.

"No argument here," Logan answered, pulling the hairclip out and letting her dark hair tumble around their faces. He gave her another kiss, this time increasing in firmness. So far their kisses had been soft and gentle, while he nudged her back toward the cabin and inside. It was two in the afternoon, and firewood chopping had taken a back seat to just enjoying each other alone.

Now they were sitting on the sofa, in front of a fire, just running their hands over one another's hair. He struggled to hold back the obvious reaction his body was having to her ministrations. She let his hands wander over her robe and touch previously forbidden territory. When he diverted his grasp 'accidentally', she flinched. Then taking his hand she placed it where she wanted it to go.

Perhaps it was the difference between chugging beer and sipping a fine whisky, Logan chuckled to himself. Jean was a fast flash in the pan, a quick appetizer that was sweet and tasty and something to devour. But Mariko was far different. He wanted to keep from rushing too fast, because his instincts told him that he would miss something important if he did. That giddy out of control feeling of his animal side was roaring at him to grab her and take her into the bed or in the woods. Hell her body was responding to him, and the soft sounds from her throat were almost like purring.

But he was also a human being, wasn't he? Why was this so darn important? Granted he couldn't remember when he really was last IN Japan except for some mission. How he'd learned the language he couldn't answer. Snippets of memory, which could be implants, were evading him. Yet he recalled being there, flickers of memory of something like an old war movie, and then something else that was more recent. The X-5 team together as they ran through the woods:

X-1, a.k.a. Kestrel, X-2 a.k.a. Sabretooth, X-3 Wolverine, X-4 Maverick, and X-5 Fox. They were the cream of Weapon X's crop, the prototypes which were the high rankers. Those like X-23 were also up there, but there was no replacing the originals. Again he blinked remembering strange snippets that swirled and he recalled those odd days that brought him to the woman in his arms.

X-30's needed some 'incentive' to discipline them. Whose sick idea it had been to use pain and sex negative reinforcement was debatable. Probably the General. The same guy who let soldiers get their kicks emptying whole rounds of ammo into his chest while he was shut in a cage.

"I ain't goin along with that shit, Creed," he remembered saying. "You ain't gonna screw with them� that's just plain WRONG!"

"C'mon, ya want some pussy or not? These girls are HOT�"

"Shut the hell up before I bust ya up, asshole," he snarled.

"Break it up you two! I agree this isn't the first choice, but we don't have to screw up this chance," X-1 had said. "This doesn't give us license to abuse our charges. But we have the right to use whatever means to reinforce discipline including sexual�"

"Shut up you horehounds," came a loud disapproving voice. "Can't you keep your sick hormones to yourself?"

"If it ain't Pocahontas," laughed Creed. "Whatsamatta, da shores a gitchgumie ain't sweet enough for ya?"

"If you weren't the favorite of the general I'd put a mortar through you, you pile of walking garbage," Fox snorted as she hefted her gun. "But since we have to get along..."

"Stuff it honeybunch� name a place an�"

"You try, and you die," Wolverine growled.

"Enough with the futzing around� we got WORK to do�" said Kestrel. "The General's on his way in�"

"Boohoo, I'm so scared," Creed snickered.

"Someone shut him up," Maverick snorted. "Before I do it�"

"Anytime sonny, anytime," Creed motioned with his hand.

"Is he sane?" Fox whispered to Maverick.

"I heard that, squaw� wanna try getting into my head? Wouldn't you LIKE That�"

A sickening crack came as Silver Fox swung her gun butt and clipped Creed on the side of the head. "Shut up�"

"Why you�"

"The lady said SHUT up, so do I have to remind you?" Wolverine asked, the rasp of metal on metal that indicated the claws were out. A loud fireburst exploded in their heads and all five of them dropped to their knees. Images flickered through their minds, of blinding pain. The most painful memories were dredged up out of the filth that had been their conditioning. Loud screams that tore at their ears till a voice through the miasma of pain reached them.

"Are you through arguing?" came the General's voice. Logan blinked up to see Creed staggering, and Silver Fox curled up, whimpering. He reached over to touch her.

"Don't TOUCH me," she hissed. "Hands OFF!"

"Excuse me," Logan mumbled, staggering to stand. Kestrel and Maverick tottered to their feet as Creed stumbled and steadied himself.

"Yeah, yeah, we get the message, we'll behave�" Creed mumbled. "I ain't the one who started it�"

"I don't care WHO did. You are ALL pissing me off," said the General. "Time for you to get to your charges. All of you�"

Fox mumbled as she strode forwards, and Logan remained where he was. The others advanced on their proteges, but Logan shook his head. "I ain't gonna do this. It's sick and wrong�"

"Did I hear you correctly, X-3? Are you refusing a direct order?"

"I'm not gonna resort to raping and pillaging and terrorizing someone just cause they don't tow the line! You know that ain't part of the rules! Since when�"

"Since when did YOU get squeamish, Wolverine?" asked the General. "Don't make me laugh� such privileges are only necessary if your charge gets out of hand. You have the PERMISSION to use whatever means necessary to break the X-30 series�"

"Count me the hell out�" Logan snarled.

"Then you just lost your cozy little room�"

"Like I give a shit anymore," Logan snarled. Something shot out and prodded him. Blue sparks crackled from the pain stick that was shoved into his gut. He felt nausea overcome him and growled, popping his claws as he fought back.

"Logan chan�" Mariko urged as she prodded him. He snarled and she rolled away, looking at his wide-eyed glance of fear and anger.

"Shit� don't do that�"

"I'm sorry," she said, glancing at him. "I should know better than to touch you without you knowing�"

"No I should be sorry, baby," he said, his eyes wide with fear at what he'd almost done. "I had no business snapping at you�"

"I'm not the only one with flashbacks, am I?" Mariko said.

"Baby, please come over here, I promise I'll behave� I'm sorry�." Logan said as he reached out to her. She moved towards him and lay against his chest, on her side. Logan ran his hands through her hair and leaned down to kiss her softly.

"I don't want to pry� but what was it this time?"

"You aren't prying. Some memory about when you guys first came� I didn't go along with the program, you know that�"

"That was why you were in that cage to begin with," said Mariko.

"But if I had, I could've been with you, instead of Creed�"

"Don't Logan-chan you didn't know� no more than Shiro did when he was assigned to Silver Fox�"

"Did you say Fox?"

"Yes� she was assigned to Fox�" said Mariko.

"Damn�" he shook his head. "Frickin figures."

"She was someone else you had a relationship with?"

"Yeah, I think� wait I'm not the hell sure� for all I know� I was married and dint' even know it�" Logan sighed. "That's why I don't even bother to think about the past. It makes you nuts�"

"I agree," she said, leaning over to stroke his face gently. "And I'm very glad to be here with you now�"

"M'iko," he murmured, reaching for her cheek. He angled his lips to kiss her, his hand poised at the back of her neck. His arms closed around her protectively and their lips were about to touch.

*Logan, you are needed�.

"Aww cripes," he groaned when they parted.

"It seems that we're no longer alone," said Mariko as he closed his eyes in frustration.

*Am I to understand that you have gone in search of Michelle?

"Yeah, yeah� and she's FINE�" Logan blinked as he rolled over and she released him. "I found her�"

*Good work. Jean had expressed her concern� as did Scott. She requested not to be followed�

"Professor I'm here," said Mariko. "I apologize for worrying all of you� I'm safe� Logan found me and we're about to return�"

*I see. I apologize for interrupting whatever you were�

"Chuck, this ain't the classroom and�

*Whatever did or did not happen between you is not my concern when you are not in the school. However if it adversely affects the team it becomes my concern. Just return as soon as you can, please Michelle and Logan.

"It'd better be private," said Logan.

"Logan, easy, it's all right. Professor� we ARE allowed to have privacy are we not?"

Always, Michelle. I allowed you that privilege. And that remains the case. I only wish to learn details if it means a significant difficulty is in store for the team. Are you two�?

"Maybe, maybe not," Logan said, turning red. "Dammit Chuck�"

"We are interested in doing so," said Mariko. "But we are both adults."

*That is all I need to know. Please be discrete. I can trust you to do so upon your return. This will remain between us. That is all. I look forward to your safe return.

"Thank you and goodbye," said Mariko. Logan exhaled and glanced miserably down at his feet.

"He sure can kill a friggin mood," Logan cursed.

"I'm sorry�"

"What for?" Logan asked. "He ain't gonna say boo, as long as we play by the rules� besides Red and Slim can play pattycake so why can't we? Only thing is that we've got that both feet on the floor rule when the hall monitor makes his damn rounds�"

"I don't want to leave here any more than you do, Logan," she whispered.

"This ain't the only time we'll have darlin'," Logan said as he kissed her briefly on the lips. "Guess we'd better get our stuff packed an' get on the scoot�"

When they turned onto Greymalkin lane, she saw the Mansion come into view. Logan gunned the motor to a slow crawl, and followed the circular driveway around to the garages. The engine died, and they heard laughter and loud rock music playing.

"Guess ol' Chuck's not home yet," muttered Logan as he pushed the kickstand down.

"There you ARE!" Jubilee yelled as she rushed forwards, gliding on her rollerblades toward them. "You won't believe how worried sick I was."

"Here's the welcoming committee," Mariko joked as Logan groaned inwardly. He climbed off the 'scoot and helped Mariko to climb down as Jubilee pulled to a halt.

"Hey kid, where's everyone?" Logan asked. She threw herself into him for a hug, and he patiently endured it.

"Shooting some hoops and getting drunk off their asses before the Professor comes home," Jubilee rolled her eyes. "Did you two have FUN?"

"Tell me where Chuck is and I MIGHT let ya in on a secret," Logan said quickly.

"Hi Shell," said Jubilee as she threw herself at Mariko. The two women hugged tightly. She kissed the youth on her forehead as Logan grabbed his battered leather bag and hefted it. He reached for his helmet, pulling it off.

"Hello yourself. Would you mind letting us in on what's going on here? We got a call from the Professor but it appears he's not here�"

"Everyone's wondering when you'd get back. But we took a vote to mind our own beeswax� Storm's idea� so Hank got the whole mansion to play a game of hoops, and then Bobby an' Gambit challenged the girls to a drinking game�"

"Kid, yer dangerous," Logan groaned.

"I'm not sitting around with those dweebs getting tanked," Jubilee laughed. "Don't give me that sourpuss look okay? Anee way� Dr. MacTaggert's boyfriend Sean Cassidy came by, and they got in on the little game� and we found out the Professor will be home tomorrow� in the afternoon�"

"This is very� interesting�"

"Where's Scooter and Reds?" asked Logan, catching the helmet Mariko threw him. He strapped both to the Harley's seat, and started to walk it into the garage.

"Oh, they're playing 21 questions and taking bets when you two are coming home�"

"Oh no," Michelle groaned.

"Easy, what do we care?" Wolverine asked. "So where IS everyone?"

"Girls are inside, guys are still playing hoops," said Jubilee. "I'm the lookout. Wanted to find you guys first before the reception committee screwed up you coming�"

"Thanks kid, I owe ya one�"

"Why doncha come with me, and then Wolvie can go hang with the guys," said Jubilee. "In case there's some secret�"

"Slow down, short stuff, you're making me look bad," Logan urged as he caught her and ruffled her hair. "Is there any food left in this joint?"

"Some in the kitchen," said Jubilee.

"Why don't you go have a smoke, Logan-chan, and then we'll meet up in front of the stairs?" she asked.

"Sounds good t' me," he said, looking at Jubilee.

"Hey, I'm cool guys, you know it," she laughed. "C'mon� let's hurry before they come looking for ya�"

"Later darlin'," Logan said as he watched Jubilee rush off with Mariko in tow. He loved that kid's style. She had more sense than most of the older teens put together sometimes.

"So, who has bets on when they'll come back�" asked Bobby.

"Who?" Gambit pretended to look innocent. The Cajun held a cigarette in his hand, the smoke slowly curling up towards the sky.

"You know who," Bobby whispered. "Mister Sunshine and Madame Butterfly�"

"Oh�" Gambit said as his eyes widened.

"Da," said Colossus as he yawned. Snagging a cigarette he lit one and inhaled deeply, to Bobby's surprise. The Russian X-man exhaled a large cloud that mingled with Gambit's.

"Since when did YOU smoke?" Bobby asked, halfway between disgusted and amazed.

"None of your business," Piotyr said. "Which is how you should behave when it comes to Logan's love life�"

"Hey guys, you can't tell me that you don't WONDER," said Bobby.

"Logan's my friend. And his business is his own. It's that simple," said Piotyr. "He doesn't go digging about YOUR conquests�"

"Don't gimme that crapola," Bobby snorted. "We're buds�"

"Drake's right," said Gambit. "After da card game disaster, we only worried 'bout da Cherie's welfare�"

"That is NOT your concern. She is old enough to make up her own mind," said Piotyr firmly. "And I'm warning you now, if they ARE in a relationship, Logan will not enjoy hearing you making comments about it. Not if you want to remain in one piece�"

"You're kidding me, right?" Bobby laughed.

"Try me," Piotyr said. "IT is not I that you need to concern yourself with. But Logan."

"Oh, so if we say BOO he's gonna carve us, like RIGHT!" Bobby joked.

"Do you want to risk finding out?" Gambit asked, tossing his cigarette butt into the ashtray. "We don't know if dey're seeing each other. Till dey come back. Dis discussion is pointless. Remy's not gonna give up just cause�"

"Rogue's your girlfriend you dumb ass," Bobby snorted. "Are you fuckin blind?"

"Remy's business is HIS own," Gambit said. "WE agreed t' leave da Wolverine and da Cherie alone�"

"C'mon guys that doesn't mean we can't TALK about it�"

"Talk is cheap," said Piotyr. "Excuse me�"

"What is HIS deal?" Bobby asked. "And yours?"

"Dey best friends," said Gambit. "Not smart t' spread da rumors. Gambit's your buddy d'ough."

"But you said�"

"Dat just around him, nes pa?" Gambit whispered. "Remy's interested in any dirt you heard�"

"Well from what Kurt was talking to Hank about, Jean was pretty pissed," said Bobby. "And she was all huffy and shit when she came out, and Hank says Logan almost knocked him on his ass�"

"And�" Remy said. "Logan rode da Harley cycle into da woods. And he don't come out. Dat means he don't want no interruptions. And da belle is nowhere. So dat means dey together? But knowing Logan, he only spend one night per lady�"

"So� you think they DID score?" asked Bobby.

"Gambit knows Logan's pattern. Soon da belle be cryin' and she come to Remy or you. We be dere t' dry her tears� if Logan break her heart�"

"Sweet� so it doesn't MATTER if they?"

"Remy da king of fixing broken hearts. And he knows dat you like Marie, no?"

"If that's her real name," said Bobby. "You mean you're actually gonna give ME a crack at her?"

"Why not? Al's fair in love an war. Best man win."

"But dude, she ain't leftovers, I mean isn't that kinda cheap?"

"Don't you like da hookups?" Gambit winked. "Remy never said he take Marie's heart."

"You're a big flirt ya know�" Bobby chuckled. "But just so long as Rogue doesn't kick my ass�"

Taking out a Marlborough Red, Wolverine inserted it in his lips as he casually walked towards the front porch. Gambit leaned against a pillar, inhaling a drag on his own brand of smokes. Kurt was sitting; sponging off his forehead with a towel while Piotyr was chugging a bottle of gator aid. All of them wore gym shorts, sneakers and were either bare chested or wearing tank tops.

"Good evening," Piotyr said. "Good to see you back in once piece�"

"Gambit wondered if you two had killed each other," Gambit said.

"Now, don't go bothering Logan when he's got pressing business," Kurt said as he saw Logan grab the lighter from Gambit and flick it to light his smoke. White plumes shot out from his nostrils like dragon's breath and curled up towards the sunny blue sky.

"Wise choice," Piotyr nodded. "Sorry for prying�"

"No problem," Logan said. "So, is everyone getting last call around here? One last blast to get drunk off your asses before the parents come home?"

"Mmm, da ladies be da ones doing dat honor. Remy just playing some one on one with the gentlemen before joining da fun," Gambit said as he inhaled another drag, and let the smoke rush out his lips a minute later.

"Got anything to say?" asked Logan.

"Gambit seen not'ing," Remy shrugged. "Only dat you come back safe n' sound�"

"Good," Logan said. "Is everyone being a pain in the ass, or are most people showing some good sense like you guys?"

"Most of us are enjoying the rest of our freedom," said Piotyr. "We know better� don't we?"

"Ja," Kurt nodded. "Excuse me but I must see if there is any cold beer. How many cases do I owe you now, Logan?"

"About 20, misfit," Logan laughed as he slugged Kurt on the back. "So� where's fearless leader?"

"Occupied with his little brother in racquetball," said Piotyr.

"Well whaddya know� the girls are getting drunk and the men are playing sports. What's this world coming to," Logan chuckled. He snorted as Kurt vanished in a hale of brimstone.

"Pee--yeeww�" Bobby Drake said as he poked his head out the door. "Either someone bamfed or Logan's back� there ya are, Wolvester�"

"Hello Drakey-wakey� missed the ice cream truck again?" Logan asked.

"Well whaddaya know� you found the girl?"

"What's it to you, icicle?" asked Logan, giving him a dangerous glare.

"Well, everyone's wanting to know�"

"Do me a favor an' mind yer own beeswax. I'm in too good a mood to pound yer ass," Logan said as he flicked ash into the small tray to one side.

A bamf of imploding air cut off Bobby's next wisecrack. Nightcrawler's thick-fingered hands were wrapped around the necks of several beers. "Here we are� a Miller genuine for Piotyr, a Molson for you, Logan� and for Gambit a Zima�"

"Another girly drink?" Piotyr teased him.

"Mon ami, da beer's too sour," Gambit said as he caught the beverage. Logan cracked open the bottle and sipped it gratefully. Ignoring Bobby, he brushed past him and wandered into the house.

Mariko was maneuvered amongst Lorna and Jean who were both sipping on cold cosmopolitans. "So� did you have FUN?" Lorna asked.

"We were SO worried," said Jean. "When you told us not to follow� and then Storm�"

"Storm told us not to worry� but I was concerned so I flew around� and then I knew it was very interesting when I saw you and Logan on his motorcycle�"

"Excuse me, you were spying on me?" Michelle asked, raising an eyebrow.

"We were worried!" Jean said. "You just ran off without an explanation�"

"I'm a big girl, I can take care of myself� I just needed some time alone�"

"What's going on? Did he say something to piss you off?" Jean asked.

"Guys, I'm sorry I was a pain," said Michelle quickly. "Everything turned out all right�and I'm back in one piece�"

"Jean, she IS here, and they DID come back together� so we can assume�" Lorna trailed off with a knowing wink.

"True� so are you really okay� I know I'm being a pain in the ass myself�" Jean trailed off.

"I'm fine," Michelle smiled.

"Does she LOOK like she's not okay, Jean?" Lorna laughed. "Grinning like that�"

"What do you think?" Michelle asked cryptically.

"So what DID you end up doing when you rode off, after Logan found you�"

"What made you upset in the first place?" Jean asked.

Michelle sighed. "I had a flashback when I was dancing with Logan. And then I ran out, and he ran after me. We met up in the woods, he talked to me�"

"And then�" Lorna asked eagerly as Jean blinked, her gaze intense.

"He suggested we stay someplace with some friends of his for the night, and so we did�"

"What friends?" Jean asked.

"Nobody I know," shrugged Michelle. "Anyway, it was late, and we ate dinner that they had, and then went to sleep�"

"Uh huh," Jean said. "C'mon� give girlie� you owe us a better story than that�"

"C'mon� we're dying to know�"

"Know what?" Michelle laughed.

"You can't just expect us to believe nothing happened�"

"Well nothing DID happen," Michelle said. "That I didn't WANT to happen�"

"And that means�" Jean asked.

"I don't kiss and tell," said Michelle.

"Ohh you kissed him?" Lorna asked.

"Guys, please, it's embarrassing� I'd rather just keep SOME things to myself�"

"You CAN tell me," Jean said. "We ARE your friends�"

"There's nothing really to tell," Michelle chuckled.

"You mean he didn't� he behaved himself?" Lorna lifted an eyebrow.

"That's not his style at ALL," Jean muttered.

"Yes. He's a good shoulder to cry on, and he was just the person I needed to talk to�"

"Must have been a LONG conversation," Jean said. "Michelle, I�m not trying to pry� but if something happened that I need to know about�"

"You think I�m holding out on you, Jean? Why is this such a big deal? You two put me up to going out in the first place�" said Michelle. "I ended up having a NICE dinner with Logan, and staying in a comfortable place and he behaved himself. End of story. Can't you just be happy for me?"

"Well, we DID want more of the fun dirt," Lorna said.

"What did you and ALEX do?" asked Michelle as she glanced at her.

"Well um�" Lorna chuckled.

"Or you and SCOTT?" asked Michelle. "I might ask why you're walking in a rather strange way, and you're still drinking cosmopolitans when you know the Professor is coming back tomorrow. But I won't�"

"There's no need to get bitchy, we're just�"

"You're starting to annoy me. I want to enjoy the rest of tonight. Can't I have SOME privacy? When I'm ready to tell you something I will. What happened or didn't happen is between Logan and me�"

"So you DID�" Jean trailed off.

"Jean please don't do this� I'm NOT in the mood for interrogation. Are you my friend or my warden?" asked Michelle, who was getting peeved.

"Jean, maybe you're getting a little too� nosy�"

"Anything interesting going on here that I should know about?" asked Storm as she poked her head in. "Someone's looking for you, Michelle�"

"I was about to leave anyway. Excuse me ladies, but you're rather drunk, and I'm tired and I think we should all just go sleep it off before we say something we'll regret," said Michelle as diplomatically as possible. Storm saw the anger on her face as she walked past. Scott had wandered in, followed by Alex.

"Is everything ok?" Storm whispered.

"Nothing, it's just stuffy in here. Some people can't mind their own business�" Michelle whispered.

"Let me handle this. Logan's looking for you�" Storm whispered.

"Michelle� good to see you�" said Scott as he walked over. "You're okay?"

"Yes� excuse me Scott but it's late and I'm kind of tired� and Jean's really getting on my nerves. Could you please remind her that I'm an adult and I don't need a babysitter� even if she IS my team leader she needs to mind her own business and stay OUT of my personal life?"

"Is Jean�" Scott got out. "What just happened?"

"Jean giving me the third degree, that's all," said Michelle angrily. "I really resent people not letting me have my privacy�"

"I'll handle this," Scott said.

"Take a number," Storm said. "Go on, he's waiting for you�"

"It will be okay, I'll take care of this," said Scott as he walked over and saw Jean folding her arms across her chest. Storm and Scott took Jean as she started walking out after Michelle.

"Now wait a minute, I'm your friend you can't just�" Jean trailed off.

"Jean, are you DRUNK?" Scott asked.

"Hi Slim� we were just�" Jean burped.

"Um, I was just� um�" Lorna trailed off. "Hi Alex�"

"C'mon let's take a walk in the garden, sweetie," Alex said as he took Lorna's hand and led her out. Scott and Storm walked Jean back into the library, and closed the door.

Out in the garden the noise was banished. Replaced with birds chirping and the rustle of leaves, her auditory senses were refreshed. It was spring, and she smelled the heady fullness of the newly cut grass. Michelle tried to suppress the mighty sneeze building up, but couldn't hold it back. The violence of its sound exploded, startling even her.

"Great," she muttered, blowing her nose. "At least I've got an excuse why my eyes are red�"

She never wanted anyone to see her cry. Call it an unspoken promise to herself, being a nerdish half and half who turned out to have a talent for changing any organic matter into any sort of plastic or carbon compound. People turned to her because she was smart to help them with their homework and make a passing grade. Of most of her childhood friends she called Hank the best of them. And he was orders of magnitude more valuable than twenty of her so called acquaintances.

"Mind if I smoke darlin?" asked a gruff voice.

"It's a free country," Polymer muttered. She couldn't stop the sensual prickles erecting goosebumps on her bare skin.

"Suppose," he said. She smelled the sulfur and heard the rasp of a match, and then the acrid smell of smoke curling behind her. For a few minutes she stared off at the sun dancing through the undulated canopy of the overhead trees, casting its patters across the lawn before the Mansion.

"If you don't mind, I'd rather be alone� Logan-chan,"

"You are, if ya keep yer back turned," Wolverine answered gruffly. "Gonna have to realize not everyone's gonna LEAVE ya alone just cause ya wish it� and especially not me, considering what we're meaning to each other�"

"Everyone's always wanting to stick to me like glue, it drives me mad," she mumbled. "No offense, my love but I just need� to get away from these people driving me mad�"

"Anyone I know?" Wolverine asked. "Oh that's right, you don't wanna talk� keep pretending I'm not here, okay?"

"Jean for starters�" she mumbled.

"Uh huh," Wolverine grunted. "Did she look at ya funny?"

"Actually yes," she laughed bitterly.

"Did ya ever try just being yerself and saying fuck it if they can't accept it?" Wolverine asked simply. "It ain't Jean's business at all. She'd better keep her damn mouth shut�"

"Easy for you with your claws, beloved," she chuckled. "Nobody pushes you around�"

"Cause I don't let em," Wolverine answered. "Jean doesn't either. You could learn a lot from her� in fact you guys are gal pals� right?"

"Yes," she nodded. "Although she's the only one who'd even take a chance on people who are vastly different�"

"Do me a favor, M'iko. Don't end up like Slim?" Wolverine said.

"Excuse me?" she asked, turning her head slightly to face him.

"Walkin around like he's got a stick up his a� you know. Yer so uptight, worrying about what other people think of ya. When ya should be more worried about just relaxing and living," Wolverine said. "Beatiful lady like you, especially when she's MY lady�shouldn't be here feeling sorry for herself but be doing what you like to do and taking a bite outta life, not just sitting back and wishing it was happening to her."

"I suppose you're right," she muttered, hating to admit it. "I AM a bit stuck up. And tense�"

"So, do something about it, and let ME help ya out, cause that's what I'm here for, love," Wolverine said. She turned around and saw him leaning against the tree trunk, his blue eyes staring straight into hers with the intensity of flame. His five o'clock shadow seemed to continue in the thick coarse hair that blanketed his arms and chest visible under his Harley Davidson vest.

"Like what, beloved?" she asked. "Since you seem to have all the answers?"

"Relax for starters," Wolverine said as he stubbed out his cigarette and walked over to her. "Yer gonna end up burning yerself out all flamin' stressed."

"Pull the coal from inside my backside before it turns into a diamond you mean?" she lifted an eyebrow.

"Pretty much. Though it's a nice one from where I'm standing. And don't think ya have to act and speak crude just cause I do�"

"Thanks, I think," she chuckled. "And don't think you have to change yourself for me. Just because you discovered who I really am doesn't change anything between us�"

"Sounds perfect to me, darlin. So, want a brew, I brought one for both of us when my nose told ya where you ran off to�" he asked, and she saw he was holding a bottle of beer at his side. Another bottle sat on the wall by the ashtray he'd brought out, and she blinked.

"Why not," she chuckled. "It's Friday afternoon� no more drills�"

"You do drink beer, remember. Even though nobody'd know it�" he chuckled..

"Molson, although lately I've come to also enjoy Labatts, and Heiniken's� not to mention Becks," she smirked as he tossed her the beer. She caught it easily and twisted the cap off.

"The misfit's fave," Wolverine nodded, picking up his bottle and clanking it to hers. "Cheers. To best friends� and lovers�"

"Mm thank you," she sighed as the cold bitter liquid slid down her throat. A gentle buzz resulted after another sip. She moved over and leaned next to him against the tree. He turned and trapped her between himself and the tree, and he leaned down to give her a kiss. She lifted her arms, bottle and all and looped them around his neck. Lips merged, tasting of tobacco and beer, while he tasted her own sweet flavor.

"Guess ya changed yer mind about wantin' to be alone, huh?"

"So sue me," she chuckled. "Any handsome men who brings me a beer is welcome anytime�"

"So you like yer men t' bring ya stuff�"

"What 'men' would THAT be?" she lifted an eyebrow. "One of my many nameless boyfriends I keep in the closet?"

"Don't tell me you don't have some guy who yer carrying a torch for�" he teased. "Cause if ya do, he's gonna have to reckon with six little friends of mine�"

"Why don't you use your enhanced sense of smell and find out for yourself?" she challenged. "I mean with a nose as sensitive as yours you know about as much about me as Jean could with her mind powers."

"I might just take ya up on that," he chuckled, lifting the arm that wasn't around her waist and knocking back another few mouthfuls of beer. She sighed and glanced up through the trees, closing her eyes for a moment. Logan's body warmth transferred to hers, and his weight shifted against her body, and in the taut sinews in his arms. She let his hands continue to rub up against hers as they leaned against the tree and finished their beers.

"Tell me something?" he asked, leaning down to give her another soft kiss.

"What?" Mariko whispered, shivering at him pressing so closely to her.

"How come you don't have a brew more often? You� do with me, but not with the other people�"

"Act more like a human being and less like a walking computer?" she completed.

"That's not what I was gonna say�" he shot back, holding her at arm's length.

"Sorry, jumped the gun� I do that a lot�"

"No worries. Anyway, I was gonna ask ya, why don't ya ever relax unless ya have a few drinks. Not that it's a BAD thing�" he asked. Again he took her hand, this time his fingers rubbed the back of her knuckles. Mariko inhaled sharply when he massaged it in a manner that suggested his appetites were far more towards the sensual than mere comfort.

"Good question," she mumbled.

"There you go getting all wrapped up an tense again," Wolverine observed.

"I'm NOT tense�" she protested, yanking her hand away.

"Uh huh, yeah right," Wolverine shook his head. "You're so tense yer gonna pop a muscle in that pretty neck of yours� didn't ANYBODY ever give ya a backrub or something? One of your�"

"Many ex-boyfriends?" she teased him. "Well not really� it's been ages� why you know someone?"

"Turn around," Wolverine said.

"Huh?"

"Turn around, M'iko," Logan said.

"You mean you're volunteering?" she lifted an amused eyebrow.

"No, the guy behind you� of course I am. Better hurry up an say yes cause I ain't gonna ask again� and this is ONE of the perks of being around me�"

"It'd be really nice� although it might be easier� if I was sitting down�"

"Just what I was thinking�" he said, motioning to the bench. She walked over and sat down, straddling it. Warmth surrounded her from behind as Wolverine straddled the bench behind her, and she felt his strong fingers touch her back. They trailed over her shoulders, and then slowly dug in. Eyes squeezed shut and she hissed.

"Uh oh. Lots worse than I thought," he muttered. "Damn girl what the hell have ya been doing?"

"Don't stop, I can take it rough," she said, and then blushed because she knew Jean said he had a dirty mind.

"Is that a fact?" he chuckled.

"Yeah, laughing boy," she muttered and then hissed again as he pushed in with his thumbs.

"Here?" he asked.

"Yes� right there� god� it hurts� but whatever you're doing� is better than� ouch!"

"Relax an stop fighting so damn hard," he scolded. "If ya want my help� to help you� relax� you're gonna have to cooperate."

He lifted her hair from her neck, and she shivered. Closing her eyes she lowered her shoulders and murmured relief at his touch working along the fibers that seemed knotted and tense. The motion of his fingers rocked her body slightly, and she leaned into him, instinctively arching her back and rolling her shoulders.

"It'd work better if ya lifted yer shirt," he mumbled.

"I knew that was coming," she chuckled, and tugged it up around her neck.

"Now that's interesting�" he muttered, and she shivered at the touch of his hands against her bare skin. "Wasn't expecting that� This is what you get for spending your whole life in front of a computer, damn, since you got here,"

"Logan� mmmmm� I've got� a question� for you," she murmured, between clenched moans of relief.

"Shoot, darlin," he muttered, pressing both thumbs into the exact knots clustered at the apex of her shoulders. Down her spine he ran his hands, and then she flinched and let escape a small gasp as he reached the small of her back, and top of her ass. Then he hit her back with the sides of two hands that vibrated her voice a moment. Then with soft silky touches he lightened to a feather caress before continuing again.

"How can I get Gambit to leave me alone? I mean I TRY to keep Gambit from attacking me and I can't get him to leave me alone� ahhh�. Because Rogue gives me the evil eye�"

"More ya resist, the more he keeps going," Wolverine said. "And if he keeps making an ass of himself, let me know and I'll take care of it�"

"Having someone defending my honor is very� interesting� especially when he's intimidating� ouch�. That�. Mmmm�."

"You don't seem to be� minding�" he said softly. "You and Jubes are the only people here who don't act like I'm gonna slit their throat if they look at me wrong� but yer STILL uptight right now� why?"

"For some reason right now, I am� but it's not in a bad way�

"How do ya feel?" he asked, his hot breath hitting the back of her neck.

"Not so much nervous � just more� um� aroused?"

"You come to the point, huh?" he teased lightly.

"I thought you liked people� especially the one you're in a relationship with� being up front and honest," she murmured.

"I do actually," he answered. "That's why you should just be yourself and fuck what other people think. And so WHAT if Jean or Scott or ANYONE looks at you weird?"

"No� but still�" Mariko murmured.

"Just remember you stood up to one of my worst enemies and walked away living. You could do as much damage to her� suffocate her by sealing off her mouth and nose like ya almost did in training� and also too, they got me to adjust their attitudes if they don't LIKE it," Wolverine whispered, and his lips were right neck to her ear. His hands slid up and down her upper arms, working on the tense muscles there.

"That's the problem� ahhh�. I am a fighter, but what do I do against a telekinetic� or an elemental or a heavy hitter such as storm� What good would weapons forged of my power, even though they are formidable, do in a fight against someone like� hmmmmm�. Rogue� or Jean� or Cyclops, or Magneto?"

"You shouldn't be scared of any dirtball when I'm around," Wolverine growled softly. "Besides if he got close enough� "

"I could� I would kill someone if they were going to kill me first� maybe that's why some of the X-Men think I'm�"

"When did this come up?" he asked. He nosed into her neck, depositing soft kisses just behind one ear as he slid his arms around to embrace her from behind.

"When I was in one on one. Today with Jean. She was asking us how we'd handle a situation� where you had a choice to kill to survive, or kill because you knew someone had done something wrong and you wanted revenge� I said sometimes that it was justified. That some of the bastards DESERVE to be killed� and I got all these dirty looks�"

"Who from?"

"Bobby, Scott, some others. Storm shook her head and chuckled, and Rogue laughed. She jokingly asked how someone like me could think of killing someone� considering I had no idea what surviving was like�"

"And you do, don't you? So friggin what? That's your business�"

"Yes," she nodded. "I mean Storm almost DID kill someone didn't she�"

"Yeah. But turned out that it was better she didn't�" Wolverine murmured. Mariko yelped as his hands again slid around her front and skimmed teasingly over her breasts. She stiffened, and then relaxed.

"You can touch me there� it's all right," she whispered, relaxing. Logan replaced his hands, tracing his fingers down the curve of both breasts lightly, exploring them for the first time.

"But you're supposed to be� relaxing� so let's stop talking about this crap and talk about something else that'll help�" he whispered, and then slid his hands over top and squeezed lightly. She tensed in something either than fear, sensual lust, and he smirked in satisfaction.

"Feels so nice, don't stop," she murmured.

"Don't seem like yer relaxing� heart's beating fast� gonna have to take it to the next level," he murmured and she felt his nose brush against her ear. She let out a sigh, and arched her back, closing her eyes and hoping that he wouldn't stop. His legs pressed up against hers, the fronts of his thighs to the backs of hers, and she felt hardness and a softness that she guessed was his chest flush against her spine. Strong fingers clenched her breasts a bit harder and began to massage them.

"Can I ask what that is?" she chuckled, leaning back and hoping he'd realize she did want him to continue, and that he wouldn't just tease her like the other guys she'd know who touched her and then left before things got interesting. So what if it was only a petting or a feel he was trying to cop. Any touch by someone so desirable was welcome and just having him have his hands on her was worth anything. IT would carry her through those long lab hours.

"I can show ya better if ya turn around," he whispered. She chuckled and did so, with his hands sliding down to her hips. Her mind reeled quickly, trying to anticipate what would happen if she seemed too eager, and yet it wouldn't matter anyway because he could tell if she was bluffing. Best to come clean� on her dirty desires.

Bracketing her knees with his, he tugged her forwards and captured her in his strong arms. That brought her hands against his chest, and she gasped, desire exploding all over her. She half closed her eyes, rubbing her hands over him and praying he wouldn't pull away. Each touch was driving her insane, and making her want this more and more, and praying that someone or something wasn't going to rudely interrupt it. Rubbing his chest harder, she felt his heart steady and strong, and then felt his hands sliding down and over the tops of her breasts once more. Only this time he skimmed his fingers over sensitive nipples through the bra. She leaned forwards, freezing and shivering, but continuing to rub to encourage him non-verbally that she liked it.

"This part of the massage too?" she asked.

"If it will help you relax," he whispered with a mischievous smile on his face. The eyes gleamed with a hunger that had nothing to do with food, and her mouth twitched with anticipation. Sliding her hands up from his chest she fingered his cheeks, sandpaper rough, and the jet-black coarse hair.

Rumbling in his throat he tightened his grip on her arms, and she sighed, letting a gasp escape. She closed her eyes, and leaned forwards to kiss his neck as his teeth seized her ear and nibbled down hers. For a minute she was embarrassed with the noise in her throat and bit her lip to stifle it. She buried her nose in his neck, and worked up the nerve to kiss, but he moved his lips over and she contacted his mouth instead.

Her whimper of delight was swallowed as he squeezed her breasts in an even more suggestive manner. His tongue slid past her parted lips and she tightened her grip on the side of his face, struggling to get her body closer. Her lips firmed on his, pressing hard and wanting to devour the hard kiss that was deepening. He pulled back, a sly smile on his rugged face.

"I wanted this for a long time, I hope that we can continue, because I'm ready," she panted. Her hands slid down the side of his neck with a teasing touch, and then down to his belly where it lay on his thigh. Mariko squeezed there just in the same manner as he had her chest. She then shivered, her finger tightening and then diverting to the sensitive inner thigh. Logan's soft moan aroused her even more.

"I was taking it slow, till you were ready for me. But today I'm not gonna start something I can't finish, cause I can smell that's what you're thinking� stop worrying an let me help you� relax� darling," he whispered, sliding his hands around to her back and pinching her ass firmly to pull her right against him. Her legs were in the way, and he pushed back and slid his legs under hers while lifting her hips with his hands. Michelle was now straddling him, feeling the evidence of what her proximity was doing to him.

"I want to� I�" she panted, tracing her finger where his sideburns started on his angular cheeks. His pupils had dilated to twice their usual size, giving his eyes a feral appearance. Those low rumbling from his throat vibrated throughout them both, and set off urgent tingling in the nether regions of her body. A need to be filled and penetrated by something arose, and she felt it only partially sated by sitting on top of his pelvis.

"Let me get something straight, just say whatever's on yer mind," he growled deeply, seizing a fold of skin and biting down. Mariko cried out, and knew what this meant. She squeezed his thigh higher up, with her fingernails, which dug into his jeans

"I want to be with you� REALLY be with you," Mariko whispered throatily. "I want you to know me better, inside as well as outside�"

"Sounds perfect to me," Logan rumbled. She leaned into his neck and pinched a fold of his skin, biting down. Her nails dug into his back with the hunger surging through her.

"An keep doin that�" he purred, the rumbling through his chest almost a low roar.

"Then you really do want to� I had hoped so much that you did want me� to be intimate with you�" she murmured, biting into the skin between neck and shoulder. Logan hissed in delight at her tongue teasing the captured fold of skin and the sucking on his skin that would leave a mark only if his healing factor didn't obliterate it.

"Ever since ya saw me that first time in the cell even? Wanted to fuck the beast?" he asked, raising an eyebrow with his last doubts.

Mariko swallowed hard, and grabbed his face between her hands. Her lips flushed deeply, parting to show her teeth as she whispered, "You said it not me, and no, not because you were some animal clad in human form, but because I wanted you the man, the mutant just like me every part of him�"

"Darlin�" he said in a husky voice. "That means more to me than�"

"I wanted you then, and I want you even MORE now, Logan-chan," she murmured before his hard kiss cut her off. He grabbed her shirt and she felt the cotton tearing in his grip as she struggled to get out of it.

"You attached to this shirt darlin? Cause this works better on bare skin," he growled in her ear.

She could only manage a nod, her dark eyes dilated like his blue ones were. She guessed or surmised she must be putting out a load of pheromones because his nostrils were flaring and his features were wrinkled with animalistic hunger. "I don't want to let go of you� this shirt won't come off�" she groaned.

"Screw it," he laughed, and she heard the metallic rasp of one claw popping. Grabbing his wrist she guided it and he grinned as he slit her shirt in several places and peeled it off. Hello Kitty suddenly went goodbye in a few strips of shredded cloth.

"You like what you see?" she asked, momentarily shy as he glanced down.

"I like, you know I always have," he nodded, and she leaned her neck back and pulled him to her. The snapping of elastic away from the cold steel sliding under the edge of it told her she would have to scratch one Victoria secret bra. Sandpaper against sensitive nipples almost made her squeal, and he grabbed her hips, pulling her to straddle him even more closely. She rocked instinctively on his lap, and heard the resulting growl vanishing into a moan.

"Mmm Logan-chan, don�t' stop," she gritted through clenched teeth, pulling his head close.

"I don't intend to, till ya relax," he growled, sharpness clenching and nipping sensitive tissue, making her squirm and feel what she was doing to him. For a time he suckled one breast and did the same to the other with his free hand. Then, he pulled away.

"What? Please don't stop I can't stand it if you�" she trailed off.

"It's not you," he murmured, pulling her so her chest was pressed tightly to his. "I smell some douchebag who can't mind his own flamin' business."

"Who, Gambit?"

"Good guess and the first one didn't count," he murmured. Logan let her go and struggled to unbutton his vest. Mariko instinctively covered her breasts with her crossed arms.

"Please, Logan-chan, I don't want to stop�" she trailed off. "I've waited so long for this that I don't want to wait any longer�"

"I don't either, darlin, but I'll be damned if someone's gonna see you before I get a chance," he murmured through clenched teeth as he pushed his vest in her hands. "Put this on�"

That possessive gleam in his eyes told her she shouldn't disobey so she nodded, breathless as Logan tugged her arms through it roughly and fastened the buttons, his breath rasping in and out. Pushing her off his lap, he got up, and she stumbled against him as he gripped her hip and pulled her along with him. Frustrated, he pulled her behind a hedge as she heard the crash of footsteps, and felt his hand pressed over her mouth.

"Cher, you here?" Gambit asked. "Jean said you were out here� ya need to talk? Remy will listen�"

"Not now," she silently mouthed, her skin flaming in embarrassment at almost getting caught. Wolverine's brawny hand clenched insistently to muffle her frustrations against it. Her body screamed for attention and this was only prolonging the agony. An almost inaudible growl rumbled his body behind her, and she half wondered if he wanted to take her in the woods.

Embarrassed she tensed, and felt Wolverine's grip tightening on her. "Don't say a word. Just leave this to me," Wolverine whispered in hear ear as the footsteps vanished. He grabbed her and slung her over his shoulder, and she felt herself being carried through the shade of the trees towards the mansion.

Logan slid his hand away from her hip, gripping her hand in his as he led to the main living quarters. She heard giggling and the loud sound of doors slamming. Professor X was away for the evening with Amelia Vogt, the redheaded consultant who had been helping him run the school since Dr. MacTaggert had suddenly disappeared from the scene.

Past them ran Colossus, who was carrying Kitty over one shoulder. Both of them were laughing, as Peter lowered her and then pressed her against the wall. Wolverine glanced at them slowly making out, and threw a mischievous grin to Michelle. She shook her head and grinned, hoping he'd get the clue to leave them alone as they crept past.

In the lounge sofas were occupied by other students. In front of the stereo she saw a white head of hair bent towards a blue head of hair. She recognized Hank's tufts of hair as his face slid into view, and his brawny blue furred arm closed around Storm's shoulders. There was no jealousy as Michelle realized what was going on, and she was glad because she did not want to have her fun ruined by any sour looks from the weather witch.

On another sofa, she saw Alex leaning to kiss the lips of a green haired girl she recognized as Jean's cousin Lorna. They were touching each other with the tentative clumsiness of two teenagers that seemed so far removed from what she had just experienced. There had been no one quite as consummate as the man who led her by the hand past the young lovers had.

"That's because he's a man, not a guy," she told herself. "And I'm a woman, not a girl."

"Wonder what's gonna happen when Chuck gets home?" Logan whispered as he led her to the kitchen area. Bright light beamed through the French doors, and she heard the clink of glasses and soft laughter. Logan frowned momentarily, and stopped.

"Want to wait here?" he whispered.

"Who's in there�"

"Red n' Slim," he rolled his eyes. "And they ain't making pasta�"

"Oh� you worried about what they're gonna think?" asked Michelle. "We ARE adults� and I'm older than both of them�"

"Slim's got a stick up his butt, that's why and I'm in too good a mood t' have him ruin it," Logan mumbled.

"So what? What about that stuff you told me about living? And fuck what they think?" asked Michelle.

"You're learning fast. Come to think of it, why am I worried," he shook his head with a laugh as he took her hand and walked her in with him. Jean and Scott's faces were fused to one another as Scott had her on the counter, his hips between her legs. Jean opened her eye and saw Michelle there, hand in hand with Logan. Both were creeping silently behind the island in the middle towards the fridge.

Conspiratorially they looked at one another. Damn she moved silently, he realized. A lot more so than most other girls, with a minimum of noise. Whoever trained her must have been a master, for she'd mentioned something about karate and other specialized training. He'd seen the katas of a less mainstream school of karate, mingled with other shortcuts someone wouldn't learn at Tiger Schulman's. Even though her skin was a few shades lighter than a typical Japanese girl's, her hair was still that dark bluish black and her eyes were bottomless pools of black that were far opposite from Jean's.

They nestled on his bed together, the flickering lights from the television screen playing across them like a fireplace. He pulled the blanket more securely around her body, and she rested against him. On the bedspread lay a tray with various food items, and the dishes and bowls she had grabbed from her room.

"Try it," she said, holding a piece of the wrapped seaweed around rice.

"I ain't a vegetarian darlin�" he joked.

"C'mon, I KNOW you know what this is�" she whispered as she nibbled at the leftovers that were fast disappearing between them.

"If you give me some of that," he answered, and moved up close to her. He wasn't a big otaku, and it seemed like a stereotype, but he DID prefer the uncut versions of Dragon Ball Z, not to mention some of the other DVDs she had stacked up.

"I know you don't mind THIS too much," she answered as he knocked back the rest of his beer, and glanced at the empties.

"Damn, when I want to get hammered�" he muttered.

"I've got something far better," she said. "I got it from the fridge�"

"Ohh darlin ya shouldn't have," he murmured as she pulled out a bottle of sake, and hunted around the stuff in his room.

"You never used THIS the right way� and you claim that you lived there�" she joked as she wiped the dust out of the two small cups and poured the fermented rice wine into them. "Besides that tastes better with this� it was a present from dad on my 21st�"

She had unbuttoned the Harley vest and wore the Toronto Maple leaves shirt that someone had gotten him as a gag gift. Granted he didn't give a rats tail about hockey unless it got good and violent, and he thought the rangers were a better team, even if Mac didn't think so. The tang of the sake burned down his throat and he relished it after god knows how long. Scrambled memories could haunt him, but he felt at ease with the shy yet brutally honest woman curled next to him on his bed as they watched old Japanese romance movies.

"You watch these with Red?" he asked.

"She couldn't stand the cultural references that she couldn�t get," muttered Michelle as she hugged her knees and glanced at the screen. "And I couldn't stand those trashy harlequins. Too ridiculously sappy�"

Michelle took another swig of the sake, and pushed the rest of her sushi to the side. He finished it off as she attacked the rest of the fried chicken and mozzarella sticks. Anything in the fridge was fair game, and they had eaten far more together than she could have imagined.

"Actually they're not so horrible. At least Jeannie liked 'em," he mumbled.

"Let's not talk about her, let's talk about what you were going to do before we were interrupted, more about you helping me relax�" she murmured.

"Oh yeah� that WAS an interesting subject�" he murmured, and fumbled at the buttons on his vest, which she helped him undo. Breath rasping he squeezed her breasts, working them with his fingers as the barely audible growl increased. "Gonna help ya relax� if ya trust me�"

"I wouldn't have let you bring me here if I didn't� Logan-chan�"

He covered her lips in a rough yet tender kiss, his breath merging with hers. "Mmm, sweet. Just as sweet as you did that first taste�" he said as he released her lips.

"I want� I need you NOW, Logan," she gasped, reaching for his thigh and pinching it tightly.

"Yeah so you are� you're aching for it�" he cooed as he cradled her head in his hands. "And I so wanna be the man to help you out�"

Mariko slid her hand higher. Logan moved and she touched his own desperate need. "Then help me out� let me get to know you in all ways� you know I'm ready�"

"No doubt about that. But I'm gonna ask ya a favor, just this once�"

"Name it," she panted, rubbing him and feeling his response.

"Just this time you gotta submit to me, yield all yer control. Not cause I'm gonna hurt ya, but cause I can't stop myself� and I need to know ya trust me enough to help ya relax�"

"I don't want you to stop� I'm yours, Logan-chan," she trailed off, and pulled him down for another greedy kiss as he pinned her wrists with his hands and straddled her hips.

"Hope you're not attached to these pants� cause they're in my way�" he growled, light flashing off the adamantium skewers erupting from his wrists. She nodded, knowing those blue eyes could see in the dimmest light. Cloth hissed as he sliced through it and she lay back, yielding to him and letting him know she trusted him. To back away in fear from a predator was unwise, and she knew Logan wanted her. And he in turn could smell how badly she was.

"You need to relax BAD� and I'm just the one t' do it to ya� ever since I smelled ya in the cell I wanted to do this�" he rumbled, sliding his finger down between her thighs and making her gasp as she felt him touch her. She tossed her head back and forth, moaning as she felt his fingers slip inside. Already she felt him withdraw and moisten his fingers before reaching down to throw her knees over his shoulders.

Mariko bit her lip as she fastened her hands onto his scalp and nodded, as he tasted her desire. Something blinding white exploded behind her eyes, and she lost all control of her body when his lips and tongue kissed her intimately and hungrily. The sensitive skin on her inner thighs was almost burned by the friction of stubble and hot breath. A laugh and a low rumbling roar of possessiveness from him when she finally recovered told him he was satisfied.

"I want to touch you and give you the same pleasure�"

"Uh uh darlin, I'm in charge�" he scolded her. "You'll get your chance later�"

"Yes, just don't stop, I beg you� mmmm Logan�."

"I like the sound of that darlin," he laughed, and she lay back, yielding. "Perfect. You're doing just what you should�"

"I want to� because I've wanted this for so long�" she murmured.

"I ain't gonna lie. You're so tense and tight� it's gonna hurt� when I really get to work," Wolverine panted through sharp teeth bared to nibble along her jaw without breaking the skin. Gripping her hips, he kneed her legs apart, and she felt his hips and something hot and hard sliding down. A savage quick thrust invaded, and she let out a cry, gripping him tightly as she sobbed. Still he pushed; thrusting with his hips forward and her legs reflexively tightened on him with the pain that shot through her.

"Easy darlin, easy I got ya� this is the worst part�." Wolverine stopped and shushed her, crushing her close and pushing his deepest.

"Don't stop," she gritted her teeth, wriggling there. "It hurts and feels so good� I want more�"

"Gonna have to do a LOT of work here," he laughed in her ear, fingers almost bruising her hips. "Lots and lots� because you've been waiting for SOO long� haven't you?"

"I� oho god," she gasped.

"I know it hurts now darlin� but trust me�. Let go� and it's gonna hurt so good you'll be screaming for release as ya� relax�" he grunted, each word with a forward thrust behind it.

Mariko inhaled deeply, releasing the tension in her body. He growled and nipped her lip lightly. "That's it� let me in darlin� let me work on ya�"

"Logan I� damn�" she yelped as she dug her nails in and felt his hands slid over to pinch and grasp and slide over her body. Relinquishing all control, she let her body be carried away like he had over that wall.

"Don't think about it. Just give it up� cause yer not in control," he growled loudly. "That's it� give it up� yes you feel so good� I'm getting there� more� more�"

Fingers slid between them, and she rocked her hips against the added stimulation, letting her cries loose because he wasn't bothering to stifle his. Pain gave way to pressure, and tingles of electrical fire that burst over her nerves. Her throat tightened and her desire raged as he hammered home and filled something she didn't know was such a deep need. His size was imposing and for a moment her rational brain wondered if this would work. Yet it must, because he buried himself to the hilt in her wetness each stroke in.

Her body spasmed one moment, clenching on all sides as she was deeply impaled. Crushed under the muscle and bone laced with adamantium she felt conquered and safe simultaneously. Hands that would rip and kill were kneading and caressing her to reach the moon and back at the speed of light. Her senses couldn't make logical conclusions they were so overloaded. A million sights and sounds and smells gelled into his taste and his scent. Only one part of her mind remembered that there was no barrier between them because she hadn't anticipated getting anywhere this far with anyone.

The heaving as inevitable as the moon tugging on the sea continued. She plummeted from the silvery moon, increasing velocity as she burned up in the atmosphere and crashed back into what she would call a body. The other half of her that wasn't her intellect but was pure instinct moved along with Logan, matching his desires and biting hard into his shoulder as he thrust as far in as he could go. Their bodies were locked into one organism when he tensed, and she felt the hot volcanic release flood and stun her. Helpless she lay tangled in him when her body and mind integrated and she realized she was breathing labored breaths under his limp body. Sweat and chill were negated with the rush of sticky heat in her innermost core, and his skin sticking to hers.

Through their combined bodies she felt the rumbling and realized part of it was coming from her own throat. Her body was completely and utterly relaxed. Every muscle glowed with weariness and satisfaction that migrated from her body into his and back again in a feedback loop that made her want to be connected to him for a very long time.

"There we go, just right, just perfect�" he panted in her ear. A huge sigh of contentment vibrated through him as he bound her with arms sliding under her body.

"Logan-chan, that was incredible�" she murmured, rubbing his sideburned face.

"Feeling better?" he asked, stroking her cheek with the back of his hand. He swept her hair out of her face.

"Do you HAVE to ask?" Mariko purred softly.

"You're welcome, darlin," he laughed, and she felt the hard kiss that completed the whole process like dessert from a filling meal. Returning his sigh, she felt him shift his weight off her and lay her alongside him. Still he twined her in his arms and the weariness slid around both.

"I absolutely enjoyed every minute of that� I wish I'd asked you sooner�" she murmured.

"I wanted to wait till you were ready, M'iko," he whispered. "Cause you're worth the wait� wanted to do it RIGHT this time�"

"And you did absolutely," she said as she kissed him.

"I wanna fuck you like an animal!!! I wanna feel ya from the IN side�"

"Boku wa dare?" she mumbled, and clamped a hand over her ear. Damn song, blasting so loud at this time of night! She shifted and realized something was preventing her from moving. Or rather someone. A leg pinned hers to the surface of a bed, and a brawny arm pressed her breasts into her chest. On her back she lay in a position she would never take unless she felt absolutely safe. If not for the muscular arm she would have rolled off the edge of the bed and onto the floor.

"You bring me closer to GOD!" some singer screamed along with a discordant guitar and synthesizer line, as she tossed her head at the loud throbbing base beat coming from next door

"Shimata," she cursed, and then realized she was doing it again.

The noise continued, and she heard a voice next to her banging on the wall and yelling, "Shut that friggin noise off before I shut it off before ya, icicle butt!"

"Fuck you Wolfman Jack," came a laugh from just outside the door.

"No I came already," the voice next to her shouted back.

Thankfully the noise stopped and she heard a laugh and a thump of footsteps running down the hall. They were heavy and she heard a Russian voice shout, "Chert! I didn't see you there, Havoc!"

"Why don't you and Pryde find some other place to play cat and mouse�" came a slurred voice that she recognized as her teammate.

"And leave you and Lorna t' play, nepradva li?" came Colossus' laugh and another giggle which sounded like Kitty Pryde.

"Get the hell outta my hall, Alexander the putz!" Bobby snapped. "Lorna's in here, not out there�"

"Bobby, shhh!" came Lorna Dane's laugh, muffled.

"I'm going to kill someone," she mumbled.

"Leave that t' me darlin'," someone growled in her ear and she blinked fully awake. Her senses returned the next moment when she realized that it wasn't her bed, and that she was crushed next to a very muscular and toned male.

"Normally I'd say I like that song� but not that loud," she whispered.

"You ain't kidding," he muttered. "Wait here an' I'll deal with 'em�"

"Don't bother Logan-chan� I'm nice and warm here," she murmured.

"Good, cause I sure as hell don't wanna move� though I'm gonna kill Drake when I get my hands on him� I friggin' HATE him blasting that goddamn stereo. Jesus Christ it's frigging ten at night!"

"Ten at night? You're joking," Michelle gasped, jerking to sit, but Wolverine's arm pinned her down.

"Got somewhere ya gotta be?"

"We slept RIGHT through dinner," she mumbled, and her stomach growled with fierce hunger. "Not that I mind�"

"I wouldn't either, darlin, but ya got a point�" he murmured, stirring as he pinched a breast affectionately. His arm retracted and he sat up, his shape dark against the silver moonlight beaming through vertical blinds. On her side she lay, facing away from him, and she turned over, unable to eliminate the smile that was present on her lips.

She reached over and kissed him. Logan's arm swept her in and he devoured her kiss eagerly. Mariko thrust her tongue into his mouth more aggressively than before, and Logan wrapped himself around her, groaning with animalistic delight. "I cannot get enough of you�" she whispered.

"Same here� don't stop now�" he growled as she reached for him, and hungrily kissed her back. She bit down on his tongue.

"I don't want to leave," she murmured. "But some things� can't wait�"

"I know. Be right back darlin, don't bail on me," he whispered as he kissed her neck and she felt the bed shift as he leapt over her and out of it. She stifled a laugh as she heard him moving into what must be the private bathroom. The upperclassmen got their own facilities, and she knew what he must be doing as she lay there, hugging herself and chuckling. Damn did she feel good. She half wondered what Gambit would think if he saw THIS.

Just outside the door, she heard the Cajun accent, "Mon ami, have you� hic� seen the Cherie�"

"If you mean Jubester� she's in the girl's dorm� isn't she kinda jailbait?"

"No, not the petit� Remy lookin' for the lady�"

"Tell ya what� get Lorna outta Bobby's room, an I'll find Rogue for ya�"

"Not Marie� no� I mean� la belle Cherie� you know� Madame Butterfly�"

"Oh, ya mean Hank's sidekick? I haven't seen her all day�" said Havoc. "Maybe she's spending a late night in the lab with blue boy�"

"You wish," chuckled Michelle to herself. She felt a soft lick on her neck as he returned and slid under the covers next to her.

"Hey Bobby!" shouted Gambit and she heard the pounding of a fist on wood. "Remy wanna talk to ya� heard ya need something for da party?"

"Huh� oh hiya� it's a little early for Mardi Gras�"

"Remy got a bottle of fine French wine for you�" came Gambit's laugh. She heard a yelp and a squeal that sounded like Lorna Dane, and then Bobby's shout.

"You son of a bitch� bring her back�"

"Find your own date," came Havoc's laugh.

"You� dammit�"

"Easy mon ami� Gambit got a girl for you� maybe the petit want ya instead? She askin' about you�"

"You mean the valley girl? She's only 14!"

"She a very worldly 14� if da truth be told," Gambit chuckled.

"Ohhh yeah� where is she?"

"You help Remy find da girl, and we make the beautiful music together with the wine and women�" Remy slurred. Bobby laughed and they heard the thump of their feet down the hall.

"Now I've heard it all," Logan whispered as she hid her face in the pillow and laughed hysterically.

"Maybe they don't NEED a date when they got each other!" she squealed.

"Yeah, maybe, darlin," he laughed, his chest rising and falling against her back.

"Still, Jubilee is only 14� and I hate the thought of anyone having sex with her so young�" muttered Michelle.

"Yeah. Want me to go carve an icicle for ya?"

"Yes� after I gift wrap him and Mister Mardi Gras with ten miles of plastic�" she agreed.

"It's a date. And then we can get some food an' relax some more," Logan growled into her neck as he kissed her again. Mariko moaned against his lips and their tongues slid together as they shared another intimate kiss. Every part of her was inundated with his scent and feel she guessed. There was no doubt in her mind that she'd been with him.

"Bathroom's that way darlin� mind the stuff on the floor�"

"You destroyed my clothing, what am I expected to wear?"

"Nothing while you're up here� but nah� I don't wanna have to hide the bodies when I nail whoever's looking at you like that�" he joked as she left, and then returned a few minutes later. She yelped and he caught her.

"Sorry�"

"Those your hustler magazines?" she teased.

"Um� yeah� I� um�"

"Logan-chan, before you say anything else, remember how much explicit material is in anime. You know I like it when people are� adventurous� I mean the articles ARE interesting�"

"Mmm, I think this is the next big step in a beautiful relationship," he purred as he moved up and caressed her from behind. His hands cupped her breasts and felt their weight, tracing down her sides to her hips.

She chuckled, and then he released her. There was an audible rustling of cloth, and she saw Logan moving in the shadows, reaching for something in a pile of shapes. A soft object hit her in the face, followed by another. "This should work," he said. She nodded, feeling the shape of a T-shirt, and slid it on. It was generous and she realized there was also a pair of his boxer shorts that he'd also tossed. Pulling them on, she sat on the bed and saw him shimmy into a pair of jeans. Even though her night vision wasn't exactly like his, she could see shapes and shadows reasonably well. Not to mention a soft glow from the white shirt he pulled on. The thump of boots being pulled on and his steps against the floor accompanied his shape striding over to rest his hands on her shoulders.

"Ready?" he asked.

"As I'll ever be," she nodded as he helped her up. He steadied her with an arm tightly around her hips as she stumbled on shaky legs.

"Watch out� close your eyes," he urged as he unlocked and opened the door. He put something else into her hands and she realized it was his Harley vest.

"What's this for? I have a T-shirt�"

"I shredded your bra. An it IS a white T shirt I handed ya� and I don't want someone ELSE getting any ideas�" he murmured as his grip on her tightened.

"Ah," she nodded, feeling a strange sense of foreboding, and a secret thrill. This must be more than just a one time deal with him being suddenly so possessive.

"I'll be damned," Storm muttered as she rubbed her head and hunted for the syrup.

"Liebchen, you don't look so good," Nightcrawler said as he teleported over, carrying a stack of pancakes. "Perhaps some carbohydrates?"

"Hand em over here, fuzzy," Kitty Pryde said.

"Da, some for me as well, Katya. You know now why I forbade you to drink� nepradva li?"

"Yep, Pete, and you are right�"

"You're all a bunch of big weenies," Jubilee said as she sauntered in, and sat at one of the breakfast tables. "Leaving ME out of the game�"

"That's because wolverine would skewer us if we let you," said Kitty. "You're the youngest�"

"Still, you were there," said Jubilee as she grabbed the box of Lucky Charms and poured herself a big bowl. "Okay, who took the chocolate milk?"

"Here it is, kleinchen," said Kurt as he pushed it over towards him.

"Knock it off with the diminutives, Fuzzy," Jubilee winced. "Just cause YOU got back before the fun last night�"

"So, where is Logan? I owe him some beer. I've got some Dinkel acker�" Kurt said.

"Morning folks," Logan said as he entered the kitchen, and sat down. "Elf, you're a sight for sore eyes� when did you blow into town?"

"Last night," he said. "And I have the beer I owe ya�"

"How many cases is it now?" Colossus asked.

"Ten," Storm said as she rubbed her head.

"Hangover?" Logan asked. Kurt eyed the Japanese woman in the kimono who was glancing around the kitchen, and raised an eyebrow.

"Hello Kurt," Mariko said as she hunted through the fridge. "Nice to see you�"

"Ah, I didn't recognize you at first, liebchen," he said. "Very nice�"

"So, where's the others?" she asked. She grabbed a frying pan and started clanging pots and pans as she hunted for items. Kurt maneuvered over and reached ingredients out of the fridge as Logan took a seat by Jubilee. She was stuffing her face with cereal while Kitty sipped on orange juice.

"You don't have to do that," said Storm.

"I'd like to, so sit down and relax," Mariko said. "Since the cook's not on duty, just deal with it�"

"Hangover remedy?" asked Kitty.

"Absolutely," Mariko said as she poured the pancake batter, and Kurt helped to put more toast into the toaster oven. Between them they brewed fresh coffee while Storm rubbed her brow.

"The others are hung over, probably," said Storm. "I know Rogue and Gambit are. And then Jean is� she slipped into Scott's bedroom with a bottle of tequila�"

"I won't ask where she found that," said Logan with a chuckle. "I guess ol' Charley's gonna have words with golden boy when he gets back."

"Hey, any grub around here?" groaned Alex Summers as he dragged in, alongside Lorna. She looked a bit worse for wear.

"Coffee, pancakes?" asked Kurt.

"Hey," Alex said.

"Let me help you with that," Lorna said as she saw Michelle rushing about with the plates. "That's a lovely robe you have� wherever did you get it?"

"Kyoto," she said. "I can get you the name of the tailor� you can order them off the internet� for a good price�"

"M'ko, get over here and eat something," Logan muttered as he saw her and Lorna Dane serving breakfast.

"Michelle, are you all right?" Storm asked her as she served some scrambled eggs. "I'm sorry about what Gambit and Bobby did�"

"It's okay, Ororo," said Mariko. "No worries. Coffee?"

"Thanks," Storm said as she leaned back and grabbed the cup. The pot made it around the table before a blue furred paw took it.

"May I trouble you ladies for a morning repast�"

"Watch out blue boy, your IQ's going up with your fur color," Jubilee joked.

"since when did he start talking like a dictionary, or a thesaurus?" Kitty whispered.

"Oh, he's doing that to impress Ororo," Colossus whispered to her.

"These are good, Shelly, thanks," said Alex as he drowned his pancakes in syrup. Jubilee and Kitty exchanged questioning glances when they happened to see Logan's watchful eye on her more than usual.

"Are they�" Kitty trailed off.

"Uh huh," Jubilee nodded, grabbing the coffee before someone again reminded her of her junior X man status. Colorful robes, pajamas, and boxers were all the fashions everyone sported. Wolverine still had on his robe and boxers, but he seemed extremely more relaxed than usual.

"Is it just me, or is Logan extremely happy, considering the morning hour?" Kurt whispered to Ororo.

"I think he got lucky," she said with a smile.

"Doesn't he usually on Friday nights?" Kurt grinned. "Is that his lady there� the schoene fraulein with the beautiful kimono?"

"That's what I'd like to know," Storm said with a half smile. "This is going to be interesting�"

"At least he's not pining over Jean�" Kurt nodded. "Very good."

"Darlin, will ya sit down an join the rest of us?" Logan asked as he caught her hand.

"Just a few minutes, I need to make more coffee.."

"Knock it off will ya," he teased further.

"Be patient," she smiled as she walked past. "There's more on the way�"

"Terrific," he rolled his eyes. She was an awful lot more relaxed, and Lorna was giving a hand, as was Kurt. It didn't totally fall on her shoulders.

"So, Remy's not the only one getting up late, eh Ororo?" Gambit asked as he wandered in rubbing his eyes. His black silk robe came to his knees, and his lean legs were visible as he walked over and gave Storm a kiss on the cheek.

"You smell like booze," Logan muttered. "Get outta here, Cajun."

"Ohhh, what have we here� breakfast prepared by two lovely ladies," Gambit rubbed his hands together. "But you forgot the spices� may I kiss the cooks?"

He moved over to Lorna, and Alex said, "You do and you get more than spice, Mr. Marde Gras!"

"Ohhh well, we can't have that�"

"What's cooking good looking?" Bobby asked as he wandered in.

"I wanted to apologize for last night," Gambit said as he walked over to Mariko.

"It was a misunderstanding, no hard feelings," she smiled sweetly as she handed him a plate of pancakes. "Hello Bobby�"

"Hello nurse," he said.

"Pancakes?"

"Heck yeah� by the way I'm sorry about last night I um� acted like a jerk� and I hope you don't take it the wrong way when I tell ya look really pretty today Shelly. What did ya do to y our hair�"

"Thanks Bobby, and it's okay," she said as she walked past with a fresh plate of hotcakes, bacon and sausage. Alex grabbed Lorna as she went by, and put her on his lap. Hank sat next to Ororo, and Gambit glanced around for a place to sit.

"Let the cooks sit down�"

"C'mon darlin, do we have to glue ya to a chair?" Logan asked as he glanced at Mariko.

"He's right, Cherie, why not rest those pretty feet of yours," Gambit said as he caught her hand and kissed it.

"Move yer hand or loose it bub," Logan growled audibly to Gambit. He widened his eyes.

"Pardonnez moi�" Gambit said as he let go. "I'm very sorry�"

"Yeah, yeah, will ya sit down already, darlin' or do I have to make ya?" Logan asked as he grasped her wrist and pulled her toward him. She was surprised when he planted her on his lap in full view of everyone. Eyebrows went up all around the table.

"What are y'all staring at? Ah don't look THAT bad," Rogue exclaimed.

"Cherie, you be a sight for sore eyes," Gambit said as he moved over to territory that wasn't claimed.

"Yeah, right," Storm laughed to Kitty. Both girls giggled as Gambit put the moves on the Southern Belle and directed her to share a chair.

"Logan don't be silly," Mariko whispered as he held her on his lap.

"You stop with the domestic stuff, and eat something or I'll punish ya," he joked half seriously. "Stop getting into that geisha mode�"

"I thought you liked it when women waited on you men hand and foot," she whispered back.

"Only around me," he whispered.

"Something you want to tell us, Logan?" asked Storm with a grin.

"Yeah, you seem pretty� familiar� you two�" said Bobby as he looked at them, blinking.

"None o' yer business, bub," Wolverine said. He noticed Gambit and Rogue feeding each other, and the attention had shifted to Kurt telling about his latest exploits on the mission he was taking with Angel and Psilocke who were still probably in bed. He began to feed her some of the food from his plate, and she playfully ate it from his fork and fingers. She fed him in turn, and laughed as he licked syrup off her fingers.

"Shelly an Wolvie sittin' in a tree� k-I-s-s-I-n-g," joked Bobby.

"Ignore him, he's just jealous," Mariko whispered as Logan gave Bobby a nasty look.

"I'm to believe that you two are in a relationship?" Beast asked.

"Yeah, got a problem with it, bub?" asked Wolverine as he looked at hank.

"My congratulations then," Hank said. "You're a fortunate man�"

"Sweet," said Storm.

"I think so," Jubilee nodded. "Although if it gets as mushy as THOSE two�"

She nodded towards Alex and Lorna, who were kissing one another between bites of food. Colossus and Kitty were also nudging one another with bites of food and whispers as they looked in Logan and Mariko's direction. Even Gambit and Rogue were in on the spring fever, whispering and joking to Alex and Lorna.

"Don't that beat all," Rogue whispered. "Those two�"

"I guess," Alex blinked. "Does this mean you'll stop giving her the evil eye? Now that she's shagging the Wolvester?"

"Can you be any more crude, mes ami?" Gambit made a face. "We don't know for sure, do we?"

"Aw come on, Remy, you know an afterglow when ya see it," Rogue rolled her eyes.

"Remy can only hope� although breathing with twelve inches of adamantium is difficult� non?" he sighed wistfully.

"Wonder what Jean's gonna think?" Rogue smirked.

"I think Scott wouldn�t mind," whispered Lorna. "He's going to be relieved�"

"But how long will it last?" asked Alex. "Michelle and he are teammates� if he dumps her�"

"Guys, they only just got together. Besides, they're happy so who cares? Why don�t' we mind our own business for a change?" Kitty asked.

"I agree. Leave them be�" Storm nodded. "Be happy for them�"

Wolverine felt Mariko squirm on his lap. He slid his hand over hers and said, "Let's go someplace else. All these people are makin' me nervous�"

"If you like," she said. "But they seem to be taking it well� albeit they're already wondering if we're going to�"

"Let 'em wonder. Do we care? Nah," Wolverine shrugged. "Besides, they need to mind their own flamin' business� glad Storm has the sense to see that�"

"But how will they take�"

"Shh darlin, we'll just have to decide how to break it to them�"

"Not us I mean� I mean who I really�" she protested till she felt his lips touch hers.

"Ix nay darlin," he whispered. "You don't have to tell them anything you don't want them to know. It's your business�"

"You're right� excuse us everyone�" she said as she got up, and Wolverine stood by her. He slid his hand around her waist and walked her out of the kitchen with a wave to Storm and Hank. The others were whispering, and looking towards Havok and Lorna and a sulking bobby to notice them leaving. Close behind and to the left were Hank and Storm, who were walking to Storm's room up the back stairs.

"That went well," Mariko whispered as she felt Logan's arm tighten possessively around her.

"Uh huh. And if anyone says anything, they'll have to reckon with six little friends of mine," he whispered.

"You're hot when you're mad," she whispered.

"Don't ya know it darlin," he laughed as he stroked her hip. "You know I like this kimono on you� although I'll like it even more OFF you when we get back to my room�"

"You just like it because nobody's going to look at me in a skimpy nightgown," she teased.

"No lies, darlin," Logan nodded. "And we've got all Saturday to prove that point� though I kinda got the urge to blow this popstand an' have ya to myself�"

"You and me running away together?" she asked.

"Call it that," he chuckled as he walked her upstairs to the men's dormitory. He unlocked his door and stopped to give her a kiss before pulling her inside by the hand. Locking the door behind them, he turned to her, and wrapped his arms around her. He growled meaningfully and pressed her against the wall. Lips covered hers and he pressed his body to hers, thrusting his tongue into her mouth. Laughing she let him unfasten the kimono and strip it aside.

"Again?" she asked.

"You game darlin? I don't wanna hurt ya�"

"I've got lots of lost time to make up for," Mariko chuckled as he lifted her in his arms and hugged her tightly. He lay her on the bed and she reached up to help him off with his jeans and shirt.

"Damn I need you now," he whispered.

"Fast and hard this time?" she asked. He nodded, his eyes dilated and his body hungry. He nibbled all over her bare flesh with light nips and gentle growls, taking his time to taste her among a certain urgency. She laughed and stoked his hair, petting and rubbing his body till he went crazy with sensory overload.

"Can't wait� sorry darlin�you're making me nuts�" he rumbled.

"You can have me� don�t' worry�" she whispered. "This time it's for you�"

Logan grabbed her hips and buried himself inside with a desperate growl. IT was almost relief for him as he thrust deeply and started to move. "But I want you� to enjoy this too� M'iko�" he panted. He thrust his finger between them and found her pleasure center, and she moaned as he added the extra stimulation.

"Ohh that's�" she babbled, as he increased his pace.

"Gonna last longer than I thought," he murmured. "But even if I don't� there's plenty more� where this came from�"

"I can't get enough of you," she whispered, kissing him hard and nipping his lips as she dug her fingers into him.

"Ohh yes, I like that�" he snarled. "All the better�"

They rolled over for a while as he nipped at her neck and suckled on her breasts. He locked his arms under her shoulders and crouched on the bed, bringing her to sit up on his lap. Her lips opened wide and she tensed multiple times long before he was done. She had only had sex a few times before this with woefully inexperienced men, and she hoped that he didn't mind.

Why should she? Logan had plenty of women, so why the double standard? "You with me darlin?" Logan growled, noticing her mind wander.

"Yes� sorry�" she whispered.

"Just you and me here M'iko, nobody else�" Wolverine whispered, nibbling and biting at her ear. He ran his hands over the scars and kissed them, pulling out of her for a moment. She saw her nude body in the daylight, and noticed the ruggedness of his flesh next to her smooth skin. She lay back on the bed and raised her legs up. He nodded, smiling in satisfaction as he put her knees over his shoulders and thrust in again.

"Logan, do it to me," she mock growled, and he obliged. She shifted her hips and he let out a sharp cry as he felt himself closer to climax than he expected. Running her hands over his forearms she rubbed along and half wondered if she could feel the sheathed claws through his skin and muscles. There was no sign or visible trace, and she soon spun into a blissful series of orgasms that drove the query from her mind.

He roared loudly and thrust one last time deeply. She held him close to her as she had in that cell, wrapping tightly around him and kissing him hard. His arms crushed her to him and he buried his deepest, releasing his passion into her. Mariko let out a low moan that drove him over the edge and they collapsed on the bed together, panting.

"Don't wanna move, M'iko," Logan sighed as he lay there, still hard inside of her.

"I don't want to move either," she whispered back.

"You sore darlin? Cause I can stop if�"

"Remember� those borrowed genes are good for something� because as fast as you recover from lovemaking, so do I�"

"Hmm?" he asked and saw her meaningful smile.

"Means, Logan Chan, that we can do this as many times as you want or need, and you won't hurt me," she said as she rolled him over and Logan sighed with relief as she moved again.

"Healin factor's how close to mine again?" he asked, thrusting wickedly. "Creed's gonna so regret this�"

"At least one half the rate of yours," Mariko moaned under him. "Half of my genetic makeup was substituted�"

"Half is good," Logan murmured. "VERRRY good�"
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