Adult-FanFiction.org : Marvel 'Verse

The Old Apartment	By : Polymer Category: X-men Comics > Het - Male/Female > Logan/Jean Views: 4019 -:- 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
- 1
- 2
- 3
Unexpected
Bedfellows
By Trynia
Merin
Summary: Missing Scene

Disclaimer: I don't own X men, Marvel Comics does! This is FANFICTION, not for profit, but for entertainment only! This applies to ALL the following chapters as well!!!

Here is my
take on a Logan/Jean pairing. So far I think this is a one shot series. It's a
fusion of Animated Series and the Comicverse. I got inspired after reading some
great Jean/Logan shipper fic by Redfenix, and Eiluned. You guys rock,
incidentally!
I hope this
is different enough to keep people interested! I was wondering what happened
between the events where Logan clocked Storm in the head after he smelled Jean
at the ruins of her parent's home back in Uncanny X men� oh hell I forget the
exact number! Because during the X-Tinction agenda he was very familiar with
Jean, especially in that cell. I wanted to give a stab at a 'missing scene' and
this might be contradictory but hey, it's all in fun. It could be considered
'alternate universe' for those who wanna nitpick. Reviews and flames welcome,
provided they are helpful!
The apartment
Logan has in this story is
the same place that he has in my Sidekick story. You could say that this was a
companion story that answered the question why Jean was the only other person
who knew about the apartment :VEG:

Chapter
1
Logan knew who it was before he even pulled the
draw chain, and unlocked all three deadbolts. Jean stood there, her hand raised
to knock as she saw him peer through the narrow opening. "Hi Red..."
he said softly.
"I guess
I'm the last person you expected to see here..."
"C'mon in
Jeannie, you know you're always welcome here," he said, slipping the
drawchain aside, and reaching out his hand to her. She reluctantly extended the
hand, and let his large fingers slide around and give her slender ones a
squeeze.
Stepping over
the threshold, Jean entered his world. The small apartment smelled of cigars,
brandy, and fabric softener. She stood just inside, and Logan said, "C'mon in,
sit down... can I get you somethin' t' drink..."
"Sure,"
Jean said as she resigned herself to this. She had to talk to someone or she'd
go mad. Logan sensed her tension,
and closed the door behind her as she walked into the sitting area. The green
plaid sofa had seen better days, but the knitted bedspread draped over it was a
nice touch. Jean sat down behind the glass-topped coffeetable and peered at the
large green glass ashtray with the gothic L on it. She shifted it with one
finger, and saw the magazines neatly piled on the table. Wolverine grabbed the
stack of national geographics mingled with hustler quickly and she saw the look
of apology cross his face.
He rushed into
the kitchen, and she sensed his embarrassment at not having better prepared for
her arrival. Yet it was tidy enough to be healthy, and messy enough to be
happy. Not neurotically clean and neat like Scott preferred.
"Leaded
or unleaded?" came his voice, muffled in the refrigerator.
"Sorry..."
she called back.
"Something
like a soft drink or something heavier?" he asked again.
"Oh...
something alcoholic..." she said. "Surprise me..."
"Whatever
ya want, Red. Make yerself at home..." Logan called back. She
kicked off her high-heeled pumps and rested her feet on the coffee table with a
smile. Leaning back she tipped her head and let her arms drop at her sides.
Something about this place was conducive to loosening the stiffness inside.
Yet there was
wildness about the frames filled with prints of war pictures, framed medals
from several campaigns, and the psychic vibrations of anger and fear tingling. Logan's thoughts were
difficult to read, and she couldn't sense anything but basic emotions after
what Reed Richards had done.
Logan strode into view with two martini glasses and
a bottle of soda and cranberry juice. He set both down on the kitchen table,
and she heard the sounds of liquids being poured along with the plunk of ice. A
shaking sound indicated a mixing, followed by another pouring. Then he came
back into view holding two Cosmopolitans. Jean widened her eyes. He remembered
her favorite drink?
Logan passed one to her, and she took it with a
confused smile. "Thanks... how did you..."
"I'm no
idiot, Red. I remember some things," he smirked as he sat down in the
battered lazyboy recliner. She sipped the drink and saw as he tipped a
judicious amount back.
"Thanks,"
she said.
"So
Red... been a while," he said slowly.
"I don't
know why I came here, I guess you're surprised," said Jean slowly as she
swirled the ice in her glass and looked down at her feet propped on the table.
"No I'm
not Red. After I smelled ya at yer parents place, I figured I needed t' do some
diggin. I'm only sorry ya thought the X men were dead... if I'd known..."
"It's
okay Logan... I'm just glad you had the good sense to
call the Avengers and leave a message for X Factor..." she trailed off.
"And you called asking for Red..."
"I didn't
think ya'd call back, Jeannie," Logan said. "But it was
sure damn good to hear your voice on the phone..."
"I
remembered the number," Jean said. "When you left that weird message
with Jarvis... I was stunned to learn you were still alive... that you'd
smelled me..."
"I'd know
yer scent anywhere, Red," Logan said with a gleam in
his eyes. "Then I heard all about X Factor, and I saw the TV ads... and
then I knew it was you. You'd come back. I had to find out more... so I did
some digging... I moved back here after I was hanging around in Madripoor...
and I wasn't ready t' go back with Storm after... that's another story..."
"Madripoor?"
Jean asked.
"Long
story too... anyway... you really surprised the hell outta me... I mean... all
those years in the BAY? Who'da thought..."
"The me
you knew...wasn't me," Jean said as she pressed her lips together.
"Just by hearing your voice I knew that you'd probably known her... and
cared for her... just why after the way I treated you..."
"What do
ya mean Red?" Logan asked.
"Logan, I was so mean to
you... just before I... I..." Jeannie sighed as she sipped her drink.
"The things I said... and when I thought about it I realized you had a
damn good reason... because..."
"Red,
don't get yer panties in a wad, that was YEARS ago," Logan laughed.
"That's
just IT Logan! That thing stole a
slice of my LIFE... dammit!" Jean snapped as she plunked her glass down.
"And that's not the WORST!"
"Jeannie...
it's okay..." Logan babbled as he saw her
eyes glistening. She buried her head in her hands, and he was up out of the
chair and sitting next to her with his hands on her back.
"God Logan... what could I do...
I mean... nothing makes sense anymore... and even in X Factor... Warren, Bobby, Hank and Scott...
they were all that was left... and I thought it was enough..."
"Hey,
don't cry Jeannie I hate to see ya cry..." Logan trailed off as he saw
tears in her eyes. "You just found out about Scott an..."
Jeannie
sniffled and Logan was shocked when she
didn't push his hand away that was stroking her back. He left the other in his
lap, sensing her nervousness. He didn't want to spook her.
"Stupid
me. I just assumed I could pick up where I left off and then..."
"You
weren't stupid Jeannie... he didn't TELL you he was married?" Logan snorted.
"No... He
didn't. He deliberately took advantage of the fact I couldn't..."
"I'm
sorry Red," Logan said, not sure of what
to say. Jean rubbed desperately at her eyes, trying to fight the tears. He
reached with his other hand and grabbed the tissues, passing them to her. She
sniffled as she let his hand remain on her shoulder, stroking awkwardly while
she blew her nose.
"She
looked just like me and she had a child, Logan... a child! I never knew!"
"Jeannie..."
Logan said as he saw her face creased with anger.
She pulled away from him, and the glass holding her drink went smashing into
the wall.
"God damn
him," Jean swore as she balled her hands into fists. "I guess he got
over ME quick enough, and then when he..."
She kept her
back turned away, heaving with sobs as she prayed for self-control and yet
cursed herself for showing weakness before Logan. She felt his hands touch her
shoulders and she flinched, turning with wide eyes.
"Sorry
Jean, I wish I could help ya... I wish I coulda been there t' help I..."
"Logan
I'm sorry... I made a mess..." she murmured, getting on her knees but
Logan stopped her.
"Leave it
Red... it's okay," Logan said firmly.
"But..."
"I mean
it. Let it go, Jeannie. I don't care about the friggin' mess, I'm more worried
about YOU! If there's anything I can..."
"God
Logan," she sniffled, and then turned to face him. "Why you even put
up with me after..."
"Shhh,
don't say it Red... I never did anything but care for ya, even if you didn't
feel the same. And that feeling didn't change... I missed ya when I thought ya
died... and it hurt like hell when..." Wolverine trailed off and then shut
his mouth as Jean looked at him regretfully.
"Shouldn't
a said that..." he trailed off, turning away in embarrassment at having
spilled his guts. "Damn... made it worse..."
"No you
didn't," Jean said as she reached out and touched his shoulder. "I'm
the one who did... I never realized that you cared about me... no matter how I
treated you... you still care..."
"Always
did, and always will, Red," Logan said as she squeezed his shoulder and he
felt the warmth of her white hand against his like fire.
"You mean
that?"
"Can't ya
tell?"
"That's
just IT!" Jean cried, pulling her hand away. "I can't!"
"You mean
ya can't read minds anymore?" Logan asked, his eyes wide with shock.
"Jeannie..."
"I
can't... I just can't... thanks to Reed Richards and his damn machine,"
Jean muttered as she walked past him and sank into the sofa. Logan stood in
shock for a moment and then sat down next to her. His hand slid over hers, and
Jean squeezed it tightly, pressing the other hand to her face to hide her
tears. She inhaled deeply, sobbing silently and Logan was not sure if he dared
take her in his arms and show her how much he wanted to comfort her.
"Red...
hey... look at me," he said as he cupped her face in his hands. "I'm
sorry... damn..."
"S'ok,"
she smiled weakly as she sniffled away her tears. Logan tipped her chin so her
green eyes met his. She choked when she saw his face creased with hurt, concern
and a dozen other emotions she never though she'd see in any man's face again
in her lifetime.
"No it
AIN'T," Logan said angrily. "It's not okay, Jean. It's flamin' awful,
and ya shouldn't make light of it. It's part of who you are... and if there's
any way you could get it back..."
"Wolverine...
Logan, you can't go skewer Reed Richards. He didn't know what he was
doing," Jean shook her head with a sad smile at the anger present on his
face.
"Yer
right. Ol rubber band'd just snap back... and Suzy would put me in a force
field INSIDE..."
"Sue and
Reed were good to me, Logan. They tried their best to help me feel all right...
and it was Sue that suggested I call X Factor..."
"So...
when did you find out that Slim was married?" asked Logan, squeezing her
hand.
"Just a
day or so ago, Logan. I was furious of course. I didn't know what to say... and
then he had the damn nerve to ask me..."
"To
what?"
"To marry
him, Logan. Goddamit marry him after THAT?"
"He's a
real piece o' work, isn't he?" Logan snorted.
"I left
and quit the team that day. I went to Avenger's mansion because I had no idea
where ELSE to go. Sue and I talked, and then I got that phone message..."
"I'm glad
ya felt you could come here, Red," said Logan softly as he stroked her
cheek. Jean buried her head in his shoulder and let the tears flow from her
eyes. Strong arms wrapped around her and Logan hugged her tightly to him,
rocking her slowly.
It was
platonic, and it felt so good to be held. She gripped him tightly, muffling her
sobs in his shoulders and feeling his sideburns tickling her cheek. His fingers
rubbed her back, lightly and she felt his heartbeat against her chest.
"I don't
understand why you harbored any hope I'd be here sobbing my eyes out,"
Jean laughed sadly. "I'm even amazed I remember the address..."
"Yer here
now, that's all that matters to me, Jeannie," said Logan.
"Funny
thing too is that I hated that nickname till you used it on me," Jean
laughed.
"Is that
so?" Logan asked, withdrawing from the hug with a raised eyebrow. He
tucked a piece of soft red hair behind one ear, and she placed her hand
overtop. Her lip trembled as she bit it, and she was unable to look him in the
face.
"I'm a
mess," she chuckled, as she felt him wiping away her tears with his free
hand and a tissue. His hand on her cheek slid around to gently rub her neck,
and she squeezed his hand as she rested her other one on his shoulder.
"You
kidding? You look as pretty as ever t' me," he teased.
"Shut
up," Jean waved his hand away. "You're just saying that to make me
feel better..."
"So what
if I was? It's true," Logan shrugged.
A rosy tint
spread from her chest and then extended over her ivory flesh dotted with
freckles. Logan felt the increase in temperature and admitted she looked even
cuter when she blushed like this. For a moment he wondered if it was true what
they said about redheads blushing ALL over their body. Her stomach growled and
she stiffened.
"Sorry..."
"What
for? Seems t' me you could use some grub and time away to forget yer
problems..."
"I could
use some dinner..." she chuckled, smiling at him and he realized how good
that looked now. "You probably know some good places to nosh around
here..."
"You sure
you want me t' pick the place..."
"Surprise
me, Logan," she chuckled, and sniffled again as she blew her nose.
"It's up to you... pick the place..."
"Well, ya
care if it's where I usually go?"
"Right
now you could take me to a pool hall filled with smoke and I'd be happy if they
served greasy burgers and fries," Jean chuckled as she bumped her forehead
against his and grabbed a handful of his hair to ruffled it playfully.
"Be
careful what ya wish for," he said as he saw her get up and reach for her
jacket. "Don't tell me that little thing's the only coat ya got! Cripes
Jeannie it's freakin' FALL!"
"Well I
didn't pack much," Jean shrugged.
"You can
borrow this I think," Logan said as he reached into the closet and pulled
out a long raincoat. He draped it around her shoulders and Jean chuckled. He
fished out his leather jacket and hat, and then stopped.
"You
ready now?"
"I'm
famished, are you kidding?" Jean asked as she grabbed her purse, and slid
her arms through the sleeves of the coat. She buttoned it, and Logan threw a scarf around
her neck. She smiled at the feel of his hands draping it around her neck, and
waited for him to zip his own jacket. He unlocked the door and chuckled as he
saw the tumblers opening with Jean's TK.

Down the
stairs they trotted, and Logan was thankful for
Jean's TK saving him the trouble of digging out his keys. She grabbed his arm
and they walked along the street with her arm thrust through his bent elbow.
Already the sun was sliding behind the buildings and they heard the honk of
cars in NY traffic. Just like any other couple they walked along, Jean asking
him about the local neighborhood. She stared in wide-eyed wonder at the changes
still.
"You
lived downtown too, didn't ya, Jeannie?" Logan asked. "With
Misty n' Colleen... and then Harmony Young..."
"You hear
from them at all?" Jean asked.
"Harmony
Young and Misty still live there," said Logan. "Last I
checked..."
"Wonder
if they'd remember me?"
"Maybe
we'll stop in on 'em sometime, but not tonight. Tonight we're gonna make ya forget
about all that stupid crap yer worrying about..."
"Sounds
good... does it involve nineball?"
"You
actually up for it?"
"Well you
make such a big deal out of it... I figure it's one of the things that you
sneak off to do while the rest of us goodie two shoes were eating ice cream and
cookies," she teased.
"There's
a hall down the street I know pretty well. Next to a bar... but you in the mood
for real stuff, or fast food?"
"Don't
care as long as it isn't moving," Jean joked. Logan laughed to see her smiling
and starting to shed the misery.

He
urged her in the direction of Side Pocket, a small bar/grille adjoining a pool
hall. It was a few city blocks up from the apartment house he inhabited. Jean
noticed the clientele coming and going, realizing they were the normal sort of
people, mainly Irish descent, and chuckled. She fit right in with the other
reheads here and there.
Funny how a
lot of them liked country music, she thought as she let Logan escort her in,
and he took her towards the bar area. "What do you wanna do first?"
he asked. "I'm figuring its food..."
"You got
it," she nodded as the attractive young lady behind the bar noticed them.
A middle-aged gentleman was serving up the local patrons, and Jean saw the
clover leaf in the window.
"Usual
spot at the bar, Mr. Logan?" asked the girl.
"Nah,
someplace special for me an' the lady," Logan said.
"Hello!
Nice to see you Miss..."
"Jeannie,
call me Jeannie," Jean said, and to this, Logan lifted an eyebrow. The
girls shook hands, and Jean noticed that many of the male clientele were giving
her the once over. Logan slid his arm around her waist to indicate she was
spoken for, and she chuckled at the feel of his arm guiding her to follow Becca
to a table.
"This
way... I've got a nice booth not too far from the stage... and not too far from
the tables," she indicated.
Logan helped
Jean off with her raincoat, as he took the menus from Becca. Jean sat down
opposite him, and he hung their coats on the rack standing up on the booth's
sidebar. "So... can I get you anything to drink?" Becca asked,
reaching for the pad of paper from the back pocket of her apron. Her hair was a
slight dirty blonde, and she was just as freckled as Jean was, although her
skin was a shade pinker. Blue eyes shifted from Logan to Jean, and Jean glanced
at the wine list.
"What do
you have on tap?" Jean asked, and Logan was somewhat surprised. Jean
didn't seem the type who drank beer; but then again, he did not take anything
for granted.
"Guinness,
Killians...the usual..."
"McEwans?"
Jean asked.
"We have
that in bottles Miss Jeannie... and for you Mr. Logan..."
"The
usual..."
"Whisky
sour with a Killians for a chaser. Got it..."
"And
anything else the lady wants," Logan added.
"I'll be
right out with your drinks. Hope you find something to your liking... any
appetizers?"
"Impress
me," Jean laughed. "Sampler?"
"Right,"
she nodded. "Be right back..."
Logan reached
into his pocket and drew out one of his Excalibur cigarillos. Jean watched him
light up, and did not object. She watched him glancing around the bar and
rested her head in her hands with an amused smile. "You didn't expect me
to order beer did you?"
"Ain't
nothing that surprises me about you, Red," he teased back, making certain
the cigar smoke curled away from her and drifted towards the bar. "You
been around as long as I have you learn to take NOTHING for granted..."
"Sounds
like a plan," Jean said as she glanced down at the menu when Logan caught
her staring at him. He chuckled and saw Becca carrying a tray with their
drinks. She set the bottle of McEwan's Scottish ale with a frosty glass before
Jean. She easily dislodged the bottlecap and poured herself some of the foaming
brew. Logan picked up his whisky sour, and then sipped it followed by a bit of
the beer to his left.
"Didn't
figure I drank beer... I wonder what you'll think when we hit the tables?"
Jean asked with a quizzical raised eyebrow.
"I'm sure
you'll impress me, darlin'," Logan winked. She rubbed her hands together
when their plate of appetizers arrived, and they both reached for the same
cheese stick at the same time.

"Tell me
something, Red," Logan said as Jean bit into a large and juicy
cheeseburger with the works.
"Sure,
shoot," she said. "What's on your mind, Logan?"
"Well I
always wondered just WHY ya never were interested in coming t' places like this
one at first..." Logan trailed off, digging his French fry through a
trench of ketchup before biting into it. "Probably none of my damn
business."
"Good
question," Jean shrugged. "You always seemed to be able to sense
things about me back then, why don't you give me your theory and I'll let you
know if you're way off or right on."
"Well, I
was thinking maybe you were scared..." Logan said as he stared right at
her with that penetrating gaze that made Jean nervous and edgy all over. He
finished the fry and reached for his own cheeseburger to take a few chews.
"When you
stare at me like THAT can you blame me Logan?" Jean said as she put down
her sandwich. "You always spooked the hell out of me... when you did
that!"
"Sorry,"
Logan said as he diverted his gaze, and put down his burger. "You know you
could never bullshit me, Red..."
"Yeah...
maybe that's why," she mumbled, and wiped juice off her fingers.
"You are
still scared of me a bit, aren't you?" Logan asked as he looked at her
with that penetrating gaze. "You know I'd never hurt ya Jeannie..."
"That's
not why..." she breathed deeply.
"Maybe
it's cause you were always afraid you'd LIKE spending time with me?" Logan
said.
"You
presume a lot, Logan," she chuckled, but she was flushed red, and he could
tell she was getting flustered. "You always had this way of pissing me
off..."
"Well you
were always on yer pedestal, Jeannie... not that ya didn't DESERVE ta be, cause
you're one hell of a beautiful, smart n' attractive woman," Logan added.
"Shut up,"
Jean laughed. "You still drive me up the wall... as if nothing ever
changed..."
"Does
THAT scare you?" Logan asked, his gaze penetrating. "Because you
can't second guess me? Because around me your telepathy doesn't give you an
edge?"
"You may
be right, Logan," Jean said after a huge sigh. "I WAS terrified
around you. Not because of you, but because of what I might do."
"Thought
so," Logan said with a smirk of triumph.
"Go
ahead, rub it in," Jean said and threw a piece of ice at Logan. He laughed
and flicked water from his glass at her. She tossed another piece and they soon
were exchanging bits of ice and food with laughs.
"Now
THAT'S a sight I'd never thought I'd see again," Logan said when he
reached over and dried her face off.
"What?"
"You
laughing Red. Your face just lights up like a damn Christmas tree and you look
so damn beautiful," Logan muttered and trailed off.
"That's
sweet of you," Jean said, which threw Logan off balance at her compliment.
He had expected her to smack him or throw more ice, but her green eyes were
giving him that penetrating and sobering stare.
"Good,"
Logan said as his met her gaze and she was looking him right in the eyes for
the first time during the entire visit. Predatory gaze met predatory gaze, and
Jean blinked as she realized she wasn't afraid.
"I could
never figure out what color your eyes were Logan," she muttered.
"Isn't THAT stupid?"
"Nope. I
got the sort that change color during my mood... or so the ladies say..."
"Hazel,"
Jean said. "That'd be what they call it."
"If ya
say so Red," Logan said. He waved Becca over, and motioned to Jean.
"Get me another and whatever the lady wants..."
"Mmm,
maybe a second McEwans," Jean said. She was glowing, not because of just
the alcohol giving her a nice buzz, but because of Logan's compliment, which
she was finally able to take for what it was. A man admiring an attractive
woman, not simply wanting to leer at her. The inability to read Logan was no
longer a liability, it was an asset. Logan sensed the fear in her, and knew its
source. He frowned momentarily when he realized he would like to get his hands
on whatever was responsible and rip them to shreds. Jean was looking directly
at him, and he enjoyed the gleam in her green eyes. So few redheads had green
eyes. Usually they were blue or hazel.
"I
figured ya thought I was beneath yer notice," Logan muttered as he took
out a smoke. Jean picked up his lighter and flicked the Zippo to his surprise
and he let her light the tip.
"I'm
sorry I guess I DID think that... and I wish I hadn't," Jean said as she
rested her chin on her folded hands.
"S'ok
Red, you didn't let it stop ya from being nice t' me when everyone else didn't
give a damn," Logan said.
"Logan,
do I remind you of someone you knew who was nice to you... maybe a redhead? There's
this phenomenon in psychology..." she trailed off. "Sorry, I'm doing
it again dammit... going all cerebral..."
"You're
right Jeannie," Logan said, exhaling a puff of cigarette smoke and looking
soberly at her. "I DID know another redhead a while back. Guess that was
always one of my things. When yer mind's Swiss cheese like mine..."
"You
sound like the guy in Quantum Leap," Jean laughed. Logan gave an amused
grin.
"That's
why I said it, Red," he nodded. "You're one of the few gals I know
who like guy things, even if ya don't readily admit to it. You're just as happy
to watch Trek as any one of us guys... was THAT why you liked Scotty? Cause he
was one of the few men that wasn't wierded out to see you were a SF fan?"
"Logan
that's the sweetest way you've asked me why I hooked up with him..." Jean
laughed. "Before you'd say something like 'whatsa matter Red, ya think HES
the better man than me?'..."
Logan chuckled
and hid his blush behind his face as she imitated his voice, and Jean giggled
at her own awkward flush spreading all over her fair skin. "Not bad, Red,
not bad at all," Logan gasped in deep gulps and she realized it was
because he was laughing so hard he couldn't breath.
"Well, I
KNEW you'd bring it up SOONER or later," Jean shrugged with a twist of her
lips. "You always DO."
"Guilty
as charged," Logan held up his hand and gasped to regain his breath.
"I guess
I DID think he was better than you Logan," said Jean as she traced the rim
of her beer glass with a fingertip. "And I was wrong... he was what I
expected in a man. My ideal... prince charming sort of fairytale thing. Like
all little girls are brought up to like..."
Logan saw the
anger twisting her jaw, and how she clenched it. "Figured as much,"
he nodded. "And yer mommy and daddy wouldn't have liked ya to bring home a
hairy runt to introduce as yer beau, right?"
"No,"
Jean said as she swallowed hard. "And I'm sorry about that Logan..."
"Not your
fault. Water under the bridge Red. I wouldn't have given a damn. And I know yer
mature enough now that you'd found some way to do what you wanted... I only
wish ya did most of yer life..."
"I'm not
strong enough sometimes to know WHAT I want," Jean said.
"Bullshit,"
Logan said abruptly. "You're just afraid of what people would think of ya.
That you'll be less of a woman if you DID... well you're wrong. Cause you're
the one who has to live with yourself and the choices ya make..."
"You're
right," Jean said sadly. "And if I hadn't chosen to go to that damn
Rainbow Room with Scott I might not be IN this mess..."
"Red,
that ain't true," Logan sighed. "You don't KNOW that. For all ya know
you'da been called up there anyway to get our butts outta danger and still
ended up..."
"Goddamn
Phoenix," Jean muttered as she pressed her hand to her head. Logan put
down his smoke and saw her press her hand to her head as her chin wobbled. He
reached across and squeezed her hands between his.
"IF it
wasn't for her, I wouldn't have gotten the chance to know how I'd feel about ya
Red," Logan said softly. "And how much it hurt when I lost ya...
maybe I sound like the worlds most selfish son of a bitch, but sitting with ya
here talking like this almost makes it all worthwhile..."
"And here
I am messing it up when you're just being nice, and trying to cheer me
up..." Jean gasped, trying to stop herself from crying.
"Why
don'tcha just cry Red?" Logan asked.
"You said
you hated seeing me cry," Jean muttered.
"Not when
ya need to let the hurt out so bad," Logan said as he massaged her hand.
"It'll only just keep coming back like a bad trip..."
Jean buried
her head in her hand, and felt Logan release her other hand. He slid out of his
side of the booth and into her side. His hip touched hers and Jean lay her head
on his flannel shirt, gripping a fold of it and burying her head in his neck.
Logan slid his arm around her, and shushed her with his lips near her ear in
the middle of the busy bar. He clasped her other hand and rubbed it lightly.
Saying indistinct words of nonsense that were mere sounds to comfort her on
some instinctive level.
Jean wasn't
sure how long they sat there, but she did not hold back her whimpering sobs.
How long had it been since she had broken down and let herself cry, she
wondered. Logan made no move to feel her up. Rather he simply rocked her and
kissed her forehead, wiping away her tears with a napkin from the table. He
didn't speak for the longest time, simply holding her and letting her know that
it was all right.
Finally she
lifted her head from his chest, and sniffled again. "Thanks, I appreciated
that..."
"Anytime,"
he said sincerely, fingering her chin. "I think you've had enough alcohol
Red. Why don't we try something ELSE to get your mind off of the bad
stuff?"
"Nineball?"
she asked.
"Sound
good to you?" he asked.
"Absolutely,"
Jeannie nodded. She smiled one of her rare smiles he loved so much, a genuine
one, and not the false smile of a New England suburbanite, Stepford
wife-in-training.
Logan reached
into his front pants pocket and extracted his wallet, placing it on the table.
Jean reached for her purse, and he allowed her to glance at the bill. While he
wanted to pay, he realized she would be more at ease going Dutch.
"Nineball's
on me..." he agreed when they'd settled the bill. "You pick the
table..."

"Billiards...
pool's the one with pockets, right?" Jean said as Logan carried a pool cue
and a triangle towards the table.
"Yep..."
he said, handing the cue to her. She saw him place the triangle down, and
arrange the balls not in a triangle but in a diamond shape. He removed the
triangle with a steady lift and she hung it up on the wall.
"All
right, I'm with you so far... but I take it stripes and solids don't
apply?"
"Don't
matter. In this game ya go from one ta nine in order... and try t' sink one
after the other. Winner gets the most to nine from one," he said as he
pointed with his cue. He set the ashtray on the edge of the table, and rested
his cigar in it as Jean leaned against the wall.
Wolverine
leaned over the table and placed his hand down, then rested the tip of the cue
over his folded thumb instead of between the first and second fingers. Unusual
technique, but she wasn't overly shocked. She did get a nice view of his
denim-clad backside when he drew back his hand and sent the cue cracking
sharply into the white cueball. The one ball sank almost immediately, and she
resisted the urge to use a TK Field to arrest the others.
"Now...
number 2's up," he said. "But I'll throw ya a bone if ya
like..."
"No, go
ahead, you've got me intrigued," Jean said as she fingered her chin. A
mischievous gleam arose in her green eyes, and she waited for the right moment.
Logan leaned over and angled from the side shot, drawing back his stick again
with a sharp snap. However it seemed as if he overshot and the three sunk in
instead.
"Do
over?" Jean asked as he glanced back at her.
"Your
turn, Red..." he said picking up the cigar and inhaling slightly. She took
her cue and strode up, leaning over to rest her fingers on the table, and bring
up the cue. Logan watched carefully with his arms folded across the chest. To
think she'd finally consented to playing one of his favorite games was a nice
surprise. Especially considering the curves of her body as she drew back the
stick. He watched as she drew back the cue in a smooth motion, and the ball
shot forwards with a clean stroke.
"Cripes,"
he muttered when he saw her sink the four with no difficulty.
"Next..."
she winked as she measured with her stick, and then moved around to shoot from
the opposite side. The look of measured astonishment on Logan's face delighted
her. He had no clue that she and Scott often racked up, and used pool to test
the limits of their powers ages before the New X men had even formed.

Several rounds
later, Jean insisted on Pool. Logan was amusing himself with watching Jean
prepare for a break shot. She had that determined look on her freckled face,
and he relished the concentrated stare in her green eyes as she leaned with a
challenging grin. He knew that she was deliberately letting him have a glimpse
of her cleavage visible through the V neck shirt, why else would she insist on
him standing across from her while she sent the cueball cracking into the
triangle. The cluster of balls exploded, and both a solid and a stripe landed
almost simultaneously.
"Shit,
that's some dame," mumbled one of the guys at the other table. Logan
chuckled, hiding his grin as the other pool players were glancing in Jean's
direction.
There were two
couples playing along with them. Rather the male halves of the couples were
partnered up against Logan and Jean while their 'better halves' watched from a
round table on the sidelines. There was Miguel and Rafaela on one side, while
there was Frankie and Darlene on the other.
Both men wore
jeans and t-shirts, with a vest or a loose flannel shirt unbuttoned and thick
boots or sneakers. Their jackets were neatly picked up and folded by their
wives when they were abandoned, and Jeannie saw the beers being placed by the
waitress. Small stacks of bills in five and one denominations were under the
fingers of Rafaela, while Darlene lit herself a Marlborough Ultra light.
"Solids,"
Jean said distinctly, raising an eyebrow.
"All
right, show me what you got, baby," said Miguel as he leaned back.
"Watch,
listen and learn, boys," Jean said with a smirk worthy of Wolverine. Logan
watched from the sidelines, echoing the smirk as Miguel felt her brush past,
and Frankie moved out of her way as she rounded the table. She leaned over, and
another shot sank the nine.
"You know
something WE don't know, doll?" Frankie whistled.
"It's
simple mathematics, boys," Jean chuckled. "An example of potential
energy turned kinetic. Just measure the right amount of force... and let
GO..."
At the table
next to them, the two young men, younger than Logan's buddies who were perhaps
in their mid thirties to early forties, were taking a break in their pool game.
They were in the small tournament that had started up at seven thirty.
Everyone's pool table was written on the chalkboard, and the diagram was filled
with the various tables and teams. Jean glanced up to see a tic-mark drawn by
the names "Red and Logan" which were scribbled above Miguel and
Frankie's.
"That's
one smooth operator," Jackson whispered, chalking up his pool cue. He
angled up for a bank shot, and called for the pocket.
"Too bad
she can't keep her mouth shut," Chip muttered under his breath as he stood
only a few feet from Logan.
"Huh?"
Jackson asked.
"She's a
pretty package all right, but what's she doing hustling up there? If she'd just
keep that mouth shut and just look pretty�"
He coughed as
a cloud of Excalibur smoke shot into his face from Logan's exhalation. He found
himself facing the man in a red flannel shirt which had the top button unbuttoned
to reveal the black T-shirt underneath. "What did ya say?" Logan
asked in a low tone as he glared up at Chip.
"Um� I
was just um� saying what a looker your lady was�"
"Not what
I heard," Logan said, glaring at him. "Got some problem with ladies who
have smarts as well as looks?"
"Well
um�"
"Mind yer
manners, bub," said Logan curtly as he flicked ash into the man's beer.
"Ain't nothin' wrong with a pretty lady having brains in her head
too..."
"Um..."
Chip said but thought it better not to question the deadly look in the shorter
man's blue eyes.
Jean cursed
under her breath as she overjudged, and the cueball sank after the next solid.
"Damn..." she mumbled.
"Lucky
streak's out, sweets..." Frankie laughed. "Tough luck..."
"You'll
see next round," she said as she playfully stuck her tongue out at him and
leaned against the wall. Logan watched as Frankie angled up for his shot, and
sank his stripe, then missed on his next. However Jean was flummoxed to see
there was no clean shot for Logan.
"Cute,
really cute," she muttered.
"Relax
darlin, you got 'em on the ropes," he whispered as she frowned
momentarily. He took the cue she handed him, and her fingers brushed his
knuckles briefly. Jean chuckled, standing near where he had his beer and pack
of smokes lay. Logan easily banked the next shot, and angled the ball to
sideswipe the next and sent the desired solid into its pocket.
"Lucky
bastard," Skip chuckled.
"You've
got one sneaky boyfriend, Reds," said Darlene, who was sitting at the
table where Frankie had his jacket draped around her shoulders.
"He's not
my..." Jean started.
"Can't
fool me, Hon," said Marsha, who was sitting next to Darlene. "He
doesn't bring just ANYONE here..."
"You play
with him all the time I take it?"
"We just
watch him beat the hell out of our men now and again," Darlene chuckled.
"Or else pull their butts out of a bar fight..."
"I
thought that only happened at the Auger Inn," Jean muttered.
"You're
familiar with that place then?" asked Darlene. "Haven't seen you
there..."
"I used
to go on Sunday afternoons," Jean said thoughtfully. "With my cousin
Lorna... just to get some fresh air..."
"Oh wait
a minute... are YOU the girl that beat the local arm wrestling champion?"
Marsha blinked. "Last year?"
Jean nodded
with a smirk. "You have to be KIDDING me!" Darlene shook her head.
"I was shaking my wrist for a week when I got nailed by the champ... and
I'm normally pretty strong... I never expected you..."
"I work
out," Jean said with a laugh. All three women sipped their beers and
watched the men wrangling over who should make which shot next.
"I bet
you fifty she sinks the next," Logan said as he passed several bills and
lay them on the table. Jean groaned.
"Just
what have you gotten me into THIS Time," she mumbled as Logan came over
and grabbed his beer. Taking a sizeable chug, he saw Jean's incredulous look.
"What? I
know you can do it, darlin'," he said with a knowing smile. He leaned
against the wall, and he was surprised when Jean backed up and leaned against
him, letting him slide his arms around her waist as their bodies were pressed
together.
"You're
getting spoiled... I'm pretty rusty..."
"Red,
you're messing with me..." Logan said as he glanced over her shoulder and
watched the next series of shots unfold. "You sank those last few like a
pro..."
"There's
a lot you don't know about me, Logan," she chuckled.
"I'd like
to find out more," he muttered. Jean slid her hands down and ran her
fingers gently over his hands clasped around her waist. She was perfectly
relaxed, and he was enjoying the feel of her body in his arms immensely. Even
if it was a simple cuddling, he was glad for any contact at this point. AT
least she wasn't whining about Scott and X Factor.
"Hey
Logan! You're up!" called Miguel.
Jean felt Logan
release her but she still had his arm on her back. He walked her up to the
table, and she glanced in horror at what was left. "God Logan there's no
way�"
"Easy
Red, can I give ya a bit of advice?"
"How MUCH
do we have riding on this?" Jean groaned.
"Two
hundred even," said Miguel.
"Just a
minute," Logan said. He pulled Jean
aside and whispered in her ear. All the others saw was Jean's blink of
disbelief and Logan's pointing to several
of the balls lined up here and there.
The next
moment, Jean took a deep breath and took the cue from Logan. His hand wrapped
around hers and gave a gentle squeeze of encouragement. Jean smiled bravely and
walked way when he released her hand. She narrowed her eyes at the set of
balls, judging the position of each in her mind. Scott could do this sort of
thing in just a glance. Logan had the same results,
but for him it was less thinking but more feeling. Feeling the empty space and
the solidness of the balls. That kinesthetic sense he had was probably
responsible. After all he could sense someone present when they were unseen,
and he had a flawless sense of direction.
"Just hit
the cue right off center, with a bit less English," he whispered from
behind her as he gave her a squeeze with his arms around her from behind. Lips
tickled her ear, and Jean flushed.
It was just a
game, but she hated to think of him loosing two hundred dollars and his pride
possibly before his male buddies. After all, he DID have a reputation to
uphold. Jean touched the rim of the pool table, and then lifted her stick.
Logan stood behind her, blocking the view of the onlookers who were looking a
bit TOO admiringly at her marvelous behind curving under that bluejean
miniskirt. The stick drew back, and silence ensued. Logan's eyes narrowed as he
mimed himself drawing back the cue. For a split second she hesitated and he saw
the tensing of muscles in her shoulders and back in a familiar manner. Then
came the crack and the hiss of the ball on felt that only he could hear, and the
clack of the cue into the two balls as it sideswiped. The hiss of held breaths
and then the thump as the desired ball landed in the pocket.
"Holee�"
Chip got out.
Jean backed
away, breathing deeply as she saw the results. Logan laughed as he grabbed her
from behind and hugged her tightly. Laughs and cheers and groans exploded in
the silence, and Jean was laughing along with them. "All right Reds! She
gets the double or nothing!"
Bills rustled
and Logan was shaking her, and hugging her and laughing as his male buddies
were slapping him on the back. Jean was grinning like an idiot and hugging him
back. The rest of the game faded into a blur of laughter.
- 1
- 2
- 3
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

The Old Apartment