Adult-FanFiction.org : Marvel 'Verse

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
- 3
- 4
- 5
Chapter 4 - His and Hers Workouts

The weight room was empty of all but two X men that afternoon. On the bench press machine, Jean thrust up and down with her muscles alone as the Japanese/American girl spotted her. They were about to switch, for sweat blistered on Jean's forehead.

"My turn," Michelle, codenamed Polymer, said. She set the weight down on the rack as Jean perspired.

"Sounds good. Don't hurt yourself now." She joked as she helped Michelle check the weights. "How much are you benching?"

"About eighty easily," she said as she positioned herself. She wore a light blue leotard and exercise shorts, with hello kitty on the left back pocket. "And then up by ten..."

"You go girl. Ready when you are" Jean smiled taking a swig from her water bottle.

"All right," Michelle nodded, as she positioned her hands. She inhaled deeply, and then pushed up on the weight. Although she was 1/2 Caucasian she had most of the typical Japanese facial features, and they were getting sheen of sweat.

"Good job. Keep it steady." She encouraged. "After this we can go cool down for a little while."

"One... two..." she grunted as she pushed up, her chest muscles straining. What did she have to prove anyway? That Rogue made it look so easy... just cause she had super strength...

"Easy! Don't hurt yourself." Jean said, about to reach out and steady the weights. "Last thing you need is a sprained muscle."

"Three... four..." she grunted, holding the weight up as she strained. Michelle exhaled, and slowly centered. She began a slow rhythm. Her mind began to wander despite itself, and she couldn't help but wonder where the guys were.

Out of the corner of her eye she glimpsed the partition that was one way mirror into the guy's calisthenics room. Gambit, Wolverine, and Cyclops were all working out in various fight calisthenics. They couldn't' see the ladies in the gym, but Michelle was staring at them.

"Keep your mind on the weights." Jean grinned as she noticed where she was staring. "If you wanna take a peek set them down first."

Michelle's eyes flared slight white, and two strong plastic pillars formed under the weights, holding them up as she inadvertently responded to Jean's suggestion. She blinked, realizing Jean had meant to use her HANDS not her polymer formation power.

Jean laughed. "That's one way I suppose. How bout we take a break?"

"Sounds good," Michelle huffed, sweat soaking through her chest and beading on her forehead. She slowly slid out and got up, noticing as Scott and Gambit sparred. Logan was doing his own personal routine.

"Any guy in particular?" Jean asked stealing a peek of her own as she led the way over to a card table and two chairs by the wall. Michelle grabbed a water bottle and a towel. She sat down and sponged her head off.

"Hmm, so many choices," she joked. Gambit was long and lean and had removed his shirt, but she looked towards Logan. Broad chested, sturdy yet still on the medium side, he was all solid with not an ounce of fat or any ribs showing.

"Depends if you want human, sleazy, or otherwise." Jean joked back

"Gambit being the sleaze or the otherwise?" she joked. Wolverine turned, and his wifebeater shirt clung to his chest, his hair glistening with perspiration as he inhaled and then did a karate routine gracefully.

"The sleaze. Though sometimes I wonder..." Jean shook her head and looked away from the guys quickly.

Gambit then stopped and walked over to grab a bottle of water. Logan continued his fluid motions, performing a flawless crane kick and then following through with a series of punches. Michelle sipped a mouthful of water, and then caught herself staring at Logan. She looked away quickly.

Jean raised an eyebrow. "What was THAT all about huh?" she teased

"What?" she asked, looking innocent. She looked only with her eyes sidelong as Logan then turned and flipped spectacularly over Scott's head and tagged Gambit with a punch. The Cajun dropped his water, which tumbled and streaked down the front of the white exercise shorts. Remy's shocked expression said it all. Especially when Scott stifled a laugh and Logan threw back his head.

"You stared at a certain someone a certain way...then tried to play it off. Don't even need my powers for that observation."

"You're seeing things," Michelle laughed nervously. "I just noticed Gambit lost his water... and it's down the front of his pants..."

She giggled as Gambit cursed muffled through the glass and dabbed his sweatpants as Wolverine pointed and Scott shook his head. Jean rolled her eyes. "Uh huh. And I own the Brooklyn Bridge too."

Wolverine stopped, grinning as he hung a towel around his neck, and grabbed the water. He turned his back to the window, and Michelle glanced away as he leaned against the window and Scott and Gambit perched on stools to drink their water. Gambit rested his towel in his lap, regaining as much of his dignity as he could.

"You like him don't you?" she singsonged, teasing her

"Who?" she asked. Wolverine moved away from the window, and Michelle glimpsed his backside as he leaned over. Shouldering his bag he waved to them before exiting. She shivered, wondering if he knew they were there from the smile on his face. Scott and Gambit soon followed. Her heart rate had increased, and she held her breath.

Jean rolled her eyes again. "You KNOW who I mean..."

"Handsome, sleaze or psycho?" she murmured.

"Hmmm. Definitely the psycho." Jean laughed.

"Or Larry, Curly or Moe?" she chuckled. "Gambit's not THAT bad... He may be crazy, but he's crazy like Pepe Le pew... about girls."

"Your right, that's why he's the sleaze. Wolverine's the psycho."

Michelle's next words died by Jean's statement. She whispered, "He's not THAT crazy, is he? I mean... he performs those katas flawlessly... you need to be focussed to properly do martial arts..."

Jean sighed. "He DOES have his moments where I do wonder...he's definitely arrogant, selfish, a TOTAL ass most of the time.... But there's SOME level of sanity there I suppose." She paused and thought for a moment. "I really do need to stop bad mouthing him so much."

"Well, he has been an X man for at least a year hasn't he?" she asked.

"Yeah...give or take."

"And Gambit is only a few months along from me... about six... I'm the newbie. I don't know the dirt, remember? And Scott, you know all about him don't you," she winked. "Lucky girl!"

Jean laughed. "That I do. As for the dirt I can fill ya in. What do you want to know?"

"Um, well, does gambit chase everything in a skirt? Or is he more discriminating... he won't leave me alone," she whispered.

"Gambit chases anything in a skirt if they so much as look at him." Jean chuckled. "But if it seriously bothers you just TELL him. He'll tone it down."

"Well I do, but he just laughs," she said. "He's sweet, but Rogue gives me the evil eye when... oh never mind... And Wolverine..."

Jean sighed. "What do you wanna know about wolverine?"

"Well Wolverine... he was in Weapon X..." she trails off. "And now he's here.... Seems quite a change... He has friends... and yet everyone is scared of him..."

Jean shrugged. "Guess he likes it here. Then again anyone would compared to getting shot at for laughs...He definitely has changed over the past year." she thought for a moment. "In some ways at least."

"I can imagine... Considering..." she trailed off, vanishing into another slew of memories.

Seeing the jeering faces of the soldiers emptying an entire magazine into that cage. Logan's body jerking backwards as his wrists strained and his claws popped. How she'd waited till they were gone and sneaked the bottle of rubbing alcohol and bandages with some fried chicken from KFC. Opening the door and walking in with the medical kit. Pulling out slugs that clattered into a pan and the savage hunger as he devoured the entire special recipe as if he hadn't eaten in days. It was only a year ago, but it seemed so far away.

"Considering what?"

"Oh never mind... old history," she waves off the images. "Does he... have anyone steady?'

Jean burst out laughing. "Logan? Steady? Oh boy is THAT a riot." she took a breath. "I'm sorry...that was mean. Its just that at times he seems to go through women faster than he changes socks."

"I figured," Michelle laughed. "Bobby says he has a different girl for every date night... but he mentioned something about Wolvie slowing down... lately... Jubes calls him that... she follows me everywhere..."

"I've noticed. But yeah. He's slowed lately. Who knows why...maybe he can't find a chick that'll put up with that attitude issue of his? Or the fact that he's not romantic at ALL.... Oh jeez...there I go again..."

"Well Gambit makes up for that lack of romance by being TOO romantic," Michelle laughed. "He gave me a rose last week and asked me to join him at the Casbah, and I told him he was in the wrong continent! Whereas Logan asked me if I wanted to play nineball with him and Alex and if I had any sake left?"

Jean shook her head. "Wow..." she laughed. "Different methods I suppose. At least Logan didn't just grab you and seduce you. Feel lucky...that means he respects you more than the average chick"

"Well he never has come near me, in THAT way..." she said thoughtfully. "And well, when I cursed in French, Remy listened... but when I cursed in Japanese, Logan told me to watch my mouth..."

"Feel happy about that. Its kinda scary."

"Strange," Michelle muttered, as she happened to look past Jean's short-cropped hair. Gambit and Wolverine were slowly creeping up on the ladies, and Logan was shielding his thoughts because Jean didn't seem to notice. Michelle knew he had the same weapon X training as she. For Jean could never read her thoughts since she first arrived.

"So he HAS seduced you?" Michelle asked softly. Logan saw Michelle and Jean talking, and held a finger to his lips as he caught Michelle's eye.

"Yeah. When he first got here." Jean sighed.

"Oh... no wonder," she trailed off. "So that's why he's on your... bad list. I guess he prefers red heads..."

Remy moved over and stood right behind Jean while Logan moved up to try and touch Jean under her ribs, only a foot behind her. Michelle's eyes widened and she shook her head no, and Logan's eyes narrowed. He stepped away from Jean, and Gambit moved into the place he occupied.

"I don't know. I still don't know WHY he did it. And he's on my bad list because of certain things that he said to me."

With a grin, Gambit's hands slid under Jean's ribs. "Surprise!" he laughed.

"Oh shit." Jean jumped to her feet and swung her fist, catching Gambit in the arm. Her eyes widened when she saw Logan. "Oh my god he heard everything."

Logan however had moved around and stood right next to Michelle, leaning his arm on her shoulder as Gambit toppled with a squawk. "Cherie it's just a joke!!!" he gasped.

"Cajun got decked by a girl. Imagine that." Logan laughed.

"Umm and I think he's not the only one in deep... caca..." she trailed off as she felt Logan leaning on her shoulder casually. She shivered a bit because closest he's moved toward her ever. Then she realized just why he was standing beside her. Protectiveness spread through her and she felt her hands extend to steady Logan's arm on her shoulder.

Jean turned back around, facing Michelle and Logan. Her eyes narrowed. "Exactly how much did you hear Logan?"

"We didn't hear anything did we?" Remy said as he got up and moved between Jean and Logan.

He shrugged. "Enough to know that something I said pissed you off. Back off Gumbo...Or you'll be eating through a straw tonight."

"Why don't we leave them alone, Cherie," he said as he walked over to Michelle.

"Um, Gambit, back off," Michelle rolled her eyes at him.

"That's really not necessary." Jean said. "I don't have anything to say to him.

"But..." Gambit trailed off.

Logan stared at her for a minute. "That's fine, Red. I'll remember that."

"Ouch," Michelle whispered, feeling the weight of Logan's arm on her shoulder. It was clear to her that he was using her as a shield to keep Red from throwing him across the room.

Gambit glanced back and forth. "Mes ami... please... lets us be civilized..."

"I'm sure it is all right, is it not," Michelle ventured. "We are all X men..."

"I'm sorry Logan. That came out harsher than intended." Jean muttered looking at her feet.

He scowled. "Never stopped you before. But fine. I'll drop it. But I REALLY wanna know what you're holdin' a grudge against me for."

"Wolverine... dat's in the past..." Gambit said slowly. He walked over and glanced anxiously as he saw Logan and Jean lock gazes. Michelle tensed at what might happen, her fingers crackling with the energy to throw up whatever polymer form first came to mind if Logan went flying.

"Is it?" he asked looking straight at Gambit. "Cause I still can smell the fear and anxiousness in the room. Not to mention other stuff when I walk up to Jean." he added giving her a pointed look. "But hey, what do I know?" He walked across the room to one of the vending machines and put coins in it, getting a soda

Jean let out a tired sigh as she walked next to Michelle. "I really blew that one." she whispered.

"You were justified I'm sure," she whispered. "Don't be too hard on yourself... it is his decision to react as he does..."

Michelle glanced at both of them, and slowly wandered over to casually look at Logan getting the soda. Gambit had walked over in her direction and she was trying to keep away from him. She darted back over and stopped near the exit. "You are both adults... But there is much I don't understand..." she trailed off.

"I'll tell you later. Meet me in the kitchen around 7. For now I just need to go cool off. Think things through. I'll take Remy with me."

"Um... what..." she trailed off, feeling nervous.

"But Remy wants to stay n' chat with the belle," Gambit said as he put his arm around Michelle.

"Hey Remy! I found a bottle of French wine in the kitchen. I wanted your opinion on it. So lets go." Jean told him. (*For once just shut up and follow me*) she telepathed to him.

Michelle slid out from under his arm. "Excuse me..." She twisted his arm behind his back in a hold, and then released him.

Gambit held his wrist and grinned. "You always hurt the one you love... later Cherie..."

"Remy, remy, remy." Jean groaned. "With lines like those you'll NEVER get the girl." She laughed leading him out of the room. (*Chat with ya later girl*) she sent to Michelle.

Michelle watched as they left and then shifted her weight from one foot to the other. She finished her water and tossed the bottle neatly into the trash. She wasn't sure what to say as she saw Logan drinking his soda. She wasn't scared of him, but wondered what the deal was with Jean.

"Wonder what HER problem is..." Logan grumbled, taking a seat at the table.

"So do I," said Michelle as she sat down and grabbed another water. "Some people are so edgy lately... they should take an idea and try some meditation... works wonders... And Remy.... He needs to keep his hands to himself."

"Yeah he does. He just don't get it that he isn't the lady-killer he thinks he is. He'll learn someday." He took one last gulp of his soda and crushed the can neatly, tossing it into the trash.

"Before Rogue kills me," she joked.

"Rogue ain't gonna kill ya. She doesn't have the balls to try...plus that'll reveal how much she's got the hots for him." He rolled his eyes. "Like people don't know already. Like a bunch of frickin' kids."

"They are children. I'm in kindergarten�. I don't know how..." she trails off. "But I have little choice... How can you stand babysitting?"

"I cant...but I don't have much choice in this place do I? Babysittin', annoying people, grudges...all part of everyday life."

"Yes," she nodded, swigging her water. Sweat is causing a slight wet stain on her chest and down her hips.

"So... where did you learn karate?" she asked slowly. "Or should I ask where you learned to fuse it with Aikido, and ju jitsu?"

He glanced down at the table. "Japan..."

"No kidding," she muttered. "Not many people know that form. It's an ancient one... like the one I know. "You perform it flawlessly. Not that anyone HERE gives a damn."

"Long story...but... uh...thanks."

"You don't have to tell it now," she said with a smile, trying not to annoy him. "And you're most welcome."

"I've seen you do various katas. You're not bad...Though you do lack style. I'm a beginner... thanks to dear old dad... who wanted to study science... I didn't get enough training... I make do on my own... nobody here knows how to properly teach it..."

"I'm a nobody then?" he joked. "That's cause these losers here don't know what a real workout is."

"Present company excepted," she said as she exhaled. After a moment she got up and toweled herself off.

Walking to the floor she stretched, trying to cool down before she started her own calisthenics. She started with some modified Tae Chi, slow graceful movements. Then she glided into karate, performing a series of moves, silently kicking and punching to practice. Michelle sought to quell the nervousness shivering in her body at being so close to Logan. Turning, she stopped a punch inches from his head as her fist flashes out.

He laughed, not flinching as her fist stopped inches from his head. "You're not bad. I'll give you some credit."

She is panting, heaving in and out, and then backs off, bowing to him. "Thanks," she said, looking him right in the eyes. Not breaking contact, watching him continuously like a fighter does an opponent.

"And uh...if you want help sometime...just name a place..." he offered.

She smiled and walked to the floor. "I do have ONE question..."

"Just one?" he joked. "And that would be?"

"I have tried this particular pattern of flips and kicks... and I cannot seem to get the proper momentum..."

She went through a series of flips and kicks, and then lands rather awkwardly. "It seems too fancy when a good roundhouse and punch pattern would do better..."

"Depends on what you're trying to do. In a fight your better off with somethin' more dependable. If you're just tryin' to show off...all it takes is a little practice and the right timing."

She smiled, sitting down at the table again; "I prefer simplicity. But I always get different opinions..."

"It has its uses. Most of the time its the best." he answered walking back over the soda machine and pausing in front of it.

She threw him some change. "Mind getting me a diet something or other while you're there?"

He caught the change easily. "Sure. Pepsi, root beer or no preference?"

"Diet Pepsi... thanks," she said. Michelle felt very comfortable around him, and wondered why others are so edgy around him.

He grabbed her soda and his and sat across from her at the table. "So..."

"So?" she asked as she smiled a genuine smile, and not a fake one. "Did you REALLY see us through that one way mirror when you waved at us?"

He grinned. "Not see exactly. But I knew you were there. What were you and Jeannie chattin' about anyway?"

"I was actually asking about how to get gambit off my back... And she said something about me staring at you guys... I um... asked her a bit about you, and then she started on her 'I hate Wolverine' kick... and I didn't know what to say," she said, knowing not to bullshit him.

"She's doin' that a lot lately. I have a sneaking suspicion I know what it's about. But I don't see why she'd be holdin' that against me...a years a long time."

"She should get over it," said Michelle firmly. "You are team mates."

"Thought she did. Thought we'd talked it out. Guess she just found more ammo somewhere."

"Her problem, not yours," Michelle said slowly.

He shrugged. "Ah...I don't see why I should even care."

"No, screw what she thinks..." Michelle said as she swallowed her soda. "You've got other things to worry about, right?"

He raised an eyebrow. "I guess..."

"Like how to work with all of us on the same squad. And how to keep Bobby from icing up the men's shower..." Michelle quickly joked. She caught herself staring at his chest.

"Good luck with that." he laughed. "Nah...After a year I know most people still don't trust me. And personally sometimes I'm tempted to prove em right. They know nothing about me 'except my file."

Black eyes stared directly into his, as she waits for him to next speak. Memories of him in that cage drift into her mind and she wonders if he recalled seeing her. It was so long ago, and yet seemed like a different world. Soldiers who had seen her take him food, grabbing her and shutting her into the cage with harsh laughs. Even though she wore tinted lab goggles then with a pristine white smock and her hair swept back like other lab personnel she was not counted among the employees. Rather the X 15 mark on her arm told the real story. She was the only one who the Weapon X would let get close.

"Not like anyone here knew you before," she muttered.

"Ah...screw it. It ain't worth dwellin' on it. They wanna think I'm some kind of animal, let em."

"I don't care what they think," she said firmly. "You're not an animal, you're you. No more than I am a living test tube. Or a walking freezer unit that quotes a chemistry text."

He gave her a half smile. "Thanks. And you definitely ain't that." he said gazing at her appreciatively.

"Thanks," she blushed a bit, and wondered if she was being too stupidly obvious, and should back off. But she doesn't play the games most women do. Swallowing hard she said, "I guess they're all kids. No life experience... not that I'm THAT much older but... Anyway, you're still here and nobody's killed you yet so they must have SOME use for you, like keeping Prof. Chuck on his toes."

"Somethin' like that..." he chuckled. "You wanna go grab a bite to eat? As I recall, I think someone's makin' steak tonight."

"Sounds like a plan," she smiled. "Wonder if they'll have any decent beer... or if I can get the idiot who's stealing my sake... I swear Gambit must have stolen it that last raid..."

"Wouldn't doubt it. I'll go snag a couple beers from my fridge on the way." He stood and offered his hand to her.

She extended her hand and took his, smiling. Letting him pull her to her feet. "Thank you," she said.

"Not a prob..." he muttered as he helped her to her feet. He couldn't help but notice how familiar she looked. 'Your mind's playin' tricks on ya bub. You're just havin' wild thoughts cause she smells good.' He shook the thoughts away.

She enjoyed the feel of his hand around hers. The times she came and helped clean the cuts and give him food when he was left to otherwise starve. How she'd sometimes be the only one to calm him down by getting close enough to stroke his hair and calm him with her voice. Other memories of the one called Victor Creed, her superior who had put her into this job. Grabbing the bottle from her and laughing as he called her a Florence nightingale. When he discovered her on one of her mercy missions to clean Logan's wounds.

Before he could stop himself he brushed a strand of from her forehead, letting his hand linger on her cheek for just a moment before taking a step back. "Uh...sorry..."

"No it's okay," she said reassuring him. Blinding red-hot slashes branded her arms that day when she wanted to rescue him. The snarling laughs of Creed, grabbing her wrist and pushing her against the wall. Jutting her chin she spat in his face. A snarling growl when he taunted her for showing the runt mercy. And her hands thrusting up to his face, her knee in his gut. Channeling her anger and hatred into the one thing that would kill him. She would kill him for he was a bully, and deserved death. Then death was too clean, and she was running, running away to fight him because for him to live with the dishonor that a woman defeated him was far sweeter a revenge than killing him.

He narrowed his eyes for a minute and sniffed. "I DO know you...your the one who used to feed me back at the compound...." He realized suddenly. He mentally slapped himself for not realizing it sooner.

Hand clasped in hers he turned over her arm and saw fine white streaks that were stitched and recessed, jagged. Along her thighs there were the same marks marring her flesh. Barely visible but still there to his enhanced senses.

"But how..." Logan asked. His eyes widened to see them. Her scars that are still healing.

"I hope... that you bore no ill will toward me... I fled for my life... he saw me..." she trailed off. As she lowered her head in shame, he saw also small scars on her throat and the slight deformation of one ear.

He shook his head. "I understood. Survival and all that.... But damn...he still got you...." The hair on his arms bristled and he let out a low growl.

She allowed tears to slip down her cheek. "I wanted to try and get you out that day... but he knew... he knew I had... wanted... I was going to get out of Weapon X... they wanted o use me... to use my powers against the projects with adamantium. I refused and quit... And I went to your place to get you, and Creed followed me... and he almost killed me... but I wanted to kill him� but it was too good for him� really foolish of me�" she trailed off, turning away from him.

Michelle's mind dredged up the images, and they flickered before her eyes in a matter of seconds. Screams of rage and anger had erupted from Creed's throat when she grabbed onto his face. Teeth gritting her eyes flared white and power surged into his flesh. Ripping molecular bonds on the level of protons to remold them into synthetic plastics. Faster and harder so his healing factor could not keep up. Horrible roars of pain as he glared in bug eyed disbelief that a 'frail' was killing him. How the blood dripped as his claws flailed her jugular and he dropped her, snarling and running like the coward he was. The blinding pain as Michelle clutched her throat and sealed off the blood with a thin sheen of plastic. And the other scars as she hobbled out past the security. All hell had broken loose from Creed's mad beserker rant of blinding hot pain.

She said nothing for a time, reassuring herself that it was in the past. Logan noticed her reaction. He'd had a similar expression on his face from time to time; usually right after a vague nightmare or memory he couldn't completely recall...or didn't want to. "And trust me...he ain't comin' no where near you without tangling with me first. That's a promise."

"Thank you," she whispered. "He was so damn smug, a bully. I couldn't break lose. But I grabbed his skin... and he screamed... when I almost elasticized his flesh... Bastard."

"Damn," Logan whispered as he touched her cheek. "You were far braver than you give yourself credit for, if you fought him like that�"

"He didn't deserve the honor of death. It was too good for him. Rather the humiliation that a woman defeated him," she said as she bit her lip. "He had no honor� how stupid is that� I'm talking like I was some brave warrior� but I was just a woman who�"

"Don't say that," Logan said sharply. "You stood up to him. Nobody here ever got THAT close. An don't you forget it. Probably the one person sides me that he's scared of."

"I swear I will kill him if he hurts anyone here�" she whispered. "But I leave that honor to you."

"Darlin, you'd be smarter doing that," he said firmly. It seemed the harsh walls had fallen for a moment, and the sincerity frightened and astonished her. Not fear of him, but fear of the past and what it held. How could Jean have possibly understood? she asked without saying. She fingered the X mark, which had marked her forearm. It had been obliterated but still seemed there.

He reached out and put a finger under her chin, lifting her face to look at him. "Hey...If you ever need to talk...or anything. I'm here. Got it?"

"Thank you," she whispered.

"Awwww. Wanna hug?" he teased trying to lighten the mood.

Grateful for the sudden shift, she smiled "What the hey..."

He opened his arms wide letting her hug him, something he never usually did. His body automatically tensed at the physical contact before he could stop it.

"Sorry," she whispered, backing away.

"No...Its me...sorry." he muttered. "I'm not good at that kinda stuff." He managed a faint smile.

"Most men aren't," she teased. "That mushy, touchy feely stuff. Gets in the way of stuff sometimes..."

He chuckled. "Yeah...what stuff would that be?"

"Hey!!! Anybody HERE?" Jubilee yelled as she jogged into the room. "Hey Wolvie!"

"Damn kid...WORST timing in the world." he muttered just audible. "Hey Jubes...what's goin' on?"

"Shimata," cursed Michelle under her breath.

"Hey, didja know that Beast was looking for ya Michelle! And Wolvie, we had a tennis match... with Gambit... n' Rogue... remember? Bobby stood me up, the jerk."

"Yeah. Bobby's probably in his room---" He stopped himself. "Nevermind kid. Forget I said anything. Don't want to corrupt you anymore than I have."

"Any kid who watches anime is a bit corrupted already," Michelle joked.

"Aww shaddup Shell," said Jubilee. "Yer embarrassing me sis!"

"So what brings you here Jubes? Anything earth shattering?" he asked. He was annoyed he couldn't finish his conversation with Michelle...but he could never bring himself to be annoyed at jubilee.

"Wolvie, you promised you'd come FIND me in time for dinner�"

"Cripes kid," Logan grumbled as the teenager looked at him. "Look I'll be there� okay?"

"Shelly! You gonna get his butt to dinner or am I gonna have to light a firecracker under it, Jubes style?"

"Kid, don't write checks your butt can't cash," Logan said as he tackled her and playfully rubbed her hair.

"Yikes!" she yelped and laughed. She was the only other one who didn�t' fear him. And that stymied him and the others.

"You idiot," Michelle shook her head.

"And what WERE you two doing here, hmm?" Jubilee asked as she wrestled out of Logan's hold. "Before I get Wolvie to take both of us to dinner?"

"Um... actually I was asking Logan here a few questions... run along and well catch up... About Karate..."

"Yeah..." Logan coughed. "Karate. We can meet ya there..."

"Sure, bye!" Jubilee said, noticing Michelle's look of annoyance. She reached out her hand for Jubilee, and the girl grabbed it and accepted the hug the Japanese/American did. Strange how the half fusion of what had been mortal enemies and rivals found some solace in their differences. Michelle was tense, but she released her tension visibly after the kid vanished. "I love her to death but she can be so... spontaneous."

"She has the worst timing ever. She always has..." he laughed.

"Tell me about it," Michelle joked. Animals always trusted children and the pure of heart. Jubilee was innocent, and she had seen past the craziness. So had Michelle, in her own way. She'd been a slave as he had, enduring what most had not, and thinking back to how women had been so ill used in her culture. Silent burdens born by porcelain dolls. Who had wills of steel.

"So, are you okay� before we go? I mean I DID mean what I said� if you ever wanna talk� you know where to find me. And don't worry about Sabertooth, cause if he ever shows his ugly mug around here�"

"I've got another question..."

"Shoot."

"Did you ever resent... that I didn't succeed in rescuing you?" she asked slowly.

"I was one year too damn late... because it seemed you already vanished... and then there were the X-men... shortly after you'd left..."

He cocked his head at her for a moment. The question caught him off guard. "No...I don't think I really did. I have a hard time remeberin' all that....but no. I think I was jealous that you had freedom and I didn't. But other than that...You did hear about me escape attempt right after that didn't you?"

"I didn't have freedom for long, Logan-san... not when they locked me in the lab... not till Shiro rescued me... a year later... after you escaped the second time. Then I went back to Japan... bloody and scarred... to heal and return... and then all hell broke loose... Shiro almost died trying to get me to the safety of the X men..."

"Yeah...I guess you didn't. I escaped right after that...I made it pretty far too.... All the way through JFK airport. Then they got me."

"Damn," she whispered. "I knew... I knew... Shiro said he had to leave me with the X men... because it wasn't safe for me to return to..." she snapped her mouth shut.

Wolverine's eyes narrowed and he saw the glimpse into her past. Followed by the need to close down the stream of conversation before she revealed too much too soon. He was no idiot, because he recognized her need for privacy. It equaled his own. Had they messed with her memories also?

"It doesn't matter though. That part of my life is over."

"Exactly. You have to move on. I did." He glanced around. "This place ain't that bad."

"No it isn't," she nodded. Her stomach growled. Logan said as he recognized the desperate need to close that painful chapter because for her to open up was further than she wanted to go. Or he did. Too uncomfortable. It was easier to keep the wall up. Wait for the right moment, which wasn't now. She undid the clip that held her long silky hair up, and let it fall, running her hands through it to get the tangles out.

Logan cracked a grin. "I think that's the cue to stop bullshitting and get a bite." He watched her run her hands through her hair and felt a peculiar feeling go through him. 'Come on bub. Pull yourself together will ya? Ya act like you've never had a chick before...' he thought to himself. She twisted her hair up and put it back in a clip, noticing his reaction.

"Yes you're right. That's what we're supposed to do. Eat some dinner� instead of� um� thinking about the past that we can't change? C'mon, last one there's a rotten egg or whatever the hell they say in this country� Race ya!"

He rolled his eyes. "Just so ya know you wont win..." He chased after her letting her take the lead for a moment before putting all his speed into it, leaving her behind.

She suddenly launched herself after him, flipping hand over heels like a gymnast. Hurtling herself over his head she landed right in front of him. The momentum she'd built up after at least seven somersaults ago had paid off. However, she stumbled as she landed on shaky feet.

Logan stopped running, a surprised look on his face as he reached out to steady her, managing to catch her against him. "Nice job with those flips."

"Thank you, Logan-san," she said. She scolded herself for switching to the formal ending, but wanted him to feel as if she weren't getting TOO personal too soon. 'Don't want to spook him' she told herself.

He scowled at her. "Call me "san" again an' I'm gonna have to hurt ya..." he joked.

"Sorry, Wolvie," she said, imitating jubilee's voice as she poked him in the ribs and ran over to where Beast was flipping burgers and laying chicken on the large grill out back. Bobby, Cyclops, Gambit, and others were already lined up or filling their plates by the buffet.

He muttered something under his breath and followed her, snagging a plate off the table and handing her one. She wondered if she'd annoyed him, and acted as neutrally as possible.

"Thanks," she said.

"Dibs on the last piece of chicken," Drake said, pushing before everyone in line with his ice ramp forming a partition.

"You wish man," shot back Alex. Storm stood next to Hank, helping him distribute the food as it came fresh off the grill.

"Hell with that. I haven't eaten yet kids. And you know what that means." Logan growled at them, stepping up to the grill.

Storm tossed a sizable steak towards Logan's plate. He caught it and nodded his thanks to her. "At least someone's smart 'round her. No offense Michelle."

"None taken," she smiled. Michelle stood behind him, her plate ready. However Gambit pushed in front of her, saying, "Allow Remy to assist you, Cherie� an perhaps share the honor of joining him for dinner?"

"No thank you, Remy-san," she said as she politely waved him off. "I have other plans�"

He shook his head, saying, "perhaps you can change them to include moi?" "Honestly Cajun.... Of all the hokey lines..."

"Go on swamp rat, an ask someone who cares," Rogue poked Gambit in the ribs. She was next in line behind him. Seeing his opportunity, he sneaked a piece of chicken off the grill and put it on Rogue's plate.

Logan raised an eyebrow. "Girl's mouthy today. Not have a good night last night Rogue?"

"Some of us aren't so darn lucky in the sack, Hoser," she mumbled.

Standing behind her in line, Jubilee whacked Rogue on the back. "Hey, buzz off!"

Rogue almost dropped her plate. "Sugah, yer too young to get me in a dander..."

After dolling potato salad and plenty of coleslaw next to his chick, Wolverine grinned and walked away. "She's just jealous that's all," he said to no one in particular as he sat down at one of the tables.

The rest of the students obtained cheeseburgers, ribs or chicken without many incidents. They filed along the two buffet tables laden with food, some of them avoiding the spicy concoctions Remy had prepared despite Jean's despair. Most of it was pretty standard, but Michelle was still getting used to American style food. Not that they didn't have plenty in Japan, but she preferred more protein.

She took her time picking through the food, trying to keep distance from Logan. Michelle didn't want him to think she was being overly obvious about wanting to spend more time with him. If anything she approached him with caution, like approaching the wild horses on her uncle's estate when she was first learning to ride so long ago. "Careful, don�t' want to spook him, girl," she nodded. "He's just beginning to trust you�"

Lost in her reverie, she suddenly glanced up and noticed the picnic tables were filling up fast. While she'd been daydreaming, all but a few seats were taken. Rogue slid into place next to gambit, and Storm and Beast. Jubilee sat by Hank on his other side, winking at Michelle as she walked past.

"There's a seat near Wolvie," she whispered. He was seated at the table next to Jean and Scott. Jean had her back to him with a slightly pissed off look on her face. Her and Scott were chatting in low tones.

"Thanks a lot," muttered Michelle as Jubilee elbowed her.

"Go for it, hot stuff!" Jubilee practically pushed her forwards.

Michelle saw Alex take a chair near Jean and Scott. Logan waved over at her between cutting into his steak. She walked over and sat down next to him on the picnic table.

He shifted his plate and moved down so she was between him and Jean. She then realized she'd forgotten to pick up some plastic silverware. Sighing, Michelle reached up and pulled out the two sticks holding her hair in its twist. They were a pair of chopsticks she'd grabbed last minute on her way out. Not the ivory ones she preferred using, but they'd do in a pinch. She snatched Logan's plastic knife away and cut her food into small pieces. Then she began to eat them with the chopsticks gracefully and quickly.

"Look at that," muttered Storm.

"She the little mermaid?" joked Bobby. "Instead of using a fork for her hair she uses chopsticks?"

"Gimmie a break, who's she think she is?" Storm rolled her eyes as she saw Michelle eating the salad with her utensils and Hank shot Storm a sharp look.

"This ain't benihannas," Rogue whispered to Gambit with a laugh. "Look at lil Madame Butterfly!"

Michelle's hearing wasn't equal to Logan's, but she caught the chatter all the same. Unfortunately her own senses had increased to near ninja potential with Weapon x modifications. As Wolverine had been laced with adamantium, she had been pumped with biological technology that boosted her immune system and heightened her senses to the level of the most acute human. Reflexes were on par with the best samurai, and it was only half of what Logan could do, but enough to understand what he faced every day.

Out of the corner of his mouth Logan whispered, "Ignore 'em. Don't even bother acknowledging it. They ain't worth it. Though I AM gonna have a little chit chat with 'Roro later cause she'll listen to me."

Michelle sighed. "They are the idiots... not worth the time�"

At the next table over, the roast continued in hushed whispers. "I hope the apple polisher practices her mutant powers," whispered Storm. "As if plastic generation can be a useful power..."

"Malishka, be fair," Colossus said to her in a low voice. "She IS new... and she is a spectacular fighter..."

"Yeah, she had some weapon X enhancements," said Kitty in a hushed voice of awe. "I heard something about her and some other Japanese people there� they were all specially enhanced with some samples of Victor Creed's healing factor. Used it to pump up their immune systems and give them�"

"Give them a portion of his healing factor, yes," Hank nodded.

"So Michelle here has some of Sabertooth's healing factor in her?" asked Bobby. "That's messed up�"

"How can we trust her� if she carries his genetic material�"

"Wait� why would he do that, and how do we know?" asked Gambit.

"Simple, we keep a genetic sample of all of us to put into Cerebro," Hank explained. "To attenuate the computer to our unique mutant signatures. IT reads your mutant powers� and mine was naturally resubmitted�"

"Lumps of plastic are REALLY powerful," Bobby rolled his eyes. "Except she's damn sexy like Lucy Liu� maybe that's her mutant power�"

"Shut up you guys," Jubilee made a face at them. "For your information she CAN make WEAPONS out of that plastic� you wanna tangle with a million throwing stars sticking outta you?"

"We've never SEEN her do that in the danger room," Storm said doubtfully. "So why doesn't she do it."

"Cause she doesn't wanna kill anyone, DUHHH," Jubilee stuck her tongue out. "Like HELLO, Wolvie doesn't ALWAYS use his claws for the same reason�"

"What's she gonna do beat us up with a plastic samurai sword?" giggled Rogue.

"I'm the all powerful plastic samurai� of the dinner table," Rogue grinned as she picked up her plastic knife.

"You will be defeated�" Bobby grinned as he picked up his spoon. "For my spoon of power will be�"

"Guys, give it a BREAK!" Jubilee winced. She grabbed her plate and stormed off towards another table.

"I concur," Hank agreed as he got up and sat under a tree next to Jubilee.

"What's THEIR problem?" Bobby asked. "We were just having fun�"

"He's practically her girlfriend," Storm griped. "They ALWAYS spend WAY too much time in that lab�"

Logan's jaw clenched and he set his silverware down. Getting up he walked over to the other table and tapped her on the shoulder, "Hey 'Roro? Can I chit chat with ya for a sec?"

"Logan, what's wrong?" Ororo asked.

At the other table, Jubilee got up and leaned over Michelle's shoulder. Michelle held her chopsticks before her lips a moment, and muttered, "What's Logan doing�"

"Is he going to do what I think he is?" Jubilee whispered as she moved closer to watch.

Hank sighed, "Typical testosterone laden tomfoolery no doubt�"

Logan pulled her over to the side. "Listen 'Ro...Except for a couple times me an' you seem to get along great right?"

"Yes... of course..." she said, nervously looking at the deadly serious gleam in his eyes.

"Wow, he's pissed," Jubilee whispered as she wandered over to stand by Michelle.

He leaned closer. "You even saw a bit of the real me when we had our little "fling". I'm a pretty level guy most of the time. But unless you really wanna PISS me off I suggest you stop with Michelle. It's not like you and I don't like seein' it. Got it?"

"What... why..." she stammered. "She doesn't' belong here... she's some upper class snob who looks down on ALL of us... like the suits whose cars I stole� she had plenty of training with Weapon X� and she talks as if she has family she could return to in Japan� What could she possibly learn if she's so advanced? Why is she HERE?"

"You keep treatin' her like shit. Agreein' with Rogue's rude little comments. Stupid shit. Just stop 'Ro. You aren't usually a bitch so don't start being one, if I might be so blunt." He narrowed his eyes at her comment.

"But we don't know about her... I remember hearing about two members of the Yakuza who had been working and recruited by Weapon X when we were there... both were mutants, and one was a pyro, and the other... like her... she could be..."

"As I recall you thought I was sizin' you up for a coffin when I first got here...then a few months later you kiss me on top of the empire state building...what changed your view of me?"

"You're... you've proved yourself... a decent guy under all the bad ass stuff," Storm said. "But you must remember the two mutant Weapon X samurai in the cell down the hall. Their names were Shiro and Mariko Yashida... we never saw their faces but saw them in combat. And Michelle has the same last name�"

He smiled at her, a sarcastic sort of smile. "Let Michelle prove herself. She almost died to save me once. She means a lot. So DONT give me that shit. I wouldn't want our friendship to end over this 'Ro. Your too smart for this."

"You... knew her?" she asked.

"Yeah. She used to sneak me food when I was locked in a caged gettin' mangled by bored soldiers for fun."

"What... she brought YOU food? I could be wrong... The two yashida members were named Shiro and Michelle, not Michelle. I could be wrong... however you have to admit� she has this regal bearing... and yet..." Storm trailed off.

He lowered his voice and leaned closer. "Keep it down...yeah she snuck me food. She tried to help me escape and got ripped up by Creed for it. She was raised in Japan and she's a scientist...its just the way she is. Try sittin' with her and gettin' past it all and she's a regular person..."

"I will try," she muttered. "I apologize Logan..."

"I trust you 'Ro...That's why I'm talking to you and not Cajun or little miss Southern Comfort over there...Its fine but I'd preciate it. Mind tellin' Rogue to shut her trap? In the nicest way of course..."

"I will Logan. I'm sorry... I of all shouldn't judge... I just assumed she was a rich spoiled girl who... but she's a fighter and a survivor as we are... I was wrong," she said.

"Thanks" He said giving her a quick peck on the cheek before she walked away, a culture thing she'd introduced him to a while back. He headed back to the table and sat down next to Michelle feeling much better.

Ororo returned to sit near Rogue and Gambit. She started to tell them to mind their own business as they giggle over Michelle. Shame faced they departed the area as Ororo dragged them off by the hands.

Jubilee grinned. "Wow, he REALLY must like you," Jubilee whispered at Michelle, who groaned.

"What was that all about?" Jubilee asked Logan asked as she scooted in and sat by Michelle.

"A gaijin being set straight by Storm," she said with a smile.

Logan nodded, "make that two gaijin..."

"Gai what?" Jubilee scrunched her nose up.

Logan nodded. "Somethin' like that. Old business. Me and storm had a little chat about history."

"Ohh okay..." Jubilee said. "Just wanted to let ya know I think you're cool... Shelly. See ya, gotta run..."

"What am I chopped liver?" Logan called out after her.

"I suppose," Michelle muttered, hiding her smile behind her chopsticks.

He shook his head. "Damn kids..."

"I love ya too Logan," she called back and blew him a smacking kiss. She rushed off to join Bobby for a one on one at the basketball hoop.

Michelle chuckled and shook her head. <"Quite the little spitfire,"> she said in Japanese, unconsciously.

<"That she is..."> he answered back with a smile.

Down the table from them, Scott noticed the language and blinked behind his ruby quartz sunglasses. Michelle acknowledged him looking over and he smiled at her with a wave. Jean raised an eyebrow.

"I talked with Storm. She saw things from my point of view. I think she'll be more civil towards ya..."

"Thanks," she said. "You didn't have to, but I'm glad you did."

"No prob." He shrugged. "She hated me when I first got here...and lets just say that she...uh...didn't hate me so much after a while."

"Well then there's hope for me?" Michelle chuckled.

He laughed, "Something like that." He turned slightly and stared at Jean for a moment before turning back to Michelle with a sigh.

"Excuse me, but would anyone like anything else? I'm going to get Jean and myself some punch," Scott said politely. "Michelle?"

"No thank you," she said as she saw Jean glance at her with a slight smile and look to Scott.

"I'll come with you, sweetie," Jean said as she slid her arm around Scott's and got up from the table with him.

<"Should I ask?"> she said in Japanese.

<"About? Jean and me you mean?"> he answered.

(Well, yes and no. she seems to have a mad on against you... I assume you two were intimate at one point...Though why she would be so bitter toward one such as you is beyond me.)

(We were...I still don't know what I said to piss her off....) He shrugged. (I'm starting not to care why anymore really.)

(Let her go. She will regret her folly,) Michelle said as she touched Logan's hand. He tensed at the pressure of her long graceful fingers; the nails slender and long compared to the ones of Jean.

"You're right. It's her loss," Logan said as he grabbed a beer out of the cooler. He plunked one next to Michelle, and cracked it open before getting another for himself.

"I should introduce you to tsing tao� it's a Chinese beer, but I sometimes used to share one with the college buddies," Michelle smiled as she picked up the bottle and clinked it to his.
- 3
- 4
- 5
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

Ultimate Coverup