Finally a Past
Wolverine scowled. He hated being preoccupied. Especially when he was
trying to fight. The Danger Room had almost beat him last time. He needed to
pay more attention. And stop thinking about HER.
His claws slipped easily through the metal of the Sentinel. He then
leapt through the air and cut down a threatening blade. Finally, he slammed
his fist into the face of Sinister and the "game" ended. He sighed, feeling
satisfied. That one had been good. Now he felt better. He wiped a hand over
his sweaty brow and headed outside. The night air felt cool and nice. The
gentle drizzle helped even better. Wolverine couldn't understand why she was
constantly on his mind. He could always control his feelings. There had been
times he'd been interested in women before, but he'd always put them out of
his thoughts. Otherwise, it was trouble to him and them. But not with her.
With a sigh, Logan headed back inside. This was one puzzle that just
kept getting worse. Everyday she occupied more of his thoughts, took control
of more of his feelings. It had to stop. Logan took a breath. This was just
too dangerous for them both. But especially for her. The women he loved
always seemed to end up the worse for it. He wouldn't let that happen to
her. She was just too special. The consequences to him didn't matter. They
couldn't.
Feeling depressed, Logan headed inside. It was going to be a long
night. And an even harder day after.
"Mornin', cherie. C'est manifique." Gambit planted a kiss on Ororo's
cheek and gave her a smile. The friendship they shared was a special one. It
ran deeper than anything else in Gambit's life. She was the only one he knew
would always trust him.
"Thank you Remy. Sit down and enjoy some." Ororo filled his plate
with a mountain of pancakes and set it in front of him. Remy gladly drenched
it in pure maple syrup.
As he ate, the others straggled in. Rogue purposely took a seat next
to Gambit, so they could flirt unobstructed. She teased him about his
early-morning looks and he picked on the amount of pancakes on her plate.
Jean and Ororo exchanged a knowing smile about the love between the two.
Then Logan entered the room. It was evident in his bright eyes and
rumbled appearance that he hadn't slept last night. Ororo's eyes lit up
happily upon his arrival. She quickly placed a plate on pancakes and sausage
before him. As she turned to get him some orange juice, Wolverine grabbed
her wrist.
"Storm, we need to talk."
"Of course Logan. Right after breakfast." She pulled away slightly
afraid of the tone in his voice. Wolverine considered, but then nodded his
assent.
Storm went over and sat next to Jean, no longer pleased at
Wolverine's appearance. She heard Jean's gentle reassurances in her head.
< He hasn't had much sleep. You know how he gets when he's tired: even
more cranky.>
Ororo offered a small smile. < I know, but it worries me to see him
upset.. and that tone in his voice..>
< I heard it. It doesn't sound good. You know how insecure he is about
your relationship. Just hear him out and try to reassure him. You can do
it.> Jean reached over and gave Storm a hug. Ororo nodded with renewed
confidence.
Scott gave Jean a warm look, complimenting her on helping Ororo. He
didn't particularly like Wolverine or agree with their relationship, but if
Storm chose him... Well, that was enough for him.
"Will somebody take me to the mall today?" Jubilee's teenage woes
broke the silence. "The Professor said I could go to a party tonight and I
need a new outfit. Please!"
Jean and Rogue exchanged amused looks. Then Rogue announced, "Don't
worry sugah. Me and Jeanie'll take ya."
"Oh thank you, thank you, thank you!" Jubilee jumped up and ran over
to hug both the older women. "When can we leave?"
Jean laughed. "Can we finish breakfast first?"
Jubilee blushed, "Of course."
Part One
By Alicia Campbell
The smell of warm pancakes drifted upstairs to slowly wake the
members of the X-Men. As Gambit slipped downstairs, he found Ororo cooking
breakfast.