Title: Can't Run Forever
Author: Chris (teufelce@aol.co)
Website: none
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Can't Run Forever 3
By Chris
Authors' Note: This is the third installment in the Can't Run Forever series, and departs from the previous format of 'letters' to one of an alternating dialogue, set as a 'phone call'. We wrote it via AIM, with Jo taking Scott's POV, and myself handling Logan's POV - the different character's 'voices' aren't labelled, but I think you'll be able to figure out easily enough who's who ;). Enjoy and feedback ALWAYS welcome!
*ring* *ring*
*long silence* *rustling sheets* *groggy* hello?
*muffled breathing* *long pause* *low, gruff voice* hey...
*gasp* *shifting sounds* *fumbling sounds* *THUD* *muttered cursing* *clearing throat* *uncertain tone* Logan, is that you?
*soft snort* yeah... it's me... what the hell's going on over there?
*light cough* prove it... *shaking head* *embarrassed voice* I ... I dropped the phone.
*low growl* how the fuck am I suppose to do that? *short pause* *barking laugh* guess I shouldn't have woken you up, huh?
*snort* *muffled laugh* *coughing* you just did... *clearing throat* *shrug* *quiet voice* I'm glad you did. it's good to hear your voice. *quickly* *concerned tone* is everything okay?
*short pause* *chuckling* yeah, guess I did.... *longer pause* *gruff voice* glad, huh? *snorting* everything's fine, Scooter. I've found exactly jack shit. *sighing* Just.... getting a little... bored up here. Not much going on. Sorry I woke you...
*big grin* yeah... at least you didn't call me a dick, that's an improvement. *chuckle* *sobering* yeah... *sigh* good, I was worried there for a minute. *softly* I'm sorry you haven't found anything, Logan. *nodding* I can image there's not much to do where you are. *short silence* don't be.
*loud laugh* yeah, well I'm trying to improve my manners.... *short pause* *careful voice* you were worried? why? *quickly* no never mind, forget that... *rough sigh* don't worry about it - it ain't like I've never hit dead ends before. *snorting* nothing to do but fight and drink... *quietly* alright..
*humored exhale* we can all use improvement I suppose... *long silence* *whispered* nope, no never minds, Logan. yeah, I was worried... don't like to think of you up there all alone... *nodding* *soft shrug* doesn't mean I have to like it. *quiet snort* *humored* two of your favorite things. *barely audible* good.
*raising brow* some more than others, Scooter... *long pause* *soft voice* yeah... alright, no 'never minds'.... and no, it isn't fun to be alone.... *shaking head* *tight voice* I don't really wanna talk about it, alright? *long pause* *heavy exhale* *calmer tone* they pass the time, nothing more....
*soft laugh* yeah well, we can't all be perfect. *swallowing* no, it's not.... *nodding* okay ... I'm sorry *hesitate voice* maybe if you thought about it a little you could come up with something else...
*laughing* no, we can't.... *coughing* *clearing throat* *quietly* you're.... alone? *shaking head* *gruffly* don't apologize, it ain't your fault. *long pause* *low, growling voice* like what?
*snickering* nope! *sobering* *long pause* *barely audible* yeah, just me and the phone... *gentle tone* it's my fault for bringing it up. *nervously clearing throat* well you could always... take a ride...
*barely audible* you and the phone..... *shaking head* drop it, Scott, you're not to blame... *dead silence* *carefully neutral voice* oh yeah? a ride? where to?
*ragged exhale* *whispered* yeah... and the bed... *muttered* shit! *tight nod* sure, Logan... *slight shrug* *controlled tone* I don't know... is there anywhere you want to go?
*harsh breathing* *low, growling tone* beds are good... *swallowing sounds* *coughing* *short pause* *raising brow* I dunno.... maybe....
*low, barely perceptible moan* *ragged tone* yeah... *long silence* *measured breathing* maybe, huh?
*sharp inhale* *rumbling growl* hell yeah.... *more swallowing sounds* *clearing throat* *rough voice* depends on what's waiting for me....
*closing eyes* *deep breath* *controlled exhale* yeah, they're great for sleeping and ... stiff ... *quickly* *stumbling* I mean stuff. *shaking head* *blinking* *breathing* *whispered* what do you want to have waiting...
*choking sound* *shaky voice* .... 'stuff', huh? Think I like the first thing you said better.... *silence* *inaudible sound*
*embarrassed laugh* yeah, stuff... *shaking head* *snort* I just have a stiff neck, been bugging me, you know? *long pause* *licking lips* *nervous tone* what?
*snort* oh yeah.... *blinking* *narrowing eyes* you hurt yourself or something? *shaky exhale* *long silence* *softly* whatever someone was willing to give....
*clearing throat* right... *smiling* no, I didn't hurt myself. *weak shrug* just stress and shit... *shaky tone* someone ... in particular...
*short nod* yeah.... *shaking head* *growling* what's stressing you? *short pause* *quietly* yeah... someone in particular....
*humorless laugh* the shorter list would be what's NOT stressing me... *long silence* *tight voice* someone I know...
*quirking brow* care to share that with me? *long silence* *soft snort* yeah, I'd say you know him pretty well....
*coughing* what's that, the short list? *hopeful* yeah?
*quietly* anything.... *short pause* *smirking* yeah, he's pretty hot.... even if he is too uptight....
*swallowing* *short pause* okay... well starting with the short list of what's not stressing me... hmm, let's see... well, there's you and... *shaking head* no, that's pretty much it. *grinning* uptight, huh? maybe he just needs some help getting loose...
*blinking* *swallowing sounds* *weak voice* so I ain't stressing you, huh? *shaking head* *louder tone* that's... that's good to know... although pretty shitty that it's such a short list... *long pause* *rumbling growl* oh yeah, I think I could definitely help him with that...
*small smile* no, you're not stressing me, in fact... you have kind of a soothing voice. *clearing throat* and just what is it that you're drinking, Logan? *slight shrug* yeah well the burdens of command and all... *ragged exhalation* I'll bet you could... *shaking head* damn, I could really use a drink...
*incredulous* you sure you didn't get hit in the head, Cyke - 'soothing'??? *shaking head* *swallowing sounds* *quietly* bourbon.... *short pause* *angry voice* fuck 'command'! do what makes you happy, Scott, and screw the rest of them! *shuddering exhale* *grinning* oh yeah, I know I could... loosen him up real good... *blinking* *quirking brow* you alright over there, Scott? you ain't usually the drinking type
*laughing* yeah, I'm sure I didn't hit my head, Wolvie. what can I say, I like your voice. *nodding* *softly* bourbon, huh? that sounds good. Hell, if I wasn't in my underwear I might be tempted to raid the liquor cabinet. *widening eyes* *pause* I can't do that, Logan, and I can't do what makes me
happy either because... *barely audible* he's not here... *raising brows* I'm sure you could... loosen him up... *tight nod* couldn't be better...
*barking laugh* 'Wolvie'? *sobering* *softly* I'm... glad... *sharp inhale* *shakily* yeah, it wouldn't be too good if one of the kids saw you wandering around half-naked... *blinking* *narrowing eyes* *snarling tone* 'he'? who the fuck is 'he'?? *heavy breathing* like to do more than just that... *shaking head* bullshit, Scott, I ain't buying it. what's wrong?
*chuckling* well how else do you shorten it? *arching brow* you're glad... *snort* it's not like I have anything they haven't seen before... but no, it wouldn't be good. *clearing throat* 'he' who... the one... uh... *barely audible* you... *ragged breathing* *shaky tone* more... *swallowing* like.... *clearing throat* I'm fine, Logan, just... nervous
*still laughing* you're lucky I... *blinking* *quickly* you're the only one with the guts to call me that... *short nod* *quietly* really glad... *narrowing eyes* *firmly* whatever, I still don't want them seeing
anything.... *dead silence* *weakly* me? I... I make you... happy? *low growl* much more... like seeing what that perfect smile tastes like... *blinking* *confused* nervous? what the fuck for?
*mock concern* yeah well am I going to see them spilling out of me anytime soon? *loud laughing* *big smile* good... *teasing* okay, big guy, whatever you want! *chuckling* *sober* *hesitate voice* you would... *loud groan* ooooh... *hissing inhalation* *wetting lips* *swallowing* *barely audible* because I've never wanted anything this bad before...
*shaking head* *firmly* never! *chuckling* yeah.... *raising brow* oh, really? whatever I want, huh? *short pause* *soft, sad voice* I don't know about that, Scott.... happiness and me, we don't usually go hand in hand..... *harsh, unsteady breathing* *swallowing sounds* *low, hoarse voice* what do you want so bad, Scott, tell me...
*wide-eyed* *surprised tone* good to know... *nodding* sure, whatever you want. *sigh* *whispered* I'll still take you... *loud, deep breathing* *softly* I want... *knocking sounds* *perturbed* shit, hang on, Logan. *distant* yeah? *sound of door opening* *muffled voices* *long muffled conversation* *distant put out tone* yeah, I'll see you tomorrow. good night. *into the receiver* sorry about that.
*licking lips* *slow grin* might not wanna offer me that, Scott... *small smile* stubborn, aren't you? *raising brow* *blinking* *low growling* fine, I'll hold.... *swallowing sounds* *tightly* who the fuck was that?
*huge grin* *snicker* too late, Logan... *nodding* very stubborn. *sighing* thanks. sorry about that. *shaking head* it was Jean...
*snort* *smirking* just remember that, Scooter.... *soft laugh* well it's not like I ain't either.... *long silence* *barely audible* oh...
*wiggling brows* you might have to remind me, I have a bad memory... *loud laughing* that's true... this should be interesting... *furrowing brow* what's wrong?
*wicked grin* oh, I'll remind you every chance I get... *barking laugh* yeah, it should be... but just remember there's one difference between the two of us, I don't fight fair... *swallowing sounds* *long pause* *more swallowing sounds* *shaking head* *quietly* nothing, Scott, nothing...
*toothy grin* very cool! *snickering* oh yeah... *arching brow* well now, that all depends on the fight, Wolvie... *laughing* *narrowing eyes* bullshit, Logan! *firmly* put the fucking bottle down!! *brief pause* *calm, controlled voice* something's bothering you and I'd like to know what it is....
*shaking head and laughing* yeah..... *smirking* oh does it? you saying you sometimes fight dirty, Scott? *short pause* *sobering* *gruff voice* you gonna make me? *pause* *softer tone* sorry... I just... *sighing* what did Jeannie want?
*grinning* what? *blushing* you'll have to see for yourself, Logan... *scowling* make you what? *tilting head* *closing eyes* *sigh* she heard me talking and wanted to make sure I wasn't having another nightmare... *tightly* shit.
*chuckling* nothing... just... *surprised* *softer tone* happy, I guess.... *arching brow* I plan on it, Scott.... *shaking head* I was being a jackass, just forget it... *indrawn breath* *dead silence* *dangerously quiet voice* nightmare?
*big smile* happy is good. I'm glad you're happy... *blushing* I look forward to it, Logan... *shaking head* you were NOT being a jackass and I'm not going to forget it. *clearing throat* *long pause* *mumbled* I've been known to have them.
*weak smile* yeah, I guess... can't remember the last time I was.... thanks... *low, rough voice* damn, I wish.... *shaking head* *swallowing* *gruffly* I was asking if you were gonna make me put the bottle down... *heavy breathing* *tight voice* what?
*soft, sad voice* well there's no reason to spoil it... *weak shrug* you don't have to thank me, Logan, I'm happy too, happier than I've been in a long time. *ragged inhalation* *tight voice* wish what? *softly* I can't really MAKE you from here but I'd like it if you did... *shaking head* *trembling voice* sorry, I said that I've been known to have them... nightmares I mean...
*shaking head* don't wanna spoil it... *small smile* yeah, but you're the reason I'm happy....and I'm glad you are, Scott, really glad... *short silence* *frustrated growl* *sound of shattering glass* I wish that.. I wasn't here alone... *weak chuckle* well... no more bottle, so don't worry.... *silence* *softly* wanna tell me about 'em?
*small smile* then don't... *long silence* *licking lips* *growing smile* so we're both happy, you think that's a first? I mean both of us happy at the same time? Jesus, listen to me, what the hell is that? *shaking head* *rolling eyes* *jerking upright* *frantically* what was that?! *long silence* *wide eyes* *shaky tone* that makes two of us... *wrinkling brow* are you okay? *soft snort* not much to tell, it's nothing like what I know you have to deal with... *pause* it's just about the night my mutation was activated. nothing that most mutants with destructive abilities don't have to go through at some point.
*snorting* I won't.... *grinning* yeah, I think it is a first.... *softening voice* and I like listening to you... *short pause* *embarrassed tone* bottle meeting wall at high speed... *unsteady breathing* I wish... shit... *sighing* *shaking head* *gruffly* screw my nightmares....*gentler tone* yeah, but it still sucks that you have 'em... nothing helps?
*grinning* good! *soft laugh* one for the record books... *snort* well when you come back you'll get to listen to me a lot while I tell you what to do.... *loud laughing* *confused* and why would the bottle do that? *snickering* *sobering* you wish what, Logan? *softly* I'm sorry, I didn't mean to remind you of them... *long pause* *low voice* *measured words* I don't usually have them when I'm not alone...
*amused chuckle* yeah, better call Guinness... *blinking* *loud laughter* *choked voice* you... telling me.... *more laughing* *long pause* *sheepish tone* cause I threw it... *barely audible* I... want you.... *quickly* you didn't, Scott, so don't worry about it... *short pause* *hesitant voice* well... I guess we'll have to see what we can do about that....
*loud laughing* you think they'd be interested? *fading laugh* *rolling eyes* I meant me giving you orders on the team, Logan, somehow I doubt I'll be the leader anywhere else... *humored exhale* why'd you throw it? *loud groan* oh god... *trembling tone* I ... I want you too... *thinking* *snort* *shaking head* I don't think so, Logan... *tenderly* do you want to talk about yours? *swallowing* *wetting lips* *squeaky voice* that... *clearing throat* that sounds like a good idea... *knocking on door* *shouting* I'M FINE, JEAN, GO AWAY!
*snort* fucked if I know! *grinning* just so long as we're clear on that, Scooter... *shrugging* *low voice* because I'm frustrated... *low growl* *hoarse voice* so bad, I can taste it.... *sobering* *shaking head* *quietly* not really, not now. don't wanna ruin the mood... *amused laugh* *growing
smile* sounds like a hell of an idea to me... *blinking* *rumbling growl* *tight voice* what the fuck?!? doesn't she get the hint?? *short pause* *barely audible* or doesn't she know you're on the phone?
*laughing* *shaking head* *grinning* won't get any argument out of me, Wolvie... *heavy exhale* frustration sucks! *loud moan* *hissing inhalation* *ragged sigh* god I want to taste it... *swallowing* *nodding weakly* *tenderly* when you're ready... *expanding grin* me too... *heavy sigh* *shaking head harshly* *terse tone* she saw me on the phone. Christ, she thinks she's my mother now or something...
*feral smile* good... smart man... *groaning* shit... *uncomfortable shifting sounds* fuck, Scott.... *hissing inhale* *weak nod* yeah, when I'm ready, I will.... *soft smile* I can't wait.... *short pause* *dangerous growl* sounds like me and Jeannie are gonna need to talk. I don't want her messing with
what's mine.... *blinking* *silence*
*laughing* so you keep telling me... *ragged moan* *breathless* I like the sound of that... *sharp groan* *closing eyes* *slow nod* when you're ready, Logan... *panting* me either... *mocking* oooooh, sounds like fun, can I watch... *concerned* Logan?
*nodding* and I'll keep on telling you... *ragged breathing* Christ, I'm gonna need a cold shower.... *rough voice* yeah..
*grin* okay. *sharp groan* I already do... *barely audible grunt* though maybe not for long...
*sharp exhale* *groaning* shit, Scott, you keep bringing images like that up, I ain't gonna need one any more either.... *relieved sigh* *hoarse voice* yeah, I'm sure. Very sure.... *low chuckle* yeah...*silence* *tight, emotional tone* oh... I.... you mean.... shit.... *whispered* I gotta be dreaming... or drunker than I thought...
*tight growling sound* god... *heavy sigh* good... that's really good... *nodding slowly* that's what I mean, Logan... and you are not dreaming... can't attest to the alcohol variable though...
*rapid breathing* *shaky voice* oh fuck.... *mute nod* *closing eyes* *barely audible* thank you....
*loud moaning* *tight tone* stop saying that... *blinking* for what?
*slow animalistic smile* fuck..... *shaking head* *softly* for this... for giving me hope...
*whimper* *shaky groan* *ragged tone* Logan.... *heavy breathing* hope... I hope you're coming soon... home... *quickly* I mean I hope you're coming home soon...
*shaky laugh* *ragged voice* I think.... I'll.... be doing *low groan*.... both.... real soon... Scott...
*panting breaths* oh god...
*growling* Scott.....
*groaning* Logan... *throaty moan*
*harsh panting* that's it... Scott... I wanna hear you...
*frantic shifting sounds* *whimpering* *breathless* Lo... oooooh, Logan...
*grunting* oh yeah, Scott... just... like that.... *hitched breathing* *low moan*
*clenching eyes closed* *hiccuping breaths* *almost calm voice* oh god, Logan, I wish you were touching me... wish I was touching you...... *pained groan*
*feral growling* gonna fuck you right through the wall as soon as I get there, pretty boy.....
*muffled scream* fuck...........
*panting* oh fuck... fuck... Scott.... *ragged howl*
*rough, ragged breathing*
*shaky exhale* *hoarse voice* shit, Scott.... *weak laugh*
*embarrassed chuckle* what?
*grinning* gonna need a change of clothes before I get on the bike...
*blushing* probably a good idea... so when would it be that you might be getting on my bike? *knocking* *frustrated* Jesus Christ... would you just put her to sleep. *shouting* I'M FINE, JEAN! *muffled voice* *frantic* shit, Logan, I have to go. *sound of clothes rustling* I'll... I'll talk to you
later, okay?
*snorting* hell yeah.... and I'll be getting on your bike just as soon as I change.... *blinking* *muttered* shit.... *concerned* you.... you ok, Scott?
*smiling* happy to hear that... *distracted* yeah, Logan, I'm okay, I just.... we have a mission...
*nodding* *softly* good... *short pause* *tight voice* be careful, Scooter.... *barely audible* I don't... I don't wanna lose you...
*pausing* *tenderly* I can't wait until you get here... *tight nod* I will, Wolvie... *softer* you're not going to lose me that easy... *short silence* so, how soon will you be home?
*low laugh* neither can I.... *nodding* see that you are.... and.... I'm glad.... *pause* probably be there in two... maybe three days...
*smiling* good... *nodding* don't worry about me, just be safe yourself... *wistful* oh... well will I at least talk to you again before then?
*fiercely* of course I'll damn well worry about you! and this is the last mission you go on without me... *deep breath* *calm, soft tone* yeah, you'll talk to me before then....
*smirking* yes, sir, Mister Wolverine, sir... *laughing* *sobering* *sigh* good... god, we haven't even hung up yet and I miss you already...
*muttered* fucking wiseass... *gruff laugh* *long pause* *quietly* I know what you mean.... I almost don't want to hang up... but if I don't, I'll never get there...
*wide-eyed* *snickering* what did I say? *weak nod* I guess when you put it that way... *pause* *softly* I'll talk to you later, Logan. take care, be careful and... good night or I guess more accurately, good morning... *chuckling*
*shaking head* *laughing* you know goddamn well what you said, Scott...*long pause* *quiet sigh* yeah.... too damn bad I ain't got one of those cell phones... *shifting sounds* I'll... I'll call again tomorrow, ok? you take care of yourself too, Slim - I'd hate to have to come all the way down there just to save your ass again... *soft laugh* yeah, morning...
*blinking innocently* I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about Mister Wolverine, sir. *nodding* *scowling* yeah . damn, if I'd known I could have sent one to you with my letter. I sent it overnight priority so you should get it first thing in the morning before you're ready to take off. *smiling* I'll be waiting for your call, Logan. *chuckling* I'll be careful, Wolvie, don't worry. *arching brow* you mean all I have to do is cry 'wolf' and you'll come running? *laughing* *sighing* I could get used to saying good morning to you, Logan.
*choked laughter* *smugly* you're gonna get it for that one, bub... *slow grin* so I'm getting another letter, huh? looking forward to it, Slim... *chuckling* just don't drop the phone next time, ok? *blinking* *mock growl* well you know what happened to the boy who cried 'wolf' too often, Scott? *short pause* *softly* 'good morning'.. 'good night'... 'pass the paper'... *snorting laugh*
*teasing chuckle* *smiling* *nodding* yeah, you're getting another letter.... *sharp exhale* hey, I wasn't exactly expecting to hear your voice... *softly* it was a wonderful surprise... *loud, coughing laugh* *clearing throat* *humored tone* as I recall he was eaten... I might be wrong though, children's stories aren't really my area of expertise. *sputtering* you read... *hysterical laughter*
*grinning* good... like your letters... *arching brow* so my voice makes you drop phones? *muffled laughter* *sobering* I... hell, took me a while to even dial... *short pause* *feral grin* bingo, Slim. *longer pause* *harsh breathing*
*soft exhale* good... I hope it makes sense... *shaking head* *chuckling* only when it wakes me up from a dream you were starring in... *tender smile* I'm glad you finally managed. *clearing throat* *frantic tone* wolf wolf wolf wolf wolf wolf wolf... *laughing* *sobering* *furrowing forehead* Logan,
what ... oh shit, you know I was just teasing, right? *pounding sounds* *sharply* damn it, I really have to go... I'll talk to you tomorrow...
*softly* they always make sense... even when you ramble... *arching brow sharply* starring in, huh? gonna have to tell me about that sometime.. *shaking head* *smiling* yeah, so am I.... *blinking* *loud, barking laugh* no sense of self-preservation, eh, Scooter? *shifting* *growling tone* fuck... yeah, yeah you will talk to me tomorrow, Scott. good night... *barely audible* be careful...
*snorting* I always ramble ...*tenderly* I just have so much I want to say to you, Logan... *blushing* encore performance... *embarrassed exhale* *short pause* *quietly* good... *wiggling brows* *snickering* and you say I'm smart... *heavy, sorrowful exhale* I'm really sorry, Logan... *somber* okay, I'll talk to you then... night... *click*
*smiling* and I look forward to listening, Scott...*blinking* *slow grin* yeah, that so? now I really can't wait...*nodding* yeah, good... *loud snort* smart, but no survival instinct.... *long pause* *gruffly* don't worry about it, Scott...*muttered* fuck.... *click*