Mistletoe1

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"Jubilation, please be careful with those. They are made of glass." Ororo Munroe advised for the second time from her command post on the floor, where she sat Indian style futilely trying to untangle the mountain of Christmas lights spread around her.

Of course, a teenage girl whose CD player may as well have been surgically grafted to her ears was deaf to her warnings. Ororo could do no more than watch with a sense of impending doom as the brightly clad child twirled around the cluttered and crowded room with a full box of red and silver glass ornaments. She longed to get up and snatch the box away, but unfortunately was in grave danger of being buried alive beneath the labyrinth of twisted knotted wires and burnt out bulbs. The beginnings of a monstrous headache began to throb against the base of her skull in counter rhythm to the tinny beat of Jubilation Lee's overly loud headphones.

Not only did she have to deal with the dancing yellow tornado before her, but Bobby was across the room threatening Marie with putting real icicles on the tree. She never failed to be amazed by the lengths that boy went to get Marie's attention. It reminded her of the way Scott used to behave around Jean when they were all younger. Perhaps young Bobby was onto something.

Speaking of Jean and Scott, why were they not stuck in the midst of all this chaos, too? Both of her fellow faculty members were conspicuously absent, suddenly leaving Ororo as the sole chaperone for the annual tree decoration event.
She glared down at the plastic green mass in her hands and swore softly under her breath. She had just succeeded in making yet another knot. Why did she always wind up with this particular chore? Thank the goddess it was snowing out. She knew she'd wind up yanking her hair out if she had to put up with Kitty constantly pleading with her to make certain it snowed again this year.

Thirty-three days until Christmas and already everyone was going insane. Ororo shook her head. She was no Scrooge. In fact she loved the holidays. She'd been fascinated by the way Americans celebrated it when she first arrived from Cairo. Such fuss and fanfare dedicated to one event. Yet now as she got older the holidays began to lose some of the luster, she realized. There just seemed to be so much work involved.

Goddess, they had just finished preparing an enormous feast for Thanksgiving yesterday. And now, here they were decking the halls. Unfortunately, Charles Xavier had far too many halls to be decked. She was in for a long night.
Still, she wanted to be upbeat about it all. The kids were enjoying themselves and she had managed a few victories this year at least. She'd convinced them after nearly two days of debating that a real tree was out of the question. Jean called her melodramatic of all things, for being so adamant about cutting down live trees. Still, it would all be worth the effort once everything was finished. However, as she gazed up at the half finished 8 foot artificial spruce, she could not suppress the melancholy sigh that escaped her lips. As usual it would be beautifully decorated tree, but she knew it would take more than lights and tinsel to lift her spirits this year.

Most likely she'd be getting the usual sweater from the Professor, or perfume from Jean. She had an endless supply of odd key chains, usually shaped like thunderbolts and various knickknacks from the students. If Scott ever, ever made the mistake of buying her pruning shears again she would definitely put them to good use.

Of course, she appreciated her friends. They all tried, she reminded herself. She was never much help when she always told them that she didn't want anything. She really did not want any "thing". None of them could give her what she wanted most. None of them could make her feel special and treasured. No one gave her gifts in tiny boxes that would make her whole face light up. No one ever wanted to cuddle with her late at night and admire the beauty of the finished tree.

She drew in a deep breath, shaking her head as she refocused on the task at hand. Why was she complaining? She had a great deal more than most people, she reminded herself. She lived in a beautiful home filled with wonderful people, who where truly family in every sense of the word. She had no reason to feel so lonely.

"Who wants a steaming mug of hot chocolate?" The cheery lilt of Jean's voice rang interrupting her reverie.

She smiled as Jean entered the room pushing a cart filled to the brim with a great deal more than hot chocolate. She could not remember a time when she'd seen the red head so full of Christmas cheer. Of course, Jean had good reason. She had a very special gift for her new husband. Ororo could hardly wait to see his reaction when he found out what he was getting this year.

"Get on in here, Slim."Jean called over her shoulder as the students began to mill around the food.

Ororo put her hand to her mouth, her eyes gone wide. No way, did she persuade him to do it. She thought her friend had been joking when she mentioned it while they were busy in the kitchen the other day.

Yet sure enough, seconds later a tall man in a bright red suit with a very lopsidedly enormous belly lumbered through the door. Beneath the red and white faux fur trimmed cap and elasticized beard, was none other than their fearless leader. Complete with a bright red face and ruby quartz glasses. Looking far more embarrassed than jolly, he scowled at his very pleased looking wife.
Ororo tried her best not to laugh louder than the students, but knew she'd lost a loosing battle when he shuffled across the room in the boots that were obviously several sizes too big. Years before the suit belonged to their former teammate, Dr. Hank McCoy who despite his unconventional looks made an amazing Santa. Poor Scott was a lost cause.
Helplessly, Ororo wiped at her eyes as she scrambled to her feet. Hoping he'd forgive her for practically rolling on the floor in hysterical laughter, she gave her good friend a hug.

"You were in on this weren't you?" Scott complained, his frown clearly evident behind his glasses.

Affecting innocence, Ororo shrugged. "You look great, Scott. The kids are loving it."

"Yeah, of course they love it, Ro. I'm gonna be the butt of their jokes for the next few months. I look like an idiot."

"C'mon, Scott. Stop being such a grouch." Ororo teased, tugging on his beard as she tossed Jean a quick conspiritory wink. "You are supposed be jolly."

"Yeah, Cyke. Let's here a couple ho ho ho's? "a low-pitched masculine voice quipped behind them all.

Silence fell over the room as all at once everyone turned to stare in astonishment at their surprise visitor leaning casually against the door frame.

Ororo and Jean's softer murmuring of his name were completely drowned-out by Marie's high pitched squeal as she practically ran to the door. "LOOOGAAANNN!!!"

Next to her, she felt Scott tense up as they all watched Marie nearly tackle Logan as he stepped into the room. She didn't miss the tiny quiver in Jean's smile, which now looked as false as Scott's beard. 'Oh, yes. This Christmas was just full of surprises.'she thought dryly.

Slowly, Logan extracted himself from Marie's crushing hug playfully ruffling her two toned hair as he grinned down at her. "How ya doin', Kid?" he asked her softly, barely audible to the other occupants in the room. He didn't miss the tiny flicker of disappointment in her huge brown eyes at his choice of names for her, it was gone seconds later as she brightly told him she was fine. Logan hugged her to him again as he slowly scanned the room, checking out the menagerie of familiar faces who all appeared to be doing their best not to gawk at him.

His smirk at the scowling Santa in front of him, brightened as he looked past him to the beautiful redheaded doctor behind him. Just as lovely as he remembered, he mused as she gave him a weak smile in return. Somehow it lacked the warmth it used to carry, he noticed. Slowly his gaze flickered to the other woman in the room next to Scott and he almost smiled, until he noticed the dark flicker of emotion in her chocolate colored eyes. Her quick cool nod was almost imperceptible and immediately he got the distinct impression she was not the least be pleased about his impromptu return. Still as much the ice princess as he recalled, he decided as he dragged his gaze away from her chilly one. He couldn't help but feel a pang of regret. Ororo Munroe was a really stunning woman. Unfortunately, every time she looked at him he felt he should check and see if he had shit stuck to his boots. He returned her curt greeting with a slight incline of his own head just before Marie grabbed his hand in her gloved one to drag him out of the room. He knew she wouldn't let him get away until she'd heard every last detail of his trip, so he followed her without a second glance at the three speechless adults in the room.

Ororo frowned as she sat back down to finish uncoiling the lights despite the sip of hot chocolate she'd just taken. But instead of picking up the twisted tangle of red, green, yellow and blue bulbs, she clutched the smooth heat of her ceramic mug in her tense grip. Logan was back. And the sight of him still had the power to awaken a part of her she'd thought long buried.

The light sounds of fluttery motion told him that he was not the first one up the following morning and he fought the urge to turn around and head back upstairs. The tuneless humming was barely audible as he instead continued towards the kitchen following it's decidedly feminine note. The unmistakable aroma of freshly brewed coffee nearly overpowered the subtle undertone of her signature sandalwood scent, but still he knew it was her. He never needed his hyper alert senses to know she was around. He was always aware of her.

"Mornin, Storm."he said stepping into the industrial sized kitchen, making a conscious effort to soften the usual morning gruffness of his voice.

She gave a startled jump anyway, the spoon she held clattering noisily to the floor as she spun around.
He didn't miss the quick flicker of annoyance in her eyes as she gave him a quick once over before bending quickly to retrieve her spoon, spending an awful lot of time placing it in the sink behind her before she mumbled a terse good morning of her own.
Although it was Saturday, she was already dressed for her day and he tried not to notice of how gorgeous she looked in the soft fluffy white sweater and snug jeans. Instead of staring at the radiant glow of her skin and the teasing shimmer in her hair, he flung open the door to the refrigerator.

"I did not know you were a morning person, Logan."she mused, quietly.

"Well, now ya know." he told her, frowning into the depths of the refrigerator.

"And not a very pleasant one at that." he heard her comment softly under her breath. His lips drew up in a smirk even as he shut the door with a hint of frustration. "Don't you people have any decent beer?"

Her disdainful gasp caused his smirk to deepen. "It is not even six in the morning and you're looking for beer?"

Logan shrugged, as he nonchalantly leaned against the cool surface of the refrigerator regarding her carefully. Trying to figure out why she disliked him so much, why she seemed to stiffen every time he came into a room. His gaze lowered to the steaming mug she held pointedly. "Ain't no worse than that shit you're drinking."

The indignant flare in her eyes when she lifted the cup to her unpainted lips only served to amuse him further. Why annoying her pleased him so was beyond his comprehension. Perhaps because it was the only clear response he ever could register with her. She seemed to always be on guard around him, he noted. Unlike most people, her scent confused him and just like before he found himself irked by that.

Was she really as cold as she seemed? Or was it an act. He could not recall a time when he'd been here before that she'd been anything but aloof and cool, especially towards him. He had no idea why, but whenever he was in the same room with her he felt edgy. Like he couldn't wait to pick a fight. If he wasn't mistaken, she had the very same reaction to him.

"Was your trip successful?"she asked.

"More or less."

Blinking, Ororo lowered her cup. "Is that all you have to say?"

His thick arms crossed over his chest in a habitual defensive posture as he studied her serene face. "Depends on how you define successful." he answered, after a long moment.

Fighting an urge to roll her eyes, she instead carefully placed her coffee on the counter. Her pose mimicked his as she folded her own arms across her chest. "And exactly how would you define it?"

He responded with a humorless snort, his gaze flickering over her in dismissal.

" You know, Logan. I am only attempting to initiate conversation. There is no reason to go on the defensive."

She was right, he knew. Still, he didn't see what business it was of hers. "I found a lot of useless information, pretty much the same shit I knew all along. Any more questions?"

Ororo narrowed her eyes, studying him and his perpetual scowl. Why did she bother with social niceties with the man? He was a lost cause, she knew. Still, there was the potential that one day he would want to be an X-Man and as co-leader of the team, she should extend the olive branch. She doubted seriously if Scott would ever be able to fully do so.

Sighing softly, she allowed a gentle smile. "It is good to have you back, Logan." she told him, taking in the brief look of surprise in his eyes. Walking past him on her way the door, she paused. "I do hope you will extend your stay this time."

He could do no more than watch her stride out of the room, staring after her in curiosity. She'd done it again. Saying one thing while her scent said another, yet it hadn't smelled like a lie either. With a shrug he walked over to the sink and grabbed a mug, still thinking about her as he poured his coffee.

"Girls, you have about four minutes before I am in the car and down the driveway." Ororo called, tapping on the door to her three favorite student's room. As a teacher, she knew she should not have favorites, but the three girls had become like her own daughters. It was the only reason why she had agreed to take them shopping with her. The sudden sounds of scurrying about alerted her that she would be waiting a bit longer. It was Saturday. Of course, they overslept. She gave a small indulgent smile knowing that no matter how crowded the stores were she would wait. Sitting down on the small settee in the hall, she reviewed her Christmas list, mentally adding Logan to her shopping list. Although, she had no idea what to get him. Surely he liked more than flannel shirts, cigars and beer.

She gave a start when Kitty's head appeared through the door disrupting her musings.

"Goddess, child. Would it trouble you to use a doorknob like the rest of us? "she scolded lightly, refraining from reminding her how easy it would be for her to slip up and use her powers in public. It was very easy to get too comfortable somewhere and forget.

Kitty Pryde shrugged her shoulders before she realized Miss Munroe couldn't see the motion. "Sorry, Miss Ro." she amended, stepping back and disappearing from sight. Seconds later the door open properly and she stuck her head out in the conventional way.

"Rogue's not coming." she announced with a twinge of annoyance.

Although she had a good idea of the reason, Ororo asked anyway.

"She doesn't want to miss talking to Logan today." the girl confirmed, rolling her dark eyes heavenward.

Ororo smiled to herself at the exasperated tone. They all had been on the receiving end of many of Marie's Logan monologues. For the past eight months, that was pretty much all the poor girl talked about when she wasn't missing her mother. She supposed that if she had a major crush on a guy who was also residing in her head, she would be a little obsessed too.

It took a little bribing in the form of her promising to make a stop at the Godiva shop but soon she was pulling out of the drive with her girls. She was pretty certain that Jubilee's begging for juicy tidbits about Logan's search didn't hurt matters either, and Ororo found herself listening as closely as the other two as Marie talked about her favorite subject on their way to the city.

TBC

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