The X-Men: New Additions - Part 9

Author:  Stacy Ricco

 
    Alex didn't see much of Logan in the next week. She only saw him at meals and even then she barely looked at him. She was almost back to a hundred percent, but it was only because she pushed herself. She spent most of her time in the exercise room on the treadmill and the other various pieces of workout equipment. The only lingering problem that she had was the numbness in her two fingers of her right hand. They didn't impede her that much, so she didn't consider it a major problem. She fell asleep exhausted every night and even missed Logan sleeping next to her.
The rest of the inhabitants of the mansion were walking on eggshells every time they were around Alex or Logan. They knew something had happened between the two, but no one knew for sure what it was. They did notice that Alex was sleeping in her room and every time the subject of her and Logan came up, she would get a blank look on her face. Rogue had tried a few times to bring the subject up with Alex, but each time Alex would change the subject. They didn't even try to broach the subject with Logan
    Alex woke at her usual time and headed down to the danger room. This would be her first session since the incident in the Boston Public Gardens. She quietly made her way through the darkened mansion. It was only three am and most of the mansion's inhabitants were asleep. She did pass Gambit, who was on his way to his room. She could smell cigarette smoke and alcohol emanating from him. He was probably just getting in from a night out on the town. She stopped in the control room and programmed in the session she wanted to run. Five minutes later she was in the danger room and was facing adversaries.
    Logan couldn't sleep again. Every night for the past week he only got a few hours of sleep before he would wake up and be unable to go back to sleep. It was too late to head back to Harry's. He had spent almost every night there trying to forget about her. It worked until he got back to the mansion and felt the empty space next to him when he crawled into bed. He looked at the clock. Two hours, that was all the sleep he got tonight so far. He sighed and threw back the covers. He climbed out of bed and got dressed.
He was going to head to the rec room and watch some tv or a movie or two, but found himself in the control room of the danger room. He looked out of the large window and saw Alex fighting a few opponents below. He sat back in a chair and watched her.
She went from opponent to opponent with what seemed like little or no effort. He saw her take some hits, but generally she gave out more than she took. He had to admit she was right. He would have never let her push herself and she wouldn't be back to where she is. He sighed. Perhaps it was time to put things back to normal between them.
He left the control room and headed to the door of the danger room. He opened the door and stood there. She paused and looked at him. She nodded and he joined the fray. A half-hour later they stopped when they ran out of opponents. They just looked at each other. Alex looked away and then left the room. Well it was a start. Logan reset the controls of the danger room and began another session.
Alex was glad to see Logan during her workout, but it made her high-strung all day long. She went looking for Bobby. She found him in his room playing computer games.
"Hey Bobby," she called sticking her head in the door.
"Alex! What's up?"
"What do you guys do around here to relax? I mean in terms of getting out."
"We usually go to Harry's."
"Harry's?"
"Alex, you haven't been to Harry's not even once in the three and a half months you've been here with us?"
"Nope."
"Well we can change that. We'll go tonight."
"You're on. What time?"
"Let's head down around seven. We can grab a bite to eat there."
"Sounds like a plan," Alex said and headed to the Professor's office."

    She spent the remainder of the day reading and working out. She met Bobby, along with Storm, Bishop, Gambit, Rogue, Sam, Cecilia and Hank at the front entrance.
"Thought I'd ask everyone else. We all could use the break."
"No problem. Let's go."
They arrived at Harry's a short time later.
"Okay first thing's first. Who's driving?" Hank called out as they entered the bar.
"Looks like ah am sugah. Since ah can't drink anyways."
"All right we have the DD. What do you all want to drink?" Hank asked as they all sat down at a vacant table.
"Beer."
"Three shots of tequila and a glass of Sprite."
"Pepsi or Coke."
"Sprite."
"Two shots of vodka and a Coke to start."
"Coke."
"Mudslide."
"Beer."
"Okay let's see if I got it. Beer for Bobby, three shots of tequila and a Sprite for Alex, Coke or Pepsi for Cecilia, Sprite for Rogue, Vodka and a Coke for Gambit, Coke for Bish, a Mudslide for Storm and a beer for Sam. Am I missing anything?"
"Nope."
Hank, using the image inducer, made his way to the bar to get their drinks. Everyone was a little surprised when Alex ordered three shots of tequila. They all gave her strange looks when she placed her order.
"What?"
"Well it's just hard seeing someone with your background wouldn't drink. Look at Bish here and Scott's the same way," Bobby said with a wide grin.
"Bobby. There's a time and place for everything."
Alex looked around. Harry's wasn't what one would call an upscale establishment. It was the sort of place where blue-collar working people came at the end of a hard day. Most of the patrons were men, but a few women were scattered here and there. Most wore working clothes and the sweat and grime of a hard day's work. Music was coming from the jukebox in the middle of the bar and the music was pumped through the bar over speakers. Pool tables lined the one wall and a stage was located on the opposite wall. A single microphone stand was erected in the middle of a stage and two small television sets were set in front of the microphone.
"Bobby! Ya didn't!"
"Didn't what Rogue?"
"Ya didn't drag us here on karaoke night, did you?"
"I didn't know, honest!"
Everyone but Alex started laughing.
"Ah'm still tryin' to forget about what I remember from that night."
They laughed harder. Alex looked at Bobby.
"The last time we were here for karaoke night, Rogue was so far gone that she got up on the stage and started singing. We couldn't get her off the stage when it was time to go."
"Ah still owe ya for that one Icebox."
"Was she any good?" Alex asked.
"Good? Rogue? Nails being dragged across a chalkboard would be more pleasant to hear."
"Bobby, ya jus' love ta' flirt with dangah don't ya?"
"You know I still love you Rogue."
"Of course ah do, but that doesn't mean ah'm not going to kick your ass."
Hank arrived just in time with the drinks to prevent that line of conversation from going any farther. Alex picked up her shot glass.
"Here's to all of us!" she toasted.
"Here, here!" they all said and raised their glasses.
Alex quickly downed her shot. She didn't bother with the normal salt and lime or lemon. She really didn't mind the taste of tequila.
The conversation turned to many different topics as the night progressed. The karaoke started around nine p.m. and they found themselves singing along to quite a few of the songs. Alex was on her tenth or eleventh shot by the time the karaoke started. She was a little tipsy from the alcohol, but because of her high metabolism the effects of the alcohol never lasted long. She tried not to think about Logan, but it was impossible. He was the only thing on her mind since she saw him in the danger room this morning.
"Alex sugah. You should get up there," Rogue said breaking her train of thought.
"Not me Rogue."
"Alex ya have a beautiful voice. Ah think ya should share it."
"Come on Alex. If you go up and do a song, I'll go up and do one."
"Be careful sugah. That's what he said to me!"
"Alex, perhaps you should let us all hear you sing. If you're half as good as Rogue says you are, it will be a pleasure to hear you sing."
"Thanks Storm, but I don't know."
"Please?" Bobby asked looking at her with puppy dog eyes.
"How could I refuse when you put it like that?" Alex said with a smile on her face. "What should I sing?"
"Ah'll go with ya ta pick something out," Rogue said as she stood up.
Alex stood up and then followed Rogue over to where the song selection was located. Alex had her back to the door and didn't see Logan come in. He saw the rest of the X-men sitting at a table and sat in the seat that Alex had just vacated.
"Some one's been having some fun," he said nodding at the line of shot glasses sitting on the table. He picked up an empty shot glass and sniffed it. "Tequila."
"Alex. She can sure put it away."
Logan wouldn't have thought Alex to be the Tequila type.
Rogue came back to the table and sat down. She saw Logan and smiled. He eyed her suspiciously. She gave him a wink and sat down. They watched the guy who was up there now. He was doing a good job at slaughtering a Bon Jovi song. There was a brief two seconds of applause when the person was done.
Alex stepped up to the microphone and then she saw Logan. <Oh well. Too late now.> she thought. She looked at him and their eyes met. A small smile played on her lips. The music began and she began to sing.

    it doesn't mean much
    it doesn't mean anything at all
    the life I've left behind me
    is a cold room
    I've crossed the last line
    from where I can't return
    where every step I took in faith
    betrayed me
    and led me from my home

    and sweet
    sweet surrender
    is all that I have to give

    you take me in
    no questions asked
    you strip away the ugliness
    that surrounds me
    are you an angel
    am I already that gone
    I only hope
    that I won't disappoint you
    when I'm down here
    on my knees

    and sweet
    sweet
    sweet surrender
    is all that I have to give

    sweet
    sweet
    sweet surrender
    is all that I have to give

    and I don't understand
    by the touch of your hand
    I would be the one to fall

    I miss the little things
    oh I miss everything
    about you

    it doesn't mean much
    it doesn't mean anything at all
    the life I left behind me
    is a cold room

    The entire bar was silent by the time Alex had finished. Everyone was amazed at how well she could sing. A loud round of applause followed when she was done. Logan sat there with his mouth open in amazement.
"More!" someone shouted.
"Maybe later," Alex said leaving the stage.
"Alex that was amazing," Bobby said when she reached the table.
"Yes it was," Storm added.
"Thanks. I seem to be out of drinks."
As if on cue the waitress came over.
"What will it be?"
"Three shots of Tequila for me."
"Same for me and a beer," Logan said giving Alex a smile.
"A beer for each of us," Sam said gesturing to himself and Bobby.
"Is that all?"
Everyone gave a small nod.
"Alex where did you learn to sing like that?"
"I didn't learn anywhere Storm. I guess you could call it a gift."
"Dat's some gift."
"Thanks Gambit."
"You going to sing again?"
"Bobby I do believe you owe me one before I sing again." Alex said giving him a smile.
"Only if you sing with me. Hopefully your singing will drown out mine."
"We can only pray," Hank added.
The waitress came back with their drinks. She sat a glass down in front of Alex.
"I didn't order this."
"It's from the gentleman at the bar," the waitress said nodding in the direction of a guy sitting on a barstool. Bobby groaned. He knew this wouldn't be pleasant if Logan decided to discourage the guy.
"What is it?"
"Long Island iced tea."
"Thanks."
"Sure sweetie. That was some singing."
"Thanks."
The waitress left. Alex could feel Logan's eyes burning into her skull. She knew he probably wasn't too pleased about another guy buying her a drink. Well two could play at this game. She grabbed the Iced Tea and walked over to where the guy was sitting.
"Thanks for the drink."
"You're welcome. My name's Paul."
"Alex."
"Short for?"
"Alexandra."
"That was some beautiful singing."
"Thank you," she said not really caring about what was being said. She could feel the weight of Logan's stare.
"Are you going to grace us with another song?"
"Maybe. I haven't decided yet."
"You should," Paul said putting a hand on her shoulder.
Logan had been watching the whole exchange. When the guy put a hand on Alex's shoulder he almost lost it. The glass that he had been holding on to shattered under his grip and beer and glass went everywhere.
"Logan…"
"What? Oh sorry 'Ro."
"Logan you know she's only testing you?"
"Yes 'Ro I know, but that doesn't mean I have to like it," he growled.
"I know Logan."
Alex came back to the table and sat down.
"Alex you going to sing again?"
"Think so Cecilia. I just have to find something to sing."
"Rogue want to help me pick something out again?"
"Shur sugah."
The two women got up and walked over to the guy running the controls.
Alex waited for the person on the stage to finish up. When the woman was done Alex stepped up on to the stage. The music started.

    Tonight I feel so weak
    But all in love is fair
    I turn the other cheek
    And I feel the slap and the sting of the foul night air
    And I know you're only human
    And I haven't got talking room
    But tonight while I'm making excuses
    Some other woman is making love to you

    Somebody bring me some water
    Can't you see I'm burning alive
    Can't you see my baby's got another lover
    I don't know how I'm gonna survive
    Somebody bring me some water
    Can't you see it's out of control
    Baby's got my heart and my baby's got my mind
    But tonight the sweet Devil's got my soul

    When will this aching pass
    When will this night be through
    I want to hear the breaking glass
    I only feel the steel of the red hot truth
    And I'd do anything to get it out of my mind
    I need some insanity that temporary kind
    Tell me how will I ever be the same
    When I know that woman is whispering your name

    Somebody bring me some water
    Can't you see I'm burning alive
    Can't you see my baby's got another lover
    I don't know how I'm gonna survive
    Somebody bring me some water
    Can't you see it's out of control
    Baby's got my heart and my baby's got my mind
    But tonight the sweet Devil's got my soul Oh, the Devil's got my soul

    Somebody bring me some water
    Can't you see I'm burning alive
    Can't you see my baby's got another lover
    I don't know how I'm gonna survive
    Somebody bring me some water
    Can't you see it's out of control
    Baby's got my heart and my baby's got my mind
    But tonight the sweet Devil's got my soul

The bar was filled with cheers and applause after she was finished.
"More!" someone shouted.
"Okay one more and then I'm done for the night."
Alex went over to the guy at the controls. She selected her song and then stepped back up on to the stage. The music started and the bar went quiet.

    I'm not always strong
    And sometimes I'm even wrong
    But I win when I choose
    And I can't stand to lose

    But I can't always be
    The rock that you see
    When the nights get too long
    And I just can't go on

    The woman in me
    Needs you to be
    The man in my arms
    To hold tenderly
    Cause I'm a woman in love
    Yeah the woman in me
    Needs the man in you

    When the world wants too much
    And it feels cold and out of touch
    It's a beautiful place
    When you kiss my face

    The woman in me
    Needs you to be
    The man in my arms
    To hold tenderly
    Cause I'm a woman in love
    And it's you I run to
    Yeah the woman in me
    Needs the man in you

    Yeah the woman in me
    Needs the man in you

    I need you baby
    Yeah yeah
    Oh baby...

"Wow get some alcohol in Alex and she turns all mushy," Bobby said surprised at the choices Alex made in songs. Rogue elbowed him in the ribs and he doubled over in pain.
"You should hear what she goes to sleep to," Logan said not taking his eyes off of Alex.
"So that's what happened to the clock radio I found in the trash the other week. Too mushy for ya Logan?"
Logan turned to glare at Bobby for a second and then refocused his sight on Alex.
Logan sat there staring at Alex. This was a side of her that he had never seen. All he wanted to do is take her back to the mansion and take her to his room. He never wanted her more. He stood up as she approached the table.
Alex walked back over to the table when she was done singing. She saw Logan stand up and she smiled at him. The desire on his face was as plain as day and she smiled more. She had almost reached Logan when Paul stepped in her path.
"Alex that was amazing."
"Thank you," she said still keeping her focus on Logan.
"Uh oh," she heard Bobby say.
"Perhaps you could give me a private concert?"
"What? Oh I'm sorry. I can't."
"Perhaps you can," he said grabbing one of her wrists.
"Ya better take your hands off of her Bub," Logan growled.
"Logan! No! I will take care of this."
"I'm sorry Paul. I really can't. I'm already involved with someone."
"What? Him? Come on sweetheart, I can make it worth your while."
"Really I can't," she said trying to pull her wrist out of his grip. He held on stubbornly to her wrist.
"I insist."
She could hear Logan growling from behind Paul.
"I really can't…"
"But I insist."
"I said no!" she yelled and grabbed his wrist with her free hand. She broke his grip on her wrist and spun him around. She pinned his arm up behind his back. "When I say no I mean it. You have two seconds to get out of here before I do some serious damage to you."
He turned white and quickly left the bar when Alex released her hold on him.
"Now where was I?" she asked and gave Logan a sly smile. She walked up to him and kissed him passionately. Logan embraced her and returned her kiss with as much passion. They broke the kiss when they heard giggling coming from the table.
"Oh sorry," Alex said blushing.
They sat down at the table. Alex quickly downed the remaining shots that were sitting at the table.
"I'd like to see who could drink who under the table. Alex and Logan both consume enough to drown a horse."
"Bobby, do you always walk around with your foot in your mouth?"
"It's a talent Cecilia," he said giving her a huge grin. He started to laugh and then doubled over in pain. "Ugh Rogue. I think you broke a rib or two."
"Maybe we can shove them in your mouth since your feet aren't doing the job."
'Thanks Bish."
"Perhaps Bobby and I should get back to the mansion so I can take a look at those ribs," Hank said standing up.
Everyone took that as the cue to leave. They settled the bar tab and walked out in to the cold November air. It didn't take too long to get back to the mansion with Rogue driving.
"Perhaps we would have been safer having one of the intoxicated people drive," Bobby commented from the back of the van.
"Mon ami, Gambit is t'inkin dat you be wantin' some more broken ribs."
Bobby decided that it was probably a good time to be quiet. He really didn't want any more broken ribs tonight. They arrived at the mansion in one piece and Hank led Bobby down to the medlab. Everyone said their goodnights and headed to their rooms.
Alex followed Logan up the stairs and motioned for him to wait a second. She went to her room and opened the door. Meph came running out of the room and followed Alex and Logan to Logan's room. Alex started to kiss Logan as soon as he shut the door.
Alex woke up after three hours of sleep like she normally did. However, this morning she decided to skip the danger room session and snuggled up closer to Logan and went back to sleep.