DBTM5

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Logan's mind backtracked all the way up the elevator, trying to figure out exactly what just happened. He'd only meant to tell her not to feel sorry for him, to make it perfectly clear he did not need that particular sentiment. But then he got close to her, in full range of her scent. Smelled the pheromones she'd been emitting all week whenever he came within two feet of her, only this time it was ten times stronger. It had been completely unexpected and his mind went blank. Then she'd done that thing with her lip and all he could do is think about how much he wanted a taste of the desire that had been driving him crazy all week. But then he hesitated and that was what was bothering him. He'd never done that before. He never allowed anything to keep him from what he wanted. But Ororo was different. She'd blind sided him from the jump. The first time he met her he was struck by her beauty, it was natural and unpretentious. Quiet. She possessed unlimited and lethal power, yet she was too soft hearted to eat meat. Beautiful yes, but sometimes self conscious as if she doubted how attractive she was. Soft spoken and gentle with everyone else, yet when he was around he saw the fire behind her eyes. He'd mistaken her shyness for being stuck-up. Just like he used the Wolverine, she used the Goddess-bit to protect herself. She was special. Every thing about her told him, he would never want to walk away from her. And that scared the hell out of him.

He stepped off the elevator making a beeline for Charles' office as he picked up a familiar scent. He reminded himself to thank the Professor for not using his usual methods of communication, even if he did do a rather piss poor job of choosing a messenger. He'd much rather deal with Scooter than have someone traipsing around in his head, any day.

Opening the door to the office, he shook hands with the man he'd been waiting to see. "It's about time you got here."he said.

Logan was doing his best to hide his exuberance the next morning as he roared up the long driveway. Revving the powerful engine he picked up speed. The tires gave a satisfying squeal against the garage floor as it skidded to a stop seconds later. He was met by a raised brow as his friend glanced down pointedly at his booted feet which stood less than inch from the smoking tires. As usual, his features were stern and unreadable as he watched the Canadian speed demon dismount.

"I take it that you approve." he observed.

"It'll do." Logan said, running an hand across the finely grained leather seat even as he spoke.

"Is that so?" the man said, massive arms folding stiffly over his large chest as he appeared to give the blatant understatement consideration. "I thought it was a wuss machine." he reminded his crony, mockingly.

"All right. I'll give you credit." Logan tossed, absently pulling a cigar out of his pocket. "With your modifications, it's fit for a man now." he added, a note of appreciation tinting his words as his lit the Havana..

Forge chuckled softly. Only Logan would call a Harley a wuss machine. He held up the tiny digital timer he held for the other man's inspection wordlessly.

Logan released a huge cloud of smoke followed by a low whistle. His earlier grin spreading into a predatory smile.

"What is that smile for?"

"Just thinkin' about how much I'm gonna enjoy winning all of One Eye's money." Logan laughed, stroking the gleaming chrome of his upgraded V-rod affectionately.

"I have some more information I thought you may want to look at. Some obscure records I ran across in some old Defense Department files." the Cheyenne said moments later as they were exiting the garage.

Logan slowed his steps, all previous humor gone. "Just how obscure are we talking?"

"Just enough to garner my full attention. I have run into a few unexpected glitches deciphering the coding, but it should not take much longer. It appears to be different from any that I've seen anywhere before."

Logan frowned, crushing out his still smoking cigar as he pondered that statement. A code that Forge had yet to come across was saying a lot. Exactly what or who was he dealing with here, he mused. Whoever they were- the people responsible for his internal full body makeover -they kept mobile. It had been both the recommendations of the Professor and Forge that it would be impossible to locate them if he kept on a cold trail. Sometimes it was easier to catch a moving target if you stayed still. But he was growing frustrated as hell.
"I realize your patience is wearing thin, Logan. It has been slow going but we will get a solid ..." Forge began, his voice drifting off suddenly. His attention drawn elsewhere as his steps slowed.

"What?" Logan slowed, too. His senses alert.

Forge nodded eastward, towards the small greenhouse in the distance. "Who is that?"

Logan trained his gaze on the white haired beauty standing outside the glass paneled structure tugging fitfully at its door. Even from where he stood her agitation grew with each passing second. The cold December wind was picking up even as he headed towards her, leaving Forge's question unanswered.

She was pulling at the door, swearing under her breath and completely unaware of her audience. The two men grinned at each other in amusement before Logan spoke.

"That door givin' ya a hard time, Darlin?"

She spun around, her white mane swirling around like a blinding blizzard and landing quietly on his shoulders.

"Wha...Damn it, Logan. I have told you not to..."

Her annoyed rant died when she realized Logan hadn't come alone, pausing at the sight of the silent man beside him.

He did not mistake the pretty coloring of her cheeks as an effect of the biting cold, her ungoddesslike behavior the culprit behind her sudden blush. Obviously flustered, she stammered. Her gaze drifted from both men as she explained the source of her irritation.

"The door is jammed. I need to check on my plants."

Logan eyed her carefully for a long moment, noting her refusal to meet his gaze. He was pleased that she hadn't forgotten what happened the night before either, if her nervous spike in her scent was any indication. It was the other trace scent he was aware of that grated on his nerves. Interest. In Forge.

Not one sided either, he noted as he watched the other man smiling down at her. The urge to step between them was overwhelming, so he did the next best thing. He took a step closer to her, hoping the subtle motion would be clear and distinct to the observant soldier.

"Eh, why don't you let me try it." he offered when she glanced at him curiously. His hand brushed her arm needlessly as he moved around her.

"Well, since Logan obviously has no manners, allow me to introduce myself." she said pointedly, stepping aside to give Logan more room.

"There is no need." Forge said, catching her extended hand in his for a brief moment. "I am called Forge. You must be Ororo. Logan has spoken highly of you."

Logan gave a forceful push on the door. The lock was frozen shut. "Oh, really?" he heard her say. "I find that difficult to believe."

"Why is that?" Forge questioned.

She tossed a quick glance behind her to Logan, who was suddenly very engrossed in jiggling the lock. "I just find it surprising he would mention me to anyone. I cannot imagine he had much to say."

"Then you would indeed be surprised, lovely lady." Forge smiled charmingly, unable to hear her next question due to a sudden loud crack of wood.

The greenhouse door flew open and Logan shrugged nonchalantly as the two of them turned to look at him. "I'll fix it." he said quickly, as with wide eyes she took in the damage to the door .

"Was that really necessary?"

Well, it had certainly nipped her little chat session with Forge in the bud, he thought. Maybe just a little excessive but at least it was effective.

"The lock was frozen. It was an accident." he fibbed.

"You had better fix it immediately, Logan." her irritation tempered only in deference to Forge's presence. "If the temperature drops too abruptly my plants will die. I would suggest you hide if that happens."

She pushed past him with a dark look, leaving the men staring after her.

Forge laughed at him the moment she was out of earshot. "And here I thought no one gave the Wolverine orders."
"Just c'mon and help me find something to fix that friggin' door, Maker." Logan growled.

Two days later he learned that Forge hadn't completely gotten the message when he walking into the den and overheard Jubilee telling Kitty that Ororo had a date. Positive he misheard, he leaned against the doorframe and proceeded to eavesdrop.

"I think Forge is kinda cute. It's about time someone asked her out."

Whoa, when did that happen. He hadn't seen her since the other day. She'd already went back inside by the time he got back to fix her door. No wonder Forge hadn't been around much either. The sneaky bastard.

"I know. She's been a little down since Jean and Mr. Summers' wedding." Kitty was saying. "I think she's kinda scared she's gonna wind up alone."

"Well, at least now she'll get a reason to wear all that lingerie she bought."

"Jubes...you are sooo awful. It's only a date. I don't even think she likes him like that. Jeez, I still can't believe you actually got her to buy all that. That was some pretty racy stuff."

"She's been acting so frumpy lately. I thought maybe it would make cheer her up to do something daring."

"You've been reading way too much Cosmo, girl."

"Whatcha doin', Sugah?"a voice cooed from behind him.

Wincing, Logan turned around and gave the pretty brunette an awkward grin as she peered past him into the room.

"Eavesdroppin, huh?"Marie said. "It must be somethin' interestin' if you're lurkin' around in corners."

"I wasn't eavesdropping, Kid." he muttered, stepping away from the door. "I just didn't want to interrupt their conversation." he added, when she followed.

"Yeah right, Logan. You're not the courteous type." Marie reminded him. "What were they talkin' about that had you so interested."

"Nothin'"

"C'mon, you can't keep secrets from me Logan. I already know all there is about you, remember."

"Don't remind me." he muttered under his breath, as he headed towards the front door.

"This wouldn't have anything to do with Miss Munroe would it?"

That slowed him down. "What?" he frowned. "What makes you think something like that?"

" I've seen how you've been checkin' her out lately. You like her. A lot." Marie said, quietly.

Logan turned to stare at her, at a momentary lost for words. "Ya don't know what yer talkin' about, Marie." he said when he finally recovered.

She shook her head. "Yes, I do. You can hardly keep your eyes off her."

About to argue, he met her gaze and sighed. Marie was hurt and trying to cover it. Knowing how she felt about him, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. She'd grown very close to Ororo, too.

Marie gave him a weak smile, her gloved hand resting on his arm as she spoke. "It's okay, Logan. I think she's perfect for you."

Man, this kid acted far too grown up for her age. "Marie..."

"She'd nevah admit it, but I can tell she likes you too." Marie interrupted.

He couldn't resist hugging her too him, placing a careful kiss on top her soft brown hair. It scared him how much he'd come to care for this little girl, how protective he felt towards her. She was turning him into an old softie.

"Just know if you do anything to hurt her, you'll have to answer to me." she warned, as he let her go.

Not that she had anything to worry about, he mused as he watched her head back down the stairs. He'd almost rather see her with Forge than to risk that.

Turning, he headed back downstairs and out the door. He needed to get out for a while and clear his head.
Obviously, he was loosing his mind if he was willing to give up that easily.

TBC

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