Disclaimer: This work is not intended for profit and in no way intends to infringe upon the copyright of the x-men characters. It is done for fun.
Feedback: would be nice
He hesitated before opening the door. Just walking back into their lives the same way he had walked out of it had seemed easy when he left Canada but now he wasn’t sure. Would he be welcome much less wanted? There was only one way to find out. He grasp the door knob and gave the door a shove.
His senses were immediately assailed with the most wonderful aromas. Something wonderful was cooking. He was hungry. He followed his nose. Entering the dining hall he froze in his tracks. The room was a mass of confusion. Women were going in all directions. Tablecloths were being flung out over all the tables, laughter and giggles erupted without warning in every direction.
“Logan.” Marie’s cry was his only warning. She sat down the large bowl she had been carrying and ran across the room, rushing into his open arms.
“Oh Logan, you’re back.”
Relieved to see a familiar face and more than delighted that Marie was still here and in good spirits he returned her lung crushing squeeze with one of his own.
“Hey, kid. How’s things?” He sat her away from him at arms length so he could get a good look. She was still as pretty as he remembered, no she was happier, more satisfied; that was obvious by the sparkle in her eyes.
“Everything is wonderful now that you are back. Don’t you know how to use a telephone?” She was still the woman/child he remembered so fondly.
“Not much to say.” He pointed a finger toward to confusion. “What gives?”
“It’s Thanksgiving. Don’t you know what day it is?” Marie’s laughter was contagious.
Scratching behind his ear, he laughed with her. “Afraid not.”
“Well, it is Thanksgiving and now I have one more thing to be thankful for today. Jean, Ororo,” She called out with glee, “Look who’s home.”
‘Home’, that sounded nice. He hoped it was true.
“Logan.” Ororo came sweeping through the maze of tables, ever in control, ever with the regal grace of a true lady. Her smile brought one to Logan’s lips.
She too, slipped into his embrace with ease. “It is good to see you again. Welcome, home.”
“Thanks, you don’t look so bad yourself.”
Before she could answer another, more familiar voice called to him. “Logan.”
Jean appeared from behind a fluttering table cloth. The cloth landed in disarray, but for the moment that wasn’t important. He drew her tight against him and was rewarded with a warm kiss on the cheek.
“Hey, doll. Miss me?” He ask with teasing eyes.
“Yes.” She admitted and she slipped out of his embrace. “We all have.”
She looked beyond him with knowing eyes.
Logan turned to face the one man he wasn’t sure he wanted to greet.
Of all his uncertainty at returning, Scott was at the top of his list. Summers was the leader and a good one. He had to give him that, after Liberty Island it was obvious that Summers was capable but he’d be hanged if he admitted it to the kid. If Summers wanted him out. He didn’t finish that thought.
Scott walked through the dining hall doors, a broad smile on his face, hand out stretched.
“About time you found your way home.” Logan took the offered hand, uncertainty evident on his face. Scott’s smile was genuine. His handshake warm and friendly.
“Thanks.” Logan sobered. “It’s good to be back.”
“Excuse me.” A young woman carrying a tray of napkins and silver ware moved around Logan as he turned sideways to give her room. “Where do I need to start?” She asked Jean.
“Over here.” Jean and Ororo headed off with the girl. “See you later.” She called back over her shoulder.
“Coming through.” A voice demanded entrance as yet another young woman plowed between the two men. “Marie, help me with these things.”
“You bet.” Marie smiled, gave Logan another hug and hurried off into the confusion.
Logan’s bewilderment only grew as Scott laughed.
“Women on a mission. It’s not safe for us here.” He smacked Logan’s shoulder. “Come on.”
He lead the way out into the quieter hallway.
“What is all that?” Logan glanced back as two more women carrying flower pots of brightly colored mums crossed the hallway and disappeared into the dining hall.
“It will be dinner.” Scott emphasized. “But on Thanksgiving it has to be elaborate. It’s a female thing.” He put a warm hand on Logan’s shoulder. “The Professor is in the study.”
The two men headed down the hallway. As they passed one of the recreation rooms loud shouts and whoops assaulted them.
“Yeah, way to go.”
“We’re going to beat the socks off you guys.”
Logan moved toward the door only to be stopped by Scott’s chuckle.
“Football, I think Dallas is playing Minnesota in here and Detroit is playing Oakland in the gym. You watch the games?”
“No,” Logan shook his head. “I’m a hockey fan myself.”
Scott thought about that a moment and nodded. “Yeah, more brutal. That would be your game.”
Now it was Logan’s turn to laugh.
Entering the study, they found the professor deep in thought over some papers on his desk. Looking up to see Logan and Scott a broad smile spread across his face and eased the frown on his brow.
“Logan, it is good to see you again.” He wheeled out from around his desk and met the men half way across the room.
“Welcome home, son.”
The endearment gave Logan a moments pause before he accepted the extended hand. He half smiled. “It’s good to be back.” He couldn’t quit bring himself to call this place home. The idea of being anyone’s son left him short of breath.
The professor, as observant as always, saw the discomfort his words had on the younger man. “I’m sorry.”
“No.” Logan was quick to cut him off yet he didn’t know what to say to get past the moment.
Scott rescued both men. “So what’d you find in Canada?”
Logan shrugged. “An empty building, actually pieces of a building. I think I found the room.” He was having trouble breathing again. “Nothing else.”
He wasn’t ready to tell them that the emptiness of that place did more to show him what the last fifteen years of his life had been. How the loneliness had brought him to his knees when he remembered Jean’s touch or Marie’s voice. He had decided then and there that his future was more important than his past and had headed south that afternoon. The fear and uncertainty he had fought all the way back was dissolving around him.
“I’m sorry there was nothing more, Logan.” Xavier seemed truly distressed. “I’ll do everything in my power to continue the search.”
Logan only nodded. A part of him wanted to know who had held that laser knife, to tie him down to a board and start cutting and now another part, a part still young and unfamiliar wanted to put it behind him and move ahead.
But ahead to what, he wasn’t sure.
“Ahhh,” The professor smiled. “I believe dinner is served.”
He began wheeling himself toward the door. “Shall we gentlemen? The ladies have worked hard all morning, we don’t want to keep them waiting.”
The meal had tasted as good as it smelled. Logan sat back in his chair enjoying the rest of his coffee. Marie had chattered in his ear most of the meal, telling him all about the wonderful things that had been happening to her.
Xavier had been true to his word, he had helped the girl, in more ways than one.
He looked out over the room. Each festive table was surrounded by boys and girls from the school, laughing, sharing, excited with life.
The professor struck his fork against his water glass several times. The room quieted.
“It is a delight and privilege as always to share this special dinner with all of you. Thanksgiving, though an American custom, is something we should all learn to cultivate in our lives. Everyone has something to be thankful for, it is the essence of life itself. As is our tradition on this day, we will share our thankfulness. Who would like to begin?”
Marie bounced to her feet. “I would Professor.” She smiled down at Logan. “Last Thanksgiving I was alone in a bus stop. I still don’t understand everything about my powers or my life but I’m not alone. I have a good home and people that care about me.” She smiled at the room, her gaze stopping for a moment on particular people. “And I’m really glad Logan’s back.”
Her smile widened as she sat back down. She nudged Logan as if she thought he should be next.
Something akin to fear froze him in his seat. Scott rescued him again.
“I’m thankful for a good year.” The younger man spoke up. “We’ve made progress, new friends, new family.” He nodded to the other end of the table. As soon as he finished another teenager popped up and so it went around the room. A lot of what was said was repeats but it never got boring.
Finally it seemed everyone had said something but Logan.
The silence lengthened. Professor Xavier looked out over the students.
“Is there anyone else? We want to give everyone a chance if you so desire.”
Marie poked him for the hundredth time. Logan grunted and had everyone’s attention.
“Well, em, I’m grateful.” He shrugged his shoulders. “For this school, it ah, gives these kids a chance. A good man runs it.” He folded his arms, a scowl crossing his brow.
Professor Xavier raised his glass. “A toast, to the spirit of thankfulness. May we always find within ourselves the ability to be thankful. And to the ladies who worked hard preparing this bountiful feast. A superior job, my compliments.”
“Here, here.” Scott agreed. Glasses raised through out the room. The students began clearing away their dirty dishes and filing out, eager to be about the evening’s activities. A group of the boys, glumly took the dirty dish cart and headed toward the kitchen. So the women cooked, the men cleaned. Logan made a mental note of that fact.
Soon the dining hall was empty except for the adults and Marie. She had stayed when the Professor ask her to wait a moment before joining Bobby and Jubilee at one of the computer games.
“Today marks the beginning of the holiday season.” The Professor began, “It is a custom here to allow for everyone’s faith and traditions. We are a blended family to say the least and one’s preferences should never dominate the total picture. We already have several regular traditions, this elaborate dinner being one of Jean’s favorite.” He smiled at his favorite protégé. “Bobby and Jubilee along with several others think the Christmas tree must be real and decorated on December 1. There are several students of different faiths and therefore we have several religious activities. I’d be very interested to know the favorite holiday traditions of our two new family members and I’d certainly like to add those traditions to our festivities over the next month.” He looked pointedly at Marie and Logan.
Marie was eager to add her wishes. She no longer had any reservations about being here or calling the place home. “Oh yes, the tree must be real and big.” She chewed on her lip, glanced at Jean then added breathlessly. “I really love houses all decorated outside. It kind of shares Christmas with the people that pass by.”
Scott’s groan was audible. “You put her up to that.” He looked at Jean.
“No, she didn’t.” Marie snapped back. “I ask her if it was okay cause I know decorating outside up north is a lot different than in the south. We don’t have snow, like you do up here. It’d be so pretty all the colored lights shining in the snow.”
Her enthusiasm returned, with a winning smile she flashed at Scott.
Logan almost laughed. The kid was growing up, fast. She knew just when to let those pearly whites shine. His amusement faded quickly.
The professor had also said two family members. Now he was the center of attention again.
“Logan, do you have something special at this time of the year?”
Xavier’s calm manner did little to ease the tightness in Logan’s chest.
He merely shook his head. “Naw.”
“Oh come on Logan, get with the program.” Marie shoved on his arm. “You have to have something. You’re part of us now.” She looked at him with eager eyes. “Don’t you remember anything special about Christmas?”
She had not meant for her words to hurt. The excitement of the day and her youthful inexperience had put words together without thought. Logan felt his rage boil up inside of him.
“Christmas is just another day of the year to me, kid.” He shoved back from the table. Coming back here was a good idea but this family togetherness thing was going too far and getting on his nerves.
“I’ve got other things to do.” He strode out of the room before anyone could react.
Marie knew she had done something wrong. She started to run after him only to be held down by Ororo. “Let him go.”
“What did I do?”
Scott answered her question. “Marie, Logan doesn’t have any memories of Christmas.”
“I know he doesn’t have any early memories but what about the last fifteen years?”
Scott leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “He probably spent them alone.”
The shock of his words even brought a gasp from Jean. Marie felt the tears well up in her eyes. She had been alone last Christmas; to be alone every Christmas sounded unbearable.
“Well, he’s not alone this Christmas.” Jean spoke up with determination.
“No he’s not.” Marie rose, her hands balled into small fist. “And it’s time he stopped running.” She headed out of the room.
“Marie?” Ororo called after her but was ignored.
“Let her go.” Professor Xavier stopped Ororo from following the girl. “Logan has always been most concerned for Marie’s welfare. She may be the very one to draw him into the family.”
Scott shook his head. “He’s too much of a loner. He’ll never stick it out.”
“You welcomed him.” Jean reminded him.
“And I meant it.” Scott countered. “But I have my reservations. He’s rough, crude, and I don’t like the way he looks at you.”
That last remark earned him a scathing look. “I hate to admit it but he’d be good for the team. If you can get him on the team, he certainly gives it his all. And,” he hurried on to keep Jean from interrupting. “I remember what it was like to feel alone, totally isolated from everyone and everything. Nobody should have to live that way, not even Logan."
Marie didn’t have to look very hard. She found Logan outside leaning against one of the huge oak trees. He heard her coming and looked up.
“Hey, kid.”
“I’m sorry.” She stopped several feet away, unsure if she was welcome.
“It’s not you. I don’t get this family thing very well.” He had always been honest with Marie from the first. It surprised him how important that seemed. “I don’t have any memories of a lot of things, parents, school, but sometimes things feel right. Like I’ve done that before, you know.”
The girl only nodded.
“This don’t track.” He crossed his arms over his chest and chewed on the end of his cigar.
Marie moved closer to him. Putting a gloved hand on his, “A friend told me once the people here really cared about me. I should stop running and give them a chance.” She looked up into his hooded eyes. “Will you try? I want you to be part of my family, Logan. We all do.”
He was silent for a long while. Marie waited.
“I’m a fighter, kid. You know that. I came back because the Professor is right.” There was a lot a reasons he had come back but only one he truly understood right now. “There’s a war coming. I know how to fight wars. I don’t think warriors know a lot about Thanksgiving and holiday traditions.”
“Okay, I think I understand. But will you do something for me?”
His scowl made her hesitate.
“Will you try?”
He chuckled deep in his chest. “You don’t give up easy?”
“You don’t give up on something worthwhile; all humans are worthwhile. The Professor taught me that.” She shivered as a gust of cold wind swept across the yard. Logan uncoiled from the tree and wrapped her in his embrace, turning toward the mansion and the warm inviting lights shining from it’s windows.
“Okay kid. I’ll try but don’t expect miracles here.” Marie hugged him tightly about the waist.
“Marie?” Bobby’s call from the front door carried on the cold wind.
“Yeah, coming.”
“Hurry up, we need four to play and we’re waiting on you.” He vanished inside.
Logan released her. “Go on, whip their butts.”
Laughing the young ran into the house. He stopped for a moment on the steps, the stillness of the night was inviting. Darkness hid reality, in the shadows people couldn’t see the horrors. It was an inviting illusion but he knew it was only an illusion for even in the darkness reality eventually invaded. Someone knew. He knew. The light from the house spread out across the patio. He stood at it's edge; felt it's warmth. The warmth came from more than just the light, it came from the laughter and voices inside. It drew him, called to him like a siren calling to her lovers.
He tossed the cigar aside and went in.The insistent pounding on his bedroom door woke him. It took a moment for him to remember where he was, the pounding grew harder. He stumbled over his boots, yanked the door open with a growl.
“What?”
Marie was standing in the lighted hallway, fully dressed. “You’re not ready.” She was distressed.
Logan raked a hand through his hair and glanced over at the bedside clock. “It is five thirty in the morning. It’s still dark outside.”
“But you said you’d go.” She wailed.
Movement down the hallway caught Logan’s attention. Scott was coming in from outside. He stomped the snow from his feet on the door mat before heading down the hall in their direction. He saw Marie. “I’ve got the van warming up.” and Logan standing in his sweat pants, “You’re not dressed.” He sounded half asleep.
Logan sighed. “Why should I be dressed at five thirty in the morning?”
“I’m ready.” Jubilee’s youthful call came from the other end of the hall and she bounded toward the small group gathering at Logan’s door.
“Hurry up, Logan.” She cried, shoving on the man’s shoulders in an attempt to turn him around. “We’re going be late.”
Totally confused Logan threw up his arms to ward off the attack. “Go without me.”
“Oh no you don’t.” Scott was awake now. “You told Jean and Marie you’d go.” His finger was poking Logan’s chest for emphasis. “You said you’d go, now Jean is making me go. I’m done up. I’m done dressed. Get in there and get your pants on or I’m gonna drag you out in those sweats.” His nostrils flared and the glow in his visor intensified.
Logan planted his feet and crossed his arms over his chest. “You think you can do that?” He asked with deadly calm.
Scott was too aggravated to notice the hint of anger in Logan’s voice. “We’re about to find out.”
“Boys.” Storm’s calm voice interrupted. “If Logan doesn’t want to go that is his privilege.”
“OH NO.” Scott shook his head.
“But you promised.” Marie wailed.
“All right.” Logan growled, waving his arms again. “I’m dressing.” He turned back into his room. “I don’t know why I’m dressing. I don’t know where I’m going.” The rest of his words were drowned out as he slammed the door shut.
Two hours later he was trying to get out of the way. Everywhere he turned, everywhere he moved there was people. A sea of men and women rolling and tumbling over each other like waves on the ocean. To his acute hearing the noise was deafening. A rather large woman with several bags elbowed him in the ribs as she shoved past him and vanished into the sea.
He looked over at Scott who was not fairing much better. “Tell me again, why we are here.”
“Logan.” Marie and Jubilee materialized in front of him. “Here take these.”
She shoved an array of packages and bags into his arms. “I saw the perfect gift for Ororo two stores back but she was right on my heels. Jubilee and I are going back to get it. Tell Jean and Ororo we’ll meet them in the Disney store, but don’t tell them where we went. Tell them we went to the bathroom or something.”
The two girls disappeared.
It took a moment to get the packages balanced in his arms. Scott was no help. He stood there watching the entire event with a sadist smile on his face. Having mastered the various sized packages and bags, Logan glared at him.
“Never mind, I think I’ve got the idea.”
A moment later, Jean and Ororo appeared in the crowd. They too were laden down with bags and packages which they quickly unloaded into Scott’s arms.
“Why don’t you guys take these on to the van.” Jean suggested as she planted a quick kiss on Scott’s cheek. “We’ll meet you in say forty five minutes at the food pavilion.” Scott was still balancing his load. Logan was smiling.
“ALL RIGHT.” Logan approved with enthusiasm. “Finally, something I like to do.”
Jean only laughed. “Have you seen the girls?” Ororo was straining to look over the crowd.
“Oh, ah.” Logan tried to get in her way. “They ran through here. Something about bathroom, I think.”
“Oh.” Ororo nodded and stopped her search.
“They said they’d meet you in the Disney store.” Logan frowned. “Whatever that is.”
“Disney.” Scott called out above the din. “You know, Mickey Mouse.” Logan only frowned. “You’ve lived a real sheltered life.” He started trying to part the crowd and get to the nearest exit. “Too many bars, you need to get out more.”
“Yeah.” Logan called. “Mall shopping is a real eye opener.”
“Logan.”
He was awake instantly. He growled. “Don’t you people know how hard it is for me to get any sleep?”
“I need you and Storm in the war room immediately.”
“Oh my way.” He rolled out of bed and grabbed his pants in one fluid motion.
Within a few minutes he met Storm just outside the war room door. They entered together.
“I’m sorry. This is urgent.” The Professor already had a scale model of a small town displayed on the map table. The elaborate details still amazed Logan.
“This is a center of Quebec City.” A large building began to grow as the city itself dissolved into the table. The building opened up to display floors, stairs and elevator shafts. “The Museum of Modern Science and Technology. There is something within this building that interest Magneto.”
“You don’t know what?” Logan frowned.
“No, I am certain Mystique is in the city and has been at the museum two days in a row.” One floor of the building began to glow. “She spent the entire day on this floor. I want you to get to the museum and try to intercept her. Storm will be your backup.”
“I don’t need backup.”
Storm took umbrage at his remark. “We’re a team here, Logan. We are the X-Men, not the X-Man.”
“I’m used to working alone. Team ideas are new to me, okay.”
‘We were all alone once, Logan. But we never have to be again.”
Uncomfortable with Storm’s implications Logan changed the subject.
“Where’s our fearless leader?” Logan crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the table.
“There is no obvious reason to send the entire group. Canada is your territory. You have been successful is dealing with Mystique. If Magneto is planning a major operation, there may be other needs elsewhere.”
Storm still had her reservations. She had not heard Logan agree to join the X-Men yet the Professor was proceedings as if it was a given fact.
“What makes Logan the right man for the job?”
Logan smiled, a wicked gleam in his eye as he walked past her. “I don’t need to know what she looks like. I already know what she smells like.”
The Professor gave Storm a knowing look as she followed Logan out of the room.
In short order they had changed and boarded the jet.
The engines began to moan. Storm took her seat opposite Logan.
The pilot’s seat was empty. Logan pointed in that direction. “You fly this thing?”
“No.” Storm buckled in.
“Well, I sure don’t.” The plane shuttered and began to rise.
“I do.” The Professor’s voice sounded in his head. (author’s note - in the early comic books, Xavier flew the jet from the mansion)
“I don’t like to fly when I can see the pilot.” He growled. “Now you expect me to fly without one.”
Storm’s hand rested on his arm. “We’re a team. Trust the team.”
Her only answer was a glare.
The plane rose and shot out into the night. In short order, they leveled off and ran smoothly just below radar range. Logan looked around the interior of the plane nervously. “He do this often?”
“When we need him.” Storm smiled. “That’s what a team is Logan. People you can count on to be there when you need them.”
“Meaning you’re not sure you can count on me.” He returned her smile with a cocky one of his own.
“Meaning I’d like to hear it from you.”
Logan looked at the lady for a long time. He liked her, she was straight forward. You knew where she stood. It was a luxury he had seldom known. She was being honest with him. He should be honest with her.
He looked out the cockpit window at the canopy racing beneath them.
“I don’t know. I want to.” He looked back at her. “I’m not sure I can.”
She gave him a simple nod and said no more.
Back at the mansion, Professor Xavier smiled. He had chosen the right X-Man for the job.
Dawn found Storm and Logan sitting at a booth in the diner across the street from the museum. They had finished eating and were biding their time with a fresh pot of coffee. Logan admired the way Storm handled herself, calm, cool, collected at all times. He pitied whoever was in front of her when she got angry and lost control. Control, that was what the Professor preached to all his students. But they controlled their powers, how did you control rage?
“This team business is important to you isn’t it?” He heard himself asking.
“Yes,” She didn’t appear surprised by the sudden question.
“Individually we might make a difference on a small scale but collectively; we have the potential to do so much good.” She leaned forward, anxious to emphasis her words. “What is our life if we don’t do something worthwhile with it. What did you gain in those bar fights?”
Logan sat up, shocked that she knew.
“Rogue and I have become very good friends. After you left, she needed to talk. You are important to her, telling someone else about you made the memories brighter. She is quite certain you belong with the X-Men.” Storm paused for a moment and then nodded. “I tend to agree.”
Logan looked out the window to avoid Storm’s penetrating gaze.
A lone figure climbed the stairs and entered the building. “I think that’s her.”
“You can smell her from here?”
“No.” He rose, tossing several bills on the table to pay for their meal. “Call it gut instinct.”
They crossed the road and entered the museum. Passing through the doors, Logan caught a familiar scent. He smiled. “She’s here.”
They began to move among the early morning patrons.
A huge banner suspended from the ceiling proudly proclaimed the opening date for the newest exhibit, genetic cloning. The date was today. The pair looked at each other.
“Professor?” Storm spoke.
“I see it.” The answer was to both of them. “It appears we know now what they are interested in.”
Storm shuddered. “Can you imagine cloning Toad?”
Logan shook his head. “What’s even more terrifying is the thought of two Summers.” He shook himself. “That could turn a man to drinking.”
He headed up the stairs, following the faint scent in the air. Storm followed.
The display wasn’t open yet but you could see through the archway into the room. A lone guard was moving among the tables and charts. Logan’s nostrils flared.
“Stay here.” He moved silently into the room.
‘SNIKT’
The guard turned, amber eyes flashed. Logan smiled. “It’s me again, Margaret.”
He was ready for her this time. As she catapulted herself through the air toward him, he rolled under her bringing his clawed hand upward just missing her back and she too tucked and rolled. He slammed into one of the display tables when she back handed him. The table crashed beneath his weight. Alarms began to sound through out the building.
Storm lifted her arms, her eyes turned white as a thick fog began to roll down the hallway.
“I can’t hold them for long, Logan.” She called out.
Snarling Logan came up charging. Mystique danced out of his reach. She made an effort to reach a laptop computer sitting on the main table display. She was a moment short as Logan’s claws ripped through the machine in one swipe; plastic, components, and electric sparks flew in all directions.
Instantly her tactics changed. She raced toward the window only to be cut off by a snarling Wolverine. Cutting with the speed of a trained athlete, she headed toward the door. Storm had intensified the fog as heavy as she could to hide them from the guards.
Unfortunately it had the same effect for Mystique, the instant she reached the fog she disappeared.
Logan was right behind her.
“No.” Storm called out to him. “We can’t be seen here.” He came up short. “She didn’t get what she came after. That was our job. We have to get out.”
“I can trail her.” He growled.
“Another time my friend.” Storm’s eyes had returned to normal, the fog was receding.
He nodded and followed her to the stairs. They had just begun their decent when a pair of guards came charging up. Logan caught each man in a powerful grip, bumped them against the wall and sat them down. Their heads dropped to their chests.
“They’re okay, just taking a nap.” He caught Storm’s arm and hustled her on down the stairwell. They reached the ground floor without further mishap.
In short order they were back aboard the jet and in the air.
“Wonder what was so special about that computer?” Logan spoke as much to himself as it anyone.
“After what you did to it, we may never know.” Storm gave him a dry look.
“Neither will Magneto.” He countered sharply. He looked out the cockpit window. “Oh, I hate flying.” He leaned back in the seat and closed his eyes.
“Logan?” Storm’s voice was calm and reserved as always.
“Yeah.”
“You were the right man for the job.”
He didn’t open his eyes.
Logan breathed deep, filling his lungs with the crisp cold air. The flight back had been quite. He had pretended to be asleep. It was strange to hear someone approve of what he did. He wasn’t even comfortable saying thank you so he hadn’t said anything at all. Yet Storm and the Professor had both approved. They still didn’t know the why of the matter but stopping Mystique had been enough.
He hear squeals and giggling. Looking across the snow covered grounds he made out a group of the students running about among the trees throwing snow balls at each other.
He watched for a while. He lived in Canada, winter was their longest season, yet he could not remember throwing snow balls or chasing pretty girls in the snow. It was good these kids had someplace like this. They were safe here, safe to grow up, safe to be kids, safe provided the Professor, Scott and the others chose sides as Storm had called it. There was a war coming and these kids would pay the price if......
“Hey, I could use some help up here.”
Logan slowly turned and looked up. Scott was perched on a slight ledge that ran along the front of the mansion near the roof’s edge. “You need help to fall off and break your fool neck.”
“No, I’d rather you were up here and did the falling. You’d heal.”
Scott held on to the roof’s edge with one hand and tugged on a string of Christmas lights with the other.
‘Sometime today would be nice.” He called down without looking. Logan shook his head, climbed the ladder and worked his way along the ledge. “Exactly what are you doing?”
“I’m doing what I was told. This time of year you do what you’re told. It’s safer. The last thing you want is these women mad during Christmas. Trust me.” He held out a bundle of lights. “Jean wants lights all the way across the top of the mansion. The rest go around the windows. Any questions?”
“Jean wants it huh?” Logan’s smile was wicked. “Why didn’t you say so?”
He took the lights and began working them into the hangers Scott was installing.
Scott’s grunt was his only answer.
They were just finishing when Marie’s call sounded across the grounds. “Logan.”
“You’re a popular fellow.” Scott smirked. “I can’t help it if all the pretty women want me.”
“Yeah.” He jumped down from the lowest ledge, rolled and came up nearly in front of the girl. Scott could only shake his head and follow down the ladder.
“Some of us are going to cut a tree this afternoon, want to come along?”
Logan draped an arm around her slender shoulders. “Are you inviting me because you want my company or my claws?” He gave her a wink.
She giggled. “Does it count if I want you and need your claws?”
Logan was caught off guard, he had never had any one say they needed his claws.
“Remember my motto for the season.” Scott called as he shouldered the ladder and headed toward the tool shed.. ‘Things go a lot easier if you do.”
He shrugged, “Wasn’t doing anything this afternoon anyway.”
It took three of them to carry the chosen tree into the mansion. The container was waiting in the study and with some extra leverage from Jean the eight footer was soon standing in its place of honor near the front window. The teenagers gleefully set to work decorating. Lights, bows, balls, figurines and more soon adorned the green branches.
Logan stood off to the side with the Professor. “This is one of my favorite events of the season. I so enjoy watching the youngsters taking such pleasure.”
“They are having a good time.” Logan chuckled as Bobby draped a red bow over Marie’s head.
“With everything so festive, it seems easy to forget for a while. Thank you for helping them get a tree. It is one of the finest we’ve had in several years.”
“I was just doing what I was told.” Logan glanced over at Scott and Jean standing beside the fireplace. They shared a secret and laughed. His regrets and longing must have been in his eyes.
“There is someone for all of us, Logan.” Xavier’s voice was low, his words meant only for his ears.
Logan snorted. “Yeah, sure. They’re beating down the door for both of us.”
“Nuts.” Bobby held up a beautiful golden angel. “We forgot the tree topper.”
The angel took flight of its own and danced about the room, playfully anointing various persons with its powers. It swept up to Logan’s face and bowed before it gracefully climbed into the air and came to rest in its official place of honor atop the tree.
The teens applauded. “Way to go Jean.”
“Now that’s using your powers.”
“All right.” The group went back to their decorating.
Scott produced a tray of small cups filled with eggnog. He offered a cup to each of those standing around, Xavier, Storm, Jean, and Logan. He got skeptical look. He leaned into Logan’s shoulder. “This is the adult version of eggnog. The kid’s is in the punch bowl.”
Logan took the cup and smelling of it frowned. He took a sip and smiled around the cup. “There might be hope for you yet Summers.”
“Logan,” Jean hoped her timing was right. “Have you given any thought to your tradition for the season?” He was immediately on the defensive. She hurried on.
“You know, all traditions have a beginning, a first time before their traditions. Isn’t there anything over the years you’ve seen or done that you’d like to try?”
“You mean besides being the official tree cutter?” Jean gave him displeased look.
“Well, there was one thing.” He was very uncomfortable but no one goaded him. They simply waited for him to continue.
“A couple of years ago I was working on this construction crew. We were remodeling this hospital. A group of people showed up with a tree and presents and stuff. The kids really had a ball. I guess, ahm, that’d be kinda neat.”
For a sickening moment no one said a word. Logan was about to tell them to forget the whole thing when Ororo found her tongue.
“I think that is a magnificent tradition to start.”
“I have an acquaintance that works at a hospital near by.” The Professor actually sounded excited. “I’ll contact him and make the arrangements.”
“We’ll need a tree, decorations, cookies and punch.” Ororo was making a list in her head.
“And toys, books for gifts.”
“We have to go shopping.” Marie wedged her way between Jean and Scott. She looked around at the eyes turned on her. “So I was listening.”
She was undeterred. “So when are we going shopping?” She looked at Logan who began to shake his head with determination.
“No way, I’m not going back in that mall.”
“It’s your tradition.” Jean wanted to sound encouraging. He looked at her and knew he was lost. Never had he seen such open admiration directed at him. He would shop the mall and best those sales crazed women if it was the last thing he ever done. Remembering the past experience, it might be.
Scott bristled at what he saw. “Well, you certainly don’t have the disposition to play Santa Claus.”
“Scott.” Jean took offense faster than Logan. “His suggestion is the most selfless thing we’ve heard all week.”
With effort Summers buried his jealousy. “Jean’s right. Doing something for a bunch of kids at the hospital would be a really great tradition.”
Logan gave him one of his crooked smiles. “If you and I are the only choices, we’re going to have to hire a Santa Claus.” Scott thought about that a moment and chuckled.
“Hey it’s dark outside.” A teenage voice called out. “Time to turn on the lights. Come on everybody outside.”
The entire group moved outside. The Professor stopped on the porch while everyone else piled out into the yard for a better view. “Marie.” Xavier called out to her. “This is your tradition. Would you like to do the honors?”
He motioned toward an outside breaker box and controlled the exterior lighting for the mansion. An extension had been added for the Christmas lighting.
Marie, the center of attention, grew timid. She looked up at Logan who had walked out beside her. He gave her the barest of nods and a smile. She walked up onto the porch and hesitated only a moment before throwing the switch.
The mansion was illuminated. There had been enough lights to cross the top and adorn each window. Logan didn’t really see anything exciting about white lights laid out in squares but the ohhs and ahhs from the gathering drew his attention.
Then he saw it, the beauty and the magnificence of the decorations were not in the lights themselves but in the pleasure and delight he saw on the faces before him.
He’d had a part in creating that.
Scott and Jean were standing next to him. “It’s beautiful.” Jean said.
The lights reflected in her eyes. Her face sparkled. “You two did a great job.” She hugged Scott and turning leaned over and kissed Logan on the cheek. “Thank you.” She whispered. A real smile was her answer.
The next week was uneventful. True to her word, Rogue and several of the younger girls went shopping again minus Logan who was very definite that he had done the last mall shopping he was doing this Christmas season. He had agreed to cut another tree for the children’s hospital and to drive the wagon that was going to bring Santa to the door but that was the limit of his holiday cheer. The feelings and ideas the last few days had conjured up were ones long buried in his soul and he didn’t trust things better left with his dead past. He was needed here and being needed was a good feeling but needed to play Santa’s elf was not in his resume.
“No, Marie.” He was growing more adamant with each no but the young girl was not giving up easily.
“You don’t have to dress in some funny costume, elf is just an expression. All you do is give out toys and things.”
“NO.” He glared down at her. “Let our leader of perfection have that honor.” He sneered, watching Scott and Jean returning from yet another shopping trip.
He shook his head. How could you need to buy so much to celebrate for one hour of one day a year?
“That’s final.” He turned and walked away across the grounds and out into the woods. They wouldn’t find him here. He could hide for days and just enjoy the solitude. That was the wonder and mystery of this place. So many different people, so many different ways and yet bound together, willingly. It felt good and frightening at the same time.
Jean frowned as Scott snatched away one of the packages and hurried over to the bed.
“What are you up to?” She followed him.
“I want to get this wrapped and under the tree before anyone sees it.”
He pulled the wrapping paper from under their bed and chose a festive piece, a regular size clothing box and some tissue paper.
Jean was getting nervous. “Scott?”
“We always have a gag gift now. This is tradition.”
“Logan might not be the best choice for this tradition this year. Let him get used to the idea first. Oh, you didn’t.” She gaped as Scott pulled the ‘gift’ from the bag.
“He don’t like our uniforms. I got him a new one.” Scott’s smile was almost wicked.
Jean folded her arms. “And what are you going to do if he chooses to wear it?”
Scott shook his head. “Not Logan, he wouldn’t be caught dead in this thing.”
The next morning Logan strolled out of the woods. He had found a small cave near the lake and spent the night there. It had been peaceful, a beautiful night with the moonlight shining on the fresh snowfall. He had listened to the silence and heard his own heart. A man without a past, with no memory of family, childhood, lovers didn’t have much to hold on to. All of his life, at least his present life had been wandering from place to place struggling to be a man with no foundation to build on; little by little he had build that foundation but what for.
A man without a past, could do something with the present but what did a man with no future do?
He stomped the snow off his boots before entering one of the side doors of the mansion. The place was fairly quite today, for a school full of teenagers. He only had to dodge one rowdy group of boys headed out to build a snow fort. It didn’t take long for him to get cleaned up and headed toward the cafeteria. He was hungry.
Scott and Jean were just finishing up when he walked in. He felt good this morning, he walked straight up to the table and gave Jean a quick kiss on the cheek.
“It does a man good to see a beautiful woman first thing in the morning.”
Jean gave him a scolding look before she smiled. “It does a woman good to be noticed.”
Logan moved on toward the buffet. “Taking notes, junior?”
Scott’s jaw set, just one blink, one blink and he could put that man out of his misery.
“He wouldn’t do that if he didn’t know it rattled you.” Jean smiled as she leaned over and gave Scott a kiss of his own.
He sighed with disgust. “I know it. I’ll master the problem. If I can master control of my eyes, I can master control of this irritation.”
Jean looked skeptical. “Of course you can.” She rose from her seat if she wasn’t here when Logan got back there should be less friction.
She so wanted both men to at least come to terms with each other.
“I’m going to be in the lab for a while.”
Logan stood beside the table and watched Jean all the way out the door then he sat down. “Hope it wasn’t something I said.”
“No,” Scott pasted on a smile. “Everyone wants to be around your congenial personality.” Scott watched Logan wolfed down the five eggs and eight sausage.
He downed the last of his coffee and leaned back in the chair. “That should hold me until lunch.”
“You sure?”
Logan gave him a smirk. “So what’s on the calendar for today. Any more of those ‘do as your told’ orders?"
“That’s just an expression. I enjoy doing things that make Jean happy and so did you.”
Logan cocked a brow. “I won’t argue that point Want to fight for her?”
Scott laughed out right. “You fight me? You wouldn’t stand a chance.”
“Don’t count on it.” He flexed a fist.
“You wouldn’t get that close.”
“Scott.” Storm’s call from the door way drew both men’s attention. “Call came for you. A man said your package was ready.”
“Great, thanks.” He rose with a broad smile, caught Logan’s arm with a passing hand.
“Come on, I need to finish my Christmas shopping you need to start yours.”
“No way I’m going back to that mall.”
Scott leaned over his shoulder. “Who said I shopped at the mall.”
Logan got up and followed him out.
A short time later the two men were browsing through a fine jewelry and antique shop on a quiet street in down town Westchester. The sales clerk had recognized Scott when he walked in the door and the two of them had been cooing over a small box ever since. It was sickening.
Scott accepted the box and brought it to Logan. He frowned when he saw what Logan was looking at. “Don’t waste your money. She wouldn’t accept it.”
Logan looked sideways at him. “Man never knows until he tries. You’re so sure; why don’t you buy one?” A cloud passed over Scott’s face. Logan regretted the taunt.
The second sales clerk in the store walked up with a small package. “Here you are Mr. Logan. I think it is an excellent choice. The lady should love it.”
Scott bristled. Logan took the offered box and laid it down on the counter between them at just the right angle so Scott could see the contents. A lovely silver watch pin glistened on the black velvet. The watch was in the shape of a heart. “She’s such a stickler for time.” He shrugged.
The anger drained out of the younger man. “She’ll like it.” He added his box to the counter, a beautiful teardrop diamond pendant.
Logan shook his head. “If she was my girl, I’d spend my money on one of those.” He pointed to the engagement rings in the display case.
“Of course, if you’re so sure guess you don’t need to.” He turned and walked away, looking at other displays, turning his attention to other women that would be expecting special gifts. He picked up a wooden carving, “This is African isn’t it?”
“Yes, sir. It is a tribal carving of friendship.”
He turned it over several times looking intently at the details and workmanship. Handing it across the display case he spotted the last item he needed. “And I’ll take that.” He pointed to a golden heart shaped locket with a single rose carved on its face.
“Very good, sir.” The clerk looked at him skeptically the appearance did not match the choice of gifts. “You have fine taste.” Logan only shrugged.
“Logan,” Scott motioned toward a display of antiques sitting in the middle of the store. “I think the Professor would like this.” He held up a remarkable bronze statue.
“That’ll set you back a pretty penny.”
“Not if we split the cost.” Scott suggestion with great hesitation.
Logan looked at the statue then back to Summers. “Yeah, sure, why not?”
Summers gave him the barest of smiles and a satisfied nod.
The delighted sales clerks soon had all the men’s purchases boxed, wrapped and in bags.
Logan broke the silence. “Want to stop for a beer on the way back?”
Summers looked skeptical. “I’ll buy.” Now Scott was shocked.
“Sure.”
“Scott, Logan.” A familiar voice echoed in their minds. “We need you.”
The two men exchanged concerned glances. They snatched the bags off the counter and raced for the door. In short order, the car was headed back to the mansion at break neck speed.
The two men raced into the house side by side to be met by Rogue and Bobby.
“Storm and Jean are on the plane. They’ll fill you in.” Both men only nodded. Shoving their packages into Bobby’s arms, they raced down the hallway.
“Put those under the tree.” Scott called back as the elevator doors shut.
It was only moments before they were changed and aboard the plane. The Professor already had it running and the plane lifted off even as they sat down. “What gives?”
Jean kept the details simple and straight forward.
“Sabertooth and Toad are in New Mexico. The Professor located them near a government research facility. Everything indicates they are going to assault this facility.”
“Why what’s there?” Logan ask.
“We don’t know.” Storm answered. “We aren’t even certain what they intent but if those two are there, we need to be there.” You could hear her strength and control in her voice.
“Government research facility,” Scott questioned. “What type of research?”
“We’re not certain about that either.” Jean answered. “I’m checking.”
“The why’s are unimportant.” A familiar voice echoed in their heads. “Sabertooth and Toad have breached the main gate. They are inside the facility.”
The jet increased its speed. Logan felt his stomach turn over and was grateful they hadn’t stopped for those beers. It was a long hour but that was still fast time from New York to New Mexico.
As the jet slowed and came to a hover over the research facility the team was astonished at the sight before them. It looked like a war zone. Buildings were standing in ruin; some crumbled in on themselves, others exploded outward. Tanks and other vehicles were strewn about much like a child would throw his toys.
They were too late.
An explosion rocked the jet as it settled down to the ground. “Scanners.” Scott ordered as his fingers worked dials and controls on the console.
“A line of military are holding around a brick building just over that ridge.” Jean responded with concise precision. “Sabertooth and Toad seem to be using some type of portable laser cannon. We better hurry. The army can’t take that pounding much longer.”
Logan was already up and at the door as it began to swing downward. He was the first out with Storm right on his heels. Scott was barking orders as he followed.
“Storm, give us as much cover as you can. Anything to slow down that laser canon. Logan,”
“Sabertooth is mine.” He growled.
“All right, stay on him and stop him. Jean provide as much cover for the soldiers as you can. I’ll go for Toad and the cannon. Move out.”
Storm spread her arms and looked skyward. Her eyes glazed white as she began to call the elements to her command, drawing them, seizing them, strengthening them to do her bidding. She lifted off into the air and flew high above the ridge. Dark clouds swirled just above the ground, lightening flashed and crackled. The sound deafening in such close quarters.
Logan jogged over the top of the ridge to see Sabertooth break away and run between a line of trucks. With a wicked smile of anticipation, he followed. Jean and Scott followed. The sight of a beautiful woman in a skin tight leather jumpsuit running toward them shocked the soldiers. They gaped, amazed as she ran right up to their commanding officer. “Sir, we’re here to help.”
“Help, what can you do against that thing?” The commander yelled above the roaring winds and thunder. “Where did this storm come from?” He yelled at no one in particular.
“From her.” A young solider pointed upward. “I think.” He stared, mouth agape.
The commander stared in disbelief but before he could gain his wits to react, Toad had turned the laser cannon and was aiming directly for their last line of defense. The commander knew his men didn’t have a chance.
Jean stepped out in front of the soldiers. She spread her arms, her psychic powers generated a wave of power that shimmered in the air between the soldiers and the cannon.
Toad fired.
The laser beam impacted the shimmer and flared into a rainbow of lights, dancing along the psychic power lines that created the wall of defense.
Jean cried out from the intensity. “Scott hurry, I can’t hold this long.”
A second beam streaked across the grounds. This one more direct, more specific in its target. The laser cannon in Toad’s hands exploded. The small ‘man’ toppled backward but quickly regained his footing and leaped away becoming lost in the intensity of Storm’s rage.
The danger gone, Jean dissolved the shield and would have collapsed to the ground but for the commander that caught her. “Lady, I don’t know where you people come from but I think I’m glad to see you.”
Jean managed a weak smile. Taking a deep breath she straightened. “It’s not over yet Commander.” She hurried to Scott’s side; together they ran into the trees after the retreating Toad.
The fury of the elements began to lessen as Storm drifted to earth. As her feet touch the ground, her eyes began to clear, the fury ceased. The soldiers parted ranks as she strode purposely in the direction Logan and Sabertooth had taken.
Wolverine ran between the row of military vehicles. There was no problem following Sabertooth’s direction. It did not take enhanced senses to follow that awful smell.
Suddenly the smell was everywhere.
SNIKT
Sabertooth roared as he propelled himself from the bed of a transport truck directly on Wolverine’s left. He turned to meet his attacker and was struck full force as Sabertooth slammed into him. Rolling, slashing, clutching for the upper hand, both mutants rolled together until they came to a jarring halt against another of the parked transports.
The jolt lessened Sabertooth’s hold and Wolverine twisted and shoved, driving the beast/man backwards. They came up simultaneously, claws bared. They circled, each man snarling and taunting, waiting for the moment of opportunity, the moment of his opponent’s weakness.
Wolverine saw it, he charged in, claws slashing. Sabertooth roared as the metal ripped through flesh. The pain only seemed to intensify his strength as he backhanded Wolverine; sending him sailing through the air to crash against the windshield of a near by jeep.
Rolling off the vehicle, Wolverine twisted his neck, setting bones back into place; feeling the lacerations healing even as he moved back into the battle. He charged again, this time ducking under the bigger man’s reach to strike across his side.
The beast roared again.
Letting his momentum carry him, Wolverine rolled away and came up ready, a satisfied smile on his face. “No good little man.” Sabertooth snarled. “You’re gonna have to be better than that.”
Wolverine’s smile widened. “They go deeper.” He promised as he raised a fist of claws.
The deafening roar of an engine overhead caused Wolverine to glance up at what he knew was a new threat. That was the moment Sabertooth was waiting for.
He charged, grabbing Wolverine about the throat, his powerful hand squeezing. He lifted the smaller man above his head and with a roar equal to the engine tossed him aside like a rag doll. Knowing that to hesitate could mean injury or even death Wolverine staggered to his feet, struggling to breath.
Sabertooth’s powerful hold had nearly crushed his windpipe and he gasp for every breath. The engine’s roar grew louder as a small helicopter hovered overhead. A ladder hung in midair. Sabertooth reached up and grasp the ladder, hand over hand he began to climb. The helicopter lifted back into the sky carrying the beast/man out of reach.
Storm swept into view, her cape sailing around her as she dove under the whirling blades of the helicopter to whip past Sabertooth nearly causing him to loose his grip.
Wolverine could only watch as she circled and came around again.
This time Sabertooth was ready for her. As she flew past a massive arm snaked out and stuck her. She cried out as she tumbled toward the ground. Wolverine had never been more grateful for his mutant heightened reflexes. He jumped and rolled, coming up just under the falling woman, catching her in his massive arms.
Sabertooth’s parting laugh rang in his ears but he was far more concerned with the unconscious Storm. He knelt where he was, settling her gently to the ground. “Storm.” He cradled her head against his chest. He shook her shoulders gently. “Come on lady, talk to me.”
“Oh, what hit me.” Her eyes fluttered open.
Relief washed over Logan. “You okay?”
“I think so.” Storm smiled, grateful for his supporting arm as she got to her feet.
She blinked away the last of the unconsciousness from her mind and nodded her thanks.
“Come on, we should go find the others.” She moved off on slightly unsteady legs.
“Take it easy.” Logan stepped up to her side, his arm still close along her back.
He stayed close until they reached the clearing. Soldiers were milling around, Scott and Jean were talking to the commander. By the time anybody noticed their arrival there was distance between them.
“So what happened here?” Logan snarled.
“It appears they got what they came after.” Scott answered obviously not pleased. “Magneto used them as a diversion while he went through the back of the building.”
“What was so important they destroyed an entire military facility?” Storm ask.
Scott looked at the Commander. “Good question, I think we’ve earned an answer.”
The Commander hesitated then nodded. “Never had much dealings with mutants before. Never met any I owed my life to.” He nodded at Jean. “Guess you’re no different than others, there is good and bad in all lots.”
“Commander,” Jean took the lead. “If we are to successfully fight mutants like Magneto and the Brotherhood we need to know. What did they take?”
“Cloning device.”
It was a quite group gathered in the war room with Xavier. “We mustn’t see this as a defeat.” Xavier was admonishing his people.
“How would you see it?” Scott snapped.
“We saved lives and made allies.” the Professor answered, his calm voice taking the edge off their dissatisfaction. “You worked extremely well as a team. All of you.” He looked pointedly at Logan who had chosen to lean against the door jam instead of sitting around the table.
“They got away.” He snarled.
“You saved my life.” Storm reminded him with true gratitude in her voice. He looked at the floor and shrugged.
“Magneto with a cloning device.” Scott was a good leader but his youthfulness could not hide his discouragement. “That’s a terrifying thought.”
“It’s one we are going to have to table for the next few days.” Jean said, putting an understanding hand on Scott’s arm. “It’s Christmas.”
“Jean is correct.” The Professor moved away from the table. “Whatever Magneto is about, we will have to wait for him to make the next move. There is no reason for this to upset our holiday. We have a hospital ward full of children expecting us tomorrow and these long faces will not do.” One by one each nodded in agreement with the Professor and managed a small smile although Logan’s was more a skeptical smirk than smile.
“Shall we join the others.” The Professor wheeled himself toward the door. The group rose and followed him into the world of teenagers and the excitement of Christmas.
“No Bobby you can’t build an ice castle in the hospital ward.” Marie’s voice was shrill and exasperated. “Using our mutant powers will only scare the kids. We’re suppose to make them happy. It’s Christmas, not Halloween.”
“Ah, you wan to take all the fun out of it.” Bobby groused as he trudged across the hallway. “Santa Claus is from the North Pole.”
“Santa Claus is not a mutant.” Marie retorted.
“How do you know?” Logan walked up behind her. “How else could a fat man wiggle down a chimney?”
“Yeah, Logan. You tell her.” Bobby cried out in triumph to have an ally.
“Oh no, don’t you go encouraging him.” The young wailed. “He’s been impossible since we agreed for him to play Santa in the first place.”
“Flying reindeer and elves.” Logan shook his head as he moved on down the hallway toward his room. “Sounds like...”
“Speaking of elves,” Marie followed on his heels.
“NO, Marie.” Logan leaned over her with menacing eyes. “I am not dressing up as one of Santa’s elves.” He backed through his bedroom door and shut it soundly.
The next day, Logan stood in the driveway wondering if he had lost his mind. A few years ago he had seen the end result of a project that brought some good things to some sick kids. Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine it had taken this much work for the simple event. He had been loading the ‘sleigh’ for the last hour. There were bags and boxes, ribbons and bows. Boxes that were heavy, boxes that cried when he jostled them, even a box that played music when he had nearly dropped it.
Several of the teenagers had chosen to dress the parts, Bobby was Santa, Jubilee and a couple of girls that he could not put a name to the face were dressed up like elves. Marie had taken charge of present distribution while the older women boxed up the tons of sweets and delights to eat.
Scott came around the corner, dragging a tree. Logan hurried up to help him lift it into the back of the wagon/sleigh.
“We’re going to need a bigger wagon.” Scott looked skeptically at the load of packages and holiday decorations.
“I think Marie and Jubilee went shopping again.” Logan said, giving Scott a knowing look.
“You two ready?” Jean called as she came out with another box of goodies. She placed them with the other boxes in the back of the van.
‘Waiting on Santa.” Logan called back.
“Marie thought he needed more pillow.” Scott called.
As if on cue, Bobby came bounding down the porch steps.
“I’m ready, let’s go. HO HO HO! Merry Christmas.” The young man yelled at the top of his lungs as he scrambled up into the seat of the horse drawn wagon.
“Don’t’ you want to drive the horses?” Logan sounded desperate. “You are our fearless leader.”
Scott was graced with one of Logan’s raised brow. “Fearless yes.” Scott agreed. “Crazy no, you drive the wagon.” He turned and his heels and retreated to the van, climbing in under the wheel and smiling back at a disgruntled Logan.
It was one thing to remember the fun and laughter of that party years ago and quite another to be caught up in the middle of it. He couldn’t very well refuse to go along. It had been his idea; his tradition that you did every year. The idea terrified him.
He climbed up in the wagon seat beside ‘Santa’. Gathering the reins in his hands he flicked them across the horses back and they lurched forward.
He drove the wagon around to the side of the hospital, a large solarium was build on the south wing; the children’s ward. He pulled up at the door and thought about running; every inch of the windows were filled with tiny faces pressed against the glass. What had possessed him to suggest this insanity? Bobby’s HO HO HO Merry Christmas reminded him it was too late. He climbed down, chiding himself for the fear that gripped him.
They were kids, there was no danger in that. Then why was he terrified?
Moving around to the back of the wagon, he helped Scott lift the tree and headed into the haven of the enemy.
Sitting the tree upright in its stand he had beat a hasty retreat to the outskirts of the activities. Trying to look as menacing as possible he crossed his arms and stood rooted in place.
Things weren’t going too badly, ‘Santa’ was pretty good at entertaining the mass of small humanity. The others were busy helping decorate the tree or helping the sicker children get involved. Scott had also found a safe haven near the Professor who was having a discussion with his friend, the hospital director.
Something tugged on his pants leg. He ignored it. The tug came again, this time more insistent.
He looked down without moving his head. A small, pale faced little with dark curls was looking straight up at him. Her large doe eyes huge with wonder.
“Mister?” She tugged again.
Taking a deep breath, Logan looked downward. “What?”
“Mister?” Her voice was tiny and weak, “Please?”
He sat down on his haunches, still towering above the little girl. “Yeah, what?” His voice was more gruff than he had intended but she didn’t seem to notice.
Her face brightened with a smile. “Is there a star of hope for the tree?”
“Huh?”
“ The baby Jesus Star that promised hope to the world. Is there a star of hope for the tree?”
Logan tried to remember, what had Jubilee packed this morning, declaring how lovely it would look as a tree topper? “Yeah, yeah there is a star.”
He started to stand up. A tiny hand froze him in place.
“Mommy said when I was big enough I could put the star of hope on our tree.” Logan only stared at the tiny urchin. “I was too sick last year to help decorate our tree at home.”
Jean opened the tree topper box, a lovely golden star. She entertained the idea of floating the star to its place; the children would love it but strict orders from the Professor had been no powers. The adults might not appreciate mutants entertaining their children.
Suddenly the star was snatched out of its box by a man’s huge hand. Startled she looked up to find Logan with a tiny dark eyed girl perched on his arm holding the star in front of her.
“Don’t drop it.” He snapped at her as small hands took the star with reverence; large eyes full of wonder.
He turned the child on his arm, clutched her around the waist and lifted her higher and higher. She reached upward and settled the star into place.
“OOHHH.” The star began to glow and then the entire tree as the lights shined from its branches. While everyone was dazzled by the brilliance of its beauty, Marie ducked behind the tree and plugged the electric cord into the socket before anyone realized the Professor had broken his own rule.
Logan pulled the small urchin away from the tree and was grateful that her mother was standing at his side, tears streaking her face. He held the child toward its parent.
“Tell the nice man, thank you, Emily.” Her mother directed.
Logan froze. He could seldom remember being called a man much less nice. He didn’t have much time to think about is as the tiny urchin squirmed around in his hands, wrapping her small arms tightly around his neck. He knew what to do with a big female when she wrapped her arms around him but what did you do with one that wasn’t three foot high. He just held her around the waist until her grip lessened. “Thank you Mister.”
“Yeah, sure.”
Marie came to his rescue. She held up a large brightly wrapped package. The girl squealed with delight, wiggling to get down to accept her present. As soon as her churning feet touched the floor she was gone.
Logan breathed again and beat a hasty retreat to the other side of the room where he found a chair and sat down. His scowl that froze grown men in their tracks had no effect on the smaller versions.
“Open this.”
“How does this work?”
“I can’t get this open.” Opening boxes and sticking batteries in machines proved to be a reasonable activity, the party continued. He had settled back in the chair and was letting time and the business of the room pass him by when a familiar small voice intruded.
“Rock my baby.” The tiny dark eyed urchin held up a doll. He forced himself to breath. “I don’t know how.” He tried honesty.
“Sure you do.” She began crawling up in his lap.
Instinctually, Logan wrapped his arm around her to keep her from falling backward. She cuddled into the cradle his arm created. He looked down into her tired dark eyes.
“See I told you so.” She settled against his arm and is the blessing of childhood was asleep as soon as her eyes fluttered shut.
He glanced around to see who was watching. The Professor was laughing joyously as he road a youngster around the room on his ‘wheels’. A long line of “me next” waited to keep his attention. Scott was lost in a flurry of instructional papers as he was attempting to put together a toy for a young boy that seemed to know more about it than Summers’ did. Jean, Ororo and Marie were busy with cookies, candies and punch. He looked down again at the urchin and to his amazement found an angel.
A tiny little piece of innocence trusting his arms for safety and security. He sat there, watching her sleep.
Time slipped by and children grew tired. The end of the party came. Logan carried his precious bundle back to her bed; totally lost in the wave of emotions that engulfed him when he laid the little girl in that sterile hard bed.
She smiled up at him. “Thank you Mister.”
He gave her a wink as he left the room.
Walking through the solarium he was amazed at the transformation. A room that had only moments before been filled with the noise of humanity was deathly silent. The tables were bare, the chairs in their places. The only indication of anything festive was the tree that still shined brightly in the center of the room. He looked up at the golden star, the star of hope.
He had given up on hope a long time ago. They had taken so much from him when they had taken his past. Who was he? Where did he come from? Where did he belong? He didn’t have answers to his past but maybe just maybe he had answers to his future.
Christmas Eve, everyone had been busy getting those last minute things done, whatever they were. Logan had the day to himself, time to roam the grounds, to get away from all this holiday cheer that grated on his nerves. To his own surprise he had found himself equally disgusted at being alone so he had wondered back to the mansion and just hung around, watching.
The evening had come and one by one everyone gathered in the study. All had talked about how wonderful the visit to the children’s ward had been but no one mentioned Logan’s new ‘girl friend’. At least not after Marie brought it up. Logan’s growl had sent everyone looking for another topic of discussion.
At the appointed time Marie, Jubilee and Bobby began passing out the gifts that had accumulated under the tree over the last few weeks. To Logan’s surprise, Marie brought him the first gift.
“Here, this is from me.” She extended a small package, gaily wrapped with red paper adorned with a green bow.
Logan willed his hand not to tremble as he took the offered item. He cleared his throat as he slipped a finger under the wrapping and broke it loose. He had celebrated Christmas before, occasionally there was a woman in his life during the holiday season but somehow this felt different. It wasn’t just some passing fancy.
He lifted the lid on the box to find a gold chain coiled inside. He held the chain up and cleared his throat again. “Thanks, it’s nice.”
“It’s for your dog tags. That old chain looks about to break.” Marie was equally hesitating. This was new ground for her also.
He smiled and slipped the old chain off. Snapping it with ease, he slipped the dog tags onto their new chain and draped it around his neck. Marie smiled back.
“Ah, yours is the little gold box over there.” Logan pointed to a small box among the cluster of gifts.
Surprise and delight crossed her face at the same time. She gathered the box from its place and opened it with excitement. Her smile faltered as she lifted the lid.
“Oh Logan.” She ran across the room and into his arms, careful that skin did not touch skin she wrapped him in a big bear hug. “It’s beautiful.”
She carefully lifted the locket from its box and held it out to him.
“Put it on.” He took the chain and slipped it around her neck. Tears brimmed in her eyes as she looked down at the delicate rose carving.
“Hey, you going to help or not?” Bobby called to Marie as he handed yet another package to Professor Xavier.
“Yeah, you bet.” Logan got another big smile and then she dove into the spirit of the season, passing out brightly decorated packages to smiling faces.
Logan watched as Jean opened a particular gold box. He was rewarded with a warm smile and a silent ‘thank you’. He returned the smile with a devilish arch to his brow. Jean’s smile widened.
Bobby shoved a big box in his lap.
To: Logan From: Scott
With hesitation Logan began removing the wrapping.
Scott had kept a watchful eye out for his package. He nudged Jean and nodded. His smile was almost wicked.
Logan opened the box and stared in shock. With one finger he hooked the top of the suit and lifted it up.
“What the...” Several people had stopped and was staring. Logan held the gift up against his body. “Not bad kid. Looks like a good fit.” The smirk on Scott’s face vanished. Jean and Ororo began to giggle.
“I like the color. Yellow makes a statement, don’t you think?”
Scott found his voice. “You’re not going to wear that?”
Logan looked at him with all sincerity. “It wouldn’t be polite of me not to wear it after you went to all the trouble to buy it for me.”
Jean lost it. She laughed until she had to hold her sides.
“Marie, that brown box with a red yarn bow. That’s Scott’s.” Marie retrieved the specific box and handed it over to a reluctant Summers.
“From me.” Now it was Logan’s turn to smile wickedly.
Scott pulled the bow loose and lifted the lid. His mouth gaped open as he stared at the contents.
“Let’s see Scott. What is it?” Jubilee called out. Everyone was looking now.
Logan waited, his yellow spandex uniform dropped back in its box at his feet, arms crossed over his chest, the look of amusement in his eyes.
Scott slowly lifted the ‘gift’ from its box: a miniature motorized tricycle, bright red.
“I take your bike so often. I thought you might like to have a new one to play with.” Logan’s voice never cracked, solemn and earnest was every word.
Scott turned the tricycle around in his hand, it was an exact replica of a child’s tricycle except for the tiny battery powered motor attached on the back.
He laughed. “Maybe I’ll loan you this one next time.”
A couple of hours later, the beautiful wrappings were mere trash. The younger members of the school had broke up into groups and were playing games or admiring each others variety of gifts. Jean and Ororo were setting out fresh cookies and eggnog. Marie was looking at a lovely leather bound book with Professor Xavier.
“Where’s Scott and Logan?” Ororo asked, obvious concern in her voice.
About that time a bright red miniature tricycle came racing across the hard wood floor. It whizzed around her ankles and darted under the table only to reappear instantly and head back across the room. “That thing really flies.” Logan watched over Scott’s shoulder as the ‘toy’ came to a halt at their feet.
“Here let me try.” He took the controls from Scott and sent the little dynamo on another trek around the room. He did a donut under Marie’s feet, getting a surprised squeal for his efforts. Both men laughed.
“Here Professor, you want to try?” Logan offered the controls.
“Maybe later.” He looked around the room. “Everyone please.”
The gaiety and laughter died down as the group began to gather around the table. The students all took up cups of eggnog from the punch bowl.
Jean had a platter of cups she began offering to the adults. Seeing Logan’s hesitation, Scott leaned over. “The adult version.” He whispered.
Logan smiled and accepted a glass.
“I want to thank each and every one of you for your kind and thoughtful gifts.” The Professor began. “And to propose a toast, to a fine holiday season;, may it continue in our hearts for years to come.”
The group raised their glasses in toast.
Marie stood by the Professor, Ororo at her side. Logan was opposite them with Scott and Jean to his left. Scott spoke up. “I’d like to propose a toast, Professor.” He extended his glass into the circle. “To family.”
“Here here.” The Professor’s cup instantly joined Scott’s as did Jean and Ororo’s. Marie followed with a broad smile on her face.
There was a moment’s pause, the room was silent. Logan’s hand joined the circle.
“Family.”
Merry Christmas