Disclaimer: As always, I own none of it.

Summary: Forge shows up on Christmas to see Ororo, but Logan isn't too pleased. A short one from Logan's POV.

Note: I was inspired after watching the season four episode ''One Man's Worth'' of the X-Men animated series in the '90s, where Logan and Ororo are married in an alternate reality. They looked really cute together.

There are no explicit pairings, but fans can take it as Ro/Lo if they wish. I really hope it's a good read, enjoy!

Failed Forging

Chapter 1

Logan stretched his body, easing and relaxing his clenched muscles as he stepped out of the shower after a short session in the Danger Room. It was a cold, Christmas morning, but Logan just threw on a pair of jeans and a tight t-shirt. He didn't do long sleeves. Long sleeves are for pansies, he thought. Not bothering to do anything about his wild hair which grew untamed around his head and cheeks, he left his room.

As he was walking down the hallway, he looked at the decorations around. Colourful lights curved around the walls at some points, mistletoe hung around pillars, small bells were hanging from pine trees, and even a couple of ice sculptures were seen along the way. No doubt, Bobby's doing.

Fascinated by an odd shaped light bulb, Logan didn't see the floor where a small portion of it was covered with ice. His boot slipped and he hit one of the ice sculptures, both of them tumbling to ground. The sculpture shattered upon impact, and curses rang around the empty hallway.

''Sonnuvabitch!''

Logan got up, shaking and rubbing his head, staring dully at the broken piece. Damn that stupid kid, he thought angrily. Kicking the head of the sculpture, he continued walking, his mood slightly sour after that unexpected encounter with the most devious ice sculpture. He was thankful no one was there to witness it. Perhaps he will say he just got angry it was in his way, so he hacked it. Sounds good to me.

As he neared towards the main entrance and kitchen, a wonderful smell hit his senses. A rich aroma of festive food was in the air, and he breathed it deeply, savouring it. His stomach rumbled, as he thought of relaxing in the kitchen, eating and drinking beer. Meat and beer, that's what I call Christmas.

Logan heard Ororo and Remy before he even saw them. Turning the corner into the main entrance, he saw them both engaged in a light hearted conversation, apparently about Christmas carols. Stupid songs, he thought. He stood there, watching them, entranced by Ororo's husky voice and her laugh. Remy had his trademark brown trench coat over his shoulders, displaying his usual charm when conversing with women. Ororo too wore nothing out of the ordinary, clad in simple fitting jeans and tee, her long platinum hair framing her slender shoulders, which Logan admired from the distance, her beauty second to none.

He continued walking, wanting to head straight to the kitchen to fill himself up. They both turned to him as he approached, eyeing his messy hair still shiny with little bits of water. Remy didn't seemed too pleased, annoyed that his conversation with his best friend was interrupted, while Ororo smiled, her brilliant blue eyes sparkling in greeting.

''Good morning, Logan. Merry Christmas.''

''Yeah, yeah, whatever. Look, tell Drake not to make anymore of his stupid artworks along the halls. I've had enough adventures today to know nothing good will ever come out of them.''

Both of them just raised their eyebrows, unsure of what to say when another wave of the delicious food assaulted his senses once more. Holy crap, that's really something. He inhaled, and felt his mouth starting to salivate.

''Smells good, I'm starving. What's cooking?''

Before they could reply, Logan furrowed his brow. There was another smell. Not food, this one was human. The only problem was that he hadn't smelled it in a long time, and the person was coming closer. Confusion was etched on Remy's and Ororo's faces as they saw Logan sniffing the air with narrowed eyes. Their questions were answered a second later.

The door to the mansion opened, and a gust of cold wild flew in, biting their skins. Logan looked at the big man, who closed the door and took off his overcoat, dusting the snow from it onto the floor and flicking the few white specks off his hair. He looked up at Ororo and smiled.

''Merry Christmas, Ororo.''

Logan glanced at his teammates. Remy's face was stoic, the smile from talking to his friend earlier completely gone, while Ororo simply looked startled.

''Forge! I… I did not expect to see you here.''

Forge nodded, that wide smile still on his face as he took Ororo's hand within his, giving it a soft kiss.

''Well, I'm full of surprises, Ororo.''

''Oui, like 'de time you left after proposing to my Stormy?''

Remy's voice was emotionless, reflecting his expression. He was clearly unforgiving, clearly unwelcoming. Logan couldn't blame him. After what he did, there was no excuse. The nerve of the dirtbag, coming back here, he thought, irritated. Forge acted like he was deaf to Remy's comment, looking only at Ororo, still holding her hand.

''How have you been? Good, I hope?''

''Yeah, she's doing great, bub.'' No thanks to you, asshole.

Forge again acted like he was deaf, refusing to acknowledge Logan's comment. Ororo pulled her hand away from Forge and stepped back, regaining her composure.

''I am fine, Forge, thank you.''

They all stood there, at the entrance, staring at each other stupidly, nobody knowing of what to say next when Scott walked in from the kitchen.

''Guys, you have to try this. It's delici… Oh. Forge. What a… surprise to see you here.''

Logan glanced at Scott. He did looked as surprised as them to see Forge. He was bundled up in a grey, long sleeved turtle neck sweater. Typical, he mused. His brain immediately envisioned a large stamp chopping his theory, PROVED. In his hands, he was carrying a plate with the food which he was so eager for them to try just moments earlier. Logan eyed the piece of roast potato hungrily, wishing it was in his mouth. He sighed sadly. Forge spoke again, drawing everybody's attention once more.

''Scott! Merry Christmas! What a pleasure to see you again!''

Scott inclined his head, his lips stretched into a forced smile.

''Likewise.''

Logan scoffed. Likewise my ass, stupid boy scout always playing by the rules. Scott, the ever courteous leader. Forge continued.

''So, how are you?''

''I'm fine, thank you. Yourself?''

''I'm doing fine too, Scott. And Jean? You guys still together I presume?''

Logan thought he saw a wave of irritation pass his face, as he answered the next one.

''Yes, she's fine. And yes, we are still together.''

Woah, easy there, Scooter. Forge seemed to turn that last line into a joke. He laughed a strained laugh, trying not to let the others see his discomfort, which failed miserably with Logan.

''I see. And what about Xavier and Hank? I trust they too are doing – ''

''Remy's wonderin' why you 'ere, Forge.''

This time, however, Forge turned to look at Remy, not bothering to hide his anger. His eyes flashed as he spoke with venom.

''It is none of your business why I am – ''

''What the hell do you want, bub?''

Tension was so thick in the air Logan felt he could slice it with his claws when Forge faced him, looking completely like a crazed assassin wanting to beat Logan up. Well, bring it on, toughie. I'd love to sink these into your kneecaps. But before Forge could make a remark, Jubilee came bouncing down the hallway, oblivious to everything.

''Hey guys, what's up? Oh, Forge. Nobody told me you were coming!''

Forge automatically put on a big, plastic smile as he fake laughed heartily once more, trying to make himself look friendly and likeable to the teenager.

''Jubilee! Merry Christmas! I see you have grown!''

Jubilee grinned happily, chewing her bubblegum, glad that someone actually noticed that she was a tad taller.

''Yeah! In the summer, I actually grew – ''

''Jubilee, why don't you go to the kitchen? I'm sure you can help out with all the Christmas cooking.''

It looked to Logan a day where everyone got their sentences cut short by another. This time round, it was Scott who spoke, telling her in a not too subtle manner that she should leave. Logan saw her making a face, not happy that she couldn't stay to see what was going on. By now, she should have been able to feel the tension with all the adults staring at her, intent unhidden in their eyes.

''Hey, this is the mansion. You can't order me to go around and just expect me to me to actually listen to whatever – ''

''Move it, kid.''

Jubilee stared at Logan, her eyes showing her displeasure, before rolling them in annoyance. She turned and walked deliberately slowly to the kitchen, making a show of it and giving a dramatic sigh.

''Fine. Nobody here ever tells me anything. It's not like I won't find out anyway.''

With a turn of her yellow coat, she was gone. But Logan could tell she was still lingering, just out of sight from their line of vision. He could sense her, hiding just beyond, trying to listen to what the adults were saying. Scott turned back to Forge once she was gone, the politeness gone from his voice as he took on a more military tone.

''Right. Now Forge, what exactly is it you do want?''

Forge ignored all of them as he stood right in front of Ororo, seeking out her eyes as he spoke his next line.

''I was just wondering if I could have a moment with Ororo. Alone.''

Well, shit. Stupid Christmas, Logan cursed. He could never have a normal holiday.

Note: Please review and send in your thoughts, I really appreciate it! I'm going to end it in the next chapter which I already have planned, so it should be up soon.