So Little Time

Author: The Scribe

Rating: R

Summary: Post First Movie: It's been two years and Logan has returned to the Mansion. He and Rogue rekindle their friendship, but could there be more between them?

Disclaimer: I don't own anyone. Thanks for letting me borrow them.

The First Two Days

Rogue

She hadn't dreamt of him in a long time, but tonight he was there. Sometime in the late night hours she dreamed he came into her room. She sensed his presence even before she heard his rough voice saying, "I think it's time." The side of the bed dipped as he sat down. Rogue suddenly forgot to breathe as he leaned forward and captured her lips, his warm breath fanning across her face. A shiver traveled through her as their tongues met and teased, her heart racing and flipping in her chest. Abruptly the kiss ended and Logan pulled back. Rogue ran her fingers over her newly kissed lips and whispered, "Are you really here?" His mouth curved in a smile as he replied, "No, but I will be soon."

Rogue came awake slowly feeling a keen sense of loss. Her blood ran hotly through her and the area between her legs throbbed dully. Sitting up she ran her fingers through her tangle of hair, sweeping it away from her face. The dream seemed strangely out of place. She had managed to get over her crush on Logan not long after he left, and as it turned out, it hadn't been all that hard. A big reason for that had been the emotions he had passed to her on the top of the Statue of liberty. She had felt his strong affection for Jean and his fondness for her; Rogue, which was purely paternal. Armed with that knowledge she had begun to notice other guys around the school who were noticing her, too. Their interest combined with new friendships formed with her classmates and Ororo Munroe, made it comfortable to move on. Logan was still extremely special to her, but she saw their relationship for what it was.

It had been a little over two years since she had seen Logan, but she heard from him from time to time. Every few months she would get a post card and about once a year, he would call to say, "I haven't forgotten you, kid. I just haven't found what I'm looking for." Now that she was older, she could only imagine what he must of thought of her and her girlhood crush. That thought brought her back to the dream. It wasn't the most erotic dream she had ever had, but it stayed with her as she climbed out of bed and undressed to take a shower. She felt so weird being stirred by a dream where Logan kissed her. It was a kiss, just a kiss, and from Logan of all people. Rogue stepped under the spray of hot water and sighed. It had been almost three years since anyone could safely touch her and it was beginning to wear on her nerves.

She was just about to start dating Bobby again. They had been a couple for a few months when she had first arrived at the school but then they had settled into a comfortable friendship. She had been taken by surprise last night at graduation when he had asked her out. Now as she ran a soapy sponge over herself she wondered what would happen that night. She wanted something to happen between them and the impossibility of it made her stomach ache. Quickly finishing her shower Rogue got out and looked at herself in the mirror. She would be twenty soon and the only guy she had ever kissed was David and that had been just an innocent meeting of their lips that had very nearly killed him. She touched her lips now watching her reflection. The woman in the mirror slowly ran fingertips down herself, stroking her damp skin. In the past it had been enough to fantasize and occasionally satisfy her own needs but she was restless now and, if she were completely honest with herself, a little lonely.

She did have a full life. She went to various training courses by day and in the evening she spent her time hanging out with her school friends or having heart-to-hearts with Ororo, but something was always missing. Rogue knew without a doubt that the something was intimacy. She thought back to all the steamy stories the other girls her age would exchange while she could only sit back and listen. After those gossip sessions Rogue would always seek out Storm, who was her closest and dearest friend, and pour out her fears and frustrations. Storm always seemed to know what to say to alleviate her worries. Not only that, but she always shared things with Rogue about herself in a manner that showed she saw Rogue as an adult. But not even her friendship with Ororo could completely fill the void.

Taking a deep breath, Rogue leaned into the mirror and spoke to herself. "Stop feeling so damned sorry for yourself. You've got a party to go to."

After blow-drying her hair, Rogue slipped into a floral sundress with spaghetti straps, pulling on a sheer over blouse to cover her arms. She finished off the look with strappy sandals, short lace gloves and a multi- strand pearl choker. With one last look at herself in the mirror Rogue dashed off to help with the preparations for the professor's garden party.

Logan

Home…what a strange feeling that word evoked. Westchester had become Logan's north as he'd muddled through the mess that was his past. As he had hit dead end after dead end, his frustration had began to consume him. He was out of leads now, but he wasn't ready to give up. He just needed to recharge and to find more information and he knew just where to get it. Xavier had promised to help in anyway he could and Logan was about to test that promise. But there were other things that drew him to the school for gifted youngsters.

There was Rogue. It would be good to see her, to make sure she had been treated okay. If she hadn't there would be hell to pay, but he was fairly sure he had left her in good hands. Then there was Jean…Jean. Just the thought of her had his pace quickening toward the front door of the large mansion. What he found when he walked in was not what he had expected. It was early afternoon on Saturday and it was summer. There should have been a slurry of mutant kids running around tearing the place apart, but instead he was greeted with the sight of a dozen of what had to be caterers dressed in black slacks and crisp white shirts.

His eyes quickly scanned the room looking for a familiar face then a glimpse of red caught his eye. There she was, the object of his thoughts and desires, decked out in a deep red cocktail dress that stopped at the knee showing off her glorious legs. She was flanked by two of the caterers. They huddled together as she gave them some kind of directions. As he made his way over to her, she looked up and took a double take.

"Logan?"

"How's it going, Red?"

She went easily into his arms. "It's good to see you, Logan," she said softly.

"It's good to be home, such that it is." With a raised eyebrow he waved a hand around. "What's all this?"

"Come with me and I'll explain." She linked their arms and began to lead him to the back lawn. "You're aware of the legislation that Senator Kelly was advocating before…everything."

"Before he was killed and replaced," he finished for her.

Jean nodded as she sighed. "Before he died, Kelly had many supporters. They immediately picked up where he left off. The mutant registration didn't pass, of course, but they meant to see that a similar bill did. But then Xavier began an organization called The National Association of Mutants. People in some fairly high places came forward admitting to being mutants and joined our cause. Our Association also has many human backers who lend us strength. We advocate mutant awareness so that humans may come to accept us and not fear or reject us so easily. Our philosophy is that by coming forward we make it possible for the younger generations of mutants to retain their anonymity. And, because of the united front brought on by the Association, we're not as subject to persecution as we once were." She raised a hand to the festive group of people and continued, "This party is sort of a fundraiser slash recruiting session. We always need funds and we are always looking for new members."

By the time Jean had finished speaking the two of them had made their way into the throng of guests. Logan caught sight of a few of the kids he had met during his first stay at the mansion, only they were the adult versions of themselves. Logan nodded his head toward the young woman whom he had seen walk through a wall. "That girl has really grown up. I can't wait to see Rogue. I bet I wouldn't recognize her."

Jean smiled and patted his arm saying, "You have no idea." They came to a stop where Professor X sat surrounded by Scott and several other people Logan didn't know.

"Logan, you've come back to us at the perfect time." Logan approached the professor and took his offered hand in a firm shake.

Logan gave him a friendly nod and said, "This is some shindig you're putting on here, Professor. I feel a bit underdressed." He looked down pointedly at his faded t-shirt and pair of jeans.

Xavier waved away his negativity. "Nonsense. Have something to eat."

"The caterers are phenomenal," Jean told Logan. "You should definitely take advantage." She smiled at him.

"I'll be sure to do that." He gave her a once over glance before meeting her eyes again.

Scott came forward then, clapping a hand down on his shoulder. "Good to see you, Logan. Will you walk with me a minute?" Logan didn't like the sound of that but he complied anyway.

Scott stuffed his hands in the pockets of his khaki slacks as they slowly strolled away from the professor and the others. "I'm only going to say this once. Things have changed since you left. I don't know if you've noticed but there's a very beautiful, very expensive ring on Jean's finger." Scott cocked a brow and looked at Logan. "Have I said enough?"

Logan was silent a moment before making his reply. "For now, Cyke, you've said quite enough."

"Good." Scott stopped walking suddenly and asked, "You did bring the bike back, right?"

Logan laughed. "Hell, no. I traded that thing in and got a great deal on an RV. It's out front. You should take a look, it's a beauty."

"You son of a bitch," Scott said softly but couldn't stop the smile that stole onto his lips. When he looked up something seemed to catch his eye. "I see someone over there that'd probably like to say hello." Scott started walking toward a small group of young adults. "Rogue, look who's here."

The woman that turned wasn't Rogue. She couldn't be. This woman had long dark hair with no sign of white anywhere and very evident curves that were wrapped in some flowery dress the hung down just above trim ankles. This woman moved like…hell, he didn't know what, but it was definitely nice. This couldn't be…

"Logan!" Oh God, it was her.

Rogue

Rogue's heart skipped a beat when she turned and saw Logan. The sight of him triggered long forgotten images and emotions, both hers and his. It had taken a lot not to run to him, but her excitement wasn't completely contained.

"Logan," was all she could think to say as she reached him.

He pulled her into his arms; careful of the skin they both had exposed, then held her out at arms length saying, "Damn, you've grown." The smile that broke out on her face was probably huge, but so what. "What happened to your hair?"

She reached up to touch her silken tresses. "I dyed it. I needed something new so I went for dark brown. This used to be natural for me," she said, delighted by his reaction.

He only shook his head looking dazed. "Well, I'll be damned."

"Rogue graduated from battle training yesterday," Scott said then, feeling like an intruder.

"I'm sorry I missed that, kid," Logan said with a slight frown. "Let me take you out tonight to celebrate."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I can't tonight. I have a date." She almost laughed at the look that popped onto his face.

"A date," Logan said stunned once again. He looked at Scott. "She's got a date."

"Yeah, I heard her say so. You know I'm not completely sure, and don't quote me on this, but I think that's where two people go out and have fun. You know, maybe take in a movie…" Scott let his remark trail off as he smiled at Rogue.

Logan snorted. "That was a really good stab at humor, but don't be such an ass." Rogue did laugh then, but put an apologetic hand on Scott's shoulder.

"I'll tell you what, Logan. Why don't you meet me in training room four tomorrow morning around 11:00 and I'll show you some moves that I've learned. Then we can grab some lunch."

"Sounds good to me, kid." As he spoke the words his eyes seemed to be searching her face and she shivered under his intense scrutiny. When his eyes met hers again, Rogue felt herself drowning in the green pools. Damn him for still having that effect on her.

As if sensing he was in the way, Scott looked in the direction of the small group of guests surrounding the professor, saying, "I see Jean waving me over, if you'll excuse me." He gave them both a brief smile before rejoining his fiancé.

"I was just about to get something to eat," Rogue said then to Logan in invitation.

"I'm always ready to eat," he replied.

As the two of them strolled over to the buffet table, Rogue smiled to herself. She had forgotten how ruggedly handsome Logan was. When she had been pulled into his arms he had felt so warm and solid and he had a wonderful smell to him, too. Not of cologne the way Bobby always smelled, but that sexy musty scent of a sweaty man. Rogue almost wished she wasn't going out with Bobby that night, stressing the almost.

"What are you smiling about," he asked her catching her off guard.

"I was just thinking that you've changed, too. You seem a lot more easy going now." It wasn't a complete lie. She had been thinking it.

"I've learned to have more patience with things since the last time we saw each other," he said matter-of-factly.

"We'll see how long that lasts," she said with a raised brow while handing him a small clear plastic plate.

He gave her a surprised chuckle. "I forgot how well you know me."

Rogue began to fill her plate with various finger foods when John came up to them.

"Rogue, old lady Webster has been asking about you."

Rogue sighed and said to Logan, "She was one of the people at the UN summit that night two years ago. When she heard about what happened to me she joined the professor's organization and she's always making hefty contributions." Clinching her teeth Rogue continued, "She's also determined to drive me crazy. She parades me around every time we have one of these things. Here John," she said handing him her plate. "It doesn't look as though I'm going to get to eat it." She turned to Logan, saying, "I'll see you later." As she walked away in search of Helen Webster, Rogue smiled and ran a hand over the hairs that were standing up on the back of her neck.

Logan

Logan stayed at the party for about an hour eating his fill and talking to the various people that the professor introduced him to. He was just about to hit the buffet table again when Jean approached him.

"You must be exhausted. If you're ready I'll show you to your room."

That plan sounded perfect to Logan. It gave him the chance to spend some time with Jean without a watchful eye. "Lead the way."

Once in the room she turned on the lamps in the room for him then with a mischievous smile said, "I think you'll be comfortable here."

"Déjà vu," he said giving her a small grin. "But I hope to hell your boyfriend doesn't make a guest appearance this time around."

"It's not likely. He's going to be tied up with the guests." Logan's smile widened. As if sensing she had said too much she turned her head and busied herself with pulling extra blankets out of the storage cabinet.

He came up behind her breathing in her scent. He swept her hair away from one side of her neck and brushed his lips against the delicate skin. "I've missed you," he said quietly.

She turned and stepped around him putting the blankets at the foot of the bed. "Rogue has really grown up, hasn't she?" She didn't look at him as she said the words.

"Yes…yes she has grown. And I think I'm making you just a bit nervous."

She turned toward him. "Why would you think that?"

"Because it's hot as hell and you just pulled out three blankets for me unnecessarily." He came toward her, staring into her eyes intently.

Giving him a small smile she said, "You never know."

Sitting down on the bed he asked her, "Tell me about Rogue. She seems to have made some friends."

Seeming to be more comfortable with that particular subject matter, she sat down beside him. "Yes, she and the other students her age get along very well. But Rogue's closest ally would be Ororo."

"Who?" Logan asked, confused.

"Storm," Jean corrected.

"Ah, now I remember. So they're pretty tight, those two?"

"As thick as thieves. I envy their bond, to tell you the truth." She looked at him for a moment with an unreadable expression on her face before she stood up and announced, "I've got to get back. Let us know if you need anything." She opened the door but before she stepped out she paused and said, "Welcome home, Logan."

"Thanks," was all he said as he watched her leave shutting the door behind her. He smiled to himself at the way she had responded to him. His absence hadn't dampened the affect he had on her and for damn sure not the affect she had on him.

Reclining back on the bed Logan's mind wandered back over their conversation concerning Rogue. Shaking his head, Logan realized that he had expected time to stand still with her, but gone was that pretty girlishness she'd had about her and in its place was a mature dignity that intrigued him. As he had allowed the professor to show him off to various people at the party, Rogue had caught his eye in the crowd. She had seemed as comfortable talking with the matronly woman as she had when she was chatting with her friends. And damn if she wasn't beautiful. He'd had a hard time tearing his eyes away from her. It was hard to believe that two years had changed her so much when that small amount of time meant nothing at all to him.

Scott

Scott wasn't sure how he felt about Logan being back. When he'd seen the way Logan had looked at Jean he had quickly explained that the two of them had a commitment, effectively warning him to stay away from his girl. What Scott really wanted to do was tell Jean to stay away from Logan but that would seem as though he didn't trust her, and nothing could be further from the truth. Scott didn't, however, trust Logan. He was definitely a loose cannon.

But today Scott had seen a different side to him. He had never seen Logan and Rogue together before and their camaraderie was refreshing. He had expected him to greet her in an offhand, careless sort of way but the opposite had been the case. The easy manner they had with each other spoke of a mutual affection Scott didn't think Logan was capable of on a platonic level.

Presently Scott was helping Jean to oversee the cleanup of the school grounds since the party had ended. The professor had retired to his room for the afternoon and Storm had disappeared. He didn't have the heart to make any of the kids stay around on such a clear Saturday afternoon. So that left Jean and Scott to do the dirty work along with the caterers.

Scott was pleased to see that Logan had noticed the positive change in Rogue, how she had blossomed and matured. That was the best part of being at that school; helping to convert scared runaway teens into confident young adults. It made Scott feel like he was giving back to the professor a little something of what the older man had given him.

The hardest part of his job was commanding the X-men. After Magneto's first attack on the humans at the UN summit, he and his followers had begun devising other plans to combat humans and their mutant bashing agendas. His brotherhood had gained a few new members and their attacks were always violently lethal. After Magneto's original plan of mutating the world's population of humans failed, his cohorts had begun to pick off the mutant registration advocates one by one. It was quite possibly the only reason the bill didn't pass. From there the attacks had became more random but also more frequent. Xavier had begun using Cerebro to locate villainous mutants bent on destruction.

Scott and the others had thwarted a number of would-be crimes, but quickly saw the need for more training and more team members. That's when the professor had the danger room constructed. The two of them designed and built a holographic machine that made it possible to battle their enemies during training. So as he, Jean, and Storm improved their fighting skills, they also began to train those students who had finished with high school.

The stress of teaching by day and training by night had taken its toll on Scott. That's when the professor appointed Storm to be co-leader. It had been a relief to have some of the responsibility taken off of his shoulders, but his need to control often got in the way. The two of them often butt heads, but their friendship was strong enough to help them reach some kind of compromise each time a problem arose.

As the last bits of clutter were hauled away, Scott put an arm around his long legged lady, pulling her to him.

"That went well," he said before gently kissing her lips.

"I think we made some progress with a little help from Rogue. Something about the way she works those older ladies makes them want to dish out sympathy."

"Not to mention their money," he added smiling at her.

"So what do you want to do with the rest of the day," she asked as the two of them walked toward the mansion with hands clasped together.

"I'm sure we can think of something," he said gazing into her beautiful face.

Rogue

Later that night Bobby and Rogue walked slowly down the hall toward her room. She was suddenly very glad she no longer had roommates. When they got to her door they stopped.

"I had a really good time tonight." Rogue spoke softly in the quiet of the hallway. It was late and she didn't want to wake anyone.

"So did I. I love the way you dance." He stepped in front of her, putting his hands on her hips, and then swaying her back and forth.

Earlier that evening Rogue had changed into a snug pair of jeans, a slinky tank top and a matching denim jacket. To cover her neck and hands she wore a black ribbon choker and soft black leather gloves. Bobby had shown up right on time taking her out for diner and dancing. Now here they stood, in a dimly lit hallway at two in the morning, and Bobby's hands were on her hips moving her body.

"Would you like to come in?" In her head, Rogue was screaming for him to say yes.

"Some other time, babe. I think I've kept you up late enough."

Taking a deep breath at the disappointment and nodding, Rogue said, "That's okay," and was about to turn and walk into her room when Bobby spoke again.

"Rogue, I'd like to kiss you if that's okay."

Before she could respond, Bobby leaned forward and blew lightly on her lips and she could feel a thin layer of ice form on the tender flesh. Her eyes drifted closed and she put her hands on his shoulders as his lips found her frosty ones. She moaned low in her throat when she felt frozen fingertips slide under her shirt and over the warm skin of her back. Rogue felt like shivering from the cold, but her insides burned with her need to be touched.

When Bobby pulled back Rogue nearly groaned her protest. Her hands slid off his shoulders and down the firmness of his chest. He gathered her covered hands in his then brought them to his lips. "Goodnight, Rogue."

Opening her door she whispered, "Goodnight," then slipped inside.

The next morning Rogue walked into the training room wearing her standard practice attire of a long sleeve leotard under a t-shirt matched with a pair of workout pants and her leather gloves. As she expected, she found Storm practicing yoga. They normally worked out together every Sunday morning in the quietness of the smallest training room. It gave them the chance to catch up and to share intimate conversation. Rogue came in and joined Ororo on the mat and began to stretch.

"So what's new, 'Ro."

Ororo opened her eyes and smiled at Rogue. "I saw you talking to Logan at the party."

Rogue returned her smile. "I'm glad he's back. It was kind of funny. He went on and on about how much I've changed. I don't think anyone has ever looked at me that hard before. Maybe it was because he hadn't seen me in such a long time."

"Maybe," Ororo replied, giving Rogue a mysterious smile before spreading her legs wide and leaning forward until her forehead touched the floor.

"I wanted to hear more about the Professor." Rogue said leaning over and touching her toes.

Storm sat up slowly then crossed her legs casually. "After the last couple of months of hinting around, I finally cornered him. I ambushed him in his own room after the party yesterday. He was…surprised to say the least."

Rogue crossed her legs as well and leaned toward Storm. "What exactly did you do?"

"Basically, I told him what I've been feeling. I told him that I had admired him for a long time and that those feelings have grown into something deeper. I also told him that I thought he was a very attractive man and that any woman would be lucky to be with him." Ororo sighed before continuing. "He told me not to feel sorry for him. He thinks that my words were steeped in compassion and loneliness. He even went as far as to say that my 'special someone' was out there somewhere." Shaking her head back and forth, Ororo said, "I love him, Rogue, but it feels as though he does not see me at all."

Rogue knew how much Ororo cared for the professor and her heart went out to the woman. "The man can read people's minds, but he can't see that you really care about him? Are all men that blind?"

"I don't blame him overly much. I mean, we can all be a bit blind when we want to be."

Rogue patted Ororo's knee. "It'll work out, 'Ro. I'm sure of it."

Ororo covered Rogue's hand with her own before giving her a sly smile and a wink. " I haven't given up. I'll just have to corner him again." After taking a deep breath she asked, "Anything new to tell?"

Rogue perked up. "Oh, it was amazing. You know that I had a date with Bobby last night, right?" When Ororo nodded Rogue continued. "Well, after dinner and dancing he walked me back to my room. Just before we said goodnight, he kissed me."

Ororo frowned. "How is that possible?"

"He froze my lips. He actually put a layer of ice over my mouth." Rogue traced her fingers over her smiling lips.

"Sounds very exciting." Ororo smiled at her friend's excitement.

Rogue closed her eyes in remembrance before revealing, "He even froze his finger tips and ran them up my back. It was the most amazing thing I've ever felt."

When Rogue opened her eyes she saw Logan standing in the doorway. He cocked a brow at her before saying, "I can come back later if I'm interrupting."

Logan

Logan had had the damnedest time finding the training rooms but eventually did. When he walked in to the one marked "4" he hadn't expected to come up on such a personal conversation.

Anger welled up inside of him at Rogue's words, his protective instincts kicking into overdrive. But he kept them in check with the thought that Rogue wasn't a kid anymore and didn't need him interfering. But that, of course, didn't stop him from wanting to tear the boy to pieces.

Logan had quietly leaned against the doorway, then, ready to hear what else she would say, but just at that moment Rogue had looked up right at him. That's when he spoke up.

"I can come back later if I'm interrupting," he said before walking toward them.

Rogue's face reddened but she shook her head. "No, come in."

Storm stood and held out a hand. "It's good to see you, Logan."

He took it, giving it a meaningful squeeze. "I heard that you took good care of Rogue for me."

Storm smiled at him before saying, "She took equally good care of me." She turned to Rogue. "I think I'll go find Charles."

"Okay. I want a full report later, " Rogue called after Storm who waved her hand over her shoulder on her way out.

Logan's curiosity was peaked but he decided to mind his own business. "So," he leaned down to give Rogue a helping hand off the floor. "Let's see those moves you promised to show me."

"Oh, yes, well…let me just warn you. I've been taking classes in defense, street fighting and a whole lot of other shit you've never heard of." Grinning at him she strutted over to the long punching bag hanging nearby. "If you weren't made of metal I'd challenge you to a cage fight right now."

Wolverine crossed his arms over his chest and watched in amusement. "Don't let that stop you, kid." The girl was definitely bold and her southern twang was just as strong as it had been two years ago.

Rogue bounced from foot to foot working the kinks out of her neck and shoulders before laying into the bag with a solid punch. She went through a series of punches and kicks as Logan looked on admiring her strength and skill. He was glad to see that she had flourished in this place and he wondered briefly if maybe the professor and his X-men could do the same for him. He knew of at least one of them who could. He had never been involved with someone like Jean before, with her cultured beauty and sophistication, and something about that appealed to him. He always found himself wanting to shock and amuse her.

Rogue abruptly caught back his attention, as her blows to the punching bag grew harder and faster. He noticed again that she had filled out rather nicely. Her tight workout pants showed off shapely legs but her layers of clothing on top hid away the young, firm breasts he knew were there. No wonder she had guys trying to feel her up, the horny little bastards.

Suddenly Rogue round housed the punching bag with a loud, "Ah, ya," and landed crouched on the floor panting. When she looked up she smiled at him asking a little out of breath, "What do you think?"

"I think you're ready to kick some ass," he replied with a raised brow.

She quickly stood and assumed a defensive stance. "Are you volunteering?"

"Hell, no. But I must say, I'm impressed." He moved with lightning speed, catching her about the waist from behind. "Impressed, but not outmatched."

Rogue laughed and leaned back, resting her head on his shoulder. Logan loosened his hold on her but didn't let go. He just stood there slowly inhaling the purely female scent of her. She smelled of flesh and sweat and faintly of lust. The aroma jarred his mind back to the conversation he'd overheard.

Logan turned Rogue slowly in his arms being careful that no skin touched. "Kid, I need to ask you something personal."

Looking deeply into his eyes she spoke. "You can ask me anything."

"You may change your mind about that once I ask." He paused a second before questioning, "Do you know what you're getting into with this ice kid…what's his name?"

Rogue rolled her eyes. "His name is Bobby Drake, and he's wonderful."

"Wonderful, huh. He'd better not get too damned wonderful with you." His protective instinct started to spark again.

She patted his shoulder companionably. "Don't go getting all paternal on me. I mean, really, with my skin what's the most that can happen."

"You'd be surprised." Brushing her hair away from her face he said softly, "I don't want you to get hurt, and I don't want anyone else to get hurt either."

"I promise we'll be careful."

A picture of some kid fumbling with the fly of his pants popped into Logan's head and the thought annoyed him more than he wanted to admit. Mentally shaking his head free of the image, Logan narrowed his eyes at her and asked in mock sternness, "You think you're pretty tough, don't you?"

She chuckled. "Not hardly, it's just fun to pretend with you."

Looking her over he said with a since of wonder, "I feel like I don't really know you at all. When I left you were this reserved, quiet girl, or at least I thought you were. Now look at you."

She looked down trying to hide a smile that he saw anyway. A half a second later she looked up at him and said, "I hope you'll stick around for a while so that we can get to know each other again." She was looking deeply into his eyes and he didn't want to disappoint her.

"I'll be here for a while. Maybe we'll get around to that cage match." That was the best he could do. He wouldn't make promises he couldn't keep.

She nodded before stepping out of his embrace. Rubbing her stomach she said then, "I'm ready for lunch, what about you?"

"Starving."

In the cafeteria Rogue made Logan sit while she went to the kitchen to make sandwiches for them. He had just pulled out a stogie when in walked Jean and Scott. Logan looked on with interest as Scott murmured something to Jean, kissed her, then left the way he had come in. Logan loved the way Scott kept making himself scarce. He watched her speak to some of the students as he stood up. He was about to go over to her when she looked up and their eyes locked. One of her secret smiles played across her lips as she made her way over to him.

"Morning, Logan."

"You're looking delicious this morning." His eyes roamed over her. She was clad in a pair of jeans and a fitted red t-shirt. "Do you always wear red?"

"Usually," she answered crossing her arms over her chest and looking at him squarely.

He leaned toward her and asked softly, "Is everything under there red, too?" He grinned at her when she swatted at him playfully.

"You shouldn't say things like that to me."

"Of course I should." Jerking his head toward a side door he continued, "Will you take a walk with me?"

She hesitated for a moment before nodding and allowing him to take her hand as he led her out. Once outside they walked along the sidewalk and Logan watched the graceful movements of the woman beside him. After a few moments of silence Logan stated, "I think we've been tip toeing around this long enough."

"I don't know what you mean." She looked up at him briefly before looking away.

He stopped walking and turned to her. "Don't do that. Don't pretend you don't feel something." He pulled Jean into his arms, burying his hands in her hair as he lowered his mouth to hers in a passionate kiss. She made no moves to stop him, in fact, she responded as enthusiastically as he did. When he ended the kiss he touched his forehead to hers. "You can't deny the chemistry we have," he whispered.

"Logan," she reached out and held his face in her hands. "You're right. I can't deny my feelings, but I can't give in to them, either. It's too late for that, now. Scott and I are engaged. If you had called, written, something… There was nothing in those two years that told me I should wait for you."

"You're wrong. I sent postcards and I called a few times. Maybe that's not enough for you, but…"

She cut him off. "To Rogue. You wrote and spoke to Rogue. It was fine to have her deliver messages to the others, but not to me. You should have called me." For just a few seconds they stared at each other and Logan hated the tears he saw pooling in her eyes. Before any could slip down her cheek, Jean went back inside leaving Logan standing alone.

Rogue

Rogue was heading back to the table with two sandwiches and two bottles of water when she saw Logan take Jean's hand and lead her outside. Nothing could have prepared her for the raw jealousy that ran through her. It had never occurred to Rogue that he would still pursue Jean now that she was engaged. Rogue sat down trying to get a grip on herself. Why did she care so much about Logan and Jean? Logan was free to see whomever he liked. He was her friend and she didn't want or need anything else from him… or did she?

Something had changed that morning in the training room. There was something very vulnerable and private in the way Logan had held her and in the way he had touched her hair, coming so close to her fatal skin. Her excitement over her encounter with Bobby had been nothing compared to how exhilarated she'd felt in Logan's arms. It was just too bad that she didn't have the same effect on him. The man really made a woman yearn for him to want her. And then there had been the way he had looked at her, as if he could see right into her soul. It was just the sort of thing she had been longing for, a bond with a man she adored. The happiness of those moments had lulled her into thinking that she held some special place in his life, but that feeling had been shattered as he walked away with the redhead.

Rogue was absently picking at her sandwich when the door opened and Jean walked back in. She smiled slightly at Rogue as she passed by and Rogue felt an urge to spit in the older woman's face. Minutes later Logan walked back in looking distracted. When he sat down Rogue handed him his share of the lunch that she had prepared, and then continued to pick at her own. His appetite didn't seem to have diminished any as he consumed the sandwich with gusto. After several minutes of sitting in silence Rogue had to say something. "What you're doing is wrong, Logan."

Lifting a brow he asked around a mouth full of food, "What am I doing?"

"Trying to break up an engaged couple," she snapped back. "You could have any woman you wanted. Why her?"

He swallowed before answering. "She and I made a connection when I was here before and I think that connection still exists. What's between her and me is something you probably haven't experienced yet. Without knowing what that feels like, you wouldn't understand."

His comment cut Rogue to the core. So he thought she didn't understand their connection. That was a joke. Desire wasn't that hard to understand, especially for her. Hell, her whole life was one big ball of desire, for things that others, including Logan, took for granted everyday. Feeling utterly foolish for having believed there was something special between Logan and herself, Rogue shot back at him, "You'd be surprised by just how much I understand," and proceeded to leave the dining hall without looking back.

Storm

Ororo smoothed a hand over the front of her skirt before knocking on the office door. She heard a muffled voice bidding her to come in. When she entered she found the professor in his chair positioned in front of his large mahogany desk and he seemed to be absorbed in the document he was reading. When she pulled up a chair and sat down beside him he looked up at her and said, "Despite our best efforts, our work seems to be back firing."

Letting her eyes roam over his beloved face so etched with worry, Ororo replied, "I don't understand, Charles."

He held up the letter. "It's a bill being debated in congress. They suggest that schools like this one be erected all over the country."

"What's wrong with that," She asked softly, her voice ringing out in the silence of the room.

"The problem is that the schools would be government regulated and it will be mandatory for mutant students to attend them. It's segregation pure and simple." Shaking the letter Charles spat out, "These people twist everything and turn it into something detestable."

Storm took Xavier's hand into her own. It was a rare thing to see him so vulnerable. He always put on such a strong front, being everyone else's rock. "We'll call an emergency meeting of the Association. We're not completely powerless, you know."

A muscle worked in his jaw but he didn't respond. Ororo clucked her tongue and shook her head sadly. "Poor Charles. You've taken on the responsibility of caring for mutants everywhere, but who is going to take care of you?" She lifted a hand and ran a finger along his fiercely ticking jaw. "Let me take care of you, Charles. Let me love you."

He caught her hand and held it. "Ororo, please don't do this. Please don't give me your pity, especially now." The intensity in his eyes rocked her to her very soul. At a loss for a way to convince him of her feelings, Storm went with her gut instinct. Her eyes never leaving his face, she retrieved her captured hand and began to undo the tiny pearl buttons on her silk blouse, revealing a lacy cream-colored bra. She placed his hands over her soft curves and smiled when she saw his mouth fall open slightly.

"Does this feel like pity, Charles?" She closed her eyes and leaned into his caress as his thumbs skimmed over her exposed flesh. When she felt his lips on hers, she gave herself up to the consuming kiss.

Xavier

Sliding his arms around her, Charles pulled Storm closer to him thrilling in the taste of her. He felt parts of himself that he hadn't used in years spring to life in response to this beautifully sensuous woman who tasted of freshness and youth. A hunger that he didn't know he possessed craved more of her.

This moment was like an exquisite dream. He had watched Ororo grow into a passionate, caring creature, but he had never imagined that any of that passion would be directed toward him. Not even in the recent months when she would always touch some part of him when they talked, or when he would catch her looking at him, did he realize that she wanted him. Charles knew without a doubt that he was very quickly falling in love with this woman he had loved for so long as his charge.

Charles released Storm's mouth to rain kisses along her neck. Her voice vibrated against his lips as she softly spoke. "I'm going to your room now. I trust you'll meet me there soon."

Xavier drew back and looked into her eyes, a shiver of panic running through him. It had been so long. Was he even capable of bringing any pleasure to someone like her? The soft flush to her face confirmed that he was. He was helpless to give any answer but yes.

He buttoned her blouse as he spoke to her. "You go up and I'll be there in a moment." She kissed him again softly, then smoothed down her slightly rumpled clothing and left the office quietly.

Xavier waited a minute before he made his way down the hall toward the elevator. On his way down the hall Xavier ran upon the wolverine. Logan was walking slowly down the hall and seemed to be deep in thought. Charles wanted nothing more than to ignore the troubled young man and sink himself into the soft woman waiting for him upstairs but his sense of decency prevented that.

"Logan. We didn't get to speak very much yesterday. Did you find the answers you were seeking?"

"No, professor I didn't. In fact, I have more questions now then I did before I left."

"I'm sorry to hear that." As Xavier spoke the words, his mind reached out to Logan's. He searched through memories of abandoned buildings and shredded documents, then wound his way through to the memories of the garden party and on to the conversations with Jean and Rogue that Logan had had that morning. The mind probe took only a matter of seconds. "I'll see what other information I can gather for you. We have more resources available now because of the Association. I hope you'll join our organization. We could use your help."

"I'll think about it." Charles wasn't surprised by the gruff tone. He had seen Logan's troubling thoughts. It seemed that he and Logan both had their hands full with women.

"I'll let you know when I have something." When Logan nodded, Charles felt he had done his duty and was free to find heaven upstairs.

Charles' "room" consisted of a large attic apartment on the top floor. It was a completely self-contained space that served as his haven away from the students, the other X-men, and his problems. There was a kitchen, dining room, living room, and a rather massive bedroom. When the elevator stopped on the top floor, the doors opened to reveal Xavier's foyer brimming with lush vegetation. The foyer opened up into the living room area. Natural light poured into the decadently decorated room, but the beauty of it was wasted on Charles just then.

Going down the hall Charles saw that the door to his bedroom was slightly ajar. He swung the door open and what he found took his breath away. A soft breeze flowed through the room billowing the curtains and brushing against Xavier's sensitized skin. And there amongst the satin bedding sat Ororo Munroe, gloriously nude with swells of white hair blowing around her. Charles took a deep breath and whispered, "Ororo…" It was both a promise and a prayer.

Stretching luxuriously, Ororo smiled seductively and said, "Shame on you, Charles. You should never keep a goddess waiting."

Logan

Logan walked through the maze of corridors, oblivious to everything. After talking with Xavier, he contemplated Jean's words. He had never felt obligated to keep any commitments to anyone before. It had never occurred to him to contact Jean directly. He had really only maintained contact with Rogue to make sure she was safe and hadn't run away again. He had, after all, promised to take care of her. But he supposed he understood Jean's anger. He just hoped he could undo the damage his oversight had caused.

And speaking of Rogue, Logan had no idea how to fix the mess he'd made with her. He wasn't even sure what had set her off. First she had seemed pissed about his interest in Jean, then she had really gotten pissed when he'd tried to explain it. If it had been anyone else he would have suspected jealousy, but not with Rogue.

It was obvious that she had gotten over her crush on him. When he had first realized it, his male ego had suffered a considerable blow. It had been kind of nice to be liked by her when he saw her as a cute kid who needed him, but it would be that much better for the woman she had become to still have some of those same feelings, especially since he had noticed her finer points. But that wasn't important at the moment. Right now he just wanted things to be back to normal between Rogue and him. He just needed to figure out what was wrong. It was damned hard being considerate of other people's feelings, but Logan was determined to set things right with both women. They were the closest things to family that he had.

When Logan turned down one of the halls he ran across a young boy with a small set of wings on his back. "Hey kid, do you know Rogue?"

The child could not have been more than seven years old and he shrank back in fear of the wolverine. Before Logan could reassure him, he saw a young woman rush up to take the boy's hand.

"There you are, Richard. I asked you to stay with me so that you wouldn't get lost."

"I'm sorry," he said and there were tears in his voice as he pressed his face into the woman's stomach.

She hugged him to her and smiled up at Logan. "Richard just got here last week." She held out a hand to him. "I'm Jubilee."

He shook her hand replying, "Logan."

She smiled. "I know." She ran a hand over Richard's hair before asking, "Are you lost, too?"

He gave her a wry smile. "Actually, yeah. I'm looking for Rogue."

Jubilee nodded and began walking back the way she had come with Logan and Richard in tow. "I figured as much. I feel like I know you, I heard so much about you when she and I shared a room."

"So you know her pretty well?" Logan's interest was peaked.

"You could say that."

"What do you know about that Bobby kid?" Logan tried to make himself sound only mildly interested.

"He's a nice guy. He and I actually dated for a while."

"But not anymore?"

Jubilee laughed. "No, not anymore."

Logan looked at her sharply. "He didn't do anything to hurt you, did he?"

She waved away his concern. "It was nothing like that. I just realized that I preferred fire over ice." At Logan's questioning expression she explained, "My current boyfriend's nickname is Pyro. You figure it out."

Logan had to laugh at the young woman's spunk. "I get the picture."

Jubilee stopped in front of one of the many doors lining the hall. "This is her room."

"Thanks," he said to Jubilee, and then to Richard, "They're going to take good care of you here." The boy nodded solemnly, staring up at Logan with wide eyes. Jubilee patted Logan's arm in appreciation of his comment before leading the boy away.

Logan knocked on the door. When it opened he was surprised to come eye to eye with a blue-eyed, sandy-blond boy of twenty.

Logan looked him over before asking, "Where's Rogue?"

Bobby turned and spoke into the room. "Rogue, you've got a visitor." He then opened the door wide allowing Logan into the room.

"I think that we need to clear up some things," Logan said looking at Bobby but speaking to Rogue.

"Bobby, Logan and I need a minute. Do you mind if we meet up later?" She stepped up to him linking her covered hands behind his head.

"That's fine. I'll come by later." He kissed the air in front of her lips before leaving Rogue and Logan alone in the room

Logan had watched the display sourly, wanting to smack the kid in the face and send him on his way. Rogue sat down on the bed and patted the spot next to her. He sat down and looked around the tidy room. Rogue spoke first. "I over reacted earlier. What you do is your business."

"Be that as it may, I care about what you think." He paused before saying, "If I believed that Jean and Scott belonged together, I wouldn't interfere, but I think she's only with him now out of obligation."

She placed a hand on his thigh halting his explanation and an inexplicable trimmer ran through him at the contact. "This really isn't about them, Logan," she said softly.

He picked up the offending hand and held it between his own as he gazed down into the chocolate depths of her eyes. "So tell me what's wrong."

She shook her head as if disgusted with herself. "It's so stupid. I guess I just wanted you all to myself for a while. You know, to be your only girl for the day."

His mouth curved in a slight smile, her confession secretly thrilling him. So she had been jealous after all. "It's not stupid. You're no more possessive of me than I am of you."

She snorted and rolled her eyes. "You're so full of it. You're just saying that to make me feel better."

"Scout's honor," he said reaching out to curl his hand around a lock of her hair and slowly letting it slip through his fingers. He couldn't help but notice her answering shiver. God he was turning into a dirty old man. "How about if I make you a deal? I promise never to let my pursuit of Jean interfere with our time together again."

She nodded. "It's a deal." He pulled her to him putting his arm around her shoulder and she rested her head on him comfortably. She took a deep breath as though she were inhaling his scent much the same way he was inhaling hers, then she smiled as she told him, "You know, every time I'm near you, your emotions and thoughts from years ago come back to me, like it happened yesterday,"

"Really? What kind of thoughts," he asked affably. He could only imagine what she'd seen in his head.

"Not complete thoughts, just shadows of thoughts, like how you felt about Jean and me and the fact that you like the way Ororo looks in leather," she replied.

He chuckled. "Oh, that's not fair. You know all about my thoughts from back then, but I don't know what yours were."

Rogue slipped her arm around his waist. "I had a huge crush on you. You saved me so many times. What girl wouldn't like that?"

Logan smiled. He had definitely fished for that compliment and he was not ashamed to fish for another. "So what do you think of me now?"

"I think you're handsome, hot even. You're a little on the hairy side, but some girls like that," she teasingly replied as she poked him in the ribs with her finger.

Her words warmed him. Rogue may not have her crush on him anymore but she had at least noticed him. "So I guess you and Bobby are getting pretty hot and heavy, huh?" Now what the hell had made him ask that?

Rogue turned her head slightly to look up at Logan's face. "No, not really. Every time I start dating a guy it gets all complicated. They get bored with me, and Bobby will too. Guys my age are only concerned with getting laid and they can't get that from me."

Logan thought to himself that, if careful, Rogue could have that sort of intimate relationship, but she'd be hard pressed to find a man brave enough to try…or maybe not. Maybe that's what little Bobby had in mind all along. That thought didn't sit well with Logan. He wanted Rogue to be happy, but something about a wet behind the ears kid trying to fool around with her, pissed him off.

She needed someone that knew what the hell he was doing, but all he said to her was, "I think you'll find a guy one day that'll have enough patience and care enough about you to overcome your skin issue."

"You really think so," she asked softly, as she began to toy with the fingers of his free hand.

Oddly, Logan had to clear his throat before he could answer, "Yeah, I do."

Rogue

Rogue couldn't get enough of touching Logan. Whether is was touching his face or hugging him, it didn't matter as long as she could feel him, even if it was through her damned gloves. And he didn't seem to mind. He probably had no idea of the effect he had on her. She was more turned on by Logan than she had ever been by any other guy, and being so close to him was making it that much worse…or that much better depending on how she looked at it. When he had said that she'd find a guy with enough patience for her problem, a vision of Logan kissing her through a thin silk scarf flashed through her mind. But she could forget about anything like that happening.

He belonged to Jean. That knowledge was painful but at least Rogue got a small part of him, even if it wasn't as much as she wanted. Rubbing her gloved fingers over Logan's roughened knuckles where blades of adamantium lay waiting to erupt through, Rogue wondered why her heart never settled on safe, available Bobby instead of on the ever-elusive Wolverine.

"So exactly how long are you staying," she asked him then.

"I don't know. Xavier's supposed to be finding more information for me." He looked down at the motion of her fingers.

"I guess you never found what you were looking for."

"No, nothing."

She could hear the weariness in his voice. She sat up and turned his face so that their eyes met. "Don't give up, Logan."

He looked at her so intensely then, that she almost looked away before he said, "I don't plan on it."

Jean

That afternoon, Jean had found Scott in the garage making minor repairs to the motorcycle Logan had claimed to have traded in. He had obviously just been trying to get to Scott with the lie. Jean had grabbed Scott by his greasy hand and led him to their shower. Stripping down, they had made love amidst soapsuds and streams of water and it had been wonderful. Thank goodness he couldn't know that her desire had been sparked by her reaction to Logan. She had needed to be reminded of what she and Scott had.

When Logan had first left two years before, Jean's life with Scott had proceeded as normal, and she had been happy with that. She had assumed Logan was long gone and would never be heard from again. But then the post card had come… to Rogue. Jean wouldn't have even known about it if Rogue hadn't made it a point to show it to her letting her know that "Logan says hello". Every time one came Rogue would find some way to let Jean know what message Logan was sending her. And Jean had pretended to be nonchalant about it, but Rogue had called her on it saying, "I know how he feels about you. I'm sure he'd like to say more," but that was crap. If Jean had learned anything in the time Logan had been at the mansion, it was that he wasn't afraid to say what he felt whether Scott knew about it or not. But he had chosen to send messages through the girl who knew him the best.

Jean envied the connection that Rogue and Logan shared, envied that Rogue knew things about him that Jean could never know. She didn't fault Rogue for that, though. It was her mutation, her gift, and it was totally unintentional. But Rogue's knowledge of Logan combined with the way he doted on her made Jean incredibly jealous. But now that Logan was back there was no need to send messages through postcards. But what was she going to do now that he was here and making it clear that he wanted her.

At the party the day before, she had been preoccupied with thoughts of him. She had tried to follow the conversations taking place around her, but instead her eyes had sought him out, watching as he was introduced to the members and sponsors. She had actually been glad to have Logan all to herself as she settled him into his room.

It was times like those that showed the contrast between Scott and Logan the most. Scott was fairly consistent. He wasn't easily angered nor did he usually hold a grudge against anyone (unless Logan was involved). And you always knew where you stood with Scott. The same could not be said for Logan. He could be cold and calculating one minute and tender the next, but that's what Jean liked about him, his impulsive brashness. And there was that way he looked at her, with mischief always present in the depths of his eyes. It never failed to excite her.

It wasn't as though Scott didn't mean the world to her, but their relationship seemed stale. Scott always seemed to be preoccupied with something else, whether it was a problem with the students or those stupid motorcycles he was always tinkering with. There was always something taking his attention away from her. Not that Jean had to have Scott's attention all the time. It just would be nice to be first with him for a change.

And that's why Logan was such a danger to her engagement. It always seemed as though she was first and foremost on his mind, and she'd bet money she was naked in most of those thoughts. Jean had meant every word that she's said to Logan earlier that afternoon. It was a little late for him to be showing up to stake his claim on her, but as she lay beside Scott's sleeping form she realized that her affection and interest in Logan was not just going to go away and who knew how long he was going to stay this time?

It wasn't fair to Scott, or to her, to continue their relationship as it was when she had an interest in someone else. Jean decided then to see where the possibilities with Logan would lead.

Logan

That afternoon Logan and Rogue had talked for hours about her time at the mansion. When he left her room he went back to his own feeling good that there were no hard feelings between them. Her opinion of him mattered a great deal to him. Now back in his room, Logan didn't know what to do with himself. He sat around doing nothing for a while, and then he unpacked his small bag. When that was done he grabbed his leather jacket and headed down the hall. He was bored to death and a ride would do him good. Maybe he'd even find a bar and get a drink. As he headed for the elevator he passed by Rogue's door and saw Bobby Drake going in.

Logan stopped in his tracks and rage hit him in the gut like a ton of bricks. The Wolverine strode the few steps it took to bring him to her door and was about to burst in when reason returned to him. It was early evening, and there was nothing wrong with the boy coming over. He had wanted someone to take an interest in her and this kid seemed like the only one smart enough to step up to the plate. So what was his problem? Jealousy, he admitted to himself, that's what. He tried to reason that it was just because he didn't like that Bobby kid, but that wasn't it.

As Logan made his way to the bike, he realized that he wouldn't want to see her with any of those guys he saw walking the halls. Disgusted with himself, Logan acknowledged the fact that he was attracted to her, not just for her beauty, but her youth and vitality as well. And he felt like a total prick because of it. She would not appreciate the path his feelings for her had taken.

Logan kicked Scott's toolbox away and slid onto the bike, cranking it up with hostility. This was her life and he wasn't going to mess with it by scaring away her boyfriends. Logan guided the bike through the Westchester gates and into the traffic on the street. Trying to banish thoughts of Rogue from his mind, Logan conjured up a sexy image of Jean as she had been in that cocktail dress. If that didn't do the trick nothing would.

Rogue

That evening, Bobby came by to see Rogue as he had promised. When he had first knocked she thought it would be Logan, but she had covered her disappointment with a smile.

"Hey," she said admitting him into the room.

"Hey, yourself." The door closed behind him and he sat down on her bed.

After Logan had left, Rogue had showered and changed into a pair of jeans, a fitted white t-shirt, a pair of yellow gloves stolen from Jubilee and a multi-colored scarf to match.

Rogue sat down in her desk chair and couldn't help but notice Bobby's usual confident taste in clothes. He wore a pair of khaki's paired with a long-sleeve polo shirt and a pair of brown leather sandals. He always seemed so handsome and together which usually made her look at him in appreciation, but that evening it didn't, and she knew exactly why. She had spent the day with Logan. Casual, jean wearing, t-shirt or flannel sporting Logan. He would never wear sandals. He was the kind of guy who wore brown work boots year-round.

She found Logan's gruff appearance appealing but his style of dressing wasn't what was making her mind wander to him over and over again. It was the way he made her feel just being in his presence. That afternoon he had listened raptly as she had talked about life at the mansion over the last two years. As she talked they had laid back on her bed with shoulders brushing occasionally. She knew he was only being friendly with her, palling around and all of that, but the closeness of the moment made her long for him in ways that had nothing to do with friendship.

Realizing that she was being eerily silent, Rogue moved over to the bed sitting down beside Bobby, saying, "I'm glad you're here."

His eyes devoured her as he said, "So am I." He picked up her hand holding it palm up and covered it with his own leaving behind a small ice replica of her from the shoulders up. As she cradled the creation in her hands Bobby slid an arm around her shoulders.

She leaned her head against him. "This is really beautiful, but it's going to melt all over the place." She smiled at him and he chuckled.

"Don't give me any lip, skunk." Rogue rolled her eyes at the pet name he had given her after her hair had turned that interesting color.

She was about to tease him back when he ran an icy finger down her cheek. The day before she would have reveled in the contact, but at that moment it didn't seem like enough. Rogue missed Logan's warmth and gruffness but she couldn't tell Bobby that. He was the only guy around that seemed even remotely interested in her and she could forget about her little fantasies about Logan coming true.

She decided to make the best of what she had. "Will you kiss me," she asked him shyly.

He smiled as a thin layer of ice formed over his lips. He lowered his mouth to Rogue's and caressed her warm lips with the smooth ice. The gesture was incredibly tender but instead of feeling pleasure, Rogue felt like crying. Not only was she with the wrong man, but then the kiss wasn't even real. She would never in her entire life get to know what a real kiss felt like. She could probably live with that a lot better if Logan hadn't walked back into her life. He made her wish for things that just weren't possible for someone like her.

Storm

Ororo smiled as Charles laced his fingers with hers. They had made love most of the day and were now lying together watching the day turn into dusk. She loved how affectionate Charles Xavier had become. Every few minutes he was touching or kissing some part of her. Like now, he was kissing her shoulder in the softest way, making her pulse quicken.

She lifted their joined hands and kissed Xavier's knuckles before saying, "I'm glad that I'm here, that this happened."

He smiled at her, his eyes crinkling. "So am I. You should have seduced me sooner."

"I didn't seduce you. I was trying to talk some sense into you."

Eyes twinkling, he placed a kiss to her breast. "Do you normally let your chest do the talking?"

"It got your attention, did it not?" She took a playful nip out of his shoulder.

Charles captured her lips in a tender kiss, and his eyes travel over her face. "Ororo, I must ask something of you."

Smiling in complete happiness Storm answered, "Anything for you."

"I ask that you keep this between us for now. I fear that it might cause some… complications."

Storm felt as though he had slapped her. Complications? What was that supposed to mean.

"What kind of complications?" She sat up and looked down at him.

He ran a hand over his face and sighed. "I'm not saying that we can't be together, but things are tumultuous right now. I would just feel better if we didn't let on about us."

Storm looked away from him trying to get control of her emotions. What he was asking hurt Ororo more than she wanted to admit. Was he embarrassed for anyone to find out that he had given in to temptation?

She had no guarantees that he would ever want anyone to know that she and Charles were together, but Storm was not prepared to give up on him just yet. If he needed some time, she'd give it to him. "I'll honor you request for now, but I won't live in secret forever."

"That's fair enough." Xavier reached out and ran a finger down Ororo's leg. "Lie back down, Precious."

Sliding back down onto the plush pillows and back into Xavier's embrace, Ororo's unease somewhat diminished. When he began kissing her and sliding his wonderful hands over her, she completely forgot about any doubts she may have had.