As Rogue approached the rusted out building her first thought was to wonder if her tetanus shot was up to date. Maybe she should call Jean and check. The dump would have been generously described as a dive twenty years ago. Now it was just a shit-hole. But it was also the only thing around and if she didn't get some coffee soon she was going to fall asleep while she was driving. After getting a late start out of Prince George that afternoon it was now late and she still had a couple more hours driving ahead of her before she reached her hotel in Jasper.
At twenty-one she had finally made it to Alaska and was now taking a leisurely route back to the school that was her home and where she would be taking up a teaching position in the fall. Driving out through Alberta she had been captivated by the awesomeness that was the Canadian Rockies and with a few weeks left before she was due back had adjusted her trip to spend a week exploring its granite mountains and alpine lakes on her way back.
Alaska had been everything she dreamed of. Beautiful, wild, pristine. She had spent several weeks hiking the wilderness, shopping the tourist districts of Anchorage and Seward before heading into Denali and exploring the backcountry. It had been wonderful. After living for five years in a mansion bursting at the seams with teachers and students the solitude offered by the solo hike through the Alaskan wilderness had been nothing short of heaven.
Now though she was just tired of driving and wanted nothing more than a cup of coffee and a seat that wasn't moving. While the building looked like it should have been condemned, the surprising number of cars, trucks, and big rigs out front stood as a testament to its open status. Reminding herself that beggers can't be chosers she headed into the bar.
The first thing that hit her when she opened the door was the shear noise of the crowd. It was like a physical wave battering at her tired body as she entered the dimly lit building. She immediately headed for the long bar across the back wall but first had to cross the open floor where the bars patrons were alternately cheering, booing, and taunting two figures in a cage at the center of the room. 'What the hell?' was Rogue's first thought as the harsh impact of a body rattled the metal walls of the cage. This was followed quickly by a less than ladylike 'goddamn' when she got a look at the naked torso of the winner. Sweaty olive skin covered well defined muscles that that looked positively lickable. Almost irresistibly her eyes locked with those of the walking wet dream standing insolently in the corner of the cage. He looked her slowing up and down and gave her a cocky smile before she was able to tear her flustered gaze away. Shaking her head ruefully at the pornographic ideas flashing through her head she continued across the room to the bar where she took a seat and ordered a cup of coffee.
Twenty minutes later and well into her second cup the place had mostly emptied out around her. The fights were over and the patrons had scattered into the night. A look at the clock behind the bartenders head revealed just how late it was. With a sigh she reached into her bag where she had stuffed a map and spread it out on the worn wood of the bar before her. Tracing her route with a delicate finger she debated the merits of just sleeping in her jeep for a few hours before heading back out at dawn.
A shot of golden whiskey was suddenly plunked in front of her by the grizzled bartender. At her curious look he jerked his head toward the far end of the bar and said, "On the Wolverine."
Surprised green eyes shot up to meet the guarded hazel ones that were watching her from under furrowed brows. 'Holy crap – it was the fighter from the cage.' For all his scowling he was even more gorgeous up close. Briefly contemplating the stupidity of drinking when she was as tired as she was – sleeping in the car was looking better and better – she simply smiled her thanks at the burley fighter and tossed back the smoky liquid feeling the delicious burn. Looking at her now empty glass she licked her lips. Mmmm, that was good stuff.
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Logan was hitting all his old haunts as he prepared to pull up stakes and head back to Chuck's freak show. He hadn't been back to the mansion in over six years despite Xavier's standing offer of a teaching position and spot on the team. Instead he had spent the time tearing apart two continents in an endless search for his past. The first time he had arrived at the school it had been after he had been knocked unconscious during a good go round with Sabretooth. The wet behind the ears X-Men had brought him back to their fancy mansion for 'medical attention' and promises of helping him find his past. He had stayed a few weeks, flirted shamelessly with Jean, fucked with Scooter, and met with the Professor. Over the next few years he had drifted in and out of the mansion going on missions and drinking Xavier's scotch but then the next thing he knew he had been gone six years. He still had no answers to the mystery of his elusive past, and he was heartily sick of the road.
So now he was finally ready to settle down and despite the presence of the red haired doctor, and her stick-up-his-ass husband, he couldn't think of anywhere better than Chuck's mansion. He had done jobs for the telepath from time to time, ones the team probably didn't know about. For all that he preached about peaceful coexistence, Xavier was a practical man. And when it came to defending his school and his students he could be positively ruthless. Logan had taken out more than one cell of mutant hating assholes intent on bombing the place to hell, or worse, kidnapping the students for god only knew what purpose.
Now he was sitting in a rundown bar after a fun night of beating up rednecks for money, drinking his beer, and wondering what the hell he was doing buying a drink for the kid across from him. He had seen her in while he was in the cage, how could he not. It wasn't everyday a woman that beautiful walked into a joint like this. But as he got a closer look at her he wondered just how the fuck old she really was. He was an idiot. The kid practically screamed jailbait, not exactly the kind of company he usually sought after a violent night in the cage, but he couldn't pass up the chance to be closer to her. He took a drag off his cigar and cursed himself for being the lowest kind of pervert.
He took another pull off his beer and looked her over. Long sable hair that was shot through with an unusual streak of pure white at her temple, big eyes that were too old for her face, big lips he wanted to nibble on, and wide cheekbones all added up to one of the most striking faces he had seen in his remembered existence. But it wasn't just her beauty that drew him. She had a confidence about her, in the way she sat, her simple movements and the tilt of her head that gave lie to her youthful looks. There wasn't even a hint of nervousness in her scent that spoke of apprehension in being in a dive like this. And why that would be so was simply beyond him.
From the moment she entered the bar he had been drawn to her. She smelled like vanilla and honey and loneliness. Up close the scent was even more overwhelming and he breathed her in deep. He watched the long column of her porcelain throat as she tossed back the shot like a pro and growled low in his chest when her little pink tongue came out to lick her full lush lips. He wanted her. Signaling the bartender for a couple more shots he slid off his stool at the end of the bar and onto one right next to her.
"Hey darlin'." He rumbled in his gravely voice.
She toasted him with her now empty shot glass and tried not to puddle at his feet from his shear sexiness, "Thanks for the drink sugah." Her sweet southern tones were made more pronounced by the alcohol now warming her system. "Ah'm Rogue."
~Try again darlin'~ he thought and asked teasingly, "What kind of a name is Rogue?"
"Ah don't know," She shot back fearlessly. "What kind of name is *Wolverine*?"
The sassy brat. She was priceless. "My name's Logan."
She gave him a measuring look before giving a guarded, "Marie."
Before he could reply the bartender plunked down two more shots in front of them. Logan pushed one of the glasses in front of her but she eyed it warily, "Thanks an all, but I'm not sure I should. Ah'm really tired and have got a lot of driving left tonight." She smiled apologetically as she rolled the glass between her hands.
"Where ya headed?" He asked curiously looking down at the map she had spread out before her.
"Jasper."
His brows creased in instant concern, "Kid that's four hours away." Logan looked at the clock over the bar - it was almost 2 am. "You sure you should be driving that far?"
Marie's eyes sparkled at the appellation and she fought down a laugh. Here was the most gorgeous man she had ever seen – one who two seconds ago she had been positive had been trying to get in her pants – and now he was calling her 'kid' and lecturing her about auto safety. She met his held his gaze squarely even as she picked up the shot glass and defiantly tossed back the amber liquid. Screw Jasper.
At the mansion she was untouchable. She had fought hard over the last five years for control over her mutation. With the Professors help she had finally found the means to pull the mental switch on her lethal skin just a few short weeks before she left on her trip. But even with that newfound control no one touched her. Everyone there knew what she *could* do, what she had done, and so they stayed away. The weeks on the road had gone a long way toward cementing that control, the isolation and the beauty of the wilderness had been just the respite she needed. She still wore her gloves sometimes, years of habit were hard to break and there were times she felt naked without them. Like when gorgeous cage fighters were looking at her like they wanted to rip off her panties. Right now for instance.
Here in a dingy bar in the middle of nowhere northern Alberta was a man who looked like he would be only to happy to touch every inch of her skin. And damn if she didn't want to let him. She was on vacation and suddenly the normal rules that dictated her life no longer applied. Pure lust flooded her body and wet heat pooled in her core. She looked over at him and was surprised to see that his whole body had gone inexplicably rigid, jaw clenched, and eyes tightly closed. When he opened his eyes she looked right back at him telling him without words exactly what she wanted to do to him.
Logan didn't know what the kid was thinking, scratch that, he knew exactly what she was thinking, he just didn't know what had caused her scent to go from sleepy attraction to full blown arousal. When he saw her looking at him with such open desire his whole body tensed as he struggled to reign in his feral counterpart in an effort to keep from fucking her right there at the bar. He knew it was wrong to want her but he wasn't sure he cared at this point. Screw her age, screw his honor, and screw tomorrow. Tonight he just wanted her.
And yet a flicker of unease still held him back. If she was serious about this she had to know what she was getting into. He would show her. Snaking his hand through her silky hair he tilted her unresisting head up for what he intended to be a brutal, punishing kiss, hoping that it would scare her off and thus take the decision out of his hands. But that plan went to hell the second his lips touched hers and instead he found himself in a soft coaxing kiss full of promise and possibilities. She tasted like whiskey, and sugar, and goddamn he had to have her. He broke away breathing hard and bit out, "I have a room a few miles up the road."
She gave a slow, brilliant smile that turned her eyes into sparkling emeralds, "Lead the way sugah."
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As they entered the spartan motel room Logan kicked the door closed and pushed her high against the wall pinning her slender body with his larger frame. One hand cupped her luscious ass while the other gently caressed the side of her face. His lips on hers were warm and coaxing drawing out her response. He took his time almost leisurely exploring her with his hands and mouth. He pulled back his lips so he was just a hairs breath away from her and gave her one, final out, "You sure kid?"
Rogue understood his hesitation. She knew how he must see her, young, naïve, inexperienced, and he clearly didn't know why she had agreed to a one night stand with a rough stranger she had met in a dingy bar. But she sure as hell wasn't about to tell him she was a mutie with killer skin that no one had touched in five years. She ached for touch so badly she could taste it. Hmmm…taste it. She leaned forward and licked his ear before whispering hot and sweet, "God yes. Touch me. Please…just touch me." She was begging, she didn't care. To feel someone's skin so intimately against hers after so long had her skating on the edge of orgasm.
He swooped in for another kiss, this one deeper and more demanding than the last. Firm lips teased her mouth open and his hot tongue slid rhythmically against hers. With her legs firmly wrapped around his waist he pushed her into the wall and slowly, deliciously ground his denim covered erection into her hot core. After several slow thrusts the friction alone was enough to tip her over the edge. She cried sharply into his mouth and shuddered in release.
Logan felt her convulse around him and broke their kiss to look at her in amazement. God. Damn. Her eyes glowed fiercely as she panted out, "More."
He turned and tossed her none too gently on the bed before smoothly pulling his many shirts off over his head and stalking towards her. Before he could undo his belt she was up on her knees in bed and reaching for his buckle. Rogue pulled him closer and licked a trail from his stomach to chest as she deftly undid the buckle. She made quick work of his zipper and reached a hand in to free his aching erection. They both moaned at the contact and Logan's knees nearly gave way as her tongue snuck out to lick the weeping head of his cock.
His features twisted in pleasure as he watched his hard length disappear into her hot little mouth. Rogue sucked at him hungrily, the borrowed knowledge of a half dozen occupants in her mind providing her with a wealth of information. Logan growled his approval and tried not to come. No one had ever touched him like this. She was so focused it was like she was memorizing every inch of his body. Even as she swirled her tongue around the head of his cock she didn't once stop running her hands across every inch of his skin she could reach.
It was too good. Uncharacteristically he didn't want to come in her mouth this first time but apparently she wasn't on board with his plan. He tried to pull away as he growled out from between clenched teeth, "Stop baby, I'm gonna come." Rogue looked up at his plea and responded by anchoring her hands on his hips and taking him as deep in her throat as she could. With a moan of pure pleasure Logan surrendered himself to his approaching climax. As his orgasm tore through him he couldn't resist jerking toward her, thrusting deeper into her mouth, and still she didn't pull away. Shuddering in ecstasy as she swallowed around him he finally collapsed next to her on the bed with a muttered, "Goddamn."
He lay panting for a few moments before rolling to his side and eyeing her hungrily, "You have too many clothes on."
Marie slowly pulled her tank top over her head and tossed it over the side of the bed. Next to go were her jeans which she had to lay back to on the bed to work down over her hips. Now clad in just a bra and panties Logan pulled her under him and began running his hands over her pale flesh. A distant part of his mind noted the sleek, honed muscles under his hands and wondered at it. His mouth and lips traced patterns into her skin and he snuck a hand under her to release the catch of her smooth satin bra. As soon as her breasts were free he latched onto a sweet pink nipple and bit down lightly. She moaned anew at the contact and arched up into the sensation.
A primal hunger flowed through Logan. The thick scent of her arousal was heavy in the air as he raised his head to look down at the tempting image she presented. She was sprawled across the bed, dark hair flowing everywhere and long pale limbs all akimbo. Her passion drugged eyes fluttered open at the loss of his warm mouth on her sensitive breasts. She raised her hands to pull his head back to her even as his mouth moved down to claim hers again.
Unable to stand it any longer Logan trailed a hand down her stomach and slid past the edge of her soaked panties to delve into her hot core. She was slick with arousal and release and Logan impatiently ripped her panties off in his need to feel more of her. He slid one finger inside her, making her gasp, she was so tight. He took his time, his long fingers gentle but insistent. He watched her expressive face twist in pleasure and drank in each moan of desire. Finally when she was writhing with need he firmly pinched her clit sending her hurtling into oblivion.
Marie lay limp beneath the hard planes of his body for several minutes trying to calm her racing heart. She felt his renewed erection trapped between their bodies and ever so gently thrust up against him. Hazel eyes bore into her own, she could tell he was holding back by a thread but she was five miles past ready. Her thighs fell open wider in acceptance as he sheathed his cock in a handy condom. He knelt between her thighs and guided himself to her entrance before plunging into her tight sheath with one, hard stroke.
Every muscle in her body went tense at his invasion. She had known it would hurt but the assault to her core had been so abrupt she couldn't quite manage to stifle her scream. Logan froze in shock even as she did. He had felt the brief resistance signaling the loss of her virginity and his heightened senses locked in on the smell of her blood. ~Holy Shit~ He didn't move, didn't even breathe as his overloaded brain tried to figure out what to do next.
"You're a virgin?" He gasped in disbelief. "Darlin' why the fuck didn't you tell me?"
A single tear slid down her cheek as she looked up him, "Because I didn't think you would touch me." The initial pain she had felt was even now receding into a dull ache. She had to make this right. "I wanted this. Needed this. Please don't stop."
Logan gave a short bark of laughter as he nuzzled the side of her head in a surprisingly tender gesture. "Kid there ain't no way I am stopping but I could have made it easier for you. Better." He gave her a gentle kiss, "It won't hurt any more, I promise." He felt her relax under him and gave a tentative thrust of his hips. He went slowly, letting her body adjust to the new sensations. He was determined to see her reach satisfaction again before claiming his own pleasure. She was so damn tight that his slow pace was pure torture on his cock. He wanted to pound into her, mark her as his own in a primitive claim of ownership. Oddly it was the scent of her blood that allowed him the focus necessary not to lose himself to the beast.
Soon she was writhing in ecstasy, hands clutching his back and hips moving in time with his. Her thrusts became almost frantic as she once again climbed that peak of satisfaction. With a hoarse scream she flew over the brink.
Content to just lay there Rogue gradually became aware that Logan had not joined her in orgasm. Eventually she found the strength to open her eyes only to find him watching her intently. He shot her a smug grin before capturing her lips in a possessive kiss. Unable to hold back any longer he anchored his hands on her hips and began to move in her once more. His strokes were deep and powerful and in just a few short minutes he followed her into oblivion with an animal growl.
It was several long moments before Logan became aware that he was probably crushing the dark haired beauty below him. With a tortured moan he slowly withdrew from her and collapsed beside her on the bed. They both lay there panting before Marie broke the silence.
"God I'm thirsty."
Logan laughed and glanced over at her, "Is that all you have to say?"
She shook her head as she propped her body up on one elbow and looked at him seriously, eyes bright, "Thank you."
"Kid…" He started only to be cut off with a firm kiss.
When she pulled back she shook her head again and insisted, "Thank you."
He nodded in acceptance of her simple thanks and marveled at how the evening had turned out. Not wanting to be apart from her Logan pulled her body atop his to fully straddle his hips. He ran his hands affectionately up her sides as they continued to leisurely kiss. He wanted to let her control what happened next.
The ringing of a phone went ignored by the lovers. Finally the jarring sound stopped only to begin again a few moments later. With a groan Rogue broke their kiss and gave a huff of frustration. "This isn't happening."
"Just ignore it darlin." Logan muttered as he tilted his head to continue kissing her neck.
"I can't," She practically whined. In response to his disbelieving look she elaborated, "He'll send a damn search party if I don't." Logan watched as she groped over the side of the bed to dig blindly into the bag she had thrown aside when they entered the room. As she rooted around between books, clothes, and maps he was sure he saw the butts of a couple of 9 mm Sig-Sauers. ~The fuck?~ He tensed in surprise at the sight of the weapons only to groan moments later when she sat up fully on his hips, sheathing his full length deep into her slick channel.
She had finally pulled out a surprisingly expensive and hi-tech looking cell phone. Thumbing it open she barked, "What!?" into the receiver by way of greeting.
"What was the deal?!"
Logan listened shamelessly to the male voice on the other end. Was it her father? Her boyfriend? He sounded vaguely familiar. He was also yelling at Marie.
Rogue sighed, "That I call to check in every day."
"And did you?"
"Look, I was driving until late and just got into a motel room a little while ago."
The male voice was low with concern, "You know how much I worry about you."
She bowed her head, all the fight going out of her, "Ah know, ah'm sorry. It won't happen again. I promise."
"Where are you now?"
"Uh…" Rogue looked around, confusion marring her brow. She really *didn't* know where she was. Logan came to her rescue mouthing quietly, "Laughlin City."
She winked and gave a delicious grind of her hips in thanks, "About four hours northwest of Jasper in a town called Laughlin City."
"Ok, be sure to call tomorrow, or rather later today, when you get to Jasper."
She rolled her eyes, "Ok, say hi to everyone for me."
"Will do, Drive safe."
"Bye," with that she shut the phone with a decisive snap and tossed it back in her bag. Her head fell back in utter humiliation. "Well, that was totally embarrassing."
Logan's brows were creased in confusion, "Was that your father?"
She shook her head and rolled her eyes, "He sure acts like it sometimes. No he's…" She searched for a way to explain Scott. There *was* no way to explain Scott. "He's someone I work with," she finished lamely.
Logan knew she wasn't telling the whole truth about whoever had called her. It probably was her boyfriend dammit. He tried not to think about why that idea bothered him so much. Instead he ran his hands up her sides to cup her full breasts and thrust up into her. "Are we gonna have any more interruptions darlin?" He asked as he rolled an over sensitized nipple between his fingers.
She moaned, "I hope not."
"Good," he whispered as he drew her mouth back down to his. "Good."
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The night passed all too quickly. They had sex, talked, slept, and then woke up and started all over again. He told her about Banff and Lake Louise and his favorite areas of the park to hike in. She told him about Alaska and sleeping out under the stars and watching the northern lights. Both were careful not to mention the coming morning and their inevitable parting of ways.
Nothing about the kid added up and it was driving Logan crazy. He wondered wildly if she was a merc or part of some deep cover black-ops unit. She had the perfect control over her body that could only be gained by years of physical training but had until a few hours ago had been a virgin. She had watched him beat the shit out of another man in a cage but wasn't afraid of him. She smelled of vanilla and innocence but carried a pair of semi-automatic pistols in her backpack. Her Jeep had New York plates but her accent was pure Mississippi. Who the fuck was she?
But for all the contradictions there hadn't been a shred of artifice in her response to him. Every moan, every shiver, every breathless pleading for more, was utterly sincere and without reservation. She captured his attention in ways no woman had since his doomed obsession with Jean. Logan held her close as she slept and tried to think of a way to keep her with him. He knew it was impossible, even if she was one of the tolerant few that wouldn't react in horror at the knowledge she had been fucking a mutant, the fact remained that he was heading to geek central and a human wasn't likely to be tolerated. Chuck probably would be thrilled what with his mutant/human harmony bullshit ideals but no way would the rest of the school be as welcoming.
He kissed her hair and wondered at the possessiveness he felt. She was beautiful, passionate, smart, fearless, and funny as hell. He was amazed that she had been a virgin. Whatever the reason that she had been left untouched he was thrilled in ways he wasn't willing to admit that he had been her first. He just wished he could be her only. With that surprisingly pansy ass thought he clutched her tighter and fell into a dreamless sleep.
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The gentle click of the door shutting woke Logan out of a contented sleep. He stretched his arm out for the kid but instead of sweet flesh his hand instead landed on a folded piece of stationary lying on her pillow. He locked down on the unexpected ache he felt to be waking up alone. As he scrubbed a tired hand over his eyes he opened the note.
Logan-
I hate goodbyes so am a taking the cowards way out and avoiding it altogether. I can't tell you what last night meant to me – thank you.
Take care,
Marie
p.s. My e-mail address is Rogue@Xaviers.edu
Logan read the post script three times with varying degrees of comprehension. No fucking way in hell. He fell back on the bed and started to laugh. The kid was a goddamn X-Man.
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Marie hit the road early driving the scenic roadways into Jasper National Park without taking in any of the beauty around her. All her thoughts were back on the man she had left in a threadbare hotel room in Laughlin City. Last night had been…unexpected, but oh so welcome. She felt amazing. It really did a number on your self-esteem when everyone was afraid of you. But Logan hadn't been. Of course he also hadn't known the truth about her. Rogue shook her head at the melancholy thought that he sure as hell wouldn't have touched her if he had known.
Absurdly she wished he had been an asshole just so it would be easier for her to forget about him. But no, for all his gruff, badass exterior he had been remarkably tender and patient with her.Waking up in his arms had been heaven and she wished she could do it again. At the mansion she was Rogue, ace-in-the-hole X-Man who could take out any mutant. But Logan had made her feel safe, protected even, with the way he had curled his body around hers and held her tight while they slept.
Rogue still didn't know what had prompted her to leave him an e-mail address of all things. Well, yeah she did. Sure it was a way for him to contact her if he ever wanted to, but it also all but proclaimed her mutant status. Xavier was a well know mutant activist, and even the most cursory search for the school would reveal what Xavier's was, what she was.
Logically she knew she would never see him again, better to just put him out of her mind and move on. She still had a few weeks of vacation left before she had to be back at the school for the start of the fall term. She was excited to be teaching, or rather co-teaching, the personal combat and self-defense classes. Scott had been teaching the classes for the last few years but with the school expanding and his duties as team leader he just didn't have the time. There would be several new teachers in the fall, she just hoped she got along with whoever she would be working with.
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Logan left the motel in a surprisingly upbeat mood. Instead of bumming around more of Alberta, or better yet driving to Jasper to try and find Marie, he decided to pack it in and head straight for Xavier's. He wanted to get settled back into the mansion before his little dark haired temptress got home. It occurred to him that he never did figure out her age, maybe she wasn't an X-Man at all, maybe she was a student. That horrifying thought was almost enough to send him running in the other direction.
Almost.
It took Logan just 3 days of driving to reach Westchester. He had stopped a couple of times to eat and sleep but had mostly just pushed eastward. If he thought that arriving two weeks ahead of schedule would surprise the worlds most powerful telepath he was sadly mistaken. When his beat up camper approached the pristine gates of Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters the elegant wrought iron swung open before he could even hit the buzzer. Pulling in the manicured drive he saw the welcome committee waiting outside the formal, oak front doors.
Clearly Xavier was sending out the big guns, Jean, Scott, and Storm all stood in varying degrees of welcome. Jean smiling, Scott scowling, and Storm looking as serene as ever. Some things just never change, looking at them it was hard to believe that six years had gone by. Shaking his head at the memories he got out of the truck and willingly entered the next phase of his life. No longer a cage fighting mercenary best known for his wet work skills and ability to kick rednecks asses – no, the Wolverine was now a teacher.
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The next few days passed quickly for Logan as he settled in and as subtly as he could, began gathering all the information he could about Marie. He found out she had lived at the mansion for five years and had just graduated from college. That she had been on the main X-team for two years and was going to be teaching the self-defense classes with him. That she wasn't dating anyone at the mansion, despite far too many interested suitors, and that she had only gained control of her mutation a few months before.
Her mutation. It was enough to actually give him pause – he was impressed. According to Chuck she could probably kill even him, no wonder the kid hadn't been afraid of him. Selfishly he was glad that she could control it but figured deadly skin wasn't something he would let keep him from something he really wanted. And there was no doubt in his mind that he really wanted Rogue. The kid just needed to get her cute ass back to the mansion.
It was during a late night meeting with the Professor that the moment he had been waiting for finally arrived. Logan saw Xavier's eyes go distant and knew that he was communicating telepathically with someone. When he saw that Chuck was with him again he raised a questioning eyebrow and drolled sarcastically, "Am I that boring?"
"My apologies, one of our former students – and soon to be teachers, just pulled into the garage. She had been on vacation for the last two months and I wanted to welcome her home. I hope you don't mind but I have asked her to stop by."
There was a perfunctory knock on the door a few moments later before it opened wide revealing the petite woman that had been haunting his dreams for the last two weeks. She didn't see him leaning against the bookcase as she swept into the room to give the professor a warm hug.
"Rogue, welcome home my dear. I trust you had a pleasant trip?"
She smiled widely, green eyes clear and contentment written on every line of her face. "It was perfect. Thank ya so much for letting me go."
"You deserved it child, I'm so proud of you." She smiled wider. "Now I would like you to meet one our new professors who arrived while you were away." She turned around as the professor made the unknowingly unnecessary introductions, "Rogue, this is Logan, codename Wolverine."
"Hey kid," Logan said quietly as he moved out of the shadows and into the center of the room.
As recognition struck, fear, disappointment, rage, hurt, and amazement all flashed across her beautiful face in the space of a heartbeat. Then in one fluid movement she dove to her right physically putting her body between his and Xavier while smoothing drawing two 9mms from holsters on her thighs and training them dead center on his head. If he wasn't in love before he was now.
"Who the fuck are you?" She bit out in a hard voice that was all business. He didn't twitch a muscle.
"Rogue," Xavier soothed in his cultured tones, "Logan is the old friend I was telling you about who will be joining the team and co-teaching the combat and self-defense classes." Seeing that she hadn't relaxed her stance one inch he added, "There is no danger child."
For several beats she just started at Logan down the sight of her guns, the look in her eyes telling him in no uncertain term that she was willing to pull the trigger. She finally gave a clipped nod and holstered her weapons. Logan could see that she was struggling not to cry. It was clear in that instant that she hadn't known who he was, that it hadn't all been some sort of setup, and he was relieved. He needed to get her alone and explain.
She refused to look at him as she gave a tight, "Sorry."
"Why don't we catch up tomorrow Rogue. I'm sure you must be tired after your trip."
"Thank ya Professor. I'll see ya then." With that she strode swiftly to the door and walked out without a backward glance.
Logan didn't need to be psychic to know what Chuck was thinking and gave a short but not terribly explanatory, "We've met."
"So I gathered," Charles replied dryly. "Is there anything I need to know about?"
"Nah, I'll go talk to her."
"If I hear gunfire should I send Jean and Scott?"
"You're still a riot Chuck," and with that he was out the door and on the hunt.
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Logan tracked Rogue straight to her room. After two weeks of trying to figure out what to say to her he was still at a loss for words. Just tossing her on the bed and making her scream his name had a certain appeal but after the scene in the office he figured she would probably shoot him if he tried. Women.
He raised his hand and knocked on the door. At her tense "come in" he opened the door to find her leaning against the window looking out over the dark grounds of the mansion and into the forest beyond. He could smell the hurt and confusion coming off of her. It was making him crazy.
"Did you know?" She demanded quietly.
"No kid. Not until I saw your note, but you were already gone," he added almost sadly.
Rogue shook her head in confusion and ran a hand through her hair. It was too much. She finally looked over at him, damn it, he was just as gorgeous as she remembered. And he was an X-Man. And apparently her co-instructor. How did these things happen to her? But there was something she still didn't understand, so she tried her question again. "Who *are* you?"
Logan smiled and quipped, "That sounds a lot better when you're not pointing a gun at me darlin'."
She glared at him and gave a significant look at the weapons on her dresser. "Would it help getting an answer to my question?"
"Fair enough." Logan looked around for a seat before figuring the hell with it and lay down on her bed. In response to her narrowed gaze he only quirked an eyebrow and replied, "Just getting comfortable." In an effort to be as annoying as possible he patted the space on the bed next to him. "Plenty of room." Logan thought he caught the hint of a smile tugging at the corner of her lips but she merely crossed her arms and leaned back against the wall.
"First came here about eight years ago. Chuck was helping me track down leads on my past. I hung out, went on some missions, dug up some intel, and then headed back out. I was in and out over the next two years or so. I've stayed in contact with the Prof – done some work for him over the years - he kept asking me to come back and teach. Finally agreed about three months ago. Was on my way here when I met up with you."
"I still don't understand. What's your mutation?"
Time to see if she would run screaming or not. Logan held up a single fist and popped the claws with a distinctive, *snikt.* She surprised him again by actually taking a step towards him at the sight of the claws. Might as well lay it all on the line, "Got these claws, metal grafted to my entire skeleton, heightened senses, and can heal from anything."
He was surprised again by the highly pissed off expression on her face. "Son of a bitch. Who did that to you?" She asked fiercly.
Logan allowed himself a scowl, "Government, military, don't know. Woke up in the snow twenty years ago, all I remembered was my name." He sheathed the claws.
Rogue climbed onto the bed and sat crosslegged at his side. She took his hand between hers and lightly traced his knuckles. She asked softly, "When they come out, does it hurt."
Logan forgot to breathe as he answered honestly, "Every time."
Rogue raised his hand to her lips and placed a gentle kiss on his knuckles. Logan tried very, very hard not to purr at the contact. Damn that felt good.
He covered her hand with his own, touched by her sincerity and thrilled that she was close to him again. They stayed like that for several minutes before she offered somewhat shyly, "So I suppose you want to know about me."
Logan gave a sheepish grin, "Darlin' I know all about you."
"Huh?"
"Got your training dossier from Cyke."
Rogue didn't know whether to be flattered or pissed, "That's cheating!"
He shrugged unrepentantly, "I'm not a nice guy kid."
"You talked to Scott about me?" She asked, her expression closing off again.
Shit, maybe she didn't want anything to do with him. He searched her eyes for a lingering moment and tightened his hold on her hand. "No one here knows a thing. I'll play this any way you want kid. If you tell me to fuck off I will," He closed his eyes unable to look at her. "Please don't tell me to fuck off."
She laughed and swung her leg over his hips and leaned down to kiss him, "Can we just, keep it sort of quiet for a while? It's just too weird."
Thank god, she did want him. "No problem darlin'." He kissed her again deeper this time. She moaned into his mouth and he could smell her arousal kicking up but she pulled back.
He ran a hand through her hair and she leaned in to the touch like a cat and closed her eyes, "I'm so tired."
"How tired?"
She opened her eyes and gave him a knowing smile, "Stay?" She offered.
He gave a mock thoughtful nod, "Depends, are you going to be here in the morning?"
Rogue hid her face in his chest embarrassed, "I never thought I would see you again."
He lifted her chin with a gentle finger, "I can think of a few things you can do to make it up to me."
-Fin-
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