Black Air

Thanks Reed McCoy!

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I Just Want to Get It Over With

~*~

"Of all the things I've believed in
I just want to get it over with
Tears form behind my eyes
But I do not cry
Counting the days that pass me by

I've been searching deep down in my soul
Words that I'm hearing are starting to get old
It feels like I'm starting all over again"
-Michelle Branch

~*~

Kitty blinked at him. “What?”

When Pete spoke it was slowly and deliberately, it also held a teasing note to it. “Here, in me room. Actually in me bed.”

“But...”

He rolled his eyes. “I’m not gonna throw meself at ya or somethin’. Just get some sleep. You’re going to need it.”

“Should I just wear my clothes?”

Pete couldn’t resist saying it. “You’d rather sleep naked?” She blushed but glared at him. He got one of his shirts.

“You have to be kidding.”

“So you *would* rather sleep naked?” he asked raising his eyebrows. “Well, don’t let me stop you.”

“Give me the shirt.”

He smiled down at her extending the shirt. “You can get dressed in there.” He nodded to the bathroom.

“Thanks.” She went into the bathroom and got undressed putting the shirt on. She was pleased to note that it came down to her knees. She took her hair scrunchie out and brushed it until it shown. She then walked out. Pete looked up and saw her.

Kitty saw a look cross his face that she had never seen on a man before when they looked at her, not even Lance who had always treated her like she might break. He had only kissed her twice. She had seen Remy look at Rogue like that quite often. Scott looked at Jean like that on occasion. She had even seen Logan look at Ororo like that once but that look had never been directed at her.

The look on Pete’s face though caused a shiver to go through her petite frame that had very little to do with fear. Those blue eyes should be outlawed; they were beautiful. His eyes swept lazily over her and a slow half-smile spread across his face. There was a heat in his eyes that almost scared her.

“`Ave a seat.”

“I’d rather not,” she admitted. He rolled his eyes.

“I tol’ ya, Pryde, I ain’t gonna throw myself at ya. You can trust me.” He yawned taking off his own shirt. Kitty’s eyes widened almost comically. She realized with a pang that he was a lot stronger than he let on. He must have held back a lot when he slapped her. He wasn’t bulky like Wolverine but his body was defined with fine muscles and he had a well-developed six-pack. There were several scars on his body a few of which looked like old gunshot wounds. “Chill,” he whispered. “I ain’t gonna sleep in me shirt and slacks.”

“I’m not-” she paused.

He slid off said slacks. He heard Kitty sigh in relief seeing his boxers and smirked to himself. “Now, come on, let’s get some sleep.” He stretched out under the covers. He saw her shiver slightly but she didn’t make any move towards him. “Pryde, just lay down. I ain’t gonna molest ya in yer sleep or somethin’.” She went to the other side of the bed and stretched out.

The next morning

Kitty awoke laying completely on Pete’s chest, her legs resting on either side of one of his. By the way his heart was beating a little too quickly she could guess that he was already awake. She jumped up moving over to the other side. Pete sat up and chuckled seeing how red her face was.

“Hey,” he said getting up and stretching. Kitty was momentarily distracted by his physique. Living in the Institute she had seen a lot of men shirtless but none of them had ever affected her like the man before her. She shook her head slightly to clear it. She barely knew him. He was part of the group that had kidnapped her. Having any sort of feelings for him was just wrong.

“Hi,” she whispered back.

“I’ll be right back with something for you to eat and wear. We’re goin’ t’day.”

“And what if I just run?”

“`At’s an option, Pryde, but I wouldn’t recommend it.”

“Why?”

“Because, they’ll track you down before you can get out of the country, an’ trust me, the results o’ that won’t be pretty. Until Logan gets here or I can get you out- play nice.”

“And if I’m attacked?”

“Call for me. If I ain’t around kill `em.”

“What?” Kitty asked her eyes widening. She didn’t know if she could kill a man, even one who was trying to kill her.

“Scratch hates me, if he thinks I’m protectin’ ya he’ll see you as me weakness. If you don’t kill him... He’ll torture you, an’ I’m sure you can think o’ a few things he’d do.” He got dressed and left leaving Kitty to sort out this new thought. He came back with a bowl of cereal and an arm full of clothes. She let her hair down not able to find her scrunchie.

She ate before going into the bathroom and taking a shower and getting dressed. She paused looking in the mirror. The shirt was a black tank-top with a black mesh shirt that went over it. There was also a black skirt that came to her mid thigh. All in all the outfit left Kitty feeling incredibly self-conscious.

She walked out and saw Pete sitting on the bed, leaning back against the pillows, his legs propped up casually as he smoked a cigarette. Kitty cursed to herself. One wasn’t supposed to be having these types of feelings for the guy holding them hostage. That wasn’t completely fair. Pete was doing his best to keep her safe.

“That’s a disgusting habit that’s going to kill you,” Kitty told him.

“Bite me,” Pete returned as he turned. The look she had seen on him last night crossed his face again as he studied her. “Nice.”

She flushed looking down. “Um... thanks... but are you sure I should wear this? I mean, with what you said about this Scratch guy-”

“You have to look the part, Pryde,” he smirked as he continued looking her over slowly

“Um, Wisdom-” Kitty said crossing her arms over her chest where his eyes had been resting the moment before. He met her gaze and smiled at her completely unrepentant.

“Ready?”

“I guess.” He handed her a pair of black knee-high boots. “You’re going to make me look like a slut,” she complained. He merely smiled wider. She slipped the boots on and took his outstretched arm letting him lead her into the conference room.

“I’m gonna seem like a bastard,” he whispered to her as he took his seat. “But remember, it’s an act. I need you t’ play along.” She nodded and he could see the slight trembling go through her. “Just trust me, `kay?”

“Okay.” The others swept in.

Scicluna looked at Kitty carefully taking in the way she stayed close to Pete and her down turned eyes. She certainly looked terrified, and by the way she stuck so closely to Pete’s side he was obviously the only one she trusted. She saw the other three men give the brunette more than one casual glance and wondered if Pete actually thought he could protect her. Well, he obviously had some faith in his abilities; Pete did not make a promise he didn’t intend to keep.

“Welcome to the fold, Ms. Pryde,” she smirked. Kitty didn’t respond which was probably very smart.

“This is the plan,” Threadgold said. “Sending all of us in would be pure suicide. Therefore, Pete, you and the kid are going in.”

“I `ave t’ take her with me?” Pete asked.

“Would you rather leave her all alone?” Scicluna asked innocently. “I’m sure your new kitten would fair really well in a jet full of men all alone.”

Emotional blackmail, Michelle Scicluna’s specialty. “Fine, I’ll take her, but she’s just gonna slow me down.” Kitty bit her tongue on a comment and settled for discreetly kicking him. He looked up and her and raised one eyebrow amusement showing in his eyes.

“Well, we’re ready, everyone to the plane,” Scicluna ordered. Pete had Kitty take his arm again as they walked to the plane. The others sat down. Much to her shock he sat down away from the others so he could have her perch on his lap. He rested one hand on her waist and the other on her thigh, where the skirt ended. He explained in a low tone some new ways to keep a mental block up as they flew.

To the others it would appear as though Pete was attempting to seduce the girl. In between statements he would caress her leg, or nuzzle her neck. Pete smirked to himself as he took in Kitty’s barely muffled moan as his hand slid up her thigh. He leaned in, his mouth merely inches away from her ear. His breath was hot against her neck as he whispered to her. “Ya know, Pryde, keep this up and I may think you like me.” He softly sucked on her earlobe this time her moan wasn’t very muffled.

“Wisdom,” Kitty hissed gently pushing him away slightly.

“Yes?” He asked trying to hide his smug smirk. He was trying to be good but she was so wonderfully responsive and so damn sexy it was really, really hard.

“Stop that.”

He sighed dramatically. “If I must.” He leaned back as Threadgold took the plane down.

“We’re here,” Scicluna announced.

“Yay,” Pete said dryly. He got up and lifted Kitty to her feet. “Ready?”

“No,” she said. He smiled faintly reaching around her neck and undoing the collar. He took her hand leading her out of the plane. Kitty looked around herself then back at Pete. “I shouldn’t be doing this.”

“Statement of the year, Pryde,” Pete smirked. Kitty phased them into the building. “Nice power.” He took out a gun. “Here.”

“I don’t use guns,” Kitty said crossing her arms.

“Take it, Pryde.” Rolling her eyes, she reached out and took the gun from him.

“Happy?”

“Yes. Don’t shoot yourself accidentally. You’re me back up, grasshopper, I need t’ be able t’ trust ya.”

“Okay,” Kitty said determined to help him. She walked behind him as he led her to a room.

“Get us inside.” She took his hand and phased them into the room. “I’ll get the files, keep an eye out. And, Pryde, any hesitation on your part may very well result in me untimely death.”

“Nothing like a good old fashioned guilt trip,” Kitty said rolling her eyes. He merely flashed her a smile and went to the file cabinet. Kitty stood at the door, which suddenly flew open. She raised the gun.

“Drop your weapon,” she ordered pleased with the calm, cool sound of her own voice. A gun hit the floor. “Come inside slowly, don’t do anything stupid.” He walked in and she shut the door.

Pete stood after putting a few files in a bag. “Good job, grasshopper.” He walked over to the man. “Arms behind your back.”

“Who are you?” the man asked.

“That would be telling,” he smirked as he handcuffed the man. “Now, be a good boy and stay here.” He took Kitty’s arm. “Get us out o’ here.” She phased them out of the building. “You were good,” he admitted as they walked. “But, just so ya know, a gun works best if ya turn off the safety.” They walked back to the plane. He handed over the files. “Here.”

“Good job,” Scicluna nodded faintly. “Threadgold, get us out.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Pete went back to his seat and sat down pulling Kitty back onto his lap.

“Awwe, so cute,” Scratch growled sarcastically. Pete laid a hand on Kitty’s knee and glared at the other man. Kitty leaned into him and he could nearly feel her fear. He couldn’t blame her. Scratch practically oozed malevolence and the man was staring at Kitty as though she were a piece of meat. He stared at Scratch until the other man looked away. They arrived at the base in a few hours.

“Take your kitty back to your room,” Scicluna announced. “We’re having a meeting.”

Pete placed a hand on Kitty’s lower back steering her into his bedroom. Kitty sat down on his bed still holding the gun. Pete stared at her from the doorway. Her hair was down falling in soft curls around her shoulders. She had crossed her legs and the gun was in a relaxed hold in her hand as she leaned slightly to one side.

“Ya know, grasshopper, you look incredibly sexy like that.” She tensed almost immediately; sitting up and holding the gun out to him, grip first. He hid a chuckle coming forward to take the gun. “You did great t’night. Yer a natural.”

“A natural what?” she asked her eyes narrowing.

“Natural agent,” he said. She crossed her arms.

“Sorry, Wisdom, I’ve seen this life and no thanks.”

He knelt in front of her so they were at eye level. “Trust me, it ain’t all like this. This is...” he paused shaking his head. “We ain’t liked by the government. They want t’ shut us down but can’t find the means.”

“You obviously hate it. Why do you, like, stay here?”

“Because if I left they’d try t’ kill me. Now, the bitch is gonna be pissed, I’m already late.” He stood. “I’ll be back in a few seconds.” He walked out and Kitty sighed moving further up folding her legs under her and looking around herself at the room. There was nothing descript about it, except maybe the mess and everything except the dirty clothes was in duffle bags. He came back in after a few minutes. “I `ave t’ go fer a little while. They want me t’ follow through on a few things.”

“I’m going to, like, be stuck here... alone?”

“Don’t worry,” he told her gently. He ran a hand through her hair gently causing her eyes to widen in shock with the tenderness in that gesture. “I’m not gonna be gone `at long an’ I promise you, no one will hurt you with out me killin’ `em.” She smiled a little.

“Thank you.”

“I’m just gonna be gone a couple hours.” He pulled something out and her eyes widened. “Sorry, grasshopper but I `ave no choice.”

“It’s okay,” she told him raising her head trying to be brave. He smiled at the gesture and slipped the collar on.

“I’m gonna lock the door, no one else has a key. I won’t be gone long.”

A week passed quickly, Pete made sure he never had to leave for more than an hour. He could tell Scratch was watching them. Kitty for her part was depressed but rarely let it show. She stayed in his room, worked out, and cleaned. His room had never been so clean. For his part Pete tried to get some clothing for her but when it was implied that she shouldn’t need any for what Pete was supposed to be doing he let the matter drop.

He was starting to get worried. Obviously, Kitty wasn’t “broken” but by this point Scratch would have finished the job. The only thing Pete had going for him was that everyone knew his finesse. For him a job was done well, not quickly. Still, he knew he was running out of time. Soon, Scicluna would demand to see results and if he didn’t have any Kitty would be handed over to Scratch.

“What’s wrong?” Kitty asked noticing that Pete was strangely quiet.

“Just thinkin’ ‘bout how we’re gonna get you out of this,” Pete sighed. “I still haven’t heard from Logan.” Tears showed in Kitty’s eyes but she kept it together. “You don’t have a mark on you, luv. If they demand to see what progress I’ve made what do we do?”

Kitty winced. “If you… need to, you could-”

“No!” Pete said a little sharper than necessary. “I’m not going to hurt you. I promise you, Pryde. I won’t hurt you.”

“If it’s between that and being raped and tortured by that other guy… I’d rather it be you, Pete.”

“If it comes to that, luv… we’ll figure somethin’ out.” He sighed running a hand through his already messy hair. “I’ll get you out of here, I swear it.”

“What about you?”

“I can take care of meself.”

“Won’t they know?”

He couldn’t bring himself to lie to her. “Yes.”

“You said they’d kill you.”

“Like I said, I can take care of meself. Trust me, okay?”

“Why don’t you come back with me?”

He started. Be an X-Man? God, he’d never hear the end of it after all the things he had said about the group. After thinking about it though it didn’t seem like such a terrible idea. “I’ll think about it, luv. Now, let’s get some sleep.”

“Good idea.” Kitty crawled under the covers and Pete was once again struck by how cute she was in his shirt. The thought of what would happen if Scratch got a hold of her had obviously spooked her though. As he lied watching her, she shivered. After a few moments Pete pulled her into his arms. She relaxed almost immediately, cuddling close to his chest and breathing in his scent unconsciously. “Thanks.”

“My pleasure.”

The next evening Pete was called away on another assignment. “Yer gonna be fine,” he told her as he locked the door. “Don’t worry, this one isn’t too far away. I won’t be gone long.” She nodded. He walked out and Kitty stretched out on his bed in the outfit she had worn on the mission, having nothing better to do, she took a nap. She was awoken when the door to Pete’s room banged open. There on the other side stood both Scratch and Shrine.