Primal Urges

Part Four



There is a large commotion heading towards the dining room and the Professor smiles as he waits for the rush to come in. Rogue and Kitty enter first, with the former cutting eyes at Bobby. Ever since she came back, Rogue has had to come to the realization that it was not meant for her touch anyone…that her powers were meant for the greater good, not just a personal preference. It was obvious on that night so long ago that Bobby had found someone that he really could get into, and although it hurts…it better for him.



'Doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt…'



She watches as he makes his way to Kitty and a twinge of hatred fills her for both of them. A gentle presence in her mind forces her to turn her gaze to Xavier, who is staring at her intently. She grins and makes her way to a seat next to him…he always knows how to comfort her even when she doesn’t know she needs it. The others make their way to their respective seats and chatter animatedly amongst themselves.



“So, Professor…Rogue told us that Logan is back?” asks Bobby.



Xavier nods, “Yes, he returns a few hours ago.”



The young Iceman sniffs, “So, that means he’ll be here for dinner then leave again?” Rogue shoots daggers at his statement, but relaxes when Xavier says, “However long he decides to stay is up to him and he is always welcome. I would remind you to remember that!”



Bobby frowns and looks to Kitty for a little support, only to find none. She turns her bright blue eyes to the Professor and asks her own question, “Does he know about Miss Grey?”



“Yes.”



The young group waits for any elaboration, but soon realizes that nothing is forthcoming. Whatever happened is between Logan and the other adult X-Men, but that won’t stop them from at least trying to find out! Rogue decides to see what’s going on in the kitchen, so she gets up and moves to the doorway. Once there, she observes the happenings; Ororo and Logan are setting the serving plates, while Jean and Scott are gathering glasses on a serving tray to fill with some lemonade. She smiles…it’s almost as if they were couples all along, they seem to work so well together. A wave of sadness flows over her and a few tears makes their way down her cheeks. Ororo looks up just as the tears start to stream and walks over to her, “Are you alright, child?”



The other adults look up at hearing her ask the question. Logan moves over to them, concern covering his features. “You okay, kid?”



Rogue smiles at the both of them, “I’m okay…y’all jus’ look so…right togetha’. I jus’ got a little emotional, is all.” Ororo and Logan stare at each other…a slight bit embarrassed at what the teen saw. His eyes caress hers and she blushes a little. 'She is so damn cute when she does that…' and for once, that annoying little voice that tells him that he’s a fuckin’ fool is silent. Ororo stares back, unconsciously drawn into those brown depths…the need to be closer to him almost hypnotizing her. A discreet cough pulls them out of their trance and they both turn their attention back to the young girl in front of them. Rogue giggles at them before saying, “See what I mean? Jus’ right…”



Nothing more is said about the observation, but there are two people that take in the exchange and secretly have their own questions, to be asked at a later date of course. “Hey, why don’t you grab these and take them into the dining room? We’ll be right behind you…” Scott asks Rogue as he fumbles with trying to grab the tray and napkins at the same time. She walks over to grab the napkins and the plate with the vegetables on it. She gives both Ororo and Logan a wistful glance as she moves past them into the dining room, with Jean and Scott on her heels. Scott calls back over his shoulder. “Logan, would you mind grabbing that other tray of drinks, please?”



Logan frowns as he walks over to the island again, leaving Ororo to stand at the doorway…pondering what Rogue had just said. In a quiet voice she asks, “We look right together, huh?”



He turns and his eyes peer into hers, “I guess the kid thinks so…” and instantly, he regrets saying that. Her face falls and she quickly covers up her disappointment by coming over and grabbing the pitcher of lemonade.

Shit… he thinks and quickly grabs her arm before she can make her hasty retreat. Her eyes shine with unshed tears and he feels like kicking himself…the last person in the world he wants to hurt is her right now and look what his damn fool mouth has done!



But then, that’s what he’s good at…causing pain…lots of it.



“I didn’t mean it that way, ‘Ro…I’m sorry. This hasn’t been a good day for me…” he stammers out. She can see this line of conversation is really uncomfortable for him, so she lets him off the hook…for now. Mustering up a smile, she tells him, “I know it hasn’t…so don’t worry. Just being a little sentimental myself, excuse me.” She takes the pitcher and moves off into the dining room. Logan stares after her, knowing that he just gave the lamest excuse on the planet for his outburst…but what else could he say? Tell her that his feelings are so fucked up that he doesn’t know which way is up? If he gave himself the chance, he can admit that it did feel nice to be by her side, if only for a moment. And he won’t even think about when she was in his room earlier…it took everything in him to reel in his inner beast.



'Her scent…God. That scent…exotic orchids…'



It’s the most distinguishable thing about her…as well as the most erotic. He can sense that there is more to the weather goddess than meets the eye…a kindred spirit of sorts. She has her airs about her, but she is the most loyal and understanding of anything that deals with the basic human nature, since that is her power. She can control nature, take flight in nature’s fury and wield it like a powerful weapon. It has always amazed him how powerful she actually is, yet as timid as the youngest girl on her first date when it comes to dealing with the opposite sex. Anyone else would think she was conceited or stuck-up…when actually she is just reserved, only willing to take a chance when she is sure of it.



'She places a high price on her heart…which is why I won’t go there…'



Sighing, he grabs the tray and leaves the kitchen…wondering what wonderful little anecdotes will be brought up at the table.



Logan enters and notices the seating arrangements straight off; Chuck is at the head of the table with Rogue to the right and Ororo to the left. Then next to Rogue is Piotr and Jean is closest to the other end where Scott sits. There is a spot next to Ororo; then it’s Kitty and Bobby. 'Great…if I didn’t know any better I would swear this is a set-up!' Logan thinks to himself as he makes his way to the open seat next to Storm.



'There it is again…exotic orchids…'



For a second, he allows himself to take in the scent…before abruptly shaking his head to remember where he is.



Placing the tray in the center of the table, he sits down and makes himself comfortable. Ororo looks shyly over at him before turning her attention back to the Professor. Xavier clears his throat to get everyone’s attention, “Everyone…I know that the past few months have been hard, but I want to thank everyone here for their determination and dedication to the school.” A light applause erupts before he holds his hand up, “Second, I would like to welcome one of our team back to the fold…Logan, we are all glad that you are well and you are welcome to stay as long as you want.” The applause now has lessened by two people; Scott and Bobby.

Kitty hits Bobby in the arm while Jean gives Scott a nasty glance.



“And finally, I want to advise you on a new mission. There is a mutant that I need to find and bring here. It is of the highest importance that we find him…”



“Who is it, Professor?” asks Scott, after he takes a sip of his drink. “His name is Remy LeBeau and he resides in Louisiana…in the Bayou. He has been having dealings with the Morlocks and can become very dangerous if cornered…his powers are not yet charted.”



“What do you mean by that…is he that dangerous?” asks Jean. Xavier looks at her, “His powers are manifesting exponentially and he doesn’t seem to know when and where to use it…plus, there may be someone else eager to get their hands on him.”



“Magneto…” growls Logan as he clenches his fist on the table. Ororo fights the urge to place her hand on his

to calm him down.



“Right…we must move quickly, so in the morning I would like Scott, Jean, Ororo, Logan, and Rogue to head to Louisiana. I have a feeling that he won’t be an easy sell…”



“We can handle it.” Scott says, but adds, “We were able convince Wolverine to hang around for a short minute, weren’t we?”



Logan scowls, but holds his tongue…no need to slice the table in half to get to the smug bastard at the end of it. Keeping his cool is not one of his strong points, but he clamps it down…surprising everyone at the table. Ororo tries to keep herself from laughing, but doesn’t do a good job…a slight chuckle escapes her and Logan smiles at her attempts to keep a straight face. Xavier fights a grin, “Well, I think we can eat now…everything looks so good.” All of a sudden, the table was alive with activity; plates being passed around and food being placed on the plates. Little sidebar conversations strike up about schoolwork and teen problems, while the adults were thinking about the mission…



Well, at least three of them are…



Logan grabs two steaks and some of the vegetables to devour, but his mind is on the woman next to him. All the damn thinking that he has been doing has him looking at her differently now…and it isn’t comfortable. He watches her delicate hands reach for the pitcher of lemonade…long tapered fingers gently grasp the handle and he can imagine them gripping something else…



Trying to pull his mind out of the gutter, he looks at her profile and wonders how he had never noticed how beautiful she is. High cheekbones and arched white eyebrows surround glittering blue eyes. A regally small nose and generously soft lips finish out the package…all so beautifully put together. A slight blush creeps up her cheeks, so she must know he’s staring…he turns back to his food, suddenly not very hungry...at least not for the food.



Ororo could actually feel his eyes touch her and she feels a little apprehensive. She slowly turns toward him to observe him secretly. His sideburns are bushy, but she knows they can be so soft to the touch. His hair is wild, yet manageable…as dark as night and probably as soft to the touch as the sideburns. His face can look so hard and rugged…but he is really handsome. His lips look as if they are as rough as the rest of him…but it’s one of the biggest misconceptions on him. His whole body is a misconception…well-toned muscles on an extremely beautiful body, and not overly so. His legs are thick and strong…and she won’t go any further with the descriptions, again. She can almost feel his rough hands running over her skin and she twitches in her chair. Logan notices and smirks. Trying very hard not to look his way again, she looks across the table and asks Rogue, “So, how has your training in the Danger Room been going?”



Being absorbed in a friendly debate with Piotr, Rogue is startled a little, “Ah’m sorry…it’s goin’ good. Professor Summers, Ah mean… Cyclops, has been showin’ me a lot of stuff.”



“That’s good. I hope he has been teaching you enough.”



She nods, “Oh, Ah’m sure that he’s done made sure Ah know enough…” and she cuts him a glance. Scott actually looks like he’s blushing. This line of conversation has done its purpose…taking Ororo’s mind off of the temptation sitting right next to her. Dinner continues quietly, until Xavier announces, “I am heading for bed…so I’ll excuse myself.” The table stops their conversations and watch as he maneuvers his chair around the rest of them. As they watch him leave the room, the younger ones take it as a signal to get up as well. As they all start to rise, Storm holds up a hand, “Okay…we cooked dinner, you guys clean up.”



“Awwww!” groans Bobby.



“”No fair!” exclaims Kitty.



“Now, comrades…it is only fair dat we do dis’. Da’ sooner we get it done…da’ better,” says Piotr calmly and the other teens just look at him. He is the voice of reason for them…and they hate it. Grumbling, they start taking away the plates and dishes…staring at each other like they all did something. The adults laugh as they decide to help a little by taking their plates into the kitchen for them. Jean looks at the somber group and says, “Just make sure that the dining room is clean, the dishes are cleared off and placed in the washing machine, and the leftovers are put away. No one has to actually scrub anything…the steamer and grill can be left until tomorrow.



Four very happy smiles greet her and she returns it, “Just don’t let me come in here and it’s still a mess…that will mean that all of you will have kitchen duty for a month, you understand?”



“Yes, Dr. Grey…we get it.” Kitty says as she is scrapping scraps into the trash can. The other kids get busy, but Rogue walks over to Logan as he places his plate on the island. “Logan…can Ah speak to ya’?”



“Sure kid...what’s up?”



She pulls him out the back door and once it closes, she slaps his arm. “What was that for?” he asks, rubbing his arm. “What was all that in thar’?” she asks, completely baffling Wolverine.



“What are you talkin’ about? What did I do?”



She shakes her head, “Ya’ know what…you and Ms. Munroe!”



Logan smirks a bit, “There ain’t nothin’ goin’ on! Ya’ must be seein’ things…”



Rogue folds her arms, “Ah know what Ah saw, and nuthin’ you can tell me can change it!” She steps in closer to him, almost as if to whisper the rest of her speech, “Ya’ like her, doncha?”



Logan had the temerity to try to deny it, but lying isn’t what he likes to do, so he tries to be as honest as he can, “I don’t know what I feel…so don’t say anything.” Rogue cocks her head at him, seeing for the first time a look of uncertainty in his eyes…Logan is never uncertain of anything!



“’Kay. Logan…Ah’m not gonna say anythin’. But since when are ya’ scared to?”



He peers at her, suddenly at a loss for words. “Since I came back…” He has to admit that his thinking hasn’t been right since he came back here, but picking up and leaving again is not an option…they have a mission tomorrow, after that…



Rogue can see the look of flight in his face, “Don’cha think about leavin’!”



“No, kid…not thinkin’ about it now.” 'It’s the truth…'



“’Kay…well, lemme get back to work. Ah’ll talk to ya’ later.”



She pats him on the shoulder and moves back into the kitchen. Logan decides to stay outside…to get some air. He makes his way out into the spacious yard, heading towards the lake area in the forest of trees on the edge of the property. He has always been able to regain his bearings here…make sense of everything that is happening now. The moon is shining high in the sky tonight and he pulls out one of his infamous cigars to light as he trudges on.



The breeze is refreshing…he has to admit that this was one of the things that he missed about being here. He always had the opportunity to come out here when he was feeling particularly out of control and the Danger Room doesn’t help. The inner beast that he battles so often yearns for conflict…needs death and destruction to make it feel important, while the man just wants some kind of peace. Being out in nature…connecting with that beast and calming it down with the feeling of freedom out here soothes him more than anything else he knows…



'Except for Ororo…'



He stops in his tracks as that thought takes him by surprise. She has always had a soothing effect on him…the only one that can understand his need to be out here as well as the need to just cut loose every once in a while. She, too, has a kinmanship to the outdoors and he knows she comes out here to clear her head as well. Right now though…it’s a good thing that she stayed inside…his feelings for her have taken a turn for the sexual and that’s something that needs to be avoided right now. She doesn’t deserve to be someone to just warm a bed…she needs someone to love and cherish her…



'So, why can’t it be you?'



His heart pounds as that question reverberates in his head…why can’t he be the one to love her like that? Hell, it’s possible that he already does…



'Whoa bub…where in the fuck did that come from?!'



Shaking his head, he takes a long drag on his cigar and walks on…he never needed to be out here more.







Ororo takes a deep breath…her nerves frazzled from the ardent looks she received from Logan during dinner. She has to still deal with those hurt feelings from Forge, but the delicate presence of something in her has her feeling as if the whole idea will be a lot easier than originally thought. He was receptive…gently flirting with her without completely knowing that he was. Her toes splash the water in the lake…she had to come out here to clear her mind, and she would have done her nightly flying but she wasn’t sure if she would be completely alone out here. Watching her soaring in the air, naked, may cause a little uproar. Ororo closes her eyes and lets the cool breeze blow over her…making her feel as if she were free of all turmoil. She sighs as she thinks about the sensual smile that Logan had given her earlier…a look that still sends shivers up her spine. 'Is it possible that he could have some kind of feelings for me? Has he truly gotten over Jean?' A wave of jealousy hits her…she has never thought she was the best looking thing in the world, even Forge never told her that she was beautiful. But, she felt like she couldn’t be picky and he had treated her like she was special…



Logan is almost on the lake when her scent hits him…exotic orchids. Damn! He had hoped that she would stay inside, but she was where he thought she might be. He steps into the clearing and finds her sitting on a rock on the far side of the lake…swinging her feet in the water while staring off into the distance. He takes a deep breath, knowing that turning away now would be the wrong move. Not only can he detect the exotic orchids, but he can scent her confusion and…desire?



“Hello there,” he says in a soft, husky voice. Her eyes meet his and a shocked expression covers her face…she doesn’t look like she’s sorry that he’s there, so Logan makes his way around the lake to sit on the ground next to her…taking in her exotically beautiful features and graceful figure.



Funny how it takes a hiatus and fucked up emotions for him to notice what has always been right in front of his face…



Ororo shyly looks at him, her nerves completely shot and she desperately tries to keep her composure. He should not be here to disturb her calm…but he doesn’t need to know that. “I just wanted to get some air before I turned in.”



They both fall silent…not knowing what to say and afraid to broach the subject that has blatantly thrown on the table. He absently plucks a blade of grass as he takes another drag on his cigar while she stares into the water…wishing she had the guts to find out what he’s thinking. After a few more minutes, the awkwardness gets to be too much, “I think I’ll turn in now…” and she stands to leave…which prompts Logan to stand as well. “Ororo…wait…”



She stops, but doesn’t turn around. “Yes, Logan…you wanted something?”



“I do, but damned if I can tell ya’ what it is…”



She turns to look at him with that statement…and is startled by the look of longing in his gaze. “What do you mean? Why don’t you know?’ she asks in a voice barely above a whisper. Logan moves in closer, drawn to that intoxicating scent; both of the orchids and her arousal. She starts to tremble unrepentantly…'I know that his overly developed senses must have detected my body’s reaction to him…dammit.' It is way too easy for him to know what she is thinking and it doesn’t seem fair.



“It is not right that you can sense what I’m feeling…that you know what you do to me when you’re near,” she blurts out, totally frustrated with her lack of control over her senses. Smiling gently, Logan reaches out to take her hand…something in him fighting desperately against that raging beast that is threatening to emerge and claim her, knowing nothing more than sensing that she wants him too. “I don’t try to use it against ya’, darlin’…I’m sorry that ya’ feel so uncomfortable…”



His hand feels rough, yet soft to the touch. He is always a complex miasma of contradictions, but wonderfully so. She looks at where their hands are touching, enjoying how their fingers are intertwined. She never felt like this with Forge…never felt that such a little expression could mean so much. Ororo grins, “No need for you to apologize…I am not uncomfortable. I just know that you can sense everything about a person…and sometimes it isn’t fair. I do have to admit that it does make it a little easier to start a conversation…” Logan chuckles, but his eyes are still set in a deep caressing stare. “Since it’s a part of me…I can’t help it, but in this case…I’d rather ya’ tell me.”



She freezes, still not knowing where this is going, “What do you want me to tell you?”



He moves in closer…the heat emanating off his body a heady tonic for her senses. An onslaught of naughty thoughts run through her mind as her eyes concentrate on those lips of his…a faint memory coming back to her as she pictures them against her own. Logan leans his head into her ear and whispers, “Tell me what ya’ want…”



“What if I don’t know?” Ororo counters and a light kiss is placed on her ear.



“Shall we try to figure it out together then, darlin’?”



'Oh Goddess'… she thinks before Logan pulls back to stare into her eyes. Every alarm she has in her is blaring for her to back away…to not go down this path until she is sure of what is going on between them. But, another voice that Ororo has never heard of comes to her…urging her to take a damn chance; that this man is worth the risk. She eagerly tips her face up as he lowers his lips to hers. It was the most reverent kiss that either of them has ever had…it speaks volumes even if they can’t. He pulls back a little, only to come back with more intensity. His lips slide over hers, allowing his tongue to lick at her bottom lip. Using her free hand… Ororo grasps his shirt,praying to the Goddess that she doesn’t pass out. The kiss deepens…he nips at her bottom lip as she opens her mouth slightly in surprise. Taking the opportunity…the sensual feral slides his tongue over hers,teasing it into a sexy dance. They release their intertwined hands as he wraps his arms around her waist…letting his hand slide up her back to take hold of the nape of her neck. His fingers play in her luxurious tresses as he tilts her head into a position to gain as much access as possible to her warm mouth. The tender exploration this had started out to be now turns into a passionate war…each battling to taste as much of the other as they can. Ororo moans…her fingers gripping tightly to his shirt, wanting to inch their way down his massive chest. She can no more pull away than stop breathing at this point…everything that she has ever felt being poured out into each electrifying kiss.



Logan feels himself harden, the feeling exquisite. Nothing would mean more to him than to be able to claim her as his own…mark her as his mate for the rest of their lives. He moves from her lips…placing hungry kisses along her jaw and down her neck, inhaling deeply her drugging scent. Her hands slip around his neck, pulling herself closer to him…moaning softly against these raging fires that are burning out of control within her…







'She can remember another kiss like this one…shared with the same person. It happened shortly after the funerals of Scott, Jean, and Xavier…they had just finished the memorial for them with the students and she needed to catch her breath. Logan had followed her out to her greenhouse where she had gone to break down…release all of the anguish and pain that she had kept bottled up for the sake of the kids. He walked up silently behind her and took her by the shoulders…turning her around and letting her sob against him. She stayed that way for what seemed like hours, crying out everything in her. He simply stood there, softly stroking her hair and whispering that everything would be okay. When the crying had subsided, she turned tear-swollen eyes to him and he kissed her in comfort…but it didn’t stop there. She had grabbed him close…the kiss quickly turning from comforting to needy with neither one wanting it to end. Logan had pulled back, knowing that he couldn’t take advantage of a distraught woman…still beating down the hungry beast inside him. Ororo had understood and softly kissed him one last time…hugging him as if to thank him for being there for her. Those powerful arms were so welcoming…felt so right to be in that she could have stayed there for days. But, they had duties to attend to…so they pulled away with a new understanding between the both of them.'



'Then, he had drifted into a funk…visiting the graves daily, barely eating or sleeping. She had tried to talk to him, but Logan had started to withdraw…and soon after, he left. He never said goodbye, just left. Again, Ororo had understood, waiting for him to come back. A month passed, then another…then Forge appeared stating that he has seen Jean in another temporal dimension through a device he had created. They had worked together to figure out a way to get Jean back and they had found out then that Scott and Charles were there as well. It was wonderful having them back and taking the brunt of the responsibilities off of her…it left her time to explore the growing feelings between her and the handsome Indian. He had been sweet, not too aggressive and treated her like she was the only thing in his universe. Falling for him was not hard…accepting his proposal wasn’t either. They had been together for two months and even though it was kind of quick, it felt right. No other man had taken the time to really get to know her and want to share his life with her…she was elated. But, the heady feeling only lasted for a day…he had come to her and let her know that he made a mistake and that marrying now would be a bigger one…'



'Then, he was gone…'



'No one could pull her out of her depression for a while…she still tended to her classes, but Ororo either stayed in the greenhouse or her room…not accepting any visitors or wanting to talk to anyone. It was interesting that the only one that she wanted to talk to was the one that wasn’t there. Time passed and the pain lessened…but she stayed away from men…anyone that looked like they might be interested she gave a wide berth to. That is, until he returned…'







And now, as she continues to mold herself against him…she can’t fathom why she was attracted to Forge in the first place. Being gorgeous and generally a nice guy didn’t make him a perfect prospect. This man here…who has the temperament of a rabid dog at times, is as lethal as an armored Mac truck on steroids, and rarely likes to be around people…this man who is holding her as if he could never let her go and kissing her like he were starving, has her feeling as if nothing in the world exists but them. Their breath is heated…their bodies molding to each other in an effort to make sure that they can touch in every way possible. She can feel his hard chest against hers…can feel his thighs standing strong to keep her upright…



'How would they feel rubbing against her…along with that powerful body…?'



A streak of desire rushes through her veins causing her to gently pull back…needing some air. Logan is dazed…he never thought that she could feel like this, that he would feel like this. He opens his eyes to stare into limpid pools of blue…her lips trembling and swollen from the contact. “Logan…I…”



“No need, darlin’…I know.” He kisses her one last time and pulls her close. Logan tucks her head into his shoulder, pressing her into his chest. Again, that feeling of safety and warmth comforts her and she sighs…but Ororo can’t help but wonder out loud, “Are you going to leave again?”



“What?”



She pulls back to look away from him, “The last time we did this, you left shortly after…without saying anything to me. I had to wonder if I had repulsed you…you withdrew into yourself and ran away.” The floodgates on her feelings now open and Ororo lets everything she felt rush forth. “We both lost friends…you were all that I had left. You helped me when I needed you the most, comforted me when I couldn’t see the light of day. I tried to help you when you needed it, but you kept pushing me away. I could see that you needed me…I guess I just assumed that I could help, but you left and I was alone again.”



The Nubian beauty spins back to him and the pain in her eyes is almost too much to bear, “So much happened when you left… a lot of it I blame on myself being so vulnerable and reaching out to the first one to offer me any sort of comfort.” She looks down, tears beginning to fall, “He told me I was special…made me feel like I was special. I couldn’t help but fall in love, or so I thought.” Her gaze comes back to his…tears streaming, “He broke my heart, you know…left me. Is that all I’m worth? Is that all I am destined to have?!” her voice rises with her distress. Logan is speechless…he didn’t think about how she might have felt with him leaving, all he was worried about was the anger building to a crescendo deep within him. He didn’t want to harm anyone…let alone her, and with the pain he was feeling he knew he needed to be alone…



But, he forgot about her…



Stunned, he stands there…listening to her explain everything; telling him how it felt to be truly alone. Her question glares at him, 'Is this all that I’m destined to have?!'



“No…it’s not,” he says finally. Logan steps closer to her and tries to take her in his arms again, but she resists this time. “How am I supposed to believe you?! You kissed me like this before…he kissed me too, and you both LEFT!!!” Her voice is now a shrill yell, pouring out the flood of emotions. Dark clouds begin to form over head, sparks of lightning start to flash as the weather goddess grows more and more upset.



The handsome mutant tries once again to calm her, but she fights him. Grabbing her around the waist, Logan pulls her into him. She struggles, but is soon overpowered by his sheer strength. Collapsing against his chest, Ororo starts to sob again with him holding her tighter.



“I’m sorry, ‘Ro…I’m so damn sorry. I didn’t think…all I saw was rage and blood, I didn’t see ya’,” he whispers in her hair. She says nothing…she continues to cry and he lets her. They stand there as the heavens open up and a light rain begins to fall…but neither one cares. So many emotions have been stored away and hidden for too long…the only ones that can understand what they have been through are each other. No matter what happens next, at least they can meet on this familiar ground and be a comfort to each other…they can start again.



“You’re not leaving, then?”



“No, darlin’…I’m not leavin’.”



She snuggles in closer, his arms tighten and they stand there under the rain…both each other’s rock against the storm.