The Wonder Years

Ororo hadn't gotten much sleep after her visitor had left her patio, yet she had still managed to get up with the sun, looking refreshed. She hummed as she dressed and readied herself for the day. She continued humming as she arrived in the cafeteria. After getting her usual breakfast of scrambled eggs, toast, two strips of bacon, and orange juice, she found Jubilee sitting in their usual spot and made her way to her. Ororo had gotten halfway there when a form suddenly popped in front, causing her to jump.

"Guten Morgen, Ororo."

"Kurt," Ororo hissed. "You scared me, I have asked you not to do that," She said frowning at the boy before her.

"Ich bin traurig," He apologized dropping his head a bit before looking back up at her. "Ororo, you know we're having the Winter Ball Saturday, and I was wondering…"

"Yes, Kurt?" Ororo asked and inside prayed he was asking her what she thought he was asking. She hated the idea of going alone since Jubilee had already told her that she had a date.

"Well, I was wondering, if you didn't already have a date…if you'd like to go with me," He said hurriedly again lowering his head and closing his eyes, awaiting her reply.

"Yes, I would love to go with you, Kurt," She said smiling broadly at the now dumbstruck boy, who had obviously already decided that she would say no.

"Wundervoll!" He exclaimed excitedly, popping from in front of her and then in back of her, causing her to twirl, giggling at him. "Danke, Ororo," He said placing a kiss on her cheek before disappearing into thin air, only to emerge at the other side of the cafeteria where the jocks sat.

Ororo shook her head and continued to giggle as she made her way to where Jubilee now sat gawking. Before she could settle in Jubilee started her interrogation. "So what was that all about?"

"What all about?" Kurt responded taking his place in between Gambit and Bobby, just as Logan approached and seated across from him.

"Don't play dumb, Mon Ami," A Cajun drawl spoke. "You and Ororo," At the mention of her name, Logan lifted his head in sudden interest but didn't speak, just listened.

"Oh that…"

"It was nothing, Kurt simply asked me to the Winter Ball," Ororo stated with a nonchalant shrug, as Jubilee's mouth dropped open in surprise.

"No way!" Bobby said shaking his head. "No way Ororo agreed to go to the dance with you. I mean granted she's not Miss Popular or anything, but she's still a super major hottie. No way she said she'd go with you."

"And why wouldn't I go with Kurt, he is a nice boy and he asked," Ororo defended.

"Yeah I know but what about you and Logan?"

"What about me?" Logan asked in a near growl. "Why tha hell would I care?"

"Well, I thought you and Ororo were a couple now," Bobby continued.

"She's just a friend," Logan grumbled irritably as he bit into his toast.

"We are simply friends, nothing more. He just broke up with Jean yesterday for heaven's sake," Ororo said before putting a fork full of eggs into her mouth.

"Right," Jubilee giggled as she gulped down the rest of her juice.

"Right," Bobby mumbled but knew Logan heard by the death glare he threw at him.

"Gotta go, cya later," Logan said as he stood and stalked away.

"Ok, what's da matter wit him?" Gambit asked as he and the others watched Logan walk off.

Logan was the last to arrive in class, and Ororo had spent the last few minutes watching the door for the moment he entered. Once he walked in and made his way to take the seat beside her, she greeted him with a smile, which received a grunt and an icy stare. Logan quickly took out his notebook and began taking notes, something he never did but still managed to get A's. Ororo could sense that he was ignoring her.

"Good morning Logan," She leaned over and whispered. He shot her a glance and grunted again, causing her to frown in confusion. "I forgot to bring your coat, I'll get it to you by the end of the day, ok?"

"Yeah, whatever," He mumbled never looking at her.

"Are you ok?"

"Yeah, I'm just tryin ta take notes here," He snapped loud enough that eyes were now on them. Ororo hurriedly lowered her head, turning herself to face forward. Logan watched her as her lips began to tremble and knew she was on the verge of tears and that he had caused it. He cursed himself silently. 'Why tha hell am I mad at her?' he wondered. They spent the remainder of the class taking intensive notes and avoiding each other's eyes, and when the bell rang, Ororo swiftly gathered her things and nearly raced from the room, but before she could get to the door a strong hand had gripped her wrist, turning her. "Ro," Logan spoke but then stop long enough the let the other kids walk by. Once the students and the teacher had left, and they were the only two remaining he began again. "Look, I'm sorry for actin like such an ass," Ororo listened silently still avoiding his eyes, instead looking down at her hands. "I ain't mad at ya, its something else…I'm sorry," He repeated as he slowly lifted her chin, making her look up at him. "Ya forgive me? Please say ya do 'cause I couldn't stand ya being mad at me," She smiled gently at him as he attempted a pout.

"I forgive you, but do not think you can use me as a punching bag whenever you are mad," She said lifting her chin a bit more.

"Understood, and again I'm sorry about earlier," He said again as he took her books from her hands.

"Logan, I can carry my own books," She began to protest.

"Yeah, but why when I'm willin ta do it for ya?" He asked as they moved to the door, which he held open until she walked out first.

"Well, it shall not help the rumors that are already going around about us," She defended.

"Ro, ya known me all of two days now right?"

"Correct."

"And from what ya know, do ya really think I give a damn 'bout what people think or say about me?" He asked arching one brow, waiting for her reply. She thought earnestly before a smile spread across her face.

"No, I do not think 'you' do, but what of me and my reputation?" She inquired.

"It'll be fine, sides if anyone says anything outta the way about ya, I'll fillet'm," He said as he popped out one of his blades, causing Ororo's eyes to grow big as she looked about them to make sure no one else had seen. When the blade disappeared, she looked up at him and giggled.

"I hope it does not come to that," She said and he chuckled, but it soon faded as he saw the last person he wanted to see walking directly towards them.

"Logan, there you are. I've been looking everywhere for you," Jean said as she now stood before Logan and Ororo. "See you're still working the charity case," She said giving Ororo an icy stare. "Do you mind, this is private?" She shot and Ororo moved to leave but Logan wrapped an arm around her waist stopping her and startling her.

"There's only one person here that ain't wanted, and it ain't Ro," He said his arm still firmly attached around Ororo's waist, which Jean arched a brow to.

"Whatever, I just wanted to let you know that you can still take me to the Winters Ball. Scott had already promised Betty a month ago that he'd take her, which leaves me dateless, so I'll just go with you," She said as she pulled out her compact to check her makeup. Logan simply gawked at her as if she had suddenly grown a hideous wart.

"Ya've gotta be kiddin," He said with a chuckle, which invoked a giggle from Ororo. "I ain't goin nowhere wit ya, if Scooter can't take ya then ya'll be going stag."

"Oh, so you've got a date already, who ... her?" Jean pointed to Ororo and laughed.

"Actually, I aint goin because I know Ro is goin wit Kurt, and if I can't go wit her then I won't go at all," Logan stated and surprised both girls with his words. "Sorry Princess but I ain't interested," Jean's mouth dropped much like Ororo's had at his comment. "Let's get ta next period," Logan said as he led Ororo off, his arm still possessively around her waist, leaving a disbelieving Jean to look after them. "What class ya got next?"

"Uhm…Spanish," Ororo finally managed to say, still stunned by Logan's words. He nodded and then turned down the hall leading to Spanish class. "Why did you say that to Jean?" She finally asked as they now stood before the Spanish classroom door.

"Cause I wouldn't go ta heaven if'n I had ta go wit her. And did ya hear how she made it sound like she was doing me a favor or something?" He answered his anger flaring a bit. Ororo tossed him a sympathetic smile.

"No, I mean what you said about me, do you not think I get tormented enough by her as it is?"

"I said that 'cause it's tha truth."

"Oh," she replied quite shocked. "Logan if I had known, thought you were interested in going with me ... you should have said something."

"It's alright darlin, I ain't too keen on getting dressed up all fancy like anyways."

"Like you would have," She teased and he laughed. "But really if you had said something earlier, before Kurt asked ... wait, how did you know Kurt had asked me?"

"He mentioned it this morning, though no one believed him, everyone was saying you were way too hot for tha likes of him," He said and Ororo blushed a deep shade of cinnamon. "Anyway, next time," He continued as he opened the door for her.

"Next time?" she repeated.

"Our next dance, I'm askin in advance ta go wit ya."

"Oh, but our next dance is prom…"

"I know," He said and then leaned in and place a soft kiss on her cheek. "I'll see ya after class, ok," She simply nodded, unable to speak due to the shock to her system from the kiss.

Ororo made her way to where Jubilee stood waving at her like a wild woman. Ororo giggled at her friend, shaking her head slightly. The body that stood next to her and had accompanied her to the cafeteria, now stood watching her as she turned to face him. "There's Jubes," Ororo announced the obvious. "Would you care to join us, you're welcome to…if you want," She asked in a hurried babble.

"Sure, why not?" Logan said as he threw an evil eye at the table housing the group of teenage boys that watched them and made kissy faces at Logan. "Just give me a sec, gotta go talk ta tha team about practice this afternoon, ya know remind them," He spoke in a near growl.

"Ok, I'll save you a seat," Ororo said as she made her way across the cafeteria as Logan headed in the opposite direction.

"Logan and Roro sitting in a tree…" Kurt began as the others chuckled, but all taunting stopped at a strange sound.

*SNIKT!*

Wide eyes now gawked at Logan and at his hands that now held sharp blades.

"I…I was just kidding, Mein Freund," Kurt stuttered never taking his eyes from Logan's hands.

"Yeah, Logan," Scott added nervously. "Calm down, it was just a…a joke. We know you and Ororo are just friends."

"Yeah Mon ami, we jus foolin around. We mean no disrespect, no?" Gambit added as he stood and moved to where Logan stood, placing a hand on his best friend's arm and pulling him away. After they moved to some distance Logan retracted his claws. "That a new toy? Gambit don't member…those before," He asked pointing to Logan's hands.

"Drop it Cajun," Logan hissed as he still leered over his shoulder at the table of boys, who all sat silently eating with their heads bowed, not wanting to meet Logan's gaze.

"Why you never tell Gambit, we 'pose ta be bes friends, no?" Gambit asked crossing his arms across his chest awaiting an answer. Logan sighed deeply, rolling his eyes to the ceiling. He never could stay angry at Gambit for very long, he figured that was why they were best friends.

"Look Swamp rat, I didn't tell ya 'cause I didn't wanna scare ya, ok?"

"Fair enough. So ya gonna tell Stormy?"

"Already did."

"Wait you tell her, but not Gambit?" He asked clutching his hand to his chest in mock horror.

"Get over it, I gotta go," Logan said as he pushed past Gambit to make his way to where Ororo sat watching him, worriedly. Gambit grasped his arm again stilling him.

"Don't tell Gambit you fallin for Stormy now."

"Look I've already told ya, we're jus friends, and what's it to ya anyway?"

"Cause Gambit wouldn't mind bein in that Storm," Gambit replied with a devilish grin, and Logan growled softly, where it sounded a lot like his stomach rumbling.

"Ya do know she can't stand ya, right?" Logan asked.

"Dat how all great loves start, mon ami," Gambit said with a chuckle and a smack to his friend back, before walking back to the table with the other guys. Shaking his head, Logan grabbed a tray, got his lunch, and moved to Ororo.

"Oh my God, he's coming over, you invited him over here to sit with us?" Jubilee asked in a near shriek.

"Yes, so?"

"And you say you're just friends and you don't want people thinking any different, Ororo my girl you are very naive," Jubilee added and stood as Logan placed his tray on their table. "And I'm done, so I'll see you later. Hey Logan."

"Uhm…oh hey," Logan grumbled as he took his seat across from Ororo as she stared at her best friend with wide frightened eyes.

"You have not finished your lunch that fast, Jubes…sit…eat," Ororo said with pleading eyes.

"No, I'm good. So I'll catch you two later then," Jubilee said as she walked off with her tray, as Ororo continued to watch her with pleading eyes.

"Hope I didn't scare her off," Logan said with a mouth full of food.

"No, you didn't. I uhm, think she had something to do," Ororo answered nervously as she stuck a forkful of food in her mouth, and they both fell silent for several awkward moments. "So, did you get everything straight with your friends about your practice?" Ororo finally broke the silence.

"Yeah, they'll all be there. You too right?" Logan asked, arching a brow at her, awaiting a reply.

"Oh…uhm…I do not…"

"Aww, come on Ro, I need my Cheerleader, cheering me on," He said with a sweet smile, which Ororo quickly returned.

"Well, what time does practice start?"

"Five sharp, plenty of time for ya ta finish yer homework," Logan said with a broad smile, knowing he had just killed her only excuse.

"Ok then, but I should not stay too long."

"It's only an hour practice and afterward I'll treat ya ta ice cream, at Jake's Parlor."

"No, Logan you do not have to do that."

"I know, but I work up an appetite after practice, and I always go ta Jake's. He has this monster burger, you couldn't eat it all in one sittin."

"Oh," Ororo arched a brow, hearing a challenge. "And I suppose you can?"

"Hell yeah, I got plenty of room for it, whereas yer as skinny as a rail," Ororo's mouth dropped and then clamped shut, tightly as her jaws clenched in anger at Logan's comment, which hadn't gone unseen by him. "I didn't say being skinny was a bad thing. It looks good on ya, ya look fit, probably don't have an ounce of fat on ya," His words caused Ororo to pull her sweater tighter around her 'skinny' frame. "Now don't go getting all shy on me, ya got a hot little bod, no need ta hide it, and definitely nut'n ta be shamed of, not from where I'm sittin."

"Why Logan, are you getting fresh with me," Ororo asked with a playful smile as Logan looked at her with stone seriousness.

"Yep," He replied never smiling, and Ororo's own smile faded at his response and she quickly dropped her gaze to her plate.

"Why do ya do that?"

"What?" She replied never meeting his gaze, which was locked intensely onto her face.

"Hide yerself whenever someone gives ya a compliment?"

"I…I suppose…it's because you're the only one who has given me one."

"Like hell," Logan said with a slight chuckle. "If ya only heard the things I hear said about ya."

"Oh about my white hair and blue eyes, how they oddly look nice even on a black girl. How I have a 'hot bod' as you put it. How a lot of boys would love to be in 'this' storm? Yes, I have heard and I can tell you it is not a compliment, and I suppose it is the answer to your question. All the guys I have known and liked thought I was pretty, but only behind closed doors, in secret, and most thought I would look even better on my back. None thought I was pretty or nice enough to take home to their mom and dad though or to even take out on a date," Ororo stated with a sad smile as she stared at Logan. "I know what the guys think of me, Logan. I also know that I am no Jean Grey."

"Naw, you're not Jean, not by a long shot." Logan said and Ororo swallowed back her tears at his words. "And that's why I like ya," He finished with a smile. "And for tha recorded, I'd take ya home ta meet my mom and dad, if I had a mom and dad."

"Thank you, Logan," Ororo spoke softly, smiling and blushing. At that moment Jean, Kitty, and Rogue walked up stopping at the table.

"Aww, aren't you two cute?" Jean taunted with a fake smile. "But what would Kurt think, you two sitting over here all cozy? Ororo aren't you suppose to be going with him to the dance, yet here you are over here flirting with Logan, for shame," Jean said in mock horror as Kitty giggled.

"Beat it, Jean," Logan warned, never looking up at her, he just sat facing Ororo, watching as she lowered her head and cowered.

"What? I'm just saying …"

"Well go say it somewhere else," Logan growled and with a smile and a flip of her hair, Jean and her entourage walked off, heading towards the jock's table. Logan and Ororo both followed her with their eyes and watched in amazement as Jean leaned over Kurt, flirting shamelessly, before looking up and throwing, Ororo and Logan a smile. After a few seconds of conversation, Jean and her crew left the cafeteria, and Kurt stood and slowly made his way to where Logan and Ororo remained seated.

"Uhm…Ororo," He spoke softly and timidly, with his head bowed. "I know I asked you to the dance, but…uhm, something has come up and…"

"You mean Jean asked you to take her," Ororo said looking directly at the boy standing before her, with her head held high. "It is ok Kurt, if you wish to go with Jean instead of me, I shall live," She added throwing him her bravest smile.

"Really, you wouldn't mind? Vielen Dank!" Kurt exclaimed with a wide grin, which quickly faded when Logan suddenly stood from the table and glared in his face.

"Naw it ain't ok, ya asked her ta tha dance, and she accepted and now yer leavin her high and dry for Jean?"

"Oh, Logan I am sorry, Mein Freund," Kurt said sincerely. "I know you and Jean just broke up, so if you don't want…"

"This ain't got nuttin ta do with Jean and me. It's about ya dumpin on Ororo, and in front of the whole school," Logan said in a near growl and Kurt hung his head in shame.

"I am sorry Ororo, please forgive me. If you would still like to go…"

"No, Kurt you go with Jean it is what you want, really I do not mind," Ororo said as she stood lifting her tray. With a nod, Kurt slowly walked off, back to his table. "Thank you, Logan…"

"Don't thank me, darlin, he was wrong…"

"No he was not, you were," Ororo glared at a stunned Logan, who turned to stare at her in disbelief. "And for the record, you were the one who embarrassed me in front of the whole school. So again I say thank you," And with that, Ororo stormed off with tears in her eyes. After a moment to let the shock wear off, Logan stalked after Ororo. He reached her in the hall, just outside the cafeteria.

"Hey, wait just a sec, Ro," He called to her as he grasped her arm and turned her to face him, her tears now fresh on her face, which invoked an angry growl in his chest. "Hell, what did I do wrong?"

"I did not need you to come to my rescue, Logan. I could have handled it, I am quite used to it," She replied wiping her tears from her face. "I am not surprised by Jean's action, she is a bitch. A major, rich, spoiled, bitch, you dated her for nearly two years, so you should know this already," Logan chuckled at her words, despite the seriousness of the moment. "Are you laughing at me? Logan do not laugh at me," Ororo warned as a rumble of thunder could be heard outside.

"I'm sorry, it's just ya cursed and…well it was cute," Ororo simply gaped at him as if he were a complete stranger. "Sorry…you're right, Jean's the queen bitch. I guess I never cared before cause…well I'm kind of a bastard. Bitch, bastard…good combo, right?" He said with a smirk, which didn't seem to amuse Ororo as she folded her arms across her chest and glared at him. "Look I'm sorry, I didn't mean ta upset ya, but I can't say I'm too disappointed."

"Oh…thanks," Ororo said rolling her eyes as she turned to walk off again, and Logan fell into step with her.

"I mean, well now that you don't have a date, ya can go wit me," Logan said nonchalantly as they continued to walk down the hall.

"Excuse me? Who said I want to go with you?" Ororo asked, flipping her hair over her shoulder and tilting her head in a snobbish manner.

"Fine then, go alone," Logan said with a shrug as he continued walking with her.

"I was kidding Logan," Ororo spoke up. "I have to admit, I think I would have a better time with you than with Kurt, he is even more shy than I am, which does not make for the best conversations," She added and then they walked on further in silence before she spoke again. "So, do you have an idea of what you will wear?" He paused and spread his arms out as Ororo's eyes widen in fear. "You are not wearing your everyday clothes, are you?"

"Why tha hell not?"

"No reason, I just thought, I don't know, maybe you would wear a tux, like everyone else."

"I ain't like everyone else."

"That is very true," Ororo said with a smile. "Nor am I, as I am constantly reminded."

"Then why tha hell should we go dressed like everyone else then? You wear what you'd like, 'cause that's what I'm gonna do," Ororo smiled brightly at this.

"Ok," She replied with a smile, as they continued walking down the hall.

"Woooo! Go, Logan, Yeah!" A loud voice called out, causing everyone including Logan to look at the slender frame who had voiced it. Ororo stopped her cheering at the stares she was getting, but instantly started them again as Logan threw her a smile and a wink, before turning back to the coach, who had been instructing them on a play.

"You do know that this is not a real game, just a practice," An icy, taunting voice spoke from behind where Ororo sat. With a deep sigh, Ororo calmed herself and sat, clapping at Logan's precision playing, choosing to ignore the comment. "You're like a little puppy, following Logan around, trying to please him in the hopes that he'll scratch you behind the ears," Jean continued as she now moved up and sat beside Ororo, with Kitty, beside her, and Rogue sitting beside Kitty.

"So, Ororo, what will you be doing this Saturday night?" Kitty asked, knowing that Kurt had dumped her to go with Jean.

"I suppose the same as everyone else who shall be at the dance… dancing," Ororo replied never taking her eyes from Logan, who now ran across the field.

"Oh, how…trendy," Jean said with a giggle. "Going stag. Well good for you, Ro. I'll have to get Kurt to give you a dance, you know so you don't look too pathetic."

"Oh, thank you, Jean," Ororo spoke and for the first time 'ever', while looking directly at Jean. "But that will not be necessary. Besides, I doubt Logan would like that, I mean you know how 'he' gets sometimes," She said with a smile, one that widened at the stunned expression on Jean, Kitty, and Rogue's faces.

"Hey, Ro!" Logan called from the sidelines. "Give me five minutes ta shower and change, then we can head out for ice cream," He said as the field and bleachers started to clear from the students who had come to watch the practice. "Meet me in the Parlor, ok?" Ororo nodded her reply as she stood, watching for a moment as Logan ran off to the locker room.

"Excuse me, ladies," Ororo said sweetly and the other girls stood, still in shock, as they let Ororo by. "See you at the dance," Ororo threw at them as she hopped from the bleachers and headed inside.

"You should have seen their faces, Logan. I mean it was a classic moment, historic even," Ororo said with a giggle as she spooned a mouthful of rocky road in her mouth.

"I'll say, ya really told her off like that, and I missed it, damn. Next time call me beforehand ok?" Logan said with a grin as he sat back, having finished his burger, and watched Ororo in her delighted state.

"Oh, I do not know if there will be a next time, like I said it was a 'classic' one-of-kind, never gonna happen again type of encounter,"

"Felt good huh?"

"What? No, no…I took no pleasure in…" Ororo protested for a second until she saw the look Logan was giving her, with his arched brow and a smirk. "Goddess, it felt too good," She replied laughing, as did Logan.

"Then you should do it more often," He suggested as he took another drink from his malt shake.

"I could not," Ororo said with wide eyes, surprised by the suggestion.

"Why tha hell not, if Jean and her 'super friends' get in your face, then ya tell'm off. It's what I do."

"Yeah, but you're…" Ororo began but quickly clamped her mouth shut at the stare Logan was giving her. "You."

"And what tha hell is that suppose ta mean?" Logan asked seemingly offended, which cause a now nervous Ororo to babble.

"Oh, I mean….it's…you know…you are brave, I honestly think you do not care at all about what others think of you. You are a free spirit, much like the wind. I envy you that," She finished with a sigh before scraping her spoon across her bowl full of ice cream.

"You're a free spirit too, Ro, I think that's why I like ya so much," Logan said causing Ororo to snap her eyes up to look at him. "And you're tougher than ya think, and since when do ya care about what others think of ya?"

"Thank you," She said softly lowering her head a bit, allowing her hair to hide her face. Logan leaned across the small table they sat at, reached out, and pushed her hair from her face.

"Stop hidin from me," He said as he stared sincerely into her eyes, his face mere inches away from her, and Ororo found herself holding her breath. "Stop hidin from 'them'. You're beautiful, Ro, inside and out. Ya gotta know that," Ororo swallowed the lump that had suddenly formed in her throat. And as if drawn in by some magnetic force, Ororo found herself leaning in closer to Logan, who in turn did the same, until their mouths barely brushed against each others.

"Hey, guys!" A voice pierced the moment causing both Logan and Ororo to jump back into their relative corners. "There you two are," Jubilee said as she slid a chair next to Ororo.

"Hello, Jubes," Ororo greeted with a forced smile, as Logan growled under his breath.

"Sooooo….word is you two are going to the dance together," Jubilee continued as she spooned some Of Ororo's ice cream into her mouth. "That's so cool. So Roro whatcha wearing…Ohhhh we should go shopping. Ya got an idea about what kind of dress you will pick out?"

"No, maybe we can go to the mall sometime tomorrow, look around."

"Ain't it kind of late in the game ta be worrying about it?" Logan asked from his spot across the girls.

"Well, I really had not expected to go, so…"

"Well, if ya want my two cent, ya should wear a red dress, long, and form-fitting, with a high split on both sides," Logan said getting baffled stares from Ororo and Jubilee. "Ya got long great legs, darlin. Ya should show them off more," Logan added with a wink, causing Ororo to blush and Jubilee to giggle. "Ya ready ta get back?" Logan directed to Ororo, who in turn looked to Jubilee.

"Oh don't worry about me, I came with Betty and Bobby, so I'm good. You go ahead, I'll catch ya later," Jubilee said as she stood and walked off to where Betty and Bobby sat in the back of the diner. Logan and Ororo stood and made their way out of the diner. Once outside, they moved to the motorcycle parked on the curb. Logan reached it first grabbing the helmet from the handlebars and giving it to Ororo, who took it and put it on, before she mounted the bike, behind Logan, who started it, and then they sped off.

"Where are we, I thought we were going back to the mansion," Ororo said as she stepped from the motorcycle, removing her helmet in the process.

"Don't worry I'll get ya back in one piece, virtue intact," Logan gruffed. "This is a place I come ta think and sometime ta escape ta when the berserker rage kicks in," Logan said as he walked off down a path.

"Berserker rage?" Ororo repeated as she followed. After walking a few feet through some dense woodland, they ended up in front of what looked to Ororo like a small tin shed. Logan entered leaving the door ajar for Ororo, who stalled a moment before mustering up the courage to go in after him.

"Close tha door behind ya," Logan spoke out from the darkness, and Ororo hesitantly obliged. She stood a moment staring into the darkness, trying to figure out where Logan was, and after a dim light filled the room, she realized her senses had been way off, for Logan was in the opposite direction of where she was facing. Logan continued to light the candles that were spread throughout the small room, and soon it illuminated and Ororo could see that Logan had made this shed his personal home away from home. "Ya can sit down if ya want." He gestured to a nearby seat and Ororo did as he suggested. "No one knows about this place, ya the only one and I'd like ta keep it that way."

"I shall tell no one, but if I may ask why…why me?"

"Cause I know I can trust ya. I don't rightly know honestly, what it is about ya Ro. I mean I've known ya for less than a week and already I got my bes friend complainin that I'm sharing secrets wit ya instead of him," Logan said with a chuckle. Ororo smiled warmly at the information.

"Uhm…what did you mean when you said Berserker rage, what is that?" Logan sighed deeply at the question, contemplating whether he wanted to share that much with her, and when he looked up and saw her watching him curiously, he knew he did and would.

"Member when I told ya sometimes I have a hard time controlling my anger, and my claws come out?" Ororo nodded. "Well that usually happens when I'm in a great rage, Chuck calls it 'berserker rage', cause when I'm like that I'm kind of outta my head. Tha rage takes over and I see nutin else."

"Does it scare you?"

"Sometimes," He replied and then they both sat in silence for a moment.

"This is…cozy," Ororo said as she looked about the room. "Do you come here often?"

"Not lately, but yeah I do."

"You have a bed, you do not sleep here as well?"

"Yeah, sometimes, why?"

"Oh, I would be afraid, out here in the woods, in the dark, alone," Ororo answered honestly.

"That's why I like it here," Logan said as he stared at her face intensely, causing her to look down, only to look up again to find him still gawking at her.

"What?"

"I was gonna kiss ya," Logan stated and Ororo's eyes grew large and then furrowed in confusion. "Back at tha diner," Ororo dropped her head again, quickly at the realization of what he was referring to.

"Well, I was going to kiss you back," She spoke softly never lifting her eyes. At his silence, Ororo finally lifted her eyes to find that Logan was now before her, mere inches away. She gasped in surprise but stared back at him with as much intensity. Moving so fast, Ororo didn't even have time to blink, Logan leaned in and softly pressed his lips against hers. Taking his tongue Logan gently pried her lips open, allowing him entrance. In a panic, Ororo accidentally bit Logan's lip, which swiftly ended the kiss, as they both parted.

"I am so sorry Logan," Ororo said breathlessly.

"It's alright, darlin," Logan said as he wiped at his slightly bleeding lip.

"I did not mean to, I…I have never."

"What, ya never kissed a guy before?" Logan said jokingly with a chuckle and Ororo lowered her head.

"Not 'all' girls are experienced, Logan. As I have already told you, I am not Jean Grey, so if you brought me here thinking…then you should take me home right now," Ororo demanded as she stood.

"Damn, Ro I'm sorry I didn't mean anything. I wasn't picking on ya, I'm sorry, we can go if ya want, but I didn't bring ya here ta…" Logan stood and roughly ran his hands through his hair. "Ro, I'm sorry, come on I'll take ya back, but ya gotta know I didn't bring ya here cause I thought ya were easy or nutin. That aint why I kissed ya, or wanted ta kiss ya. I just….I like ya, ok?" Ororo nodded her head and threw him a small smile. "Ok let's get ya back ta tha mansion then," With that said, the two headed out as the rumbling of thunder boomed overhead.

"I guess we oughta wait this out," Logan said as he moved about the small shed, relighting the candles her had blown out before they attempted to leave. Ororo stood close to the door, clutching at her now very wet clothes. Logan looked back at her when she didn't respond and he took in her demeanor. "Ya cold," He announced and she hadn't bothered reminding him that the cold didn't really bother her. She simply nodded her head slightly, allowing her damp tresses to cling to her face. "I got some clothes here," He said as he moved and grabbed a large tee shirt from his makeshift bed. "Here, put this on," He commanded as he tossed the shirt to Ororo. She caught the shirt and nervously held it in her hand. "I'll turn around, don't worry, and I won't peek," When he did so Ororo began to undress from her wet clothes, and then pull Logan's large shirt over her lean frame.

"You can turn around now, Logan," She instructed and he turned and for a moment was taken aback by her standing there in his shirt, her hair wet and dangling, framing her face.

"Hell darlin, ya look betta in that than I do," He said.

"What will you wear, you are wet as well?" Ororo asked as she nervously fidgeted with the hem of the shirt, which just did hit her midway to her thighs. "You shall catch a cold if you remain in those wet things."

"I'll live. 'Sides I wouldn't want ya tryin ta take advantage of me," Logan teased with a wink as Ororo rolled her eyes upward and smirked.

"In your dreams."

"Yeah," He replied with a wink and Ororo giggled in reply. Logan moved to a crate near the bed, which he used as a drawer, he looked into it and then turned to Ororo. "I guess ya got the last clean shirt I got here."

"Oh, I am sorry, here I shall give it back then," Ororo spoke hastily as she began to pull up the shirt.

"Uhm, Ro ya shouldn't do that darlin," Logan quickly stopped her. She paused and stared at him in confusion. "Not unless ya intendin sharing more of ya self wit me?" After a brief second of bafflement, Ororo's eyes widened in realization and she swiftly yanked the shirt down, stretching it down to her knees. "Hey, I aint sayin I'd mind, not one bit," Logan said with a smirk as Ororo blushed. Logan then pulled his shirt up and over his head, exposing his chiseled slightly hairy chest, which Ororo shamelessly gazed at.

"Are you not cold?" She stuttered her words.

"Naw, tha wet coldness don't bother me too much. I'm from Canada, it can get pretty cold up there."

"Really, from Canada. I did not know that."

"Why would ya? How bout ya self, ya got that accent from where?"

"Africa, Cairo, Eygpt to be more precise."

"I shoulda known, you're some African princess, right?" Logan asked jokingly.

"Actually I am American, born here in New York but raised in Africa. And no I am not royalty."

"Wow, ya got worldly parents. That must have been fun living over there," Logan said as Ororo crumbled a little and bowed her head down. "What?" He asked taking note of her sudden sad face.

"It was not fun at all. I do not remember much about my parents, they both died when I was five."

"I'm sorry ta hear that, Ro. Welcome ta tha club, I mean I'm sure I had parents and all, just don't remember them. So who raised ya, ya grandparents?"

"No, I was alone, I took care of myself, that is until I found others like me, street urchins as we were called and we looked out for each other. Then when I was twelve the Professor found me and I came here, that was three years ago. And I do not know why I am telling you all this," Ororo said with a nervous smile as she again bowed her head.

"I don't mind, hell I don't know why I tell ya half the shit I do. I guess I just know I can trust ya."

"Yes," Ororo agreed as she smiled up at him. "I too feel the same about you, Logan," Her smile faded as she noticed Logan's intense stare. "What?" She asked and he shook his head a bit to clear it and then took slow steps towards her.

"Nutin…I…I just wanted ta…I wanted ta kiss ya again," Logan said stopping in front of a stunned Ororo.

"I do not think that you should," Ororo said as she lowered her eyes from his, and Logan instantly took a step back. "I mean," Ororo hastily spoke up not wanting to frighten Logan off. "You may if you still want to, but one would think that after the last time…" Logan chuckled understanding.

"Oh that, well all ya gotta do is 'not' bite me this time," Logan said smirking as he moved back to her, moving his face slowly towards hers, and Ororo put a death grip on the hem of the shirt she wore, as her tension grew. Logan grasped her shaky hands into his, removing them from the shirt, and holding them between their bodies, which were now inches from each other's. "Don't be nervous or afraid, I ain't gotta hurt ya, and if ya don't want me ta kiss ya I won't do that either, just tell me ta stop, ok," He asked and Ororo nodded her approval. Logan leaned in ever so slowly, wanting Ororo to see that he meant what he had just said, giving her ample time to pull back or push him away, but she didn't. She stood completely still, holding her breath as he pressed his lips to hers in a gentle kiss. Logan paused giving her time to get used to the sensation of their mouths touching, before he allowed his tongue to glide against her lips, seeking entrance. Ororo willed herself to relax and give into the feel of Logan against her, the smell of him filling her nostrils. She slowly and yet still wearily opened her mouth to him and their tongue began to slowly duel. The tenderness soon turned to urgency as the two teens gripped each other, pulling the other closer. Their breaths became ragged as they both decided they didn't want to end the kiss simply to breathe. It was the growl that emanated from Logan's chest that paused them both, and they broke the kiss.

"What is wrong?" Ororo panted as she still gripped Logan's forearms.

"Sorry,"

"Did you just growl?"

"Yup."

"Is that a bad thing, I mean did I do something wrong?" Ororo asked self-consciously as she released Logan and hugged herself.

"Naw, ya were doing it just right, which is why I was growlin, sorry if I scared ya," Logan replied catching his breath. "I think it's stopped pourin outside, we betta get back ta tha mansion before Chuck sends out tha hounds," Logan said as he moved back to the bed and grabbed his wet shirt, putting it back on. "Ya betta put ya clothes back on too."

"But they are still wet," Ororo announced as she watched Logan fidget about the small room, looking at everything except her. "Logan, did I do something wrong, are you mad at me?" Ororo questioned as Logan shook his head at her.

"Naw, it ain't cha, ok?" Logan said as he stared at her. "I just don't want things ta go too far, and right now it could. So I have ta get ya home."

"Too far?" Ororo repeated confused. "I do not understand…"

"I'm a guy Ro, and yer a girl, a very beautiful, super hot girl who's all wet and half-naked, wearing my shirt, and did I mention I'm a guy and yer a hot girl?" Logan asked and Ororo giggled a bit.

"You think I am…hot?" She asked shyly.

"Well, yeah," Logan replied with a 'DUH' expression on his face. "And I don't know why ya don't think it yerself."

"And," Ororo continued, looking down at her feet as she slowly moved to where Logan now stood near his bed. "You are attracted to me?"

"Ok, Ro ya statin the obvious here darlin."

"I am sorry, I am just not used to boys telling me things like that," She said stopping a few feet from where he stood.

"That's probably 'cause they're all intimidated by yer beauty," Ororo giggle again at Logan's statement. "Don't think they stand a chance. I kinda know tha feelin."

"Well, thank you, Logan," She smiled brightly at him. "But I think your chances are pretty good," She added causing him to throw a surprised look at her, invoking yet another giggle. "Now turn around so I can get redress," She commanded and he complied, turning his back while smiling broadly at her remark.

"You think it was really necessary to sneak up to my room?" Ororo asked as she landed herself and Logan onto her attic room patio.

"Did ya really want ta explain what we were doing ta get all wet, flushed, and disheveled? Cause there definitely would have been stares and questions."

"Point taken," Ororo said as she hugged herself.

"Ya should get inside, change outta those wet clothes," Logan stated.

"Ok, but you do not have to leave," Ororo said in reply. "I mean if you do not want to, but if you have to I understand," She dropped her eyes.

"Ya want me ta stay?" he asked curiously.

"Did I not just say that you could?"

"That ain't what I asked ya, Ro."

"Yes, Logan. I would very much like for you to stay," Ororo replied in a near whisper, getting a smile from Logan.

"Alright, then I'll stay," He said as he moved further into her room, following her lead.

"You can sit, I shall just be a moment," Ororo said as she retrieved a nightgown from her dresser drawer and moved into her bathroom, closing the door behind her. Logan sat at the foot of her bed, listening as Ororo nervously stumbled around her bathroom. He waited until he heard the water from her shower turn on before he decided to get up a look around a bit. He moved to a desk in the corner that housed her computer and a picture of two adults, which Logan instantly knew were Ororo's parents for she had her mother's beautiful face and her father's kind eyes. He then looked up at the wall mirror that had many pictures of Ororo and some of her and Jubilee. When he heard the shower turn off, Logan swiftly took one of the pictures of Ororo placing it safely into the dry inside pocket of his coat, before moving back to the bed to take his seat. Ororo stepped from the bathroom wearing a sleeveless cotton nightgown that fell right above her knees, as she vigorously rubbed at her damp hair with a towel. She smiled brightly at Logan.

"I hope I was not too long in there," She spoke. "I just felt grimy after walking through those wet woods.

"Naw, ya won't too long," Logan said as he raked his eyes shamelessly over her slender frame, invoking a deep blush from Ororo, who placed the towel over the back of the chair she stood by. "So," Logan began to speak as he stood and tugged off his coat, tossing it in the chair Ororo still stood beside, now with wide eyes.

"Goddess, what you must be thinking," She suddenly gasped out as Logan turned to her with a confused face. "Logan I did not invite you here to…you do not think that I want to…Oh of course you do, that is how it looks does it not? But I assure you that was not my intent," She rambled on as Logan simply watched her with amusement in his eyes. "I do not think I am ready for that, no matter how much I may want to," Her eyes widened and she slapped her hand over her mouth as she stared at Logan who now looked at her with an intrigued stare and arched brows. "I think you should go now, Logan. I am sorry," Ororo said as she tried to calm herself and slow her heart, which was banging against her ribcage.

"Ya sure ya want me to?" Logan asked teasingly as he took a step towards her and she in turn took one back.

"I…I, yes I think that you should," She replied.

"That ain't what I asked ya," He said stepping closer and cornering her against her bathroom door. "Do ya want me ta go?" He repeated as he placed his hands on the walls, on either side of Ororo's face, boxing her in. He looked at her deeply, forcing her to look back at him.

"No," She stated in a near whisper.

"What are ya afraid of?" Logan asked in a lowered voice, as his face was mere inches from hers, his mouth nearly touching hers.

"You," She whispered.

"Why? Cause ya think I'm some bad boy out fer one thing?" She shook her head no. "Good cause that ain't me. I do want ya, but not just sexually. Ro, really I care about ya. In the past week, ya've discovered more about me than Jean ever did and we were tagether for two years. Hell, ya know more about me than my own bes friend. Ya wanted ta know me, ya were interested in me, and not jus because I'm the captain of the football team, Mr. Popular, someone who could build your rep. Ya like me fer me, at least I hope ya do."

"I do," Ororo replied hastily nodding her head.

"That's why I like ya too, and I do 'really' like ya," Logan said as he brushed the back of his hand down Ororo's arm, making her close her eyes and open her mouth in a gasp at the sensation of his flesh against hers. Logan took the opportunity to kiss her and he covered her mouth with his, after a momentary pause of surprise at Logan's invasion, Ororo relaxed into the kiss, allowing Logan entrance into her mouth to deepen the kiss. She mentally noted how good he tasted and wondered why she was ever disgusted by the thought of kissing a boy.

Her next move shocked not only herself but Logan as well, as she lifted one of her legs off the floor and wrapped it around one of Logan's legs, pulling him closer. He immediately stopped their kiss and pulled back a bit to look at her, wanting to fully understand the language her body was speaking to him. "Ya sure darlin?" He asked as he looked at her intensely and she nodded her head in reply. She was sure and it surprised her just how easy a decision it was. How willingly her body responded to his touches. She had thought it would be a harder choice, that it would take her longer to be sure, yet in this moment she had never been surer of anything in her life. She brazenly began to grind against him and a growl rumbled in his chest, and he gripped her backside with one of his hands, yanking her even closer. With the other hand, he slowly slid the strap of her nightgown down her left shoulder, trailing kisses behind it. Ororo threw her head back as she looked up at the ceiling, panting for air, which she found was increasingly harder to do, as her heart raced faster and faster. She nearly choked on a moan as she felt Logan's wet tongue lick her exposed left nipple, and she gripped a hand full of his hair when he latched his hot mouth around it.

"Goddess!" She gasped, squeezing her eyes shut. Logan grunted as he yanked the bottom of her gown up to her thighs, allowing him to lift Ororo, who then wrapped both of her legs around his waist as her back remained pinned to the bathroom door. Logan greedily suckled one nipple as if it were the last supper of a dying man. Ororo moaned shamelessly as she held his head to her chest. Logan pulled back causing Ororo to whimper at the loss of him, he moved both his hands to her butt and pulled them both from the wall. He walked them to the bed, where he gently laid her down and then stood upright again to lift his shirt up and off his body. In that second Ororo thought about was they were doing, what was about to occur and fear began to grip her heart, but she remained quiet and still. She knew by the look in Logan's eyes and the way he was no longer speaking but growled, that she had let things get way past the point of no return. She reminded herself that this was what she wanted, and this was the person she wanted it to be with. It was then that she realized what was frightening her was her own inexperience.

"Logan," She called softly to him as he crawled up the bed and he looked at her dead on as he continued to move up her body. She swallowed the lump in her throat and put out a hand against Logan's chest to still his movement. "Logan I have to tell you something," She continued and he took note of the fear he saw in her eyes. He quickly backed off, but irritably raked his fingers through his hair, in frustration as he sat back allowing her to prop herself up on her elbows. "Please do not be mad, I do want this, still…I just," She paused trying to think of a way to word it. He sat silently watching her and waiting, a little more at ease in knowing that she still wanted to give herself to him. "I am afraid that I shall not be any good," She finally spoke her head bowed as she stared down at her toes. Logan's brows arched as merriment danced in his eyes. Here he sat thinking that she was afraid and unsure about what they were doing and the fact was that she was afraid of not pleasing him. He couldn't help but smile at her words, despite the seriousness of the moment.

"I don't getcha, darlin."

"I am not as experienced as other girls you may have been with. You are the first boy I have ever even kissed," She stated and Logan suddenly remembered her telling him that earlier and his mouth grew dry at the revelation before him.

"Yer still a virgin," He said outright but more as a statement than a question, and Ororo simply nodded her head still avoiding his eyes. Logan felt as if someone had just dropped a ton of bricks on his gut, as his mouth dropped open and he stared at her, which made Ororo feel self-conscious. 'She's a virgin', Logan kept repeating to himself in his head, and what it all really meant. "I gotta go," He said as he jumped from the bed as if being near her was hurting him, and in a way it was. Ororo set up clutching her gown, pulling it back up to cover herself.

"Ok," She said meekly, never looking up at him as he pulled back on his shirt and then his coat. He turned back to the bed where she now sat, looking down at her hands, which she fumbled in her lap. She suddenly looked so small to him, and fragile.

"Ro," He began feeling he should say something, but not knowing what.

"It is ok Logan," She said finally looking at him with a fake smile on her trembling lips. "You should go, it is getting late, I shall see you at the dance, we are still going…together?" She asked wearily somewhat afraid of his answer.

"Yeah, of course, we are," He affirmed and she sighed a bit in relief. "Well, night Ro," He said as he slowly turn and made his way back out on the patio. She watched as he leaped over the side.

"Goodnight Logan," She whispered as she hugged herself and allowed her tears to fall from her eyes.