~Chapter 1~

"I know you saw that." Jubilee voiced, glaring at the two people across the room.

Rolling her eyes, Rogue sighed. "He and Kitty are just friends and merely talking."

"And her hand on his?"

"She's just excited about what she's telling him. You know how she gets. She almost got drained last time when she did that with me." Reaching across the table to her cup, she sipped her coffee.

"But she..."

"Can we please just let it go, Jubes. Ah'm tired of all of this. Ah just want to relax before we have to leave out for another mission."

Folding her arms and going silent, she settled for glaring at them instead.
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Shaking her head, she leaned back on the wall. "I see disaster all over this."

"Everyone has to learn from their mistakes and..."

"But she may do something stupid that may harm the students." Jean exclaimed.

"No she won't."

Turning, both found Logan casually downing his beer.

"Why? Because you'll be watching her every move?" Jean sneered, shaking her head. "She's a teenager and no offense, but you have no experience with them. Sneaking out is going to..."

"Then why the only sneaking out, is to my room?"

Eyes going wide, she mirrored a fish out of water. Sighing, Scott wrapped an arm around his girlfriend. "You and her aren't..."

"Finish that sentence and I'll remove what little you have down below." Logan growled, as his claws slid into view.

Promptly closing his mouth, he looked down.

Pleased, the two love birds found themselves alone.
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Watching as everyone filed into the room, Xavier sighed. "I am terribly sorry for pulling you all from bed, but something urgently just came to my attention."

Stiffling a yarn, Storm pulled her violet robe closer to her body. "It's fine. What's happened?"

Rolling closer to the table and pressing a button, a building was revealed in the 3D holigram. "I received a call shortly, that there is a mutant lab here and all the mutants that reside within, are due to be terminated come noon tomorrow. So you see, why I needed to call this meeting."

"How many are inside?" Rogue voiced, fixing her gloves on her hands.

"Four, but they are said to be elementalists. They each can control one of the elements." Pressing another button, the picture zoomed into a room where four cells could be seen. "Each of these, is a passage that leads to a lower level where they are being kept. I am sorry to send you in, but I cannot tell you what lives behind each one."

Logan huffed. "So you expect us to just go in there and come out unharmed? That ain't going to work Chuck and you know it."

"True, but that is why there will be pairs of two and I advise you to choose someone who can compliment your own gift. For once you enter the lower chambers, you will be on your own."

Everyone in the room began to eye each other.

"If it helps, I will be in the jet viewing the compound and awaiting for your return." Storm calmly added.

Xavier nodded. "Very good, now who will be pairing up and for what element?"

"Scott and me can do wind, professor." Running a hand through her tassled hair, Jean leaned heavily against the back of her chair.

"I guess me and fire cat can take water." John added, poking Jubilee as she dozed off.

"What I miss?"

Sighing, he folded his arms. "I'll fill you in, partner."

Raising an eyebrow, all drowsyness left as she eyed him.

"That leaves fire and earth." Lowering his eyes from blue ones across from him, Bobby grabed Rogue's hand. "We can take fire."

Kitty looked away.

Smiling to herself, waves of glee rolled off of Jubilee rapidly.

"Sorry runt, but if it comes down to her geting hurt, you won't be any use." Logan stated, around a puff of his cigar. "Me and the kid will take earth and you and Kitty handle fire."

Eyes locked onto brown hues, he frowned. "You okay with that?"

Rogue shrugged. "Yeah, why wouldn't I be?"

"I was just worried, that you would..."

"Bobby, there are more important things then what I think about you and Kitty's friendship. We have a rescue mission to do and that comes first." Looking down, she rubbed her right wrist. "And no one deserves to be mutilated and pumped chemicals through their body. It's just low and dirty."

Everyone froze in their thoughts and eyed the shaking girl.

"Kid, was you ever..."

Jumping up, she frowned. "No...Ah uh...Ah'm going to go and get dressed."

Watching as she about bulted for the door, Logan frowned. Standing there and watching as the door sounded, he couldn't help but realize how little he actually knew about her. Sure she stowed away in his camper and she revealed she ran away and her wanting to see the world, but being in a mutant lab? He just couldn't picture it. Yet, the way she reacted, spoke volumes.

Shaking his head and pushing his thoughts to the back of his head, he focused on the briefing for their mission.
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Stepping out of her clothes and quickly slipping into a pair of jeans and fastening her bra, she froze. Glimpsing her reflection in the mirror, the shirt fell from her hands. Touching the red and purple scar running the course of her chest to her waist, tears gathered. Tracing the designes that led all over in different paths, Rogue looked away ashamed.

Who was she kidding? No one would want her and Bobby was proof of that. His little nightly recap with Kitty was so obvious, but it was what he represented to her.

A form of normalsy, that made her feel wanted. Even if he was screwing around on her, she could at least say, 'I have a boyfriend'. Yes that sounded aweful, but on some level, she was selfish.

Yet nobody knew it.

She may not be able to touch, but even if she could; who would want someone marked all up. And that wasn't even the half of it. There were more scars that littered her frame and that, Logan's healing couldn't fathom.

Releasing a breath, she retreived her shirt and joined the others.

~Chapter 2~

Glimpsing out of the window as the building came into view, she gasped. "Storm, make a fog."

Quickly placing the jet on auto pilot, she turned and faced her. "We don't need it, there's no..."

"There's sensors all around. They have a new government founded security that hasn't been released publicly yet."

Moving to reply, the alarm sounded. Returning her attention towards the controls, she frowned. "We have three missels coming our way. Fast."

Eyes going wide, Jubilee frowned. "How did you..."

"Because, Ah was once in that lab." Looking towards John, she sighed. "He can use a fire ball to distract one, but the others will continue. You'll have to find another way to lose them."

Nodding, Storm gave the boy in question a look.

Rolling his eyes and moving towards the hanger that opened, he flicked his lighter. Staring at the three steal shells coming in their direction, he quickly fired a ball off. Watching as one missel went after it, he sighed. Making it back to his seat and buckling himself back in, he crossed his arms. "My parts done. Next up anybody?"

"I can hit one." Scott voiced standing.

"No!"

Pausing, he eyed the small female, who seemed all knowing. "Why the hell not?"

"It's too close and it will only take us down quicker."

"I may be able to hold them back and he can fire at them." Pulling the ear peice off her head, Jean stood. "Scott?"

"Let's do it."

Watching as they moved to back, Logan frowned. "How did you escape this lab?"

Lowering her gaze, she remained silent.

Moving to press her, an explosion could be heard in the distance. Holding onto the arm rests as the jet rocked, he cursed. "I swear, if we were ment to fly we would have wings." He mumbled, starting to feel a little ill.

Retaking their seats, Storm heeded Rogue's warning and summoned a fog. Plotting their destination and landing, all relaxed.

Rubbing her head and unbuckling her seatbelt, the red head groaned. "I won't be as much help once you go inside. Take Storm and I can stay here."

Kneeling, Scott placed a hand on her knee. "Are you sure, you'll be okay here?"

"Yeah, I can take care of myself, but whatever you face inside, I will just be dead weight."

Kissing her and exiting with the others, he handed each pair a map. "In case we get seperated." He mumbled.

Sharing a few words, all entered.
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All taking hold of each other, Kitty phased them through the electric fense. Once through, Scott began to lead them through the door. Just as Logan entered and took a good wiff, he narrowed his eyes.

"Four canines are on their way." He growled.

Hand moving and touching his visor, Scott found a smaller body squeeze past him. Reaching out to push her as the dogs rounded the corner growling, she spoke.

"Octk2;hobkk2;."

Instantly seizing in their growling, they sat and eyed her.

Sticking her hand out, she tilted her head. "Vernut' sya na bazu."

Calmly walking to her and rubbing it with their head, they trotted off.

Releasing a breath, she found eyes glued to her person. Hugging herself, she looked down. "Ah killed some soldiers on my way out and when we neared the building, their memories surfaced."

Deciding not to push, Scott nodded. "Do you know how to guide us to the cells?"

"Yeah, their under the base, where the dogs will be."

Kitty frowned. "Wait, let me get this right. You sent them to the base, where we need to go and..."

"They won't attack me nor us. I may be able to get them to round up the others and help us keep the security guards away."

"How?"

Smiling, she moved towards the emergency box on the wall. Lifting the cover and pulling the switch, the building sounded. "It takes at least thirty minutes to check the entire building. None will be in the base and won't dare to go below. But we have to move. Now!" Turning, she took off running.

Smirking as One-Eye frowned, Logan shook his head. "What's wrong? Lost your balls or is it your poor leadership?" He taunted, laughing and taking up behind her.

"This is not the time." Jean voiced, through his ear piece. "Now hurry, as I keep an eye out over here."

Rolling his eyes and jogging to close up the rear of the group, he sighed.
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Making yet another left and coming to an empty room, save for a large round desk and computers, they paused.

"This seems just a little too easy." John stated.

Nodding, Bobby took a step.

Looking down and watching his foot as the wood shook, Rogue launched herself at him. Falling to the floor and watching as the board caved to reveal acid, she frowned. Helping him to his feet, she mentally cursed. "The floor is a trap, unless you know how to maneuver around it."

"Well, do you?" Jubilee asked, eyeing the beautiful cherry wood.

"No." Turning and noticing they wasn't that far from the desk, she removed her long leather coat.

"Don't." Logan voiced. "You might..."

"Ah can make it, trust me." She called over her shoulder, locking eyes with him.

"You better. If you die, I'm going to bring you back and make it hell for you."

"I'll keep that in mind." Returning her focus to her destination, she closed her eyes. Picturing herself back in high school before her mutation and calmly releasing a breath, her eyes snapped open. Pushing off, she made a mad dash.

Upon her foot touching the second woodened board, she gasped. Tucking into a roll before she could fall into the whole, she landed hard. Having the air knocked out of her, she couldn't move.

"Chica! Are you okay?"

Hearing her best friend's voice, she merely raised a thumbs up and slowly came to her feet. Viewing the security desk, she groaned. That damn board pushed her further away. Tying her hair up and leaving her streaks down, she once more took off.

Sensing the board shake under her foot, she leapt in the air and gracefully came down on her feet.

Eyes going wide, Bobby could only watch as she did a split in mid air and landed. "Was she a..."

"Yup." Jubilee stated, with a smile. "A top notch ballarina and that's not even a touch of what she can do. Let's see...she took ballet, gymnastics, track, and I could've sworn there was more." Ticking them off on her fingers, her gaze locked with blue. "Somewhere along the line, I think Bobby's taste left. Don't you?"

Narrowing her eyes, Kitty looked away.

Laughing, her gaze landed back on Rogue who was now deciding on a path to take.

Stretching out a foot and testing the tile, she smiled. She was a mere four away now after that leap. Taking a chance, she settled both feet on it. Sighing she moved to continue, when suddenly it gave. Being caught off guard, she found herself falling.

"MARIE!" Logan yelled and launched himself forward.

Catching him, Scott frowned.

"Let me go!" Pushing John back and finding Bobby in his place, he growled.

"I can't..."

"LOOK!" Storm exclaimed, as they saw a pair of feet twirl in the air.

Before any could comprehend what they were seeing, out came Rogue flying through the air. Doing two summersaults and landing on the desk with her hands out, she collapsed to her knees panting. Looking to the others and giving them a small smile, she turned to disarm the floor. Without knowing it, she flashed them the multiple permanent scars through her now torn and battered shirt.

Clamping his mouth shut and looking away, Bobby felt ill. As for Storm, Jubilee, and Scott, they seemed saddened, while Kitty remained cold. And for Logan....

He was speechless.

He just couldn't understand why someone would want to harm mutants and children at that, but his MARIE? She was everything innocent and good in the world. Jerking free of the frozen in place men, he moved towards her. Slipping his jacket off and drapping it across her shoulders, he gave a small smile. "You looked good out there kid."

Returning the smile and instantly feeling the leather against her bare skin, her eyes widdened. Glimpsing the expression on all their faces, she looked away.

"Roguey, why didn't you tell me you was..."

"Ah don't need ya' pity Jubes." Sliding off the desk and motioning towards the steel door before them, she began to walk. "Let's just save them and forget about me and my past that should remain buried."

All going silent, they trudged down the steps towards the lower chambers.
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Translations (Russian Words)

*vernut' sya na bazu: return to base
*octk2;hobkk2;: stop

~Chapter 3~


Descending the stone steps and entering darkness, Rogue paused. Reaching out and running a hand over the wall to her right, it caught on something.

CLICK

Instantly, the corrider became lit.

Releasing a breath and all entering a small chamber, that seperated into four doors, she faced them. Shooting Scott a look, her gaze lowered.

"You all still have your maps and from what Rogue said, we have at least thirty minutes to get out of..."

"I hear rapid feet above." Logan voiced. "We may not even have that. Let's just get this over with, boy scout."

Narrowing his eyes, he gave a tight nod. "Keep in touch through the earpiece and signal when you are on your way out."

Noding, the room quickly became empty.
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Summoning her mutation as did John, both ran down the steps. Continuing down in a spiril, she cursed as she ran into a wall.

Laughing, he shook his head. "Damn Jubilation, how many puffs did you take this morning?"

Narrowing her eyes and sending a little flare his way, she watched him fall flatt on his ass cursing. "What was that, torch?" Walking past him, she gave a sway to her hips and continued.
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Decending the last landing and feeling a sudden drop in temperture, Scott ran his flashlight over the room. Finding a door that held a pad lock, he smirked. "Stand back Storm."

Taking the light and stepping back, she nodded. "Go ahead."

Adjusting his visor and pressing the switch, a red beam flashed.

Stepping past him and entering,she tripped over a rusted old chain. "We just had to get the one that's frozen, right?"

"You can't..."

"Do nothing and we are too deep underground for me to summon lightening." Eyeing him, she frowned. "Think you can chip some of it off, without hitting the girl?"

Studying the blond young woman, he rubbed his neck. "Only one way to find out." He replied, reaching for his visor once more.
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Coming around yet another bend, she sighed. "Bobby?"

Continuing down the path, he gave her hand a squeeze.

"Do you think she knows?"

Haulting in his step, he faced her. "No. Why do you think that?"

"Because of what she said during briefing, an hour ago."

Sighing and pulling her towards him, he smiled. "Don't think about that. It means nothing and..."

"When are you going to dump her, Bobby? I'm tired of sharing you." Folding her arms, she glared at him.

"Sharing? She is more in the friend catagory and you know that. You are my true girlfriend."

Rolling her eyes and passing him, she laughed. "Hurry up slow poke, we have a mission to do."

Following her, he couldn't help but look forward till this was over and she was under him. Keeping that thought in mind, he raced after her.
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Eyes cast down, she missed the chip in the step. Foot missing it's target, she started to fall head first. Closing her eyes and waiting for impact, it never came. Feeling two stronge arms around her, she looked up and found worried brown hues staring down at her.

"Are you okay, darling?"

Turning away and giving a nod, she found herself once more up right on her feet. "Yeah... Ah just, didn't..."

"How long were you here?" Logan demanded.

Flinching, she frowned. "Almost four years."

"And the story you told me about running away?"

"Ah was..." Hugging herself, she stared him dead in the face. "Ah was forced into the lab, when Ah was fifteen."

"When did you escape?"

"Two months, before Ah met ya' at the bar."

Turning and running a hand through his unruley hair, he calmed himself and faced her. "How did you get out?"

"A new guard was put on dutey to watch me and he... he came into my cell and tried to..." Head lowering, her whole frame shook with tears.

Pulling her into his arms, Logan placed his chin on the crown of her head. "Christ kid. I wish you would've told me. I would of...Hell I don't know, but I would've been there for you and helped in any way I could."

Steping back and fixing her face, Rogue hugged the leather jacket closer. "Ah just don't want nobody's pity and..."

"Are you forgeting who you talking to? Look at me?"

SNK!

"I got these from a lab and I can't remember nothing from my past, up to fifteen years ago. So you see, I kinda know how you feel, except I can't remember details. And trust me, that's the scariest."

Reaching out as the claws returned, she feather touched his knuckes through her gloves. "Ah kind of forget you have them. You seem so..."

"Normal?" He finished.

"Yeah." She whispered.

Closing his hand around hers, he smiled. "And so are you. You laugh, play, have friends, go to school, and going to graduate if I recall correctly. Even if you can't touch without some material between you, you are normal in every way."

"Not like you."

Logan raised an eyebrow. "Darling, sure I can do everything in this world and beyond, but don't forget I'm an animal in the inside. The last woman I was with, walked away with claw marks down her legs and called the police on me. I'm just as normal as you."

Smiling, she gave his hand a squeeze and dropped it. "Ah guess Ah am, but Ah think we have some kids to save." Taking two steps, she paused and eyed him. "Coming, sugar?" Her thick southern accent sounded.

Laughing, they hurried down the steps.
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Shaking her head and viewing her surroundings, Jean sighed. Did they all forget that they may not be able to hear each other, but she sure ass hell could? Running a hand through her hair as she went over what Logan and Rogue said, she now had no doubt she knew about her coneiving boyfriend. Speaking of him, she wanted to disconnect him and Kitty from her head set.
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Coming to a door and finding it open, both shared an uneasy look.

"Ready when you are, sparkie." John whispered.

Rolling her eyes, Jubilee gave a nod and both burst into the room. Hand filled with her little toys, she frowned. "Tell me I'm seeing shit and this room ain't empty."

Relaxing and closing his lighter, he slowly walked about the room. Pausing in the middle and kneeling, he frowned. "Who ever was in here, is long gone."

"Motherfuc..."

"As in dead." He finished, letting the ashes fall through his fingers. "Our water nymph, was permently extinguished."

Frowning, she shakily reached for her ear piece to tell Jean of their findings.
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Watching as yet another piece of ice fell to the ground, Storm held her hand out. Quickly moving towards her, she frowned. "You got the general out line. I'm going to see if I can get closer to her neck and see if she has a..." Gasping as eyes the clearest of pink stared out, she smiled. "Help me Scott! We need to hurry before she dies!"

Rushing over, both gathered the broken chains on the floor and started to chip and saw the ice down further.
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Leaping down the last few steps and freezing at the smell of gas, both frowned.

"Is that..."

Bobby nodded. "If I say run, you run. You got me?"

"No, I'm not going to leave you down here to..."

"Kitty! Please!"

Lowering her gaze, she nodded.

Sighing, both entered and found the room drenched in gas as a can sat in one corner. In the middle laid a thin, pale, and bloody body heeving for breath.

"Stay here Kit and..."

"No. We are in this together and we are going to help him as a team." By passing him and stepping in gas, she kneeled on the cot. "Hey. I'm Kitty and I'm here to help you. Can you walk?"

Cracking an eye open, he gave a shake of the head.

Standing, she faced an ill looking Bobby. "You'll have to carry him."

He narrowed his eyes. "What if he goes all firey and the room explodes?"

Glaring at him, she moved to reply when a low voice sounded.

"Not use...fire...pro...mise."

Giving him a pointed look, he rushed over and hefted the boy up. Shocked at his weight, he frowned. "He's as light as...OUCH!"

Pulling her hand back, she motioned for him to follow her. Once they left the room and she glimpsed he was sleep, she rolled her eyes. "Can you at least try to be a little considerate, to keep comments like that to yourself?"

"You're one to talk. You was all cold about Rogue's..."

"Can you like not mention her name around me?" Kitty bit out, as they began the trek back upstairs.

"My bad."

"Yes, your bad. So don't be offended that you'll be sleeping alone tonight."

"Kitty!"
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Coming to an open door, they frowned. Giving her a nod and entering ahead of her, he frowned. "It's clear kid."

Swiftly entering, she eyed the empty room. There were multiple pebbles all over and the stench of blood. Moving to turn around, she spotted something on the bed. Walking over and kneeling, she gasped.

"What's wrong?" Logan voiced, rushing over and sniffing the air for danger.

"Ah know who was in here." She lowly whispered, holding up a charm of praying hands. Clutching it, she visibly shook. "We need to hurry back to the jet, now."

Noding, both tucked tail and headed for the jet.
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Watching as yet another pair entered, Jean rushed over. Retreiving a blanket and a bottle of water, she helped to clean some of the grit off her.

"She was encased in a block of ice and needs to warm up." Storm voiced, rubbing her arms.

Noding, she wrapped another wool blanket over her shoulders. "What's your name, sweety?"

Teeth shattering, she moved to reply, when suddenly she froze.

Following her gaze, Scott frowned at the boy's condition. "Do you know him?"

She could merely nod, as a tear fell.

Laying him down on a the emergency cot, Bobby sighed. "He passed out the moment I picked him up."

"And he's having a hard time breathing. He needs air and..." Feeling a sudden breeze, he turned and found a barely clad female staring at the boy. "Who is..."

"Clara?" A southern voice rang.
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Please review and tell me what you think.

~Chapter 4~

Coming out of her trance, the pink eyed female gasped. "Anna?"

Running towards her and enveloping her in her arms, both fell to their knees. Closing her eyes, tears coated her cheeks once more.

Stepping into the jet and eyeing the duo, Logan raised an eyebrow.

Jubilee gave a sad smile. "I think their friends and..."

"Ah'm so sorry Ah ran." She mumbled, as they eyed the other. "Ah tried to find ya' and the other's, Ah swear. But Ah was almost killed and..."

"Shh! I know. They kept you on the top floor and me and my brothers in the basement. They knew the damage we could do, after our last try out. I don't blame you." Running a hand through her hair, she smirked. "You always said the skunk facinated you and..."

"I'm sorry for interupting, but when you say your brothers were kept in the basement, does that mean they held the other elements?" Jean voiced, cleaning the slumbering boy's face.

Clara nodded. "Why do you ask?"

John rubbed his neck. "Well...ya' brother who had water kind of...nothing was left of him, except for ashes." He lowly finished.

Eyes going wide and feeling tears weld up, she felt sufficated.

Staring at her friend who shared such rough times with her and gave her the strength to continue when she was on the brink of welcoming death, Rogue placed a hand on her shoulder. "When Ah went in the cell marked for earth, there was nothing..."

"Lance lives."

Turning, all found the pale boy sitting up. "They...conned him...to work...for...them, sister." He weezed, almost falling over.

Quickly catching him, she clutched him to her. "And Joey?"

"He asked...me to...end...him."

Pushing him away, her eyes began to glow.

Feeling the wind materialize within the jet, Rogue quickly stood between them. "Don't Clara. You don't want to..."

"He killed our baby brother!" She yelled. "You more than anybody should know what that's like and..."

"Ah do, but geting revenge is not going to make you feel better. Trust me."

Blinking, all became calm again. "You killed Angela?"

Looking away, she gave a small nod. "That was the first thing Ah did, when Ah was free. And that haunts me to this day." Facing her, she frowned. "Did Ah ever tell you my mutation?"

She shook her head.

"A simple touch and Ah drain a person's life force...or in Angela's case, her mutation. And it don't stop there. Ah have a piece of them in my head and Ah see everything they ever did, as well as felt." Blinking, a tear fell. "Taking her life, didn't make me stop mourning the lose of my cousin, nor the fact that it was 'her' who helped put me in there. Knowing what Ah do now, Ah see she was being forced, because her baby was 'born' a mutant. It was either him or me. Ah can't get mad now, but Ah'm to blame for leaving that infant motherless. Ah even contacted my own mother and she and papa took him in....What Ah'm saying is, killing Mike won't lessen what you're feeling. But answer me this, do you honestly want to add the death of your own brother to your list?"

Staring in his brown hues, she shook her head. "What did...Why did Joey want to die?"

"The chemicals...they were already killing...him. It was painful, Clara...I hear him screaming and...begging for help. The...Guards only laughed. He asked me to...grant him that...last wish and I could...not say no. I'm sorry, sister."

Falling to her knees and hugging him, she eyed Rogue. "Didn't they pump the same chemicals in you?"

Hugging the jacket closer, she nodded.

"How are you still..."

"During my escape, Ah killed a few guards and ridded myself of them. But Ah was out of it for a week or two halucinating in the forest." She replied, motioning towards the jet's windsheild that revealed such lush greenery. " Then Ah met an old couple who found me and helped me get back on my feet."

"Can we find Lance?" Mike voiced, as his sister wrapped a blanket around him and helped him into a seat. "He is naive...but he is our brother. We need him."

Motioning for all to take a seat, Jean accompanied Scott to the front. "We will, but first we need to get you two back to the mansion and help you recover."

Pleased with her answer, both siblings held hands and said a prey for their lost brother.
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Watching as they were escorted by Beast to the medical bay, she sighed and entered the briefing room. Spotting two empty seats -since Jean had of yet to arrive- she opted for the one next to Logan and Scott. Ignoring everyone's questioning gaze and a now nervous Bobby, she foucused on the professer.

"I know that we came back short handed, but I am still proud of you all." Pausing, he locked gazes with saddened brown. "I am understood that you helped and even led the majority of the mission?"

Looking down into her lap, Rogue nodded. "Ah had...uh been one of the mutants held there, a while ago."

"May I ask, how long ago?"

"Five months."

"And how long were you in there?"

"Almost four years."

Gasping, the entire room eyed her and began to whisper.

Thinking over his next words, Xavier cringed at what must be done. "I would like to ask you, if you would allow Beast to check and see if..."

"Ah'm fine. Never been better." She snappily replied.

Bobby frowned. "But your back? You have all them..."

"Scars." She finished coming to her feet and removing the jacket. Ripping the remaining of her tattered shirt off and being left in a black lacey bra, she narrowed her eyes. "As you all can see, Ah have marks everywhere. Not just my back. The only place they refused to not slice open or inject chemicals in, was my face." Yanking the scarf off her neck, she revealed a burn patch. "Oh, did Ah forget to mention they often burned me with fire if Ah refused to do something for them?"

Scott stood and took a few steps back, as he eyed the intricate markings on her. On the other hand, Logan simply found himself speechless.

"Child...The two times you absorbed Wolverine's healing, why didn't they go away?" Xavier lowly replied, tracing the scars with his eyes and applying them to memory for later.

"Ah don't know, but Ah would guess it would have to deal with that last injection they gave me." Looking down, she could still see the needle. "It was different and...new. They often tested things on me and...Whatever it was, it was black and the moment it entered me, Ah felt drained and deprived of air. Ah guess it was payback for killing the guards the day before, when we tried to escape...Ah was paralyzed and couldn't move. Once they noticed, that's when they started to cut into me and take samples and search for the 'defect'." Raising her eyes and viewing everyone's horrified faces, she grabbed the jacket and ran out.

"She has seen more than that." Jean stated, entering.

Fixing her teary face, Storm eyed her. "What are you talking about?"

"From what I gathered from the ones below, it was her very own 'uncle' who paid and even participated in the experiments done to her."

Growling, Logan heard enough. He needed some air. Coming to his feet and ignoring his chair going flying into the wall, he stormed out.

Scott shook his head. "Give you one guess where he's going?"

"Rogue." Jubilee lowly voiced, worrying for her friend.
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Slamming her bedroom door closed behind her and heading into her private bathroom with clothes in hand, she quickly stripped and stepped into the shower. Finally free of all the stares, she let the tears fall.

Why the hell did she tell them all that? More less, show them the scars. The one thing that she was ashamed of the most. What's wrong with her? Living with them for five months and she was already confiding in people and look where it got her? They all sported the same look.

Disgust and horror.

Looking down and touching the triangle mark that curved the underside of her left breast, she frowned. She was disgusting and a walking horror creature out of a movie. Hell, she even killed! If that didn't make her anymore of a monster, she didn't know what was.

And if she told them about all the people who she left in a comma for months at a time, she was sure ass hell they would kick her out. They might be nice and giving her an education, bed, clothes, money, food, and help to control her mutation, but how much would be too much? She couldn't help but wonder. She knew they weren't like that, but that one mutant Xavier banned from the school had murdered multiple people, got her thinking.

Shaking her head and staring at the wall, she gave a whimper as a face stared back and fell flat on her ass. Jerking back up with a bottle of conditioner, she frowned.

"Ah just saw....."

Sighing and quickly washing her body and hair, she exited the tub. Lotioning up and ignoring the feeling of the scars under her hands, she slid into her bra, panties and jeans. Gathering her dirty clothes off the floor and entering her room, she deposited them in the hamper. Turning and taking a step, she about screamed.

"Lo...Logan?"

Smirking, he stood and slowly walked over. Keeping eye contact and not looking anywhere else, he sighed. "Hope I'm not disturbing you, darling?"

Smiling, she shook her head. "Naw, ya' can never disturb me." She voiced, turning and heading for her dresser. Before she could take three steps, she found a hand on her hip. Glimpsing him over her shoulder, she blushed. "Did ya' uh, want something?" She stuttered and wanted to slap herself for it.

"I wanted to see how you were holding up." He replied, dropping his hand.

Pulling over the black cami and purple laced long sleeved shirt, she faced him. "Ah'm fine, really. Ah just..."

"We know about your uncle, Marie."

Eyes going wide, she looked away. "How?" Slipping on gloves, she frowned.

"Clara and Mike let it slip...Tell me what happened. All of it."

Blinking back tears and shaking her head, she hugged herself. "It's nothing to tell. You heard it all and..."

"I know about Angela, but how does he fit into it?" Seeing she remained mute, Logan frowned. Closing the distance and going with his instincts, he wrapped his arms around her. With her back to his chest and uncurling her hands and intwining his with hers, he sighed. "I can't imagine what happened, but I know it helps to get it off of your chest, darling. What I said back in the building, still stands. I would help you any way I could and..."

"Why is that?" She challenged, tilting her head and staring up in his eyes. "Up until a month ago, ya' woud've been happy to live in bliss. My life isn't all that glamorous and..."

"The moment I said I was going take care of you on the train, I meant it. Believe it or not, I care about you and what happens, darling." He stated, pulling her closer to him if it was possible.

Tensing as she felt a certain part of him, Rogue couldn't move. Staring up at him and seeing as his face was steadily closing the distance between them, she frowned. "Don't. Ah don't wanna hurt ya'."

He merely smirked.

"Logan, Ah don't..."

"I'm not scared of ya' kid and I never will be."

Eyes going wide as his lips touched hers, she waited for her skin to react. When it didn't, she relaxed into it and reponded. Feeling his tongue on her lips and giving him access, she gave a contented sigh. Still locked in the intense kiss and allowing his strong hands on her hips to turn her around, she hesitantly allowed him. But the moment she did, she felt it. Pushing him back and watching as he released a strangled breath, she frowned.

"Logan, are ya'..."

"I'm fine, darling. Just forgot the punch ya' skin packs." Running a hand through his hair, he eyed her. "About that kiss, it..."

"Was a mistake." She finished, turning her back. "Ah get it, it was out of pity and..."

Hand locking on her wrist and twirling her to face him, his eyes hardened. "I do nothing out of pity and I sure as hell, don't regret that."

Opening her mouth to reply, a throat cleared. Turning, she frowned. "Bobby?"

"I uh...Clara was asking for you." He stated, eyeing Logan's hand. "You want me to walk you?"

Pulling free of him, Rogue sighed. Snatching the charm she found earlier, she walked out.

Smirking at the boy's facial expression, he resisted the urge to laugh. "What's wrong, popsicle, afraid she'll want a man and not a whoring boy?" He sneered, passing him.

Balling a fist, he slowly followed the duo.
****************************************************************************

Changing her bandages and helping her to sit, Beast sighed. "He'll be fine." He stated, seeing her eyes once more land on her slumbering brother. "With a little food and healing, he'll be back to normal."

"What about the chemicals in his system?" Pulling her long blond tresses up and tying them, she frowned. "He said our younger brother was dying from them and I can't handle losing another..."

"You wont." A southern voice sounded, walking over.

Face instantly brightening, Clara smiled. "Anna."

Taking a seat on her bed and holding her hand, Rogue laughed. "You know Ah hate my name."

"Of course I do and that's what makes it all the sweeter to say."

Turning and watching as the other two men entered, Beast gave them a nod of the head.

"How the runts doing?" Logan voiced, eyeing the gleeful females.

"Good. Mike just needs time to bounce back and flush the chemicals out and..."

"Has he had any seizures yet?"

Looking towards Rogue who was now standing next to the boy who stared up at her with sad eyes.

"No. Not under my watch and..."

"Clara, do you know when they pumped him with the chemicals?"

Looking off into space, she gasped. "The day you left and twelve guards were pernounced dead."

"Twelve? You killed..."

"It was more than that, Bobby." Facing him, her eyes gave an earily glow. "Four Ah drained, six shot in between the eyes, and two Ah stabbed them down below and watched them bleed out."

Taking a step back and visibly shaking, he was paralyzed.

Beast cleared his throat.

Tilting her head, she eyed him.

"Why did you...I mean...the last two men, why would you..."

"My first year there, they attempted to rape me after Ah was pumped with chemicals." Looking off, she ran her hand up her right arm. "Usually afterwards, my mutation wouldn't act up for a while...they both came real close and the moment they tried to enter me...they dropped like a fly."

All went silent.

No one knew what to say. First they find out about her being in the lab, seeing the scars, learning that she had an all American good-girl life before her mutation, and add in her latest confessions; they were blown away.

"And Ah don't regret doing none of if." Reaching out and tracing Mike's wrist, she frowned. "You didn't remove the chip yet?"

Coming out of his stupor, Beast walked over. "What chip?"

"The doctors put special microchips under our skin to track our movemnet."

"I didn't know there was one." Facing the pale boy, he frowned. "I know that you have no wish to be under the knife again, but I can put you to sleep and numb the pain. It will be beneficial, if I do."

Looking towards his sister and seeing her pleading eyes, he gave a small nod.

Turning with the others, Rogue exited and entered the hall of the sub-basement. Reaching up and rubbing the patch of burned flesh, she sighed.

"I wanted to say that I'm sorry for not..."

"Oh go to hell, Bobby. Ah don't need ya' pity and Ah sure as hell don't need you. Go on and crawl back on top of Kitty and Ah hope ya' die there." Turning, she headed for the elevator.

Shaking his head, Logan smirked. "Well, at least I can say I tasted the forbidden fruit." Watching as popsicle mimiced a fish out of water, he followed his wild flower.

~Chapter 5~

Rolling over and finding her roommate once again missing, Jubilee slowly sat up. Retreiving her glass off the nightstand, she headed down towards the kitchen.

The moment she stepped free of the grand staircase, she froze. There in the living room sat a sad and silently crying Rogue in the window seal. Placing the glass down on the coffee table, she walked over.

"Chica, what's wrong?" She asked, sitting opposite of her.

Pulling her hands into her lap due to not being covered, Rogue refused to look at her.

"Is this about Bobby and Kitty?"

"No."

"Then what?"

"Ah'm so damaged, Jubes. Telling all of ya'll what Ah did and been through, made me actually see it." Locking gazes with blue, a tear fell. "All this time Ah wanted to fit in and the moment Ah do, Ah'm the biggest outcast there is."

"That't not true, Roguey. There are many other students here who came from labs and I'm sorry for saying this, but they actually was faced with the same things as you. The only difference was, your mutation protected you from the one aspect that many girls found themselves in. I know that's not a hugh plus, but there are others who can relate to you."

"Did any of them kill almost two-hundred people, Jubes?" She lowly whispered.

Eyes going wide, she could only shake her head.

"The doctors would make me drain and kill people who they couldn't trust and Ah was stuck with them in my head. Over the years, Ah began to withdraw into myself and just accept that was my life."

"What changed?"

"Clara, Lance, Joey, and Mike. The day they were brought in, the doctors wanted me to drain them for information. Clara seeing the pain and emptyness in my eyes, relented and they soon became the new residence. During our time in the labs, she got me to open up and we leaned on each other for help and support. We didn't know each other's mutation, but that didn't matter. What we were experiencing and going through, bonded us."

"And the escape attempt?"

Smiling despite the tears falling, Jubilee couldn't help but feel such awe for her friend in that moment. Even though she went through a living hell for four years, she still could find something about it to bring happiness to herself.

"It was Lance's idea. We were always in the lab where they injected us with chemicals and decided to play weak and as if we could hardly move. The doctors bought it and didn't strap us down tight as they normally would." Looking out the window, she shook her head. "Lance was so full of himself. The moment he got out of the restraints, he threw two men into a wall and gave me a wolfish smile....Ah can still see it, ya' know? He had this twinkle in his eyes that was there no matter what. Even when he was in so much pain and on the brink of blacking out, he would always try to reassure me. And when Ah saw it, Ah knew all would be okay."

"You had feelings for him?"

Sighing, she shook her head. "No, but Ah did care for him."

"Did he know that?"

She nodded. "But he always said he could win me over."

"Let's just hope he'll listen to his sister, when we find him."

Smiling, she nodded.

"Now, what was it I heard that Logan was in ya' room when Bobby came and got ya?" Jubilee teased, playfully hitting her leg.

Rolling her eyes, Rogue sighed. "We kissed, okay?"

"OH MY GOD! You kissed Mr. Sex-On-Legs? I'm so jealous and....Wait! How did you two kiss when...I mean, your skin and..."

She shrugged. "I don't know. But we did for over a minute or two and then the draining started."

"How was it?"

"I'm not telling."

"Come on! I told you about me and John making out in the past." She whinned.

Laughing and standing, Rogue folded her arms and attempted a mad face. "Only if you make me one of them fruity drinks, you always insisting that I try?"

Face lighting up, Jubilee squeeled and began to push her towards the bar accross the hall. "First, we need some vodka and then we can finish it in the kitchen. Oh, and hope your not a light weight, chica. I'm known for geting a little carried away, with the liquer."

Saying a silent prey and allowing the small Asian to lead her away, Rogue just knew this was going to bite her in the ass.
*************************************************************************

Entering the breifing room, she groaned at the bright light. Spotting the last open seat that was beside a smirking Logan, she plopped on down.

"Now, that everyone is here, I would like to begin." As a male figure appeared before them in the 3D hologram, Xavier observed her frozen face. "Yes, I found Lance. He now goes by Avalanche and is working with Magneto, but to my understanding he doesn't know it. Mystique has brought together a group of young mutants and welcomed them into a house. They do as she wishes and in return, she gifts them with everything they want and..."

"Has he killed anybody?" Clara voiced, entering along side Beast.

"I'm sorry, but I do not know."

"Do you know where he's at?"

He nodded. Pressing a button the hologram changed and an old house was revealed. "I planned on a small retreival team to go."

"I'm going."

"Of course...Now, I would like Scott, Jean, and Logan to be ready within the hour and..."

"Wait! Anna's not coming?" She demanded.

Looking down the table to a pale and annoyed female, Xavier shook his head. "She's in no condition to, my dear."

"But she has to."

Standing, Jean frowned. "Clara, your brother will most likely come if he sees you and..."

"It's not a garentee."

"What do you mean?"

"You know why you have to come." She voiced, walking towards her.

Slowly coming to her feet and leaning on the table due to her legs being unbalanced, Rogue sighed. "Things change. Lance..."

"Was in love with you and always will be." Folding her arms, she frowned. "Stop acting like you don't know. If it wasn't for him taking them bullets, you would've been dead. Now stop pussy footing around and help me help him. You don't even have to say anything. No matter where you were in them labs, he always found you." Looking down and spotting her key chain on her hip, she smirked. "You can try to fool me, Anna. You may never had returned his feelings, but you cared for him none the less. That little charm, is proof enough."

Rolling her eyes and pushing past her, she headed for the door. Pausing, she slipped her sunglasses back on. "Meet ya'll in the jet." And with that, she was gone.

Shaking her head, Jubilee smirked. "You gonna have one hell of a cranky chica on ya' hands girl."

Clara simply shrugged. "Nothing I can't handle. I had her with a knife to my neck threatening to kill me. This will be a piece of cake." Laughing at their shocked faces, she stalked off.

"This is turning into one hell of a crazy welcome." Scott voiced. "I thought you and your past would destroy us, but her's?"

Logan took a sizable gulp from his beer he had hidden under the table. "Me too, bub. Me too."
**********************************************************************************
Hearing the sound of her emptying her stomache yet again, Clara sighed. "I feel bad for making her come."

Jean smiled. "Don't. She shouldn't have been drinking with Jubilee in the first place. I don't know what she was thinking, but..."

"No, I mean for talking her into coming. Because if I know my brother like I do, he's going to attack and she would be the one to bring him to his knees." She stated.

Checking their coordinates, Scott, frowned. "Rogue would never do that, unless it was the last resort and..."

"It may come down to it." Turning and watching as the one in question walked over and placed her tooth brush and mouth wash in her bag, she sighed. "Rogue knows it may as well and that's why she didn't want to come."

"Well, we'll find out soon. We're landing now."

Falling silent, all soon exited and found themselves exiting the woods and nearing the house. Just as Jean moved to open the gate, a hugh man opened the door.

"You got the pizza?" His heavy voice sounded.

Opening her mouth to reply, a tall and lean boy with shoulder length brown hair popped him in the head.

"Does it 'look' like they have a pizza, Blob?"

Studying them, he shook his head.

"Get ya' hungry ass back in the house, before I..."

"Lance?"

Tensing and turning around, he gasped. "Clara? How did you...I mean...What do you want?" He finished in a gruff voice, as three new figures emerged from the house.

She frowned. "What do I want? I want my brother back."

The short and slim dude with slicked frost locks smirked. "Sorry to inform you, babe, but he's part of our little happy family now."

Lance narrowed his eyes. "Don't call my sister, babe."

Pietro shrugged. "Whatever."

"You got your answer, so leave. " The female in a red sleeveless trench coat stated. "We don't need drama."

Catching a fly, Toad smirked. "You tell them, Wanda."

"You agree with anything she says, dumb ass." Pietro voiced.

"Cram it, brother. I'm not in mood for this. I'm going to bed and I better not wake up." Turning and pausing in the entrance she cleared her throat. "Get in here and give him a minute alone."

"But Mystique said..."

"I don't give a rat's ass what she said. Now get in here, before I make you." Tilting her head and revealing pink glowing eyes, they bulted for the door. Blinking it was gone. Smirking, she faced a pale Lance. "Do what you want, but don't wake me up." And with that, the door closed.

Sighing, he slowly descended the steps and exited the gate. Folding his arms and leaning on it, he eyed her. "Can't say I'm not happy to see you alive."

Clara smirked. "That's good to hear." Face instantly droping, she frowned. "Joey's dead, Lance."

Hands falling to his side, he narrowed his eyes. "Is this some kind of trick to..."

"No! When they rescued me and Mike from the lab, he was...Mike said that he was dying and begged him to...there was nothing left, but ashes." She lowly finished.

"How's Mike?"

"He'll be fine. A little food and time, he'll be back to normal." Jean voiced.

Noding, he released a breath. "I'm happy to see you, Clara, but I'm not going with you."

"But..."

"No. I can't. Mystique helped me when they were going to kill me and I owe her my life. Just go and forget about me." Turning, he opened the gate.

"Not even for me, Lance."

Freezing, he knew that voice anywhere. Looking over his shoulder, he found a warm smile on her face. "Anna?"

Noding and stepping from behind Logan and walking towards him, Rogue smiled even more.

Pivoting on the balls of his feet and rushing over, he crushed her to him. Taking in a deep breath of her cherry blossomed shampoo, he smiled. "I thought about you everyday, since I've been out."

Hesitantly returning it and being careful of her skin, she rubbed his back. "How you been?"

Pulling back and scratching his head, he sighed. "I'm better then we were."

Noding and taking a step back, she eyed him. "Won't you at least come back with us and see Mike? You wont have to stay, it's your choice."

"And you?"

"What about me?"

"Do you live with them?" He voiced, motioning towards the three silent people.

She nodded.

"Then I guess I can stay a few days." He mumbled.

Clara smiled. "Thanks. Mike really wants to see you."

"No need to thank me." Lacing his fingers with her's, he smirked. "I just can't picture leaving my girl all alone." He stated, pulling her closer.

Seeing that twinkle in his eyes, Rogue frowned. "Lance, you don't mean that." She stated, trying to pull her hand back.

"Why do you always do that?"

"Do what?"

"That? Act like I mean something to you, then push me away."

She frowned. "Ah...Ah don't mean to, but Ah do have feelings for you."

"As what, exactly?"

"Like a...brother."

Jerking back and pulling her glove off, he threw it to the ground, in anger. "A brother? So, when you came to me and confessed you was scared all them times and I held you, it was only brotherly?"

She nodded.

"And when I sheilded you with my body and took them bullets for you, that was brotherly?"

Again she nodded.

"You are so full of shit, Anna. I thought you were different, from all the upitty girls who looked down at me." Glaring at her, he started to visbly shake. "I thought we could actually have something, but I guess I was wrong."

Feeling the ground under her feet start to shake and quake, Rogue did a back flip. Looking at where she stood and noticing there was a hugh hole, she gasped. "You tried to kill me."

He shrugged. "You broke my heart."

"Let's go, before this gets ugly." Scott stated.

Noding, Jean started to walk off, when suddenly a hugh wind wrapped around them. Turning, she found Clara eyes glowing, as a barrier surrounded them. "What are you..."

"Look down, Jeanie." Logan growled.

Spotting a hugh crack that seemed to stop at her barrier, she frowned. "He's trying to kill us."

"Yup." Fixing her gaze on her friend, she sighed. "You have to."

Staring into his angered face, Rogue silently nodded. Seeing the barrier open before her, she slipped through. Walking around it and facing him, she sighed. "Lance?"

Eyes swirling towards her, they narrowed. "What now? Isn't breaking my heart enough for you and..."

"You said you can change my mind, Ah'll let you."

"Just like that?"

She nodded. "Anything."

"Anything?"

"You name it."

Smirking, he eyed her up and down. "Okay, then. I want a kiss."

Already knowing what he would say, she gave a d nod and walked over. The moment she was within reaching distance, he snaked an arm out and pulled her to him. Running a hand down her back to land on her waist, he gave a smirk as she gave a shiver to his touch.

"You like tongue?"

Looking over her shoulder at Logan who raised an eyebrow, she blushed. "Never...uh... thought of it, truthfully." She replied, facing him.

"I'll change that." And with that, he leaned down.

The moment their lips connected, the pull started. Eyes going wide, he began to shake. Skin starting to split and blood running free, pain errupted through his whole body. Seeing this, Rogue tried to push him away, but found she couldn't. As more and more of his memories continued to course through her, she gave a stump of her foot and the ground they were standing on started to grow.

As the memories continued to assult her, she got glimpses of him and his siblings childhood. All four of them were known as the outcast and was often mistreated by others. Lance had so much hatered and anger in him, that she felt it down to her soul. They grew up in the country in a rather poor small town and from the looks, they worked on a farm further out to help their family. Then there was him and his brothers beating some guy, as a young Clara around twelve screamed for them to stop. Next came their family being killed and Mike being knocked unconcious as they were all herded into a van.

And then there was her.

From the moment he saw her, he thought she was the most beautiful girl he ever seen. Even with her eyes so dead and in rags, she screamed to him for his attention. In quick flashes, there were images of him and her hugging and sharing words.

As more things flew past her naked eye, Rogue saw a smirking Mystique holding her hand up. And then came what she didn't want.

His love for her, the moment he saw her a second ago. In his mind, she was even more of a vixon and temptress. All he wanted was to run his hands over every inch of her body and...

Sensing that the life force started to slow down and she was killing him, she jerked back and watched him crumple to the earth. Falling to her hands and knees panting, she stared down at her shocked friends. Draging herself to her feet and standing, she out streatched her hand and gave a deafening stump. With dust flying and swirling all around, her eyes rolled back as she once more brought them level.

Within in seconds it was over and she once more started to pant for air.

"Uh, Anna? Can you kind of get rid of this little problem?" Clara yelled, as she struggled to hold the barrier up.

Staring at the crack that threatened to widden and swallow them, Rogue quickly gave a stump and tilted her head. Tracing where it met the barrier, she focused on making it close up. As she continued to seal it and leave the earth unbothered, she suddenly started to feel drowsy as blood ran from her nose in small rivers. Falling to her knees and steadily picturing it in her mind, she slowly saw it closing up. Having her headache grow by the minute and feeling drained, the moment the earth shut, she collapsed.

Rushing over, Logan pulled her in his arms and brushed her hair to the side. "Marie? Marie, can you hear me?"

Kneeling and placing a hand on her head, Jean sighed. "She's just sleeping. The boost she got from him was too strong for her psyche to take. With his personality so vivid and wild, she has to supress it."

"Meaning?"

Standing, she eyed the crying female craddling her unconcious brother. "She wont wake up, until she can fully keep his personality locked away without risk that he will take over." With nothing more to say, she headed over to access Lance's injuries.

Coming to his feet with her limp body, Logan frowned. "The things you get yourself into kid, is going to get you killed."

"Luckily she has you." Scott snarkily stated, eyeing the house for the others.

"Go to hell, One Eye." Turning he headed for the jet.

"See ya' there, hairy." He replied, as he gathered the boy and followed after him.
*****************************************************************************

Popping the top off his beer and exiting the elevator, he headed for the medical bay. Upon entering, he found a slumbering Clara in the same chair as the night before. Shaking his head and walking towards the third bed, he frowned. "She hasn't moved."

Placing a chart down, Beast sighed. "I've been monitoring her and even Xavier been down here, but there is no change. He can't help her. From what we gathered, her time in the lab has helped her adapt some kind of mental barriers and those are why she is still in this coma like state."

"So you don't know how long she'll be like this?"

He shook his head.

Returning his attention back towards her, he grabed her hand.

"May I ask a personal question?"

Giving the furball and look, he raised an eyebrow.

"Are you and Rogue together?"

"I don't know."

"Oh." Moving towards Lance and peeling off the bandage on his jaw, he frowned. "Her mutation sure ass hell don't show any mercy. I wouldn't want to make her mad."

Recalling their kiss, Logan faced him. "I kissed her two days ago and her mutation didn't kick in for a good three minutes. Yet, when he kissed her, it was instantly. Why is that?"

Eyes going wide, Beast quickly rebandaged the young guy and rushed over. "If I may ask, can you touch her face? I just want to see if it's the same as she is unconcious."

Frowning, he reached out and palmed her face. Instantly going ridgid, he moved to jerk back, but remained as it suddenly vanished.

"Remarkable. It would seem, that her skin recognizes you and..."

"Shit!" Holding his hand, that started to gain color, he eyed him. "Whatever the hell it is, that's the same thing that happened when we kissed."

"I'll need to tell the professor. He may actually beable to help her control it and..."

Sitting bult up and breathing hard, Rogue eyed them. Touching her cheek and looking to Logan, she frowned. "Did you touch me?"

He merely nodded.

"Ah felt it and...Ah felt how worried you were."

"That's what woke you up?" Beast stated.

Shaking her head, she ran a hand through her hair. "My inner Logan that Ah taken from him became more solid...more...there. He just...He helped me push Lance back in his door."

"And did he return to his own door?"

Lowering her gaze, she shook her head. "No."

"Why didn't he?"

"He doen't have one. Ah give him free reign in my mind and he helps to keep the others inorder, incase they threaten to break out."

"That's remarkable." Beast stated. "I'm going to go see Xavier and I shoudn't be gone long."

Watching as he left, Logan slowly took a seat beside her. "How ya' feeling, darling?"

"Better."

"Good, but can you say that while looking at me?"

Releasing a breath and facing him, she sighed. "Ah'm better."

"Now, what else did you see when I touched you?"

Blushing, she looked away.

Smirking, he eyed her. "You saw through my eyes, how I see you. And you know I'm not scared of ya' skin and I'm the furtherest from being disgusted by what happened and the scars you bare. To me, they show the trials you had to face to become this strong woman I see before me."

Chancing a look up, she gasped at the raw emotion in his eyes. "Logan..."

"Yes, darling?"

"Why me?"

"I would think that should be obvious by now."

"Say it."

Leaning closer and brushing his lips across her's, he stole a chaste kiss. "I see myself in you and I don't have to worry about hurting you. For the first time in fifteen years, I have someone I don't have to lie to and know what I been through. We both have horrible pasts, be it that I can't remember, you have come to mean a great deal to me, kid. From the moment you looked at me back in the cage, I knew we were the same." Running a hand through her hair, he smiled. "I guess what I'm trying to say is, you gave a reason for this brute to love and I love you, darling."

Blinking as tears fell, she closed the distance and claimed his lips.

Pulling her closer and tangling his fingers in her hair, he deeped the kiss. Licking her lips and having her open to him, he groaned as their tongues met. Hands trailing down to her slender waist, he slid the blanket off and sat her on his lap. Positioning her to straddle his hips, his hands massaged her mid drift that was showing.

Turning away to catch her breath, she moaned as his lips scorched a path to her neck, where he proceeded to nip and lick her. Everywhere his mouth went, a blaze of fire woke in it's place. Grabing a fist full of his hair, she forced him back to her lips. She just loved the feel of them. They were so soft and demanding, that she couldn't get enough of them. Tugging his hair back rather hard and earning a growl, she smiled into their lips. Damn she could get use to that.

But it soon came to an end, when her mutation kicked in.

Jerking back and removing his hands and placing them on her covered theighs, he smirked. Smiling, he moved to nip her neck, when someone cleared their throat. Turning around and making move to yell, he sighed. "What is it now, Chuck?"

Moving in their direction, Xavier eyed them. "I now see what Beast spoke of and I know that was well over, three minutes." Pausing, he eyed two shocked people a bed over. "Please, I apologise for their behavior and..."

"How can you kiss him without killing him?" Clara demanded, as Mike looked on confused.

Pulling back and standing in her two piece pant suit, Rogue shrugged. "Your guess is as good as mine."

Narrowing her eyes, she frowned. "You didn't have to hurt him this badly, did you?"

"Clara, Ah..."

"She has no control over her mutation, it has clearly taken in Logan's touch and been able to identify him. It still attacks him, but only after a certain time period." Beast replied. "So you see, Lance would've still been effected, just as badly."

Slumping in her seat, she frowned.

"Ah'm gonna go and change." Rogue replied, pushing her hair from her face.

"When you both are done, meet me in my office." Xavier stated, moving towards the slumbering boy.

Noding, she headed out with Logan in tow.
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What do you think? Did I make Logan too soft? I'm going start adding more about her past so let me know before I start to do all that.