'Seriously Chica, you've just got to tell him!'

Rogue rolled her eyes. 'Yeah right. Hi Logan, how you doing? Like the new wifebeater, very hardass-but- misunderstood. Wanna catch a movie then have sex?'

Jubilee tipped her head to one side as she gave it some thought. 'You know, that might actually work. Although maybe skip the wifebeater bit.'

Kitty snorted.

'Well subtlety isn't working!' defended Jubilee.

'Well it wouldn't. You could drop a brick on the guy with a note saying 'I want your fit ass' and he still wouldn't get the picture.'

'Thanks for that Kitty. Really helpful.'

'All I'm saying is, he's a guy-'

'Thus the basis of his appeal.'

'-And guys aren't always the most observant when it comes to stuff like this.'

There was a pause of sudden silence. Both girls looked at Kitty in surprise.

'Check you out! When did you turn into miss-relationship- expert?'

Kitty blushed and mumbled something about reading it in Cosmo.

'Well it still doesn't solve my problem,' said Rogue despondently, flopping on to the sofa.

'You could sneak in to his room at night?' suggested Kitty.

'Nah that won't work. Remember before? He'll either notice me long before I get there, or claw me when I surprise him.'

Jubilee's face creased into a frown, then lit up. `How about just jumping him when he's naked in the locker room?'

Now there was an image. Rogue sighed dreamily.

'Hello? Earth to Rogue?'

'Now you've done it,' mumbled Kitty. 'She'll be comatose for hours. Your fault, you can mop up the drool.'

'Like hell I will. Rogue! Snap out of it!' She clicked her fingers, hard, in front of the other girl's face.

'Huh?' said Rogue. `Oh yeah. Naked...Locker room.' She shook her head, though the dreamy look didn't quite vanish.

'Nah, that'll never work anyway,' said Kitty. 'That involves taking him by surprise, which involves...' She flicked up three fingers like claws and made a *snikt* sound, before proceeding to maul herself to a bloody and drawn out death amid cries of 'Oh yes Wolvie, YES! Hurt me!'

Awoken from her stupor Rogue giggled.

Jubilee shot her a black look for not taking the matter seriously. 'Hmmm,' she said thoughtfully. 'So our problem is this. How do you trap a Wolverine, without getting clawed?' A sly grin spread slowly across her face. 'Well Chica's, first you need bait. I think I have an idea.'

---

Logan swung open the fridge door to pull out a midnight beer. He reached in, fingers groping blindly for his stash at the back, when something made him pause half way. Damn kids. There was some kind of commotion going on in the corridor.

'This way!' Giggle.

'I shtill don't – oops!' A crash, then giggling again. 'I shtill don't get why we had to drink quite sho much.' That sounded like Marie, dammit. Underneath all the slurring. Had she been out to a bar?

He growled.

Ok, ok, so she was old enough to go out and get drunk and do whatever the fuck she wanted. But that didn't mean he had to like it. He listened again.

'It's because...woah. ..look at that.' Giggle. 'Kitty just phased through the table without noticing.' Lots more giggling.

'Eeep!' He assumed that was Kitty.

'Girl, you have a vase where your ass should be.'

'Yeah Kits,' giggled Marie. 'Did I ever tell ya you have really *hicup* fine mahogany legs.'

There was a crash.

'Oh shit. Now she's fallen through the floor.' That was definitely the kid always in yellow...whatsherface... Jubilee. Christ, they were gonna wake the whole house up if they carried on like that. Bout time he got out there and sorted some stuff out. Laid down the law.

'Sho you think this'll make Logan notish me?'

Fuck.

Ouch! FUCK. He stepped away from the fridge, giving it a damn good glare for not moving out the way when he cracked his head on it.

Fucking appliances. He resisted the urge to rip the door off its hinges. Teach it a damn lesson.

Instead he closed his eyes, his jaw clenching as pain lanced through his skull. He winced as it throbbed, then faded. Healing factor or no healing factor, it still fucking hurt. With a scowl, he reached in once more to grab his beer, while he tried his damned hardest to listen.

'Nope,' Jubilee was saying, sounding very pleased with herself.

'But I thought you shaid that um...that... ' There was a long pause, punctuated only by occasional hiccups. `What were we talking about again?'

'Logan. And the fact that you want to worship his fine ass till you melt into a puddle at his feet.'

'Mmmm.'

'The plan, Chica, was to get you drunk enough so you would flaunt your fine body in front of him in some skimpy clothes and show him just what he is missing.'

Interesting. Logan quirked an eyebrow. Now that didn't sound like such a bad idea.

But it still didn't change the fact that they were causing a right racket, and he didn't want One-eye waking up and discovering his late night beer habit. If he got one more lecture on drinking/smoking/ shreddingfurnitu re, he'd have no choice but to kill him. It'd be wadyacallit – justifiable homicide.

But then Jeanie would get all pissed and probably go all dark-eyed-and- veiny on him, and Storm would make him clean up all the mess – and that would be so much *effort*. Blood was so hard to get out of upholstery. It was really much easier just to go out there and see what was going on.

Taking a swig of his beer, he prowled out into the corridor.

'See all you have to do is – oh,' Jubilee trailed off. 'Oops.'

Marie wavered slightly, and just smiled at him as she slid slowly down the wall. `Lo Logan,' she slurred brightly. `I wanna worship a puddle at your feet.' Then promptly passed out.

He looked at her. He looked at Jubilee. He even looked at the damn vase.

The eyebrow was raised.

'Care to explain?'

Jubilee (who had noted said eyebrow) was already backing up the corridor. `I...um, yeah. Of course. An explanation. I just uh...need to find, uh...Oh look is that the time? It's very late,' she managed, before she turned and sprinted, leaving him with an unconscious Marie. A very drunk, unconscious Marie.

She wouldn't be flaunting anything tonight.

It wasn't disappointment he was feeling. He had just been curious, that's all. CURIOUS.

Damn shame though.

He sighed and scooped her up into a fireman's lift, stalking back along the corridor until he reached her room, where he deposited her on her neatly made bed.

He watched her for a moment, as she wriggled against the comfort of the pillows. It made his heart twist in a way that he wasn't quite ready to admit. He turned and left before he had the chance to think any more about it, closing the door quietly behind him.

Fuck he was tired. It shouldn't have even been possible. His body should have just healed him right on up until he was nicely un-tired, but it never seemed to work like that. Fucking mutation. Chop off a leg, sure, no problem, I'll just grow that right back. But loose a night's sleep, and hell, it was worse than being trapped in a small room with Scooter.

Although on second thoughts, he'd rather loose a leg than deal with that. He shuddered and gave the closet a wide berth, just in case.

Christ, his head hurt.

The fact that he stepped out into the corridor just as Hank was approaching did nothing to improve his mood. It was nothing personal. He had nothing against the furball, hell he enjoyed a good fight in the Danger Room, and the doc could certainly hold his own. It was just that he was disgustingly, unnaturally, almost evilly, chipper first thing in the morning.

And this particular morning that would be taking it one step too far.

Maybe it would be alright. He could have had bad news; an aunt had died, and he was…

'Ah Logan! Good morning!'

Maybe not. Damn.

He grunted a good morning in return. It came out more along the lines of 'piss off back to the medlab you fuckin cheerful bastard,' but it was close.

Hank merely grinned at him. 'Not ready to start the day yet, eh? Up and at em! It's a fine day outside and as I always say...'

Logan tuned out. Maybe the aunt thing could be arranged. He made a mental note to check out any living relatives this side of Sesame Street. Or maybe he could steal one of the younger kid's furby toys and use it as a voodoo doll. Damn likeness was obscene.

Eventually, after much friendly banter, all one sided of course, and the obligatory 'Oh my stars and garters, is that the time?' Hank finally disappeared.

Logan shot a disgruntled look at his retreating form. He yawned widely, before stomping his way down to the kitchen, growling at any unfortunate kid to get in his way. The damn fridge better behave itself and all this time.

And he didn't want to even begin thinking about the reason for his insomnia.

---

'Ugh. Just...Ugh.' Rogue staggered into Jubilee's room holding her head. She hadn't seemed to notice that her t-shirt was on inside out or that the white streaks in her thick hair were sticking out at all the wrong angles.

'That,' she announced blearily, 'is the last time I let you talk me into getting drunk. Ever.' She sat down on the edge of the bed. Well, she planned too, actually she misjudged the distance and slid rather ungracefully into a heap the floor, but under the circumstances it seemed near enough.

Jubilee was looking a grim shade of green, one that rather clashed with her yellow PJs. 'Believe me, Chica,' she croaked, 'I won't be going near the stuff for weeks. I think I pickled my brain last night. And it's refusing to forgive me.'

Rogue just sat there, holding her face in her hands.

'You ok Chica?'

'I just can't believe what happened,' she mumbled through her fingers. 'How can I ever face him again? That's gotta be like the most embarrassing night of my life.'

'It cannot have been worse than mine.' Kitty came in and threw herself down on the bed next to Jubilee, who swayed slightly, going from green to grey as the bed rocked.

Rogue looked at her as if there was no possible way this could be true. 'Really? I don't think so Kits. Logan overheard us, and then I passed out in front of him. He must have had to put me to bed,' she said, replaying the whole woozy incident in her head from start to finish. Why did she not have nice alcohol related blackouts like everyone else? It didn't seem fair she should remember all the details of her humiliation.

Kitty waved a hand dismissively. 'That's nothing,' she said, rolling over so her face was muffled in the covers. She mumbled something unintelligible.

'What was that?' asked Jubilee, curiosity beginning to get the better of her hangover.

'I said when I phased through the floor last night, I fell into *mumble mumble mumble*'

'Huh?'

'Oh you work it out. Think about it, which room is beneath that particular stretch of corridor.

'Can't think,' said Jubilee. 'Brain's on strike for alcohol abuse and-' she paused as a slow smile spread across her face, some of the colour returning. 'You fell into the Professor's room?!'

'Worse.'

'How worse?' Now even Rogue was interested.

'His bathroom.'

'How is that worse – it's...oh.' Rogue giggled.

'He wasn't!' said Jubilee in disbelief, looking first at Rogue who giggled some more, then at Kitty, who nodded meekly.

'Ahh ha ha ha haa ha ha haa.' Jubilee collapsed in a fit of hysterics. 'You serious?! Ahhh haa ha haa ha ha!'

Bobby, who was walking past on his way to his room, decided to come in and see what all the fuss was about. The screeching could be heard from right down the far end of hall. Poking his head around the door, he was none the wiser.

Jubilee was rolling round the bed, clutching the covers to her, laughing till she was red in the face. Rogue was shaking with tears streaming down her cheeks, and all he could get out of Kitty was something that sounded like 'wrinkled but manly.'

He rolled his eyes and left them to it.

When she had calmed down enough to speak, Rogue wiped her eyes on the back of the gloves she still wore, despite the fact that she had learnt to control her mutation months ago. She never quite trusted herself. 'Yeah, ok Kitty. You win,' she said, still grinning.

'It still doesn't solve your Wolvie dilemma though.'

Rogues face fell.

'Well don't worry,' said Jubilee brightly. 'If plan A didn't work, then we'll just have to try plan B.'

'Oh no you don't,' said Rogue firmly. 'I've learnt my lesson. I'm not going along with one of your schemes again.' She got to her feet, although it was slightly more unsteady than she had planned, and headed for the door. 'I have work to do anyway. See you later.'

'Ok, Chica. Whatever you say.' Jubilee gave her an innocent smile as she left the room.

Kitty turned to her, impressed. 'Wow Jubes, you actually did as someone asked for once. I'm proud of you.'

The other girl pulled a face. 'Don't be a doofus. I just needed her out of the room. Plan B does not require her input.'

'Oh.' Kitty looked warily at her mischievous smile. 'What exactly were you thinking?'

'Weeelll, Logan's teaching defence class this afternoon. I think maybe a little note, delivered anonymously by one of the students might be in order.' She rubbed her hands together gleefully at the thought.

One hour, three trashy romance novels, and several drafts later, the aforementioned note was delivered into the hands of a willing participant, with strict instructions that it was for the eyes of their defence instructor only.

Jubilee smiled with the satisfaction of a job well done.

It was early evening and the mansion was settling down for the night. Lessons were over, supper had been eaten, and the youngest residents were tucked up in bed.

Still recovering from their nasty hangovers, and in Kitty's case, a healthy dose of post traumatic shock, the three girls had navigated their sore heads to the rec room, where they were sagged out in front of the TV with the guys.

Jubilee was flicking through channels listlessly, her concentration span even shorter than usual. Rogue was sat quietly by her side, her brown-eyed stare glazing over as she tried very hard not to think about the night before. If anyone could hear her random mutterings of 'it didn't happen, it didn't happen. If I don't believe in it, it won't be true,' then they said nothing. Denial was a wonderful thing.

Kitty, on the other hand, had barely spoken a word all night. She simply sat very still in one of the deep backed armchairs, making a valiant effort to stay awake; her eyelids drooping and every now and then as her head nodded towards her chest. No one laughed at her. Under the circumstances it was just too cruel.

John and Bobby were deep in the middle of a heated Rachel or Monica from Friends debate, despite the fact that everyone suspected they'd both go for Joey given half the chance, when Scott appeared in the doorway. He looked a little...well. ..odd (alice-band over the eyes aside).

Rogue glanced up, curious. He started to say something, but then stopped, a frown briefly marking his forehead. He shifted uncomfortably on the spot; leaning back to look long and hard down the corridor, as if he was hoping it would lead somewhere else for a change. Narnia perhaps?

After several long minutes however, and no sign of temporal displacement or the White Witch, he reluctantly gave up. He turned instead to those watching the TV, who, by now, were all watching him with interest.

He sighed, and put on his best I'm-a-serious- teacher expression. A vision only slightly marred by the way his voice cracked when he eventually spoke. 'Rogue,' he squeaked, then coughed and thumped his chest in what he hoped was a manly fashion. 'Rogue,' he tried again, this time much deeper. A muscle twitched in his left cheek. 'May I have a word?'

Rogue shrugged, puzzled. 'Sure.' She followed him out into the corridor, then along to his office, when she realised where he was headed. Must be something serious, she thought.

Then realisation dawned. Oh God, what if he had found out about last night? Ok, she was legal to drink, but drunken and disorderly behaviour was strictly frowned upon by the fearless leader. And give the girl an A-grade; she had excelled at both last night.

She dragged her feet, expecting a right telling off.

When they reached his office however, instead of shouting at her, Scott was suddenly restless. He held the door open just long enough for her to enter, sneaking a quick glance out into the corridor, before closing it hastily behind them.

He pulled out his chair and sat down. Then he took a moment to study her through his glasses, got up again, and hovered nervously behind his desk. The view outside the window suddenly became very interesting as he shuffled some papers into a neat pile, carefully lining up each of the corners, before fanning them out again like a deck of cards. Then he tapped his fingers a few times on the hardwood surface, drumming an edgy pattern that seemed to make him even more tense.

Rogue watched the whole scene unfold with disbelief. Had he forgotten she was here? She coughed subtly and he jumped as if given an electric shock, cracking his knee on the desk and scattering the papers sideways.

This was not good.

'Uh, Rogue,' he began, somewhat awkwardly, fishing around blindly for his strewn work. His fingers found a stapler instead and he clutched it to him as if it was some sort of lifeline.

No, this was really not good.

'I...uh...understand that it's important to, uh, explore and...well.. .value feelings.' He looked at the stapler as if he had only just noticed its existence, but somehow couldn't bring himself to put it back down.

'And you know that I, uh, respect you as a friend...and as a fellow x-man.'

Rogue looked at him strangely. 'Yes,' she said slowly, even more baffled than when she had walked into the room. Was Scott blushing? Surely his cheeks weren't naturally that colour? Unless he was wearing makeup.

A fully made-up Scott image, complete with glossy lipstick pout and clutched handbag, minced its way into her head. She fought back the urge to giggle. It would be most inappropriate.

'And I'm...uh...flattered that you uh...' he swallowed uncomfortably, '...however, it's just not...practical. '

'Practical?' What was he talking about?

'Maybe practical was not the right word,' he babbled. 'I'm sorry. I don't want to hurt your feelings. It's just that there's Jean, and, well...' He trailed off, obviously mistaking her nonplussed expression for something else. 'Maybe if circumstances had been different,' he tried.

'Different?'

He frowned, and passed her a slip of paper. 'Here. I think you'd better take this back.' He almost bolted from the room, stapler and all. 'Sorry,' he called over his shoulder, not sounding it in the least, and leaving Rogue standing completely bewildered, clutching at the note in her hand.

Confused, she unfolded the white paper, absorbing the words that were scrawled across its surface. She froze in a dawning realisation of what had just happened.

'JUBILATION LEE, I AM GONNA *KILL* YOU!'

---

If life was at all fair, then the ground would have opened up and gobbled Jubilee whole, spitting only the yellow bits out. At the very least, her skirt would have ripped, or her bra straps snapped. But life was not fair, fate was a bitch, and Jubilee was as content as she had left her.

'Hey Rogue,' she said, completely oblivious to her friend's mood, totally ensconced in the drama unfolding on the TV instead.

Rogue ground her teeth. 'I. Am going. To kill you.' She glared. 'Slowly. Over and over again. And then some more.'

Jubilee looked up. 'Huh?' That did not sound like a happy Rogue.

'Would you care to explain *why* exactly, Scott just took me aside and apologised for not returning my feelings?'

Jubilee froze. 'Scott?' she said weekly.

'I've been doing a little detective work. Apparently he was given a note while he was covering Logan's defence class.'

'Um. I can explain-'

'And now he seems to think that I-' she looked at something written on the piece of paper in her hand, '-want to hear him moan in my ear while I lick his...*what*?!' Her eyes widened. 'That's not even a freaking WORD!'

Kitty snickered, the first sign of life from her since the professor had wheeled past her table during supper. She had nearly passed out. They'd had to grab her before she phased into the foundations.

'It is too a word,' she nodded meaningfully, the slightly wild look in her eye the only sign that all was not well in Kitty-land. 'Especially if you're tall, dark and handsome and called Rafe or Marc,' she giggled. 'Or Trent. Especially Trent. Then you get to use that word a lot. Usually amongst other words like throbbing and hot.'

'Huh?' John sat up and suddenly became very interested in the conversation. 'Whaddyamean? '

'Well, you see,' Kitty leant forward conspiratively. 'Rafe meets...lets say...Jessica. Jessica has to work for Rafe, but Rafe is a playboy tyrant and/or confirmed bachelor. Jessica hates Rafe because she has *principles* . But one day Rafe walks into the office looking dishevelled and proceeds to act masterfully. Jessica swoons. They have sex, declare undying hatred, argue, declare undying love, and then get married.' She smiled happily at the thought, not noticing the odd glances sent her way.

Bobby just stared open mouthed. His eyes darted nervously to the others. 'Is she ok? Did she hit her head last night?'

'Worse,' a wicked grin spread across John's face. 'How is the Professor by the way?'

Kitty paled slightly.

'Did he enjoy his-'

'Stop it!' yelled Rogue. 'Leave her alone, else she'll never recover. And stop changing the subject! We were talking about my life disaster, not Kitty's.' She glared at John, then very pointedly at Jubilee, who was trying so hard to sink back into the chair, she was nearly through the other side.

Rogue fixed her with a stare she could have only picked up from Logan. The growl didn't help either. 'What do you have to say for yourself? Hmm?'

'Oops?' tried Jubilee. She looked a lot like she was trying not to giggle.

'*Oops!* OOPS?! Do you have any idea how embarrassing this is?!'

'It was supposed to be for Logan,' Jubilee squeaked.

'Logan?' Bobby was confused. 'But then who's Rafe?'

Rogue opened her mouth, ready to let loose a torrent of yellow-themed abuse, but at that comment, she shut it. She looked at him in disbelief. 'Are you serious?'

John was giving her the 'you think your problems are bad. I have to room with him' look, and she rolled her eyes, before throwing her hands up in surrender.

'I don't know why I'm even bothering. I give up. GIVE. UP. I'm gonna leave the country, change my name, and become one of those mad women with lots of cats. It's the only chance I have at a normal life.' She slumped in the chair, head held in her hands. 'Because lets be honest, how am I ever gonna face him again?'

'Logan?'

'No Scott!'

Jubilee tried her hardest to keep a straight face. She failed, quite miserably. 'He, um, turned you down flat then?'

Rogue shrugged and spoke through her fingers. 'Actually, he said that he was with Jean, but if circumstances had been different... '

Now it was her turn to stare. 'Really?'

And damn it if she didn't sound a bit jealous.

Logan growled as he pressed weights in the gym. It had been a weird day all round.

There'd been some sort of commotion at breakfast. One of the kids, Fireball or whatever the fuck his name was, had got hold of a wheelchair. He and the Icepick...and seriously, what was with that kid? He had the talent of a freezer and the personality to match. Christ, and those science geeks thought the X gene was the next stage in evolution.

Anyway, they'd been wheeling around after that Pryde kid yelling 'come here little girl,' in this fake British accent, until Storm had come out of her study to see what all the shrieking was about. She hadn't been too impressed.

And One-eye had been on edge, scuttling around nervously, mumbling something about never covering his classes again. But whatever the hell had happened yesterday, he'd be dammed if he could get it out of him. Even Jeanie wouldn't talk to him. He'd managed to corner her at lunch time, but she just yelled something about a stapler and glared at him as if it was all his fault.

Not that he cared much anyway. Wasn't his problem if she'd developed a fuckin stationary fetish.

Dammit, he couldn't concentrate on anything. His recent thoughts had been focusing far too much on a certain brunette.

Yesterday, after a deliciously filthy dream about her, one that had forced him to spend so long in a cold shower that he began to worry he was gonna loose a certain part of his anatomy to frostbite, he'd just had to get out of the mansion for a while.

He'd asked Scott to cover his class. Well technically, he had growled his frustration, slammed a chair against a wall and had demanded Scott cover it. But that was just details.

Then he had disappeared on his bike.

Ok, Scott's bike. Again. Details.

He had driven for miles, thinking that maybe, just maybe, he wouldn't bother to go back. Life could be simple again.

But he had. He had returned, as he always did. Dammit, why did she have this effect on him?

He growled as he threw down his weights in frustration, and proceeded to pound the shit out of a punch bag.

---

'Ok, so plan C,' said Jubilee absently. She was looking at the doorway strangely, as if she was waiting for it to grow legs or something.

'No,' said Rogue.

'It'll work this time,' she pleaded, subtly turning Rogue so that her back was to the door.

'No.'

'Please?'

'Nope.'

'Fine,' she put on a fake scowl. Kitty appeared in the doorway.

'The gym,' she mouthed silently, flicking up three fingers and pounding an imaginary punch bag. `Uh, hey Rogue,' she added as the other girl turned around, quickly running her hand through her hair instead.

Rogue looked at the pair of them. Jubilee smiled serenely. Kitty shifted awkwardly from one foot to the other.

'What?' she asked, instantly suspicious.

Jubilee managed to look hurt. 'What do you mean, *what*?'

'You two are up to something again.'

'Of course not, Chica, we were only-'

'Oh no you don't,' said Rogue. 'Don't think I'm falling for that again. I already have to avoid half the mansion's residents. I'm outta here before you can ruin my reputation any further.' She glared at both girls pointedly. 'I only came by to get back that book you borrowed from me anyway.'

'Oh,' said Jubilee, thinking quickly. She flicked her eyes towards Kitty, who spotted the book lying face down on the floor. She looked the other way as she surreptitiously phased it through the wall with her foot.

'I left it in the gym, sorry Chica.'

'You took a book to the gym?' Rogue looked at her as if she was stupid.

'I, uh, wanted to rest between sit-ups,' she said, not quite convincingly enough.

Kitty giggled slightly.

Rogue just rolled her eyes. Well, what ever it was, she was certainly not going to be a part of it. 'Whatever. See you guys later,' she said, and left them to it.

The gym was on her way back to her room anyway, it wouldn't take her a moment to stop by. Besides, she doubted anyone would be there at this time of night. She pushed open the heavy door without really thinking about it.

'Oh.' The sound was out of her mouth before she could prevent it.

Logan stopped, mid punch. The snarl on his face softened.

'Hey,' he said.

'Um, hey Logan. What you doing here?'

Smart, really smart Marie, she thought to herself. Isn't it obvious?

He raised an eyebrow. 'Workin out. It being a gym and all.'

'Oh...yeah.' It was so much harder to speak when you were distracted by a sweaty, firm chest. Muscles rippling in a way that should be illegal. Hair that was scattered across a tightly defined torso, before arrowing down beneath the belt of low slung jeans...

She swallowed. There should be rules about having to wear shirts in here.

What was that? He was saying something. Eeep! Better say something back.

'Huh?'

Nice. Articulate.

'Said what you doin here Marie? You're not one for late night workouts.'

Yes. She had a reason. There had been a purpose. What was it again?

'I uh...I came to get...a book...' she trailed of lamely. Oh God, that sounded so ridiculous. There was no way he was gonna believe that even if it was the truth.

He gave her a look. 'This aint the library, darlin.'

Quick, think fast. Convince him you're not an idiot. 'I know.'

Yeah, that worked. Not.

'Jubes left it in here,' she tried to explain. 'I leant it to her and-'

*click*

'-What was that?'

He frowned, then strode past her to the door. He tested it. Locked.

He turned around slowly and looked at her in a way that was far too feral. 'You wouldn't happen to know anythin about this?' he growled.

She swallowed. 'Nope,' she croaked, but she had a good idea who would know an awful lot about it. She mumbled something.

'What was that?' He was coming towards her now, and he was close. Much too close.

'I'm gonna kill Jubilee,' she mumbled again, staring at her feet, trying not to look up at him. She sneaked a glance. Too late. He was towering over her. She could almost feel the heat radiating off his body.

'You wanna tell me what she has to do with it?'

He expected her to talk? It was all she could do to remember how to stand upright, and she wasn't really doing a good job at that either.

'Marie?'

'Think she, uh...locked us...in,' she managed, eyes slipping out of focus.

'And why would she do a thing like that?' His mouth was now close enough to her ear to send shivers through her, and...*fuck* ...did he just growl?

'She wants...So I would...So that we'd...um... '

'We'd what?' he breathed. 'Get it on?'

'Meep.'

To be fair, under the circumstances it was a pretty good effort. It was the closest to a word she could manage. She half expected him to step back and regard her with the look usually saved for escaped mental patients and distant relatives. But instead he moved closer.

'So, you think she's outside, listenin at that door, waitin to see if her plan worked?'

Hot body. Hot, hot body.

'I've been dreamin about you, you know.' His voice was so heated and dark that she thought something inside of her might have actually melted.

'I was gonna be all patient and chivalrous, and I can do chivalrous darlin,' his hand snaked round the back of her neck, 'you have no idea what I can do.'

Oh GOD. Every word headed straight down south.

'But fuck that.' He growled softly. 'You trapped me in here, and you don't trap a Wolverine baby. Not if you know what's good for you.'

She felt his chest rise as he inhaled the scent of her.

'I'm thinkin maybe we should give your yellow friend somethin to get her panties in a twist over.' His mutton-chops grazed against her cheek as he leaned in. 'Do you think she'll be picturin me doin this?' He nuzzled the base of her neck with his lips, his tongue briefly touching her soft skin.

Blank. Just utter blankness. What had once been her mind, had dissolved into a dizzying puddle of lust.

'Or this?' Now along the smooth line of her jaw.

Oh God. She began to think that she might actually hyperventilate. And that would be attractive.

'Or this?' His hot mouth moved over her own and he lightly nipped her bottom lip, before drawing her closer, demanding, tasting. Wanting.

He pulled back, eyes dark with desire.

'You just kissed me,' she croaked.

A wolfish grin spread wickedly across his face, still only inches from her own. 'Glad you noticed darlin. Mind if I do it again?'

Did she *mind*? Ah ha ha ha ha haaa haa. Yeah right. As if. Oh, he was actually waiting for an answer. 'Nope,' she managed, and then was lost as he took her mouth with his.

Oh God. Oh God. Logan was kissing her. She tried to remain vertical, and failed miserably, her knees giving way so that she was forced to lean into his body for support. Shame.

But, Christ, those were *Logan's* hands on her back. They were his palms sliding over her ass and down her thighs; his fingers in her hair; his thumbs brushing up over nipples in a way that they certainly should not have been. That was his tongue doing...GOD! She hadn't known that was even possible...and that was *his* body pressed hard against her. The nice boys she had kissed before certainly didn't kiss like this...This was...wow...

He backed her up against the wall, hands already sliding under her top. 'Thank fuck the door is locked,' he growled roughly.

She had to agree.

---

'It's gone very quiet in there,' said Jubilee, frowning at the gym door. 'You don't think...' she trailed off.

Kitty shrugged. 'Maybe it worked.'

Jubilee looked at her in disbelief. 'Seriously? You think that? With my track record?'

'What, you want to unlock it again?

'I already have! No one is trying to get out! What if she's hurt or something? With the claw things! I think you should phase in and check, Kitty.'

'Or, seeing as the door is unlocked, you could actually open it and...' she caught sight of Jubilee's pleading expression. 'Never mind,' she said rolling her eyes. She gave her a friend a withering look, and poked her head through the wall anyway.

Jubilee saw her shoulders stiffen, and watched as she stumbled back out in shock.

'What?' she asked, desperate to know. 'What?!'

'It worked,' squeaked Kitty, the tone unnaturally high.
'It did? Oh My God! It worked! Woooo!' She danced around, until she realised that she was alone in her celebration. She stopped. Kitty was still leaning against the wall, looking stunned. 'Kits?' she asked.

'Why is it always *me*?' Her voice was now reaching a frequency only usually heard by dogs and bats.

'What? What?!'

'Just...Oh God,' said Kitty, fanning herself with a hand 'That's a part of him I'm not gonna easily forget.'