Jubilee was bouncing all over the place, her usual sugar high was rocketing over the horizon and gaining speed, her mouth only just keeping pace with her thoughts. "Come on, it'll be FUN! You hardly ever come out Rogue, I mean there'll be no risk everyone will be wrapped up tight. " Her hand waved toward the window where the autumn weather had taken a turn to the cold. "Come ON! I mean not even Fearless Leader would make you stay at home."
Marie watched her friend bouncing on Kitty's bed her face showing everything she had on her mind; a deep suspicious grin crept across her face as she slowed her bouncing. "Besides, you could always ask tall dark and grumpy to go with us, I mean it's not as if he has
anything special doing right now." At the mention of Logan Marie blushed, her cheeks filling with blood as she thought about the man labouring in the garage below. He'd decided to leave his search for the winter and start fresh in the spring giving it a full year, there was no point suffering in the cold if he didn't have to.
He had a place to be for the winter, he kept himself busy, and mainly to himself, occasionally he'd come into the dining hall and eat in the far corner with his back to the wall. Eyes constantly on the look out for trouble or people, he even ate when everyone else had nearly finished, chewing every morsel slowly. She'd sat with him
once or twice but the air around him had been cold, as if he hadn't wanted her near him. So she'd left him alone, watching him from a distance as he began to pull away from everyone here.
The more she thought about it the better this sounded, if she could get him to go with her he'd be on the look out for threats and such but he'd be near *her* just what she wanted if truth be known. Him pulling away from her wasn't something she'd been prepared for even after having him in her head, part of her knew he'd do this. He
wasn't a people person but she'd thought she'd meant something to him, after having him in her head she knew he didn't risk his life for just anyone. She'd seen him, the real him and he didn't like that, she knew how much he felt for her and that made him vulnerable and if there was something the Wolverine hated it was feeling
vulnerable.
Turning to the hyped Jubilee who was flicking through a stolen Playgirl on her back Marie answered her friend. "Okay ah'll ask him after dinner. How long is the thing here for?" Jubilee's grin split her head in half.
"Till the 2nd, we can go after trick or treating, that is if you feel like going?" her friend's leer almost matched the model on the front of the magazine.
"Ah need a costume, something that's going to keep me covered."
Jubilee dropped her magazine and the light in her eyes was something Marie never hoped to see again.
"Roguey babe, I have the perfect outfit for you, one that'll kill two birds with one stone. He'd have to be dead from the neck down to miss you in what I've got for you." The chuckle that left Jubilee worried her as she turned away to look out of the stormy window, leaves were bright and their colours were mingling into a patchwork of reds and oranges. The leaden sky contrasting against the vivid colour, reminding her of blood and steel and the man she cared for more than her own life. After all
he'd given her a second chance at it hadn't he and she needed to give him a chance at living a somewhat normal one. Pushing her doubts aside she turned away and started planning with Jubilee.
Outside the breeze shifted and grew in strength sending the leaves ripping away from the skeleton thin branches, moving them high over the lights of the houses and businesses below. Moving in a steady stream over the train tracks, past the small river to the old field,
where the tents were being erected and a face watched the blood red leaves scurry over their head. Ageless eyes reading the patterns and the things they told the viewer made a smile crack across ancient skin and a light to fire behind ebony filled eyes.
****************************************************
He'd finished the stripping of the engine at eight when his stomach finally called `time', wiping his hands on a rag Logan stood up. The bike was in pieces around him, the old war-horse had been in the stable block, he hadn't even seen it until he'd moved some feed.
When he'd found her he'd asked Xavier about her, if he knew whom she belonged to. He'd just smiled warmly and told him no, he had no idea it had been there but he was welcome to it if he could get her to run. So he'd wheeled her to the garage to work on her, the bike itself was unusual an Indian painted in army green. He'd seen some
documentaries about the bikes used in the Second World War and they were usually Harley's so seeing an Indian painted up like this was rare. The tank had been empty but the cap had held a round disc inside it, a number stamped into it and a set of initials. He hadn't told anyone what he'd found but he kept it on him, a little reminder of the person who'd owned her before him.
Having her stripped down in front of him was a labour of love; it'd take most of the winter to get her back to a running state. He wanted to get the parts he needed by working for the money, doing what he could around the mansion and grounds. Xavier had offered to just get them for him but he'd refused flat out, he worked for his
money, it was enough that Xavier was giving him a place to stay over the winter rent free. He'd be damned if he would take anything else without paying for it, he had his pride. Standing back and looking at the worn and destroyed parts on the tarpaulin he almost missed her footsteps coming toward him.
Marie, he knew her steps as well as his own heartbeat, it pained him to push her away but he had to it was the only way to keep her safe. Jesus the last time he'd touched her, he'd left a good part of himself in her head, he hadn't wanted to know what it had done to her. Yet he'd overheard enough conversations about her nightmares to
know her being around him wasn't good for her. So he'd avoided her, made sure she was okay from a distance, not allowing himself to get close to her just in case he gave in, gave into the need he had to hold her again.
That night on the torch he'd been as close to death as he'd ever been in his life, he'd given everything he'd had to bring her home. To undo what he thought he'd gotten her into, everything he'd figured was his fault, if he hadn't picked her up Sabretooth wouldn't have found them. Wouldn't have known about her or her abilities and Magneto wouldn't have tried to kill her. Thing was
Xavier had nixed that idea a couple of weeks ago when he'd been trying to drown in a bottle. He'd wheeled into the kitchen and asked him exactly how long he thought the machine he'd constructed to mutate New York had taken to build. He'd shrugged and Xavier had told him, nine months, he'd already found out about Marie it had only been a matter of where and when. Xavier had told him he was glad that he'd been with her, he'd given her a chance to live again, not be used as a weapon of mass destruction.
So now he was in a place he didn't want to be in, Marie knew him, she knew what he thought about her and so he'd thrown himself into chasing Jean. That was until they'd finally set a date for the wedding, even then he'd tried to make light of it but Jean no longer rose to the bait. Leaving him with the feelings he had for a young girl whom was too young and too pure to even understand the feelings he has for her. Hell even he had a hard time understanding the feelings she forced him to feel just by walking into the room.
Take the time she'd walked into the dining hall and had come over to him, sitting across from him smiling as she ate. He'd had to block her out, trying desperately to ignore her scent, her voice, the way her eyes had looked concerned for him when he'd totally ignored her questions. She'd left with her meal half eaten, his own body trembling with the effort of keeping still. He'd wanted to grab her, touch her, lose himself in her, drown in her curves and softness until there was no difference between him and her. Something he could never do, even touching her would leave part of him behind, part of his mind, his nightmares, his past and he couldn't do that
to her. No matter how much his body needed her, wanted and ached for her touch on his skin.
It wasn't about sex, when he needed it he'd go get it and there was usually someone willing to have him. No with her, it was different, he wanted ALL of her, to OWN her body, soul, and he knew if he asked her she'd do it. She'd give him everything and not count the cost of it until she realised exactly what he was and that would kill him. The look in her eyes as she realised what he was, who he was and how much of an animal he could be and what she had done. It'd kill him faster than her skin could and he didn't want that not for her and not for him. So he avoided her, drove her away, hurt her by ignoring her looks, flinching away from her gloved touch so she didn't come near him. It almost killed him every time he saw the pain rise in her eyes as he did it, but he *had* to it was the only way to keep her safe and he'd promised her he'd keep her safe, even from him.
Turning to see her, carrying a plate in her hand, a smile on her face as she padded over to him. A sandwich was on the plate and a bottle in her other hand; her eyes smiling as much as her mouth and he gripped himself tightly as she approached. Her scent reaching him even over all the grease and oil, she was uncertain and confused but the smile was genuine. Handing the plate over she looked at the mess of the engine.
"So, you got it to bits then?" Taking the plate and keeping it between them, he turned his gaze away to the bits on the floor.
"Yeah," keeping his mind on the inventory he'd need to fix her as he pulled his gaze back to hers. Watching her tongue slip out and lick her lips nervously as she handed him the bottle.
"You missed dinner again. Thought ah'd bring you something to stop you raiding the fridge later."
"Thanks," he kept his words non-committal as he filled his mouth with the glass of the bottle.
Shifting slightly she crossed her arms over herself and her scent spiked, making him gulp as the strength of her need hit him. She needed him, closing his eyes he tried to push the thought of her away as the words entered his head.
"Logan ah know you've been a little distant lately and ah want to ask you something, a favour." Dropping the bottle he swallowed the cold brew into his stomach knowing if he could it'd be leaving his mouth as steam with the amount of heat he was putting out right now.
He quirked an eyebrow and she continued, "Jubilee want's me to go trick or treating with her this weekend in Salem centre, thing is she wants to go to the carnival down there afterward. Ah'd like to go but ah'm not sure how safe ah'd feel there, so many people around, everyone bumping into each other. Thing is ah'd love to go but ah don't think ah want to go alone, so ah'm asking if you'd mind coming with me. You don't have to do anything but stand there if you don't want to, it's just ah'll feel better with someone around you know, someone who understands me." His eyes met hers and he could see her heart beating through her skin, she wanted him around. She
needed him there, wanted him with her while she tried to be normal, doing normal kid stuff like going to the carnival. She must have seen his doubt because she started up again.
"Jubilee's getting me a costume together now, something that'll cover me all over. Even my face will have a layer of make-up on it so if anyone brushes past ah won't hurt them." The look in her eyes was enough to tell him she needed this and she was asking the one person she had to help her. She was going to be wrapped up so tight she couldn't hurt anyone, yet if she did that she'd wouldn't enjoy herself either. Sensing her need he answered her, "I'll go but I'll meet you at the carnival. Where is it?" The smile lit her face as he'd answered her.
"Over in the old field past the river bend just before you enter Salem centre. Jubilee said we'd be there for around 8pm." Dropping his gaze from hers he turned away before his mouth let anything else out of it, something he didn't want to admit to later. Sensing her dismissal Marie shifted and he caught her whisper as she left, "Thanks Logan." He sensed her leaving and turned as she was just leaving the large garage her breath still audible to him as was the words out of her lips as she slipped away, `Love you'.
Gripping the plate tight it took everything he had not to follow her, snarling he threw the rag across the space. Leaving the uneaten food behind him, it still smelled of Marie as he tore out of the garage into the darkening evening. Going to find someone, he could lose himself in while trying to keep the vision of her eyes out of his mind, the scent of her hair and the curve of her hips. Yet he always had to grit his teeth as he came into the willing body underneath him because if he didn't he knew what name he'd be calling and it wouldn't be the person under him.
**********************************************
Jean, Scott, Ororo, Pieter, Kitty, John, Bobby and Jubes were waiting at the foot of the large stairs for her to come down. The costume had been well thought out and the fit was incredible, she wondered exactly who had been out shopping for it when she'd seen it and where they'd actually been. Using her mind and the memories she'd gotten from both Logan and Eric told her leather goods usually came in discreet brown paper bags.
Running her hands over the leather; the feel of it was smooth and warm, brown leather trousers that hid nothing and she'd had to shed underwear to get them to fit right. The jerkin was another matter altogether, the supple leather shifted and moved with her, moulded to a woman's shape it supported her while keeping her defended from
a rogue touch. The long suede sleeves went down her arms, even covering the backs of her hands, coming to points at her middle finger. Arm greaves made of aluminium covered her forearms chased with an ivy design that was beautiful, she'd thought about gloves and Jubes had handed her a pair of sheer brown nylon to put
underneath her sleeves. Her body was totally covered in leather; even her feet were in some kind of riding boot made of suede and soft leather.
Picking up the cloak she swirled it on and looked in the mirror, Jubes had had a brainwave when she'd thought about themeing everyone on Middle Earth characters. She was a ranger; Rogue the Ranger, stood near her door was a foam rubber staff and sword including scabbard. Seeing her hair primped back and plaited tight highlighting the two white streaks within it she finally left her room, her heart hoping that tonight would go well. They had to take the younger kids around the houses first before Jean and Scott would let them do their own thing but she was looking forward to it.
Catching her reflection in her mirror before she left smiling at the colour of her skin, at least she now knew what she'd look like if she ever got a decent tan. She never uncovered much of her skin in summer it was too dangerous for everyone, pushing the thought down she went to join the rest of the warband waiting downstairs.
*****************************
He'd been propping up the bar at Rosie's for at least a couple of hours now, several groups of Halloween revellers had been in and out. Some dressed to the nines and some just with masks and fake weapons, even from here he could hear the Carnival. The scent of the road marked it and made part of him hunger to be with it, to travel
the roads and highways always moving never settling in one place too long. Leaving behind the good memories of fun and lights, of games and being frightened by rides that made your head spin. Something he'd never enjoyed himself; something he'd avoided upto now. Looking at the bar clock it read 7.45pm, draining his glass Logan threw down his money and left, the smile of the bartender following him as she collected it. She'd seen him nearly every day for a couple of months now and she'd never seen him nervous till now, there was something he was dreading. If she didn't know any better he'd looked like he was going on his first date, she'd seen him with different women nearly every week. Whatever it was she thanked it, he'd left her a fifty when he only owed her twenty. Smiling she slated the rest for him knowing however it turned out he'd be back later, maybe not tonight but there was always tomorrow.
Lights were strung, voices shouted, screams were ringing out across the field as the rides shifted and moved people around the carnival.
Their movements a dance for those who could see it, a tide of colour and emotion running from one end to the other. Dark eyes watching the sky for the clouds that brought the storm, the thing that blew them home, but not yet, oh no not yet. A simple smile grew on his face as he straightened his gloves, picking up his cane and moving
between the sea of people like a shark. A light touch here, a glance there, setting seeds that would bear fruit before the carnival went on it's way again.
Seeing the new crowd coming, a crowd filled with possibility hope and wonder their eyes filled with the youth that knew nothing of hardship or pain. Turning his steps toward them a cold thin smile on his lips as he went toward the group, his steps measured and stately, his thin frame almost feeling their youth filling him as he approached. They'd learn of course, they all would in time, maybe not this visit but he'd give them something to remember him, something to make the nameless dread visit them in the night.
Opening his arms wide he began his speech, head thrown back, eyes locked onto the group of youth and vitality.
"Welcome one, welcome all! Welcome to Dark's Pandemonium Carnival, see the wonders, play the games, enjoy life for we never know when it will end! So come in, play and enjoy the sights, welcome one, welcome all, here in Darks Carnival all are equal!" His gaze drifted over all the young faces, seeing the young lovers holding hands, the children straining to be adults in a world that wasn't
theirs yet. Scanning them his dark flat gaze dropped on someone walking toward the entrance, his steps measured his stance reminding him of a wolf hunting over the snow the gaze he wore all purpose.
The smile never leaving his face as the crowds parted around him, a stone in the stream of humanity. Taking a copper coin from his waistcoat pocket, he deftly spun the mottled surface, letting it fall from his fingers as the man's gaze hit his. The strength in it hitting him square on, feeling the smile on his face deepen as it did so, only when the man broke his gaze did he look down at the
coin at his feet. Heads he was theirs, tails he was a free spirit, the coin had landed edge up, sticking halfway in the soft ground.
Plucking the coin out of the soil, Mr Dark watched the leather clad man turn his back on the carnival and watch the road. He was undecided then, a prospect worth chasing if he could read the signs well, the suffering from him could feed an army of his kind and he would bring others into the darkness with him. Turning on his heel he nodded to the strong man on his podium, everything said in a
single gesture Mr Dark went to see to the rest of the harvest.
************************************************
The kids had been handed over to Scott, Jean and Ororo; they'd had fun been scared witless and enjoyed the entire time. Even Kitty had been able to let go and enjoy the delights of the night; Pieter had been a little reluctant to join in until Kitty had dragged him up with her to the porches of some houses. The costume he had was of a
wraith and covered him from head to foot, Kitty's was an Elf Maiden, long dress and her hair pulled up and away from her face making her look even more fragile than normal. By the end of the trip around the neighbourhood, they were wrapped around each other.
Jubilee was fending off other kids who were trying to get into her goody bag, it was her last year of actually gathering candy for herself so she was doing her best to keep all of it. Marie herself had felt fine, even with the crowds of children running around she felt great, and her costume protected her from everything. The leather was warm and comfortable to wear, even Jean commented on how much it suited her, Ororo had just smiled knowingly and taken her arm.
The Carnival was in full swing when they got near where the vans were parked, the sound of lilting music drifting over with the wind, bringing the scent of sweetness and excitement with it. Scott turned to the rest of them and gave them the `stay together' speech, even Jean had to look like she was doing something with the other kids
not to turn around and laugh at what he was saying. Jubilee lasted until the `even though it's a holiday' bit and she interrupted him mid flow. "Look we'll be fine, Logan's down there waiting for us. We have enough smarts between us to handle a Carnival, even if some of us haven't been to one before."
She nodded in Pieter's direction, looking at Rogue she smiled before turning her attention back to Scott. "Besides, we have phones and you're on speed dial, your four miles away and we have someone who runs that amount for fun every morning. So just go and let us have
some fun before we explode." Jean's hand on his arm stopped him from replying, seeing them as a group of young adults not young mutants he nodded. Adding, "Be careful and don't annoy Logan Jubilee, he's not as forgiving as I am."
Jean pulled him away and sent a `have fun but stay safe' message to them all, Ororo had been herding the children into the second van when she looked over to the Carnival. Her skin prickled for a moment as if she'd touched something live and had received a shock from it.
Rubbing her hands before she got behind the wheel Ororo decided she'd wait up for them, there was something about the Carnival that reminded her of home, of the desert plains and the nights that could last forever. Shaking the thoughts away, she pulled out and beeped to the group who were making their way to the pool of bright light
in the field. A point of brilliance in the darkness, drawing moths to it to dance and flutter, how many would come away unburned was another matter entirely.
**************************************************
Logan was beginning to wonder if they were ever coming when he caught the scent of chewing gum and fireworks drifting down the road. Scanning the crowds walking down toward him he spotted the group, smiles and laughter were everywhere but the face he'd been telling himself he wasn't looking for wasn't there. Annoyed he made to walk toward the group when Pieter moved, revealing Marie, her
hair braided to the side of her face. Her costume seemed to fit her like a second skin, breezes drifted her scent to him and he took her in as if she was his last breath.
The leather fitted her body like skin, trousers of soft deep brown, soft soled boots, a jerkin and bodice made of thicker leather shifted as she laughed. Pulling the dark cloak around her form as they walked toward him, the shrill voice of Jubilee snapping him out of his reverie.
"Hey Logan! You made it, beaten anyone to a pulp yet?" Her
mischievous face was in front of his filling his view, cutting off the supply of Marie and he growled low. Bobby grabbed Jubilee by the shoulder and pulled her back a couple of inches, his voice sharp.
"Jube's remember what Mr. Summers told you." Jubilee waved a hand at her friend.
"Please, he's not going to hurt the person who got his favourite person in the whole world to come out dressed in leather is he?" Her eyes twinkled as Marie went red, "Come on you lot I want to go home with at least four new shiny things." Dragging the rest of the group
with her own inevitable gravity, she left Marie with Logan outside the entrance.
Smiling she gave him a twirl of her costume, "What do you think? Ah'm covered head to toe but ah've never felt so good. Mind you ah had a few scary moments with kids but it was worth it." She couldn't see his face properly, the lights were behind him and it worried her a little. Holding out a gloved hand, she reached for his own, her
voice showing a little of her worry as she spoke to him. "Do you mind if ah take your hand? Ah mean if it upsets you ah won't, just that ah'd like to have you close while we're here. When we were in the streets it's easy to avoid people, here it could be a little
difficult for me." Logan's hand wrapped around her own thin gauze covered one, she could feel every ridge of his skin and palm, the heat in it pulsing through into her own as she gripped it. Moving into the Carnival together, Marie's hand held in Logan's own her other arm wrapped around the one holding hers. "Thank you Logan, let me know if you want to go and we'll go. Ah never was one for
carnivals even before everything went wrong." Sensing the pain in her voice Logan tightened his grip on her hand and pulled her into him, telling her he was ready to leave when she was.
When she'd stood there he'd had to remember to breathe, her entire self shone to him, from the boots on her feet to the shy smile on her face. He kept his growl inside his own mind but the urge to touch her was nearly overwhelming so he was eternally grateful that she was the one to reach out to him first. Inside his mind, he could see himself peeling the leather from her skin, seeing if the brown thin nylon went everywhere and not just up her arms. She moved with a grace he'd never seen before, as if being covered like this gave her confidence, something safe but alluring at the same time.
Walking with her he had a hard time keeping his eyes up out of her chest, the leather jerkin went upto her neck but it didn't stop the scent of her skin mingling with the warm leather. He wanted to touch her, wanted to taste her, he *had* to, the feeling grew until it forced itself out of his mouth in a low growl, slowly rising in strength. His eyes blazing with need, desire, want, he would touch her and he'd damn the consequences.
Growling he gripped her hand tight for a second and she stopped her eyes scanning the crowds around them. "What? What is it Logan, something dangerous?" Her gaze turned to his and she caught the end of his thoughts, her lips parted slightly as she realised what had made him growl. She had, her being so close to him, dressed like this, suddenly the thought of being alone with him wasn't such a
good idea anymore.
"Logan?" Her voice was shaky as she felt his arms wrap around her, the grip strong and sure. Pulling her into him, moving her so she could feel the effect she had on him, her eyes meeting his as she felt him against her. She had no words, no thoughts as he began to touch her under the cloak; his hands never still for a second. His
breath on her skin as he nuzzled her hair her own hands just resting on his back as he touched her. The sensation of his hands drifting down over her rear was a subtle torture; the leather was so fine it made it seem as if there was nothing between them. It lit up her skin glad now she'd removed her underwear because Logan would feel
the lack of it, feeling him rumble as he realised and pulled her closer to him. Her voice deepened by need, by the touch and the sensations he was sending through her. He was everywhere, in her mind, in her breath, in her blood and she *wanted* him! Bucking herself into his grip as his hand slid down her ass, his fingers gently touching her forcing the words out of her throat into his
shirt. "Logan please, ah need you."
Her words were like arctic water over his libido, snapping him back to reality. He was in the middle of a carnival with his hand almost inside her trousers, his own excitement dropped as he realised what he'd done. He'd given in, he'd lost the war never mind the battle,
he'd crossed the line and he doubted she'd ever let him near her again. She'd wanted him to keep her safe from people and he'd been the one to put her in danger. Quickly he let go, shifted himself so he was no longer wrapped around her in a lovers embrace. Instead he pulled the cloak around her tight and gripped her through it, his
mind under control again as he felt her first deep breath go through her.
*****************************************
Why had she let this go on, why had she thought this was a good idea in the first place? She'd needed him since the day they'd met, since the cage had revealed him to her. Now she was finding out the truth, he didn't want her, not in the way she wanted him. She'd seen the effect she'd had on him when she'd stood there and twirled round for him but it wasn't real it hadn't been her. She was someone to keep safe, not to touch and want but part of her mind screamed to her that he did want her that his reaction to her had been natural. That part of him wanted to tear the leather off her and taste her skin, that he needed to *own* her.
Blinking her eyes furiously to keep the tears at bay she forced herself to smile, she would cope with this. Feeling his grip on her back safely covered by the cloak she pushed away from him, the strong grip only allowing her to move a little. "Ah'm fine Logan, honest. Come on let's find Jube's ah'm sure she's got someone to win
something for her by now." She didn't allow herself to see his face; she scanned the sea of people and caught sight of Pieter throwing balls at stacks of metal milk bottles. "There they are, come on let's see what their upto," Marie led the way her arms wrapped around herself clutching her cloak shut, leaving Logan behind her
following in her wake.
Tired eyes watched the couple walk away from the worn dusty flaps of her tent. Smiling to herself as she shuffled the cards in her hands, plucking one at random the pasteboard surface showing a man torn in two. One half reaching for the heavens, the other a beast with large fangs snarling and fighting, turning the bottom card over to reveal the maiden, untouchable lonely but so needy. Her eyes following them, she whispered something on the wind watching it drift out of her tent and settle over the two of them. Seeing them both shiver as it touched their skin, smiling she went back inside her tent, lost inside the darkness. Blindness no problem to someone who had lost their eyes when the world had been young.
***********************************************
The Wolverine & Rogue Fanfiction Archive
Barely Legal Since 2000
Author's Chapter Notes:
This is my own take on the Carnival from 'Something Wicked This Way Comes' by Ray Bradbury, I always love his work and try to read him every year. Hope you enjoy it!