| Summary:
Logan and Danielle try to handle their feelings for each other without
coming to blows |
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| The gym was full of
activity today. Scott was giving a class in self-defense with
Danielle being his opponent. The adults that were participating
watched Scott demonstrate several maneuvers. As luck would have
it, or just that Logan’s keen sense of smell led him to her scent,
Logan found himself in the gym and decided to take up a little weight
lifting. Danielle was still pretty annoyed with him from the other night. She still wondered if he and Jean shared a ‘quickie’ outside the studio. Here she was knowing how much she wanted to be with him and he has a quickie with Jean - a very married Jean - outside the studio. She tried to let it go knowing Logan didn’t belong to her anyway and that his arrogant attitude seemed to make him think he was God’s gift to women. She was jealous - that's all there was to it. Heaven only knew how Logan could draw in any woman he wanted - women love men like Logan. Hmph! Then of course, there was the torch he still so obviously carried for Jean. But, she didn’t deny that he looked bloody hell good in shorts and a teeshirt. During the class, Danielle could sense he was watching her. She glanced in his direction seeing him standing against the wall, arms crossed over his broad chest, and was snickering. His obvious mocking of Scott was becoming irritating. She also realized he was drinking in every bit of her – the black lycra workout suit was turning him on. “You think you can do better, Logan?” Scott finally piped up. “I know I can, One Eye,” Logan retorted. “Oh, gawd,” Rogue said softly. She sensed there was going to be trouble. Scott offered his spot to Logan anxiously awaiting his taking over the class. “Could I have someone be my opponent?” Logan asked. Perfect. Just the opportunity Danielle needed to put Logan on his ass. “I’ll volunteer,” Danielle replied. “I know you are good, but I think I need someone else to demonstrate this move,” Logan said. “Are ya afraid I might knock ya on yer ass?” Danielle asked as she put her hands on her hips in defiance. Logan half-smiled. He was afraid – afraid the physical contact would turn him on and those shorts he was wearing were in no way loose enough to hide any hints of arousal. “So?” Danielle taunted. “OK, you wanna take me on, you better be prepared,” Logan said with a huff. Danielle quickly took herself to the front of the class. Public humiliation was her goal now. With feline quickness, she leaped at Logan and planted her foot into his chest sending him down on his butt. Logan got to his feet and bared his teeth. This was war. He lunged for her, and she ducked away and he ran into the heavy bag. Her moves were not perfect but they were effective nonetheless, and it was pissing Logan off. “Ya ain’t so tough,” she said again taunting him. He lunged for her again and again, and each time Danielle escaped him and beat on him until his body was stinging from her onslaught of strikes. Danielle had reached deep down inside of her pulling forth her own rage and took it out on Logan. She struck at him for making her fall in love with him, for being so damned handsome and desireable (despite his mental turmoil and issues), and for what she believed was his unbelievable appetite for female companionship and a raging jealousy of how much she wanted him for herself. Logan finally couldn't stand anymore and when he finally pinned her against the wall, his fury in full flight, he nearly lost control as his claws sprang forth and he embedded them into the wall on either side of her. “GO AHEAD! DO IT!” she screamed with tears streaming down her face. “Jesus, Logan stop!” Scott shouted. Rogue had quickly rushed to grab Logan’s arm and Scott put his arm between Danielle and Logan trying to break them up. Logan was snorting in Danielle’s face. As he retracted his claws, she stared angrily into his eyes. She wanted so bad to continue this battle, but Danielle saw Logan retreating even though he was totally pissed. She could feel his body pressing against her still holding her against the wall. His breath breezed against her cheek and the heat emanating from him was intense. He took only one short step back giving her just a little breathing space. She took advantage of it and strongly pushed him back. He quickly regained his balance and watched her walk over to the bench, grab a towel, wipe her face, and slam the towel to the ground before angrily leaving the room. Logan looked to Scott waiting for some snot ass remark or a major scolding. There was silence – just a look of shock on all their faces - and Logan left too. He followed Danielle down the hall. She refused to turn as he called to her. Once catching up to her, Logan grabbed her wrist and spun her around to face him. She was so upset - he sensed it. She wasn’t able to say a word as he pulled her close forcefully kissing her. Danielle could feel his body was on fire but she ignored the passion. She quickly pushed him away. “Fuckin’ son of a bitch! You think you can just take whateva ya want?” she cursed. He didn’t say a word and watched her go to her room and slam the door closed. Logan leaned on her door hearing her crying inside. "Do you think he would have hurt her?" Bobby asked. "I doubt it. He's a walking army. If he really wanted to hurt her, he wouldn't have hestitated," Scott replied. "I think they both are pissing each other off 'cause they want each other," Marie said. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The next few weeks, Danielle and Logan both strongly avoided each other. Danielle questioned his true intentions in the gym that day, and Logan cursed himself for kissing her. For the most part, he would just lie in bed all day watching the sun rise and fall never leaving except for short excursions – away from nearly everyone at the school and especially Danielle. Whenever they did cross paths, there would be an air of tension so thick it could be cut with a knife. Not one resident who witnessed the tension could deny the intensity of it. “God dammit, Logan. You fucked up good,” he said to himself over and over. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The end of summer arrived and the entire campus was full of activity. An end of the season party was being prepared for and Xavier had hoped to put on a good showing for several special guests to the school. There was a banquet of food and punch and everyone was dressed in their finest evening outfits. No one made any mention of Logan’s absence. It was to be expected. Everyone knew he was not very sociable and was still hiding away in his room. Xavier was a bit miffed that Logan had so arrogantly hurt Danielle’s feelings, even though he realized Danielle had taunted Logan into a fit of rage. He never totally understood their behaviors and began to wonder if he should call a meeting and scold both of them for the rather scary public display in the gym. But, Xavier decided to let it go – both Danielle and Logan were suffering enough in their own ways. However, Logan’s absence would not be tolerated. He was a resident and all residents were to be present for this party. Xavier reached out to Logan telepathically and demanded he bring himself out for just an hour. Reluctantly, Logan showed up. The back patio was lit with dim lights and candles casting a soft hue on the serene beauty of the yard and the residents. Music played in the background. Danielle, Rogue, and Jean were chatting together while sipping champagne. Logan watched Danielle in the distance. As the party broke up and only a few of the residents were left outside cleaning up, Logan silently continued to watch Danielle. “Danielle, is something wrong?” Jean asked startling Danielle. “Nothing,” she replied as her eyes met Logan’s. “Are ya sure, sugar?” Rogue asked. “I’m fine. Really,” Danielle said. Danielle walked away leaning on the stone fencing of the patio looking out into the moonlit yard. Rogue and Jean both made note of Logan observing Danielle. His projections were strong. Jean felt them but it wasn’t her place to do anything about it – not yet. A song by Selene began to play on the radio. I Could Fall in Love
I could lose my heart tonight If you don't turn and walk away 'cause the way I feel I might Lose control and let you stay 'cause I could take you in my arms And never let go I could fall in love with you I could fall in love with you I can only wonder how Touching you would make me feel But if i take that chance right now Tomorrow will you want me still so I should keep this to myself And never let you know I could fall in love with you I could fall in love with you And i know it's not right so I guess i should try To do what I should do But I could fall in love with you I could fall in love with you So I should keep this to myself And never let you know Logan watched as his eyes narrowed and began to sting with the tears that were welling up and threatening to be shed. He walked back into the mansion, down to the Danger Room, and let fly his rage. Danielle had listened to the words too – her cheeks glistening with the tears she didn’t fight to hold back. She walked out into the yard and lay down in the grass and sobbed. Kurt stood by the fence and felt his heart break for her. He could feel her pain and despair and was defenseless to help. |
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