| Summary: Danielle, Logan and a rocky courtship - 'nuff said. | |
Danielle walked down the hallway on her way out. Hearing her light footsteps, Logan opened his door. Peeking out, he caught sight of Danielle walking towards the front door. She walked lightly and gracefully – just like a silent feline. Logan cocked his head to one side before he realized something was not to his liking. Walking with determination, Logan headed down the hallway. The sound of his heavy work boots on the hard wood floors resonated against the walls, but Danielle kept on going without turning around. Grabbing her arm and spinning her around to face him, he glared angrily at her. “Where the hell ya goin’?” he asked sternly. His tone of voice put her on the defensive. “What’s it to ya?” she asked back. Logan’s eyes drifted over her sleek form. Her body was sheathed all in black, from the lacy leggings, to a very short mini skirt, and further on to a low cut stretch blouse that revealed enough cleavage to annoy him. A heavy biker’s leather jacket complete with silver stud accents was swung over her shoulder. “Why ya dressed like that?” he asked again – his voice was deep and husky and filled with a restrained rage. “Why ya askin’ so many questions? What are ya – my bodyguard?” she sternly asked while poking his shoulder. Danielle began to walk forward and was quickly intercepted by an unrelenting Logan. Marie heard all the loud discussion, even over the television, and she peeked around the corner down the hallway to see what was going on. “Get out of my way,” she demanded. “You haven’t told me where yer goin’,” he said again grabbing her arm. “If ya must know, I have a gig at the studio. And, I didn't realize I was supposed to check in with ya wheneva I was goin' out,” she snidely replied while pushing him aside and heading towards the door. "What are ya, nuts? With that crazy ass ex-boyfriend of yers waiting to haul ya in?" Logan shouted. Danielle spun around in the doorway. "Logan, I can't let my life stop and live in fear foreva," she said. "I'll be fine. I'll be with plenty of folks. John would have to be a total asshole to try and do somethin' at the studio with plenty of reporters and photographers around." Her words failed to comfort him. As she closed the door, Logan felt his heart pounding with anger. If he only could have told her he was worried about her because he cared about her - that he was falling in love with her. Logan shook his head cursing himself for what he was feeling. He wondered if she even cared what he was feeling. She had been toying with him for months and never seemed to be completely interested. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ “Hey, Logan. Ain’t ya comin’ with us?” shouted the excited voice of Rogue. “What for?” Logan snarled in question. The typical pissed off expression was on Logan’s face – furrowed brows and narrowed eyes. “Why ya so angry, sugar?” Rogue asked as she plopped down on the couch at his side. Her gloved hand ran over his shoulder. Logan’s eyes didn’t move from the television. He took a long swig from his beer bottle. “Yer upset. What’s buggin’ ya?” Rogue asked. Bobby was anxiously tapping his foot awaiting his girlfriend. Logan’s brows furrowed deeper in anger. “She’s so damned headstrong,” he said. “Who? Danielle?” Rogue asked slyly before snickering softly. Logan began to growl. “So, yer pissed off at her?” Rogue asked. “No, Marie. I ain’t been laid in a year and a half and I’m feelin’ a little irritable. OK?” he snottily replied. “Like that’s my problem. Handjob isn’t enough for ya these days?” Rogue asked. Logan’s eyes peered intensely into Marie’s. Her blunt questions almost shocked him. “Logan, if you just got off yer ass, you certainly could solve that little issue. I know someone who wouldn’t mind taking away yer edginess,” Rogue replied. “Oh, really? Now, ya think ya got all the answers about what I need and from whom I need it from,” Logan snarled. “Honestly, I think you and Danielle fight all the time because ya like each other - a lot,” Rogue said letting her finger run over the side of his cheek. Logan turned away. "That's crap," Logan snarled. “Come on, admit it. You got the hots for her and bad,” Rogue said. Logan returned his attention to Rogue. His brows furrowed again and the cold hard stare he shot her would unnerve anyone who didn’t know him. Rogue laid her gloved hand on the side of Logan’s face trying to silently calm him. "What did she call ya that time, a studmuffin?" Rogue asked. Logan fought the smile that wanted to rip across his face. He remembered that day so clearly - how Danielle was so blatantly flirting with him. “Ya know, there was a time I thought you kinda liked me,” Logan said. "I like you," Rogue replied. "That's not what I meant," Logan said. “Oh, come on. That was years ago!” Rogue replied. “You make it sound like yer such an adult. What are ya, all of 21, kid?” Logan replied. “Yes. And, I ain’t no kid,” Rogue joked. “Besides, Logan, yer like – old.” Logan looked at her a little dejected. He didn’t even know how old he was – there was no knowledge of a birth year for him. “Why don’t ya come along with us - old man? Danielle has invited us all to see her band's jam session with Duran Duran. We will need adult supervision,” Rogue said. “More Pop music. Besides, I ain't been invited” Logan said. “I really don’t think Danielle would mind if ya crashed her party,” Rogue replied slyly. "I dunno. What if she gets mad?" Logan asked. "Gawd, Logan. Are ya wimpin' out?" Rogue asked back. Logan lowered his head. He felt bummed out. "Logan, c'mon. I think ya need to join us and this is a great way to break the ice with Danielle," Rogue replied. "Ya think it's a good idea?" Logan asked. "Logan, I am surprised with ya. Ya don't strike me as the kind of guy who backs away from anythin'," Rogue replied. "Normally, I don't. But, something about her does scare me," Logan replied. Marie was mildly shocked - Logan slipped with a little insight into his feelings and Marie couldn't help but smile. "C'mon. We haven't got all day. Just relax and go with it," Rogue said as she pulled his hand to get up. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The place was near pandemonium outside. All kinds of strangely dressed groupies were hanging around waiting for a chance to go inside and see a favorite old band jam with the most popular local band. Despite the ongoing threats by her ex-boyfriend, Danielle refused to let her life come to a standstill. It agitated Logan as he thought she was being reckless. This was a great opportunity for a strike. But for Danielle, it was a dream come true to jam with one of the most popular British bands from years ago. The Xavier School residents were given an opportunity to all sit inside a real music studio. Several chairs were set up for them. Bobby, Rogue, Hank, Arnie, Jubilee, Kitty, Scott, Jean, Storm and Logan as well as several of the younger children from the school all gathered there watching Danielle's band play in the ajoining room separated by a glass wall. Logan attentively listened to her sing and play guitar for the band, jamming alongside Andy Taylor, who back in his youth was a hard rocker. Arnie, Bobby and Scott enjoyed sitting with the sound technicians as they adjusted the different buttons and levers to make the music sound its best. During a short break, the local reporters were allowed in to take pictures of Danielle and her band mates posing with the members of Duran Duran. Things began to get a little out of control as several photographers pushed for photographs and interviews. Logan entered the room and made his way towards Danielle. Moving her behind his tall and broad frame, Logan turned to the reporters and extended his claws out to the sides. His feral growl raised fear in the hearts of the reporters instantly backing them off. “Logan, I really don’t need yer help,” Danielle said as she pushed him aside. He looked into her eyes and growled yet again. She snarled back in the same feral way and a battle of growls began. Photographs were taken of the confrontation. Logan retracted his claws and grabbed her hand pulling her out of the studio and into a more private and secluded room. “What is yer problem?” Danielle asked angrily. “I hate everyone gawking at ya – checkin’ ya out and all,” he said angrily. Danielle glanced over herself. “Ya know, my style of dress never bothered ya before,” she said softly and assuredly. “Well, maybe it does now,” he said quickly. Danielle giggled softly. “If I didn’t know any better I would say yer jealous,” she replied. Logan slowly approached her. “Maybe I am,” he said before quickly taking her into his arms and smothering her with his passionate kisses. “Logan, hey, what are ya daydreamin’ about?” Rogue asked as she gave Logan’s shoulder a quick nudge. He had imagined the little standoff. As much as he would have loved a riot where he could show his courage and strength, Logan sat down and returned his attentions to Danielle. They were singing several ballads Duran Duran had made famous during their long career. Songs like 'Come Undone', 'Ordinary World', 'The Seventh Stranger', and 'Do You Believe in Love' set a softer mood in the studio. But all the while, Logan was growing irritable and sensing a rising anger in his heart - an anger with himself that he desired her and was too afraid to act upon his desires. He remembered the night he first met Danielle back in Canada - how she sang lead with her band directing the lyrics of a hard rock ballad to him. Jean looked over to Logan feeling sorry for him. She was picking up his projections - his anger with himself, his hidden feelings for Danielle, a deep sense of jealousy - and she wondered if she should say something to ease his tension. He was projecting so strongly that it was nearly giving Jean a headache. He was angry and jealous. Danielle seemed to be flirting with frontman Simon Le Bon and Andy Taylor - rubbing up against them and smiling slyly, and then shooting cute winks over to keyboardist Nick Rhodes. *Bitch* Logan projected. *Logan, she's just having fun* Jean projected back. *She's just tryin' to piss me off. She knows I am here* *Logan, I doubt that's true* Logan felt his body tightening, his muscles tensing, and realized he needed to be somewhere alone. No longer could he stand her flirtatious behavior with the famous musicians. He needed to go somewhere so no one would see the erection hidden in his jeans. He was hard - so hard for Danielle - and it was driving him crazy. Jean felt a little relieved that he left the room, although it bothered her that he was obviously upset. Logan stormed out of the recording studio and stomped down the hall, looking for any place where he could get some relief, not only from the anger boiling inside him but also from the desire that Danielle had aroused in him, again. The men's room came up on his left; it would have to do. He banged open the door and went in. "Damn you, Danielle!" She was just toying with him, just stringing him along. He assumed she knew how he felt about her and she was using it against him. Quite well, if his rock-hard arousal was any indication. He hadn't wanted any woman this bad, ever. Even the good doctor Jean Grey didn't excite him or arouse him like Danielle did. Worse yet, he could hear the music had stopped and she was laughing with those men in the studio room, and it taunted his anger that much more. He prowled the confines of the bathroom pacing like a caged animal, desperately trying to pull himself together. He had half a mind to go back into that studio and take Danielle then and there and to hell with whoever was watching. Of course, thoughts like that only made his erection harder and more painful. He slammed his open palm into the stall door in a vain attempt to distract himself. It wasn't working. All he could think of was taking Danielle and sinking into her softness, feeling her legs twist around him, and to hear her growl when he made love to her. Logan wondered if John ever made love to Danielle here at the studio - maybe in one of the rooms with the lights off. He slammed his palm into the stall door again and again and again. Nothing was driving away the feelings he was having. No self-inflicting pain could give him the release he so needed. If he was going to get any release, he would have to do it himself. Fortunately for any passerby, the bathroom door had a lock on it. He locked the door and unzipped his jeans. After attempting to relieve his anger and frustration, Logan leaned against the sink and looked at himself in the mirror. He had sunk down to a new low - all because of a woman. "Yer such an asshole, Logan," he told himself angrily. "Why are ya so damned afraid of her? Ya know why? Because, you dick, you are in love with her and too chickenshit to say it." He splashed cold water on his face and after several minutes of pondering his raging emotions, he came out of the bathroom feeling no better than before. His anger still boiled to the surface at the thought of those other men being so close and touching Danielle. He was still incredibly frustrated and pleasuring himself proved worthless. Walking out of the men's room, he was confronted by Jean. "Hey, you ok?" she asked. "Why ask if ya already know the answer?" Logan asked back. "Look, I didn't mean to interfere. I won't pretend to know what's bothering you, but I think you need to discuss it and deal with it," Jean said. "I can handle it," Logan replied pushing passed Jean. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Outside, the gang had gathered while Scott corralled the young adults into the van. "Where's Logan and Jean?" Rogue asked Bobby. As Jean and Logan exited the studio, Rogue could tell Scott was obviously annoyed. Even though they were married and Jean had sworn off any interest in Logan, he still felt uneasy. Jean looked to Rogue and projected her thoughts. *He needed some time alone* Rogue realized Jean had tuned into his raging frustration and just wanted to help. Danielle watched Jean follow after Logan and her heart nearly sank. “I can take a few in my car,” Danielle shouted. Rogue quickly went over to Logan, grabbed his arm, and dragged him towards Danielle’s car. He stood angrily in front of Danielle as Rogue and Bobby slid into the back seat. Rogue shot Logan a stern glare and Logan knew there was no escaping this. Danielle looked at Logan oddly. Something was strange about him. Danielle swore to herself that he had the scent of sex on him and the thought pissed her off. Had he gone outside to get a quickie with Jean? Hmph! Jerk! The drive home was silent – only quick angry glances passed between Logan and Danielle. Bobby looked at Rogue wondering what was passing through her mind. He could see the wheels were turning. Rogue only wished she had Jean's gift of telepathy - the silent converstation passing between Logan and Danielle would be a rather intense one if she could only tap into it. Rogue leaned into the front between the seats and reached for the radio. She noticed Danielle’s hand on the gearshift and before sitting back she grabbed Logan’s hand and moved it quickly near Danielle’s. Logan pulled back before Danielle noticed. He shot Marie a very angry glare. “Impossible,” Rogue said as she sat back. “What are ya up to, Marie?” Danielle snidely asked. “Nothing. Just wanted to hear some tunes. It’s too quiet in here,” she replied. They arrived back at the school and got out of the car. As the quartet walked up the path to the front door, Rogue pushed Logan into Danielle. Of course, this caused Logan to run into Danielle and his having to grab her from losing balance. Rogue giggled as she and Bobby ran inside the mansion leaving Logan alone with Danielle. “Sorry. Damned kids,” he growled as he righted her. He ran his hand through his hair trying to calm himself. He wanted to turn away feeling himself getting hard again. “Well, it was interesting,” he said. “No mishaps. See, it wasn’t any big deal,” Danielle said. “Maybe not,” he agreed. He stopped for a moment to look into her eyes. His heart began to pound and he felt he needed to get out of there before she realized what was happening to him - again. He knew his face was flushed and if he ever could remember, he was sure he must have looked like an awkward horny teenage boy. He wanted to kiss her. To make matters worse and much to his surprise, Danielle approached him pulling him closely to her giving him a hug. Danielle sensed something was bothering him – she smelled the fear, the agitation, the desire. He closed his eyes absorbed in her warmth and compassion. She made no mention of feeling his manhood pressing against her as she hugged him. “Goodnight, Logan,” she said. He watched her go inside and took in a deep breath before sitting down. He wasn't about to move anywhere until he cooled off. As Rogue and Bobby watched from the window, Danielle entered the hallway and cussed at Rogue. “You little sneak. What are ya tryin’ ta do?” Danielle scolded. “Nothing,” Rogue said innocently. Danielle glared at her. Rogue ran down the hallway after Danielle. "So?" Rogue asked. "So what?" Danielle asked. "You guys didn't...kiss or anything?" Rogue wondered. “Goodnight, Marie,” Danielle said angrily before retiring to her room. Then, she watched Logan walk with determination down the hall to the gym. The sounds of him punching the heavy bag could be heard. |
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