| Summary: Wolverine and Panther deal with the
aftermath caused by Mystique. Will their love survive?
Inspired by a song sung by Cher. |
|
| Danielle stood
before Logan and sighed heavily. Her mind drifted to
Mystique. After being held captive by the Brotherhood mutant,
Danielle had been feeling at odds with herself and with Logan. She loved Logan deeply, but a part of her cringed at the thought of him spending intimate times with Mystique. Danielle had smelled Mystique on Logan after the incident. She hated the images of sexual things being shared between Logan and Mystique. Danielle never asked Logan what happened – she felt she didn't need to – the female scent of Mystique was enough. "What's wrong, darlin'?" Logan would ask. Danielle would smile and not respond. She would go on with whatever she was doing or leave the room. Logan knew enough what was bothering her and he couldn't hide it – the blue mutant had taken advantage of him while in captivity and there was little he felt he could do to stop it. He was cold to Mystique's advances and blocked out any emotional response, but things actually went farther than he wished they had. Danielle was not in any way uncomfortable with herself or lacking any trust of Logan. She knew he had no choice – it was all a matter of survival. But, a part of her couldn't let go of the idea of him being with Mystique. She spent several nights sleeping alone either on one of the couches or even on the floor. It was hard for her to be near him. During this time, Logan forgot about the things Magneto said to him about Xavier. He was too busy trying to cope with his Danielle. He hated feeling so pushed aside. "I can still smell her on you," Danielle would say. "I'll take another shower, if it makes you happy," Logan would reply even though he had already taken several showers trying to rid himself of the offending scent. Jean watched the turmoil between Danielle and Logan. Danielle sat outside alone looking out at the sunset while Logan watched her from the window with a lonely and heavy heart. "Give her some time and space, Logan. She will come around," Jean said. "I wish I could get her to understand it didn't mean anything. All I could think of was getting back to her," Logan said sadly. "She knows that. It's easy for you to turn off your emotions. You have done it for so long. Danielle is feeling a little uneasy. She just needs some time to come to grips with what happened," Jean said. Just then, Scott happened upon Logan and Jean. He and Jean were getting ready for an evening out. "Can I have a moment with Logan alone?" Scott asked Jean. "I'll wait for you in the car," she replied and patted Logan on his shoulder before leaving. "Danielle's still pissed about what happened," Scott said. "Yeah. I can't even get close without feelin' her wanting to pull away," Logan replied. "She's been avoiding me or sittin' quiet at her desk just totally into her artwork. Or, she goes outside and just sits with Jean Marie." "You know, as great a gal as Danielle is and how she does trust you completely, she's pretty upset. I don't think I have ever seen her so distant with you before," Scott said in observation. "Damn it all, she won't even sleep in our bed. I'll find her on the freakin' floor curled up on the god damn rug," Logan barked. Scott tried not to laugh with the way Logan was reacting. It all was silly in his eyes, but Scott tried not to anger Logan. "You know, she won't even let me hug her. And, forget sex, man. It's been the constant headache thing for days now," Logan added angrily. That was the last straw. Scott lost it. He just couldn't help but burst out laughing. Logan looked at him obviously trying to restrain his rage. "I'm sorry, man. I don't mean to make fun, but you aren't seeing things from her perspective. You still slept with another woman, Logan," Scott said jokingly. Logan looked outside again. He could sense Danielle was crying. "Damn it. I can't even go out there and talk to her. She just sucks it in and plays tough," Logan snarled. "Perhaps a little time away is what you both need. Sometimes it helps, Logan," Scott said. "But, don't go running off to Canada on her," he added. "You think maybe I could try sleepin' on the floor?" Logan asked. "Maybe you should. Just give her some distance. Don't do anything to set her off or provoke a confrontation. You two are both pretty hot-tempered and that could cause more damage than good," Scott replied. His advice seemed odd to Logan. He would rather confront the issue head on and beat it down instead of running away from it, as he would have done any time before. Scott walked outside and sat down by Danielle's side. "How's Jean Marie doing?" he asked. "She's in napping with Rogue," she replied. "And you?" Scott probed. Danielle didn't respond but the tears that began to well up in her eyes were enough of an answer for Scott. "You know, you have really been through a lot in the last couple of weeks," Scott suggested. "I need to get outta here for a bit - to clear my head," Danielle started to say. "You're going to leave Logan?" Scott asked. "No. I just want some time to myself. It's my fault. I shouldn't be feelin' this way, but I do and I need some time to work through it," Danielle replied. "Seeing you torture yourself and Logan the way you are is not healthy. Look, I chatted with Logan and he feels terrible and is blaming himself. I kinda suggested the same thing to him - time apart. Maybe it would be a good thing. Take a week or two and chill," Scott said. Danielle sat deep in thought. Was she going to ruin what she had with Logan? How was she going to handle Logan being forced to be unfaithful to her? Did he feel some attraction for Mystique deep down in his heart? She did need some time away to think of what is important - her jealousy or Logan and Jean Marie. Scott gave her a hug before going inside with her. Logan was in their room laying on the bed - his arms crossed behind his head. Logan sadly watched as Danielle began to throw together an overnight bag, gathered up Jean Marie and started out the door. "Danielle, please wait," Logan said chasing after her. Jean had entered the hallway having picked up on Danielle's projections. To her and Scott's surprise, Danielle turned to Logan and with tear filled eyes, she handed him his dog tag before turning to walk out the door. Logan wanted to go after her feeling a building rage in his heart and the alloy itching for release. He would never hurt her - it was only the stress of the moment and feeling like a frightened animal that stirred the reactions he was fighting to control. "Logan, let her go," Scott said holding Logan back. "It's best for both of you." As the door closed and Danielle ran down the walkway to her car, Logan stood silent and peered down at the dog tag in his hand. "She has never taken this off since the day I gave to her," he said sadly. "She's still wearing her wedding band, Logan. That's a good thing," Scott said. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A week had passed and no one had heard from Danielle. The time apart was wearing on Logan terribly. Jean passed by the entertainment room that night and found Logan sitting by the window. He smelled of alcohol and was drawing circles on the window and mumbling to himself. "Logan's drunk. It's the first time in a long time," Ororo said. "The separation is killing him," Jean replied. "Has anyone even heard from Danielle?" Ororo asked. "No. The Professor knows she is safe, but that is all he will say," Jean said. Logan turned around having heard the women talking. "What the hell are ya lookin' at?" Logan snarled. "Logan, please. This isn't going to help you," Ororo said. "What do ya care?" he said snidely. "Come on, Logan. I think you had enough now," Jean said taking a chance in removing the bottle of whiskey from Logan's grip. "Leave me alone," he said pulling away. "Jean, let's just let him be," Ororo said with alarm in her voice. "Logan, if you are going to continue getting shit-faced, please do it in your room so the children don't see you," Jean warned. Logan huffed and stumbled down the hallway to his room. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Logan, would you come into my office?" Charles asked. Logan followed the professor and took a seat in one of the chairs in front of his desk. "I am not happy with this night after night drinking you insist on doing," Charles scolded. Logan rolled his eyes. He knew this was coming and was quite prepared for it. "I am quite aware of your pain, but I think you need to take into consideration a better way to channel what you are feeling," Charles added. "Should I take to carving up all the trees on campus, 'cause that's what I feel like doin'," Logan retorted. "I truly don't care what you do as long as the children do not have to be witness to it." Logan turned away and looked out the window. "Logan, I realize you have been through another rather traumatic event in your life." "You should know," Logan said angrily as he got up and slammed his clenched fist down on Xavier's desk. "I think now isn't the time to discuss what Magneto might have told you, and I know he has filled your mind with thoughts of betrayal." Logan snarled. "What the hell do you want?" "The reason why I have asked you here is to inform you of a gathering of sorts on Liberty Island. It has been several years now, but the world leaders are hoping to get together again for negotiations concerning mutant freedom and to discuss disolving any thought concerning the 'Mutant Registration Act.' It has been requested by the United States President that we attend as guests of honor," Charles started. "Really? I guess that means I have no choice in having to be there," Logan replied. "I know you don't care for large crowds and still don't consider yourself part of the Team, but this would be a very important appearance," Charles said. "Do I have to wear a suit?" Logan asked sarcastically. "No. The Team will be in uniform – sort of a way of making the public aware of us," Charles responded. "Fine," Logan replied blankly. Damned black suits. "The children will be providing some of the entertainment. Danielle has agreed to provide the music with her band. I just wanted to prepare you beforehand," Charles said. Logan hung his head down. It had been three weeks since she left to stay with Yulanda in Connecticut and he had been miserable without her and his daughter. The mention of Danielle's name hit a nerve and he forgot about his anger with Xavier. Charles sensed Logan's sadness without even having to enter Logan's troubled mind. Charles rolled around next to Logan. "I know you miss her," Xavier said while laying his hand on Logan's shoulder. Logan looked up at Charles. The expression on his face was of hidden pain and restrained rage. "Logan, she loves you. Just be patient. She will come around," Charles said. "You sound like Scott and Jean," Logan said softly. "She will be fine. She knows you were forced into a situation," Charles replied. "You think she'll ever get over it?" Logan asked. "I know she will. She's a tough girl," Charles replied. "And, we will discuss the other issues troubling you when the time is right." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The party on Liberty Island was full of fun, laughter, and a coming together of mutants and humans. Danielle led the children of the Xavier school in a series of dance numbers set to the music of N'Sync. The members of the X Team were on public display and showing how they posed no threat to the public and would always be around to help in times of need. Logan stood off to the side - his mind obviously on other things besides the party and questions from the world leaders. He watched Danielle - she had changed a bit. She had cut and dyed her hair a soft blonde - somewhat conservative yet with a hint of spice. "Hey, you all right?" a soft feminine voice asked. Logan turned around when Marie's hand grasped his shoulder. He then looked off into the direction of Danielle on stage with the young kids. "I think ya ought to go to her," Marie said. "She hates me enough as is, Marie. I ain't gonna rock the boat," Logan replied before walking off. Jean saw his expression and approached Marie. "I think it is time to intervene," Jean said to Marie. "I think yer right. Both of them are so stubborn," Marie replied. Danielle and the children returned to Charles. There were several tables set aside for them and ice cream and soda was served for a job well done. Logan watched Danielle from a distance as she answered questions from some of the delegates. Her feline instincts had made her aware of his eyes peering at her and she could smell his scent riding in the cool night breeze. When she finished answering the questions, Jean confronted her. "How are you doing?" Jean said as she hugged Danielle in greeting. "Fine. Tired, excited, energized - scared," Danielle replied. "You look really good - refreshed and rested," Jean said while pulling at a lock of Danielle's hair. Danielle had a more sophistocated style about her. Yulanda approached them carrying Jean Marie. "Thanks," Danielle said as she took the child in her arms. Her eyes drifted off into Logan's direction. "Have you settled up with yourself?" Jean asked. "I don't know. I...I did miss him, Jean," Danielle replied with a trembling voice. "I know you needed time to think, but Logan's been beside himself since you left," Jean said. Danielle looked to her and then in Logan's direction. He looked so sad wanting to be with her. "I just can't get the thought out of my mind," Danielle said. "You know he would never have done anything intentional. Logan's too honorable to purposely be unfaithful," Jean replied. Danielle looked to him again as tears welled up in her eyes. Jean put her hand on Danielle's shoulder to comfort her. "I know you are right. I really feel it is time we move on. I do love him and I do know he wouldn't do anything to hurt me or Jean Marie," Danielle said. Yulanda stood by her friend and Danielle leaned into her embrace. "The first thing to do is go talk to him," Yulanda said taking Jean Marie away from her. Danielle walked over to the stone fence looking out at the large crowd. Silently, Danielle called for him – the toss of her hair and the way she looked at him was all he needed to understand. Logan slowly approached her. He was cautious but could sense her desire to be near him even though she had obviously been crying again. She took in a deep breath. "You look so sexy in that uniform," Danielle said of the skintight black leather X Team jumpsuit. She continued to look out over the crowd without turning around. His gloved hands grasped her shoulders gently massaging the tension away. Danielle closed her eyes as his arms wrapped around her midsection. She could feel him standing close and Danielle leaned into him enjoying his embrace. The tears continued to pour forth. She did miss her Wolverine. Danielle turned to face Logan. His eyes drifted over her feminine form and then he wiped away the tears running down her cheeks. He took her hand slowly. She grasped tightly and could feel him trembling. It was like a first date - the first time holding hands. Logan began to wonder what his very first date may have been like - if it was as awkward as he felt now. Those memories were lost to him. Then, he wondered why he felt so nervous to the point of obvious trembling. How could he feel so uncomfortable? This was his woman - his lover, chosen life partner, and the mother of his most precious daughter. He pulled her close. Logan strongly kissed her as his hands grasped her sides. Danielle's body began screaming for Logan's touch. She could feel herself going limp under the forceful command of Wolverine. He pulled back and looked deep into her eyes. "I love ya, darlin'," Logan said softly. "I know. I love ya too," Danielle replied. She kissed him again as they both let their passions be known. "Can ya eva forgive me for bein' such a bitch?" Danielle asked. Logan pulled back and looked sarcastically puzzled. "Logan?!" Danielle questioned emphatically and with a hint of fear. "I suppose I can, only if ya can forgive me," he said softly. Danielle hugged him tightly. In the distance, the Xavier residents watched as Logan and Danielle finally interacted. "Hey, look – Logan's making up with Danielle," Bobby said to Marie, Jubilee and John. Logan pulled a yellow daisy from one of the planters and tucked it into Danielle's hair. "I guess I had trouble putting the thought of you and Mystique out of my mind," Danielle said. "It meant nothing," he said. Danielle looked deep into his eyes where she could see right into his soul. His arms pulled her close embracing her tightly. Danielle held on not wanting to let go. "Yer all I need – you, me, and Jean Marie," Logan said. The entire X Team seemed to collectively sigh in relief as Logan kissed Danielle. The feelings of deep love and passion ebbed through them. Jean brought their daughter over reuniting the entire family. The child reached out for her father as Logan took his little girl. Yulanda came by. "Hi, Logan. She misses her daddy," she said. "I missed you too, little darlin'," Logan said taking his daughter into his arms. "Ya know, you three look like the perfect family," Yulanda said in observation. Logan leaned into Danielle - he had his two most important girls with him now. "Why don't I take the baby for the night. You two need some time alone," Yulanda said as she reached out for Jean Marie. Logan let his daughter go and both he and Danielle watched as Yulanda took Jean Marie down the walkway. "We have had some rough times, haven't we?" Logan asked. "Yes, we have," Danielle replied. "What are we gonna do now?" Logan slyly looked around before kissing Danielle again. "I can think of a few things," he said sarcastically. Danielle took the hint and leaped into his arms again. They smothered each other with kisses as Danielle backed him away from the fence. He looked curiously at her as she took his hand and quickly escorted him away from the crowd. Finding a more secluded place, Danielle turned to Logan. She laid her hands on his chest and pushed him to sit down. He didn't fight her, especially when she straddled his lap and began kissing him under his neck as her hand slowly unzipped the X Man jumpsuit. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Has anyone seen Danielle?" Professor Xavier asked. "Logan seems to be missing as well," Scott said. "I was just with them," Yulanda said. "I'm taking J.M. home so they could spend some time together alone." Jean and Rogue both looked at each other and giggled softly. They knew what had to be going on. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Oh, God, Danielle. You really know how to turn me on," Logan said through labored breaths. "Anything for my Wolverine," she replied before returning to her pleasurable work. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- After a bit, Logan and Danielle returned to the party. Several reporters flew over with cameras. "Danielle, can we get a few pictures?" one reporter asked. "Sure. And the name's Panther," Danielle replied. "Hey, give us a sexy pose - something hot and spicy," another reporter said. "Wolverine, we understand you were part of some underground military movement in Canada. Can you give us some details," a third reporter probed. "How the hell did you hear about that?" Logan snarled. "No comment, dude," Danielle quickly interupted and pushed the reporter back. At that moment, both Logan and Danielle smelled Mystique's scent. Mystique, in the form of a man of medium height and sleek build, decided to move on. However, the rush of attention brought several groupies over and a few of them began to harrass Danielle for attention. Logan instinctively pushed Danielle behind him and extended his claws out to the sides. "Enough," Logan warned. Danielle peered out from behind Logan smiling at the thought of her man protecting her. She moved to his side, popped her claws and together they stood back to back as if ready for a fight. It was a pose the photographers took many pictures of. "So, what's the story with you two?" a female reporter asked. "Anytime someone is in need, we will be there," Danielle replied. "We're always watching," Logan added. Danielle smiled a half smile before returning her full attention to the camera. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Back at the mansion, Danielle stepped over near the window. She sat down and looked outside and enjoyed the thought that she was home and had just been made love to by her Wolverine. Logan watched her in silence, and then he walked over to her. His firm hands kneaded her naked shoulders. She looked up to him and then back outside again. He walked over to the tape player and put on a song. Danielle looked to him as he walked back over. She stood up and he took her in his arms. Slowly and gently, they moved together dancing to the lyrics of Cher. Well here we are again
I guess it must be fate We've tried it on our own But deep inside we've known We'd be back to set things straight I still remember when Your kiss was so brand new Every memory repeats Every step I take retreats Every journey always Brings me back to you CHORUS: After all the stops and starts We keep coming back to these two hearts Two angels who've been rescued from the fall And after all that we've been through It all comes down to me and you I guess it's meant to be Forever you and me After all When love is truly right This time it's truly right It lives from year to year It changes as it goes And oh the way it grows But it never disappears Chorus Always just beyond my touch Though I needed you so much After all what else is living for (Cher 'After All') |