The Vengeful Soul: Part Six

by Kerri G.

After standing under the sharp spray of cold water for a good 10 minutes, Charlotte finally turned on the hot, trying to ease the aches and pains of combat, not that it had been all that strenuous. And what had it gotten her? Emotional release, sure, but she was still physically wound up. Maybe a few more rounds with Logan. This time try a few of the wrestling holds she'd learned. 'No, stop that,' she told herself roughly, 'you want to lose.'

She stepped out of the shower and wrapping a towel around her hair. She looked around for a second towel, couldn't find one, then shrugged. It was summertime, she'd dry soon enough.

In the guest room Logan sat by the open window, a lit cigar between his teeth. He was gazing out at the night sky.

She found him there, uninvited, but shrugged that off too. "You didn't happen to bring an extra towel with you, did you?"

He swung around to find her standing behind him. "Nah, but ya can sit on my lap and I'll help ya dry off."

"Pass." She slipped on the light shirt and shorts Jean loaned her wet. "I could've sworn I locked that door. You always sneak up on women in the shower? There *are* easier ways to get a date this century, or so I've heard."

He didn't rise to the bait, although she was tempting him to do just that. "Whatcha' mean by 'family'?"

She didn't pretend to misunderstand him. "Just what I said. Jean-Luc is an old friend of mine. When you've buried as many as I have, you treasure the ones that are still around, including their children." She sat in the chair across from him. "I remember him as child. Beautiful, charming boy. Jean-Luc was so sure he'd be running the Guild some day." She smiled at the memory. "Every time he got caught, he'd flash that smile and charm his way out of trouble. I'm surprised Henri didn't hate him for stealing the spotlight." Though he *had* been resentful in his younger years.

"That's why ya went after him?"

"I would have gone after any of you, not just him." Her eyes flashed a warning. "I must admit it does have a certain balance, though. Some elements of my life just keep popping up at the most unexpected times."

"What now?"

"Well, I'm kinda hungry. Expending a lot of energy does that to a person."

He stubbed his cigar out and got to his feet. "I mean, are ya goin' back now?" He reached for her and pulling her into his arms. He kissed her neck, nibbling on the warm damp skin.

The feel of his teeth sent a shiver down her spine and she moved her neck to give him more access. Her eyes unfocused, then she pulled away before he turned her into a mindless lump of jello.

Purple Jell-o.

Purple Rain.

Purple Passion.

Purple People Eater.

....it was a one-eyed, one horn, flyin'.....

'Shut up!' she ordered herself, the strain of unresolved tension twisting inside her. Too much, too fast, it was making her silly. In another minute she'd be giggling. Giggling! Like a damn kid. 'Help, someone!'

"I'm going back, with Remy, as soon as Hank gives the go ahead." She rubbed her hair with the towel, then twisted the damp mass back out of the way. "If you, Storm and Hank want to stay, fine by me. I might hurt someone if I stay." 'Or I just might make a huge fool of myself.' Which would be worse? Toss-up.

"Ya won't."

"People around here are begging for it, would be impolite to refuse the invitation. Question is, do I do this one at a time, or all at once?"

His eyes narrowed. "Ain't gonna be no fightin' here."

"There's always a fight, one way or another." She backed him up against the wall. "Just have to decide which way it's gonna be," her voice lowered to a whisper against his mouth. She leaned in, barely touching her lips to his, pressing her body against his. His body tensed. "Who it's gonna be with," she ran her tongue over his lips, "and how much fun I want to make it for my opponent."

He groaned when she sucked his lower lip between her teeth, growled when she bit down hard, drawing blood. His head swam when she licked the red drops from him. His eyes closed.

Then she was gone, out the door and down the hall.

'Preciate ya tryin' to make it interestin' darlin' but it ain't necessary,' he thought, taking a calming breath. 'Ain't necessary at all.' Round 2 had just begun.

The kitchen was deserted when she entered. She opened the huge refridgerator. "So, how do you tell what belongs to who?" she asked aloud.

Before the silence could answer back, Jean came in. "I thought I 'heard' you in here. I saved some dinner for you and Logan. I'll heat it up."

In a few minutes, she set a plate of pasta set in front of her. She sat across from Charlotte, clearly attempting to say something. Charlotte debated whether or not to open that particular can of worms, then decided to go ahead. This was the day for foolish actions. What was one or two more? <Something on your mind?>

Jean looked startled. She was trying to find a tactful way of broaching the subject again. <We still want you to stay until Professor Xavier gets back tomorrow.>

<Who's we?>

<You're right, just me and Storm. I'm sure the professor can help us settle this so we can start rebuilding the team.>

<You put a lot of faith in Xavier. Maybe he can't salvage this situation. You can't just wave a wand and make it all disappear. It's not that easy. If it was, I would have tried it decades ago.> Didn't these people ever make a move without approval from above? One that didn't involve passing sentence on a team member?

Jean didn't answer.

Gods, was she just losing her will, or was there a reason behind all this? Maybe it was her turn to be the deities' little private joke this year. <I have one condition.> 'Damn, can't you keep your mouth shut, or you want a rematch? Got some more issues you want to pound out of someone? Maybe.'

<As long as it doesn't compromise the team.>

<You've all done that already, there's nothing left I could do on that one.> The look on Jean's face shamed her. Jean genuinely cared about Remy. Charlotte knew she had no right to keep up the sarcasm. Jean didn't deserve it. It wasn't a hard request. She could gate out of here at any moment. <I psi-lock the lab door. No one goes in or out unless I approve. I'll spend the night in there with him.>

<No one will hurt him.>

<Warren's here, isn't he? And he's aching for a chance at Remy. You might mention to him if he can't control his impulses I'm in the market for a new feather pillow.>

"Ya two knock it off and talk out loud," Logan grumbled as he entered. He gave Charlotte a disgruntled 'we're not done yet' look and sat down with the two women.

Charlotte didn't pay attention to him. She looked at Jean, waiting for an answer.

She really couldn't see any other way. At least the other woman could be reasonable. Jean nodded. "All right. Whatever you want."

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