Title: Cold

Author: Sarita

Pairing : Logan / Scott
Setting : Movieverse.
All the usual disclaimers apply - I don't own them, I'm just borrowing them for my own nefarious purposes.

 

Logan slued to a stop in the snow, the bitter chill air keeping him cold to his metal laced bones. His breath steamed in the air as he looked around him. All was quiet serenity. Too damn quiet for his liking. Hundreds of damn miles and it's snowing in Westchester. I got enough of this crap in Canada. He dismounted the bike with a groan, stretching 'till he could walk in something approximating normal fashion and then crunched through the snow up to the main doors. He glanced back at the Bike and grinned. When he'd left it'd been all polished chrome and muscle. The muscle was still there, but the polish was long gone. The kid was gonna have a fit when he saw the accumulated months of road grit and other assorted muck. Probably whip out his handkerchief, drop to his knees and start polishing before the gas tank cools, he though with amusement. Beneath the grime it was purring like a baby though, Logan had made sure of that. The kid had made the gesture in good faith. He didn't mind having a little fun with him, messing with his head some more, but that was as far as it went. He wouldn't kick him in the teeth too. He pushed open the doors. Unlocked. Figured. Not something he'd do in this day and age even with the sophisticated security system he knew to be lurking out of sight. He stopped as that thought hit him. The security system. They had to know he was here so why had no one come to meet him?

"Logan!"

He winced as a flurry of brown hair with a white streak shot out of the elevator toward him and swept into his arms. "Hey kiddo, take it easy. Anyone would think we hadn't seen each other in months."

"Very funny, sugah. It has been months in case you missed that on the road. Sorry Ah didn't meet you outside but we're a little short handed here at the moment."

Logan was immediately alert and tense. "What's happened. Magneto's people causing trouble or has something else gone wrong. Where's Chuck and the others?"

Rogue backed of with laughter in her arms. "Whoa there Logan, " she said softly putting her gloved hands on his chest to hold him back from rushing off blindly down the hall. "There's no danger as such. C'mon into the kitchen and I'll fill you in on the last few months over some hot soup." She danced away from him a few steps and then turned back, twisting her hands shyly and smiling brightly. "Ah missed you Logan, I'm glad you're back for a while." Logan followed the young girl into the kitchen startled at how much she'd matured. She seemed to waiver between the timid, frightened young thing he'd met back in Canada and a confident young woman between one breath and the next.

When he was sat at the table she grinned. "You stayin' for a while this time, " she asked shyly.

He shrugged. "I said I'd be back. Didn't learn much up North an' Chuck said he'd keep lookin' for stuff while I was gone. Figured it would be warmer here but I guess I'll be stayin' for a while at least. Am I keeping' you from something Marie? "

She blushed as he caught her looking at her watch. "Ah've got a date tonight with Bobby. Ororo said she'd drive us into town to catch a movie and a pizza while she visits a friend."

"Bobby....the ice cube, right?" there was an edge to Logan's voice.

"She slapped him playfully on the arm. "Lay off him Logan, he's been real nice to me since I got here ."

"Hey," he protested, "I'm just lookin' out for you like I promised. Now are you gonna tell me what's been going on around here and where everyone is or do I have to play hide and seek with the X geeks to figure things out?"

Rogue rolled her eyes. "Where do I start?" She sighed and smiled a little sadly. "A lot has happened since you left Logan, most good but some bad stuff too." She hesitated and then blurted " Ms Grey and Mr Summers split up a couple a' months ago." She paused and looked at Logan, waiting for his reaction to that one.

He didn't even blink. When it was clear that she wasn't going to continue 'till she got some reaction he shrugged. "Didn't think it would last," he muttered.

"Ms Grey is seein' someone else now, has been for a few weeks. They're still good friends though, her and Scott. Still part of the x- men an all." She paused again. "You gonna make a play for her now?"

Logan looked a little startled. "What makes you think I'd do that?" At her look he waived her off, "forget I said that darlin' I guess I deserved that. And no, I ain't gonna make a play for her." He hoped he hadn't emphasised 'her' out loud in the same way he'd thought it. "So tell me about Chuck and the rest, why's no-one minding security round here right now?"

"The professor is in New York for a couple of days with some of the schools' contributors. Ororo is in class right now with the younger students, while the rest of us are either in bed with the flu or on study leave and doin' project work while we're short two teachers. Hank had to go to New Mexico for something, some kid just came into his powers down there and is afraid of flying. He's bringing him back the old fashioned way."

"Wait Logan interrupted, "who the hell is Hank and why are you short two teachers. Where the hell is Jean and One eye?"

Marie rolled her eyes again. God that is gonna get annoying, Logan thought irritably.

"If y'all will let me finish ah'll tell you. Hank is one of the x- men. He got back from some science thing just after you left. He was one of the original x-men along with Storm, Cyke and Jean and some kid who had wings or something. Hanks big, blue and furry. Kind of like a giant mutant care bear Ah suppose. He's one teacher we're short. Jean is here but she doesn't actually teach, she just does the doctoring' along with all the mutant rights stuff in Washington. With most of the older kids sick with Flu, she's pretty busy right now. She's down in the med-lab with Scott right now I guess. When she isn't with one of the kids, she's pretty much lookin' after him. He's the other teacher we're short right now 'cos he's sick too." She sat back and stretched. "That I guess, is pretty much it in a condensed version. Oh, and I'm one of the x-men too now, though I haven't actually been on any missions yet or anything."

"Back up, " Logan ordered frowning. "Why is one-eye getting the med- lab treatment when everyone else is just in bed. He such a wus that he can't handle a little cold or something?"

Rogue shook her head sharply. "He's not a wus Logan and he ain't got no cold as such. One of the younger kids went out on the ice unsupervised and fell through. Scott went in after him 'an managed to get him out but he couldn't pull himself out 'cos the ice kept breakin' under his weight. He had to keep himself from goin' under 'till Ah could get Jean and she used her power to pull him out. By then he'd got hypothermia an' all and that turned into pneumonia." She rubbed at her eyes briefly. "We thought he was gonna die at one point, he got so sick but Jean is a good doctor. He's startin' to get better these last couple a' days but he's been down in the med-lab for two weeks now. He's been a good friend to me while you were gone Logan, kinda like an older brother. Not as old as you of course but you know what I mean. I gotta go, will you be okay here?"

Logan smiled at the underlying question. "I'm not going anywhere while you're gone Marie. You have fun and tell ice-cube he makes a move I'm gonna turn him into one of them fancy ice carvings okay?"

Logan finished his soup and considered his next move. He was half way to the med-lab before he actually realised what he was doing. Jean was on her way out as he rounded the corner. She looked like she hadn't slept in days.

"Logan!", her greeting was considerably more muted than Rogue's had been but her eyes warmed and she hugged him briefly. "Have you seen Marie?"

He nodded. "She filled me in on what's been happening around here lately. I take it you people haven't given up on your mutant superhero notions?"

She laughed tiredly. "You haven't changed at all Logan."

"Any reason I should have darlin'?" he asked stepping in towards her.

She met his eyes and held them. "He's asleep at the moment Logan, but you can go in if you want," she said at last. At his startled look she continued. "I'm a telepath remember, one who has seen into your mind. I may not be as strong as the professor but I know how you felt about him, still feel. I know what all the posturing was about when you were here before and did then. He didn't . He knows himself a lot better now." She stepped away from Logan and continued on toward the elevator. She paused while she waited for it to descend again. "Logan," she called as he reached for the med-lab door. "We may not be together any more but he's still my best friend. If you hurt him you'll answer to me and I won't fish you out of the lake when I'm done."

Logan pushed through the doors and entered the darkened room.

The only light in the room came from a halogen desk lamp that had been left on in the background. The glow it gave off was a stark blue white that made everything in the room seem washed out. Scott was no exception. He lay on one of the padded exam beds covered by a single sheet. An IV line ran from his arm to a bag of clear liquid, saline to replace lost fluids Logan assumed. The white sheet, the stark metal and the pale blue-white light only made the man look paler than normal, almost ghostly. Logan paused in the shadows and studied him. His face was devoid of either glasses or visor and Logan was stunned by how young he looked. With his hair mussed and his head canted slightly to the side not even the shadow of stubble around his jaw aged him. Without the glasses he looked a good ten years younger than Logan knew him to be. He shivered and moved over to the bed- side. How long he simply stood there staring down at the man everyone else here assumed he hated was anybody's guess. Logan reflected on that thought and Jeans' parting words as she got into the elevator. Okay, so not everyone had been fooled by all the alpha male posturing. He wondered what she had meant when she said Scott knew himself better now.

With a deep sigh he grabbed the metal chair by the desk and dragged it over to the bed swinging it around so he could straddle it and rest his arms over the back. The chair squeaked alarmingly as he leant his weight forward to stare into Scott's' closed eyes. Whether it was the noise or just the sense of presence in the room, it disturbed Scott's sleep. His eyelids twitched and he mumbled something groggily. Only Logan's preternatural reflexes gave him any warning of what was about to happen. Everything seemed to move into slow motion in his head as he reacted to the sight of Scott slowly opening his eyes. He was moving before his brain gave the command, the chair falling roughly to the side as he threw himself to the floor to avoid that devastating gaze. He knew logically that he had no chance of making it and was a little stunned when he realised he'd hit the floor and the room was still bathed in dim blue light. Blue , not red. Warily he lifted his head to peer over the side of the bed at Scott Summers. Or more particularly at Scott Summers' blue eyes and the rather puzzled expression on his face.

"Thought it was you," Scott croaked roughly. "Went through a stage of hallucinating though so I wasn't sure."

"You're eyes," Logan blurted, still kneeling on the floor. "You got blue eyes."

Scott gave him a slightly disgusted look that was only tempered by the tiredness evident on his features. "No kidding," he muttered. "How?" Logan waived his hand irritably in front of his face "For get that, what I mean is what happened to your power?" Logan stood pulling the chair back in front of the bed and stared at Scott's eyes. He kept his expression carefully blank, aware that he must've looked a complete idiot on the floor with his mouth wide open in shock. No sense in letting the kid see him drool over this new and unexpected feature that had the butterflies running around in his stomach.

Scott shifted on the bed, perhaps a little uncomfortable at the way Logan was staring intently at his face. He let his gaze fall slightly over Logan's' shoulder, letting his eyes sink shut for a moment before answering. "Down here for two weeks, mutations' powered by the sun so there's no energy there right now. Least that's what Jean and the professor think. Don't know how long it will last once I go back above ground." His voice had got even more croaky as he spoke and he stopped , lapsing into a coughing fit. Logan winced at the hacking sound and grabbed for the jug of water on the desk, probably left there for just that purpose. He held a cup out to Scott but the younger man was almost doubled over, wheezing slightly. Logan looked about nervously as if expecting help to walk through the door and then hissed in frustration. He pushed Scott back against the raised back of the bed with one hand while bringing the water to his lips with the other. "Sip it, " he warned. Scott's breathing eased and he drank gratefully . Logan was a little startled to notice that he still hadn't moved his hand from the juncture of Scott's neck and shoulder where he held him back to the bed. He snatched it back suddenly like he'd been burned. "You done," he said gruffly when Scott stopped drinking. Scott pushed his arm away, his hand flopping back to the bed weakly, his eyes closed and his face drawn. Logan found himself wishing he'd open those startlingly blue eyes again. He also noticed that during the coughing fit the single sheet covering Scott had gathered about his waist leaving his torso bare. Despite his slim frame he was surprisingly muscular with only a little hair defining his chest muscles. He found himself watching the rhythmic rise and fall of that chest with an almost hypnotic fascination.

"How long are you here for this time?"

Logan shook himself and glanced up at Scott's' face guiltily. He'd thought Scott to have drifted off back to sleep. Scott's' eyes were still closed and he was suddenly glad he hadn't been caught staring. "Can't wait to get rid of me again?" he asked, his voice laced with tired sarcasm.

"That's not what I said." Scott opened his eyes again and turned his head to stare at Logan.

Damn but those eyes might well be the undoing of him if he wasn't already interested enough. "I don't know," he answered honestly. "Chuck said he'd keep looking into things for me. Canada didn't pan out. I'm not exactly in a hurry to hit the road again, thought I'd take some time and catch up with Marie, " he took a deep breath May as well say it all " and you."

Scott's expression didn't change, was as unreadable as if he was wearing those damn glasses that made Logan so nervous and here in the antiseptic, metallic smelling med-lab his scent wasn't being very helpful either. "How's the bike, didn't let you down did it?"

"Efficient, hard wearing, full of surprises and stubborn as hell. Like it's owner. I brought it back in one piece if that's what you're worried about. I even polished it before I got here." No harm in telling one little white lie and cleaning it up before Scott got out of here would give him something to do during the day he thought sourly, all thoughts of using it's current state to wind Scott up completely forgotten.

"Spent five years getting it how I liked it. Means a lot to me. Thanks." There was a long pause. "Jean and I aren't together anymore," he blurted suddenly. "So you can do what ever you want, no one'd get hurt now I guess." He stared at Logan intently. "What I mean is..."

Logan held his hand up to forestall further comment. He could get a hint of his scent now, even over the bland medical bay. Uncertainty and a hint of fear overlaid with determination and that unique blend he'd stopped trying to distil down to its various component parts. He just called it Cyke now. "I know what you mean."

"Do you?"

Logan smiled at the hopeful note that Scott couldn't quite keep out of his voice. No one else would have picked it up, but he did.

"Yeah, slim. I do."

Logan threw the rag down in disgust. When the hell did he go soft anyway. He glared at the offending chrome exhaust pipe. Nowhere in his half formed plan of seduction had it included cleaning the damn bike. In fact the plan had gone more along the lines of just strutting in , shoving the kid up against a wall and fucking him senseless. Somehow the sight of the kid flat on his back, pale as a ghost and hooked up to a bunch of machines had hit him like a punch to the gut and he'd found himself actually being 'nice' to him. To add insult to injury it had felt right, comfortable despite the tension and the things that had been left unsaid. He kept turning the conversation over and over in his head, hoping he hadn't misinterpreted those final few minutes before Scott had drifted off to sleep again. Shaking his head and rising from the floor beside the bike he gathered up the cleaning rags and other paraphernalia. The kid was definitely interested, it had just taken him by surprise that he hadn't had to drag that out of him. Where they went from here -- now that was another question. Plan A, while appealing, would probably not work on Summers. Flowers? No fucking way -- not even for a piece of that ass, growled his inner wolverine. Logan snorted, he needed a cold shower to clear his head and come up with something else. It was a long time since he'd tried to build a relationship with someone and while he wasn't looking to buy a wedding ring here, he didn't want some kind of one night stand either.

Cleaning the bike had taken all morning and the best part of the afternoon. When he stepped back out of his room after a quick shower and change of clothes it was mid-afternoon and he was at a loss as to how to pass the time before dinner. They'd changed the codes to the danger room and no-one had thought to let him in on the new ones which pretty much left the games room or the library, both of which promised to be full of half sick teenagers with no teachers to keep them gainfully occupied. Logan had a theory about teenagers that wasn't so far away from anti-mutant protesters theories about mutants. They're fine, but not near me! A thought struck him and a minute later he was rummaging through what served as the school supplies room. When he had the things he wanted he tucked sketchbook and pencils under arm and headed back for his own room. He didn't make it past the elevator before Jean found him.

"I've been looking for you," she said with a smile as she stepped out of the doorway in front of him.

"I haven't been hiding," he answered with a tight smile.

"Bullshit," she said amiably. "You're afraid we're going to ask you to teach class or something." At his raised eyebrow she laughed outright. "Rogue did suggest it to 'Ro but she was almost lynched by half a dozen terrified upper class boys. For some reason you scare them almost as much as Scott's mathematics class."

"Can't see how that compares. They got reason to be scared of me," Logan growled.

"You haven't seen the kind of homework assignments Scott can come up with if someone pisses him off in class. They're legendary. He's the only teacher here who can command a class' entire respect and attention without once raising his voice or scolding them."

"An I thought it was his naturally sunny personality. I don't think you came looking for me to discuss Scooter, what did you want me for Jeanie?"

"Actually this is about Scott. I'd like your help with him."

Logan gripped his purloined sketchpad hard. "What's wrong?"

Jean canted her head at his intensity. "Nothing to be worried about Logan." She smiled at the visible relaxation. God, but he had it bad even if he didn't know it yet. There was more than just lust on his mind here. "He's well enough to move back up to his room, in fact short of strapping him down to the bed I'm not sure I can prevent him doing just that much longer. Unfortunately he's going to be pretty unsteady on his legs. He's been flat on his back for two weeks and I'm too tired to give him much support if his legs give out. He refuses to be carried or use a wheelchair."

Logan shook his head. "Stubborn jerk." There was no heat in his voice. "Fine, he good to go now?"

As they rode down in the elevator Logan had a sudden thought. "If he goes back upstairs his power will switch back on right?"

Jean shrugged. "Of course, but if he doesn't go back up soon it will start to cause him more problems anyway."

"How do you mean?"

Jean turned to look at Logan as the elevator came to a halt. "He's not going to get any better down here. His power is derived from the sun that's true, but it's so much a part of his mutation now that he can't really do without it. Being out of the suns radiation is increasing the pain he's in. She shrugged again as she started down the hall. He's always in some pain of course but the headaches get worse the longer he is down here."

Logan grabbed Jeans arm. "What do you mean he's always in pain."

Jean looked at Logan's hand on her arm until he removed it then fixed him with a hard stare. "Scott has suffered with blinding headaches since his mutation developed. It's related to the brain damage he suffered as a child that prevents him controlling his power. If everything was working normally he wouldn't be in pain, but it's not and he's learned to live with it. He's got so used to it now it's kind of like a background thing to him. Having felt it once or twice through him I know I'd be reaching for the aspirin -- something you'll never see Scott doing, unless he has to stay down here much longer."

"I didn't know."

"There's a lot to Scott that people don't know about. I hope you stick around long enough to find some of it out. He's a very private person, it won't come overnight." She speared him with a sharp look. "You'll get back what ever you put into this Logan, it's up to you how much you want that to be."

They entered the med-lab with Jeans' comment still running through his head. It felt a little weird having Scott's ex giving him pointers and veiled threats about his intentions all wrapped up in one.

Scott looked pissed. With the glasses on he had two expressions that he chose to show the world. Determined and disapproving. Pissed was a new one for Logan. It looked kinda cute on him. Stifling that thought he turned on his most antagonistic grin and announced "Baby sitters' here, you can go to your room now." The look he got from the kid was priceless.

"I can manage to find my room on my own," Scott ground out glaring at Jean. He swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood. He immediately pitched forward on legs that did a remarkably good impression of jello and would have hit the floor face first if Logan's reflexes hadn't been quite so sharp.

Logan suddenly found himself with an armful of Scott Summers pressed up against his chest. "Easy slim," he laughed and then bent his head close to the younger man's ear and whispered, "If I'd known you'd be throwing yourself at me I'd have come back a little sooner." He immediately regretted his words as Summers jerked out of his grasp. Way to go Logan, all the subtlety of a sledgehammer, he chided himself. Scott leant heavily on the bed refusing to meet his eyes. He sighed. "C'mon Cyke, let's get you settled upstairs before all the kids start tearing round the place," he said placatingly.

Jean handed Logan a bag with various medications in it. "Make sure he gets some rest when you get there," she instructed and then turned to Scott. "You can move around in your room but I don't want to see your head outside that door for a couple of days at least and nothing too strenuous. If you're tired , sleep don't push it. Oh and I had 'Ro clear your desk so don't even think of trying to catch up on any paperwork or the like."

Scott gave her an exasperated look and furrowed his brow. "Oh this should be fun," he muttered.

"Wait ," Logan said urgently. "What about his glasses. How long before he needs them again?"

Jean shook her head. "They're in your room, " she said directly to Scott." It should be two or three days before you need them and you should get the burning sensation before it starts again. Just make sure if you're moving around that you have them close to hand or in your pocket or something."

It was slow going with Scott insisting on walking under his own steam. Logan hovered protectively at his side but they made it as far as the elevator without him having to support Scott again. Once inside the younger man slumped against the back wall with his eyes shut and chest heaving. Logan stood directly in front of him. "You okay?" he asked concerned.

Scott's eyes snapped open. "I'm fine," he grated his voice strained.

Logan held up his hands in a peaceful gesture. "Whatever you say," he muttered with raised eyebrows.

When the elevator door opened Scott actually groaned before pushing off the wall and moving slowly out into the hallway. "My room's at the end."

Logan reached out and slid an arm around his waist, pulling Scott's arm over his shoulder. "Stop trying to be the bloody hero, Cyke and lean on me. I ain't going to drop you for Christ's sake." When Scott didn't protest any further he led the way down the hall. Scott's room was the last one, a couple of doors past his own. He pushed open the door and helped Scott inside. Scott immediately let go of him and rested his weight against the chest of drawers by the door. Logan pushed the door to and glanced around. There was a small bedside table, a desk and French windows leading onto a small balcony. He tossed the medication on the bedside table and picked up the jug there. "I'll get you some water from the bathroom," he muttered over his shoulder without looking at Scott . "You need to take one of your..." he trailed off as he set the jug down.

He'd expected to see Scott slumped on the bed, god knows the kid had been shaking like a leaf when they'd finally got into the room, but instead he was out on the balcony. In winter and a T-shirt and pair of frigging cotton pyjama bottoms!

"What the hell do you think you're doing," he growled as he stalked over to stand beside Scott. He was staring, transfixed, at the mansions grounds with a kind of wide eyed wonder. Logan looked around to see what had the kid so fixated but didn't see anything out of the ordinary. His brow creased as he asked "Scott, what's wrong?"

"The colours," he answered without looking away. "I'd forgotten what it was like." He turned his head to look at Logan who had an expression on his face that clearly said he thought Scott had gone mad or taken too much medication. "I remember what they are like of course, I mean you know the sky is blue and what blue is supposed to look like, but seeing it is something else. Everything has been red for so long," he whispered.

The door slammed open in Logan's brain. "You only see red through the visor?"

Scott nodded and looked back out at the garden, a shiver running through his frame.

Logan was torn. Scott shouldn't be outside, Jean would kill him if she knew, but the look on his face of almost childish delight was touching. Logan strode back inside and tore the comforter off the bed and wrapped it around Scott from behind. He didn't let go, kept his arms wrapped firmly around the young man, rubbing restlessly at his arms through the thick quilt.

"How long.'s it been?"

"Ten years, give or take a little. I was seventeen when my mutation developed."

Logan grunted when he felt another shiver wrack the thin body beneath his arms. "Come inside Scott, you need to rest," he urged softly. "Jean said it's be at least two days before it came back. You can see more tomorrow after you've rested and dressed properly, otherwise you'll be back downstairs again before you know it."

Scott nodded and reluctantly allowed himself to be led back inside. Logan closed the French doors and watched as Scott slid bonelessly onto the bed. He grinned and yanked the covers out from under him before pulling them back up over the top and rearranging the comforter. He reached over Scott and selected a pill from the assortment Jean had left , wordlessly handing it to Scott with a glass of water. Scott's hand shook as he sipped at the water and he spilled a little down his chin. Logan reached out and took the water from him, cupping Scott's cheek in his palm and wiping the water away with his thumb. As his thumb brushed over Scott's lips he hesitated. He knew what he wanted to do but after his poorly timed remark downstairs and Scott's reaction , he wasn't sure it would be welcomed. Scott had closed his eyes and wasn't doing anything to either encourage or discourage him. Without further though he leant down and brushed his mouth against Scott's, pausing to see what reaction he got, his face hovering just a few inches above him. Scott's eyes opened lazily.

"That was nice," he murmured.

Logan stared into those blue eyes for a very long moment before kissing him again this time letting his tongue light little sparks across the soft skin. "I don't think I could ever get tired of those eyes," Logan murmured softly gazing steadily at Scott.

Scott turned his cheek against Logan's palm. "Better not get used to them, it's something I can't give you Logan." His voice sounded so very tired at that moment.

"I'd better make the most of it then," Logan answered with a smile before winding his fingers firmly in Scott's hair and leaning in for a deeper kiss, his tongue pressing past unresisting lips.

Logan stretched his legs out in front of himself lazily letting his bare toes dig into the thick carpet before tucking one leg back up against the chair to rest his sketch pad on his denim clad knee. The chair wasn't particularly comfortable but then again he hadn't intended to fall asleep in it last night. He vaguely remembered pulling his shirt of as the room got too hot for him, necessary for Scott though. Now he sat, facing the bed with a pillow behind his bare back for comfort and his drawing materials in his lap. Sheets of paper lay scattered at his feet bearing various images he'd drawn by the dim light of the bedside lamp. Studies of the curl of a hand, an eye socket with long lashes curving down to high cheekbones framed by strong brows, the whorls of an ear scattered randomly about the paper. In his lap, the drawing he'd finally fallen asleep before finishing -- a portrait of Scott Summers as he slept with the sheets tangled about his form. Logan grinned at the memory of the previous evening. He could still feel the warmth of the younger man's mouth in his tactile memory. He sighed and shook himself like a dog. It was still too early for anyone else in the mansion to be awake yet. Plenty of time for him to slip downstairs and make a quick cup of coffee without worrying who he might startle in his current state of partial undress.

As he'd predicted the halls of the mansion were silent as he made his way down to the small staff kitchen and then back up to Scott's room, pot of coffee and mug in hand. He was a little startled to find Summers awake when he returned. Scott sat on the edge of the bed one of Logan's drawings in hand, the others scattered at his feet.

"I didn't know you could draw like this," he said softly by way of greeting. His voice still sounded croaky and raw and he had a definite case of bed head. Logan had to suppress a smile at the sight. He doubted this was a side to Summers people got to see very often. Like his brilliant blue eyes this rumpled image made him seem so much more human and approachable. Not the stiff reserved leader most people couldn't or didn't try to look past.

"Want some coffee?" Logan rumbled, suddenly a little embarrassed at Scott's scrutiny of the drawings. It was hard not to express feelings when you sketched and given the subject matter of his insomnia driven artwork he wasn't sure how he felt about Scott being privy to that. Logan had spent a long time building his wall of isolation. Little by little the x-geeks were chipping that away. First Marie up in the cold of Canada then the rest of them during the Liberty incident. Having Scott see the true depths of his feelings would punch a big hole in that wall of his and he wasn't sure he was ready for that yet. He also wasn't sure how much longer he could deny the depths of his feelings, it wasn't like Summers had declared his undying love for him yet. If Logan was reserved , Summers was positively glacial. Aside from a moment of encouragement (at least Logan had read it as encouragement) in the med lab and the chaste kisses last night, Scott hadn't exactly expressed his feelings on what was happening between the two of them. Logan was so used to expressing his feelings physically (whether rage or love , it made no difference) that he wasn't sure where he stood without that kind of contact. Logan shook away the stray thoughts with an irritable shrug.

Scott scrunched his face up at the mug of coffee Logan passed under his nose. It was strong black and bitter, the exact opposite of Scott's preference. He'd gained his teaching certificate at College in California -- and gone through just about every variation on the latte they could come up with. He liked his coffee mild, milky and sweet. He shook his head and had to look away to spare his stomach when Logan drained the mug with hardly a thought. Despite the sleep he still felt absurdly weak and was embarrassed as his hand shook involuntarily as he studied Logan's portrait of him. He knew Logan had seen it, the man didn't miss anything.

"They're good," he said at last. "Remind me to talk to you about teaching an art class here."

Logan's' snort of derision startled him. "Fat chance dick. I don't teach. I don't teach teenagers period. " He paused and looked thoughtful. "'Cept maybe self defence or combat. At least that way I get to hit them a little."

Scott let the picture he held join the rest on the floor. He stood , swayed slightly before steadying himself with a frown. Two slow steps and he was face to face with Logan. "Why me?" he asked his voice low. At Logan's raised eyebrow he elaborated, "Why'd you draw me?"

Logan studied Scott's face. What the hell had prompted that question. Didn't he know ? The drawings were expressive enough. Inexplicably flustered and not really prepared to say what he felt out loud he just growled "Why not!" before turning away hands on hips. He felt Scott's eyes boring into the back of his head and for once couldn't bring himself to meet that blue eyed gaze.

"I need a shower." Scott's voice sounded stiff and wintry to Logan's ears. He waited until Scott had made his way shakily into the bathroom before he let his shoulders slump. Why the hell couldn't he just tell the kid? What was he afraid of? Rejection. He was a mutant he was used to rejection. It'd been a long time since he'd allowed himself to care for someone in this way. Why the hell did he let Summers get under his skin so much without doing something about it? So many questions without answers. He'd been the big bad wolverine for so long he was actually afraid of what the kid might think of him if he showed that kind of vulnerability. Stupid really. Still, Summers didn't seem inclined to make the first real move either.

The sound of a crash and glass breaking in the bathroom startled him out of his flustered introspection. With a growl he launched himself through the bathroom door. Thank god Scott hadn't been stupid enough to lock it or the Professor would have been short one expensive wood panelled door. Summers was on his knees beside the wash basin, blood from a shallow cut on his palm dripping onto his thigh and a broken glass on the floor in front of him. Logan yelped as glass crunched under his bare foot. Ignoring the sting in the sole of his foot, he knelt beside Scott who hadn't even looked up at his arrival.

"Slim? What the hell happened?"

Scott looked up and shrugged. "I was a little dizzy, it's nothing." He glanced at Logan's foot. "You shouldn't have come charging in like that," he added wryly.

"No shit! Maybe if you'd fallen over a little more quietly I wouldn't have been so worried," Logan replied in what he felt to be a most calm and reasonable tone of voice.

Scott sighed and shot him 'the look'. Even without the visor Logan could tell it was 'the look'. It was that look Scott got when partway between angry, frustrated and not really expecting any better of the person he was looking at. It was almost as irritating as 'the smirk'. "Just help me up so I can take a shower, I'll clean this up later."

"Don't be a bloody fool. What happens if you get dizzy and keel over in the shower? You're going back to bed and stayin' there if I have to sit on your damn chest."

"Logan, I stink. I'm not spending another minute like this. I can take a shower, I just got dizzy."

Logan stared long and hard into Scott's eyes. The younger man didn't back down and inch. Finally Logan grabbed Scott around the shoulders and helped him to his feet. "You want your shower fine, but I'm not letting you in there alone, you're way too shaky."

Scott stared at him in disbelief. "You're not going to shower with me," he stated flatly.

"Then you don't shower either. It's either me or I go get someone else. Your choice."

Scott opened his mouth as if to protest further. Deciding not to continue the argument he just shook his head. "I need a shower Logan."

Logan helped Scott over to the shower enclosure and instructed him to strip. Seeing Scott's hesitation he snorted. "If it makes you feel more comfortable I'll keep my jeans on!" He turned away from Scott to pluck the piece of glass from his foot, watching in satisfaction as the cut healed over immediately. He kept his back to Scott for a moment more. Not so much to give Scott his privacy as to give himself a moment to get the hurt off his face. Scott clearly hadn't like the idea of being naked around Logan and that hurt. Maybe he'd been wrong and Scott didn't have any real affection for him despite the kiss the previous evening.

"Logan?"

He turned making sure he kept his eyes on Scott's face. No sense in making him more uncomfortable.

Scott's face was blank except for the clenching and unclenching of his jaw. Finally when Logan was about to turn away again he spoke. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be pissy it's just.....shit......I don't like being so damn helpless. It's not you."

"I was beginning to think you didn't want anything to do with me. It's not like your encouraging me or anything but I thought...." Logan trailed off at the surprise on Scott's face. He immediately kicked himself for saying anything but was surprised by Scott's next words.

"I'm not...it's not like you're an open book. I don't know where I stand with you Logan. One minute I think you're interested and the next you're so distant." He held up his hand to forestall any argument. " and no, I agree I'm not easy to read." His wry smile spoke volumes. "I was with Jean a long time and that made me lazy. You don't really have to tell a telepath what you're thinking and I'm not big on verbalising anyway."

"So you are interested?"

"Yes, you?"

"Yes."

The silence stretched between them. Logan turned away and turned the shower on. "Get in ," he instructed as he bent to strip his jeans off. He stepped into the shower behind Scott and hovered protectively close to the younger man as he let the spray thoroughly soak him, plastering his hair down to his skull. Scott's choice of shower gel had Logan's nose tingling pleasantly. It wasn't necessarily what he would choose for himself but on Scott it smelt good, fresh, like spice and oranges. Scott swayed slightly and put a hand on the wall in front of him to steady himself.

"Here, give me the gel," Logan took the tube from Scott's shaky fingers and stepped under the spray with him. The gel was cool on his palms, in sharp contrast to the heat of the water. He let his hands slide over Scott's back, kneading the muscles impersonally at first but soon loosing himself in the smooth expanse of skin. Scott leant back against him and Logan let his arms circle around to his chest, brushing more of the gel into his ribs and across his belly. Scott sighed and rested his forehead against Logan's temple. Logan wrapped one arm firmly about Scott's waist and let the other drift up over his chest, brushing against his nipples briefly. He nudged Scott's head aside and bent his lips to his neck, biting lightly before kissing the reddened skin. Scott moaned and arched his neck further. He let his fingers drop back down to Scott's nipples as he continued to bite and kiss his way along the column of his neck. He hissed when Logan pinched one small bud lightly, his backside jerking back against Logan sharply. Logan had to grit his teeth to keep from loosing it completely. He was already hard and the animal in him wanted nothing more that to press Scott up against the cool tiles and take him. The man in him knew this wasn't the time.

"I want you," he hissed in Scott's ear, his lips brushing the lobe.

Scott turned his head to brush his nose against Logan's. He lifted an arm across his chest and cupped Logan's cheek. "I want you too but..."

"You've never?"

Scott shook his head, nuzzling against Logan, his lips teasing Logan's jaw.

"You're not afraid ?"

"I trust you." Scott drew back from Logan slightly. "I trust you Logan, but not here, not now okay."

Logan reached down below Scott's naval, hand brushing through the course hair to stroke Scott's shaft. "At least let me take care of that for you?" Scott kissed him deeply and Logan moved his hand with more confidence, gripping the shaft and starting a long slow rhythm. Scott's hips thrust automatically into Logan's fist while he crooned soft words of encouragement in the younger mans ear. He let his thumb brush over the sensitive head occasionally. Scott's hand tangled in his hair in a painful grip as his breathing became sharper, more laboured and with a gasp, he came thrusting hard into Logan's hand. Spent, he sagged against Logan, his legs shaking with the exertion. Logan held him tightly, trying to control his own breathing. Scott's wet ass was pressed tightly against his own erection and it took all of his self control to hold onto Scott with both hands. "Let's get you dry so I can take care of this, okay?" he said roughly, nudging his own erection against Scott.

Scott shook his head. "Let me?" Scott turned in Logan's arms. "I've never done this before but I want to." He let his fingers brush Logan's face and Logan realised what he intended. His mouth felt strangely dry and he grew almost painfully hard. He nodded mutely as Scott sank to his knees.

Logan gasped when Scott took him into his mouth, all warm sweet heat and wet tongue. "Mind the teeth," he hissed and felt Scott smile around him. It was a curious sensation, pleasant. He fought the urge to thrust and let his fingers curl into Scott's hair at the nape of his neck, just resting there careful not to restrain him. Logan arched his head back, a low growl building in his throat as Scott increased the pace letting his tongue swirl around the head before taking him deep, far deeper than Logan could manage with his strong gag reflex. He shuddered as Scott swallowed, his throat rippling around Logan's core and he came hard, unable to stop his hips thrusting forward. Scott to his credit simply relaxed and went with it.

Logan pulled Scott to his feet engulfing him in a bone crushing hug. "You tired?" he asked into Scott's hair.

Scott nodded. "A little, but it's not too bad."

"Let's get you cleaned up again and dressed warmly. If I remember rightly there's some colours you want to see, right?"

Scott's eyes glowed. "Thank you Logan. Thank you for not pushing me. "

Logan shrugged as he grabbed a towel and wrapped it around Scott. "I won't lie, I want to look in your eyes the first time we sleep together, but I understand if we can't. I was attracted to you long before I saw your eyes."

"It means a lot to you to see someone's eyes doesn't it?"

Logan nodded and then grinned. "Why do you think we have so many misunderstandings and arguments. I read people by their eyes and body language. You're too damn good at hiding both."

Scott nodded, staring off into space. "Tonight, Logan, if it's still not back by then. Ask me again tonight okay?"

Logan smiled as he helped Scott back into the warm bedroom.

Logan glanced over at Scott surreptitiously from where he reclined on the bed. The younger man sat in an armchair he had dragged out onto the balcony with his feet up on the rail, bundled in thick winter clothing and a blanket for good measure. Logan had long since given up on trying to get him to go back inside despite Jean screaming blue murder at him when she had found out at lunchtime. The sight of Jean slowly turning an interesting shade of purple as she cajoled, pleaded and finally threatened Scott had very nearly driven him from the room. To describe Scott as stubborn probably didn't do him credit. Jean had finally turned her attention to him and pointing out that he wasn't Cyke's keeper had done nothing to placate her. She had finally stormed off with the threat of treating him to the most physically invasive and uncomfortable forms of medical procedure possible if he dared darken her doorway as a result of his own stupidity. Since then he'd sat on the balcony staring out at the world like a child seeing television for the first time. Logan couldn't remember seeing him close to this relaxed or unguarded.

With a groan and the popping of unused muscles he rose, collected a couple of pills and a glass of water from the bedside cabinet and wandered out onto the balcony. Wordlessly he handed the items to Scott and watched, amused, as he struggled to free himself from the cocooning blanket. When Scott handed the glass back to him he put it on the floor and squatted down beside him. Logan watched as his breath steamed in the cold air. This really couldn't be doing the kid any good. It was actually getting colder.

"It's gonna snow," he muttered gruffly, more to himself than Scott. He glanced up and around to Scott's face. The skin around his nose and those high sharp cheekbones was reddened by the cold air. Logan felt his gut tighten at the rush of protectiveness that stole over him. Bundled in the blanket he looked a lot smaller than his slim frame actually was. Scott was nearly twenty eight years old for christ-sake, he didn't need to be treated like a kid. His mind drifted back to the shower they'd taken that morning. No, definitely not a kid he reassured himself. He marvelled at how much lust could dominate his thoughts once he acknowledged it was there in the first place.

"Inside, now," he ordered sharply, standing suddenly.

Scott turned his head slowly and gave Logan a cool, vaguely belligerent, stare.

"I'm not Jean, so don't try that with me, it doesn't fly. You've been out here all morning and I've respected that. I know what being able to see all of this means to you, " he gestured at the scenery. "It's time to go in now before you're back in that damn med-lab with Jean sayin' I told you so every five minutes."

Scott sighed and looked away from Logan.

Logan gritted his teeth.

"Scott, please. I'm getting cold and I need to talk to you. I need to know what's going through that head of yours after this morning." Logan was startled at his own choice of words. Touchy feely had never been one of his strong points. "Besides," he added "there's plenty to see indoors too." He held his hand out in front of Scott, waiting and watching as the muscle twitched along Scott's jaw as he considered the plea. Finally he stood without Logan's help and shuffled back inside without making eye contact. Logan groaned inwardly. Pissed off Cyke was not what he wanted. Warm, accommodating and sexy was closer to his current craving. He re-entered the building and closed the French doors behind him before turning to the younger man. Scott was sat on the edge of the bed, stripping of layers of clothing that he didn't need anymore. When he got down to his faded jeans and baggy sweater he stopped and ran a hand through his dishevelled hair. He looked up at Logan, his face blank, and waited.

Logan knelt in front of him and lifted one of his feet, fumbling with the laces to the blasted hiking boots he'd chosen to wear. The sound of the leather laces rubbing against each other and Scott's slightly strained breathing dominated the stillness that had settled on the room. He stripped off Scott's heavy sock and repeated the process with his other foot. As he discarded the second sock he clutched Scott's ankle to stop him moving. Logan let his mind go pleasantly numb as he pressed his thumbs into the arch of Scott's foot, slowly massaging the tension out of the muscles there. He was vaguely disappointed that Scott didn't appear to be ticklish. He let his hand drift slowly up the back of the calf muscle, as far as the jeans would let him.

"Logan?"

"Hmm," he glanced up at Scott, startled out of his quiet focus on the abstract. Scott's hands wound their way firmly into his hair, pushing his head back as he aggressively stole a kiss. Logan's' back arched, surprise stealing his reaction, groaning when the kid dragged his mouth away from his lips to trail over his chin and settle on his throat. He felt incredibly vulnerable, on his knees and throat bared to Summers. Scott nuzzled, lightly running his lips over skin rather than kissing or biting. "Scott!". Logan's gasp sounded strangled even to his own ears. He hadn't really imagined that Scott might be the more aggressive one.

Scott lifted his head from Logan's neck, pausing a few inches above his face but not releasing him. "What?" he asked softly. "Did you think I was going to be some meek little plaything for you Logan?" He leant forward again his lips brushing Logan's. Logan parted his lips for a kiss and was stunned when Scott bit his lower lip sharply before sucking on it to soothe the sting. Scott pulled back again this time letting go of Logan's hair and folding his hands carefully in his lap. "I don't know what you think the deal is here, Logan but I'm not just going to lie back, trust you to make love to me and not expect the same in return." He leant forward and murmured in Logan's' ear, his breath sending little spikes of pleasure along Logan's spine. "I want the same things you do Logan, I want to know what it feels like to be inside you too. If you can't handle that then tell me now before this gets out of hand." He sat back and stared at Logan expectantly.

Logan felt his mouth go dry and his stomach knot. The kids words echoed in his head and for one stupefying second he couldn't get his limbs or mind to work. He glanced up at Scott's face, blank and unreadable as if he still wore those damn glasses. He stood abruptly, wiping his palms against his jeans and then through his hair in a nervous gesture as he turned away from Scott's still figure and leant on outstretched arms against the French doors.

"Am I asking too much?" Scott's voice was quiet, intense.

"I don't know," Logan replied honestly, turning to face Scott.

The silence stretched between them until Scott rose listlessly and muttered, "I'm hungry."

Logan intercepted him before he reached the door. "I'll go, you're supposed to stay in here remember? Jean won't like you being up and about." He reached a hand out to guide Scott back to the bed. Scott turned away before he could make contact and he stood there for a second with his hand raised. The tension between them had spiked again and Logan didn't know if he could make it right this time, if what Scott asked really was more than he could give. Dropping his hand back down to his side Logan left, closing the door quietly behind him. He needed this time to think.

"Hey, Logan, How's Cyke?"

Logan whirled at the sudden intrusion, the knife in his hand held ready, prepared.

"You gonna stab me with the butter knife or you want I should lick it off for you?" Rogue's eyes shone with laughter as she took in the scene. Logan getting all domestic in the school kitchen. Okay, so he was making a tray of sandwiches, but that still counted as domestic. "You okay, sugar?" she asked suddenly when Logan sighed and turned back to the tray, arms either side of it and not doing anything much but staring into space.

"I'm fine," he answered shortly.

"Sure you are." She sat at the kitchen table. "Tell me what you are so fine with."

He turned and looked at her. "It's not something you'd understand Marie."

"Cos I'm just a kid?" she flared.

He sighed and then smiled to soften his next words. "yes. Look Marie there are some things you are just not ready for." Like finding out I'm trying to get into Cyke's pants for one thing his brain added cynically.

"Is this about you and Scott?"

Logan had been in the process of pulling the milk carton out of the fridge when she hit him with that one. Milk splattered his chest and the floor as he clasped the carton in a too tight grip. "Whaddya mean?" he stuttered guiltily.

She gave him a long hard look. "I've been inside your head, Logan. I know. I kinda hoped you'd come back for Ms Grey, then I'd at least have had a chance, y'know? When I was older. Truth is I really like Bobby though. Don't get me wrong," she rushed on when she saw his wide-eyed stare, "I still have a kind of crush on you and everything, but it's just a crush, doesn't mean I want anything to come of it right, I mean how old are you anyway?" Rogue paused, realising that she was babbling a little. "I guess what I'm trying to say is it don't matter if you're gay or whatever, if you love someone that's all that matters."

Logan slowly walked over to the table and sat down. Drawing in a deep breath he mentally shrugged and thought what the hell . "I'm not gay , Marie. Bi-sexual would be closer to the truth I guess. I like someone, it doesn't much matter to me what sex they are. I think Scott is probably the same."

"So this is about Scott. You had a bust up already, what did you do?"

He glared at her. "Who says the problem is me?"

She rolled her eyes.

"Don't do that Marie it's really irritating. Okay so it is me. He wants something from me that I don't know if I can give."

"You or Wolverine?"

"What?"

Marie smiled a little sadly. "This place is kind'a two faced y'know. In a good way mostly, but everyone wears masks here. Even the place itself is one thing on the outside and another thing in it's heart. You gotta get past what's on the outside and go with the heart, it's the only true thing there is." She took in his puzzled expression and grinned. "You gotta let Logan out to play and not worry about what everyone expects of Wolverine. He's some grouchy wild thing that doesn't bend for anyone. Logan can compromise, Logan can let himself care for other people just like you let yourself care for me up on that road in Canada." She stood up. "Lecture's over Logan, you gotta decide what's more important to you -- your image or whatever it is that Scott wants from you that Wolverine couldn't give him."

"When did you get so damn world wise?"

"I did a lot of growing up when you were away Logan. I had to."

"Marie, does it bother you that I like another guy?"

She grinned. "It did at first until I realised how prejudiced that was. I'm a mutant for christsake, I know what a waste of effort prejudice is. Besides," she turned on her heel and paused at the kitchen door, "everyone tries to get the seat nearest the blackboard in Scott's class" She watched his brows draw together in puzzlement.. "He has to bend over to write on the bottom of the board and everyone agrees he's got the best ass in the school." She disappeared out of the door before Logan could comment. He rose from the kitchen table slowly. The conversation had been mostly surreal, but some of it had helped. He needed to talk this through and he could only do that with one person. He grabbed the sandwiches and a fresh carton of milk and headed back to the room he'd spent the last 24 hours in. He needed to talk to Scott.

As Logan stepped through the door he yelped in pain, hopping awkwardly trying to balance theft and keep his foot off the floor. He pushed the tray of sandwiches onto the dresser by the door and stared at the floor. The remains of the glass water jug lay at his feet "What the..."

"mind the glass," Scott muttered laconically.

Logan stared at him in disbelief. "No shit. What the hell happened." Scott was sat on the edge of the bed in the same position he had been when Logan had removed his boots. His shoulders were hunched and tense and he didn't once look in Logan's direction. Logan felt the protectiveness that was so much a part of his nature rising unbidden and unhindered by the years of cynicism that had once threatened to drown it..

"I dropped it." Scott's voice was low with a tinge of embarrassment.

Logan looked at the wall and the almost invisible scratches on the wood. Here and there a bead of water still remained. "So, when you dropped it with force against the wall did it have anything to do with me?" The amusement in Logan's voice did not have the desired calming effect.

"Get out, Logan."

"I thought you were hungry," Logan moved around to stand in front of Scott. He glanced back at the wall. "I never took you for having a temper."

Scott smirked at him. "Life's full of little surprises isn't it.". He stood and tried to brush past Logan. When Logan tried to prevent Scott from walking away he found himself on his back on the bed. Stunned, he realised Scott had used his own weight to throw him. Angry he shot to his feet and grabbed Scott by the shoulders. The younger man twisted and Logan found himself on the floor this time, but Scott was down with him, his weakness unbalancing him.

"Dammit, Scott, I came back up here to talk ." Logan moved with sudden speed and pinned Scott underneath him, letting his weight do the work. Scott went very still as Logan pressed his wrists into the carpet either side of his head. He leant in and kissed Scott, half expecting the kid to bite him. He didn't bite, didn't kiss back but his body did relax beneath Logan. "You done?" Logan asked. When he got no response he decided to take the bull by the horns as it were. "I want you Scott, you got me so damn confused about things I don't even know what I'm doing half the time. It took a seventeen year old kid to make me look hard enough at myself to admit what I'd be willing to do to earn your trust. Shit. Don't expect me to say this again but I care about you. I came back here because of you. I ... Love you. I want to be with you whatever it takes. What do you want me to do, Beg?"

Scott shook his head in frustration. "I don't want you to beg, Logan. Never that. I just want you to acknowledge that there are things I want out of this too. If I can trust you in something I've never done before what is so wrong with me that you can't do the same?" His voice softened. "I do care for you Logan, I do want you."

"Do you love me?"

Scott searched Logan's face, trying desperately to read the man. Finally he slumped, defeated. "I don't know why I keep setting myself up for a fall, but god help me I do." Scott turned his head away, unable to meet Logan's eyes any longer.

"You've been hurt that badly?" Logan breathed stunned. "I didn't think anything got to you. You're always so damn calm and controlled." He let go of one of Scott's wrists and gently traced the plains of his face with a fingertip. He bent his head to Scott's ear and felt himself shudder as he spoke. " I promise I'll try to give you what you want, Scott. I'll try to please you. I don't expect more than that from you either. We do this we do it as equals okay?" He let go of Scott's other wrist and lifted himself off the younger man, rising to his feet in a fluid motion. He held his hand out and Scott took it allowing himself to be pulled to his feet. They stood there for a few moments watching each other. Finally Scott stepped in and slid his arms around Logan's waist and lightly kissing his neck.

"That's all I ask Logan and everything I can give."

Logan grinned in relief, wrapping his arms around Scott and hugging him tightly. When Scott began nipping along his jaw he smiled. "I thought you were hungry," he laughed.

"Mmmm."

"Scott?" When he got no answer he decided they had finished their talk and that the sandwiches could wait. If fighting with Scott was followed by equally intense making up he would pick a fight on a regular basis. He let his hands drift up under the back of Scott's sweater. The soft fleece offered no resistance and the warm skin beneath felt smooth and comforting. He let fingers drift over muscles, the small regular bumps of his spine and finally sculpted collar bones before drifting back down to press one hand into the waistband of Scott's jeans. Scott jumped in his arms. "You want me to stop I will," Logan whispered in Scott's ear.

Scott laughed and pulled away. "I need to sit down."

Logan stared in shock as Scott turned his back on him and flopped bonelessly onto the bed, arms splayed either side of him and eyes closed.

"I thought we were making up!"

Scott lifted his head and smirked. "Really, I thought we were making out not up. "

With a sigh of frustration Logan stomped over to the bed. "And what's wrong with that anyway." He looked at Scott who just let his head flop back and closed his eyes again.

"I didn't say stop did I," Scott muttered.

Logan laughed, his voice throaty. "Why do I feel like I'm letting you lead me around by the nose here, kid." He leaned over Scott and smiled. "Not that I'm complaining mind." He ran his hand over Scott's throat and done the side of his neck and shoulder. "I just wanna know if this game has a prize at the end."

Scott opened his eyes and smiled. "Give me a break Logan, It's been years since I tried to seduce anyone. Neither of us is very good at it and I'm making this crap up as I go. And come to think of it you have way too many clothes on." Scott sat up, his shoulder banging into Logan's nose and Logan found Scott making short work on the buttons of his shirt. "What is it with you and all these layers anyway," Scott muttered under his breath when he found a T-shirt underneath. Logan stood abruptly and pulled the T-shirt over his head and kicked his boots off. He was still struggling with his socks when Scott grabbed his belt and pulled him off balance to sprawl over the younger man. Logan straddled Scott and pulled his sweater up, laughing as he overbalanced again and fell forward with Scott's arms still tangled in the jumper above his head. He held on the sweater as Scott squirmed beneath him. "Hey, no fair," Scott protested.

"I don't know I kind of like you like this." Logan pulled the sweater the rest of the way off and let himself settle over Scott like a blanket. Logan began kissing and nipping at Scott's collarbone before moving down over his chest and belly. Scott writhed beneath him, soft little moaning noises starting as he brushed Scott's belly with his fingertips. Logan felt one of Scott's hands wrap around the back of his neck, the other sliding between them to curl into his chest hair. Scott guided him back up to his chest and Logan obligingly kissed his way round the muscle to a small hard nipple. Scott hissed sharply as his lips brushed the flesh and groaned when he teased it with his teeth before moving to the other one. He moved back up to Scott's jaw, dropping little kisses along it before sucking on the skin just below his left ear. He could feel his own hardness, the growing tightness in his own jeans and he rubbed himself against Scott's groin, growling when he felt the kid's own erection brushing his. Logan let his hand drift down, growling in frustration when he felt buttons instead of a zipper. Scott's hand joined his and pulled, letting the buttons pop open in one motion.

"Just in case you had some stupid idea about using those claws of yours," Scott grouched between gasps. "These are my....ahhh favourite jeans."

Logan looked up from a mouthful of the kids nipple. "Don't wear them around me then." He let his mouth wander down again and snorted in disgust. "Briefs, you wear white bloody briefs!" The observation didn't stop him from nuzzling the white cotton and sucking at the bulge beneath.

"Yeah, I suppose you let everything hang in the wind, right?"

"Boxers, Slim."

"That's what I just, shit, said."

Logan grinned up at the younger man and sat up, shuffling on his knees back down the bed, grabbing the ankles of his jeans and tugged. As soon as he had Scott free of his jeans and briefs he tugged the last of his own clothes off. Scott slipped out from beneath him and pushed Logan onto his back, settling between his legs. Scott went straight for the spot at the back of Logan's knees then up the inside of his thighs. Logan mouth unintelligible obscenities above him.

"Fuck, Summers, that tickles. How'd you know?"

Scott ignored him and let his tongue slide over Logan's erection, sucking in the head before releasing it and running his nose down it's length to the sac beneath. Logan was no longer forming words, but he was making noise. Lots of noise. Scott spared a thought for whether or not Logan had locked the door and mentally shrugged. It was mid-afternoon and the kids would either be in class, the den or already bothering the cook in the dining hall. He turned his attention back to Logan and ran his lips up the shaft before taking him fully into his mouth. Logan grabbed a fistful of his hair and his hips made little thrusting movements as Scott licked and sucked before releasing him. He moved up Logan's body and kissed him full on the mouth.

"Why'd you stop, Slim?" Logan's voice was a hoarse whisper as he caressed the younger man and kissed him back.

"You wanted to look into my eyes remember?"

Logan rolled Scott beneath him, his eyes shining. "You don't have to do this you know," he caressed Scott's cheek.

"I know. There's something in the bedside table you'll need I guess."

Logan shifted above him and fumbled in the drawer. "You're sure?"

Scott took the tube out of his hand and began rubbing Logan, letting his hands coat Logan's erection. Logan took the tube back and pushed his nose into Scott's shoulder, drinking in his scent. Scott was scared despite his willingness to go through with this, but he was also very aroused. Logan concentrated on the scent, the musk of Scott's arousal as he carefully slid one finger into Scott. He felt him tense and then relax, pushing back against his finger, his arms curling tightly around Logan's shoulders. The scent of arousal built, spiked sharply with momentary pain as he added a second finger, and then settled back again to arousal. Scott was thrusting back at his fingers demandingly, murmuring in Logan's ear while he nuzzled his shoulder. Finally Logan drew back and lifted Scott's legs over his shoulders. With his hands either side of Scott's head he leant down and kissed him gently, taking his time with his lips before letting his tongue explore the warmth inside. He opened his eyes to watch Scott's face as he shifted slightly at his entrance. Scott's eyes were nearly closed, his long lashes flickering slightly as he shivered with pleasure. His lids snapped open as Logan entered him in one sharp thrust, pushing deep. Scott's eyes were wide with shock and mingled pain and for a frightening moment Logan thought Scott would push him away. "It's okay, it's okay," he murmured over and over into Scott's mouth as he caught the man's scent and felt him slowly adjusting to the intrusion.

Logan stared intently into Scott's eyes as he began to move inside him, watching as his pupils grew wide and dilated as he approached his climax. Every time he hit the kid's prostate his eyes would close briefly, his mouth open in a soundless groan and his fingers raked across Logan's back. Logan couldn't hold back any longer, his own climax approaching and he began to thrust harder, driving into the younger man with a growl building in his throat. When Logan came his claws shot out of his knuckles either side of Scott's head, driving into the pillow with a short flurry of feathers rising around them. He howled, holding himself very still inside Scott until his muscles would work again before relaxing onto Scott's chest and letting his legs drop as he pulled out of him. Logan slid a hand between them and began to tug gently on Scott's cock, pulling him into a deep kiss as he stroked him to climax. Utterly spent they lay together for a long time without moving.

"You okay?" whispered Logan as he shifted to the side to take his weight off Scott. Scott's answering nod against his neck had him worried. The kid hadn't said a word or moved since he came. "Scott?" Scott's whole body glistened with sweat, a light reddish glow across his cheeks and nose. Logan sucked gently on his lower lip, tasting the salt. Scott's eyes opened slowly and he rolled onto his side, snuggling against Logan.

"I'm fine Logan, more than fine. I'm just a little tired."

Logan sat up sharply, dislodging Scott. "Shit, I didn't think. Are you sure you're okay. I should'a waited 'till you were better. I'm sorry, do you need anything." He trailed off to the sound of Scott's laughter.

"Jesus, Logan if you didn't look so cute when you're worried I'd be pissed at you. You just pounded me into the bed, I'm tired. Can't you just accept that I'm one of those guys who likes to roll over and go to sleep after?" He slid his arm around Logan's waist to soften his words and pulled him down into an embrace. Scott spooned up against Logan's back and within minutes was snoring softly in his ear. Logan rubbed the arm around his waist and smiled. He felt more comfortable being held like this than he could remember in the last fifteen years. Who'd have thought he'd find that comfort in the arms of Scott Summers.

The End