The wolverine

((Indie Wolverine sideblog. Semi-private.))

[projectweaponx-blog]

“You might have told him all that,” Logan muttered. “We’ve got a few psychics back at the mansion, bird lady, but Kurt ain’t one of them. If you’re not mad at him, then running off and ignoring him’s a funny way of showing it.”

Logan sighed and turned to lean back against a wall, half considering lighting up a cigar. But as pristine as this tower looked he could guess smoking was against the rules. “Alright,” he sighed, “so you’re not mad at the elf. You just think you’re no good for him. But I think it’s up to Kurt to decide that, isn’t it? At the very least, running away ain’t gonna solve anything. For either of you. Nobody asked my advice, but I’m gonna give it anyway.”

Logan turned his head to look Raven in the eye once more, and for a moment he seemed to be sizing her up. No, she didn’t seem like the selfish type, nor did she seem careless. She was scared. Logan knew well when people were afraid they screwed up. “Talk to Kurt, kid. Go see him, call him, send him a fax, whatever, just talk to him. Either you two can fix this mess between you or you can call it quits… either way, neither of you are gonna benefit from this silent treatment.” He paused, shrugging his shoulders. “But then what do I know? I ain’t a couples therapist.”

[noxfila]

Raven was silent again, her eyes stinging and watering for probably the fourth or fifth time that day alone. Not wanting to cry in front of someone she wasn’t very familiar with, the demi-demon teleported Logan back out onto the pavement outside the tower’s main entrance. 

She buzzed a “Sorry.” through the intercom before leaving the control room and heading back to her own. Christ, what had she done to Kurt for Logan to have to come and talk sense in to her…?

[projectweaponx-blog]

...And he was outside again. It had taken Logan a moment to even process the fact that he had been teleported yet again, and he heaved an exasperated sigh. “I guess a warning really is too much to ask,” he grumbled, turning to look p at the tower. Apparently the visit was over, but whether or not it had even done any good he really couldn’t say.

At least he gave it a shot he decided, turning to leave the premises again. Maybe there was a bar nearby where he could have a drink or ten before heading back to New York. 

[noxfila]

Raven had half a mind to snap at him, and probably throw him through a few walls— but when he mentioned Kurt thinking she was mad at him…

“No, I just—” Her attention snapped to Logan’s gaze, her eyes a bit wide. “I’m… I’m not mad. Not at him…” She ran a hand through her hair quickly, sighing. “This wasn’t… Ugh.” She hadn’t even meant to break up with him— her lack of communication had obviously caused more damage than she’d expected… 

“I just wanted him to be happy… with someone who wasn’t… me.” This. Raven had wanted the break, but not to hurt him.  “I thought he felt too much for me, for what I am.”

[projectweaponx-blog]

“You might have told him all that,” Logan muttered. “We’ve got a few psychics back at the mansion, bird lady, but Kurt ain’t one of them. If you’re not mad at him, then running off and ignoring him’s a funny way of showing it.”

Logan sighed and turned to lean back against a wall, half considering lighting up a cigar. But as pristine as this tower looked he could guess smoking was against the rules. “Alright,” he sighed, “so you’re not mad at the elf. You just think you’re no good for him. But I think it’s up to Kurt to decide that, isn’t it? At the very least, running away ain’t gonna solve anything. For either of you. Nobody asked my advice, but I’m gonna give it anyway.”

Logan turned his head to look Raven in the eye once more, and for a moment he seemed to be sizing her up. No, she didn’t seem like the selfish type, nor did she seem careless. She was scared. Logan knew well when people were afraid they screwed up. “Talk to Kurt, kid. Go see him, call him, send him a fax, whatever, just talk to him. Either you two can fix this mess between you or you can call it quits... either way, neither of you are gonna benefit from this silent treatment.” He paused, shrugging his shoulders. “But then what do I know? I ain’t a couples therapist.”

[noxfila]

The empath rolled her eyes, pretending to busy herself with the control panel. I.e. fidgeting with a few monitor switches and going over surveillance footage. She could feel the buried hostility radiating from Logan— he was angry with her? Well, duh. 

She went still at his question, her hands dropping from the dials and she felt her whole being recoil into itself. Aside from the beeps and pings from the control panel, the room was awfully quiet— only adding to her discomfort. 

“You wouldn’t understand.” Was her answer, her head hanging low as she fiddled with the hem of her shirt.

[projectweaponx-blog]

Now it was Logan’s turn to roll his eyes. “What are you, twelve? Don’t give me that ‘you wouldn’t understand’ crap.” If he had a nickel for every time someone used that line on him he’d be a very rich man. “It’s pretty straightforward if you ask me. Your dad is satan or beelzebub or whoever, and Kurt shoulda known better than to scribble holy junk on your skin. What I don’t get is you runnin’ off without a word while he’s left sitting there feeling as guilty as if he’d carved that mark into ya with a rusty knife.”

He stepped closer, trying to get a good look at the empath’s face. Didn’t she even care that Kurt felt like dirt now? “If you’re pissed at Kurt, fine. It was a dumb thing to do and he knows it. But at least give him the decency of a phone call, why don’tcha? Let him know once and for all it’s over and let the poor mook get on with his life?”

[noxfila]

The intercom went dead, and Raven took her finger off the button. In the neighborhood her ass… she was very extra sure why he was there. Placing her fingers near her temples, the empath found the mutant’s vital energy, locking onto his aura as she conjured a shadow to teleport him to the control room. 

Of course, this included practically swallowing him in black matter and sending his body through a parallel dimension before spitting him back into reality. Most people got a little stomach sick from the short, but rather unpleasant ride. Shadow traveling consisted of black, black, a lovely shade of black. To your right, you can see black. The harsh movement and lack of gravity was what usually made people sick. 

Once she’d dropped Logan back into Earth’s dimension, Raven pulled her hood back to greet the mutant, raising a brow at him. “What do you want?”

[projectweaponx-blog]

For a moment Logan was beginning to think he had been given the cold shoulder. Then in an instant, everything went black, and he felt as if he had fallen right off the earth itself. As quickly as it had come on, though, the darkness faded again and he found himself inside, facing the empath.

Well, it was no worse than when Kurt teleported him around. At least with Raven there was no stench of sulfer. “You know a little warning might have been nice,” Logan grumbled.

But she was very to-the-point, wasn’t she? So he might as well be, too. “You know what I want, bird-girl. I wanna know just why you ditched the elf.” Oh, he knew the details of that night well enough. Kurt drew a holy tattoo on a half-demon and it hadn’t gone over well. Was that grounds for a breakup? Maybe. But, old-fashioned as he was, Logan figured you should tell someone when you dump them.

[noxfila]

The empath was knocked from her moping state— the tower’s defense system alarm blaring in the main control room. Throwing herself from her bed, Raven sprinted down the hallway and phased through the control room’s wall to see what was crawling around outside. 

Much to her surprise— and relief— it was Logan. Good, because she really didn’t feel like brawling with some psychotic on Jump City’s most wanted list. Bad, because she also really didn’t want to talk to him— knowing he was more than likely there on Kurt’s behalf. 

Very reluctantly, Raven pressed a large red button, speaking into the intercom’s microphone. “Yes?”

[projectweaponx-blog]

Ah, good, just who he was there to talk to. Aside from her and Starfire he had never met any of the other Titans, so there was an awkward introduction he had avoided. “Hey,” he greeted, tucking his hands into the pockets of his leather jacket. “Remember me? I was in the neighborhood, so I thought I’d drop by.” 

Obviously not the real reason for his visit, but Logan was sure Raven knew that as well as he did. “Look, are you gonna invite me in or do I just stand out here talkin’ into the intercom?”

[noxfila]

Raven’s sense of time had become as foggy as Jump City’s weather— making it difficult to remember what day it was, or how long it had been since he last visit to New York… 

She’d been meaning to at least call him, but even thinking of his voice sent a wave of astonishingly atrocious guilt into her gut. Being so far from him felt so strange— and keeping herself busy with work was the only way to keep him from her thoughts. The break had been taking its toll on the demi-demon; she’d lost a good amount of sleep lately (which also, did not benefit her lack of time comprehension). Though, the burn had finally settled down and left only a raised scar— nowhere near as angry and tender as it had been at first. 

The empath had taken a ‘sick day’ off from duty— aka ‘I’m too exhausted and sad to fight crime today’— and had spent a majority of her morning in her room, drinking cup after cup of ginger honey tea. That was his favorite.

[projectweaponx-blog]

No one had ever seen the usually cheerful and energetic Kurt so depressed before. He had tried valiantly to carry on, yes. He plastered on a smile when he could, he did his share on the team just as always, but it was obvious to the X-Men that their teleporter’s heart simply hadn’t been in his work. Xavier finally convinced Kurt to take some time off, to clear his head and pull himself together, but he had spent that day either isolated in his room or training alone.

Everyone had tried to get through to him. Jean, Ororo, Rogue, Hank, even Gambit had offered to take the blue mutant out to, as he put it, ‘have some drinks an’ forget da past, non?’ Kurt had politely turned the offer down.

Logan seemed the only one Kurt was really willing to open up to about that night. Over a bottle of whiskey he confessed the guilt he felt, how badly he missed Raven... but even then, he refused to try and see her. To even call her. Surely, he reasoned, she must hate him now. Why else would she have run away and not said so much as a goodbye.

Logan was getting sick of the whole thing. Sick of the others worrying, sick of Kurt feeling so blue--no pun intended--just sick of the whole damn thing. So, finally, it was the Wolverine who made the long trip to Jump City, and found himself at the door of a t-shaped building. They might as well have painted a giant target on the place and a sign saying ‘come get us, bad guys.’ Architectural taste aside, the mutant rang the bell and waited.

[szayelgranz]

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[trulyalpha]

but you gotta  K I L L your morals if you’re gonna  survive.

[projectweaponx-blog]

The sound gave Logan a fairly good idea what to expect even before he tore open the wrapping paper. He wasn’t surprised to see the tool set, but he wasn’t disappointed, either. He could use these, after all, so that made them a good gift.

At least it wasn’t an ugly reindeer sweater, like he had gotten the previous year from Rogue. “Not bad,” he said at last, giving Starfire an appreciative nod. “I could use these. Thanks, kid.”

[burningxstarsx-archive]

Pleased that Logan seemed to like it well enough, Starfire offered yet another smile. “I welcome you! I should hope you shall be able to use them for quite some time.” She’d gotten them with quality in mind, after all. “I am aware I have given them to you quite early, but I do not believe I shall be seeing you on the actual holiday.” It’d been a couple of months since she’d last seen him anyway. Not that it was really either of their faults; Superheroes kept busy.

[projectweaponx-blog]

"Oh--" Logan shook his head. "Nah, forget about it. Who doesn't like to get an early present, right?" Not that he was really big on presents at all, but he was trying really hard to be nice. Anyone who knew him knew how awkward that could be.

Speaking of which, now that she had given him a present, wasn't he supposed to give one in return? If only he had had some warning ahead of time... 

[projectweaponx-blog]

Logan chuckled. “Gee, I had no idea.” Lies. He did. It took more than holding something behind one’s back to hide it from him, after all. “Ya didn’t have to do that, though. I ain’t exactly big on the holidays, anyhow.”

Still, he may as well accept, right? And he couldn’t deny he was a little curious. Accepting the package, Logan held it up to his ear and gave it a little shake.

[burningxstarsx-archive]

"I am aware I did not have to. I merely wished to. You have been a most wonderful friend to me." He’d helped her out quit a bit, after all! Physically, emotionally… And sticking up for her in front Director Fury was something she was sure to never forget, even if she hadn’t seen him do it.

An amused smile crossed her features as Logan shook the package. The slight clinking of metal could be heard, and Starfire had to wonder if he’d be able to guess that she’d gotten him tools. You could never have too many, according to Cyborg.

[projectweaponx-blog]

The sound gave Logan a fairly good idea what to expect even before he tore open the wrapping paper. He wasn't surprised to see the tool set, but he wasn't disappointed, either. He could use these, after all, so that made them a good gift.

At least it wasn't an ugly reindeer sweater, like he had gotten the previous year from Rogue. "Not bad," he said at last, giving Starfire an appreciative nod. "I could use these. Thanks, kid."

[projectweaponx-blog]

That earned something of a smirk from the Wolverine. “What tipped ya off?” he asked, though the answer seemed fairly obvious. Kurt must have mentioned him a time or two.

If Logan noticed any discomfort from the purple haired girl, though, he didn’t make mention of it. Instead he turned to the fridge. “Want a drink, kid? Yer what, eighteen? Scott’d pitch a fit if I gave ya a beer but we got soda, too.”

[noxfila]

"Nineteen." She corrected almost too quickly— chewing her lower lip as she tapped her fingers against her arm. Being called a kid didn’t exactly sit well with her, but from what Kurt had told her, this was Logan being nice. 

She quietly pulled seat out for herself at the kitchen island, brushing some hair away from her face. “I’m not thirsty.” Thank you, though, oh friend of my boyfriend who’s a big time hero. Honestly, Raven astounded herself sometimes; she could be pretty cold.

[projectweaponx-blog]

Eighteen, nineteen... it didn't make a whole hell of a lot of difference for a mutant who very well may have been older than anybody else in New York, but he kept that to himself as he opened the fridge. Even if she wasn't thirsty, he was, and he found a bottle of water.

The Professor didn't allow alcohol to be kept in the kitchen, unfortunately.

Once he had his water, he pulled out a chair and sat down opposite from Raven, one arm rested on the counter-top. So what now? Was he supposed to make small talk? Not his strong-suit, and he suspected it wasn't hers, either.

[projectweaponx-blog]

The mutant shrugged his shoulders. “Been as good as ever,” was his simple reply. Still, he remembered their last encounter all too well. That hadn’t been easy for anyone… even him.

"I, uh… I heard about the webhead though. Spider-Man. It’s good to have him back." See? Logan could be nice. When he wanted. "You two been alright?"

[burningxstarsx-archive]

The mutant’s sentiments were enough to brighten Starfire’s smile. She nodded in affirmation. “We are quite well! I am actually relocating to New York.” She only had a few things left to bring from the tower, but they were things she wouldn’t need right away; They could wait. “I am joyous to know you have been well also.”

Finally moving both of her hands in front of her, the alien’s fingers tapped against the wrapped package. “I must confess, I did not visit to merely say hello. I also wished to give you this!”

[projectweaponx-blog]

Logan chuckled. "Gee, I had no idea." Lies. He did. It took more than holding something behind one's back to hide it from him, after all. "Ya didn't have to do that, though. I ain't exactly big on the holidays, anyhow."

Still, he may as well accept, right? And he couldn't deny he was a little curious. Accepting the package, Logan held it up to his ear and gave it a little shake.

[projectweaponx-blog]

"Thought so." And that, as far as Logan was concerned, was a good enough first meeting.

"Kurt ain’t here though, if you’re looking for him. He went out this morning. Said he had to check somethin’ out."

[noxfila]

He seemed sober enough, despite the smell. “I know. He left a note.” That’s what considerate boyfriends do, apparently. 

Raven let her arms cross over her chest, making sure her breaths weren’t too large. Her chest still ached from the previous night, but was she going to show that? Wouldn’t count on it. “I take it you’re Logan.”

[projectweaponx-blog]

That earned something of a smirk from the Wolverine. "What tipped ya off?" he asked, though the answer seemed fairly obvious. Kurt must have mentioned him a time or two.

If Logan noticed any discomfort from the purple haired girl, though, he didn't make mention of it. Instead he turned to the fridge. "Want a drink, kid? Yer what, eighteen? Scott'd pitch a fit if I gave ya a beer but we got soda, too."

[projectweaponx-blog]

Greetings? Logan couldn’t say he was accustomed to people popping over just to give ‘greetings.’ Not to him, anyway. Still, he was good enough to set his drink aside to give the red-head his full attention. “Alright… So… greetings to you too, I guess?”

[burningxstarsx-archive]

Pleased that Logan seemed to be alright with her coming to visit for little to no reason, the alien floated a bit closer, both hands held behind her back. She was doing a rather poor job of hiding the wrapped gift behind her back. “I have not seen you in some time,” A rather unpleasant last meeting, anyway. “Please, you have been well, yes?”

[projectweaponx-blog]

The mutant shrugged his shoulders. "Been as good as ever," was his simple reply. Still, he remembered their last encounter all too well. That hadn't been easy for anyone... even him.

"I, uh... I heard about the webhead though. Spider-Man. It's good to have him back." See? Logan could be nice. When he wanted. "You two been alright?"

[projectweaponx-blog]

One word answers. She almost reminded Logan of… well, himself. 

"…Yer Kurt’s girlfriend, right?" How could he tell? Frankly the elf’s smell was all over her.

[noxfila]

Nosy, wasn’t he?

Speaking of noses, Raven nearly had to cover her own; they guy practically reeked of nothing but beer. 

"Sure."

[projectweaponx-blog]

"Thought so." And that, as far as Logan was concerned, was a good enough first meeting.

"Kurt ain't here though, if you're looking for him. He went out this morning. Said he had to check somethin' out."

[burningxstarsx-archive]

"I am not lost, Logan." Starfire offered a grin, a hand lifting up to wave at him. "I have come to give greetings!" And perhaps a Christmas present. She had been getting a bit antsy, holding onto some things for so long.

[projectweaponx-blog]

Greetings? Logan couldn't say he was accustomed to people popping over just to give 'greetings.' Not to him, anyway. Still, he was good enough to set his drink aside to give the red-head his full attention. "Alright... So... greetings to you too, I guess?"

[noxfila]

projectweaponx

"You lost, or somethin’, kid?"

"Nope."

[projectweaponx-blog]

One word answers. She almost reminded Logan of... well, himself. 

"...Yer Kurt's girlfriend, right?" How could he tell? Frankly the elf's smell was all over her.