xp_logs | Logan and Ororo | Sunday morning

Ororo finds Logan outside, enjoying the weather. They have a bit of a talk and clear the air.

Spring was most definitely here, Ororo thought with a small thrill as
she stepped outside into the sunshine. It wasn't even her doing that
the day was so bright and crisp, perfect for a bit of gardening before
she got back to her administrative duties. Following a footpath around
the side of the mansion she headed for the back gardens, which were
the most extensive and required the most work. Soon she would put out
a call for student volunteers, but for now she was content to work
alone.

A good plan, but Logan had already beat her to it. He's snagged a
patch of ground for himself and was using his built-in tillers to
break up the ground in preparation for planting. It was a small patch,
and in a basket next to him on the ground he had several packets of
seeds. "Afternoon, 'Ro." he said without turning around.

"Logan, hello." The surprise at seeing him only lasted a moment, and
she smiled pleasantly, though he didn't see it. "I see we share the
same idea. It is certainly a lovely day for working outside."

Logan grinned, although she couldn't see it. "Just planting some
peppers." he said. "I ain't Kyle, I get tired of bland food. I like a
little fire, a little spice." he said. "You lookin' to work your
garden as well?" he asked, still not looking directly at her.

Ororo nodded, catching herself a moment later. "Er, yes, I am. Though
most of the plants will grow well enough on their own... it is more
for my sake that I come out here than theirs."

Logan nodded so she could see it. "Need a hand? I'm almost done here."
he said as he finished up with his hole-digging and tilling. "Is a
beautiful day. We got you to thank for it?" he asked with a smirk.

"Only as much as you would thank anyone else for it," she replied,
waiting for him to stand before leading the way towards another
section of the gardens. "I am merely a grateful receiver of the day,
just like you."

"Gotta admit, I'm a little surprised to see ya out here." he said,
planting his peppers quickly and efficiently. "Thought you'd be off
enjoyin' the day with the Cajun." he said evenly.

"I... excuse me?" Ororo's expression mirrored her earlier surprise.
Though she certainly wasn't hiding her relationship with Remy, nor was
it exactly common knowledge yet. And Logan definitely wasn't one she
would've put down for gossip.

"You heard me." he said. "It's a beautiful day. Thought you'd be off
enjoyin' it with Remy." he said. "Not putzin' out here with the
garden." he said as he planted the last of his peppers. "So - what'd
you have in mind?"

"There are some seedlings I started in the greenhouse that are ready
to be transferred," Ororo replied almost by rote, motioning to the
small flat of tiny seedlings sitting on the bench. "Logan... perhaps
we should talk."

"Sounds good." he said, dusting himself off and walking over to where
the slightly stunned woman stood. "What kind of plants we moving?"

Instead of replying Ororo reached out to take his arm, drawing him
towards the bench without a word. Moving aside the flat, she sat down,
looking up at him with a thoughtful expression on her face. "Sit with
me, please? Just for a moment."

Logan looked vaguely annoyed but he sat down next to her as
instructed. "All right, 'Ro. What's on your mind?" he asked her
brusquely. "Cuz I figure it ain't movin' seedlings over."

"I feel as if I owe you... an explanation." Not that, exactly, but it
was the best way she could think to put it. "I was not trying to hide
anything from you."

Logan snorted out a laugh. "You couldn't if you wanted to." he said.
"Say yer piece."

Faced with this blunt instruction, Ororo frowned, turning away
slightly as she tried to gather her thoughts. "I always enjoy your
company, Logan. You are a good friend, and I am glad you are here at
the mansion. And though I am with Remy, I do not want you to think
that... oh, I do not know what I am trying to say," she said, making a
noise of disgust. "I apologize."

"You apologize." he said flatly. "You made your call as to who you
wanted to be with." he said. "And it ain't me. Easy as that."

"Somehow I think that would be easier to believe if it didn't feel as
if you were angry at me," Ororo said, unable to keep from turning it
back on him, if only a little.

"Maybe I am a little." he said. "Think I got a right. But it don't
matter. You had your pick and you chose. End of story." he said with a
shrug. "You like your crazy Cajun-style, not Canadian or whatever the
hell I am."

With a sigh, Ororo laced her fingers together and placed them in her
lap. "It did not seem as if you were interested in that. Permanence,"
she said quietly. "Not when it seems as if you may leave on any day,
still."

"Maybe I was wrong." he admitted sadly. "And let's face it, after the
amount of shit I take every time I open my mouth there's not much
reason for me to stick around. You were one." he confessed. "But hey.
You happy with him?" he asked her, studying her face, her scent, her
reactions.

"Yes," she replied, more readily than she had when Lorna had asked her
a similar question. Perhaps she had more time to think about it since
then, and come to the conclusion herself. "I am. And Logan... I am
still here for you. Perhaps not in the same manner, but... I would
hope you would still consider me your friend."

Logan barked out a laugh at that. "Good." he said, sealing the matter with as much of a smile as he could muster. It wasn't much of one. He didn't feel much like smiling. She was happy with another man. A familiar refrain in his so-called life. First Jean, then Ororo. "Come on, 'Ro. You got some plants you want moved?" he asked.