From: "lucindas43302" To: x-fiction@yahoogroups.com Subject: [x-fiction] fic: To Build a Future (Scott/Madelyne, Something in Red #4) Date: Sat, 14 Sep 2002 05:03:03 -0000 author: Lucinda Series: Something in Red, story # 4 rating: pg disclaimer: not mine. Nobody from Marvel is mine. distribution: please ask first. Scott had seemed to be relieved that Maddie knew his 'secret' of being a mutant. He didn't have to try to explain things away anymore. So, he told her some about his friends. About how he'd ended up being partly raised by a kindly Professor who happened to be a telepath, how he and a few other teens had gone to live at his house, to learn how to control their assorted mutant abilities. How those teen had eventually became the X-Men, and how their membership had grown. About some of the things his teammates could do. Piotr, who could transform himself to steel, or Storm, who controlled the weather. There was Warren who had actual wings, just like an angel. He told her about Wolverine, a troubled, grouchy man that smoked horrible cigars and had foot long claws that came from the backs of his hands. A few days later, he showed up at her apartment, with this big smile and an opened envelope in hand. She hadn't expected to see him today, but it was always wonderful to spend time with Scott. She smiled at him, and hurried him into the house, away from the cold outside. Helping him out of his coat, she offered him a cup of hot cocoa, which he accepted. "So, what has you in such a good mood that you went out into the cold? I'm pretty sure that envelope had something to do with that smile you've got. Gonna tell me what it is?" She was smiling, delighted to see him so happy. Scott grinned, his expression one of glee and amusement. "Remember how I told you that Wolverine is always so grumpy? Well, he went away to Japan, something about a few things he wanted to handle on his own. Now, I just got this in the mail. Look and see for yourself." He handed her the envelope. Curious, Madelyne pulled out a folded piece of paper, thick and clearly expensive, and faintly scented with some lightly floral scent that she couldn't quite place. There was also a smaller envelope inside, but she ignored that for a moment, focusing her attention on the folded sheet of paper. Opening it, she saw a few eastern characters along the top and side, and elegantly calligraphed writing in English in the center. 'You are cordially invited to the joyous wedding of Lady Mariko Yoshida and Logan Wolverine to be held...' Madelyn gasped as it became clear to her. "Scott, this is a wedding invitation! Your friend Wolverine is getting married?" She glanced at the paper again, double checking what she had read. "In Japan, and wants you to attend? Is this one of those 'few things' that he wanted to take care of?" Scott smiled at her, making Madelyne feel like her insides were going all soft and gooey again. "I don't know. He doesn't really talk about his personal life very much. But I was thinking... umm.. would you like to go with me? To watch Wolverine get married." She smiled at him, her expression delighted, and flung her arms around Scott, almost knocking him off balance. "I'd love to go. I'm pretty sure that I love seeing happy weddings. It should also give me a chance to meet a few more of your friends. They sound like they've been such an important part of your life..." Scott smiled at her, his arms folding around her body, holding them together. "They'll love you. How could they not? You're sweet and caring, and one of a kind." Looking forward to an occasion of happiness and joy, they began talking about who else Scott might know that would be in Japan. They spent a pleasant evening debating what to take, what to wear, and trying to figure out what to expect from the wedding. Or what to expect from some of the guests. end To Build a Future.